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Riding the waves, remembering the risks
Letter from the editor
The ocean has always been my refuge — a place of joy, peace and adventure — but it is also a mighty force that commands caution. With Hurricane Erin churning offshore this week, lifeguards are warning of rough surf and rip currents, a timely reminder that the sea’s power is never to be underestimated.
I learned that lesson early, when I was just 8 years old. It was the mid-1970s, and I had just gotten one of those rectangular inflatable rafts that seemed to be everywhere back then.
My family had piled into the station wagon, bikes strapped to the back, and headed to the shore — my favorite week of the entire year!
racing toward me. Calm and reassuring, they guided me back to safety. t hat day I learned two important lessons that have stuck with me: 1. the ocean can be dangerous, and 2. the lifeguards protect us. the beach patrols truly save lives — every day.
this week’s warnings echo that same lesson. the whistles, flags and calls from the lifeguard stand are not suggestions; they are signals meant to protect us.
As soon as we got settled, my brothers and I ran to the beach, rafts in hand, eager to ride the waves. My mom settled into her book while my older brother was charged with keeping an eye on me. While my brothers used their rafts to ride the waves in, I had drifted out to sea.
the shore was suddenly far away. Panic set in. But then I saw lifeguards
As summer winds down, let’s treasure our time at the beach, but do so wisely. Respect the ocean, listen to the lifeguards, and take a moment to thank them. their vigilance is what allows so many of our happiest shore memories to remain just that — happy.
Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com
Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch, Julia Train
Advertising Sales - Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com
Web Designer - Holly Martin, Digital Marketing - Liz Katz
Contributors –Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Rebecca Oldham, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Rachael King, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Alex Corson, Cat Pepe, Christina Martin, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ
Cover photo by Sue Dawson
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Peace & Love, Cindy
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE
Hurricane Erin expected to tear up Jersey Shore beaches
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
Iwas on the phone with a beach patrol captain Monday morning talking about what Hurricane Erin would mean for the coastline. His answer: We get these kinds of storms during the winter, but no one is in the water to experience the fury of the ocean.
Let me get this off the top. swimming or boating in the ocean will be downright dangerous through saturday, and possibly into sunday. two people died in the surf the week of Aug. 11 — one in s easide Heights and one in Belmar. the waves weren’t even that rough.
using a personal watercraft (Jet ski or Wave Runner) in the inlets will be dangerous, too.
Posing less danger, but still import-
ant, will be the need to set up your beach chairs and towels closer to the dunes than usual. It’s possible that the ocean will reach the dunes at high tide, and coastal flooding will be around each evening through saturday.
this week’s indirect blow from Hurricane Erin is a good reminder of what the Jersey shore experiences when the joy of summer here fades away, the days turn gray and storm season starts eating at the sand. If you’re not a full-time resident in a beach town, this is what we usually experience in December or February, when the crowds are thin.
Hurricane Erin became a major hurricane, a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane, on saturday, Aug. 16 with the 5 a.m. National Hurricane Center
update.
Erin was the first Cabo Verde hurricane of the year. Cabo Verde storms are the long-track cyclones that originate off the West Coast of
Africa, near the Cabo Verde Island. they then move west along the trade winds for days. From there, they either go into the Caribbean sea or the gulf. Alternatively, they curl northwest, north then northeast, parallel to the East Coast of the u nited states (major exception: superstorm sandy in 2012).
Erin will pass between Bermuda and North Carolina on t hursday, and is forecast by the National Hurricane Center to remain a major hurricane. It will then weaken slowly as it moves northeast, traveling faster when it does so.
By the time it reaches the latitude of the Jersey shore (roughly 39 to 40 degrees north latitude), it will be be -
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tween 500 and 700 miles to our east. However, the storm will be stronger than usual for our latitude.
there are four reasons why Hurricane Erin will bring the most hazardous waters to New Jersey in years.
1) We won’t see rain. You can’t see the storm.
2) It will be breezy through Friday, and windy thursday. However, it won’t cause wind damage or power
families will want to go to the beach. the beach patrol captain I spoke with said that.
4) the ocean is warm and enticing to go into. It continues to be one of the warmest, if not warmest on record for the Memorial Day to Labor Day period, according to Meteorologist Jim Eberwine of Absecon (also my weather-dad). Water temperatures have been well into the 70s.
A small craft advisory is in effect until Friday evening by the National Weather service. It’s possible it will extend to saturday.
the bays will be better, but since smaller boats are in the bay it will be hazardous, too. seas will be 3 to 5 feet. For reference, the bay is typically 1 to 2 feet. there will be a big chop on the water, particularly late in the week.
Again, the bay beaches will be the better place to get your sea water fix.
For all people in a town that borders a bay, coastal flooding will continue until saturday. this will mainly be during the evening high tides (find your flood forecast here).
shore will experience sea heights at aturday. It will hursday, with up to 13-foot
For surfers and swimmers
surf heights will be at or over 5 feet until saturday. typically, the surf heights are less than 3 feet.
Not only will the waves be big, but they will be powerful. the wave period, which is the time it takes for two waves to pass one point, will be more than 10 seconds through saturday. It will peak at over 15 seconds on thursday. the longer the wave period, the more ability it has to carry water, making it more powerful. this also brings a high risk for rip currents. For reference, there will usually be a high risk of rip currents at 9 seconds and a moderate risk after 7.
For two to three hours, expect up to 6 inches of salt water on low-lying bayside roads. this is the typical, or nuisance flooding, we see several dozen times a year. However, this is mainly from October to April, when some of you may be away from the Jersey shore.
Be aware of thursday evening’s high tide. Expect four to six hours of flooding here. Furthermore, prepare for moderate flood stage. t his is when unraised buildings and homes begin to take on water. up to 10 inches of salt water are on low-lying roads and even roads that don’t typically flood. In short; moving around the bayside towns will be challenging for a stretch.
Still, enjoy the Jersey Shore
s urfers love these big waves. However, with winds in nearly the same direction as the southeast swell through Friday morning, these won’t produce the clean waves that surfers crave. Again, it’s dangerous and I don’t recommend anyone going in the water.
Your beach may show a red flag for an oceanic “high hazard.” It may also show a double red flag. that means the water is closed for public use.
“It’s going to look like a washing machine out there,” Eric Hoeflich of the National Weather service in Mount Holly, which covers the Jersey shore, texted me.
that’s true. Hurricane Lee in 2023 had a white, sudsy look to the waves.
the boardwalks will still be pleasant. Ride the rides, eat some salt water taffy and order a hurricane at the bar. Daytime temperatures will be in the low to mid-70s. so, it will still be comfortable for a cookout, basketball or a long run.
In short, as long as you stay out of the water, there will be plenty of ways to enjoy this summer week.
Joe Martucci, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Digital Meteorologist, is the President and Director of Meteorology for Cup A Joe Weather and Drone. You can connect with him at cupajoe.live.
Beach Patrols restrict swimming due to dangerous surf and rip currents
By Julia Train
As Hurricane Erin moves up the East Coast, local beach patrols have been warning of life-threatening rip currents and waves as high as 12 feet by thursday.
swimming and bathing have been prohibited at beaches throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties due to dangerous surf conditions.
New Jersey g overnor Phil Murphy urged people not to swim in the ocean this week due to dangerous conditions on tuesday, Aug. 19.
“Hurricane Erin is expected to cause dangerous rip currents along the shore for the next several days. Please avoid swimming in the ocean, especially when lifeguards are not present. It is more important that you stay alive than get one more beach day before the end of summer,” he said on X.
Rip currents pose danger to those swimming in the ocean, and could become deadly, with over 100 deaths attributed to rip currents in the u s . every year, according to the
united states Lifesaving Association.
For now, bathing and swimming are not permitted in Longport, Ventnor, Brigantine, Wildwood and Margate. In Ocean City, each beach could have different rules. s ome may restrict swimming entirely, while at others, beachgoers can go in the water, but only “in the shallowest water.”
In Atlantic City, swimmers are only allowed to go ankle deep in the water, and boogie boarding is prohibited. Photo credit: City of Atlantic City Facebook
“One thing for sure is we don’t want anybody even getting near the water unless it’s in front of a lifeguard stand,” Erich Becker, Ocean City Beach Patrol chief of operations, said in a statement to shore Local.
In Brigantine, wheelchair access mats were removed from the beach, trash cans were removed or relocated to paths, lifeguard towers were moved to the dunes or paths, and lifeguard boats were removed from the beach Monday morning. swimming restrictions are also in place, the
city's beach patrol said in a Facebook post.
"You shouldn't go in the water today, or the next couple of days, until the storm is over. If you do go in the water, keep it ankle deep. Anything further than that, a rip current can take you right out, even at kneedeep," said Mike Morrell of Brigantine Beach Patrol to 6ABC.
In Atlantic City, swimmers are only allowed to go ankle deep in the water, and boogie boarding is prohibited, as
of tuesday, Aug. 19. the city said it will reassess daily.
"We're expecting the wind to be about 20 mph throughout the week as well, so the rip tides will be a problem as well as the erosion," Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief steve Downey said in a social media video on Monday Aug. 18. "Always listen to the lifeguards, do not swim unless lifeguards are on duty and just adhere to the restrictions that are in place. they are for your safety, not to ruin your good time."
Ventnor police said lifeguards will remain on duty and are "under strict direction to prevent anyone from entering the ocean."
As for surfing and kayaking, each town has mentioned that they advise against the activities.
“We do not recommend surfing and kayaking at this time. Any surfers and kayakers who do venture into the water will be performing these activities at their own risk,” the Margate City Beach Patrol said in a social media statement.
Jamaican Me Crazy Me Crazy
Taking a trip to the sunflower farm
By Steffen Klenk
There is nothing like a gorgeous bouquet of sunflowers to brighten anyone’s day. How about tens of thousands growing all at once? that’s what visitors will see at good Old Days sunflower Farm in upper township. Mix that with the perfect backdrop of an antique 1957 Chevy truck and an antique wagon, and you have a stunning backdrop for your next photoshoot.
Located at the corner of Old tuckahoe and Dennisville-Petersburg roads, the sunflowers here have been blooming for over 20 years, thanks to its owner and founder Donald Westergom. With the help of Ketty Lippi, tens of thousands of sunflowers are planted until mid-October. “I usually start planting them in April, and they’re usually ready by the first day of summer.”
Westergom grew up on a farm, planting corn, in Cologne. It was during this time he planted sunflowers along the edges of the corn to keep birds out of the fields. “People wanted the flowers, so then I started planting less corn and more flowers.”
In 1984, Westergom moved to Petersburg, where he purchased the corner farm in 1996. to this day, their
roadside sunflower stand has been in continuous operation. Fresh-cut sunflowers sell for only 75 cents each with an honesty can for the many patrons that stop by. “I try to plant them so there’s something there all the time.”
Weather can play a role in the development of sunflowers. the optimal growing temperature ranges between 70–78 degrees. they can tolerate even the most extreme heat with enough rain and moisture to meet their needs and will endure high humidity with good air circulation and well-draining soil. “It’s been a good year so far,” Westergom sayd. “Last year, we had a dry spell in the middle of the summer that was tough on them because it was so hot. We had a little dry spell this year, but not that bad.”
sunflowers.
One fact you may not know about young sunflowers is that they track the sun. A study by scienceMag revealed that sunflowers have circadian rhythms, which allows the face of a sunflower to follow the sun from sunrise to sunset every day. this is also known as heliotropism.
In recent years, the sunflower farm has become a sought-after destination for special occasions. the perfect backdrop of sunflowers bursting in an open field makes for a pristine location for engagement or wedding pictures. the farm has also received special visits from artists with easels and paintbrushes.
Even some of the antique equipment you may find on the farm is still in use today. Westergom will cultivate the plants using John Deere tractors dating as far back as 1948. “ t he tractors will go for years and years because they’re really well built; they didn’t cut corners," he said.
Be sure to add g ood Old Days sunflower Farm to your travel bucket list this season. the farm is located at 25 Dennisville-Petersburg Rd. and is open daily.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
Ketty Lippi and Donald Westergom standing along a row of
Atlantic and Cape May counties are known for their proximity to beaches, but there’s another local water pastime for those who want a different kind of experience. Everyone likes floating on a lazy river on hot summer days. Check out tubing options on the g reat Egg Harbor River for a fun sunny day activity.
Fun fact: the g reat Egg Harbor National scenic & Recreational River is designated as a national park! Established by Congress in 1992, the river is home to a plethora of
recreational water activities that the shore’s vacationers and residents alike can go to.
t he g reat Egg Harbor River is the main waterway throughout the Pine Barrens with a majority of its
129-mile river system resting in it.
It begins as a rivulet in Berlin, Camden County, and widens as it continues for about 60 miles to the Atlantic Ocean, picking up water from 17 different streams along the way.
the great Egg Harbor River is one of the best places in the Northeast for birding. It also is a popular place to kayak. Of course, it is the perfect location for tubing in the summer too.
Here’s a guide to tubing on the g reat Egg Harbor River.
Where to tube: Two outfitters and their differences.
t he Palace Restaurant and Outfitters on the Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing and Winding River Campground on Weymouth Road, Mays Landing, offer tubing along with other watersports.
Both locations offer rentals (and fees for those who bring their own tube) with transportation to the drop-off point. Both places have a price point of $30 for renting a tube. However, the Palace’s includes fees and taxes while the campground’s doesn’t.
Winding River Campground offers
an outfitter or not, here’s what’s needed to have the best time possible.
Preparing for the day on the river Preparation is key to making sure a day on the river is both safe and fun. since outfitters take care of everything for you in terms of equipment, you only have to worry about a few details.
First, make sure the day you decide to go is a clear day with calm water conditions. Even if it’s the perfect day, a recent heavy rainfall could make the river too deep to tube in.
is fuel!”
Many people bring drinks (both alcoholic and non-) and snacks for their trips. Both the Palace and Winding River Campground offer tubes with a cooler. Just make sure to leave the glass containers at home and clean up after yourself.
If you decide to go the BYOt (Bring Your Own tube) route, you’ll need to invest in a tube for yourself and the additional river accessories.
Along with the obvious sunscreen and bug spray for protection, water shoes are recommended over flip-
t he Palace sells any equipment you may need such as sunscreen, water shoes and sunglasses.
Bringing rope and scissors is also a good idea if you want to stay with your group. Just make sure it’s nylon so it doesn’t rot. Make sure you allow enough time to finish your trip before dark and keep a cell phone in a dry bag to protect it from the water.
If you want to amplify your experience, bring a waterproof speaker or even water-friendly toys like a foam football!
Now that you know all about planning and preparing for a day floating on the g reat Egg Harbor River, it’s time to pick a day for your tubing trip!
Photos courtesy of Maribel Vazquez
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at
Free Outdoor Concerts
Absecon Concerts in the Park
▶saturday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m.
Heritage Park
this saturday, Absecon will host a special saturday night concert, featuring the sounds of the south Jersey Wind Ensemble. Bring your chairs and blankets for a night of incredible music. the performance begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
EHT Rhythm in the Park
▶Friday, Aug. 22, 7 – 9 p.m.
Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheater in tony Canale Park
this week, enjoy a special somers Point Legacy concert featuring tre twitty, grandson of Conway twitty. Plus, hear the world class roadhouse rockin’ blues of t he Nighthawks, along with hilarious boogie woogie pianist Reverend Billy C. Wirtz. Visit www.concertsonthebeachinsomerspoint.com for the full summer lineup.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk ▶Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Dead Zep is back in Atlantic City this Wednesday. Hear melodic melodies in tribute to the grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin, starring Hayley Jane, New England’s passionate americana pop rock diva. For more information, visit tonymart.com.
Bring your blankets and chairs and join EHt Parks & Recreation for outdoor concerts at tony Canale Park, featuring the Playback Band. And Mark your calendars for the final outdoor concert on thursday, Aug. 28. Visit www.ehtrec.com or www. facebook.com/EHtRecreation in the event of inclement weather.
Jazz on the Beach
▶thursdays, 7 – 10 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Join the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation for their free concert series every thursday. On Aug. 21, enjoy the sounds of gabrielle Cavassa, with local jazz by Kevin Valentine. On Aug. 27, the Papa Vazquez Band will take the stage. In the event of rain, the show will be moved to the Celebrity theater at Claridge Hotel, 4th floor. Visit www.chickenbonebeach.org for updates.
Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point ▶Fridays, 7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach 800 Bay Ave.
Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam ▶saturdays, 6:30 p.m.
Newport Avenue Beach
Prepare for a night of local rock as the summer Beach Jam welcomes south Jersey’s very own local band Red to the stage. You’ll hear a stellar mix of classic rock and new sounds. the music begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and crafters will be ready to serve you at 5:30 p.m.
