SHORE LOCAL | Oceancity | July 9, 2026

SOUTHERN

Hot Summer Happenings

Lifeguards Now Recognized as First Responders

Casino Owner Bets Big on New Golf Course

Ocean City’s Great Lagoon Race Paddles On Local Dam Wins National Recognition

NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

You're on island time now: Slow down for safety

It normally takes me about 10 minutes to drive to the beach. l ast weekend, however, when my daughter came to visit, that same 5 mile trip stretched into nearly 45 minutes — and that doesn't include the time we spent circling for a parking spot.

At one point, we seriously considered turning around and heading home. I'm so glad we didn't.

The moment our chairs settled into the sand and we heard the familiar sound of the waves, every minute spent in traffic melted away. That's the beauty of it. No matter how long it takes to get there, somehow the beach always reminds you it was worth the wait.

Summer at the Shore is unlike anywhere else. As thousands of visitors stream across the bridges each week, our quiet coastal communities transform into popular destinations filled with families, beachgoers and vacationers making memories. That also means our roads become busier, sidewalks fill with pedestrians, bike paths come alive and parking spaces become prized possessions.

The best thing you can pack before leaving home isn't another beach towel or sunscreen. It's patience.

Build a little extra time into your plans. leave earlier than you think you need to. Expect traffic backups, full parking lots and busy intersections. More importantly, expect the unexpected. Children dart after a rolling ball. Families step into crosswalks without looking. Cyclists appear alongside parked cars. Visitors unfamiliar with local roads make last-minute turns.

A split second of awareness can prevent a lifetime of regret.

I know someone who was knocked off a bicycle and thrown into moving traffic simply because a driver opened a car door without looking. Thankfully, the story didn't end in tragedy, but it easily could have. Incidents like that serve as important reminders that safety isn't just about obeying traffic laws. It's about paying attention to the people around us.

People travel hundreds of miles for the chance to feel the cool ocean breeze, sink their feet into the sand and spend time with the people they love. They come for the boardwalks, seafood restaurants, fishing, concerts, amusement rides, sunsets and more.

Cover photo of Carter Doorly by Dawn Doorly.

It's worth slowing down for.

Celebrating Life at The Southern NJ Shore

Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com

Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com

Publisher Assistant - Julia Train

Copy Editors - Holly Fertsch, Julia Train

Advertising Sales - Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com

Web Designer - Holly Martin

Contributors – Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Alex Corson, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Alanna Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Lisa Segelman, Bruce Klauber, Charles Eberson

Cover photo by Charles Eberson. See his work at Charles-eberson.pixels.com

Ironically, when we stop rushing from one place to the next, we often enjoy the journey a little more.

My daughter and I certainly did.

Despite the traffic and the hunt for parking, we ended up having one of those perfect summer beach days. The air temperature was pushing triple digits, yet the ocean was surprisingly cold — thanks to a fascinating weather phenomenon called upwelling. If you've never heard the term before, you're not alone. Be sure to check out this week's story on page 34 to learn why our ocean can suddenly feel more like Maine than New Jersey.

As we walked the shoreline in Margate, we stumbled upon another unexpected surprise: the Cold Brew

Man making his rounds on the beach. As a coffee lover, I have to admit I was every bit as excited to see him as kids are when the ice cream truck rolls by. Read more about this clever new beachside business on page 8.

That's what I love most about summer. Around every corner, there's something new to discover.

Inside this week's issue, you'll find plenty of ideas for making the most of the season, from local events and family activities to great restaurants, entertainment and stories celebrating the people who make our communities so special.

As always, I hope you'll also support the local businesses that support Shore local and help our shore towns thrive. Every purchase made locally helps strengthen the community we all love.

Thank you for welcoming Shore local into your home each week. I hope your summer is filled with sunshine, sea breezes and unforgettable memories.

Take your time getting there. The beach isn't going anywhere.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Lifeguards recognized as New Jersey first responders after years of advocacy

By Sarah Fertsch

For generations, New Jersey's open-water lifeguards have been the first to sprint toward danger.

Whether diving into pounding surf to rescue a struggling swimmer, treating a cardiac emergency on the beach or coordinating with police and EMS during a crisis, lifeguards have long served as the first line of defense along the Shore.

Now, the state has officially recognized what beach communities have known for decades: open-water lifeguards are first responders.

On June 30, the New Jersey Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 72, formally recognizing the state's approximately 3,000 open-water lifeguards as first responders and emergency response providers. The designation acknowledges the specialized training

lifeguards receive and the lifesaving responsibilities they shoulder each summer while protecting millions of beachgoers along New Jersey's 123 miles of coastline.

"This resolution is a meaningful step toward giving these everyday heroes the recognition they have

announcing the measure. He noted that lifeguards are often the first to respond in emergencies, making split-second decisions that save lives and keep beaches and waterways safe.

long earned," said Sen. Vin Gopal, the resolution's prime sponsor, in

While many visitors picture lifeguards sitting atop elevated stands with whistles around their necks, the job extends far beyond scanning the surf.

Open-water lifeguards are trained to perform water rescues, administer CPR, provide emergency medical care, stabilize spinal injuries, operate rescue watercraft and coordinate with police, firefighters and EMS during major emergencies. Many also receive training in marine firefighting, emergency medical response and law enforcement support.

The Senate resolution notes that lifeguards fulfill the same four core emergency-response duties expected of first responders: responding to emergencies, treating victims, assisting victims and transporting them to safety. It also recognizes that lifeguards protect not only lives, but also property, evidence and the environment during emergency incidents.

According to state officials, recognized first responders become eligible for several state emergency responder benefits, including priority access to emergency responder insurance programs, line-of-duty death benefits for surviving family members and priority vaccinations during future communicable disease outbreaks.

Supporters also say the recognition could help strengthen recruitment at a time when many Jersey Shore beach patrols struggle to fill positions late in the summer as college students return to school and teachers head back to the classroom.

The resolution also serves as a tribute to two New Jersey lifeguards who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2021.

Sixteen-year-old Norman Inferrera, a first-year Cape May lifeguard from Pennsylvania, died after his patrol boat overturned during rough surf conditions. Just days later, 19-year-old Keith Pinto, a South Seaside Park lifeguard, was struck by lightning while working on the beach. Their deaths underscored the risks that accompany a profession often viewed as a summer job but rooted in public safety.

From Ocean City and Atlantic City to Margate, Ventnor, Brigantine, longport and Wildwood, beach patrols have long been woven into the identity of the Jersey Shore. Every day during the summer season, lifeguards monitor changing surf conditions, educate swimmers about rip currents, respond to medical emergencies and stand ready whenever someone is in distress.

Those responsibilities begin well before the first beach umbrella is planted each morning. Many beach patrols require rigorous physical testing, including distance swims, paddle events, beach runs and extensive rookie training before new guards are assigned to a lifeguard stand. For example, the Ocean City Beach Patrol requires candidates to complete a competitive lifeguard test followed by approximately 48 hours of rookie school before beginning work.

The new designation recognizes what countless beachgoers have experienced firsthand: when seconds matter on the sand or in the surf, the first person rushing toward the emergency is often a lifeguard.

As another busy summer unfolds at the Jersey Shore, New Jersey's open-water lifeguards will continue doing what they have always done—protecting lives. Now, they do so with the official title many believe they have earned all along: first responders.

Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.

Lifeguards are now recognized as first responders and emergency response providers.

Lifeguards receive specialized training and shoulder lifesaving responsibilities they each summer.

By Sarah Fertsch

LSouth Jersey teachers bring cold brew to the beach

ong before many beachgoers unzip their umbrellas or spread out their towels, a team of South Jersey educators is already hard at work.

Cold brew that steeped overnight is poured into kegs. Ice is loaded. Flavor syrups are stocked. A coffee cart weighing hundreds of pounds is wheeled across the sand, ready to serve the first caffeine fix of the day. By 11 a.m., the familiar call rings out across Margate's beaches: "Iced coffee!"

What looks like a simple stroll through the sand is actually the result of hours of preparation, careful coordination and plenty of muscle. Behind the operation is a family of teachers who have trade classrooms for the shoreline each summer, bringing handcrafted cold brew directly to beachgoers through the Fudgy Wudgy Iced Coffee Cart.

A family business with a new twist

Bob Colombo and his brother Mike

have spent more than a decade helping operate Fudgy Wudgy's iconic beach ice cream carts.

When Margate began offering permits for beachside iced coffee service, they saw an opportunity to expand.

last year, Fudgy Wudgy expanded their ice cream business into iced coffee, and the Colombo brothers brought it to life.

Today, the operation has become a true family affair.

Mike manages much of the logistics while overseeing the ice cream side of the business. Bob balances management responsibilities with pushing a coffee cart himself on weekends. Bob's wife, Casey, handles the business's social media, while Mike's wife also helps operate the carts.

Together, they've built one of Margate's newest beach traditions.

Teachers

by

school year,

entrepreneurs by summer

Perhaps the most surprising part of the business isn't the coffee—it's who's serving it.

Bob and Casey Colombo both teach at Seneca High School in Tabernacle. Mike and his wife also work at Mainland Regional High School, and many of the seasonal employees are teachers spending their summer break earning extra income.

"On any given Saturday or Sunday, you might find six to eight teachers

selling coffee or ice cream," Bob said.

He says teaching prepares them surprisingly well for running a busy seasonal business. " you deal with different personalities every day," he said. "To be an effective teacher, you have to have a pretty strong work ethic."

The carts can weigh several hundred pounds once they're stocked with coffee, ice and supplies, requiring employees to push them through deep sand for hours while greeting customers and preparing drinks.

"We're also working with high school and college students," Bob said. " you want to make sure they're doing their jobs efficiently and that they're successful. you want them to make as much money as they possibly can."

A day in the life

For beach barista Matt McDevitt of Egg Harbor Township, what started as filling in for a few weekends quickly became one of his favorite summer jobs.

The Colombos recruited him near the end of last summer, and he imme -

Mike Colombo, Alex Weidman, and Bob Colombo of Fudgy Wudgy - all teachers turned Fudgy Wudgy beach carters for the summer

diately found himself hooked.

"The biggest thing that stood out to me was the amount of fun I was able to have doing it," McDevitt said.

Much of that comes from interacting with customers. "I enjoy talking to people," he said. "The people I would sell coffee to were so interested in it, and they really liked it. They'd tell me how excited they were that someone was selling coffee on the beach and what a great idea it was."

His personal favorite? The vanilla cold brew with a splash of half-andhalf.

The work behind every cup

Customers may only see a smiling barista rolling by, but plenty happens behind the scenes.

The business brews its own cold brew coffee, which requires at least 14 hours of steeping before it's transferred into chilled, pressurized kegs.

"It's not like you can just make another batch," Bob explained. " you have to plan everything ahead."

Once the carts are on the beach, another team keeps them supplied. Managers remain in constant communication with each cart, delivering fresh ice, coffee, cups and syrups whenever supplies begin running low.

The menu is simple: three specials, and make-your-own-cold-brew op -

tions. “The lucy,” the most popular offering, includes a homemade vanilla brown sugar syrup.

Depending on the day, as many as four coffee carts cover Margate, each assigned its own section of beach. Employees spend hours walking back and forth through their zones, logging thousands of steps while navigating soft sand and summer heat.

"It feels like it's 125 degrees sometimes," McDevitt said with a laugh.

Winning over Margate

The Colombo family wasn't sure how beachgoers would respond when the coffee cart debuted last summer. Those concerns disappeared almost immediately.

the beachgoers and how supportive they've been."

"We weren't exactly sure what the reaction was going to be," Bob said. "But it was overwhelmingly positive."

He estimates customers tell him "This is the best idea ever" countless times each weekend.

Even more rewarding, he says, has been hearing how much people enjoy the coffee itself.

He credits much of that success to Margate's welcoming community.

"The people in Margate have been so incredibly nice to us," he said. "We can't say enough good things about

Learning the rhythm of the beach

Operating a mobile coffee business has also taught the family plenty about beach life. During the week, hybrid carts offer both coffee and ice cream to serve lighter crowds.

Weekends are different. Friday through Sunday, dedicated coffee carts roll alongside separate ice cream carts to meet demand.

Coffee sales are strongest during the morning, but Saturdays offer an unexpected second rush.

"People want coffee later in the day because they're getting ready to go out that night," Bob said.

The business has also partnered with local fitness organizations, serving coffee after Tone u p With T workouts and finding new ways to connect with the community.

Looking ahead

While no immediate expansion plans are in place, Bob says the family continues to discuss what's next.

For McDevitt, the hope is much simpler. "If they'll still have me," he laughed, "I'll keep doing it."

For now, the team is content doing what they do best: waking up early, pushing carts across the sand and helping thousands of beachgoers start their mornings with an iced coffee in hand.

By labor Day, they'll trade beach chairs for desks and coffee carts for classrooms. But until then, the teachers of Fudgy Wudgy have no homework to assign—only cold brew to pour.

So look out for the blue Fudgy Wudgy flag on beach carts, and grab yourself a refreshing drink.

By Julia Train

TLake Lenape Dam project earns national rehabilitation award

he rehabilitation of the historic l ake lenape Dam in Mays landing received the 2026 National Dam Rehabilitation Award from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), recognizing the project for its innovative design, funding strategy and improvements to public safety.

The l ake lenape project was recognized as the organization's top dam rehabilitation project of the year, according to a June 26 news release from Congressman Jeff Van Drew's office.

"The project is innovative in its approach to design and funding, while also providing environmental, economic and community benefits," ASDSO President John Roche said in the release. "The project will serve as a case study on how to successfully and proactively invest in public safety at our nation's dams."

According to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, the lake lenape Dam was originally built in the late 1800s and consists of a 17-foot-

high, 1,000-foot-long earthen embankment, a 120-foot masonry spillway and three low-level outlet pipes.

Because homes and a municipal roadway are located downstream, the dam had been classified as a high-hazard structure, meaning a failure could have resulted in significant property damage and potential loss of life, the association reported.

The rehabilitation replaced the aging dam with a modern structure designed to improve safety and better withstand severe weather.

The Lake Lenape Dam was originally built in the late 1800s and the restoration addresses long-standing safety concerns during major storm events. Photo credit: Carl Pitale

Construction on the project started in spring 2023 and wrapped up in late 2025. During the initial phase, which was finished in early 2024, crews renovated and upgraded the dam's powerhouse, according to a Facebook post by Hamilton Township Mayor Carl Pitale.

Work then shifted to extending the spillway and installing new floodgates designed to better control high water levels and reduce the risk of

flooding for downstream communities during heavy storms.

The project also relocated the fish ladder to enhance fish passage and improve the surrounding ecosystem. In addition, workers reinforced the earthen embankments to address seepage concerns and help prevent future sinkholes.

According to Van Drew's office, the project was supported by $4.6 million in federal funding he secured, along with contributions from the State of New Jersey's Dam Restoration Grant Program and local funding from Atlantic County and Hamilton Township.

The congressman said the national recognition reflects years of collaboration among local, county, state and federal partners.

"This National Dam Award proves that South Jersey can achieve greatness," Van Drew said in the news release. "This is a big deal. There is only one project selected from across the entire country. I worked closely with Atlantic County and Hamilton Township to nominate the l ake lenape Dam and win this award. The dam is now a strong, secure, technologically advanced piece of infrastructure that some residents are calling the most beautiful dam in America. Thank you to ASDSO for this tremendous honor."

Pitale said the award reflects the efforts of many community members who advocated for the project.

"What a proud moment for everyone involved! The residents that signed petitions, the local businesses that wrote letters and Congressman Van Drew, helping us secure the $4.6 million grant, which really put this project on the road to completion," he said. "Kudos to Atlantic County, the Township of Hamilton, WSP- uSA and South State Incorporated for getting this beautiful dam built safely,

efficiently and on schedule. We no longer need to worry about the safety of our residents every time a significant rain event comes around. An important piece of infrastructure is now replaced and has become a magnificent focal point of Downtown Mays landing!”

According to the Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association, the lake lenape Dam has been part of Mays landing's history since the mid1800s. Originally constructed around 1844 by Jeremiah Stull, the dam created what was then known as Mays l anding Pond by flooding roughly 300 acres of farmland.

After the original structure failed, it was rebuilt to generate water power for a cotton mill established by R.D. Wood & Company. The mill operated for decades before closing in 1949, after which the property was used by Wheaton Industries until the company ceased operations there around 1999.

Today, the dam is an armored earthen embankment stretching about 1,050 feet across the Great Egg Harbor River. Standing approximately 29 feet high, it continues to serve as a prominent feature of the region's landscape and watershed, controlling the flow of the river and preventing downstream flooding during heavy storms.

According to the ASDSO, the dam is jointly owned by Atlantic County and Hamilton Township and is used primarily for recreation. The organization noted that the project serves as an example of how partnerships between federal, state and local governments can modernize aging infrastructure while improving public safety.

The l ake lenape project was the only rehabilitation selected nationwide for the 2026 award, highlighting that the restoration addresses long-standing safety concerns during major storm events while becoming a centerpiece of downtown Mays landing.

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

Ocean City 2050 plans lawsuit over Wonderland rehabilitation designation

By Julia Train

Advocacy group Ocean City 2050 plans to challenge the city's decision to designate the former Wonderland property as an area in need of rehabilitation, arguing the move bypasses the traditional planning process, weakens the city's negotiating position and raises concerns about transparency and ethics.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after City Council voted 5-2 on June 25 to approve the rehabilitation designation for 600 Boardwalk. Ocean City 2050 said the designation was flawed "strategically, procedurally, ethically, logically and morally," according to a statement released following the vote.

Ocean City 2050 spokesman Bill Merritt said the organization intends to file suit within the 45-day period allowed under New Jersey law for challenging municipal actions.

The lawsuit has not yet been submitted to the court, though Merritt said the group plans to announce when it is.

According to Merritt, the legal challenge will focus on whether the property meets the statutory requirements for an area in need of rehabilitation, whether the city's repeated votes on the issue made the process arbitrary, and whether unresolved conflict-of-interest concerns affected the decision.

Beyond those legal arguments, Merritt said the organization's broader concern is preserving the public's role in shaping redevelopment of one of Ocean City's most prominent properties.

" under normal zoning processes,

the public has a lot of protection," Merritt said. "What happens in rehabilitation is all of those protections get stripped away. The public has almost no protection, and that's the biggest issue we have."

He said Ocean City 2050 wants any rezoning of the property to follow the city's traditional planning process, beginning with updates to the master plan before changes are made to zoning ordinances.

"That's the normal process, and that's what the city was doing," Merritt said. "Then all of a sudden, it decided to divert off that path, and we think that was a mistake."

Concerns over the planning process

Much of Ocean City 2050's criticism centers on the recommendations of the Boardwalk Subcommittee, which spent months gathering public input and released its report in June.

The group contends the report called for using traditional planning tools rather than a rehabilitation

Dana C. Palma CEPA®, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Ocean City 2050 plans to challenge the city's decision to designate the former Wonderland property as an area in need of rehabilitation.

Photo credit: Ern M. on Yelp

designation to guide future redevelopment.

Merritt said the expectation was that the report would be forwarded to the Planning Board to help update the city's master plan before any zoning changes were considered.

"That's what we all anticipated would happen," he said. "In fact, that's what the subcommittee report said would happen. Then all of a sudden, they rushed this rehab vote, which takes you down a different path."

In its statement, Ocean City 2050 questioned why council members who had supported the subcommittee's recommendations later voted in favor of the rehabilitation designation.

'Strongest bargaining chip'

Ocean City 2050 also argues that the city weakened its negotiating position with developer Eustace Mita by approving the rehabilitation designation before reaching an agreement on what should ultimately be built on the property.

"The vote surrendered the city's strongest bargaining chip to the developer and got nothing in return," the group's statement said.

Merritt compared the situation to the redevelopment of the former Seaspray property, where he said

the city first negotiated the project before selecting the planning tools needed to implement it.

"What are we building first?" Merritt said. "Then once you decide what you're building, then you reach into the toolbox and grab the right tool. They're doing it backwards here."

Merritt acknowledged that several council members have described the rehabilitation designation as simply another planning tool that does not guarantee approval of any specific project.

"I agree that it gives them tools," he said. "But you don't go down that path unless you know what tools you want."

Not opposed to redevelopment

Merritt emphasized that Ocean City 2050 is not opposed to redevelopment or the possibility of a hotel at the former Wonderland site.

"If it's a smaller hotel [with] some new entertainment functions there, and those entertainment functions are available to the public because it's a public boardwalk, that's great," he said. "Everybody will be happy."

He said the organization supports redevelopment that expands entertainment opportunities while respecting surrounding neighborhoods and preserving the character

of the Boardwalk.

"We're not anti-hotels. We're not anti-development. We're not anti-change," Merritt said. "We're fine with change. It's just what kind of change is being promoted."

Conflict-of-interest concerns

The advocacy group also raised concerns about what it described as unresolved conflicts of interest involving city officials.

In its statement, Ocean City 2050 alleged there were unanswered questions involving members of City Council and Mayor Jay Gillian's financial relationships with the property's developer. The group criticized the council for rejecting a motion by Councilmen Sean Barnes and Keith Hartzell to postpone the vote for two weeks while those issues could be reviewed.

Merritt said Ocean City 2050 believes those concerns should have been investigated before the City Council acted.

"If there are these bona fide financial conflicts, or even alleged financial conflicts, and if those conflicts can taint a vote, then it would seem that council would want to have their lawyer or some lawyer investigate those conflicts," Merritt said.

Ocean City 2050 also criticized

the decision to move forward before newly elected council members were sworn into office, arguing there was no pressing reason to vote when negotiations with the developer could have continued regardless of the rehabilitation designation.

What happens next

Merritt said the group's preferred outcome is not simply winning a lawsuit but ensuring redevelopment follows what it considers the proper planning process.

"I think if the lawsuit is successful, the designation is undone and the city is back on the path of a master plan amendment, the property being rezoned in some appropriate way, and there's public protection around that rezoning process," he said.

He added that legal action could become unnecessary if the city ultimately reaches a redevelopment plan that reflects community priorities.

