SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | December 4, 2025

A recognition that reflects the heart of Shore Local

Letter from the editor

This week, I had the honor of attending the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony, an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence, leadership and the remarkable talent of local young professionals. Sitting in that room, surrounded by so many passionate business leaders, I felt an enormous swell of pride — because one of Shore Local’s very own was named among the Top 20 Under 40.

Our team could not be more proud of this young man.

Since 2017, Steffen Klenk has been an essential part of Shore Local. Many of you know him already — you see him everywhere. If there is an event happening in the region, chances are Steffen is there too, camera in hand, capturing the magic of the moments. He is our events coordinator, a talent-

ed writer, a gifted photographer and our bridge to countless local organizations. Steffen doesn’t simply “cover events.” He amplifies them. He makes sure every parade, concert, fundraiser and festival is seen, celebrated and shared with the people who make this community special.

Steffen is smart, creative, capable, deeply kind — and yes, he is also on the autism spectrum.

Some may still hold outdated assumptions about what autism looks like or what people with autism can achieve. Too often, individuals on the spectrum are misunderstood

or underestimated, their strengths overlooked before they even have the chance to shine. Steffen’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent comes in many forms, and that when people are given the opportunity to succeed, they rise.

Let me be clear: His autism does not define him, but it is part of who he is. He navigates anxiety and challenges, as we all do in our own ways, but none of those things diminish his ability, his work ethic, or his tremen -

dous contributions to our publication. Steffen is one of the best employees I've ever worked with. He is dependable, positive, enthusiastic and cooperative. He pours his energy into telling the stories of South Jersey with authenticity and heart.

Shore Local is nearing its 10-year anniversary. When we started, we had nothing but determination, a dream and a belief in the power of community storytelling. Three hundred sixty-four issues later, I am most proud not only of the countless articles printed and photos shared — but of the people who make this publication what it is.

As part of our core values, we employ several individuals that are on the autism spectrum, from our delivery team to our photographers, videographers and writers. We believe everyone has something valuable to offer and all individuals deserve a place to belong and a chance to shine.

Steffen is proof of that — and this week, the entire region got to see what we have known all along.

Congratulations, Steffen. You make us proud every single day.

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, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Michele Gladden, Alex Corson, Cat Pepe, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ

Cover photo by Ste en Klenk. Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

Steffen Klenk, of Ocean City, has been covering community events for Shore Local since 2017. Photo by Harry Purdy

Steffen Klenk is awarded Top 20 under 40 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Tom Briglia

Mita hits pause on Wonderland sale ahead of Dec. 4 Council meeting

By Julia Train

Eustace Mita, owner of the former Wonderland Pier site on the Ocean City b oardwalk, is pausing any plans to sell the property as he waits to see whether the city will reconsider his proposed $150 million luxury resort hotel.

Mita — who also owns ICONA resorts, a brand of upscale hotels along the Jersey Shore — said he has been asked by both Ocean City officials and business leaders to delay the sale at least until the Dec. 4 City Council meeting.

While Mita hasn’t named who contacted him, he agreed to “hang on a little bit longer,” according to OCNJ Daily.

At the meeting, Council is expected to vote on whether to ask the planning board to label the Wonderland site “in need of rehabilitation,” a key designation that would help move Mita’s 252-room b oardwalk hotel proposal forward.

Previously, at the Aug. 21 meeting, Council struck down the possible rehabilitation designation. It was later decided to establish an advisory subcommittee to conduct a broader review of commercial zoning across

the whole boardwalk, instead of concentrating on just one area.

Afterward, Mita said he would not move forward with the hotel and put it up for sale immediately for $25 million, which is the appraised value.

Less than a month later, two competing offers emerged.

One came from attorney Philip Norcross, CeO of the South Jersey

law firm Parker McCay, and the other came from NVr

Public records show the politically

a 3D body scan performed in under a minute

Inc.

Eustace Mita is pausing any plans to sell the Wonderland Property as he waits to see whether the city will reconsider his proposed $150 million luxury resort hotel.

Rendering of Mita's proposed hotel

active Norcross family already owns homes in Ocean City, and the bid was set at Mita’s asking price. NVr Inc., the parent company of national homebuilder r yan Homes, expressed its own interest at nearly the same time. The company is currently con -

paying property taxes on a vacant site that is bringing in no return.

business leaders continue urging Council to revisit the rehabilitation vote, arguing that a major hotel could help drive year-round economic growth and tourism. Mita said the city could collect about $1 million in tax revenue annually from the hotel — far more than the roughly $100,000 that he currently pays on the vacant Wonderland site, according to OCNJ Daily.

structing the Links at Greate bay in Somers Point.

According to OCNJ Daily, both r yan Homes and the Norcross family have expressed interest in building townhomes on the former Wonderland site. They also have increased their offers, Mita said.

b oth prospective buyers’ plans would require zoning changes because the site is currently restricted to retail, restaurants and amusements.

While Mita plans to pause any sale for now, he emphasized that he does not intend to wait indefinitely for the city to act. The longer the delay, he noted, the longer he must continue

The presidents of both the boardwalk Merchants Association and the Downtown Merchants Association are calling on residents and business owners to attend the Dec. 4 Council meeting to show support for the project. Meanwhile, the anti-hotel group Ocean City 2050 is encouraging opponents to attend and voice their concerns.

Four votes are needed on the seven-member Council to ask the planning board to consider designating the site as “in need of rehabilitation.”

Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @ juliatrain on Instagram.

Gillian's Wonderland Pier holds memories for both locals and visitors.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, local merchants voice their support for “ICONA in Wonderland” and answer press questions in advance of the Dec. 4 vote.

With polar vortex unlocked, New Jersey likely see a cold start to winter

By Meteorologist Joe Martucci

The polar vortex has been poked and distributed in the stratosphere. Now it’s a waiting game as rounds of Arctic air run through New Jersey, reload and sweep through the Northeast again for much of December.

As of Nov. 30, the time of this writing, it was unknown whether the Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) occurred near the North Pole. If the stratospheric polar vortex were disturbed so much that its westerly winds reversed course, causing the SSW, and it happened in November, it would be the earliest in the satellite era (1968).

either way, though, the polar vortex’s spinning top at the North Pole was disrupted. Much warm -

er-than-usual air filled into the Arctic about 100,000 feet high. The stratospheric polar vortex stretched south into North America. Specifically, it moved into Western Canada and Alaska.

The extremely cold air in the stratospheric vortex almost never mixes directly down to the surface. Instead, the SSW changes the largescale circulation, which then allows pre-existing surface-level Arctic air (from northern Canada, Siberia, etc.) to plunge southward in the troposphere.

As of Nov. 30, that Arctic air had surged south from the North Pole to Hudson bay and Quebec, Canada, according to r yan Maue, a meteorologist and climate scientist at WeatherTrader.

The jet stream, the river of air about 30,000 feet high, which separates polar and tropical air masses, then becomes wavy, moving south to north, to south again. The jet stream is in the troposphere.

That clash of warm and cold air from the jet stream also causes coldcore storms, like a nor’easter to form

TIRE AND SERVICE EXPERTS

Synthetic Blend $19.99 (up to 5 quarts) Full synthetic $39.99 (restrictions apply) Valid through 12/31/25

at the surface. For now, though, let’s focus on the cold.

When will cold air outbreaks occur at the Jersey Shore?

There are three times for colder-than-average temperatures:

1. A continuation of the current cold through Dec. 6

2. Dec. 8-10

3. Dec. 14-18

These aren’t long stretches of cold, however, it will be 10 or more degrees below average for many of those days. That translates to high temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s. For low temperatures, this means lows on either side of 20 degrees inland. Meanwhile, the shore would see lows of 25 to 30 degrees.

remember that our coldest day of the year, on average, occurs in the second half of January. So, while they don’t sound extremely bitter for late January standards, this is not what it should feel like in early December.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecasts Dec. 7-13 to be below average for the Northeast and Great Lakes states. However, NOAA has the most confidence on below-average temperatures for every county in New Jersey except for Cape May County – a sign that the Cape May bubble is still strong year-round.

ber is simply better for snow than a warmer-than-average December. It gives you more opportunity for snow. It’s that simple.

On the other hand, a pattern appeared in November. When it’s dry, it’s colder than average. When there is precipitation, it’s at or warmer than average. That cold and dry, or mild and wet pattern drives snow lovers crazy. It’s a function of the storm track being at or west of New Jersey. That brings more southerly, warmer winds around counterclockwise-spinning storms.

At the Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City, 10 days also had precipitation in November. eight of them were above average or within a degree of average, according to NOAA. Ten days of precipitation also happened at Atlantic City International Airport; six of them were above average or within a degree of average.

To see how the polar vortex could interact for yourself, go to a weather forecast model website like Weatherbell (subscription needed) and look at the 2PVU (potential vorticity units) forecast, which looks at the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere.

All kidding aside, it will be a chilly start to climatological winter, which runs from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28, the coldest three months of the year, on average.

Forecasting what days snow will fall at the Jersey Shore more than five days out is nearly impossible. I won’t do that. However, there are two forces at play. How much snow we see, or don’t see in December will prove which force was stronger.

A colder-than-average Decem -

Where you see the blues and purples indicates the outline of the polar vortex boundary. In a strong polar vortex, it is compact, circular and centered near the Arctic. If it’s not, like the first half of December, that means the polar vortex has weakened, which eventually allows frigid air at the ground to spill places south.

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.

Events and Happenings

Thursday, December 4

Port Republic City Tree Lighting

▶6 p.m.

143 Main St., Port republic bundle up this Thursday and kick off the holiday season and join city officials in a beloved tradition. event highlights include a performance by the students of Port republic School, free hot chocolate and cookies, a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

Friday, December 5

Luminary Light Festival

▶5-7 p.m.

Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City

The Absecon Lighthouse invites the public to this festive evening filled with caroling and DJ tunes, a full moon lighthouse climb, tree lighting and a lovely wine and cheese tasting for all guests to enjoy. Tickets are $25, with proceeds supporting the Absecon Lighthouse. For more information, call 609-449-1360.

Brigantine Beach Tree Lighting

▶5:30 p.m.

brigantine Fire Department, 15th St. S. and W. brigantine Ave.

Join the brigantine beach Chamber of Commerce and local community members in celebrating the season with a tree lighting this Friday. The event will include performances by the b rigantine Community School Choir and Casey’s Dance Studio. There will be plenty of music, dancing, guest character appearances, photo opportunities, special gifts for the kids and Santa himself will be there.

Ventnor City Tree Lighting ▶5:30 p.m.

Ventnor City Hall, 6201 Atlantic Ave.

Join Ventnor City officials as they start the holiday season with a festive Christmas tree lighting. The event will include an enchanting performance by the Margate Community Church bell Choir.

Ocean City Christmas Parade ▶6 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Ave., Sixth-11th St.

This year’s parade will feature performances by marching bands, along with appearances by Martin

and Mollie Mollusk, b uddy the elf, the Salvation Army b rass band and Santa Claus. For more information, visit https://www.ocnj.us/ChristmasParade.

Somers Point Porch

Performances

▶6 p.m.

Somers and bay Ave.

Join the Somers Point Unique experiences Club for its annual Porch Performances as the riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol.” At 6 p.m., gather at 37 Somers Ave. for Act 1 and then the group will visit three additional performances in Somers Point’s Historic b ayfront District for the remaining acts. The event will culminate at Gregory’s, where light holiday refreshments will be served. Call 609-233-1820 for more information. Matthew Bee Memorial Fund Mocktails and Cocktails Gala

▶5:30-10 p.m.

Linwood Country Club, 500 Shore road, Linwood

enjoy an evening of live music, signature mocktails and cocktails, raffle drawings and festive food. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Matthew bee Memorial Fund and their mission to help individuals and families in our community battling addiction and mental health issues. Tickets are available via eventbrite

Saturday, December 6

Mays Landing Dickens of a Holiday Craft Fair

▶10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Downtown Mays Landing

Open to all, this event invites everyone to jump-start the holiday season with over 100 vendors in attendance. Vendors will be set up inside the Mays Landing Library, All Wars Memorial Park and at the Presbyterian Church in Mays Landing. All three locations are within walking distance Christmas Fair and Market at Somers Mansion 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

b ay Ave. and MacArthur b lvd., Somers Point

Grab your family and friends and head to Somers Mansion for their 5th Annual Christmas Market. This holiday extravaganza will include live music, food trucks, shopping, mansion tours, a kid’s area and visits from Santa.

Holiday Bazaar at Atlantic City Country Club

▶4-7 p.m.

1 Leo Fraser Drive, Northfield

A family-friendly winter celebration, featuring vendor exhibits from local shops and businesses, a complimentary hot cocoa station,

cookie decorating and crafts for kids, a bounce house, festive wagon rides and fireworks to end the night. Admission is free and open to the public. Galloway Tree Lighting Ceremony ▶4-6 p.m.

Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves.

The event will include cookies and hot chocolate provided by Galloway eMS, along with letters to Santa, hot donuts, performances by the Absegami High School Choir and the arrival of Santa by firetruck, followed by a spectacular tree lighting and fireworks to end the night. Please bring a toy to donate for Toys for Tots.

Ventnor City Twilight Holiday Parade ▶5 p.m.

Ventnor Ave. from New Haven to Nashville Aves.

Join Ventnor City for an evening of holiday fun as the annual parade rolls through town, featuring marching bands, fire trucks, floats, classic cars, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. The event is hosted by the Ventnor City beautification Committee.

Somers Point Christmas Parade ▶6 p.m.

Shore road, from Dawes Ave. to City Hall

Come join Somers Point’s annual

↘Continued on 12

Meet Santa and the Grinch at the Egg Harbor City tree lighting. Photo credit: Egg Harbor City Facebook

tradition, featuring a wide array of floats, marching bands, decorated cars, trucks and boats, plus the arrival of Santa himself. Scheduled for this year are appearances by Miss New Jersey America, and Miss Teen New Jersey America, the Mainland High School band, the Positive Movement Drumline from Philadelphia and the Greater Kensington String b and. Children will be invited to visit Santa at Somers Point City Hall at the conclusion of the parade.

Egg Harbor City Tree Lighting

▶6:30 p.m.

egg Harbor City Library, 100 Philadelphia Ave.

Join city officials and the community for a celebration of the season, with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., plus Santa arriving by fire truck, goodie bags for kids, holiday music by local groups and a DJ. A Winter bazaar will take place at 4 p.m.

Christmas on the Lake

▶6-8:30 p.m.

Lifepoint Church, 733 e . Lily Lake road, Galloway

Come celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with fun festivities, including a tractor-pulled sleigh ride through a lighted trail, local craft vendors, delicious (and free) seasonal snacks, fun kids' crafts, a cozy bonfire and more.

Sunday, December 7

Hammonton Rotary’s Galloping Grinch 5K Run/Fun Walk

▶9:30-11:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Fairgrounds, 1 Mt. Carmel Lane, Hammonton

Sunday is Funday as racers and walkers strut their stuff in Grinch and holiday attire. Afterwards, enjoy food, hot cocoa, s’mores and vendors at the WinterFest. Medals will be awarded for the top three racers per age group. All participants receive a $5 food voucher. The cost is $45 for runners, $25 for walkers and kids 5 and under are free. Proceed support, rotary charities. registration on runsignup.com closes 9 a.m. Dec. 7.

Holiday Hayride Fundraiser

▶12-3 p.m.

Funny Farm rescue, 6908 railroad blvd., Mays Landing

enjoy an afternoon of festive fun with a hayride around the animal sanctuary. Hayride tickets are $10 and include a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and a special holiday surprise for children. While you are there, visit Santa and have your photo taken, enjoy visits from Santa’s elves and the Grinch, a holiday market, face painting and more, all to benefit over 750 rescue animals.

Ocean City Library Holiday Festival

▶1-3:30 p.m.

Ocean City Community Center,

LuminaryLightFestival

1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City

Join the Ocean City Library for a free holiday celebration featuring holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, refreshments, a visit from Santa and live music by the Package Goods Orchestra. The Ocean City Historical Museum will be open for tours and will feature their winter exhibit and complete train platform.

Cape Shore Chorale Christmas Concert

▶3 p.m.

Holy Trinity episcopal Church, 30th St. and bay Ave., Ocean City

Feel the stress of the day peel away as you enjoy familiar tunes from various genres and instruments with friends and neighbors. Whether you are a caregiver, cared for, or a community member, JFS Village looks forward to welcoming you. rSVP by Dec. 4 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.

Tuesday, December 9

Beyond the Bookshelf: ‘Family of Spies’

▶10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Katz JCC boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Friday, December 5th

Join the Cape Shore Chorale when they present their annual Christmas concert. Led by musical director Scott breiner, the choir will also perform upbeat holiday favorites to get you in the spirit of the season. The concert and light refreshments are free of charge. A free-will donation will be gratefully accepted.

Monday, December 8

Musical Connections

▶1 p.m.

Katz JCC boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Join JFS Village as they welcome author Christine Kuehn to learn about a never-before-told account of one family’s secret involvement as spies during World War II and their role in the Pearl Harbor bombing. rSVP by Dec. 4 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.

Senior Dance Society ▶7:30-10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. No.1, 447 bethel road

Continued on 14

Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland as Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Photo by Steffen Klenk

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, December 10

Jane Austen 250th Birthday Celebration ▶6 p.m.

Otto bruyns Public Library, 241 W. Mill road, Northfield

Join an exciting performance celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday as you “meet” the legendary author. Miss Austen will discuss her life and times, as well as fashions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free to attend. Pre-registration is required by calling 609-6464476.

Friday, December 12

Latkes, Lox & Learning ▶10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Katz JCC boardroom, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate

Join JFS Village for an engaging program that will explore the history of Hanukkah in a fun, educational way. expect something a little different as you dive into holiday trivia, hands-on fun and lively discussion, all centered around food and traditions. rSVP by Dec. 8 by calling 609-287-8872 or emailing tserota@jfsvillage.com.

Saturday, December 13

Sundaes with Santa ▶1-3 p.m. brigantine Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. brigantine Ave. Join Laddie’s Legacy for ice cream sundaes, crafts, visits with Santa and play with many certified therapy animals. This event promises a day of fun for animal-loving kids. This event is free to attend, but seats are limit-

ed. registration is open via the event page at www.laddieslegacy.org.

