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My unforgettable introduction to nor’easters Letter from the editor

iving at the Jersey Shore teaches you to take the word “nor’easter” seriously. Very seriously. I'm no meteorologist, but I believe nor’easters are a greater threat than hurricanes. They do not always arrive with the same national attention, but, like the recent storm, they can linger for days, hammering the coastline and pushing water higher with each successive tide. I learned that lesson the hard way during my first month as a Shore resident in 1992. Our first home was a little rental house on Monmouth Avenue in Margate. It was a few blocks from the beach, a block from the bay and within walking distance of two of our favorite places, Maloney’s and Maynard’s. We signed the lease and moved in Dec. 1, 1992. At the time, I was still commuting to Philadelphia for my teaching job. Between the long drives, unpacking boxes and settling into married life, I apparently had not been paying close attention to the weather forecast. Early Dec. 12, we awoke to the

sound of high gusty winds roarFlooding temporarily closed ing outside before dawn. The the outbound lanes of the power went out. This was long Route 52 causeway and left before smartphones, social mesome neighborhoods inaccesdia or weather alerts from Alexa. sible. There was not even internet yet. By Sunday, the storm had We had no immediate way of finally begun to release its knowing what was happening. grip. Residents emerged to asWhen daylight came, we sess the damage, clear debris could hardly believe what we and begin the exhausting work saw. Our street had become a of cleaning up. First respondriver, and our cars were halfway ers, emergency crews and submerged in 2 to 3 feet of wapublic works employees once ter. The Dec. 11, 1992, nor’easter packed winds exceeding 80 mph again stepped forward to help We scrambled to find batter- and caused devastating coastal flooding throughout the region. their neighbors through the ies for a radio. When we finally worst of it. got it working, the first news report This past weekend delivered a Living at the Shore means acceptwe heard said, “The ocean has met powerful reminder. ing a complicated relationship with the bay at Jerome Avenue.” We were The storm battered Atlantic Counthe water. It is the backdrop to our stunned. ty’s barrier islands and Ocean City lives, the source of our livelihoods The following day, at low tide, with pounding rain, fierce winds, danand the reason so many of us choose we made our way outside, wading gerous surf and major coastal floodto call this place home. However, it through about a foot of water. Like ing. Streets across Atlantic City, Ventcan also pose a serious threat. everyone else, we were looking for nor, Margate, Longport, Brigantine When officials warn of a nor’easinformation, reassurance and some and Ocean City disappeared beneath ter, strong winds and multiple idea of what to do next. the water. Vehicles became stranded, high-tide cycles, we need to listen. I To our amazement, Maynard’s was homes and businesses took on water, learned that lesson more than three decades ago, on the night the ocean open. We sat on barstools, having a power outages were reported, and met the bay. This past weekend, the drink and commiserating with our travel became treacherous. Shore taught it once again. In Ocean City, Saturday morning’s neighbors while floodwater covered the restaurant floor. It was surreal high tide reached 7.63 feet, nearly Peace & Love, and it was my first glimpse of the matching the level recorded during Cindy power of a nor’easter. the historic January 2016 nor’easter.

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The nor’easter is gone. Here’s what it left behind

power ful September nor’easter left a trail of flooding, stranded vehicles, battered beaches and emergency rescues across the Jersey Shore over the weekend, with some communities receiving more than 4 inches of rain and experiencing tidal flooding comparable to major past storms. The slow-moving coastal system intensified more than initially expected as it approached New Jersey, bringing several rounds of heavy rain, strong winds and pounding surf from Friday through Sunday. By Monday, communities from Atlantic City to Cape May were beginning the cleanup while assessing damage to roads, homes, businesses and beaches.

Major flooding on barrier islands

Saturday brought some of the storm’s worst conditions. Ocean City experienced major flooding that left many streets impassable. For a time, all bridges onto the island were closed. The Ocean City-Longport Bridge and 34th Street Bridge later reopened, while the Ninth Street Bridge remained closed

Ventnor Pier during the nor'easter. Photo credit: Kristian Gonyea Saturday as water surrounded portions of the causeway. The Saturday morning high tide reached 7.63 feet on the mean lower low water scale in Ocean City, nearly matching the 7.66-foot level recorded during the January 2016 nor’easter known as Jonas. Sea Isle City declared a local state of emergency and ordered residents and visitors to stay off the roads. Police reported extreme flooding and

numerous calls involving vehicles that had become stranded after motorists attempted to cross flooded streets. Atlantic City saw similar conditions. Floodwaters covered portions of the city and Route 40, and firefighters responded to roughly 20 reports of vehicles stuck in floodwater Saturday. Many of those vehicles had to be towed. Videos of kayakers paddling up main streets went viral across social platforms.

shaped portions of the South Jersey coastline, particularly in Atlantic City. Atlantic City Beach Patrol officials said the erosion was the worst the city has seen since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. A roughly half-mile stretch north of Steel Pier was particularly hard hit. Waves carved into protective dunes, exposed structures that had previously been buried under sand and created steep drop-offs along the shoreline. Atlantic City Beach Patrol Deputy Chief Dave Russo estimated that about half of the dunes remained in parts of the affected area. City crews are expected to address some of the steep sand cliffs left behind to make beach access safer. The erosion also affected Ocean City, where the storm arrived only weeks after completion of a major federal beach replenishment project. Large waves stripped away significant amounts of sand and left steep slopes along parts of the shoreline.

Nine adults and a dog rescued from West Atlantic City motels

One of the weekend’s most serious local incidents unfolded along the Black Horse Pike in West Atlantic City. Firefighters rescued nine adults and a dog from the Travel Inn and New Sea Breeze motels after tidal water reached approximately 2 to 3 feet deep inside first-floor rooms. One of the people rescued used a wheelchair. Waves carved into protective dunes on Atlantic Pleasantville firefighters City beaches. Photo credit: Kristian Gonyea initially responded to check on Elsewhere along the coast, waves motel guests before Bargaintown firefighters arrived with a high-water and storm surge pushed water well rescue vehicle and equipment. beyond normal tidal boundaries, inundating streets and low-lying The evacuees were taken to a warming center at the Egg Harbor properties throughout barrier-island communities. Township Community Center, where local EMS, police, public works and recreation personnel assisted them. Rainfall totals top four When firefighters returned to inches inspect the motel rooms, they disThe nor’easter also delivered subcovered a small fire inside a room at stantial rainfall, including more than the Travel Inn. It was extinguished 4 inches in portions of Atlantic and without injuries. Officials later helped Cape May counties. relocate the displaced guests to secTown-by-town totals included ond-floor motel rooms. approximately: ● Hammonton: 4.75 inches

Beaches take a beating

Powerful surf significantly re-

↘Continued on 8 October 1, 2026

ROOFING

SIDING S WINDOW

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reminder of how quickly a coastal storm can combine wind, rainfall, tides and surf into a major event for barrier-island communities.

Linwood area: 3.57 inches ● Egg Harbor Township: 3.49 inches ● Mays Landing: 3.46 inches ● Atlantic City: 2.89 inches ● Ocean City: 2.77 inches The rain added to flooding caused by high tides and onshore winds, creating particularly difficult drainage conditions in low-lying coastal areas. ●

Cautiously optimistic

Strong winds and power outages

Wind gusts also reached damaging levels across the region. Gusts reached 61 mph near Avalon and Wildwood, 57 mph in Atlantic City and 54 mph at Cape May Harbor. Farther north, Point Pleasant recorded a 74 mph gust — equivalent to hurricane-force wind speeds — while Harvey Cedars reached 69 mph and Long Beach Island reached 67 mph. Across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts, about 21,000 homes and businesses were still without power early Monday as the sprawling storm slowly weakened.

Cleanup begins

By Sunday and Monday, floodwaters had begun retreating in many South Jersey communities, allowing residents and municipal crews to begin assessing the damage.

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Margate on Saturday, Sept. 26 at low tide. Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said Sunday that city crews were beginning cleanup efforts and evaluating damage around the island. Some power restoration work had been delayed until floodwaters receded enough for utility crews to safely reach affected neighborhoods. Atlantic City also faces a significant cleanup along its beaches, where the weekend storm erased large amounts of sand and reshaped sections of the shoreline. Although September nor’easters are uncommon, this one provided a

The nor’easter also comes as the Jersey Shore remains well within the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs through Nov. 30. While NOAA’s updated 2026 outlook favors a below-normal season overall, the agency still projects 7 to 13 named storms, including two to six hurricanes and as many as two major hurricanes. September and Octo- Margate on Saturday, Sept. 26 at low tide. ber are also historically flooding, damaging winds and beach among the most active erosion through the fall. months for tropical systems, with most Atlantic activity occurring beFor many Shore residents, the tween mid-August and mid-October. weekend brought familiar scenes — NOAA cautions that seasonal flooded intersections, submerged outlooks cannot predict whether any cars and beaches carved away by the particular community will be struck, Atlantic — but the magnitude of the meaning coastal residents should flooding and erosion made this storm remain prepared for additional tropone that South Jersey communities ical systems, nor’easters and other will be cleaning up from long after coastal storms capable of producing the skies clear.

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Tunnel to Towers plans 97-unit Veterans Village in Northfield By Julia Train

he Tunnel to Towers Foundation is preparing to break ground on a new permanent supportive housing complex for veterans in Northfield, bringing 97 units of affordable housing and onsite services to an almost eight-acre property. The foundation is currently under contract and expected to close on the property soon. After its Oct. 28 groundbreaking ceremony, the organization plans to construct the Northfield Veterans Village with 24 of its “comfort homes,” or approximately 500-square-foot units designed for veterans. Gavin Naples, executive vice president of the foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program, said the Northfield project is part of a larger effort by Tunnel to Towers to address veteran homelessness nationwide.The nonprofit’s homeless veteran program began in early 2023, but it has been providing smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and gold star families way before then. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City.

October 1, 2026

Firefighter Stephen Siller was just getting off his shift at Brooklyn’s Squad 1 and heading to play golf with his brother when he heard about a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center through his personal scanner. Siller then turned around to head back to the fire station to retrieve his gear and drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. He then strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back and ran nearly 4 miles to the Twin Towers. Siller died while responding and his body was never recovered. Following his death, Siller’s brothers and sisters sat around the kitchen table and decided they needed to honor his sacrifice. In the 25 years since that kitchen table discussion, the foundation has provided more than 2,000 mortgage-free homes to catastrophically injured veterans, families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families, according to Naples. Tunnel to Towers’ Veterans Village model provides permanent housing rather than transitional housing or a shelter. Veterans pay monthly program fees, which Naples said do not exceed the affordable housing maximum for

the location. “This is not a free ride. This is not a handout. It's a hand up, and it gets our veterans ready for independent living,” Naples said. The villages are designed to provide more than housing. Each has 24/7 wraparound supportive services, including case management, employment assistance, legal advocacy and financial literacy programs. Naples said the villages also feature amenities such as gyms, libraries, game rooms, screening rooms, multipurpose rooms, laundries, workforce development areas, lounges and dining rooms. “There’s a very hefty event calendar that accompanies all of our villages to make our veterans feel part of the community,” he said, citing activities including pet therapy, art therapy, music therapy, cooking classes and holiday events. The Northfield project is one of roughly 20 Tunnel to Towers projects currently in development across the country. The foundation plans to build more than 100 veterans villages, representing more than 12,000 units of permanent supportive housing, over the next 10 to 15 years. The foundation also operates a national case management network for veterans and their families who may

not live near one of its villages. “If there's a family of five that's not going to fit into a one bedroom, our national case management network is the second prong of our program,” Naples said. “We assist veterans and their families, get them into 2, 3, 4, 5-bedroom, houses, apartments, something that suits their family size.” Veterans who need assistance can currently apply through the foundation’s website, t2t.org, although applications for the Northfield village will come closer to its completion. Naples said construction is expected to take approximately 16 months once the project is ready to break ground. The foundation is scheduled to hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Northfield site, located at 823 Wabash Avenue. The event will include food, information about the foundation’s programs and a Tunnel to Towers comfort home for visitors to tour. Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@ gmail.com or @juliatrain on Instagram.

Nine people, one dog rescued from flooded West Atlantic City motel rooms during nor’easter By Julia Train

ine adults and a dog were rescued from flooded motel rooms in Egg Harbor Township Saturday as a nor’easter brought heavy rain and coastal flooding to the region. The Pleasantville Fire Department initially responded to the West Atlantic City section of the township shortly after 9 a.m. Sept. 26 to check on motel guests, according to the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. Firefighters found 2 to 3 feet of tidal water inside first-floor rooms at the Travel Inn and New Sea Breeze motels, police said. The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company was then called to the scene with its high-water rescue vehicle and equipment. Gene Sharpe, the company’s chief, said firefighters determined that nine people and a dog at the Sea Breeze needed to be evacuated — all were successfully rescued. The recovered guests were first taken to the West Atlantic City firehouse before being transported to

Firefighters found 2 to 3 feet of water inside first-floor rooms at the Travel Inn and New Sea Breeze motels. Photo credit: Egg Harbor Township Police the Egg Harbor Township Community Center, where a warming center had been established. Sharpe said the township provided transportation to the community center so officials could determine where the guests would go next. Among those rescued was an adult in a wheelchair. Sharpe said the firefighters have equipment on their truck to assist with rescues involving

people with mobility limitations. “It [involved] lifting them up and making sure that we try to keep them out of the water as much as we can… and then we have ramps on the truck, ladders [and] everything we need,” Sharpe said. The company also carries two dog crates in their truck specifically for rescuing animals. “We try to equip our truck with as many things as we think we're going to need,” Sharpe said. Firefighters were able to leash the dog and guide it through the water before placing it in one of the crates. “The dog was too big to lift up, so they ended up having him come through the water, he was pretty calm,” Sharpe said. “And then once we get him on the truck, we put him in the crate, and that's for everybody's safety — because there are people out there who aren't comfortable regardless of how nice the dog is.” After the initial rescue, Bargaintown firefighters returned to the motels to check the first-floor rooms a second time. Sharpe said the additional search was intended to make sure nobody had been left behind. During that second check, firefighters discovered smoke at the Travel Inn and determined that a small fire was burning inside one of the rooms. The fire was traced to a small refrigerator, which Sharpe believes was related to the flooding. Firefighters quickly located the room and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, according

to the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. Sharpe said the response lasted until approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Afterward, firefighters cleaned their equipment and vehicles to remove saltwater and prepare for another potential call. He said the department wanted to make sure its equipment was ready in case crews were needed again. The rescue came as the nor’easter brought strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding across the Northeast. The Associated Press reported that some areas of New Jersey received more than 4 inches of rain beginning Friday, with flooding reported in multiple locations. Sharpe said residents may underestimate the potential for flooding in West Atlantic City and urged people to follow instructions from emergency officials. “I think that it's just that they don't believe it. They don't think that it's not going to happen to us, even though the state's built the road [in West Atlantic City] up a little bit, trying to deal with the flooding,” Sharpe said. “But it’s just not going to stop Mother Nature.”

Most roads were passable by Saturday afternoon, although drivers were still advised to use caution in flood-prone areas. Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @ juliatrain on Instagram.

October 1, 2026

Multi-day Events

Events and Happenings

Scullville Terror in the Junkyard

▶Now – Saturday, Oct. 31

Flemings Junkyard, 353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township One of South Jersey’s most popular haunted attractions returns just in time for Halloween. Take a haunted hayride around an active junkyard or step foot into the maze… if you dare. The junkyard is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 – 10 p.m. and Sundays 7 – 9 p.m. Hayride tickets are $15 per person, and maze tickets are $10. Combo rates available. Purchase tickets in-person or online at www. scullvillefire.org/hayride/. 9 to 5: The Musical

▶Now – Sunday, Oct. 4

Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Avenue, Somers Point The music of Dolly Parton will be brought to the stage with style. "9 to 5" showcases a hilarious and empowering story about three women who decide to turn the tables in this upbeat story. With a score written by Dolly herself, the musical celebrates friendship and the power of standing up for yourself. Shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gateway-

Friday, October 2

bythebay.org. Smithville Oktoberfest

▶Saturday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Historic Smithville Grab your family and friends and head out to Smithville for a spectacular fun-filled day, featuring over 150 crafters, an international food court, kids activities, non-profit appearances, and more. Plus, enjoy a full day of activities in the surrounding Village Greene, including the train, paddle boats, and carousel rides. The festival is free to attend. A Grand Night for Singing

▶▶Friday, Oct. 9 – Sunday, Oct. 18

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk Experience the timeless music of Rogers & Hammerstein come to life in this joyous and romantic musical. Hear beloved songs from Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Cinderella, State Fair, and more. Audiences will enjoy an evening filled with great music and the incredible magic of Broadway. Show times are Fridays and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.oceancitytheatrecompany. com.

Gregory’s Oktoberfest Celebration

▶5 p.m.

Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, 900 Shore Road, Somers Point The public is invited to celebrate the start of Oktoberfest in Somers Point this Friday. The staff at Gregory’s along with Somers Point Mayor Dennis Tapp will open their 47th German Oktoberfest with a ceremonial keg tapping. Come see a keg of Warsteiner Oktoberfest Bier tapped by the old Bavarian himself, Baron Gregory Von Gregory. Afterwards, enjoy a free tasting of the authentic imported brew. Galloway Movie in the Park

▶7 p.m.

Galloway Township Municipal Complex, 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road Pack your blankets and chairs and join Galloway Township hosts their annual movie in the park starting at Dusk. Families and friends are invited to watch Hocus Pocus on the big screen. Admission and popcorn are free.