"If the right thing gets done at that property, then the lawsuit may become unnecessary," Merritt said. "Sometimes it's not crucial how it gets done. It's more important what gets done."

Shore local reached out to City Council President Terry Crowley and Vice President Dave Winslow, but they did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Events and Happenings

Multi-day Events

Christmas in July at Historic Smithville

▶Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, June 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

615 E. Moss Mill Road

Santa will be spreading holiday cheer throughout Historic Smithville this weekend. Enjoy a weekend of summer vibes, festive shopping, and merry moments around the Village. Plus, visit Santa as he trades his boots for flip-flips. Visit www.historicsmithville.com for more information and the complete schedule of events.

Neil Simon’s London Suite

▶Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m. & Sunday, July 12, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Avenue, Somers Point

Neil Simon’s london Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same london hotel room. This signature humor shines through a delightful collection of stories about love, misunderstandings, and second chances. Visit www.gatewaybythebay.org for tickets and more information.

Ocean City Beach Walks

▶Tuesdays, 9 a.m., Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

59th Street Beach

Join Ocean City for their weekly guided beach walks this summer. Volunteer beachguides will share information on a variety of topics, including shells, birds, the ocean, beach vegetation, and more. Tours run for approximately one hour. Meet at the entrance to Corson’s Inlet State Park at 59th Street and Central Avenue.

Family Nights

▶Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk from Sixth to Fourteenth Streets

Families are invited to the boardwalk for an evening of entertainment, including magicians, music, characters, and more. For details, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.

Mummers Nights

▶Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Boardwalk from Sixth to Fourteenth Streets

See the Mummers strut the boardwalk every Thursday night this summer, beginning at Sixth and 14th Streets and meeting at 10th Street. For details, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Market Days in Ocean City

▶Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Asbury Avenue from Sixth to Fourteenth Streets

Join Ocean City for Market Days every Thursday for strolling entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors, and more.

Thursday, July 9

Thrilling Thursday Movies on the Beach

▶6:30 – 9 p.m.

Granville and Huntington Avenue Beach, Margate

Enjoy a free movie on the beach to end the day every Thursday between the bulkhead and dunes. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for a free fun activity and giveaways while supplies last. The movie will begin at approximately 7 p.m.

Absecon Galloway Rotary Club Meetings

▶6 p.m.

Rifici, 308 West Absecon Boulevard

The members of the Absecon Galloway Rotary Club invite the public to be their guest at their upcoming meeting. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Rifici and the fourth Thursday of every month at Gourmet Italian Restaurant. For more information, go to www. facebook.com/AbseconGallowayRotary.

Cape-Atlantic Marine Corps League Meeting

▶7 p.m.

Marine Corps Bunker, 731 East Greek Creek Road, Galloway The Cape Atlantic uSMC league will host their monthly meeting in Galloway. For more information, please call 609-517-6466 or email camcl194@gmail.com.

Friday, July 10

Beach Exercise: Low Impact

▶8 – 9 a.m.

6th 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 & 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.

Smithville Car Cruise

▶5 – 8 p.m.

Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road

Cruise over to Smithville and hang out with fellow car enthusiasts. Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Green near the red-covered bridge, and look for the orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your ride. Visit www.historicsmithville.com for more information.

Joe Stefano and his Jazz Ensemble Band

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

local resident and Navy veteran Joe Stefano will be joined by his pop and jazz ensemble for a special evening of live music, free for veterans and guests. The group will perform classical, jazz, big band, and Broadway hits. No advance registration is required for the public to attend this free show.

Saturday, July 11

Ventnor City Cultural Center Craft Show

▶9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ventnor library Grounds, 6500 Atlantic Avenue

Celebrate community, creativity, and summer fun at the annual Craft Show in Ventnor this Saturday. This beloved local event features an exciting lineup of local artists and makers, offering one-of-a-kind handmade goods, including ceramics, jewelry, photography, fiber art, and more. Support our local artists and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun, including face painting, and a lemonade stand. Science for Kids

▶11 a.m.

longport library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue

Join longport library for a funfilled morning while learning science. Please call 609-487-7403 for more information.

Sunday, July 12

CSCNJ Dragon Boat Festival

▶8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

lake lenape East, 753 Park Road, Mays l anding

The dragons are coming to l ake lenape as Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club hosts its annual Dragon Boat race. Attendees will enjoy a day full of entertainment, fantastic local food, vendors, and family fun as more than a dozen teams from across the region will converge for a day of comradery, while supporting individuals impacted by cancer. Visit www.cscnj.com/ dragon-boat-festival to learn more.

↘Continued on 16

9,

Zumba at the Library

▶11 a.m.

longport library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue

Join longport library for a fun morning of dancing and exercising. Please call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.

Ocean City Theatre Company

All-Stars Performing with the OC Pops

▶7:30 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

Join the Ocean City Pops and Maestro Vince lee as some of the biggest talents from the Great-

er Ocean City Theatre Company perform Broadway’s biggest hits and beloved favorites. Visit www. oceancityvacation.com for more information.

The Stylistics

▶8 p.m.

Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue

Formed in Philadelphia, The Stylistics are best known for their iconic love songs and signature hits. This veteran group brings their renowned catalog and classic sound to the Convention Hall stage for one night only. Visit www.capemaycity. com/boxoffice for more information.

Monday, July 13

Beach Exercise: Yoga

▶8 – 9 a.m.

6th 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 & Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-398-6900.

EHT Monday Morning Madness

▶11 a.m.

Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park

Bring your family and friends and join EHT Recreation for Monday Morning Madness. This week, audiences will be delighted by the Magic of Bill Kerwood.

Bingo at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

longport library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue

Gather your family and friends, and meet at the library for a fun-filled evening of bingo, prizes, and great company. Please call 609-487-7403 for more information.

Join Ocean City for Funtastic Tuesdays every week, featuring strolling entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors, and more. How I Became a Pirate Presented by OCTC

▶10:30 a.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

Join Ocean City Theatre Company as they sail off on a fantastic musical excursion this Tuesday. A band of comical pirates’ land on the beach and look for an expert digger to join their crew. Braid Beard and Jeremy Jacob learn that adventures can be lots of fun, but love and home are treasures you can’t find on any map. Visit www. oceancitytheatrecompany.com for more information.

Music Bingo at the Library

▶6:30 p.m.

longport library, 2305 Atlantic Avenue

TUSK: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute

▶7 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

T u SK reimagines the classic sound of Fleetwood Mac, bringing the band’s most renowned hits to the Music Pier for one night only. Visit www.ocnj.us/summerconcertseries for more information and to purchase tickets. Produced by BRE Presents.

Tuesday, July 14

Funtastic Tuesdays in Ocean City

▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Asbury Avenue from Sixth to Fourteenth Streets

Join longport library for a funfilled evening of music bingo with prizes and great company. Please call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.

Senior Dance Society

▶7 – 9:30 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road

Join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live music duos every Tuesdays. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@ yahoo.com.

Wednesday, July 15

Beach Exercise: Pilates ▶8 – 9 a.m.

6th 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 & Fitness Center. For more information, call 609-3986900.

Little Miss Night in Venice and Junior Miss Night in Venice Pageant

▶8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

Join Ocean City for the debut of two new pageants ahead of this year’s Night in Venice with a crowning at the Music Pier. The pageant will feature an interview portion, evening gown, boat wear, and on-stage questions. Visit www.oceancityvacation. com for more information.

Wacky Wednesday: French Fry Sculpting

▶10:30 a.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

use your creativity to create and shape and sculpt French fries into your very own unique masterpiece from The Promenade. The contest is free and is open to the first 200 participants. Participants must be present at the Music Pier at 10:30 a.m. to participate.

Wacky Wednesdays at Absecon Lighthouse

▶11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

31 S. Rhode Island Avenue

Join Absecon lighthouse all summer as they host Wacky Wednesdays. Free for kids with regular admission. Enjoy crafts and activities, coloring fun for all ages, and new themes weekly, including the Salty Sea, Pirates & Mermaids, and Fairy Tales.

34th Street Summer Series

▶6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Sandcastle Park, 3401 West Avenue

Join Ocean City for an evening of family-friendly entertainment. Activities include themed entertainment, live performances, face painters, and balloon makers. The Summer Series will be held Wednesdays through Aug. 19.

Saturday, July 18

Huge Book Sale

▶8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Atlantic County Historical Society Museum, 907 Shore Road, Somers Point

Join ACHS next Saturday for their summer book sale. Hundreds of books, postcards, magazines, and puzzles will be available and priced to sell. The museum is located next to Somers Mansion.

Parrot Head Party

▶5 – 10 p.m.

Brigantine VFW, 121 31st Street S.

The Brigantine VFW invites the public to join their Parrot Head Party.

Escape to Margaritaville and enjoy live music by Sounds of the Islands Steel Drums, along with a delicious buffet menu.

EHT Movies in the Park

▶6 p.m.

Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park

Mark your calendars and pack your beach chairs and blankets for a movie night in the park. Watch the latest lilo & Stitch movie with family and friends. Sponsored by EHT Clean Communities.

Thursday, July 9

Lunch Around Town with JFS

Village

▶12 – 1:30 p.m.

Shore Diner, 6710 Tilton Road, Egg Harbor Township

JFS Village invites you to enjoy a leisurely lunch while supporting a local restaurant. Come prepared for

good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually.

Health

and Wellness

Depression and Anxiety Group

▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

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

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness, and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, July 15, 1:30 p.m.

Egg Harbor Township Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave.

Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶Monday, July 13, 7 p.m.

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

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

Absecon Concerts in the Park

▶Sunday, July 12, 7 p.m.

Heritage Park

Free Outdoor Concerts

Mark your calendars this Sunday for Concerts in the Park in Absecon, sponsored by the Absecon Parks and Playground Committee. Enjoy an evening of blues and rock n’ roll by the Billy Walton Duo. Bring a chair and blanket and enjoy a rockin’ good time. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Brigantine Summer Concert Series

▶Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Brigantine Community Center

Side lawn, 265 42nd Street

Join the Brigantine Community, Education, and Recreation Department this Wednesday for their outdoor concert series, featuring Odyssea. Bring a beach chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to the Brigantine Community School Auditorium. The Brigantine Summer Concert Series will be held on Wednesdays throughout the season.

EHT Rhythm in the Park

▶Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m.

Robert J. lincoln Amphitheater at Tony Canale Park

Join Egg Harbor Township Parks

and Recreation for their weekly concert series. On July 9, enjoy an evening of classic hits by Sweet Inspiration, and mark your calendars as 5 Pints low brings popular favorites to the EHT stage on July 16.

Jazz on the Beach Concert Series

▶Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m.

Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City

Mark your calendars and join the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation for their annual Jazz on the Beach Concert Series, featuring an eclectic lineup of acclaimed jazz artists and musicians.

Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point

▶Friday, July 10, 7 p.m.

William Morrow Beach, 800 Bay Ave.

The legacy Beach Concerts in Somers Point returns this Friday with Dead Zep. This ensemble of premier jam rockers, led by Wayne Scheller and Rich “Megahurtz” Kurtz will mesmerize audiences with melodic melodies of the Grateful Dead and led Zeppelin. Visit www.somerspointbeachconcerts.com for the full summer lineup.

Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk

▶Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City

The Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk Concert Series welcomes Shemeika Copeland, five-time Grammy nominated Queen of the Blues, along with classic funk by Soul Project NO l A . Visit www.tonymart.com for more information.

Margate Library Park Concert

▶Saturday, July 25, 6 p.m.

8100 Ventnor Avenue

Join Margate Public library for an evening of live music featuring Dr. K’s Motown Revue. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a night of rhythm and soul under the stars.

Sunset at Ski Beach

▶Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 p.m.

Ski Beach, Ventnor

Join Ventnor City for their upcoming concert at Ski Beach concert. The legacy Band brings an evening of classics and parts hits to the stage. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Plus, enjoy delicious food and check out the vendors starting at 5:30 p.m.

Ventnor Summer Beach Jam

▶Saturday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.

Newport Avenue Beach

Join Ventnor City for their upcoming Summer Beach Jam as they welcome Funk Daddy to the stage. Audiences will enjoy a special evening of party hits and popular favorites. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Plus, enjoy delicious food and check out the vendors starting at 5:30 p.m.

Sunset at Ski Beach Photo by Alex Corson

Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point. Photo by Steffen Klenk

The soundtrack of summer: How Ocean City's boardwalk musicians help create the magic

By Sarah Fertsch

Apianist plays a familiar melody as children dance on the wooden planks. A cellist draws curious families closer with the rich sound of an instrument more commonly heard in concert halls than beside the beach. Vacationers pause with slices of pizza, grandparents sway with toddlers, and cyclists slow just enough to listen

before continuing on their way.

For decades, boardwalk entertainers have been part of Ocean City's identity. long before social media or streaming platforms, the boardwalk gave independent musicians something nearly impossible to find elsewhere: thousands of listeners walking past every night.

"It's one of the best forms of exposure probably in the entire music industry as far as independent artists

are concerned," said Bryan Woolbert, who performed on the boardwalk for nearly nine years. " you have a constant stream of families and visitors walking by. If you do a really good job, you get a lot of attention, and you get to meet some incredible people."

Today, a new generation is discovering that same opportunity.

Kealia Grace Smith, an 18-year-old cellist from Manahawkin who will attend Boston u niversity's College of Fine Arts this fall, recently became one of Ocean City's newest licensed boardwalk entertainers.

For Smith, performing on the boardwalk fulfills a dream that began years ago.

"I remember performing in the Ocean City Talent Show when I was eight years old," she said. "Afterward, I was walking on the boardwalk and saw all the musicians performing. I remember thinking, 'One day I want to do that.'"

This summer, she finally is.

Becoming a busker

Most visitors probably don't think much about what it takes to become a boardwalk entertainer.

The process begins long before the first note is played.

Since 2024, performers are required to obtain a permit through the city before signing up for performance dates and receiving an assigned location. Every musician, magician, juggler and other street performer on the Ocean City Boardwalk begins the season the same way: by applying for a Boardwalk Entertainer license through the City of Ocean City.

u nder the city's current ordinance, performers must submit an application to the City Clerk's Office, pay a $200 seasonal permit fee, and receive approval before they are eligible to perform. Applicants must also resolve any outstanding violations from previous seasons before a license will be issued.

licensed entertainers may perform only during the official boardwalk entertainment season, which runs May 1 through Oct. 31. Performances are limited to two designated entertainment zones: Fifth Street through Eighth Street and 12th Street

through 14th Street. Musicians and other entertainers are assigned locations within those zones, with performers spaced apart to allow multiple acts to perform simultaneously.

The city currently permits performances on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Entertainers may perform between 6 and 10 p.m., although Sunday performances may not begin before 7 p.m., and no performer may occupy the same location for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. Special events, such as Family Nights, may include extended hours.

Behind the scenes

unlike traditional concerts, there are no intermissions. "The audience is constantly changing," Woolbert explained. "If you're standing there with a tip bucket but you're not performing, people naturally wonder why you're there."

For Woolbert, two hours became the sweet spot. As a vocalist who sang with a powerful, belting style, longer performances could strain his voice.

Smith, meanwhile, often performs for three consecutive hours on cello.

"It's definitely a good test of stamina," she laughed. "I've practiced for long periods before, but playing a full hour-long set list three times in a row without really stopping is challenging."

The weather can be just as demanding. Rain, humidity and even temperature determine whether musicians can safely perform. While

Kealia Grace Smith, Boardwalk Busker

a passing shower may inconvenience a guitarist, it can seriously damage delicate instruments.

"For the cello, it's really up to the weather," Smith said. "Even on a nice night, I have to keep retuning because of the moisture coming off the ocean. you have to be very careful."

Woolbert remembers countless evenings spent watching radar apps and storm clouds instead of focusing on music. One memory still makes him smile.

years ago, after thunderstorms rolled across the island, he and his mother rushed their equipment inside what was then Big Slice Pizza to keep everything dry.

"The owner was incredible," Woolbert recalled. "He let us bring all of our equipment inside. That's the kind of relationship so many of us had with the shop owners."

He tried to return the favor. Between songs, Woolbert regularly encouraged audiences to visit nearby businesses, recommending everything from hot pretzels to Johnson's Popcorn and Dippin' Dots. "I always believed if we (businesses and buskers) supported each other, everybody benefited," he said.

speakers and other equipment before each performance.

Strangers become an audience

For both musicians, however, the performances themselves are only part of the experience.

The real reward comes from the people.

"My favorite part was always interacting with the community," Woolbert said. "Watching kids dance, seeing families smile, seeing familiar faces come back year after year—those are the memories that stay with me."

Over nearly a decade, Woolbert built a devoted following. "There were families who came every summer and made it a point to stop by," he said. "I became part of their boardwalk tradition."

Smith has already begun seeing that same magic unfold, even though she only started performing this summer.

"I think the biggest thing has been watching people's reactions," she said. "Some children have never even seen a cello before. They'll come up and ask questions, and they're fascinated by it."

Although buskers perform independently, neither musician does it entirely alone. Each evening, entertainers haul equipment from parking lots onto the boardwalk, often using beach carts or wagons, before setting up for performances that can last anywhere from two to three hours.

Smith credits her parents as her unofficial road crew. "They help carry everything," she laughed. "The cello, the music stand, the carpet, my tip jar—they're the reason I'm able to do it."

Woolbert's family played the same role throughout his career. His parents frequently accompanied him to Ocean City to help unload keyboards,

Orchestra, weddings, community concerts and local events.

yet she says performing on the boardwalk offers something concert halls cannot.

"I hope people can see classical music differently," Smith said. "Maybe someone doesn't have the opportunity to go hear an orchestra in Philadelphia or New york. Bringing that music to the boardwalk makes it accessible to everyone."

The music between the waves

As another summer unfolds, hundreds of thousands of visitors will stroll Ocean City's famous wooden

boards. Many will stop for pizza, saltwater taffy or a ride. Some will pause because they hear a familiar song drifting through the evening air.

For the audience, it's an unexpected gift—a soundtrack woven into the story of summer, one song at a time.

Readers interested in following the musicians featured in this story can find Bryan Woolbert's music, videos, advocacy work and boardwalk history at www.bryanwoolbertmusic. com. Kealia Grace Smith regularly posts her Ocean City Boardwalk performance schedule and musical updates on Facebook, Instagram, youTube and other social media platforms under Kealia Grace Music.

Others simply sit nearby. "I've had people stay for 20 or 30 minutes just listening while looking at the ocean," she said. "It's really sweet."

Looking into the future

Over the years, however, Woolbert watched the entertainment program evolve. Regulations governing boardwalk performers became increasingly restrictive, and competition among musicians intensified.

He eventually spoke before the City Council, advocating for boardwalk entertainers and encouraging greater cooperation among performers, businesses and city officials.

Eventually, after nearly nine years, he decided it was time to move on. Woolbert has since moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, but still visits South Jersey regularly. Even after stepping away, his affection for Ocean City remains obvious.

For Smith, the future feels full of possibility.

This fall she'll head to Boston university to study music performance, adding the Ocean City Boardwalk to an already impressive résumé that includes appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, solo performances with the Main line Symphony

Bryan Woolbert, Boardwalk Busker

By Delaney Crawford

LBay Ave Brewery coming to the Somers Point scene

ocal cousins Brian Murphy and Tom Dooner are pairing up for another adventure together, this time with hopes to "bring good beers to good folks." The pair is opening Bay Ave Brewery in Somers Point. The anticipated spot will open on the corner of Bay Avenue and Maryland Avenue this fall.

Being only one year apart and having grown up on the same street, the two cousins have been best friends their entire lives. Growing up, the duo always had similar interests, from Spider-Man to basketball and eventually, once they were of legal age, to craft beer.

Murphy shared that they turned 21 during craft beer's peak popularity and, as consumers, really got into it. As they got older, they both had different careers they were living and working in, but they realized they didn't see those jobs as their end goal. On the side, just for fun, the pair started home brewing together and eventually realized it was a route they wanted to pursue.

To hone this newfound passion and hobby, they each started working at different breweries to learn the ropes and become more familiar with the industry. They even completed a program together at the u niversity of the Sciences, and it slowly developed from there until it was time to go out on their own.

Murphy shared that while now is go-time for their dream of owning their own brewery, this has been in the works, at least theoretically, for close to 10 years.

“We’ve been discussing and dreaming about it for a while,” Murphy said. “At first, it was just all in our heads, we’d go grab a beer together and just think big about what we could do and just get inspired. Then when we both started working in breweries there’d be little things that’d we learn and chat about. But now I’d say over the last three to four years is when it

Kelli is committed to helping you receive full and fair compensation.

got serious and we thought, ‘OK, let’s make this a thing, let’s do this.’”

Murphy shared that after growing up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the duo would come down to the shore during the summers and have now both settled here full time, making it the perfect place to start their new venture. They're especially excited to become part of the Somers Point community.

“Somers Point is a town that likes to go out and have a drink, it’s where I like to do it,” Murphy said. “We found a great location and it’s somewhere we felt like we could really build something special and be embraced and be there awhile.”

With a covered patio that wraps around the building, a fireplace and bar inside, Bay Ave Brewery is hoping to become the next local favorite hangout spot this fall.

While the pair know what they like to brew and have plenty of ideas, they also plan to let customers help shape the menu once they open.

Both being passionate about European lager brewing and traditional English-style beers, those styles will have a strong presence on the menu. The duo also plans to cater to lighter beers, offering options where you can sit, have a couple with friends and not end up in a bangedup spot.

“We got into craft beer when IPA was the only thing on tap, we’re definitely going to have some IPAs and hoppy beers, but we’re not going to be one of those breweries where you walk in and there are 10 IPAs that are all

Somers Point is already home to so many beloved restaurants and bars, and the cousins' plan is to blend right into that. Their goal is simply to be themselves, make great beer and offer a great atmosphere in a nice, new location. They want to give people another place to make part of their routine and another space to gather and enjoy.

They plan on bringing in local live music and hope to partner with local food trucks and other businesses to keep people fed. In addition to the food trucks, anyone who comes in is welcome to bring takeout from any of the other local restaurants nearby.