Saturday, December 20

Holiday Sweet Sale

▶12-3 p.m.

Atlantic County Historical Society, 907 Shore road., Somers Point ACHS will be selling home-baked cookies and other baked goods, along with hundreds of vintage Atlantic City souvenirs and postcards. All proceeds benefit the historical society, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization

Multi-day

events

3rd Annual Hammonton Rotary WinterFest

▶Friday, Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Fairgrounds, 1 Mt. Carmel Lane Hammonton

Shop 40+ vendors in a heated tent or an outdoor courtyard with fire pits, food, hot chocolate and student music. Other attractions include drinks by b lue rascal, Christmas trees for sale and a DJ playing holiday favorites. Saturday and Sunday will be for the kids with Santa arriving by fire truck, train rides, a petting zoo, s’mores, games and crafts. The weekend includes a Dance Magic show and the Hammonton High School Chorus. Free entry/parking; toy/food donations appreciated. Stay updated on Facebook.

EHTHS Presents ‘A Christmas Carol’

▶Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7 egg Harbor Township High School, 24 High School Drive

Join the e HTHS High School Theatre for their production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, adapted by romulus Linney. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at ehths.booktix.com.

Ocean City Train Show

▶Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 boardwalk

The annual Holiday Train e xpo returns for two full days, featuring running displays, model trains of all gauges and vendors selling various scale model trains. Admission into the show is free and parking is available at Moorlyn Terrace and the boardwalk.

4-H Holiday Craft Bazaar

▶Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 route 50, Mays Landing

enjoy two full days of shopping, with over 40 vendors set up both indoors and outdoors to help you complete your holiday shopping, along with photos with Santa, a model train display, holiday movies and refreshments available for purchase.

Ventnor Holiday Art & Craft Show

▶Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ventnor Cultural Arts Center, 6500 Atlantic Ave.

Shop small and local this year and join the Ventnor Cultural Arts Center for their annual holiday show and sale, featuring local artists selling handmade work.

Horse & Carriage Rides in Ocean City

▶Saturday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 7, 12-3 p.m.

6th St. and Asbury Ave.

enjoy horse and carriage rides throughout Downtown Ocean City and witness the excitement of America’s Greatest Family resort during the holiday season. Line up in the Tabernacle parking lot at Sixth St. and Asbury Ave. Santa Claus in Ocean City

▶Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7

enjoy the excitement of America’s Greatest Family resort during the holiday season and get your photo with Santa himself. The man in the red suit will appear at Soifer Park, located on the corner of Ninth and Asbury, from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will also be available for photos at the Music Pier between 1 and 3 p.m.

Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights

▶Now-Tuesday, Dec. 30

6415 black Horse Pike, egg Harbor Township

The Christmas Fantasy with Lights has returned to Storybook Land for the season. Watch as Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland as Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Visit www.storybookland.com for ticket information and updated hours.

Health and Wellness

Monday Meditation and Stretching

▶Mondays, 11:30 a.m.

Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 e . Jimmie Leeds road, Galloway

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

Depression and Anxiety Group

▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

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

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

NAMI Family Support and Connection Groups

▶Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore road, Somers Point Participants gain the support of

peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ experiences and challenges. Visit www. namiacm.org or email info@namiacm. org for more information.

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

▶Thursday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as 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.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Dec. 17, 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.

Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.

The Salvation Army partners with chefs, casinos, culinary students to provide holiday meals

By Chef Christina Martin

For 133 years, The Salvation Army has been serving as the cornerstone of the community. Led by Lieutenant Luie and Leslie Colon, they oversee the location on Texas Avenue, in Atlantic City. The organization draws on its Christian faith and provides resources and emergency relief to the community. Guided by their motto “Doing the Most Good,” The Salvation Army demonstrated its mission this week at their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. The tradition began in the 1970s when the Salvation Army started providing Thanksgiving meals to those in the community who would otherwise not have one. This past Wednesday, Nov. 26, volunteers came together to serve over 200

meals of hot turkey dinners with all the trimmings. This is a year-long project, and planning for the next year will begin immediately.

The dinner is led by Chef Michael and Kimmie DeAngelo of Mays Landing, who have coordinated this dinner

together for the past decade. All the food is donated, and the Atlantic City casinos play a huge part not only in donating food and supplies but also in providing staff to volunteer at the dinner.

b ally's Jerry b eaver and his wife, Melissa, of Caesars, along with Michael and Kimmie, make this evening come together. They all worked at bally's in the past, which is how they got to know each other. Many others also play a role in sending volunteers and food, including Hard r ock, resorts, Caesars, and Tropicana. Chef Demetrios Haronis of Tropicana has been instrumental in helping with donations this year, including 400 pounds of turkey and stuffing. Other donations included macaroni and cheese, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and cornbread. Desserts are also donated; some were from Classic Cake, where Chef Michael DeAngelo works.

Arts prepared the mashed potatoes for the event, and culinary students from Absegami High School in Galloway prepared the cranberry sauce. Culinary students also volunteered and worked the food line, plating the meals, and some served tables, helping ensure that everyone received a wonderful meal.

The Salvation Army's ministries include showers, laundry facilities, summer day camps, food pantries, after-school programs, Sunday worship services, and their Christmas Angel Tree, which provides toys and clothing for children in need. You can send donations to 22 S. Texas Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. While you are out holiday shopping, you will

There are so many people involved. The culinary industry as a whole comes together to support the community. Some board members of the local chapter of the American Chef Federation were on hand to help. They are also teaching up-andcoming chefs a lesson in giving back to the community. Students from Atlantic Cape Academy of Culinary

see their bell ringers who also collect donations.

Thanks to the generosity of local chefs, casinos, and volunteers, the annual Thanksgiving dinner is more than just a meal; it's a lesson in compassion and the power of giving.

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.

Chef Michael and Kimmie DeAngelo

F O O D

D R I V E F O O D D R I V E

December 1-12

Place a clearly marked bag of canned goods out on your recycling day between December 1 and 12, and ACUA crews will deliver donations to the Community FoodBank of NJ

Most needed items: Canned tuna , salmon, chicken, ham, soups, fruit , and vegetables, shelf-stable milk , peanut butter, pasta , boxed potatoes, rice, cereal , macaroni and cheese, diapers, and feminine hygiene products

Donate on your recycling day!

Absecon

Brigantine

Buena Borough

Buena Vista Twp

Corbin City

Egg Harbor City

Egg Harbor Twp

Estell Manor

Folsom

Hamilton Township

Hammonton

Linwood

Longport

Margate

Mullica Township

Northfield

Pleasantville

Somers Point

Ventnor

Weymouth Twp

December 8-12 (same day as recycling)

December 8-12 (same day as recycling)

Friday, December 5

December 2-5 (same day as recycling)

Thursday, December 4

Wednesday, December 10

December 1-5 (same day as recycling)

Tuesday, December 9

Monday, December 8

December 8-12 (same day as recycling)

December 8-12 (same day as recycling)

December 8-12 (same day as recycling)

Monday, December 1

December 8-11 (same day as recycling)

December 8-11 (same day as recycling)

December 1-5 (same day as recycling)

December 1-5 (same day as recycling)

Friday, December 12

December 8-12 (same day as recycling)

Thursday, December 11

Donations will also be accepted at the ACUA GEO Administrative Building located at 6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Twp M-F 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Celebrating longevity: Some of the businesses and people who have defined our region

By Bruce Klauber

As we’re entering the holiday season, this seems like a fitting time to celebrate the people and the businesses that have been a part of the Atlantic City region’s landscape for

so long. All have contributed, decade after decade, to the area’s economy, as well as the enjoyment of residents and visitors, past and present.

We have detailed many of the rich and storied histories of a number of fabled establishments and people in these pages previously, including

restaurants like the Knife & Fork Inn, Dock’s Oyster House, the Irish Pub and Gilchrist’s. We have explored the famed candy retailers Kilwin’s, Jagielky’s and the Sweet Shoppe. but it’s time to give a hearty, holiday shout-out to several other institutions that have defined Atlantic City

•

•

•

and neighboring Margate over the years.

In the mid-1980s, I was hired to play drums behind the late and great Sinatra-styled singer, Sonny Averona, for a month-long stint at the original

↘Continued on 20

Charlie’s has been open in Somers Point since 1944.

White House Subs has been serving up legendary sandwiches in Atlantic City since 1946.

Golden Nugget on the boardwalk.

b ecause it was a six-night-perweek job, I elected to stay in Atlantic City for the month in a tiny studio apartment on Kingston Avenue. The job was grueling, and aside from the performances, there was really only time for eating and sleeping.

To make my food choices easier, I decided, for the first two weeks, to eat at White House Subs every day. Founded in 1946, White House is still the best when it comes to subs, and it is regularly named as one of the places to eat when visiting the city. Though Sack O’Subs may be a close second, and others may have other favorites, there is only one White House; those 14 consecutive sub-eating days netted me about 15 pounds in pure, pleasurable, cheesesteak weight.

Margate Dairy bar has been serving up some of the finest hamburgers, hot dogs and all kinds of ice cream each season since 1952. It’s difficult to resist, which is why Dairy bar fans of every age flock there each and every season.

When my family decided to rent a house in Margate in the summer of 1957, I vividly recall that our parents’ first stop was Casel’s, a supermarket where everything that is sold, from meats to produce and beyond, is

absolutely of the highest quality. And it’s been that way, believe it or not, since 1929. In 1982, the Seiden family took over what is now called Casel’s Marketplace and has done everything possible to ensure that the market’s reputation for quality has continued.

retail stores in the Atlantic City area come and go, though many of the stores in Margate’s shopping district have been there for quite some time. None, however, has been there as long as Knit Wit, now open for almost 50 years —since 1980 at its present location and for a few years prior at a smaller property down the block — as one of the as one of the area’s top destinations for ladies’ clothing, shoes, etc. Founded by Ann Gitter in Philadelphia in the 1960s, later expanded to Ventnor Avenue in Margate, and suburban Philadelphia, it still packs them in 362 days of the year. Gitter’s credo, “Never underestimate the power of a good outfit on a bad day,” has never been more true. Ask anyone who checks into Knit Wit regularly to see the latest collection.

Michael Pedicin Jr., Andy Lalasis and Dane Anthony are three shorebased performing artists who may be stylistically different from each other, but share a long-time love for our area and for decades have enriched the sounds that we hear.

Saxophonist/educator/conductor/ recording artist Pedicin, featured in these pages some seasons ago, came on the Atlantic City scene almost at the moment casino gaming was realized. He has conducted and contracted for many of the leading

gained traction here as a member of the house band at elaine's Lounge in the old Golden Nugget, where he backed singers such as b illy Daniels, Keely Smith, billy eckstine and buddy Greco.

Thankfully for us, he continues to be heard in the area as he continues to be, as our previous story described him, “a first-call bassist.”

Whenever I run into vocalist/bandleader Dane Anthony, I always refer to him as “the hardest working entertainer in Atlantic City.” That’s not an exaggeration, by the way.

Since 1978 or thereabouts, Anthony has led one of the busiest, most exciting and most consistent rock/cover/party bands in the area. Over the years he has performed at the Golden Nugget, Hard rock and just about every other casino.

It’s more than energy that the ageless Anthony brings to the table. He has sincerity and passion for performing, and for the music he plays that makes even the oldest and most oft-played rock/pop chestnut sound new again.

not

casino/hotels through the years, working with everyone from Mathis to Sinatra, and still managed to get a medical degree as a psychologist in the midst of it all.

These days, he continues to be active as an innovative instrumentalist — Pedicin was one of the first “jazz crossover” artists in history — and as an educator by way of his considerable activities with the South Jersey Jazz Society.

bassist Andy Lalasis, profiled in Shore Local about two years ago, is also a jazz performer who has been on the Atlantic City music scene since the beginning of legal casinos. He first

Honorable and celebratory holiday mentions for their longevity, spirit, and contributions to the shore include:

Lucy the elephant (built in 1881), Ocean City’s Flanders Hotel (1923), Somers Point’s Circle Liquor Store (1938), Somers Point’s Charlie’s (1944), Gregory’s r estaurant & bar (1946), Storybook Land in eHT (opened 1955), b .F. Mazzeo’s in Northfield (1965), and Somers Point’s Fitzpatrick Deli & Steakhouse (mid1970s).

The wish for next year: That those mentioned in this story will still be here.

Dane Anthony is considered by many to be the hardest working entertainer in Atlantic City.

Ann Gitter is the founder of Knit Wit in Margate.

WINTER HOURS

Guided Tours Through the Interior of Lucy Every 45 Minutes

Parade magic in the hallways: St. Joseph’s students recreate Macy’s tradition

By Delaney Crawford

Before the Thanksgiving floats and giant balloons filled television screens this year, as the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through the streets of New York, students at St. Joseph’s regional Catholic School were busy learning the story behind the spectacle. Thanks to the school’s One book, One School initiative, every classroom read “ balloons Over b roadway” by Melissa Sweet, uncovering the true tale of Tony Sarg, the ingenious puppeteer who brought the first parade balloons soaring into history.

In honor of their latest read, and to better understand the magic behind this long-celebrated tradition, the early elementary grades of kinder-

garten, first grade, and second grade created their own versions of parade balloons.

“I had this idea to make our own little Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

after I read the book. I thought it was really cool to learn the history of the parade and how the balloons originally got made, and I thought it’d be nice for our students to learn it too,” said

kindergarten teacher Christine Lacy. The students in kindergarten and first grade crafted their balloons from decorated paper plates, while the second-grade students used foil, laminate, and markers to bring theirs to life. Once the creative process was complete and the glue and glitter finally set down, it was time to show off their work to the rest of their peers.

Walking through the school’s hallways as parade music played through the speakers, these students-turned-puppeteers marched proudly with their handmade balloons held high. The parade wound through every classroom and corridor, inviting the entire school community to cheer them on.

“It was so nice to see the older students clapping as they walked through and encouraging the younger students,” said second-grade teacher Shannon Crawford.

This marks the second year in a row that St. Joseph’s youngest students have stepped into the role of puppeteers, and the teachers plan to keep the tradition alive.

Students at St. Joe's created their own versions of parade balloons.

“The kids love it,” Lacy said. “They loved making the balloons and parading around the school.”

While the project was of course meant to be fun, the teachers also emphasized that the heart of this unique initiative lies in learning. by connecting reading, history, creativity, and community, students

walked away with a deeper appreciation for the iconic parade they watch each Thanksgiving.

As St. Joseph’s students eagerly look ahead to next year’s “ b alloons Over broadway” fun, the teachers commented that they hope this experience becomes a memorable and informative activity for students each holiday season.

When students watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade during the recent holiday, it may have meant more to them to see the giant balloons floating above New York because of this project. Hopefully, they saw a connection to the joy, creativity and wonder that they brought to life right within their own school hallways.

Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.

Students at St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School were busy learning the story behind the balloon puppeteers in the holiday parades.

Christmas cookies bring joyful memories

By Roseann Smith

Christmas cookies are a cherished tradition in countless homes, filling kitchens with warmth, butter, and memories each holiday season. We bake them with our children, swap them with friends, and set out a plate for Santa without ever thinking twice. b ut have you ever wondered how this sweet custom began? The history behind holiday cookie-making stretches back centuries and may surprise you.

Christmas cookies are the result of a baking accident.

During the european Middle Ages, bakers had to gauge the temperature of their wood-fired ovens to bake bread properly. They would test small pieces of dough to see if their ovens were hot enough. These dough pieces were tasty and later became the original concept of what we now call a cookie.

The first known word for this new sweet treat originated from the Dutch word “koekje,” pronounced “koo-kuh,” meaning “small cake,” highlighting the cookie’s deep european roots and its long-standing tradition.

Initially, cookies were created for the most sacred, festive holiday: Christmas. However, due to the high cost of sugar, butter and spices, they were baked only for wealthy and royal families to accompany their holiday feasts. The rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses and ginger became closely associated with the Christmas season.

In the 1600s, Dutch and english settlers brought Christmas cookies

to the New World. However, it wasn’t until the American Industrial revolution in the 1900s that ingredients became affordable, turning cookies from a luxury into a holiday staple.

b ut nobody made Christmas cookies like my mother did. As a child, right after Thanksgiving, I eagerly watched my mom transform our kitchen into a Christmas cookie-baking haven.

After a long day’s work and ensuring we had our dinner, she would disappear into the kitchen, only to emerge as the creator of the best Christmas cookies you ever tasted.

The kitchen table became “Dough Central.” My mom would work her magic, kneading several different-colored doughs for her sugar and butter cookies. Opening the refrigerator, you would see portions of red, green and yellow dough waiting to be used.

“Don’t touch that dough!” my mom would yell at me, knowing full well I was the dough tester.

your mouth. There were snowflakes, candy canes, Christmas trees, snowmen and stars, all carefully made and stored in decorated holiday tins.

For me, my mom’s best creation was her rum balls rolled in coconut. They were heavenly: a unique blend of creamy and fruity, finished with a hint of rum – just enough zing to send your taste buds into ecstasy.

I have never been able to recapture that taste in any other rum ball. To this day, it’s a cherished memory of the flavors of Christmas from my childhood home.

One Christmas stands out in my memory. When I was a junior in college, I studied in Leuven, b elgium. I planned to travel throughout europe during Christmas break.

The night before we were to leave, a huge package arrived from home. I was dumbfounded to see several holiday tins filled with my mom’s Christmas cookies. My eyes welled with tears as I shared the cookies with all my friends. What an unexpected treat. The arrival of those Christmas

A corner of our kitchen became the pizzelle station. There, my mom would set up a table with spoons and bowls, along with her trusty pizzelle maker. She had a knack for making pizzelles that were as light as a feather. The pungent aroma of aniseed filled the air.

between Thanksgiving and Christmas eve, my mom would bake Christmas cookies well into the night. Her sugar and butter cookies melted in

cookies in a foreign land warmed my heart.

I still picture my mom making Christmas cookies: the time she took to create these delicious treats, the way she carefully placed each batch onto the cookie sheets and the way I always enjoyed eating them. And that unforgettable package of Christmas cookies I received the year I was so far from home – some things you never forget.

