Veterans Host Coast Guard Recruits' Thanksgiving
One Million Lights Shine at Area Attraction
Community Helps Stock Food Pantry
Giving Thanks Throughout the Year
What's Next for Patcong Farms Is the Wind Picking Up?
Capturing the moments
Letter from the editor
As we enter the holiday season, many of us take more photos than any other time of the year. With an abundance of family traditions and gatherings, we do our best to capture each moment.
In many families, there’s someone who naturally becomes the “memory keeper.” This is the person who, camera in hand, documents holidays, milestones and simple joys.
In my family, that’s me — and let me tell you, it can be a thankless job. eyes roll when I ask for “just one more” shot or if I get caught snapping too many candid shots. but the memory keeper is in it for the long game. Fueled by love, we are determined to commemorate special times. Although my family may grumble, I often catch them flipping through albums or admiring framed photos.
These little glimpses reassure me that it's important. Afterall, we all want to feel valued and connected.
m y journey as the memory keeper began when our children were young. As they grew and changed so quickly, I wanted to capture each milestone. o ver the years, it has expanded to my extended family. Now, at every celebration, I’m the one taking photos or arranging for a photographer to be present, organizing group shots mixed with sweet, candid moments.
Today, capturing memories is easier and of higher quality than ever before. We can instantly snap photos and record videos. b ut this also means we end up with countless images sitting on our phones, usually unseen. That’s why this season, I encourage fellow memory keepers to take an extra step and turn those digital memories into gifts. It can be as simple as printing a few favorite photos and placing them in frames. o r consider creating a family album — something tangible, that can be held and paged through anytime of the year.
Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com
Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com
Publisher Assistant - Julia Train
Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch, Julia Train
Advertising Sales - Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com
Web Designer - Holly Martin, Digital Marketing - Liz Katz
Contributors –Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Michele Gladden, Alex Corson, Cat Pepe, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ
As our family has started traveling more, I’ve begun making photo books of our trips. You can also have favorite photos printed on mugs, puzzles, tote bags and other items. my son loved to draw, and a friend once printed an image of one of his drawings on a T-shirt. He wore it so proudly, and it was a gift we both cherished.
Another way to preserve special moments is by recording family stories. Consider creating a small notebook where family members can jot down memories, traditions or favorite recipes. These stories become treasures that connect past and pres-
ent and can be passed down through generations. m y grandmother had a special recipe for oatmeal cookies that my mom and I still make every Christmas. It was handwritten on a tattered piece of paper over 70 years ago. m y daughter recently had the recipe imprinted on a plate, immortalizing this part of our family heritage.
As you gather with loved ones this season, remember that being a memory keeper is an honor, even if it doesn’t always feel like one. You are the one capturing the moments that make life beautiful.
While photos and gifts are wonderful, the most important thing is being present with those we care about. In the end, the memories that stay with us are the ones where we feel connected, loved and appreciated.
Wishing you all a holiday season filled with love, laughter and moments worth keeping.
Peace & Love, Cindy
Cover photo by Ste en Klenk.
Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.
Has the weather been windier at Jersey Shore in recent years?
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
At the start of this month, I went to Sea Isle City to give a talk to the Garden Club. The group of ladies was nice, and one of them asked me a question that was a lot like this one.
“Has it been windier at the Jersey Shore lately?”
Sea Isle City isn’t the only town to ask this. From Cape may to ventnor and points north, this has been a popular question during my public, and private, weather talks. The uptick in questions started in 2021 and 2022 and persisted. However, this may be a question of perception and not reality.
How has the wind changed at Jersey Shore?
b elieve it or not, the winds have
been calmer at Jersey Shore in recent decades.
At Atlantic City International Airport in egg Harbor Township, the average wind speed in 2024 was 8.11 mph, according to the Iowa environmental m esonet. While that was above the 7.8 mph average in 2023, wind speeds have been in decline for a while.
Consider that during the past 30 years, the trendline for winds decreased from about 8.7 mph to 8.2 mph. That’s not much, but it proves the point that the wind speed has not increased in recent years.
To prove this is true another way, I even sorted by the number of days in a year with sustained winds of at least 15 mph. That’s a breezy day.
Again, there’s been a slight decline in the number of days. As of Nov. 17, ACY Airport experienced 24 such days. That is more than the past two years, but the longer-term trend shows a decline.
It is interesting to see the big drop
in the wind speeds that occurred in the 1970s. The long-term average dropped from 10.5 mph from 1947 to 1976, to 9.0 mph from 1977 to 2006.
m ore than likely, the wind equipment used at the airport changed at some point in the 1970s. That led to weakening wind speeds.
Going beyond ACY Airport, the Iowa environmental m esonet data in other places prove that the windier days are just perception. The average wind speed at Lower Township’s Cape m ay County Airport has remained consistent at around 8.2 mph since records began in 1992.
m eanwhile, at m onmouth County e xecutive Airport in Wall, the trendline is also pointing toward calmer years. 2025 is the first year that was as windy as at the average since 2018, getting to 8.4 mph through Nov. 17. Windier-than-average years were the norm from 1999 to 2007.
Have very windy days happened more often in N.J.?
It depends.
Since records began being kept in 2006, the trendline for the number of wind alerts issued by the National Weather Service has fallen over time in New Jersey.
High wind warnings, which are issued by the weather service when winds can damage life or property, occur 4.5 times a year, according to the mesonet. However, that’s a slight drop from the first 10 years of records, which was 4.7 times.
m eanwhile, wind advisories that are issued for nuisance wind issues saw a slight increase. The average since 2006 has been 20.7 times per year. The first 10 years of re -
cord keeping was 19.9, though.
With the average wind speed dropping over time, and the most severe winds happening slightly less often, don’t look too much into the bump up in wind advisories.
Why is it feeling windier in N.J.?
I don’t have any scientific evidence for this, but here’s my theory on why it’s felt windier in recent years.
We’re outside more.
From 2020 to 2021, in the depth of the CovID-19 pandemic, many of us that were healthy rekindled our relationship with the great outdoors. m ore walks and runs outside. m ore time in the garden or at cookouts. more time at the beach.
All of that may keep us in tune with the wind more than before. As outdoor workers will tell you, wind does impact the ability to get things done. So, perhaps that’s why.
o therwise, the data says we must keep searching for answers because it hasn’t been windier.
Twenty-four/seven streaming weather channel now LIVE
Whether on your T v, your computer or your phone, get everything Jersey Shore weather, and drone, for free!
The Cup A Joe Weather and Drone Jersey Shore streaming weather channel is now live. From our daily weather forecasts to Tidal Flooding Talk, words from our sponsors and more, you’ll get the hyper-local information you deserve, without the hype.
You can submit your most scenic weather photos for the stream, also. Go to www.bit.ly/WxPhoto to put yours in. We’ll approve it and you’ll see it run, live, on your device. Just search for @joemartwx on YouTube or go to www.cupajoe.live to view it.
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.
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Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program brings holiday joy to families in need
By Marcella Curcio
For more than four decades, the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program has delivered holiday cheer to families facing financial hardship. Founded by a sergeant who wanted to support injured officers and their families during the holiday season, the effort has since grown into a countywide initiative that relies on local businesses, volunteers and first responders to make sure no child goes without a gift.
While the year-end holidays are often viewed as a time of celebration, they can be stressful for families experiencing difficult circumstances. The Atlantic County community continues to rally together, easing that burden through tremendous generosity and teamwork.
I recently spoke with michelle riordan, a 30-year volunteer and one of the many dedicated people who help run the program. riordan wears many hats — from coordinating events to picking up toy deliveries—and says the operation depends heavily on a core group of volunteers and first responders. These partners help organize toys by age group, transport donations and even escort Santa on his holiday visits. Though the timeline is tight and the logistics demanding, riordan says the team works tire -
lessly to ensure everything comes together once the holidays arrive.
A visit from Santa is one of the program’s most beloved traditions. With support from the community, Santa and his helpers travel throughout Atlantic County delivering toys, visiting hospitals, nursing homes and the homes of families in need. riordan said watching children’s eyes light up as they meet Santa is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Local first responders also help identify families who may benefit from
a visit, ensuring both their holiday spirits and safety needs are met. o ne highlight each year is Santa’s stop at Shore m edical Center in Somers Point, where he, Frosty the Snowman and a team of elves deliver gifts to pediatric patients. Illness doesn’t pause for the holidays, riordan noted, and sometimes the best medicine is joy.
In addition to its Christmas efforts, the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program stays active yearround. The group partners with municipalities on community events
including trunk-or-treat celebrations, Christmas in July block parties and summer outings that give children the chance to enjoy the Jersey Shore and explore local wildlife from Atlantic City cruises.
This year, Santa’s annual toy run is scheduled for Dec. 21, 2025. Police departments throughout Atlantic County escort Santa and his merry elves on their annual toy run to bring holiday cheer. Last season, more than 14,000 toys were collected and distributed, and organizers hope to surpass that number this year.
As the season approaches, residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for toy drive drop-off locations posted on the ACTFK website. Donating a new unwrapped toy is a simple way to brighten a child’s holiday. The website also provides updates on upcoming events, including the group’s annual beef and beer fundraiser on Dec. 19. Families in need may fill out a Toy request form on website
No matter the size, every donation makes a difference—and every gift brings a smile to someone in our community this holiday season.
By Julia Train
N.J. motorists await decision on potential 2026 fuel-tax hike
New Jersey drivers may soon learn whether they will pay more at the pump in 2026, as state officials prepare to review the financial health of the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) — the account responsible for maintaining the state’s vast network of roads, bridges and rail lines.
A yearly analysis, required under state law, must be completed by mid-November. The review determines whether current fuel-tax collections are keeping pace with the state’s long-term transportation
projects on track, the law mandates that the per-gallon fuel tax automatically increase on Jan. 1. The state Treasury has not commented on this year’s review, but historically, any adjustment to the rate is generally announced in early December, NJ Spotlight News said.
New Jersey currently charges 44.9 cents per gallon on gasoline and 51.9 cents on diesel. Unlike a percentage-based sales tax, the state’s fuel tax is tied to the volume of fuel purchased. That means the state earns the same amount from each gallon sold, whether the retail price is low or high.
Federal fuel taxes — 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline — are included in that pump price as well, and the federal rate has remained unchanged since the early 1990s.
As of monday, Nov. 17, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey stood at $3.034, according to AAA. That is slightly above
fuel prices in New Jersey.
While the annual review can lead to a tax decrease, changes enacted last year make stable or rising tax rates more likely.
Gov. Phil m urphy and Democratic lawmakers agreed to revise the formula in 2024 when they extended the Transportation Trust Fund for another five years. That renewal authorized more than $10 billion in transportation projects and added several revenue-generating measures meant to shore up the fund.
pay for infrastructure upgrades. The fuel tax itself is made up of two separate state taxes: the motor-fuels tax and the petroleum products gross receipts tax, according to NJ Spotlight News.
Another legislative change in last year’s reauthorization moved the timing of the annual analysis from August to November. Under the previous schedule, any increase resulting from the review began each o ctober — a start date that often fell weeks before state Assembly elections. Now, any adjustment takes effect on Jan. 1, after the election cycle has ended.
New Jersey’s fuel-tax rate ranked eighth-highest in the nation earlier this year, according to data from the Tax Foundation. California leads the country with the highest state fuel tax, while Alaska maintains the lowest.
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Among those changes was a new annual fee for drivers of zero-emission vehicles, introduced to counter the declining fuel-tax revenue that comes as more motorists shift to electric cars, according to the bergen ecord. The fee started at $250 last year and increases by $10 each year
With billions of dollars in transportation investments underway and higher revenue targets already written into law for the next several years, fuel-tax discussions are expected to remain part of New Jersey’s political and economic landscape — and motorists are likely watching closely as the next decision approaches.
Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local
Storybook Land illuminates with over one million lights
By Steffen Klenk
The spirit of the season has returned to Storybook Land in egg Harbor Township. Last Saturday, Nov. 15, the popular South Jersey attraction was illuminated with over one million holiday lights. Children young and old gathered by Santa’s house as the man in the red suit and white beard appeared from his chimney, greeting onlookers below. With just a little Christmas magic and a wave of his magic wand, the park was brought to life in a dazzling display of lights.
photo-ops and activities.
The annual Christmas Fantasy with Lights is a South Jersey tradition that dates back over 30 years and has gained national acclaim. The display has been featured on AbC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight and has been ranked as one of the top holiday events throughout the country.
Those who arrive at Storybook Land will immediately be in awe over the illuminated front entrance, complete with Santa and his reindeer guiding the way. Walking into the park itself gives you the feeling of being in a winter wonderland with plenty of
This year, the Jumping Jumbos ride has been transformed into a flying sleigh ride, known as Santa’s Fantasy Flight. Guests will enjoy a magical ride on Santa’s sleigh, complete with magical snowfall and twinkling lights. As you make your way through Storybook Land, be sure to check out the synchronized light display towards the back of the park. Tens of thousands of lights come to life to the sounds of some of your favorite Christmas songs, in a sight that is truly dazzling to witness.
Families are welcome to visit Santa inside his home away from home
at Storybook Land throughout the season. Plus, be sure to stop by Jingle b ell Junction, where you can enjoy the model Lehmann Gross b ohn (LG b) train display, or say hello to Santa’s reindeer, and view the display of Santa’s Workshop.
m any of the park’s rides and attractions are also open for the season, including the brand new Cinderoller Coaster. The family-friendly spinning roller coaster is perfect for park-goers of any age. o r take a ride
on the J&J railroad and enjoy the sights and sounds of Storybook Land at night.
Since 1955, Storybook Land has attracted visitors from throughout the region and around the world.
The acclaimed South Jersey landmark keeps the spirit of childhood alive with an atmosphere that is both educational and entertaining. It is a place where you can relive childhood memories while introducing new
generations to classic fairytales and themes of wonderment.
Storybook Land is located at 6415 black Horse Pike in egg Harbor Township. The park is open on Saturdays from 2 – 9 p.m., and Sundays 2 – 8 p.m., with extended hours through the month of December. b e sure to arrive by 5 p.m. as the festive lights are turned on. The Christmas Fantasy with Lights will take place through December 31.
Updated hours of operation, advanced tickets, and additional information is available at www.storybookland.com.
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.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Multi-day Events
‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
▶Thursday, Nov. 20-Saturday, Nov. 22
Events and Happenings
Hughes Performing Arts Center, Sixth St. and Atlantic Ave., ocean City
Join the o cean City High School Drama Guild as they present ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ live on stage. See this legendary tale of Peter Pan take flight with music, songs and adventure. visit www.facebook.com/ groups/ochsdramaguild to purchase tickets or learn more.
‘Charlotte’s Web’
▶Thursday, Nov. 20-Saturday, Nov. 22
Absegami High School, 201 S. Wrangleboro road, Galloway
The Absecon emanon Players are proud to present ‘Charlotte’s Web.’ See the charming and heartwarming story come to live on stage with theatrics, songs and adventure. Tickets are on sale now at www.absegami. net/o/ahs/page/athletics.
Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights
▶Friday, Nov. 21, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22, 2-9 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2-8 p.m.
6415 black Horse Pike, egg Harbor Township
The Christmas Fantasy with Lights has returned to Storybook Land for the season. Watch as Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland as Santa Claus lights up the park with over 1 million Christmas lights. Tickets can be purchased online at www.storybookland.com.
JCC Arts Books & Culture Festival
▶Now-November 25
Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave., margate
The marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC is hosting its annual festival featuring a dynamic lineup of thought-provoking events, captivating authors and an array of cultural experiences that offer something for every taste and interest. m ore than 25 events will encompass the entire festival throughout the month. Learn more and view the entire schedule at www. jccatlantic.org.
Thursday, November 20
Absecon Galloway Rotary Meeting ▶5:30 p.m.
Gourmet Italian restaurant, 324 S. Pitney road, Galloway
The members of the Absecon Galloway rotary Club invite you to
be their guest at their next meeting this Thursday in Galloway. Learn more about the rotary, how the organization serves our local community and to meet local community members. December meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. at the Phoenix Diner in Absecon, and Thursday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Gourmet Italian restaurant. For club information, go to www.facebook. com/AbseconGalloway r otary or email rose m cCarthy, club president at bluerose46@aol.com.
Swift Nation Tribute Show
▶7:30 p.m.
Stockton Performing Arts Center, 101 vera King Farris Drive, Suite K-144, Galloway m elody e bner, the dynamic frontwoman of Swift Nation, will lead a captivating musical journey through Taylor Swift’s career, with an immersive live band experience spanning Swift’s country roots and chart-topping pop hits. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stockton. edu/pac.
Friday, November 21
Charity League Christmas Mart ▶10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Linwood Country Club, 500 Shore road, Linwood mark your calendars for the Charity League’s 78th Annual Christmas mart. This year’s event will be held at a new time and location in Linwood. enjoy a full day of shopping under one roof. Sip and shop as you support area businesses. Free valet parking. visit www.charityleague-ac.com for more information.
Birckhead
▶7:30 p.m.
Stockton Performing Arts Center, 101 vera King Farris Drive, Suite K-144, Galloway experience the electrifying sound of award-winning saxophonist and woodwind artist brent birckhead and his dynamic quartet. Known for his bold fusion of jazz and contemporary music, birckhead has performed with legends such as Lauryn Hill, Nas and George Duke and has wowed audiences to critical acclaim. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stockton.edu/pac.
