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‘I was sick’: Students hear about how bad drug use can get

By JOSEPH METZ

The Sun

Pleasant Valley Elementary School hosted an assembly on April 12 where former basketball player and public speaker “Big” Al Szolack spoke to students about the dangers of drug use, alcohol, smoking and vaping.

Szolack himself is a former cocaine addict who used the drug to cope with the loss of his mother. A past member of the Washington Generals – a team that played exhibition basketball games against the likes of the Harlem Globetrotters – he told students not to make the same mistakes he did.

“I lived to use and I used to live,” Szolack acknowledged to the students. “I was drinking and drugging every day. I used to live in a house with my all shades pulled down even during the daytime, because I would be constantly peeking out of my window just because I thought there was somebody out there chasing me.

“There was nobody chasing me of course, but these were the beginning stages of paranoia setting into my life,” he recalled. “I wouldn’t fall asleep at night, I would pass out. I wouldn’t wake up in the morning, I would come to … I had to do a line of cocaine just to get the energy to

get out of my bedroom to brush my teeth.

“I was sick.”

To illustrate what drugs can do to a person’s brain, Szolack popped a basketball with his own hands and tossed it aside.

A conversation with the mother of his fiancé – who told him she would leave him because he was ruining his life –

helped him turn a corner.

“I went over to an older woman’s house crying like a baby, and I said to this lady, ‘I’ve got a drug problem,’” Szolack noted. “She didn’t give me a big lecture, she didn’t scream and yell at me. She said, ‘That’s ok,’ and reached out to me and gave me a hug.”

After that, Szolack started Do

Hugs, Not Drugs, a program that emphasizes simple gestures of help to others.

“That’s why my program’s called Do Hugs, Not Drugs,” he said. “Not because it’s cute. It’s because something so simple as some love, something so simple as a hug at that time, saved my life. There’s no doubt in my mind that if that lady were to

give me a big lecture or if she screamed and yelled at me, that I wouldn’t be standing up here today at Pleasant Valley School.

“I would be dead.”

Szolack also addressed how drugs and alcohol can end a young person’s life, sometimes by suicide, which he pointed out it is not the answer. Principal Karen Russo also addressed the students about the reasons for the assembly.

“I want to emphasize that this is not to scare you,” she said. “Like ‘Big’ Al said, this is not to make you upset. This is an awareness feature. You hear me all the time on announcements say ‘Make good choices,’ and you may think, ‘Not me, not my friend.’ I’ve lost many friends because of these reasons, and in sixth grade, I lost my best friend because a drunk driver hit their car.

“So I know peer pressure is around and that it’s hard,” Russo added. “But you’re a good class and a good group of kids. Sometimes you just have to walk away and be the better person.”

During the school’s lunch break, Szolack took the time to interact with students, some of whom even joined him to sing a rap song.

“It was so great,” he enthused. “I wish I recorded it. We stopped another potential suicide. Thank God.”

Joseph Metz/The Sun

“Big” Al Szolack speaks to students at Pleasant Valley Elementary School during an assembly on April 12.

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Events subject to cancellation. Be sure to check online for status updates.

THURSDAY APRIL 25

55 Plus Strength Training Class at American Legion Post 452 from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information contact Debbie Wagner at 856-478-0824 or activeadults@harrisontwp.us.

SATURDAY APRIL 27

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Harrison Township Police Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TUESDAY APRIL 30

Active Adults Chair Yoga at American Legion Post 452 from 11 a.m. to noon. For more information contact Debbie Wagner at 856-478-0824 or activeadults@harrisontwp.us.

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Committee tables ordinance on road name change

By JOSEPH METZ The

Sun

The Harrison Township Committee voted at its April 15 meeting to table an ordinance that would change the name of Sentry Street in the Orchard Valley neighborhood to Ashcraft Lane in honor of a local family.

The vote to table came after concerns that the ordinance would set a bad precedent since, given that there is currently no criteria on naming streets. The issue also came up at the committee’s April 1 session.

“If we approve this tonight, prepare for the flood gates to open with desires to name and rename different elements in the town,” said Committeeman Kevin French. “When this idea was brought to us at our previous meeting, it was framed out as because they (the Ashcrafts) were three generations

of doctors, and if I simplify that, it’s because they chose a profession. A noble profession, but no more noble than a teacher or police officer or a farmer or an engineer or any other profession.

“I am just cautious and concerned about the way the history is brought to us,” he added, “potentially not in proper context, which could lead this committee to name or rename something without

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being informed.”

French and Committeewoman Michelle Powell – who was absent from the meeting – were tasked with coming up with criteria for name changes. It remains in the works.

“On April 29, 2014, we had a meeting,” said Mayor Louis Manzo. “Here’s the tape and here’s what was said: ‘If you don’t have a policy in place, that’s your policy. We said ‘only military veterans and people with historical significance.’ You can count the times this has happened (naming and renaming) … Anything historical based comes from our historical experts.”