Between Drinks by Nick Regine

A memoir of Somers Point

Experience the Christmas Fantasy of Lights

Experience the Christmas Fantasy of Lights

Illuminated by One Million Lights

Illuminated by One Million Lights

Margate moves forward with major redesign of Washington Avenue

By Julia Train

Margate is preparing to move ahead with a major makeover of Washington Avenue that will reshape traffic flow, add new safety features and visually tie together the city’s beach and bay districts.

The project, first proposed in November 2022 in accordance with Margate's 2017 master plan, is estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million. In order to fund the redesign, the city secured more than $1.6 million in state grant funding. The additional construction costs will be covered with the city’s ongoing capital improvement program.

One of the most significant changes involves converting the entirety of Washington Avenue into a one-way street. The roadway already runs one-way toward the bay between Pacific and Ventnor avenues. Under the new plan, the one-way pattern would extend from Atlantic Avenue all the way to Amherst Avenue.

The multi-million-dollar undertaking has already begun this fall.

Work will run from the beach block to Ventnor Avenue and continue through spring 2026, pause for the summer season, and resume in the fall to finish the stretch to Amherst Avenue.

According to Downbeach.com, Steve Altman, a member of Mar-

gate's Citizen Advisory Committee, conducted an informal survey to see how the public felt about the pending project.

Altman surveyed about 200 people, both residents and business owners, during five sessions — two at the Jewish Community Center, two at

the Margate Public Library and one at Casel’s market. About half said they were in favor of the project, 30% were in opposition and the remaining 20% were neutral, undecided or unaware of the plan.

According to the city, “peak hour traffic data was collected during the summer of 2024 and shows that traffic heading towards the bay on Washington Avenue is approximately double the traffic heading towards the beach. The new one-way street will be consistent with the flow of traffic.”

The city also noted on its website that aligning the roadway with that natural flow will eliminate turning movements and reduce the number of vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian conflict points.

The redesign also includes a green-painted bike lane on the north side of Washington Avenue, which will connect existing lanes on Atlantic Avenue and Amherst Avenue. buffer striping will flank the bike lane, and new racks will be installed both at the waterfront park on Amherst Avenue and on the beach block of Washing-

Renderings of the completed project, published by the City of Margate

ton Avenue.

Aesthetic upgrades form another major piece of the project. The city plans to replace sidewalks and driveway aprons with brick pavers, refresh curbs and gutters, and add landscaped bump-outs at most intersections to shorten pedestrian crossings. These bump-outs will narrow crossing distances from 38 feet to 24 feet while still preserving enough roadway width for emergency vehicles, according to the city.

e xisting green strips between the sidewalk and curb will remain as planted areas rather than being paved. In total, 47 new street trees will be planted, and 35 existing trees will remain.

Decorative lighting will be expanded as well. The city will replace the

current fixtures with 44 new decorative streetlights designed to match those on Ventnor Avenue. electrical conduits will also be installed to support future holiday lighting.

On-street parking will stay on both sides of the roadway, and a loading zone will be added near the city parking lot without reducing the number of available spaces.

Alongside these streetscape enhancements, the project calls for upgrades to water, sewer and drainage infrastructure. Once all utility work is complete, the street will be repaved and re-striped to reflect the new oneway configuration.

While the project does face scepticism, Margate is following the leads of other cities by modernizing its infrastructure.

Sun. 12/7 12pm-4pm Fri. 12/12 5pm-8:30pm Sat. 12/20 12pm-4pm

Love, a Stranger: How an Atlantic City woman is reimagining support for people facing eating disorders

By Sarah Fertsch

Sarah Callazzo, 27, speaks with a clarity that comes from surviving something heavy and choosing to turn that pain

outward into purpose. As the founder of Love, a Stranger, a newly launched national support line for people affected by eating disorders, she is building something rare: a space that meets people exactly where they are, without judgment, without shame, and without the pressure to be “sick enough” to deserve help.

“People struggling with eating disorders often don’t feel worthy of support,” she says. “I know what that feels like. I’ve been there. And I never want anyone to feel like they’re

Memory Café

fighting alone.”

Love, a Stranger is her answer to that loneliness.

The journey that led to a movement

Callazzo grew up as a competitive dancer in Toms river, a world where perfection was treated as both discipline and identity. by high school, disordered eating had crept into her life. In college—despite excellent grades, leadership roles, and a carefully maintained image of composure—her symptoms escalated.

“I was doing everything right on paper,” she says. “ but I was really struggling inside.”

Like many with eating disorders, she convinced herself she didn’t qualify for help. “I had friends who had been hospitalized. In my mind, they were ‘sick enough.’ I wasn’t,” she recalls.

everything shifted in 2019 when she admitted to herself that something was deeply wrong. “ recovery wasn’t a magical moment. It was a choice I had to make every single day. And even my hardest day in recovery was better than my best day with an eating disorder.”

Through reflection, and connection with others in recovery, Callazzo discovered not only her own strength but a pressing need for broader, more accessible support—especially in moments when people feel most isolated.

Advocating on college campuses and within greek life

before launching Love, a Stranger, Sarah Callazzo’s advocacy found its home on college campuses, where she spoke to thousands of students about the realities of disordered eating. After joining a national speaking agency, she traveled to universities across the country—Stockton, Pittsburgh, campuses in California and New england—sharing her story with a level of honesty she once never believed possible.

Her most impactful work, she says, has been within Greek life communities, where pressures around image, social hierarchy, and belonging can quietly fuel disordered eating. Callazzo, a former sorority president herself, understands the culture from the inside.

“ eating disorders don’t start on college campuses,” she says. “ b ut college is where the cracks widen. In

Greek life especially, everything feels magnified—your appearance, your social value, the pressure to be ‘on’ all the time.”

Her presentations strip away the polished facade associated with Greek life and replace it with vulnerability. She speaks candidly about restrictive dieting, binge-purge cycles, compulsive exercise, ritualized body comparisons, and the quiet, normalized ways students harm themselves without calling it an eating disorder.

“I walk into a chapter house and say, ‘I was sitting exactly where you are,’” she explains. “‘I know what choices you think you’re making. I know the things you normalize.’”

Her goal is not to shame or lecture but to open a door—to give students permission to acknowledge their struggles and seek help.

The moment everything changed

The seed for Love, a Stranger was planted during a national controversy. When the National eating Disorders Association shut down its longtime helpline and replaced it with an AI chatbot—one that infamously advised a young person to “eat a salad and go for a walk”—Callazzo was stunned.

“I couldn’t believe it. Suddenly, there was no real-time text line anywhere in the country for people struggling with eating disorders,” she says. “That blew my mind.”

At the time, she was finishing her master’s degree in social work at rutgers. She kept coming back to the same thought: “Someone needs to fix this. Why not me? Why not now?”

What followed were months of behind-the-scenes labor—software systems, liability and risk management, volunteer training, protocols, safety infrastructure. “It was the least glamorous work on the planet,” she laughs. “ b ut I wanted to make sure

it was done right. People deserve a safe, thoughtful system.”

On November 10, her birthday, Love, a Stranger officially launched. How the helpline works

Love, a Stranger is not a clinical service and not a crisis hotline. Instead, it offers something both simpler and profoundly necessary: human connection.

Anyone—whether a person with an eating disorder or a supporting family member—can text 601-348-LOV e (5683) to reach a trained volunteer who will listen, validate, and offer guidance or resources.

“Maybe you’re at a restaurant and your friends are talking about diets,” Callazzo explains. “Maybe you’re scared of the menu. Maybe you’re a parent and don’t know what signs to look for. You can text us. It’s discreet. It’s immediate. And you don’t have to explain your whole life story.”

Volunteers for Love, a Stranger are located across the United States— from New Jersey to California, Maine to Florida—and receive extensive training before supporting callers.

The goal is to make support accessible in moments when people are most vulnerable.

“So many people spiral alone in their bedrooms,” Callazzo says. “So many parents have no idea what

they’re seeing. We want to be the person on the other side of the phone who says, ‘You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. Let’s walk through this together.’”

Within a month of launching, the line received inquiries from nine different states, despite minimal publicity.

“It was important for us to help out during the holiday season, because it can be a triggering time for people struggling with eating disorders,” Callazzo explains.

The name that says everything

“Love, a stranger” came from two moments in Callazzo’s past.

First, from the nature of eating disorders themselves: isolating, often hidden, rarely understood. Strangers—teachers, roommates, coworkers—often notice the signs before loved ones do.

Second, from a project in which Callazzo wrote 300 anonymous encouragement letters to people receiving inpatient treatment for eating disorders. She signed each one: “Love, a stranger.”

The author behind the advocate before founding Love, a Stranger, Callazzo told her story through a different medium: her book, Unknown Warrior: battling the Mirror.

The title came from a poet who, on Thanksgiving years ago, typed a spontaneous haiku for her at a market. The words “unknown warrior” struck her deeply.

“They captured something I couldn’t put into words,” she says. “When you’re battling an eating disorder, you feel like you’re fighting an invisible war.”

Her book mirrors the nonlinear nature of recovery. One page might contain a poem; another, a candid admission; another, a single sentence: You’re a bad bitch. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

“It’s messy on purpose,” she explains. “ recovery is messy.”

Advice for families, and for those struggling

For loved ones supporting someone with an eating disorder, Callazzo offers three core pieces of guidance: education, Compassion, and Flexibility.

And to anyone facing an eating disorder themselves, she shares a message she wishes she had heard sooner: “What you look like is the least interesting thing about you. And if your eating disorder is getting louder, it’s because it knows it’s losing. There is light ahead, even if you can’t see it right now.”

“If you’re reading this and something feels off, you deserve help,” she says. “You deserve a life you love, in a body you love. And you don’t have to walk out of the darkness alone. We’re here. Just reach out.”

&

LaManna ending career where it started

By David Weinberg

Millville middleweight boxer Thomas LaManna will be ending his career on Saturday where it started almost 15 years ago.

LaManna (39-6-1, 18 KOs) will face Union City’s Juan rodriguez Jr. (149, 6 KOs) at bally’s Atlantic City. He made his pro debut in the same arena on February 11, 2011 with a first-round TKO over Anthony Williams (0-2), of Wilson, North Carolina.

“I’ve done a lot in my career, but I’ve still got one more walk,” LaManna said on Facebook. “And I’m going out where it all began.”

It began during LaManna’s senior year at Millville High School. He actually fought twice at bally’s before graduating in June, posting a pair of first-round TKOs.

He’s ending it as a 34-year-old

married father of a young daughter.

Saturday’s bout marks the end of what has been a long and successful career that serves as a testament to LaManna’s patience and perseverance.

A victory over rodriguez would be the 40th of his career, tying him with former World boxing Association heavyweight champion bruce

Seldon (40-8, 36 KOs) for the second-most wins among local boxers in the last 60 years.

The late richie Kates (44-6, 23 KOs), a former light-heavyweight contender from bridgeton, holds the record.

Although he grew up in Millville, Atlantic City is his boxing home. Saturday’s bout will be his 25th on the boardwalk, where he is 23-0-1.

His career has featured fights in other locales, however, including the Millville Motorsports Park, Los Angeles, Orlando and even Mexico.

When Covid shut down the sports world in 2020-21, the enterprising LaManna headed south of the border

with his promotional company, rising Star Promotions, to hold two fights La Terraza Sports bar in Agua Preita, just across from Douglas, Arizona.

Along the way, he followed Kates, Seldon, the late Levander Johnson (I b F lightweight champion) and John b rown to become one of the few local fighters to vie for a world title.

He lost via first-round knockout to WbA champion erislandy Lara, but bounced back to reel off nine straight wins before suffering a sixth-round defeat to former WbC middleweight champ Jermall Charlo last May in Las Vegas.

“I’ve had a lot of great opportunities, a lot of great moments,” LaManna told boxingScene.com. “I’m glad that I did it my way and that I’m able to end my career on my terms.

In addition to it being his final fight, Saturday also marks another milestone for him.

It was almost exactly 10 years ago that LaManna and his mother, Debra LaManna, formed rising Star Promotions.

They staged their first show on December 5, 2015 at Claridge Atlantic City and have held 20 more in town at bally’s, Claridge, Showboat Atlantic City and Jim Whelan boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Phillips ballroom.

LaManna will continue his role as a promoter, but first, there is one more fight.

One more chance to climb through the ropes.

“(Saturday) is going to be the end of a good journey,” he said. “I got to live my dream through boxing.”

Cedar Creek earns state title

b efore the season began, Cedar Creek High School coach James Melody thought the Pirates had the potential to win a state championship. He was right.

The Pirates (12-2) completed a superb season by winning the state Group 3 title with a 34-7 victory over defending champion Old Tappan last

Friday at MetLife Stadium in east rutherford.

Aamir Dunbar led the Pirates by rushing for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Gyan King returned the second-half kickoff 84 yards for a TD. Jahmir Campfield and Junior b ethea also scored TDs. b ethea, Campfield and King also paced the defense with interceptions.

“This was 12 months in the making,” Melody told The Press of Atlantic City. “We said this is what we wanted to do back in January. We had our ups and downs throughout the season, but we stuck to the task.”

Cedar Creek, which opened in 2010 and played its first varsity football season in 2011, became the third local public-school team to win a state title since the current format was established in 2022.

Millville won the state Group 4 championship in 2022 while Mainland regional won the same division a year later.

Local NFL update

Three area players were in action on Thanksgiving Day, including one game that saw two former Cape-Atlantic League standouts playing against one another.

Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese bell (bridgeton) had two tackles in a 31-28 victory over running back Isiah Pacheco (Vineland) and the Kansas City Chiefs. Pacheco had three carries for 16 yards and had two receptions for 17 yards.

Also on Thursday, Green b ay Packers wide receiver/defensive back/kick returner bo Melton (Cedar Creek, Mays Landing) had two rushed for 16 yards and also returned four kickoffs for 95 yards in a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions.

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (Cedar Creek, Mays Landing), b o’s younger brother, missed the Cardinals’ 20-17 loss to Tampa bay with a heel injury.

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.

Thomas LaManna (photo courtesy of Ray McCline)

Christmas Parade, Train Show, Holiday Festival in Ocean City

Ocean City’s annual Christmas Parade travels down Asbury Avenue at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Lights, garland, wreaths and bows adorn “The Avenue” for the season, and the parade will bring a variety of bands, floats and other entries to add a little warmth to the winter.

The event gives spectators time to shop and dine on downtown Asbury Avenue before and after the 6 p.m. start time. The parade starts at Sixth Street and proceeds to 11th Street.

This year’s parade will feature entries including the Ocean City High School Marching band, the Interboro High School Marching b and (of Prospect Park, Pa.), and the Absegami High School Marching b raves. Characters from “Frozen,” Frosty the Snowman, buddy the elf, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be on floats. Cold-air balloons — including the Grinch — will be part of the fun.

Three string bands, the Hobo band, Snoopy, Martin and Mollie Mollusk and a variety of dance teams also will participate. Float sponsors include McMahon Insurance, Pete Madden of Gold Coast Sotheby’s, OCNJ entertainment and the Stainton’s family of stores.

As part of the annual tradition, Santa Claus

provides a finale to the parade, greeting boys and girls from a horse-drawn carriage. A holiday drone show will then light the skies over Asbury Avenue to cap off the evening. This event had been scheduled for last week’s Christmas in the Downtown celebration but was postponed due to high winds. After the Christmas Parade,

spectators will be able to see the display as they look to the skies toward Sixth Street.

Model trains will be on display and for sale at the annual Train Show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 6 and 7) at the Ocean City Music Pier. Admission is free. For more information, call 609-3996111.

The Ocean City Free Public Library and Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue) will host their annual Holiday Festival from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. The celebration will include holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, refreshments, a visit with Santa and live music with the Package Goods Orchestra. The Ocean City Historical Museum will be open for tours, and their winter exhibit will feature a complete train platform. The Ocean City Arts Center will hold its annual winter pottery sale and gift shop with beautiful handmade items.

Registration open for Holiday House Decorating Contest

registration is now open for the annual Ocean City Holiday House Decorating Contest. The contest awards prizes based on creativity, special effects, lighting, theme and overall appearance. A list of all contest participants will be posted, so everybody can enjoy the holiday displays. The deadline to register is at noon Dec. 11. For more information and to register, visit ocnj.us/HolidayHouse.

Also coming up in December

Dec. 5-6 — Winter Book Sale: The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library will hold their Winter book Sale in the atrium of the library (1735 Simpson Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday (Dec. 6). There will be a large collection of audio books available at this sale. Make sure to bring a tote bag for your purchases.

with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.

Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Santa Claus: St. Nick will visit with children and be available for photos on weekends. He will be downtown at Mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then outside the Music Pier from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Free rides available from noon to 3 p.m.

urday, Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Featuring colorful costumes, iconic songs, and a talented cast of students in grades 3 to 8, this is a performance you won’t want to miss. Tickets ($15) are available at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Dec. 13-14 — Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition : The Ocean City Theatre Company will present “The Wizard of Oz: Youth edition” at 7:30 p.m. Sat-

Dec. 14-22 — Lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah: At nightfall on each night of Hanukkah, a candle will be lit on the menorah displayed on the front lawn of City Hall (861 Asbury Ave.) to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Dec. 31 — First Night: Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Ocean City’s family-friendly First Night New Year’s eve celebration. All-inclusive admission buttons will be on sale at firstnightocnj.com, by calling 609-399-6111 or at welcome centers in town.

First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31. One $25 button is good for all programs. Headline entertainment at the Ocean City Music Pier this year will include a tribute to the music of the Journey and “Motor City: the Motown revue.” The return of perennial favorites like outdoor ice-skating, a magic show, a mentalist, the Harlem Wizards, and a variety of other shows also highlight the entertainment lineup. Ocean City will reunite elton John and billy Joel at the Ocean City High School auditorium with separate tributes.

Jan. 1 — First Day: Start the new year with a 5K run on the boardwalk and a first dip in the Atlantic Ocean. register now at ocnj.us/race-events

Remember your feathered friends with a festive DIY bird feeder

By Tammy Thornton

As you are busy decking the halls with boughs of holly, take a moment to remember your feathered friends as well with a festive do-it-yourself bird feeder. This can be a fun project for anyone with young children or for those who are young at heart. Adding special embellishments like ribbon, cranberries, or oranges will add some holiday cheer to your feeder.