Ventnor City Sunset at Ski Beach ▶Wednesday, Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m.
Dorset & Burk Ave.
this Wednesday, it’s the final ski Beach concert of the season. soak in the summer vibes while hearing the sounds of the usual suspects, covering your favorite pop and rock songs. the music begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and crafters will be ready to serve you at 5:30 p.m.
Somers Point Legacy Concerts on the Beach bring local stars to William Morrow Beach every Friday night. Photo by Steffen Klenk
Brigantine Farmers Market
▶saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Brigantine Community s chool parking lot s heridan Blvd.
t he Brigantine Farmers Market will be open to customers on saturdays, rain or shine, through sept. 6. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/brigantinefarmersmarket.
C.R.O.P.S. Farmers Market
▶Fridays, 4 – 6 p.m.
Fisherman’s Park Community garden Massachusetts & Drexel Ave. Atlantic City
Farmers Markets
Purchase local fruits, vegetables, and herbs, enjoy nature’s beauty, and share gardening knowledge with C.R.O.P. s . Open Fridays through sept. 19.
EHT Community Farmers Market
▶sunday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Atlantic County Library 1 swift Dr.
Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health host a Community Farmers Market this sunday, featuring a variety of local pesticide-free farmers, food vendors, artists, crafters, music, and fun activities. support family farmers. For more information, visit thehoneytree.net or e-mail wellness@thehoneytree.net.
Galloway Green Market
▶thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m.
Historic smithville Village g reene 615 E. Moss Mill Rd.
g o g reen galloway hosts their weekly g reen Market, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Markets open thursdays through sept. 4. Visit gogreengalloway.org/greenmarket for information and updates.
Margate Community Farmers Market
▶thursdays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
steve and Cookies Parking Lot 9700 Amherst Ave.
the Margate Farmers Market is preparing to open for the 2025 season. Markets will be open thursdays through Aug. 28. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.
Ocean City Farmers Market
▶Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ocean City tabernacle g rounds Asbury Avenue from 5th – 6th streets
Visit dozens of vendors on the grounds of the tabernacle, and crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave. Wednesdays through s ept. 3. For more information, call 1-800-BEACHNJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.
Risley Square Farmers Market
▶sundays, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
319 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd. galloway
shop local and support dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, fantastic food, locally-sourced products, and crafts. Open sundays through sept. 28.
Somers Point Farmers Market
▶saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
s omers Mansion 1000 shore Rd.
the somers Point Farmers Market is open for the 2025 season. Dozens of local food vendors, crafters, and hometown businesses will set up on the grounds of historic and beautiful somers Mansion each week. Markets
Ventnor City Farmers Market
▶Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Newport & Atlantic Ave.
Entering its 9th season, the Ventnor City Farmers Market is one of the most delightful places to shop on Fridays. the parking lot at st. James Church brims with 70+ farmers, food vendors, and crafters who offer fresh, seasonal picks, delicious artisan foods, baked
Presented by the Ocean City theatre Company’s Middle s chool Company. tickets are available at the Music Pier, Box Office and online at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.
Thursday, August 21
Thrilling Thursdays in Margate
▶7 p.m.
Huntington Ave. and the Beach, Margate
g rab your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy a free movie on the beach. the festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with pre-movie activities by sustainable Downbeach, and food from Jace’s Pizza, followed by a screening of the film, “Dog Man.” Visit www. margatehasmore.com for the complete thrilling thursday schedule.
Friday, August 22
Beach Exercise: Low Impact
▶8-9 a.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City Meet on the beach between the
Boardwalk and volleyball courts for free Low Impact exercise classes every Friday. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-398-6900.
Ocean City Walking Club
▶8-10 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to meet outside the ticket booth at the Music Pier, to walk the length of the Boardwalk. stay active, meet friends and enjoy the ocean breeze. Weather permitting.
Ocean City Green Fair
▶9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk t his community-wide event is designed to educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. sponsored by the Ocean City Environmental Commission.
Saturday, August 23
Jimmy Mullins Memorial Flounder Tournament
▶5 a.m.-4 p.m.
tight Lines Bait and tackle, 830 Bay Ave., somers Point
t he Jimmy Mullins Memorial scholarship Fund will host its second Annual Flounder tournament this s aturday. Anglers from across the area will fish along the bay, bridge and ocean. Weigh-ins will take place at 3 p.m. followed by an awards party at 4 p.m., with food, drinks, music and door prizes. Entry fee is $100 per angler, $25 per youth and $25 for non-anglers. Proceeds will benefit the Marine Maintenance Program at Cape May County technical school. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Bernadette Young at 609-827-2791 or visit www.jimmymullinsmemorialscholarshipfund.com.
‘Great Balls of Fire’ Starring Linda Gentille
▶7 p.m.
gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Ave., somers Point
Join gateway as piano entertainer extraordinaire, Linda g entille, pays tribute to the music of the great Legends of the Piano such as Billy Joel, Elton John, Duke Ellington, Barry Manilow and more. Don’t miss this exciting show that is sure to sell out. tickets are available at www. gatewaybythebay.org.
Sunday, August 24
Margate Duck Derby
▶11 a.m.
Washington Avenue Pier,
It’s a floating quack-a-palooza at scott’s Dock as weighted, numbered rubber ducks are dumped into the bay in a closed course. With a little help from the current, ducks are funneled towards the finish line. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. with fun prize giveaways and musical entertainment, followed by the derby beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Rogers and Hammerstein Extravaganza with the OC Pops ▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Maestro Vince Lee leads this evening from the piano as vocal superstars Aubry Ballaro and Angel gomez return to the Music Pier stage. Come hear some of the greatest music ever written for the stage, with selections from “Oklahoma!,” “ south Pacific,” “ the King and I,” “Carousel” and much more. tickets can be purchased at the Music Pier Box Office or online at www.oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.
Monday, August 25
Lazy River 5K
▶8 a.m.
OC Waterpark, 728 Boardwalk, Ocean City
Who says a 5K has to be on land? Join OC Waterpark for their first ever Lazy River 5K Fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will benefit Heart of surfing and their mission to provide free surfing, skating and recreational activities for individuals and families with autism and special needs. Learn more and sign up online at www. ocwaterpark.com/events.
Beach Exercise: Yoga
▶8-9 a.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City Meet on the beach between the Boardwalk and volleyball courts for free yoga classes every Monday. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-398-6900.
EHT Monday Morning Madness
▶11 a.m.
Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheatre at tony Canale Park
It’s the final Monday Morning Madness of the season. Join EHt Recreation for a free, family-friendly show on tropical rain forests. Weather permitting, the show may be moved indoors. Visit www.ehtrec.com for additional information.
Summer Movie Night in Ventnor ▶5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
ski Beach Dorset and Burk Ave. Join the Ventnor Home and school Association for a Movie Night at ski Beach and watch “Moana 2” and “50 First Dates” on the big screen. Come dressed in your best Hawaiian attire and take part in a popsicle eating contest. support VH sA, eat great food and enjoy the most tropical night of the summer.
Family Night in Ocean City ▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk, from sixth14th st.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, including jugglers, music, characters and more on the Boardwalk. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.
Tuesday, August 26
Beach Walks in Ocean City ▶9 a.m.
59th st. and Central Ave. g rab your flip flops or beach shoes and enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach. the walks will start at the entrance of Corson’s Inlet state Park. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.
Funtastic Tuesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Enjoy a variety of free entertain -
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ment while strolling Asbury Ave. between sixth and 11th streets. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Wayne Newton Performing with the Ocean City Pops
▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
He is described as a legend, an icon, world-renowned, record-setting performer, actor, usO ambassador and passionate supporter of veterans and active-duty service members.
Wayne Newton is recognized and revered around the world, known for his iconic signature song, “Danke
scheon,” in addition to countless other top hit singles. tickets can be purchased at the Music Pier, Box Office or online at www.oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.
Mummers Nights
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
t he Mummers will strut the Boardwalk twice a week, starting at sixth and 14th streets and meeting at 10th street. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Senior Dance Society
▶7:30-10 p.m.
somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447
Bethel Road
Come join in the fun and enjoy an
evening of dancing with live musical duos every tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact sharon at kookiecar@ yahoo.com.
Wednesday, August 27
Beach Exercise: Pilates
▶8-9 a.m.
sixth street Beach, Ocean City Meet on the beach between the Boardwalk and volleyball courts for free Pilates every Wednesday. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. For more information, call 609398-6900.
Summer Book Club and Bagel Brunch
▶10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate
Join JFs Village by the shore in welcoming educator Mary Rodgers who will explore the extraordinary memoir, “Kissing g irls on shabbat,” by Dr. sara glass. RsVP by Aug. 22 by contacting tina serota at tserota@ jfsatlantic.org or by calling 609-2878872.
Somers Point Pinochle Club
▶6-8:30 p.m.
somers Point senior Center, 22 N. Ambler Road the Pinochle Club gathers every Wednesday night throughout the year to play. All are welcome to join.
Family Night in Ocean City
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk from sixth to 14th st.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, including jugglers, music, characters and more on the Boardwalk. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.
Thursday, August 28
Rotary Club OC-UT Program
▶7 a.m.
u ncle Bill’s Pancake House, 21st and Asbury Ave., Ocean City t he Rotary Club of Ocean City- u pper township will host an in-person breakfast meeting on t hursday morning. t he meeting will include a program on the upper township-Ocean City Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) by Larry Cole. Rotary Inter-Clubs, quests, prospective members and the general public are invited to attend. For more information, visit http://ocutrotary. org.
Market Day
▶10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave., Ocean City
Enjoy a variety of free entertainment while strolling Asbury Avenue between sixth-11th streets. For more information, visit www.oceancityva -
cation.com.
Throwback Thursday: The Lost Shuls of Atlantic City
▶10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Katz JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate
Join JFs Village by the shore as they retrace the Lost shuls of Atlantic County with Board of Jewish Education Director Josh Cutler. the program will revisit seven shuls that time erased, offering a glimpse into a lost Jewish world by the shore. RsVP by Aug. 25 by contacting tina serota at tserota@jfsatlantic.org or by calling 609-287-8872.
Mummers Nights
▶7-9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk t he Mummers will strut the Boardwalk twice a week, starting at sixth and 14th streets and meeting at 10th street. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Four Fabulous Female Icons
▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Join four immensely talented singers for an evening celebrating the music of legendary female singers: Karen Carpenter, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton and Carole King. Enjoy the classic hits that were made famous by these musical icons, performed by Cait Dailey, Alexis Ramagnano, Hannah Reiniger and gillian Booth. tickets can be purchased at the Music Pier Box Office or online at www.oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice.
Summer Lectures at Ocean City Library
▶7 p.m.
1735 simpson Ave.
Join the Ocean City Historical Museum for an exciting presentation on Cape May County and the Civil War, hosted by Author Ray Rebmann. the program is free and open to the public and will be held in the library’s Lecture Hall. s eating is first come first served.
Health and Wellness Coffee Talk
▶saturdays, 11 a.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., suite 617, Atlantic City
the Atlantic County Wellness Center hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group. During this one-hour meeting, participants discuss, enhance and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase optimism. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Depression and Anxiety Group ▶tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., suite 617,
Atlantic City
t his weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, sept. 3, 1:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave.
Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
▶tuesday, sept. 9, 10 a.m.
t hese virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth thursday and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact gail Christian at 609-652-3800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
Rubber ducks race to the finish at the Margate Duck Derby on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Scott’s Dock. Photo credit: Tom Briglia
From canvas to community: Somers Point’s Art in the Park
Views from the Shore
By Brian Cahill
One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting people whose passion for what they do spills into the community in the most colorful ways — sometimes literally. t hat was the case when I sat down with Donna Mohr, one of three co-chairs of the somers Point Arts Commission and the driving force behind one of somers Point’s most charming traditions: Art in the Park.
Now in its ninth year, Art in the Park transforms Kennedy Park into an outdoor gallery by the bay. On s aturday, s ept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can stroll under the trees, enjoy the breeze off the water, and discover the talents of both am -
ateur and professional artists. “We started it to give amateur artists a chance to show and sell their work, often for the very first time,” Donna told me. “Of course, we also welcome seasoned professionals — the mix makes it exciting.”
the event is open to two-dimensional art only — paintings, photography, and drawings. Artists choose their own display spots, creating a relaxed, open atmosphere. And there’s an interactive twist: every attendee gets a ballot to vote for the People’s Choice Award, a $300 cash prize given to the single piece deemed best in show. Judges will also award first, second, and honorable mention prizes in both painting and photography.
It’s not just about looking at art — there are plenty of ways to make it, too. t he day includes a Community Art Painting, face painting, shell painting, and a “Cardboard Imagination station” for kids and the young-at-heart. Food trucks and live music keep the energy up from start to finish. “We’ve grown every year,” Donna said. “We even sell our own t-shirts now.”
New this year, shore Physicians g roup will add a special dimension with “ the Power of Healing through Creative Expression” — an interactive space led by Dr. Jacqueline Rounds and Darby Fitzpatrick, M sW, L sW. “We believe in how art can provide healing — physically, psychologically, emotionally,” Donna said. “It’s a natural extension of what we do.”
Donna’s love for the event comes naturally. A watercolorist with a fine arts degree from William & Mary, she’s participated in many shows herself. But she’s quick to point out that Art in the Park is a team effort. Her fellow co-chairs, shana Kestrel and Lois g regory, bring finance and tech expertise, and the commission includes everyone from art teachers to librarians to theater representatives. “We really have a terrific cross-section of people,” she said.
For artists, the registration fee is $40, and the deadline is the day before the event to allow time for city paperwork. space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. to
participate, visit the event website or call Donna Mohr at 609-287-0408 for a brochure and registration form.
For everyone else, admission is free — just bring your curiosity, your appreciation for creativity, and maybe a little extra cash to take home something special. As Donna summed it up: “It’s wonderful. People have such a lovely time they come back year after year.”
Donna is grateful to all of the sponsors who make Art in the Park possible each year, and she encourages everyone to come out and enjoy a day filled with art, music, food, and community spirit along the beautiful somers Point bayfront.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He also volunteers on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
AC lifeguards save unconscious swimmer
By Julia Train
Two Atlantic City lifeguards saved a Pennsylvania man’s life on the Atlantic City beach on saturday, Aug. 9.
Kyle Deroo, 28, and Mark giannini, 35 – two lieutenants on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol (ACBP) rushed to New Hampshire Avenue Beach around 12:30 p.m. after receiving a radio call about a man in respiratory distress.
Kevin Wallace, lead guard with ACBP who was the first on scene, told 6abc Action News that the man, whose name was withheld, was waist-deep in the water on a boogie board when he collapsed. He was with his wife who started screaming for help and managed to get him out of the water.
Deroo, also an emergency medical technician (EMt) on the beach patrol and a Margate firefighter, had just finished helping out with a Heart of surfing event on the Pennsylvania Avenue beach when he got the call.
“I was just cleaning up, putting the last boards away, when the call came in for a possible cardiac event over at New Hampshire,” Deroo said. giannini, also an EMt and a Pleas-
Kyle Deroo and Mark Giannini, two lieutenants on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, worked together to save a man. On the left is Kyle Deroo and his coworker, Taylor Dirkes, is on the right.
antville firefighter, was guarding a beach three blocks over when he received the call.
As Deroo approached the scene, he saw the victim, who was out of the water but still in the wet sand. the man was supporting himself on his side, unable to stand.
“When I went over, he wasn't really with it,” Deroo said. t hen, as Deroo and g iannini dragged him out of the wet sand, they
felt the man stop breathing. so they dried him down and started CPR and Deroo used the automated external defibrillator (AED).
the man, in his mid-50s, later sent an email to Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief steve Downey, thanking them.
“I regained consciousness to one lifeguard doing chest compressions on me and implementing the AED,” the man wrote in an email to the chief, according to BreakingAC. “ t hat's
when I realized I was in big trouble. this wasn’t just a fainting spell. By this point I was surrounded by what felt like a swarm of first-responders. It was scary as hell, but comforting to know I was in good hands all throughout this incident.”
that “swarm of guards” were junior guards, who had just completed a mandated Advanced First Aid course, according to Deroo. Both giannini and Deroo taught the course.
In the email, the man said that he is a first responder as well; he served 30 years in law enforcement and 35 as a volunteer firefighter and EMt
“Your lifeguards performed excellent in time of crisis, and this was tHE BI gg Est crisis of my life,” he wrote. “ they gave me a fighting chance to survive, and survive I did! they should be VERY proud of their actions!”
Because first responders don’t usually get a “thank you,” g iannini said receiving the email was the best part.
“We do rescue people every single day… but there’s never people that ever come up and say thank you,” said g iannini. “ so for him to go out of his way and type up this huge email to our chief, that’s the greatest thing ever.”