Normally, according to Manzo, it is the land developers who name roads outside of Main Street and Mullica Hill farmland. A public hearing resulted in some residents voicing their opinions on the matter, including Paul Showers.

“There’s an abundance of

historical reasoning to recognize that name (Ashcraft),” he argued. “At one point, the two doctors and the other brother owned almost all of the land on the west side of Main Street heading towards Tomlin Station Road.

“I am not at all diminishing the significance of this family in town,” French added. “I’m just trying to not set an unreasonable precedent tonight, so the flood gates don’t open with desires to name and rename any other things in town with the criteria we do have.”

After some debate – and without the input of Powell and township solicitor Brian Duffield, who was also absent from the meeting – the committee ultimately decided to table the measure and vote on it at a later date.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, May, 6, at 7 p.m.,

Joseph Metz/The Sun

Battered and bruised: The case that made domestic violence a cause

The recent death of O.J. Simpson brought to mind the staggering events of June 1994, when the football great was accused of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and a friend. It was a legal case that became a spectacle.

We all know how that turned out. But O.J. Simpson’s death on April 10 inspired a nationwide rehashing of the story we couldn’t look away from – then and even now. Many of us know where we were the moment Simpson was acquitted in 1995.

But behind that history is the fact that the murder case put a spotlight on domestic violence, a still intractable crime that affects more than 10 million adults – mostly women, but some men – each year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

Police made frequent visits to Brown Simpson’s home before she was killed and her ex-husband had already been convicted of spousal abuse. But that did not end her suffering: her death did.

Domestic violence hurts not just spouses or partners, but their children, of whom one in 15 are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, according to the NCADV. About 90% of those children are eyewitnesses to the abuse.

Repeated domestic violence can also have an effect on the victim’s extended family, the community and law enforcement. An abusive partner may threaten his target’s family or friends. Children who witness domestic violence bring those experiences to their schools. Ask any police officer and they will likely tell you domestic situations are their most dangerous calls.

Many believe the Simpson murder case resulted in Congress passing the Violence Against Women Act three months after Brown Simpson’s death, according to a New York Times op-ed by journalism professor Rachel Louise

Snyder. The law also established the National Domestic Violence hotline.

“At that point in time (the 1994 murders), we were still struggling to get people to understand what domestic violence was,” Rita Smith, executive director of the NCADV, told Time magazine. “And now that term – domestic violence – is something that most people understand. It’s not something that was universally known prior to those murders.”

Yet each step forward is often followed by a step backward. That may be because repeated violence against women most often occurs behind closed doors, with most cases never reported to police, according to domesticshelters.org. While just 10 to 18% of those arrested for domestic violence are arrested again within six months, 15 to 30% face a second arrest within 28 months, according to the website.

Getting out from behind those closed doors isn’t always easy either. The refrain we often hear – Why

doesn’t she just leave? – belies the fact that escaping abusive situations can result in being homeless, often with children. About 50% of all homeless women reported that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their situations, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness.

Victims are still too often not believed when they report domestic violence. Many have a hard time admitting they’re victims, according to NPR. Still others are killed before they can report the crime.

But progress has been made.

“It’s worth taking a moment to remember the ways his (O.J. Simpson’s) case – even in the light of the outcome – had profound and lasting consequences for domestic violence victims,” Snyder wrote, “for their advocates and for court systems.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the 800799-SAFE (7233) hotline. It operates 24/7.

Cancer survivor fights cannabis stigma at her own dispensary

By JOSEPH METZ The Sun

A 50-year-old breast cancer survivor has opened her own marijuana dispensary to minimize the stigma surrounding cannabis and emphasize its benefits.

Cindy Ortiz’s Midnight Greens opened earlier this month on Route 42 in the township. She used cannabis as an alternative to opioids for the first time after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42.

“I … used cannabis for the first time to help deal with the surgeries and chemo,” she recalled.

“During the chemo,” said Cori Laphan, a close friend of Ortiz, “she had a hell of a time. She used marijuana and it really helped her get through everything.”

Ortiz decided to teach others about the benefits of the marijuana plant.

“When I realized how beneficial it was,” she recalled, “I tried to educate people on it and break the stigma around it. Most people associate it with stoners just looking to get high, but it helps with pain and helps reduce anxiety. Education is a

big part of it (the dispensary).”

Another goal of Midnight Greens is to help women feel more comfortable shopping there.

“Our ultimate goal is to help make women more comfortable going in,” Laphan noted. “When I went in for the first time, I was really intimidated. But the employees were really helpful and they helped me feel more comfortable in there.”

“We have a VIP space to make it more female friendly,” Ortiz noted of the dispensary. “We’re trying to curate to the single moms, the soccer moms. We’re trying to make it more female friendly.”