You have a variety of options for making your feeders, but all of these ideas are fairly simple. Incorporate as many natural elements as possible. Take a little nature walk to pick up some pinecones, holly branches, and pine. bonus points if you are able to bring your children or grandchildren along to help them appreciate nature

and the great outdoors. One easy way to make a feeder uses pine cones. Tie ribbon, string, or twine to a pine cone and spread peanut butter over the sides of the pine cone. You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, but certain birds, such as nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers, will enjoy any extra pieces of nuts in crunchy peanut butter. b ut it is best to choose a natural brand of peanut butter that does not have additives such as salt or sugar. Once you have covered the pine cone in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, hang it near a window and enjoy the view of grateful birds from inside.

b irdseed wreaths also make a festive way to feed the birds. I found an old wreath ornament made from wood that would be a perfect base for my birdseed. You can also make

your own miniature wreath by twisting a flexible twig, boxwood stem, or rosemary into a circle. Tie with floral wire to make your wreath. Then add peanut butter, oats, and birdseed. Add a few cranberries or holly berries to complete the look. Finish it off with a bow and hang for your birds to celebrate the season.

Another way to feed your feathered friends would be to offer them a garland of fruit. You can string pieces of apples, cranberries, slices of oranges, and grapes around your outdoor trees. Add some popcorn in between the fruit for a Christmassy garland that will soon have your birds serenading you with carols.

b y using old or thrifted cookie cutters, you can make bird feeders that are unique and personalized. Put your best effort into this simple project, and you can give them away as gifts for your bird-loving friends. Dissolve one packet of unflavored gelatin in half a cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool, and add one to two cups of birdseed. Cover your workspace with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Choose some fun cookie cutter shapes and fill the cookie cutter with the birdseed mixture, making sure to pack it firmly. Make a hole near the top of the shape with a straw or skewer. This will allow you to hang your finished product with ribbon, twine, or string. After the birdseed hardens for a few hours, gently remove the cookie cutter. Allow the birdseed to completely harden overnight. As it dries, you may want to flip

it over carefully to make sure the back dries as well. Once your new birdfeeder is completely dry and hard, you can wrap it in a cellophane bag and tie it with a pretty red ribbon to give away as a thoughtful and personal gift.

A word about squirrels: While you may not mind gifting these birdfeeders to the squirrels, keep in mind that they can take them down in one fell swoop. You may want to place these decorative, homemade feeders on a long string out of reach of the squirrels or under a squirrel baffle. Alternatively, you can use birdseed that is not preferred by squirrels. Safflower seeds would work equally well for all of these projects and are

not the seed of choice for squirrels. You can also play the numbers game and make an assortment of feeders to allow all of your backyard friends to have a chance of enjoying your special treats.

We would love to see your birdfeeder projects. Send your pictures, comments, and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.

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

Did you know that some birds love fruit ? String oranges, apples, cranberries, or grapes with popcorn for an edible outdoor garland.

Use cookie cutters to make a personalized bird feeder that can be wrapped and given as a gift.

Sweater Weather Is Library

Weather

The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the library is bustling with activity!

With best-selling books, workshops, children’s activities, and more, the Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone this fall.

Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources.

A tree by the sea: How a simple idea became an Ocean City holiday ritual

By Marcella Curcio

The Christmas tree has long served as an iconic family staple and the centerpiece of the holiday season. For many Ocean City residents, that tradition now includes their own beach Christmas tree for the public to enjoy.

The ritual began in 2019 when Sue Mcelwee, along with other surfing and skate park mothers, decided to take family photos with a Christmas tree on the beach. This simple idea was not expected to become an annual occurrence for the community.

They decided on North Street because this it was where the group went to the beach in the summer, already holding many traditions and memories.

to share a bit of holiday joy.

In 2020, the tree took on even greater significance. During the pandemic, it offered a cheerful, safe way for neighbors to gather. Young and

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

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

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

Over the past six years, the North Street b each Christmas Tree has grown into a beloved community event. e ach year, families, friends and neighbors gather the weekend before Thanksgiving to set up the tree, decorate it, place their personalized shells around it, take photos and enjoy its simple beauty. Care is taken to assemble the tree in a way that stands up to the shore’s elements while respecting the environment.

Mcelwee said she loves the simplicity of a Christmas tree, especially during a season when material distractions can take over. She hopes the tree reminds people how meaningful it is to slow down, gather with loved ones and share a tradition built from community effort. She also hopes the message resonates with her children, who look forward to continuing the event each year.

r esidents have added their own natural, eco-friendly decorations, each with personal touches. Despite the tradition’s humble beginnings, it has become a destination

old pitched in to collect 7,000 shells, drawing families and friends together

holiday stop for many families. Other streets — and even other shore towns — have now created beach trees of their own, with some people making a “tree crawl” to visit several in a day. Community is important to Mcelwee and her family. She is deeply involved in Ocean City’s surf culture, where her children often participate in contests that support charitable causes. She also encourages others

to join in simple community-inspired ideas, such as “beach art.” Peace signs, hearts and other shapes made from shells have become a familiar sight, warming hearts and lifting spirits.

Mc elwee hopes the tradition continues to spark joy, bring people together and inspire others to share in these simple but meaningful traditions.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 • 1-3:30 PM

EVENT KICKOFF IN THE ATRIUM AT 1PM Holiday crafts | Balloon sculptor Refreshments | A visit from Santa (Bring your letters!) Live Music with Package Goods Orchestra

Christmas tree on beach honors military

By Steffen Klenk

On a blustery Friday following Thanksgiving, members of the Darrow family made their annual visit to the 11th Street beach in Ocean City, placing a large Christmas tree beside the dunes. The gesture continues a meaningful tradition that began four years ago to honor members of the U.S. military, past and present. Today, it endures thanks to Ocean City resident Dave Darrow.

With help from his sons — Dan, Noah and Jesse — Darrow carried the Fraser fir up the 11th Street ramp and onto the sand. Once secured in place, the tree was decorated with red and blue lights, garland, ornaments and several American flags. e xtra care is taken each year to anchor the tree so it withstands the often-harsh winter weather along the shoreline.

with a personal message. Some are elaborately decorated, while others bear simple but heartfelt notes such as “Thank you for your service.” each shell represents a loved one, friend or neighbor who has served.

Surrounding the base are more than 40 clam shells, each inscribed

The tradition began in 2021 when local resident Kathy Darrow placed

the first tree in honor of her son, Noah, a proud member of the National Guard. After Kathy’s passing in 2022, her husband, Dave, continued her work. “She was always about helping people,” he said. “Not only is this a memorial for her, but it’s a memorial for so many others who have served in our military, both past and present.”

Now in its fourth year, the Military Tree stands as both a tribute to service members and a lasting gift to Kathy, whose idea has touched fam -

ilies throughout the region. Visitors can find Kathy’s Military Tree just off the boardwalk at 11th Street. The Darrow family welcomes anyone who wishes to leave a shell, ornament or message in honor of someone who has served.

As the holiday season continues, the tree offers a quiet reminder of sacrifice, gratitude and the importance of remembering our nation’s military — not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Photos by Steffen Klenk

Dave Darrow, Ocean City, with sons Noah, Dan and Jesse.

2 NEW RIDES for 2026

Nov 28 - Jan 1

Nov 28 - Dec 23 from 11am to 4pm Everyday

The Flanders Hotel marks the season with tradition, history and community

By Marcella Curcio

As the holiday season arrives, The Flanders Hotel is once again prepar-

ing to welcome guests into its elaborately decorated lobby, a tradition that has become part of Ocean City’s winter landscape. Throughout December, the landmark property hosts seasonal events including Santa’s annual visit, breakfast gatherings and its Holiday High Tea, which features roaming carolers and Victorian-style service.

The celebrations are a continuation of a long history. When The

T he F landers Hotel

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Join us for a morning of holiday cheer and enjoy our limited-time holiday menu with a take-home goodie bag from Santa Claus!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

9 AM - 12 PM

Emily’s Ocean Room Cafe at T he Flanders Hotel Reservations Required (609) 399-1000 Ext 7800

Holiday High Tea

Join us for the cherished tradition of T he Flanders Holiday High Tea! Enjoy a seasonal three-course menu with festive teas, featuring roaming carolers and a special holiday gift!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025 AT 2 PM

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (609) 399-1000 Ext 7889

!

Flanders opened in 1923, it was introduced to the public as “The Jewel of the Southern Jersey Shore,” a title reflecting both its size and its prominence along the boardwalk. Now entering its second century, the hotel remains one of Ocean City’s most recognizable buildings, standing at 11th Street next to Playland’s Castaway Cove.

Much of the hotel’s original character is still visible. Its hallways feature photographs depicting Ocean City in earlier eras — beachgoers, lifeguards and summer traditions captured in black-and-white. The building is listed on the National register of Historic Places and retains artifacts such as its original switchboard, early-20th-century phone booths and a Victrola record player.

Visitors can also explore the Terrace room, which showcases elements of the hotel’s early construction, and the Hall of Mirrors, known for its chandeliers and marble steps. The spaces offer a glimpse into the property’s evolution while maintaining its historic style.

emily’s Ocean room Cafe, located on the main level, was recently renovated and includes a fireplace that becomes a focal point during the colder months. The café displays a copy of its 1923 menu and photographs of dishes served across decades and holiday weekends. Throughout December, the kitchen will offer a seasonal menu that includes themed breakfasts and festive drinks.

retail shops on the first floor feature women’s apparel and accessories, while the Divine Images Spa provides massage, facial and salon services. Guest suites have been updated with contemporary amenities, and complimentary off-season parking is available — often a convenience for visitors attending year-round boardwalk events.

Holiday programming remains a major draw. Santa will visit the hotel on Dec. 20 for a breakfast event, followed by the Annual Holiday High Tea on Dec. 21. The tea includes performances by carolers and a small gift for attendees. The hotel’s dining promotions — including an advertised

10 percent discount in emily’s Ocean room — continue through the season.

beyond the holidays, The Flanders hosts events throughout the year, including celebrations for Valentine’s Day, e aster and Thanksgiving. Its spaces serve as venues for weddings, corporate meetings and community gatherings.

“The Flanders Hotel has a variety of annual events that are open to the community and add to the allure of visiting Ocean City from season to season,” said Dana Angelucci, the

hotel’s hospitality marketing manager.

The hotel also maintains close ties with local organizations. Partnerships include collaborations with the Ocean City Historical Museum, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean City Pops and Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, as well as theater groups that have used the hotel’s facilities for performances and events.

Its 20,000-square-foot ballroom and banquet center reflect both the building’s age and its adaptability.

The rooms retain architectural elements from the early 1900s while supporting modern-day functions and technology.

As The Flanders begins its second century, it continues to blend historic preservation with ongoing community involvement — a combination that has helped the hotel remain a fixture of Ocean City’s b oardwalk and a gathering place in every season, including the one now underway.

From frazzled to festive: Taming holiday stress

By Robin Stoloff

We all know the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” b ut as we’re

driving to the supermarket, wrapping gifts, cleaning the house, cooking, decorating, and baking, we might not feel that way. The holidays can be magical, but they can also pile on pressure, expectations, and a to-do list longer than parkway traffic on a Saturday morning in July. b etween parties, shopping, family gatherings, and end-of-year deadlines, it’s easy to reach New Year’s eve feeling exhausted instead of energized.

So why is a season that’s supposed to be joyful so stressful? For starters, we expect perfection: the perfect

tree, perfect gifts, and flawless family moments straight out of a greeting card. real life is much messier. b udgets are tight, families are complicated, and many people are quietly dealing with loss, loneliness, or health concerns. Then there’s social media, where every scroll shows picture-perfect holidays and highlight reels from other people’s lives. We rarely see the burnt dinners, family arguments, messy hair, or piled-up dishes – in other words, real life.

The good news is that we have more control than we think. With a few shifts in mindset and some simple habits, we can dial down the stress and actually enjoy the season.

One of the biggest stressors is time. There never seems to be enough of it. b efore the rush really hits, take a few minutes to map out your month. Write down everything you feel you “should” do, then circle the things that truly matter to you and your family. Maybe it’s Christmas eve dinner at Grandma’s, a menorah-lighting with friends, or a quiet night driving around to see holiday lights. Give yourself permission to let go of the extras that don’t add meaning, even if you’ve “always done it that way.” Traditions are meant to serve you, not the other way around.

I used to spend endless hours “overdoing it” and I was completely wiped out at the season. I decorated

the tree, the stairway, the mailbox, and the mantle. I hung outdoor lights and set up a Christmas train and village for my kids (of course they were younger) and then had to pack it all away. Little by little, the season started to feel more like work than joy, so I knew something had to change. I finally asked myself, what if I only kept the traditions that truly made me happy? Would the Christmas police come after me? Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Now I skip decorating every nook and cranny, send fewer holiday cards, and do less cooking and baking. I’ve shifted my focus to time with family and friends, and I feel far more relaxed and joyful all season long. Money is another major source of

holiday stress. You don’t have to go into debt to show people you love them. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping and stick to it. Consider a Secret Santa gift exchange, setting spending limits, or focusing on experiences instead of things, such as a family game night, tickets to a local show, or a day trip somewhere here at the Jersey Shore. remember, kids are far more likely to remember how they felt than what they unwrapped. Think about your own childhood, do you recall every gift, or do you remember the laughter, traditions, and feeling of being together?

Then there’s the emotional side of the holidays. Family gatherings can be beautiful, and a little stressful. Old tensions may bubble up, or you may be feeling the absence of someone you’ve lost. If certain conversations tend to push your buttons, plan ahead. It is perfectly okay to excuse yourself, change the subject, or set boundaries. You might say something like, “Let’s save that topic for another time and just enjoy tonight.” Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel. It’s normal to experience a mix of joy and sadness this time of year. Taking care of your body is one of the best ways to protect your mind. The holidays can throw our routines

out the window, but a little consistency goes a long way. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Aim to move your body most days. even a 10-minute walk around the block can clear your head and boost your mood. enjoy the treats (because what’s the season without a few cookies?), but balance them with nourishing foods, water, and at least a few “normal” meals each week. Stress shows up in your body, so it helps to teach your body how to relax. When you feel yourself getting tense, try this simple exercise: inhale

BAIT & TACKLE

slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale through your mouth for six. repeat a few times. This calms your nervous system and can help you respond instead of react. You can do it in the car, at a store, or even in the kitchen while the potatoes are boiling. Don’t forget to build in little pockets of joy just for you. Maybe it’s 15 quiet minutes with coffee before the house wakes up, a holiday movie after dinner, or a quick catch-up with a friend. These moments aren’t selfish; they refill your tank so you can show

up better for everyone else. A lot of emotions can surface this time of year. If it is a struggle to get up in the morning, or you feel sad or lonely this time of year, please don’t go through it alone. reach out to someone you trust and consider talking with a mental health professional. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and the holidays can make any emotions you’re carrying feel even more intense. At its heart, the holidays are about connection with the people we love and with what truly matters to us. When we let go of perfection, say no to the things that drain us, and say yes to the things that nourish us, we can reduce stress and truly enjoy the season.

This year, instead of chasing a flawless holiday, aim for a meaningful one. breathe, simplify, laugh at the little mishaps, and soak in the moments that make your heart feel full.

Robin Stoloff is a longtime South Jersey health reporter and host of Living Well with Robin Stoloff Sunday mornings at 10 on Lite 96.9 WFPG. Follow Robin on Facebook and Instagram or at LivingWellWithRobinStoloff.com for more health and wellness tips.

By Cindy Christy Fertsch

The holiday season is in full swing across South Jersey, and there is no shortage of festive activities to help you soak in the spirit of the month. Whether you are looking for family traditions, nostalgic charm or a cozy night out, these five experiences offer something special for everyone. best of all, several are free and easy to enjoy on a whim. Here are five favorites to explore before the season slips away.

1. Ride the Santa Express Train

Few holiday outings are as magical for children — and as nostalgic for adults — as climbing aboard a festive train. The Santa e xpress Train brings the season to life with decorated railcars, cheery conductors and Santa greeting passengers during the ride. Families can settle into their seats, enjoy the views and experience a classic holiday tradition that feels pulled from the pages of a storybook. It’s an easy, memorable way to spend time

together and a highlight for many who return year after year. I've done this several times with my family and it is a wonderful experience for kids of all ages! You can catch the train at either the richland or Tuckahoe Station.

For more information visit www.seashorelines.org

2. Experience Historic Smithville

Historic Smithville turns into a full-scale holiday village each December, and the experience is completely free. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone paths as more than 120 Christmas trees, arranged on the lake, light up in sync with music. Shops stay open late, the carousel spins under twinkling lights. The atmosphere captures the simple joy of the season without requiring anything more than a warm coat and a little time. Add a cup of hot chocolate and soak it all in.

3. Enjoy free horse and carriage rides on Asbury Avenue

Ocean City’s Asbury Avenue transforms during the holidays, offering free horse and carriage rides

on weekends. The gentle clip-clop of hooves, paired with decorated storefronts and cheerful music, makes this one of the most charming experiences of the season. r iders can take in the beautiful storefronts and City Hall Christmas decor. This Hallmark-style experience is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

4. Visit the Frosted Queen at Queen Jayne’s in Somers Point

Queen Jayne’s Lounge & royal Drinkery rolls out its “Frosted Queen” takeover each December, turning the already stylish gathering spot into a whimsical winter hideaway. e xpect seasonal cocktails, shimmering décor and a menu that leans into the flavors of the holidays. It’s a fun choice for a girls’ night out or a cozy date night, and the thoughtful details make the space feel both festive and intimate. If you’re looking for an experience that feels special but close to home, this one is worth prioritizing. This makes a great date night or girls night out.

5. Step inside Resorts’ Candy Cane Lounge

resorts Atlantic City embraces the holiday season with its Candy Cane Lounge, a delightful pop-up bar decked out in bright reds, whites and sparkling holiday flair. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails and light bites while soaking in the playful, over-thetop atmosphere. It’s a perfect stop before a show, after dinner or simply as a festive detour on a night out. The lounge changes its theme each year, making it a fun annual tradition for locals and visitors alike. I have a video of my daughter dancing with Santa here that I will treasure forever. Santa of course is a regular here. And be sure to try the themed holiday cocktails like the Candy Cane Cosmo, the North Pole Nightcap, the Maple Old Fashioned, and buzzball eggnog and buzzball Hazelnut.