How a two-block move saved Lucy
Without Lucy the Elephant’s current home in Margate, she wouldn’t be America’s oldest roadside tourist attraction.
Lucy was scheduled for demolition, but was given a second chance by Margate residents Ed and silvia Carpenter. the couple founded the save Lucy Committee and attained rights her home at her current location, two blocks south of her former spot.
Lucy – built in 1881 and named “Elephant Bazaar” – had fallen victim to a business deal where her original home was sold for land development. It was originally owned by Lucy’s designer James V. Lafferty Jr., who owned most of south Atlantic City’s land.
Lafferty originally developed Lucy as a method to increase tourism in s outh Atlantic City, now Margate City. With tourist piling into trains and headed to Atlantic City, Lafferty wanted a way to advertise real estate.
After spending roughly $36 thousand on construction, Lucy was a success.
she was eventually sold to the g erston Family who kept the elephant open to visitors. With the start
of a new decade, Lucy had gotten into trouble.
Lucy had been deemed unsafe for tourism in 1962 because of her corroding structure. Atlantic City had also been experiencing a decline in tourism, do to increase travel by airplane.
“ they no longer had to come by car to Atlantic City,” said Executive Director Richard Helfant. “ they could fly all over, and Atlantic City started on the decline. And along with it went everything else that depends on tourism.”
In 1969, the gertsons decided to sell Lucy’s location to allow a developer to build a high-rise condominium. With the deal came Lucy’s scheduled demolition.
t hat’s when the Carpenters stepped in to save Margate’s world famous icon. With the help of other residents, fund raising events such as bake sales raised enough money to keep Lucy at the Jersey shore.
the organization earned status as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning it could collect money for fundraising without being taxed.
g oing door to door, volunteers raised the amount of money needed to cover Lucy’s move. Helfant remembers participating in bake sales for Lucy as a middle school student. His teacher Julius Woods had been a member of the save Lucy Committee and encouraged him to participate in Lucy’s fundraisers.
With the funds, the Mullin & Renalli Moving Company from Mount Holly, NJ decided to take on the risky task. the company was the only one in the Northeast willing to conduct the operation.
“ they had an engineering study done to determine if Lucy would survive the move, and they actually didn’t think she would,” said Helfant. “ they told the committee that once it went off the curb, it would just collapse to the ground.”
“ they [volunteers] had to coordinate with the three utility companies to drop the power lines along Atlantic Ave, because Lucy’s taller than them,” Helfant added.
On July 20, 1970, the mission was a success as Lucy made it safely to her new home on Atlantic Ave. Doubters in the community were stunned as they crowded the street as Margate’s famous skyscraper defied all odds.
• SHOULDER & ELBOW
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• HIP · KNEE · SPINE · SPORTS MEDICINE
Lucy on the move
A kids dream come true, brought to life
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Ocean City has a young woman who made it big in slime.
she is currently recognized as the “Queen of s lime.”
Yes, you read that correctly. Jamie (g inn) Piazza, after building an impressive corporate career with some well-known Fortune 500 companies, including DuPont, has chosen slime instead.
Jamie is a true local. she and her family grew up in Ocean City, where she graduated from Ocean City High school. she was an excellent student, receiving a full-tuition ride to Rowan university from a first runner-up Miss New Jersey Pageant, community service scholarship. she graduated
magna cum laude with a degree in chemical engineering. she eventually became a resident and worked in Delaware, where she won the Miss Delaware competition. this is where she got a lot of her drive, competitiveness and professionalism. But Jamie realized the corporate world was not for her. so in 2015 she opened her first business – Paint Happy – which was originally located on Woodlyn Avenue in somers Point. she quickly outgrew the space and opened up at her current location in Central square in Linwood in 2019. the business lives up to its name by providing a great environment for children to learn, paint and use their skills to do other creative activities. some of those other activities that make Paint Happy a growing success are its popular parties, special events, summer camps, and offsite events, which have become a smash hit. Her Bake Happy brand has evolved out of the Paint Happy concept, providing children a fun way to learn to bake and paint. the primary goal is to get the kids away from their phones and using their
hands-on creative abilities instead. s o, you may be asking yourself where the slime comes in and why a brilliant and skillful person such as Jamie Piazza would be known as a Queen of slime?
As if she did not have her hands full with Paint Happy and being the mother of her beautiful daughter and
helper, Elizabetta (Princess of slime), she found time to start a tremendously successful pop-up business at 620 Asbury Ave., slimeology. slimeology has been a hit beyond Jamie’s wildest dreams. Word has gotten out about what a fabulous place it is for children to come and let their imaginations run wild. s eriously, when I walked in the door, I was blown away with the whole concept and Jamie’s enthusiasm for creating a concept for kids to learn and have a great time with slime.
I saw the pictures and the smiles on their faces. t here is an official slime CAM for the kids to be an authentic member of slimeology.
slimeology opened on June 26 as a pop-up seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can go in to make their slime creations, or their parents can book a party. they also have membership plans.
It is simply a fun place for learning. In fact, the slime concept, along with Paint Happy, has been such a hit that Jamie is moving in the direction of franchising.
If you want to put a big smile on your kid’s face, stop in slimeology at 620 Asbury Ave., or Paint Happy in Central square in Linwood. Or call 609-402-9802 to make a reservation for a birthday party or event. Ask for Jamie. Follow them @slimeologystudio on Instagram.
By Robin Stoloff Health Reporter
August has a special kind of magic. t he sun is still blazing, the days are long and we are in full summer mode. Yet, as the month moves along, many of us notice how quickly the season is passing. those longplanned vacations, beach days and backyard barbecues can suddenly feel like they’re slipping through our fingers. If only February went as quickly as August!
Instead of letting these weeks fly by, now is the perfect time for us to pause, reset and enjoy the rest of the season. By slowing down, focusing on what matters and refreshing our routine, we can make the most of
summer’s final stretch. t hink of it as our mid-year check-in; a gentle reminder that we don’t have to wait until January to reset our goals and mindset.
the simplest joys often leave the strongest memories. Watching the sunset, taking an early morning stroll,
us long after summer ends. When we allow ourselves to slow down, savor these moments and truly be present, we discover that everyday life often holds the magic we crave.
Refreshing our daily routine can also give us energy and balance. the late nights and social gatherings of summer can leave us feeling a little off kilter. Prioritizing sleep, drinking plenty of water and balancing indulgent treats with fresh fruits and vegetables helps us feel our best. gentle movement, an evening beach walk, a bike ride, or a quick swim, can also lift our energy and clear our minds. small, intentional changes help the season feel complete. When we step into fall, we’ll feel less like we’re crashing into a new schedule and more like we’re gliding into it.
or sharing ice cream on a warm evening can be as memorable as any big trip. We don’t need elaborate plans or expensive vacations to create those moments. A last-minute picnic, listening to music on the porch, or lingering over dinner with friends can bring a sense of happiness that stays with
Decluttering our space is another small but powerful way to reset. Organizing the beach bags, tidying up summer gear and clearing out the piles that accumulate during busy months can make a big difference. A lighter, more orderly environment has a calming effect and helps us feel more in control. Clearing our space
now also makes the transition into the next season easier. We can store away what we don’t need, keep what we love and let go of the rest. sometimes just putting away the sandy toys, folding up the lawn chairs and clearing the countertops gives us a sense of fresh energy and peace.
Most importantly, we should give ourselves permission to enjoy these last weeks without guilt. s aying yes to a spontaneous barbecue, a mini-day trip, or even an afternoon spent doing absolutely nothing can be freeing.
summer reminds us that rest is not wasted time. Whether it’s sitting in a hammock with a good book, floating in the pool, or simply watching the clouds drift by, slowing down is part of how we recharge. Even at the tail end, summer offers countless opportunities for us to connect, relax and make lasting memories.
August also invites reflection and gratitude. When we have fewer summer days to enjoy, we often cherish them more deeply. taking a moment to appreciate the sunshine, laughter with friends and family, and the freedom that summer brings helps us focus on what truly matters. We might even write down our favorite moments of the season – a concert under the stars, the sound of waves, or the laughter of children playing
Lucy’s Gift Shop is temporarily located across the street at the corner of Washington & Atlantic Avenues.
outside, so we can remember and savor those memories on a cold January day.
Reflection doesn’t take away from our time; it deepens it, reminding us that we are living through days that we’ll look back on fondly.
Instead of viewing August as a countdown to the end, we can think of it as a final gift. these weeks are like the last pages of a favorite book. We don’t want to rush through them; we want to fully experience the story before it closes.
By embracing what matters, re -
freshing our minds and bodies and enjoying the season while it’s still here, we will know on our last day at the beach that we made the most of every bit of summer.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
Stokes’ aster — a native flower that can handle hot South Jersey summers
By Tammy Thornton
Whether you are working towards adding more native plants to your garden or seeking plants that can handle our increasingly hot south Jersey summers, look no further than stokes’ aster. Bluish-purple flowers from this native perennial will attract pollinators such as bees, birds and butterflies to your garden. though hungry deer will eat almost any plant, stokes’ asters are known to be resistant to deer and rabbits.
band, they sold mums as fundraisers for their band trips. But the purple flowers sold as “mums” are actually fall-blooming asters, not mums. New England asters also bloom in the fall, but these deep purple flowers tower over the other plants, reaching heights of over four feet. stokes’ asters, however, grow during the warm months of the gardening season, blooming from spring to late summer. You can often prolong their blooms into fall by deadheading the flowers regularly. stokes’ asters land in a separate category of their very own. they stay lower to the ground, growing 12 to 24 inches high, and generally have larger flower heads than other types of asters. stokes’ asters have cornflower-like blooms compared to the smaller, daisy-like flowers of fall asters.
stokes’ asters will form dense clumps that can be divided every two to three years to invigorate the original plant. t his will give you new plants for your garden or extras to share with a friend. Divide stokes’ asters in early spring so that the plants have time to establish their roots before summer heat begins. Water judiciously while the new plant is young.
Plant your stokes’ aster in a location with full sun (six to eight hours) to get the most blooms. While the plant is young, keep it well-watered. though it likes moist soil, it should have good drainage. g iven these proper conditions, stokes’ asters are tough little perennials that will stand up to heat and humidity. Once established, you will have a drought-tolerant, carefree plant.
Don’t confuse stokes’ asters (stokesia) with other types of asters. If you are a gardener, you might be more familiar with fall-blooming asters. During the many years my children were in the middle school
In addition to gaining new plants by division, stokes’ asters can also be propagated from cuttings. they also make a unique cut flower that has a long vase life. If you change the water regularly, they should last approximately one week as a cut flower. While purple or bluish-purple is the most common color, stokes’ asters can also be found in pink or white.
We would love to hear from our readers. If you have questions or would like more information about a particular category, send your questions or comments to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Ahead of Aug. 21 City Council vote on Ocean City’s Wonderland Pier, ‘Big Mistake’ calls on council to keep its promises
Coalition urges: No high-rises, comprehensive Boardwalk review and negotiation — not capitulation
the grassroots Big Mistake coalition opposing the proposed high-rise on the Ocean City Boardwalk is calling on City Council to honor its longstanding commitments against high-rises on the Boardwalk and to take the steps to protect Wonderland Pier’s future ahead of the City Council’s expected first vote related to the site on Aug. 21, 2025. the community-led coalition, which
continues to grow in size and activity, is composed of concerned residents, neighborhood associations and local groups including Ocean City 2050, Plaza Place Association, save Wonderland, Beach Watch Condominiums, Fairness in taxes, Concerned Citizens for g len Cove and Friends of OCNJ History & Culture.
the coalition is calling on City Council to do what it believes is right for the community as a whole:
1. Council members to keep their promises and say NO to high-rises at
the Wonderland Pier. For nearly 30 years, the commercial boardwalk has respected zoning that has kept the area reserved for amusements and retail. While running for council, every current council member recognized the importance of this zoning and promised to reject any high rise proposal on the Boardwalk.
2. Before voting on rehabilitation, conduct a comprehensive review of the Boardwalk. At the request of the developer, City Council is scheduled to take its first vote on Aug. 21, referring to the Planning Board the question as to whether the Wonderland Pier site is “in need of rehabilitation.” Before pursuing a rehabilitation designation, Ocean City 2050 wants the City to show vision by first embarking on a holistic review of its boardwalk, including a review of alternatives for Wonderland. the group believes such steps will ensure the Boardwalk’s continued viability, economic health and family-friendly character, and do so in a manner free from conflict of interest.
3. Negotiate — don’t capitulate — with the developer. Neither the mayor nor the Council leadership has publicly pushed back in any way on the developer, despite their promises and required duty to the residents. t he coalition wants the rest of the Council to step up, side with its people and work on their behalf.
Ocean City 2050 believes the vote sets a dangerous precedent
Jim Kelly of Ocean City 2050 said, “A vote to grant rehabilitation status to Wonderland Pier would be the first domino to fall — setting a dangerous precedent for the entire Boardwalk. We’ve been saying for some time that if Wonderland is given this designation, any other business owner along the Boardwalk could make the same claim. In five years, our family-friendly Boardwalk could be lined with high-rises, losing the charm and the very reason people love Ocean City and come yearafter-year. We cannot let this vote set that precedent.”
Kelly contrasted the Wonderland vote with Council’s Aug. 7, 2025 action on the seaspray Condominiums. “With seaspray, the building was condemned, structurally unsound, and the plan was a like-for-like replacement that kept zoning intact. Wonderland is entirely different — there’s no publicly stated plan, no structural crisis and the risk is opening the door to oversized development that would forever change the Boardwalk,” he said. “ so why vote for a rehabilitation designation that may be unnecessary, costly and invite litigation? We believe it’s because they are trying to smuggle through a
high-rise plan by quietly building momentum, ignoring alternatives, silencing opposition, and passing votes they say are unrelated — but the public knows otherwise.”
Public opposition since May 2025, the Big Mistake coalition has expanded its reach, strengthened its message and invested in fact-based advocacy. In spring 2025, Ocean City 2050 commissioned Rutgers-Eagleton Institute of Politics to conduct an independent, scientific survey of Ocean City residents around the Boardwalk issues. that survey found that nearly 80% oppose high-rises on the Boardwalk. the same report found that only 20% of the residents strongly support the high-rise proposal. (see www.bigmistake.org/media for more information.)
In addition, a “ s ave Ocean City’s Boardwalk” petition on Change.org, put forward by the local group s ave Wonderland, to stop a proposed Redevelopment zone at Wonderland Pier and protect the zoning of the Ocean City boardwalk currently has more than 5,200 names, highlighting widespread community sentiment against the proposed hotel.
Finally, Ocean City 2050 representatives also continued to regularly meet with numerous citizen groups, residents, vacationers, and homeowners. the feedback from that group mirrored the survey information. the large majority of residents feel that a high-rise does not belong on the Ocean City Boardwalk, that any such project will lead to more such projects, extinguishing our family friendly culture and that the Mayor and city leadership involved in the decision appear to be working for the developer, not the citizens. Take action the future of the Boardwalk will be shaped by what happens on thursday, Aug. 21 — and public presence matters. City Council will hold its first vote on the Wonderland Pier “rehabilitation” designation that evening, and residents must make their voices heard.
Ocean City 2050 urges all Ocean City residents, property owners and supporters to:
● Attend the August 21 Council meeting and stand with your neighbors in opposition to the high-rise proposal.
● Add your name to the “ save Ocean City’s Boardwalk” petition, available at https://www.change.org/p/saveocean-city-s-boardwalk
● Contact your Council representative directly and remind them of their promises to protect the Boardwalk from oversized development. (see here for Council contact information and how to get involved.
What’s happening in Ocean City Green Fair,
concerts and more
The summer season is starting to come to a close, but a full slate of special events will help everyone enjoy it to the last minute.
Ocean City will host a g reen Fair under the covered loggia of the Ocean City Music Pier from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22. the community-wide event is designed to educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. the displays will allow attendees to learn about energy efficiency and incentives, participate in interactive activities, and receive promotional items. the green Fair is sponsored by the City of Ocean City and the Ocean City Environmental Commission. the event is free to attend, and the Music
Pier is located on the Ocean City Boardwalk between Eighth street and Ninth street.
Concerts and shows at the Music Pier
the g reater Ocean City theatre Company’s Middle s chool Junior Company will perform “ The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition ” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and saturday (Aug. 22 and 23) at the Ocean City Music Pier. this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show, tells the story of spongeBob and his friends coming together to save the fate of their undersea world after they discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy it. tickets are available at
A grand night for singing awaits as the Ocean City Pops performs the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein at 7:30 p.m. sunday, Aug. 24, at the Music Pier. Maestro Vince Lee will lead this evening from the piano as vocal superstars Aubry Ballaro and Angel gomez (a recent finalist at the Metropolitan Opera competition) return to the Music Pier stage. For tickets, visit oceancityvacation.com/ boxoffice, call 609-399-6111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
Mavis Staples and special guest Jeffrey Gaines will team up for a great show as the Boardwalk summer Concert series comes to a close at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25. t ickets are on sale through etix.com and the Ocean City Music Pier Box Office.