Saturday, November 22
Earlier than the Bird Holiday Shopping Extravaganza
▶8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., o cean City
Get out earlier than the bird next Saturday and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas
for early bird shopping specials throughout Asbury Avenue. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Northfield Flea Market
▶8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Northfield Community School, 2000 New road
Get ready for an exciting Saturday of holiday shopping in Northfield, with a variety of items sold by 35 vendors. For more information, call Joan at 609-374-6614.
St. Peter’s Christmas Treasure Sale and Toy Shoppe
▶8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
St. Peter’s United m ethodist Church eighth St. and Wesley Ave., ocean City
Join St. Peter’s and United Women in Faith for a day of shopping. Check out the array of unique gifts and fun treasures. All donations from the event go to United Women in Faith local missions.
Linwood Central UMC Fine Art and Craft Showcase
▶9 a.m.-3 p.m.
5 marvin Ave., Linwood
Join Central United Women in Faith for their annual Craft Show inside Adams Hall. There will be dozens of art and craft vendors on-site, along with a snack bar and homemade breads and the ‘Not to be m issed’ Christmas Thrift Shop. Admission is free. For more information, call or text June at 609-839-8571.
St. Damien Solidarity Market
▶9 a.m.-1 p.m.
St. Damien Parish Church, 1337 Asbury Ave., ocean City
Join St. Damien for their 3rd Annual Solidarity market next Saturday. Discover unique handmade crafts and products created by women in Africa and our local Atlantic City area. Shop with purpose and explore an immense collection of beautifully crafted items. Light refreshments, including African coffee and tea, will be served.
Smithville Auxiliary Fall Craft Fair
▶10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Smithville volunteer Fire Hall, 1708 Somers Point road, egg Harbor Township
Join the Smithville Auxiliary for their Fall Craft Fair. The event will feature local artisans and crafters selling unique gifts, home décor and food. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Sip & Shop Holiday Market
▶11 a.m.-3 p.m.
ventnor Social, 6417 ventnor Ave.
Sip, shop and support local ventnor businesses at this one-day event.
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A wide variety of items will be for sale, along with gift cards, crafts, half-price arcade games and drink specials. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the ventnor business Association.
Horse and Carriage Rides in Ocean City
▶12-3 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., ocean City enjoy horse and carriage rides throughout Downtown o cean City and witness the excitement of America’s Greatest Family resort during the holiday season.
Local Author Showcase
▶1 p.m.
ocean City Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
The ocean City Public Library will present a Local Author Showcase this Saturday. m eet local authors, learn about their books for children, young adults and adults, enjoy book signings, scavenger hunts, refreshments and a bookmark workshop. The event will include appearances from Chrysa Smith, Nancy viau, ellie Kirk, Deirdre Palm Adams, Jennifer Shirk, Toni De Palma, JJ Lair, Jason m . Worchel and others. book copies will be available for purchase.
Family-Friendly Bingo
▶2:30 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join Longport Library for a few rounds of a family-friendly game night. each winner will receive a prize. registration for this event is required. If you and your family would like to participate, call 609-457-7403 to register.
Winter Playlist: A Performance by Cape Shore Chorus
▶3 p.m.
ocean City music Pier, 825 boardwalk
Join the Cape Shore Chorus Chapter for a special performance of holiday favorites and sing-a-longs, with special guest Anthology. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors
and children. For more information, email pwbaribass@gmail.com.
Sunday, November 23
Margate Community Fall Farmers Market
▶10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Steve & Cookie’s, 9700 Amherst Ave.
Get ready for Thanksgiving and stock up on produce and goods ahead
Risley Square Food Truck Festival
▶1-6 p.m.
319 e . Jimmie Leeds road, Galloway
bring your friends and your taste buds to risley Square this Sunday for their inaugural Food Truck Festival. There will be plenty of food and drinks for all taste buds, from sandwiches and smashburgers, to donuts and belgian waffles.
Masterworks Choir Concert
▶4 p.m.
St. Peter’s United m ethodist Church, eighth St. and Central Ave., ocean City
m asterworks Choir and soloists will perform Latvian composer Ugis Praulins’ classical ‘ missa rigensis’ this Sunday. John bate is the musical director and conductor for the concert. Glenn Kinckner is the organist. This is a free concert; a free will offering will be accepted.
Tuesday, November 25
Longport Library Concert Series
▶6 p.m.
2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join Longport Library for a live
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The annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot in Ocean City is on Thursday, Nov. 27. Photo credit: OCNJ Happenings Facebook
Somers Point Fire Co. No.1, 447 bethel road
Join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live musical duos every Tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@ yahoo.com.
Thursday, November 27
Annual Fast & Furriest 5k Turkey Trot
▶8:30 a.m.
ocean City music Pier, 825 boardwalk
Join the Humane Society of ocean City for their 18th annual 5k Turkey Trot down the b oardwalk. registration opens at 7 a.m. and the run will start at 8:30 a.m. Support the Humane Society in supporting shelter animals in need and keeping the o cean City tradition alive. For more information, call 609-398-9500 ext. 4 or visit https://runsignup.com/ thefastandthefurriest.
Mainland After Prom Turkey Trot
▶8:30 a.m.
m ainland regional High School, 1301 oak Ave., Linwood
Get ready for a fun morning of competition and comradery at the mr HS education Foundation and After Prom Turkey Trot 5K run and Walk. It is the perfect way to kick off
your Thanksgiving Day with family, friends and alumni. This year, if you wear a costume you will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a special prize. registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and the start time is 8:30 a.m. registration is open at https:// runsignup.com/mainlandturkeytrot.
Friday, November 28
Christmas in the Downtown
▶2-5 p.m.
Downtown o cean City Ninth St. and Asbury Ave.
Join o cean City in kicking off the holiday season with ‘o ur miracle on Asbury Avenue.’ Join the merchants and Chamber of Commerce in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas with strolling carolers and entertainment starting at 2 p.m. Then at 4 p.m., gather at City Hall for performances by local groups and singers. At 5 p.m., the event will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus to light the Christmas tree and City Hall.
Saturday, November 29
Margate’s Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza and Parade ▶12 p.m.
ventnor Ave., from Coolidge to essex Ave. and bocca m argate businesses and restau -
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Between Drinks by Nick Regine
A memoir of Somers Point
rants are celebrating Small b usiness Saturday with a parade through town led by an American Sign Language (ASL) Santa. The journey will begin at Coolidge Ave., as Santa will be escorted north along ventnor Ave., led by the margate City Police and Fire departments. The parade will make its way to bocca Coal Fired bistro where the m ainland Cheerleaders will perform and USA DJ will lead in holiday singalongs. m ore information is available at www.margatehasmore.com.
Bus Trips
Christmas Bus Trip to NYC featuring the Radio City Rockettes
▶Tuesday, Dec. 9
Join ocean City recreation for a
bus trip to New York City. The trip is $175 and includes luxury coach bus roundtrip transport, tickets to the radio City Christmas Show at 11 a.m. and time on your own after the show to explore NYC. The bus will depart from the o cean City Transportation Center at 7:15 a.m. and leave New York City at 5 p.m. m ore information is available at ocnj.recdesk.com.
Health and Wellness
Free Lung Cancer Screenings
▶9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Shore Cancer Center, 100 medical Center Way, Somers Point Shore m edical Center and Advanced Shore Imaging are hosting a free Lung Cancer Screening event. Consultations will be provided by Dr. James o ’Connor of Penn m edicine
Pulmonology. If you are 50 to 80 years of age and a current smoker or have quit smoking in the last 15 years, a low dose CT scan may be right for you. Call 609-653-3923 for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.
Coffee Talk
▶Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
The Atlantic County Wellness Center hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group. During this one-hour meeting, participants discuss, enhance and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase optimism. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Margate’s Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza and Parade is on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Monday Meditation and Stretching
▶mondays, 11:30 a.m.
m ental Health Association in Atlantic County’ 4 e . Jimmie Leeds road, Galloway
The Atlantic County Wellness Center provides a weekly meditation, follow-up discussion and light stretch on mondays. Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Depression and Anxiety Group
▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. m eetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. o ffered by the m ental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org. Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1:30 p.m.
egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 english Creek Ave. Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information. NAMI Family Support and Connection Groups
▶monday, Dec. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore road,Somers Point
NAm I Family Support Group is a peer-led group for family members, caregivers and loved ones (18+) of individuals living with a mental illness. NAm I Connection is a recovery support group for adults living with a mental health condition. visit www. namiacm.org or email info@namiacm. org for more information.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
Cleanup Crawl highlights plastic crisis flowing toward South Jersey shores
By Julia Train
The plastic litter that washes onto beaches in Atlantic and Cape m ay counties often doesn’t start there. A majority of it begins hundreds of miles upstream.
It’s the idea at the center of a multi-state initiative called the “Cleanup Crawl,” organized by CeCe Carter, mid-Atlantic regional manager of the Surfrider Foundation.
r ecent volunteer cleanups at three sites in the Delaware river basin not only collected 900 pounds of trash, but also gathered detailed data to help better define what is polluting coasts and beaches, Carter said.
The Cleanup Crawl, held o ct. 25–26, focused on the Delaware river basin – North America’s top source of plastic pollution, according to a 2021 study published in Science Advances. The study estimated the river sends about 141 tons of plastic into the Atlantic annually, channeling waste from the 7.7 million people living in the Delaware river basin.
Globally, an estimated 11 million
tons of plastic enter ocean waters annually – or about one truckload every minute, the foundation told the Delaware Currents. If trends continue, experts project that the total weight of plastic in the ocean will exceed the weight of all fish by 2050.
The Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting America’s oceans and beaches, coordinated three volunteer cleanups at Petty’s Island in Camden; Newark, Del. and Dewey beach, Del.
beach cleanups have consistently revealed that single-use plastics –plastic bags, straws, bottles, food packaging, disposable cutlery – are the most commonly littered items and pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems and human health. A 2021 study published in Nature Sustainability found that plastics account for roughly 80% of marine debris globally.
Carter said the Cleanup Crawl was born from growing concern over just
how much of that pollution originates upstream.
Despite being organized late in the summer, the Crawl drew strong turnout. Petty’s Island produced the most trash, due to its position downstream of Philadelphia and Camden, Carter said.
“It was almost like a lasagna. There were layers of plastic bottles… a group of us picked up over 1,000 bottles in an hour. If we could have moved our arms faster, we would have done more,” she said. “That
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plastic bag that blows away in Trenton gets into a creek or down a storm drain, and it ends up in the Delaware river, and that ends up in the bay, and eventually ends up in the ocean.”
What consumers can do
While Carter said there needs to be policies put in place to reduce the production of single-use plastic altogether, here are two ways the average consumer can help reduce the amount of plastic in or near the ocean, according to the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (N oAA).
Reduce plastic use — Understanding your plastic use is the first step toward cutting back. Start by reducing single-use items, reusing what you can and recycling whenever possible.
Participate in a cleanup — volunteer in your community to remove plastic before it reaches the ocean. Cleanups also provide data that help drive policies to reduce plastic pollution at its source. Find a cleanup at www.surfrider.org or www.oceanconservancy.org.
Local food pantry flourishes in community support: A Thanksgiving spotlight
By Michelle Gladden
Amidst today’s numerous challenges, 233 Philadelphia Avenue in egg Harbor City stands as a community-led beacon for those in need.
The white building, accented by blue and lavender hues, next to the post office, houses N o1hungryineHC Inc and Angela’s on the Avenue - a food pantry and thrift store that has redefined the community hub.
“We want everyone to feel respected and equal,” Founder Angela Krukauskas said. “This is a community effort, built by the community.”
that can accommodate hundreds of families at once,” she said. “It was my goal to create a very welcoming living room and an inviting entry space so no one has to feel less than worthy or afraid to ask for help.
“And in today's economy, in the world we live in, we are seeing absolutely the best of humanity coming through our doors and our
Inspired by the support she received during her husband’s illness, Krukauskas began by stocking her yard library with essentials like macaroni and cheese, tuna, and beans. As demand grew, so did her efforts, leading to the creation of a fully stocked pantry and thrift store inside the donated building.
“We have grown from a small space that held 10 boxes to a building
hours for gifts. The pantry’s partnership with the red Cross also allows for emergency food deliveries via a donated ambulance.
back doors and our bank accounts and our windows and any way we need them to do to support us.”
beyond providing food, the pantry helps the community through programs like a backpack program for schoolchildren and a Christmas event where families can trade volunteer
Postcards From The Past
v olunteers, who self-identify as a community of neighbors helping neighbors, play a crucial role in the organization’s success. remarkably, no one receives a salary; the pantry operates entirely on volunteer efforts and donations.
“o n any given day, we have about 25 volunteers who pour their hearts into this place,” said m eredith Lodge, director of operations. “It’s truly touching.”
This Thanksgiving, the pantry will distribute complete meal kits, including turkeys and all the accompanying trimmings, owing to generous donations.
“We have received more donations than ever this year, which is encouraging,” Lodge remarked.
The pantry also partners with local schools and businesses for food drives, and anyone in need can receive assistance, regardless of their financial situation.
“We don’t approve people; we register them,” Krukauskas said. “ everyone has bad months.”
The pantry’s innovative approach encompasses food drives for specific items, such as peanut butter and cereal, which are particularly crucial for families with busy parents, Lodge said. Additionally, perishables like eggs, milk, and butter are consistently in high demand.
N o1hungryin eHC Inc is located at 233 Philadelphia Avenue in egg Harbor City. Its hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on the third Saturday of every month, as well as 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Angela’s on the Avenue is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Saturday of the month.
For more information, call 609965-3890, email no1hungryinehc@ yahoo.com, or visit no1hungryinehc. com.
Michelle Gladden is a freelance journalist and editor with over 25 years of professional experience. She was the founding executive director of a local arts support nonprofit and has served on various community boards and organizations.
The pantry makes emergency food deliveries via a donated ambulance.
233 Philadelphia Ave. in Egg Harbor City houses NO1hungryinEHC Inc and Angela’s on the Avenue.
Scene from 8th street and Asbury Avenue in Ocean City, circa 1925. Photo courtesy OC Historical Society.
By Bruce Klauber
What’s next for Patcong Farms
The 28-acre Patcong Farms
Garden Center was once a beautiful and popular landscape nursery. Located in egg Harbor Township on b lackman road near Patcong Creek, it rarely made news simply because it was a quiet, wonderful place to visit and shop – the type of place that visitors and residents thought would always be there.
Unfortunately it fell on hard times and closed in 2020 after 25 years of operation. by 2021 it was in a neglected state, falling into disrepair. It had become an eyesore – so much so that the township designated it a property in need of redevelopment.
In 2022 the township rezoned the site from commercial to residential use and adopted a redevelopment plan by national builder D. r . Horton in 2023 to develop the property into 95
single-family homes. The whole project covers more than 56 acres when the designated open space areas are considered. An impressive project, but not everyone was enamored.
During public hearings in February 2023, there was opposition from citizens who questioned the township’s choice of redevelopment over environmental preservation. They were concerned the project posed
a threat to wildlife and that fertilizer and pesticide runoff from manicured lawns would contaminate the creek.
An online petition posted at the time and organized by environmental advocate ellen Gregory, was signed by 434 people calling for the township to pursue preservation options such as Green Acres or county openspace funding, instead of allowing development that could harm Pat-
cong Creek and the Great egg Harbor river.
It argues that the township was “quietly approving the conversion of what could be a beautiful natural habitat site into a plethora of asphalt and cookie-cutter housing,” warning of flooding risks, traffic, school overcrowding and long-term environmental damage.
“I absolutely do not begrudge the owners of Patcong Farms for wanting to sell the property for a profit; that is 100% their right,” Gregory continued. “ my concern is that our government leaders don’t seem to be concerned enough, and haven’t explored or exhausted every other avenue for that property before approving yet another housing development.”
The approval includes several environmental protections including leaving a large portion of the property undeveloped, a 50-yard buffer of untouched land around all wetlands, installation of stormwater systems to keep contaminants from running into Patcong Creek and adherence to NJDeP coastal development rules.
The developer will have to monitor wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, peregrine falcons and eastern box turtles. Also, to make up for any
Pete Castellano, elected to Egg Harbor Township Committee in November, posted this photo of construction activity now underway at the former Patcong Farms.
trees or habitat removed, they are required to plant native trees and shrubs to minimize habitat loss, and it’s laid out in a “curvilinear street design” that protects mature trees and wetlands, according to vH b , the engineering firm that developed the site plan.
m eanwhile, the project has been steaming ahead, shifting operations to a local D. r . Horton affiliate in march and beginning tree removal in June.
The greenhouses and outbuildings have been removed and the old nursery site sits poised to grow again, only this time instead of plants and flowers, it’s streets and houses that will be covering the land.
ranging in size from 1,900 to 3,200 square feet, and priced between $400,000 and $600,000, the project calls for a public access kayak dock on Patcong Creek, two play areas, intersection redesign at b lackman road/ english Creek Avenue and lots of open space.
but as of November, delays from drainage and contractor issues have reportedly stalled progress.
Pete Castellano, elected to egg Harbor Township Committee in November, who has recently made social media posts skeptical of this and other residential development projects in the township, summed up his concerns.