Ortiz’ family was hesitant when she told them she was opening Midnight Greens. But that changed when they recognized the close community involved with the store.

“This is a professional business with a community behind it,” she pointed out. “The

women involved in all of this really help each other out as well, which has helped ease my family.”

The business so far has earned positive reviews from customers, many of whom are seniors, according to Ortiz. The township has also been a help.

“The staff is wonderful and they know a lot,” observed Ortiz. “They’re very helpful and can answer any question about the plant.”

“She’s relatable, honest and she wants to help people,”

Laphan said. “She’s very involved in the business. Seeing someone accomplish this, especially at her age, is truly amazing.”

Courtesy of Cindy Ortiz

Cindy Ortiz (center) poses with the staff at her dispensary, Midnight Greens, on Route 42 in the township.

SPECIAL SECTION | APRIL 2024

Lifestyle

Play All Day at Game Friendzy!

Gamesters, every Saturday it’s “play all day” for just $5 at Game Friendzy in Cherry Hill!

Play mah jongg, canasta, pinochle, bridge, poker, Monopoly, Rummikub, cribbage, Scrabble, chess, checkers – whatever games you want – every Saturday for just $5/person (plus tax).

The Saturday “Day of Play,” the best deal in town, runs 10 am-4 pm at Game Friendzy, South Jersey’s premier tabletop gaming destination, located at 7 Carnegie Plaza, near the intersection of Springdale and Church roads.

to the game tables for more playing time! The facility features a kitchenette complete with a microwave to heat items up and a refrigerator to store cold items.

Bring the kids to play games they can choose from Game Friendzy’s huge wall of board games, featuring favorite classics and new selections. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A facilitator can help with game choices, basic instructions, and getting the games started.

of colorful and interesting puzzles, in a range of difficulty levels.

The Saturday “Day of Play” is the perfect way to spend a rainy day, a sweltering day, or a plain old boring day in a spacious venue outfitted and equipped for fun. Reservations are not necessary, just show up ready to play!

Game Friendzy is an accessible facility with free parking and complimentary snacks, coffee, and tea every day.

Come with a table of friends and play mah jongg or canasta to your heart’s content – no two-hour time limits! Play, go out for lunch or eat a bagged lunch at the tables in the sunny lobby, and then return

Simple crafts are also available to create for a small extra fee.

Puzzle lovers can spend a peaceful afternoon puzzling over one of our wide selection

For more information about the “Day of Play;” Game Friendzy’s weekly schedule of games, lessons, and special events; or to inquire about holding your meet-up event at Game Friendzy,, call 856795-PLAY (5729), email info@ gamefriendzy.com or visit www. gamefriendzy.com.

The Burlington County Farmers Market

The Burlington County Farmers Market has been welcoming its 18th season of celebrating local farms and food vendors a little earlier this year. This season, we have decided to shine a spotlight on what our ag vendors and food makers are doing in March and April by hosting 4 Pre-Season Farmers Markets.

Our final Pre-Season Farmers Market will be held at the Burlington County Agricultural Center at 500 Centerton Rd. in Moorestown, NJ on Saturday, April 27th from 10am – 1pm.

Shoppers can expect to see springtime bounties from Black Sheep Farm and Pinelands Produce, as well as artisan cheeses, honey, mushrooms, and farm-fresh meats from Cherry Grove Farm, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Davidson Mushrooms and Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy Farm. You can also expect some more of your favorite food vendors like Wildflour Bakery, Tis So Sweet, Jersey Pickles, Our Souls Shine, Mom Mom’s Polish Food, Settantatre Pasta Co., and much more.

When your tote bags are full of your amazing market finds, enjoy some food and drink prepared by Humble

Spud, The Soup Bar, Tea-ForAll and Our Souls Shine while listening to live music.

Your gardens are calling!

On May 11th, we’ll have our Annual Opening Day celebration for our Regular Season Market! We’ll be back in the swing of things with old and new vendors, with a special emphasis on all things ‘Garden’. We’ll have floral bouquets, peonies, potted bulbs, houseplants, vegetable & herb seedlings, hanging baskets, daylilies, butterfly flowers, annual flats, and native plants. You can also look forward to learning a thing or two from our garden-theme talks and demonstrations. We’ll also have some hands-on activities for kids, with the focus on Mother’s Day. Find Bart’s Flowers, Springville Herbary, Hope Sprouts, Buds & Botanicals, Peonies, Petals, and Poseys, Oak Tree Acres and more to get your gardens ready for the season.

Please visit our new website - burlcoagcenter.com to sign up for our weekly newsletter for information on the farmers market. Link us on Facebook - Burlington County Farmers Market / Follow us on Instagram - @burlcofarmersmarket.

Play All Day at G a me Frien dzy!