Wayne Newtown will perform with the Ocean City Pops in a special show on tuesday, Aug. 26, at the
Music Pier. No other name or person is so defining, representative or synonymous with Las Vegas and the entertainment capital of the world than Mr. Las Vegas himself: Wayne Newton. Recognized and revered around the world, Newton is known for his iconic signature song, “Danke schoen,” in addition to countless other top hit singles including, “Daddy, Don't You Walk s o Fast,” “Red Roses for a Blue Lady,” “At this Moment,” “ the Letter,” “ summer Wind” and “Years.” For tickets, visit oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice, call 609-3996111 or stop by the Music Pier Box Office.
More family fun all week
Family Nights on Mondays and Wednesdays include stilt walkers, magicians, favorite characters and more set up at different spots between Eighth street and 12th street on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Thursday brings Mummers Night. t he event features string bands strutting the Boardwalk between sixth street and 14th street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every tuesday and thursday through the summer. Downtown Asbury Avenue will feature entertainment, face-painters, balloon sculptors and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tuesdays and thursdays through the summer. t he popular weekly Farmers Market on the grounds of the Ocean City tabernacle is open 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Wednesday. the market features the best of fresh produce from local farms in the region, along with a variety of craft vendors.
By Steffen Klenk
TMemorial flounder tournament honors local resident
his weekend, t ight Lines
Bait and tackle will host its second annual flounder tournament to benefit the Jimmy Mullins Memorial scholarship Fund.
Dozens of anglers are expected to participate in a full day of fishing along the ocean and back bay, followed by a post-tournament party at 4 p.m. the event honors the life of a south Jersey resident who spent his years doing what he loved.
From an early age, Jimmy Mullins loved working with engines, often taking things apart and putting them back together. After graduating from Ocean City High school, he began working in the marine industry, spending time at several local marinas and later at Young’s Fiberglass services.
His mother, Bernadette Young, described him as a dedicated worker. “ the kid worked six days a week, and that was his passion,” she said.
Mullins also loved marine life. He enjoyed cruising and fishing, and he felt free on the water. “Ever since he was a little boy, he fished; he grew up on boats,” Young said. she described him as selfless and always willing to help others. “He would help anyone at any time of the day or night.”
Mullins died last April, just shy of his 30th birthday. His memory now lives on through a scholarship fund established in his name. “He would be so happy that we’re helping other people move forward in a career he was passionate about and thrived in,” Young said.
t he inaugural flounder tournament was held last summer with strong community support. t he organization awarded its first scholarship to a student graduating from Cape May County technical school in Cape May Court House. Young said the fund also plans to support the school’s marine maintenance program beginning in september.
Anglers interested in participating in s aturday’s tournament can register at the captain’s meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at t ight Lines. Non-anglers are welcome to attend the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. saturday. Admission is $25 at the door, with all proceeds going to the Jimmy Mullins Memorial scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization.
More information is available at www.jimmymullinsmemorialscholarshipfund.com.
Tight Lines Bait and Tackle's annual flounder tournament benefits the Jimmy Mullins Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The event honors the life of Jimmy Mullins, who spent his life doing what he loved.
Four ways to spend a rainy day at the Shore with kids
Family Tides
By Madison Russ
The dog days of summer don’t always bring sunshine. One moment you’re packing the cooler for a beach day and the next, storm clouds are rolling in. Luckily, there are plenty of local spots, including a few new ones, that are perfect for whiling away a rainy day together as a family.
From bouncing on wall-to-wall trampolines to unplugging around a board game, here are four family-friendly ways to make the most of a stormy day — and maybe even create some new memories.
Connect as a family
t he newly opened t he Board Room in Ocean City offers the perfect excuse to unplug and reconnect. the stay-and-play game space invites families to gather around the table and unwind with a board game or puzzle — just like the good old days. With a library of more than 200 games, you can grab a snack and pick a classic or discover a new favorite.
the Board Room also hosts free events and plans to add more as it
continues to grow. the front of the store doubles as a retail space, so visitors can browse and buy unique, quirky games — some they may never have heard of — to take home for more fun.
Pricing is $5 per person, per hour. summer hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. tuesday through thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and saturday. Closed sunday and Monday. For more information, visit theboardroomocnj.com.
Bounce the day away
t here are few things kids love more than bouncing on a trampoline. Fortunately, our area has great options for helping cooped-up big and little ones burn off energy.
g et Air in Mays Landing lets kids bounce off the walls — literally — with thousands of square feet of trampolines. Jumpers can also check out the dodgeball area or launch into an oversized foam pit, among other features.
Rates start at $15.99 for one hour for “Little Air” jumpers (under 46 inches) and $17.99 for “Big Air” jumpers. g rip socks are required and can be purchased on site. get Air also offers toddler-only hours. For more information, visit getairsports.com/ mays-landing.
Or check out the recently opened takeOff Adventure Park in Pleasantville. Beyond trampolines, kids can swing through a rope course, slamdunk on a trampoline basketball court, tackle a ninja course, climb
walls, play arcade games and more.
Pricing is $26 for 1.5 hours and $20 for two hours for kids under 42 inches. Jump socks are $3.50. For more information, visit takeoffpleasantville.com.
Beat the clock
test your wits as a family at one of the many escape rooms across the s hore. these interactive attractions challenge players to work together to uncover clues and solve puzzles in order to “escape” a room, usually within 30 minutes to an hour.
t hemes range from Ocean City’s shore to Escape and its Curse of the Hidden temple room to Wildwood’s Cloak & Dagger Escape Rooms and its Legend of the Jersey Devil challenge. Atlantic City has options, too, including Escape AC at the tropicana and PanIQ Escape Room. Other spots include OC Escape Room and Exit 4 Escape Rooms in Ocean City, as well as Escape May Escape Rooms in Rio g rande.
the clock, escape rooms are a surefire way to laugh, bond and make memories as a family.
Get cozy and creative
Check ahead for hours, themes, age limits and group size requirements. Most places also require a reservation. Even if you don’t beat
If snuggling up and getting crafty on a rainy day is more your speed, try painting pottery at g lazed Over studio in Ocean City. Pick a piece, select your colors and settle in to paint. staff will fire your creation in the kiln and reach out when it’s ready
for pickup.
g lazed Over is walk-in friendly, with pricing based on the piece you choose. the studio is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit glazedoverstudios.com.
Another option is the Art Block Cafe in Cape May, a cafe and art studio where you can pair a paint-your-own project with drinks like boba tea, coffee, lemonade or matcha. tucked along the Washington street Mall, this cozy spot offers plenty of projects to fill an afternoon and a variety of unique drink creations and baked goods to enjoy. For Labubu-obsessed kids, the cafe currently has paint-your-own Labubu keychains and other projects. For more information, visit artblockofcapemay.com.
Madison Russ is an awardwinning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area's vibrant arts scene.
Boat safety
Ensure your boat is ready for the water with this checklist
No matter how much experience you have on the water, prepping your boat - and your passengersbefore leaving the dock can make for a more enjoyable experience. to prepare for a safe and comfortable trip, review this pre-departure checklist to ensure your vessel is in good working order and well-stocked for the adventure:
● Documentation - Have all required documentation for planned activities, including boat registration, fishing permits and boater education cards readily accessible.
● Float Plan - File a float plan with a responsible party who will remain on land. Provide contact info, explain where you're going, when you intend to return and what to do in case he or she doesn't hear from you.
● Weather Forecast - Always check the forecast before you head out on the water. to regularly monitor any changes, keep a handheld radio onboard.
● Fuel - Before leaving, check that your fuel level is adequate for the trip and that other fluids, like oil and coolant, are at the proper levels.
● Batteries - Check to make sure the boat's battery, as well as battery-operated items like flashlights and handheld radios, are fully charged and operational.
● Lights - Check to make sure you have properly functioning navigation and instrument lights and pack a flashlight, as well.
● Life Jackets - Ensure you have at least one u s . Coast g uard-approved personal floatation device per passenger with a minimum of two onboard. If your boat is longer than 16 feet, you'll also need a throwable device.
● Anchor - Keep at least one anchor, attached to an anchor line, and at least two fenders for docking onboard.
● Bilge - Before launching your boat, ensure the bilge is dry, clear of waste and has a properly functioning pump.
● Fire Extinguisher - Keep a u s Coast guard-approved fire extinguisher securely mounted in an accessible place.
● Distress signals - store flares and day signals in a dry, accessible location and ensure all passengers onboard know how to use them. Also have a noise-making device, such as an air horn, bell or whistle, capable of producing a 4-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile readily available.
● tools - Keep a basic toolbox onboard with commonly used tools and spare parts like wrenches, screwdrivers, batteries, fuel filters, hull plugs and light bulbs.
● First-Aid Kit - Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit - and extra sunscreen - in an accessible location in case of accidents.
Credit: eLivingtoday.com
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Ahoy! The Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone this summer, from best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities. Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources.
What’s below the surface: 10 creatures you’ll find in New Jersey waters
By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer
Do you ever think about what’s on the ocean floor off the Jersey shore? It’s probably the last thing you want to think about, especially when you’re boogie-boarding with your kids on a hot summer day. Despite any creepy-crawly fears, learning about our friends under the sea will make you more conscious of your environment and island habitat! Here’s what you’ll find below the surface on your local NJ beach:
Harbor Seal
t hese puppy-like creatures are all around the beaches, especially in the springtime. According to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, the Jersey shore is the largest “haul-out” site for harbor seals, meaning that seals travel across the east coast for mating and feeding, and NJ is their top spot! seals are mammals, so they need to come up for air often, so they can be found in shallow waters, even in the summers! Adults can be about six feet long, weighing almost 300 pounds. Even though they are very cute, these creatures can be dangerous, so make sure to keep your distance if you spot a seal nearby.
prey by secreting poison through its tentacles, and then uses its suckers to wiggle its meal out of its shell. these animals are incredibly smart, smart enough to catch a crab out of a trap or unscrew a jar. Although octopi are colorblind, they have special receptors that allow them to blend into their environment, like a chameleon. You’ll typically find an octopus around coral or rocks, so be careful when exploring the seafloor!
Humpback Whale
Humpback whales are common in almost every ocean, but populate Jersey waters when the bay is cold, particularly in the spring, winter and fall. t hey search for food, eating up to 300 pounds of krill and small crustaceans per day! they reach up to 60 feet in length, with females being larger than males. Humpback whales have the largest fin of any other whale species. t his species is on both the federal and state endangered species list, so be careful about maintaining your fishing nets (so whales don’t get caught). For a fantastic look at whales, check out whale-watching cruises in Atlantic and Cape May County!
Although rare in colder waters, you might catch an Atlantic Octopus on the bay off Atlantic City. Octopi hunt at dusk, searching for mollusks, crabs, and lobsters. It paralyzes its
s ometimes called the Northern seahorse, these creatures can be found between rocks and coral across the Atlantic Ocean, from Nova scotia to Panama. they span in color, ranging from yellow to black. they feed on tiny crustaceans and use their beak to suck their prey out of their shell. u niquely these animals breed monogamously, for life, and the males get pregnant and have babies!
Horseshoe Crabs
these bizarre-looking creatures are a blast from the past – one of the last remaining creatures from the Paleozoic era (445 millions years ago). their blood contains a special clotting agent, Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL), that assists humans with infection detection and prosthetic devices such as knee replacements and heart valves. these crabs are common on
the Jersey shore and around the Delaware Bay. they are most common between May and August, so keep your eyes open around the beach!
Cownose Ray
this stingray is common around the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic shorelines. they have a wingspan of three feet and can weigh up to 50 pounds. their diet consists of various types of clams, which draws the rays close to the beach. Mating takes place between June and July, and after an 11-month gestation period, females raise a single pup for the rest of the summer. Although they appear as if they are skates or stingrays, cownose rays fall into a category of their own. Often, along the jersey shore, shark sightings are often mistaken for the presence of a cownose ray!
Moon Jellyfish
You’ve definitely seen these along the beach. these rounded-discs come to mate on the Atlantic coast, and
can be identified by its translucent color and clover design in its center. Moon jellies can be found close to the ocean’s surface because they primarily feed on plankton, which grow in the sunlight. that means it’s often eaten by sea birds, though. It’s sting is relatively benign to humans (if you are stung, you may feel a mild stinging sensation that should disappear quickly).
Sand Tiger Shark
somewhat scary to think about, this NJ shark grows up to 10 feet long and up to 300 pounds. It’s sometimes referred to as the “ragged-tooth shark” because its toothy grin makes it stand out compared to other shark species. these sharks prefer warm water, so they are most common along the Jersey shore in the summer. they migrate to shallower waters in the summer as well, searching for small fish to feed on. there’s some evidence to indicate that the Delaware Bay area is a primary mating ground for these sharks, according to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. s and tiger sharks are critically endangered in some parts of the Atlantic Ocean, and considered a species of Concern for NJ.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
s ea turtles populate all areas
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of the Atlantic Ocean, but migrate to the Jersey s hore during the summer to lay eggs on the beach. t hese turtles can be identified by their reddish-brown color and large head. they primarily eat jellyfish and crustaceans. Loggerhead turtles are currently threatened by beach development and ocean pollution, so be sure to care for turtles if you spot a mother or eggs on the beach near you.
Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are not crabs at all. In fact, they are actually a species of shrimp that is protected by a shell. there are two types of hermit crabs
– land crabs, that breathe with lungs, and ocean crabs, which breathe with gills. these crabs are so entrenched in their shell that if they were threatened by a bird, their bodies would rip apart easier than a crab would be ripped out of its shell! Check out Martin t. Mollusk, the mascot of Ocean City! In conclusion, make sure to always keep the health and safety of yourself and these animals in mind. If you spot a sea animal while you are basking on the beach, keep your distance and if you notice a marine mammal in trouble, contact the Marine Mammal stranding Center at 609-266-3508.
Lifeguard races are part of South Jersey culture
By David Weinberg
Lifeguard races have been part of the area’s sports scene for over a century.
Last Monday’s exciting south Jersey Lifeguard Championships were the 104th edition of the event. As noted by author and former sea Isle City Beach Patrol chief tom McCann in his new book, “ the g uards,” the first one was held in 1919, when Atlantic City Beach Patrol chief Charles Bossert staged a doubles race involving crews from Cape May, Wildwood and Atlantic City.
of three straight south Jersey titles in 2018, former Longport swimmer Joey tepper competed in the Dutch Hoffman’s in Wildwood for the first time and wound up closer to stone Harbor.
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to gain better insight as to the history, consider the south Jersey’s started the same year Babe Ruth was playing for the Boston Red sox – he was sold to the New York Yankees a few months later for $100,000.
A doubles boat has no coxswain to monitor its stroke rate and give directions. Being in a high school or college crew program can help, but there’s an art to ocean rowing that sets it apart from racing in a river or lake.
Ironically, legend has it Red sox owner Harry Frazee used the money to fund the Broadway musical “No No Nanette,” which was about three couples who find themselves to get at a cottage in Atlantic City.
Locally, Margaret g orman wouldn’t be crowned the First Miss America in Atlantic City for another two years.
Avalon’s gary Nagle and Dave giulian have developed into one of the area’s top doubles crews in recent years. Neither rowed in high school or college. g iulian was a standout football player and wrestler at Middle township High school and now plays football for the College of New Jersey. Nagle wrestled for Middle and for ursinus College.
Nucky Johnson was riding around his “Boardwalk Empire” in a powder-blue limousine.
Eventual Baseball Hall of Famer Pop Lloyd was playing for the Bacharach giants of Atlantic City.
Atlantic City’s Fred Estergren and Owen Kertland won the race, thus starting a tradition that continued last Monday with Brigantine brothers Joe and Brendan s avell taking the doubles title.
Lifeguard races hold their own, special place in local sports, for it takes special qualities to excel in the various events.
t here are no black lane lines painted on the bottom of the ocean. swimmers must become proficient at navigating the tricky, swirling currents that can sweep them hundreds off yards off course.
two weeks before he won the first
Experience is even more vital in the singles row, especially in choppy conditions. In both the Margate Memorials and south Jersey’s this summer, Poseidon spit boats back toward the beach at the start of the race like sunflower seeds.
the journey back toward shore for the end of the race presents another set of challenges. Instead of climbing over the swells like at the start of the race, singles rowers must ride the waves like surfers, hopping to the stern and using the oar like a rudder at the risk of getting turned sideways or capsizing.
