SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE
Jam-Packed with July Events
AC Beach Patrol Saves over 100 Last Weekend
OC Lifeguard Paddles to Championship Victory
Meet the Falcons Protecting Your Fries
Fire Department's Hovercraft is Ready for Rescue
Remembering Zaberers
Fourth of July weekend brought record-breaking crowds to the Jersey Shore, and with blue skies and warm breezes, it’s easy to see why. From beach blankets to boardwalk games, the energy was contagious as locals and visitors came together to celebrate America’s birthday.
We headed to the beach Friday afternoon and saw it all firsthand — throngs of people enjoying the sunshine, surf and that unmistakable feeling of summer. There’s something about the salt air that makes everything better. Even a scoop of ice cream or a slice of boardwalk pizza just tastes different here — more satisfying, more nostalgic.
On Sunday evening, we caught up with falconer Ben Frank along the Ocean City Boardwalk and learned about the extraordinary birds that help manage the shore’s gull population. These trained falcons play a vital role in keeping the boardwalks and beaches safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to check out the feature on page 50-51 to learn more about these fascinating birds and the skilled people who work with them.
As always, this issue of Shore local is filled with stories, events
and inspiration to help you make the most of your time at the shore. From concerts and farmers markets to community features and hidden gems, there’s no shortage of summer magic waiting to be discovered. But don’t blink — summer flies by. In the words of one of my favorite songs by Tyrone Wells, “These are the days I will remember.” So put down your phone, feel the sand between your toes and take in every sunset and splash.
Thanks for spending part of your summer with us.
Peace & Love, Cindy
Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com
Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com
Publisher Assistant - Julia Train
Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch, Julia Train
Advertising Sales - Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com
Web Designer - Holly Martin, Digital Marketing - Liz Katz
Contributors –Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Rebecca Oldham, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Rachael King, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Alex Corson, Cat Pepe, Christina Martin, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ
Cover photo by Bob Fertsch
Published every Thursday • Online all the time at www.ShoreLocalNews.com
By Julia Train
Now in his 11th year as chief of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, Steve Downey leads a team of lifeguards tasked with protecting one of the busiest and most challenging stretches of coastline on the Jersey Shore.
The city attracts a diverse mix of visitors, many of whom have limited experience with ocean swimming. This creates unique hazards for beachgoers and challenges for lifeguards, particularly in a city lined with jetties, groins and other submerged structures that affect tides and currents.
“A lot of our visitors are from urban areas or are international tourists,” Downey said. “They’re used to
swimming in pools or lakes, not the ocean. That unfamiliarity adds risk.”
Among the most dangerous areas are those near the jetties, where the ocean floor can drop suddenly — from knee-deep to neck-deep in a single step — increasing the likelihood of drowning. The patrol regularly sees high rescue numbers, often conducting dozens of saves in a single day.
In fact, Atlantic City lifeguards typically make more than 1,000 rescues each summer. The only exception in recent years was in 2024, when colder-than-usual ocean temperatures led to fewer swimmers — and fewer incidents.
Over the 2025 Independence Day weekend alone — from Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6 — lifeguards performed 135 rescues, Downey said.
Rip currents remain the leading cause of rescues. These fast-moving currents typically form near structures like piers and rocks, but recent beach replenishment projects have shifted the underwater terrain, mak-
ing rip currents less predictable and harder to monitor.
“The sand is always moving,” Downey said. “We have to constantly reassess risk zones throughout the day.”
To keep pace with changing conditions, the patrol began using drone surveillance in 2024. Still in the early stages of deployment, the drones help monitor hard-to-reach areas and assist during times of limited staffing.
Downey said he hopes to expand the drones’ role during shoulder seasons, such as September, when beach attendance remains high but lifeguard staffing is reduced.
The patrol currently employs about 155 lifeguards - below the state allocation of 165 and well under its historical peak of 185. Still, Downey said this is one of the best-staffed seasons in the past decade.
In addition to staffing the beaches, the patrol continues to promote swimmer safety, especially the importance of remaining within designated guarded areas.
“If you can’t see a lifeguard, then the lifeguard can’t see you,” Downey said.
The recent heat wave has also brought new concerns. In the past week alone, the patrol responded to about 25 heat-related medical incidents, including several cases of heatstroke and foot burns from scorching sand.
In one case, someone’s feet were badly burned just from walking barefoot on the sand, Downey said.
With beach crowds now rivaling
the city's air show days — estimated between 300,000 to 400,000 people — Downey urged the public to follow four simple safety tips:
● Swim only when lifeguards are on duty
● Stay hydrated
● Wear appropriate footwear
● Know how to escape a rip current (swim parallel to the shore)
“These basics can save lives,” Downey said.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
Name a state that sees plenty of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. you’d probably say Oklahoma or Texas and you’d be right guessing any of those two. However in the second tier of states with the most severe weather, New Jersey is right there.
I looked at the number of severe thunderstorm watches, tornado watches and more from the Storm Prediction Center. The center is a government agency under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Norman, Okla. They’re home to the smartest minds on tornadoes, hail, derechos and more.
Since records began in 1997, an average of 28 severe thunderstorm or tornado watches have been in or touched New Jersey, according to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet. A
severe thunderstorm is issued when the Storm Prediction Center says the ingredients for damaging winds or hail are present. A tornado watch is issued to highlight the potential of tornadoes.
New Jersey gets about 2.9% of the 733 severe storm and tornado watches in the u nited States each
severe thunderstorm and tornado watches happen in each county every year. The latest maps cover 2004 to 2023.
Oklahoma is the top spot for bad weather, with some counties getting more than 20 watches a year. Other places like Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi also get a lot, with more than 15 watches a year.
In the Appalachian Mountains, the number of severe thunderstorm and tornado watches drops to about five a year. But on the eastern side of the mountains, it jumps to around 12 watches a year. That’s where the southern half of New Jersey is.
Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester, Burlington and Mercer counties get about 12. Atlantic, Camden and Ocean counties get about 11. Monmouth gets about nine.
year. That might not sound like a lot, but New Jersey contains only 0.2% of the country’s land, rivers and lakes, according to the united States Census Bureau. So, our state gets almost 15 times more bad weather than you’d expect for its size.
The Storm Prediction Center makes maps showing how many
For more proof, we look at the number of severe weather risk days of at least a level 3 of 5.
A level 3 is known as an enhanced risk and is also issued by the Storm Prediction Center. That means numerous severe thunderstorms are “possible” (expected severe storms begin at level 4).
Even here there’s a peak in New
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Jersey. Areas west of a line from Millville to Trenton to Hackettstown get two to five of these risky days each year. That’s one of the higher groups in the country. But along the Jersey Shore, there are fewer risky days.
Just like with storm and tornado watches, the Appalachian Mountains have much calmer weather. West of the mountains, in places like the Midwest and the Great Plains, the number of bad storms goes up again.
New Jersey gets worse weather than others, and that makes sense. From April to early August, we have a time when storms are more common. We often get strong winds that can knock out power. Sometimes, we get hail, but it’s generally small, not big like a penny or larger. The state also gets about two tornadoes each year.
Furthermore, many of us have stories to share of severe storms in the past. The June 2012 derecho brought significant wind damage to Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and southern Ocean counties. The next year, another derecho clipped the far southern tier of New Jersey. Winds of 60 mph and higher hit Cape May Court House, Cape May and Cumberland counties. April 1, 2023 brought seven tornadoes and an Atlantic City waterspout to New Jersey. That tied the record for the most in a single day in
New Jersey.
If you have a photo of the 2012 derecho, you can put it here. Otherwise, insert 2012 Derecho NJ Storm Reports and 2012.
New Jersey experiences severe weather because we regularly see a clash between warm, humid air from the Gulf and cool, dry air from the polar regions.
We might take that for granted here, but that doesn’t happen in Cal -
ifornia where the clashes are more between wet and dry air, without much of a temperature difference. It doesn’t happen much in South Florida either, where polar air from cold fronts rarely makes it down that far south.
The Appalachian Mountains have less bad weather for a couple of reasons. The tall mountains act like a wall, making storms from the west or southwest weaker. They also change
the path of the jet stream, which is like a fast-moving river of air high in the sky that guides storms. If these mountains weren’t there, places like West Virginia and the western Carolinas would have as much severe weather as other areas.
In fact, cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., just to our west, rival the known severe weather hot beds like Dallas and Kansas City for the number of severe weather watches per year, around 15. We could see even more severe weather, but the relatively cooler Atlantic City, which lays right next to New Jersey, stabilizes the atmosphere a bit.
Hopefully, the rest of the summer will stay as severe weather free. It allows us more time for the boat, beach and boardwalk, plus working outside. Furthermore, less severe thunderstorms mean less risk for fatalities.
Joe Martucci, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Digital Meteorologist, is the President and Director of Meteorology for Cup A Joe Weather and Drone. You can connect with him at cupajoe.live.
By Julia Train
In the winding back bays and muddy marshes of South Jersey, traditional rescue boats often fall short. That’s where “Hover II,” a 2005 Neoteric hovercraft operated by the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company, comes into play.
Hover II isn’t a new addition to the department. The Scullville Volunteer Fire Company has had a hovercraft
since 1993, though it broke after a couple of years and was replaced by the current one in 2005.
Hover II is designed to glide over nearly any surface — mud, water, ice, snow and even pavement — on a cushion of air.
For years, the fire company used the hovercraft regularly, especially during calls involving stranded jet skiers, kayakers or boaters stuck in muddy areas where traditional boats
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someone needs help, we go.”
While they only average one or two hovercraft rescues per year, Flynn emphasized its value as a specialized asset.
“Sometimes we get called, and by the time we get there, they don’t
“ usually it's people stuck in the mud — jet skiers that go up little channels, and when the tide goes out, they get stuck in the mud. We've also rescued people off boats stuck in the mud,” Patrick Flynn, assistant chief of Scullville Volunteer Fire Company, said. “It's usually the calls where people can't get to with a regular boat.”
Although the department doesn’t use the craft for towing, they do whatever they can to secure people's equipment.
“We’ll drop an anchor, tie up their WaveRunner or kayak, and get them safely to shore,” Flynn said. “Then they can come back for their gear later.”
Repairs were a challenge for a while because Hover II runs on an ultralight aircraft engine, making it hard to find skilled mechanics. But now, thanks to a reliable technician, the hovercraft is back in regular service.
Operating Hover II isn’t easy. According to Flynn, driving it requires excellent hand-eye coordination, as the hovercraft is steered using a combination of handlebars, rudder and two "buckets" — mechanisms that help the craft slow down, reverse and maintain a hover. Not every firefighter is trained to use the craft, but Flynn and the department’s chief are the most experienced.
Hover II isn’t limited to warm-weather rescues. Flynn recalled responding to emergencies in the dead of winter.
“We pulled seven people off a boat in February once — 50-milean-hour winds, dead low tide,” he said. “Doesn’t matter what season, if
need us anymore — but it’s important to have backup ready. If Plan A fails, you want to know Plan B is already coming,” he said.
One of the hovercraft’s greatest strengths is its versatility. u nlike boats, it doesn’t need a launch ramp.
“To launch it, we could just drive it right off the trailer and drive it right off the land, right into the water,” Flynn said.
Hover II can reach speeds of up to 55 mph on a hard surface and about 40 mph on grass. It floats like a boat when idle and can hover in place with the right technique, although Flynn admits that takes skill.
Though the craft isn’t suited for choppy ocean conditions, it excels in calmer back bays, where boats struggle. As the only hovercraft used by a fire company in South Jersey, Hover II fills a crucial gap in rescue capabilities that the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company recognizes.
The l inwood community rang in Independence Day with its annual July 4th Bike Parade, hosted by the linwood Historical Society and linwood Fire Department. The morning event drew families, friends, and neighbors together in a festive display of patriotic pride.
Dozens of participants — many of them children — decorated their bicy-
cles with red, white, and blue streamers, flags, and festive accessories.
Following the parade, attendees enjoyed a variety of holiday-themed activities. Highlights included lawn games, snacks, tours of the firehouse and historical society buildings, and a hands-on opportunity to spray a real fire hose — an annual favorite among the kids.
The event offered a mix of fun, education, and community spirit, reflecting the town’s strong tradition of celebrating America’s birthday in true small-town fashion.
Organizers from the fire department and historical society expressed their gratitude for the turnout and community support. The celebration brought generations together, reminding everyone of the value of tradition and local pride.
Brigantine Farmers Market
▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon
Brigantine Community School parking lot, Sheridan Boulevard
The Brigantine Farmers Market is open Saturdays, rain or shine, through Sept. 6. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/brigantinefarmersmarket.
C.R.O.P.S. Farmers Market
▶Fridays, 4 to 6 p.m.
Fisherman’s Park Community Garden, Massachusetts and Drexel avenues, Atlantic City
Shop local fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more while enjoying nature and gardening education with C.R.O.P.S. Open Fridays through Sept. 19.
EHT Community Farmers Market
▶Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Atlantic County library, 1 Swift Drive
Hosted by Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health, this market features local pesticide-free farmers, food vendors, artists, crafters, live music, and activities. Open Sundays through Aug. 24. Visit thehoneytree.net or email wellness@ thehoneytree.net for details.
Galloway Green Market
▶Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m.
Historic Smithville Village Greene, 615 E. Moss Mill Road
Hosted by Go Green Galloway, this weekly market features fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads, and more. Open Thursdays through Sept. 4. Visit gogreengalloway.org/ greenmarket for updates.
Margate Community Farmers Market
▶Thursdays, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Steve & Cookies parking lot, 9700 Amherst Ave.
The Margate Farmers Market is open for the 2025 season on Thursdays through Aug. 28. For more information, visit margatehasmore. com.
Ocean City Farmers Market
▶Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to noon
Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds, Asbury Avenue from Fifth to Sixth streets
Browse dozens of vendors on the Tabernacle grounds, plus crafters on the street at Sixth and Asbury. Open Wednesdays through Sept. 3. For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.
Somers Point Farmers Market
▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Road
The Somers Point Farmers Market
is open for the 2025 season through Sept. 6, featuring local food vendors, crafters, and small businesses. Visit visitsomerspoint.com for more information.
Ventnor City Farmers Market
▶Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Newport and Atlantic avenues
Now in its ninth season, the Ventnor City Farmers Market fills the parking lot at St. James Church with more than 70 vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, baked goods, beverages, and handmade items. Open Fridays through Aug. 29. Visit vcfm.org for details.
Absecon Concerts in the Park
▶Sundays, 7 p.m.
Heritage Park
Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy music from all decades with Tony Pontari. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Brigantine Summer Concert Series
▶Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Brigantine Community Center, 265 42nd St.
Brigantine Community Education and Recreation will host a free outdoor concert on the Community Center lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the Tony De luca Band. In the event of rain, concerts will be held the following Thursday. For more information, call the recreation office at 609-264-7350.
EHT Rhythm in the Park ▶Fridays, 7–9 p.m.
Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater, Tony Canale Park
Bring your blankets and chairs and join Egg Harbor Township Parks and Recreation for an evening of music featuring 5 Pints low. For updates in case of inclement weather, visit www.ehtrec.com or facebook.com/ EHTRecreation.
▶Thursdays, 7–10 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza, 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Presented by the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, this free concert series features national and local jazz artists. On July 10, enjoy Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci, with Dahl Divine and Audessy. On July 17, Arturo O’Farrill takes the stage. In the event of rain, the concert will move to the Celebrity Theater at the Claridge Hotel, fourth floor. Visit www.chickenbonebeach.org for more information.
Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point ▶Fridays, 7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach, 800 Bay Ave.
This week’s show features “The Boss & The Jukes,” with Southside Johnny guitarist Glenn Alexander and members of the Jukes, along with the E Street Shuffle Springsteen Tribute Band. Dance in the sand and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Visit www. concertsonthebeachinsomerspoint. com for the full summer schedule. Longport Concert Series ▶Thursday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.
Borough Hall Gazebo, 2305 At-
lantic Ave.
The longport Public library presents a special Mummers concert. In case of rain, the concert will be held indoors or rescheduled. Registration is encouraged by calling 609-487-7403.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk
▶Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza, 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
On Wednesday, July 16, Shemekia Copeland, five-time Grammy-nominated Chicago blues singer, will headline the show. Saxophone star Jimmy Carpenter, known for his work in New Orleans and l as Vegas, will also perform. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Celebrity The -
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• HAND & WRIST
• FOOT & ANKLE
• JOINT REPLACEMENT
• ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA AND FRACTURE CARE
• HIP · KNEE · SPINE · SPORTS MEDICINE
ater at the Claridge Hotel. For more information, visit tonymart.com.
Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam
▶Saturdays, 6:30 p.m.
Newport Avenue Beach
This week, enjoy the Big House Band performing party favorites. Music begins at 6:30 p.m., with food vendors and craft booths opening at 5:30 p.m.
Ventnor City Sunset at Ski Beach
▶Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Dorset and Burk avenues
This week’s concert features the NJ British Invasion, performing a tribute to British artists. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and craft vendors open at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 14
Beach Exercise: Yoga
▶8–9 a.m.
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Start the week with a free yoga class by the ocean. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center.
Monday Morning Madness: Robin Hood
▶11 a.m.
Robert J. lincoln Amphitheatre,
Tony Canale Park, EHT
Family Stages Theater brings Robin Hood to life. Free and family friendly. Rain location may apply. Visit ehtrec.com.
Summer Author Series: Lisa Wingate
▶6:30 p.m.
longport library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Meet bestselling author lisa Wingate. Advance registration required
by calling 609-487-7403. Rain date: July 15.