Saturday, October 3 Angels at the Shore Recovery Walk

▶9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lakes Bay Unity Park, Pleasantville

Join Angels in Motion this Saturday as they host their Angels at the Shore Recovery Walk. Walk day activities will begin at 9 a.m. and registration will be open on-site. Salt and Clover Fall Festival

▶11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Salt and Clover Sheep Farm, 100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road, Woodbine Join Salt and Clover (the former Misty Meadow Farm) for a day full of activities. There will be plenty of vendors on-site, along with music, crafts, a hayride with pumpkin picking, sheep shearing, and a kids zone. Ocean City Jeep Invasion

▶12 – 5 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk Hundreds of Jeeps, ranging from the newest models to classic wheels and wagons, will be on display from Fifth to Fourteenth Streets. Hosted by Blinker Fluid Productions, this classic car show is perfect for Jeeps fans of all ages. Admission is free. GEHTHS Cemetery Tour

▶1 – 3 p.m.

Zion United Methodist Church, 652 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township Hosted by the Greate Egg Harbor Township Historical Society, this program will include re-enactors

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of revolutionary soldiers and some notable township residents buried in this cemetery. Enjoy a self-guided tour to marked grave sites, and a presentation on the history of the church, along with refreshments. Admission is free and donations will be accepted.

Sunday, October 4

OCNJ Half Marathon 10 Mile & 5K

▶8:30 a.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk Ocean City’s premier race event returns this weekend. The course showcases the iconic boardwalk, downtown, and ocean views along a fast and flat course. The race will include a 10-miler and 5k. Registration will be open in-person the day of the race. Visit www.ocnj.us/halfmarathon5k for more information. Funny Farm Fall Festival

▶9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, 6980 Railroad Boulevard, Mays Landing The community is invited to a daylong celebration, featuring vendors and crafters, food trucks, face painting, raffle baskets, and live music. Take a hayride around the sanctuary and meet the over 700+ rescue animals in need. Proceeds support feeding and veterinary care for the

animals that call Funny Farm home. Rain or shine. Egg Harbor Township Community Farmers Market

▶9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

1 Swift Drive EHT’s farmers market is open, featuring dozens of local vendors and businesses, amazing food, local crafters, and more. The market is open weekly through mid-October. Upper Township Fall Fest and Car Show

▶11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Amanda’s Field, 10 N. Sunset Drive, Petersburg Join Upper Township for their annual Fall Fest. Fun for the whole family, activities will include live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and much more, along with a Show and Go Car Show on-site. Admission is free.

Monday, October 5

Rat Pack 2: The Ladies & Gents Take the Stage

▶6 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue Experience the magic of the legendary Vegas Rat Pack, featuring the songs of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Juliet Prowse, Shirley MacLaine, and powerhouse talent of Lizza Minnelli, alongside the charisma of

Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. Enjoy an evening of laughter, music, and at atmosphere of pure magic. Please call 609-4877403 to register or learn more.

Tuesday, October 6 Thoughts from the Bookshelf

▶3 p.m.

Margate Library, 8100 Atlantic Avenue Join JFS Village for a book club gathering to discuss the best-seller ‘Raising Hare: A Memoir’ written by Chloe Dalton. RSVP by Oct. 2 by emailing tserota@jfsatlantic.org or call 609-287-8872. Bingo at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue Join your friends and neighbors at the library for a fun-filled evening of bingo, with prizes and great company. Please call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more. Senior Dance Society

▶7 – 9:30 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road Join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live music duos every Tuesdays. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@yahoo.com.

Scullville Terror in the Junkyard Photo by Steffen Klenk

Wednesday, October 7 Upper Township Fire Prevention Family Night Out

▶5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Amanda’s Field, 10 N. Sunset Drive, Petersburg Join Upper Township Emergency Services as they mark Fire Prevention Week with a Family Night Out. Activities will include fire truck tours, hands-on activities, and giveaways, along with helicopter tours, extinguisher demos, and a live fire demonstration. Fun for all ages. Concessions will be available for purchase, supporting Upper Township Baseball.

↘Continued on 14

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October 1, 2026

↘Continued from 13

Thursday, October 8

Brunch & Learn with JFS Village

▶10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Avenue, Margate Join JFS Village for a Brunch & Learn with Ron McClosky, producer, screenwriter, radio show host, and historian as he shares memories of the hotels, and famous Jewish comedians and musicians who got their start in the Catskills. RSVP by Oct. 2 by emailing tserota@jfsatlantic.org or call 609-287-8872.

Saturday, October 10 Ocean City Fall Block Party

▶9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Asbury Avenue from Fifth to Fourteen Streets One of Ocean City’s most anticipated events of the season makes its return. Enjoy a day with over 400 crafters, food vendors, music, non-profit appearances, and more.

Sunday, October 11

Galloway End of Summer Food Trucks Festival and Car Show

▶2 – 8 p.m.

Galloway Township Municipal Complex, 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road Join Galloway Township as they close the summer season in style. Dozens of food trucks will be serving

some of their most delicious grub, along with a beer garden, kids activities, music from Class of 84, and a car show on-site. Stay late and enjoy a special fireworks show to end the night. Northfield Howl-O-Ween

preserving the stories, photos, and personalities that shaped the resort’s remarkable past. RSVP by Oct. 7 by emailing tserota@jfsatlantic.org or call 609-287-8872.

Congregation Beth Israel, 2501 Shore Road, Northfield Join the Northfield Business Association and Northfield Police Department for their annual HowlO-Ween Dog Costume Parade and Family Movie Night. Check-in opens at 3:30. The dog costume parade will take place at 4 p.m., with family movie night to follow. Registration is open online at www.northfieldbusinessassociation.com.

▶Saturday, Oct. 3.

Monday, October 12

O’Donnell Memorial Park, Atlantic City Find your balance with free yoga classes through October. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, these relaxing outdoor sessions offer the perfect way to unwind, recharge, and improve flexibility. The class is open to all ages and experience levels and is free to attend. Yoga mats are provided. Classes are hosted by Chelsea EDC. For more information, call Halim at 640-282-5359. Depression and Anxiety Group

▶4 p.m.

Through the Lens of History with Vicki Gold Levi

▶7 p.m.

Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Avenue, Margate Step back into the golden age of Atlantic City with renowned historian, museum founder, and author Vicki Gold Levi, the daughter of legendary photographer Al Gold. Growing up surrounded by a remarkable photographic collection that documented Atlantic City’s rich history, Vicki has dedicated her life to

Health and Wellness Tai Chi at the Library

10 a.m. Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue Wake up your body with a gentle Tai Chi flow. Improve balance, flexibility, and coordination. Participants are invited to bring a friend, a mat, and wear loose-fitting clothes for this gentle workout. Please call 609-4877403 to register or learn more. Yoga in the Park

▶Monday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Avenue Suite 617, Atlantic City This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness, and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For

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more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org. NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, October 12, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point NAMI of Atlantic/Cape May offers free self-help, peer led support groups for family members, caregivers, and friends of individuals over the age of 18 living with a mental illness. Family Support and Connections groups meet on the second Monday of each month. Please visit www. namiacm.org for further information. Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1:30 p.m.

Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Avenue 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.

Community Initiatives Warm Hearts for Veterans

▶Now – Oct. 15

Wesley by the Bay’s is asking for the support of local businesses, vendors, and community members by donating new winter clothing and essential items. The donations will benefit homeless veterans throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Suggested new donations include men’s or women’s winter coats, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, thermal shirts, hand and foot warmers, backpacks, and gift cards to McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, or Dunkin’. To learn more, please contact Kathy Speer at 609399-6702 or email kspeer@umccomminities.org. Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@ gmail.com.

Thank you for making us your Local Choice

609-800-3177

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What’s happening in Ocean City Jeep Invasion and OCNJ Half Marathon set for weekend

eeps will be displayed on the Boardwalk on Saturday, and runners will take over on Sunday for two traditional events: the Fall New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the OCNJ Half Marathon. About 400 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Saturday, Oct. 3 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14th Street. The Jeep Invasion runs from noon to 5 p.m. The event raises money for local charities, and trophies are

awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. The show started in Ocean City in 2013. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information. Registration is still open for the OCNJ Half Marathon races on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 and different early-registration discounts are good through 4 p.m. Sept. 30. In addition to the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the event includes a

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10-mile non-competitive walk/ run and a 5-kilometer race. Runners voted for the OCNJ Half Marathon as the Best in New Jersey in a Race Raves poll this year. The race features a fast and flat course that showcases Ocean City’s spectacular beaches, boardwalk and coastline. The OCNJ Half Marathon also has developed a reputation as a friendly race – with the public encouraged to come out to cheer for runners and volunteer groups manning themed water stations. “The Half Marathon has become a great fall tradition in Ocean City,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “The runners and their families get to enjoy Ocean City at its best, and the race grows bigger and better every year.” For complete information and registration, visit www.ocnj.us/raceevents. To make way for the field of runners, the Ocean City-Longport Bridge will close from 8 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m. on race day. Bicycles will not be permitted on the

CKS

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Boardwalk from 5 a.m. to noon on race day. Drivers on other streets should anticipate delays as the field of runners passes by. Volunteers (including Saturday packet pickup staff and Sunday racecourse marshals) are welcome and needed. A volunteer registration form is available at ocnj.us/ocnjhalfmarathon5k.

NORTHFIELD

PRI

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OO-- WEEN HOWL ---OHOWL WEEN DOG COSTUME PARADE & FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Sunday, October 11 CHECK-IN 3:30 PM

DETAILS & DOG REGISTRATION

DOG COSTUME PARADE 4:00PM FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT TO FOLLOW

Congregation BEth Israel 2501 Shore Road, NOrthfield $10 Dog Registration No dog? no problem! Everyone is welcome

CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE • CALL 609-383-8323

MONDAY – SUNDAY • 8AM – 6PM Serving the Community since 1991

6020 Black Horse Pike, EHT • 609-383-8323 16

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NORTHFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

October 1, 2026

As always, neighbors and spectators are encouraged to line the course to cheer the runners on.

More family fun in October

Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant “Discount Days” (Oct. 3-4): 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave. Ocean City Fire Department Open House (Oct. 8): OCFD hosts their annual open house for Fire Prevention Week at the OCFD headquarters at 550 Asbury Ave., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rain date Oct. 9. A Grand Night for Singing (Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18): Experience the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein with this musical revue celebrating favorites from “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “The Sound of Music” and more. Shows are 7 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16 and 17; and 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Visit oceancitytheatrecompany.com for tickets and more information. Fall Block Party (Oct. 10): Ocean City’s Fall Block Party will return from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, with hundreds of craft and food vendors, and entertainers lining Asbury Avenue from Fifth Street to 14th Street. Parking will be free at all municipal lots and metered spaces in the city.

October 1, 2026

Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant “Discount Days” (Oct. 10-12): 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ (Oct. 11): Join over 5,000 walkers for the 19th annual OCNJ Making Strides – a celebration of courage and hope to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. Learn more at www. MakingStridesWalk.org/ OceanCityNJ. The walk starts at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center. Spooks N’ Kooks Costume Surf Contest (Oct. 11): Open groms, open adults, tandem, sign in at 10 a.m. on 7th Street Beach. Entry Fee: $20 gift card to ShopRite, ACME or Aldi, all proceeds benefit the Ocean City Food Cupboard. No wave date: Oct. 13. Porsche Boardwalk Reunion (Oct. 17): Porsches will be displayed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk from 6th Street to 14th Street. John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run (Oct. 18): Register today at www.herowalkrun.org. Dog Days (Oct. 24-25): Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Activities for Saturday include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations on the boardwalk, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” announcement. HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” Parade (Oct. 24): Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season. Registration begins at 2 p.m. at the Sports & Civic Center. The parade begins at 3 p.m. and the procession is from 6th to 14th Street on the

Boardwalk. Registration for vendors and parade participants is open at ocnj. us/dogday. Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep (Oct. 24): Volunteers are sought for the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Register at cleanoceanaction.org and check in at the Ocean City Music Pier before the event. Bring your own bucket and gloves. Halloween Costume Skate (Oct. 24): The Ocean City Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue will celebrate Halloween 4 p.m. to dusk. Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. There will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants. OC Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Welcome Night (Oct. 28): 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center. Meet OC groups, businesses & organizations. Free event. Halloween Parade (Oct. 29): 7:15 p.m. on Asbury Ave. from 6th – 11th Street. Sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. Registration for participants is open at ochp.blogspot. com.

Steel Pier is for sale: What comes next for an Atlantic City landmark?

Business Buzz By Rich Baehrle

or generations, a trip to Atlantic City meant a walk down the Boardwalk to Steel Pier. Families came for the rides, the music and the excitement of being entertained over the ocean. Now, with the landmark listed for $85 million, its future is one of the most consequential questions facing our resort. Steel Pier opened in 1898 and earned the nickname “Showplace of the Nation.” During its glory days, it hosted big bands, performers, amusements and unforgettable attractions such as the diving horses. It gave visitors a reason to come to Atlantic City that had nothing to do with gambling. The Catanoso family helped preserve that spirit. According to the ownership group, Anthony Catanoso, his brothers Chuck, Bill and Joe, and partners Ed Olwell and Taft Johnson began with a small go-kart track on the pier in 1992. In 1993, they took over the entire pier through a lease

with Donald Trump, an arrangement facilitated by Dennis Gomes, then president of the Trump Taj Mahal. They operated under short-term leases for nearly 20 years. Catanoso recalls that even when some Taj Mahal executives wanted the amusement park gone, Trump supported keeping it. In 2008, Trump obtained approvals for a hotel and condominium project on the site, but the financial crisis dried up its funding. The Catanoso ownership group purchased Steel Pier in 2011. Since then, the owners say they have invested tens of millions of dollars in rides, infrastructure and attractions. They also own the building at the front of the pier and the sky bridge connecting it to what is now Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The real estate opportunity is extraordinary. The existing pier is about

150 feet wide and 1,000 feet long. According to the owners, a perpetual riparian grant extends 2,850 feet into the ocean, offering potential room for expansion. The pier was built with a proposed 15-story hotel in mind. A hotel, condominium and entertainment complex could complement the adjoining casino, although any new development would have to meet today’s approval requirements. Selling was a difficult decision. After about 35 years in the amusement business, the partners are getting older, and there is no next generation ready to take over the operation. The owners say they are committed to opening Steel Pier for the 2027 season and beyond, if necessary. A sale and any redevelopment would take time. But what will come after that? Online gambling now allows people to play without leaving home,

and New York’s casino development will bring more competition for visitors. Atlantic City needs to diversify more than ever with family entertainment, concerts, conventions, restaurants and reasons to explore the Boardwalk. New York has awarded downstate casino licenses, making that competitive pressure more than a distant possibility. In my opinion, losing Steel Pier as a family-fun destination could be devastating. A new hotel might bring people to Atlantic City, but a memorable attraction gives them something to do together and a reason to return. The strongest future for this property would pair ambitious investment with the joy and entertainment that have defined Steel Pier for generations. Atlantic City has reinvented itself many times. The next chapter of Steel Pier should help the city grow without forgetting what made families fall in love with it in the first place. Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. They are the heart of our communities. Rich Baehrle is a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach, specializing in commercial and residential real estate. Reach Rich at 609-226-6680 or richardbaehrle@ gmail.com.

October 1, 2026

In support of our commitment to breast health awareness, and the importance of early detection through education and screening, The AMI Foundation offers the following events to help fight breast cancer! WITH YOUR SUPPORT… IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER.

FREE SCREENING MAMMOGRAM AMI will offer a FREE SCREENING MAMMOGRAM* during the month of October to women age 40 and older with no insurance and no current or previous breast issues. This program is made possible through the generous support of the AMI Foundation. Convenient evening and weekend appointments are available. Appointments will be scheduled starting October 1, 2026. To schedule an appointment, please call (609) 677-XRAY (9729), (732) 223-XRAY (9729) or (856) 459-3855. *A Screening Mammography is a routine mammography for women with no current or past breast issues.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT Tuesday, October 6 • 5PM - 8PM 1450 Almonesson Road, Suite 175, Deptford, NJ 08096 Tuesday, October 13 • 5PM - 8PM 6529 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 Tuesday, October 20 • 5PM - 8PM 864 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755 This breast health event incorporates the things women love most: pampering, snacking and time with friends. Not to mention, you are making a very important choice by taking charge of your body, and your health. FOR EVENT INFORMATION VISIT: www.amifoundation.net/girls-night-out-2026/

MAKING STRIDES WALK JOIN TEAM AMI IN THE ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER® WALK Sunday, October 11 • 10AM, Ocean City, NJ Sunday, October 18 • 10AM, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Every step you take is personal, and every step will help people stay well and get well, find cures, and empower communities to fight back. FOR WALK INFORMATION VISIT: https://amifoundation.net/making-strides-2026/

www.amifoundation.net

amifoundationnj

The AMI Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing opportunities to enhance the quality of life and improve the well-being of community residents through education and programs, as well as through financial support of charitable organizations with compatible missions.