8%,” Murphy said. “We are focusing more on beers that you can drink to just hang out with your friends and chill. Our artist calls our style, ‘foot-thumping beers,’ a beer you can just chill, drink and tap your feet as you're listening to music.”

As opening day gets closer, Murphy and Dooner are looking forward to finally sharing the dream they've spent years building with the community they now call home. More than anything, they hope Bay Ave Brewery becomes a place where people can gather, slow down and enjoy a great beer with good company.

“We’re not opening a brewery to take over the world. We just want to make nice beers for nice folks and hope everyone has a good time,” Murphy said.

Cousins Brian Murphy and Tom Dooner are bringing their shared passions to life in Somers Point.

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Visitors to Historic Smithville can trade sand for snowflakes this weekend as the village transforms into a festive holiday destination during its second annual Christmas in July celebration on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12.

After a successful debut last summer, organizers have expanded the event with more participating businesses, family activities and interactive games designed to encourage visitors to explore the entire village.

"This is all about creating memories and giving families a fun reason to experience everything Smithville has to offer," said event coordinator Jenna Perfetti, owner of Surf Road Coffee Shop, who is organizing the event alongside Darlene Hinrichsen.

One of the weekend's featured activities is a village-wide quest game. Children and families can visit participating shops to receive stamps on their raffle cards. Completed cards can be entered for a chance to win gift cards and prizes donated by local businesses.

Every participating shop will also host a "Find the Grinch" game. Hidden somewhere inside each store is a Grinch for children to discover. Those

who find the mischievous character will earn a festive surprise, turning every shopping stop into a holiday scavenger hunt.

Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy face painting, interactive activities and plenty of entertainment throughout the village. Guests are encouraged to decorate their flip-flops too in the spirit of the holiday with prizes for best decorated shoes.

Santa and one of his elves will travel through the village with a mobile DJ booth, handing out prizes and surprises while spreading Christmas cheer. Summer Santa will be dressed for the season in flip-flops, board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt as he strolls through the village greeting visitors. Santa will ride the train with children each day between 4-5 p.m., creating a unique summertime holiday experience.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a bubble machine will fill the air with tiny bubbles that resemble falling snow, while a full-size sleigh outside Surf Road Coffee Shop provides the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Several businesses are embracing the holiday spirit with seasonal offerings. Surf Road Coffee Shop will feature frozen peppermint mocha drinks and peppermint mocha lattes, while the Smithville Inn and Fred & Ethel's l antern light Restaurant will serve festive holiday-inspired beverages throughout the weekend.

For Perfetti, the event is about more than Christmas decorations in July. It's about celebrating a place that has been part of countless family traditions.

"I've been coming to Smithville since I was 18 months old with my grandparents," she said. "For so many families, it's a place that means something. We wanted to create an event that celebrates those memories while encouraging people to discover new shops and make new memories."

She also expressed appreciation for the support of village owners Tony Capola Jr., laura Bouchard and the Fitzgerald family, whose partnership helped the event grow in its second year.

With holiday music, family activities, festive treats and plenty of Christmas spirit in the middle of summer, Smithville's Christmas in July promises to be one of the Shore's most unique family events this weekend.

Farmers Markets

Atlantic City Farmers Market

▶Fridays, 4 – 6 p.m.

Fisherman’s Park Community Garden, Massachusetts & Drexel Avenues

Join C.R.O.P.S. for their weekly farmers markets, where you can shop for locally grown vegetables, fruit and herbs. Plus, enjoy free activities and a community garden with harvested vegetables and herbs. Markets are open Fridays through Sept. 18.

Brigantine Farmers Market

▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Brigantine Community School parking lot, Sheridan Boulevard

The Brigantine Farmers Market will be open to customers on Saturdays, rain or shine, through Sept. 5. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ brigantinefarmersmarket.

Egg Harbor Township Community Farmers Market

▶Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

1 Swift Drive

Join EHT for their weekly farmers market, featuring dozens of area vendors and businesses, food, crafters, and more. Markets are open weekly through Oct. 11. Galloway Green Market

▶Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m.

Historic Smithville Village Greene, 615 E. Moss Mill Road

Go Green Galloway hosts their weekly Green Market, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Visit gogreengalloway.org/greenmarket for information and updates. Markets are open Thursdays through Aug. 27.

Margate Community Farmers Market

▶Thursdays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Steve & Cookie’s, Amherst & Monroe Avenues

The Margate Community Farmers Market is open for the 2026 season, with

dozens of local vendors selling prepared food, baked goods, and more. Parking is available in the lot on Monroe Ave. Markets are open on Thursdays through Sept. 3.

Ocean City Farmers Market

▶Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds, 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. Markets are open Wednesdays through Sept. 16. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.

Risley Square Farmers Market

▶Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

319 E. Jimmie leeds Road, Galloway

Come shop for produce, homemade goods, fresh baked treats, local crafts, and more. It is the perfect way to spend a Sunday while supporting local and connecting with the community. Markets are open Sundays through Sept. 27.

Somers Point Farmers Market

▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Road

The Somers Point Farmers Market is open for the 2026 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 are open on Saturdays through Sept. 12.

Ventnor City Farmers Market

▶Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Newport & Atlantic Avenues

The parking lot at St. James Church brims with 70+ farmers, food vendors, and crafters who offer fresh, seasonal picks, delicious artisan foods, baked goods, beverages, and beautiful handmade wares. Visit vcfm.org for more information.

Students walk the beat as Atlantic City Class II Police Officers

Mitch Ellicott couldn’t hide his excitement.

The retired Sussex County Sheriff's Department detective lieutenant flashed a beaming smile as he watched his youngest daughter, Hannah, prepare for her first day working for the Atlantic City Police Department.

“I’m very proud. I know she put a lot of work into it,” said the Fredon, New Jersey, native, wearing his uniform. “Trying to finish up doing all her tests and final exams. Trying to move things around with her classes and then to finish the police academy and the ACPD’s requirements. She kept her nose to the grindstone and got it done.”

Hannah is one of three Stockton university students who started work as Class II police officers in Atlantic City on July 1 as part of an expansion of the Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience. She missed the last two weeks of the semester and rescheduled her finals in order to enter the Cape May County Police Academy for a seven-day-a-week, 12-hour-aday, nine-week training program to

become a Class II officer.

“It’s a great opportunity to work on the Boardwalk in the city’s Tourism District u nit,” said the senior criminal justice major. “I’m really excited to get started. I’m not nervous. It’s been a great experience and a great privilege, and I’m ready.”

The Stockton Atlantic City Summer Experience, also known as the live-Worklearn Program, has partnered with area businesses over the past five summers to provide students local employment, housing and career readiness training.

Jackson said 24 employers, including several Atlantic City casinos and AtlantiCare, have participated in the program over the last five years. More than 1,000 students have received summer employment, and the program has generated $2 million in housing revenue for the university.

“This program leans strongly into our position as an Anchor Institution in southern New Jersey,” he said. “It allows us to grow our relationships with our employer partners, sometimes introducing them to our talented pool of students for the first time.”

Those introductions have led to continued employment for about 30% of students, Jackson said.

“Some of our students have even served as supervisors, managing dozens of employees,” he said. “These experiences greatly enhance student resumes.”

Elllicott, Ryan Rafter, of Kenilworth, and Josh llancari, of Wildwood, are just three of the 366 in this summer’s program.

it feels good to be nervous. I’m also glad and excited to be here.”

Having the Atlantic City Police Department join the Atlantic City Summer Experience has been in the planning stages since last summer, said Alex Marino, director of Academic Operations for Stockton’s Atlantic City campus. Marino worked with Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos, a 1999 Stockton graduate, and Jacquelyn Suarez, the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, to get financial support for the students.

Sarkos is extremely pleased with the results, and he hopes to expand it to more Stockton students in the future.

“We wanted to offer an opportunity where Stockton students can stay in Atlantic City in this beautiful dormitory on the Boardwalk and get real policing experience,” he said. “We think it’s something that’s very unique. I really appreciate the relationship we have with Stockton. I am a proud alum, and I’m just excited about the partnership and what the future has to offer.”

Stockton Criminal Justice Instructor Rick Mulvihill ’77 taught each of the three students and said Sarkos was a former student of his. Before he was an instructor at Stockton, Mulvihill spent 26 years in policing and started his career walking the same beat on the Boardwalk as the three students.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to go into law enforcement,” said Rafter, who’s in his fourth year of Stockton’s 3+2 program to get his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice. “I was even saying to my friends how it’s like a childhood dream coming true. I’ve always wanted to do something like this.”

For llancari, a junior Criminal Justice major, the opportunity to live in a Stockton residence hall right by the beach and Boardwalk was too good to pass up.

“It’s five minutes away from where I work. I’m not paying for it. you can’t beat that,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous, but I think

“We want to get more students involved and get this kind of experience earlier,” Mulvihill said. “It could mean this experience would change their mind and they may not want to do law enforcement. Or they may absolutely want to do law. That’s all part of the college process.”

llancari hopes working this summer in Atlantic City will get him a foot in the door toward possibly a full-time job when he graduates in a couple of years. For Sarkos, that would be the ultimate benefit from the department’s participation in the Atlantic City Summer Experience.

“Most of our full-time officers start as Class IIs,” he said. “If they are interested in pursuing a full-time career with us once they graduate and get their degree, we would love them.”

From left, junior Josh Llancari of Wildwood, senior Hannah Ellicott of Fredon, and senior Ryan Rafter of Kenilworth, are the first three Stockton students to become Class II police officers with the Atlantic City Police Department as part of an expansion of the university's Atlantic City Summer Experience program. Photo Credit: Abbigail Erbacher/Stockton University

The Bridge to Ventnor

By Lisa Zaslow Segelman

There's a spot on the Dorset Avenue Bridge where the road rises for just a moment before dipping toward the island. At the top of that little rise, straight ahead, you can see the lifeguard building and the beach. Whether you're coming home from work on the mainland, heading to work on the island or visiting for a weekend or a week, it's the moment you know you've arrived. More than just a bridge, it's where the mainland gives way to the island—and where the shore begins. Since opening in 1929, the bridge has faithfully connected both sides of the community while continuing its daily dance with boats passing below.

Today, as it approaches its 100th birthday, the Dorset Avenue Bridge is getting a little well-deserved attention. Nearly a century of salt air, coastal storms and constant traffic have left their mark. That's why Atlantic County is giving the historic bridge a cosmetic refresh, preserving one of Ventnor's most recognizable landmarks while maintaining the character that has welcomed generations to the shore.

It's one of those rare bridges that's as welcoming to people as it is to traffic. Walkers, runners and cyclists—I've been all three—often stop in the middle to admire the view or catch a cool bay breeze. The Dorset Avenue Bridge is a bascule drawbridge, meaning its two roadway spans rise into the air to allow taller vessels to pass through the Inside

Thorofare, part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Whenever someone visits Ventnor with me, a walk to the Dorset Avenue Bridge is always part of the tour. It's one of those places that reminds you why people fall in love with this little shore town. There's even a house tucked beneath the southwest side of the bridge, looking as though it has always belonged there.

Pause in the middle and you'll see boats gliding along the bay, rowing crews out for practice, or see a bridge opening, which is a fun thing to see unless of course, you’re in a rush. look south and the bay stretches toward the horizon. Slightly to the right sits the former Ventnor Water Works. To the left stands Derby Hall, one of the most historic buildings in St. leonard's Tract. Built in 1907 as the Ventnor Motorboat Club, it later became part of Ventnor's colorful

Prohibition lore, when rum runners secretly unloaded liquor through a concealed entrance that still exists today.

Cross the bridge and you’re in Ventnor Heights and 45 seconds from coffee, pizza, a bánh mì and wine bar—and the fastest, most scenic and most hassle-free route to an ice cream cone. Go the other way and you're just two blocks from the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

That's what makes this bridge so uniquely Ventnor. It doesn't simply connect two sides of the bay—it connects people to the places they love. On any given day you'll see commuters, cyclists with beach chairs slung over their backs and families schlepping beach gear, all sharing the same crossing.

It's easy to forget that this familiar landmark has been doing its job since 1929. For generations, it has quietly connected people to work, to home, to the beach and to one another. left, right or straight ahead, everyone who crosses it is headed somewhere special.

Time, salt air, storms and steady traffic have all taken their toll. Atlantic County, which owns and maintains the bridge, is undertaking cosmetic repairs designed to preserve one of Ventnor's most familiar landmarks while ensuring it continues to wel -

come residents and visitors for years to come.

The work isn't simply about maintenance. It's also about preserving the bridge's distinctive character, including the decorative lanterns that crown each of its four towers.

The next time you're waiting for the bridge to open, look up. They've been part of Ventnor's welcome for generations.

The bridge work coincides with other improvements taking shape throughout the city. A recently

awarded $980,000 state grant will fund a new streetscape on the Ventnor Heights side of the bridge, including new curbs, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, creating an entrance worthy of one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

It's fitting that a bridge so many of us cross without a second thought is finally getting the attention it deserves. The next time you crest that little rise and the ocean suddenly comes into view,

take a moment to notice the bridge beneath you. Nearly 100 years after it first opened, the Dorset Avenue Bridge is still doing exactly what it was built to do. It lets you know you've arrived.

Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com

Atlantic County embraces AI to help residents find assistance faster

By Sarah Fertsch

When a family is worried about paying the electric bill, finding emergency housing or putting food on the table, the last thing they want is to spend precious time navigating a complicated phone menu.

Atlantic County hopes a new artificial intelligence-powered phone system will make those moments a little less stressful.

The Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development recently introduced an AI-assisted telephone system designed to connect residents with social services more quickly and efficiently. Instead of listening to a lengthy list of prompts and pressing numbers on a keypad, callers can simply explain why they are calling in their own words.

The system then identifies the appropriate program, answers common questions or routes callers to the staff member best equipped to help.

The new technology was devel -

oped by TipCo Automated Systems, a New Jersey-based company that specializes in AI-powered customer service for government agencies. TipCo's virtual assistant, known as EVA (Electronic Virtual Assistant), allows callers to speak naturally instead of navigating traditional phone menus.

“For residents seeking food and shelter for themselves and their family members, time is of the essence,” Dennis levinson, Atlantic County executive, said in a statement. “Being the second poorest county in the state, the number of residents in need continues to grow. We recognize the importance of providing efficient and responsive customer service. This new software is a tremendous tool that we are pleased to implement and have served as a model throughout the state.”

By handling routine inquiries around the clock, EVA enables county employees to spend more time assisting residents with complex or urgent needs while improving response times for everyone who calls.

The department assists thou -

sands of Atlantic County residents each year through a variety of support services. During busy periods, high call volumes can slow response times, particularly when staff members are answering routine questions that could be handled automatically.

For many residents, the change could mean less time on hold and quicker access to information about emergency housing, food assistance, utility relief and other county programs.

County officials say the new AI technology is designed to relieve some of that burden—not replace the people behind the services. Caseworkers will continue assisting residents with complex situations and personal guidance, while the automated system handles basic inquiries and directs callers to the right resources.

Atlantic County is joining a growing number of local governments across the country that are turning to artificial intelligence to improve customer service and expand access to public programs. Earlier this year, union County introduced an AI-pow-

ered assistant for its Department of Human Services to help residents navigate services such as food assistance, health care and housing support.

Similar technology has also been adopted by counties in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida, where AI systems answer routine questions, direct callers to the appropriate departments and reduce wait times for residents seeking assistance.

Throughout the month of June, EVA helped direct or respond to more than 6,500 calls to the Department of Family and Community Department. Almost fifty percent of those redirected inquiries requested call backs which took place within 24 to 48 hours.

levinson thanked the county’s internal technology team for implementing the new system, and spoke highly of Atlantic County’s future with AI assisting in other departments.

“With the support of EVA, staff can focus more of their time on case management,” levinson said. “ We look forward to identifying how other areas of our organization could also benefit from this new technology.”

So if a resident needs help with Medicaid, emergency housing, SNAP benefits, family and foster care matters, and more, EVA will be working 24/7 to support.

Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Some entrepreneurs build businesses. Others create destinations that leave a lasting impact on an entire community.

Frank Ruocco has become one of those visionaries. Throughout his career in real estate development, site development, hospitality, and entertainment, he has built a reputation for recognizing opportunities that others overlook and transforming them into thriving, successful ventures. Today, he serves as executive vice president of Ocean Casino Resort while also owning two of South Jersey's most recognizable golf properties—Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point and the newly reimagined Mays XII, formerly the historic Mays l anding Country Club.

Originally from West Haven, Connecticut, Ruocco relocated to Atlantic City in 2016 with one ambitious goal—to become part of the ownership and leadership team that would breathe new life into the former Revel Casino. That vision became reality as Ocean Casino Resort emerged as one of Atlantic City's premier desti -

nations, thanks in part to significant investments, continued expansion, and a commitment to first-class guest experiences.

While Frank's professional responsibilities are extensive, those who know him best say family remains at the center of his life. His wife, Christina, has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his business journey, and together they have built a blended close-knit family with their children, Jordan, Jesse, Jojo and Gigi.

Revitalizing Greate Bay Country Club

Ruocco's first venture into the South Jersey golf industry came with the acquisition of Greate Bay Country Club, one of the region's premier private clubs.

Rather than simply operating the club, he invested heavily in its future. Members immediately noticed the difference. The clubhouse underwent extensive renovations, the golf course received significant improvements, new landscaping enhanced the property's beauty, and major infrastructure upgrades—including the construction of new tunnels beneath Route 9— improved playability and member convenience.

Equally important was creating a welcoming, member-friendly atmosphere where golfers of all ages and abilities could enjoy the club. under Ruocco's leadership, Greate Bay has evolved into more than a golf course; it has become a vibrant social destination known for exceptional service, outstanding dining, weddings, special events, and an active membership.

Adjacent to the golf course, Ryan Homes is currently developing an attractive community of townhomeand condominium-style residences, creating a complementary neighborhood that enhances the long-term value of both the club and the surrounding area.

Frank's long-term vision for Greate Bay is to continue investing in the property, preserving its reputation as one of New Jersey's premier private country clubs while enhancing amenities, expanding member experiences, and ensuring that future generations enjoy the same outstanding golf tradition for decades to come.

A new chapter begins: Mays XII

After witnessing the success at Greate Bay, Ruocco and his partners turned their attention to another legendary South Jersey golf property—the former Mays landing Country Club.

Originally developed in 1962 by the late leo Fraser, along with partners Jack Nugent, Bill Christiansen, Bill Rafferty, and Bruce Coltart, the course opened with golf legends Sam Snead and Tony lema participating in the grand opening festivities.

For generations, golfers affectionately referred to the course as "The Best Birdie for the Buck." leo Fraser, one of South Jersey's true golf pioneers, helped establish the club as one of the area's premier public golf destinations.

During the early 1990s, leo Fraser's children—Jim Fraser, Doug Fraser, and Bonnie Fraser Siok—assumed leadership of the club. They expanded banquet operations, developed a successful wedding venue, enhanced the Grille Room restaurant, and completed numerous clubhouse improvements while preserving the Fraser family's commitment to affordable, enjoyable golf. In 2011, the club proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In 2023, Ruocco acquired the historic property with an entirely different vision—not simply to renovate another golf course, but to re-imagine the public golf experience.

That vision became Mays XII.

“We believed that a golf experience and a housing component would be mutually complementary. In order to accomplish both, it was not possible to restore the historical 18-hole golf course. We spent a lot of time considering a 9-hole option and the much more unique 12-hole option. There was no science, metrics or analytics that drove this decision. Simply

a sense that many people would enjoy the unique, shortened version of the traditional 18-hole golf experience.

Although golf first started as 12 holes, it may not be for the golf purist. Our hope is that many people will enjoy the benefits of shortened version that that Mays XII will present”

Mays XII offers a unique 12-hole layout designed for today's golfer—perfect for busy professionals, families, seniors, and anyone seeking a fun, relaxed day on the course.

The entire property has undergone extensive renovations, including the clubhouse, golf course, outdoor

gathering areas, and landscaping.

Adding to the excitement is Ruocco's partnership with the iconic l aScala Restaurant Group, bringing authentic Italian cuisine, signature pizzas, and a lively dining experience to what will become l aScala’s at Mays XII.

But golf is only part of the experience.

Visitors will also enjoy a bocce court, ping pong, a beautifully designed 1,200-square-foot putting green, fire pits, live entertainment, outdoor social spaces, and an atmosphere designed around one simple

goal—having fun.

The development also includes approximately 212 attached townhomes that are expected to break ground in early 2027, creating another vibrant residential community while preserving an exciting public golf destination.

Frank Ruocco's long-term vision for Mays XII extends well beyond golf. He envisions the property becoming a casual, fun, social experience—a place where golfers, families, friends, and neighbors gather to enjoy great food, live music, outdoor recreation, and unforgettable experiences.

The golf course is scheduled to officially open on July 11, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of South Jersey's most historic golf properties.

If Frank Ruocco's track record at Ocean Casino Resort and Greate Bay Country Club is any indication, Mays XII is poised to become one of the region's most innovative and enjoyable recreational destinations—where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether they're carrying a golf bag, sharing a pizza with friends, or simply relaxing around the fire pits after a great day.

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

After opening Ocean Casino Resort and renewing Greate Bay, Frank Ruocco turned the shuttered Mays Landing Country Club into Mays XII. The 12-hole course and restaurant are set to open this weekend.

By Sarah Fertsch

WWhy is the ocean so cold? The science behind upwelling

ith air temperatures soaring into the 90s, everyone has flocked to the shore expecting a refreshing dip in the Atlantic. Instead, many have been met with a shock—water that feels more like Easter than the Fourth of July.

The culprit is a natural ocean process known as upwelling, which has temporarily sent water temperatures tumbling along much of the Jersey Shore, even as a dangerous heat wave gripped the region.

According to NOAA observations, the ocean temperature off Atlantic City recently hovered around 65 degrees, far below the mid-70s that swimmers typically expect in early July.

"It's one of those strange moments where the hotter it gets on land, the colder the ocean can become," said meteorologists explaining this week's unusual conditions.

u pwelling occurs when steady southerly winds blow parallel to New Jersey's coastline, pushing the sun-

warmed surface water away from shore. As that warmer water is carried offshore, much colder water from deeper in the Atlantic rises to replace it.