In last month’s Cape May County Championships, Wildwood’s Jake Klecko was in third place as the boats rowed toward shore, but the former rugby player at West Chester university caught a hopped on a huge wave and rocketed past two other rowers to win.
↘Continued on 44
Doubles rowers Brendan and Joe Savell of Brigantine
What separates events such as the Cape May County Championships and Dutch Hoffman’s from others like the Margate Memorials and south Jersey’s, however, is their willingness to adapt and expand to keep pace with the ever-changing demographics of the region.
Both the Cape May County and Dutch Hoffman races include paddleboard/rescue board races, vessels that have supplanted boats in some cases as a preferred method of performing rescues.
t he Margate Memorials had a paddleboard race once in its 79-year history, when Brigantine’s sven
Events
Peltonen won the race in 2004, but never went back to it. the south Jersey’s have been even more resistant to expansion. the doubles row was the only event from 1919 until it added a swim in 1938. t he singles row didn’t become a permanent fixture until 1973.
t he most glaring oversight, however, concerns female lifeguard competitors.
In the 92 years since Longport’s Margaret s pitz became south Jersey’s first female lifeguard, women have become an integral part of every beach patrol. In Avalon, for instance, women comprise approxi -
Here are some of the fun events happening in the Wildwoods:
mately 30 percent of its beach patrol workforce.
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to be sure, there are several outstanding women-only competitions on the schedule, including the Longport Women’s Invitational, Cape May Point Women’s Lifeguard Challenge, and the Bill Howarth Women’s Lifeguard Invitation in Ventnor, which this year was designated as the south Jersey Women’s Championship.
But in order to accurately determine a true south Jersey Champion, women’s events need to be included in the main event.
there’s no reason to exclude outstanding competitors like Avalon’s Becca Cubbler, Longport’s Jordyn Ricciotti, Ocean City’s Brynn g allagher, Wildwood Crest’s Maddie Priest and others from helping their respective patrols win a south Jersey
Championship. stop saying, “No, No, Nanette” and add a women’s swim, paddleboard race and perhaps a co-ed surf dash to the main event. It’s time.
Local boxer set to fight in Texas undefeated Atlantic City boxer Justin Figueroa is fighting saturday in san Antonio, texas.
Figueroa (12-0, 10 KOs), a Holy spirit High school graduate and former Atlantic City lifeguard, is facing Jarrod tennant (9-5, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles in a scheduled 8-round, super-welterweight bout at the tech Port Arena.
Figueroa, 26, has registered four straight knockouts. tennant, 40, has lost two straight fights via decision and is 1-4 in his last five bouts.
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.
The days before
G1923 by the Lake family, Ocean City’s founders. the Lakes envisioned a classic course on a picturesque parcel of land hugging the shore of g reat Egg Harbor Bay. to make their vision a reality, they commissioned one of the most accomplished players and designers of the day, Willie Park, Jr. Park was a star professional who won the British Open in 1887 and 1889. He also authored an instruction book
before turning his attention to golf
plished career, Park created courses that remain among the world’s finest – including Olympia Fields North in Illinois, site of the u s . Open in 1997 and 2003 and the PgA Championship in 1925 and 1961. t he s ands Casino bought and renamed it in sands Country Club in 1981. the course was later purchased by 76ers owner Pat Croce and other partners in 2004 and named g reate Bay.
Senior Moments
By Charles P. Eberson
In the mid-1960s, I was in my teens living in Margate. Before the luxurious bayfront homes existed, there were marshes and at low tide, a beach. My friends and I would explore these beaches for whatever treasures we might find. usually, it was not more than lost fishing riggings and dipsies. One day, on a beach along Amherst Avenue in lower Margate we came across an abandoned wooden lifeguard boat. It looked perfectly seaworthy except for a fist-sized hole above the water line.
In our best Huckleberry Finn/ tom sawyer impersonation, we found two pieces of wood that would suffice as paddles and tugged the partially floating boat into the water. We
cautiously tested its seaworthiness in the lagoon and when satisfied, we used the “paddles” and pushed out into the Intracoastal Waterway. Our exploration of the back bays began or so we thought.
Being out on the bay on our own we felt adventurous, independent. As powerboats passed us by, their wakes splashed in through the hole in the hull and began collecting at the bottom. As more water collected, the boat got lower in the water. As it got lower in the water, more wake splashed in. still feeling confident and masters of our own fate, we decided it prudent to begin paddling towards shore.
At this point, we were leaving the bars on Amherst Avenue known as the Barbary Coast, behind us. the outgoing tide had caught us and as hard as we leaned into the planks of wood used as paddles, we were losing ground and more water was splashing into the boat. I knew that these boats were pretty much unsinkable but when I saw we were heading towards the Longport bridge, as they say, stuff began to get real.
Past the bridge was the inlet, then
the ocean and I knew that we were really going to be in dire straits unless we could do something to turn these events around. I remember, I thought how angry my mother would be if I perished in such a nonsensical manner in a craft designed for saving lives.
Now, my friend and I started waving our “paddles” at passing boats and yelling “help,” not even realizing we could not be heard over the sound of their engines. We see this all the time in movies and laugh at the stupidity of stranded boaters yelling at passing freighters to be rescued, but that is what one is compelled to do.
Finally, just before passing under
the bridge a boater started coming towards us and we waved even more frantically. Water was filling the boat and we were exhausted. the boater pulled alongside and after assessing our dilemma, took the opportunity to admonish us for our recklessness. He threw us a rope and towed us to the nearest marina. We made our way back to our bikes and rode home with very little said between us.
I made it home in time for dinner and sat down at the table. My mother brought in the dinner and curtly asked what had I done that afternoon to come home so sunburned and dirty. I told her that my friend and I were just playing down by the bay. she told me I was not getting a thing to eat until I went into the bathroom and cleaned myself up. It was good to be home.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com
Top Weekly Entertainment Picks
By Steffen Klenk
The unofficial end of summer is approaching fast, but don’t let that get you down. t here’s plenty of time to check out an outdoor concert, sunset by the bay and a strut with the Mummers. We have the scoop in this week’s Entertainment Picks.
What : International Winefest
Where: golden Nugget, Atlantic City
When : Friday, Aug. 22
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city/entertainment/upcoming-events/ take a trip around the world with wine this Friday. g uests will enjoy a summer evening under the stars, mingling with wine enthusiasts, enjoying delicious international wines,
live jazz music and award-winning cuisine. It will be an evening of the finest wines, superb sounds and an amazing atmosphere.
Who: Howie Mandel and Brad garrett Where: Caesars Atlantic City When : Friday, Aug. 22
Time: 9 p.m.
Website : www.caesars.com/caesars-ac/shows g et ready for a night of laughs and stand-up at the Circus Maximus theatre with comedians Howie Mandel and Brad g arrett. Mandel is best known as a judge on “America’s got
talent,” and host of “Deal or No Deal.” garrett is an award-winning actor and comedian, known for his role as Robert Barone on the hit t V sitcom, “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Pete townshend and Roger Daltrey will play Atlantic City for one last time this s aturday as part of their North American Farewell tour. the s ong is Over marks a bittersweet goodbye for one of rock’s most influential bands with nearly six decades of groundbreaking music. the Who will take the stage with special guest Booker t. Jones.
Who: John Brancy and Peter Dugan
Live in Concert
Where: Claridge Hotel
When : saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Website : www.claridge.com/ events-promotions
Join John Brancy and Peter Dugan live at the Celebrity theatre in the Claridge Hotel for a benefit concert supporting the Atlantic City Arts
Foundation, presented by North to shore Festival. this special evening will feature powerful live performances by two acclaimed artists.
Who : t he s uper ’70s Rock s how featuring super trans AM
Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
When : sundays
Time: 4 p.m.
Website: www.theoceanac.com
this ultimate 1970s tribute will transport you back with the greatest hits that defined a decade, with hits from Hall & Oates, the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers, Queen and many others. Relive the epic music of the ’70s and experience the unforgettable decade in one incredible concert.
When : Monday, Aug. 25
Time: 7 p.m.
Website : www.ocnj.us/ summerConcert series
Hear the iconic sounds of award-winning singer Mavis staples. Rising to fame with her family’s band t he staple s ingers, she has recorded multiple hit singles including “I’ll take You there,” and “Let’s Do It Again.” she has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Don’t miss an evening of extraordinary vocals and soulful renditions.
What : Mummers Nights
When : Wednesday, Aug. 27
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Website: www.ventnorcity.org/special-events
Where: Ocean City Boardwalk
When : tuesdays and thursdays
Times: 7-9 p.m.
Website: www.oceancityvacation. com
the Mummers strut the Boardwalk between sixth and 14th streets, playing their signature tunes. strut and sing along to the music, then head to 10th street as two of Philadelphia’s iconic string bands come together as one for a performance.
It’s your final chance to enjoy a concert at ski Beach this season. Bring a chair or blanket, kick off your shoes and dance the night away with the u sual s uspects. s ki Beach is the perfect setting to watch the sunset and enjoy a marvelous pop rock party. Plus, check out the craft vendors and food trucks on site, open at 5:30 p.m.
Who: Mavis staples
Where: Ocean City Music Pier
What : sunset at ski Beach Concert
Where: Dorset and Burk Ave., Ventnor
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
Rock icons The Who coming to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Saturday
Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Readers of this column know how excited we’ve been over the amazing live concerts that have proliferated in south Jersey this summer, with this fourth weekend in August being no exception.
The Who are returning to the venerable Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on s aturday, Aug. 23. For the first time since 2017, the legendary British rock group, now consisting of only two original members: vocalist Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete townshend, is almost guaranteed to sell out all 14,770 seats in the fabled venue where their fellow countrymen, the Beatles, first performed back in 1964 when it was known as Atlantic City Convention Hall.
It’s being billed as t he Who: the song Is Over North American Farewell tour. the title makes sense given the advanced ages of Daltrey (81) and townshend (80). t he years have taken their toll as townshend is practically deaf from a lifetime of loud music ringing in his ears. (I can relate).
Roger Daltrey and Pete townshend have had a rocky relationship. A disagreement resulted in the March 2025 firing of Zak starkey, drummer since 1996. t he son of Ringo starr was briefly rehired in April, then fired again in May. scott Devours replaced him for the band’s farewell tour.
Of course, no one can ever replace the original quartet’s fabled lineup: Daltrey, townshend, the aforementioned Moon, who died from an overdose in 1978, and bassist John Entwistle, who died from a heart attack in 2002.
Whoever is filling the bass and drummer spots for this farewell tour shouldn't matter as long as Daltrey’s unique vocal style and townshend’s unmistakable guitar licks remain intact.
Fans can expect to hear all the classics – “Won't g et Fooled Again,” “My generation,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Love, Reign o’er Me,” “Pinball Wizard,” and many more.
If you’re able to attend this concert, by all means do so. It’s one you will tell your kids (or grandkids) about.
Opening act Booker Jones, 80, is best known as vocalist for Booker t & the M.g .'s
see the Who: the song Is Over North American Farewell tour, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 7:30 p.m. saturday, Aug. 23. tickets are $86$355. Info: 609-348-7000 or visit boardwalkhall.com.
Tune-Ups
Dropkick Murphys/Bad Religion/ Mainliners@Ocean Casino (Review): this one was as good as advertised.
After an energetic opening set by rising young Hollywood band the Mainliners, LA punk rock vets Bad Religion took the stage and played a kick-butt, hour-long set, showing that even in their mid-50s and early-60s, they still rock with the best of ’em. And they might possess the best drummer in punk rock at the moment in Jamie Miller; he was working his tail off!
We descended to the floor for Boston's Celtic punk rock heroes
Dropkick Murphys, and they did not disappoint. t he highlight of their excellent set was the last song of the night, “ the Big Man,” which featured vocalist Ken Casey perched on top of the large bar in the center of Ovation Hall, imploring the crowd to mosh-dance around the bar, which a good hundred or more people proceeded to do for at least three full minutes. It was an amazing, exhilarating end to one of the best live music shows this reviewer has attended in some time.
Also This Week: Award-winning blues ‘n’ soul singer sugaray Rayford at Lizzie Rose Music Room in tuckerton, Aug. 22; Americana/roots artist Eric sommer at Albert Music Hall in Waretown, Aug. 23; and R&B/ soul diva Mavis staples with guitarist Jeffrey gaines, Ocean City Music Pier, Aug. 25. until next week, Peace/Out.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com and www.facebook. com/dougdeutschpublicity.
The Who (Pete Townshend, left, and Roger Daltrey) will perform at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City as part of their farewell tour Saturday, Aug. 23.
This tribute ac t blends and layers the music of The Beatles , Led Zeppelin, and The Doors to create something new and unique for music fans ever y where.
Get ready for the ultimate tribute to the 1970’s , featuring classic singalongs and arena anthems that will take you back in time from icons such as The Eagles , Hall & Oates , Queen, Foreigner and more.
Low Cut Connie rips it up at launch of Hard Rock’s original-music series
By Chuck Darrow
& Casino Atlantic City certainly knew what they were doing when they booked Low Cut Connie to kick off its monthly “garden state Live” concert series, which is dedicated to New Jersey-based artists who primarily write and perform their own material.
t he flashy, wildly entertaining sextet led by Cherry Hill native Adam Weiner turned in an electrifying set that ably illustrated why he is a “critics’ darling” as well as a favorite
of such musical giants as Elton John and Bruce springsteen.
taking the s ound Waves stage to the pre-recorded strains of the song “Don’t Bogart that Joint” by the long-forgotten Fraternity of Man (which appeared on the “Easy Rider” soundtrack), Weiner and his team wasted no time in establishing the evening’s template with the raucous “Back in school” which, like so many of the set’s offerings, showed off Weiner’s facile lyric-writing, fromthe-heart vocal style and animated and (literally) acrobatic piano playing.
From there, Low Cut Connie kept the party going with a selection of similarly formatted numbers, among them “Rio,” “Hey! Little Child” and “Dirty Water,” all of which had the room reelin’ and rockin’. the latter
was an especially sweet treat as it bookended two covers, Rod stewart’s “Hot Legs” and “Bang A gong” by 1970s glam-rock progenitors, t Rex (somewhat younger folks may recall it as a 1985 hit by the British “supergroup” Power station). the entire set was borne on the superb playing and singing by Weiner’s backing unit. Of particular note were the sexy, sassy vocalizing of the provocatively dressed Amanda “Rocky” Bullwinkel, and sharp lead guitar work by Rich stanley (who, interestingly, looked as if he stepped out of a circa-1971 southern-rock band). the rhythm section comprised of guitarist Kelsey Cork, bassist Nick Perri and drummer Jarae Lewis provided faultless powerhouse underpinnings for stanley and Weiner’s
Postcards From The Past
The Loop the Loop roller coaster on Young’s Pier in Atlantic City. Opened in 1901, it was one of the earliest looping roller coasters in the United States. This racing coaster featured an oval loop, reducing the g-forces produced by the earlier Coney Island Flip Flap Railway with a circular loop. Despite these design improvements, the ride was reported to be unpleasant. This, paired with the ride's low capacity (only four individuals could ride the coaster every five minutes), led to its last ride in 1912.
The Casino File
the folks at the Prudential North2shore Festival and Hard Rock Hotel
soloing.
Despite the sure-handed support, a Low Cut Connie performance is always the Adam Weiner show, and Friday night the 32-year-old rocker didn’t disappoint.
He proved to be an engaging and savvy entertainer who carries on the tradition of high-energy front men, from the piano-pounding 1950s deities Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, to flamboyant, high-energy ’70s showmen like Peter Wolf of the J geils Band, the aforementioned Rod stewart and Elton and, above all else, springsteen, with whom he shares a vaudevillian sense of theatrics and stage presence and a predilection for the gritty underbelly of classic pop—as well as an on-your-kneesand-testify belief in the redemptive and healing powers of what the poet once described as “good old rock & roll.”
Weiner was a joy to behold as he yelped, growled, praised and cursed from his knees, atop his piano or while cruising the floor among his adoring fans.
But Weiner is no second-rate impersonator. Despite his obvious influences, he emerges as unique in style and execution, propelled by dynamite material, a delightful sense of fun and what is clearly the soul of an old-school entertainer.
the result was a most memorable turn.
Top-notch opener
We were also impressed by the opening act, Isn’t It Always. the trio led by guitarist-vocalist-composer Devin s check (who actually works at Hard Rock) is, on the surface, a crunching, high-volume power trio that straddles an intriguing line between ’90s punk and Rush-adjacent prog-rock. But like green Day (an obvious reference point for those new to the unit), there was a discernible musicality hiding in the craters of the band’s cranked-to-11 sonic blitzkrieg that made their brief set way more than just a noise-fest.