“The former farm and nursery was rezoned, ignoring local development standards,” said Castellano, the first Democrat to be elected to Township Committee in 30 years. He will be sworn in in January.
“A plan for 95 homes was approved by a private developer, and that plan faced strong opposition from residents due to environmental and infrastructure issues, traffic and impact on schools. resident’s concerns have been ignored.” by designating the site as “in need of redevelopment,” it allowed the township to rapidly change zoning for a particular property and accelerate the approval process with minimum variances required. In this case commercial zoning
was switched to residential zoning.
I contacted Castellano for an update on the actual building and land development.
“While I have been following this issue and attending meetings, the committee has not made clear what the precise status of the project is,” he said. “In response to public inquiry, it has been stated by the township administrator that the project is on some type of hold. And no homes have been built thus far.”
While the story of Patcong Farms is still being written, other communities have proven that public opposition can make a difference at the Jersey Shore.
Some years back, as reported in
these pages, the residents and local government of margate made a decision to basically eliminate motels and hotels – to say nothing of the bars that made up the infamous barbary Coast – from the city’s landscape. The majority opinion was that transients were infringing on the rights of margate residents to live quietly and peacefully.
The people spoke and the residents got exactly what they wanted. m aybe the same will happen some day in egg Harbor Township.
As ellen Gregory said, “We don’t want to be another ‘shore town’ drowning in tourists and tidal flooding, a hub for new restaurants or bars, or a place where hotels and housing developments block our views of beautiful sunrises and sunsets.”
It will take people like ellen Gregory to keep our future sunrises and sunsets beautiful.
James FitzPatrick contributed to this story.
award-winning
and record
and publicist,
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an
music journalist, concert
producer
producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
Renderig from Hammer Engineering shows 95-home project now under construction at the former Patcong Farms.
Let’s talk turkey: Thanksgiving is the perfect time to learn your family’s health story
By Robin Stoloff
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, reconnecting, sharing food, and celebrating the people we love. but while the holiday centers around tradition, it also offers an opportunity to create a new one: talking about your family’s health history. That is why the U.S. Surgeon General officially declared Thanksgiving National Family Health History Day. For many families, it is the one time of year when several generations sit around the same table. That makes it the perfect moment to start a meaningful conversation that could protect everyone’s future health.
We often think of genetics in terms of eye color, height, or hair
texture, yet our health is another powerful piece of the puzzle. Knowing whether certain diseases run in your family can help you understand your own risks and give your healthcare provider valuable insight about your screenings, lifestyle choices, and preventive care. While it may not be as fun as carving the turkey, it is certainly more impactful in the long run.
m any of the most common chronic diseases have hereditary links. Conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and high cholesterol often cluster in families. even mental health conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain allergies can have strong genetic or environmental patterns. When healthcare providers know these patterns, they can make better recommendations about when
to start screenings and how often you need them. For example, if your father or sibling had colon cancer before age 50, guidelines recommend you begin colonoscopies earlier than the general population. If your family has a history of early heart disease, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation markers more closely.
is shaped not only by genetics but also by shared environments and habits. Families often eat similarly, live in similar regions, and experience similar stressors or activity levels. These patterns can contribute to conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The good news is that lifestyle factors are changeable. even if your genes suggest a higher risk for a certain condition, healthy choices can dramatically reduce that risk. regular exercise, nutritious food, adequate sleep, stress management, and preventive checkups can help counteract inherited vulnerabilities.
Get your orders in for the holidays. We ship anywhere in the U.S. Homemade candies are great corporate gifts.
Thanksgiving’s warm, relaxed atmosphere offers the perfect backdrop for these important conversations. You can weave the topic naturally into the day rather than making it feel like a formal interview. Ask a few questions in the kitchen while preparing the meal. Chat with relatives during dessert. Share your own experiences first so others feel comfortable. The goal is not to collect medical records but to understand patterns that could guide your health choices and screenings.
Starting this tradition may also encourage younger generations to take ownership of their health. When children and young adults know what runs in the family, they can make more informed decisions about their choices and checkups. It becomes a gift you pass down, one that empowers them to create healthier futures.
Choose from a selection of gift baskets, boxes, trays and a variety of gift towers to t your budget.
Talking about health history is not always easy. Some older relatives may be private about their health, feel uncomfortable discussing difficult diagnoses, or simply not know all the details. o thers may not think their experiences are relevant. The key is to approach the conversation gently, respectfully, and with genuine care. A simple question can open the door: “Has anyone in our family ever had early heart disease, diabetes, or cancer?” or “What health issues run on our side of the family?” m ost relatives appreciate being asked, especially when they understand that the information can benefit future generations.
When you're not sure what to bring, you can't go wrong with our homemade chocolates!
Another challenge is accuracy. m emories fade and stories change over time. That is why it is helpful to gather as many details as possible, such as the type of condition, the age of diagnosis, and any circumstances that may be relevant. even approximate information is far better than none at all. o nce you gather what you can, write it down. The Surgeon General’s free online tool, my Family Health Portrait, allows you to store, update, and share your family health information securely. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be printed or emailed to your physician.
National Family Health History Day is also a reminder that health
This Thanksgiving, between the laughter, the stories, and the second helpings, take a few minutes to talk about something that truly matters. Your family’s health history is one of the most valuable pieces of information you can share. Understanding it today could save a life tomorrow.
Robin Stoloff is a longtime South Jersey health reporter and host of Living Well with Robin Stoloff, Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on Lite 96.9 WFPG. She shares health updates, interviews, and wellness tips on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and at LivingWellWithRobinStoloff.com.
Power, love and legacy: The story of Frank Tamru
Views from the Shore
By Brian Cahill
EGamble days, but heart valves? That was a leap. He took it anyway. He learned fast, listening to surgeons, shadowing cases and internalizing a simple truth: when a heart valve fails, there’s no Plan b . The work mattered.
From there, the world opened. He rose to lead teams in New York, then made a bold move: after running the 1979 New York City marathon (4:35 — he remembers the time like his Social Security number), he boarded a train west.
very now and then, I meet someone whose story stops me in my tracks. This month, the featured individual is Frank Tamru, a South Jersey native, world traveler and author of a new memoir called “Power.” A portion of the proceeds from his book benefits Shore m edical Center, a place that holds deep meaning for him.
Frank’s connection to Shore begins with his late wife, Dr. robin Carter, an ob/GYN who delivered countless babies here before her passing in 2014. “ robin lived to deliver babies,” Frank told me. “She called herself a ‘baby catcher’— she just loved bringing new life into the world.”
Displayed in the family room of Shore’s m aternity Care Center is a large poster of robin holding a newborn, surrounded by dozens of other babies she helped bring into the world — a joyful tribute to the legacy she left behind.
Frank wrote the memoir for many reasons, but honoring robin is chief among them. Donating part of each sale to Shore is his way of keeping her light burning in the place she loved most.
Walking uninvited into the company president’s office in California, he said, “I’m here for that international job you promised.” Within an hour, he had a title, an office (a converted storage closet) and a new mandate: carry this lifesaving technology to the world.
What followed were chapters you’d swear were fiction if they weren’t so detailed — assignments in Australia, Japan, Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Partnerships came next with visionary surgeons. From ball-in-cage to tilting-disc to bileaflet designs, he watched innovation sprint forward, sometimes faster than the ethics that should have governed it.
Frank grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey, served as an Army infantry officer in South Korea during the vietnam War era, and — like many ambitious South Jersey kids — set his sights on New York City. He calls it “the graduate school of life.” Those early days weren’t glamorous. He drove a taxi to make ends meet, with stories to prove it — like the day two officers commandeered his cab.
When he asked where they wanted to go, one barked, “Just go!” As he sped down Second Avenue, he realized that the road to purpose is rarely straight. “Power” revealed itself to him that day.
eventually, he found his lane in sales. A small ad in The Wall Street Journal — heart valve sales, New York territory — changed everything. Frank knew sales from his Procter &
Frank witnessed the best of medicine — the brilliance, teamwork and lives saved — and also the worst: boardroom calculi and the corrosive sway of perks and kickbacks. He doesn’t sensationalize it; he tells you what he saw and how it shaped him. o ne friendship changed him profoundly: renowned heart surgeon Dr. victor Chang. Together, they chased the idea that high-quality heart valves could be made closer to the patients who needed them most — affordable, reliable and accessible across Asia. They launched a company in Singapore, and for a time, it seemed like the future.
Then came tragedy: Dr. Chang was murdered in 1991. Investors pulled back, momentum stalled, but Frank, ever the survivor, found his footing again with a new firm and broader responsibilities. He spent 23 years in Asia, building a reputation not only as a sales leader but as a connector — someone who gave clinicians a platform to share research through the launch of a scientific heart journal. It was a first for Asia. He pushed for progress over polish.
Frank eventually returned home to b rigantine, and fate took its course.
Through match.com, he met Dr. robin Carter, an ob/GYN at Shore. It was love at first sight. They married, built a life in egg Harbor Township and found in each other a shared conviction: do the right thing for patients. robin’s example reframed everything Frank thought he knew about medicine.
“She didn’t want lunches or trips or cash on the side,” he said. “She only wanted to do the right thing and provide the best care.”
When robin passed suddenly from a stroke eleven years into their marriage, Frank did what he’s always done: he turned pain into purpose. “Power” — a decades-long journey to
the Far east and back — is part love letter, part field report, part dare to anyone who thinks reinvention has an expiration date. It’s a story about the choices that shape us — showing up, speaking up and standing up when it counts.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He also volunteers on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
Live in Touch with Your Soul
Frank Tamru honors his late wife in his memoir.
The American Legion Post 352 gives Coast Guard recruits a family for Thanksgiving
By Delaney Crawford
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, togetherness, and stomachs full of good food. b ut for the young Coast Guard recruits currently in boot camp at the base in Cape may, home is hundreds of miles away. During these long months that they’re in boot camp, the recruits can’t leave, making the base fully become their home.
o f course, no one knows exactly what this experience is like unless they’ve gone through it themselves. However, the men and women who are part of the American Legion Post 352 in Somers Point do. Together, the Legion steps in to make sure these young recruits aren’t spending the holiday alone.
on Thanksgiving morning, the recruits are bused from their barracks in Cape may and welcomed into the American Legion with open arms, full plates, and the promise of a day filled with warmth, games, conversation, and community spirit. The Legion gives these recruits a taste of family, the kind that extends far beyond bloodlines.
For the last 10 or so years, this Thanksgiving event has been a cherished tradition, bringing smiles to the recruits and everyone involved. b etween the 250 Legion members, the Auxiliary members, and the Sons of the Legion, there are plenty of helping hands who choose to spend their Thanksgiving Day this way.
Larry Lemieux, Commander of Post 352, shared what this day is all about. “It means quite a bit to all of us. I mean, we’re giving back to recruits that will soon be veterans and giving
them a place to go. It’s Thanksgiving; it's a time to be with family and be with people. And if they didn’t get to come here, they’d be back at the barracks in Cape may, just having dinner with themselves,” Lemieux said. “This gives them a chance to get out, get away for the day, call their families and loved ones. It becomes a day off for them, and we’re able to provide them a meal and a good time.”
Lb o ne Steakhouse generously
donates the turkey and all the classic Thanksgiving sides needed to complete the feast. The American Legion Auxiliary members bake and bring in a ton of desserts to really sweeten up the celebration. Students at St. Joseph regional School are even making placemats this year for the men and women to enjoy, making it a true community affair.
“It's very heartwarming to know that we’re helping out the recruits who can’t be with their families on such a special day,” marie Gilbride, a member of the Auxiliary, said.
The recruits arrive at the Legion around 11 a.m. and don’t bus back until about 4 p.m., giving them a full day of food, conversation, and fun. Lemieux shared that Legion members also spend the day chatting with the recruits, letting them use their phones to call home, playing games, and offering them a ton of human connection and community.
“ m y favorite part of this day is that I’m able to give back to where I came from. As veterans, we’re all in the same boat, (and) we love what we do. We’re 1% of the population, so we’re a unique group, and we always support other veterans,” Lemieux explained. “We feel for these kids, know what they’re doing and going through, and just want to give them a home for Thanksgiving. (We) want to give them a place to come to and feel like they’re with family for the day.” each year, the American Legion Post 352 reminds the community what Thanksgiving is truly about: kindness, gratitude, and the simple joy of coming together. For the recruits who may be far from home and for the veterans who know exactly what that feels like, this day is more than just a meal. It’s a reminder that family can be found anywhere, especially in a room filled with people who care.
Understanding the 2026 Social Security adjustments
By Eric Reich
The Social Security Administration has released the inflation adjustments for 2026. b enefits are set to increase by 2.8%. There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the report this year. m any were hoping for a larger adjustment, including some of those in Congress. While I’m always hoping for a big inflation adjustment to help seniors, I think the 2.8% number is reasonable given the current inflation environment. m y concern is that while it fairly reflects current inflation statistics, it doesn’t really reflect the past few years of higher inflation, which disproportionately affected seniors and those on fixed incomes. Whenever there is concern over the new Social Security figures,
there are inevitably calls for a re-examination of how we measure inflation when deciding on how to index the future benefits.
Currently, we use the CPI-W, which is limited to wage inflation, to help determine how much Social Security benefits should be indexed. That figure came in at 2.9% this year. The most commonly used measure of overall inflation is the CPI-U, which is the Consumer Price Index. That came in at 3.0% and is used for most Federal programs and tax brackets. So why do we not use the more commonly followed measure for Social Security increases? That’s a good question. I assume it is because they view Social Security as income, and therefore, the most logical index to follow is one that tracks wages.
To put this year’s cost-of-living adjustment into context, the average increase has been 2.55% with the range being from 0% in 2016 and a few others, to a high of 8.7% in 2023. The assumed rate for the Social Security trust fund is 2.4%.
Your benefits will be indexed for this amount, regardless of whether or
not you are currently taking your benefits. This includes spouse and survivor benefits as well. Current benefit recipients should be notified of the new increase by mail in December or in your SSA.gov portal this week. If you haven’t reviewed your benefits in a while, you should create an online account by visiting https://www.ssa. gov/. You should review your benefit statements and check your earnings history for accuracy. You can even file for benefits online as well.
I strongly recommend that you consult with your advisor before electing your Social Security benefits to help decide when may be the optimal time for you to elect to receive benefits. making the wrong election or claiming at the wrong time can potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Taking time to get some guidance is well worth it.
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 Man-
agement, 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.
Inclusive basketball program Hoops for All returns for its 20th year
Family Tides
By Madison Russ
This winter, Hoops for All kicks off its 20th season, marking two decades of bringing inclusive basketball to athletes of all abilities.
a place to play baseball on its field in Absecon.
Christian, who now serves on the organization’s board, recalled her time volunteering as the “best hour” of her week. So in 2006, she set out to start a basketball league.
“There wasn’t any in South Jersey,” Christian explained. “We started with 40 kids, and we’re up to 140 kids. We have 14 teams. They're all college-named teams, and it’s all sponsored by local businesses.”
Christian noted that “every penny” is spent on the kids.
The free m argate r ecreation program, designed for players ages 7 and older with physical or intellectual disabilities, offers a space to build friendships, confidence and basketball skills, with coaching tailored to individual needs.
“It doesn’t go into the recreation fund or the city fund; it goes to every player,” she said. “It’s a program designed for them — for them to be able to play ball, have fun and enjoy the day.”
m arianne Christian, coordinator for Hoops For All, volunteered for years as a coach and was actively involved with South Jersey Field of Dreams, a local nonprofit that gives children and adults with disabilities
Families come from all over Atlantic and Cape may counties, and even as far as North Jersey, to be part of the league. Christian said some of the league's earliest players, now grown, still show up each season.
9:30 9:46 6:58 4:35 5:02 6:12 6:54 4:36
The program also offers a unique
volunteer opportunity for local high school students. These volunteers, known as “red shirts,” help players during games with dribbling, shooting or moving up the court. They also station themselves under the baskets to grab rebounds and make sure players stay safe. It’s an experience that often leaves its mark on teen volunteers, and many return year after year — some even after they’ve gone off to college.
o ften, Christian said, volunteers come in their freshman year “very shy,” and by the time they’re a sophomore or junior, they’re “taking over the gym.”
“I try to get them when they’re a freshman, and they stay until they’re a senior. If they go to a local college, they actually come back,” Christian said. “It’s a sixweek program, so we ask them to at least come to four [games], so that this way, the kids get used to the volunteers on the court.”
Christian said all players get a chance to play and an award party at the end of the season, complete with food and trophies.
“ everybody plays,” she said. “It’s designed for them, and they’re all treated special.” many friendships form on and off the court. Christian said the league has given families the chance to sit
back, root for their loved one and connect with one another, which often proves to be a valuable resource.
“What I’ve seen over the years is that the parents sit on the bench, cheer, and network. e specially as the kids get older, [they’ll talk
for the parents. It really is, and [for] the red shirts and us. I get more out of it than I think I give, to tell you the truth.”
For some parents, getting their child involved with Hoops for All results in a lot of meaningful, first-time moments.
“They’ve never seen their kids be able to run up and down the court — they didn’t think they could run up and down the court,” Christian said.
about] where they can go to get a job, [and] what they’re going to do when they’re 22,” she said. “It’s great
The league has also become a true family affair for Christian. These days, her son and daughter are both coaches, and her daughter-in-law and grandson volunteer their time, too.