No matter how busy the month may feel, these experiences offer easy ways to slow down and enjoy the season. From free family outings to creative holiday pop-ups, South Jersey shines with opportunities to savor the magic of December.

Lucy the Elephant 1881

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Top Weekly Entertainment Picks

By Steffen Klenk

It’s the first weekend of December and that brings plenty of seasonal festivities to South Jersey, from holiday concerts to family fun. Plus, actor Macaulay Culkin shares stories from “Home Alone” at Ocean Casino and Candy Cane Lounge opens at resorts. read all about it in the Top Weekly entertainment Picks.

What : Vinter Wonderland

Where: renault Winery

When : Fridays-Sundays

Time: 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 12-10 p.m. Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. Sundays.

Website: https://renaultwinery.com/ vintner-wonderland-2025/ Immerse yourself in holiday magic at r enault’s Vinter Wonderland. This winter festival provides the perfect opportunity to gather loved ones, savor the season and create long-lasting memories. Activities include ice skating, local artisans, live entertainment, culinary creations, a photo booth, festival of trees and more.

What : Luminary Light Festival

Where: Absecon Lighthouse

When : Friday, Dec. 5

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Website: www.abseconlighthouse. org/events/event

The Absecon Lighthouse invites the

public to this festive evening filled with caroling and DJ tunes, a full

moon lighthouse climb, tree lighting and a lovely wine and cheese tasting for all guests to enjoy. Tickets are $25 with proceeds supporting the Absecon Lighthouse. For more information, call 609-449-1360.

What : Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village

Where: Noyes Arts Garage

When : Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7

Time: 12-4 p.m.

Website: www.artsgarageac.com enjoy two full days of artisan vendors, live music, amazing food, Santa and crafts under one roof. Plus, check out the gingerbread village and contest to vote on your favorite gingerbread house. Admission is free.

Who: earth, Wind & Fire

Where: Hard rock Live at etess Arena

When : Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ earth-wind-fire

Music legends earth, Wind & Fire have toured across the country and around the world since 1969 and have sold more than 100 million albums, including eight No. 1 hits. With nine Grammy awards, these rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame icons have garnered a successful catalog of timeless hits, such as “Let’s Groove,” “September” and “Shining Star,” among many others.

Who: Kelli Glover

Where: The Inn on St. Louis

When : Saturday, Dec. 6

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Website: www.theinnonstlouis. com/events

Kick off Christmas this Saturday with “America’s Got Talent” Season 9 semi-finalist Kelli Glover live in egg Harbor City. enjoy a selection of fine holiday tunes along with fantastic food and seasonal drinks.

What : Hospitality Night

Where: Historic Smithville

When : Saturday, Dec. 6

Time: 6 p.m.

Website : https://www.historicsmithville.com/uncategorized/ hospitality-night/

The shoppes of Historic Smithville thank their loyal customers with a festive night filled with discounts, treats and holiday cheer. The special evening will include raffles, discounts and seasonal refreshments, along with s’mores by the Village Greene, the Holiday Light Show on the Lake and a performance by the St. Vinny Choir at the Village Greene Gazebo at 6 p.m.

Who: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin: ‘Home Alone’ 35th Anniversary

Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

When : Sunday, Dec. 7

Time: 4 p.m.

Website : www.theoceanac.com/

entertainment/headliners/macaulayculkin-home-alone enjoy a special screening of the beloved holiday classic “Home Alone” followed by an exclusive, moderated interview and audience Q&A with Macaulay Culkin, the star who brought Kevin McCallister to life. Fans will hear behind-the-scenes stories, favorite memories from filming and Culkin’s insights into why the movie remains a timeless favorite.

What : Stockton Holiday Choral Concert

Where: Stockton Performing Arts Center

When : Sunday, Dec. 7

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: https://stockton.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1732

Join the Stockton choral program for an exciting evening of holiday music featuring the Stockton Chorale, University Chorus and the Oratorio Society Community Choir with special guests. The program will include a delightful blend of holiday favorites, moving melodies and wonderful choral singing.

What : Candy Cane Lounge Pop-Up bar

Where: resorts Atlantic City

When : Now-Jan. 4

Website : www.resortsac.com/ entertainment/winter-holiday-popup-bar/

b ar One inside resorts has been transformed into the Candy Cane Lounge this holiday season. enjoy a selection of seasonally curated cocktails and take some holiday selfies. The bar will feature plenty of festive décor along with live entertainment, with performances by holiday characters every weekend in December.

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.

Atlantic City Headliners

Thursday,

Dance

▶3:30

Tropicana Showroom

Atlantic City Ballet: It’s a Shore Holiday

▶7 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars

Friday, December 5

Earth, Wind & Fire

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena Vic DiBitetto

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock Christmas in Concert

▶8 p.m.

The Music box at borgata

Saturday, December 6

Earth, Wind & Fire

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Matt Fraser

▶8 p.m.

The Music box at borgata

Jeffrey Osborne and Breakwater

▶8 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars

Human Nature Christmas Motown

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Sunday, December 7

A Nostalgia Night with Macaulay Culkin: Home Alone 35th

Anniversary

▶4 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Friday, December 12

Jerry Seinfeld

▶8 p.m.

borgata event Center

The Temptations & The Four Tops

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

The Michael Buble Experience: A Very Buble Christmas

▶9 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars

Saturday, December 13

Bush

▶7:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Engelbert Humperdinck

▶8 p.m.

The Concert Venue at Harrah’s

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra

▶8 p.m.

The Music box at borgata

An Ozzie & Harriet Christmas with the Nelsons

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Eric Benet

▶8 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars

Sunday, December 14

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

▶4 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Friday, December 19

Garden State Live

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Saturday, December 20

Christmas in the Air

▶3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

The Concert Venue at Harrah’s

Friday, December 26

Pitbull

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Saturday, December 27

Pitbull

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Wednesday, December 31

Goo Goo Dolls

▶10 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

On Sale This Week

Mammoth: The End Tour

▶Friday, Mar. 13

Tropicana Showroom

Gabriel Iglesias

▶Saturday, Sep. 5

borgata event Center

Tickets on sale Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.

HOLIDAY CATERING MENU

Meat & Cheese Board

Small serves 15-20 people

Large serves 25-30 people..........

Grilled Veggies Board

Small serves 15-20 people

Large serves 25-30 people..........

Crudite & Hummus Board Small serves 15-20 people Large serves 25-30 people..........

Assorted sandwiches on rye bread and kaiser rolls include roast beef, smoked ham, roasted turkey, corned beef, Swiss, and American cheese.

sandwich trays come with three homemade sides (potato salad, macaroni salad, & cole slaw) along with classic deli pickles, and condiments

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena hosts Earth, Wind & Fire on Dec. 5 and 6. Photo credit: Earth, Wind & Fire Facebook

‘Tis the season!

6 must-visit South Jersey holiday destinations

By Scott Cronick

South Jersey is magical during the holiday season. Whether you are looking for a quaint, Victorian-style visit with Santa in Cape May or a more flashy, party vibe at the casinos in Atlantic City, South Jersey offers holiday experiences for everyone.

The list below could have probably been 20 or more deep, but for the sake of brevity, here are my six favorite places I recommend that you visit this holiday season.

And, if you see me out and about, please buy me an eggnog.

Merry Christmas!

Byrdcage

The new kid on the block is byrdcage, a fantastic new restaurant and bar that looks spectacular for the holiday season.

everyone is welcome to check out the festive lights, trees, decorations and special events that the b yrdcage will build on every year to make it part of your holiday tradition.

At the top of the list is the M bCA Foundation’s Stock the Sleigh fundraiser 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15. The M bCA, in conjunction with Atlantic County Toys for Kids, has already purchased thousands of dollars of toys for children in need this holiday season, but they aren’t done yet. b ring a new, unwrapped toy to the event — or 10 toys or monetary donation — and you will be treated to a complimentary hors d’oeuvre buffet and awesome drink specials. If you can’t make the event, drop off toys at the location anytime through Dec. 15.

If you haven’t been to the birdcage yet, you are missing out on one of Atlantic City’s culinary treasures, where you will find great food service and cocktails.

Co-owners Jason Tell, Giulietta Consalvo and richard Helfant have really done things right for the holiday season, including a killer Christ-

mas Cocktails menu with drinks like Mrs. Claus Secret Sip with rumchata, Malibu, spiced rum, nutmeg and a coconut dusted rim; the Fa-La-La Fashioned with bourbon, muddled cranberries, rosemary simple winter bitters and a rosemary sprig; The S’more the Maryer with Crown royal Chocolate, bailey’s, chocolate bitters

and a roasted marshmallow topper; and Partridge in a bear Tree with Absolut Pear, prosecco, honey and a rosemary sprig.

Other special events this holiday season include Sinatra crooner Steven Maglio celebrating Sinatra’s 110th birthday on Dec. 14; a Holiday Jazz b runch with The Jazzbyrds Dean Schneider, bob Shomo, Melanie rice and Andy Lalasis on Dec. 28; and a big New Year’s eve bash.

(For more information on all special events and menus, go to byrdcageAC.com)

Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille

If you love the holiday spirit and all of the traditions and beauty that go with it, a visit to Cape May is not just recommended, it’s essential. Walk to promenade or take a trolley ride down the Victorian streets of Cape May, and you feel like you have been transported into a Dickens novel.

While I have done the usual spots over the years, I was thrilled to discover one of my favorite places in Cape May — Harry’s Ocean b ar &

Grille — is really going over the top thanks to a great food and beverage team led by some friends who are Atlantic City veterans enjoying the more peaceful scenery of Cape May.

How over the top is Harry’s? even the walls are lined with Christmas wrap. There are also surfing Santas and fire pits galore.

Located at the Montreal b each resort, a great retreat right on the ocean, Harry's is owned by Madison resorts.

events this year include b reakfast with Santa, a Skrewball Pairing e xperience, a Grinch Party, an Ugly Sweater Contest, live weekly entertainment, a Toys for Tots fundraiser, plus a New Year's eve dinner and bash.

Their pop-up Jingle bar has become so popular over the last couple of years that there is often a line down b each Avenue on weekends. So, either plan to wait in the cold, or head there on a weekday for much easier access.

The cozy winter escape is brimming with holiday cheer, thousands of twinkling lights, awesome trees, an expanded schedule with longer hours, great food — check out the chicken pot pie — and a special menu so you can cook s’mores over a firepit on the roof while overlooking the ocean.

One of the main reasons to go to Jingle bar with a bunch of friends is its Instagram-worthy holiday tree filled with specialty cocktails like the Mistletoe Margarita, b lue Christmas, Candy Cane Crush and Snowflake e ggnog. There’s also creamy hot chocolate available in a spiked version, along with hot spiked cider and hot buttered rum. It’s also one of the few places you will find one of my favorite beers — Tipsy elf.

enjoy a brunch buffet with Santa

on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 20, live music every weekend, adding a cheerful soundtrack to your holiday memories.

Treat yourself to an overnight stay at any of the Madison hotels, whether it’s right on site at the Montreal beach resort, or over the bridge at one of my favorite new places, Madison resorts in Wildwood Crest. They offer shuttles to make your stay more affordable and convenient.

(For more information on Harry’s Jingle bar and all Madison resorts, go to Madison resorts. com)

Ocean Casino Resort

The new undisputed champ of Christmas in Atlantic City is undeniably Ocean Casino resort.

Light for light, tree for tree, special event for special event, no one can go pound to pound again Ocean’s massive holiday offerings and special events in Atlantic City. They own it.

At the top of the chimney is Santa’s Hideway Adventure, an experience every family should absolutely do at least once in their lives, There is no better visiting Santa Claus experience in South Jersey than this. Through Dec. 24, experience holiday magic and embark on a virtual journey from Ocean Casino resort

to Santa's Secret Hideaway via the North Pole Magical elevator. Meet Santa, then shop festive gifts at Ocean's Holiday Village. You will not get a better picture with Santa than this.

While there, shop local artisans and Ocean retail stores for their holiday village, and give yourself an early Christmas gift and stay in one of their holiday hotel rooms.

I believe Ocean Casino is the only Atlantic City property that transforms multiple floors into festive-themed rooms, complete with decorated hallways and rooms and suites, including a holiday tree in every room. Available through Jan. 4, there’s also a Mean Green Holiday Suite inspired by The Grinch.

Perhaps the most decorated casino restaurant in Atlantic City is Linguini by the Sea, which becomes a Winter Wonderland through Jan. 3 with stunning decorations and a curated seasonal menu that includes family-style offerings such as rigatoni al Pomodoro and shortrib Milanese in a snowy landscape. New this year is a children's menu crafted with Mrs. Claus' Fried Mozzarella, rudolph's Cheesey Flatbread and more!

Of course, Ocean has its own holiday-themed bar called the Jingle

↘Continued on 52

b ell bar, and it ranks right up there with the best of them in town. Open through Jan. 3, the casino floor bar features thousands of lights, holiday decorations, special drink concoctions and live music — awesome singalong piano players — offering your favorite Christmas carols mixed with classic rock and modern music.

Finally, ring in 2026 at Nola's bar & Lounge, which is offering a premium bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and a complimentary glass of champagne for the big toast at midnight, along with live music all night!

(For more information and to purchase tickets, go to TheOceanAC.com)

Renault Winery

Outside of the casinos, no other resort property in South Jersey celebrates the holiday season more stunningly than renault Winery.

The term “Winter Wonderland” is definitely overused, so the winery has cleverly titled their seasonal offerings as “Vintner Wonderland,” and it lives up to that name in a big way.

entire estate decked out for the holiday season — and beyond. No matter where you roam on property, you will be reminded Santa Claus is definitely coming to town. Firepits to make s’mores on. Igloos and French chalets to dine in. An ice-skating rink to coast around. A village to shop in. Live musicians and DJs to provide the holiday

The e gg Harbor institution has been transformed into a scene from a Hallmark movie with the

barrel tree to admire. raclette to get cheesy with. Hot spiced wine and decadent hot chocolate to warm up the innards. A pop-up bar called Grinch’s Lair to sip specialty cocktails … Get the idea?

soundtrack. A barrel train for the kiddies — and adults — to ride on. A

And, of course, there are more special events than you can shake a candy cane at, including Cookies and Cocktails, the Festival of Trees for Hope Chest, the reindeer run, stories, visits and breakfast with Santa and more.

The decorations, including what must be hundreds of thousands of lights, are absolutely beautiful, and the overall theme brings european character to South Jersey. And with the remote vineyard setting, the only thing that would make it prettier would be some fresh snow.

Don’t leave without a bottle — or at least trying — the special holiday release of renault’s signature blueberry champagne.

If you’re looking for something to

do on New Year’s eve, renault has that covered, too, for adults looking for a night out or for the whole family. Check out their signature restaurant, Taste 1864, for a culinary adventure.

The opening highlight of the season takes places on Friday, Dec. 5, during renault’s annual tree lighting ceremony, where Santa arrives to light the historic barrel Tree in the heart of Vintner Wonderland.

The night will feature local vendors and artisans, live entertainment, a DJ, giveaways and plenty of family fun to officially ring in the holiday season.

Don’t forget you can stay at renault’s gorgeous hotel with the Magic of Vintner Package starting at $369 a night that includes a private firepit, private cabana access, $100 food and beverage credit, bottle of wine, s’mores kit, ice skating and more.

Vintner Wonderland has to be seen to be believed.

(For a full schedule of events and more information for Vintner Wonderland at renault Winery in e gg Harbor, go to renaultWinery.com,)

Resorts Casino Hotel

resorts, the most historic Atlantic City casino, takes on a special charm during the Christmas season that is worth a trip alone, but its Candy Cane Lounge is the topper on the tree. No other casino does pop-up bars better or as regularly as resorts,

↘Continued on 54

which transforms its lobby bar, bar One, so often that it’s rarely called bar One anymore.

Open through Jan. 4, it’s the perfect place to sip on holiday-themed cocktails like the Candy Cane Cosmo, the North Pole Nightcap, the Maple Old Fashioned and $5 eggnog and Hazelnut buzzballz specials.

It’s also an amazing spot to take some festive selfies thanks to its over-the-top decorations, live music and weekly events including Trivia Night on Mondays, Karaoke Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays and b ingo Night on Sundays.

There’s also ornament giveaways,

Christmas sweater contests, holiday dancers, face painting and a giveaway party with Gallo Wine.

(For a complete list of Candy Cane Lounge events, go to resortsAC.com)

While on property, treat yourself to an amazing Italian meal at Capriccio, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city with a european, classic design scheme that provides an unforgettable romantic experience. For the season they are bringing back their legendary Sunday brunches on Dec. 7 and 14.

The best brunch in the city is $79 per person, $39 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under, and it’s worth every penny. The festive

brunch will feature a lavish buffet with prime rib, made-to-order omelets and waffles, carved prime rib, seafood bar, gourmet flatbreads, fresh sushi from Mukashi and breakfast and lunch favorites. It will also include a visit from Santa!

If you like the holiday season but longing for a beach day, check out Christmas Island, a pop-up, tropical-themed holiday bar at Landshark bar & Grill. A “Caribbean Santa” will be there for photo ops, and drink specials and decorations will offer a nice variation from traditional Christmas offerings.

For some entertainment, resorts’ popular Candlelight Concerts offers a Christmas Carols on Strings variation 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, both in the Starlight ballroom. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Atlantic City.

year we have been together.

Tropicana Atlantic City

No other Atlantic City casino has celebrated Christmas properly and consistently than Tropicana since they opened The Quarter back in 2004.

For more than 20 years, the nowCaesars-owned property mesmerizes crowds and attracts holiday thrill seekers with more holiday options than perhaps anyone else in the city.

Thanks to its awesome retail offerings, slew of restaurants — Carmine’s specifically goes all out for the holidays — and special events and experiences, going to the Tropicana for the holiday season has become as traditional as going to hanging stockings on the mantel.

The Trop has two mind-blowing trees to check out. The largest is located inside the fountain in The Quarter. The giant tree has thousands of lights, hundreds of ornaments and decorations and is timed to music for a special musical light show on the top of every hour through Dec. 26.