About the room
We can’t leave Friday’s rave-up without a word or two about the sound Waves as a rock-music venue. Although I’ve been attending shows there for 35 years (it was there when trump taj Mahal Casino-Resort opened in 1990), this was the first time I’d ever seen an open-floor configuration in the room rather than rows and rows of folding chairs (at least in my memory; that’s what happens when you have but 18 remaining functioning brain cells).
there was plenty of room for the 415 ticketholders (it can clearly hold
significantly more) and the room’s sizeable proscenium stage and superior acoustics and sightlines suggest there is definitely value in utilizing it beyond the “ garden state Live” format.
Lights out at Premier
Aug. 31 will see “last call” at Premier Nightclub inside Borgata Hotel Casino & spa.
the bayside pleasure dome has announced that it is shuttering the nine-year-old danceteria, but has not yet divulged what it plans to do with the soon-to-be-empty space.
“We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated team who brought
Premier’s energy to life night after night and to our loyal guests who have played a pivotal role in making the venue one of Atlantic City’s most iconic nightlife destinations,” said Niklas Rytterstrom, the Big B’s president & COO, in a press release.
“As we bid farewell to Premier, we remain committed to evolving the nightlife experience at Borgata and look forward to sharing what’s next for the space in the months to come.”
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about
TEQUILA, 1800 COCONUT TEQULIA COINTREAU, LIME JUICE, COCO REAL
His love for The Boss’ music puts Hank Azaria on ‘EZ Street’
By Chuck Darrow
Which one of these doesn’t belong with the others?:
Police Chief Clancy Wiggum; tavern owner Moe szyslak; nuclear-plant worker Carl Carlson; Bruce springsteen.
If you said “Bruce springsteen,” you are incorrect. that’s because it was a trick question: All four have
been voiced by veteran actor Hank Azaria. t he first three, of course, are among the characters he has brought to life for more than 35 years on “ the simpsons.” More recently, he has been portraying springsteen as the lead singer of Hank Azaria & the EZ street Band, which performs the music of the Bard of Asbury Park and his revered backup unit, the E street Band. the group is scheduled to perform Aug. 23 at the Music Box
inside Borgata Hotel Casino & spa.
It all began, he explained during a recent phone chat, with a milestone birthday in April, 2024.
“I was turning 60 and I wasn't thrilled about that,” he recalled with a chuckle. “I felt it would be sad to ignore that birthday, but I didn't know what to do. And somehow, as you get older, nostalgia takes on a different level of potency. I was listening to [the classic-rock of his youth] more, and it meant a lot more to me. And I just thought it might be fun to invite everyone I've ever known to City Winery in New York.
“It was like I created a high school reunion and a college reunion and a Broadway reunion. I ended up with 550 people there. Most of my friends are springsteen fans. And I told them, ‘I've got this great springsteen tribute band coming.’ But I didn't tell them that I was working for months to learn to sing like Bruce.”
As it turned out, Azaria, whose film credits include “Quiz show,” “ the Birdcage” and “Night At the Museum: the Battle of the smithsonian,” got a lot more than he bargained for when he conceived of the ostensible oneoff performance.
“I fell into this obsessive rabbit hole of just, mimicking and singing like Bruce as closely as I could,” he continued. “And I'm a ‘vocal geek’--it is what I do. And I have never worked harder, been more obsessed by any accent or voice or character.
“I've been imitating the way Bruce
talks since I was 12 because I love him and I listen to those bootlegs and the talks he'd give and I'd imitate him,” he said in springsteen’s familiar rasp.
“But,” he continued in his normal speaking voice, “singing like Bruce is another thing, especially with that rasp. It's really, really hard to sing like that and not to show your vocal cords. But to me, I'm not singing, I'm imitating Bruce. s o, it’s like was a trick, like I sort of tricked myself into” imitating springsteen.
“What I did was, I spent the first few months just trying to sing just on my own. Just like, let me see if I can capture Bruce's singing voice through my own mimicry abilities. And then once I felt like I sort of was making sounds like Bruce, I brought in a vocal coach and said, ‘Now teach me how to support this and actually sing this so it sounds better and I'm not destroying my throat.”
the hard work has clearly paid off: Youtube videos of springsteen signatures like “Born to Run” and “ g lory Days” suggest Azaria and his ninepiece EZ street Band have indeed put in the work to capture the sound— and spirit--of a springsteen/E street Band performance. And with his allblack stage wardrobe lean physique and close-cropped hair, the veteran actor who has appeared on Broadway in Monty Python’s “ spamalot” and “All In: A Comedy About Love,” which ran last winter, offers an equally con -
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DISCOVER THE ALL NEW
vincing visual facsimile.
As he noted above, Azaria, who donates all of his concerts’ proceeds to his 30-year-old non-profit organization, Four through Nine Foundation, which supports efforts in education, wellness, environmental activism and social justice, is hardly a Bruce-Come-Lately when it comes to his subject.
“I was in summer camp when I was 12 in 1976, and my buddy was playing the ‘Born to Run’ album and I said, “What is that?’ And he got angry at me and said, ‘What do you mean what is that? What’s the matter with you? It’s Bruce springsteen!’ And I was like, ‘I never heard him before.’ But I fell in love with that album that summer.”
Azaria--who’ll be seen portraying t homas Edison in the set-in-theg ilded Age murder mystery, “ t he Artist,” which will drop this fall on the free-streaming service the Network--has yet to come face-to-face with his musical hero. But the Boss is absolutely aware of Azaria’s efforts.
“It's just a crazy story,” he offered. “My son’s 15, and one of his school friend’s dad is a dentist who I’ve become friendly with; he's a Jersey shore guy and has seen our band a few times and he's always asking me to send him our latest video, which I do.
“And one day two weeks ago, I get a text from him. He's at his office, and he pans the camera over and it’s Bruce in his dentist’s chair., And he says [again in his springsteen voice], ‘I'm sitting here with a terrible toothache…I've been fabulously entertained by your version of “Prove It All Night.” I gotta say, you did an excellent job, and that band is really something!
“‘ s o, keep going, man. Keep on going. Don't stop.’
“I literally cried for a solid day.” For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com
Atlantic City Headliners
Friday, August 22
Aziz Ansari
▶8 p.m.
the Music Box at Borgata
Walker Hayes
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Howie Mandel & Brad Garrett
▶9 p.m.
Circus Maximus theater at Cae -
sars
Ali Siddiq
▶9 p.m.
tropicana showroom
Saturday, August 23
The Who w/ Booker T. Jones
▶7:30 p.m.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Matt Matthews
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Stella & Eric
▶10 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Trey Kennedy
▶8 p.m.
tropicana showroom
Sunday, August 24
Super Trans Am
▶4 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Wednesday, August 27
Dead Zep starring Hayley Jane
▶7 p.m. Kennedy Plaza
Thursday, August 28
Magical Mystery Doors ▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Friday, August 29
Jimmy O. Yang ▶9 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, August 30
Live & Collective Soul ▶6:30 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias ▶5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Borgata Event Center Will Dempsey
▶9 p.m.
golden Nugget Atlantic City
Sunday, August 31
Changes in Latitudes
▶8 p.m.
superstar theater at Resorts
Friday, September 5
Garden State Live: Billy Walton, Twisted Livin’ & Debra Devi
▶8 p.m.
sound Waves at Hard Rock
Maxwell
▶8 p.m. the Music Box at Borgata
Saturday, September 6
Old Dominion ▶7 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena The Machine ▶9 p.m.
golden Nugget Atlantic City
On Sale This Week
Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
▶Fri. Nov. 21
tropicana showroom
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin: Home Alone 35th
Anniversary
▶sun. Dec. 7
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Tickets on sale Fri. Aug. 22, 10 a.m.
CIRCLE LIQUOR STORE
World Class Road House Rockin' Blues of The Nighthawks Hilarious Boogie Woogie Pianist Reverend Billy C. Wirtz Tribute to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Conway Twitty
Our 32nd Season Tony Mart Cares gives back to musicians in need
Location changes due to inclement weather will be posted on Tony Mart Presents Facebook/ Instagram page.
Patty Blee, Lew London, Dr. Bobby Fingers, Danny Eyer, The Tony Mart Allstars, Howard Isaacson Campanell Family Tribute to Bobby Campanell
*Good Golly Miss Molly", "DeviI with the Blue Dress’, ",Sock it to Me", "C.C. Rider - Jenny Take A Ride", "Little Latin Lupe Lu"
The Tony Mart Allstars featuring Danny Eyer Special Guest Twisted Livin' Band
Music at the Shore: Bryan McCloud’s Open Mic Nights give everyone a chance to shine
By Delaney Crawford
It seems that music always has a way of bringing people together. Whether it be friends forming a band, a child inspired after hearing someone play, or simply people enjoying it side by side, there’s magic in hearing some tunes.
For local musician Bryan McCloud, music goes even deeper than that. Performing, playing, and creating have been the heartbeat of his journey here at the shore.
After years of taking the stage himself across local venues, McCloud is now creating space for others to shine. All summer long and into september, he hosts open mic nights at stone Harbor Pizza Pub. Anyone can come, sign up, and perform. It’s an open invitation for dreamers, singers,
and storytellers to step up to the mic and let their voices be heard and the magic be felt.
“ these open mics are all about trying new songs, getting some repetition under your belt and getting a little better each time,”
McCloud said. “Hosting this kind of just fell into my lap. I was calling businesses hoping to book a gig, when stone Harbor Pizza Pub offered up the hosting/ playing option and I took a chance and said yes.”
the point of any open mic night is to allow others to take a chance on themselves, and McCloud has given countless aspiring artists the encouragement and space to do just that.
In addition to newcomers who bravely step up to sing, familiar local music names like tom Jamison and Dylan Perry have stopped in to jam with McCloud, making each night a mix of
surprises and support.
t he community has embraced these nights with open arms, creat-
ing a special kind of atmosphere that even McCloud admits feels unique.
“ t here honestly may be even more energy at an open mic due to the support of everybody in the room,” he said. “I love watching people from all over the world perform. We had performers from Ireland, Florida, NY, Pittsburgh and even Kazakhstan once. the best thing about performing or hosting the open mic is no matter age, race or background, there is this common bond in the room and that’s music.”
McCloud’s own journey began at an open mic night in south Jersey years ago, a moment that sparked everything to follow. since then, he’s played all around Cape May and Atlantic Counties. Now, by hosting his own, he’s inspiring the “next him” to take that first leap, bringing his story full circle.
Over the years, McCloud’s influences have shifted, but a few favorites have remained steady: Blink-182, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, s ocial Distortion, the Ramones, and Dave Hause.
Fans who catch one of his sets, whether at an open mic or his own show, can expect a blend of classics and modern hits, across genres, with plenty of crowd sing-alongs as everyone feels the good vibes, good music and has a good time.
For McCloud, the heart of it all comes down to connection and the music.
“I hope people leave the open mics feeling better about themselves,” he said. “Was it a dare to get up and sing, was it a bucket list thing? Whatever it was, as long as you had fun I’ll be stoked.”
sometimes the nights even surprise him. “ the most surprising thing at an open mic was when a bartender waited until closing time to ask if he could do a song. the entire staff stopped in amazement at his voice, not knowing he could sing,” McCloud shared.
In addition to hosting, McCloud still performs regularly. Over Labor Day Weekend, you can catch him at Bocca and sunrise tequila Bar. so, whether you want to sit back with a drink and hear McCloud strum
and sing, or take a deep breath and step up to the mic yourself, his shows and open mics promise the same thing: connection, energy and a night to remember. His open mic nights at stone Harbor Pizza Pub continue through s eptember, and now may just be your time to shine.
“My advice to anybody is to just start. I’m a big believer in getting the reps in. I’m living proof that if you work at something you can become whatever you want,” McCloud said.
McCloud keeps the music going at stone Harbor Pizza Pub with Open Mic Nights from 7 to 10 p.m. Follow along on their Instagram to see which night they’re happening each week.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC's Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
Dead Zep and Hayley Jane bring classic rock tribute to Atlantic City
Wednesday, Aug. 27, Kennedy Plaza
Waynard scheller, worldclass
arranger and producer, will lead seven of the Northeast’s top musicians in an electrifying performance blending the music of the g rateful Dead and Led Zeppelin.
Joining s cheller is powerhouse Americana rock vocalist Hayley Jane, delivering passionate renditions of the two legendary catalogs. the show will also feature three standout guitarists — steve Bernstein, Michael Jaskewicz and Eric Cohen — performing alongside bassist David g oldflies, formerly of the Allman Brothers Band.
Audiences can expect extended instrumental jams, dynamic medleys and a high-energy celebration of classic rock.
the free concert runs from 7 to
10 p.m. as part of the Mardi g ras on the Boardwalk series. Fans can enjoy the music with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, complete with Boardwalk breezes, scenic dunes and a beverage garden at Kennedy Plaza. this promises to be one of the highlights of the summer for fans of both the g rateful Dead and Led Zeppelin.
Let the good times roll!
Summertime magic in every bite: The five best spots for a bite by the beach
By Delaney Crawford
There’s something magical about a beach lunch. something about the sun on your face, the salt in the air, and the sound of waves in the background just makes a meal taste better. We don’t make the rules, but we definitely support taking your next beach lunch seriously.
Whether you’re craving a grab-andgo sandwich to enjoy on your towel, fresh seafood as you gaze at the ocean, or fresh fruit and plenty of snacks to share, Atlantic and Cape May counties are packed with perfect spots for your next midday treat, beach-style.
Sack O’ Subs
With multiple locations and high-quality goods, sack O’ subs is a go-to choice for a sub by the shore. With spots in Ventnor, Ocean City, Atlantic City, and offshore in E.H.t. and Absecon, you’re never far from your perfect beach-day bite. From classic style subs to chicken Caesar salad sandwiches and everything in between, sack O’s has the flavor and freshness to
keep you satisfied all day in the sun. Call ahead for pickup, or, from select locations, have your sub delivered straight to the sand.
Spadafora’s Seafood Market
Of course, south Jersey is known for having good seafood, and spadafora’s seafood Market in Ocean City delivers just that. Home to fresh and truly delicious options with takeout convenience. From appetizers to sandwiches to full platters, their lunch menu is perfect for enjoying beachside. It’s your chance to taste the ocean while listening to it crash on the shore.
B.F. Mazzeo Fruit and Produce
Calling all snackers and fruit lovers! If a sub or fish sandwich isn’t calling your name, swing by B.F. Mazzeo for fresh produce, snacks and prepackaged meals ready to go. Fill your cooler with watermelon, strawberries and all the refreshing fruits that just make sense on a hot beach day. Located in Northfield, it’s the perfect location to stop at before driving over the bridge and hitting the sand.
16th Street Seafood
Because there’s no such thing as too much seafood in s outh Jersey in the summer, here’s another great lunch option for you. 16th street seafood in Ocean City offers a wide selection of freshly caught favorites. Fresh from the local waters, you can almost taste the sea and goodness in every bite. Picture all the seafood platters you could want, plus pasta, salads and even tacos. there’s something for every taste in the group, even the kids and land lovers.
Vic’s Subs
A beach day and a good sub are a match made in south Jersey heaven, and Vic’s has been proving it for over 70 years. With customizable options, friendly service and delivery available, it’s a great pick before heading to the beaches of Atlantic City. Located in
Absecon, stop in this local favorite joint and indulge in whatever kind of sub magic you're thinking of. You can thank us later! Now that you know where to find some of the tastiest beach lunches, whether it be a sub, seafood, fruit or snackable bites, the only thing left to do is grab your cooler, towel, sunscreen, and hit the sand. Each of these spots offers something a little different, making it the perfect list to try them all. Enjoy the nostalgia of a perfectly built sub, the freshness of seafood caught that morning, or the sweetness of ripe fruit enjoyed under the sun. Make it a goal to try them all before summer slips away, turning your beach days into a delicious tour of our coastal favorites. some of the best part of a Jersey shore lunch isn’t just the food, it’s where you get to enjoy it, with the ocean as your backdrop and flavors that taste like summer itself.
16th St. Seafood
Live & Local Music Calendar
Thursday, August 21
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Line Dancing w/ Caitlin
7 – 11 p.m.
247 s . New York Ave.
LandShark Bar & Grill
smokey starr. 4 – 8 p.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
DJ Dahve. 8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Steel Pier Tiki Bar
Bar None Duo. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
B street Band. 7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
My Hero Zero. 7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Don’t Call Me Francis
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Linwood
Fox Den at LCC
tom & Kim. 6 – 10 p.m.
500 shore Rd.