“It’s my best time of year because
I see my kids every Sunday," Christian said. This season, games will be played on Sunday afternoons for six weeks, from Feb. 22 through m arch 29, 2026, at eugene A. Tighe m iddle School, 7804 Amherst Ave., margate. r egistration is now open, and families are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Participants can register online at margate-nj.com/recreation.
For more information after registering or to learn about making a donation, sponsoring Hoops for All or arranging high school volunteering, contact Christian at 609822-2285.
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.
Most collections in Atlantic County will be delayed by one day.* Thursday collections will be performed on Friday. Friday collections will be performed on Saturday. *In Ventnor, Thursday AND Friday collections will be performed on Friday. See acua.com for details.
Photos courtesy of Marianne Christian
Sweater Weather Is Library Weather
The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the library is bustling with activity!
With best-selling books, workshops, children’s activities, and more, the Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone this fall.
Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources.
What’s happening in Ocean City
Downtown ‘Earlier Than the Bird’ celebration set for Saturday
The early forecast calls for mild temperatures on Saturday — ideal conditions to kick off the holiday season along Downtown Asbury Avenue. In o cean City, that means shopping in your pajamas during the annual earlier Than the bird celebration.
The Downtown shopping extravaganza takes place 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 22 — the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Anybody (pajama-clad or not) can take advantage of early-bird shopping specials at stores on Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th Street. b ut free turkeys will be awarded to the bestdressed, and shoppers can text in to win gift certificates and prizes from Downtown merchants. Free coffee will be available at Jon & Patty’s (637 Asbury Ave.) and ocean City Coffee Company (917 Asbury Ave.). Downtown Asbury Avenue will be decorated for the season.
Free horse-andcarriage rides will be available later that day from noon to 3 p.m. It’s a chance to ride through Downtown the old-fashioned way with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
www.oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434
HOURS Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm
CURBSIDE PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 11am-4pm
Dec. 5 with the annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street
Registration open for Holiday House
Decorating Contest and Christmas Parade registration is now open for the annual o cean City Holiday House Decorating Contest. The contest awards prizes based on creativity, special effects, lighting, theme
Downtown will be celebrating the holidays throughout the rest of the year. The fun will continue on Nov. 28 with o cean City’s traditional Christmas in the Downtown — “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue.” This black Friday event includes shopping, horse-and-carriage rides, street entertainment and carolers. The event will culminate around 5 p.m. when Santa Claus will emerge on the rooftop of City Hall. With the help of an o cean City Fire Department ladder truck, Santa will descend and help light the Christmas Tree and illuminate City Hall. A holiday drone show will then light the skies over Asbury Avenue to cap off the holiday event.
The family fun will continue on
and overall appearance. A list of all contest participants will be posted, so everybody can enjoy the holiday displays. For more information and to register, visit ocnj.us/HolidayHouse. registration is also open for the annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Anybody who would like to enter a walking unit, float, musical act, car or dance/cheer team, can register by Nov. 28 at ocnj.us/ christmas-parade
Coming up in November and December
NOV. 22, 28, 29, 30 and DEC. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: These will start for the season from noon to 3 p.m. Sat-
urday, Nov. 22, with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. They will continue during the same hours on Nov. 28, 29 and 30, then on weekends in December.
NOV. 25 — Community Thanksgiving Service: St. Frances Cabrini Church will host the annual o cean City ecumenical Council Community Thanksgiving Service at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. The service — sponsored by the ocean City ministerium and the ecumenical Council — will include Thanksgiving hymns of praise and gratitude, Thanksgiving reflections and the Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation. members of the clergy from many ocean City churches will participate. All are invited to attend. A dessert fellowship will follow the service. The offering received will support the ecumenical Council Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet. St Frances Cabrini is located at 114 Atlantic Avenue in ocean City.
NOV. 27 — Fast & Furriest 5K
Turkey Trot: The o cean City Humane Society’s annual event is set for Thanksgiving morning on the ocean City boardwalk. For more information and registration details, call 609398-9500 ext. 4 or visit hsocnj.org.
NOV. 28 — Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue”: o ne of the highlights of the season, this annual event will give everyone a chance to celebrate “ black Friday” ocean City-style from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 28. Join the local merchants and the Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas, culminating at 5 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus and the tree-lighting. This year’s celebration will conclude with a holiday-themed drone light show in the sky over Asbury Avenue, starting at approximately 5:15 p.m.
↘Continued on 36
NOV. 29 — Ocean City Pops Holiday Show: This concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, will feature classic Christmas song favorites and modern hits, led by conductor vince Lee, and showcasing the o cean City Pops Festival Chorus. The show is at the ocean City music Pier. Tickets are available at oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice, by visiting any Welcome Center or by calling 609-399-6111.
NOV. 29, 30 and DEC. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 — Santa Claus: St. Nick will visit with children and be available for photos on weekends starting Nov. 29 and 30. He will be Downtown at mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then outside the m usic Pier from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
over 180 small businesses inside Stainton’s Family of Stores in the heart of Ocean City From local artists and photographers to handmade goods, coastal home décor, and favorite brands you already love, it’s a place full of creativity and personality
Every visit feels a little different You might discover a new artist, find the perfect gift, or spot something that reminds you of your favorite beach days. We’re open seven days a week, all year long, so you can shop local and experience Ocean City’s creative spirit in every season
DEC. 5 — Christmas Parade: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 along Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street. registration information for participants is available at ocnj.us/christmas-parade.
DEC. 5-6 — Winter Book Sale: The Friends and volunteers of the o cean City Free Public Library announce they will hold their Winter book Sale in the atrium of the library (1735 Simpson Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (Dec. 5) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday (Dec. 6). There will be a large collection of audio books available at this sale. Please bring a tote bag for your purchases.
the arrival of 2026 at o cean City’s family-friendly First Night New Year’s eve celebration. All-inclusive admission buttons will be on sale at firstnightocnj.com, by calling 609-3996111 or at welcome centers in town. First Night offers more than 70 entertain programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31. o ne $20
DEC. 6-7 — Train Show: m odel trains will be on display at the ocean City m usic Pier during this free show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7.
DEC. 14-22 — Lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah: At nightfall on each night of Hanukkah, a candle will be lit on the menorah displayed on the front lawn of City Hall (861 Asbury Ave.) to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
DEC. 31 — First Night: Celebrate
button is good for all programs. Don’t wait, because button sales are limited as the price goes up to $25 on Dec. 1. Headline entertainment at the ocean City m usic Pier this year will include a tribute to the music of the Journey and “ motor City: the motown revue.” The return of perennial favorites like outdoor ice-skating, a magic show, a mentalist, the Harlem Wizards and a variety of other shows also highlight the entertainment lineup. ocean City will reunite elton John and billy Joel at the ocean City High School auditorium with separate tributes.
JAN. 1 — First Day: Start the new year with a 5K run on the boardwalk and a first dip in the Atlantic ocean. register at ocnj.us/race-events
Stainton’s
No mess, no stress: Let local takeout and catering options make Thanksgiving easy
By Delaney Crawford
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This holiday is all about gathering family and friends around heaping plates of food, good vibes, and that undeniable holiday cheer. That said, one thing is for sure: hosting Thanksgiving can be a lot. If you’re making the meal yourself, it’s time-consuming, stressful, and guaranteed to leave your kitchen in chaos. b ut what if hosting came without all the hassle?
Around here, our local restaurants and caterers are stepping up to make sure every table feels full without the mess of cooking yourself. Across Atlantic County, family-run bakeries, delis, and fine-dining favorites are offering ready-made feasts, freshbaked pies, and sides that taste just like home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it small this year, these local kitchens are bringing comfort (and gravy) straight to your door.
Romanelli’s On the Greene
For years, romanelli’s has been a go-to catering option for all your
Thanksgiving needs. Think classic turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings, with fun additional sides and options everyone at your table will love. This local gem receives plenty of holiday orders, so make sure to get yours in before it’s too late. Call (609) 926-5477 to order today and let the flavors take you away.
Carmine’s
All Carmine’s locations are joining in the Thanksgiving fun this year with their legendary family-style feast. It features a 16–18 lb roasted turkey and all the classic holiday sides that you can’t dine without. Add a pumpkin or apple pie to seal the deal, and you’ll have a complete holiday meal ready to go. Call (609) 572-9300 for meal reservations.
Essl’s Dugout Restaurant
When one thinks about catering, essl’s often comes to mind. Known for serving up deliciousness all around town, their Thanksgiving menu is sure to catch your eye. For those who aren’t turkey traditionalists, you can choose between a Thanksgiving ham
or the classic bird. With comforting sides and flavor in every bite, this Thanksgiving dinner will earn you plenty of compliments, so just go ahead and take the credit; e ssl’s won’t mind. Call (609) 646-0637 to reach essl’s Dugout, or call (609) 515-0389 for their catering division.
Stir It Up Catering
This local catering business is ready to take the stress off your plate, literally. enjoy a full Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, classic sides, and even dessert. It’s easy, enjoyable, and mouthwateringly good. Call (609) 703-1842 to get your order in so you can breathe (and eat) a little easier this Thanksgiving.
Shore Diner
The Shore Diner is coming in
clutch again this season with their family-style Thanksgiving meals. each order includes turkey, stuffing, salads, pies, and even drinks to wash it all down. Pie options range from classic pumpkin to lemon meringue, perfect for every sweet tooth at the table.
Call (609) 641-3669 to place your Thanksgiving meal order today. So, now that you know the best spots to help you this holiday, narrow down your list and get to calling! This Thanksgiving, let our local restaurants and caterers do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what the day is really about: time spent with the people who make life feel full. From sides to pies, these local kitchens are serving up more than just food; they’re serving comfort, community, and a little extra gratitude with every bite served right to you.
Why gratitude is a mindset for life
By Chloe Cramutola
Last Thanksgiving, my mother nudged me and said it was my turn to share the three things I felt most grateful for. I sat there in front of a turkey, cornbread stuffing and cranberry sauce, but all that came to mind were rather unimportant things.
Then I thought of my mom and my stepdad, as well as the life I have and the life I’ve lived. I was grateful for a lot of things. However, to be put
on the spot and whittle it all down to three felt like an impossible task. Thanksgiving asks everyone to give thanks. It also digs deeper, questioning, “What are you grateful for?”
The meaning of gratitude is often misconstrued. It’s associated with journaling in neat little notebooks. It’s seen as trite, fake, silly and pointless.
o nce, I was gifted a “Journal of Gratitude” book, where you fill in the blanks every day, naming three things you are grateful for. I tried to make it a habit every morning I
woke up. For some reason, I couldn’t keep it up. I sat there with a pen in my hand, staring out my window. I scribbled on the lines: “The sunrise,” “a good cup of coffee,” and “my family.” The next day I wrote: “ my best friend,” “the fall season,” and “a full night of sleep.” Those are all things I’m genuinely grateful for. but I agree there is something that feels off or forced when trying to name it all in a little notebook. I’ve seen cynics grumble about this on the internet, more out of disillusion rather than hatred. I don’t blame them.
In a society where division sits heavily on our minds, it’s easy for many of us to feel frustrated or even hopeless. With that mindset, trying to build a life of gratitude can feel more like a chore.
Life happens, as we all know. A car cuts us off on the highway, nearly hitting us. We wake up late for work and miss the bus. We drop a bowl of cereal all over the counter, and of course, the milk soaks a stack of important documents.
We can’t feel grateful one hundred percent of the time. but what if we adjusted how we look at life and our idea of gratitude? In my eyes, turning an attitude of gratitude into a mindset for life makes these kinds of hard times feel a little less hard. That car could have hit us, but we’re okay. We still made it to work. The documents can dry, and the counter can be cleaned.
o nce, when I was in high school, I came home with my parents after going on errands, only to find the door slightly ajar. We pushed it open, then my mom screamed as my stepdad rushed to get the police
on the phone. o ur home had been broken into, and our privacy invaded. Laptops were stolen. Wires were dangling on the wall where the T v once hung. Someone had grabbed my makeup bag, leaving a trail of lipstick bottles on the carpet. We felt so unsafe that we stayed in a hotel. Yet I had to go to school the next day as normal. It took 14 days for us to find a new place. We replaced our laptops, the T v, and the makeup. We spent many nights thinking about how lucky we were that the thieves didn’t try to harm us or come in while we were sleeping.
e xperiences like that taught me we can train our minds to find slivers of light in the shadows. This mindset doesn’t require us to discount just how hard those times are. In fact, it acknowledges the difficulties and allows us to appreciate the good times even more.
o ur worst moments — financial burdens, deaths in the family — are inevitable in life. So I’ll go even further by saying that gratitude also makes us appreciate our loved ones and the memories we make with them. It makes us go to chaotic family gatherings. It makes us drive that extra mile to see an old friend on a day we don’t feel like doing anything. It makes Thanksgiving feel like it’s more than a holiday — it’s also a day highlighting the things we are already so grateful for.
So when life happens, like broken bowls or late clock-ins, we’ll either consciously or subconsciously think about the slivers of light. And if we do that, we can start cultivating a life where gratitude is not just an attitude — it is a mindset.
help you put the pieces together.
Wreaths Across America – Atlantic County needs wreath sale help
Area organizations are asking the community for help to provide 2,500 wreaths this holiday season for veterans' graves in Atlantic County.
So far, the organization has sold only half of the needed number of wreaths.
The deadline to buy a wreath is Nov. 30.
Wreaths will be placed at veterans' graves following a ceremony at noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Holy Cross Cemetery in mays Landing.
“We need your help,” said Peter e schbach of veterans of Foreign Wars Post 220 the local Wreaths Across America organizer. “We don't know them all, but we owe them all.”
Anyone or any group can sponsor a wreath to honor a veteran. each wreath is sponsored at a cost of $17.
A $5 portion of that amount is donated to one of several charities, including the St. vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
To buy a wreath, call Peter e schbach at 609-335-3637 or email him at Peter. eschbach@outlook.com or follow Facebook at Wreaths Across America – Atlantic County.
By David Weinberg
Astingy defense and timely offense are among the reasons the eagles currently own the top spot in the NFC.
Sunday’s 16-9 victory over the Detroit Lions left the birds at 8-2 with seven regular-season games remaining. The Los Angeles rams are also 8-2, but the eagles have the advantage over the rams in a tie-breaking scenario by virtue of a 33-26 win over the ewes earlier this season.
If you believe some fans, a certain semi-retired columnist has also been a major factor behind the eagles’ success.
Week after week, I offer my predictions for the eagles’ upcoming games.
There have been times – the last two games, for example – when I’ve
Eagles keep rolling
picked them to lose, only to see the eagles pull out victories.
That’s happened a lot. my record currently sits at 3-7. b esides the Lions and Packers, I also incorrectly picked them to lose to the rams, b uccaneers and vikings. m y other defeats came when I thought they would beat the b roncos and Giants the first time.
Now everyone thinks I should pick against them, thus ensuring they will make another trip to the Super bowl.
I didn’t used to be this bad at picking eagles games.
back in the day, when I spent all week speaking to players and coaches, I developed a feel for the way I thought games would unfold. There were seasons when I would go 14-2, 13-3 or something to that effect.
Nowadays, my pregame prep consists of a couple rounds of golf during the week, occasionally picking up two of our four grandsons from school, weekend breakfasts with the kids, and enjoying game days on my sofa.
I got off to a strong start this season, correctly forecasting wins over
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the Cowboys and Chiefs. but it’s been a disaster ever since.
So much so that before each eagles game, I’m besieged with texts, calls and messages on social media urging me to go against the b irds, thus guaranteeing an eagles win.
Unbeknownst to diehard fans such as Atlantic City mayor m arty Small and former Atlantic City High School boys basketball coach Gene Allen, I’ve been using reverse psychology to appease the masses.
Actually, that’s not true.
Do I want the eagles to win each week? Absolutely. It would make life so much easier. b ut it’s hard to go with my heart instead of my gut after nearly four decades of having unbiased opinions.
That’s of little consolation to my wife, who upon reading my predictions before each game quickly accuses me of drinking “Hater-ade.”
And all this time, I thought I was drinking coffee.
by the way, I’m picking the b irds to win at Dallas this week, but fear not. They will lose to the b ears and Chargers in the next two games.
This coffee tastes like “Hater-ade.”
Cedar Creek, Holy Spirit vying for state titles
The Cedar Creek High School football team stayed alive in the state playoffs with a dramatic victory over local rival m ainland regional in the South Jersey Group 3 championship game last Friday.
ond victory to advance in the state Non-Public b playoffs.
Spartans quarterback Ty Costabile found wide receiver emanuel Gerena for a 1-yard TD with 10 seconds remaining to earn a 34-27 win over Donovan Catholic.
Holy Spirit (7-3) will next take on top-seeded Donovan Catholic in the state semifinals Friday.
Like mainland, Atlantic City saw its quest for a state title end last week. The v ikings dropped a 38-21 decision to Kingsway regional in the South Jersey Group 5 final last Friday.
Ocean City wins state girls cross country title
The ocean City girls cross country team won its first state championship since 1988 earlier this month.
The red raiders outscored second-place m iddletown South 61-68 to win the state Group 3 title at Holmdel Park.