Saturday “Day of Play,” the Best Deal in Town, Runs 10am-4pm

Come with Friends and Family to Play Board Games from Our Extensive Game Center; Games Include Mah Jongg, Canasta, Pinochle, Bridge, Poker, Monopoly, and Many More - Every Saturday for Just $5/ person (plus tax)

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7 Carnegie Plaza, Cherry Hill

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Roast Sirloin with Chimichurri Sauce

Grilled Salmon with Coconut Pad Thai Sauce

Slow Roasted Boneless Lamb with Rosemary Bordelaise Sauce

Mixed Vegetable Medley

Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Farfalle Primavera with Olive Oil

Shrimp Cocktail

Sliced Smoked Salmon

Hickory Smoked Bacon & Grilled Sausage Links

Forsgate Breakfast Potatoes

Vanilla Maple French Toast

Freshly Baked Muffins, Bagels, Croissants & Danishes

Display of Imported & Domestic Cheeses

Display of Assorted Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Assorted Chef Salads

Tomato & Mozzarella Platter with Fresh Basil Chicken Fingers, French Fries and Mac & Cheese

Assorted Desserts

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Members: Non-Members:

11 am & 2 pm

Adults: $49 95++

Children 4-12: $25 95++

12 pm & 3 pm

Adults: $54 95++

Children 4-12: $26 95++

Complimentary for children 3 and under

48-hour Cancellation Policy Applies

Credit cards charged 48 hours in advance ++Plus tax and service charge.

Make your reservation before Monday, May 6th at 12 pm

Members can make a reservation online or in the Forsgate app

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The cigar lifestyle offers a multifaceted experience

The cigar lifestyle is a captivating and timeless experience that has enthralled individuals for centuries. It is a practice that goes beyond the mere act of smoking, encompassing an intricate culture and a sense of camaraderie among enthusiasts. The allure of the cigar lifestyle lies not only in the pleasure of smoking a premium cigar, but also in the artistry, craftsmanship, and the stories that accompany it.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the cigar lifestyle is the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating a premium cigar. From the seed selection to the cultivation, fermentation, and rolling process, every step is carefully executed to ensure the highest quality product. The dedication and skill of the master torcedores (cigar makers), are evident in the flawless construction and

the smooth draw of a premium cigar. The appreciation for this artistry is a key component of the cigar lifestyle, as enthusiasts take delight in understanding and discussing the intricacies of each premium cigar they smoke.

Beyond the craftsmanship and tradition, the cigar lifestyle fosters a sense of camaraderie and community. Whether in a cozy cigar lounge or at a gathering of aficionados, conversations and connections flow effortlessly in the presence of a shared passion. The atmosphere created by the gentle curl of smoke and the laughter that fills the air fosters a welcoming environment where individuals from all walks of life can come together, share stories, and forge lasting friendships. The cigar becomes a catalyst for meaningful connections and an avenue for the

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The cigar lifestyle offers a multifaceted experience that extends far beyond the act of smoking. It encompasses an appreciation for craftsmanship, a connection to tradition and history, and a sense of community among like-minded individuals. Engaging in the cigar lifestyle is not merely a pastime, but a journey of discovery, where one can explore the nuances and complexities of a premium cigar while immersing themselves in a rich cultural heritage. We invite you to stop by Heritage Premium Cigar Shop and embark on a journey that promises pleasure, companionship, and community.

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Navigating Medicare Insurance Supplements

Brian Zimmerman has been in the Insurance business since 1989, helping small business owners, individuals and seniors get Health and Life Insurance. Purchasing a Medicare plan can be extremely confusing. Every time you turn on the TV there’s a Medicare commercial or your mailbox is full of advertisements. If you’re turning 65, it’s almost impossible to figure out what plan to go with. Some of you may need help picking up Part B. I’ve been doing this for over 35 years and I represent all the carriers. I’ll make sure your doctors and hospitals are in network and your prescriptions are covered. I listen to what your needs are, such as dental, vision, hearing aids and gym membership. If your income is low, you may be eligible for extra help on RX or Medicare part B. I get paid by the

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Salem County Art Tour –May 18 &

The Salem County Art Tour is an event where artists from all over Salem County share their studios with the public for a free, two-day, county-wide event on May 18 from 10 am-5 pm and May 19 from 11 am – 4 pm.

The tour is a great way to discover the creative talent scattered throughout Salem County. Meet over 40 artists (including many award winners), explore their studios, and see their work. On the tour, you will find fine art, photography, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, and more. Bring the children; they will enjoy our Dig Into Art locations where they can make their own artwork. There is something for all ages and wonderful items to purchase.

The Salem County Art Tour would not be possible without our many supporters. We would especially like to thank our Gold Sponsors – Masten and Ray, CM

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Our Hospitality Supporters offer everything you need for a weekend stay in Salem County to enjoy the tour. Already live in Salem County, then pick a nice stop for lunch or treat yourself at one of the restaurants after your day touring studios. Find more details about these supporters and more at www.salemcountyarttour.com.