Marmora Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Atley Moon. 6 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Radio Revolution Duo
5 – 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night w/ DJ Mike
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
2 Old Friends
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Egg Harbor Township
EHT Vagabond
twisted Livin’ 7 – 10 p.m.
3016 Ocean Heights Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
Bar None Duo. 7 – 10 p.m.
279 s . New York Rd.
Linwood
Fox Den at LCC
usual suspects. 6 – 10 p.m.
500 shore Rd.
Margate
Bocca
Jazz by Mitchell Faber
tommy Nic
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Fitzpatrick’s
Phil stocker
5 – 8 p.m.
650 New Rd.
Josie Kelly’s B’Jam Band
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
Mexiquila
E. shawn Q
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
101 E. Maryland Ave.
The Point
Kenny Curcio trio
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Friday, August 22
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Emo Night w/ DJ David Earl & Karle gwen. 8 p.m.
247 s . New York Ave.
Hard Rock Café gab Cinque
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
LandShark Bar & Grill
Holdyn Barder Band
6 – 10 p.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Brandon Ireland Duo. 7 p.m. the Event Horizon. 10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
goodman Fiske
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Dane Anthony Band. 5 – 8:30 p.m. the Cliffs. 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock the Event Horizon. 7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Nine Deez Night
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Margate
Bocca
Live Jazz by Bob & t he Bocca
Boys. 7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Memories
Radio Revolution Duo
8 p.m.
9518 Amherst Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Open Mic Night w/ Blue Eagle
7:30 – 11:30 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Lew London & Bob Mower
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Crabby Jack’s
Haley & timmy
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Jimmy Brogan
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 shore Rd.
The Point shauny Mac
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Wine: It’s Greek to me!
Drink Up!
By David Setley
Did you know that g reece preceded most of Europe — including Italy, France, germany, and spain — in becoming a producer of wine? Yet g reek wine is rarely mentioned by wine enthusiasts. Even in my sommelier education, g reek wines were mainly discussed for the historical perspective. Many folks stopping into the store this summer shared their travels with me, and g reece is a destination frequently mentioned. In response, I investigated g reek wines and would like to share what I discovered. I hope you find it as interesting as I did!
the earliest evidence of grapes being used to make wine was discovered in transcaucasia, a Middle Eastern region that encompasses the modern-day country of g eorgia. Archaeologists dated these findings to approximately 6,000 B.C.E., indicating that wine has been made from grapes for over 8,000 years. Wine has been linked to greece since around 4,500 B.C.E. For centuries, g reece was the dominant producer of wine and viticulture. t hey had many trading partners, including the Phoenicians, who spread viticulture throughout the known world of the time, including all the way to Portugal. Additionally, it was the g reeks
who brought vineyard agriculture and wine production practices to the Roman Empire. they recognized the outstanding soil, climate, and environment – what we now call terroir – and, around 4,000 BCE, expanded wine grape production to what we now know as Italy. the g reeks called Italy “Oenotria,” meaning the “land of staked vines,” because they staked vines to produce a higher quantity and better quality of grapes. On the other hand, in g reece, grape vines were basket-shaped bushes, cultivated tightly and low to the ground to prevent damage from harsh winds. g reece produced and traded good wine until the industry was undermined by war. t he Ottoman turks invaded and conquered Constantinople in 1453. under Ottoman rule, consuming wine was forbidden, forcing the wine industry in g reece to become nearly extinct. they ruled over g reece until 1821, when the g reeks won independence after a 9-year war. However, even after their victory, g reece struggled to rebuild the infrastructure of the country. It wasn’t until the 1970s that a handful of entrepreneurial winemakers decided to resurrect the wine industry. today, over 80% of wineries in greece are less than 20 years old. Ironically, though g reece was among the earliest to produce and trade wine, the g reek wine industry known today is among the youngest in the world. there are several classic varietals of g reek wines. Assyrtiko, pronounced “ah-seer-teeko,” is known as the queen of g reek grapes. It is indigenous to the island of santorini and is produced into a white wine that is fermented and aged in stainless
steel. Assyrtiko is refreshing and crisp with a notable acidity and a flavor profile of lime with notes of lemon, passion fruit, and honey. there is a noticeable minerality of flint rock and salinity. try the stamnaki Peloponnese Assyrtiko for a lovely and affordable example. this very dry white wine is produced with 100% Assyrtiko grapes. It pairs exceptionally well with shellfish, seafood, and salad courses, especially g reek salads (obviously). Or, a great splurge-worthy wine of this varietal is the Domaine sigalas santorini Assyrtiko.
Another white varietal is Mochofilero (moosh-ko-fee-lair-oh) from the Mantinia region. try the Bairaktaris, Mantinia Moscholotios. this is a very dry, light-colored white with the floral aroma of lemon flowers and rose petals. It has a high acidity but is surprisingly medium-full bodied. You will pick up flavors of melon and pink grapefruit with notes of almond. this wine pairs well with grilled calamari, sushi, and oysters, as well as the g reek dishes of spanakopita and grilled chicken souvlaki.
Another very nice white wine from g reece is the Mylonas Retsina. Mylonas Winery is a third-generation boutique winery located 30 miles south of Athens. they farm traditionally greek grape varieties, respecting the terroir. Mylonas’ philosophy is
based on minimum intervention from the vineyard to the bottling. this Retsina is made from 100% savatiano grapes and features the aroma and flavors of white peaches, mango, lemon and herbs. this refreshing dry wine pairs beautifully with shrimp, sushi, cheese platters and salads.
g reece is not known exclusively for white wines. t he Bairaktaris, Namea Monolithos Dry Red is made from the Agiorgitiko (ah-your-yeek-tee-ko) grape, grown in the Namea region. this very dry red wine has aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, with notes of black pepper and baking spices. I highly recommend this g reek red if you love Pinot Noir. there is a nice acidity that makes it very food-friendly. Pair it with roasted meats and poultry, or with g reek specialties, such as Moussaka.
Arguably, the most significant red grape of the Naoussa region of g reece is Xinomavro. the profile of the wines made from this grape is often compared to Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France or Barbera from the Piedmont of Italy. the Kokkinos Xinomavro is a great example of this
traditional g reek varietal. this dry red has notes of red raspberries and cherries with tobacco leaf, leather, and oak. Kokkinos selects its best grapes from over 35-year-old vines and ages the wine in mostly French oak barrels for five years, plus another year in the bottle. It pairs well with lamb or other grilled meats and vegetables, as well as with dishes that feature mushrooms such as mushroom youvetsi (also known as giouvetsi).
though I am not g reek, this research struck a few chords with me. I grew up in a suburb of Reading, Pennsylvania, close to where a very famous gentleman of g reek descent
lived much of his life: gus Efstratiou, but you would better know him as Michael Constantine, the actor who portrayed the father in the “My Big Fat g reek Wedding” films. Michael passed away in 2021 at the age of 94. t hough I did not know him well, I frequently saw him walking to the shillington Restaurant for breakfast or attending concerts at the Reading symphony Orchestra. I was also friends with the owner of a very popular greek diner in shillington, Pennsylvania: John “Yanni” Frangakis, who was born on the g reek island of Chios. Yanni introduced me to some of the wonderful cuisines of g reece.
I hope you enjoyed this article and will consider expanding your wine palate by exploring g reek wines. As always, if you have questions, contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com. until next time, “opa” and happy wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
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Joan Myers Brown: From Club Harlem to international ballet stardom
By Bruce Klauber
Joan Myers Brown, founder of the famed and iconic Philadanco Dance Company, is an international treasure.
t his ageless force of nature –she’s happy to admit to being 93 – has won just about every award there is to win; and Philadanco’s substantial contributions to dance, arts and culture have been acknowledged all over the world.
Just some of those awards include the 2012 National Medal of Arts, presented to Brown by President Barack Obama; the Philadelphia Award; honorary doctorates from ursinus College and the university of Pennsylvania, the American Dance g uild Honoree Award and t he Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2017 Industry Icon Award.
From there she studied with sydney King and Marion Cuyjet, two Black ballet teachers, which led to a scholarship that allowed her to study both ballet and the Katherine Dunham technique in New York at the Dunham school. Not long after, she took a class for a year with the English-born Antony tudor when he came to teach for the Philadelphia Ballet guild. that was the first desegregated ballet class in the city.
While in the city, she danced in recitals, the Philadelphia Cotillion Balls, and the local Black cabaret circuit, then in clubs throughout the country.
An early highlight for Brown was her appearance in the corps of “Les sylphides,” staged for a performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Despite how impressive her early
But before she founded t he Philadelphia school of Dance Arts in 1960 and Philadanco 10 years later, Joan Brown was a professional dancer. One of her first major jobs, and the one that helped launch her career, happened in Atlantic City’s Club Harlem.
A native Philadelphian and West Philadelphia High school graduate, the young Brown began her journey into the world of dance courtesy of her gym teacher, who suggested that she join the ballet club and take private lessons. What made Brown’s start so unique is that she was Black and her first teachers were white.
resume was, a living still had to be made. And by 1958 she was making a living by dancing at Atlantic City’s Club Harlem as a part of the popular Larry steele “ smart Affairs” revue as “featured ballerina en pointe,” and as choreographer. some of the performers she backed as a part of steele’s revue included sammy Davis Jr., Cab Calloway and Pearl Bailey. Brown formed a particularly strong bond with Bailey.
“I worked with Pearl Bailey on and off for two years, beginning around 1958,” Brown told me in a recent conversation. “ she saw me dance at Club Harlem and hired me to dance in her show. At that time, Atlantic City was segregated, and Pearl was working in a club on the white side of town. I was working on the Black side of town. After her show, she came into Club Harlem. As for Pearl, (609) 653-8155
“In the 1940s and 1950s, ballet schools throughout America were segregated,” Brown explained to suzi Nash of the Philadelphia gay News. “If you lived in Philadelphia and were Black, you were not permitted to try on shoes in a store and you were barred from the white ballet schools.”
Before Joan Myers Brown founded The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts in 1960 and Philadanco 10 years later, she was a professional dancer.
she fluctuated. sometimes she was an sOB and sometimes she was a sweetheart. It was according to how she felt that day. she fired me one day – she thought I was cursing – and before I could get back home to Philly, she had the company manager called me to come back.”
the work was hard and not pleasant all the time.
“ s ome places you had to mix,” Brown explained. “After the show you had to sit at the bar and socialize with the patrons. I wasn’t a drinker, so I didn’t care for it. I’d stay in the dressing room or hide in the bathroom. that’s one time when segregation actually helped me.
“Because in places like Atlantic City, or Las Vegas, when I was with Pearl, I was the only Black girl in the show, and I wasn’t allowed in the clubs. so the white girls had to mix and I got to go home!”
Eventually realizing that as a Black ballet dancer she would never find work in a classical ballet company, she decided to open the Philadelphia s chool of Dance Arts as a way to start addressing that issue.
“In 1960, I was still dancing,” she recalled. “I was performing and choreographing shows, mostly at Club Harlem. I taught ballet in the afternoon and shuffled off to Atlantic City every night.
“ the hardest part was the commute those first six years. I went to sleep at the wheel one night, and after that, my boyfriend at the time was nice enough to drive me back and forth, or I’d ride the bus.”
Joan Myers Brown was determined.
In 1970 she made the decision to create new opportunities by forming Philadanco. she started with 30 students. With time came community recognition and visibility, as did Brown’s realization that the dancers in the school would likely face the same challenges she did with performance opportunities.
Now a Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts resident company, and an internationally renowned company that sells out venues all over the world, Philadanco’s influence continues to be pervasive.
Just ask some of Philadanco’s distinguished alumni, including Alvin Ailey American Dance theater choreographer Hope Boykin, tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. and Willia Noel Montague of Broadway’s “ the Lion King.”
“Philadanco has truly made me into the artist and woman I am today,” Noel said. “Joan Myers Brown’s loving
instruction not only nurtured my skills as an artist, but also taught me the invaluable lesson that you are only as good as your last performance. Whenever I step on stage, I find a new energy and meaning for the gift of dance, and I owe much of my success to my Philadanco family.”
Certainly, Philadanco is unique because of its racial makeup, but that’s not why the company is revered and sells out concerts all over the world. A recent review of a Philadanco performance at Bucknell university illustrates why this company is so special.
“Philadanco stunned the audience with their captivating ability to tell stories through movement,” wrote reviewer Rachel Johnston for Bucknell’s Performing Arts website. “ the choreography was astounding and perfected, leaving the audience members to murmur their awe. their ability to effectively convey different stories and passion made their performance truly one of a kind.”
In 2020, after 50 years at the helm of Philadanco, Joan Myers Brown announced her intention to “step away” from her role as artistic director, handing those reins to longtime Assistant Artistic Director Kim Bears-Bailey.
Brown, naturally, will always hold the title of “founder,” and those who know this miraculous dynamo are not
surprised that she continues in action on Philadanco’s behalf on a daily basis. As the Philadelphia Inquirer recently said, “ the buck still stops with Brown.”
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.
Brown was awarded the 2012 National Medal of Arts, presented by President Barack Obama.
One of Brown's first major jobs, and the one that helped launch her career, was in Atlantic City’s Club Harlem.
California dreaming? I'll always be a Jersey girl
By Linda Bailey Walsh
Igrew up in New Jersey by the beach but for some reason it seemed like all I ever heard about was California Everybody knew everything from California was the best. It seemed like "California Dreaming" was always on the radio and in summers the goal was a California tan. I played for hours with Malibu Barbie and if the kids on "Beverly Hills 90210" wore it, it was cool. there is no doubt that I have LA Looks Hair gel to thank for most of my awesome '80s styles.
How could New Jersey ever possibly compare?
I was sure it couldn’t so, first chance I had I got on a plane to Los Angeles with "California Here I Come" playing in my headphones. I settled smack dab in the middle of it all. I can see the Hollywood sign from my street and just a few blocks away there are stars with famous peoples' names on them in the pavement. Just down the road is Paramount studios. the weather is an embarrassment of riches 95% of the time, and the other 5%? Well, it’s still just fine. there’s really no two ways about it; California is in fact, beautiful. Everyone was right. Just like Randy Newman sang in his song, "I love LA." Naturally I couldn’t wait to get to the beach. After a lifetime of hearing songs, seeing movies and reading books about it I couldn’t wait. I’ll never forget the first thought I had when I walked onto a beach in California. that thought was: Meh. Yup. Meh.
First of all, growing up a car ride to the beach meant passing rows of cornfields and stopping at a local farm to pick up some fresh produce to snack on. sadly, most peo -
ple will never understand how incredible a Jersey tomato is. the drive to the beach here is also the stuff of legend but unfortunately; Los Angeles freeways are more of a nightmare than a dream. to top that off, hardly any of the beaches here have boardwalks and the water is cold with lots of rocks and seaweed in it.
In Jersey a beach day meant saltwater taffy and beautiful victorian houses all in a row overlooking sparkling water that I’d spend hours in, riding waves while music played in the background (usually Bruce). going down the shore (as any true NJ native would call it) was always joyful. A day filled with friends and family. the Jersey shore has a sense of community that I’ve never seen anywhere else in the world. Now I’m not going to try to pretend that Cali and its beaches aren’t beautiful; that would be crazy talk. But there is a quality that they are lacking, something that only Jersey has. I’d guess it’s like when you meet a pretty girl, but she doesn’t know any of your favorite bands and won’t even try your dessert. It’s just not as much fun to be around. I think maybe it’s because they take it for granted out here: a day at the beach, a beautiful sunset. they have it all the time. In New Jersey we always knew that we’d be chipping ice off of our cars in no time so these special, sun kissed days were to be savored.
And yes, it never rains in southern California but all that’s gotten us is a drought. s o, here I am in California, on what seems like the millionth sunny day in a row and my heart would give anything to be sitting on the beach in south Jersey, listening to Jersey girl because in the end, springsteen knew what he was talking about. Down the shore everything really is all right.
Live in Touch with Your Soul
URSA ALCHEMY is a unique blend of Astrology, Aromatherapy and Cosmic Guidance co-created with the Cosmos, Plants and Spirit.
Offering Astrological Aromatherapy, a variety of Astrology readings, Aromatherapy consults and products, the Becoming Chiron podcast, downloadable classes and guided meditations.
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Easy Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients: (Serves 7)
● 1 cup (240 mL) of lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
● 1 cup (225 g) of sugar
● 6 cups (1.4 L) of water
● Ice (optional)
1. Juice 8 lemons to get about 1 cup of lemon juice. Roll your lemons on the countertop to make them easier to juice. Next, cut your lemons in half and press them onto a lemon press over a pitcher or measuring cup. twist the lemon halves over the press to get as much juice out as possible.
● Microwave your lemons for 10-20 seconds to soften the pulp and get more juice.