Think of it as nature stirring a giant pot. The warm layer on top is swept aside, allowing the cold water below— sometimes 50 feet or more beneath the surface—to rise to the beach. The process can lower ocean temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees in just a few days.

While it may disappoint swimmers, upwelling is actually beneficial for marine life. The deep water is rich in nutrients that fuel blooms of phytoplankton—the microscopic plants that form the foundation of the marine food web. Those nutrients support baitfish, flounder, striped bass, bluefish, dolphins and countless other species found off the Jersey coast.

If you've jumped into the back bays around Ocean City, Somers Point, Margate or Marmora this week, you've probably noticed a dramatic difference.

degrees within a few days. While another period of persistent south winds could trigger renewed upwelling later this summer, forecasters expect the Atlantic to gradually return to its more typical mid-July temperatures as weather patterns become less favorable for the phenomenon.

For those determined to take a dip despite the chilly surf, experts recommend easing into the water rather than diving in all at once. Splashing cool water on your arms, legs and torso before fully submerging can help your body gradually adjust to the temperature, making the initial shock feel less intense.

Once you're in, keep moving by swimming or wading to help generate body heat, but avoid staying in the water for long periods, especially if

u nlike the Atlantic Ocean, bays are generally shallow, sheltered and much smaller. That means sunlight can heat the entire water column much more quickly. During extended stretches of hot weather, bay temperatures often climb into the upper 70s or even low 80s.

The bays also don't experience significant upwelling because there isn't a deep reservoir of cold water waiting beneath the surface. Instead, the warm water remains trapped, creating conditions that can feel almost bath-like compared to the chilly surf.

For fishermen, the colder water can actually improve fishing by concentrating bait and game fish closer to shore. For surfers, the cooler water often brings clearer conditions.

For everyone else, it simply means packing a little extra courage before diving into the Atlantic.

The good news for beachgoers is that the cold snap likely won't last much longer. upwelling typically ends when the wind changes direction or weakens, allowing the sun-warmed surface water to drift back toward the coastline.

If southerly winds ease over the next several days, ocean temperatures can rebound surprisingly quickly—sometimes climbing 5 to 10

you begin shivering or feel numb. young children, older adults and anyone with certain medical conditions may be more sensitive to cold water, so it's wise to limit swim time and warm up with a towel, dry clothing and the summer sun after getting out.

For those looking for warmer waters, head to bay areas or have a splash at hidden gems like l ake lenape. If your rental or hotel offers a pool, take advantage.

So remember, if the ocean leaves you shivering while the sand is too hot to stand on, don't worry—the Atlantic hasn't forgotten it's summer. It's simply showing off one of nature's most fascinating oceanographic tricks.

Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.

By Robin Stoloff

IFrom cookout to comeback: A post Fourth of July reset

f the Fourth of July weekend left you a little out of sync, eating more than usual, sleeping less, and snacking more than you planned, welcome to the club. Holiday weekends have a way of pulling us out of our routines, and that's not a bad thing. That's actually the point. We gather, celebrate, stay up later, linger over meals, and enjoy

Events

the people and traditions that make summer feel special. Days later, when the fireworks are a memory and the cooler is finally empty, a gentle reset, rather than a strict overhaul, is the perfect way to readjust.

I'll be honest, the Monday after the Fourth hit me harder than I expected. A holiday weekend and a good night's sleep don't always go hand in hand, and between the late nights, the extra food, hosting guests

Here are some of the fun events happening in the Wildwoods:

JULY 10

and being on the move all weekend, I woke up feeling genuinely drained, and I know I wasn't alone. That tired, sluggish feeling does not mean we did anything wrong. It simply means our bodies are asking for a little attention and a return to the habits that help us feel steady, energized and well.

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

JULY 10-12

New Jersey Jeep Invasion

New Jersey BBQ Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival

JULY 11

Sidewalk Chalk Competition in North Wildwood

JULY 11 - 12 Battle on the Beach Flag Football

JULY 17 - 19

New Jersey Bronco Invasion

JULY 18

Boogie Board Races in North Wildwood

JULY 23

Legends of Wrestling Night in the Wildwoods Convention Center

JULY 25

Community Band By The Sea Performance in Wildwood

JULY 25 - 26

Jus Nice Sneaker Convention in the Wildwoods Convention Center

TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS Arts in the Parks

7 p.m. | June 23 - August 27

TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS

Doo Wop and Neon Night Tours

8 p.m. | June 16 - August 27

SATURDAY MORNINGS UNTIL AUGUST 30

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market

Sleep is often the first thing to slip over a busy holiday. Getting back to a consistent bedtime and wake time helps our internal clock find its footing again. A few nights of intentional, earlier bedtimes can make a noticeable difference in how we feel. It also helps to give our brains a little warning that the day is winding down. Turning off screens a bit earlier, dimming the lights, taking a shower, reading, or doing some light stretching can all send the message that it is time to rest.

The Fourth of July weekend tends to include more processed snacks, plenty of barbecued food, more liquid calories from sodas and cocktails, and fewer healthier meals. Rather than overcorrecting with a restrictive plan, a simpler approach works just as well: add in a few extra servings of

vegetables and fruit, make water your primary beverage, and let the natural rhythm of regular meals settle back into place. One balanced breakfast, a protein-rich lunch, or a colorful dinner can begin to shift us back in the right direction. There is no need to skip meals or “make up” for what we ate. In fact, being too restrictive often backfires and leaves us reaching for more snacks later.

Summer heat, extra activity, and maybe a celebratory drink or two can leave us more dehydrated than we realize. Rehydrating steadily every day helps our body recover more quickly. Water supports digestion, circulation, temperature control, joint health and energy, all things we may notice more when we are feeling run down. Keeping a reusable bottle nearby, adding fruit or cucumber for flavor, or drinking a glass of water before coffee in the morning are easy ways to rebuild the habit without overthinking it. After a weekend of overindulging, it's important to get our bodies moving again. Even if the holiday had its own kind of activity such as swimming, walking the boardwalk, or LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK

Sundays

7:30 p.m. | June 28- August 30 Mondays at Sunset Lake 7:30 p m | June 29- August 24 Tuesdays at Crest Arts Pavilion

7 p m | June 30 - August 25

Wednesdays at Centennial Park

7 p m | Food Trucks 5-9 p m July 1 - August 26

Thursdays at Byrne Plaza

7:30 p m | June 18 - September 10 Saturdays at Centennial Park 7 p m | June 27 - September 5

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a spirited game of cornhole or wiffle ball, getting back to a regular exercise routine helps reset both our body and brain. A brisk walk in the morning or evening hours is one of the gentlest and most effective ways to ease back in. Movement helps improve circulation, regulate blood sugar, support digestion and boost mood. It does not have to be intense to count. Ten or fifteen minutes is enough to remind our bodies that we are back on track. Add some light weights or gentle stretching, and we begin to feel more like ourselves again.

The gut-brain connection is real, and it's worth paying attention to after a few days of rich, indulgent eating. Reintroducing fiber-rich foods such as beans, leafy greens, and whole grains, along with probiotic foods like yogurt, helps restore that balance. Many of us notice we feel lighter and more clear-headed within just a few days of this kind of gentle realignment. Fiber helps keep digestion moving, while probiotic foods support the healthy bacteria in our gut. Even something as simple as berries with yogurt, a big salad with grilled chicken, or vegetables

Your boat, any size–docking and boat handling by an expert instructor, US Coast Guard Licensed

added to a sandwich can help nudge the body back toward balance.

l et’s not overlook the mental side of this reset, because holidays can be quietly exhausting even when they're wonderful. Hosting, traveling, or simply managing a busier-than-usual schedule adds up in ways we don't always notice until the weekend is over and we feel oddly depleted. Giving ourselves permission to ease back into a normal pace rather than diving straight into a packed week is its own form of self-care, and a smart one. Clearing the clutter, catching up on laundry, writing down the week’s priorities, or taking a few quiet minutes alone can help restore a sense of order. Sometimes the reset we need is not just physical, it is emotional.

A reset doesn't have to be dramatic to work. It's not about punishing ourselves for enjoying a holiday weekend, it's about tuning in and noticing what feels a little off, whether that's our sleep, our energy, or our digestion. Small, simple adjustments help us find our way back to feeling like ourselves. That might mean going to bed 30 minutes earlier, packing a healthier lunch, taking a walk after dinner, or choosing water between other drinks. These choices may seem small, but they create momentum, and momentum is often what we need most after a long weekend.

Summer is still very much in full swing, with plenty of warm days, long evenings, and good times ahead. A little intentional realignment now means we're ready to enjoy every bit of it, fully recharged and feeling our best.

What’s happening in Ocean City

Ocean City launches new weekly entertainment series at 34th Street

Ocean City is bringing a variety of family fun to the south end with.

On Wednesday, July 8, the city launched the 34th Street Sandcastle Park Summer Entertainment Series .

The weekly series will continue with a new theme each Wednesday through Aug. 19 at Sandcastle Park (3400 block between West Avenue and Asbury Avenue). The free family event, open to all, includes face-painters, balloon artists, a DJ, the Bookmobile and more.

u ncle Bill’s Pancake House (with locations at 21st Street and Asbury Avenue, and 40th Street and West Avenue) is the presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors include the Vanderslice Group (formerly Grace Realty), Goldcoast Sotheby’s International Realty, Randazzo’s Pizza, Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Johnny B. Goode Ice Cream Parlor, and the Ocean City Free Public library.

Ocean City has a full calendar of other special events lined up for the week, including:

Thursday, July 9

● Market Days : Ocean City’s downtown shopping district along Asbury Avenue features entertainment, face-painters, balloon-sculptors and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

● Mummers Night : String bands strut the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Friday, July 10

● Beach Exercise — Low Impact: Free program (no registration needed) on the beach at Sixth Street starts at 8 a.m. Bring a towel and a friend.

● Walking Club: Ocean City’s Walking Club invites people of all ages and fitness levels to join them to walk the length (or any portion) of the Boardwalk. Meet at the Ocean

Photo by Alex Corson

City Music Pier at 8 a.m.

● Joe Stefano and His Jazz Ensemble Band: local resident and Navy veteran Joe Stefano and his pop and jazz ensemble will perform a free concert for veterans and guests at 7 p.m. at the Music Pier. The group will perform classical, jazz, big band and Broadway hits. No advance registration is required for the public to attend this free show.

Sunday, July 12

● Ocean City Theater Company All-Stars Performing with the Ocean City Pops: Join Maestro Vince lee as some of the biggest talents from the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company perform Broadway's biggest hits and beloved favorites. 7:30 p.m. at the Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.

● 46th Annual T. John Carey Master’s Swim: The Masters Swim has been one of the premier open-water swimming events on the Jersey Shore since 1979. The one-mile ocean race follows a point-to-point course that runs parallel to the beach. The 2026

race will have an evening start time with a finish at 12th Street. For more information, ocnj.us/ MastersSwim.

Monday, July 13

● TUSK: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute: T u SK has been performing a high-energy tribute to Fleetwood Mac for 17 years. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at etix.com.

PARTY TRAY STORE AT

Fireworks in the garden – Bee Balm

By Tammy Thornton

Like a friend that comes back to visit every summer, the flowers of Bee Balm (Monarda) show up in my garden late in June, hang around until the first frost, then fade away until the following season. Bee Balm has an unusual look that reminds me of fireworks, which is very fitting, since it is always bursting with blooms by

the Fourth of July. Often, I make an Independence Day bouquet filled with these firecracker red flowers, adding white and blue flowers to complete the theme.

A member of the mint family, bee balm has a tendency to spread like wildfire, but it is easy to pull out or transplant. It spreads by underground stolons and, therefore, stays mostly

in the section of the garden in which it was planted. This perennial will die back in the winter, but baby plants innocently poke out of the ground in spring. During this time, it’s easy to move the little plants to another section of the garden or share them with a friend. But by summer, they are tall, and the garden is on fire with their vibrant, red tubular flowers. Just when you think this “friend” is becoming overbearing, hummingbirds and butterflies show up and you realize how much you love this plant in your garden. Once the flowers are at their peak, it is rare to look out of my window and not see a hummingbird hovering over the flowers and enjoying their nectar.

One of the great thrills while working in the garden near the bee balm has been my close encounters with hummingbirds. While we are both distracted by our work and unaware of the other’s presence, I will hear the almost spooky buzzing hum of their rapidly beating wings near my ear. As I look up, we are both startled to see each other, and the hummingbird stares at me for a split second before it zips away. Those are treasured moments in the garden.

In addition to the vibrant red flowers of this sun-loving plant, bee balm also comes in purple, pink, and white. I have had the purple and pink varieties in my garden, but the plants in these colors were smaller and did not seem to be as hardy in my garden. However, the cooler colors were a

nice change and very pretty, in my opinion.

Just like zucchini, phlox, and lilacs, bee balms are susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungus that gives the leaves a chalky-white appearance. Though it is unsightly, powdery mildew rarely kills the entire plant. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions, so plant bee balm in full sun and thin out the plants to increase air circulation. I prune the infected plants by cutting them in half, which will promote new healthy blooms. Various fungicides are on the market to combat powdery mildew, or you can try one of the endless home remedies found online using combinations of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or even milk. usually, it’s late in the season when powdery mildew really affects

my bee balm, so I remove the worst looking plants and call it a day. Bee balm is a must have in the pollinator garden. Be sure to plan a dedicated area where the bee balm can freely spread. Otherwise, as it grows taller, it will surpass and engulf the plants around it. Masses of color will create the best visual effect, and bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will be attracted to the profusion of flowers.

Shore local would love to hear about your favorite plant in the garden. Send your questions, comments,and pictures 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.

Ocean City residents on quest to research historic homes

By Steffen Klenk

ince its founding in the mid-1800s, Ocean City has transformed into a vibrant shore town steeped with history and rooted in heritage. In recent years, a group of determined homeowners and historical enthusiasts, known as the Friends of OCNJ, have banded together to preserve the town’s most historic properties, shining a light on the value and character they have brought to the community.

The organization is made up of individuals from across the island, all who share the same goal of celebrating the town’s unique and vibrant properties. What started as a group fascinated by Ocean City’s old homes has transformed into an effort to preserve iconic landmarks.

to help them find that information.

On Thursday, June 18, seven homeowners and history enthusiasts went to the Cape May County Records Room to learn how to research the ownership history of their own homes. They traveled together by shuttle from the Scarborough Inn, participants engaged in pleasant conversation, learning about each other’s homes.

The group recently began selling personalized historic house plaques, each one featuring the year the house was built with the address or historic name above it. One of the problems many homeowners have is finding out what year to put on the plaque, but one dedicated group of individuals made a special trip in recent weeks

Among those in attendance was Sal Brancheri of Ventnor, who not only arranged the shuttle transportation but pointed out several architectural gems and local history along Main Street in Cape May Court House. “Sal has a great personality, and he is a history buff, so he was the perfect fit for this trip”, said Sne Avichal, co-founder of Friends of OCNJ.

The method of researching a home’s past is straightforward but requires much patience. Homeowners start with their current deed, which will include a prior deed reference, listing one of its earlier owners,

chain of titles one deed at a time.

According to Avichal, the main point of the trip is to get people interested in learning more about where they live and bring light to the town’s rich history. “The goal is to help people become historians of their own home. If every homeowner became a dedicated detective for one house, we would dramatically improve the public historical record of Ocean City.”

a deed book, and page number. From there, the researcher will pull the earlier deed book, search for the page, read the deed, then follow the next reference backwards. It becomes a

Avichal himself did a deep dive into the history of Scarborough Inn, with dates and information tracing back generations. The bedand-breakfast first opened in the mid-1890s with up to sixty guest rooms. Over time, the property underwent renovations with private facilities added on. Records described the formal main dining room as once having 27 tables, over 100 chairs, a piano, and 29 silver sugar bowls. “Those 100-year-old legal records gave me the clearest picture I have ever had of what Scarborough Inn was like in its early years.”

According to Sne, he had always wondered whether the Scarborough was a modest boarding house or

substantial resort inn. l ast month’s visit painted a better image. “The inventory suggested a bustling, midto-upscale seaside hotel.”

By day’s end, everyone who took part in the record-finding mission was able to track deeds to the 1920s. Each of the records is kept in the county’s archival room, which is currently undergoing renovations, although several hours of fact-finding were more than enough for the entire group to start their adventure into history.

Friends of OCNJ History are considering additional deed-research trips in the future. Those who are interested in future trips can contact sne@friendsofocnj.org. Additional information on the Historic House Plaque Project can also be found by visiting www.friendsocnj.org.

Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

Photos by Sne Avichal.

By Delaney Crawford

WRacing through the lagoons

hat started as a way to bring neighbors together during the uncertainty of the

The Great OC l agoon Race returns this summer on Saturday, July 18, for the seventh year in a row. This event welcomes participants of all ages for a day of friendly competition and fun on the water.

This year, in addition to events in paddleboarding and kayaking, there will also be a swimming event. All races will start in the Venetian l agoon and do a loop around the 17th Street island.

Organizer Tim Campbell first launched this event in the summer of 2020 after Ocean City's annual Night in Venice celebration was canceled due to the pandemic.

"I got thinking about it because I live on the bay and Night in Venice had been canceled due to COVID," Campbell said. "I figured let's organize a community event to bring the community and the island together. I just wanted it to be a fun thing."

Campbell said the idea to do something fun like this for the community had been in the back of his mind for years, but 2020 gave him the push to finally make it happen.

"I had always been thinking about doing something like it, but that year

really inspired me to get it off the ground because I saw a need for it," he said.

Since then, the event has continued to grow each year. l ast year's paddleboard race attracted more than 50 participants, and Campbell is hoping to welcome more than 100 people across all three races this year.

The newest addition, the swimming event, was a natural next step for Campbell.

"It just seemed kind of natural to add it in for the day, to keep the event growing," he said. “I always wanted to add a third event, and swimming seemed like a good one."

The event begins at 11 a.m from the 18th Street bulkhead and follows a one-loop course around the 17th Street island. The paddleboard race will kick off first, followed by the kayak race and then the swimming event last.

In order to ensure safety for all participants, members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol will be on-site throughout the day.

While it's called a race, Campbell said the day is designed for everyone, regardless of age or experience.

"It's ‘a race,’ but it's really just for fun. It's not hardcore," Campbell said. "We've had 5 and 6-year-olds doing it, and last year we had a participant named Jeff who was 82 that did the paddleboard race. It's truly an event and a race for everyone to join in on."

Participants can also look forward to gift bags, prizes and trophies, thanks to donations from local businesses, including gift cards, T-shirts and other items.

This year, Campbell is also asking participants to make a contribution to John Kauterman, a local hero who spends countless hours cleaning trash and debris from the back bays

10%ONottocombinedwithanyothero ers.

Photos courtesy of Offshore Drones

and marshes all around South Jersey.

"He seemed like a great person to help since he's helping keep our bays beautiful and clean," Campbell said. "We're donating any proceeds we get to him."

While a fun competitive energy is definitely felt each year, the whole emphasis on this event is about much more than crossing any finish lines.

"I just have a love for the island, I've been coming down here my whole life,” Campbell said. "We have these beautiful lagoons, and there's nothing really ever organized that highlights them. Obviously, Night in Venice is super fun, but this is something where even if you don't have a house on the bay, you can come join in, have some fun for a couple hours and splash in the water."

He hopes the event continues to strengthen the community while creating lasting memories for everyone who participates.

"I think it's a good community builder, and in a world full of negativ-

ity, I like to try and bring good vibes, smiles and positivity to the area," Campbell said.

As race day approaches, Campbell is most excited to see how participants embrace the new swimming event and to once again see neighbors come together on the water.

"I'm excited to see how big the turnout is and to see how the swim event goes," he said. "It's always fun

to have it, regardless of the turnout. The people who show up will have a good time."

His message for anyone thinking about signing up is simple: "Be ready to show up and have a good time. Regardless of where you finish, you're going to have fun and be a winner."

All ages and experience levels are welcome to sign up and compete at this year’s event on July 18. you can sign up and be a part of the fun at https://runsignup.com/ Race/NJ/OceanCity/GreatOCl agoonRace.

Organizer Tim Campbell and his family first launched this event in the summer of 2020 when Night in Venice was canceled due to the pandemic.

Multi-dog household tips: What to do when your dog is less than thrilled about a new puppy

By Heidi Clayton

Ireceived a few emails regarding my article last week about managing a puppy in a multidog household. It makes me happy to see that people are reading the very valuable Shore local, and I am happy to help dogs, so I thought I would expand on a few things regarding bringing a puppy into a home where one or more other dogs already live.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when bringing a puppy into a home that has other dogs with an established routine and way of life is assuming that everyone will like each other and that the dogs should be together all of the time, with no personal space or time alone. While you want to make a puppy feel at home, and while you love and adore your cute baby puppy, there is absolutely no guarantee that the other dog will like the puppy as well. It is always possible that the established dog will, for zero reason whatsoever, not like the puppy.

The first email was regarding a 4-year-old male golden retriever being aggressive toward a 10-weekold golden retriever in terms of resource-guarding food. The owners are shocked because their golden retriever plays with other dogs all the time and has always had a stable temperament. They felt like the 4 year old’s behavior towards a puppy was unacceptable and wanted to correct him for being a bully. let me reassure them that the older dog

still does have a stable temperament and that his behavior is perfectly normal in the dog world. An established dog who has been the star of the show for some time is not at all out of line by wanting to protect their resources. The trick is to make sure that they do not view the puppy as a threat to those resources.

Doing this will require management and training. First and foremost, you must keep the puppy and the older dog safe from a dog fight. While the puppy is most likely intimidated right now, if you allow the behavior to escalate, you can easily build resentment in the puppy to the point where one day he decides “not today, big brother” and fights back. I understand people think that their dogs should be able to eat all together peacefully; I just do not believe that is the case with all dogs. My dogs are separated at feeding time and are able to eat at their own pace in peace. This way, no one is trying to dive in on the other's food, which is quite frankly rude, but expected. It is natural that the older dog does not want to share their dinner and that the puppy will be pushed away from theirs. you can easily avoid this kind of resource-guarding of food by separating the dogs at feeding time.

have rewarded the older dog enough to the point that they no longer guard them. Highly valued toys here are brought out when we are doing our one-on-one play time sessions. That way, they remain special to the dog who values them, and I don’t have

to stress about whether or not there will be a dustup over the toy.