If you are not able to travel to Salem County in May, consider joining us for our Holiday Artisans Show on November 16 & 17. For this event, all the artists are in one location for two days. For more information about the tour and the Holiday Artisans Show, go to the web site www.salemcountyarttour.com.

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Singer-songwriter – and TV mogul –John Eddie ready to rock Resorts

By CHUCK DARROW The Sun

To those who remember when singer-songwriter John Eddie regularly played up and down the Jersey Shore, his Saturday gig at Resorts Casino-Hotel may not seem like a particularly big deal. But seeing the Cherry Hill native on the Superstar Theater stage will actually count as a rare sighting.

“We stopped playing, obviously, during COVID; I hadn’t played until last summer,” offered Eddie during a recent phone call to his Nashville home. “I did a couple shows at (Asbury Park’s famed Stone Pony), one in Philadelphia and one at Ram’s Head (in Maryland) and that was it.

“I love playing, but it’s a different beast for where I’m at in my life now than it was when I was younger. So, I’ve only played four gigs in the last four years.””

What’s also different, he continued, is the musical marketplace. When he said he always looks “at the writing on the wall,” he was referring to the tribute-band explosion of the past decade or so. Whether the venues are theaters, clubs or casinos, acts that recreate the music of a specific band or solo artist tend to take up large chunks of the performance schedules.

“The tribute bands are really killing it,” Eddie noted, using the verb in a positive way. “I do a couple of covers in my shows, but it’s mostly original (material). It’s not like it was back when we first started (in the early 1980s). Everyone was trying to be in original bands back then. But now people want to hear songs they know.

“I’ve seen some of these tribute bands,” he added. “It used to be you’d look down on them with dis-

dain, but they’re really good and they really put the work in. I’m just like another audience member when I go see them: I want to hear a song I know, too. So I enjoy seeing them. It’s just not something I’m good at.”

As it turns out, Eddie – who has gained a loyal cult following with his gritty, roots-rocking music and heartfelt lyrics often tinged with a sly sense of humor – had another, far more glamorous excuse for cutting back on his musical performances the past few years: In 2023, Netflix streamed 10 episodes of “Agent Elvis,” a for-adults animated series in which Elvis Presley is portrayed as a super spy working for the U.S. government.

Eddie created and developed the show – the original pitch was “Elvis Presley directed by (“Pulp Fiction” director) Quentin Tarrantino” – with Mike Arnold, a writer for the FX series “Archer”; and the King’s ex-wife, Priscilla, whom Eddie first met some 20 years ago when he was the opening act on two tours headlined by Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie. The series’ star-studded cast included Mat-

thew McConaughey (as Elvis), Kaitlin Olson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and Don Cheadle.

Despite receiving generally good critical and Internet buzz, the series was not renewed for a second season.

“I was co-show runner and cohead writer,” Eddie explained. “So that was a pretty heavy workload. We were working like 10 hours a day for three years on it. I was blessed to have it during COVID, because I didn’t have to play “to earn a living.”

While Eddie is likely disappointed that “Agent Elvis” wasn’t renewed, he certainly appreciates what a huge accomplishment it was to pitch a “crazy idea” to Priscilla Presley back in 2012.

“It would blow my mind when they’d go, ‘We sent the script to Matthew (McConaughey); he wants to do it,’” Eddie recalled. “And I’m like, ‘Really? Matthew McConaughey wants to be in this first thing I’ve ever done for TV?’”

Working with Priscilla Presley and the “Agent Elvis” cast was not Eddie’s first time rubbing elbows with big-time celebrities. On multi-

ple occasions through the decades, he has been joined onstage by Bruce Springsteen. The first time was in 1982 at Big Man’s West, the Red Bank nightclub owned by the late Clarence Clemons, the E Street Band’s beloved saxophone player.

As he recently posted on his Facebook page:

“

42 years ago today … it was Easter Sunday … the first time Bruce jumped up on stage and played with us … There were like 11 people in the audience … I was 22 years old and the guy who changed my life at age 14 with his words and music was standing next to me singing with me and my band … We played ‘Long Tall Sally,’ ‘Rockin All Over The World,’ ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Carol’ … The next day my face hurt … I couldn’t figure out why … Then I figured it out … It was from smiling so hard the night before …Thanks for the kickstart Bruce

While Eddie, who has had his songs recorded by the likes of Kid Rock, Sammy Hagar and Keith Urban, has severely cut back on performing and is mustering most of his time and energy for future TV projects, his fans needn’t worry they’ve heard the last of him, musically speaking.

“I still write, and I’m planning on putting out a new record,” he promised. “I have no thoughts that I’m gonna have a hit record, but I write songs for myself that aren’t good for pitching to other artists.