After the storm: Simple lessons for staying safe By Robin Stoloff

powerful nor'easter certainly made itself known this weekend. By the time it finally moved out, streets were underwater, yards were flooded, property was damaged, our beaches were wiped out, and a lot of us were left with quite a mess to clean up. If you spent the weekend watching water creep closer to your home or trying to figure out which roads were still passable, you already know it was a rough one. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly some of our South Jersey streets can turn into rivers. At one point, I even saw a social media video that appeared to show a shark swimming down a flooded street in Atlantic City. I have no idea whether the video was authentic, although it certainly looked convincing. After my daughter saw it, she joked, “You’re gonna need a bigger porch,” borrowing the famous line from Jaws. Sharks and other sea creatures aside, serious flooding is more than an inconvenience. It can create some very real health and safety risks, and once the water goes down, the work

is often just beginning. Floodwater itself is one of the first concerns. It can contain bacteria, sewage, road runoff, chemicals, and whatever else it picked up along the way. Even when the water looks harmless, it may not be. If you have to walk through floodwater, wash your hands, feet, and any exposed skin with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to cuts or scrapes and watch for redness, swelling, or other signs of infection. Then there is driving through floodwater, something we remind ourselves about after every major storm. It can be almost impossible to tell how deep the water really is or whether the roadway underneath has been damaged. Moving water can also push or lift a vehicle. If you come to a flooded road, turning around and finding another route, or simply staying home, is much safer than taking the chance. We have all seen cars stranded in water that probably did not look very deep when the driver first entered it. After the water recedes, another problem can begin: mold. Wet carpeting, drywall, baseboards, furni-

ture, and basement walls can begin developing mold surprisingly quickly, sometimes within a day or two. That can be especially troublesome for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Start drying things out as soon as it is safe to do so. Open windows when the weather permits, use fans and dehumidifiers, and remove items that are soaked and cannot be completely dried. It is tempting to tell yourself you will deal with it later, but unfortunately, mold does not wait for a convenient schedule. Power outages create another round of questions, especially about food safety and generators. As a general rule, if refrigerated food has been above 40 degrees for more than two hours, it may no longer be safe to eat. When you are uncertain, throwing it away is better than risking foodborne illness. Generators also need to be used very carefully. Always keep a generator outdoors and well away from windows, doors, garages, and vents. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a gas you cannot see or smell, and allowing those fumes to enter your home can be deadly. It is one of those warnings that sounds obvious until you are cold, tired, sitting in the dark, and just want to get the power back on. Cleanup can bring its own hazards too. Wet leaves, mud, fallen branches, loose debris, and slippery surfaces are a recipe for a fall. Wear sturdy shoes, take your time, and treat every downed electrical line as if it is live. While you are checking your own property, check on your neighbors too. If you know someone who lives alone, particularly an older adult or someone who may have difficulty getting around, a quick phone call or knock on the door can make a big difference. One of the lessons from this storm is also how quickly conditions can change. Forecasters had been watching the system and warning about the potential for coastal flooding, but a storm's exact track, timing, and

strength can continue changing as it approaches. That is why staying connected to updated forecasts and emergency alerts matters. Do not wait for an emergency to figure out where to get information. Atlantic County residents can register for emergency alerts through the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management at atlanticcountynj.gov. Cape May County residents can sign up for county emergency notifications through the Cape May County Alert Center at capemaycountynj.gov. They should also check their municipality’s emergency alert system, since individual towns may offer additional local notifications. NJ Alert, the statewide emergency notification system, is available at njalert.gov. Nixle also provides alerts from participating local police and public safety agencies when you text your ZIP code to 888777. The FEMA app offers real-time weather alerts and information about nearby emergency shelters, and weather.gov is another reliable source for current National Weather Service watches and warnings. While this storm is still fresh in our minds, we should take the time to prepare for the next one. Check the batteries in your flashlights. Make sure you have a portable phone charger that is fully charged. Sign up for emergency alerts. Think about where to safely operate a generator if the power goes out. It is also a good idea to have a go bag ready. A go bag is simply a small emergency bag with the essentials we need if we have to leave home quickly. Include medications, identification, copies of important documents, phone chargers, a flashlight, basic toiletries, bottled water, snacks, and some cash. It is one of those things we should all have ready, and hopefully never need. Storms like this weekend’s are a good reminder that preparation is much easier when the sky is clear. We cannot control the weather, but we can control how prepared we are when dangerous conditions arrive. A few simple steps taken now can make a stressful situation a little safer and a lot easier to manage the next time Mother Nature decides to remind us who's in charge. Robin Stoloff is an award-winning health reporter in South Jersey. A former TV reporter, she now hosts Living Well with Robin Stoloff, Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on Lite 96.9 WFPG.

October 1, 2026

By Sarah Fertsch

Nine Jersey Shore hyperlocal Halloween costume ideas

orget witches, vampires and superheroes. This Halloween, why not dress as something that will make every South Jersey local do a double take? From Boardwalk legends to beloved landmarks, local mascots and one notoriously french-fry-hungry bird, the Jersey Shore has plenty of inspiration for costumes that are funny, nostalgic

and unmistakably homegrown. Better yet, most of these looks can be assembled with thrift-store finds, cardboard, craft supplies and a willingness to explain your costume to anyone from out of town. Here are 10 hyperlocal Halloween costumes for anyone who really loves the Jersey Shore.

before it closed in 2024. This costume doubles as a little piece of Ocean City nostalgia. Start with a bear costume or gray clothing, then add a colorful Wonderland-inspired shirt. Bonus points if you spend the night enthusiastically waving at children. What you’ll need: ● gray bear ears ● gray shirt and pants ● Colorful button-down shirt ● Sneakers ● Optional: homemade “Wonderland” logo or old ride tickets

Seagull with a French Fry

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at the Jersey Shore than a seagull and somebody else’s lunch. For this costume, become the Boardwalk’s most fearless snack thief. Dress in gray and white, add wings and a yellow beak, then carry one oversized french fry as your prized possession. For added realism, hover suspiciously around anyone holding pizza. What you’ll need: ● Gray or white sweatshirt and pants ● White or gray feather boa or homemade wings ● Yellow paper or foam beak ● Oversized fake french fry made from cardboard or foam ● Optional: Boardwalk food tray for carrying your “stolen” meal

Wonder Bear

For generations of Ocean City visitors, Wonder Bear was one of the most recognizable faces of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, greeting families at the Boardwalk amusement park

Before casinos dominated Atlantic City, one of the city’s strangest and most famous attractions involved horses diving from a platform into a pool at Steel Pier. Turn that bit of Shore history into something wonderfully absurd: a horse ready for an underwater adventure. What you’ll need: ● Horse mask ● Brown onesie, or a wetsuit ● Swim goggles or scuba mask ● Pool floaties ● Flippers ● Optional: blue fabric around your waist to represent the water below

Jersey Devil

Finally, a local costume that requires no explanation once you cross into the Pine Barrens. The legendary Jersey Devil has been described in countless ways over the centuries, which means you have considerable creative freedom. Think part horse, part bat, part monster and entirely unsettling.

Open 7 Days A Week Mon-Fri 6am-6pm Sat & Sun 6am-5pm

October 1, 2026

● ● ● ● ● ●

White gloves Pearl necklace Cat-eye sunglasses Small handbag Hair scarf Costume tiara for her Princess of Monaco era

Lucy the Elephant

What you’ll need: ● Black or red clothing ● Horns ● Bat wings ● Hooves or dark boots ● Tail ● Optional: faux fur, red contact-lens look with makeup, or a “Pine Barrens” sign

Grace Kelly

For a costume with considerably more glamour, channel Philadelphia-born actress and Princess Grace of Monaco, whose family has deep ties to the Jersey Shore and Ocean City. Skip the monster makeup and embrace 1950s Hollywood instead: elegant dress, gloves, pearls and sunglasses. What you’ll need: ● Vintage-style 1950s dress

Lucy the Elephant is one of the Shore’s most recognizable landmarks, which makes her surprisingly easy to turn into a costume. Gray clothing provides the base, while oversized ears and a trunk complete the transformation. For the truly committed, add a tiny replica of Lucy’s howdah — the structure perched on her back. What you’ll need: ● Gray sweatshirt and sweatpants ● Large gray felt ears ● Homemade elephant trunk ● White felt tusks ● Cardboard or foam “howdah”

Lake Lenape Singing Lighthouse

This one may win the prize for the most hyperlocal costume on the list. The lighthouse at Lake Lenape in Mays Landing was built during the era when Lenape Park operated as a popular amusement and recreation destination. Rather than guiding ships, speakers near the top broad-

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cast hymns and gospel music across the lake, earning it names including the “Singing Lighthouse” and “Tower of Music.” Turn yourself into the musical landmark by creating a striped lighthouse body and carry a Bluetooth speaker to make sure everyone understands the “singing” part. What you’ll need: ● White clothing ● Red or dark tape to create lighthouse stripes ● Cardboard lighthouse roof or hat ● Battery-powered light ● Small Bluetooth speaker ● Optional: blue fabric around your feet for Lake Lenape

Martin Z. Mollusk

Move over, Punxsutawney Phil. Ocean City has its own seasonal prognosticator. Transform yourself into Ocean City’s favorite crustacean with a crab costume, oversized shell and, naturally, something that helps ensure a favorable forecast. What you’ll need: ● Orange or red clothing ● Crab claws ● Eye stalk headband ● Large cardboard for shell ● Sunglasses ● Small flashlight — just in case your shadow needs some assistance

Polar Bear Plunge

You don’t actually have to jump into the Atlantic Ocean in January to earn this costume. Celebrate one of the Shore’s most wonderfully questionable winter traditions by dressing as somebody who has just sprinted into near-freezing water and immediately reconsidered every life choice that led to that moment. You can play it two ways: dress as the plunging human or literally become a polar bear taking the plunge. What you’ll need: ● Bathing suit worn over leggings or warm clothes ● Winter hat ● Flip-flops ● Beach towel ● Fake icicles or snowflakes ● Blue face makeup or dramatically chattering teeth ● Optional: polar bear ears and a homemade “I Survived the Plunge” sign

Keep Halloween Local

The best Halloween costumes do not always require expensive masks or elaborate special effects. Sometimes all you need is a little cardboard, a thrift-store outfit and a reference so specific that everyone at the party immediately knows exactly where you’re from.

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For information about becoming a League Sponsor, please contact Brian Adler at badler@jccatlantic.org. October 1, 2026

MudGirls Studios: Changing lives one piece of clay at a time

By Delaney Crawford

udGirls Studios, located in Atlantic City, is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that works to transform the lives of women facing adversity by offering them training, employment, and a pathway out of poverty. MudGirls uses clay as a vehicle to change lives through the women’s own creations and the sale of functional art and aesthetic, utilitarian objects. Along the way, the women involved gain a source of long-term supplemental income. “MudGirls was founded on the idea that art can be healing. I’ve always been a maker. I love working with my hands, whether it’s digging in the garden, woodworking or painting. It brings me challenges and joys. I wanted to share that joy with others who may never have been given the opportunity to experience that,” said Dorrie Papademetriou, the director, designer and founder of MudGirls Studios. What first started as a project at Adelaide’s Place, a day shelter for women, became what is now a full-

scale operation 10 years later. Each week, women came to the shelter and gathered around to roll out clay, making bowls, trays, plates, boxes and decorative items. Papademetriou shared that the women would work with energy and precision, pouring their heart and soul into their ceramic wares. Most created “gifts” for loved ones, not being able to offer much else. In time, and under the direction of Papademetriou, designs and standard pieces were introduced, and the women were trained in larger-scale production, with attention to detail to produce higher-quality work. As more creations were made and the women got better and better, they began selling their products at local markets and festivals. As the community got to see their work, orders and demand grew. “We kept working and making, and people began to notice our work and our mission. I believe people want to be a part of something good, and I think that’s why we have been able to grow. People believed in us, and the power of doing good,” Papademetriou said.

Because of the demand for orders, MudGirls Studios also needed to expand its studio space and find a permanent home. Today, the group has a permanent studio at 2709 Arctic Ave. in Atlantic City. “Our space is accessible to everyone, seniors as well as children, and we are ready to host team-building events or even ‘girls night out.’ While we continue our mission of employing women in poverty during our day hours, we open our studio to welcome groups, neighbors and friends when we are not working. Owning our building means that MudGirls will have a permanent studio in Atlantic City,” Papademetriou said. “It is our gift to the people of Atlantic City to use our studio, make pottery and enjoy the work of their hands.” Papademetriou shared that success for the women who are part of MudGirls can come in many ways. “Sometimes success comes in getting to work on time. Sometimes success comes in being able to work with others, or complete the day’s shift. If we can build confidence and give women the ability to become self-suf-

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ficient and see their value, that is our success,” Papademetriou said. “The life skills that we teach contribute to the overall health and improved quality of life for women and the community in which they live.” Many of MudGirls’ participants have gone back to school or moved on to full-time employment, making it a clear stepping stone toward a better life. Papademetriou shared that many of the women stay in touch and are always grateful for what MudGirls gave them when they needed it most. “Our goal is the same as it has been from the beginning, to continue to help women in need. There are many rewarding parts of this work. I love when the women are proud of their work. When they open the kiln to see the finished product, they are in awe and say, ‘I love it, I made that,’” Papademetriou said. “I love when someone is having a hard day and another person throws their arm around her to comfort her. I love when the girls head out at the end of the day and walk home together, or the way that someone starts singing in the studio. There is also a great satisfaction when people tell us how much they love our work. Knowing that our team is acknowledged for their work is beautiful. In this way, I know that they are valued, they are seen, and they are an important part of the community.” As MudGirls continues to grow and inspire many more women, the organization is also looking to expand its tileworks and start making architectural tiles, as well as introduce some new product lines, like jewelry.

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By Gary Mazin

Pick-your-own pumpkin farms offer fall fun

umpkin-picking season has arrived in South Jersey, bringing hayrides, corn mazes and other fall activities to area farms. Whether you'd like to carve a jacko’-lantern, decorate a front porch or select a pumpkin for a favorite fall recipe, several area farms allow visitors to head into the field and choose their own. Here are five destinations offering pumpkin picking and other seasonal attractions:

R and J Farm Corn Maze and Hayride

R and J Farm, located at 723 W. Herschel St. in Galloway Township, offers hayrides to its pumpkin patch, where visitors can select a pumpkin from the field. The farm’s fall attractions also include a themed corn maze and jumping pad. A farm stand offers additional seasonal items. Admission options and operating hours vary, so advance reservations and a review of

Our

35th

the farm’s latest schedule are recommended. Visit rjfarm.com for more information.

Sahl’s Father Son Farm

Located at 420 W. Pestalozzi St. in Galloway Township, Sahl’s Father Son Farm combines pumpkin picking with a full lineup of family-oriented attractions. Visitors can take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and explore a large corn maze with different routes and difficulty levels. Other activities have included pig races, farm animals, a children’s play area, toy duck races, outdoor games and food. Some attractions may be included with admission, while others may carry an additional charge. Visitors should check the farm’s social media pages for current dates, hours and ticket information.

The Red Barn Farm

Located at 391 Route 206 in Hammonton, The Red Barn Farm is holding its fall festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1. Pick-your-own pumpkin activities

begin in early October. Visitors take a hayride to the pumpkin field, with one pumpkin included with festival admission. The farm also features a large corn maze, jumping pillow, miniature goats, free-range chickens, outdoor games and seasonal photo opportunities. Food, locally made pies and adult beverages from regional producers are available on selected days. Visit redbarnfarmnj.com for admission details and the latest schedule.

Rea’s Farm

Located at 400 Stevens St. in West Cape May, Rea’s Farm offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze and farm animals. Special events are scheduled throughout the season, including Friday gatherings with live music, food and vendors. The farm also hosts its Hot Rods and Hayrides event on selected dates. Rea’s grows a variety of seasonal crops and offers other pick-your-own opportunities during the year. Details about pumpkin availability, admission and special events are posted at reasfarm.com.

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Salt & Clover Sheep Farm

Formerly known as Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, Salt & Clover Sheep Farm, is located at 100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road in Petersburg. Its fall activities include hayrides and pumpkin picking, along with pony rides, face painting, crafts, vendors, food and live music. The farm is also home to sheep and produces artisan sheep-milk products. Fall activities are generally offered on weekends, with reservations or advance tickets required for some events. Visit saltandcloversheepfarm.com for more information. Visitors should wear shoes suitable for uneven or muddy fields and review each farm’s policies on tickets, pets, outside food and weather-related closings. With pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, animals and seasonal food, South Jersey’s farms offer plenty of ways to turn your search for the great pumpkin into a full fall outing.

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Cranberry season returns to the New Jersey Pinelands

s autumn settles over South Jersey, the Pine Barrens begin to show off their colors. I'm not talking about the changing leaves. Another shade of red has been part of the autumn landscape for generations. Cranberries — sometimes called the “rubies of the pines” — are native to New Jersey and have grown naturally in the Pine Barrens for centuries. Today, the tart little berries remain closely tied to the region’s history, agriculture and identity. The Pinelands is one of the relatively few places where cranberries grow naturally. The low-growing vines thrive in the sandy, acidic soils and high water table of the region, conditions that can make farming other crops difficult. Cranberries also benefit from the area’s abundant water resources and cold winters, which help prepare the plants to produce flowers in spring. Long before cranberries became associated with Thanksgiving tables and supermarket juice aisles, Native

Americans used the fruit as food, medicine and dye. According to the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, Indigenous people used names including “sasemineash” and “pakimintzen” for the berries. They could also combine crushed cranberries with dried meat and animal fat to make pemmican, a nutrient-dense preserved food that could last through the winter. European settlers eventually adopted the fruit as well. The name “cranberry” is believed to have evolved from “crane berry,” a reference to the plant’s pink blossom, which settlers thought resembled the head of a crane.

From hand picking to floating berries

Harvesting cranberries was once grueling work. Workers originally picked the berries by hand before farmers adopted large wooden cranberry scoops.

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Beginning around the 1960s, wet harvesting became the predominant method. Contrary to a common misconception, cranberries do not spend their entire lives floating in water. They grow on low vines close to the ground. The dramatic flooded bogs most people associate with cranberry farming are largely part of the harvesting process. During a wet harvest, growers flood the bog and use machinery to loosen the ripe berries from the vines. Because cranberries contain pockets of air, they float to the surface. Farmers then gather the bright red berries together before they are lifted from the water and transported for cleaning, sorting and processing. It creates one of the most striking sights of a South Jersey autumn: brilliant pools of red tucked among the deep greens and sandy roads of the Pine Barrens.