The Wailers
▶7 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
The iconic reggae band performs live. Tickets at ocnj.us/summerconcertseries.
Tuesday, July 15
Street performers, music, and more for the whole family.
OCTC Presents Pinkalicious: The Musical
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
A colorful musical based on the beloved children’s book. Tickets at oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
OCBP Women’s Lifeguard Invitational Races
A Minecraft Movie, with games and giveaways starting at 6 p.m.
Sustainable Book Club OCUT
▶7 p.m.
u pper Twp. Senior & Wellness Center, 1369 Stagecoach Rd., Ocean View
Discuss Purrified by Peter Annin. Register at tinyurl.com/SBG15JulyZoom.
Senior Dance Society
▶7:30–10 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. #1, 447 Bethel Rd.
Join for an evening of dancing, mixers, and fun.
Wednesday, July 16
Beach Exercise: Pilates
▶8–9 a.m.
6th Street Beach, Ocean City
Free morning workout on the beach.
Wacky Wednesday: French Fry Sculpting
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
Create art out of fries. Open to first 200 participants.
Stockton Children’s Summer Playhouse: Snow White
▶11 a.m.
Stockton PAC, 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway
Crafts begin at 10 a.m.; show
starts at 11. Tickets at stockton. edu/pac.
Somers Point Pinochle Club
▶6–8:30 p.m.
Somers Point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler Rd.
Newcomers welcome to join weekly games.
Thursday, July 17
Market Days
▶10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Shopping, activities, and entertainment along Asbury Avenue.
Saturday, July 19
ACHS Book Sale
▶8 a.m.–Noon
907 Shore Rd., Somers Point
Hundreds of books priced to sell. All proceeds benefit the Atlantic County Historical Society.
Wednesday, July 30
Designer Bag Bingo Night
▶6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
St. James Memorial Hall, 6415 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor
Play to win designer handbags and raffle prizes. $35 per person. Reserve at diamondmindinc.com/svdprs/ shorebagbingo2025.
Phillies vs. Yankees
▶Saturday, July 26, Bus departs
10 a.m.
Departs from EHT Community Center
Trip includes round-trip transportation, game ticket, and $20 food voucher. $125 per person. Register at ehtrec.com.
Health and Wellness
Coffee Talk
▶Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City
Gratitude-focused group sessions. Call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Monday Meditation and Stretching
▶Mondays, 11:30 a.m.
MHA, 4 E. Jimmie leeds Rd., Galloway light stretching and meditation for all levels.
NAMI Family Support Meeting
▶Monday, July 14, 7–8:30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore Rd., Somers Point
Open to family and caregivers. Details at namiacm.org.
Depression and Anxiety Support Group
▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, Atlantic City
Peer-led support group. Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, July 16, 1:30 p.m. 6009 Paul and Thelma lane, Mays landing. Call Diane Conover at 609402-6966 for details.
MHA Family Meetings (Virtual) ▶Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m. Includes educational sessions and peer support. Contact gchristian@ mhanj.org or call 609-652-3800 ext. 0301 for the Zoom link.
LGBTQ Support Group
▶Tuesday, July 22, 6 p.m. Family Success Center, 310 Bellevue Ave., Hammonton In-person peer group for lGBTQ individuals.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
By Bruce Klauber
It was around 1962, about a year after Zaberers restaurant opened on the Black Horse Pike in the McKee City section of Egg Harbor Township. To a 10-yearold, the place looked like a gigantic playhouse, decorated with Tiffany lamps, animal characters and all kinds of fascinating kitsch including arcade games, gift shops and plenty of other fun stuff to keep children occupied.
Even though it was relatively new, the place was mobbed and the wait was long; there were so many fun things (some might call it junk), to look at that boredom or restlessness were impossible.
Back then I could only compare it to the super-kitschy wonderland that was the South of the Border motel complex on the North/South Carolina
border, which I had visited in 1960. As my father liked to say to my mother back then, “The boy likes the honky-tonk.”
The menu was as vast as the venue. I was particularly fond of the broiled chopped sirloin ($3.95), appetizing even to a young fellow with eating issues.
When our name was called and we were finally seated, it felt as if we had won the lottery. The food was delicious and the portions were, at least to a kid, enormous. Prime rib was their specialty, and for those who wanted a larger-sized cocktail, all a customer had to do was ask that their drink be “Zaberized.”
The payoff came when it was time for dessert. I remember our server coming over to our table and saying, “Mr. Zaberer would like you to have dessert, with his compliments.” Did this mean my father and mother actually knew “Mr. Zaberer?” Perhaps
they did; I was never told otherwise.
The history of Zaberers in Egg Harbor Township, as well as the North Wildwood location, is as singular as the venues themselves.
Charles Zaberer, who eventually owned the Egg Harbor Township location, was born in 1918 in North
Philadelphia. Brother Ed, who headed the North Wildwood Zaberers, was born the year before.
In the early 1920s, the Zaberer clan moved to Wildwood, where Charles and Ed’s grandmother ran a rooming house that served three meals a day. There, Charles and Ed gained their first experience working in a restaurant.
Ed’s first venture into something that resembled a restaurant happened in 1935. Seeing opportunities on the Wildwood Boardwalk, Ed bought a soft-serve ice-cream machine for $100 and rented a space on the Boardwalk. Six years later, a business that started as a small ice-cream store expanded to five restaurants which served breakfast and sandwiches.
Charles, who had been working as a sign painter, joined the business when he was 23. After serving in World War II, the brothers decided to expand again. This time they leased Holiday’s Restaurant, located just off the Wildwood Boardwalk. Holiday’s could seat 150.
In the 1950s the expansion bug bit again. On Memorial Day weekend in 1955, Zaberer’s Anglesea Inn, a relatively small space that seated only 50, opened off the Boardwalk. By 1960, Anglesea grew to 35,000 square feet and could seat 1,000.
The brothers advertised heavily and began to decorate the venue with the trademark stained-glass windows and lamps, antiques and red wallpaper. The brothers always made sure to meet customers personally, give out gifts to the kiddies and generally made every visitor feel welcomed and special.
The beginning of Zaberers on the Black Horse Pike happened as a result of what the brothers called “a policy disagreement.” At first, Charlie purchased an old bar, then called the Old Gables Inn on the Black Horse Pike. This became Zaberers.
The Black Horse Pike location was a pretty close copy of Zaberers North Wildwood in terms of menu, décor and more importantly, wild popularity.
Though Charles died in 1971, his widow, Rita Ann, and the owner of Philadelphia’s yellow Cab Company franchise ran the Egg Harbor Township location until it went bankrupt in 1985.
The North Wildwood restaurant was sold in 1988 for a reported $7 million, but the new owner was no Zaberer, and the restaurant went bankrupt in 1990. A year later, the contents of the building were sold at auction.
Along with Captain Starn’s, Hackney’s, and possibly lou’s in Ventnor, the Egg Harbor Township Zaberers ranks among the most fondly remembered restaurants in this region. It was, in every sense, unique and likely could not be duplicated today.
Here are some comments made on social media by those who remember it well:
“My wife and I had a drink there. I ordered a martini. The waitress asked if I wanted it Zaberized. It came in an iced tea glass. Giant drink. My wife had to drive home.”
– Tom Klem
“My parents would take me to the one on the Black Horse Pike all the time. Fun place.”
– Ron Reeves
“I remember the radio commercial: ‘It’s like being inside a Christmas tree.’”
– Patricia Boggs Popolo
“No matter where you were on the planet, there was a billboard reading, ‘Minutes away, Zaberers.’”
– Ralph l andy
“Yes, as a child, I remember they had coin-operated games to play as the parents mingled and waited on food. They had a Red Baron game that gave you a coin at a certain level. And the food was great, too! Good times.”
– Bob Pinto
“My great grandmother always ordered a Zaberized Tom Collins cocktail before her dinner. We got Shirley Temples.”
– Bill Baker
Could a place like Zaberers in Egg Harbor Township and/or Wildwood exist as a money-making operation today? Not likely. Given how large the restaurants were, the overhead today would be out of sight.
Then there is the competition from the restaurants in the casinos, and the fact that, by and large, families that used to go to places like Zaberers just wouldn’t appreciate the kitsch or the gimmicks of the 1960s and 1970s today. Zaberers still exists, but only as a memory. And that, no doubt, would make Charlie and Ed
happy.
Special thanks to Rick Grenda of the “About South Jersey” Facebook Group for providing research on the history of Zaberers.
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
By David Weinberg
Ocean City lifeguard Brynn Gallagher peered out at the rocky surf Monday evening and broke into a smile as bright as the rainbow that was forming over the ocean.
The chest-high waves would make the women’s paddleboard race at the 41st Cape May County lifeguard Championships extremely challenging for most of the competitors.
But the conditions were perfect for Gallagher, 17, a standout surfer who will be joining older sister Mia on the u niversity of North Carolina-Wilmington’s team in the fall.
“These conditions were awesome for me,” the 2025 Ocean City High School graduate said. “Being a surfer, the waves definitely favored me.”
The strong swells formed a choppy obstacle course for the competitors, swatting the paddlers back toward the beach at the start, then rocking them from side-to-side as they maneuvered parallel to the shoreline before turning a buoy and charging for the sand.
Gallagher caught a wave on the way in and rode it for 25 yards before emerging from the ocean and racing unchallenged 100 yards up the beach to the finish line.
“My older sister (Mia) won this in 2022 and I was hoping to get a chance to win it this year,” Brynn said. “I had some great competition from Wildwood Crest (Maddie Priest) and everyone else out there. It feels great to win it.”
Priest also had reason to celebrate a few minutes later, when she helped host Wildwood Crest win the team title for the first time since 2021.
Wildwood Crest finished with 23 points, one ahead of three-time defending champion Avalon.
It earned the win before a huge crowd that lined the beachfront for most of the races, then formed a human chute that stretched for 50 yards on either side during the final two races of the event, the women’s and men’s surf dash relays.
Emmie Frederick and l auren Sweat to win the women’s surf dash relay for the second straight year.
“We absolutely love each other and that’s one of the reasons we work so well together,” said Priest, who ran the anchor leg. “This means everything to us because this is our beach.”
They helped Wildwood Crest score 16 points in the final three events to upset Avalon.
l ike Priest, Jake Klecko also played a major role in Wildwood Crest’s victory.
Klecko, whose uncle Joe (New york Jets) and cousin Dan (Patriots, Eagles) played in the NFl , won the singles row, ran the anchor leg on Wildwood Crest’s second-place surf dash relay squad, and teamed with
John Steiger to take fourth in the doubles row.
Those races are what separate the Cape May County Championships from most of the other events on the South Jersey lifeguard racing schedule.
Fans and fellow lifeguards stand 15 deep in the sand and water, providing loud cheers while competitors highstep, porpoise dive and swim out to tag buoys before returning to shore and tagging teammates.
Priest teamed with Sophia Jurusz,
The same waves that helped Gallagher also aided Klecko in the singles row.
He was in third place as the boats made the turn to shore, but caught a huge wave and rocketed past Cape May Point’s Ben Swan and defending champion Ryan Finnegan of Avalon to earn his first County singles title.
“I like rowing in rough water,”
↘Continued on 24
Klecko said. “I figured it would come down to whoever caught a wave and was able to ride it in. When I saw the wave at the end, I knew it was my chance and I was able to capitalize on it.”
Midway through the event, it appeared as though Avalon was on its way to another convincing win.
It won three of the first four races, starting with Gary Nagle and Dave Giulian earning their fourth straight victory in the doubles row.
“These conditions were definitely in our favor,” Nagle said. “When it’s rough like this, it separates the good boats from the best boats. Anybody
can make their boat move in flat water. This is when experience becomes a factor.”
Especially in ocean rowing. unlike some crews, Nagle and Giulian never rowed in high school or college.
Both wrestled at Middle Township High School for coach Matt Wolf, who is also the chief of the Avalon Beach Patrol. Nagle went on to wrestle at u rsinus College while Giulian was a first-team all-conference linebacker for the College of New Jersey last fall and also wrestled for the lions.
Avalon swimmers Tim Hanway and Becca Cubbler also earned challenging, difficult victories.
Hanway, a 17-year-old rising senior
Here are some of the fun events happening in the Wildwoods:
JULY 11
Wildwood Crest
Sand Sculpting Festival
JULY 11–13
New Jersey Jeep Invasion
NJ BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
JULY 18–20
New Jersey Bronco Invasion
JULY 22–25
Harlem Globetrotters
JULY 26
North Wildwood Christmas in July, Featuring Surfing Santas
Wildwood Christmas in July, Featuring Boardwalk Golf Cart Parade
Wildwood Crest Christmas in July Festival and Boat Parade
JULY 26–27
Beach Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
Jus Nice Sneaker & Trading Card Convention
JULY 29
Baby Waddle Contest
JULY 30
Wildwoods Baby Parade
AUG. 2
Sevens Down the Shore Beach Rugby
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS
TILL AUG. 21
Doo Wop Back to the ’50s Neon Night Tours
FRIDAY NIGHTS JUNE 27–AUG. 29
Friday Night Fireworks
SATURDAY MORNINGS
TILL AUG. 30
Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market
LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK
Sundays at Fox Park
7:30 p.m. | June 29–Aug. 24
Mondays at Sunset Lake
7:30 p.m. | June 30–Aug. 18
Tuesdays at Crest Arts Pavilion
7 p.m. | July 1–Aug. 19
Wednesdays at Centennial Park
7 p.m. | July 2–Aug. 20
Thursdays at Byrne Plaza
7:30 p.m. | June 19–Aug. 28
Saturdays at Centennial Park
7 p.m. | June 28–Sept. 20
COMING SEPT. 5 & 6 Thunder Over the Waves Airshow
WILDWOODS ISLAND SHUTTLE—LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US
Jitney service from Diamond Beach to Olde New Jersey Avenue ... and everywhere in between!
Download the free Jitney Surfer app.
Plan your visit today and enter to win a free family vacation.
WILDWOODSNJ.COM 800.992.9732
at Salesianum School in Delaware, continued the patrol’s tradition of success in the men’s swim by topping upper Township’s logan Manning and Ocean City’s Jake Texter.
“This was my first-ever (ocean) race, so I would have been happy just to finish,” Hanway said. “Winning it feels great.”
Cubbler, a 27-year-old Kindergarten teacher, won the women’s swim after taking first in the women’s paddleboard a year ago.
She sprinted across the line ahead of Ocean City’s Rhylee Cornell and 2023 champion Mary Kate leonard of Sea Isle City.
“That was a tough race,” Cubbler said. “Going out was rough and I couldn’t see the buoy to make the turn because the waves kept slapping me in the face. The key was being able to catch a wave on the way in and I was able to do that.”
Wildwood paddleboard racer John livingston and the North Wildwood men’s surf dash relay team the other wins Monday.
livingston earned one of the most exciting victories.
He trailed Ocean City’s Chase Ritter as the two paddled furiously toward shore. Ritter actually emerged from the water in first place, but livingston quickly passed him and opened the gap during the 100-yard sprint up the beach to the finish line.
“I caught a wave on the way in and that helped a lot,” said livingston, who also serves as a lifeguard in Florida. “I was able to rest and conserve a little bit of energy while (Ritter) was still paddling. I knew if it came down to the run, I’d be OK.”
North Wildwood prevailed in the men’s surf dash relay for the third straight year.
Peyton Rosenello, Seamus McClain, Chase McCray and anchor Hunter Bostwick helped North Wild -
wood win the event for the fourth straight year.
“We’re known for this race and we work extremely hard to keep up the tradition,” said Bostwick, who will be running track for DePaul university in Chicago this fall. “It’s an incredible feeling to win it again.”
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
By Madison Russ
When Mainland Regional High School
rising senior Andrew Gillman heard that longtime family friend Chrissy Naame had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, his mind turned to how he could rally the community to support her.
Growing up, the Mainland football player was close with Naame’s sons. After her diagnosis, Gillman said he wanted to give back to “such a great role model, a great person and a great mother.”
“My goal is just to make sure the Naames felt like they were in this with the community,” Gillman said.
With a little help and hard work, Gillman organized the First Annual Chrissy Naame Playing with Purpose fundraiser, a youth sports clinic for grades first through eighth and community gathering set for July 24 at Birch Grove Park on the Northfield Cardinals football field, 1675 Burton Ave., from 4 to 8:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Naame family
and support Chrissy Naame’s cancer battle.
Kids will have the opportunity to be coached by the Mainland football
Every Wednesday at 12 Noon in July and August
team. The clinic will include football skills and drills, an NFl-style combine and a round-robin flag football game. A family barbecue will follow, along with raffles, a 50/50, live music and more.
Gillman said his teammates were “immediately enthusiastic” about getting involved, and he thought young kids might be, too.
“What young kid doesn’t want to be around the high school football players?” Gillman said. “It’s going to be a really great time. I just thought if there was any way I could bring the community together to give back to such a loving family, then that’s what my mission was and goal is.”
Gillman said he’s grateful for his teammates who have reached out to ask how they can help.
“I’m so grateful for them,” he said. “Everyone just wants to help. I’m very grateful that I’m seeing the community just come together and really do whatever they can to just make this thing happen.”
(FAN) board, who he said have been “awesome.”
With guidance from his family and support from FAN board members Jenn Hale and Colleen Kennedy, Gillman said that while there have been some learning curves, the willingness of others to step up has helped.
“It’s kind of been more of a smoother process just because everyone is just looking to get involved, and everyone is looking to help in any way they possibly can,” Gillman said.
After getting the go-ahead from everyone, he said they promoted the event on social media.