“So I’m gonna put out another record once I figure out what songs I want to put on,” Eddie added. “I’m blessed; I still write. I could never stop writing music, even if I wasn’t putting it out. My phone has 3,000 songs on it that I wrote. I’m not saying there are 3,000 good songs. But I have 3,000plus songs on my phone.”

TV tie-in 2

Resorts Casino-Hotel has obviously found success with its series of interactive comedy-murder mysteries based on the popular television series staged by Philly-based Without a Cue Productions. The latest offering is “A Dundie Demise: An Office Whodunnit,” whose setting and characters are taken from the sitcom “The Office.”

The program – for which audience members solve a homicide committed during the annual Dunder-Mifflin interoffice awards ceremony – debuted earlier this month and will be repeated this Saturday; Saturday, May 4; Saturday, May 18; and Saturday, June 1 and 8. For tickets, go to resortsac.com/entertainment-and-shows.

TV tie-in 3

Atlantic City has a hometown entry in an upcoming episode of “Guy’s Grocery Games,” hosted by celebrity chef and AyCee casino restaurateur Guy Fieri. Leslie Daniel, executive chef at Kuro, the Asian-focused eatery inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, will compete Wednesday for a $10,000 grand prize on the Food Network cooking competition series. The show airs at 9 p.m.

Courtesy of John Eddie

The Perfect Getaway at Hard Rock Atlantic City

Get ready to experience the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Set on 17-acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will dial up the AC excitement with world-class entertainment and a music vibe unlike any other.

Those looking to unwind can visit Rock Spa & Salon, the #1 Spa in New Jersey as voted by Jersey’s Best. Putting a twist on classic treatments, Rock Spa features 31 newly-designed treatment rooms, including two Rhythm & Motion rooms designed to refresh the mind, rejuvenate the body, and re-energize the spirit.

Experience live music 365 days a year, 7 days a week. From our exciting vibe stages to world-class entertainment, there is a vibe for everyone. This summer, don’t miss Kelly Clarkson on May 10 & 11, Heart on May 24, Snoop Dogg on June

1, Patti LaBelle and The Commodores on June 2, Frankie Valli on June 22, Kesha on July 3, and Bush on August 23.

Boasting more than 15 food and beverage offerings, our restaurants feature innovative menus and highlighting fresh, world-class cuisine and award-winning wine lists. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers USDA prime cuts and delectable seafood selections. Kuro Japanese Craft Kitchen features a variety of dishes with imported ingredients directly from Japan. If you’re looking to indulge in an endless array of seafood, visit Fresh Harvest Buffet every Thursday for our seafood night featuring snow crab claws, salmon, clams, oysters, mussels and much more. Youyu Noodle Bar hosts Happy Hour every day of the week with half price specialty cocktails and shareable plates. Hard Rock Atlantic City has a food and beverage offering for everyone.”

The Original Pic-A-Lilli Inn

The Pic-A-Lilli has been nestled on Route 206 for almost 100 years, and the same family has owned and operated the restaurant for seven generations. The staff is the REAL “Pic Family”, they are always ready to cater to your family. With the warmer weather approaching, the Pic Patio features live music, family games, and Firepit Fridays. Friendly dogs are always welcome! Upcoming Pic Patio events include Sunday May 5 th , a Craft Fair featuring local artisans, Friday, May 24 th , 102.9 WMGK’s Andre Gardner Hometown Show, Broadcast Live! Sunday, June 9 th is the Annual Rodz & Wings Classic Car Show, and a Christmas in July Party mid summer. Enjoy the tunes from talented local musicians Friday through Sunday inside and out.

Stop in, or stop back on your way to the shore, camping, ca-

noeing , whatever your summer entails to enjoy the award winning wings, tails, and ears, famous crab soup, clams casino, crab cakes, chicken pot pie, prime rib, fresh seafood, and more! Always serving ice cold craft beers and featuring local wineries. Delightful homemade features for Moms, Dads & Grads. Call to order Party trays for pick up or inquire about catering at your location. Monday is Trivia Night, Tuesday is Game Show Palooza and as “King of the Wings,” All You Can Eat Wings every Wednesday from 5-9 PM! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Tik Tok!

Fun, authentic & nostalgic, take the trip to the Pic! Pic-A-Lilli Inn, 866 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088 609.268.2066 www.picalilli.com

Please recycle this newspaper.

Casino Night for a Great Cause

Join us for a fun-filled evening of games, prizes, and excitement at a Casino Night Fundraiser benefiting the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Jogues and St. Neumann Churches. The event will be held on Saturday, May 4th (6:30 – 11 pm) at St. Isaac Jogues’ Parish Hall at 349 Evesboro-Medford Road, Marlton.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society provides basic living necessities, such as food, rent, utilities, and car repair, to those in need in our community. Assistance is available to residents in Mt. Laurel and Marlton without consideration of religion, race, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Test your luck at our casino

tables and enjoy delicious food and libations with friends and family. Hor d’oeuvres, served until 8:30 pm, and beer, wine, soda all evening, are included. Tickets are $50, which includes $100 of casino chips. Tickets sold at the door will include $50 of casino chips. Additional chips can be purchased at the event. While cash is preferred, that evening we will also take credit cards and Venmo. Tickets can be purchased after April masses at St. Isaac Jogues, at the Parish Offices of St. Joan of Arc and St. Neumann Churches, at Marlton Diamonds & Fine Jewelry 300 Greentree Road, and at Cherokee Car Care 135 E. Main Street, Marlton. You can also use the QR Code in our AD to purchase Tickets on-line.