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Many wet-harvested cranberries eventually become familiar products including juice, dried cranberries, jellies and cranberry sauce. And even cranberry sauce has a strong New Jersey connection. In 1917, New Jersey cranberry grower Elizabeth Lee began selling canned cranberry sauce under the name “Bog Sweet.” She later joined forces with Massachusetts grower Marcus Urann, whose business eventually became part of what is now Ocean

A crop tied to the Pinelands

Cranberry farming is particularly intertwined with the environment around it. Healthy wetlands, forests and watersheds are essential to cranberry production, and the Pine Barrens’ unusual combination of acidic soil and plentiful groundwater creates ideal conditions for the native fruit. For generations, South Jersey farmers learned to work with a landscape that outsiders once considered too sandy, acidic and wet to be useful farmland. In doing so, they helped turn a wild native berry into one of the region’s most recognizable agricultural traditions. So when cranberry sauce makes its annual appearance beside the turkey this fall, consider where those little red berries began.

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Gone but not forgotten: 10 Ocean City Boardwalk businesses we still miss

By Sarah Fertsch

alk the Ocean City Boardwalk today and you will find plenty of institutions that have survived generations of changing tastes, storms and summer crowds. But for locals and vacationers, part of the fun of strolling the boards is remembering what used to be there. A storefront can disappear, or even an amusement park, yet decades later people still remember the smells, sounds, and sights of nostalgia. Ocean City’s Boardwalk has continuously reinvented itself, and these 10 former favorites are part of its story.

Old Salt

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For nearly four decades, Old Salt brought a distinctly nautical flavor to the Boardwalk’s 1300 block. Harry and Gloria Klause opened the shop in 1977, filling it with ship models, brass bells and maritime décor inspired by Harry’s fascination with the sea. Over time, the merchandise expanded to include souvenirs, gifts and home décor, while the business remained in the family. When Old Salt celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2012, the founders’ granddaughters were among those operating it. Its closing left behind a little archaeological surprise. During renovations at the former shop in 2017, workers removed signage and exposed much older advertisements hidden underneath — a literal glimpse into layers of Boardwalk history.

Moore’s Bowling Casino

Long before the Moorlyn became known as a movie theater, visitors came to Moorlyn Terrace to bowl. Moore’s Bowling Casino opened in

1905. The property later incorporated additional entertainment before undergoing a dramatic conversion: in 1922, the bowling alleys were removed as part of a project to create a roughly 1,600-seat movie theater. The Moorlyn would go on to host films for generations, making the original Bowling Casino easy to forget. Since 2024, you can enjoy a matinee at Moorlyn Square Theatre, occupying the same space.

Flanders Beach Grille

There was a time when a boardwalk stroll or bike ride near the Flanders Hotel could include a stop at the Flanders Beach Grille for an affordable breakfast, lunch or treat. The restaurant is frequently mentioned in longtime visitors’ recollections of vanished Ocean City landmarks, particularly by those who remember the Flanders property and its saltwater swimming pool. It belonged to an era when Boardwalk dining was less about nationally recognizable brands and more about individual restaurants whose names became intertwined with a family’s annual vacation ritual.

Copper Kettle Fudge

Few vanished businesses inspire sensory memories quite like Copper Kettle. Located around 11th Street, across from the Flanders, the shop was famous for fudge — and for letting pedestrians watch candy being made through the window. Former customers still recall the prominent copper kettle itself, a piece of visual branding impressive enough that people were discussing it online decades after the business disappeared. Today, the storefront is associated with Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge, where boardwalkers can still taste delicious treats.

October 1, 2026

Planters Peanuts

Street and the Boardwalk in 1938 and featured classic Art Deco styling, balconies and a decorative curtain depicting King Neptune. The Strand remained an Ocean City fixture for decades before closing in 2014. Its building did not disappear, however. Redevelopment plans transformed the former theater into the flagship Boardwalk location for Manco & Manco Pizza, preserving one familiar Boardwalk institution inside the shell of another. For anyone who once looked up at the Strand marquee to see what was playing, it can still feel strange to remember a movie theater where diners now sit with pizza.

Before Mr. Peanut became primarily a supermarket mascot, Ocean City visitors could encounter him right on the Boardwalk. The Planters shop \is remembered for freshly roasted nuts and, perhaps even more vividly, the life-sized Mr. Peanut character who wandered the boards in his top hat and monocle. Online recollections from former visitors and employees describe the costumed peanut as an unmistakable part of a Boardwalk trip in the 1970s and beyond. For a generation of children, getting peanuts — or spotting Mr. Peanut approaching through the crowd — was as much a part of Ocean City as pizza and amusement rides.

Walt’s Original Primo Pizza

Larzelere’s Penny Candy Store

Before candy shopping involved grabbing a prepackaged bag from a shelf, Larzelere’s made choosing sweets an event. The store, remembered around Fourth Street and the Boardwalk, became famous for penny candy. Customers could select individual pieces, collecting their choices before the candy was counted and bagged at the counter. One former visitor remembered presenting a little bowl of selections to the “Larzelere girls,”

who would count everything before putting the candy into a bag. Historic photographs of Larzelere’s remain preserved in collections of Ocean City Boardwalk imagery.

The Strand Theatre

Perhaps no vanished Ocean City theater is more recognizable than the Strand. The theater opened at Ninth

Longtime Ocean City pizza fans know that the Boardwalk’s pizza conversation once involved more than one famous name. Primo Pizza, near Eighth Street and the Boardwalk, developed a particularly devoted following. A 2010 Ocean City food blog even framed the local debate as a full-fledged “pizza war” between Primo and Mack & Manco, noting that Primo had a reputation among locals and frequent visitors as a worthy rival to the Boardwalk giant.

↘Continued on 32

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↘Continued from 31 That rivalry was part of the fun. Families developed allegiances, debated crust and sauce and knew exactly which counter they planned to visit before they ever stepped onto the boards. Primo may be gone from the Boardwalk, but you can still enjoy their iconic slices at their Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township locations.

Eventually, Mia’s left the Boardwalk for downtown Ocean City. The business continues at 755 Asbury Ave., where customers can still shop for Christmas décor and Ocean Citythemed ornaments.

The Showboat Theatre

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In an age before streaming — and before every vacation rental came with multiple televisions — going to the movies was a major part of a Shore vacation. The Showboat Theatre opened in 1929 as a venue for vaudeville before becoming a movie theater. It was later known as the Surf Theatre. The Surf ultimately closed in the 1980s, and the property was converted into retail space. For decades, however, Showboat and later Surf joined Ocean City’s surprisingly rich lineup of Boardwalk movie houses. At one point, theaters were nearly as much a part of the Boardwalk landscape as tee-shirt shops.

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Mia’s Christmas Gallery brought December to the Boardwalk in the middle of the tourism season, filling its store between 10th and 11th streets with Christmas trees, ornaments, Santas, lights and collectibles. Charlie and Rose Caucci opened Mia’s in 2000 and named it for their daughter. Jane and Jim Saile purchased the business in 2012, and by 2016 it was described as a Boardwalk landmark.

So Mia’s is less a lost business than a relocated piece of Boardwalk nostalgia.

The Boardwalk keeps changing

That is ultimately the story of the Ocean City Boardwalk. Businesses disappear. Others move. Movie theaters become stores and restaurants. A bowling alley becomes a cinema. The place a child bought penny candy becomes part of somebody else’s childhood in an entirely different form. Still, memories have a way of preserving a version of the Boardwalk that construction crews cannot tear down. Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.

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The Jersey diner: Where good food, familiar faces and Shore memories meet By Marcella Curcio

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here is something special about a New Jersey diner. They may be designed for late-night meals, quick stops and the occasional “what does everyone want to eat?” emergency, but that does not mean the food is any less memorable. In fact, diners have become part of the fabric of New Jersey — places where you can grab a stack of pancakes before a day at the beach, stop for a late-night burger after a night out, or sit down for a full dinner when no one in the group can agree on what they want. For many New Jersey families, diners are also tied to memories. For me, some of my earliest diner memories come from summer trips to the shore. Growing up, I remember my parents leaving the shore late in the day to head back home to Pennsylvania. Somewhere along the way, we would inevitably stop at a diner for a quick snack before continuing the drive home. It was never necessarily about making the meal an event. That was part of the appeal. You could walk in wearing beach clothes, sit in a booth and order exactly what you wanted. There was something comforting about knowing that, regardless of where you were coming from or where you were headed, there was probably a diner nearby ready to welcome you. That same feeling still exists throughout the South Jersey Shore region. Here are some local diners serving up just that.

Village Kitchen — Marmora

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Village Kitchen in Marmora has always been one of my favorite breakfast stops off the island. I have been going there since I was a kid, and one of the things I love most is that it still feels familiar. The warm, welcoming farm-style decor gives the restaurant a cozy atmosphere, while the cheerful staff adds to that hometown feeling. It is the type of place that feels comfortable whether you are stopping in for a quick breakfast or settling in for a leisurely meal. And then there are the pancakes.

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Galloway Diner & Grill — Egg Harbor City

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Galloway Diner & Grill in Egg Harbor City is another classic-style stop for traditional diner fare.

Ready's Coffee Shop The menu covers the bases you would expect from a South Jersey diner, with hearty American breakfasts, lunch favorites and dinner entrees. Whether you are looking for breakfast food, a sandwich or a filling dinner, there is something familiar and comforting about having all of those choices under one roof. That versatility is one of the reasons diners continue to work so well for families, friends and travelers. Everyone can find something.

Ozzie's Luncheonette — Longport

For a more beach-town take on the diner experience, Ozzie's Luncheonette in Longport makes for an easy stop before a day at the beach or out on the water. The interior has a retro diner feel that immediately gives the restaurant some personality. It is casual, nostalgic and fitting for a community where summer days often revolve around the beach and boating. The food matches the atmosphere: straightforward, satisfying diner fare that makes sense before heading out for a day in the sun or after working up an appetite.

Shore Diner — Egg Harbor Township

Shore Diner in Egg Harbor Township is the kind of restaurant that can solve the classic group-dining problem: everyone wants something different. The menu offers everything from appetizers such as onion rings, coconut shrimp and Buffalo wings to seafood, steaks and gourmet burgers. That range makes it easy for someone craving a simple diner meal to sit alongside someone looking for something a little more substantial.

October 1, 2026

Dino's Seaville Diner It is the type of menu where you can go in without having a specific plan and still find something that sounds good. And sometimes, that is exactly what you need.

Dino's Diner — Seaville

Dino's Seaville Diner is another popular stop for those traveling to or from the shore. With fresh, homemade dishes and generous portions, it offers the kind of hearty meals people often associate with the classic diner experience. Its location also makes it convenient for those heading toward the shore, leaving the beach or coming back from a day of fishing. There is something particularly fitting about stopping at a diner after a long day outside. You can sit down,

order a filling meal and take a break before getting back on the road.

Ready's Coffee Shop — Ocean City

If you are looking for old-school nostalgia without leaving Ocean City, Ready's Coffee Shop is the place to visit. Ready's has a distinctly retro atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming. But what stands out to me is not just the decor. It is the sense of familiarity. It is the type of place where you can go once and feel like you might be remembered the next time you walk through the door. That personal connection is something that has be-

↘Continued on 37

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↘Continued from 35 come increasingly rare, and it is one of the reasons local diners continue to hold such an important place in their communities. I especially love the nostalgic feeling I get when I visit Ready's with my parents. Sitting there with them brings me right back to those family shore days and reinforces the family-friendly atmosphere that Ocean City is known for. Sometimes, a diner is more than a place to eat. It becomes part of your family's story.

Point Diner — Somers Point

Then there is Point Diner, located near the foot of the Ninth Street Bridge heading toward Ocean City. This one has a special place in my own family memories. Growing up, I remember my family stopping there early in the morning on the way to our shore house in Ocean City. The diner was part of the ritual of getting to the shore — an early start, breakfast and the excitement of knowing we were almost there. There is also a local connection that makes the memory even more personal. When I was growing up, some people from our block worked there while they were in college.

That is another thing that makes South Jersey diners special. They are not just restaurants that happen to be in a town. They are often woven into the community around them. Generations of families stop there, local teenagers get their first jobs there, regulars develop relationships with the staff and visitors create memories that bring them back years later.

More than a meal

New Jersey's diners have earned their reputation for a reason. They are dependable. They are casual. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sometimes for a late-night meal when most other kitchens have long since closed. You can order pancakes at one table, a burger at another and a steak dinner at the next. But what makes diners particularly special around here is how closely they are connected to the rhythm of the Shore. They are the places you stop before heading to the beach. The places you visit after a long day on the water. The places where families grab breakfast before driving home to Pennsylvania. The places where teenagers get their first jobs and where longtime customers become familiar faces. For me, diners will always bring back memories of summer with my parents, long drives between Pennsylvania and the shore, early mornings heading to Ocean City and the simple excitement of knowing we were on our way to another beach day. The food may be the reason you walk through the door, but the memories are often the reason you come back.

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f you know, you know. It’s a tiny stretch of sand, located at the easternmost section of the Cape May beachfront. Although it’s popular among beachgoers in the summer, Poverty Beach is empty for much of the year. That changes when a Nor’Easter blows into town. When the wind is blowing and the waves are building, surfers from Atlantic City to Wildwood know to head to the base of the Garden State Parkway and head to Poverty. The beachfront was crammed with cars and vans last weekend. Over 50 surfers were waxing boards and zipping up wetsuits, preparing to tackle one of South Jersey’s most mysterious and magical breaks. “A lot of the beaches (in South

Jersey) face east, so the Northeast wind and the waves are whipping across those beaches from the left or the right,” said Cape May’s Edward Gibbons, 67, who has been surfing for nearly 60 years. “But Cape May actually faces south, so the northeast wind basically blows directly offshore in Cape May. That makes the waves cleaner and more manageable than most places.” It’s been that way since the early 1960’s, when Cape May’s Bob Steger helped introduce the sport to the area. It wasn’t long before he was joined by other wave-riding pioneers like Steve Burk, Bill Garrison, Harry and Jeffrey Gibbons, and Steve Teitelman. During that era, Stockton Avenue was the designated surfer’s beach.

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multi-million-dollar homes, three-story summer mansions with windows and decks that provide viewing of spectacular sunrises. Poverty’s popularity as a surfing spot waned once the city’s beach replentishment project began in the 1990’s. The project created a steep and sudden dropoff. As a result, powerful waves with deep faces now break in

Poverty was considered the secret spot, where the lineups were much less crowded. No one really knows how Poverty got its name. The official explanation suggests the beach was used way back in the day by the housekeepers, fishermen, and domestic servants who worked in the town’s opulent hotels during the Victorian Era.

take a ride on one of those special waves. If you know, you know.

Local NFL update

knee-high water. But the place still holds an allure. Last Saturday, while rain pelted the ocean and the wind howled, dozens of surfers were there, ready to

Another theory was the beach was located in Lower Township but was claimed and maintained by Cape May and was a financial drain. Now it’s near a stretch of

BAIT & TACKLE

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen (Millville) had two receptions for nine yards in a 35-6 victory over the New England Patriots. Green Bay Packers wide receiver/kick returner Bo Melton (Cedar Creek) had two kickoff returns for 46 total yards in a 35-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (Cedar Creek), Bo’s brother,

had four tackles and a pass defense in a 36-30 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (Bridgeton) had a team-high eight tackles in a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. 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.

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Entertainment & Dining at the Shore By Steffen Klenk

Top Weekly Entertainment Picks

ctober is here, bringing crisp days, apple cider and a full lineup of fall fun. Phish makes its highly anticipated return to Atlantic City, Smithville raises a glass to Oktoberfest, and Resorts kicks off spooky season in style. Find these events and more in this week’s Top Weekly. Who: Phish Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall When: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4 Time: 7 p.m. Website: www.boardwalkhall.com/ events/detail/phish Phish returns to Atlantic City’s for an exciting three-night run inside the historic Boardwalk Hall. Hear the band’s immersive sounds, spectacu-

lar jams, and unforgettable blend of rock, funk, and jazz that has defined a generation of fans. Who: The Disco Biscuits Where: Tropicana Showroom When: Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3 Time: 11:59 p.m.

THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH & BET ON THE GAMES! PLUS LIVE TABLE GAMES THURSDAY – MONDAY

Website: www. visitatlanticcity.com/event/disco-biscuits/7494/ The party doesn’t stop once Phish leaves the stage. Take the short drive to Tropicana to hear Philadelphia’s own Disco Biscuits as they perform their unique blend of jam, electronic, and trance-fusion.

Who: The Doobie Brothers Where: Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena When: Friday, October 2 Time: 8 p.m. Website: https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ the-doobie-brothers-walk-this-roadtour

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Prepare for an unforgettable night of classic hits and songs that defined a generation as The Doobie Brothers make their Atlantic City return. Fans will hear such songs "China Grove," "What a Fool Believes," and "Listen to the Music," led by one of the most legendary bands of all time. Who: Ashanti & Trey Songz Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino When: Friday, October 2 Time: 9 p.m. Website: www.theoceanac.com/ enter tainment/ headliner-summer-event/ashanti-trey-songz If R&B is more of your style, Ocean Casino is the place to be this Friday as

October 1, 2026

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Ashanti delivers an evening of chart-topping hits and soulful classics. Plus, hear the smooth vocals of Trey Songz captivates audiences with powerful vocals and an electrifying stage presence. What: Smithville Oktoberfest Where: Historic Smithville Village When: Saturday, October 3 & Sunday,

October 4 Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Website: www.historicsmithville. com/smithville-events/oktoberfest/ Immerse yourself with the flavors and fun of the fall season at Smithville’s annual Oktoberfest. The celebration will include more than 150 craft vendors, a spectacular international food court, live entertainment, non-profit

appearances, and an array of family-friendly activities. Spend the day, ride the historic carousel or train, paddle around the lake, and enjoy the charm of the Village Greene. Who: Micky Dolenz of the Monkees Where: The Music Box at Borgata When: Saturday, October 3 Time: 8 p.m. Website: https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/themusic-box/micky-dolenz.html Celebrate 60 Years of The Monkees this Saturday night. Lead singer Micky

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↘Continued from 43 Dolenz brings an unforgettable night of timeless tunes to the Atlantic City stage. The performer extraordinaire and '60s pop legend has achieved worldwide fame both on TV and as a renowned recording artist. What: Hocus Pocus Speakeasy Where: Starlight Ballroom at Resorts Atlantic City When: Saturday, October 3 Time: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Website: www.resortsac.com/ events-and-promotions/halloween-show/ Spooky season is officially here and the mischievous Sisters from Salem invite you to a wickedly fun night. This immersive experience will include spellbinding performances, spooky singalongs, interactive games, and audience participation. Enjoy an evening of Halloween hijinks paired with specialty cocktails and magical mayhem. Costumes are encouraged at this 21+ event.