Introducing a puppy to an older dog should be a slow and steady process. Taking the puppy and older dog for walks together and rewarding them for appropriate behavior helps. Giving the puppy a treat first, then giving the older dog two immediately after, shows the older dog that it is rewarding to wait their turn. And most importantly, continuing to lavish attention on the older dog with special alone time is so key.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.

Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, reward-based 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

I also suggest that highly valued toys be removed from the equation. Don’t leave these favorite toys lying around for trouble to start until you

The show must go on: A conversation with Marlene May, theatrical director of the South Jersey Players

Coastal Conversations

By Alanna Stoloff

Marlene May has dedicated herself to bringing the performing arts to life through her work with the South Jersey Players. As the group's theatrical director, she has helped create memorable productions while fostering a welcoming environment for performers of all ages and experience levels.

Through her passion for theater, Marlene continues to inspire creativity, build community and celebrate the power of live performance. Her commitment to the arts has made the South Jersey Players a place where talent is nurtured, friendships are formed and stories come alive on stage.

live theater has a special way of bringing people together, creating laughter, connection and unforgettable memories. That’s exactly what South Jersey Players has been doing for audiences across our region, with talented local performers sharing their passion for the stage and proving that some of the best entertain -

ment can be found right here in our own community.

Here is my Coastal Conversation with Marlene May.

AS: What first inspired your love of theater, and how did your journey with the South Jersey Players begin?

MM: My first theatrical inspiration was seeing Mary Martin as Peter Pan, when I was 6 years old. I was hooked! My journey with SJP began after retiring from teaching theater in NyC and renting an apartment in Ventnor, a place I had vacationed from as a child.

AS: As the theatrical director, what do you enjoy most about bringing a production from script to stage?

MM: As a theatrical director, I most enjoy the rehearsal process, which takes place in my apartment.

AS: Community theater welcomes people of all ages and experience levels. What makes it such a special and rewarding experience?

MM: What makes community theater rewarding is the opportunity to give adults and youth an avenue to create, which they might not have without it.

AS: What goes into selecting the productions the South Jersey Players perform each season?

MM: South Jersey Players selects plays from a sister organization, Players and Playwrights by the Jersey Shore which meets monthly at Stockton in Atlantic City.

AS: Can you share a production or moment in your career that has been especially meaningful or memorable?

MM: One of the most memorable periods of time in my career was working as a general manager and as a performer at the Oregon Ridge Dinner Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. This helped shape the vision for SJP’s love of dinner theater.

can’t make rehearsal for one reason or another. The greatest reward is filling the venue with a delighted audience and seeing the new works of local playwrights come to life.

AS: How do the performing arts strengthen communities and bring people together?

MM: Because live theater, in particular, allows us to see ourselves through imaginary circumstances, we are strengthened and brought together by the communal experience of sitting in a theater, park or coffee house witnessing this phenomenon as one.

AS: looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the South Jersey Players, and what would you say to someone considering getting involved in community theater for the first time?

MM: As I look ahead, it is my hope for SJP to continue our work both with producing new works in various local venues and in continuing our annual Theater Arts Camp for youth at the Ventnor City Cultural Arts Center. If a first timer is interested in coming on board, call me at 347-920-6399 or come to our upcoming production at Stockton in Atlantic City on July 24 and 25, and see me in person at the door! Many thanks to Marlene May for sharing her passion for community theater and the performing arts.

Through her leadership with the South Jersey Players, she continues to inspire performers, enrich audiences and help keep theater thriving throughout South Jersey.

AS: What are some of the biggest challenges, and greatest rewards, of directing a cast and production?

MM: One of the biggest challenges SJP faces is with community theater, is that actors and the crew face difficulty making theater their first priority. Often, I will get a call at the last minute from an artist who

“Coastal Conversations” highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.

From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.

Marlene May poses for a photo with former Ventnor Mayor Beth Holtzman.

Classic cars roll into Storybook Land for a good cause

By Stephanie Loder

More than 75 classic cars rolled into Storybook l and on Sunday for the theme park's 32nd annual Classic Car Show, marking a highly successful turnout for one of the region's most anticipated summer traditions.

The single-day event is a long-standing South Jersey tradition that seamlessly blends automotive nostalgia with family entertainment.

The exhibition was held inside the park at Storybook l and, a beloved local landmark in Egg Harbor Township that was recently named Shore local’s Favorite Amusement Park.

Chick Bell restores classic cars. He was able to restore a 1968 rally sport convertible that was on display.

The Bells say the chance for visitors to view classic cars allowed them to remember a past era.

“It always brings people back to the good old days,” Chick said.

For MaryAnn, a classic car is a terrific reminder about growing up in Vineland.

“A lot of us were of the age that these were our daily drivers and we had them when we were young and in high school,” she said. “Some

people still have the original cars that they had in high school.”

“It’s a good feeling and a reminder of the great time I had growing up,” she said.

When she and her husband sit in their classic car, MaryAnn said, “We are back in our youth.”

The Bells weren’t the only ones showing off classic vehicles and enjoying the day.

“This year was fantastic,” said Dale Woods of l aureldale, who was among the dozens of local collectors showcasing their prized vehicles.

Woods, a dedicated classic car collector, brought a World War II-era Jeep that he personally restored.

For him, the event stands out from other regional exhibitions because of its community-focused atmosphere.

“The great thing about this car show is that it is a family car show; it’s not judged, and there’s no competition,” Woods said.

Woods noted that he has possessed a lifelong passion for automotive machinery. Before his retirement, he spent decades working for Sears as a service technician, a career that

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allowed him to utilize his mechanical skills daily.

“I have a long history with cars,” Woods added, reflecting on his journey from a young enthusiast to a seasoned restorer.

The relaxed, non-competitive nature of the showcase allowed participants and attendees to interact closely. Families who took part in the show set up picnic areas in the shade of the park's mature trees to have lunch and share stories.

“That’s all part of it," Woods said. "A lot of people who bring their cars are family; they bring their grandchildren, and then they sit together in the shade and enjoy the day.”

Classic car enthusiasts also said the show was a great chance to answer questions.

“A lot of people ask questions. If they’re a car person, they will ask you, ‘Well, how did you do this?’ And, if they are people who don’t own a classic car, they ask things like what is the size of the engine,” MaryAnn said.

Chick recalled a 10-yearold boy on Sunday who was seeing the classic cars for the first time.

“He loved all the cars, and he was having the time of his life,” Chick said. “Kids don’t get to see cars like this.”

The Bells also complimented Storybook l and for the look of maintenance.

“I think the biggest compliment we give all the time about Storybook land is how clean the park is,” MaryAnn said. “We love Storybook l and. It’s just a beautiful place that’s run by a down-to-earth, and welcoming family.”

Beyond the rows of polished chrome and vintage paint jobs, the classic car show serves a critical charitable purpose, according to park officials. The gathering is also a major

Photo by Alex Corson

annual fundraiser, said Storybook land spokesperson Jessica Panetta.

The fundraiser, established by John Fricano Jr., is held in memory of his wife, Iris.

Each year, the car show registration fees benefit the lupus Foundation of America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and supporting individuals living with the autoimmune disease.

The combination of historic vehicles and a meaningful cause successfully captured the interest of car enthusiasts and philanthropists throughout the tri-state region.

The cool rides on display spanned several decades of American automotive history. Highlights included a rare 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a vintage 1920s–1930s Model A Ford, a high-performance 1970 Chevelle SS, a pristine ’69 Camaro Indy pace car, and a classic ’69 Cadillac Coupe DeVille.

“The car show is held because we love classic cars here at Storybook land,” Panetta said, emphasizing the staff's personal investment in the event.

Cultural experts note that people frequently enjoy antique classic car shows because they offer a vibrant, nostalgic look into automotive history and industrial design.

Historian lynn Wood of the Greate Egg Harbor Township Historical Society, a Storybook l and car show enthusiast, said such shows are invaluable to the community.

“Classic car shows are much more than a gathering of early automobiles; they are rolling history lessons. Each vehicle tells a story about the era in which it was built, the craftsmanship and technology of its time,” Wood said.

“Storybook land offers the opportunity for families to learn how transportation has evolved through time, and offers a chance to speak with the owners who preserved these pieces of our past,” she said. “By introducing today’s youth to these classic vehicles, it encourages appreciation for automotive history and helps keep this passion for generations to come.”

For many attendees, classic cars are fundamentally a family business, with knowledge and passion passed down through multiple generations.

Visitors love admiring the unique craftsmanship of bygone eras, learning about different periods of technological innovation, and connecting with a passionate, welcoming community of gearheads and casual observers alike.

“There are a lot of car enthusiasts on staff, and it's a great day for friends and family to come visit, see

the cars and enjoy the fun environment,” Panetta said.

To qualify for entry into the exclusive show, all registered vehicles were required to be at least 30 years old and maintained in fully drivable condition.

The family-owned theme park integrated the vehicle showcase directly into its regular Sunday operations. This layout allowed daily visitors to view the expansive exhibition while simultaneously utilizing the park's standard rides, storybook attractions, and food concessions.

In addition to the static vehicle displays, the single-day event featured live oldies music performed by the popular regional band Real Rock Drive. The park also hosted an array of family-oriented activities throughout the afternoon, including children's hula hoop contests and trivia.

The automotive celebration aligns with a broader historic milestone for the venue this summer.

Storybook l and is actively celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary this year with patriotic American flags on display, a newly designed food menu featuring red, white, and blue nachos, and special military tributes integrated throughout the park.

The classic car show may be over for the season, but park administrators noted that another major

community event is already on the immediate horizon.

Storybook land's "Mother Goose Muster" Fire Truck and Emergency Vehicle Show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 18.

The upcoming July event serves as their premier Fire Apparatus and Emergency Vehicles Show, as well as a designated First Responders Appreciation Day. As part of the program, active police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and 911 dispatchers can receive a special discount on gate admission by presenting a valid agency identification card.

Visitors can find the full schedule of upcoming summer event details directly on the Storybook l and website.

The park maintains regular seasonal hours and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The park remains closed on Tuesdays for routine maintenance.

Tickets and seasonal passes are available for purchase on the official Storybook land website.

Stephanie is a freelance writer with 40 years experience covering NJ news for The Asbury Park Press, The Courier Post, The Catholic Star Herald and The Press of AC. Email her at stephanieloder59@hotmail.com

Lifeguard races ready to hit the beach

By David Weinberg

In keeping with the current weather conditions, summer at the Jersey Shore will really be heating up this week with the start of the lifeguard racing season.

This weekend marks the 105th anniversary of the first race, when Atlantic City Beach Patrol chief Charles Bossert created a doubles row competition involving crews from Cape May, Wildwood and Atlantic City.

Margate’s lucy the Elephant was still a baby pachyderm when Atlantic City’s Fred Estergren and Owen Kertland rowed to victory in that inaugural event in 1919.

Thus began a tradition that has become as much a part of the local beach scene as strolling the Ocean City Boardwalk, building sand castles at low tide and watching waves wash them away, rubbing wet sand to ease the sting of a jellyfish, and seeing Rob Kelly surf beneath Fourth of July Fireworks.

The new lifeguard racing season begins in earnest on Friday, when the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol hosts the Cape May County l ifeguard Championships and Atlantic County crews gather at the Captain Michael

D. McGrath longport Memorials.

Actually, the lifeguard racing season has already started. The eighth Diamond Beach lifeguard Invitational was held last week, with the host patrol edging upper Township for the team title on a double tiebreaker.

Some of the area’s top female lifeguards were scheduled to compete in the longport Women’s Invitational Race on Tuesday.

One of the area’s most unique races will again be held in Cape May next Monday, July 13, when the 44th Buzz Mogck Memorial Cape May SuperAthalon takes place.

Competitors from beach patrols from Cape May Point to long Beach Island engage in a triathlon-style race that features a 2.3-mile run along the Promenade/Boardwalk, a 1.5-mile row and a quarter-mile swim.

The South Jersey l ifeguard Chiefs Association’s schedule is packed with events over the next two months, topped by the “Big Three”

– the Dutch Hoffman Memorials in Wildwood on July 31, the Margate Memorials on Aug. 7 and the 105th South Jersey Championships in Avalon on Aug. 14.

Avalon earned the right to host the event after winning the team title for the second straight time last summer.

The races are among the area’s most exciting events. l arge crowds line the beaches to cheer for their favorite patrols.

No summer would be complete without hearing the chant of “Sea. … Isle. … Sea. … Isle” above the crashing waves or seeing lifeguards rush into the water to greet the winners of the doubles and singles rows, then hoisting the boats above their heads to escort them to the beach.

Many host patrols also place their own, unique spin on the events.

The Cape May County Championship are known for variety. Wildwood Crest does its best to incorporate the various skills used by lifeguards into the competition.

deserve a ton of credit for including women’s races.

Two-thirds of the “Big Three” – the Margate Memorials and South Jersey’s – hold only a doubles row, swim and singles row. Although they are technically open races, they are almost exclusively men’s races.

The South Jersey’s in particular have been resistant to expansion. The race had only a doubles row from 1919 to 1937. A swim was added in 1938. A singles row was included for a couple years but didn’t become a permanent part of the competition until 1973.

Think about it, the last time the South Jersey Championships expanded, a certain writer was a 15-year-old working at Steger’s Beach Service before starting his sophomore year of high school.

He’s now a 68-year-old married grandfather who will be attending his 50th high school reunion in September.

Given the growing number of female lifeguards – they make up nearly 50 percent of beach patrols in

In addition to the traditional swims and rows, there is also paddleboard/ rescue board races. The highlight, however, comes at the end, when the teams gather for the men’s and women’s surf dash relays.

Fans line up 10 deep on either side of the course to form a human chute while four-person teams sprint into the ocean, high-knee or porpoise dive to a waist-high buoy, reverse course and tag a teammate before collapsing on the sand.

North Wildwood has won the men’s division four years in a row.

The Cape May County and Dutch Hoffman’s are among the events that

some cases – it’s only fair that they be included in determining the best patrol in South Jersey.

It’s probably too late for this summer’s race, but it’s high time it added a women’s swim and both a men’s and women’s rescue board race to the schedules.

How about before my 60th reunion?

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.

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Top Weekly Entertainment Picks

By Steffen Klenk

The weekend is upon us and we have your ticket to the hottest events in South Jersey. See a stunning fireworks show in Atlantic City, dance the night away at the Ventnor Summer Beach Jam, and celebrate Mardi Gras in July at The Point. Read all about it in our Top Weekly Entertainment Picks.

What : North Beach Fireworks Spectacular

Where: Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk

When : Friday, July 10

Time: 9:30 p.m.

Website: www.visitatlanticcity. com/event/north-beach-fireworks-spectacular/7155/

The North Beach annual fireworks show will be held this Friday night. Free and open to the public, the dazzling display can be seen from several prime viewing spots along the north end of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, including Steel Pier, Resorts, Hard Rock, Showboat, and Ocean Casino. Attendees can also enjoy live music, specials, and other activities prior to the show.

Who : Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band Where: Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

When : Friday, July 10

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ margaritaville-presents-jimmy-buffetts-coral-reefer-band

Take a trip to Margaritaville this Friday as the beloved Coral Reefer Band delivers a celebration of tropical tunes and fan-favorites. led by Mac McAnally, this band will bring decades of musicianship and energy to the stage. Fans will enjoy a night full of summer fun, nostalgia, and laid-back vibes.

Who: Tom Papa

Where: Borgata Music Box

When: Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11

Time: 9 p.m.

Website : https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/the-

music-box/tom-papa.

html

Tom Papa is one of the nation’s leading voices in comedy, known for his accolades in film, TV, radio, and podcasts. He has released multiple several comedy specials, including his latest Netflix original “Tom Papa: Home Free." See Tom Papa on his Grateful Bread Tour this weekend.

What : British Invasion

Where : The Deck at Golden Nugget

When : Saturday, July 11

Time: 2 – 11 p.m.

Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city/restaurants/the-deckbayfront-bar-restaurant/british-invasion/

Get ready for a full day of classic rock with British Invasion. This free event brings the sounds of the u K across the pond with performances celebrating iconic British bands, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.

Who: The Guess Who Where: Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

When : Saturday, July 11

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/theguess-who-takin-it-back-tour-2026

The Guess Who will take the Atlantic City stage this Saturday for a nostalgic night of unforgettable hits and timeless medleys. Singer and keyboardist Burton Cummings will join guitarists Randy Bachman for the band’s ‘Takin’ It Back’ Tour, with special guest Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles.

What : Ventnor Summer Beach Jam, Derek Crider Band

Where: Newport Avenue Beach

When : Saturdays

Time: 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Website: www.ventnorcity.org/special-events

Join Ventnor City every Saturday for free concerts by the beach and boardwalk. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to hear your favorite bands every week with upcoming performances from Funk Daddy, Beatle Mania, and the East Coast Funk Band. Concerts start at 6:30, with food and craft vendors open at 5:30.

↘Continued on 56

Who: Jeff Dunham

Where: Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

When : Sunday, July 12

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : www.theoceanac.com/ jeff-dunham

Known for his acclaimed stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, Jeff Dunham has performed for over 7.7 million fans around the world and remains one of the top-selling international comedians of all time. His timeless comedy specials have brought laughs to audiences all over. See his iconic comedy live this Sunday.

What : Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week

Where: Golden Nugget Atlantic City

When : Sunday, July 12 – Saturday, July 18

Website: www.questfortheringac. com

The Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week brings world-class sportfishing to the Jersey Shore, offering anglers and their families an unforgettable week of tournament action and entertainment. The public is invited to attend free daily weighins this Monday – Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Farley State Marina, with

special appearances Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17.

What : Jersey Gumbo Cook Off & Music Festival

Where: The Point Tiki Bar

When : Monday, July 13

Time: 3 – 11 p.m.

Website: www.tonymart.com/calendar-the-point.htm

Join Tony Mart Presents for a celebration of Mardi Gras in July with live music by Somers Point’s own Dead Reckoning as they perform a tribute to the Rolling Stones, and Soul Project NO l A with the Plaid Salmon

Horns. Plus, enjoy a special Gumbo Cook-Off featuring up to a dozen local chefs and restaurants competing to be crowned the Jumbo King.

What : TuSK: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Where: Ocean City Music Pier

When : Monday, July 13

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Website: www.oceancityvacation. com/events-calendar/tusk-the-fleetwood-mac-tribute

Tusk has been captivating audiences with their world-class Fleetwood Mac tribute for over sixteen years. The group will bring their synergy, chemistry, and decades-spanning catalog to the Music Pier for one night only. 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.

Jersey Gumbo Cookoff/Louisiana Music Festival among many music options this weekend

Tune In Turn On

By Doug Deutsch

So, how was your Fourth of July weekend?

The South Jersey shore was buzzing with activity, and, for the most part, the weather cooperated with sunny skies and summer heat — except for an illtimed sandstorm that swept across Atlantic City's beach just minutes

before Tropicana's Fourth of July fireworks display.

Esteemed area photographer John loreaux and his wife, Cami, hosted the first of their twice-yearly gatherings, featuring a rousing performance by the Billy Walton Band and a who's who of the local music scene. Among those in attendance were Tony Mart Presents' Carmen and Nancy Marotta, Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival founder Jerry

Ryan, musician Amy Elizabeth and many others.

Earlier in the week, I attended the opening celebration for Caesars' new Beach Bar, located just off the Boardwalk in the heart of Atlantic City. With the beach and ocean only steps away, it's another great addition to the summer scene at the shore.

Gumbo, music and summer fun

What happens when great live music meets authentic louisiana cooking? you get the Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off and louisiana Music Festival, returning Monday, July 13, to The Point in Somers Point.

The free festival runs from 3 to 11 p.m. Attendees can sample unlimited tastings of dozens of locally prepared gumbo recipes for $20, while enjoying a full day of live music at no charge.

This year's lineup features Soul Project NO l A with the Plaid Salmon Horns, bringing the sounds of Bourbon Street to the Jersey Shore. Also on the bill is Bearly Stoned, featuring members of local favorites Dead Reckoning performing what frontman Charlie Wigo describes as "a mashup of Grateful Dead and Rolling Stones tunes."

For this special performance, the band will be joined by accordionist and vocalist Malcolm Tent, one of the Shore's longest-performing rock musicians.

"Pretty much all of my gigs have been in the indie underground, and I'm proud to be part of that scene," Tent said during a recent phone interview. "In this particular instance, thanks to Carmen Marotta, I'm dipping my toe into the mainstream."

The festival promises a perfect combination of great food, live music and summertime fun.

Where: The Point, 998 Bay Ave., Somers Point.

Chris O'Leary comes to Lizzie Rose

Acclaimed blues singer and harmonica player Chris O' leary performs Thursday, July 9, at the lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton.

"Rollicking and riveting, profound and hard-driving — a first-class singer and harmonica player," living Blues magazine wrote of O' leary.

His latest Alligator Records release, Blue Collar, is scheduled for release July 10.

Where: lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main St., Tuckerton.

Anglesea Blues Fest: Handsdown the best yearly blues festival

in Southern NJ! This year's lineup features sets by headliner Michael Allman (oldest son of Gregg Allman) plus Tommy Conwell and the House Rockers, Peter Veteska and Blues Train, Big Bone Daddy, BC Combo, Deb Callahan, Alexis P. Suter, Mojo Gypsies, and Jeff Fetterman; plus, as always, the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship simultaneously taking place during the music on July 10-12, 2nd and New Jersey Aves., North Wildwood. Free admission (barbecue is extra). Info: https:// angleseablues.com/.

Get 'Guttered' at Anchor Rock Club

Anyone who says the Jersey Shore lacks a hardcore rock scene hasn't seen Gutter Drunk.