Casino games include blackjack, roulette, craps, Texas-Holdem, and a money wheel. Must be 21 to enter. There will be a 50/50 drawing, with the winner announced at 10:45 pm (no need to be present). So far, the pot is over $1,540.

Prizes include concert tickets Bruce Springsteen/Sting/ Green Day), Don Perignon champagne, a golf 3-some with the Member @ Fiddler’s Elbow CC, Coach and Michael Kors handbags, an Ipad pro , Phillies baseball tickets, and more. Proceeds will support the important work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a blast while making a difference!

Be Mobile this Spring!

needs.

Here at Allrite we offer a wide variety of new, pre-owned and refurbished mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, power lift chairs, power lift recliners, accessories and repairs.

Allrite Mobility has been delivering results since we opened in early 2017. Our goal is to provide tremendous value and a superior customer experience to all of our consumers. Our company has a knowledgeable staff experienced in all makes and models of electric scooters and power wheelchairs. We want you and loved ones to ‘Be Mobile Again’ and are here to assist with all of your mobility

We buy pre-owned mobility scooters and power wheelchairs that are no longer needed or are not in use. Our technical staff rigorously tests each scooter and power wheelchair

and performs maintenance and repairs to refurbish it to work like new. Every mobility scooter we sell comes with the scooter manual, an electric charger and the added benefit of huge savings.

Does your mobility scooter not hold a charge for as long as it used to? We also carry a wide range of mobility batteries in store from Deep Cycle, Gel and AGM that will have you up and running like new in no time at all.

Benefiting St. Vincent DePaul TICKET PRICE

$50

Upon arrival

Ticketed guests will Receive $100 in Casino Cash

SATURDAY MAY 4TH ST. ISAAC JOGUES PARISH HALL

Tickets at the Door are $50 but you Receive $50 in Casino Cash CASINO night Auction AND

Also included with the purchase of a Ticket: 1500 Butler served Hors d’Oeuvre’s from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Casino opens at 7:00pm Beer Wine Soda Water served All Night

All are welcome, must be 21 to enter. Please see our article for more details on purchasing your tickets or scan here to purchase on online

Allrite Mobility performs repairs on all makes and models of electric and manual scooters and wheelchairs, from missing or bad armrests, worn out or replacement seats, replacement tires, brakes to repairing electrical systems.

Do you have a favorite color or are you a big sports fan? We love when people make requests to personalize their scooter to better suit their needs!

Visit us online at www.allritemobility.com to learn more about our products and services or stop by our showroom in historic downtown Maple Shade at 123 E. Main Street.

Mark Halford

Hearing Center of Mount Laurel provides ongoing service and support

HEARING CENTER OF MOUNT

LAUREL won “Best of Burlington County” awards in 2020, 2021,2022, & 2023. Located on Route 38, our office is committed to providing the highest quality hearing healthcare. Mark Halford and Dr. Tiffany Berth recognize their responsibility to the community to develop and implement comprehensive and cost-effective hearing healthcare which benefits our patients.

Hearing Center of Mount Laurel works with top hearing aid companies Starkey and Phonak to offer standard or rechargeable hearing aids that provide outstanding sound quality, background noise reduction and tinnitus management. They can stream calls and other media directly from phones and TV’s. We also have mini-microphones and remote controls for patients with more difficult situations. Starkey’s newest hearing aid, the Genesis AI, has been gathering rave reviews from happy patients and hearing aid providers alike. Genesis AI features integrated sensors and artificial intelligence for superior sound quality, connectivity and fitness tracking. Phonak’s newest aid, Lumity, offers personalized noise canceling, speech enhancers and universal Bluetooth connectivity to multiple smart TV’s and cell phones at the same time. Save up to $1,000 on a pair of rechargeable Starkey or Phonak devices when you bring in our ad from this newspaper. Our practice offers free hearing tests, consultations and demonstrations to people who want to hear and understand better. We help them identify the hearing aids that best suit their lifestyle,

budget and hearing loss.

Hearing Center of Mount Laurel provides ongoing service and support as our patients start their journey to a better quality of life. See our ad in this paper for more information. If you or a loved one is struggling to understand, please call Mark and Tiffany at 856-234-8844 for an appointment.