After Phish leaves the stage Sunday night, keep the jams going at the Unophiccial Afterparty. Enjoy a special late-night mix of electronic beats provided by DJ Greenie (a.k.a. Mike Greenfield) of the Phillybased jam band Lotus.

What: DJ Greenie of Lotus Where: Anchor Rock Club When: Sunday, October 4 Time: 11 p.m. Website: www.anchorrockclub.com

Who: The Boo Bar: Witches Edition Where: Resorts Atlantic City When: Now – Saturday, October 31

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Website: www.resortsac.com/ events-and-promotions/halloweenpop-up-bar-atlantic-city/ If you’re ready for a spook-tacular time, head over to Resorts and experience their newest pop-up haunt. The Boo Bar makes its spine-chilling return with a new menu of tasty elixirs, eerily good music, nightly entertainment, and a Witches Dance every Saturday night. Events are subject to change due to weather. Please check venue websites and social media for updated information.

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October 1, 2026

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When being an architect was Micky Dolenz’s career blueprint The Casino File By Chuck Darrow

icky Dolenz is currently touring in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the debut of “The Monkees,” the groundbreaking sitcom that made him and his three cast/bandmates pop-culture titans. But he could also be celebrating the 60th anniversary of his not becoming an architect. To put it another way, when Dolenz was young, he wanted to be Frank Lloyd Wright, not Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger. As he explained during a recent phone chat occasioned by his gig this Saturday at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, a career in show business was only supposed to happen if he didn’t succeed as an architect, not the other way around as is usually the case with “backup” careers for those aspiring to make it in the entertainment industry.

A show biz lifer

According to the 81-year-old former member of The Monkees, he was quite familiar with the uncertainty of a career in entertainment, having witnessed it first-hand as a child. “I've been in the business my whole life,” noted Dolenz, who played the title character in the 1950s TV series, “Circus Boy.” “And both my parents were in show business. So, I saw

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my [actor] dad come back home not having passed the audition. And my mom was a singer and dancer and an actress — they met doing a play. So, I was following in their footsteps. But at a certain point after high school, even though I had a television series, I guess I must have thought, well, I better get serious here and get a real life. Because from watching it in my family, show biz was risky. “And my plan — and people laugh when I tell them, but it's true — was I was gonna try to make it as an architect. If I couldn't make it as an architect, I could always fall back on show biz. “The ‘backup plan’ was show biz.”

A life-changing tryout

It’s hardly a spoiler to report that Dolenz soon enough went to “plan B.” And while the likes of rock-legend-to-be Stephen Stills, turn-ofthe-’70s chart-topper Harry Nilsson,

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October 1, 2026

the level of frenzy (mostly on the part of the pre-teen and teen females who comprised the bulk of the group’s fan base) easily matched that which had defined the Fab Four’s first two U.S. road trips. Despite such intense, if fleeting, success, (“The Monkees” was cancelled by NBC in March, 1968) and a string of hit singles matched by only a handful of artists to this day, The Monkees mostly suffered the slings and arrows of critics who gleefully and mercilessly derided the “Pre-Fab Four”. But six decades later, it’s The Monkees who remain a celebrated part of pop music history, while

“I remember that quite well. I went back for a callback and then another callback and then auditions for singing and playing and screen tests and interviews and improv. It was extensive. Much more than a normal audition.” After a search that took up most of the autumn of 1965, the series’ producers finally decided on Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones as the other members of the fictional band. According to Dolenz, his three bandmates were total strangers when they were informed they’d won the roles. “I remember the day we all met,” he said. “It was at a wardrobe fitting for the pilot, because that's the first thing that happens [on a TV series].

October 1, 2026

I had vaguely remembered Davy because he and I had done a couple of scenes together, and I think maybe also because he had been in the business; he'd been on TV and on Broadway. So, I think maybe we had a lot in common. I remembered him, but I did not know Mike or Peter at all. “It was a producer in front of the wardrobe department saying, ‘Oh, hey, you guys are the Monkees. Mickey, this is Mike. Mike, this is Peter. Peter…’ And so that was it. And then we did the pilot and got to know each other a bit.” Dolenz added that as far as he can recall, the four young men were

always collegial primarily because, he reasoned, “I think that they cast the show very well, so there weren’t any conflicting characters. Nobody was stepping on anybody else's toes. They were very distinct characters.”

Who’s laughing now?

Thanks to a carefully crafted marketing campaign that included the release of The Monkees’ debut single, “Last Train to Clarksville,” a little less than a month before the TV show’s Sept. 12, 1966 premiere, by the end of that year, The Monkees were the biggest pop-music phenomenon since the days of Beatlemania. And by the time the group embarked on its first concert tour at the end of ’66,

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singer-songwriter Paul Williams and Three Dog Night vocalist Danny Hutton famously (and unsuccessfully) responded to ads in the Hollywood trade papers for a “cattle-call” (open) audition for what became “The Monkees,” Dolenz, as a known quantity in the industry, was spared that kind of generally unpleasant experience. “I didn't see the ad,” he said. “I had an agent because of ‘Circus Boy,’ and because I'd been doing guest shots on series like ‘Peyton Place,’ ‘Mr. Novak,’ and other shows of that time. So, I had a private audition.” That process, he continued, was far from the typical tryout.

those who eviscerated Dolenz and his teammates in print and over the airwaves are long-forgotten. So, does this mean Micky Dolenz has gotten the last laugh? “You'd have to ask other people that, I suppose,” he offered. “But I knew what it was all along. “Frankly, when you're successful in every way, and you just see the genuine love and appreciation that the fans have, and you also are singing incredible music, well, when I heard that kind of [negative] stuff, I just didn't give a s---!” Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.

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DiOrio’s Bar and Grill: A Somers Point staple that knows how to feed the locals

By Holly Martin

or more than 70 years, DiOrio’s Bar and Grill has been serving up classic bar food, cold drinks, and plenty of local personality in the heart of Somers Point. There are some places at the Jersey Shore that feel like they have always been there: The kind of restaurants and bars where you walk in and immediately get the sense that somebody at the bar probably knows somebody behind the counter. DiOrio’s Bar and Grill in Somers Point is one of those places. For more than seven decades, the DiOrio family has been serving the community, dating back to 1951 when Joe and Shirley DiOrio first opened the doors. What began with a vision more than 70 years ago has grown into a longtime local favorite known for good food, sports, conversation, and a decidedly come-as-you-are atmosphere. And sometimes, that is exactly what you’re looking for. After a late shift at work, I decided to stop at DiOrio’s for a little late-

night snack. It was around 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, and I honestly didn’t expect the place to be quite as busy as it was. The bar was full of conversation, the pool table was open, and the jukebox was playing an impressive lineup of rock hits. The whole place had that comfortable neighborhood-bar energy. It also seemed like quite a few people had already made DiOrio’s part of their Wednesday night plans. As someone who loves a good mocktail, I asked if the bar could make me a Shirley Temple. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived loaded with cherries. I always appreciate when a bar takes a simple nonalcoholic drink and makes it feel a little more special. Sure, it’s essentially soda and grenadine, but pile on enough cherries, and suddenly you have a fun little treat. Since I was looking for a snack rather than a full dinner, I decided on the grilled chicken tenders with “Mickey’s Favorite” sauce, a combina-

There’s plenty to look at around the restaurant, from sports memorabilia to local touches and decorations that give the space its own personality. It has that classic neighborhood-dive-bar charm without trying too hard to manufacture it. DiOrio’s also keeps things interesting with weekly specials, including Wing Wednesday, giving locals

tion of barbecue and Buffalo. And these were good. I have to admit, I’m always happy to see grilled chicken tenders on a menu. Fried tenders certainly have their place, but there is something about a well-seasoned grilled tender that can be just as satisfying. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the combination of barbecue and Buffalo gave it that sweet-and-spicy kick. Honestly, I’d take the grilled tenders over fried any day. I also had to try the spinach artichoke cheese dip after hearing several customers at the bar rave about it. The dip arrived hot, gooey, and cheesy, accompanied by a generous plate of homemade tortilla chips. And let’s talk about those chips for a minute. You could tell they were homemade, and I probably could have happily eaten an entire bowl of them without the dip. They were crisp, fresh, and the perfect vehicle for what came next. The spinach artichoke dip was much heartier than some of the creamier, more sauce-heavy versions you might find at chain restaurants. This one had substantial chunks of artichoke and plenty of spinach throughout. Instead of simply coating the chip with a smooth cheese sauce, the ingredients piled right on top creating what I can only describe as a glorious, cheesy bite. It was filling, too. After a plate of grilled tenders and a substantial serving of spinach artichoke dip, my plan for a “little snack” had officially turned into a full meal. We’ve been to DiOrio’s before, and one of the things that keeps us coming back is the atmosphere.

another reason to stop in during the week. But perhaps the biggest draw is the people. After more than 70 years in Somers Point, DiOrio’s has built the kind of loyal customer base that can’t simply be created with a new sign or a trendy menu. It comes from decades of serving the community, knowing your customers, and giving people a place where they can relax and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re looking for dinner, grabbing food after work, meeting friends for a drink, watching a game, or simply hunting for a late-night snack, DiOrio’s Bar and Grill fits the bill. For my fellow mocktail lovers, the nonalcoholic options may be limited, but a Shirley Temple loaded with cherries is certainly a fun way to end the night. And if you’re hungry? Those grilled tenders and spinach artichoke dip are definitely worth adding to the order. After more than seven decades, DiOrio’s continues to do what neighborhood bars do best: serve good food, welcome the locals, and give people a place to come as they are. Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.

October 1, 2026

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A touch of orange… orange wine that is!

Drink Up! By David Setley

ctober evokes images of leaves changing and pumpkin patches, as well as the traditional colors of black and orange. Orange is also the color utilized by the Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise awareness of this terrible disease. Annually, Passion Vines co-sponsors an MS Fundraiser, The Right Notes. The theme of the event is always “A Touch of Orange.” Since its inception, The Right Notes event has raised more than $1 million in support of those fighting MS. This year’s event will take place on Oct. 8. With orange forefront in my mind, this is a great time to discuss orange wine. Oct. 6 is National Orange Wine Day. If you have never tried one, you’re in for a treat! First, let me assure you, these wines are made from wine grapes, not oranges. Juice from wine grapes, red or white, is almost always clear; a wine’s color comes from the contact between skins and juice. To make a red wine, the skins of red grapes remain with the juice in a process called maceration. The red color comes from tannins, a phenolic com-

pound in grape skins. For rosé wines, the skins of red grapes are in contact with the juice for a very short time to give the wine its familiar pink hue. The color of orange wine is created when the skins of white grapes remain in contact with the juice during maceration. You may be wondering if this is some new-fangled marketing trick to sell wine in the fall. Not so! Orange wines are as old as wine itself. The first orange wines were produced over 8,000 years ago in the Middle Eastern country of Georgia. Winemakers crushed white grapes and fermented them in a large clay vessel, called a “qvevri.” The top of the qvevri was sealed with beeswax and then buried in the ground for temperature control. The result was an orange, dark amber-colored wine with a tannic structure similar to a light red wine. For a taste of wine history, try the Glekhuri Qvervri Rkatsiteli 2023 from the Kakheti region of Georgia.

On a trip to the Finger Lakes a few years ago, my wife and I discovered this unique varietal. To pronounce the name, use your best English accent and say, “Our cat’s (on) the telly.” The Glekhuri Rkatsiteli is a testament to meticulous winemaking. The aroma is a complex bouquet of floral and fruit aromas. The flavors include notes of ripe apricots and honeydew melon with a touch of citrus and green apple, as well as delicate minerality with subtle hints of white flowers and a touch of spiced apple. Rkatsiteli is ideally served cool at about 50°F and pairs well with grilled seafood or poultry dishes, especially those with light, creamy sauces. It also complements a range of vegetarian dishes, including salads dressed with citrus vinaigrettes or creamy risottos. Another popular orange wine is the Gulp Hablo Orange wine from Castile la Mancha in Spain. This wine is a blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc grapes and is certified organic, biodynamic, and vegan-friendly. The Bodegas Parra Jiménez is a family-owned and operated winery. The Parra brothers (Francisco, Javier, and Luis) have produced an outstanding orange wine that demonstrates the delicious aromas and flavors of herbal tea, honeysuckle, lemongrass, and apricot, with a touch of orange zest and salinity. The Gulp Hablo wines come in a 1-liter bottle, 33% larger than the average wine bottle, making this wine a true bargain. From Austria, the Christina Orange Wine is an organic, natural wine that is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Welschriesling. This may sound a lot like Riesling, but it's a totally unique grape grown throughout Central Europe, including Austria. Winemaker Christina Netzl farms has developed a unique style of winemaking with minimalistic tech-

niques like spontaneous fermentation, no added sulfites, and minimal filtration. Enjoy this wine with Asian dishes, Thai curries, grilled fish, roasted chicken, or when you just want to enjoy a cool autumn evening on the porch. The Montinore Estate L’Orange from the Willamette Valley of Oregon is arguably one of the most elegant orange wines you will taste. This is a blend of estate-grown 51% Pinot Gris and 49% Muscat Ottonel, with both varietals contributing to this outstanding dry wine. The Pinot Gris grapes are destemmed and soaked on the skin, extracting beautiful color and tannin structure before gentle pressing. The juice is then blended with estate-grown Muscat that fermented on the grape skins in clay amphora vessels. The wine features aromas of apricot, blood orange zest and grapefruit with notes of wet stones. The flavors are fresh and lively with notes of blood orange and nectarine, with added structure from the black tea-like tannins that result from the Pinot Gris’ extended time soaking on its skins. Montinore Estates is a leader in organic and biodynamic farming and viticulture here in America and is committed to the highest standards of ethics and sustainable environmental practices. One final recommendation is the Caruso & Minini Arancino Bianco Macerato wine from Italy. This Sicilian wine is 100% organically grown Catarratto that is hand-harvested in the Terre Siciliane region of the island. This is an intense wine with the aroma of citrus and Mediterranean herbs, as well as a fresh palate that balances the fruit flavors with a saline minerality and an elegant finish. This family-run winery dates back to the late 1800s when the vineyards were planted by Antonio Caruso. Today, the winery is run by Stefano Caruso and his daughter Giovanna. I hope you enjoyed this discussion of orange wines and will consider adding a touch of orange to your October entertaining. As always, if you have questions, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop by the store. Until next time, happy wining! David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

October 1, 2026

JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST AND THE BIRDS

THE EAGLES PLAY IN LONDON AT 9:30AM —WE’RE OPENING EARLY AT 9AM TO SERVE BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 DOONEY’S PUB, 6823 TILTON RD, EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, October 2

Sunday, October 4

▶7 p.m. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

▶9 p.m.

Friday, October 9

Friday, October 16

▶8 p.m.

Phish

Trey Songz and Ashanti

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino The Doobie Brothers

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena imomsohard ▶9 p.m. The Music Box at Borgata The Disco Biscuits ▶11:59 p.m. Tropicana Showroom

Saturday, October 3 Phish

Phish

Atlantic City Comedy Festival Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey

▶7:30 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, October 10 Gladys Knight

▶8 p.m. Borgata Event Center

▶7 p.m.

The Revivalists

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Atlantic City Comedy Festival

▶8 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Chris Tucker Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Micky Dolenz

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata The Disco Biscuits ▶11:59 p.m. Tropicana Showroom Michael Lives Forever

▶8 p.m.

▶3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock Travis Coler Sings the Franki Valli Songbook

▶8 p.m.

The Grand at Golden Nugget

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Little Shop of Horrors

Superstar Theater at Resorts Jamey Johnson ▶8 p.m. Tropicana Showroom Nurse Blake

▶8 p.m.

The Concert Venue at Harrah’s Brass Transit: A Tribute to Chicago

▶8 p.m.

Grand Ballroom at Bally’s

Wheel of Fortune

▶4 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard Rock

Ricky Martin

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

Saturday, October 17 Daughtry

▶7 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Little Shop of Horrors

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts Bat out of Halloween: Celebrating Meat Loaf and Rocky Horror ▶8 p.m. Tropicana Showroom

Friday, October 23 Godsmack

▶9 p.m.

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena John Mulaney

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Jesse McCartney ▶9 p.m. Tropicana Showroom Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey

▶7:30 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

October 1, 2026

Tom Jones brings timeless hits to soldout Borgata crowd By Cindy Christy Fertsch

egendary singer Tom Jones performed before a soldout crowd at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s Event Center in Atlantic City on Friday, Sept. 25.

At 86, the Welsh entertainer continues to command the stage with the powerful voice and charismatic presence that have defined his career for more than six decades. The Atlantic City audience welcomed Jones with enthusiasm as he revisited songs that helped make him one of

the most recognizable performers in popular music. Born Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, Wales, Jones rose to international fame during the 1960s. His breakthrough single, “It’s Not Unusual,” became a worldwide hit and established him as a dynamic vocalist with a style that blended pop, soul, rock and rhythm and blues. Jones followed that early success with a long list of memorable recordings, including “Delilah,” “What’s New Pussycat?,” “She’s a Lady,” “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “Help

Yourself.” His music has remained familiar to generations of listeners, while his energetic performances and distinctive baritone have made him an enduring concert attraction. Over the course of his career, Jones has sold more than 100 million records and received numerous honors, including a Grammy Award. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2006 for his contributions to music. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, Jones has continued recording and exploring new musical styles throughout his later career. His more

recent work has included interpretations of blues, gospel, folk and roots music, introducing another side of the artist to longtime fans. Friday’s sold-out appearance at Borgata demonstrated that Jones’ appeal remains strong. With a catalog spanning generations and a stage presence refined over thousands of performances, the veteran singer delivered an evening that celebrated both his musical legacy and his staying power. Photos by Tom Briglia/ PhotoGraphics

Sunday, October 11, 2026

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Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, October 1

Atlantic City Bar One at Resorts Karaoke w/ Kelli Glover & Friends 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.