“She was immediately grateful and just heartfelt,” Gillman said of Chrissy Naame’s reaction.
As for how the community can support the event, Gillman said attending and spreading the word will help.
“I’m fortunate enough we do have a nice number of volunteers between family, friends and coaches,” he said. “There’s going to be some fun prizes for not only kids but adults as well, and it’s going to be an awesome time.
Mainland Regional High School rising senior and football player Andrew Gillman organized the First Annual Chrissy Naame Playing with Purpose fundraiser, which is set for July 24
All in all, the event took a few months for the high school student to plan. In March, he said he reached out to Chrissy Naame’s husband, George, before moving forward, wanting to be respectful.
He handled approvals and met with the Northfield City Council and the Family Association of Northfield
I really think it’s going to be a fun time, and I’m hoping for a big turnout.”
The event is open to the community. Parents who wish to register their children should do so by July 10. The registration fee is $40. To sign up, visit shorturl.at/fA5oe.
By Fred Miller
The Ocean City Beach Patrol’s tradition of winning intercity rowing and swimming has its roots in the Olympic Games. long before the lifeguards won either a Cape May County or South Jersey championship, OCBP Hall of Famer John B. Kelly Sr. was wearing three Olympic gold medals.
Kelly, competing in Antwerp, Belgium on Aug. 18, 1920, won two Olympic rowing races. He narrowly beat Jack Beresford of Great Britain in the singles sculls, and, partnership with his cousin Paul Costello, easily defeated the Italian crew in the doubles sculls.
Kelly, competing in the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France, won another gold medal in the doubles rowing with Costello.
With the support and encouragement of John B. Kelly, Ocean City lifeguard Augustus Goetz rowed in the pair-oared shell with coxswain in the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, Holland.
Four years later, Kelly encouraged Charles Kieffer, a championship rower on the Ocean City Beach Patrol, to compete in the 1932 Olympic Games in los Angeles. He won a gold medal on Aug. 12, 1932. His event—the pair-oared shell with coxswain—had never before been won by an American crew. Kieffer, rowing in the bow, Joseph Schauers, rowing in the stern, and Edward Jennings coxswain, came through with a fine performance to beat Poland by a length and a half.
By Nikita Biryukov NJ Monitor
Anew plan seeks to address an array of coastal and inland flood risks over the next 75 years by expanding the state’s flood maps. Critics say it would raise costs for New Jerseyans.
A controversial land management rules proposal meant to guard against floods in an expanding portion of New Jersey may see changes ahead of an August deadline for the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt or kill the package.
The scope of any possible changes to the Protection Against Climate Threats Resilient Environments and l andscape Rules — more succinctly, Pact Real — remains unclear.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s office confirmed the administration would hold public meetings about the rules proposal next week, but declined to confirm or detail potential changes to the 1,044-page plan.
The voluminous filing seeks to address an array of coastal and inland flood risks over the next 75 years by
expanding the state’s flood maps, raising elevation requirements for new construction in areas affected by rising sea levels, and tightening drainage requirements, among numerous other things.
Environmental groups and some local officials have hailed the rules as a necessary step to protect residents and property in a state where severe storms are becoming more and more frequent.
“We’re not really asking for anything radical. We’re not asking for something completely outside of the box. This is just adapting to what we are already experiencing,” Anjuli Ramos, director of Sierra Club’s New Jersey chapter. “Just last week, there was a rain event, and multiple streets in Monmouth County and in Ocean County flooded.”
New Jersey saw 17 storms that caused at least $1 billion in damage between 2020 and 2024, according to data maintained by the National Centers for Environmental Information. There were 15 such storms over the preceding 40 years after adjustments for inflation.
Severe storms have assaulted other parts of the nation, and flooding from a Texas storm last week killed at least 109, including at least 28 children.
“The only thing that causes more damage than fire is water,” said Barbara Rogers, a township committeewoman in Cranbury, which saw severe flooding from Hurricane Henri in 2021.
Business groups, some Jersey Shore mayors, and the New Jersey Builders Association have opposed the proposed changes, arguing they would further raise New Jersey’s already high cost of living.
The heightened elevation requirement — which would mandate that newly constructed, reconstructed, or enlarged buildings be elevated to 5 feet above the high-water line — has been a frequent focal point of the proposal’s detractors.
“We don’t think it’s supported by the science, and it would be very costly and disruptive to people living at the shore and for businesses at the shore,” said Ray Cantor, deputy chief government affairs officer for the New Jersey Business and Industry Asso -
ciation, which opposes the proposal.
By adopting flood maps of its own that are more expansive than those maintained by federal environmental and emergency response agencies, the state risks mortgage lenders requiring more homebuyers to obtain flood insurance coverage, he said.
Proponents of the proposed rules have argued a larger subscriber pool could lower flood insurance rates — a claim Cantor doubts — as less precarious homes dilute the risk of frequent flooders.
The National Flood Insurance Program, which holds a majority of the country’s flood insurance policies, faces risk of a death spiral driven by claims to a tiny slice of its covered properties that repeatedly flood.
Cantor said a provision in the rules that would require deed notices to include a warning that a property “is likely to be subject to periodic inundation and associated flood damage” could impact property values.
“There are a thousand pages of bad proposals here. Cumulatively, it’s going to be a real negative drag on the state’s economy,” he said.
Atlantic City will take to the skies this summer with the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival Tuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16. The free event is expected to draw thousands of visitors to witness breathtaking aerial performances and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the city.
Weeklong celebration
While the air show is the highlight, the Soar & Shore Festival is a weeklong celebration running Monday, July 14, through Sunday, July 20. The festival
offers a mix of aerial demonstrations and interactive events at various locations across Atlantic City.
Air show schedule
Practice Day: Tuesday, July 15
Show Day: Wednesday, July 16
Time: 12 to 2:30 p.m.
Show Center: Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino
Aerial lineup (subject to change):
● 12 p.m. – Misty Blues Parachute Team, an all-women skydiving team
● 12:12 p.m. – Nathan Hammond’s
Super Chipmunk, aerobatic performance
● 12:22 p.m. – u .S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin search and rescue demonstration
● 12:34 p.m. – 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, F-16 flybys
● 12:44 p.m. – B-25 Mitchell Bomber, World War II warbird
● 12:54 p.m. – u H-1H Huey with Smokey Bear, Vietnam-era helicopter
● 12:59 p.m. – Warbird Thunder aerobatic team
● 1:14 p.m. – 108th Wing KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling demo
● 1:22 p.m. – Third Strike Wingwalking, featuring dual and solo acrobatics
● 1:35 p.m. – Thom Richard in the FM-2 Wildcat, a classic Navy fighter
● 1:47 p.m. – Skip Stewart, award-winning aerobatic pilot
● 1:59 p.m. – Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG17, Cold War-era Soviet jet
Festival events
Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week
July 14–19, 5 to 9 p.m.
Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City Nightly weigh-ins and on-site activations
FIFA Activation
July 15–16, 12 to 2:30 p.m.
On the boardwalk in front of The yard at Bally’s Atlantic City Interactive soccer-themed experience
Second Annual Car Show
July 16, 2 to 5 p.m.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Free admission; includes food trucks and pipe organ demonstrations
Silent Movie Experience
July 16, 6 p.m.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Screening of Sherlock, Jr. and Two Tars with live organ accompaniment
Beachfront Fireworks by Grucci July 16, 9 p.m.
On the beach between Brighton and California avenues, in front of Tropicana Atlantic City
A fireworks display over the Atlantic City skyline
ESPN’s “Slippery Stairs” July 17, 12 to 2 p.m.
On the beach at Arkansas Avenue l ive taping of the competitive stair-climbing game show
For a full schedule and updates, visit visitatlanticcity.com.
By Tammy Thornton
Local garden tours allow visitors a chance to stroll through otherwise secret and private gardens while enjoying the creativity and hard work of others. The little Gardens Club of Atlantic City will hold their 26th summer garden tour on Sunday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you are a fellow gardener seeking new ideas or just enjoy seeing pretty displays of flowers, garden tours always impress and inspire.
South Jersey summer gardens were considered small compared to their larger estate gardens on the Main line. As they celebrate their 103rd anniversary, the garden club will feature gardens located in Northfield, linwood, Egg Harbor Township, and Mays l anding. l ocal gardeners will share their experiences growing plants that thrive in
The little Gardens Club of Atlantic City has been in existence since 1922. Organizers named it the “ little Gardens” Club because these
species and monitor plant growth and health. The tour will also include the garden of yours truly, the Shore local Gardener.
South Jersey and how native plants will attract pollinators and provide host plants for their larvae.
While a few of the gardens will live up to their “little gardens” name, others, like the 30 acres of David Parker in Mays landing, will show how to provide a native habitat for wildlife through restoration. Be prepared to walk through wildflower meadows as well as a moss-covered trail in a forest. This event will feature the linwood Arboretum which will showcase the latest project of using drone technology to map plant
The garden club continues to use proceeds from ticket sales to benefit civic and environmental organizations. During World War II when soldiers were in make-shift hospitals, the group provided flowers and magazines for recovering soldiers. Currently, the club follows a tradition of holding the summer garden tour the weekend after the Fourth of July. Tickets for the event can be found at Joe’s Garden Center in Absecon, l ang’s Garden Market in linwood, Bob’s Garden Center in Egg Harbor Township, and Ronnie’s Garden Center in Northfield.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Co-Chairs: Mindy Gale Zeigerman & Jeffrey Amtman
Committee: Donna & Michael Brenner, Renee Stemmer Pam Lehrer & Howard Drossner
By Ronnie Bauer
For three winters, I lived in a $5-a-night hotel in Essaouira, Morocco, next to Chris Gilmore and his wife, Anita. Essaouira is an ancient city first visited by the Phoenicians around the first century B.C. They came to extract purple dye from shells found on the Island of Mogador, just a half mile offshore.
Next to the port is the medina, a walled city packed with apartments, kasbahs, markets, mosques, cafés and restaurants. Because motor vehicles are not allowed, its narrow streets resemble alleys. Walking through the medina felt like stepping into a chapter from The Arabian Nights. It seemed nothing had changed there in centuries. The city’s ramparts and architecture are so picturesque that they have served as backdrops for many films and television series, in -
cluding Game of Thrones.
Chris was something of a celebrity in Essaouira, thanks to his 18-foot wooden sloop, the Rubáiyát. He spent 12 years building the boat—mostly in the lobbies of two hotels. The locals admired him for his unwavering determination. By the time I arrived, the boat was nearly finished and had been moved to the port.
Working and sailing aboard the Rubáiyát was an electrifying experience. The waters around Essaouira are clear and blue, with the white walls of the city forming an exotic backdrop. It was also risky. There was no Coast Guard to rescue us if something went wrong. The port officials had given Chris a phone number to call in emergencies, but no one ever answered when we tried it. We hoped the nearby fishing boats would help if necessary.
Chris was always in good spirits at sea, even though we soon learned that Rubáiyát didn’t sail very well. The problem was her experimental hull design. The keel was made of two long blocks of wood, which made it easy to drag the boat around the port—but not so great for open-water sailing.
One day, we decided to test her maximum sailing speed. We motored into a steady wind, hoisted the sails, and turned off the engine. Chris caught the breeze and checked our handheld GPS. Despite adjustments, the highest speed we reached was 3.5 mph. Tidal surges often move faster than that, so from then on, we kept the engine running at all times.
One hazard we frequently encountered were the fishing nets around the Island of Mogador. Moroccan
boats passed over them easily, but they tangled with our keel and often wrapped around the propeller. After a few harrowing moments spent cutting netting off the engine in six-foot seas, I began keeping a careful bow watch.
There was one day in particular that turned dangerous. A soft south wind was blowing—the kind that often brings rain—but the sky was clear, so we headed to the west side of Mogador, which faces the open sea. Oddly, there were only a few boats out; normally, more than 50 would be fishing for octopus and sea bass. Still, we continued south.
We avoided the southern fishing nets, but then dark clouds appeared on the horizon.
“Chris, do you see those clouds?” I asked.
“I sure do, matey,” he replied. “They seem pretty far off, but we’d better be on the safe side and head for home. Get ready to come about.”
As we turned the boat, the south wind picked up to 10 mph—then quickly jumped to 25. The clouds closed in.
“ looks like we may be in for a squall!” Chris shouted. “ let’s get the sails down and stowed.”
I took in the jib first and started on the mainsail. Just as it was halfway down, a gust of 35 mph lurched the boat. Chris jumped up to help, and together we secured the sail to the boom. Then the storm hit. Rain and wind pounded the boat. Visibility dropped to zero. Waves splashed over the port side as the boat rocked violently. I stood frozen next to the boom, terrified.
“Matey!” Chris yelled. “ look alive!”
By Cindy Christy Fertsch
On Tuesday, July 8, Johnny Boy Blues in Egg Harbor City marked National Blueberry Day with a joyful celebration for members of the special needs community. Hosted by the Hunter family, the event welcomed participants from Heart of Surfing, a South Jersey nonprofit that provides free recreational activities for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities.
Set against the backdrop of the farm’s blueberry fields, the evening offered a perfect blend of summer fun and community connection. Guests enjoyed blueberry picking, snacks, and refreshments while taking in the peaceful farm atmosphere. local vendors offered treats, crafts, and giveaways, while a DJ kept the energy up with lively music. A bubble party brought laughter and excitement to guests of all ages.
The New Jersey State Police joined the celebration, offering a friendly meet-and-greet where families could interact with troopers,
explore patrol vehicles, and snap photos. In a touching moment, troopers presented farm owners Chris and Amy Hunter with a plaque recognizing their contributions.
Johnny Boy Blues was founded by the Hunter family and named in honor of their son, Johnny, who is on the autism spectrum. The farm itself
was inherited from Amy’s parents and holds deep personal meaning. July 8 is both National Blueberry Day and Amy’s late mother’s birthday, making the date especially meaningful. The annual celebration, now in its fourth year, has grown steadily each summer—and this year’s event drew hundreds of guests, the largest turnout yet.
For Heart of Surfing, the celebration was another opportunity to fulfill its mission of inclusion and connection through joyful, judgment-free experiences. Founded in 2014, the organization offers adaptive surfing, skateboarding, roller skating, and other sensory-friendly activities at no cost to families. The partnership with Johnny Boy Blues brings together two missions rooted in love, community, and accessibility.
“This was such a special night,” said one Heart of Surfing volunteer. “The Hunter family’s hospitality and the involvement of the State Police made everyone feel welcome and included.”
As the sun set over the blueberry fields, families left with blueberry-stained fingers, smiling faces, and hearts full of summer joy.
Shore Medical Center has announced the opening of its new adult sensory-friendly emergency department program, offering a calming and supportive environment for neurodiverse adult patients, including those with autism. This milestone builds on Shore's successful Pediatric Sensory-Friendly Program launched in 2021 and is made possible by a generous $20,000 grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation.
The new adult sensory-friendly room, located in Shore's main emergency department, is the first of its kind in southern New Jersey and is designed to minimize common sensory triggers, including bright lights, loud noises, and visual clutter. The fully enclosed room features soft lighting, muted wall colors, neutral flooring and a sliding glass door to reduce noise. Equipment is concealed in cabinets, and the space is stocked with fidget tools and sensory items to help calm and comfort patients during care.
"Since 2021, our Pediatric Sensory-Friendly Program has been
life-changing for families in South Jersey," said Sherri Richmond, administrative director of Emergency Services. "We're thrilled to extend this level of care to adults now. We know that for many neurodiverse patients and their caregivers, a trip to the ER can be overwhelming, and they may even avoid coming in due to the anticipated stress. This space lets
families know we understand their needs and they can feel confident coming to us for help."
Caregivers are strongly encouraged to call ahead to the ER Clinical Supervisor at 609-653-3558 to notify them they are on their way. Calling ahead helps staff prepare for each patient's unique needs.
According to Autism NJ, people
on the autism spectrum experience significantly more emergency department (ED) visits than the general population. Research shows ED visits are twice as high for adults with autism compared to those without. The emergency room is already a high-stress environment, but for those with autism, the stress can be overwhelming due to sensory overload, unexpected interactions and communication challenges.
To ensure the program truly reflects the needs of the neurodiverse community, Shore established a Community Advisory Committee comprising local families and disability advocacy organizations. Their input played a key role in shaping the program's development. Shore also maintained its strong partnership with the Atlantic County Special Services School District to assist with program design and deliver targeted staff training.
"At Shore, we're committed to removing obstacles to care," Richmond added. "Whether you're 8 or 80, you deserve a safe and welcoming place to get the treatment you need."
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Did you know that Somers Point has a new Northend? That’s right. The Northend Grill opened its doors at 718 Bay Ave. (the former Sushi) during the week of July 4.
The first week was a smash hit. yes, it was a major holiday week and weekend, the weather was perfect, and people came out to support the new delicious venue in a big way.
They raved about it. But this is only the beginning. The partners have great plans for the totally renovated restaurant from its former sushi theme.
Owners Angelo DiBartolo and Jim House have been friends for many years. Each one has a different strength which they bring to the table.
Their friendship dates back to the
years when they played rugby together. Each of them said the bond of rugby players is strong which will help during busy, tense times in the kitchen.
Angelo said, “If he annoys me, I will just tackle him in the kitchen” Of course they are kidding, but in the restaurant business you have to have fun.
Angelo’s restaurant experience dates back to two famous Ocean City Boardwalk businesses: Ove’s and Brown’s.