Sophomore r iley Tolson led o cean City with a third-place finish in the 3.1-mile race. Carly Godfrey (8th), Peighton Clemens (27th), Lenna Driscoll (37th) and bella Cera (38th) also placed.
The o cean City boys squad finished second in the team race in Group 3 behind only champion Colts Neck.
Local NFL update
Jaguars rookie running back LeQuint Allen (m illville) had a career-high eight carries for 36 yards (4.5 yards per carry) in Jacksonville’s 35-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Packers cornerback/wide receiver bo m elton (Cedar Creek) gained 37 yards on two kickoff returns and made one tackle on special teams in Green bay’s 27-20 win over the New York Giants.
Cardinals cornerback max m elton (Cedar Creek), bo’s brother, had four tackles and a pass defense in Arizona’s 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Quarterback Frenchmon b ethea connected with wide receiver Gyan King for a 65-yard touchdown with 21 seconds left in regulation to clinch a 34-28 win.
Cedar Creek (10-2), which has won four sectional titles since starting a varsity program in 2011, will next visit Central Jersey champion Holmdel (92) in the state semifinals Friday. m ainland, which had won three straight sectional titles, ended its season at 7-5.
Holy Spirit also secured a last-sec-
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.
Lucy the Elephant 1881
Entertainment & Dining at the Shore
Top Weekly Entertainment Picks
By Steffen Klenk
This weekend, live and local music takes the stage at Hard rock, Lindsey Stirling brings her dazzling holiday show to the Tropicana and Sensa motion headlines a hometown show at Anchor rock Club. Plus, we have the 4-1-1 on some of the biggest Thanksgiving eve parties throughout South Jersey. read all about it in the Top Weekly entertainment Picks.
What: Tropicana Tree Lighting Cer-
emony
Where: Tropicana Atlantic City
When: Friday, Nov. 21
Time: 1 p.m.
Website: https://facebook.com/
events/s/tree-lighting-ceremony/2191275421359773/?
Join Tropicana Atlantic City as they kick off the holiday season with live performances, complimentary bites
and the start of their holiday musical lightshow, which will run hourly from noon until 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 26.
What: Garden State Live
Where: Sound Wave Live at Hard rock
When: Friday, Nov. 21
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ garden-state-live
Live and local music takes the stage at Hard rock. The Garden State Live monthly concert series welcomes emerging country artists m egan Knight, Holdyn, b arter and Kenny Curcio for a night of boot scootin’ favorites. The concert will take place inside the Sound Waves Theater. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the Hard rock box o ffice or via Ticketmaster.
Who: KC & The Sunshine band
Where: ovation Hall at ocean Casino
When: Friday, Nov. 21
Time: 9 p.m.
Website: www.theoceanac.com/ entertainment/headliners/kc-sunshine-band
The Grammy-award winning group
KC & the Sunshine band brings their "Doin’ It World Tour" to Atlantic City on Friday night. Formed with a mission to spread happiness through music, the band has performed chart-topping hits including "Get Down Tonight," "That’s the Way (I Like It)" and " b oogie Shoes" and have sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Who: Lindsey Stirling
Where: Tropicana Showroom
When: Friday, Nov. 21
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.caesars.com/tropicana-ac/shows
World-renowned violinist, dancer and performer Lindsey Stirling brings her Snow Waltz Tour to Atlantic City. Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
Who: brandy & m onica
Where: Jim Whelan boardwalk Hall
When: Saturday, Nov. 22
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/brandy-monica-theboy-is-mine-tour enjoy the iconic music of Grammy winners b randy and m onica as they join forces for a night of chart-topping hits. The duo are celebrating 25 years since the release of their billboard Hot 100 single "The boy is m ine." Joining the tour will be Kelly rowland, m uni Long and "American Idol" Season 23 winner Jamal roberts, promising a powerhouse night of r&b
Who: Sensam otion
Where: Anchor rock Club
When: Saturday, Nov. 22
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.anchorrockclub.com
Sensa m otion will perform a highly anticipated hometown show in cel -
ebration of their latest album, "Feel it All Around." Hear an incredible night of roots, rock and reggae on one stage, with support from beach Fly and Kyle Ahern. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Who: K-Pop Demon Hunters Dance Party
Where: The Claridge Hotel
When: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 12 p.m.
Website: www.claridge.com/ events-promotions
Join the K-Pop Demon Hunters Dance Party and Sing-a-Long this Sunday inside the Celebrity Theatre at Claridge. This interactive show will feature a live DJ playing K-pop hits from the smash movie, along with giveaways, glow sticks and photo-ops, along
with plenty of dancing and singing. Costumes are encouraged.
Who: Thanksgiving eve with the Twisted Livin’ band
Where: Caroline’s by the bay
When: Wednesday, Nov. 26
Time: 8 p.m.- 12 a.m.
Website: www.carolinesnj.com before the turkey is carved and the side dishes are made, South Jersey’s own Twisted Livin’ band will serve up an amazing night of blues and rock live on the stage at Caroline’s by the bay in Somers Point.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
Atlantic City Headliners
Friday, November 21
KC & the Sunshine Band
▶9 p.m.
ovation Hall at ocean Casino
Tom Morello & Friends
▶9 p.m.
The m usic box at borgata
Lindsey Stirling
▶9 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Sonu Nigam
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Ron White
▶8 p.m.
borgata event Center
Garden State Live
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
Saturday, November 22
Brandy & Monica
▶8 p.m.
Jim Whelan boardwalk Hall
Night Ranger
▶8 p.m.
The m usic box at borgata
Nek
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
A.J. Croce
▶8 p.m.
Circus maximus Theatre at Caesars
Sunday, November 23
Motown Forever
▶4 p.m.
The m usic box at borgata
Friday, November 28
The Commodores w/ Family
Stone, Morris Day
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Sarah Brightman
▶8 p.m.
borgata event Center
Bee Gees Gold
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
Saturday, November 29
Chris Isaak
▶8 p.m.
The m usic box at borgata
Lindsey Stirling performs at the Tropicana Showroom, Friday, Nov. 21. Photo credit:
Lindsey Stirling Facebook
Willie Colon
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Zakk Sabbath
▶8 p.m.
Circus maximus Theatre at Caesars
Bee Gees Gold
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
Diamond Holidays
▶8 p.m.
The m usic box at borgata
Monday, December 1
The Jersey Shore Roast
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
On Sale Now
Freestyle Free for All
▶Saturday, November 14, 2026
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
On Sale This Week
Trevor Noah
▶Friday, February 13
borgata event Center
David Spade
▶Saturday, march 7
ovation Hall at ocean Casino
Switchfoot
▶Saturday, march 28
The m usic box at borgata
Paul Anka
▶Saturday, April 18
borgata event Center
Mother’s Day Music Festival with Jodeci, Xscape, Kenny Lattimore
▶Saturday, may 9
Jim Whelan boardwalk Hall
America
▶Saturday, may 16
ovation Hall at ocean Casino
Daniel Tosh
▶Saturday, June 20
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Weird Al Yankovic
▶Friday, July 17
borgata event Center
Tickets on sale Friday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.
Ex-Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello plays at Borgata Friday
Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Thomas b aptist m orello, also known as Tom morello, is an American
guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor and political activist best known for his time in the rock bands rage Against the machine and Audioslave, and his unique and recognizable guitar style. morello, 61, comes to the borgata this Friday night, touring as Tom m orello & Friends.
rage Against the m achine was one of the most important, politically charged rock bands of the 1990s, blending heavy metal and rap
music, punk rock and funk with anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist and revolutionary lyrics. As of 2010, they had sold over 16 million records worldwide, and in 2023 were inducted into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame – no small honor and indicative of how important the band was.
“The nail in the coffin of traditional guitar playing for me was an early rage Against the m achine gig in the San Fernando valley,” m orello told blogger Tim Ferris in a wide-ranging interview in 2022. “We (r ATm) were opening up for two cover bands and the cover bands had very technically talented guitar players. They shred like crazy and played beautifully and brilliantly. but I thought to myself, ‘If I’m on a bill with three other guitar players who have that level of useless technique, I don’t need to be the fourth one.’ And so I veered the ship dramatically towards concentrating on the eccentricities in my playing and things that were very unique and then tried to forge into music.”
m orello's latest single, “Pretend You remember m e,” was released in July. The song is a protest track written in solidarity with immigrants whose families have been torn apart by the current administration’s immigration policies and purges. It features his signature guitar riffs, along with a video directed by morello that includes activist Leonard Peltier and footage of immigrants affected by ICe raids in Los Angeles. It’s the first single from his upcoming solo album, set to be released by mom+Pop m usic. Watch the video for “Pretend You remember m e” here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WrovH0L4PvA.
See Tom m orello & Friends at b orgata Hotel Casino’s m usic b ox, 1 borgata Way, Atlantic City, 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Tickets: $77.-$101. Info: https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment/the-music-box/ tom-morello.html.
Tune-Ups
Kevin Burt/Lizzie Rose Music Hall, Nov. 20: The eclectic singer-songwriter and blues troubadour Kevin b urt & b ig m edicine released his most recent record, “Thank You brother bill,” in 2024 as a tribute to the late, great bill Withers. I had the pleasure of doing publicity for burt’s album “Stone Crazy,” released in 2020 on Gulf Coast records. He’s a true gentleman and a heckuva story-
teller. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets: $40 at 217 e . main St., Tuckerton. See https://www.lizzierosemusic. com/
SensaMotion/Anchor Rock Club, Nov. 22: This reggae trio from Atlantic City, which formed some two decades ago, are friends with a shared passion for the genre. “They take their listeners into a space of positivity and awareness, writing music that is both spiritually uplifting and grounded in mindfulness,” reads their bio. Their 2022 album, “Life In True Color,” was praised for its thoughtful songwriting, emotional depth and production. building on that momentum, in 2025 Sensa m otion released their sophomore album, “Feel It All Around,” which contains collaborations with artists such as Stick Figure, The Hip Abduction, Jacob Hemphill and more.This is a hometown gig for the trio (Art rivell, lead guitar/vocals; Dylan Farina, bass; m ike Crosson, drums). Showtime 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. m ust be 18+. Located at 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. See https://anchorrockclub.com/ Until next week, be safe out there and support our local music scene.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com
Tom Morello comes to Borgata this Friday night. Photo by Travis Shin
The Irish Pub: A round-the-clock dining and drinking tradition
By Bruce Klauber
One of the things that makes the Atlantic City region’s restaurant world unique is the incredible longevity of so many restaurants. Some examples: The Knife & Fork Inn is 113 years old, Dock’s oyster House has been around for 128 years, Tony’s baltimore Grill opened its doors 98 years ago and Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern recently celebrated its 98th anniversary. relative youngsters on the scene include the 79-year-old White House Subs, and m argate Dairy bar, a part of margate’s summer seasons for 73 years. many of these establishments are often cited on tourist guides to the Atlantic City area as “places to go.”
For some reason, the Irish Pub, one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in Atlantic City, doesn’t often appear on “places to go” lists. It should be. Its history is as unique as the property itself.
The Irish Pub, at 164 St. James Place, was originally part of the six-story elwood Hotel, which opened in 1903. During Prohibition, it operated pretty openly – ala The Knife & Fork and babette’s – as a speakeasy. In that the elwood’s owners made no attempt to hide the illegal activity,
the hotel was one of the Atlantic City speakeasies that was raided in 1920.
That raid was said to net the Federal Government some $100,000 in bootleg liquor that came from the elwood, and 19 other establishments of various sizes. As the story goes, the elwood’s customers were so loyal and so angry that the flow of booze was interrupted, some patrons followed the Feds out the door during the raid and beat them up.
The hotel hung on during some very difficult years in Atlantic City and managed to last until 1967, when it became Feely’s Hotel. Not a lot is known about Feely’s except that it continued to operate in a manner similar to the elwood.
In 1972, however, there was a major change. That was a year and a time period that was not very good for Atlantic City economically and otherwise. Legalized gambling was not yet on the horizon, the city’s infrastructure was deteriorating rapidly; the old hotels were crumbling – the grand Traymore Hotel was imploded on April 27, 1972 – and tourism was
way down. To put it simply – the city was a mess in 1972.
This did not stop an enterprising and visionary couple, Cathy and richard b urke, who evidently saw something, in terms of potential, in Feely’s. It was in that year that they purchased bar space within Feely’s, and made a deal to operate the property’s hotel portion. In 1978, the year
in which gaming was legalized in the city, they bought the entire property.
The hotel, which retains some of its original features, continues to operate successfully. The Irish Pub, as its many customers know, is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In terms of value, it’s one of the most reasonably priced menus anywhere. A fish and chips platter is $15, while a Jersey crab cakes entrée is a mere $14. That’s hard to beat.
Though food critic reviews of the Irish Pub may be hard to find, this iconic restaurant has almost 30,000 followers on Facebook, and many are
in love with the place. They show it by way of comments like, “it’s the best bar in the world,” and “love that place, always!” These followers and regular
customers note that the Irish Pub is one of the places to visit during the holiday season, as the burkes go out of their way with extraordinary Christmas decorations.
I have fond memories of the Irish Pub during the time I was a columnist for Atlantic City magazine and regularly performed in casino hotels.
Non-casino restaurants and bars
that were open 24/7, other than Tony’s baltimore Grill, were tough to find. o n a rare night off, circa 1988, I went to hear trumpeter Jack Sheldon – a favorite of m erv Griffin, who had just purchased resorts International – as Sheldon held forth in resorts International’s rendezvous Lounge. His drummer, Jake Hanna, of Woody Herman and maynard Ferguson big band fame, was one of my absolute favorites.
I cornered Jake during a break and after his last set and peppered him with drummer-type questions ranging from the size of his bass drum to how many rivets he put in his famous Chinese cymbal. When the last set was over, Jake suggested, in his heavy, boston accent, that we continue our conversation over a couple of “ black and Tans” at The Irish Pub.
The night ended for me after about a half-dozen b lack and Tans and hilarious stories from the legendary Jake Hanna, like how he got fired from his job drumming in merv Griffin’s television orchestra because he cracked wise with Shirley bassey. Filled with beer, fish and chips, and happy with all the answers to the questions I always wanted to ask Jake Hanna, I looked at my watch. It was 7 a.m.
That experience could not have happened just anywhere. It happened at The Irish Pub.
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.
returns for One Day Sunday, Nov. 30
Nelson brothers bring ‘An Ozzie & Harriet Christmas’ to Tropicana
The Casino File
By Chuck Darrow
There will be a multitude of holiday extravaganzas mounted on local casino stages over the next month or so. but only one, “An ozzie & Harriett Christmas,” starring twin brothers Gunnar and matthew Nelson, will be a personal celebration of a family whose roots in show business date back more than a century.
Gunnar and matthew, of course, are the early-1990s chart-topping sons of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll teen idol ricky Nelson, and the grandsons of ozzie and Harriett Nelson, who spent the mid-20th century as stars of pop music, film, radio and, most famously, television where they became avatars of the 1950s via their beloved sitcom, “The Adventures of ozzie & Harriet.”
b ut to the Nelson boys and their sister, actress Tracy (“Father Dowling mysteries”), ozzie and Harriet weren’t pop-culture titans; they were the loving, nurturing Grandpa and Grandma who provided them Yuletide memories they continue to cherish.
Gunnar and his brother “lost our Grandpa o zzie when we were 10 years old,” offered the 58-year-old Gunnar during a recent phone call from his Nashville home. “ but we do remember him quite well. Ironically enough, the times that we really remember him the most were at Christmas, when we would go over to the ‘ozzie & Harriet’ House.
“The exterior shot that opened up ‘The Adventures of ozzie & Harriet’ television show was actually their real home in Hollywood. And that was the house that we all used to go to. All the Nelsons used to converge on that house on Christmas eve and have a great dinner and catch up on the year and all that stuff. matthew and I used to hang out with our cousins and get to play with them.
“ b ut I always remembered after dinner, it was what you would imagine the Nelson home would be like. There was a great little Christmas tree by the fire, instruments would come out and people would sing songs. It was just a wonderful, wonderful time. And the whole intent of this show is to kind of recreate that emotion. It's really about connection.”
The word “connection,” he added, came from his grandmother (who died in 1994) with whom, he said,
he and his brother had an especially close relationship (he proudly noted that she joined them on a Nelson tour in 1990).
“She was awesome. She always reminded the two of us that the Nelson family has never been in the entertainment business; we’ve always been in the ‘connection business.’ That's what [the family] has always done for over a hundred years. And so, keeping that in mind, I can't think of a holiday that is more connected to what life is supposed to be all about than Christmas.”
According to Nelson — who, with his brother, co-authored the autobiography, “What Happened to Your Hair?" which is due out Dec. 16 — their Tropicana program is not just a recital of seasonal songs and Nelson hits like “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” and “After the rain.”
“The show tells the story of three Nelson Family Christmases starting
out with ozzie and Harriet in their big band days in the '20s and '30s,” he explained. “And then, our dad’s in the '50s, and to matthew’s and mine as kids in the '70s.
“It's a lot of fun. It's more than just us playing music. It's us telling stories [with] great video support. We even start the show with snippets from an ‘ozzie & Harriet’ episode called ‘ busy Christmas.’