Egg Harbor Township Dooney’s Pub Kadin Sevene 7 – 9 p.m. 6823 Tilton Rd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Bob Kelly’s Dance Party 5 – 8 p.m. Karaoke Night w/ DJ Mike 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Crab Trap That 70’s Band 6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway Josie Kelly’s Toni Teschner & Billy Walton 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 908 Shore Rd.

Friday, October 2

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Phish After-Show feat. Friends of Jerry: Two Sets of Dead Etc. 11 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Bar One at Resorts Steve Tulli 6 – 9 p.m. DJ Charles 9:15 p.m. 1133 Boardwalk Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville The Reality Check Experiment 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Lucky Snake Bar at Showboat Dobbs’ Dead feat. Brian Murray from Dogs in a Pile 11:30 p.m. 801 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Dan Jost Duo 7 p.m. Lost in Paris 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Jimmy Brogan Duo 6 – 10 p.m. Priceless 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Big Shrimp 11 p.m. 133 S. Tennessee Ave. The Wave at Golden Nugget Fleetwood Macked 9 p.m. 600 Huron Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Phish Preparty w/ Lost Sailors 3 – 5 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Egg Harbor Township The Roost Pub & Grill Incognito 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 500 St. Andrews Dr. Mays Landing LaScala’s Mays XII FIN 7 – 10 p.m. 1855 Cates Rd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Live Music 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 450 Bay Ave. Crab Trap That 70’s Band

6 – 9 p.m. 2 Broadway Josie Kelly’s Tom Brett 6 – 9 p.m. 908 Shore Rd. Tuckerton The Lizzie Rose Music Room Laura Mann & Ben Arnold 7:30 p.m. 217 E. Main St.

Saturday, October 3

Atlantic City Bar One at Resorts Lackadaisical Lemon 2 – 5 p.m. Playback 6 – 9 p.m. DJ Gary 9:15 p.m. 1133 Boardwalk Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville The Reality Check Experiment 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Lucky Snake Bar at Showboat The Jerry Dance Party feat. DJ Dosh Jobbs 11:30 p.m. 801 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Lisa Bouchelle Duo 7 p.m. Sean Patrick & The Alibis 10 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget John McNutt Band 5 – 9 p.m. Synergy 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Big Shrimp 11 p.m. 133 S. Tennessee Ave. The Vue Rooftop Bar at Claridge Ty Fly 12 a.m. 123 S. Indiana Ave. Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino Phish Preparty w/ Crickets and Cicadas 3 – 5 p.m. 500 Boardwalk Egg Harbor City Renault Winery The Dunns 1 – 4 p.m. Mark Fisher 5 – 9 p.m. 72 N. Bremen Ave. Egg Harbor Township Dooney’s Pub Rachel and Ty 8 – 11 p.m. 6823 Tilton Rd.

October 1, 2026

Galloway Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Ben Rynes 7 – 10 p.m. 1 N. New York Rd. McGettigan’s Poor Mouth Henry 7 – 11 p.m. 500 S. New York Rd. Mays Landing LaScala’s Mays XII Good Delivery 6 – 9 p.m. 1855 Cates Rd. Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay Rooftop Dogz 7 – 11 p.m. 450 Bay Ave. Crab Trap That 70’s Band 6 – 9 p.m. 2 Broadway Josie Kelly’s The Jenny Barnes Band 8 p.m. 908 Shore Rd. Tuckerton The Lizzie Rose Music Room Popa Chubby 7:30 p.m. 217 E. Main St. Ventnor Ventnor Coffee Open Mic w/ T. Five. 1 – 4 p.m. 108 N. Dorset Ave.

Sunday, October 4

Atlantic City Anchor Rock Club Unophiccial Afterparty feat. DJ Greenie of Lotus 11 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave. Bar One at Resorts Bar Bingo w/ DJ Eric & DJ Proud 3 p.m. – 12 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Dueling Pianos 8 p.m. 500 Boardwalk The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Synergy 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk Galloway McGettigan’s Nancy Malcun 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 500 S. New York Rd. Somers Point Josie Kelly’s Traditional Irish Session 1 – 4 p.m. 908 Shore Rd. Tuckerton The Lizzie Rose Music Room Ellis Paul 7:30 p.m. 217 E. Main St.

Monday, October 5 Atlantic City The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Live Music 7 – 11 p.m. 1000 Boardwalk

Tuesday, October 6

Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Patty & Bugzy 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave.

Wednesday, October 7 Atlantic City Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 600 Huron Ave. Margate Bocca Live Jazz with Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys. 7 – 10 p.m. 7805 Ventnor Ave. Mays Landing LaScala’s Mays XII Kadin Sevene 6 – 9 p.m. 1855 Cates Rd. Somers Point Crab Trap That 70’s Band 6 – 9 p.m. 2 Broadway Events subject to change.

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Where Skate AC began: Back Sov reopens Oct. 3

fter growing from an unauthorized do-it-yourself skate spot into the birthplace of a community movement, Atlantic City’s Sovereign Avenue Skatepark is ready for its next chapter. Skate AC will celebrate the reopening of the park, widely known as “Back Sov,” from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. The event was rescheduled from Sept. 26 due to last weekend's nor'easter. The free celebration will feature a demonstration by the DC Skate

Team, cash prizes in skate contests and giveaways. The event will also include a live performance by Pool Scum and a special guest appearance by BBYOSHANDO. Presented by DC Shoes with support from RVCA, Volcom and Element, the event will bring together longtime members of Atlantic City’s skateboarding community and a new generation discovering the sport through Skate AC’s programs. Sovereign Avenue holds special meaning for the nonprofit organization. Before Skate AC offered free

Photo by Benjamin Howard youth lessons, equipment giveaways and community events, local skateboarders created their own unauthorized place to skate there. The grassroots effort became the foundation for Skate All Communities, better known as Skate AC. “Back Sov is the birthplace of everything Skate AC has become,”

said Jason Klotz, the organization’s founder. “It started as an illegal DIY skatepark because skateboarders needed somewhere to go. Years later, we’re coming back to that same place with the support of some of the biggest brands in skateboarding and surf culture.” Skate AC has since expanded its

October 1, 2026

Photo by Benjamin Howard work to include skatepark development, free lessons, creative programming and skateboard and equipment giveaways. The organization uses skateboarding to promote youth development, wellness, mentorship and community connections.

Klotz said the reopening celebrates the skateboarders who shaped the original Sovereign Avenue scene while creating a welcoming space for young people. “What started with skateboarders building something for themselves has developed into a real community institution,” he said. “Having this many respected companies and organizations come together around Back Sov shows what can happen when people believe in young people, skateboarding and public spaces that actually bring communities together.” Additional supporters include Lion Order by Rohan Marley, AC Heals, Supreme, Thrasher, Heritage Surf & Sport, Clearly Faded, JAKKS Pacific, Tony Baloney’s, Atlantic City Recreation, Bones, Quiksilver and Roxy. The Back Sov reopening will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Sovereign Avenue Skatepark in Atlantic City. More information is available at skateac.org.

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Four years after last AC beach concert performance, Phish returns with three shows at Boardwalk Hall Tune In, Turn On With Doug Deutsch

ne of the biggest recent beach rock concerts in Atlantic City took place on Aug. 7, 2022, when famed jam band Phish wrapped up a three-night run. The band also played on Atlantic City’s beach from Aug. 13-15, 2021. I remember being bummed at the time that I moved back to Aycee in September 2022,

a little more than a month too late to see one of this writer’s favorite jam bands. For a good idea of what they sound like, check out the band’s song “Gotta Jibboo” from its album “Farmhouse,” released in 2000. Well, as the saying goes, what goes around comes around. Phish is returning to Atlantic City, playing three nights at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall from Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4. The quartet first formed at the University of Vermont

Renowned jam band Phish plays three shows October 2-4 at Jim Whelan’s Boardwalk Hall in Burlington in 1983, although its members hail from different areas. Guitarist-vocalist Trey Anastasio was raised in Princeton; bassist Mike Gordon is from Sudbury, Massachusetts; drummer-vocalist Jon Fishman hails from Syracuse, New York; and keyboardist-vocalist Page McConnell is also a New Jerseyan, from Basking Ridge. Phish — often compared to bands such as the Grateful Dead and Umphrey’s McGee because of its long, extended songs — has performed more than 2,000 documented live shows. In recent years, the Phish touring schedule has included gigs in Mexico, a multiday residency at the fabulous Sphere venue in Las Vegas, summer stadium dates and its current early autumn tour. “There was a seriousness to our music starting in 2009 that was based not on fear but on the acknowledgment of the finite nature of things,” Phish frontman Anastasio said in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. “We’d had a youthful exuberance for so long, and naive youthful exuberance is what makes rock ‘n’ roll great. We were flying high on the wave. Nothing was ever going to stop. Then you wake up in a jail cell.” Anastasio spent two days in jail in 2008 for missing a scheduled drug counseling session. “It was a shock to realize how tenuous the whole thing was,” he continued. “And it took until 2013 to find out how to play with risk. Before then I’d been thinking, ‘How do I play music in a risky way when the experience

I went through made me a cautious person?’” If you go, expect two things: You’re going to spend a lot of moolah — three-day passes range from $309 to $908 — and you’re in for a long show, as the average Phish concert lasts 3½ hours. Tickets and information: eventticketscenter.com/phish-3-day-passatlantic-city-10-02-2026/8207632/t. Phish after-concert parties and shows: An event billed as “A Phish After Party in Outer Space” will take place at the rooftop VÜE Nightclub at the Claridge Hotel beginning at midnight Saturday, Oct. 3. Tickets and information are available at glassmaze.net. Meanwhile, our favorite live music venue in town, Anchor Rock Club on New York Avenue, will present two Phish after-parties. Friends of Jerry will perform two sets of Grateful Dead tunes beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. An “Unophiccial AC Sunday Afterparty” featuring DJ Greenie, also known as drummer Mike Greenfield of the Philadelphia-based jam band Lotus, will begin at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Tickets and information are available at anchorrockclub. com. Any way you look at it, it’s going to be a big, Phish-filled weekend in Atlantic City. It should be a blast! 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

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s reported in these pages and just about everywhere else, Atlantic City’s venerable Steel Pier, a part of the town’s entertainment landscape since 1898, is for sale. The Cantanoso family, owners of the Pier since 2011, bought it for $4.25 million and is selling it for $85 million. Since its inception, the Steel Pier has been known for its many, one-of-a-kind Maynard Ferguson first played the Steel Pier in 1952. features, with, perhaps, the famed high diving horse as its most King of Swing’s band, he started his fondly remembered attraction. own ensemble and it premiered at But what is not talked about often the Pier’s Marine Ballroom on April enough was that the Steel Pier, from 16 of that year. Those who were there the early 1930s through 1976, was a say it was incredible. 4,000-plus haven for legendary big bands, some people showed up, and Gene Krupa of them out-and-out jazz ensembles. would continue to play the Pier with various-sized groups until 1967. Jazz For a young, Philadelphia-based jazz fan and many other big band drumming fans also got a rare treat aficionados of all ages, the Pier was in the summer of 1959, when Krupa the closet spot to hear groups led by rival Buddy Rich performed with a the likes of Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, short-lived big band he put together in that summer. Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, Trumpeter Harry James was also Woody Herman, and many, many a star of the Goodman band. He left others. George Hamid, who owned and booked the Pier for many years, BG to start his own group, but did not just loved his big bands, whether they experience the immediate success that Krupa did. One of his first bookings as a bandleader was in the summer of 1939. James’ vocalist was a skinny youngster named Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra: “In those days they used to run people in and out so fast that you barely had time to turn around between shows,” he said years later. “Can you imagine that? Eleven shows a day? I remember one day I had just gotten a bottle of soda and a sandwich, and I was still up on stage; the curtain had just come down. I was hungry. I weighed all of While Duke Ellington had been a mainstay in Atlan- about a hundred pounds back tic City nightclubs like Club Harlem since the 1930s, then. It was brutal then. But let me tell you something, I he wasn't booked at the Pier until the 1960s-1970s. treasure those days.” were sweet or hot, and kept featuring Mr. S. would return several years them until 1976, when Woody Herlater with the Tommy Dorsey band, man, became the last big band to play and as a solo act in 1951, when Sinathe Pier. tra’s career was in the doldrums. Some of the bands made history But Atlantic City and the Steel Pier at the Pier. When star drummer Gene loved Sinatra no matter what was Krupa left Benny Goodman’s band happening in his career. His shows in March of 1938, the news made were mobbed that summer. James headlines all over the world. Less would return to the Pier several times than a month after Krupa left The over the years, notably on Easter

October 1, 2026

Louis Armstrong was the first black artist to headline at the Pier. significant part of my learning experience as a jazz drummer. While the Pier’s future cannot be predicted,

a Facebook contributor to the “Everything Atlantic City” group named Jason Buugz summed up my feelings about the possible sale — and likely the feelings of those who have decades of warm memories about the Pier — beautifully. “The second they unplug that Ferris wheel, all of the aura AC has left will be gone.” 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.

In the summer of 1939, the Harry James band played Atlantic City's Steel Pier doing eleven shows a day. weekend of 1946, when he drew an astounding 27,000 people to the Marine Ballroom. Another star of Benny Goodman’s legendary, 1930s group was trumpeter Ziggy Elman, born Harry Aaron Finkleman in Philadelphia in 1914. Around 1936, Elman was working for Alex Bartha, leader of the Steel Pier’s house orchestra. Goodman played the Pier in that summer of 1936, heard Elman with Bartha and was

years later, Chubby Checker became the first black rock and roller to star there. Inexplicably, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Lionel Hampton, who had been mainstays in Atlantic City nightclubs like Club Harlem since the 1930s, were not booked at the Steel Pier until the 1960s and early 1970s. The final years of the “original” Steel Pier, before it became the amusement park that it’s been since 2011, were sad, unfortunate, and in retrospect, inevitable. Pre-gambling Atlantic City continued its downward spiral, but the Pier stayed open and tried to continue in the same manner it always did. In 1969, shortly after Tiny Tim announced his love for Miss Vicki from the Pier’s Music Hall Stage, a fire destroyed the Marine Ballroom, much of the Water Circus that hosted the diving horse, and other portions of the venue. The famed, General Motors exhibit, a mainstay at the Pier’s entrance for decades, closed down a year Ziggy Elman was a member of Benny Goodman’s later. In 1971, George Hamid died band from 1936 to 1940. at the age of 75. Two year later, George Hamid, Jr. very, very impressed. Ziggy Elman became a member of Benny Goodsold the Pier but leased it for two man’s band that year and stayed until years. Despite remodeling and bookings that included the likes of Chuck 1940, leaving a hit record — “And the Angels Sing” — in his wake. Berry, The Bay City Rollers, and stars On the jazz side of Pier bookings, of television’s “Brady Bunch,” it was high-note trumpeter and bandleader clear that the end was near. The Maynard Ferguson first played the crowds were no longer coming out Pier in 1952 when he was a member to enjoy the bands, the diving horse, the movies, the talent show, the divof Stan Kenton’s band. When Maying bell and all else that the Pier had nard stepped out as a leader in the offered for decades. mid-1950s, one of his first bookings was in the Pier’s Marine Ballroom, In 1978, the same year that Remost notably in 1957, when he played sorts International opened as the first opposite Gene Krupa’s Jazz Quartet. legal casino in Atlantic City, the Steel Pier as we knew it closed down. The Pier, for whatever reason, was slow when it came to booking AfriI’ve been writing about the hiscan-American entertainers. In 1953, tory, the ups and the downs of the Louis Armstrong was the first black Steel Pier since 1978. It was a part artist to headline at the Pier. Eight of my growing up and an even more

October 1, 2026

Remember Tim Curry with a screening of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ on Oct. 10

ay homage to actor Tim Curry as Transylvania Nipple Productions brings a live screening and shadow cast performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to the Stockton University Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 10. Costumes and audience participation will be encouraged. Although no outside props will be allowed, approved prop bags will be for sale

before the show in the PAC lobby. There will also be a costume contest. Curry, who died at 80 on Aug. 25, starred in the movie as the devious and fabulous Frank-N-Furter. The film also stars Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon. The PAC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year of bringing artists, audiences and the community together through live arts. The screening has an MPAA rating

of R that is not suitable for individuals under 17. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $12 for Stockton students. Group rates are also available. Tickets can be ordered online, by calling 609652-9000 or in person at the PAC box office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 90 minutes before any scheduled show.