The quartet — Will Boothby on vocals and guitar, Sean Chivalette on rhythm guitar, Brad Jones on bass and Tom Harris on drums — regularly packs Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City.

"Just being with my friends, hanging out and playing music — that's where I see this going," Boothby told Shore local in a January 2025 interview. "Putting out a ton of cool music that everybody enjoys. I think it's so awesome seeing kids enjoy our music. These kids think we're like rock stars."

The band performs Saturday, July 11 at 8 p.m.

Where: Anchor Rock Club, Atlantic City. Tickets are $16.35.

That's all for this week. As always, thanks for reading Tune In Turn On and for supporting our Shore local advertisers.

Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com

Bearly Stoned to play Tony Marts Gumbo Fest at The Point in Somers Point Monday, July 13, from 5-8 p.m.

The great chefs are ready!

Who will be the Gumbo King in 2026?

Many of South Jersey's finest chefs are preparing their secret recipes and strategies in hopes of claiming first place at the Jersey Gumbo Cookoff & louisiana Music Festival, beginning at 3 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the The Point Tiki Bar, 998 Bay Ave., on Somers Point's historic bayfront.

The free festival features free parking and more than six hours of outstanding live entertainment, including traditional New Orleans music, rock 'n' roll, Americana from Dead Reckoning and the uptown funk of New Orleans favorite Soul Project NO l A, a band that once performed with the legendary Walter "Wolfman" Washington.

Returning to defend his 2025 People's Choice title is Executive Chef Philip Gormley of Smithville Inn, whose luxurious lobster gumbo has been described as tasting like lobster bisque transformed into a rich, creamy gumbo with just the right amount of Cajun spice.

Tony Mart Cares is also honored to welcome Executive Chef David Goldstein of the American Culinary Federation Chefs Association of South Jersey, who will prepare a traditional chicken and sausage gumbo featuring a closely guarded secret spice blend.

Chef Mohammad of The Golden Pyramid will once again showcase his signature Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Known for exceptionally fresh, hand-selected ingredients, his distinctive take on gumbo promises to be one of the festival's most unique offerings.

Dead Reckoning will also be joined by Margate's Malcolm Tent on accordion.

For fans of traditional New Orleans music, R&B and spirited second-line celebrations, the Plaid Salmon Horns will join Soul Project NO l A for an unforgettable parade-style party.

enthusiast. The good doctor has been hard at work developing a recipe filled with surprises that could challenge this year's all-star field.

Additional competitors will be announced as they are confirmed. Follow updates on Facebook, tune in to Tony Mart Presents Music, Food, Fun & Travel Saturdays at noon on 1450 AM and 95.5 FM, or visit TonyMart. com for the latest news.

The Point Tiki Bar, one of the Jersey Shore's largest waterfront tiki

destinations, offers private cabana rentals, tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and plenty of cold beer. Guests can sample unlimited gumbo from 3 to 6 p.m., watch the judging beginning at 6:30 p.m., then stay for an evening of world-class music on the bay.

The festivities continue until at least 10 p.m.

This is what July at the Jersey Shore is all about.

l aissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll!

Somers Point favorite Gregory's Restaurant & Bar also returns to the competition. A previous People's Choice winner, Gregory's has long been recognized as one of the Jersey Shore's premier family restaurants.

Making its Gumbo Cookoff debut this year is Northend Grill. James House and Angelo Di Bartolo, known for outstanding barbecue, hearty breakfasts and bold smoky flavors, are expected to bring a distinctive barbecue-inspired twist to the competition.

Traveling from Wildwood Crest is newcomer Dr. Raymond Talucci, a retired surgeon and devoted culinary

‘Yacht rock’ residency docks at Ocean

By Chuck Darrow

As noted in a recent “Casino File” column, one of the more unexpected developments of the “tribute band” scene is the popularity of acts that pay homage to the classic-rock sub-genre known as “yacht rock.” For proof of this, look no further than Ovation Hall inside Ocean Casino Resort, where Boat House Row stages an every-Sunday matinee through Sept. 6.

For the uninitiated, generally speaking, yacht rock is rock-lite pop music that leans towards R&B and emphasizes melody and a mellow vibe perfect for sipping umbrella drinks on a sunny summer day. Not that everyone seeks that in their musical focus. It’s been suggested that yacht rock is rock music for people who don’t like rock music.

As for the main practitioners, ’60s-bluesman-turned-’70s-popcrooner Boz Scaggs and ’80s balladeer Christopher Cross are among the format’s stalwarts. However, the 2024 HBO film, “ yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary” identified Steely Dan, Toto and Michael McDonald as the form’s founding fathers.

By definition, yacht rock is a smooth, relatively low-energy affair. Sure, the lyrics push the right emotional buttons and there were more hooks during Sunday’s gig than could be found in a fishing competition (Boat House Row’s 85-minute program could have been called “EarwormPalooza”), but there’s little in the way of grit or aggressiveness in the songs. It’s likely not coincidence the more-memorable tunes served up last Sunday by the Philly-based sextet were those with a little oomph behind them, including Hall & Oates’ “Maneater;” “Brandy (you’re A Fine Girl),” the 1972 one-hit-wonder single by looking Glass; a pleasingly thumpy version of The Alan Parsons Project’s “Eye In the Sky” and a cut-loose rendition of Toto’s “Rosanna” that culminated in some pretty sharp, jazzy jamming.

While bluster and fire may have been in short supply Sunday, there was no faulting the execution of the material.

Concerts From The Past

The band’s two lead singers — primarily pianist Kenny Trout who is the main frontman and drummer Reily Hamlin — glided through the setlist sounding pleasingly close to the tunes’ most-familiar versions.

And throughout the recital, the material was likewise faithfully executed by the exceptionally sure-footed unit that also includes keyboardist Cougar Wessex, guitarist Caniche Derstine, bassist Mick Hillsdale and saxophonist Pete Mane.

The musicians have clearly done their homework in order to achieve their high level of sonic accuracy.

Incidentally, one of the hallmarks of the yacht-rock milieu are the nautical caps (think Thurston Howell III on “Gilligan’s Island”) worn by some male audience members. While a 2025 Boat House Row concert at Tropicana Atlantic City was awash in such accessories, interestingly, there was just one such accoutrement spotted at Sunday’s performance.

But male fashion aside, for those with such musical predilections, a Boat House Row summer Sunday matinee is definitely worth the trip to Ocean.

For more go to boathouserowrock.com

‘Magical’ rockers return

Be advised Ocean is also hosting a once-a-week residency by the clever, sort-of-tribute band Magical Mystery Doors for the fifth consecutive summer.

The band, which is scheduled to perform every Thursday at 8 p.m. through Sept. 3, limits its repertoire to the music of three classic-rock titans, The Beatles, led Zeppelin and The Doors. But the unit has a unique gimmick which sets it apart from the tribute-band pack.

Several times in a set, MMD will combine the lyrics of one song by one group and the music of another song by a different group. For instance, as the band runs through the chord changes to The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the lyrics sung by vocalist Vinny DeRenzis come from the revered 1971 led Zeppelin track, “Stairway to Heaven.” It’s a fun twist aided by MMD’s just-right usage of the blueprint; the unit avoids over-doing the concept which prevents it from becoming tedious and predictable.

For more on MMD, go to magicalmysterydoors.com.

Tickets for both acts are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Ocean motion

Before we leave Ocean, the question I’ve been asked most the past couple of weeks is whether the recent outright purchase of the property by the Illich family of Detroit (they own, among other entities, the little Caesars pizza chain and the Detroit Tigers) will result in any significant changes.

In two words, probably not. That’s because the family has owned a 50 percent stake in the luxe hotel-casino complex for several years and, more importantly, has been its managing partner since then. That means it has overseen day-to-day operations since it initially came on the scene.

As such, there’s no reason to believe the public will see any dramatic alterations, especially since the current management team has turned Ocean into what is arguably Our Town’s hottest gambling-and-entertainment facility.

It’s expected what changes may be implemented will mostly occur behind the scenes as the Illich clan also owns Detroit’s Motor City casino, so, there may be some business-end consolidation — although that likely happened before the recent transaction.

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

The yacht-rock band Boat House Row performs Sunday afternoons through Sept. 6 at Ocean Casino Resort.

Eagles Hall of Famer Felder opens ‘Vault’ for tour with Guess Who at Hard Rock

By Scott Cronick

In the history of rock ‘n’ roll, there are few iconic images — and moments — more powerful than Don Felder, double-necked 1977 Gibson EDS-1275 in hand, standing on stage side-by-side with Joe Walsh ripping dueling solos on “Hotel California,” one of the greatest rock songs of all time co-authored by Felder with his former Eagles band -

mates Glenn Frey and Don Henley.

It has been more than 25 years since Hell Froze Over and Felder departed the Eagles for the second time, and Felder is undoubtedly a happier man for it.

Still armed with that 18-string Gibson, the 78-year-old Felder looks ridiculously young and vibrant, and by recent reviews of his current tour, he sounds equally so.

Atlantic City will get to judge for

themselves when Felder arrives at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with fellow classic rock legends The Guess Who featuring Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman on Saturday, July 11, for what Felder calls a three-hour magical experience of classic rock proportions.

As always, my interview with the New york Times best-selling author for his incredible memoir “Heaven and Hell: My life in the Eagles” was insightful, candid and amazingly gracious as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer discussed everything from giving fellow Gainesville rocker Tom Petty music lessons to his charitable endeavors to his time with the Eagles to what audiences will hear Saturday night, from Eagles classics to gems on his latest release, “The Vault — Fifty years of Music.”

Get ready for a fantastic trip down rock ‘n’ roll memory lane with the one and only, Don Felder.

Scott Cronick: You look fantastic, dude. Life on the road is good, huh?

Don Felder: yeah, you know, I have to say, I’ve toured with a lot of different acts. I’ve toured with the Doobie Brothers, I’ve toured with Styx and Foreigner and REO and on and on and on.

But this group right here, I’ve never met a Canadian that I didn’t like. Everybody in this band, the main primaries of people that are in the bands and the crews and the production crew, everybody is just almost too nice, to be honest with you. There’s no hissy fits, there’s no drama, there’s

just a bunch of guys wanting to play a lot of good fun rock ’n’ roll for a lot of fun people and have a great time.

That’s what we’re doing.

SC: You’ve been here a lot over the years. Anything that stands out to you about your time here?

DF: I just love playing in Atlantic City. There’s usually a great crowd there on the weekends that are down from New york or wherever they’re coming from to get down there, party, see a show, gamble, have fun, go out by the pool and enjoy all of it.

And so I have to tell you though, this show for me is probably one of the best shows you can get. It’s like getting three shows in one. you get me, I come out and do a bunch of my Eagles hits that I co-wrote and recorded with the band.

I do a couple of singles here and there like “Heavy Metal” and maybe one of the new songs from my album, “The Vault.” Then The Guess Who comes out and they do two hours of just hit after hit after hit after hit. And then you get Bachman Turner Overdrive, too, a bunch of Randy’s Bachman Turner Overdrive songs. So, you really get three hours of just solid rock ’n’ roll that’s not to be missed. Honestly, it’s really one of the most fun shows I’ve done in a long time.

SC: When you think about rock ’n’ roll, Don, I get sad when I see all these big deals that are being signed for people signing over their music. I’m like, “What is the future like?” Because all the movie soundtracks today are fueled by the

rock of the ’60s, ’70s or ’80s or even ’90s.

And, I don’t see that void being filled by artists today. Are the action movies in 2050 going to still have ACDC’s “Hell’s Bells” on it or will there be rockers to step up?

DF: I don’t know. I do know a lot of people that have sold their publishing rights and their materials, and I’ve

there was no television, there was the black and white television that came on and set up and went off at sundown. There really wasn’t much to do. And when I discovered a guitar and started learning to play, I just fell in love with music. And when you don’t have anything to lose, you can go out in the world and do anything you want, you know.

had probably a half a dozen offers for large amounts of money, and I’m not selling it. I don’t care. I’m going to leave it in my estate, my trust for my kids, for whatever it’s going to be worth in the future, it’ll be theirs, not mine. So, I refuse to sell it, although a lot of people do it.

I just think they’re making a big mistake because a lot of the artists will undersell themselves. Their catalog is being purchased as an asset by financial investors, not musicians, not people that care about the music. They want to own something that’s going to have a future income stream from those songs for decades to come: Beatles catalog, Michael Jackson catalog, Eagles catalog, all those amazing songs. I’m not selling my share of any of those. So, I think it’s better to hold on to them and leave them to my kids.

SC: Have you ever been fueled by money? I mean, because if you were fueled by money, you might have done some things differently along the way, right?

DF: Well, it’s never been about the money. I grew up just dirt poor and, you know, it’s the only joy that I had as a child. There was no Internet,

So, I took off for New york City with a guitar in one hand and suitcase in another and wound up in California years later and in this crazy band and made a bunch of different records with a bunch of different artists. It’s just been a wonderful life story for me. And a lot of that is in my book, “Heaven and Hell.”

But one of the most important things I like to do on the road when I’m playing live is that I do a thing right toward the end of my show, just for “Hotel California.” I’m hosting the Rock and Roll Retreat Sweepstakes again for this summer, and it benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. All the monies that are raised go straight to the hospital.

Every $50 donation is one entry to win this incredible trip on Oct. 22 through Oct. 23. Now, the grand prize is just amazing.

you win roundtrip airfare for two people from anywhere in the united States to Nashville, Tenn. you stay three nights in the biggest suite I have ever stayed in in my life called the Broadway Suite at the Westin Nashville. you’re going to get free tickets and a guided tour with me to go through the Musicians Hall of Fame, where you will see where the very first old recording studios that made some of those old, amazing records that went on to be legendary, all the way up to all the artists that have been inducted today.

I think I was inducted maybe 10 or 11 years ago into the Musicians Hall of Fame. It was my third Hall of Fame, and I think they were trying to get me before I passed away. So, I’m in three Halls of Fame right now.

But then after that, we’re going to go over to the Gibson Garage as my guest. We’re going to take a tour of the Gibson Garage, including an exclusive Gibson vault in this vault.

↘Continued on 64

Don Felder

It really is hidden behind this fake bookcase that opens on a hinge.

And then there’s this giant vault that has a big combination lock like a bank vault. And you open it up and you go into this room, and it’s got the very first les Paul, the very first Explorer, the very first Flying V, the very first E. Gibson mandolin, old acoustics that Gabe Gibson made. It’s just a moment of history to be able to reach into that vault, take some of those guitars, hold them in your hand and play them a little bit.

you’re also going to get a one-onone guitar lesson from me, because one of my old guitar students actually went on to do pretty well. His name was Tom Petty. So, who knows? If you get a guitar lesson from me, you might have a career.

you’re going to get a signed white double-neck guitar from me. And if you want to sign up for this now, you can go to DonFelder.com/contest.

We’re really just trying to make people have a great night of music and to save children’s lives. That’s what’s done.

SC: How’d you get involved in that?

DF: I have been a supporter of St. Jude’s for probably the last 20 years. I’ve done a lot of their golf tournaments, played music for them, their

fundraisers. And finally, about two years ago, I did a fundraiser for them down in Memphis where the hospital is. And some of the people from the hospital came up to me and said, “Have you ever been to the hospital?” I went, “No, I haven’t.”

They said, “Would you like to come?” I said, “Absolutely!” So, we drive over there and we get out of the car. We go in and this lady that’s probably in her early 30s meets us, takes us around and touring. And while we’re going, I said, “Well, how long have you been working here?” And she said, “Oh, I don’t work here. I just volunteer.” I said, “Well, how much do they pay you?” She says, “I don’t get paid. I do it just to help support the cause.” I said, “Why do you do it?” She says, “Well, I was brought here as a child with cancer and they saved my life.” So, at that point, you just, you know, the tears start coming out.

you start walking through this hospital and seeing these kids that literally when they founded St. Jude’s Hospital in 1960 by Danny Thomas, the survival rate of children’s cancer and lymphoma was 4 percent survival rate. Today, after all the research this hospital has done, they’ve got it up to 94 percent survival rate.

There’s six percent left, and they’re trying their best to make certain there’s no child that ever dies from cancer or lymphoma. So, sign me up. I’ll do everything I can to save lives.

SC: That’s awesome. Good for you, man. So, let’s talk a little about “The Vault.” You mentioned earlier that you’re playing some things off that. Anything in particular different this time around?

DF: yeah, I have worked up three songs from that. And I alternate them so that I don’t play the same set every

night. I play a song called “I like the Things you Do.” It was written about my partner that I’ve been with now for six years, known for 11 years. I do a song called “Free At last,” which is a lot of fun because everybody’s got this to look forward to: That we’re all going to be free at last one way or the other. And then I do this song that I actually wrote the basic music track for it for (The Eagles) “The long Run,” and it’s called “Hollywood Victim.” It’s about so many people that come out to Hollywood looking to be famous movie stars, singers, actors, whatever it is. And they wind up working in restaurants as waitresses and waiters and just doing odd jobs to stay alive, waiting for their big break. And a lot of the times that doesn’t quite turn out the way everybody else did. That’s Hollywood. That’s the dark side of Hollywood.

yeah, it’s a fun rocking night. We get so much fun and so much joy out of by the end of the night. Everybody’s up on their feet, dancing and rocking and having a great time.

SC: So, you’re making great music for great crowds and raising money for a great cause all at the same time. And then, of course, you play “Hotel California,” which you’re synonymous with as you co-wrote that song. When you recorded that initial demo back in the Malibu beach house on a 4-track … When you listen to that, is there any elements or nuances from that first afternoon that survived completely untouched in that final anthem?

DF: yeah, I wrote the bass part, which is as it appears on the record. I wrote all the guitar parts as they appear on the record, with the excep -

↘Continued on 67

tion of part of the Joe (Walsh)-ism solos at the end. Joe and I had been playing together outside of the Eagles doing his band called Joe Walsh & Friends. We actually opened for Elton John at Dodger Stadium one gig.

We did a TV show together where I sat in with Joe, and we played a bunch of stuff. I wanted to write a track that I could do that on an Eagles record with Joe. That’s when the idea for this whole long 6-and-a half-minute piece of music came up when I started writing it.

wrote the lyrics and sang it and produced the harmonies and everything that went into each one of these records.

It was really fun to look back and go, I wrote that in 1974. That is a great slide part. I got to write something with that slide part. And so that became “Move On,” the opening track. SC: You became famous, synonymous with that double-neck Gibson. And it’s an incredibly heavy, physically taxing instrument, right? I mean, did you ever along the way wish like, “Man, why didn’t I pick something a little lighter?”

It was just originally just a little simple chord progression, but I went in and I wanted to make it sound more finished. So, I wrote the bass part, put all the harmony guitars together on it, the 12-string part and pretty much exactly like you hear it on the record, with the exception of no vocal and no melody. So, when I first joined the band, (former Eagles bandmate) Bernie leadon, my high school buddy, told me, “If you want to write songs with Don and Glenn, don’t write lyrics, don’t write melodies. let those guys who are the great singers and the great lyricists write that part of the song. Just write music beds.” So, I wrote probably, I don’t know, somewhere between eight to 15, 18 song ideas on every project.

That was where that cardboard box full of cassettes, CDs and ADATs, all those demo ideas that I hadn’t heard for 25 years, that I went in and found that box of stuff and I started listening to it and went, that was a great idea. I’m going to finish this. And so, I re-recorded everything from ground up with amazing players and

DF: I just wish they made them out of bamboo, something that was basically like … it’s like playing two guitars at the same time. And literally it has two different outputs. So, when you flip the switch up to the 12-string neck and you’re playing, it goes out of one output into a leslie, and that’s mic’d. When you flip it down to the 6-string and you’re going to play the leads and stuff, it goes out of a different output into a rock ’n’ roll layout. So, it was the only way I could figure out how to play both of those parts at the same time live, going out on the road with the Hotel California Tour. And ever since we did that, 1976, I’ve been lugging that thing around ever since.

SC: I am with my wife because of Tom Petty. That was our first date. So, tell me something about Tom Petty that my wife would want to hear.

DF: Well, Tom was a very charismatic, even young player. He was playing bass when I first met him, and he didn’t really think bass was the way to front a band. Paul McCartney may tend to disagree with him on that.

I remember I worked with him in his band. He had two guitar players, and they just flailed artlessly. They just played really loud. So, I said, “OK, why don’t you guys play rhythm? The other guy, don’t play when Tom’s singing, don’t play. But when he steps away from the microphone, you can play your solos and your leads.”

I just kind of arranged them. I was standing in the crowd listening to that show, and I was standing between, I don’t know, two girls on each side of me. Why I chose that location, I don’t know.

But I’m standing there and these girls are like, “Oh, my God, he’s so good!” And he’s flipping his hair and rocking away. He is selling it no matter if he’s out of tune or, you know, his confidence on stage was just really, really genuine and really strong. you believed him, and so I learned lessons from watching his attitude on stage, the confidence that he had, as well as even he lacked somewhat in his vocal abilities in those early years. And he was playing bass. He wasn’t playing guitar. But I did learn about walking out on stage and being really confident. And really kind and smiling and having a great time. The people welcome you and your music into

their life.

Don Felder and The Guess Who will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Hard Rock Live at The Etess Arena at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com

Scott Cronick is an award-winning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.

Don Felder

Atlantic City Headliners

Thursday, July 9

Magical Mystery Doors

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Friday, July 10

Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer

Band

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Tom Papa

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, July 11

The Guess Who

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Tom Papa

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Russell Peters

▶8 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars

DeRay Davis

▶8 p.m.

The Concert Venue at Harrah’s

Sunday, July 12

Jeff Dunham

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Boat House Row

▶4 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Grease the Musical

▶3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Wednesday, July 15

Shemekia Copeland

▶7 p.m.

Kennedy Plaza

Friday, July 17

Adam Lambert

▶9 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Weird Al Yankovic

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Lucas Zelnick

▶7:30 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, July 18

Dirty Heads and 311

▶5:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Quincy Jones Experience feat. Dave

Damiani & No Vacancy Orchestra

▶8 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Dusty Slay

▶7:30 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Desi Banks

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance

Encore

▶8 p.m.

Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars

Vishal-Sheykhar

▶8 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Sunday, July 19

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley

▶7 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

The Used

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Friday, July 24

Harry Connick Jr.

▶ 8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Bingo Loco

▶ 8 p.m.

Hard Rock l ive at Etess

Arena

Matt Rife

▶

7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Super 70s Show feat. Super

Trans Am

▶9 p.m.

Superstar Theater at Resorts

Saturday, July 25

Shakira

▶8:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Matt Rife

▶7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Dick Fox’s Golden Boys

▶4 p.m.

Hard Rock live at Etess Arena

Michael Blaustein

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

The Machine Performs Pink Floyd

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Adam Lambert

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, July 9

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Pass/Go DJ Dance Party

8 p.m.

247 S. New york Ave.

Angeloni’s Club Madrid

Beth Tinnon

6 p.m.

2400 Arctic Ave.

Steel Pier

Bar None Duo 7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

B Street Band

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Austin City Nights

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Juliano Brothers

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

Dooney’s Pub

Tommy D Music

6 – 9 p.m.

6823 Tilton Rd.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Bryan McCloud

6 – 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Margate

Betty’s Seafood Shack

Cosmic Charlie

5 – 8 p.m.

9315 Amherst Ave.

Tideline

AJ Jesson

6 – 9 p.m.

9317 Amherst Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Bob Kelly’s Happy Hour w/ DJ Eric

Bartello

5 – 8 p.m.

Karaoke Night w/ DJ Mike

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

That 70’s Band

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Doug Jennings

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Fitzpatrick’s

Keegan McDevitt

5 – 8 p.m.

650 New Rd.

Gregory’s

Johny Rey

6 p.m.

800 Shore Rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Toni Teschner & Billy Walton

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Sensational Soul Cruisers

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Chris O’ leary Band

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Friday, July 10

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

New Wave Night

8 p.m.

247 S. New york Ave.

Bally’s Beach Bar

love Struck Riot

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

Glenn Roberts

6 – 9 p.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Borgata B Bar

Billy Walton Trio

7:30 – 11 p.m.

Sami Eldebs Trio

11:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.

1 Borgata Way

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Kristen & The Noise

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Phil’s Carousel Bar at Bally’s

Paul Tozz

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Steel Pier

No Clue Duo

7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

9,

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Megan Knight Band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

No Standards

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Sean Patrick & The Alibis

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The West at Caesars

Surprise Surprise

10 p.m.

2100 Pacific Ave.

The Yard at Bally’s

We May Be Right: Billy Joel Tribute

9 p.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Goodman Fiske

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Chris yoder Band

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Galloway

279 Social

Dear Zoe Duo

7 – 10 p.m.

279 S. New york Rd.

McGettigan’s

HeadHigh & Co.. 7 – 11 p.m.

500 S. New york Rd.

Smithville Inn

Beth Tinnon

6 – 9 p.m.

1 N. New york Rd.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

The usual Suspects

6 – 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Margate

Maynard’s Cafe

Steve Dee Duo

6 – 9 p.m.

9306 Amherst Ave.

Memories

leCompt

8 p.m.

9518 Amherst Ave.

The Lot at Tomatoes

Erik Henriksen

6 – 9 p.m.

212 N. Washington Ave.

Ventura’s Greenhouse Tiki Bar

Steve Moore & Company

7 – 10 p.m.

106 S. Benson Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Fat Mezz

8:30 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Jump the line

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

That 70’s Band

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Chris lax

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

The Point

The Exceptions

7 – 11 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

late Night Special

6 – 10 p.m.

2780 7th Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Bell Bottom Blues: A Tribute to

Eric Clapton

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Saturday, July 11

Atlantic City

Bally’s Beach Bar

The Chatterband

2 – 6 p.m.

Special K

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

Gerard Esposito

6 – 9 p.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Borgata Beer Garden

3AM Tokyo

1 – 5 p.m.

1 Borgata Way

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Hive Five Swan Dive Duo

7 p.m.

lulu

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Steel Pier

One Hot Mess

7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

No Clue Band

7 p.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave.

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Who’s Next

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Britian’s Finest

3:30 p.m. & 8:40 p.m.

Crossfire Hurricane

5 p.m. & 10:10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Dane Anthony Band

5 – 8:30 p.m.

80’s Revolution

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The West at Caesars

Ballistic Berry ↘Continued on 72

10 p.m.

2100 Pacific Ave.

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino

Escape Plan Duo

9 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

The Whitewalls

1 – 5 p.m.

New Normal

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Galloway

279 Social

Modern Mojo. 7 – 10 p.m.

279 S. New york Rd.

Linwood

Fox Den at LCC

Twisted livin’

6 – 10 p.m.

500 Shore Rd.

Margate

Memories

Mid life Crisis

8 p.m.

9518 Amherst Ave.

Sunrise Tequila Bar

Will Murray

1 – 4 p.m.

9700 Ventnor Ave.

The Lot at Tomatoes

Russ Knight

6 – 9 p.m.

212 N. Washington Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Dale Rhose

6 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

The Turtle Heads

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

That 70’s Band

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s Doug Jennings

1 – 4 p.m.

Ben Rynes

6 – 9 p.m.

Andrew Moorer Band

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Incognito

2 Broadway

Fitzpatrick’s Glen Sarkis

5 – 8 p.m.

650 New Rd.

Josie Kelly’s yachtzee

9 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Billy Walton Band

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina Hotlanta

6 – 10 p.m.

2780 7th Ave.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Damn the Torpedoes: The Music of Tom Petty

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

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, July 12

Atlantic City

Bally’s Beach Bar

The FM Band

2 – 6 p.m.

The Original Copy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1900 Pacific Ave.

Borgata Beer Garden

Stealing Savannah

1 – 5 p.m.

1 Borgata Way

1 – 5 p.m.

lovelace

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Galloway

McGettigan’s

Christian Glomb

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

500 S. New york Rd.

Linwood

Jessie’s of Linwood

The D’Arc Brothers

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

136 W. Poplar Ave.

Margate

Tideline

Kadin Sevene

1 – 4 p.m.

9317 Amherst Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern

Philly Keys

6 p.m.

316 Roosevelt Blvd.

Mays Landing

Balic Winery

Beth and Jimmy

1 – 5 p.m.

6623 Harding Hwy.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

The Notion

4 – 8 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

The Budesa Brothers

6 – 9 p.m.

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Dueling Pianos

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Steel Pier

Bar None Duo

7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

The Exceptions

2:30 – 6 p.m.

Dane Anthony

7:30 – 11:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Epic yacht Rock Cruise

4 – 7:30 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Doug Jennings

1 – 4 p.m.

Chris yoder

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Pablo

Queso Mixto DJ Trio

6 p.m.

101 E. Maryland Ave.

The Point

The Verdict

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Continued

Goodman Fiske Facebook

Sweetwater

Sweetwater Marina

Sensational Soul Cruisers

2 – 6 p.m.

2780 7th Ave.

Monday, July 13

Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Red

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Cat 5

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Adam & Min Duo

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Somers Point

Crab Trap

One Hot Mess

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

John Rodden

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

The Point

Jersey Gumbo Festival w/ Dead

Reckoning, Soul Project NO l A

3 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Tuesday, July 14

Atlantic City

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Earthtone

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Garden State Radio

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Tony Pontari Band

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Music Bingo w/ DJ Chris

7 – 9 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

One Hot Mess

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

lew london & Bob Mower

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Special K

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Joe Grasso

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Wednesday, July 15

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

World Music Vinyl Night w/ DJ

Mario Cotto

7 p.m.

247 S. New york Ave.

Steel Pier

Bar None Duo

7 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Deck at Golden Nugget

Triple Rail Turn

6:30 – 10:30 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock yani

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Brigantine

LaScala’s Beach House

Nine Deez Nite

6 – 10 p.m.

1400 Ocean Ave.

Margate

Bocca

live Jazz with Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys. 7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Tideline

Taylor lenahan

6 – 9 p.m.

9317 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

2 Old Friends

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Crabby Jack’s

Jamie & The Quietmen

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Jimmy Brogan

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore Rd.

The Point

Joey DeNoble

7 – 11 p.m.

998 Bay Ave.

Events subject to change.

Photo credit: Stealing Savannah Facebook

John L. Young: Boardwalk Pioneer

Bruce Klauber

With the summer season upon us, families are visiting the Jersey shore in droves and are in search of entertainment that those of all ages can enjoy. To some, that means amusement rides, whether at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier, the Showboat’s Island Waterpark, Central Pier’s go-karts, the kiddie rides at Storybook land, or Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City.

The concept of an amusement pier in Atlantic City — and there were several through the years — was the brainchild of a certifiable visionary named John l young, who left us some 87 years ago. Though he was an iconic and influential pioneer whose ideas live on today, mainly via the Steel Pier, young is virtually forgotten. In his day, however, he was as famous as Paul “Skinny” D’Amato, “Nucky” Johnson, Reese Palley, or any of the other memorable characters who made Atlantic City their home and headquarters.

young, born in Absecon in 1853, came to Atlantic City as a young carpenter’s apprentice who first saw the possibilities of the city as a major

entertainment center during the time he worked on the crew that helped build lucy the Elephant in 1881. looking for something more lucrative and challenging, he first hooked up with a Philadelphia builder named Kevin Crossan to run Boardwalk carnival games and amusements. Though the set-up was modest, the two made out very well financially, and they earned enough to buy Applegate’s Pier, with the assistance of a banker named Stewart McShea.

EVERY FRIDAY • 9PM NOW – AUGUST 28

amusement destinations in the city. young renamed the expanded pier Ocean Pier, and near the end of the structure, he built what was described as a nine-room Elizabethan- style mansion on the pier’s end. But the showman and visionary was just getting started. Seeing the success of Ocean Pier, young decided to build something extraordinary for the time, i.e, something that cost a million dollars to construct. young’s appropriately named “Million Dollar Pier”

↘Continued on 76

Applegate’s, a 625-foot long amusement pier that stood on 1400 Boardwalk where Central Pier is now, opened in 1884 and was doing okay business until young and his partners bought it in 1891. The first order of business was to expand the structure to around 2,000 feet, which opened the way for the installation of rides, games, and later, an aquarium and ballroom. It didn’t take long for Applegate’s to become, according to the history books, one of the leading

opened in 1907 on the Boardwalk at Arkansas Avenue.

“It was everything young had said it would be and more, elegantly designed like a castle and reeking of cash,” wrote Ken Surski, author of " unremembered: Tales of the Nearly Famous and the Not Quite Forgotten." “ young spared no expense right down to the elaborately designed oriental rugs and velvety ceiling to floor drapery. It was the perfect place to host parties, special events and distinguished guests, including President William Howard Taft who, typical of his reputation – and size – spent most of the time in the Million’s extended dining hall.”

Though wildly successful, there was one thing young couldn’t change: The fact that tourism was a seasonal business in Atlantic City, and that business started to fall off each year at the end of August. The partial solution to this didn’t come from young. It came by way of the owner of the Monticello Hotel, Conrad

Eckholm, whose season-extending concept was called “Fall Frolic,” a series of events like a Rolling Chair Parade and a beauty/bathing pageant. Public announcements went out that girls were wanted for the contest, with the winner receiving, among other things, an all-ex-

In September 1921, the first Miss America Pageant took place, with the gala contest held at — where else? — young’s Million Dollar Pier.

pense paid trip to Atlantic City for a week, and a brand new wardrobe.

In 1938, John l young died in Palm Springs, where he spent his winters, at the age of 84. George Hamid, of Steel Pier fame, leased Million Dollar Pier for the next ten years. It changed hands several times through the years and remained relatively successful until the 1970s, when the city was experiencing a terrible, economic downturn. Though the years, Million Dollar Pier managed to

survive damage by fires, hurricanes, management and policy shifts, and changing times. But it could not survive an October 1981 decision to tear down the historic venue to make way for the Ocean One Mall. During the demolition process, a suspicious fire broke out and destroyed what little of the pier was left.

As detailed in these pages several times, Ocean One opened in 1981 and lasted until 2003. Its successor, The Pier Shops at Caesars was in business from 2006 until, approximately, 2013. In 2015, Bart Blatstein’s ambitious Playground Pier opened, only to close four years later. In 2024, the film production company, ACX1 Studios, moved in, but filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March.

Sadly, this impressive structure is vacant. But the Atlantic City Boardwalk was and is a place of miracles, and it’s a good bet that what was the vision of John l young won’t be vacant for long.

THURSDAYS NOW - SEPTEMBER 3*

This tribute act blends and layers the music of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere.

SUNDAYS NOW - SEPTEMBER 6

Get Ready for the ultimate tribute to the 70’s & 80’s, featuring soft rock such as Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kelly Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Toto, icons of a sound that defined an era. Ticket purchase required. *No show on July 9. Ticket purchase required.

FOUR SHOWS SEPTEMBER 17 - 20 SEPTEMBER 24 - 27 JULY 24 & 25

JULY SPECIALS

• OPEN DAILY 7AM - 9PM • CLOSING 4PM ON JULY 4TH

ENTREES

FLAT IRON STEAK 24

8 oz flat iron steak topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms. Served over tomato and mascarpone orzo.

PINA COLADA MAHI 22

Pineapple glazed mahi topped with toasted coconut and served over coriander rice pilaf.

HOME MADE CRAB CAKES 24

Two home made crab cakes served with lemon caper aoli, cole slaw, and French fries.

DESSERTS

CREME BRULEE 9

NY CHEESECAKE 7

COBBLER DU JOUR 7

MONDAY

SNOW CRAB 38

TUESDAY

12 oz PRIME RIB 25

FRIDAY

LOBSTER TAIL 42

A taste of Linwood: Local spots that keep me coming back

Grub Club By Marcella Curcio

One of my favorite things about exploring South Jersey is discovering the locally owned restaurants and coffee shops that give each town its own personality. While the neighboring shore towns often get most of the attention, linwood has quietly built a dining scene worth exploring. From family-style Italian dinners and authentic Thai cuisine to cozy cafés and sweet treats, there's something for every craving.

Whether you're a local looking to try somewhere new or visiting before heading to the beach, these are a few of the places I find myself returning to time and time again.

Sometimes all you're craving is a comforting Italian meal shared with family and friends, and that's exactly what you'll find at Sunday Gravy. From the moment you walk

through the door, you're welcomed into the kind of neighborhood restaurant where large family tables, lively conversations, and the aroma of homemade cooking make you feel right at home. The menu features Italian favorites, including crispy calamari, homemade meatballs, fresh Caesar salads, seafood specialties, and classic pasta dishes.

As someone who almost always orders ravioli when it's on the menu, the lobster Ravioli is an easy favorite. Served in a rich pink cream sauce, it's indulgent without feeling too heavy. I order it nearly every time I visit.

If you're looking for something with a little heat, the Spicy Rigatoni is another standout. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and spicy, making it one of those dishes that's hard to stop eating.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply gathering for dinner, Sunday Gravy delivers the kind of meal that feels like Sunday dinner any day of the week.

located in the Central Square Shopping Center, Chaba Thai Restaurant brings authentic Thai flavors to linwood with a menu full of fresh ingredients and bold dishes.

Thai food has always been one of my favorite cuisines because every meal offers the perfect combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy fla-

vors. Chaba consistently delivers that balance.

A great way to start your meal is with the Papaya Salad. It's light, crisp, and refreshing, especially during the warmer months.

When it comes to entrées, I almost always order the Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles. While I've tried several dishes on the menu, those two remain my comfort food. The noodles are cooked perfectly, the sauces are packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice, and every bite leaves me wanting another.

The menu also includes curries, fried rice, stir-fried specialties, and a variety of appetizers, making it an easy choice whether you're introducing friends to Thai food or dining with family.

Every town needs a coffee shop where you can slow down for a while, and Jessie's of linwood has become that place for me.

The café has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that's just as inviting for catching up with friends as it is

for opening a laptop and answering emails. I've spent more than one afternoon there getting work done while enjoying a coffee.

Although the seasonal latte specials are always tempting, my go-to order is an iced matcha with oat milk.

If you're looking for something to eat, I highly recommend the longport

Toast. Topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh ingredients, it's filling without being too heavy. It's the kind of café where you can easily lose track of time, and that's part of its charm.

l ocated at l inwood Country Club, Fox Den offers casual dining with one of the area's most relaxing outdoor settings.

Overlooking the golf course, it's an ideal spot for dinner on a summer evening or lunch with friends after a busy day. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, onion rings, French fries, and other comfort-food favorites. Sometimes simple classics are exactly what you're craving, and Fox Den does them well.

The restaurant also hosts community events, including live music and sip-and-paint nights, giving guests another reason to stop by. It's one of those places where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the meal.

Also located in the Central Square Shopping Center, Barista's Coffee ↘Continued on 80

House is another favorite for breakfast and coffee.

If you have a sweet tooth, as I do, it's hard to leave without ordering one of the specialty breakfast dishes. The waffles and French toast are topped with everything from fresh fruit to chocolate, turning breakfast into a weekend treat.

Along with specialty coffees and espresso drinks, the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to linger a little longer.

It's another reminder that some of the best neighborhood coffee shops are the ones where friendly faces and quality food keep customers coming

back.

No food tour is complete without dessert, and Twist Pretzels & Ice Cream is the perfect place to end the day.

The combination of freshly baked soft pretzels and handcrafted ice cream makes it easy to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings. Whether you're in the mood for a classic salted pretzel, one of the stuffed pretzel creations, a soft-serve cone, or an over-the-top sundae, there's something for everyone.

One of my favorite combinations is grabbing a warm pretzel before finishing with a scoop of ice cream, especially in the summer.

It's the perfect stop after a day at the beach, following dinner, or anytime you're looking for a quick treat. Everyone has their own favorite local spots, but these are the places I continue coming back to because of the welcoming atmosphere, consistently good food, and friendly service.

The next time you're in linwood,

consider venturing beyond the familiar chain restaurants. you might discover a new favorite meal, find your next go-to coffee shop, or simply spend an afternoon supporting a local business. Sometimes the best dining experiences aren't found in the biggest cities — they're right here in our own backyard.

Fox Den at Linwood's Country Club showing their relaxing vibes with scenic views. Photo credit: Fox Den at LCC's Instagram

Neil Simon’s ‘London Suite’ to open at Gateway Playhouse

First of Gateway’s three-show ‘Community Spotlight Series’

runs July 11 and 12

Neil Simon’s classic comedy “ london Suite” will run at Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point for three shows on two days, July 11 and 12. The show encompasses four one-act plays, all set within the same london hotel room, and detail the hilarious happenings of each guest experience. From romantic mishaps to family chaos, Simon’s signature humor shines through in this collection of stories about love, misunderstandings and second chances.

Directed by Ryan Daly, who directed the Gateway’s productions of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” with assistant director Janelle Hawkes, the show is part of the Gateway’s Community Spotlight Series, three popular plays with scaled-down settings that help round out the Gateway’s first-ever, all-musical MainStage Season. This is Daly’s first experience working on a play by Simon, who also famously wrote “The Sunshine Boys,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “The Odd Cou -

ple,” and many more.

“I have a real appreciation for his work. He has a great ear for dialogue,” said Daly. “For an actor, his dialogue is easy to learn and his characters are highly relatable, not cartoonish.”

“ london Suite” is one of three of Simon’s “Suite” plays; the others being “Plaza Suite” and “California Suite.” Daly believes “ london Suite” is the funniest of the three. The four acts detail the following:

● “Settling Accounts:” A Welsh writer charges his longtime business manager of stealing his money.

● “Going Home:” An American daughter tries to convince her widowed mother, abroad for a shopping trip, to spend an evening with a rich Scotsman.

● “The Man on the Floor:” Married New yorkers have misplaced their tickets to Wimbledon and

are about to lose their suite to actor Kevin Costner who needs it immediately.

● “Diana and Sidney:” Characters from Simon’s “California Suite,” Diana, a famous actress, and Sidney, her bisexual ex-husband, see each other for the first time in years. He’s in love with someone else; she still loves him.

Daly’s cast is filled with a mix of

familiar faces seen at the Gateway, such as Joe Chialastri, Andrew Czekalski and Victoria Biron, as well as new performers like Jacob Van Tine, Ginger liberatore and Maria Black. In order to accommodate as many actors as possible who came to audition, Daly devised additional characters to create an entire hotel “staff,” such as chambermaids, to help transition scene changes. Performances are 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, and a 1 p.m. matinee on July 12. Tickets for all Community Spotlight performances are only $15 and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org and at the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. More information and tickets can be found at GatewayByTheBay.org or call the box office at 609-653-0553.

Try these summer porch pounder wines

Drink Up!

By David Setley

Independence Day is behind us, and for the next six weeks, we are into the “dog days of summer.” This is the best time to grab a porch pounder wine! These are typically wines that are light-bodied, have pronounced fruit-forward flavors, and are casual, approachable crowd-pleasers. Some have high acidity, which adds to the crisp, refreshing quality of the drink. Porch pounders are usually affordable choices that

are easy to serve at large gatherings. For the purposes of this article, I will define porch pounder wines as having a retail price of less than $20. Below are my recommendations.

Vinho Verde is a wine region in northern Portugal that makes wonderfully refreshing, crisp, fresh, relatively low-alcohol white wines that have a slight bit of effervescence. These wines are quintessential porch pounders. This year’s top pick for the summer is Patio Pounder Vinho Verde, a blend of 50% loureiro, 40% Fernão Pires, and 10% Arinto.

Taste the wonderful balance of ripe white peach, apricot and green apple with a touch of salinity. The fact that the Patio Pounder comes in a one-liter bottle makes it the ideal porch pounder.

Pinot Grigio is a classic summer white wine choice that meets all of the requirements of a porch pounder.

Giuliano Rosati Pinot Grigio from the Friuli section of the Veneto in Northern Italy is a very affordable, outstanding choice. Alternatively, try the Cora Pinot Grigio from Abruzzo. Both wines are dry, crisp, and refreshing, with a nice fruity flavor that makes them true crowd-pleasers.