“It's one of those things you can bring to all the generations of your family whether you're too young to know who we are, or our dad or our grandparents. It really is kind of cool. It's a very American story and it kind of parallels what was going on in the culture during all of those different eras.
“And it kind of gets you back into the spirit of everything. And frankly, I think with the world being the way it is these days, we need what Christmas is supposed to be all about, which is love and family and togetherness and giving. And that's what the show is.”
While ozzie & Harriet were the first Nelsons to capture mass-media fame, the family’s show-business legacy dates back to the 19th century when ozzie’s ancestors were Scandinavian circus performers. Counting ozzie’s parents, that makes Gunnar and matthew fourth-generation en -
tertainers (and the third with at least one chart-topping smash single). So, is there another one on the horizon?
“Well,” said Gunnar, “ m atthew's got a little boy named ozzie. He's 11, and he seems to love music. And so, who knows? He might be generation number four with a number-one song. You never know.”
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
A fond farewell over at ocean Casino resort, veteran public relations maestro b rian brennan has left the building.
b rian, who spent a number of years beating the media drums at borgata Hotel Casino & Spa before heading to the b oardwalk, was a true pro who was never less than a pleasure to work with: thorough, conscientious and passionate about his job. b ut most important of all, he never treated the often-frustrating-and-infuriating media with anything other than respect and a sense of camaraderie.
Here’s wishing one of AyCee’s true good guys nothing but success in his future adventures.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
OPEN 7 DAYS MON-THU 4-9 FRI-SAT 4-10 SUN BRUNCH 11-2 SUN DINNER 3-8
Movie Review: Blue Moon
By Marjorie Preston
The time: march 31, 1943. The place: New York—specifically, broadway’s St. James Theater. It’s the opening night of “o klahoma!”, the first show by composer richard rodgers and lyricist oscar Hammerstein III.
High in a box above the stage, rodgers’ former songwriting partner Lorenz Hart sneers at the musical’s hokey sentiment and facile verses. He hates the exclamation point in the title. He hates that Hammerstein rhymed “land” with “grand.” m ost of all, he hates knowing that the show— and the rodgers & Hammerstein alliance—are both bound for glory.
That’s the setup for this bitter, funny, extraordinary film, directed by richard Linklater, with ethan Hawke in the performance of a lifetime.
After the show, everyone flocks
to Sardi’s to wait for the reviews. Perched at the bar, Larry Hart downs shot after shot, making light of his status as rodgers’ former collaborator; the witty monologue barely disguises his feelings of abandonment. After all, he and rodgers worked together for 20 years, penning standards like “ my Funny valentine,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “ manhattan,” and the title tune. The problem is Hart’s alcoholism. He is brilliant but unreliable. Finally, the businesslike rodgers found a better match in Hammerstein.
There’s an iron-clad axiom of storytelling: Show, don’t tell. Forget the talk-talk-talk and get down to the action. “ blue m oon” is the exception to the rule—it has to be, because for Larry Hart, the spoken word was everything. Another rule broken: with the exception of two brief opening scenes, the movie never ventures
outside the crimson walls of Sardi’s bar. At times, that choice feels stagey, almost claustrophobic. but’s it’s a minor point, because this is all about the performances.
Inside that bar, Larry trades verbal volleys with bartender eddie (a wonderful b obby Cannavale) and a young pianist (the affable Jonah Lees). Andrew Scott as rodgers is a study in conflicting emotions: clearly fond of his longtime partner, but also exasperated by him, impatient with him, and embarrassed for him. It’s a subtle characterization, and a fine one.
Here’s another wrinkle: Hart, who was known to be gay or bisexual, is infatuated with a 20-year-old aspiring set designer named elizabeth (the gorgeous m argaret Qualley). And what does his dream girl want? An introduction to richard rodgers.
As Hart, ethan Hawke is hilarious but tragic. He is also nearly unrecognizable, an almost 6-foot leading man playing the gnomish, 4-foot 10-inch Hart. The pathetic combover, hunched posture and fawning manner toward rodgers show a man who feels deeply unlovable. The 47-yearold lyricist would die within a year.
For lovers of language and the arts, “ blue m oon” is a rare treat. For lovers of film, it’s a welcome change from the usual CGI shoot-em-ups and horror-franchise flicks. As for ethan Hawke, just give the guy an Academy Award.
Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.
Thursday, November 20
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Live & Local Music Calendar
Pass/Go DJ Dance Party
8 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
Bar One at Resorts
Cowboy Kevin
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Live DJ
8 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Dane Anthony
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Shot of Southern
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
The Inn on St. Louis
Paul Tozz
7 – 10 p.m.
446 St. Louis Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Karaoke Night w/ DJ mike
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Doug Jennings. 6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Gregory’s
bob & bob. 6 p.m.
900 Shore rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Toni Teschner & billy Walton
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Kevin burt. 7:30 p.m.
217 e main St.
Friday, November 21
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
90s Night w/ DJ Sleep Until Dark
8 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Sam Krivda. 6 p.m.
matt Kelley. 9:15 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Bar One at Resorts
bar None
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Gary
9:15 p.m. – late
1133 boardwalk
Borgata B Bar
Indelible Groove Trio
9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
1 borgata Way
Byrdcage
Piano bar with Nick myers
5 – 8 p.m.
3426 Atlantic Ave.
Council Oak at Hard Rock
eSQ Trio. 6 – 10 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Hard Rock Café
big bang baby
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dan Jost Duo
7 p.m.
Garden State radio
10 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
maddie m organ Duo. 6 p.m.
Jumper. 10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
The benderz
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Turning the Tide
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
The Wave at Golden Nugget
Hello I m ust be Going: Phil Collins Tribute. 9 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The West at Caesars
Kono Nation
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
2100 Pacific Ave.
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Yani. 8:30 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
Tony, Jim & Al
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
500 St. Andrews Dr. Galloway
279 Social m odern m ojo Duo
7 – 10 p.m.
279 S. New York rd.
Margate Bocca
Lovelight Trio
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 ventnor Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay brandon Ireland band
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Doug Jennings
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
DISCOVER THE ALL NEW
Josie Kelly’s
The bumpuses. 8 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Stanley Jordan and Friends w/ Kenwood Dennard, eclipse. 7:30 p.m.
217 e main St.
Saturday, November 22
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
brandon Ireland. 8 p.m.
5 N. Shore rd.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Sensa m otion w/ b each Fly, Kyle Ahern. 8 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
matt Tobin
6 p.m.
Paul marturano
9:15 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Bar One at Resorts
Chloe & Noah. 6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Gary. 9:15 p.m. – late
1133 boardwalk
Borgata B Bar
m egan Knight Trio
6:30 – 10 p.m.
Sam eldebs Duo
10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1 borgata Way
Council Oak at Hard Rock
vahe & Camille K Trio
6 – 10 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Hard Rock Café
o ut of Spite
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
The Lenahan brothers Duo
7 p.m.
Sky City Social
10 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Tragic remedy
5 p.m.
bar None band
10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Aftershock
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Gypsy Wisdom
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
The Wave at Golden Nugget Discoteks. 8 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The West at Caesars
Turning the Tide
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
2100 Pacific Ave.
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Naked Nation
8:30 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Wyndham Skyline Tower
magic Comedy Hour feat. Joe Hol -
iday. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
100 S. North Carolina Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Zacrun
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. bremen Ave.
The Inn on St. Louis
Steve Gitto
3 – 6 p.m.
446 St. Louis Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
Zach and Tim Duo
7 – 10 p.m.
279 S. New York rd.
Millville
Levoy Theatre
The Legendary blue Notes & William Hart’s Delfonics. 6 p.m.
126-130 N. High St.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
The Company
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Doug Jennings. 6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Josie Kelly’s
east Coast Funk band. 9 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
barbara Lin band
7:30 p.m.
217 e main St.
Sunday, November 23
Atlantic City
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Gypsy Joe vlado
5 – 9 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dueling Pianos. 8 p.m.
500 boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Dan Jost & Friends
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Se7en band
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Jack mangene, 12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. bremen Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
Tony Pontari Duo, 1 – 4 p.m.
279 S. New York rd.
Monday, November 24
Atlantic City Bar One at Resorts
Trivia w/ DJ Proud
7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Byrdcage
m usic monday with Kelli Glover
7 – 10 p.m.
3426 Atlantic Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Who brought the Dog
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Trivia Night w/ DJ bill, 7 – 9 p.m.
450 bay Ave.
Gregory’s
Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series
7 p.m.
900 Shore rd.
Tuesday, November 25
Atlantic City
Bar One at Resorts
Cowboy Kevin, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Patty & bugzy, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Gab Cinque
7 – 11 p.m.
DJ Johnny Looch
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
m usic bingo w/ DJ Chris
7 – 9 p.m.
450 bay Ave.
Josie Kelly’s
DJ Ken’s Friendsgiving Dance Party
5 – 9 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Wednesday, November 26
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
Going rogue
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
5 N. Shore rd.
Atlantic City
Bar One at Resorts
DJ Gary
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
michael Stevens
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Sidestory
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
The Seed Thanksgiving eve o pen Jam hosted by CJ Sooy. 6 p.m.
807 baltic Ave. Unit 4
The West at Caesars
Garden State radio
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
2100 Pacific Ave.
Egg Harbor City
The Inn on St. Louis
Karaoke Night. 7 – 10 p.m.
446 St. Louis Ave.
Margate
Bocca
Live Jazz by bob & The bocca boys
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 ventnor Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
The butter ball. 6 p.m.
316 roosevelt blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Sindi raymond band
4 – 7 p.m.
Twisted Livin’
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Doug Jennings
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Local Noise. 8 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Events subject to change.
Raise the Steaks Council Oak is a new contender for Atlantic City’s Best Steakhouse
By Scott Cronick
As a food critic for the past 30+ years, I always get asked, “Which is the best steakhouse in Atlantic City?”
That puts me in a bad spot, as there are so many good ones, and it really is a matter of preference.
m y consistent answers have always been The Palm at Tropicana — especially when it was owned by the original family — vic & Anthony’s at Golden Nugget, because of its quail wings and being one of the only places to always have a bone-in filet; Gordon ramsay Steak at Harrah’s for their creative menu and best Wagyu in town; and o ld Homestead at borgata, a m eat Packing District institution since 1868 that has been doing consistently great things since the
Sherry b rothers opened their first location outside of New York City in 2003.
b ut, after eating at Council oak Steaks & Seafood, located right on the boardwalk at Hard rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, there’s another recommendation on my list … and it
might be at the top.
Why? Well, for starters Council oak is now the only Atlantic City steakhouse that dry ages their steaks — don’t fret; they also use wet-aged steaks — in house. Utilizing the former robert’s Steakhouse dry-aging room and butcher area — robert’s
used to be my favorite steakhouse until its unfortunate demise five years ago — Council oak takes that extra, very costly step to butcher their own meat on premise, and that means every steak delivered to every table was meticulously cared for from the beginning of the process to when it ends on your plate, and that matters! Using prime steak — even for the filets — no other steakhouse is combining quality and craftsmanship more than Council oak.
Second: No good steakhouse — or any restaurant for that matter — will excel if there’s not a passionate chef at the helm. In Council oak’s case, they have two: Jeff b raun, an incredibly talented industry veteran who oversees all culinary operations at Hard rock Atlantic City; and markus Holm, a native of Germany who was trained with traditional european values before he came to the United States to work at Wolfgang Puck American Grill and bobby Flay Steak at borgata before eventually finding himself across the city on the boardwalk at Hard rock.
Finally, while Council oak is certainly gorgeous — damn those dunes
for blocking the view of the ocean!
— there are other steakhouses in town that may offer a more stunning ambiance, depending on what you are looking for. That said, I am not sure anyone is offering a more complete experience from top to bottom, including:
● an impressive wine list that is showcased in beautiful glass cases as you enter the restaurant
● passionate service from a team of industry veterans who can’t do enough for you
● use of seafood — hey, we’re at the shore! — to make the menu one of the most well-rounded steakhouses in town when it comes to approachability
● dessert, overseen by e xecutive Pastry Chef Thaddeus Du b ois, the best pastry chef in town who formerly served as e xecutive Pastry Chef at borgata, as well as the White House under President George W. bush.
It starts at the top
Like any good business, a great steakhouse starts at the top, and with the passionate, driven b raun and Holm overseeing Council oak, this steakhouse is in good hands, and that trickles down to everyone who works for them.
Holm’s origin story begins in Germany, where chefs are trained completely different — in a more classical, traditional approach — than here in the United States.
“There, you grow in this industry,” Holm said. “You grow in the kitchen … to be the little guy on the fry station or maybe dishwasher, but you learn cooking. I believe in the grind. I started when I was 16.”
Starting as a cook and working his way up in the industry, Holm worked in the German Navy.
“I am a German Navy veteran,” Holm said. “So, the discipline in this (restaurant) industry always matched me.”
As much as he loved working in Germany after the Navy, including a stint with the American company Aramark, “I always had the American dream.”
Holm married his wife Samantha, and they would sometimes vacation in Atlantic City, where Samantha’s sister married a firefighter.
“So, I came to this country in 2008,” Holm said. “I won the green card in the lottery with my lovely wife. b ack then, when the government gives us an application for the green card, it was like a lottery. We played this lottery for like five years. And then we got an email … I never won anything in my life. I thought it was a scam. So, we checked it, and it gave me and my wife the opportunity to
apply for this process to get a green card. We picked up the phone and called everybody. It was amazing. And it began. You’re mentally preparing. You’re giving up everything. Yeah, let’s do this adventure!”
So, at 38 years old, Holm and his family moved to Atlantic City in 2008, which wasn’t the best time for the United States economy. And, because Holm’s training was in kitchens and not in schools, he had to basically start over here and prove he could cook with the best of them, starting as a lone attendant at the Sultan’s Feast buffet at the former Trump Taj mahal, which is now Hard rock.
“I have come full circle being back here at Council oak,” Holm said. “It’s closing a circle because my wife worked here, the family worked here. I worked here, and now I am back in this building.”
b efore that circle closed, Holm’s biggest opportunity came at borgata, where he worked alongside of — in my opinion — the best chef in Atlantic City: Aram m ardigian at Wolfgang Puck American Grill at borgata. While there, m ardigian would use Holm’s talents to the fullest, allowing Holm to show off his German heritage with his sausages and other German dish -
Holm at the helm
After 11 years at b orgata, Holm knew it was time to run his own restaurant, and — after working some other experiences — he received that opportunity when b raun and the Hard rock asked him to run Council oak last summer.
“I love it,” Holm said. “This room is a beast, it’s unbelievable, this place is just amazing. We have an open kitchen, so it’s beautiful but it can also get noisy. It’s getting loud, you hear me calling tickets, you hear me yelling to the cooks, and people actually enjoying those tables in front of the kitchen. It’s just like Hell’s Kitchen. They see me right in there, and I always tell those guests that they have the best seats in the house.”
Those front-row seats show Holm and his fantastic team delivering some of the best steaks and seafood and other delights in the city.
A big part of the flavor of Council oak comes from two Josper ovens, a hybrid of a grill and an oven that use charcoal and applewood — no gas — to obtain 800-degree temperatures to grill roast and smoke food, including Council oak’s prime steaks and fresh fish.
es during o ktoberfest.
“Aram will always be my mentor,” Holm said. “I came up with my German dishes, the sauerkraut and red cabbage and the sausage and the pretzel. It was really one moment I will never, never forget. I have some funny stories with Wolfgang because he’s from Austria. He found out I’m German, so we spoke German. We had fun.”
Holm eventually left Puck to move across the hall to another celebrity chef restaurant — the former bobby Flay Steak — where he served as sous chef for six years
“That was another learning experience, and a great place to get the steakhouse experience I use every day here at Council oak,” Holm said. “It’s really about the steak and the perfect temperature. And you really can’t rush a steak. The most important thing really is to make sure your steak is not ice cold when you put it in the pan or on the grill. Let it get to room temp, and it needs to rest. And don’t let it cook too much. Don’t flip it every 30 seconds. You just need to flip it twice. Let it rest 8 to 10 minutes. People think it’s going to get cold. That’s why you have all the juices on your plate at home. It’s just not rested enough.”
“They’re really hot,” Holm said. “We always have a Josper-grilled fish special, we have salmon, lobster, and it gives you all this smoky flavor and nice caramelization in minutes. This was the first time I used these ovens, so it took me a bit to figure it out because everything can get burned quickly. It’s all natural. You can feel the heat.”
o ther than the steaks — and we will get back to those in a second — items from the Josper include wood-fired octopus with salt-crusted potatoes, roasted peppers, romesco sauce and marcona almonds; charcoal-roasted branzino with chimichurri and grilled lemon, and the 2-pound m aine lobster with drawn butter.
The main attraction
Ask Holm why people should come to Council oak over other steakhouses in town, and the answer is easy: “The steak. 100 percent,” Holm said. “We have wet-aged steaks, but the real attraction for me is our dry-aging process. We have a specialized walk-in for that. Hard rock has eight Council oak locations worldwide, and dry-aging is one of our core items we’re doing.”