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Meet the breed: The Hound Group

By Heidi Clayton

he Hound Group was established by the American Kennel Club in 1930 when the two-group system of judging dogs became too large. The common thread among this diverse-looking group was that they were all bred to hunt. They range in looks from the small, compact Bassett Hound to the tall, elegant Afghan Hound. While they are all bred to hunt, their diverse looks are based on how they accomplish that task of hunting, which is either by sight, when prey is chased and caught, or by scent, which involves tracking the prey through all types of terrain and alerting the hunter where the prey is. The evolution of the scent hound is based primarily in Europe, specifically Belgium. Between the seventh and eighth centuries, monks at St. Hubert monastery began a breeding program of hunting dogs that used Celtic Dogs from France, who were known to have exceptionally strong noses, to breed a reliable hunter that could track prey for long distances. These dogs had big, heavy heads with long ears and large, heavy bones. They also were known to have so-

ciable temperaments, so they could hunt harmoniously in packs and had a strong “baying” bark to alert the hunters where the prey was. The St. Hubert hounds are the predecessor of the bloodhound, as they became very popular among the nobility of Europe who used them for the very popular pastimes of fox hunting but were also used to track wolves and boar. American breeds, such as the Black & Tan Coonhound, were created from bloodhounds and foxhounds imported from Europe. Raccoons did not exist in England, but in America, their pelts were in high demand, so American raccoon-hunters created a hound that could track them, chase them up a tree, and then bay loudly to alert the hunters. Sight hounds originate from ancient times and come from the plains of Africa and Asia. The oldest sight hound recorded appears to be the Saluki, which dates back to about 3000 B.C. and they were known as the royal dogs of Egypt. Afghan hounds and greyhounds are also found on ancient Egyptian artifacts. The gene pools of sight hounds were kept very pure as they tended to travel with the nomadic tribes of the area but spread through Europe as they returned with

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October 1, 2026

Interesting facts about the other side of the $1 bill

By Douglas Keefe

et’s explore the reverse of the $1 bill and the meaning behind its design. “United States of America” is printed prominently across the top, clearly identifying the country of origin. The word “one” and the numeral 1 appear a total of 10 times on the reverse, making the bill’s value difficult to overlook. The phrase “In God We Trust” appears above the large word “One” in the center. It was first added to paper currency on the Series 1957 $1 silver certificate after President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation requiring the motto to appear on U.S. currency. As a side note — no pun intended — “In God We Trust” first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864, during the Civil War, when it was placed on the newly created 2-cent coin. The motto reflected the heightened religious sentiment of the country during the

October 1, 2026

war. Both sides of the Great Seal of the United States are represented on the reverse of the $1 bill. The front, or obverse, of the seal appears on the right and features an American bald eagle, representing national sovereignty, with the national shield on its breast. The eagle holds an olive branch with 13 leaves and 13 olives in its right talon, symbolizing peace. In its left talon are 13 arrows, representing the nation’s readiness to defend itself. The

number 13 is a recurring reference to the original colonies. A ribbon held in the eagle’s beak bears the Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of many, one.” The phrase refers to the unity of the original colonies under one national government. Above the eagle’s head is a group of 13 stars surrounded by clouds. The reverse of the Great Seal, shown on the left side of the bill, depicts an unfinished pyramid representing strength and permanence.

Its unfinished condition suggests that the United States remains a work in progress, with room to continue growing and improving. The pyramid contains 13 levels, again representing the original states. At its base is the Roman numeral MDCCLXXVI, which translates to 1776, the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Above the pyramid are the Latin words “Annuit Coeptis,” which are generally translated as “He has favored our undertakings.” The phrase contains 13 letters. Below the pyramid are the words “Novus Ordo Seclorum,” meaning “A new order of the ages.” At the top of the pyramid is the Eye of Providence, surrounded by rays of light. The image traditionally symbolizes divine guidance watching over the nation. There is a remarkable amount of history and symbolism packed into that small piece of paper.

The heart behind Brigantine Beach: A conversation with Jim Mogan

Coastal Conversations By Alanna Stoloff

very shore community has people who dedicate their time and energy to making it a better place to live, work, and visit. As recreation director for the Brigantine Beach Community Center, Jim Mogan has spent more than five decades doing exactly that, building programs for island families, leading recovery efforts after Superstorm Sandy and helping shape what makes Brigantine feel like home. He shares how he first found his way to the island, the programs and people that have defined his career, and what he's looking forward to next. AS: What first brought you to Brigantine, and how did that lead to your role as Recreation Director? JM: Born in Atlantic City, I attended Holy Spirit grammar and high schools in the Inlet section, where I became friends with many Brigantine students. I would come to Brigantine to play outdoor basketball at Holst's Court on 24th St., beginning many lifelong friendships. After graduating

in 1965 from St. Francis, PA College, our family moved to Brigantine. We were glad to live in a small beach community with a strong school system. I also taught and coached at Holy Spirit High School from 1966 to 1970 and became part-time recreation director in 1969. AS: What is it about Brigantine that makes it special to you? JM: We are fortunate to live where there are beautiful beaches, wonderful people and many recreational and social activities. With all the progress the island is making, the most important component is the welcoming spirit of our residents. At the Community Center, we see this attitude every day. Visitors to Brigantine are constantly talking about this warm welcome. AS: What community programs are you most proud of building over the years? JM: My duties as Recreation Director include planning, organizing

these volunteers truly showed what Brigantine is all about. This was an experience that we will never forget! AS: How has Brigantine changed since you first got involved, and what's remained the same? JM: Brigantine has certainly changed over the past 15 years, with an influx of new people making investments in housing and businesses, resulting in a more diverse community. With all the progress the island is making, the most important component is the welcoming spirit of our residents. Because of this attitude, Brigantine's progress and future is very bright! AS: What's ahead for Brigantine recreation?

and running summer programs. One of our first tasks was establishing a Senior Citizens Club, which is still active today. We also initiated basketball and baseball instructional camps and leagues, outdoor playgrounds, adult volleyball and basketball activities, and a Summer Concert series. Later, as director of community education and recreation, we developed events such as the Brigantine Triathlon, Family Fun Day, Santa Claus arrival, a year-round concert series, and a co-sponsored Meals for Seniors program. AS: What has been the most meaningful moment of your time in Brigantine? JM: Approximately one year after the Brigantine Beach Community Center opened in October 2011, the island was Jim Mogan hit by Superstorm Sandy. We converted the building to a rescue JM: Mayor Vince Sera has outlined and relief center for the people of a five-year project for the 42nd St. Brigantine. With the tremendous Recreational Area. This project will support of federal, state and county make Brigantine one of the finest recreation areas along the coast. governments, and hundreds of volunteers, we were able to meet the Brigantine will continue its quest that needs of our people. will make Brigantine an "Island That AS: How did the community come You Will Love For Life." Thanks to Jim, for sharing his detogether in the aftermath? cades of contributions to Brigantine JM: After Superstorm Sandy, we established Brig Strong, a volunteer Island, from helping the community organization that helped residents rebuild after Sandy to creating recredeal with home and flood insurance, ational programs and activities for its grants, financial donations and other residents, his dedication continues to problems. This experience was espeshape what makes Brigantine feel like cially meaningful to me as it showed a special place to live. the true spirit of Brigantine people. Coastal Conversations highlights The hands-on support we received people in our community who are from Mayor Guenther, the City Counmaking a meaningful impact. If you cil, our city departments, especially know someone who would be a great the Public Works Department, and fit for a future column, please contact hundreds of volunteers helped us me at ShoreCoastalConversations@ survive Sandy. Brig Strong helped gmail.com. From the shore to your door, let’s the people of Brigantine get back on keep the conversation going. their feet. The spirit and dedication of

October 1, 2026

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Fall has arrived: Time for planting and dividing in the garden

By Tammy Thornton

ow that fall is in full swing, we shift our focus in the garden. Contrary to the belief that gardening season is over, fall provides gardeners with new opportunities for planting, transplanting, and division. You can also use this time to assess your garden by thinking about what worked and what did not. As summer blooms fade, cool-season plants step up and take their turn to shine in the spotlight of fall weather. Add in the happy chores of collecting seeds, planting spring-blooming bulbs, and preparing your garden for winter, and you will find that fall offers plenty of reasons to keep busy and enjoy the great outdoors. If you listen closely, you may hear your plants breathe a sigh of relief in fall. Heat waves and droughts of summer have taken their toll, but cooler weather encourages your perennials that they can carry on. Below some of the brown, crunchy leaves, you can spy new green growth on your stems, and some of your lingering

tomatoes will form and turn to a too cold, make sure to add a rewarding red. While the weathhealthy dose of mulch around er above is cooler, your soil your plants. This will help them maintains some of its warmth, conserve water and will protect making this the perfect time for their roots when winter freezes planting perennials and shrubs. arrive. Though we can’t resist adding You can often score some new plants in the summer, hot good deals this time of year at weather can add stress to newly garden nurseries. Perennials transplanted flowers and plants. are often found for good prices But fall welcomes new arrivals since the nurseries want to clear with open arms, providing them their stock and make room for with warm soil for their roots mums and other new fall plants. and temperate weather above I found new catmint plants for ground. Your goal is to allow aponly $1.00 per plant, and have proximately six to eight weeks the perfect bare spot waiting for the roots of new plants to for them in my garden. They may become established before not look like the belle of the ball the first frost. Fall gardening this time of year, but seasoned is about the long game, not so gardeners know that this is a much instant gratification. Your perfect way to fill your garden focus is toward encouraging with perennials at a discount. healthy roots, not immediate Just be sure not to choose disflowers. eased plants. No sale is worth Be sure to keep these new Fall is the perfect time to plant shrubs and trees like this bringing pestilence to your othplants well-watered, but also al- amazing crab apple tree. (Photo credit, Julia Thornton) er plants! Most often, they will low time for the water to drain. just appear a bit neglected and The healthier these plants start out in the winter. By spring, they will show need a good haircut. While you are at in your garden, the better equipped their appreciation with flushes of new the garden nursery, look for shrubs they will be to handle harsh weather growth. Before the weather becomes and trees to plant in fall, such as lilacs,

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as hostas, daylilies, catmint, hellebores, coral bells, coneflowers, astilbe, irises, sedum, and yarrow. Choose plants that are not actively blooming. A tell-tale sign that your plants are ready to be divided will be a bare spot in the center of the clump or fewer flowers than in years past. I find that a forceful slice with my spade helps divide these plants. You will feel a bit heartless, but this is tough love, and you will ultimately help your plants thrive. Not to mention, now you have multiplied your beloved plants and will have free plants to add to a new spot in the garden or to share with friends. Just be sure that you have plenty of roots attached to your new division. To be sure, though this is for Divide your clumping plants like coral bells every their own good in the long run, three to five years to promote new growth and you will have caused the plants multiply your plants. some stress. Give them a little viburnums, dogwoods, roses, spirea, extra attention, keep them and redbud. well-watered as you would any new Fall is also the perfect time for ditransplant, but don’t allow them to viding older plants that have become sit in water. Most plants need to have overgrown or are not thriving. You well-drained soil and can rot from can give new life to tired perennials “wet feet.” by digging them up, dividing them and This time of year, you will want moving the divisions to a new spot in to give some consideration to your the garden. Most often this will apply potted plants. They will be more to clumping types of perennials such vulnerable to winter weather than

plants that are in the ground. If you prefer to keep them in their pots, you should start searching for a place to store them to protect them from the harshest weather. A covered porch or garage may be best, or a protected area close to the house could work. Even hardy plants can suffer when the pot is exposed to extreme temperatures and the constant freezing and thawing of winter. Your best option for hardy plants would be to plant them in the garden now, so that the roots have time to establish before it

gets too cold. If you are committed to keeping them in the pot, you can try a little trick of digging a hole, then adding the pot and all to the hole. This will give your pot and plant some extra protection. We would love to hear about your fall garden. Send your comments and questions to: shorelocalgardener@ gmail.com. Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.

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October 1, 2026

Learning to own the room By Rachel King

ou can build a business, make difficult decisions and lead a team and still feel nervous when it’s time to stand in front of a room and speak. I know that feeling. As the owner of Lift & Glitz Training Studio, I’m comfortable coaching women, talking about fitness and helping someone take that first step toward a goal. But preparing to give a seminar brought a different kind of pressure. Being the person everyone is looking at can make you suddenly question things you know perfectly well. During a recent episode of the Lift & Glitz Podcast, my husband, Anthony, and I talked about how we’ve grown together and how our roles have evolved. One example that stood out to me was the advice he gave me before that seminar. He helped me think about how I would carry myself and take command of the room. That conversation reminded me how much of entrepreneurship involves learning to trust yourself. When you start a business, you spend a lot of time figuring out the

practical pieces: what you’ll offer, how much to charge, how to attract customers and how to keep everything running. You learn through experience, sometimes the hard way. Somewhere along the way, you also have to grow into being the person who leads it. That growth can feel uncomfortable. Your business may be ready for its next step before you feel ready to take it. An opportunity comes along, and suddenly you’re introducing yourself, explaining your vision or speaking to a group of people who expect you to have something valuable to say. Even with years of experience,

it’s easy to focus on what could go wrong. Will I lose my train of thought? Will people connect with what I’m saying? Am I explaining this clearly? Those questions can take up so much space that we forget why we were asked to speak in the first place. We have something to share. For me, that includes years of working with women, building a community, navigating challenges and learning what it takes to keep a business moving. I’m still learning, but that doesn’t erase the experience I’ve already earned. Anthony’s encouragement helped me see that more clearly. Sometimes, someone close to you can recognize your ability when you’re too caught up in your nerves to recognize it yourself. Having that support has meant a lot to me. Business ownership carries a kind of responsibility that can be difficult to explain. People come to you with questions, concerns and decisions. You’re expected to provide direction, even on days when you could use some encouragement yourself. A conversation with some-

one who believes in you can help you walk into the next challenge with more confidence. I’ve also learned that owning the room doesn’t require a particular personality. You don’t have to become the loudest person there or copy someone else’s speaking style. You can be warm, approachable and honest while still speaking with authority. Preparation helps. Experience helps. So does giving yourself permission to pause, breathe and finish a thought without rushing through it. Most of all, confidence grows through practice. You speak up in a meeting. You have a conversation you’ve been putting off. You accept an opportunity that makes you nervous. Each time, you give yourself another experience to draw from. This lesson reaches beyond entrepreneurship. It applies when you’re interviewing for a job, advocating for yourself, sharing an idea or stepping into any unfamiliar role. I’m proud of the business I’ve built, and I’m still growing into the opportunities that come with it. Talking with Anthony on the podcast gave me a chance to reflect on that growth — and on how much his support has helped. The next time I walk into a room to speak, I may still feel nervous. But I can bring those nerves with me, take my place and trust that I have something worth saying. Rachel King is the founder and CEO of Lift & Glitz Training Studio, a women-only fitness community with locations in Northfield and Galloway, New Jersey, and the host of the Lift & Glitz Podcast: Lift Your Strength. Glitz Your Life.

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Financial planning isn't just about investing By T. Eric Reich

hen most people hear the words "financial planning," their mind goes straight to investments. What stocks should I own? Is the market too high? Did my account beat the market this year? Those are all fair questions, and investing is certainly part of the picture. But in my opinion, one of the biggest misconceptions I run into is the belief that a financial plan is just an investment portfolio. It isn't. This week, let's talk about all the other pieces that make up a real plan, because the investments are often the easy part. Before we ever talk about investments, we have to talk about cash flow — what's coming in and what's going out. You can pick the greatest investments in the world, but if you're spending more than you make, none of it matters. Understanding your cash flow, how much you save, and where your money actually goes is the foundation everything else is built on. A great return on a tiny amount of savings will never beat a modest return on a disciplined savings habit.

October 1, 2026

Speaking of where your money goes, how much of it is going to debt? A financial plan isn't just about growing assets; it's also about managing what you owe. Paying down high-interest debt is often the highest "return" available to you, guaranteed and tax-free. There's no investment that can reliably beat paying off a credit card charging you 24%. Getting the debt side of your balance sheet under control is every bit as important as the investment side. In addition, it’s important to protect what you have. Insurance isn't exciting, and nobody enjoys paying for it, but a solid plan helps protect against the things that can wipe out years of good decisions in an instant. The right life insurance, disability coverage, and proper liability protection are what keep one bad event from undoing everything you've built. I've seen families do everything right on the investment side, only to be derailed by a risk they never bothered to cover. Also, taxes may matter more than returns. It's not what you make; it's what you keep. Two people can earn the exact same return and end up in very different places simply based on how their accounts are structured

and how their withdrawals are handled. Which accounts you save in, when you take money out, and how you plan around your tax bracket can quietly add up to real money over a lifetime. A good plan is always looking a step ahead on taxes, not just filing them once a year. A tax return is memorializing history; tax planning happens before the end of the year, when you can actually do something that can help minimize your taxes. Lastly, a real plan looks past your lifetime. Estate planning, beneficiary designations, wills, and trusts make sure that what you've built actually ends up where you want it. This is the part everyone knows they should handle, and the part so many people keep putting off. Without it, all the careful investing in the world can end up tangled in probate or landing in the wrong hands. So while investing is important, it's only one instrument in the orchestra. Cash flow, insurance, debt, taxes, and estate planning all have to work together, and when they don't, even a great portfolio can't make up the difference. A real financial plan looks at the whole picture, not just the part that shows up on a statement. If your "plan" is really just a list

of investments, it may be time to sit down with your advisor and build the rest of 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 Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation.

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.

New Jersey’s official tall ship returns to Atlantic City for public sails

ew Jersey’s official tall ship, the A.J. Meerwald, will return to Atlantic City for four days of public sails from Thursday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Oct. 11. The restored 1928 oyster schooner will depart from the Atlantic City Aquarium at Gardner’s Basin, 800 N. New Hampshire Ave. Each two-hour trip will travel from the basin toward the ocean, giving passengers views of the Atlantic City skyline. Weather conditions could alter the sailing route. The visit marks the first time the A.J. Meerwald has sailed from Atlantic City since 2018. The ship will arrive after completing a summer sailing season in Cape May. “Sailing aboard New Jersey’s official tall ship, A.J. Meerwald, is the perfect way to celebrate our local history, oystering and working our local waterways for 98 years,” said Jessica Yorke, executive director of the Bayshore Center at Bivalve. “We are excited to work with the Atlantic City Aquarium and provide historic sails to residents and visitors to At-

and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. A private charter is also scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

●

About the A.J. Meerwald

lantic County.” A portion of ticket proceeds will support the Atlantic City Aquarium. Tickets are available through the aquarium and online at bayshorecenter.org.