He considers the two families his mentors who taught him how to make famously delicious food at an extreme pace. If you know these two businesses, you know how busy they are and how many hundreds and hundreds of meals they put out every day.
After Angelo’s tenure at the businesses, he tested his entrepreneurial skills with his own successful Northend Beach Grill, which was originally located on St. Charles Place in Ocean City. He eventually moved the business to 2nd Street, and lastly on the beach at North Street, Ocean City.
He accomplished all of this success
while being a guidance counselor at the Ocean City Intermediate School.
Prior to his counselor career, he served as a history teacher for 17 years at Ocean City High School.
He said, “I loveed my time in Ocean City and I would never have left except for the opportunity in Somers Point.”
Angelo had his eyes on 718 Bay Ave. for years. He said it is the perfect spot for a successful breakfast and lunch restaurant with all of the activity in Somers Point, especially on Bay Avenue.
The extensive breakfast menu offers customers a wide variety, everything from breakfast wraps to an endless choice of custom omelets, and of course, pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles.
Partner Jim House is going to put his award-winning Best of the Press talents to work with the lunch menu.
They offer a wide variety of salads and soups along with mouth-watering sandwiches which include favorites such as ham, turkey and cheese, roast
beef and cheese, tuna salad and chicken salad.
However, Jim’s recognition comes from the numerous gold medals he has received from his famous Pork Island BBQ. He has received gold medals from Texas to North Carolina and all the way back to New Jersey.
Customers can taste outstanding pulled pork and pulled chicken probably better than anything they have ever tasted. They can also combine it with the best mac and cheese that they have ever had.
They will soon see Jim's special BBQ cooker out front which helped make him so famous.
The hours are daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and don’t just take our word about how great Northend Grill is, see for yourself.
They are going to be offering catering soon so you can invite all of your friends over or just enjoy the indoor/outdoor dining on site. Call 609-788-4422, look of up northendgrill on Facebook or Instagram
@NORTHENDGRI ll SP
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. Stop, play and stay at the Jersey Shore.
or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
The City Jet roller coaster at
Wonderland was Ocean City's largest when it arrived in 1978. It rose in a spiral before two steep drops with banked turns. In December 2004, the park announced that the City Jet had been sold and was in the process of being dismantled. One of the original cars was donated to the National Roller Coaster Museum, with the others used for spare parts. It was sold as part of a deal in which Gillian's received the Runaway Train roller coaster.
By Madison Russ Family Tides
If you’re looking to keep your young artist’s creative spark alive this summer, there are plenty of events happening for little art lovers across Cape May and Atlantic counties. Whether they love painting, watching live theater, or diving into hands-on crafts, these activities are sure to inspire.
Get creative in Wildwood’s parks
Wildwood’s free Arts in the Parks program invites families to get creative through hands-on workshops such as nature crafts and painting at neighborhood parks. Events are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 28 (except for
Aug. 5, which is National Night Out). locations rotate between Scotty’s Park (New Jersey and Magnolia avenues), Jack Morey’s SO lCOW Park (New york and West Poplar avenues) and Holly Beach Park (123 E. Andrews Ave.). For more information, visit wildwoodsnj.com.
Introduce your youngest art lovers to the magic of live performance at two local stages this summer.
At Stockton university, the Performing Arts Center’s Children’s Summer Playhouse will present “Snow White” on July 16, “ little Red Riding Hood” on July 23 and “Pinocchio” on July 30. All shows begin at 11 a.m. and tickets are $15. Crafts for children will be available in the lobby starting at 10 a.m. For more information, visit stockton.edu/pac.
In Ocean City, the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) will present a lineup of beloved stories, including “Pinkalicious: The Musical” on July 15, “Pete the Cat!” on July 22 and “A year with Frog and Toad” on July 29. All shows begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $11 in advance and $13 the day of the show.
The season wraps up with “The SpongeBob Musical: youth Edition,”
featuring OCTC’s Middle School Company, on Aug. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets are $15. Visit oceancitytheatrecompany.com for more information.
Join an art show
Dunes Art Gallery in Brigantine will host its first kids’ art show Aug.
9 from 12 to 3 p.m. The event offers young artists a chance to showcase their work and gives kids an opportunity to be inspired by their peers. All ages up to 14 are encouraged to submit, but the gallery asks that each participant only show up to two pieces. All mediums and styles are welcome. Snacks and beverages will
artists ages 9 to 12 to explore the connection between art and nature through a variety of themes and mediums. The weekly class is held Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and is led by local artist Peaches lukens, with each session featuring a different theme.
On July 16, the class will explore the theme “Enchanted Gardens” using acrylics, and “Survivor” using watercolors on July 23. “Nature’s Symphony” is the focus on July 30 using colored pencils, and “Stones and Bones,” using tissue paper and polymer, rounds out the series on Aug. 6.
be available for both kids and adults. This is a pop-up exhibit, and artwork must be taken home by the buyer or artist immediately after the event. To register a child to participate, email dunesartgallery@gmail.com. For more information, visit dunesartgallery.com.
In Cape May, The Nature of Art – Children’s Art Class invites young
on Japanese artist yayoi Kusama and let kids try their hand at polka-dot pumpkins, based on her installation “All the Eternal love I Have for the Pumpkins,” using paper, paint and markers.
The Wildwood Crest branch also hosts a Tween Creative Hour. On July 21 at 5 p.m., the project is neon pop tab bracelets. The Aug. 18 session will feature rock painting. For more details and other events, visit cmclibrary.org.
For Atlantic County library System patrons, the library’s art-centric summer reading program, Color Our World, offers a variety of creative events ranging from crafts and
sing-alongs to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) workshops across several branches. Visit atlanticlibrary.org for more information.
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.
Classes are $20 per person. Participants should arrive five to 10 minutes early at the Nature Center of Cape May’s Trucksess Welcome Center, 1600 Delaware Ave. To register or for more information, visit njaudubon.org.
Tweens and teens ages 11 to 18 can get crafty every Tuesday at 1 p.m. during Creative Hour at the Cape May County library’s Cape May Court House branch. upcoming projects include DIy dyed slime on July 15, marbled paper on July 22 and watercolor leaf rubbing on July 29.
The ArtQuest event at the Stone Harbor branch for kids ages 5 and older highlights a different famous artist each session and offers a project in that artist’s style. On July 14 from 3 to 4 p.m., the event will focus on Andy Warhol. Participants will create Warhol-inspired pop art by foam block printing their own designs on paper. On July 28, ArtQuest will focus
By Charles P. Eberson Senior Moments
They lurk in many of the coastal homes along the shore and occasionally in the homes on the mainland. They may be found in garages, crawl spaces or even bedrooms of some of the homes sometimes only seeing the light of day when conditions are perfect and this past Monday, conditions were perfect.
What am I talking about? Surfboards. Although it has been a few years since I hoisted my body which is now more prone to breaking than bending onto a surfboard, I can’t help but imagining myself carving across the face of a clean wave as I watched from the beach. Sure, there were days I went out when the conditions were “blown out” not in pursuit of a
great ride but just to keep my paddling muscles in tune for the "Big Day." Not too many riders were out in the water on days like that but chose to wait for clean, glassier conditions. Some days, storm waves rose up on their haunches challenging only the more experienced riders.
But on Monday in Ventnor and I imagine at many other locales along the shore, it was a rare July day. At a time in the season when the oceans are usually flat, on this day, sets of clean 4-6 footers marched consistently to the shore. They were breaking “outside” meaning on a sandbar before reforming again into a crunching shore break. These outside breaks were always my favorite as I didn’t have to worry about wiping out and being driven headfirst into only a foot of water. It seemed like everyone from young “grommies” to shall we say, surfing veterans were out on the water. longboarders could be seen waiting for their waves with the noses of their boards angled up towards the sky and shortboarders were sitting
on their submerged surfboards. It seemed like if it floated, it was in the ocean that day including boogie boards and stand up paddle boards. Between the sets of larger waves were smaller, playful waves so it was a fun ocean for all that day.
Standing on the beach at Ventnor Pier and seeing all the surfers in the water, I had to wonder; if they took a census in the shore towns of how many surfboards there were, what would be that number. I have three boards,
each corresponding to my different age and experience levels and I imagine many others have more than one. Would that number be in the hundreds or even thousands? Monday was a rare day for those who played with Mother Ocean. I am sure many slept well that night and while others had that familiar muscle soreness that comes with extended, joyful play. I must admit, I did grab the boogie board we bought for family visiting with us and rode some nice shore break. I had a blast and made a mental note. If I grab my fins, I could carve some of those paths across the face of the waves I always imagine. But first, a little stretching.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com
Another week of fun in Ocean City will be highlighted by four shows at the Ocean City Music Pier.
The Ocean City Pops will accompany the critically-acclaimed show “Live and Let Die” featuring Tony Kishman, veteran of the Broadway smash hit musical “Beatlemania,” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13. Hailed by the media as “The Quintessential Paul McCartney,” Kishman has performed to audiences worldwide and is regarded by “Beatlemaniacs” as the world’s best McCartney look-alike/ sound-alike.
With state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and a note-perfect, visually accurate re-creation, you’ll hear hit songs from the Beatles catalog and Paul McCartney’s solo works including: “Hey Jude,” “Jet,” “Penny lane,” “ live And let Die,” “ yesterday,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “My love,” “ let It Be,” “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Got to Get you Into My life,” “Silly love Songs” and many
more.
Tickets and more information on both shows are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111 or at the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office.
Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra will return to the Music Pier at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12. The popular show combines lively tunes and cutting satire, capturing the essence of Philadelphia's sports culture with a delightful blend of music and comedy. Fans can expect an entertaining performance that pays homage to the city's beloved teams and their passionate supporters, creating a memorable experience that resonates with both sports enthusiasts and music aficionados alike. Ticket information is at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
The Wailers will perform music from the legendary Bob Marley albums “Natural Mystic” and “Evolution” in a Boardwalk Summer Concert
Series show at 7 p.m. Monday, July 14. After successful shows in 2023 and 2024, the Wailers return to the Music Pier for the third summer in a row. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit etix.com or stop by the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office.
A full summer of weekly events will begin in July. The lineup this year will include:
• Beach Exercise - Yoga (8 a.m. at 6th Street Beach) and Family Nights on the Boardwalk (7-9 p.m.) on Mondays.
• Beach Walks (9 a.m. at 59th Street and Central), Fantastic Tuesdays (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Asbury Avenue) and Mummers Nights (7-9 p.m. on the Boardwalk) on Tuesdays.
• Beach Exercise – Pilates Yoga (8 a.m. at 6th Street Beach), Beach Walks (6:30 p.m. at 59th Street and Central), and Family Nights on the Boardwalk (7-9 p.m.) on Wednesdays.
• Market Days (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Asbury Avenue) and Mummers Nights (7-9 p.m. on the Boardwalk) on Thursdays.
• Beach Exercise – Low Impact (8 a.m. at 6th Street Beach) and Walking Club (8 a.m. on the Boardwalk from the Music Pier) on Fridays.
Children’s Theater Series continues
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) will present “Elephant & Piggie: We Are in a Play!” as part of the 2025 Summer Children’s Theater Series at the Ocean City Music Pier at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8. Get ready for a musical experience ripped from the pages of Mo Willems' beloved, award-winning, best-sell
ing children's books that will leave audiences doing the "Flippy Floppy Floory" dance all night long.
The summer series will feature other productions, including:
• July 15 – “Pinkalicious!”: Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents.
• July 22 – “Pete the Cat”: The show is based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean. For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up.
• July 29 – “A Year With Frog and Toad” (TYA): A hit on Broadway, “A year with Frog and Toad” was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold lobel's well-loved books and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends through four fun-filled seasons
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage. Tickets are priced at $11 in advance and $13 on the day of the show. They are available at oceanci -
By Steffen Klenk
Vivarelli greeted paradegoers, along with this year’s Miss Night in Venice contestants. Singer Keith Hickman added a patriotic flair with live musical performances. Following the parade, crowds gathered at the 52nd Street Playground for hot dogs, snacks, and an awards ceremony, with Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian in attendance.
Earlier that morning, local neighbors came together for the annual “4th on 42nd” block party, which began with a flag-raising ceremony led by Marine veteran and Ocean City resident Jack Johnson. John Foley performed a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem on saxophone
to an appreciative crowd near the beach.
As the day continued, families enjoyed a classic Fourth of July celebration with cornhole tournaments, volleyball, and sandcastle building. More than 250 residents gathered to share a community meal featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, chicken, and a variety of desserts. Acoustic musician Jake Blumberg provided the perfect soundtrack for a festive and
On Wednesday, July 2, original Broadway cast member of Jonathan larson’s international hit “RENT,” Obie Award-winner Anthony Rapp spent the day teaching a masterclass to the high school students of Gateway Playhouse’s upcoming production of “RENT: School Edition.” The class was part of Gateway’s “Gateway to the Arts” summer-education program.
Rapp, who originated leading roles in "RENT" and "If/Then" with screen time in movies and television shows such as "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987), "A Beautiful Mind" (2001) and "Star Trek: Discovery" (CBS All Access, 2017-’24), spent Wednesday working with the student-actors on character development, music and movement while relaying beautiful personal stories with the students.
“We’re still in awe (and) trying to process the incredible experience we had with Anthony Rapp, the original Mark from Broadway’s ‘RENT,’” said Katie Calvi, Gateway’s board president. “His insight, storytelling, direction, and musical guidance laid
the foundation for something truly extraordinary. Our Gateway community is stronger, our understanding of the material deeper, and the path forward for this production is lit with purpose. We will carry his words, and Jonathan l arson’s legacy, with the care, pride and love it deserves.”
Gateway to the Arts is an annual intensive educational initiative that reaches students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with a supportive, inclusive space to grow
not only as performers but as empathetic, creative and empowered individuals. The program is divided into three age groups – “Musical Munchkins,” ages 7-9; “Shining Stars,” 10-13; “Rising Stars” 14-18 –and empowers kids through theater and encourages them to develop a strong comfort level for performing. Each session culminates with a fullblown production. This summer, the “Rising Stars” will produce “RENT: School Edition,” following a once-ina-lifetime experience to learn directly from Rapp, who was the heart of the original Broadway production.
“Having Anthony Rapp join us for this masterclass was an extraordinary gift to our cast and creative team,” said Gateway Artistic Director Phil Pallitto. “His willingness to share his personal journey with ‘RENT’ and the legacy of Jonathan l arson infused our theater with a sense of purpose and urgency. It reminded us that we
are not just performing a musical, we are carrying forward a story that has changed lives and continues to inspire a new generation to embrace authenticity, community and love.”
“RENT: School Edition,” will run 1 and 6 p.m., Aug. 8 and 9. Tickets are $15 at GatewayByTheBay.org. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point.
By Nadine Otto
Four local teens have launched their fundraising campaigns as part of the 2025 Miss Night in Venice competition, supporting 13 charities across Cape May and Atlantic counties.
This year’s contestants include Giuliana Guardascione, sponsored by Johnson’s Popcorn; Noley Schenck, sponsored by Grace Realty; Araalene Sanchez, sponsored by Randazzo’s Restaurant; and Madison Richards, sponsored by Boyar’s Market.
urday, July 26. The beloved summer tradition draws thousands to the bayfront to watch elaborately decorated boats and homes light up the night.
The charities benefiting from this year’s competition include: the Ocean City High School After Prom, Ocean City Ecumenical Council, Master-
These young women are working to raise both money and awareness for a wide range of local causes, while also earning community service hours in the process. They have until Monday, July 21, to collect as many donations as possible. The contestant who raises the most funds will be crowned Miss Night in Venice 2025 during a ceremony at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
The newly crowned queen and her court will ride aboard the lead boat during Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice Boat Parade, scheduled for Sat-
works Choir, HERO Campaign, Sunshine Foundation, South Jersey Field of Dreams, Quilts of Valor, Ocean City Arts Center, CASA, Ryan’s Case for Smiles – South Jersey, Ocean City Cares Project, Casting for Recovery, and the Ocean City Tabernacle.
The Miss Night in Venice competition not only promotes youth leadership and community service, but also plays a key role in one of the city’s most iconic summer events.
The Ventnor Cultural Arts Center will once again host the South Jersey Players’ Theater Arts Camp this August, offering children ages 6 to 11 the chance to explore their creativity through performance.
Now in its third year, the camp will take place on Saturdays, Aug. 2, 9 and 23,
from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be no session on Aug. 16. Each session will be held at the Cultural Arts Center space in the Ventnor library Complex. The cost is $40 per session, and campers may attend one, two, or all three dates.
The camp will emphasize creative drama skills, including warmups,
movement, theater games, scene and monologue work, improvisation, and short skits. Each session will conclude with a brief presentation for parents and guardians from 11:45 a.m. to noon. Producing Artistic Director Marlene May developed the curriculum and will lead the camp alongside teacher yamirah Williams. Max Kraftsow and Aislinn Erickson will assist, with comedian Michelle Tomko returning to lead a stand-up comedy workshop on Aug. 23.
Ventnor Cultural Arts Center Director Sue Van Duyne will supervise the camp, with assistance from Kelly Kunik and Kim Halverson. Registration is now open. To sign up, call Marlene May at 347-9206399.
By Holly Fertsch
This Fourth of July weekend was a busy one here at the Shore. The Ocean City Boardwalk was packed
with vacationers and locals alike. Soaring above them all was a hawk named Polo, working hard to scare aggressive seagulls away from Boardwalk patrons so everyone could enjoy the holiday.
Why the seagull abatement program became necessary
Picture a serene beach scene. Imagine the crashing of waves, roar of the ocean, and squawking of gulls.