Council o ak, which only uses prime meat, dry ages meats from 7 to 45 days. In my case, I asked them to kindly dry age the steak longer. I ended up with a 64-day dry-aged prime New York strip. To put things in
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Some of Council Oak’s amazing creations include ahi tuna tartare with pickled mango and spicy cucumber, avocado cream, sweet soy glaze and toro chips; dry-aged New York strip; beef tartare on crostini as an amuse; and a rotating fish of the day, served with clams, mussels and calamari in a seafood broth.
perspective, an 18-pound loin turned into about two 20-ounce steaks after the process because of the dehydration and water loss. The result was a funky, earthy taste that rivaled any dry-aged steak I ever had, including Peter Luger’s and the former robert’s. It was heaven.
“It’s just an amazing process,” Holm said. “It’s learning. It’s really studying this theme of dry-aging, and we have fantastic cuts. We have bone-in ribeye — my favorite cut —bone-in New York strips. At 45 days, you just get a little hint, a light smell and different flavor. b ut a lot of customers don’t like that, so we have midwest grain fed wet-aged filet mignon, prime Delmonico and prime porterhouse. We have a vendor out of Chicago, and he delivers. We keep a balance of both wet and dry-aged cuts in Council oak. everything is prime, even the filet.”
While Council oak also offers A5 Japanese Wagyu, perhaps the star of the show is a 52-ounce, dry-aged long-bone ribeye for two for $195.
“That’s a special steak,” Holm said. “With the long bone, you still probably have about 35 ounces of steak left. eat it medium so the fat is melted in.”
I also like a good steak sauce, and Council oak’s tomato-based signa -
ture sauce ranks up there with some of the best I have had.
“I like it simple, and it’s actually based on bobby Flay’s,” Holm said. “Smoked salt, tomato paste, molasses, honey, Dijon mustard, grain mustard, horseradish. So, it’s kind of like a cold barbecue sauce, very refreshing, and gives you a little kick, a little heat at the end.”
o ther meat standouts include the bacon appetizer with maple and thyme glaze, Wagyu meatballs with creamy ricotta, heirloom chicken with butternut squash puree and rosemary jus, and an 18-ounce veal chop — ask Holm to make it like his famous schnitzel.
More than meat
So, we talked about the meat side of things, but Council oak offers so much more
o n the night we dined there, Holm had a killer fish special that shows his delicate touch: swordfish with aqua passa, clams, mussels, calamari and jumbo crab meat.
Seafood plays a huge role here. Check out the jumbo lump crab cake with grain mustard aioli, frisee and orange; ahi tuna tartare with pickled mango and spicy cucumber, avocado cream, sweet goy glaze and toro chips
for a vessel; a raw bar with gigantic shrimp and colossal crab cocktail, local and West Coast oysters and clams, and — here’s the real treat — humongous Florida stone crab claws that are as expensive (about $40 each) as they delicious.
There’s also dayboat scallops with beet puree, Paris Café butter ad crispy shaved brussels sprouts; blue -
NOVEMBER SPECIALS 2 COURSE MENU
CHOICE OF SO UP OR S AL A D
BACON WRAPPED TURKEY 22
Roasted turkey wrapped in crispy bacon with sides of stu ng and sweet mash topped in gravy.
GARLIC HERB SALMON 24
Wild-caught salmon smothered in garlic and herb butter served with garlic smashed potatoes and sautéed broccoli rabe.
FLOUNDER FRANCAISE 25
Egg and cheese battered flounder served over fresh fettuccine in a white wine lemon garlic sauce.
CHICKEN FRANCAISE 18
Egg and cheese battered chicken served over fresh fettuccine in a white wine lemon garlic sauce.
BACON WRAPPED MEATLOAF 24
Classic meatloaf wrapped in crispy bacon served over grilled asparagus and garlic smashed potatoes and topped with mushroom gravy.
SPINACH RAVIOLI ALFREDO 20
Ricotta stu ed spinach ravioli in a cheesy cream sauce.
CREAMY PESTO SHRIMP 24
Jumbo shrimp served over fresh fettuccine in a creamy pesto sauce.
CHICKEN ALFREDO 20
Tender grilled chicken breast served over fresh fettuccine in a cheesy cream sauce.
SUNDAY & MONDAY
Early Bird Special 4-6pm 3 Course Meal 25
TUESDAY 12 oz PRIME RIB 25
fin tuna steak with seared Furikuke, crispy shiitake mushrooms and sesame ponzu sauce; surf and turf with filet and grilled lobster; seafood Fra Diavolo with lobster, shrimp, mussels and linguini in a spicy tomato sauce; and a lobster pot, the only surviving pot in a restaurant that used to focus on them with shrimp, clams, mussels, Andouille sausage, corn, seafood broth and fingerling potatoes.
“We have tarragon, lime, lemon juice at the end so when you open the pot and the steam comes out, it gives you this amazing aroma,” Helm said. “You start eating by smelling it.”
The lobster bisque and New england clam chowder as good as they get; the shrimp scampi is simple but effective; the salads are highlighted by a baby spinach salad with soft boiled egg, pickled red onion, war, bacon dressing and herbed crouton; and the sides are worth the visit alone, including lobster mac and cheese made with three cheeses, balsamic-roasted onions and mushrooms, house-cut fries and Holm’s special sweet-braised red cabbage and apple, straight from Germany.
Like any good restaurant, Council oak’s menu recently changed for the
DESSERTS
NOW OPEN DAILY 7AM-9PM
SPAGHETTI FRIDAY House made meatballs 22
Hard Rock Council Oak Chef Markus Holm shows off the specially dry-aged steaks he prepared for a recent meal.
fall and changes every season.
“There are core recipes like the octopus that you can’ t take off, but we enjoy the change of the seasons and using the freshest ingredients that go with those seasons,” Holm said. “For example, we had our seasonal fish with a pea puree and summer vegetables like asparagus, so now we are switching to more
winter, fall flavors and root vegetables. o ur best summer side dish was the creamed corn, and now you have to wait until next summer to get that.”
The sweet spot
No meal is complete without an amazing dessert, and the aforementioned Du bois delivers aces.
Du b ois and b raun teamed up to create a stunning artisanal cheese plate with some of the best cheeses in the world accompanied by season compote, truffle honey, grapes, crusty bread and crackers. It’s world-class.
Then there’s Chef m arkus’ warm apple strudel, which Holm says he eats every day. It’s accompanied by a perfect vanilla custard sauce.
There’s also the signature Council oak cheesecake with sour cream glaze and strawberry coulis; key lime pie with graham cracker crust, marinade berries and vanilla Chantilly;
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a chocolate layer cake with butter cream, milk chocolate ganache and vanilla Chantilly; vanilla crème brulee; and mixed berries with vanilla Chantilly.
The showstopper, however, is the Tira m i Shoe, which was delivered by b raun himself to us. The flashy, over-the-top presentation features a fantastic tiramisu wheeled to the table in dramatic fashion in a custom, illuminated case that uses dry ice for dramatic effect. It’s served in two shoe styles — stiletto or oxford — that are made out of homemade milk and dark chocolate.
shaved ribeye sandwich — served Pizzaiola or French dip style — and clams casino. All draft beers are just 5 bucks, martinis and special cocktails like the rum rocker and Seminole Sour are 12 bucks, and wines start at $7. Grab a Caymus Cab glass for just $25. even desserts, including Sinatra’s Chocolate Cigar with whiskey ganache and the lemon ricotta torte are just $8.
Wine Wednesday offers 50 percent off bottles of wine in both the lounge and the dining room.
Hard rock has amazing Thanksgiving offerings throughout the property, including a Japanese-infuenced
Inside the show is one of the best tiramisus you will ever devour featuring Kahlua- and espresso-soaked lady fingers, mascarpone crème and cocoa. The amaretto caramel with the Grand m arnier-citrus compote are wonderful accompaniments, and the browned butter cinnamon biscotti is welcome excess. It’s not only a very good tiramisu, but it’s one of the most fun things I have seen a casino do in years and reminds me of days when casino restaurants didn’t take themselves so seriously and would have fun with their guests. Watching people smile around the dining room every time one of these are delivered is magical.
Council Oak Lounge and more
If you are looking to experience the greatness of Council oak in a more casual and less expensive way, I strongly suggest you check out Council oak Lounge, where Holm presents an awesome, more approachable experience in many regards.
Happy Hour is offered 5 to 7 p.m. m ondays to Wednesdays and features some great food at great prices. Plates priced at $12 include spaghetti and Wagyu meatball, the famous
feast at Kuro and a more traditional approach at Council oak, where $79 includes choice of butternut squash bisque or Autumn mixed green salad; roasted turkey with all of the sides, including chestnut and sausage stuffing, cranberry sauce and green bea casserole with crispy shallots, homestyle mashed potatoes and candied sweet potatoes; and choice of deep dish pumpkin, pecan and apple pie.
Council Oak Steak & Seafood is located at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Current hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Hours change seasonally. Call 609-4491000 or go to HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com
Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com. He can be reached at scronick@ comcast.net.
Why you should hire a buyer’s agent
Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
As our Shore Local area enters the last quarter of 2025, the real estate market has a lot going on. Interest rates are becoming more affordable, down payment assistance programs are available and new listings are coming on the market every day.
buyers are making offers and there is a lot of positive activity as open houses are being held with buyers out and about looking to own their new home by the end of 2025. Sellers are ready to sell and buyers are looking to buy. This is why hiring a buyer’s agent to assist you is so important.
Finding the perfect home means juggling countless choices: location, bedrooms, style, commute, schools, condo vs. house vs. 55+ vs. acreage, HoA or not, pool, well/septic or city utilities, sidewalks or privacy – oh my. It’s overwhelming and can feel impossible.
be paid by and through – their broker of record, the owner-broker of the real estate agency with whom they are licensed.
After obtaining additional years of education, completing multiple transactions and gaining full-time real estate experience, some agents may 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 build a successful career in real estate, in service to the community and to you.
These and many other qualities are offered to be of service to you in assisting you in the buying process.
Don’t worry. Your local realtor will be there for you. Now more than ever, hiring a professional real estate agent is an essential part of any successful home sale.
The mandated real estate procedures that went into effect in August 2024 require all sellers to fill out and provide seller disclosure forms on the property they are selling. A completed copy of the form must be provided to potential buyers when entering into an agreement to purchase a home.
In addition, when you ask to view a property with a real estate agent, the agent is required to ask if you currently have a buyer/broker agreement in writing with any other agent. If not, then the real estate agent must obtain a buyer/broker agreement from you before showing you the property.
This is required and essential in establishing the business relationship that you will have with the agent going forward. It outlines the obligations, fiduciary duties and responsibilities of care and loyalty to you in assisting you with finding your new home, including the manner and amount of compensation – the com -
mission – to be paid to the agent’s brokerage, either by you, the buyer, or the seller included in your offer to purchase the home of your choice.
Why hire a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is your trusted advocate in the buying process. According to the National Association of realtors, more than 90% of all homebuyers and sellers find and sell their homes through a real estate agent.
real estate agents are licensed with the state and are educated to assist buyers and sellers in the home-buying and selling process.
real estate agents are required to have their license with – and may only
The term realtor may be used only if a licensed agent, their broker of record and their real estate office belong to their local, state and national associations of realtors, who are held to a higher standard of practice with continuing education and a strict code of ethics.
Your agent is a well-trained, strong negotiator who is ready to get you the home that you want, helping you find and make the best choice in a home for you and your family that you will enjoy for many years to come. 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!"
Don’t forget to plant your tulips and spring bulbs before putting your garden to bed
By Tammy Thornton
Before completely retreating to the comfort of our warm homes, one gardening task that should not be skipped is planting tulips and other spring bulbs. With very little effort, you will reap great rewards in the spring, and your future self will look back and thank you. If you are new to gardening, this is a perfect project to begin your green-thumbed journey, since planting bulbs is not only easy but a highly successful way to grow a beautiful spring garden.
At the very basic level, it’s simply a matter of digging a hole, adding some bulbs, then covering and watering them. After that comes the only difficult step: patiently waiting. While you are snuggled indoors under
a warm blanket during the winter months, your bulbs, which are little bundles of energy and potential, will live happily underground, almost forgotten, while preparing for their spring extravaganza.
While tulips are one of my favorite bulbs to plant, squirrels are a challenge, to say the least, because they enjoy them almost as much as I do. And if deer frequent your garden, they will think that you planted a tulip buffet just for them. Though I have found some solutions to critter issues, if you are just starting out, you may want to choose squirrel and deer-resistant flower bulbs. Some great alternatives are daffodils, hyacinths (including grape hyacinths), alliums, snowdrops, and crocuses. Deer will eat almost any plant if they are hungry enough, but many of these bulbs contain toxins that are distasteful to both squirrels
and deer. even without tulips, you won’t be lacking in color. In addition to their signature yellow trumpet flowers, daffodils can be found in cream and white colors, as well as with pink to salmon cups. Hyacinths can be purple, pink, white, lavender, and yellow. Alliums will stand tall with their orbs of purple, pink, white, and burgundy colors. Dainty but tough white and green snowdrops, known in other countries as snow piercers, will push through the snow and give us hope that winter will soon be over.
However, even with these colorful options, I can’t resist tulips. Though I don’t have any deer visiting my garden, squirrels are rampant. Since I love tulips and am up for a good challenge, I have tried different methods to give my tulips a fighting chance. Plant your tulip bulbs deeply to discourage squirrels. After you have covered the hole, cut a square of chicken wire large enough to cover the bulbs, including a border. Then weigh the chicken wire down with a large flat stone or fasten it with landscaping anchor pins. o nce the ground freezes, you can remove the chicken wire. You can also interplant your tulips with flowers that deter squirrels, such as daffodils. A tall fence to keep out deer and a spunky dog can also offer some protection. If you successfully grow tulips, you will be wowed by their drama and variety of shapes and colors.
We asked Norah Langweiler of Naked Flower Farm in egg Harbor Township to offer some of her tulip-growing knowledge. She has already planted 3,300 tulip bulbs on her farm so far this fall. Langweiler shared, “Tulips are one of my favorite crops to grow — not just because I love them (and I do), but also because they are so easy! The
great thing about bulbs is the way they hold all the energy and nutrition they need right in the bulb, so there isn’t much need to fertilize (at least not as a flower farmer because we grow them as annuals). And once they are planted (no more than a few inches deep) they don’t need much else.” Langweiler went on to say, “I plant mine in raised beds lined with hardware cloth to keep out voles, moles, and other destructive rodents. The raised beds also prevent the bulbs from rotting in the event of too much rain. As far as any bulb planting, I’d be sure to put them in a spot with good drainage. I know that’s kind of cliche gardening advice, but with bulbs (or tubers like dahlias), it’s especially important because you don’t want them to get too wet and rot in the ground.”
even if you are not a flower farmer planting thousands of bulbs, you want your flowers to be planted in groups for lovely swathes of color. For the most impact, plant each type of bulb in groups of at least five or more, because a single line of flowers can look sparse. You can also layer your flowers based on height. You might try tiny grape hyacinths in front of the row, daffodils and tulips in the middle, and tall alliums in the back. but consider the bloom schedule. o ne year, I had a lovely image in my mind of pure white daffodils as a backdrop for bluish-purple hyacinths, only to learn that the daffodils were early bloomers and had faded before the hyacinths had barely bloomed. You can use these different bloom times to your advantage for a long season of spring blooms. Tulips and daffodils can be found in varieties of early, mid, and late blooms. With a little planning, you can have a continuum of color throughout spring.
We would love to hear about your favorite bulbs to plant. o nce spring arrives, your buried treasure will reveal itself in all its glory. Send your questions and comments to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Picture courtesy of Naked Flower Farm
ARTeriors brings immersive, creative art to a vacant lot in Atlantic City
By Delaney Crawford
For the 11th edition of its beloved ArTeriors series, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation has unveiled The ministry of Arteriors, a new pop-up gallery and group art show that proves art can breathe life into any corner of the city. each year, the foundation selects a vacant commercial space and turns it into a one-of-a-kind group show, shining a spotlight on local creativity while inviting the public into a reimagined environment.
This year’s transformation may be its most immersive yet. o pen to the public every Friday and Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. through Dec. 13, visitors can walk through the doors of a once-ordinary storefront ministry building in Atlantic City and find themselves in an entirely new world. That’s the magic of ArTeriors.
The ministry of ArTeriors brings 10 artists together under one roof, each given space to showcase their skills and transform an unused building into something fresh, immersive, and visually impressive.
This edition is hosted on a block of Pacific Avenue known as Farmers row, at the site where C. r o.P.S. (Communities revolutionizing open Public Spaces) will operate a food distribution hub to further their mission of fighting food insecurity in Atlantic County. The nonprofit aims to increase access to nutritious local food by creating spaces for community members to grow produce and participate in gardening education and farmer training.
C. r o.P.S. is developing the food hub in partnership with CAr ING, Inc., reed's o rganic Farm, Chelsea eDC, and the Green Coalition of Atlantic City. The Arts Foundation hopes the gallery will draw even more attention to this area and all that’s happening while also showcasing how art can help transform cities. In fact, the overall goal of the ArTeriors series is to highlight the power of art to reactivate vacant commercial spaces in transition.
underutilized spaces and create accessible platforms for artistic expression. It proves the vital role that art and creative placemaking play in the revitalization and renewal of Atlantic City, and the power of art to enhance urban environments. A healthy city has clean and safe streets, and art galleries,” said michael Atkins, e xecutive Director of the AC Arts Foundation.