● If you don't have a lemon press, squeeze the lemon to get most of the juice out. then, press a fork or mixer beater into the lemon pulp and twist it to release the rest of the juice.
● You can get a lemon press at your local grocery or department store or online.
2. Transfer the lemon juice into a large pitcher. If you like pulp in your lemon juice, pour the squeezed lemon juice directly into the pitcher. If you don’t like pulp, hold a strainer over the
pitcher and pour the lemon juice over the strainer to catch the pulp. then, empty the strainer into your compost or trash. Make sure your pitcher can hold at least 8 cups (1.9 L) of fluids. 3. Pour 1 cup of sugar into the lemon juice and stir to dissolve it. since lemon juice is acidic, it can dissolve your sugar for you, which saves you a lot of work! Add the sugar directly into your lemon juice, then stir until the sugar dissolves. this should take about 3-4 minutes.
● If you don’t want your lemonade to be as sweet, you can add less sugar. try adding just 1/2 or 3/4 cup of sugar.
● Don’t add your water until the sugar dissolves so that the lemon juice isn’t diluted. It will take the sugar longer to dissolve in diluted lemon
Please pick up after your dog in public spaces
By Heidi Clayton
After last week's installment regarding dogs not being off-lead in public parks and spaces, I received a very nicely worded email that asked if I could remind dog owners to clean up their dogs’ poop when out on walks. I could not agree more that there is no quicker way to ruin a relationship with your community and neighbors than to not clean up after your dog when they poop outside of your own personal property. Again, I wanted to remind dog owners that you are not actually entitled to walk your dogs in any public space and let them roam or do as they please.
As a dog owner, my personal pet peeve is people who walk their dogs at the Egg Harbor township Nature Reserve who do not clean up their dogs’ poop. I can not tell you how annoyed I was recently when I
stepped to the side of a trail to let a bike pass, and I stepped in a huge pile of it. I cannot understand why or how people think it is OK to not clean up after their dogs, but it seems to be a problem in our public parks and areas. People may wrongfully assume that, since they are in the woods, it is OK to not clean up after their dogs, and
nature will take its course.
However, I would like to remind dog owners that they do have a responsibility to adhere to rules and regulations regarding their dog being out in the community. Not cleaning up after a dog, in my opinion, should be a first-degree crime! No one, including this writer who very much loves dogs, wants to have to stop their walk and try to figure out how to clean dog poop out of their shoes. this also applies to walks at the beach, where people are most likely barefoot, and, I would venture to think, really do not want to step in your dog's poop.
Aside from the fact that no one else should have to clean up after your dog, canine poop is a natural contaminant that contains an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus that does
not break down if it enters waterway systems, causing a chemical imbalance that can lead to an excess of algae and weeds. Aside from that, it can contain parasites like giardia or worms that some owners do not even know their dogs have. It also could contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. None of these elements needs to enter public water systems. Dog owners leaving poop in public spaces can easily spread disease and parasites.
I again remind dog owners that our dogs being allowed to go to public parks and areas is a privilege, not a right. Being irresponsible and allowing your dogs to use trails, beaches, and neighbors’ lawns as their personal toilet is socially unacceptable! there is zero excuse for you not to leave the house with poop bags if you are going to walk your dog beyond your property. Be a good person and clean up after your dogs!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net
Special-issue money from World War II still tells a story
By Douglas Keefe, Beachcomber Coins
During wartime, governments have often had to adapt their currency—either to prevent counterfeiting or to designate notes for special use. In World War II, the u s government altered the appearance of paper money depending on where it would circulate.
Large sums were required to support military operations overseas, not only in gold but also in paper money. supplies had to be purchased, spies needed to be paid, and soldiers and support staff required wages. While much came from the u s ., there was still a need to obtain goods locally. suppliers naturally wanted payment. In some cases, goods were sold to both sides, and sellers often demanded something more reliable than paper money in case they backed the losing side. those who grew too greedy sometimes saw their merchandise seized at gunpoint.
t he u nited states and its allies fought the war on two fronts: against the Japanese in the Pacific and against the germans and Italians in North Africa. Because g ermany controlled most of Europe and was moving into North Africa in pursuit of oil fields, the Allies needed to halt their advance and push them back to the continent. to manage funds in these regions, the u s . created two
special types of currency. the notes were distinct enough to be recognized easily, but not so different as to make production costly. If the enemy captured a stockpile of notes, the government could void that design to prevent its use.
North Africa design: these notes were the simplest alteration. the color of the treasury seal was changed to yellow. t hey were printed in $1, $5 and $10 denominations.
Pacific Theater design: t hese notes featured brown treasury seals and serial numbers, along with the word Hawaii printed vertically on both sides of the front and across the back. they were issued in $1, $5, $10 and $20 denominations.
Both styles were printed in large quantities. While not rare, they remain desirable collectibles and serve
as a tangible link to a pivotal time in history.
Douglas Keefe and his wife Linda are owners of Beachcomber Coins and Collectibles in Egg Harbor Township. It is their only location.
A wartime one-dollar bill with “Hawaii” markings on the front and back. Courtesy National Museum of American History.
A $10 note produced during World War II that was meant to be issued to US troops before the invasion of North Africa. Courtesy National Museum of American History.
Staging your home while you are living in it
Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
Staging is an important part of selling your home and can help your property attract attention. However, it may be difficult to do while you are still living there. Make it a little easier by following a few of these tips like focusing on your entryways, decluttering and using a storage unit to stage your home before moving out.
If you are eager to put your home on the market, but you are finding it difficult to stage amidst the uniqueness of your space, these tips are sure to make this process a breeze.
Keep the color
Neutral is a popular choice for professional stagers, but it isn’t the only way to prepare your space when looking to sell your home. If you have a color theme going on, keep it
around. No need to neutralize your space entirely and these days, people are being pulled in the color direction anyway. throw pillows, kitchen appliances, flowers and wall decor are all fair game.
Declutter
the biggest step to any staging project is decluttering, especially if you’re still living there. this includes cleaning your space — the countertops which should be free of stains, the coffee table which should be organized, and the bathrooms which
should be wiped down. Even if your aim is to make your home appear more personalized, messy is never a good idea.
Your entryway matters
Whether the entryway to your home is a grand hallway or a simple one, put extra care into making this space stand out. It’s the first thing people notice about your interior and things like dirty shoes, unkempt carpets, or even a dirty odor will instantly turn buyers off from the potential your home offers.
Consider a storage unit
While you want to keep some aspects of your lived-in home around, some pieces of furniture could present a hindrance. Potential buyers will want to see your garage and a storage unit could help free up space in this often cluttered area.
Mirrors and art are here to stay
What makes your home look bigger, adding a flair of modernity? Mirrors — which provide a perfect accent, making a room appear larger than it really is. Art is also a great personality accent to keep around. It makes the interior of your home appear more refined, while providing the space with a pop of color and a piece of your personality. use these tips as ideas for staging your home while you are living in it. As we are savoring the joys of summer, have a great week.
Preparing a road map for your loved ones
Part 3 of a series
By Andrew Hoffman
In my last article, I pointed out the importance of a clear plan for your loved ones. We discussed how a will creates peace of mind, reducing the risk of disputes among beneficiaries and easing dealings with financial institutions. that brings us to life insurance.
You should have your life insurance policies gathered in one place and confirm they are active. Know what type of policies you have. the two most common are whole life and term life.
Whole life offers lifelong coverage as long as you continue paying premiums. It also builds cash value that grows over time and can be borrowed against. Premiums are fixed, providing predictability, though they tend
to be higher and more expensive than term life.
term life insurance provides coverage for a set period—usually 10, 20 or 30 years. term is generally more affordable because of lower premiums, but it has no cash value. Always make sure your listed beneficiaries are current. If you divorced and left a former spouse as the beneficiary, they are legally entitled to the proceeds even though the marriage is over. Be sure your beneficiary is still living, and consider designating contingent beneficiaries or assigning percentages among multiple beneficiaries.
Check whether your employer provides group life insurance, as some companies self-insure. Also, many social or professional organizations offer coverage to their members. Millions of dollars in life insurance go unclaimed each year in the united states, so it’s important to know what policies exist in your name and who the beneficiaries are.
t he next group of papers you should organize includes your birth certificate and marriage license. A
birth certificate serves as proof of identity, citizenship and age. It is required for school enrollment, applying for a social security card, receiving government benefits, enlisting in the military, obtaining a passport and in some court proceedings.
A marriage certificate serves as official proof of marriage and is often required in legal and financial matters. For example, it is necessary if you want to legally change your name to your spouse’s last name, file taxes jointly, apply for joint bank accounts, mortgages or credit cards, or add a spouse to health insurance or other benefits.
Other documents to organize include your military discharge papers and social security information. A military discharge is a formal release from active duty. the most common is an honorable discharge, which makes veterans eligible for a wide range of benefits, including the g I
Bill, VA health care, disability compensation, pensions, housing grants, small-business support and burial in a VA national cemetery. Your s ocial s ecurity number is used primarily to calculate and provide benefits. these include retirement payments starting at age 62, disability benefits, survivor benefits for spouses and children, Medicare eligibility and supplemental security Income (ssI) for those 65 or older, blind or disabled with limited resources. Keep the most current social security benefit statement on file. We will discuss the next step in my upcoming column. t hanks for reading.
Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes. He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.
When you're traveling west on the Black Horse Pike past Mays Landing — it's hard to miss the shiny, hubcap pyramid standing 22-foottall.
t he hubcap tree stands on the property of a Lakewood man and does sell hubcaps — lots and lots of hubcaps. t he tree is made of between 80 and 100 hubcaps on each of the three sides of the pyramid. It is a rectangular-shaped pyramid (a square base) with an estimated 103 hubcaps on each side which brings the total hubcap count to a total of 412! there is an associated business that goes with
the tower, and yes, they sell hubcaps.
Credit: Real Brigantine
College planning after The One Big Beautiful Bill
By Eric Reich
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act clearly had an impact on many areas of financial planning, most notably retirement. there is another important area of planning that is affected by it as well: college planning. t hese changes can affect current and future borrowers as well as those already out of school. t hese changes will take effect in both 2026 and 2027. this week, let’s review some of the changes.
starting on July 1, 2026, g rad PLus loans will be eliminated. there will also be limits on Direct Loans. similar to Direct Loans, the widely used Parent PLus loans will also be capped at a limit of $20,000 per year or a total of $65,000. the Parent Plus IDR will go away on July 1, 2026, also. the intent here is to limit the amount of college loan debt that students can
go into, with the intended effect of college costs being required to fall to meet the lower loan limits. there is a new Repayment Assistance Plan, which is a function of your family’s income, family size, etc. the forgiveness, however, will be stretched to 30 years, up from the current 20-25 years. While this is a negative of the new plan, the financial hardship test has been eliminated, effective immediately, which should allow more borrowers to qualify for the program.
Extension of the Pell g rant. Pell g rants will now be available to shorter-term training programs such as computer training and HVAC. those programs are now Pell g rant eligible. u nemployment and economic hardship deferments will be eliminated in July of 2027. there will be a new second-chance loan rehabilitation after a borrower’s second default.
Lastly, there is great news for small business owners as well as family farms. these assets will no longer be counted against you for financial aid purposes. t his can potentially increase financial aid for many future students. this provision also starts July 1, 2026.
My advice for current and future students is to assess how these changes can affect you going forward and plan accordingly. If you have Parent PLus loans, look to consolidate them into Income-Based Repayment Plans before July 1, 2026. start reviewing private loan options if you require higher borrowing limits than the Parent PLus loans allow.
By proactively planning over the next 11-23 months, you can hopefully be prepared to manage the changes in these rules by the time they go into effect.
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through
Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.
Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.
SUDOKU
ACROSS
1. *____ mater
5. *graduate degree, acr.
8. Opposite of stereo
12. Defense ditch
13. Fishing rod attachment
14. More sure
15. One's final notice
16. Dutch cheese
17. golfer's traction aid
18. *Half-year terms
20. At the summit of
21. Water nymph
22. Actor ____ Mahershala
23. Be a busybody
26. Metrical foot in poetry
30. Earlier in time, archaic
31. Become bony
34. shakespeare's tragic monarch
35. Labanotation founder
37. theodor geisel, ____ Dr. seuss
38. threshold
39. Relating to the ear
40. Weather advisories, e.g.
42. + or - atom
43. Widely esteemed
45. Most mature, as in fruit
47. Indian dish
48. Dashboard window
50. Female sheep, pl.
52. *"the Breakfast Club" punishment
56. Flower holders
57. singles
58. High school breakout
59. Acoustic output
60. Overwhelming defeat
61. *gym class test?
62. Catchall abbr.
63. *geography class staple
64. Not talker?
DOWN
1. ____ of cookie fame
2. stud site
3. Cripple
4. *go to class
5. Mythological princess of Colchis
6. tV cooking show pioneer James ____
7. Contributions to the poor
8. *Kind of choice
9. Black and white treat
10. Less than average tide
11. table scrap
13. Laces again
14. Milan's La ____
19. Manicurist's office
22. Is it ____ wonder?
23. Hard on outside, juicy on inside
24. One of the Muses
25. Payment option
26. From a great distance
27. Chill-inducing
28. type of palm tree, pl.
29. Council of _____, city in Italy
32. *Back-to-school retail event
33. WWII general who became President
36. *Faculty member
38. "Peace" with fingers
40. tV classic "____ in the Family"
41. superlative of true
44. Lowest male singing voice
46. small bomb
48. Christopher Columbus' birthplace
49. Consumed (2 words)
50. small ladies' handbag
51. What one does at the altar
52. *College freshman's new digs
53. International Civil Aviation Organization
54. Half as much as twice
55. ____-do-well
56. Every American's uncle?
Solution on Page 90
THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL
The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy
Rising sign horoscopes for Aug. 21-27
♈ Aries: How can you improve your health and vitality? Hint: through personal empowerment, getting more involved in community, and embracing the challenge to find your unique voice.
♉ Taurus: How can you invite more joy and pleasure into your life? Hint:
Weekly Horoscopes
through trusting the process, alignment in your work, and remembering the value of creativity and your inner child.
♊ Gemini: How can you feel more at home? Hint: through becoming the star of your own life, being open to new perspectives, and actively participating in your personal revolution.
♋ Cancer: How can you refine the ways in which you communicate? Hint: through upward mobility in your career, listening to the whispers of your soul, and refilling your own cup.
♌ Leo: How can you create more wealth? Hint: through committing to personal growth, surrendering to rebirth in relationships, and having curiosity about redirections of your path.
♍ Virgo: How can you be more in
service to your soul? Hint: through recognizing your tremendous depth, prioritizing wellness, and imperfectly shining in your work and career.
♎ Libra: How can you see your own blind spots? Hint: through opening your eyes to what others show you about yourself, birthing creations, and connecting with your higher self.
♏ Scorpio: How can you assimilate into a new trajectory? Hint: through taking responsibility for your vitality, embracing change in your domicile, and addressing any skeletons in your closet.
♐ Sagittarius: How can you resonate more with your career? Hint: through demonstrating your creative spark, showing the power of your voice, and being inquisitive about new personas.
♑ Capricorn: How can you achieve greater expansion? Hint: through getting more serious about your authenticity, purifying your self-worth, and tuning into your body’s messages.
♒ Aquarius: How can you organize your shared resources? Hint: through having more authority with your voice, surrendering to your personal transformation, and courting your muse.
♓ Pisces: How can you attract a new friend or partner? Hint: through exuding self-confidence, engaging with the power of manifestation, and truly being at home in your own skin.
Weekly astrology summary:
August begins to close out with a cosmically supercharged week! the sun shifts into the zodiac sign Virgo on Aug. 22, followed by an epic Virgo new moon on Aug. 23 (occurring at 2:06 a.m. in the first degree of the sign). this new moon is both challenging
and energizing, infusing a destiny-like quality to the new lunar cycle and whatever intentions are set for a daring new beginning. It’s also the season opener for the second eclipse season of the year, and the first of two Virgo new moons we’ll experience. the personal queries and hints in each above horoscope are guidance for laying the groundwork for the upcoming eclipse portal and the second chance Virgo new moon in september. Venus has an important, nurturing seat at the cosmic roundtable this week as we’re tested on how we embraced last week’s healing zone, and then encouraged to find creative, heart-centered solutions to whatever wasn’t addressed, if possible. t he lessons are in connection, values, honoring oneself in relationships, and matters of the heart in family dynamics. Venus blazes on with a shift into Leo on Aug. 25. the Mercury retrograde post-shadow period, or integration phase, also ends on Aug. 25. 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 u rsa Alchemy Youtube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.
Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Aromatherapist and founder of Ursa Alchemy. Find her astrology readings and astrological aromatherapy services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www.ursaalchemy. com or ursaalchemy@gmail.com.