Sounds nice, right? If life played out exactly like that idealized image, it would be nice to have seagulls peacefully flying over local beaches. And it is attainable; if they are not fed, seagulls do not become aggressive.
But locals and many summer residents know that dream hasn’t always been a reality. Many people do, unfortunately, feed the seagulls or leave food out in the open for them along the Boardwalk. This is dangerous to both the gulls and boardwalkgoers. The gulls become dependent on humans for food, and stray further from their natural diet and habitat.
As for what happens to the people who feed the gulls, swarms of seagulls dive-bomb them and increasingly begin descending upon anyone they see on the Boardwalk, in hopes of handouts. While no attacks have been fatal, one wouldn’t be too far off in comparing the situation to a scene out of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”
launched in response to growing complaints about gulls swooping down on unsuspecting visitors and snatching food right out of their hands.
In 2019, Ocean City began hiring professional falconers to discourage seagulls from behaving aggressively. The seagull abatement program uses trained birds of prey to safely and humanely deter aggressive gulls from harassing beachgoers and stealing boardwalk snacks. The program was
Ocean City employs East Coast Falcons to patrol the Boardwalk and command their feathered friends to fly toward swarms of seagulls, scaring them away. The birds of prey then return to perch on their
falconers’ gloved hands. This practice harms neither the falcons nor the gulls.
By the way, the falconers’ birds aren't just falcons. “We have 12 falcons, three hawks and an owl. Polo’s one of our Harris hawks,” said Ben Frank, a professional falconer who worked on the Boardwalk over the holiday weekend. Frank handles Polo, who does have a brother named Marco.
One common misconception is that the falcons hunt the seagulls on the Boardwalk. They actually just chase seagulls away when they
begin to congregate near boardwalkgoers. The mere presence of these birds of prey deters seagulls.
Frank demonstrated how he commands Polo to fly atop a light post along a crowded section of the Boardwalk. Polo obeyed, flying off majestically to perch overhead. By perching in plain sight, the hawk wards off gulls.
The falconers’ birds are also compensated, in a way, for their work. One common reward for obeying their falconer’s commands is quail meat. Falconers’ birds willingly choose to return to the falconer each time they fly away, because they associate their falconer with food. Indeed, after a few moments, Polo returned to Frank’s outstretched arm.
“The average bird takes a few weeks to a month to train,” Frank explained. “Sometimes they can take a little bit longer. It depends on the personality of the bird.”
Frank has been a professional falconer since 2006, though he began doing falconry as a hobby in 2003.
According to the New Jersey Falconry Club, falconry is an ancient art that has been practiced for thousands of years. Historically, it was the sport of the nobility. Today, this practice is open to everyone, as a hobby or even an occupation.
If you are interested in falconry, Frank advised that the first step is to visit the New Jersey Falconry Club’s website at https://www.newjerseyfalconryclub.com/. There, you can find detailed information and resources on getting started.
By Rebecca Oldham
While Smithville is known for its local charm and smalltown shops, few know of its true origin. The weekend getaway destination, with a quaint bed and breakfast, six eateries, and plenty of homemade baked goods, actually gained its start with only one building.
In 1952, Fred and Ethel Noyes, a local couple, purchased what is now known as the Smithville Inn after discovering the property on a walk in the woods. The restaurant was originally an old stagecoach stop, built in 1787 by James Baremore. It started as just one room on a well-traveled stagecoach route where travelers stopped to rest or to change their horses. During the 1700s, houses and destinations were incredibly far apart. However, despite the distance, word
of Baremore’s hospitality spread. Soon, Baremore and his family were able to make inn-keeping their living. As a result of the family’s newfound success, they continued to operate the inn. By 1874, the building had grown to six times its original size. However, despite what seemed to be a well-kept and permanent establishment, the inn was abandoned sometime during the turn of the 20th
century. That is, until a popular local couple discovered it on their walk.
Fred and Ethel Noyes purchased the building along with the seven surrounding acres for $3,500. The pair originally opened the building as an antique shop before evolving it into the Smithville Inn.
As the success of the restaurant grew, the Noyes’ were eager to expand the experience for their diners.
This included the decision to add multiple historic South Jersey buildings to the property. The homes were restored and refurbished into stores and eateries. Some of these buildings include the John Grundler farm building, now known as the Honey Pot Shop, which was moved from Pitney Road in the 1960s. However, some of the buildings, such as the Smithville Inn, were original structures on the property when purchased by Fred and Ethel Noyes.
Fred and Ethel Noyes eventually sold the property to the American Broadcasting Company for $7 million in 1974. Afterward, it was sold to the Smithville Development Company. Smithville has undergone many ownership changes; however, it owes its start to the Noyes. Fred Noyes grew up in Philadelphia as the son of a textile designer. With art prominent in his family, the young Fred Noyes discovered his passion for painting and even attended the
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Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. However, he discontinued his studies because he did not want to adhere to the strict abstract style popular at the time.
Ethel Marie lingelbach was raised on a farm in New Jersey. Due to her rich background in the folklore of the region and her pride in her Native American heritage, she was inspired to start her collection of American folk art.
Their passion for the arts is what inspired the business plan for Smithville. Even after Ethel’s passing in 1979, Fred continued to work on their unfinished projects. He opened the Noyes Museum in honor of her, and today, there are more than 200 of the Noyes’ paintings in the museum’s permanent collection. The Noyes’ continue to inspire admirers and art collectors with some of the best folkart examples from New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic Region.
After the opening of the museum, a share of Smithville was sold to a partner, James Cooper, of the Smithville Development Company in 1982. However, in 1985, the Philadelphia-based Smithville Association purchased the property and leased it to Cooper. Smithville eventually fell on hard times and had to be sold to the Crestmont Federal Savings Bank for $150,000. Fast forward to the present day: The property is now split between two owners. The east side of l ake Meone, where Smithville is located, is owned by the Towne of Historic Smithville Partnership llC. The
Village Greene on the West side is owned by Wendie and Ed Fitzgerald. Both owners have kept the rich history of Smithville alive through their dedication to Fred and Ethel Noyes’ vision. Today, Smithville stands as a cherished destination where history and community come together. Thanks to the care and commitment from its current owners, visitors can enjoy the town Fred and Ethel Noyes imagined
decades ago. As Smithville continues to evolve, it remains a proud reminder of the region’s past and a gathering place for generations to come.
Rebecca Oldham is an emerging journalist and writer located in South Jersey’s Pine Barrens. She enjoys writing about the arts and all things community.
By Steffen Klenk
The temperature is sizzling and there’s so much to do in South Jersey. High-flying fun is in store with the Atlantic City Soar and Shore Festival, fireworks take to the night sky at Ocean Casino, and the Ocean City Music Pier is jamming to the sounds of The Wailers. Plus, free music at Kennedy Plaza, a Grateful Dead tribute and more. It’s all in this week’s Entertainment Picks.
Who: lovelight: Grateful Dead Tribute
Where: Anchor Rock Club
When : Friday, July 11
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.anchorrockclub.com
One of the best Grateful Dead tribute bands on the east coast returns to the Anchor playing nothing but Dead all night. Jam out to all the favorites and rarities, solos, and more.
What : Ocean Casino Fireworks and Drone Show
Where: Ocean Casino Resort
When : Fridays
Time: 9 p.m.
Website : www. theoceanac.com/ fireworks/drone/ shows
Join Ocean Casino for a spectacular Fireworks and Drone show at The Park. The incredible show is created from illuminated, synchronized, and choreographed groups of drones that arrange themselves into aerial formations. The Park is located on the lobby level of the casino and offers lush landscaping and firepits overlooking the ocean. Shows will take place weekly through Aug. 8.
Who: Darius Rucker
Where: Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
When : Saturday, July 12
Time: 8 p.m.
Website : https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ darius-rucker
Darius Rucker brings his signature
sound to Hard Rock for one night of unforgettable music. From his chart-topping hits, including "Wagon Wheel" and "Alright," to beloved tracks from his Hootie & The Blowfish days, this is a summer concert that fans will not want to miss.
Who: Stevie B
Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
When : Saturday, July 12
Time: 8 p.m.
Website : www.theoceanac.com/ stevieb
Stevie B is best known as the voice behind freestyle classics like "Spring love" and "Because I love you." This Saturday, he will headline his Spring love Music Festival alongside spe -
cial guests Shannon, Nysasia, Johnny O, JAyA, Freestyle, Peter Fontaine, Denine, and DJ Slice.
Who: young the Giant
Where: Tropicana Showroom
When : Saturday, July 12
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.caesars.com/tropicana-ac/shows
This show is for alternative and indie rock fans far and wide. young the Giant is bringing their dynamic performance and genre-defying sound to Atlantic City. The band is known for hits including "Cough Syrup" and "My Body."
What : The Wailers
Where: Ocean City Music Pier
When : Monday, July 14
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: www.ocnj.us/ summerconcertseries
All the way from Jamaica, The Wailers bring their dynamic sounds to the Music Pier for one night only, performing music from the albums “Natural Mystic” and “Evolution”.
What : Atlantic City Soar and Shore Festival
Where : Bally’s Atlantic City
When: Tuesday, July 15 & Wednesday, July 16
Time: 12 – 2:30 p.m.
Website: www.visitatlanticcity.com/ soarandshorefestival
The Visit Atlantic City Soar and Shore Festival brings a dynamic mix of entertainment all week long, featuring high-flying aerial shows overhead alongside engaging events. Practice Day for the Air Show will be held on Tuesday, with Show Day on Wednesday. Featured aerial acts include the Misty Blues Parachute Team, the 17th Fighter Wing, B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Third Strike Wingwalking, Warbird Thunder aerobatic team, F4F Wildcat, and more.
What : Shemekia Copeland on the Atlantic City Boardwalk
Where: Kennedy Plaza
When : Wednesday, July 16
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Website: www.tonymart.com
After the airshow, stick around for a free concert on the Atlantic City Boardwalk as five-time Grammy-nominated Chicago Blues artist Shemekia Copeland celebrates her award-winning album "Blame It On Eve." The show will be opened by Blood Brother Saxophone star Jimmy Carpenter. This show is part of Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk weekly concert series.
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.
The Casino File
By Chuck Darrow
The classic rock is coming in waves this summer at Ocean Casino as two acts have settled in for separate summer-long, once-a-week residencies.
Most Thursday evenings (this week it’s Friday), Magical Mystery Doors bring their neat twist on some of the most beloved music of the 1960s and ‘70s, while Sunday afternoons belong to the more straightforward Super Trans AM.
Below is a look at what you can expect if you decide to make it to Ovation Hall between now and the end of August (all tickets available at ticketmaster.com):
Back in 2022, Magical Mystery Doors was voted the Best Casino Act by readers of uSA Today, thanks to their weekly Ocean gigs.
And while the various Cirque du Soleil folks out in the Nevada desert might disagree, it’s not difficult to understand why the five-piece band based in the Reading, Pa. area so impressed the voters.
insanely complex “Kashmir” (albeit in a truncated version).
For starters, the unit is not just another “tribute” band painstakingly rendering the songs of one or more artists. The five band members — most of whom play multiple instruments — have no interest in cloning sounds. But because — both individually and collectively — they are such superb musicians, they nonetheless stick pretty close to the original versions, especially on the instrumental side of things. And their versatility allows them to master everything from The Beatles’ rather basic “Obl a-Di, Ob- l a-Da” to led Zeppelin’s
But what pushes the MMD needle into the red zone is the aforementioned “twist,” which sets them apart from the cover-band pack.
While this singular gimmick may be considered blasphemous by the purists among us, it is what makes MMD a special attraction.
A few times in the set, the band performs two songs simultaneously. That is, while the music being played is that of one familiar tune, the lyrics are from an entirely different song. This offers audience members the rare experience of hearing the words to led Zeppelin’s revered “Stairway to Heaven” warbled over the sounds of the Fab Four’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and The Doors’ “Hello, I love you” sung to the arrangement of Zep’s “Misty Mountain Hop.”
But because MMD only employs these formats a few times per set, it keeps the troupe from being a mere novelty act. Instead, these nifty pieces of business elevate the group to heights most bands of this nature will never achieve.
Back at The O on Sunday afternoons for a second consecutive summer, Super Trans AM — the show is officially billed as “Super ’70s Rock Show featuring Super Trans AM” — is a far more typical “cover” band performing songs from a variety of artists. The hook here is that virtually every one of the presentation’s 19 songs is by a different act. And each is one that was firmly lodged at or near the top of the Billboard magazine singles chart at one point or another in the 1970s (hence the “AM” part of the group’s moniker).
Thus, STA delivers a wide range (within the context of ‘70s pop-rock) of beloved songs, from The Bay City Rollers’ “Saturday Night” and Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” to “Still the One” by Orleans and Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” An especially fun segment showcases
three “one-hit wonders:” “Brandy (you’re A Fine Girl)” by looking Glass, “Hot Child In the City” by Nick Gilder and “My Sharona” by The Knack.
While the quintet doesn’t quite have the collective musical chops of MMD, there is plenty of talent on stage; all of the musicians acquit themselves with flash and dash. Especially noteworthy is the sense of ’70s rock-star swagger the group’s members bring to the party.
But their renditions, while faithful, are purposely unimaginative in terms of arrangements, and ultimately not unlike those that can be heard in countless bars across America on any given weekend.
As with Magical Mystery Doors’ program, Super Trans AM’s is enhanced by elaborate video presentations — projected on a huge, stage-wide screen — that accompany the songs. These graphics provide guests something to look at while they bob their heads, tap their toes and/or keep time on their thighs. Especially clever was the use of film clips of Fred Astaire, “Bye, Bye Birdie” and “The Honeymooners” during Van Halen’s “Dance the Night Away.”
As a result, Sunday matinees with Super Trans AM are a nice dive into Baby Boomer nostalgia and a great way to introduce younger folks to the glories of 1970s music.
Now that we’ve gotten the minor holiday that is Independence Day out of the way, we can concentrate on a truly significant observance: Friday is National Mojito Day. To mark this auspicious occasion, Cuba libre inside Tropicana Atlantic City is offering one of the tropical cocktails, whose main ingredient is white rum, for $1.
you can avail yourself of the deal from noon to 6 p.m. and again from 9 to 11 p.m. Those of legal drinking age will be given a ticket that can be redeemed for the special price upon entry to the popular Cuban-focused eatery.
By Delaney Crawford
If there’s one thing that makes a sunny day with friends, good food, and drinks even better, it’s live music. That unbeatable combination defines summer, and here in South Jersey, we’re lucky to have an endless lineup of local bands bringing energy to our favorite pubs, beach bars, and neighborhood parties. One group taking that vibe to the next level is the Going Rogue Band, which has been making waves with its unique sound and contagious enthusiasm all summer long.
Formed during the quiet days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Going Rogue began as a way for a group of longtime friends to stay connected and creative. “Initially, it started during COVID,” they explained. “We were all looking for ways to connect with friends and have an outlet for creativity, and we started meeting up to jam outside at each other’s houses.”
What began as casual backyard sessions soon grew into neighborhood block parties and eventually regular shows at local venues starting in 2024. Now, in 2025, the group continues to perform all over town.
The band’s name, Going Rogue, has its own playful origin. During those early jam sessions, the members would occasionally get so caught up in the moment that one of them would lose track of the song entirely. “We’d laugh and joke that whoever it was was ‘going rogue,’ and the name was born
from that,” they said.
Going Rogue’s setlists are designed to feel like one big party, with covers ranging from classic rock to ’90s alternative, reggae, hip-hop, and even a bit of country.
“Our goal every show is to throw a big party with a soundtrack everyone enjoys,” they said. “It feels cliché to say we’ve got something for everyone, but we’re not sure you’re going to find another band that covers everything from Tom Petty to Stick Figure to Zach Bryan to Outkast and Biz Markie.”
Their passion for music shines through in every performance, and their influences are just as varied. “We draw inspiration from everyone — from the Stones and Zeppelin to Bad Religion, the Gaslight Anthem, the Bouncing Souls, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, ’90s hip-hop, and newer reggae artists like Stick Figure,” they said. “If it sounds like we’re all over the place, we are.”
While the band currently focuses on covers, they like to add their own twist to each song and hope to introduce original material in the future. As they’ve played more shows, they’ve
...When
grown more confident in experimenting on stage, blending songs and improvising together. “We’ve gotten more expansive,” they explained.
“We’ve grown more comfortable with each other as musicians, expanded our horizons with the kinds of songs we’ll cover, and are much more comfortable playing off of each other in the moment.”
Their shows are lively, unpredictable, and full of surprises — and that’s exactly what keeps fans coming back.
“We’re not just a rock band, or a reggae band, or a country band,” they said. “Plus, who else has an entire live hip-hop set? If you haven’t heard Marc
Roesch step up to the mic on ‘The Choice is yours’ by Black Sheep, or Matt Wira crush a version of ‘No Diggity,’ you’re missing out.”
The band’s summer calendar is packed, with shows at yesterday’s in Marmora, the Barefoot Beach Bar in Cape May, opening night of the Art of Surfing Festival on the Ocean City Boardwalk, and the pre-party for the Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion show at Ocean Casino in August.
But beyond the music, Going Rogue is rooted in friendship and shared joy. “The best part about this whole thing, by far, is getting to play in a band with a group of really good friends,” they said. “Getting to share what we love with others, entertain our friends and families, meet new people, and see them connect with the music makes it all the more amazing.”
When they’re not on stage, you’ll often find them together at the beach in Strathmere — surfing, going to concerts, or just hanging out with their families. For the members of Going Rogue, music isn’t just something they do — it’s a reflection of their bond, their energy, and the good times they aim to share wherever they go.