“A r Teriors demonstrates the capacity for art to breathe life into
The 10 artists featured in this branch of A r Teriors each bring something unique. everywhere you turn, there’s something new to admire from compelling installations, surprising details, and creative interpretations that make the experience feel alive.
The AC Arts Foundation brought together a community panel of city residents and workers to select which artists would be featured in this edition of ArTeriors. m ore than 50 applicants were reviewed, with the group determining who would best fit the space. Atkins shared that artists weren’t instructed to strictly follow a “ministry” or “faith” theme, but he feels the final collection strikes a good balance between some artists interpreting the concept directly, while others drew inspiration from Atlantic City itself.
Atkins also shared that the community response so far has been incredible. He and others involved see The ministry of Arteriors as a way to highlight the transformation happening along Farmers row and hope the gallery’s success sparks even more efforts, storefront activations, and creative projects.
“There are a ton of ideas and suggestions on what people think Atlantic City needs. There are big proposals and so many things trying to happen right now, but my message is that we need art galleries too,” Atkins said. “We need places that can
allow this level of creativity and places for artists to meet. We’re showing here that this is a successful art gallery, and my message through the AC Arts Foundation is always that we need art spaces to help this city grow.”
The ministry of ArTeriors is located at 2601 Pacific Ave and is ready for visitors. With artists from South Jersey as well as New York and Philadelphia, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in different creative perspectives. From furniture pieces to AC-inspired sculptures and paintings, you could spend hours exploring, learning about each artist, and appreciating the creativity spread throughout the space.
The art takes on a wide range of themes, and each artist’s process adds to the depth of the installations. o ne featured artist, b elinda manning, remarked on her experience creating a piece for the show. “As I age, the challenge of creating what I think I want becomes more difficult. To be still and allow the creation to evolve...to come through, is one of the things I have learned with this installation. It was humbling. because I work with the end in mind, I knew this installation could only be done in community, using a cross section of community (at least what I could gather in less than two weeks!). None of us could own it. It had to evolve in ways that the community made it happen, in concert. We had to support each other, [and] ask for help. All of these things were a challenge. We employed many ‘seeds of peace’ (i.e., cooperation, forgiveness, acceptance, humility, generosity) to create this installation, focused on seeding peace in our community. It can only happen working together. And courage is key.”
“This art is here and now, but not forever. That's one reason ArTeriors is so special; it’s ephemeral,” said Tina Notaro, Program manager at Atlantic City Arts Foundation. “Participating artists have the chance to take risks and experiment. Having only two weeks to install something that will only exist for a month, it creates pressure while at the same time alleviating it. This program is truly a testament to the creative spirit and what is possible when vision meets action. Anyone who visits this iteration of ArTeriors will be enchanted and inspired by what they see.”
Interiors By Joann gets a redesign, becomes Cury Design Studio
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
The Jersey Shore has become the showcase of some of the most spectacular homes in the United States. Just when you think you have witnessed the most beautiful home you have ever seen go up, another one is created bigger and more custom than the rest.
The process of developing a custom home can sometimes seem arduous, tedious, time-consuming and yes, even frustrating. How do you take a 40x100 vacant lot and create a vision of a home that will conform with zoning restrictions and yet be unique?
The process begins with an engineer and an architect. The team
collaborates with the customer to get a feel for the style, both inside and out, to come to a consensus that will make the customer gleam with pride when the home is complete.
o nce you have the design agreed upon, which may take many attempts, the process then shifts to government approvals. After the creative process of the design, the design must receive local approvals and meet design standards in order to assure the home not only looks beautiful, but also has structural integrity.
Next the brainstorming starts with the interior work. m ore times than not, a customer will choose to employ a custom interior specialist to assist with the hundreds of choices and questions about how to turn a house into a showcase home.
For nearly 50 years a renowned, multi-award-winning business, Interiors by Joann, has put smiles on the faces of people looking to turn their home into a showplace.
Joann Thompson is the original owner of Interiors by Joann, located at 743 Asbury Ave. in o cean City. She has worked tirelessly with customers
over five decades, primarily serving o cean City and the other popular shore communities, to establish an impeccable reputation. Founded in 1976, Interiors by Joann has long been the preeminent provider of luxury design at shore.
The firm has cultivated a reputation for warm, creative interiors, collaborating with architects, builders and homeowners to deliver spaces that feel both timeless and highly personal.
The company’s enlarged storefront at 743 Asbury Ave. is a recognized anchor in the city’s main retail shopping district, offering deluxe décor, gifts, accessories and home
accents at a broad range of price points all year round.
After a half-century of serving discerning homeowners along the Jersey Shore, Interiors by Joann has announced its transformation into Cury Design Studio – a new name, enlarged presence and ownership by the very talented designer, Samantha “Sam” Cury.
The business will also be serving a new market – Philadelphia’s main Line in Wayne, 121 N. Wayne Ave., with the same passionate team committed to elevating interior environments.
Samantha is a lifelong resident of o cean City. She graduated from o cean City High School in 2008. She later attended and graduated from West Chester University with a double major of finance and communications in 2012. In 2014 she joined Interiors by Joann as a retail shop member following her return to her hometown of o cean City after running a roofing company in Florida, and after a brief stint in Pr .
In 2021, Joann, after building the company into one of the leading design firms in the region, determined
Samantha Curry, owner of Cury Studio Design
that it was time to pass the proverbial baton to her former granddaughter-in-law, Sam. Joann had mentored Sam and nurtured her through the leadership ranks.
Sam eventually led the design and retail business. Joann knew she was ready to assume the helm to continue the impeccable reputation that Joann so deservedly built.
For nearly five years, Sam has led a transformation of the venerated firm, growing its revenue by 50% while maintaining the same commitment to relaxed, luxurious interiors and unparalleled service to clients.
Sam has maintained the same exceptional team as she elevated the firm’s position in the community and the design world, which has been of paramount importance to her.
Though the name is new, the experience for the clients remains consistent: a gifted design team committed to exceptional service, creative integrity, transparency and community roots.
The transition has been intentionally gradual and carefully managed to ensure continuity in client care and project delivery. The retail store has a refreshed assortment of gifts found nowhere else in the area, curated to appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Cury Design Studio offers a full spectrum of interior design services,
from design concepts and programming, to construction oversight, project management, custom furnishings, art, lighting and finishing touches that will leave the family and friends in awe.
It is time to treat yourself to the next level in home design at the new Cury Design Studio. You are invited to meet the talented Samantha “Sam” Cury and her adept team for a Sip & Shop event on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 743 Asbury Ave. in ocean City. enjoy live music, home goods and gifts, local business pop-ups – including permanent jewelry and a botox bar, refreshments, a $1,000 giveaway and more.
remember to ask about the Cury Design Studio, which will be opening at US route 9 in marmora. It will be open by appointment, featuring outdoor furnishings, umbrellas, pillows, rugs, accessories and more.
See @curydesignstudio on Instagram to learn more.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
SERVING UP DINNER
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TURKEY STUFFING VEGETABLES
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SHORE FUNNY QUOTES
“Thanksgiving is an emotional time. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they see only once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.” — Johnny Carson
“Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-times take 12 minutes. This is not a coincidence.”
— Erma Bombeck
“Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants.” — Kevin James
“A new survey found that 80 percent of men claim they help cook Thanksgiving dinner. Which makes sense when you hear them consider saying ‘that smells good’ to be helping.” — Jimmy Fallon
I’m thankful for vegetarians
SUDOKU
Solution
on page 78
ACROSS
1. Slick grp.?
5. mountain basin
8. bygone bird of New Zealand
11. relating to armpit
12. Pestilence pest
13. end a mission
15. Ancient Greece assembly site, pl.
16. What little kittens did with their mittens
17. *Thanksgiving Cranberry concoction
18. *Site of the "First Thanksgiving"
20. "Guilty," e.g.
21. Kiln, pl.
22. ____ Aviv
23. *Give what?
26. Strangling tool
30. Jul. follower
31. Pupil protector
34. Loads from lodes
35. Shows off
37. Part of human cage
38. Source of indigo dye, pl.
39. Laughing on the inside
40. Truly
42. Highest or lowest card
43. Nemo's home plant
45. *U.S. President's magnanimous gesture
47. Say "no"
48. Plural of carpus
50. Tom Jones's "____ a Lady"
52. *First settlers
55. ____ con Carne or ____ verde
56. Fe
57. off-color
59. Popular jeans brand
60. Attention-getting sound
61. Peter, Paul and mary, e.g.
62. elvis' "____ Now or Never"
63. ____ someone off
64. Do like goo
DOWN
1. Lout
2. Alka-Seltzer sound
3. James ____ Jones
4. Colored wax stick
5. vIP's influence
6. Compass point, pl.
7. The Count's favorite subject
8. Wry face
9. black and white mammal
10. *What Thanksgiving celebrant did?
12. excessively showy, slang
13. Turkish monetary unit
14. *macy's parade flyer
19. "Haste ____ waste"
22. Little bit
23. ____ Periydica
24. Connected to Lake michigan
25. September stone
26. Hurtful remark
27. Synonym to #61 Across
28. Telephone company
29. City in Germany
32. marine eagle
33. Jack-in-the-box part
36. *First Thanksgiving parade (Philadelphia) sponsor
38. What Darwin says we do
40. "No room in the ____ for the travelers weary..."
41. Print from a smartphone
44. Desert mirage
46. ____ bridge in venice
48. The ____ of the bambino
49. What phoenix did
50. bolted
51. Hurries
58. Anonymous John THEME:
52. Hearts and diamonds
53. Claudius' heir and successor
54. british slang for swindle
55. Computer-generated imagery, acr.
See Solution on Page 78
What to know about cherry eye and when to call your vet
By Heidi Clayton
While it may look very scary to see a red lump protruding from your dog’s eye, try not to panic — it is probably not a veterinary emergency. Nictitating occurs when a dog’s third eyelid prolapses and bulges from the eye. Since it resembles a cherry popping out, it is commonly known as “cherry eye.”
Dogs have an upper, lower, and third eyelid that moves diagonally. This third eyelid sits in the corner of the eye and provides roughly 30% of a dog’s natural lubrication. In some dogs, the connective tissue that holds the third eyelid in place weakens, causing it to droop or
prolapse. When this happens, the condition is referred to as cherry eye.
Cherry eye can occur in any dog, but some breeds appear more predisposed.
According to the American Kennel Club, breeds prone to cherry eye include beagle, boxer, French and english bulldog, American and english cocker spaniel, boston
no definitive studies, many veterinarians believe cherry eye may stem from hereditary factors or the shape of a dog’s head. m ost cases occur in young dogs under one year of age.
terrier, coton de Tulear, great dane, lhasa and rottweiler. While there are
Although it looks alarming, most veterinarians do not consider cherry eye an emergency. However, it should be treated promptly. When the third eyelid prolapses, blood flow becomes restricted, and the gland can no longer produce the lubrication needed to keep the eye moist. As a result, most dogs with cherry eye rub or paw at the area, which can cause damage to the third eyelid or even lead to corneal injury.
Treatment typically involves a veterinarian gently massaging the third eyelid back into place and, in some cases, prescribing anti-in -
flammatory drops to reduce swelling. An ophthalmologist is usually not required unless the condition happens more than once. repeated prolapses can weaken the surrounding cartilage, and many dogs continue to rub at the “cherry.”
Hopefully, you will never have to deal with cherry eye, but if you do, the first rule is: don’t panic. Call your vet and try to have your dog seen as soon as possible. If you are considering a breed prone to cherry eye, it’s wise to work with a breeder affiliated with an AKC breed club, such as the boston Terrier Club of America, where breeders strive for sound structure and reduced risk of issues like cherry eye. Any questions? Feel free to email 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
GLP-1 medications: How these drugs are changing health
By Amanda Nahas Wilson
Many on a weight loss journeys have tried every diet — low-carb, keto, intermittent fasting and more. They sometimes joined gyms, counted calories, and even worked with a nutritionist. but no matter what they did, the weight often came back. It wasn’t just about vanity; they were tired, their joints ached, and their blood pressure kept creeping up. They felt defeated.
Then entered GLP-1 medications.
At first, they were skeptical. These drugs— ozempic and Wegovy —were originally designed for people with type 2 diabetes. but they were making headlines for something else: helping people lose weight. Not just a few pounds, but double-digit, life-changing amounts. They started reading and learning about them. They came to discover that GLP-1s mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. They slow
even more effective for some people, helping them lose up to 22% of their body weight. And while most of these drugs are injectable, oral versions are on the horizon—expected to be available by 2026. That’s a game-changer for accessibility and convenience o ver the next few months, they lost weight steadily. Not just water weight or crash-diet pounds, but real fat. Their clothes fit better. Their energy returned. They started walking more, cooking healthier meals, and sleeping better. It wasn’t just the medication—it was the momentum it gave them.
They learned that GLP-1s aren’t magic. They work best when paired with lifestyle changes. They still had to make good choices, move their body, and stay consistent. but for the first time, they weren’t fighting an uphill battle. The medication helped level the playing field.
digestion, reduce cravings, and make one feel full longer. It sounded promising, but they wondered—was it too good to be true?
For some, they started on semaglutide (a compounded version of ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (compounded Zepbound and m ounjaro). The first few weeks on semaglutide were rough. They felt nauseous and had to adjust their eating habits. but something incredible happened: they stopped thinking about food all the time. The constant mental chatter—what to eat next, how much, whether they’d blown their diet—quieted. They could finally focus on other things. Those that opted for tirzepatide fared better with not only the side effects but with results. Tirzepatide, for example, is
o f course, there are side effects. They had some digestive issues early on, and not everyone responded the same way. These medications aren’t for everyone, and they require medical supervision. b ut for people like them—those who’ve tried everything and still struggle—they offer real hope.GLP 1’s affect more than just weight. Studies show they can improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and even enhance outcomes for people with obesity-related cancers. It’s not just about looking better—it’s about living longer and feeling better.
Today, they are down several pounds. Their blood pressure is normal, their joints don’t hurt, and they feel like themselves again. GLP-1s didn’t just change their body, they changed their life. And while the journey isn’t over, they finally feel like they’re on the right path.
The Cosmic Connection with Ursula
Duffy
Rising sign horoscopes for Nov. 20-25
Aries: Slow down this week, Aries. The undertones of your being are beckoning you to feel into your subconscious parts. be present in the void; your eyes will adjust to the unknown, and you will see what wants to surface.
Taurus: Partnerships and friendships are due for an evaluation. be honest with yourself about what underlies the ties that bind. Surrender attachments no longer serving you to clear space for someone or something new.
Gemini: The energy is ripe for starting something that will stoke the flow of regeneration in your daily life, work, and finances. The adages “old habits die hard” and “health is wealth” are both applicable.
Cancer: b e real with yourself about your deepest desires and sense of satisfaction. Fulfillment may be a big theme this week. Scan the horizon for a new adventure, perhaps “ eat, Pray, Love”-style, tailored to your needs.
Leo: Alignment in your domicile takes precedence this week. emotional support, safety, and privacy are important in your own space. Identify incongruencies, plan accordingly, and
Weekly Horoscopes
ask for assistance if necessary.
Virgo: Your thoughts and words hold tremendous power. Consider reframes and rephrases that can convey your intentions more effectively. A simple flip of the internal script can have a great impact externally.
Libra: Call in the emotional baggage handler this week; an excavation is overdue! Take inventory of your resources, belongings, and “stuff.” Part with anything holding an emotional charge that drags you down.
Scorpio: It’s a shedding-skins kind of week for you, Scorpio. Some soul-searching is in order. Growth requires some form of release and surrender, and molting precedes a beautiful rebirth. Harness your inner phoenix!
Sagittarius: Your relationship to the liminal is calling your attention. The target is how you can strike a better balance between what you can
see and what you can only intuit. blind spots can be seen when you’re ready.
Capricorn: There’s an important dynamic between your local surroundings and your greater community. Getting more involved and networking in your community can improve your immediate surroundings, and vice versa.
Aquarius: The energy is primed for a big transformation in your professional life. Seize the opportunity if it’s already available, or plant the seeds for something more supportive if it has yet to be manifested.
Pisces: beliefs or perspectives rooted in the conditioned or outdated can be shifted. An unexpected shakeup creates the element of surprise required for the shift. being open and receptive is up to you.
Weekly astrology summary:
Cue up the song “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by b ob Dylan as
this week’s anthem! There’s a double-header invitation for big change early on Nov. 20, with the Scorpio new moon (exact at 1:47 a.m.) followed only a few hours later by the beginning of the next m ercury cycle and the midpoint of the current m ercury retrograde. Incredibly potent seeds filled with transformative and regenerative energies are planted deeply at this time, fertilized by the omnipresent cosmic waters as well as the social and outer planets holding the space. Sagittarius season begins on Nov. 21 with the sun’s annual standoff to wily Uranus, blending the intensity of Scorpio with the Sagittarian quest for meaning. Is the emotional root of our personal and collective aspirations and beliefs based on truth or an illusion? It's an important inquiry to ponder as we move into an extraordinary week! See the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific insight and guidance. If you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can email me at ursaalchemy@gmail.com, learn more in my tutorial video on my Ursa Alchemy YouTube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.
Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Aromatherapist and founder of Ursa Alchemy. Find her astrology readings and astrological aromatherapy services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www.ursaalchemy.com or ursaalchemy@gmail.com.