RECYCLED ART CONTEST

Public sail schedule ● ●

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Thursday, Oct. 8: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9: 9-11 a.m. and 4:306:30 p.m. The morning sail is available for field trips. Saturday, Oct. 10: 10 a.m.-noon

Climb the World’s Largest Elephant FALL HOURS Mon thru Fri: 11am to 4pm Weekends 10am to 5pm

Launched in 1928, the A.J. Meerwald is a restored oyster-dredging schooner from Bivalve in Cumberland County. It was one of nearly 500 schooners built along the Delaware Bay before the region’s shipbuilding industry declined in the 1930s. The 115-foot vessel is owned and operated by the nonprofit Bayshore Center at Bivalve as a traveling classroom. Passengers can help the crew haul lines and set sails while learning about New Jersey’s maritime history and aquatic environment. The Bayshore Center also operates the Delaware Bay Museum and offers shore-based educational programs at its Bivalve campus on the Maurice River. For tickets or more information, visit bayshorecenter.org, call 856785-2060 or email info@bayshorecenter.org.

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TAKE $1 OFF ADMISSION OR RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR GIFT SHOP PURCHASE *Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase and may not be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Discount is limited to four (4) admission tickets. Gift Shop discount excludes the purchase of selected jewelry as well as Steven Winkelstein (a.k.a. “The Winkle”) and Aunt Evelyn books. Coupon expires December 31, 2026. Valid in-store only. Coupon Code: SL The Save Lucy Committee, Inc. received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

October 1, 2026

Heather Shipman

Rosemarie T "Sis" Cunningham

Heather Lynn Shipman, 48, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, passed away on September 23, 2026, just three days before her 49th birthday. Born on September 26, 1977, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Heather was a lifelong South Jersey resident and an Absegami High School Class of 1995 graduate. Heather was an energetic, loving, funny, caring, and incredibly strong woman who brought laughter and love wherever she went. She had a beautiful heart and treasured the time she spent with her family. Whether sharing a laugh, making memories, or simply being together, family was one of the most important parts of Heather's life. Heather worked at Walmart, where she spent her days connecting with people and being part of her community. Outside of work, she found her greatest joy in spending time with the people she loved most. Heather had a special love for dolphins and butterflies, which will forever be beautiful reminders of her. She also cherished spending time with her grandchildren, Josiah and Selena. Her bond with Josiah was especially precious. Josiah was everything to Heather, and the love she had for him was something everyone around her could see. The memories they shared will remain a treasured part of her family's hearts. Heather shared 18 years with her spouse, Ralph Fuentes, who was an important and loving part of her life where they loved each other from the Galaxy and back. One of the memories her family will hold especially close is a recent trip to Georgia, where Heather was able to spend precious time with her close family. She had so much fun surrounded by the people she loved, creating memories filled with laughter and happiness. During that visit, she even got the chance to walk with the gators. Heather is survived by her spouse, Ralph Fuentes her sons, Brandon Kinash and Antonio Rodriguez-Shipman; and her daughter, Aaliyah Rodriguez-Shipman, by her beloved grandchildren, Josiah and Selena. Her loving parents, Robert and Donna Shipman; her sisters, Jennifer and Lisa Shipman; her brother, Christopher (Miriam) Shipman She is also survived by her nieces, Kiara (Travis) Williams, Angelina Ferrucci, Kayla Cayson, and Lola Shipman; and her nephews, Andrew, Bobby, Cameron, Christian, Payton, and Greyson Shipman, along with many extended family members and dear friends who loved her. Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul (Dorothy) Shipman, Cousin Marco Gagnon, her Aunt Cathy Dixon, and her beloved uncle Eddie Greuber who held a special place in her heart. Heather's life may have been far too short, but the love she gave was immeasurable. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious energy, sense of humor, caring heart, incredible strength, her contagious laughter,and —most of all—the love she had for her family. Her family will carry her memory forward through the stories they tell, the laughter they share, and the countless memories she left behind. Though she is no longer here physically, her love will remain woven into the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. Heather, you were gone far too soon, but you will never be forgotten. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts. *“Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always near! A visitation will be held on Friday October 2nd, from 10am-12pm with a service to begin at 12pm at the Wimberg Funeral Home- 211 E. Great Creek Rd., Galloway NJ 08205. Burial will follow at Germania Cemetery.

Rosemarie Cunningham of Northfield, NJ, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness. Rosemarie was a graduate of West Catholic Girls High School Class of 1948 and Pierce Business School. She worked at Strawbridge and Clothier in Center City Philadelphia as a shopper, a job she loved, and then at Baird Savings and Loan as a clerk until her retirement in 1985. Rosemarie was an avid reader. She loved doing crafts like making blankets for each of her children to ceramics as well as playing card games and dominoes. Family vacations in Wildwood Crest were some of the best times we had as a family. Rosemarie and her husband also enjoyed many winters in Alligator Park where she was involved in many different activities. Rosemarie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She had a list of everyone in the family and never missed sending birthday cards to each one of them. Rosemarie also always made sure that what one of children received they all did. She was also a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish. Rosemarie was predeceased by her parents Cornelius and Anna, and her four siblings, her husband Harry, grandson Tyler, great-grandson Brody, and son-in-law Timothy. She is survived by her children Karen, Kevin (Karen), Keith (Laurie) and Kate, her daughter-in-law Karen, nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Mom’s angels Julia, Elise, and Barb, as well as her nurses Ann and Stephanie who helped us through this journey. Thank you, too, to our ADK Sorority family and our EHT Schools family who never missed asking, “How’s mom?” and welcoming her at all our school functions. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Saint Gianna Molla Parish in Northfield on Wednesday September 30th . Visitation will be from 9:30am to 11:00am followed by Mass. Interment will follow at Locustwood Cemetery in Cherry Hill. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Rosemarie’s memory may do so to The Donny Fund 1000 Bay Drive EHT NJ 08234.

William R Ackerman Born July 31, 1954, in Paterson, New Jersey, to the late John and Jacqueline Ackerman, Bill made Galloway his home for more than 45 years. Bill worked at Lenox China for 25 years, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He later worked at World Class Flowers and Galloway Dodge. After suffering a major stroke in 2007, he was forced to retire. Bill was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially of his beloved Eagles. He spent many days with friends at Bulldogs watching the games and cheering on his teams. Bill also had a passion for politics and his community. He served on the Galloway Township Council and as Deputy Mayor and was honored as Republican of the Year—an accomplishment of which he was very proud. Bill is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Ernesto) of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania; his son, William of Bangkok, Thailand; his beloved grandson, Romeo; his sister, Dianne Hauck of Dornsife, Pennsylvania; and his former wife, Sherry, with whom he shared a caring and special bond. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, lifelong friends, and all who knew him. Services will be private for the family. A celebration of Bill’s life will be announced at a later date, when family and friends can gather to share memories and pay their respects.

October 1, 2026

Weekly Horoscopes

The Cosmic Connection By Ursula Duffy

Rising sign horoscopes for Oct. 1 – 7

Aries: The deep dive into how your closest partnerships and relationships pave the way for your own transformation begins. Focus the lens on the qualities and caliber of those with whom you’re energetically merging. Taurus: The deep dive into your most cherished, soulful connections begins. Focus the lens on those closest to you and their emotional imprint on your daily life. Shedding lower vibrations is likely. Gemini: The deep dive into how your emotional regulation impacts your health and wellness begins. Focus the lens on checking in with yourself frequently throughout the day. Emoting is the heart of the matter. Cancer: The deep dive into your sensuality begins. Focus the lens on experiences through which you can fully unleash your innermost passions. Be in the moment, and feel into how your inner child comes alive. Leo: The deep dive into your domicile begins. Focus the lens on your past, present, and future foundation. Connect with the feelings this elicits, and transmute anything at the root that’s not yours. Virgo: The deep dive into your inner dialogue and mindset begins. Focus the lens on recurring thoughts or areas of rumination. Go into the emotional source, and do whatever is necessary to clear the noise. Libra: The deep dive into your personal treasure chest begins. Focus the lens on what you keep there.

There may be some stuff requiring emotional baggage-handling. Clear out what’s holding you down. Scorpio: The deep dive into yourself and feeling gratitude for your vessel begins. Focus the lens on areas of tension or where in your body there may be stuck or repressed emotion. Change is supportive for release. Sagittarius: The deep dive into the unconscious parts of yourself begins. Focus the lens on your dreamscape, imagination, and time in solitude. Uncover more about yourself as you connect with your soul. Capricorn: The deep dive into your sense of belonging begins. Focus the lens on your social circles, physical and digital. The ideal, emotionally supportive connections are with those with whom you can aspire. Aquarius: The deep dive into your occupation and public image begins. Focus the lens on what matters most to you in this part of your life. Going into territory that may be trepidatious to others is your calling.

Live in Touch with Your Soul

Pisces: The deep dive into your higher self begins. Focus the lens on where you are going in the context of expansion and growth. Transmute attachments and conditioning you’ll encounter along the way.

Weekly astrology summary:

We’ll ride the building cosmic tensions to fruition from September’s conclusion into October’s beginning. A freshly ferocious Mars in early Leo will reach an opposition to potent Pluto in early Aquarius, while both engage in an intense dialogue with a penetrating Mercury in early Scorpio, on Oct. 3. Mars facing off with Pluto happens every couple of years, but not always in this configuration with Mercury. This can be experienced as disagreements accompanied by power struggles and tensions that will require facing the underworld journey required to reach constructive resolutions. The fixed energies involved in the aspects call for compromise and willingness to embrace change for positive growth. Doing

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something pleasurable to the senses or that offers a sense of stability through any conflicts can offer grace during this week ahead. Venus, our guiding light in connections, love, and values, begins a deep dive retrograde journey also on Oct. 3. This adds to the rawness of the week’s vibes as the journey begins in sensitive Scorpio. For forty days and forty nights (Oct. 3 – Nov. 13), as Venus passes closest to Earth, we all have the opportunity to connect with the heart and dive deeply into emotions and feelings that are beckoning to be felt for release and transmutation. Venus retrogrades put relationships with others and with ourselves in the spotlight, and can commonly bring exes of all kinds back in our awareness in order to handle any unfinished or unprocessed matters of the heart. Chances are that the personal themes have already been surfacing. It’s helpful to reflect back to 2018, which is when Venus made similar moves in this part of the zodiac, to recognize any repeating themes. This week’s horoscopes are focused on the beginning of the Venus retrograde in Scorpio; 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. www. ursaalchemy.com or ursaalchemy@ gmail.com.

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Shore Local Trivia Test Your Knowledge of Cape May The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort 1. Cape May was named after: a) Cornelius Jacobsen Mey b) The month it was discovered c) Captain Thomas May d) The Mayflower ship by Christopher Columbus 2. What US service base trains recruits in Cape May? a) Navy b) Coast Guard c) National Guard d) Army 3. The quartz pebbles collected on the beach called: a) Sandstones b) Beach Gems c) Sea Sand d) Cape May Diamonds

4.What architectural style dominates the historic town? a) Colonial b) Victorian c) Classical d) American Craftsman 5. The Ferry takes passengers across the Delaware Bay to: a) Wilmington b) Philadelphia c) Lewes d) Rehoboth Beach

Lost in Cape May County E E L S I A E S G Z D Z F K Y X X R D A O K P G Z W S T R A T H M E R E W X S A V A L O N I O G S O V N O W V N H G B Y O Y O Q R Q J B D T R G N D V D O M A D O N A C J D T V B K V T O I H O K H K I S I R G W O E L M C Y L E C N S D P N D J K M L T H D E L S O S R C D A I E J Q I Y T P Z Z S S H F Q C W E S R Q R J T W R G B U L T I D C E L L I V A E S P N B R I O G R A N D E A G U S T M Y V B E Y E M C A R O M R A M V J B Z U C C A P E M A Y W K J N L G O C E A N C I T Y G

6. What is the main shopping area in town? a) Asbury Avenue b) Washington Street Mall c) Shore Mall d) Bayshore Outlets

1/2

7. The walkway along the beach is called: a) The Boardwalk b) The Seawall c) The Promenade d) Oceanway

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1. A. Dutch captain, Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. Due to a misspelling on the original paperwork, Cape “Mey” became Cape May, NJ. 2. B. Coast Guard 3. D. Cape May Diamonds

are found on the bayside beaches. 4. B. Victorian. Most were built in the mid to late 1800’s. 5. C. Lewes, Delaware 6. B. Washington Street Mall 7. C. The Prominade

Answers to Trivia Puzzle: 76

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October 1, 2026

SUDOKU Solution on page 78

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ACROSS 1. Fountain order 5. Christian minister, abbr. 8. Betelgeuse or Deneb 12. Isaac's firstborn 13. Senegal's neighbor 14. Nobody (2 words) 15. Bangladeshi currency 16. Chopin's creation, e.g. 17. Like thick smoke 18. *Greek goddess in 1995 Woody Allen movie title 20. *Mars, to the Greeks 21. Ooze out 22. Edible tuber 23. *Poet of "Aeneid" fame 26. *"Pair of writing tablets" 30. Outrage 31. A small part 34. European currency 35. Jousting pole 37. B & B 38. Sunni religion 39. Et alibi, abbr. 40. Newspaper VIP 42. First woman, Biblically-speaking 43. Return of disease 45. Washer, during a certain cycle 47. Last month 48. Belittle 50. Taro plant 52. *Athenian Acropolis tourist attraction 56. Anticipate 57. Black-and-white cookie 58. Small European freshwater fish 59. *#18 Across, to Romans 60. Big cat sound 61. Future atty.'s exam 62. Work units 63. Tight one, in football 64. Sunrise direction

DOWN 1. Facebook owner 2. Quickly, acr. 3. Hundred thousand, in India 4. Sahara's Berber people 5. R in R.E.M. 6. Wash out with solvent 7. Workbench holding device 8. *Plato's famous teacher 9. Ripped 10. Black tropical cuckoo 11. *Not black-figure, but ____-figure 13. Spacecraft's detachable unit 14. W.E.B Du Bois's org. 19. Oxygen-containing compound 22. *Olive derivative 23. More reprehensible 24. About to explode 25. Kidney-related 26. Exertion 27. Christmastides 28. Have a hankering 29. *Poet of "Iliad" fame 32. Ocean motion 33. "Wheel of Fortune" request (2 words) 36. *"I, ____" 38. Like Bushmills whiskey 40. Boston time 41. *Demosthenes of Cicero 44. Land parcels 46. Conifer's leaf 48. New York Jets' quarterback 49. Bakery offering 50. Pitcher 51. "Shoot!" 52. Minute opening 53. Civil space org. 54. #22 Across, pl. 55. Left after deductions 56. Map abbr. See Solution on Page 78

October 1, 2026

Your body is not an estimate: A physician-led approach to LonGevity and SkinGevity By Dr. Scott Hernberg

our appearance, energy, fitness, metabolism, muscle, hormones, sleep and recovery are connected. A mirror, scale, routine laboratory panel or wearable can offer useful clues, but none tells the whole story. Tomorrow’s Wellness Center was created for people who want a more complete, physician-led understanding of where they are today and a thoughtful plan for where they want to go. We help men and women look great, feel healthier and live more. The first and defining step is to Assess Intelligently. Founded by Dr. Scott Hernberg in Northfield, TWC begins with you: your history, goals, concerns, lifestyle and vision for your future. We do not begin with a predetermined procedure or a generic protocol. We begin with objective information and clinical judgment. That distinction allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the relationship among appearance, health, metabolism and performance. Depending on your needs, your assessment may include a comprehensive medical evaluation, carefully selected laboratory studies, VISIA® and FotoFinder® aesthetic imaging, InBody® body-composition analysis, PNOĒ cardiopulmonary and metabolic testing, biological-age testing, grip strength and other focused measures. Together, these tools can show important details: facial and skin characteristics; muscle and body fat

patterns; visceral fat; metabolic rate and fuel use; cardiovascular capacity; personal exercise thresholds; and measures of change over time. The point is not to collect data for its own sake. It is to identify meaningful opportunities for improvement and make each next step more personal and precise. That same intelligent assessment supports the full scope of TWC’s SkinGevity and LonGevity care. Someone seeking a more refreshed appearance may also want to strengthen body composition, metabolic health, energy, sleep or confidence. Someone focused on healthy aging may want skin that better reflects how well they feel. By looking at the whole person, we can coordinate aesthetics and medical wellness in a plan that makes sense for the way you live, work, move and age. That broader perspective connects treatments with the measurements, habits and follow-up that support enduring changes in appearance, health and well-being. Once we understand your baseline, we intervene with precision. Your program may include sophisticated aesthetic care such as injectables, advanced skin resurfacing, laser and light treatments, radiofrequency microneedling, skin tightening or noninvasive body contouring. It may also draw on medical weight management,

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recommendation is selected for a clear reason and placed within a larger plan built around your priorities. Care continues after the first treatment or testing visit. Through the third step of the TWC AIR Rx Method, we refine continuously. We track objective measures, compare results, evaluate changes in appearance and function, and listen closely to your experience. When progress is visible, we build on it. When your needs, goals or biology change, we adjust thoughtfully. Reassessment turns good intentions into a living strategy designed to preserve and improve the results that matter to you. The distinctive value of Tomorrow’s Wellness Center comes from integrating advanced technology, personal attention, clinical insight and decades of medical experience. Whether your goals are healthier-looking skin, improved confidence, greater vitality, better body composition, stronger functional fitness or a proactive plan for longevity, you deserve care that begins by understanding you accurately. Discover a more intelligent approach to how you look, feel, function and age. Tomorrow’s Wellness Center serves South Jersey. Call to schedule your personalized assessment. Look great, feel well, live more™. 609-407-1119 TomorrowsWellnessCenter.com Sponsored Content

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October 1, 2026

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