By Delaney Crawford
ancer has impacted around 57,000 residents in New Jersey alone, with approximately 15,000 deaths attributed to the disease in just our state.
Given these staggering numbers, it’s no surprise that 54% of Americans report that they or someone in their immediate family has faced cancer in some capacity.
This widespread impact means cancer isn’t just a personal battle; it’s a community issue that touches neighbors, friends, and coworkers alike. In times like these, local support systems become lifelines, offering hope and practical help when it’s needed most. That’s why organizations rooted in the community are so crucial — because they understand firsthand the challenges faced by families right here at home.
Enter Toast Pink, a South Jersey nonprofit organization founded 13 years ago by locals Aria Mazer and Joseph Orazi. In 2012, this passionate duo combined their dedication to helping others, and more than a
decade later, their work continues to make a meaningful difference for those navigating what is often the most difficult time of their lives.
Headquartered in Margate, Toast Pink was created by community members whose lives have been forever touched by cancer. Comprised entirely of volunteers, the organization’s members share a unified mission: to meet needs on a local level by personalizing their efforts and putting a face on this disease.
“Often, as a result of treatment, careers are put on hold. Jobs fall by the wayside. And bills go unpaid. We are one of the only charitable organizations who concentrate on these neglected areas.”
Toast Pink steps in to pay third-party bills on behalf of applicants, including mortgages, rent, utilities, insurance, car payments, and other day-to-day expenses. To date, Toast Pink has provided over
$100,000 in financial support. And because the organization is 100% volunteer-run, more than 80% of all funds raised go directly to helping those in need.
Of course, with such ambitious goals, the organization relies on the generosity of the community and its fundraising efforts.
Toast Pink’s annual summer fundraiser, the Summer Dance Party, will return for its third year at Josie Kelly’s Public House. As always, it promises to be an unforgettable evening for a worthy cause.
On Thursday, July 17, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online at toastpink.org, by sending a Venmo payment to @toastpinknp, or at the door.
Each ticket includes admission to the lively party featuring a DJ and a packed dance floor, access to a raffle auction table, food served all night,
and 50/50 tickets. A cash bar will also be available.
The raffle prizes are generously donated by local businesses, retailers, organizations, and service providers, with so many good things to win.
“ you can expect great music spanning different decades; our attendee list varies widely, so the music is designed to appeal to everyone. And of course, the food at Josie Kelly’s is amazing,” Christopher Pusak, Toast Pink’s public relations director, said.
The main goal of the event is not only to raise needed funds but also to spread awareness about Toast Pink’s overall mission and the organization as a whole. Based in Margate, many of the organization’s dedicated volunteers are locals who simply want to help their neighbors. Toast Pink’s primary efforts focus on, but are not limited to, Cape May, Atlantic, and Cumberland Counties.
In addition to supporting a fantastic cause, the evening promises a great time. With energetic music, delicious food, and friendly faces, it’s sure to be a memorable night of dancing, community, and giving back.
“This year’s fundraiser is just an example of how our organization has been growing through public awareness,” Pusak said. “We’re spreading the word, and our donations keep increasing along with attendance at events like these, which is all we can ask for. We appreciate it so much and hope to see you there.”
Friday, July 11
I Want My 80’s Tour
▶7 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Are -
na
Magical Mystery Doors
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino GQ
▶9 p.m.
Superstar Theater at Resorts
Saturday, July 12
Darius Rucker
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
Stevie B: Spring Love Music Festival
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Young the Giant
▶8 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
▶8 p.m.
The Concert Venue at Harrah’s Nurse John
▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
Sunday, July 13
Jeff Dunham
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Wednesday, July 16
Shemekia Copeland & Jimmy Carpenter
▶7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 17
Young the Giant will be at Tropicana on Saturday, July 12. Photo credit: Young the Giant Facebook
Kem
▶8 p.m.
Borgata Event Center
Are You Garbage Podcast
▶7 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
▶8 p.m.
The Concert Venue at Harrah’s
Friday, July 25
Sam Hunt
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess
Arena
Daryl Hall w/ Glenn Tilbrook
▶8:30 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Brandon Tomasello
▶9 p.m.
Superstar Theater at Resorts
Ben Burnley of Breaking Benjamin Unplugged
▶8 p.m.
Borgata Event Center
Friday, July 18
The Basement Yard Experience
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
Michael Franti & Spearhead
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Nate Jackson
▶7 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Saturday, July 19
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms w/ Spin Doctors
▶7 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, July 26
Chicago
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess Arena
Damian Jr. Gong Marley & Stephen Marley
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Michael Blaustein
▶8 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
Eric D’Allesandro
▶7 p.m.
The Concert Venue at Harrah’s
Sunday, July 27
Chicago
▶7 p.m.
Hard Rock live at Etess
Arena
Super Trans Am
▶4 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
By Cindy Christy Fertsch
Thousands gathered on the beach on the evening of July 4 for a festive celebration filled with music,
fireworks and community pride.
The night kicked off with a standout performance by 19-year-old Taylor Pontari of Absecon, who delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem. Her performance drew cheers
and applause from the crowd.
The celebration continued as the Dane Anthony Band took the stage, energizing the crowd with a lively mix of classic rock and dance tunes. Attendees of all ages
danced in the sand and sang along to familiar favorites as part of the legacy Concert Series, produced by Tony Mart Presents.
The annual Fourth of July event drew record crowds, with families, friends and visitors setting up chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening. As darkness fell, the sky above the bay lit up with a dazzling fireworks display. The combination of live music, warm
summer air and patriotic celebration created a memorable night for all who attended.
The legacy Concert Series continues throughout the summer, bringing free, family-friendly entertainment to Somers Point Beach each Friday evening.
For a full schedule of upcoming performances, visit www.tonymartpresents.com.
Tony Mart and The Point, the Jersey Shore’s premier tropical tiki bar, will present the Jersey Gumbo CookOff and Louisiana Music Festival on Monday, July 21, 2025, at The Point Tiki Bar, located at 998 Bay Ave. on the historic Somers Point bayfront. This family-friendly event, inspired by the vibrant culture of louisiana, is free to attend and features an allstar lineup of live music, children’s activities, and award-winning gumbo.
The music festival will showcase five hours of live performances beginning at 3:30 p.m. Violin virtuoso and musical director Heather “ lil’ Mama” Hardy, whose credits range from Greenwich Village clubs to the Tucson Symphony, will headline alongside three outstanding guitarists: Jersey Shore’s own rock and soul hero Billy Walton, Somers Point blues-rock standout Denny Shiffler of Twisted livin’, and Hiro Suzuki, Hardy’s longtime accompanist. Expect a
lively blend of New Orleans classics and American standards, with the added flair of Cajun/Zydeco squeezebox sounds.
The afternoon begins at 3 p.m. with a meet-and-greet tasting party featuring unlimited gumbo samples for $20. The tasting includes dishes from many of South Jersey’s top chefs and past Gumbo champions, including:
● Chef David Goldstein, 2023 King Gumbo Champion
● Executive Chef Philip Gormley, The Smithville Inn
● Chef Joseph Sheridan, Director, Atlantic Cape Community College Academy of Culinary Arts
● Chef Dan luber, Greate Bay Country Club (2024 People’s Choice Winner)
● Chef Niko Karamanis, Galloway Casual Dining
● Executive Chef Robert levenson, Resorts and 2024 King Gumbo Champion
● Chef Mohammad, owner of The Golden Pyramid Restaurant
Additional contenders and champions will also be featured.
Twisted livin’ will kick off the music with soulful grooves to pair with the gumbo tasting. The full concert runs until 10:45 p.m., concluding with a high-energy jam session along the bay.
The event also includes free face painting, balloons, and kids’ activities. The Point’s light and tropical food menu and full bar will be available throughout the day.
Admission, live music, and parking are all free.
Gumbo tasting wristbands are $20 per person.
Experience the spirit of New Orleans and the legacy of summer fun at the Jersey Shore at The Point, just across from where the legendary Tony Mart’s once stood.
For more information, visit www. tonymart.com or follow @TonyMartPresents on Facebook and Instagram. Also visit: www.concertsonthebeachinsomerspoint.com let the good times roll!
Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Through the years I’ve written many articles about bands from around the country that have performed at our Jersey Shore, when I worked for The Whoot! Newspaper in the 1980s, and currently with Shore local Newsmagazine.
Few bands have impacted me the way The Dead Milkmen have. There’s just something about this frenetic foursome that caught my ear and won my heart that continues to this day.
The Philadelphia-based group, who have been going strong since
If you’re doing the math, that adds up to 42 years together as a band – no easy feat in today’s music business environment. The current lineup includes Rodney Anonymous, vocals/ keyboard; Joe Jack Talcum, guitar; Dean Clean, drums and Dan Stevens, bass. Stevens, aka Dandrew, replaced bassist Dave Blood, who, sadly, took his own life in 2004. All but Stevens are original members.
Tune In Turn On recently had a chance to interview Dead Milkmen drummer Dean Clean. Here’s how it went.
DD : How have The Dead Milkmen been able to stay together and continue not only recording, but performing, after all these years? And for the record, how many years has the group officially been together?
DC : We fully formed in 1983 after I joined the band as drummer, but Joe and Dave and Rodney had been writing songs and making cassettes
Dandrew filling in on bass. In 2008 we were invited to play a festival in Austin, Texas. After that we decided to try to make music together again. It was important that we made new music and didn’t want to just tour on all the old songs. We’ve been at it
tive since the ’80s when we were getting started. We’ve played shows with both of them in the last few years.
DD : The Dead Milkmen bio says the group reunited in 2008. Do you feel like you ever really broke up, or was it just more of an extended
By David Setley
Independence Day is behind us, and, for the next six weeks, we are into the dog days of summer. These weeks are associated with the sultry heat that follows the rising of the “Dog Star,” Sirius. It is the best time to grab a “porch pounder” wine.
What is a porch pounder? Based on numerous sources, these are typically wine, beer, and other adult beverages that are light-bodied, have pronounced fruit-forward flavors, and are casual and approachable crowd-pleasers. Some definitions also include high acidity, which adds to the crisp, refreshing quality of the drink. Most definitions also suggest that porch pounders are affordable choices that are easier to serve at large gatherings. For the purposes of this article, I will define that as less than $20 retail price. Below are
my recommendations for porch pounder wines.
Beginning with white wines, Pinot Grigio is a classic summer choice that meets all of the requirements of a Porch Pounder. Giuliano Rosati Pinot Grigio from the Friuli section of the Veneto in Northern Italy is a very affordable and outstanding choice. Or, try the Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio from Abruzzo. Both wines are dry, crisp, and refreshing with a nice fruity flavor that makes them true crowd-pleasers.
Sauvignon Blanc wines clearly have the qualities of a good porch pounder. For those who favor New Zealand, try the Babich Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough or the Wild Song Sauvignon Blanc from Hawke’s Bay. Both are excellent, sustainably grown wines. If your preference is French, try Chateau l amothe Bordeaux Blanc or Roc de l'Abbaye Sauvignon Blanc from the loire Valley. The French wines tend to be a bit less fruity and drier. From California, my picks are the Cult Sauvignon Blanc from lodi or the Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc. These American wines are balanced with great acidity, minerality,
and fruit flavors and are priced well to be your next Porch Pounder.
If you are seeking a white with a bit more body, I suggest Chenin Blanc. The Painted Wolf Chenin Blanc or the unorthodox Chenin Blanc from Swartland, South Africa, are perfect porch pounders. These wines have more body than a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, but less than a Chardonnay. The California alternative is the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier. This wine adds a touch of Viognier, which brings a light lemon flavor. If you haven’t tried Chenin Blanc, the time is now.
Who says you have to put away reds for the summer? Not me! Reds definitely have a place on the porch. Pinot Noir is a great summer choice due to its lighter-bodied nature. The Thevenet Fils Macon Pierreclos Rogue Pinot Noir is an affordable and easy-drinking wine that will impress your porch-mates. It is also from the birthplace of the varietal: Burgundy, France. Alternatively, the Montinore Estates Borealis from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a great example of why Oregon’s Pinot Noir is also world-class. Castle Rock Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is also an incredible and affordable demonstration of
Another light-bodied, and often forgotten, red is Gamay. The wines made from this grape are very elegant and slightly more fruit-forward . Tramier & Fils Beaujolais Villages from Beaujolais, France, or the Chidaine Touraine oire Valley, France, are both great examples at an affordable price. Gamay wines are chillable, making them even more attractive as a porch pounder during the heat
For a more full-bodied red, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are always good, but red blends are, in my opinion, the real Porch Pounders in this category. Bordeaux, France, arguably produces the best red blends in the world. Bordeaux reds include the two
varietals listed above and often blend in Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and/or Petit Verdot to enhance the flavor profile and character of the wine. While many Bordeaux red blends are pricey, I have a few excellent wines that qualify as porch pounders. Chateau Haut Grignon Bordeaux Rouge from the Medoc region of Bordeaux is an awesome blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a touch of Petit Verdot. Château Carbonneau Séquoia Bordeaux from Sainte-Foy is Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec blended to perfection. Finally, la Griffe De Barreyres Bordeaux from Medoc is dominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. French red blends tend to be lighter and less tannic than the California reds, making them a great summer alternative. The two California reds I enjoy as porch pounders are Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The OZV Old Vine Zinfandel from lodi is dry but fruit-forward, making it a crowd-pleaser for red lovers. lesser-known is Petite Sirah. The Old Soul Petite Sirah from lodi is one of the easiest drinking dry red wines for summer. These wines are perfect for summer grilling or just sitting by the firepit on a breezy summer evening. Rosé wines are a popular choice for the summer and cannot be left out of this article. There are many great options, but a few of my favorite picks for a porch pounder include the Gratsi Rosé boxed wine and the Avaline Rosé from Southern France. I have recommended Gratsi to many customers already this season, and each has come back for more. I even have a box in my fridge as I type! The Avaline Rosé is very good, is 100% organic, and contains no chemical pesticides or additives. Another option is the lionel Osmin l a Vie En Rosé for an excellent and very affordable wine that will not disappoint. Finally, the Pascual Toso Brut Rosé is a light, sparkling brut rosé from Argentina, made from Chardonnay and Malbec grapes. All of these wines are light, crisp, and fresh, with prices that make celebrating the dog days of summer a bit easier.
As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines. com or stop into the Passion Vines store. until next time, happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as
sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
Thursday, July 10
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club Pass/Go DJ Dance Party
8 p.m.
247 S. New york Ave.
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino DJ Dahve
8 p.m.
Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Sindi Raymond Band
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night w/ DJ Mike
Friday, July 11 Absecon Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
Dust off your dancing shoes and join us for The Disco Ball - an unforgettable night of music, memories, and making a difference!
Enjoy live performances by The NY Bee Gees, the premier tribute band, and special guest Crystal Stark from American Idol performing a tribute to iconic female vocalist Donna Summer.
5 – 8 p.m.
513 Seashore Rd.
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
Incognito
6:30 p.m.
500 St. Andrews Dr.
Galloway
279 Social
Drinkin’ Outta Cups
7 – 10 p.m.
279 S. New york Rd.
Linwood
Fox Den at LCC
Plaid Salmon
6 – 10 p.m.
500 Shore Rd.
Margate
Bocca
Sidestory Duo
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Maynard’s Café
Mike lally Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
9306 Amherst Ave.
Memories
Bar None
7 p.m.
9518 Amherst Ave.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern
Light
Steve Gitto
7 – 10 p.m.
1 New york Rd.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern
DJ Chris
9 p.m.
823 Bay Ave.
Caroline’s by the Bay
The Company
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Cosmic Charlie
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
East Coast Funk Band
8:30 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point Jumper
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music
Room
Damn the Torpedoes
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Saturday, July 12
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
DJ Music by Mr. Brown
9 p.m.
5 N. Shore Rd.
Atlantic City
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Stephen Savage
6 p.m.
Dominic Martino
9:15 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Anchor Rock Club
The Dead Milkmen w/ The Rectors, Reckless Randy
8 p.m.
247 S. New york Ave.
Bar One at Resorts
Stereomotion
6 – 9 p.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Dan Jost Trio
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Matt Adams Duo
7 p.m.
Audio Riot
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Hide Tide Trio
5 p.m.
Business
10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Continued on 76
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
Dan Kee
3 – 7 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
The Deck Band
2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Run Down Romeo
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Holdyn Barder Band
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Don’t Call Me Francis
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Topgolf at Ocean Casino
John McNutt Trio
7 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Isn’t it Always
9 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Wyndham Skyline Tower
Magic Comedy Hour feat. Joe Holiday
4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
100 S. North Carolina Ave.
Beach Haven
Ship Bottom Brewery
Mitchell Faber
1 – 4 p.m.
830 N. Bay Ave.
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The Whitewalls
1 – 5 p.m.
Goodman Fiske
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Beth Tinnon Duo
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
Dear Zoe Duo
7 – 10 p.m.
279 S. New york Rd.
Margate
Bocca
CJ Sooy
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Maynard’s Café
Kenny Curcio Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
9306 Amherst Ave.
Robert’s Place
Dead Reckoning Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
7807 Atlantic Ave.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern
Light
Shay Faith
7 – 10 p.m.
1 New york Rd.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern
Aubrey Rey
9 p.m.
823 Bay Ave.
Caroline’s by the Bay
Frankie G & Johnny Keys Duo
4 – 8 p.m.