My personal favorite is the Poinsettia Tree on Palm Walk on the casino floor. It is possibly my favorite tree of all time as hundreds — if not thousands — of live poinsettias are arranged to make a towering, gorgeous and festive reminder for the holidays. I probably have a picture of me and the wife in front of it every

The Trop also transformed Tango’s Lounge into Holidaze, a pop-up holiday bar that is decked to the halls with lights, trees, ornaments and holiday flicks like elf and Scrooged playing on the flat-screen TVs through Jan. 1. There’s plenty of delicious specialty cocktails like Judy’s Shaken Hot Chocolate and North Pole Sangria, live music and DJs and magic to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

As a movie buff, I would be remiss to not mention that the IMAX Theatre inside The Quarter will continue its holiday tradition of screening “The Polar e xpress,” a fantastic, animated, holiday adventure starring Tom Hanks, on Dec. 6 and 12.

If you are going to dine out at one meal this holiday season, I can’t encourage you enough to check out The Feast of Seven Fishes at the casino’s magnificent Il Verdi, which will keep the Christmas eve tradition alive with a prix-fixe, five-course menu.

(For a full list of events at the Tropicana and all Caesars properties, go to Caesars.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.

Creed’s Mark Tremonti swings into Borgata with his Frank Sinatra obsession and a cause

The Casino File

By Chuck Darrow

Musically speaking, a pretty wide gulf separates the modern-rock genre and Frank Sinatra. but Mark Tremonti, lead guitarist of both Creed and Alter b ridge, is thriving in both sonic universes.

Dec. 13, Tremonti hits the stage of the Music b ox at borgata Hotel Casino & Spa with his holiday-themed program, “Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra – Christmas Special.” While the 51-year-old Detroit native grew up in a Sinatra-loving home, it was the one-two punch of the COVID-19 pandemic and the birth of his daughter, Stella, that launched this phase

of his career.

During a recent phone chat, Tremonti, whose band includes musicians who toured and recorded with Ol’ blue eyes, explained that he had enjoyed singing Sinatra songs “for fun” prior to the worldwide viral outbreak of 2020. Then things took some dramatic turns.

“It was during the beginnings of COVID, and I had all the time in the world to do it. So, I was just practicing for hours and hours and hours a day having fun,” he offered. but with the fun came issues.

“The biggest challenge with Sinatra’s singing is, he sang like he was part of the band, he sang like a trombone player, like Tommy Dorsey played,” he noted, referencing the superstar swing bandleader who gave the young Sinatra his start in bigtime show business. “He'd watch how [Dorsey] breathed, and how he phrased; he phrased his vocals like a horn player.

“And, when you're learning a

Sinatra song, you pretty much have to learn one version of it, because every version's gonna sound a little different because he sang it differently every time.

“So, I would choose my favorite versions, and then I would have to get into muscle memory and get into…the way he timed it, because he had such a unique way of timing his lines.”

At one point, however, Tremonti reached a crossroads with his Sinatra obsession.

“As I started feeling like I was improving and getting better at it, I was like, what am I gonna do with this? You know, spending all this time on it really makes no sense to me.

“And then, my wife and I went in for a doctor’s appointment when she was pregnant with our daughter. And before she was born [in 2021], we got the diagnosis that she was gonna be born with Down Syndrome.

“And the light bulb went off in

↘Continued on 56

my head immediately. I was like, you know what? All this was for something. There was a reason why all of a sudden, I'm obsessed with singing like Frank Sinatra.”

That reason would ultimately manifest itself in the establishment of the SMILe with Stella Down Syndrome Clinic in Orlando, whose operation is underwritten in large part by proceeds from his 2022 album, “Mark Tremonti Christmas Classics Old & New,” and Sinatra-focused performances.

“I can't tell you how many stars have aligned since we started this project,” he said. “To get the [Sinatra] family's approval to do this and to get [musicians who have backed Sinatra] to record on it and to get all these things happening that have happened, it’s the best thing.

“We partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society, and we've raised millions of dollars at this point, but I think the most significant money that we've raised went to opening up the very first Down Syndrome lifespan clinic in the southeastern United States. Within the first two years, we’ve had 400-plus families. We're busting out of the seams in this clinic.

“When I’m an old man on my deathbed, that's what I'll be most proud of in my life.”

According to Tremonti, his dive into the Sinatra waters has yielded a bonus: kudos from some of his rock-royalty colleagues. He spoke of a phone call from his friend, a veteran rock 'n' roll-tour security specialist, that included some flattering news.

“He called me one day, and he said, ‘Hey, yesterday, I was driving [robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame] to [the bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee], and I asked him if I could play him a record. And he said, “Of course.’ And he said [Plant] absolutely loved it.

“And I remember I was opening up for Judas Priest with my solo band, Tremonti, and I walked into catering and [Priest lead singer] rob Halford sees me and he’s like ‘That record is beautiful!’ I said, ‘What record?’ And he says, ‘Your Sinatra record.’ And I'm like, ‘ rob Halford knows my Sinatra record?’”

Others who’ve signaled their approval of Tremonti’s Sinatra tribute include Guns N’ roses’ guitarist Slash and KISS six-stringer Paul Stanley.

“This,” he said with obvious pride,

“has been, I think in my entire career, the best response I've ever gotten for anything I've done.” For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com. For more on the SMILe with Stella Down Syndrome Clinic, go to adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-children/our-services/ down-syndrome-program.

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

Mark Tremonti's has used his 'obsession' with Frank Sinatra to create the first Down Syndrome clinic in the southeastern United States

Joe McGinty brings jazzy piano vibe to Angeloni’s Club Madrid Monday

Tune In, Turn On

With Doug Deutsch

It’s a particular joy to write about local musicians who have found suc-

cess outside of the Jersey Shore area and who return to live and perform here again.

One such musician is pianist-vocalist Joe McGinty, former keyboard player for The Psychedelic Furs, an english post-punk/new wave group that achieved considerable success in the ’80s with singles such as “Love My Way” and “Pretty in Pink,” among others.

“If I can make it there, I can make

it anywhere,” the lyrics from the famous Frank Sinatra song, “New York, New York,” come to mind when thinking of McGinty.

“In New York, I own a piano bar, Sid Gold’s request room, where pianists provide live accompaniment for anyone that wants to get on the mic to sing,” McGinty told Tune in Turn On in a recent interview.

“As I’m spending more and more time in Ventnor, I’ve been looking for possible gigs down here, and musicians to work with,” added McGinty, who’s also a composer, producer and self-described "piano maven." “While checking out local music at the Anchor rock Club, I became a fan of (local indie rock band) Molly ringworm and their singer, Sarah Holt. We were introduced by Greg Mangan at the Anchor, and shortly after I suggested working together. Since then, we’ve played last year’s C. r .O.P.S. benefit, and we’ve recorded a Christmas song which will be released next year.”

including members of the bangles, Cowsills and Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris and Sarah!”

The album could not be released this year in time for proper distribution, said McGinty.

McGinty and the aforementioned Holt have been creating a buzz locally at Angeloni’s Club Madrid in the Ducktown section of Atlantic City with what has become a monthly residency there (next show: Monday, Dec. 8; always free).

“I was looking for a place to do a Sid Gold’s ‘pop-up’ piano bar, and Angeloni’s Club Madrid has the perfect retro vibe. Sarah and I do a short set to warm up the crowd, then I accompany anyone that wants to sing one of the thousands of songs on my song list. Sarah and I do a short set of alternative and classic holiday songs (including a preview of our Christmas song). It’s a monthly series. The next one (after Dec. 8) will be Jan. 19.”

When you blend Holt’s vocals with McGinty’s deft piano playing, the result is an enjoyable musical cocktail, with Club Madrid’s dark, nightclub-like atmosphere making the ideal setting.

McGinty and Holt will perform a new Christmas single, “Meet Me at the Mistletoe.” It’s a preview of what McGinty will release next year:

“A disco Christmas album, 10 songs, each with a different singer,

When in NYC, make sure to check out McGinty’s highly regarded Loser’s Lounge shows. According to press materials, “Joe McGinty & The Loser’s Lounge, founded in 1993, is a collective of New York City’s finest performers who have been selling out live shows every other month for 30 years. A Loser’s Lounge performance often includes strings, horns, extensive vocal arrangements and a backing band made up of the best musicians in New York.

“Along with a parade of up-andcoming singers, some past celebrity guest performers have included richard Dreyfuss, Moby, Parker Posey, Debbie Harry, Lee Hazlewood, Paul Williams, Cyndi Lauper, John Cameron Mitchell, Fred Schneider, Joey ramone, John Flansburgh of They Might b e Giants, ronnie Spector, Anne Magnuson, Michael Cerveris, Joan Jett, Ian Hunter, Fred Armisen, Antony, Santigold and many more.”

P.S. Happy birthday (Dec. 4) to the love of my life, Sue Goldstein.

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

Joe McGinty will be at the keys for Sid Gold’s Piano Bar Karaoke, Monday, Dec 8, 7-10 p.m. at Angeloni’s.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, December 4

Atlantic

Bar

8

Nola’s

500

Friday,

Atlantic

Borgata

3426

6 – 10 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Hard

Dueling Pianos

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

Nola’s

7 p.m.

7

Caroline’s

8:30

Jeremy Oren performs at the 1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino, Friday, Dec. 5. Photo credit: Jeremy Oren Facebook

Gregory’s

Carlos Morales

6 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Tom brett

7 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

David Jacobs-Strain and b ob beach. 7:30 p.m.

217 e . Main St.

Saturday, December 6

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Jeremy Oren

6 p.m.

Alex Walsh

9:15 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Groundless, iiswear2goth, Agony of Avarice

7:30 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

One Hot Mess

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9:15 p.m. – late 1133 boardwalk

Borgata B Bar embers the band Trio

7:30 – 11 p.m.

Out of Spite Trio

11:30 p.m. – late

1 borgata Way

Council Oak at Hard Rock Minas Trio

6 – 10 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

Dueling Pianos

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Indelible Groove Duo

7 p.m.

The b oy b and Project Holiday Show

10 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Foots

5 p.m.

big bang baby

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

No Standards

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Don’t Call Me Francis

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

Girls Can’t Help It: Girls of rock Tribute

9 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The West at Caesars royals

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

2100 Pacific Ave.

Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino

Andrew Moorer

8:30 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Wyndham Skyline Tower

Magic Comedy Hour feat. Joe

Holiday

4 p.m. & 7 p.m.

100 S. North Carolina Ave.

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Zacrun

12 – 4 p.m.

72 N. bremen Ave.

Galloway

Josie Kelly’s St. Nicholas Aurora Christmas Carolers

7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Chris Yoder band

9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Floyd Pink: Celebrating the Music of Pink Floyd

3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

217 e . Main St.

Sunday, December 7

Atlantic City

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Christopher Farrell

5 – 9 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

279 Social bar None Duo

7 – 10 p.m.

279 S. New York rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

The O’Fenders

3 – 6 p.m.

99 reasons

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Dueling Pianos

8 p.m.

500 boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Hometown radio

4 – 7:30 p.m.

Andrew Moorer band

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

450 bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Lew London & bob Mower

6 – 9 p.m.

2 broadway

Egg Harbor City

Renault Winery

Nash Vegas Girls

↘Continued on 64

Participate in Karaoke Night with DJ Mike at Caroline’s by the Bay on Thursday, Dec. 4. Photo credit: Mike Dempsey Facebook

12 – 4 p.m.

72 N. bremen Ave.

Galloway

279 Social Taylor Lenahan

1 – 4 p.m.

279 S. New York rd.

Monday, December 8

Atlantic City

Byrdcage

Music Monday with Kelli Glover

7 – 10 p.m.

3426 Atlantic Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

The event Horizon

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Trivia Night w/ DJ bill

7 – 9 p.m.

450 bay Ave.

Gregory’s

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

7 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Tuesday, December 9

Atlantic City

Il Mulino at Hard Rock

Sinatra Night

5 – 8 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & bugzy. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Daddy Pop

7 – 11 p.m.

DJ Johnny Looch

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Music bingo w/ DJ Chris

7 – 9 p.m.

450 bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s DJ Ken 5 – 9 p.m. 908 Shore rd.

Wednesday, December 10

Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts

DJ Gary

9:15 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

My Hero Zero

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Egg Harbor City

The Inn on St. Louis Karaoke Night

7 – 10 p.m.

446 St. Louis Ave.

Margate

Bocca

Live Jazz by b ob & The b occa boys

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Tuckahoe Inn

Danny eyer

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

1 Harbor rd.

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

Josie Kelly’s

Jimmy brogan

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Events subject to change.

My Hero Zero

Drink Up!

By David Setley

This time of year, I like to anticipate the coming weeks while looking back on the past months with gratitude. Firstly, allow me to express my appreciation to you for reading these articles. Many have reached out or stopped in with kind remarks and thoughtful questions; I am truly humbled by your continued interest and support. Secondly, thank you to my wife and editor, Gwen. Trust me, without her, these articles would not read as well as they do. And thirdly, I’d like to thank those in the wine world – those who enjoy wine, those who sell wine, and, of course, those who make wine.

December is the month of Top 10 lists: top news and sports stories, top movies, top music, etc. I’ve prepared my Top 10 list of new-to-me wines in 2025. rather than waiting until the

Best wines of 2025

end of the month, I thought it might help to have this list earlier to assist with wine gifting and event planning.

10. Altos de Luzon Montrell (Jumilla, Spain) – 100% Organic Montrell. Jumilla is located in the Mercia wine region, often called the soul of Spain. This dark ruby red wine features aromas and flavors of black currant, purple plum, dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and hints of smoke and flint with a splash of cranberry on the finish. It is a complex wine with very smooth tannins: perfect for red wine lovers.

9. Cheneau Macon-Verze Le Grand Cheneau (Macon, Burgundy, France) – 100% Chardonnay. Arguably the most contentious wine of recent years has been Chardonnay. Some love the buttery, oaky flavors present in California’s approach to the varietal. However, this Chardonnay comes from the birthplace of the varietal: burgundy, France. Fermented in temperature-controlled steel to enhance the pure character of a Chardonnay without the oak effect, this wine will remind you why the varietal is a classic.

8. Method Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California USA) – 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot. This wine earned

Wine enthusiast magazine’s #1 wine under $20 for 2025. Winemaker Trevor Sheehan and Master Sommelier Ian Cauble collaborated to produce a classic Napa Cab at an amazing price. This wine offers luxurious aromas and flavors of blackberry, black plum, vanilla, and dried thyme.

7. Gratsi Rosé (Limoux, France) –This is the first boxed wine to make my Top 10 list, and it deserves to be here. A pale pink rosé with bright aromas of ripe strawberries and mixed berry fruit, this wine is crisp and refreshing with a long, fruity finish. To make this wine, Malbec from the cool-climate Limoux region is blended with Gamay and Merlot from the Tolosan area, west of Toulouse. The result is a lovely freshness and round, fruit-forward character. exceptionally versatile, this wine is perfect on its own or paired with fish, white meats, and pizza.

6. Cappella Sant'Andrea Vernaccia di San Gimignano (San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy) – 100% Vernaccia di San Gimgnano. I am a big fan of this varietal, and this is my favorite yet. This organic, hand-harvested dry white wine is delightful. The family-owned winery selected the finest grapes from its 50-year old vines for this complex, mineral-driven wine.

It features the fruit flavors of yellow apples and lemon peel with notes of Mediterranean herbs and almond. Try this with cheese platters, fettuccini Alfredo, saffron risotto, or seafood.

5. Las Jaras Glou Glou Red Blend (Mendocino, California) – 56% Zinfandel, 33% Carignan, 6% Sangiovese, and 5% Valdiguié. Glou Glou is the first natural wine to make my Top 10 list. Glou Glou, like all natural wines, is made from organically farmed grapes with no chemical pesticides or herbicides, native fermentation, and minimal human intervention. This vintage is mostly Zinfandel, a wine grape that in my humble opinion should be up there with Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir in everyone’s wine repertoire. Glou Glou is a food wine that stands up to tomato sauce dishes, burgers, or steak. I suggest you serve this wine slightly chilled. You'll get the aroma and flavor of black plums, pomegranate and red raspberries with notes of cocoa powder and baking spices. If you have not tried a natural wine yet, I highly recommend you make this your first!

4. Secreto Vinho Verde Alvarinho Reserva (Vinho Verde, Portugal) –

↘Continued on 66

100% Alvarinho. You may know of Albariño wine from Galicia Spain. Alvarinho is the name for this varietal grown throughout the Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal. Since 1988, Quinta do regueiro has been using traditional methods to produce some of the most prized Alvarinhos in Portugal. This wine is the perfect balance of crisp tree fruit, minerality resulting from the granite soil of the region, a zippy citrus acidity, a touch of salinity and a unique richness achieved from partial skin maceration. This delicious white wine pairs well with appetizers, vegetables, cheese platters, white meats, and seafood.

3. Cantine Povero Batù Barbaresco DOCG (Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy) – 100% Nebbiolo. barbaresco is the least well-known of the fine wines from the Piedmont region of northern Italy, but worth getting to know. Nebbiolo is the premiere red grape of the region and is the same grape used in barolo. The original vines of Cantina Povero were planted in 1837. This dry, well-structured wine is aged in oak barrels for 24 months and has earned high praise from many critics. The aroma is violet, rose petals, tobacco leaf, and forest floor. The palate is ripe red fruit with very soft tannins. Pair this barbaresco with mushroom dishes such as porcini mushroom tagliatelle, charcuterie platters or game meats.

2. Domaine Chevot Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Beaune (HautesCote de Beaune, Bourgogne, France) - 100% Pinot Noir. This organic Pinot Noir comes from the southern tip of burgundy’s famed Cotes-de- beaune, the appellation known for its ancient Kimmeridgian rock and soil that give burgundy’s Pinot Noir the characteristics that define elegance in wine. The wine is aged for 18 months in neutral

oak and stainless steel and has the aroma and flavor of black cherry and strawberry complemented by blackberry, plum, forest floor, and mulling spices with a mineral backbone. This is a classic wine for any occasion and makes an impressive gift.