Since 1955, Viking Casual Furniture has been Delaware Valley’s premier source of quality patio furniture, dinettes, wicker furniture, mattresses, bars and barstools. Always prepared for the latest trends, Viking is ready to update your backyard this spring with 2024’s most in-demand outdoor furniture and accessories. Last year’s trends saw intimate and cozy backyard areas furnished with conversation fire pits. This year, those spaces are growing larger and becoming outdoor rooms. Complete with sectional sofas surrounding fire pits, these rooms are tied together with complementing weatherproof rugs and throw pillows.

Dining al fresco will once again remain a standard favor-

ite, which means comfortable yet functional tables and chairs within close proximity to the BBQ grill are a must.

Companies such as North Cape, DWL Garden Furniture, Telescope Casual, Kingsley Bate and Tropitone (all lines carried by Viking) are filling the demand for all your outdoor furniture needs by providing a variety of styles that are durable, weather-resistant, comfortable and casual.

North Cape specializes in high-quality all-weather wicker furniture with thick cushioning in a full spectrum of colors. DWL Garden Furniture is famous for its classic lines and durable cast-aluminum frames. And Tropitone brings you sleek styles with plush seating in a

contemporary look. If you feel you’re fully furnished, you can still freshen up your outdoor spaces with current trending colors.

The Shoppes at Medford Mill

Step into the Historic Village of Medford NJ where you will find

The Shoppes at Medford Mill. We are an Artisan’s Co-op housed in the landmark tapestry mill built in 1908 by one of Medford’s founding fathers. We offer over 60 artisans and vendors under one roof. The Mill is in the center

of a new revitalization of Medford. The Shoppes of Medford Mill won the 2022 and 2023 South Jersey Magazine “Best Of The Best” for Shopping Destination. The Mill is within walking distance of a variety of local restaurants, breweries, historic homes, and shops. Park downtown or

The bold, bright tones from 2024 are being replaced this year with softer, slightly muted colors. Buttery hues are supplementing lemon yellow, lime green is being taken over by avocado, and those brilliant reds are tempered down into rust or gray tones. All furniture from Viking comes fully assembled and they offer hassle-free delivery throughout the Midlantic Region, including down the Jersey shore. As an added bonus, if you hurry in now, you’ll be able to take advantage of some special pre-season pricing. Visit us at 123 E. Main St. in Maple Shade. behind the Mill for your hassle-free shopping experience.

After a long week, come unwind in Medford start with dinner at the Shoppes at Medford Mill. We are open Tuesday through Sunday at 11am and stay open later, at weekends. Come enjoy dinner at one of our local family-owned restaurants, coffee houses, breweries, and family-owned winery. Then take a short walk down Charles Street with your brew and experience everything the Shoppes have to offer. After picking up your one-of-a-kind goodies, end your night out back in our private garden for a little down time under the lights. We look forward to seeing you!

Don’t forget to come back every First Friday of the Month when you can shop late and enjoy special discounts throughout the town. Don’t forget Food Truck Night (held on the 3rd Thursday of each month) and many more Main Street events held throughout the year. A few examples are the Art Wine & Music Festival, Fall Fest and the Annual Dickens Event.

The Shoppes at Medford Mill is located at 18 Charles Street, Medford NJ. 08055. 973-939-1940. themedfordmill.com

The 13th annual Night of Hope

The 13th annual Night of Hope (formerly Hope Gala) will be held Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at The Community House of Moorestown starting at 6:30 pm.

The American Cancer Society’s Night of Hope promises an evening of connection, entertainment, delicious food and drink, a spectacular silent auction, and dancing all in support of the American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission. This unique event brings together top South Jersey businesses, health and community leaders for one amazing night.

Since 2012, Hope Gala has raised more than $1.7 million to fund the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. The event committee is thrilled

to be continuing the incredible tradition and legacy of Hope Gala as it debuts its new form, Night of Hope.

This year’s honoree and recipient of the first annual Robert R. Kugler Memorial Mission Impact Award will be the award’s namesake, Robert R. Kugler. Robert devoted his life to family, friends, and the myriad causes about which he cared deeply. Using his platform as a lawyer, Rob served on the board of the American Cancer Society, raised funds for groundbreaking research, and played an essential role in passing the Clean Indoor Air Act through his work with ACS CAN. The event committee is thrilled to have members of Robert’s family in attendance on May 3rd to accept this award on his behalf.

Guests will also hear from Danielle Massi, recipient of this year’s Survivor Hero Award. Danielle is a best-selling au-

thor, international keynote speaker, SELF(ISH)philly Conference Founder, and Cofounder of Modrn Wellness, a holistic healing center in Philadelphia. As a cancer survivor, she has worked to help bring awareness and funding to The American Cancer Society through the ResearcHERS Program and the I Love You, Get Screened campaign.

Guests are encouraged to purchase a ticket at www. nightofhopenj.org. Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.