Jump the line
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Hailey Rose
1 – 4 p.m.
lew london & Bob Mower
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s
Glen Eric Sarkis
5 – 8 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Born to Run Down a Dream
8 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
The Discoteks
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Michael Allman Band
3:30 & 7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Ventnor
Ventnor Coffee
Open Mic
6 – 9 p.m.
108 N. Dorset Ave.
Sunday, July 13
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Albee Al & Friends
7 p.m.
247 S. New york Ave.
Borgata Beer Garden Sky City Social 1 p.m.
1 Borgata Way
Council Oak at Hard Rock Christopher Farrell 6 – 10 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Camille K Trio 7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
Troy Rusnack
3 – 7 p.m.
Bar None 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget The Exceptions
2:30
Dane
Crabby
Monday, July 14
Atlantic
7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel
3 – 7 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Big Bang Baby
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Adam and Min
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Trivia Night w/ DJ Bill
7 – 9 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
One
6 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16
8 p.m. –
6 – 10 p.m. 998 Bay Ave.
Tuesday, July 15
Atlantic City
Steel Pier Tiki Bar Troy Rusnack
3 – 7 p.m.
Teddi Fusco
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Cat 5
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
7 – 11 p.m.
Caroline’s by the
Resorts
609-340-6300
resortsac.com brandontomasello.com
By Howard Barbanel
Here are a few streaming films and series worth your time—and maybe your money.
Prime Video: “House of David” – Season 1
This eight-part series dramatizes the early life of King David and the final chapters of King Saul and the Prophet Samuel, adhering closely to the Book of Samuel (much of the dialogue is nearly verbatim). “House of David” introduces viewers to
Saul, Jonathan, Michal, Goliath, the Philistines and more, staying faithful to Jewish tradition. Expect Hebrew psalms, chapter titles, and even the frequent use of “Hashem” for God. The show is a rare example of Philo-Zionist media, reinforcing the Jewish presence in Israel for over 3,400 years. While the cast is made up of relative unknowns, the performances are solid, with episodes five through eight picking up in pace. It was one of Prime’s most-watched shows on debut and has been renewed for a second season, which will feature David’s reign as king.
Vince Vaughn plays a middle-aged bachelor in 1970s Brooklyn who opens an Italian restaurant in Staten Island to honor his late mother’s cooking. His secret? He hires actual Italian grandmothers to cook.
Based on a true story, this heartwarming film features a stellar ensemble: lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Drea de Matteo and Susan Sarandon all shine in this feel-good tribute to family and food.
Filmmaker Chris Wilcha revisits the New Jersey record shop where he worked as a teen, but this documentary is more than nostalgia. It’s a heartfelt meditation on life, family, work and purpose.
Narrated by Wilcha and featuring archival footage, cameos by Judd Apatow, David Milch, Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler and David Spade, this is a touching, funny, and insightful 92 minutes. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 97%. It’s streaming on Prime Video.
Pamela Anderson delivers her finest performance yet as an aging las Vegas showgirl facing the end of her career. like Mickey Rourke’s turn in “The Wrestler,” this film is raw, real and emotional.
Anderson, now 58, stars opposite Jamie lee Curtis, who plays a cocktail waitress confronting similar struggles. The supporting cast includes Kiernan Shipka, Billie lourd and David
Bautista. Available on Disney+, Hulu and Fandango at Home.
“Daddio”
Dakota Johnson shows range in two standout performances. In “Daddio,” a two-hander with Sean Penn, Johnson plays a woman in a long taxi ride from JFK to Manhattan. Penn, as the veteran cabbie, engages
in a deeply introspective conversation with Johnson’s character. Despite the unlikely casting of Penn as a New york cabbie, the performances and writing carry the film. Available on Netflix, Tubi, Prime Video and Apple TV.
In “Materialists,” Johnson stars as a high-powered Manhattan matchmaker with a messy personal life. The rom-com explores modern dating dysfunction, with supporting performances by Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The film is currently in theaters and streaming on Prime, Google Play, Apple TV and youTube TV.
The Magic Comedy Hour, featuring Atlantic City magician Joe Holiday, is drawing attention as one of the city’s standout live performances. The show takes place in the sixthfloor theater at Club Wyndham's Skyline Tower, which underwent a complete renovation in 2024 with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, new carpeting, and upgraded seating. The improvements have transformed
the theater into an intimate and interactive space where guests are seated close to the action.
located at 100 S. North Carolina Ave., at the corner of Pacific and North Carolina avenues, the Skyline Tower is just steps from the beach and boardwalk. Covered garage parking and oversized outdoor parking are both available, with sixth-floor garage access leading directly to the theater entrance. Show ticket holders receive
discounted parking, and concessions are located just outside the theater. The venue also offers accessible parking, restrooms and seating.
Internationally acclaimed and award-winning magician Joe Holiday has performed across the globe for more than 25 years. His original and engaging style earned him a featured role on international television in Franz Harary’s Mega Magic Illusion Show, which reached more than a million viewers throughout Asia. Holiday’s blend of magic, comedy and audience interaction has made him a favorite from coast to coast in the u.S., with performances in l as Vegas, Singapore, Seoul, and cities across China.
He has headlined for major cruise lines and performed for corporate clients including Google, Honda and KPMG. In 2013 and 2014, he joined a celebrity tour to entertain u .S. troops overseas. In Atlantic City, his show Magic & Mayhem enjoyed a two-year run with more than 500 performances at the Comedy Stop in the Tropicana. Holiday has received the Atlantic City Weekly Nightlife Award for Best local Comedian and a TripAdvisor Award of Excellence. He lives in South Jersey with his wife, Sharon, and their two daughters, Angelina and Marguerite, and continues to perform at private events throughout the Northeast.
In this 60-minute live performance, Holiday captivates audiences with feats such as making a bowling
ball appear out of thin air, vanishing coins and bills that reappear in impossible places, and unlocking audience-supplied items from a locked box while blindfolded. He also performs Houdini-style escapes from locks and chains, all with a comedic twist. Throughout the show, Holiday shares personal stories of Atlantic City, keeping the performance lively, heartfelt and unique every time. Club Wyndham has extended the show indefinitely. The Magic Comedy Hour runs every Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., year-round. Tickets are available exclusively at www.MagicComedyHour.com and can also be found on Eventbrite, AllEvents and Feverup.
For updates, special offers and behind-the-scenes content, follow Joe Holiday on social media @magicjoeholiday. For day-of-show assistance, contact the Wyndham Skyline Tower activities department at 609-4494232.
This summer Hard Rock Atlantic City welcomes guests back to its newly reimagined nightclub, The Balcony, with an all-new thrilling entertainment experience: Balcony Cabaret. Curated by renowned producer Allen Valentine, the experience will transport guests back in time with the sights, sounds, and glamour of the classic cabaret era. Each show promises an unforgettable evening featuring a seductive fusion of live music, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling variety acts, all backed by a world-renowned jazz band.
Balcony Cabaret is an edgy, modern twist on the timeless cabaret tradition. With three unique and electrifying sets every Friday and Saturday night, Balcony Cabaret brings together a powerhouse lineup of talent, blending vintage style with fresh, contemporary flair. Never the same show twice, the rotating cast features:
FRIDAY
Continued on 84
32nd Season The Tony Mart Allstars with Guest Stars to be announced
● Songstress Robyn Adele Anderson , famed for her retro jazz interpretations and smoky vocals
● The Balla Brothers , a hand-balancing acrobatic duo known for gravity-defying strength and grace
temporary musical and variety artists,” said Allen Valentine, producer of Balcony Cabaret.
Along with the show, guests can expect an expertly curated cocktail menu featuring a twist on modern classics and contemporary cocktails including the Forbidden Fizz
● Illusionist Michael Grasso, who brings mystery and spectacle to the stage
● Burlesque superstar Piper Marie, delivering sensual and theatrical glamour
● Aerialist Ruby Quinn , whose aerial stunts push the boundaries of danger and beauty
“The Balcony Cabaret show is a highly entertaining production that infuses the elements of an old school cabaret vibe, with powerhouse con -
featuring Hendricks Gin, muddled blackberry and lemon, and egg white topped with Ruffini Prosecco or the House of Tease made with Patron Tequila, blood orange juice, agave, and jalapeño.
The Balcony is open Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Balcony Caberet shows begin at 9 p.m. and run again at 10:30 p.m. and midnight. To purchase tickets or make VIP table reservations please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
By Douglas Keefe, Beachcomber Coins
When is a coin not a coin? That is, when is a coin an object not meant to be used for its purpose of buying or spending?
I’ve seen many instances of countries, the united States included, that are employing gimmicks in their coinage process to encourage collectors to buy their product. Anything from odd-shaped coins, (remember our mints’ production of the baseball/ glove dollar and half-dollar coins that was concave for the glove side and convex for the ball side), bi-metallic coins, colored coins, holographic designed images on coins, coins with the Superman logo, Star Wars and Star Trek characters, etc. I could go on, but the sole purpose is to compete for the collectors’ dollars.
Since these coins are issued under direction and control of the government of the countries that mint the coins, rather than by private mints, they have value in the monetary system of that country shown on that coin. The term for this is non-circulating legal tender. In many cases, but not all, what this
means is the coin is struck in a precious metal (gold or silver) whose metal value is higher than the denomination shown on the coin. An example is the u nited States silver eagle, minted since 1986 and sold as a silver investment and has a face value noted on the coin of one dollar. But since the coin contains 1 ounce of silver which, at this time, is worth around $33, that coin will never be spent for one dollar.
Some coins are sold in fancy boxes with an abundance of paperwork at a premium well above the face value, even in cases where they are not struck in a precious metal, again ensuring they will not be spent as a coin in commerce. However, I remember two instances where countries struck coins in a precious metal when the value was high at the time and with a face value they thought was sufficient, only to have the price of the metal drop to the point it was better to spend the coin. This happened to Panama, whose $100 gold coin, when gold dropped in price, contained less than $100 in gold and hence people tried to spend them. The government’s response was to forbid its use because of the adverse impact on their economy.
The issuance of these coins is meant for one purpose, a revenue stream for the governments, since they are sold to collectors at a substantial profit over cost of production. Consider the commemorative coins and sets the u nited States Mint has been striking since 1984, now with numerous designs released every year and with issue prices well above the value of the metal they contain.
However, not all commemorative coins that were sold at a premium price over their face value benefited the government. The first commem -
orative coin struck by the u nited States Mint was the Columbian half-dollar minted in 1892 for the Columbian Exposition. It was sold to the public for $1, with the extra 50 cents to go toward the construction of the exposition. Commemorative coins were struck in various years from that point forward until the 1950s in denominations of 25 cents, half-dollars, both gold and silver dollars and two and a half gold pieces. They all were meant to be sold at a premium to benefit the construction or support of a monument or event.
Back to these oddball coins now being minted. If they fit in your collection either by topic or design, by all means buy them, but keep in mind one thing, you are buying a collectible, not making an investment, which means you probably will not make a profit over your cost unless the value of their metal content increases.
By Sarah Fertsch
It’s hot. you may feel like you’re living inside a giant convection oven with all of this heat. We are all desperate for ways to beat the heat, so jump in a pool, turn on a fan, or wear a flowy sundress, and try these cool summer recipes:
Watermelon Gazpacho
This cold soup will refresh you and make for a unique lunch dish to share with family or friends. It’s so easy, too!
Ingredients:
● 6 cups of seedless watermelon
● 1 cucumber
● 1 jalapeno pepper
● 1 large tomato
● ½ cup of lemon juice
● ½ cup of lime juice
● 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
● Salt and pepper to taste
● Crumbled feta as a garnish
Blend watermelon and pour into a large bowl. Peel cucumber and chop roughly. Chop pepper and remove seeds. Chop tomato and remove seeds. Blend cucumber, pepper, and tomato and stir into the watermelon mixture. Add lemon and lime juice, salt and pepper, and red wine vinegar. Stir thoroughly, and strain into another large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for three hours. Serve chilled, and top with crumbled feta. yum!
This classic salad will make you feel like you’ve arrived in the Italian countryside. Make sure to use the freshest, most local ingredients!
Ingredients:
● 1 quart of mozzarella balls
● 2 pints of baby tomatoes
● 2 cups of chopped basil leaves
● ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
● 2 tbsp of olive oil
● 2 tbsp of lemon juice
● Salt and pepper to taste
Wash baby tomatoes and pour in a large bowl. Chop basil leaves and add to the large bowl. Combine with mozzarella balls, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Serve cold, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread!
Sip this delicious mixed drink and taste summer relaxation! The cucumber-mint flavors will quench your thirst and beat the summer heat.
Ingredients:
● 1 cucumber, sliced thinly
● 1 cup of mint leaves
● 1 cup of vodka
● 2 cups of lemonade
● 1 cup of sparkling water
Wash and slice cucumber, and roughly chop mint leaves. In a large pitcher, place cucumber slices and mint leaves (leave some cucumber slices for garnish). Combine with vodka, lemonade, and sparkling water. Stir thoroughly, and serve drinks over ice with a slice of cucumber placed on the rim of the glass as a garnish. So refreshing!
When you taste the nutty sweetness of this ice cream, you’ll never buy ice cream from the grocery store again. And you don’t need an ice cream machine to make this dessert!
Ingredients:
● 3 cups of heavy cream
● 1 can of condensed milk
● ½ jar of Nutella
● ½ tsp of vanilla extract
● ½ tsp of salt
Whip heavy cream and salt until stiff peaks form. Add condensed milk, Nutella and vanilla, stirring carefully to not break peaks. Pour mixture into a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for 18-24 hours. Scoop and treat yourself!
Photos by Tynan Hand
Thousands gathered in Historic Smithville last weekend to celebrate Independence Day with one of South Jersey’s most spirited traditions — the annual Fourth of July Parade. With more than 170 participating groups, the event was among
the largest in New Jersey and featured a mix of music, patriotism and community pride.
The parade stepped off promptly at 9 a.m., led by the thunderous roar of motorcycles from Rolling Thunder. They were followed by local fire companies, veterans
organizations, classic cars, youth sports teams, civic groups and marching bands. The New Jersey National Guard’s 63rd Army Band added a powerful soundtrack as they made their way along Smithville Boulevard and Moss Mill Road.
Families lined the streets waving flags, many dressed in red, white and blue. Children decorated bikes and wagons, while volunteers handed out
small flags and candy to paradegoers. The energy and enthusiasm were felt in every corner of the village.
Following the parade, a ceremony was held at the Village Greene to honor veterans and military service members. The parade remains a cherished tradition in Smithville, offering a celebration of American independence and small-town values.
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
By Delaney Crawford
For many, retirement means slowing down, but for Ocean City resident Vincent Malfitano, it has meant anything but. The retired prosecutor and former Ocean City lifeguard has turned his retirement years into a time of exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections that range from the sandy beaches of Ocean City to the classrooms of rural Tanzania, and onto the pages of three freshly released novels.
Malfitano grew up in a large, bustling household where there was always a crowd of kids, a story to tell, or a reason to laugh. His roots in Ocean City run deep, with childhood summers spent on its beaches, years working as a lifeguard, and countless days spent with family and friends in the town he now calls home full-time.
After decades in the high-stakes world of criminal law, including serving as a Grand Jury Chief and career prosecutor, Malfitano came back to the shore town he learned to love in order to retire by the beach. But
while he considers himself a now-proclaimed surf bum, he isn’t just sitting on the sandy shore and kicking back. With his free time, while enjoying retired life after such a successful and busy career, he stumbled upon a new passion: writing.
This year alone, Malfitano has released three novels, each distinct yet bound together by his gift for storytelling and his love of unreal twists and turns. His books include “Sir Floppy is Dead, and Mr. Boots Murdered Him,” a quirky mystery with a young protagonist; “The Tragedy of Tristan and Isolde,” a reimagining of a timeless story with teenage characters; and “Ocean City, New Jersey: America’s Greatest Family Resort,” which explores the lives of locals and secrets against the backdrop of his beloved town.
What makes Malfitano’s writing stand out is his unique voice full of quirks, dark humor, and surprise endings that challenge readers but leave
them feeling hopeful.
“My goal is to shock readers with unseen twists and to make them think about new ideas,” he explained. “I
love hearing people say there’s nothing else like my books out there.”
He writes characters who feel real, who are flawed, funny, and deeply human. It’s a style that resonates with readers looking for stories that feel both surprising and familiar.
But even after his literary debut, Malfitano hasn’t limited his adventures to just the words on the pages. This past winter, for three months, he set sail on an unexpected journey that took him far from our shores.
Malfitano had the opportunity to teach in a small Catholic school in rural Tanzania, Africa. The opportunity came about by chance during a casual conversation with a friend of a friend.
“It was just dumb luck, honestly,” he recalled. “I wasn’t interested in a safari, but I told him I’d love to help build, clean, or teach — and he said, ‘Alright, let’s get you teaching over there.’”
From January through March, Malfitano taught in a remote village, experiencing firsthand the warmth and resilience of the local community.
“It was very different from what I’d known, but the people were peaceful, modest, thrifty, and just great,” he said. “I learned while there that there are differences between people everywhere, and similarities, but overall that there is good in people all over the world.”
He reminisces on his time in Tanzania, saying it was an incredible experience he was lucky and blessed to be able to do.
Now, back from that wild adventure, he’s currently working on a new novel that will blend fiction with the real-life stories of the children he met and the classrooms he taught in, capturing the vibrancy, challenges, and hope he witnessed during his time there.
For Malfitano, retirement isn’t a time to look back, but rather a chance to keep moving forward, to create, and to connect. He hopes his story inspires others, too.