Finally, my number one wine pick for 2025:

1. Michel Redde et Fils La Moynereie Pouilly Fume (Pouilly-Fume, Loire Valley, France) – 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Michel redde et Fils is a celebrated family-owned winery, nestled in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation of France's Loire Valley. Gwen and I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful region earlier this year. Michel's grandsons, Sébastien and romain redde, continue the family’s commitment to producing exceptional Sauvignon blanc wines that capture the diversity and brilliance of the region's terroir. It is the unique limestone soil from the Jurassic period that gives the Sauvignon b lanc from Pouilly-Fumé its outstanding complexity and unparalleled minerality. You will experience green apple, white peach, elderflower, and notes of citrus acidity balanced with layers of flint stone and a touch of smoke.

There you have it, my top wines of 2025. I hope you consider some of these as you complete your holiday shopping or fill your wine rack for the holidays. You won’t be disappointed. As always, contact me at dsetley@ passionvines.com or visit the store with questions or comments. Until next time, happy wining!

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

Live in Touch with Your Soul

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

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

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

Tony

By Bruce Klauber

ad he lived to Aug. 3, 2026, American pop legend Tony bennett would have been 100 years old. Those who knew him and loved him believe if he were still around – he passed on July 21 of 2023 – he’d likely still be singing. Indeed, late in his career, he told Atlantic City radio host/columnist Harry Hurley, “I want to be able to sing as well or better at age 100 than I did when I was 40 years old.”

Like Frank Sinatra, b ennett had a lifelong professional love affair with Atlantic City. Through the years he appeared at the Steel Pier, resorts International beginning in 1979, the Tropicana, Caesars, Harrah’s, the borgata, bally’s Grand and the 500 Club. In his last two decades of his life, he appeared in New Jersey 30 times, with most appearances being in Atlantic City casinos.

him in another Jersey Shore town during the season.

Though it’s been barely documented, it has been reported that bennett appeared in Wildwood, at a club called bolero on the weekend of Aug. 23, 1957. The bolero was a popular seasonal venue which booked everyone from Sammy Davis Jr. in 1951, to Sam Cooke in 1958. b ack then, it was a logical choice for a Tony bennett appearance.

bennett’s 1966 stint at the Steel Pier was his one and only reported appearance at the legendary venue. A Facebook poster named Sue Hagan was there. “Tony b ennett was performing at Steel Pier in Atlantic City in 1966,” she recalled. “My family

He first hit the national spotlight with a No. 1 record, “ b ecause of You,” released in 1951. b ut Paul “Skinny” D’Amato, owner of Atlantic City’s 500 Club, wasn’t about to book anyone, no matter how great, who had just one hit. So he waited. When other b ennett hits followed, including the gigantic seller, “ rags to riches,” recorded in 1953, the 500 Club welcomed him with open arms. After his first stint, he returned there frequently.

Presumably his loyalty to D’Amato meant some sort of exclusivity when it came to working venues in Atlantic City – bennett wouldn’t appear at the Steel Pier until 1966, when the 500 Club was in decline – but that didn’t preclude his handlers from booking

went to see him and so did hundreds of others. Tony signed autographs, and sang for two hours.”

The mid-1960s through 1978, the latter being the year the first casino opened in Atlantic City, were lean and dark years in Atlantic City nightlife for performers like b ennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other middle-of-the-road-type artists.

Sinatra’s final appearance at the 500 Club was in the summer of 1962, as a favor to D’Amato. Truth is the 500 Club could no longer afford to pay big names. The Steel Pier booked acts that appealed mainly to younger audiences. An exception was Sammy Davis Jr., who also worked Club Harlem several times during that period. Other than that, there was simply no

place in the city for artists like bennett and Sinatra to work.

The advent of legalized gambling changed all that, and Tony b ennett was booked at what was then called resorts International beginning in 1979, a year after the hotel/casino opened its doors. He had a residency there for several seasons, but then bounced around to other venues that were able to outbid resorts.

And they had to outbid because, beginning in the mid-1980s, b ennett’s prices were rising. The reason for the bennett bidding wars, for lack

of a better description, had to do with marketing. The mid1960s through the latter 1970s weren’t exactly lean years for b ennett, as he continued working successfully in Las Vegas and overseas; but his records, like those of many middle-of-the-road artists, were no longer selling.

The b eatles, as we now know, changed everything in the entertainment business. Sadly, along with several others, bennett lost his long-term contract with Columbia records. He started his own label, Improv – noteworthy for two recordings with pianist b ill evans that would become legendary – but distribution was spotty and it just didn’t work.

enter bennett’s son, Danny.

In 1979, Danny bennett took over his father’s management and, in a stroke of genius, began to market his father to what was then called “The MTV Generation.” It took a few years

↘Continued on 70

In Today’s Fast Paced Real Estate Market. It Is Even More Important To Choose The Right Agent To Represent You! Over 40 Years of Real Estate Expertise, Knowledge, and Experience to Assist You!

• ABR-Accredited Buyer Representative- Expert Negotiator To Get You The Home That You Want !

• CRS-Certified Residential Specialist-To Optimize The Highest Sales Price For Your Home and Get SOLD Quickly!

• GRI-Graduate Realtor

Institute-Continuing Education and Technology Like No Other!

• MRP-Military and Relocation Specialist-Proficient in All Aspects of Veteran and Active Military Real Estate!

• Full Time Awarded Professional Realtor Since 1985

• NJ Real Estate Broker Since 1989!

• Lifetime Membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club and National Association of Realtors.

with albums like “MTV Unplugged” and “The Art of excellence,” yet slowly but surely, in the sure and knowledgeable hands of Danny b ennett, Tony bennett became cool again.

Columbia records rehired him –at rather extraordinary terms this time – and bennett started teaming

tably, Lady Gaga.

I was doing a phone interview with b ennett in 2013 when his first recording date with Lady Gaga was confirmed. He was excited.

“I’m going into the recording studio to do a big jazz album with Lady Gaga,” he said, barely con -

up with a number of contemporary artists, including Amy Winehouse (a tragic figure and one of b ennett’s favorites), elton John, bono, Carrie Underwood, k.d. lang and most no -

taining his enthusiasm. “She’s more than good – she’s actually a terrific singer – and the songs we’ve chosen are really beautiful examples that show how good she really sings. I

think it’s going to surprise everybody that she’s just that good. She works hard and is so professional. She walks in and has everything memorized. She’s really a very educated artist. She knows what she’s doing.”

The rest is history. b ennett and Gaga appeared at the borgata event Center as part of their “Cheek to Cheek” tour in July of 2015. His final shows in Atlantic City were in May of 2017 at Caesars, and his last New Jersey appearance was at the Count basie Center in red bank on March 11, 2020.

but Atlantic City loved him; and it’s clear from the dozens of appearances he made in the city over five decades, that Tony bennett also loved Atlantic City.

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.

809 C entral Ave Ocean City, NJ Sallie J Godfrey, Manager • NJ Lic. No. 3898 609-399-0077

644 South Shore Rd. Palermo, NJ John K. Baltz, Manager • NJ Lic No. 3715 609-390-9699 4008 English Creek Ave. • Egg Harbor Twp., NJ Herber t L Godfrey II, Manager • NJ Lic. No. 4362 609-241-6460

Tony Bennett revitalized his career by performing with younger artists including k.d. lang.

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga performed together on their Cheek to Cheek Tour in 2015.

Helping your dog get through this busy holiday season

By Heidi Clayton

The holiday season has officially arrived. For most people, this means parties, shopping, decorating and maybe a little bit of chaos. The hecticness can be rough on you, your family, and your pet. The holidays bring a mix of excitement and stress; your dogs can pick up on that energy just like children can. Here are some management tips to help you and your pets survive the season. b e realistic about your dog's boundaries and skill sets. This includes being mindful about your pet’s ability to handle decorations, party food, holiday guests, and festivities. While training can help pets through the season, sometimes it's better to pick your battles. This may mean

modifying the dog’s environment or eliminating potential stressors and temptations whenever possible.

For example, here at Four on the Floor Dog Training, I have modified where I put Christmas decorations. This is because my youngest bull terrier is prone to leaving paths of destruction in her wake and finds Christmas decorations incredibly fun to destroy. Since it’s not feasible to watch her every move, particularly when she is outside, I have moved all outdoor decor to the outside of my fence, where I know she can not eat or destroy things. Inside the house, the Christmas tree now has a metal exercise pen around it to keep it safe. I also decided we didn’t need to hang Christmas stockings from the fireplace after she decided she had to pull them all down repeatedly.

on Christmas eve to await multicolored tinfoil vomit. Finally, if you have a nervous or scared dog, hosting a party is not the time for them to meet and greet people. Parties are high-energy affairs. If your dog is nervous or afraid of people under normal circumstances, then attending the party is asking too much of them. Keep them somewhere comfortable and safe, and also take steps to make sure no one disturbs them.

Party food during holiday festivities can be a major temptation for pets, and it's crucial to be realistic about their ability to handle being

around it. For example, if I host any type of party where there is going to be food on tables, I know that my dogs will most likely try to steal as much as they can when I am not paying attention to them. Under normal circumstances, they may have excellent manners around food and the table. However, if you are occupied with hosting a party, most counter-surfers I know will seize the moment and help themselves to appetizers as if they were a guest at the party. Christmastime parties are usually filled with rich foods and desserts. So if there is any chance at all that your dog will help themselves to a human food that is actually dangerous for them to eat, set them up in their own room or crate with something that they can chew on, like a marrow bone or bully stick. I tell the story every year of clients whose Labrador retriever ate an entire bag of Hershey Kisses, resulting in a trip to the emergency room

If you really want your dog to be included in the party but are worried about them jumping, stealing, or bolting from the front door, try putting them on a leash and bringing them out into the mix when you have the time to reward them for good behavior. I would suggest doing so after all of your guests have arrived and everyone has settled down a bit.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email them to 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

Not your parents’ retirement

By Eric Reich

When we think about retirement, our natural tendency is to look at those folks who we know who are already retired. Typically, the people closest to us in retirement are our parents or even grandparents. There is a distinct danger in viewing our own retirement through this lens. It is very likely that your retirement will look very little like your parents’ retirement. Certainly, it will look different than your grandparents’.

Longevity is a retirement risk that far fewer retirees had to worry about in years past. Only a few decades ago, people retired at 65 and may have died a few years later. Age 80 was considered old in those days. There is a big misconception among people today that retirement will statistically last about 11 years since many people retire at 65 and “life expectancy” is 76 for

men in the U.S. The truth is that 76 is the life expectancy of someone who is born today, not someone who has already attained age 65. Life expectancy for a 65-year-old male in the U.S. today is around age 84. This is nearly twice as long as many people think, resulting in retirees to be unprepared for the costs of a modern retirement.

Living longer in retirement sounds great on the surface. The reality is that many of those living longer aren’t living well longer. Modern medicine is increasing their life, but not in a way many would hope for. This makes the impact on their retirement even more costly. We are living longer, which requires more money, and we are also incurring more medical expenses in doing so.

retirement readiness requires us to start managing our expectations about what the future might look like, as well as what it might cost. Gathering data around average medical costs, longterm care costs, and normal retirement lifestyle needs is crucial for those entering retirement so that they have a clear picture of what to potentially expect in their later years.

For women, the problem is even worse. On average, a woman will have a retirement that lasts over two full

years longer than men. This translates to an average retirement of over 20 years. For some, the problem can be compounded due to the loss of a spouse, one of their Social Security checks, or possibly a pension. It is imperative for women to plan for the unique challenges they face entering retirement.

retirement for those ages 50-65 will likely look very different than it did for those before them. Planning not just for all the potential costs, but also the logistics including where to live, future care support including longterm care, access to medical care, and social networks are important factors in an enjoyable retirement. The better the plan, the better the chances for success.

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.

6 • 6pm-10pm

‘Rental Family’ a moving parable about human connection

By Marjorie Preston

Phillip Vandarploueg (b rendan Fraser) is a pudgy, middle-aged actor who’s carved out a so-so career in Tokyo (his greatest triumph was a toothpaste commercial). Now, struggling to find work, he signs on with a talent agency that hires actors to portray clients’ friends, family and other significant others in real (or seemingly real) situations.

His first role is the “sad American” at a Japanese funeral. As mourners sob, the “deceased” opens his eyes, clearly reveling in eulogies that make him feel appreciated. And that’s the point. People can hire these actors for many reasons: validation (the supposed dead man), confession (a guilt-ridden man who longs to apologize to someone, anyone), or to alleviate loneliness. Phillip’s second gig is as the older Canadian groom at an elaborate wedding. Through the bogus ceremony, the bride’s parents get the traditional union they want, and the bride can leave Japan with her true beloved, a woman.

man’s caretakers to fulfill his final wish. Writer-director Hikari walks a fine emotional line with “ rental Family”— flirting with sentimentality, but never descending into schmaltz. The supporting cast is just splendid, especially Takehiro Hira as the agency owner, Mari Yamamoto as Phillip’s coworker and Akira emoto as the old actor. but brendan Fraser is the heart and soul of “ rental Family”—absolutely endearing as a bumbling, uncertain, well-intentioned man who is as lonely as all the people he serves.

In an age of online friends, virtual romances, remote offices and the hundred other ways we’ve invented to distance ourselves from others, “ rental Family” reminds us of the value—the absolute necessity—of true human connection. G r AD e: ★★★★

Screen Shots

but the stakes get higher when Phillip is hired to play the long-lost father of an 11-year-old girl. Mia’s single mother fears her child won’t be accepted into an exclusive middle school unless two parents speak at the interview. Not content to fool the admissions officers, mom thinks the ruse won’t work unless Mia also believes Phillip is her dad. And the deception is on.

At first, the child (Shannon Gorman) keeps her distance from a man she feels abandoned her. but soon, the two form a tender bond that is as important to Phillip as to Mia. Unfortunately, the alarmed mother abruptly pulls the plug on their friendship.

In a moving subplot, Phillip plays a journalist interviewing a once-famous actor to make him feel he hasn’t been forgotten. That relationship also deepens over time, until Phillip defies the old

Free family fun, holiday spirit all weekend at 3rd Annual Hammonton Rotary WinterFest

The Hammonton r otary Club will host its 3rd Annual WinterFest Dec. 5-7 at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Carnival Grounds, 1 Mt. Carmel Lane in Hammonton.

You’re invited to enjoy a festive weekend filled with entertainment, crafts, family activities and new attractions. Admission and parking are free.

More than 30 crafters, artisans and local makers will be featured in a giant heated vendor tent, with additional vendors fresh-cut Christmas trees in the courtyard.

11:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive costumes, and all runners and walkers will receive a $5 food coupon. The deadline for race shirts has passed, but late registration is available. See www. hammontonrotary.com to learn more.

Food vendors will offer festival favorites, coffee and hot chocolate, while adults can relax in the 21+ zone featuring wine, hot cider and cocktails by blue rascal Distillery.

The running Man. Contestants on the game show “The running Man” must escape assassins to win a cash prize. It’s a provocative premise, but Glen Powell gives a a one-note performance that reduces this thriller to a cartoon. G r AD e: ★★ Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. rising star b ruce Springsteen simultaneously grapples with a troubling past and future stardom. The film is ploddingly paced, but Jeremy Allen White is effective as an uneasy artist on the brink of fame. G r AD e: ★★★★ b lue Moon. Cut loose by onetime writing partner richard rodgers, lyricist Lorenz Hart (ethan Hawke) makes light of his ostracism, but can’t disguise deep feelings of heartbreak. “ b lue Moon” is excessively talky, but Hawke gives an Oscar-caliber performance. G r AD e: ★★★★★

WinterFest 2025 opens Friday, Dec. 5, with a brand-new Friday night kickoff from 4 to 9 p.m., featuring firepits, music by the Hammonton High School Jazz band at 5 p.m., food, drinks from the blue rascal Distillery, and a lively holiday atmosphere led by a DJ all night.

Families will enjoy new children’s activities, including a petting zoo 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, and free train rides Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday will also include performances by the Hammonton High School Chorus at 4:30, and new for this year, a performance by Dance Magic at 5 p.m.

Families can enjoy Santa’s firetruck arrival (check Facebook for Santa’s schedule), photos with Santa, face painting, balloon animals, kids’ games, s’mores by the firepits, a kids’ holiday craft station, letters to Santa and more.

Sunday morning brings another exciting addition: the Galloping Grinch 5K & Fun Walk, from 9:30 to

event hours are Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. WinterFest supports local families in need. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

For more information, contact hammontonrotary@gmail.com, visit www.hammontonrotary.com, or follow @hammontonrotary on social media.

Serving the community since 1958, the Hammonton rotary Club supports youth, veterans, people in need and global humanitarian efforts.

Marjorie Preston is a writer, editor and movie buff. She lives in Brigantine.

Holiday eating made easier: Practical nutrition tips for a busy season

By Amanda Nahas-Wilson, MSN, APN, AGPCNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

The holiday season brings gatherings, rich meals and plenty of opportunities to overindulge. Whether you are trying to maintain balance or simply feel better through the busiest stretch of the year, a few simple strategies can help. below are practical, science-informed tips for navigating holiday foods comfortably and confidently.

1. Make lean protein the centerpiece Holiday tables often overflow with breads, casseroles and sweets. Prioritizing lean protein helps maintain steady energy, support muscle health and keep you satisfied.

● Aim for 25–30 grams per meal from chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu or beans.

● Use cooking methods such as baking, grilling or roasting to keep dishes light but filling.

2. Add fiberrich vegetables and slowdigesting carbs

Fiber supports digestion and helps prevent the energy spikes and crashes that can follow large holiday meals.

● Fill half your plate with vegetables — roasted b russels sprouts, green beans, leafy greens or carrots.

● Choose whole grains, beans or sweet potatoes over refined starches.

● Season with herbs, olive oil and citrus for flavor without heaviness.

3. Keep portions moderate

● Aim for balance rather than restriction.

Large holiday meals can leave anyone feeling sluggish. Thoughtful portioning can help you enjoy seasonal favorites without discomfort.

● Use smaller plates to encourage natural portion control.

● Consider splitting meals into two smaller servings spaced apart.

4. Choose gentle cooking methods

Fried, overly rich or spicy dishes may be harder to tolerate, especially at large gatherings.

● r ely on steaming, roasting, slow-cooking or braising.

● Soups and stews are hydrating, nourishing and easy to digest.