Sauvignon Blanc wines clearly have the qualities of a good porch pounder. For those who favor New Zealand, try the Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc Hawkes Bay or the Babich Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Both are excellent sustainably-grown wines. If your preference is French, try Turcaud Entre Deux Mers Blanc from Bordeaux or Roc de l'Abbaye Sauvignon Blanc

from the loire Valley. The French wines tend to be a bit less fruity and drier. From California, my picks are the Daou Sauvignon Blanc from Paso Robles or the Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc. These American wines are bal -

Patio Pounder Vinho Verde Photo credit: primecatchboynton on Instagram

anced with great acidity, minerality, and fruit flavors and are priced well to be your next porch pounder.

If you are seeking a white with a bit more body, I suggest Chenin Blanc. The Painted Wolf Chenin Blanc and the Vinecrafter Blanc from South Africa are perfect porch pounders. These wines have more body than a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, but less than a Chardonnay. The California alternative is the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier. This wine adds a touch of Viognier, which brings light lemon flavor. If you haven’t tried Chenin Blanc, the time is now.

Who says you have to put away reds for the summer? Pinot Noir is a great summer choice due to its lighter-bodied nature. The Domaine Altugnac Pinot Noir les Turitelles

Pinot Noir is an affordable and easy-drinking wine that will impress your porch-mates. It is from the birthplace of the varietal: France. Or, the Montinore Estates Borealis from the

Another under-appreciated red from Italy that makes a perfect porch pounder is Barbera. This grape hails from the Piedmont region in the north of Italy. I have referred to Barbera as the Pinot Noir of Italy. It is light- to medium-bodied with amazing flavor. It is also a chillable red wine, especially in the hot months of summer. Try the Mauro Molino Barbera D’Albai or the Ferraris Barbera D'Asti. At an in-store wine-tasting event, Barbera was voted the most popular porch pounder red wine.

The two California reds I enjoy as porch pounders are Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. The OZV Old Vine Zinfandel from lodi is dry but fruit-forward, making it a crowd-pleaser for red lovers. less well-known is Petite Sirah. The Old Soul Petite Sirah from lodi is one of the easiest-drinking dry red wines for summer. These wines are perfect for summer grilling or just sitting by the firepit on a breezy summer evening.

Willamette Valley in Oregon is a great example of why Oregon’s Pinot Noir is also world-class. Benoni Pinot Noir is also an incredible and affordable demonstration of a Douglas Valley Pinot Noir.

Another light-bodied, and often forgotten, red is Gamay. The wines made from this grape are very elegant and slightly more fruit-forward than Pinot Noir, making them the perfect porch pounder. Thevenet Fils Macon Pierreclos Rogue from Burgundy, France, or the Chidaine Touraine Gamay from the loire Valley of France are both great examples at a very affordable price. Gamay wines are chillable, making them even more attractive as a porch pounder during the heat of summer.

Rosé wines are a very popular choice for the summer. There are many great options, but a few of my favorite picks for a porch pounder include the Gratsi Rosé boxed wine and the Avaline Rosé from Southern France. I have recommended Gratsi to many customers, and each has come back for more. The Avaline Rosé is very good, is 100% organic, and contains no chemical pesticides or additives.

Another option is the lionel Osmin l a Vie En Rosé for an excellent and very affordable wine that will not disappoint. Finally, Domaine Jaume Côtes du Rhône Rosé from the Côtes du Rhône Rosé of France will add a wonderful touch of elegance to your next summer porch pounder event. All of these wines are light, crisp, and fresh, with prices that make celebrating the dog days of summer a bit easier.

“In vino felicitas” means, “in wine is happiness.” I hope you take a pause this summer to enjoy the company of family and friends, and that these wines will help to bring happiness to your occasion. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop into the store. until next time, grab a porch pounder 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.

Giuliano Rosati Pinot Grigio Photo Credit: Modern Wine

By T. Eric Reich

Last week, a question came up about how a client should title an account. Account titling can be extremely important for estate planning purposes. What struck me as we were discussing it was all of the different types of account titling possible. It can be completely overwhelming. This week, I’ll run through many of the common types of account titling. Remember, before you decide how you want an account titled, you should always run it by your advisor, CPA, or estate planning attorney to make sure the titling you want matches your overall plan. The reason for this is that the titling of the assets can affect who controls the asset, who owns it, who receives it upon your death, whether it avoids probate, and what the potential tax consequences are. The answer to these questions should drive most of your titling decisions.

1. Individual Account

Just what it says: It’s yours and yours alone. It’s a part of your estate upon death. It’s also the simplest structure.

What’s in a name?

2. Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS)

The “with right of survivorship part” is sort of redundant because that’s the definition of joint tenants. This is when two or more people have equal ownership. When one owner dies, the remainder automatically passes to the other owners. This structure avoids probate and is commonly used between spouses or family members.

3. Tenants by the Entirety

This, like joint tenants, is more common among spouses but is only available in certain states. This type of titling may provide creditor protection and again is available based on state law.

4. Tenants in Common (TIC)

This is similar to joint tenants, but each owner controls where the assets go upon death. They do not automatically pass to the other owner. TIC accounts can also have unequal ownership. This is more common among business partners in real estate property or investment arrangements.

5. Community Property

In the united States, there are nine community property states, where most assets and debts acquired during marriage are generally considered to be owned 50/50 by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the account or title. People talk about this often, but it is only available in these states: Arizona, California, Idaho, louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Other states allow you to elect community property, typically via a trust, and those are Alaska, Florida, Kentucky, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

6. Payable on Death (POD) or Transfer on Death (TOD)

This typically applies to bank accounts. These allow assets to bypass probate upon death. There are numerous issues with these types of accounts, which I’ve written about previously, so make sure you seek counsel before adding this account titling.

7. Uniform Gift or Transfer to Minors (UGMA or UTMA)

These are designed for minor chil -

dren. These are managed for a child but held in the name and tax ID of the child. upon the age of majority (age 18 or 21, depending on the state), the funds are wholly in the child’s control.

As you can see, there are a multitude of titling options, and which one is right for you can depend largely on your personal situation. As mentioned, always seek advice from counsel before making titling elections or changes.

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.

5:28 6:02 11:30 5:52 8:17

The impact of keeping great employees

Views from the Shore

By Brian Cahill

One of the things I enjoy most about writing Views from the Shore is introducing readers to interesting people I've met over the years. Sometimes those introductions happen at community events, sometimes through my work, and occasionally on the radio.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Richard Healey, Executive Director of Impact Business Coaching, on WOND NewsTalk 92.3 FM. Richard works with small businesses, typically those with 50 employees or fewer, helping owners improve everything from hiring and team building to marketing and strategic planning. During our conversation, we focused on a challenge that nearly every business owner is facing today: retaining good employees.

While many people think employee retention starts after someone is hired, Richard believes it actually begins much earlier.

"The best way to retain employees is to hire the right employees," he explained.

That starts with clearly defining

what success looks like in a position and using effective hiring techniques to identify candidates who are the best fit. Richard recommends behavioral-based interviewing, asking applicants to describe how they've handled real situations in previous jobs rather than relying on hypothetical questions. Past behavior, he says, is often the best predictor of future performance.

He also encourages business owners to use assessment tools, such as the DISC personality profile, to better understand candidates' communication styles and workplace tendencies. Matching the right person with the right role creates a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Of course, hiring the right people is only the beginning.

Richard says one of the biggest mistakes many small businesses make is failing to provide regular feedback. Too often, employees go years receiving the same generic performance review, only to be told much later that their performance isn't meeting expectations.

Instead, he recommends a structured performance management system with annual reviews and

regular check-ins throughout the year. Employees should clearly understand what is expected of them, how they're performing, and where they have opportunities to grow. Strong performance should also be recognized and rewarded whenever possible.

Compensation certainly matters, and Richard believes businesses should offer competitive pay and benefits whenever they can. But he also pointed out that recognition is one of the most powerful motivators an employer has.

People want to know that their work matters.

A sincere thank you, public recognition for a job well done, celebrating milestones, or simply acknowledging someone's contributions can have a lasting impact on morale and loyalty. Those moments don't always cost money, but they often mean just as much as a paycheck.

Richard also reminded me that employee turnover is expensive. Beyond the obvious costs of recruiting and training replacements, businesses lose valuable experience, productivity, and institutional knowledge every time a good employee walks out the door. For small businesses

especially, those losses can be significant.

ultimately, Richard's message was refreshingly simple: hire carefully, communicate consistently, recognize great work, and invest in your people. Businesses that do those things aren't just more likely to keep great employees, they're also more likely to build the kind of workplace where people genuinely want to stay.

For Richard, helping businesses build stronger teams is what Impact Business Coaching is all about. He partners with small business owners to evaluate every aspect of their operation, from hiring and leadership development to marketing, strategic planning, and employee engagement, creating customized plans that help businesses grow and succeed.

To learn more about Richard Healey and Impact Business Coaching, visit www.impact-business-coaching. com .

Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association, an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University, and is a founding member of Somers Point-Community First, a local volunteer organization

Sherrill signs three bills to lower NJ electricity costs

By Nikita Biryukov NJ Monitor

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a trio of bills meant to lower electricity prices and blunt the impact data centers have on them Tuesday.

The bills would create a separate rate-setting process specific to data centers, eliminate a bump to return on equity New Jersey’s utilities get for joining the state’s regional grid, and require utilities get new approvals from the state before building some types of transmission infrastructure whose costs are ultimately borne by ratepayers.

The data center bill, sponsored by Bailey, would require the Board of Public utilities, New Jersey’s energy regulator, to create a special rate-setting process for data centers graded to consume at least 50 megawatts that would require large data center customers shield other ratepayers from their impact on electricity prices.

The rules mandated by the bill, which the BPu must complete within 12 months of Tuesday, must also incentivize data centers to stand up their own new renewable generation, prioritize other electricity users over data centers if demand approaches grid limits, and shield ratepayers from costs for transmission infrastructure meant to serve data centers that end up closing.

Sherrill acknowledged data center-specific electricity rates could have limited impact on New Jerseyans’ electricity bills because supply and demand set prices for power across the entirety of PJM’s 13-state grid.

“I’m bringing accountability back to New Jersey energy and standing up to everyone who makes your families pay for their mistakes. We’ve started digging out of the hole, but as we saw with the storms and heat this weekend, our grid desperately needs upgrades to prevent blackouts,” Sherril said at a press conference at the Woodstown home of Aileen Bailey, the mother of Assemblyman Dave Bailey (D-Gloucester).

The bill package is meant to slow growth in electricity rates that have shot up across the grid that serves New Jersey and 12 other states in response to soaring demand driven almost entirely by artificial intelligence data centers that can consume as much power as cities like San Francisco.

That means data centers in Virginia or Pennsylvania would boost electricity costs in New Jersey and vice versa, but Sherrill said other states were looking to follow New Jersey’s lead on data center rate setting.

“We, I think, are a leader in this space, but we have all kinds of states reaching out. We’ve seen them working to pass similar legislation,” Sherril said. “I think we will act as a region to

get these costs down because, yes, that is a big concern.”

Virginia’s energy regulators, for example, in November approved a new rate class that would boost the share of power costs leveled at large industrial and commercial users, including data centers.

A second bill signed Tuesday would effectively eliminate a 0.5% bump to return on equity — the rate at which New Jersey’s electric distribution companies can profit on infrastructure investments — that New Jersey utilities received for joining a regional transmission organization like PJM or another similar entity.

Federal policy makes that 0.5% increase available to any utilities that voluntarily join a regional transmission organization. The bill makes voluntary membership impossible by making membership mandatory.

“We’re also closing a loophole that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in added costs to New Jersey ratepayers due to an outdated federal policy,” Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) said shortly before the bills’ signing.

The bill does not specify that New

Jersey’s generators must join PJM’s grid, and four in-state power producers responsible for a combined 1,622.4 megawatts in nameplate capacity — about 8.9% of New Jersey’s total — send their energy to New york’s single-state grid, according to Energy Information Administration data.

Sherrill expressed openness to making PJM membership compulsory for New Jersey’s generators but stopped short of a full endorsement.

“I’d be very interested in that,” she said. “That’s something I’m happy to work with our team in the legislature to see if it makes sense here, but what we really want to do in the near term is enable local governments here in New Jersey to make good choices and have the power to hold data centers accountable.”

The third bill Sherrill signed Tuesday creates two state-level approval tracks for supplemental transmission infrastructure, like wires and poles, whose oversight had largely been left to the federal government, with the faster track set for projects that use more advanced transmission technologies.

New Jersey was one of only two states on PJM’s grid that did not require supplemental transmission projects to secure certificates of public convenience and necessity, and officials hoped the new law could end unnecessary transmission investments.

“This was sort of like the hidden place where the utilities could make more money, and they’ve done very well with it,” said Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester).

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation creating a new rate setting process for data centers, boosting state oversight of some transmission projects, and lowering utilities' profit margins. Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso

By Ursula Duffy

Rising sign horoscopes for July 9 – 15

Aries: Direct your attention and focus this week on reframing all things about home. If anything isn’t completely fulfilling, set your sights on refreshing what already exists or calling in something new.

Taurus: Get out of your comfort zone in the realm of all things communication. If anything isn’t an open channel for your authenticity, seek alternatives for your valuable words and ideas.

Gemini: Consider this week as an opportunity for a personal audit of all resources, income, and spending. If anything feels imbalanced, redistribute and clear space for new channels.

Weekly Horoscopes

Cancer: Feel into your own emotional attunement and reflect on your sense of self. If anything in your world creates insecurity, reevaluate its necessity in your personal space.

Leo: Get creative about ways through which to replenish your cup. If anything has been depleting you, it’s a wonderful time to intend for more rest, retreat, and spiritual nourishment.

Virgo: Get in touch with, or seek out, community and social circles that truly create a feeling of home. If anything is out of alignment, it’s the perfect time to connect with new networks.

Libra: Imagine having more reciprocity and real bonds in your professional life. If anything has

seemed out of balance or disturbs your peace, “read the room” and adjust accordingly.

Scorpio: Investigate the roots of your perspectives; chances are there’s potential for some deconditioning. If anything no longer resonates, determine how to broaden your horizons.

Sagittarius: Free-spiritedness takes on a different meaning when life is intertwined with another. If anything vulnerable stirs up apprehension, lean into it and receive the message.

Capricorn: Tune into your softer side and into all things relationship-related this week. If anything reflected back to you is no longer supportive, respond to the arrival of a clean slate.

Aquarius: Chances are you’ve

Live in Touch with Your Soul

been feeling the nudge to improve your well-being. If anything has been calling you to make positive changes, review your habits and take aligned action.

Pisces: Be present with your creative force and outlets for self-expression. If anything is holding you back or numbing the flow, look more closely at sources of attachment and let go.

Weekly astrology summary:

This week’s cosmic momentum begins to build as we approach mid-July. Getting higher in the sky and leaving the dramatic leo flames behind, Venus shifts into the zodiac sign Virgo on July 9. Venus begins processing and gets to service work immediately, as the journey through these early degrees is accompanied

by support and integrated lessons from Chiron and a meetup with the south node of the moon (July 11). There’s personal and collective motivation in this energy for letting go or for a final, expertly executed excision of something that may be like a dead weight. We’ll reach the midpoint of the Mercury retrograde and begin a brand-new Mercury cycle on July 12 as Mercury reaches the heart of the sun in nurturing, yet protective Cancer. Something in our emotional caverns is surfacing and ready to become a new part of our mentality.

Mercury leads the way and clears the waters for the Cancer new moon on July 14 (5:43 a.m.), occurring one zodiac degree away from the imprint of Mercury’s new cycle. This new moon has deep, beautiful, fresh energy with which to craft intentions with intuition and grace. With the new Mercury and lunar cycles beginning so close and in the moon’s domicile, reflect, receive, and remember that which you want to manifest in your mind and in your inner world. This week’s horoscopes are focused on the new Mercury cycle and the Cancer new moon; see the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific insight and guidance. If you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can email me at ursaalchemy@gmail.com, learn more in my tutorial video on my ursa Alchemy youTube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.

Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Aromatherapist and founder of Ursa Alchemy. www. ursaalchemy.com or ursaalchemy@ gmail.com.

Ursula

ROBERT BROWN

RONALD BROWN

Ronald Brown, 83, of Egg Harbor Township passed away on Wednesday July 1, 2026. Ron was born in Philadelphia and at the tender age of three months moved to Atlantic City with his parents. He grew up in Atlantic City, attended the Atlantic City school system graduating from ACHS in 1962.

Ron’s first job was an Atlantic City Lifeguard from 1958-1962. He loved the ocean, beach, and everything associated with it. Ron was an avid boater and loved fishing on his 28-foot Grady White boat aptly named “Pappou’s Toy II”.

At an early age Ron worked at Pace Maker Yacht (C.P. Leak & Son) starting on the dock handling boat deliveries. He rose in rank to become Dock Manager and later mid Atlantic Sales Manager. He remained with them for 15 years.

Ron then owned and operated “R&D Air Conditioning and Heating” with his wife Diamond. During this time, he also worked at Caesars Casino Hotel in Atlantic City as HVAC mechanic for 15 years.

Ron is predeceased by his parents Bradley and Dorothy Brown (Broome) and his sister Joan Mortillite (Vladimir).

He is survived by his family who will love and miss him always. Wife Diamond Brown, daughter Tina Reynea Brown, son NJSP SFC Bill Brown (Kathleen) and cherished grandchildren Dylan, Callie and Kayla. And lastly Christina Paul (Riley) sister in law.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Liturgy for Ron at 12 Noon on Wednesday July 8, 2026 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 Ridge Road, Egg Harbor Township NJ 08234. Family and friends may call after 11AM at the church. Interment will be held privately.

The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers please send donations to the church at the above address.

Family services by Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home, Northfield.

DORSET

1. Glass piece

6. *It can be measured via carbon decay

9. Sandwich alternative

13. Free-for-all

14. Madame Tussauds' medium

1 urban haze

2 Drosselmeyer's title

3 *Pond organism

4 Ransack or plunder

5 Coping mechanism

6 "And ____ we go!"

15. State of dishonor

16. Kidney, e.g.

17. Cleopatra's killer

18 Arthur Hailey bestseller

19 *Force pulling two objects together

21 *One on Mendeleev's table

23 Organ of balance

24 Criticism

25 British mom

28 Tibetan priest

30 Gluten-free dieter's disease

35 Relating to #23 Across

37 Deficiency

39 Goes with onions?

40 "In ____ veritas"

41 Daisylike bloom

43 Apple leftover

44 Choose Trump, e.g.

46 Feed storage

47 Actor Kristofferson

48 Gibraltar or Bering

50 Moonfish

52 Hitherto

53 Jockey's leash

55 Give a nickname to

57 *"A Brief History of Time" author

61 "One of us" singer Joan

65 *Most of Earth's hydrosphere

66 Fall behind

68 American Akita, e.g.

69 Circular gasket

70 Nocturnal flyer

71 Verb derived from "laser"

72 Chipper

73 Smallest whole number

74 "_____! Read all about it!"

7 *low density state of matter

8 Kick out of school

9 "For ____ the Bell Tolls"

10 *60 miles/hour, e.g.

11 So be it

12 Trapper's bounty

15 Israeli money

20 "____-____-la" refrain

22 l ake in Provence

24 Dissenting clique

25 *Galilei: "And yet it ____"

26 At less then 90 degrees

27 Forty-niner, e.g.

29 *m in F = ma

31 Way to seal an envelope

32 Poacher's ware

33 Bird of prey nest

34 *Highest point in a wave

36 Source of cocaine

38 Kind of seaweed

42 Two diverged, one not taken and other taken

45 Causing one to need rest

49 X

51 *He had a telescope named after him

54 Inuit shelter

56 *a.k.a sodium borate

57 leBron's goal

58 43,560 square feet

59 Dam-like structure

60 Immanuel ____, German philosopher

61 Eye up and down

62 None of this for the weary

63 ____-do-well

64 Cocoyam

67 Grass bristle

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Sunshine Park put Mays Landing on the map during the heyday of the naturist movement

Long before today's campgrounds and outdoor resorts became popular, Atlantic County was home to one of the nation's best-known naturist destinations.

During National Nude Recreation Week, observed this year from July 6-12, it's an opportunity to look back at Sunshine Park, a unique resort in

For decades, Sunshine Park attracted families seeking a clothing-optional lifestyle centered on recreation and community. At its peak, the resort welcomed as many as 750 families on busy summer weekends. Guests stayed in cabins and enjoyed a wide range of amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, miniature golf, a sauna and whirlpool.

Mays landing that welcomed generations of visitors and became a fixture of South Jersey history.

Co-founded in the 1930s by Dr. Ilsley Boone, a minister, geologist and prominent advocate of the American naturist movement known affectionately as " u ncle Danny," Sunshine Park was nestled along the Great Egg Harbor River in the Pine Barrens. The tea-colored tidal river, stained by cedar trees lining its banks, provided a picturesque backdrop for a resort unlike any other in the region.

Evenings often brought volleyball games, while older visitors gathered for bocce and shuffleboard. Weekend entertainment included dances, talent shows, singalongs and community events held in the recreation hall. Although the park emphasized family recreation, it also gained a reputation for attracting Atlantic City showgirls looking to achieve an even suntan.

The resort became so well known that motorists traveling Route 50 were greeted by a memorable billboard inviting visitors to "get a full tan" at Sunshine Park.

One former employee recalled working as a teenage waitress at the park, where wearing a white apron was often the only required uniform. For longtime members, the relaxed atmosphere simply reflected everyday life within the naturist community.

As Sunshine Park's popularity grew, however, so did its challenges. The park's infrastructure struggled to keep pace with increasing attendance, particularly its sanitary systems. Weekend rates of just $14 per couple drew large crowds, and neighboring residents became increasingly vocal with their concerns. Township officials eventually cited the park for health code violations, and in 1983 a judge ordered Sunshine Park to close.

After the closure, the property attracted interest from a casino developer, who reportedly offered $2 million for the site. The deal never materialized, and the buildings were ultimately left vacant to deteriorate.

Today, Sunshine Park remains one of the more unusual chapters in South Jersey history, remembered by many locals as a place that reflected a very different era along the banks of the Great Egg Harbor River.

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