“Taking chances is good,” he reflected. “No one was ever on their deathbed happy they didn’t take those chances.”
As summer returns to Ocean City, Malfitano’s story reminds us all that adventure and creativity can find us at any age. So, take chances, experience everything you can, and remember to take it all in for as long as you can!
By Heidi Clayton
Afew weeks ago, while I was in a pharmacy in Egg Harbor Township on one of the hottest days of the summer yet, an Egg Harbor Township police officer came inside trying to find the owner of a vehicle that contained a dog inside suffering from what appeared to be heatstroke. I have to give a huge shout-out to a job well done by Patrolman Alek Pahang (who happens to be one of my favorite dog’s, Jetta’s, dad) for his patience with the owner, who quite frankly did not want to lose her place in line and did not want to run to her car or check on her dog. In the interest of helping the dog first and dealing with the owner's poor choice of leaving her dog locked inside a vehicle on a hot day, Alek took her keys and immediately provided the dog with relief from the heat. Great job to Alek and the other Egg Harbor Township police officers who responded and, quite frankly, saved this dog's life.
I feel like people should not have to be told to not leave dogs, or, god forbid, children, inside locked cars during the heat. yet every summer, tragic deaths resulting from doing so are constantly reported. 31 states have laws in place to prevent dogs from being left in hot cars that range from an actual ban on leaving your
dog unattended in a locked vehicle with windows up to laws that protect police officers and citizens who break a vehicle's windows to help a dog in distress inside.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that cracking a window does very little to negate the inside of a vehicle heating up. Vehicles with cracked windows heat up at the same rate as the windows being all the way up. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can reach temperatures of 100 degrees in just over 20 minutes. Even if you think that you will only be inside a store for a minute, unless the vehicle is running with the air conditioning on, there is no reason for your dog to be left inside. Cars turn into an oven so quickly.
The early signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, an elevated heart rate, and a bright red tongue and gums. If the exposure to the heat continues, dogs will show signs of shock, which may include white
or blue gums, muscle spasms, and a drop in blood pressure.
First aid for heat stroke should be gradual and not sudden. Remove the dog from the heat and gradually attempt to cool them down to prevent further shock. Do not plunge them in cold water! Such a sudden shift from overheating to cold exposure can cause further damage. Instead, apply a cloth soaked in cool water to cool their belly area and fan them slowly.
Heatstroke can cause permanent damage to your dog and even result in death. If I suspected one of my dogs
had heatstroke, I would absolutely be making a trip to an emergency room to make sure that the dog's body temperature has come down to acceptable levels and that there is no damage to vital organs. Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency for a dog. Prevention is the best medicine for heatstroke. Some dogs will stay outside and play in the heat with very little ability to protect themselves from it. During days of excessive heat, keep visits outside to play short and sweet. Save outdoor playtime for either early mornings or evenings. And please, do not leave your dogs in your cars during the summer months. If you have any questions, please email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net
Northfield residents gathered on the morning of July 4 to celebrate Independence Day with the town’s annual parade. The festive event brought together local businesses, community organizations, and families in a spirited display of patriotism and civic pride.
Participants marched along the
route with decorated floats, classic cars, and American flags waving in the breeze. Members of the Northfield Police Department and Fire Department paraded down the route along with community groups like the yacht Club of Pleasantville.
Children lined the streets, waving flags and collecting treats from parade participants. The cheerful
brought smiles to the faces of onlookers as the community came together for the holiday.
The morning concluded with a ceremony honoring veterans and first responders. With clear skies and a
By Eric Reich
I’m a big believer in planning (shocker, I know). Financial planning should start as soon as possible to help make your life easier in the future. A decline in health is inevitable, as much as I know none of us wants to talk about it. Not planning for it, when we know it will eventually happen, is only going to make a difficult time that much worse for you and especially your family.
Here is a list of things you should do to help make life easier when you eventually become incapacitated. Start with copies of the documents you need or the planning around them in the event of incapacitation or death.
1. Driver's license
2. Social Security card
3. Medicare card
4. Health insurance cards
5. Passwords
This includes everything from computers, social media and even your phone’s passcode itself. Don’t forget to include the combinations to the safe and the safe deposit box information as well. Consider changing the safe deposit box into the name of your trust so that the trustee can access it if needed with a certificate of incumbency.
6. Property tax statement
Are taxes due soon? Maybe pay them ahead to avoid problems paying them in the near future.
7. Powers of Attorney (POA)
This includes both medical for hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, etc. and financial for banks, brokerages, etc. If you don’t have both, you need them.
8. Bank statements
Is your name the only name on the statement? If so, this is why you need a financial POA. your spouse cannot access your account that is solely in your name. TOD (or Transfer on Death) accounts used to avoid probate don’t help during your lifetime.
9. Wills and trusts
If your assets are in trust, then you may need a doctor (or two) to certify your incapacity. A trustee could then potentially take over for you.
10. Real property
Whose name is the property in?
Hopefully not only in the incapacitated person’s name. look at the deeds of each property. Don’t assume they are all deeded the same way.
It should not be hard to collect all of this information today, but in the event of your incapacity or death, they add layer upon layer of additional problems at a time when they are least wanted. A little planning today can save you and your family a lot of unnecessary stress. If you do not have some of these documents currently, then you need to see your estate planning attorney ASAP. If you do not have one, just reach out to us and we are happy to suggest several for you to consider.
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.
By Robin Stoloff Health Reporter
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or
PTSD, is something we often associate with military veterans and for good reason. Many who have served in combat zones carry invisible wounds that linger long after they have returned home.
But PTSD affects not only those in uniform, it can impact anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, from first responders to survivors of abuse, accidents, or natural disasters. The good news? PTSD is treatable and no one should go through it alone.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a life-threatening or deeply disturbing event. This might include combat, sexual assault, a car accident, or even repeated exposure to traumatic scenes, as in the case of paramedics or police officers.
Feeling unsettled after a traumatic event is normal, but if these feelings persist, worsen and disrupt daily life, it might be PTSD.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone’s experience is different, but some common signs of PTSD include reliving the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks, avoiding reminders of the event, feeling constantly on edge, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, or emotional numbness. These symptoms can come on suddenly or develop over time and they may interfere with work, relationships and daily life.
It is also common for people with PTSD to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope. This kind of self-medication may offer temporary relief, but it can make symptoms worse and lead to substance abuse use disorders. That’s why it is vital to get the right kind of help from professionals who understand both trauma and addiction.
How to support someone with PTSD
If you suspect someone you care about is struggling with PTSD, the most important thing you can do is be there for them. Try to listen without judgment. let them know you are available when they are ready to talk, but don’t pressure them to open up before they are ready. Patience and consistency go a long way in creating a sense of safety. PTSD can cause people to be irritable or withdrawn, so don’t take it personally. It is part of the condition.
Encouraging someone to seek professional help, gently and respectfully, can be life-changing. Remind them that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Acknowledging their experiences and affirming your belief in them can be a significant initial step toward their recovery.
If you are the one struggling, you deserve that same compassion. PTSD does not mean you are broken. It means you have survived something difficult, even traumatic. you are not alone and help is available.
What help is available?
There are many effective treatments for PTSD and they don’t always involve medication.
The path to healing is different for everyone. What matters most is reaching out and taking the first step.
living with PTSD can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t define a person – and it doesn’t have to control their life. Whether you’re a veteran, a first responder, a survivor, or someone who loves them, help is available and healing is possible.
let’s honor those affected by learning about the condition and showing real support and compassion for those who live with it every day. Sometimes,
being present and reminding someone they matter is more powerful than you think.
Help in Atlantic and Cape May counties
If you or someone you know is trying to cope with PTSD, you can access supportive resources throughout South Jersey. Please note, this is not the complete list of all services and programs available:
Veteran and First Responders
Services, Cape May County Veterans Bureau
609-886-2762
www.capemaycountynj.gov
Assists with veterans’ benefits and referrals to PTSD and mental health services.
Vet Center – Ventnor City 6601 Ventnor Ave., Suite 105, 609-487-8387
Provides free, confidential counseling for combat veterans and their families, not tied to VA medical records.
South Jersey Vet Center, Egg Harbor Township
Offers free, confidential services for veterans and families addressing PTSD, depression and military sexual trauma. No VA rating required. See www.va.gov.
NJ Vet2Vet
Peer Support Line
1-866-838-7654 www.njvet2vet.com.
A 24/7 support line staffed by veterans offering guidance, emotional support and mental health referrals.
True North Behavioral Health for Veterans – Atlantic Health System
Provides free therapy, medication and mental health support to all veterans and their families, regardless of insurance or discharge status. See www.atlantichealth.org
Veterans Diversion Program – Atlantic County
Supports veterans involved with the justice system due to trauma or substance use by offering counseling and supervision in lieu of prosecution.
Cop 2 Cop Helpline
1-866-COP-2COP (267-2267) www.njcop2cop.com.
A confidential, 24/7 peer support line staffed by retired officers and clinicians for law enforcement officers and their families.
Community Mental Health & Crisis Services
AtlantiCare Behavioral Health
Northfield, Hammonton, Egg Harbor Township, 609-646-9159. Offers outpatient therapy, psychiatric care and trauma-informed support groups. Accepts most insurance plans.
Acenda Integrated Health (formerly Cape Counseling Services)
Cape May Court House, Wildwood. 1-844.422-3632.
www.acendahealth.org.
Provides counseling for PTSD, crisis intervention and substance use treatment. Accepts Medicaid, private insurance and offers sliding-scale options.
Mental Health Assoc. of Atlantic County (MHAAC) 609-652-3800. www.mhaac.info.
Free wellness groups, peer support and crisis navigation services for residents dealing with trauma and mental health concerns.
Legacy Treatment Services www.legacytreatment.org.
Trauma-informed outpatient therapy and medication management. Accepts insurance with low- or no-cost options available.
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May counties www.jfsatlantic.org.
Offers outpatient therapy and counseling for individuals and families. Accepts insurance and provides sliding-scale or free services.
Innerspace Counseling, Atlantic County www.innerspacecounseling.com.
Intensive outpatient services for PTSD, trauma and co-occurring substance use. Accepts insurance and sliding-scale payments.
Atlantic County Mental Health Administration
Mental Health Association In Atlantic 609-645-7700, ext. 4519
Coordinates mental health services in Atlantic County and connects residents to local, often insurance-covered trauma and PTSD resources.
Youth & Family Services PerformCare NJ (up to age 21) 1-877-652-7624. www.performcarenj.org.
Free 24/7 access to behavioral health and trauma services for youth. Insurance not required.
Cape Atlantic Integrated Network for Kids (I.N.K.)
Provides state-funded therapy and family support services for trauma-affected children. Services are free to eligible families.
Statewide & Crisis Hotlines NJ Mental Health Cares Hotline 1-866-202-HElP (4357) www.njmentalhealthcares.org.
Offers free referrals, insurance guidance and mental health information statewide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988. Free, 24/7 confidential emotional support and mental health crisis intervention nationwide.
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8. Part of uRl
11. *____-and-slide
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13. Formerly known as dropsy
15. "les Misrables" author
16. Hissy fit
17. Sink hole
18. *It varies widely in different regions
20. One from the Magi
21. Native American emblem
22. lavatory, abbr.
23. like #21 or #37 in this crossword
26. Borrower's warranty
29. Geological time period
30. Experienced sailor
33. Wraths
35. Turning abstract into real
37. Zippo
38. Carl Jung's inner self
39. It's considered abominable
40. Ticks off
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43. *Popular July 4th event
45. Climb Kilimanjaro, e.g.
47. Bigheadedness
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59. listens to #19 Down
60. Accepted behavior
61. Copenhagen native
62. Flower precursor
63. D.C. time
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4. Porto, to many English-speaking tourists
5. Painful expression
6. Poppy product
7. *In need of a breeze
8. like Beethoven
9. Fail to mention
10. *A farmer's ____
12. Sleeping sickness vector
13. Hoover's middle name
14. *Blast from past in movie watching
19. ____-boots
22. Car nut
23. Bald eagle's nest
24. Do like ivy
25. yogurt-based dip
26. Cobbler's concern
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28. Red Sea nation
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32. Mammoth site, e.g.
34. *Summer castle material
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38. Very, in music
40. Big fuss
41. Kidnapper's demand
44. Fits of shivering
46. *Noisy insect
48. El Pollo ____, pl.
49. Not together
50. Off-limits
51. Newspaper piece
52. Conifer
53. like 2016
54. Ages and ages
55. Flash dancers
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Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, as Fred Rogers of “Mr. Rogers' fame coined the phrase.
But finding that neighborhood to call home includes many factors and difficult decisions in the homebuying process.
From the location and number of bedrooms, to convenience to work, relatives and friends; there are so many choices to make. Hot topics also include the school system and proximity to higher education, whether it should be a condo, residential single-family, 55-plus or a home with multiple acres and a pool, with well water or septic, curbs and sidewalks or not; checking the boxes that you
want checked can be tough.
Fortunately, help is on the way with assistance of a real estate professional, especially those that have attained Realtor status.
Now more than ever, the value and importance of hiring a professional real estate agent is a necessity.
Recently mandated procedures in real estate, that went into effect on Aug. 17, 2024, require all sellers to fill out and provide seller disclosure forms on the property they are selling. A copy of the form must be provided by sellers to potential buyers when entering into an agreement to sell their home.
In addition, when you ask to view a property with a real estate agent, the agent must ask if you have a buyer/ broker agreement in writing with any other agent. If not, the real estate agent must obtain a written buyer/ broker agreement from you before showing the property. This is required and essential in establishing the business relationship you will have with the agent going forward.
For buyers, the agreement out-
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Your
lines the obligations, fiduciary duties and responsibilities of care and loyalty to you, in assisting you with finding your new home. It also establishes the manner and amount of compensation (commission) that will be paid to the real estate agent’s agency, either by the buyer, the seller, or included in any offer to purchase the home.
Here are more good reasons and benefits of hiring a real estate agent.
Real estate agents are your trusted advocates in the buying process. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 90% of all homebuyers and sellers make their real estate transactions through a real estate agent.
For licensed agents achieve the designation of Realtor they, along with their broker of record and real estate office, must belong to their local, state and National Association of Realtors. A Realtor is held to a higher standard of practice with requirements for continuing education and a strict code of ethics.
Real estate agents are licensed with the state and educated to as -
sist buyers and sellers in the homebuying and selling process. Agents must have their license with, and are only paid by and through their broker of record, the owner/broker of the real estate agency where they hold their license.
Only after obtaining additional years of education, multiple transactions, and full-time real estate experience may some agents become licensed associate brokers or real estate brokers. Many years of continuing education, dedication and knowledge are required to maintain a real estate license and have a professional, successful career in real estate and service to the community.
Realtors provide these and many other qualities to assist in the homebuying process.
your agent is a well-trained, strong negotiator who has the skills and the knowledge to get you the home you want, helping you find and guide you in making the best choice in a home for you and your family that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Happy house hunting, everyone, and make sure to get out and enjoy everything our Shore local has to offer. For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"
♈ Aries: A clearing out of the old is occurring in your work. letting go of something that’s become restrictive and has served its purpose forges the path for a new chapter.
♉ Taurus: The sky’s the limit. Soar to new heights as you enjoy the culmination of a new adventure that began around the beginning of the year. Hold steady in trusting the process.
♊ Gemini: The maturation of a goal involving shared resources arrives this week. Getting to this point required digging deep and exposing your underbelly. Welcome the result with gratitude.
♋ Cancer: Feel into the emotions rising and what you’re being shown about your closest relationships. A full mirror is being held up for you, reflecting what’s begging for change.
♌ Leo: your efforts to improve your health and vitality are working. Keep doing what you’re doing and level up if you’re sensing the nudge. Be the light from the inside out.
♍ Virgo: A daring new creation is ready to be born into the world. With this birth comes a shedding of an old skin that no longer fits you. An imperfect surrender takes gumption.
♎ Libra: you are being shown
something important about your relationship to home, family and your lineage this week. Maternal and paternal wounds may require deeper healing.
♏ Scorpio: l anguage and communication have been undergoing enhancements. The product of your dedication begins to take form this week. Remain steadfast to the creative process.
♐ Sagittarius: The mountaintop has been reached, and the landscape is your finances and resources. Give yourself a big high five for everything you did to reach the summit.
♑ Capricorn: Diving into the depths of oneself is no small feat. The integration of what you discovered is undergoing cohesion. It’s a new version of you, fully illuminated.
♒ Aquarius: Give yourself time and space for rest, retreat and dreaming. Intentionally going within liminal spaces creates the quiet needed to hear the whispers of your soul.
♓ Pisces: your relationships are highlighted this week. Specifically, where you feel you may no longer fit in with your community. Sever what needs to go and support what’s aligned.
Weekly astrology summary:
This week’s highlight will be culminating as this publication is hitting newsstands and your inboxes! The Capricorn full moon peaks on Thursday, 7/10 at 4:36 p.m. and is the centerpiece of this week’s cosmic energies. This is a beautifully supportive and harmoniously characterized full moon. Reflect back to when the moon was new in Capricorn (Dec. 30, 2024) to reveal what’s
grown to fullness in your life since then. My tagline for this full moon is imperfect surrender. There have been so many shifts and changes since the end of last year that what’s coming to fruition now may not have the exact form intended, but it most definitely will reveal something new about our marvelous untapped inner magic. Capricorn shows us that we all have the capacity to traverse both the physical and nonphysical, the conscious and the unconscious. 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 u rsa 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.