● Keep heavy creams, excessive oils and butter to a minimum.

5.Practice mindful eating

With packed schedules and crowded tables, it's easy to eat quickly and overlook fullness cues.

● Slow down, chew thoroughly and pause between bites.

● Plate your food intentionally instead of grazing.

● Notice which foods make you feel energized versus overly full.

Things to watch during the holidays

● Alcohol and ultra-processed sweets can lead to nausea or sharp changes in blood sugar.

● Staying hydrated can help prevent indigestion or constipation.

● If certain foods consistently cause discomfort, adjust recipes or choose alternatives.

What to know if you’re taking glp-1 medications

Some readers may be using GLP1 receptor agonists — medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda or Trulicity. These medications mimic a natural hormone (GLP-1) that influences appetite, digestion and blood sugar regulation. They often:

● reduce appetite and decrease cravings

● Slow digestion, which stabilizes blood sugar

● Cause early fullness

● Trigger occasional nausea or GI discomfort, particularly with heavier foods

If you are taking a GLP-1 medication, the holiday eating tips above — lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, smaller portions and gentle cooking — can help reduce side effects and support overall comfort.

The

bottom line

Holiday meals don’t have to feel overwhelming. Simple choices — prioritizing protein and vegetables, adjusting portions, and paying attention to how foods make you feel — can help you enjoy the season while supporting your health. With a little planning and awareness, you can celebrate fully while still feeling your best.

Community and faith bring “The Sound of Music” to life at Atlantic Christian School

Family Tides

By Madison Russ

In the week leading up to Atlantic Christian School’s Nov. 2122 production of “The Sound of Music,” (Youth edition), the school becomes a flurry of activity as teachers, students, parents, staff and volunteers rehearse scenes, finish costumes and add final touches to the scenery.

At the center of it all is Genevieve Huff, head of the drama department and the show’s producer and director, working scene by scene with students. but getting to this point, she said, is only possible because of the many people who help the program thrive.

“The work that goes into it is unbelievably so much more work than anyone would realize because there’s

so much that goes on behind the scenes,” Huff said. “ but it’s all worth it.”

Huff’s passion for the stage is unmistakable. When she stepped into her role a few years ago directing the school’s production of “Peter Pan,” she said she’ll never forget the audience’s gasp as the curtains opened to reveal Captain Hook’s pirate ship.

Since then, the program has snowballed, with enthusiasm among students and parents continuing to grow. even behind-the-scenes roles like stage crew had waitlists this year.

Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, computers teacher and head of the drama program’s costuming department, shows one of the uniforms worn by the von Trapp children. Photo by Madison Russ.

“After that first show, everyone’s like, ‘I think I want to be in the next play. I think I want to be involved. How can I be involved?’” Huff said.

And the excitement has only continued to grow.

“People anticipate it like, ‘I can’t wait to see the next one.’ That’s such an awesome feeling,” Huff said.

b eyond the auditorium, classrooms have been transformed into

staging areas for costumes and set design. Inside rhapsody HahnChaney’s classroom, temporarily lined with racks of labeled garment bags, she and parent volunteer Christy Wagner talked through the work of capturing the musical’s iconic style, describing it as a “color story” that moves from somber to bright. Quick changes and staying organized were also priorities this year.

“Almost every actor has three costume changes—some have seven. So,

we have them all labeled and numbered, helping them to have everything where they need it in the right order,” said Hahn-Chaney, head of costuming for the school’s drama program. “It’s more of a technical challenge this year.”

before joining the school to teach computers, HahnChaney spent years in the fashion industry. She estimates about 30% of the costumes are made unique and about 70% are repurposed, and since stepping in, she has found ways to maximize that work by cataloguing every costume the program owns and expanding its reach.

“We have photographed and cataloged every piece and launched an online catalog where people can actually go online and rent our costumes now. So, we have actually brought in some money to the drama department,” she said, adding that

↘Continued on 78

she also developed a Facebook networking group that connects South Jersey performing arts directors, costumers and set designers.

During rehearsals, Wagner confers with Hahn-Chaney about taking a dress up a few inches. The pair joke about shuttling costumes back and forth in Wagner’s kids’ backpacks after she works on them at home on her industrial sewing machine. With a background also in the fashion industry and her 11-year-old daughter, Analiese, in the cast, she has embraced the chance to contribute.

“For her, it’s normal because I’m always doing some kind of sewing things at home,” Wagner said. “I’ve been sewing since I was 10. My mom is a seamstress, so she always had a sewing machine, and she just taught me how to do it.”

Like Wagner, Lee Martin first got involved when his daughters were involved in the plays. Now the technical director, Martin has been supporting the program ever since.

“ b eing involved in the arts was what I saw really made my girls come alive. It’s what they loved, and it’s where they could really shine, not in a proud look-at-me way, but in a ‘this is a gift God gave me, and I get to use it, and I love it’ kind of thing,” he said. “Obviously, as a parent, you

want to support your kids in what they’re passionate about and, from my perspective, what God made them to do.”

Like others, he has watched the drama program evolve into a strong community.

“We’ve developed a really great flow of how we work, really great friendships. Inside jokes, all the fun stuff … I think there’s value in the kids for that because they see the teamwork; they see their parents supporting what they’re doing. They see their teachers, volunteers and staff

members working together,” Martin said. “It takes so many more people and so much more time than anybody probably realizes to give these kids an hour and a half of a professional environment to perform in, and so I really, really value everybody that’s willing to do that.”

Much like Martin watching his daughters thrive in theater, Huff is experiencing the same; her daughters have taken part in the plays over the years, with her daughter Luci cast as Liesl von Trapp this year. The productions have also

become a family effort, with her husband and sister helping behind the scenes.

As a parent, she said it’s an “honor” to share the experience.

“To be part of something I get to see them be passionate about, it’s a win-win. It’s family time; we do this together,” she said.

Woven through that sense of connection and community is the program’s foundation of faith. Huff said that at its heart, the program aims to “tell a story and honor God with our gifts.”

“We do it for the glory of God, and that’s not just a Christian school answer. Yes, it’s our passion, but I think everyone involved believes that passion is from the Lord,” Huff said. “For us, telling a story is more than telling a story—it’s pointing to God, even if it’s a secular show.”

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.

Producer and director Genevieve Huff works with the student cast during rehearsals. Playing Maria (center stage) is Rosalie Campbell. Photo courtesy of Mary Winkel Roesch.

Meet local entertainment entrepreneur Ken Schaffer

By Rich Baehrle

It’s one thing to be an entertainer, but when you take your talent to the next level and establish extremely successful businesses out of each venture, you separate yourself from the rest of the pack.

Ken Schaffer of Ken Schaffer entertainment is the definition of an entertainment entrepreneur. He lives

Long-Term Care Planning

Steady Income Solutions

• Annui�es for income or growth

• IRA & Pension Discussions

Disability Income Protec�on Planning for Re�rement

Reduce

and risks in

• Tax-smart income strategies

• Market vola�lity planning

I can help you put the pieces together.

and breathes entertainment in every aspect of every business he owns. Music and being a DJ were in Ken’s blood as far back as his eighth-grade school dances.

He loved the fact that he could play music, have fun and get paid $100 for just a few hours, which was great money then. After his first experience attending a grade school dance, Ken decided to become a DJ and built his first sound system with the financial help of his grandfather. His first system was built with a home receiver and radio Shack components that Ken modified for commercial use. It didn’t take long for Ken to graduate to purchasing a real mixer, upgrade his sound system and build his own homemade light show with colored spotlights.

The real break out occurred when he went from DJing parties for friends to marketing himself to schools throughout Delaware County, where he grew up. He sent out a photocopied, hand-written letter and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Saint Denis of Havertown was the first school to hire Ken. That dance led to many other events by sophomore year. His big break came when his high school hired him in his junior year to do their Msgr. bonner Mixers and the rest was history. As his peers grew up, it led to DJing graduation parties and eventually the weddings for classmates.

Ken later created Schaffer Sound Productions as he trained and employed many of his friends. While attending Villanova University, he was studying for a communications degree with the intention of going into radio, but his business was going too well and it forced him to make a choice and put his radio career on hold until many years later. At 23 he invested in his first real estate property in b rigantine, where he frequented as a child. He eventually moved there and walked away from his original business which still operates to this day with his brothers as partners. He wanted to live in brigantine.

his business took off beyond his imagination, which led to Ken Schaffer entertainment.

Ken’s growing business activity recently led to him purchasing a building in Northfield at 910 New road. It will provide entrepreneurial space for him to do remote broadcasts when he hosts his show on WI bG in the evenings. The new headquarters will also provide a creative venue for him to meet with prospective wedding and deejay clients in a fun atmosphere

with vintage pinball machines and a nostalgic juke box.

Sunshine band and The beach boys at high roller parties at borgata. He even helped rap star Will Smith and wife Jada, providing sound and music for a family wedding at a secret location in bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Ken lived in brigantine for almost two decades, before relocating to Northfield with erica and their twin sons Kenny and evan. even then, entertainment carried into his business life. He converted the residence above his brigantine marina into “The Pinball Palace” Airbnb with the help of local Airbnb expert Krista baum. It combines waterfront living and family fun in such a unique way, which has led to a high occupancy rate, and it doesn’t stop there. Ken also owns a state-of-the-art arcade in rio Grande as the hub inside the Cape Square entertainment complex. It’s surrounded by 8 movie theatre screens, bowling, simulated golf, a pinball and billiards parlor and a restaurant/bar including an outdoor beer garden.

After a brief sabbatical from the business around 2003, Ken volunteered to help DJ at several local charity events. Again, he was off to the races and was now able to integrate the new digital technologies that were surfacing. He had to relearn his craft as a pioneer again in the new digital world, just as laptops became common in the field. This became a passion all over again and

Through this musical journey, Ken met John McKernan, his DJ assistant for almost a decade and now a DJ himself, and close friend Jacob Hackett. They were all drawn together through their shared love of music. The new office will serve many purposes, including creative brainstorming, and a creative space to produce podcasts. Ken can offer his firsthand experiences in the DJ business and as a radio host.

Ken's creativity goes much beyond his thousands of performances, including some highlights of his career, opening for such stars as KC and the

Ken rounds out his entertainment hospitality businesses with the Inn of St. Louis located at 408 St. Louis Ave. in egg Harbor City, transforming a closed business into a quaint, “Cheers”-like atmosphere — a place where everybody knows your name! It includes an entertaining outdoor area when the weather warms up. In the meantime, you can warm up inside and enjoy great food in a festive holiday environment.

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

Ken Schaffer.and his twin boys.

Jacob Hackett and Ken Schaffer.

Are you looking to buy and sell a home at the same time?

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

Each real estate transaction comes with its own set of challenges, but buying and selling a home at the same time compounds these challenges.

The addition of time constraints and another set of buyers and sellers increases the need for appropriate expectations, patience and perseverance. Proper planning and preparation are the key elements to a successful conclusion for both transactions.

Planning

ahead for your back-to-back sale and purchase

You have heard people say, “The destination is not as important as

the journey.” However, in the case of buying and selling a home at the same time, the opposite is often true. Keep the end goal in sight while detaching a bit from daily ups and downs. There will be bumps; the less you fixate on them, the better.

building a strong team and com -

municating early and often with every member is the best way to keep both transactions on track.

Working along with your real estate agent

Your agent is your guide. b e crystal clear about your timeline and needs. If you’re relocating out of the area or out of state, let your local agent connect you with a trusted colleague in the new market. Close coordination between the two agents is essential for smooth timing.

Right pricing of your current home

You want top dollar and a fast sale. The smartest strategy is to price right from the start rather than overpricing and waiting for offers. b uyers search in $25,000–$50,000 increments. Listing at or just under a major price threshold creates more showings, more competition and often a final sale price at or above what an overpriced listing would have achieved. Work closely with your agent to find the sweet spot that sparks excitement.

Searching for your new home

With your current home under contract, time is no longer on your side. You may need to tour more houses, widen your search criteria, or be more flexible on closing dates. If your dream home is new construction or not yet available, consider a shortterm rental to give yourself breathing room.

Working with your lender

Financing is the make-or-break

piece. Talk early with your lender about whether you can carry two mortgages briefly or must sell first to fund the purchase. bridge loans and “buy-before-you-sell” programs can unlock your current equity so you can make a strong offer, but they carry risk if your sale falls through. Discuss every scenario and your comfort level so you choose the safest path for your situation.

Working with your title company

When possible, use the same title company for both closings – it simplifies wiring funds and paperwork. Many companies now offer remote or mail-away closings with mobile notaries for added convenience.

Working with your movers

A simultaneous move rarely means one truck, one day. You may need temporary storage, split deliveries, or two separate move dates. Give your moving company plenty of notice so they can create the most efficient and affordable plan.

Short-term lease options

Same-day closings do happen, but they require perfect alignment from everyone involved. Always have a Plan b . A furnished month-to-month rental or short-term apartment can save the day if one closing is delayed.

Rent back your current home

One of the cleanest solutions is negotiating a rent-back (also called a use-and-occupancy agreement) with your buyers. This lets you remain in the home you just sold – sometimes for days, sometimes for months –while you wait for your new home to be ready. buyers are often willing, especially if you cover their mortgage carrying costs.

The goal is to make buying and selling at the same time a successful, seamless move based on your individual wants and needs. With the right team, realistic pricing, solid financing and a few backup plans, what feels impossible today can become one of the smoothest transitions of your life.

Tis The Season To Do

WORSHIP

SHORE FUNNY

SUDOKU

Solution on page 86

ACROSS

1. *Key farm-to-table attribute

6. Goldfish or koi

10. excessively abundant

14. Obelus, pl.

15. black and white treat

16. revise for publication

17. Swamp plant

18. "Saved by the ____"

19. Guilty, e.g.

20. Looking at

22. Silage storage

24. building add-on

25. James ____ Jones

27. baloney

29. *____ varieties

33. Greek letter N, pl.

34. Caterer's coffee pots

35. *Key component of manure

37. Lady's wrap

41. Fleur-de-____

42. Accustom

44. river in Spain

45. Sailing vessel with two masts

48. evoke emotion

49. 2016 animated musical

50. Female sib

52. *____ breeds

54. *Lettuce units

57. ____ well ____ someone

58. Small one in a large machine

59. Per person

61. Peace of mind

65. Os in XOXO

67. Takes to court

69. Away from harbor

70. biblical twin

71. Final notice

72. *Food ____, as in distance

73. Shade-loving plant

74. "____ a soul"

75. Game outcome

DOWN

1. Leave in the dust

2. Do as directed

3. relinquish

4. Capital of Algeria

5. relating to spleen

6. *Corn holder

7. bellicose deity

8. Archeologist's find

9. *"The Omnivore's Dilemma" author

10. One in a set

11. Lazybones

12. *____-to-table, farm-to-table alternative

13. And others, for short

21. Search blindly

23. Cross to bear

26. Duck-like divers

28. Holy Wednesday

29. a.k.a. Dr. robert bruce banner

30. It's between Ohio and Ontario

31. research facil.

32. Oral cavity

36. Snooped

38. "Summertime" of Porgy and bess, e.g.

39. POTUS' West one

40. Private theater box

43. Computer message

46. *Harvest subscription, acr.

47. *Honey-producing facility

49. Astringent drug

51. *What's in ____?

53. I-resembling supports

54. Canine foe

55. Daytime moth

56. Aqua-lung

58. *One who runs the show

60. George or Louis to Kate and William

62. Capital on a fjord

63. Nostradamus, e.g.

64. Alleviate

66. *"Full ____," on a seed package

68. Wilbur's home

THEME: FARM TO TABLE

Rising Sign Horoscopes for Dec. 4

– 10

Aries: The feedback loop between yourself and your surroundings is at the heart of the week. balancing equal parts play, duty, adventure, and retreat are the tasks at hand.

Taurus: A fullness in the realm of your resources arrives. High fives for achieving the goal! remember the contributions from others and to

Answers

Weekly Horoscopes

hold the hope and vision for your future.

Gemini: Your natural curiosity about your own personal growth and self-improvement is piqued. Continue worthwhile efforts professionally, privately, and with supportive partnerships.

Cancer: Illumination comes to something previously unknown or hidden. There’s an important lesson in what’s revealed, which will grow into wisdom once you integrate it.

Leo: When was the last time you went out to play with your friends, Leo? Have fun and be merry this week. It’s a good time to invest your energy in the intimate bonds that support you.

Virgo: Something comes full circle in your professional life, also highlighting work/home balance. release old perceptions of yourself and lean into expansive relationships.

Libra: The adage “you learn something new every day” speaks volumes this week. Your openness to new experiences and journeys pays off, especially that which pleases your soul.

Scorpio: Secrets and entanglements are in the spotlight. As the light shines fully in the shadows remember your personal contribution. Transmute the energy into something joyful.

Sagittarius: The looking glass’s shimmer shines back at you. Your closest relationships always hold great lessons. Cherish those who’ve

remained through all of the year’s changes.

Capricorn: Diligence and persistence in your daily efforts pay off. Whether it’s an achievement with work, health, and/or overall wellness, remember to communicate gratitude.

Aquarius: A cycle of creation is complete. Contributions and support from your community have made it possible. Pay it forward while also enjoying the fruits of your own labor.

Pisces: Feeling completely at home within your domicile and vessel is within reach this week. be present with the emotions, and appreciative of the inside job it’s taken to get here.

Weekly Astrology Summary:

The theme of the week is adaptability. The cosmos throws us equal gifts and challenges starting with the Gemini full moon on Thursday the 4th at 6:14 p.m. This full moon is cerebral, inquisitive, and airy with undertones of profound lessons. As the sun in generous Sagittarius and the moon in seeking Gemini playfully

face off and grow together, they both show us there’s still effort required to release control and grow into spiritual surrender. There’s a lot to reveal and release both personally and collectively, and willingness to be flexible will be one of the tests. reflect back to late May when the moon was new in Gemini to ponder what’s coming to fruition this week.

As with any full moon, emotions will rise, however we may feel this one even more as the water element becomes prominent again after the full moon peaks. energies become gritty towards the end of the week as willful Mars is tempered by stern Saturn. rely on your inner knowing and sparks of insight to guide you through any challenges. 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 info/tutorial video on my Ursa Alchemy YouTube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.

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

The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy