NJ Lifestyle Magazine Fall 2018 Issue

LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

FALL 2018

A Shore Escape FASHION MEETS FUNCTION • A BIG FAT GREEK VACATION GOING TOPLESS IN THE BMW 403i • EAT YOUR VEGGIES

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LifeStyle View

The Best Things in Life

W

e are so lucky to live in an area that has so much to do. There’s nothing that can compare to strolling down one of our famous boardwalks and enjoying an ice cream cone or catching a summer concert. And as we head into fall, it makes me reflect on how fast the summer comes and goes. But many of those summer activities that we enjoy so much, like boating and the beach, don’t have to end. September and October are some of the best months when it comes to enjoying the outdoors at the Jersey shore. Each fall seems like a new beginning that reminds us of the feelings we had in childhood about going back to school and the excitement of getting new clothes and making new friends.

Someone recently reminded me of a quote by the late Coco Chanel, “The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive.” This is true in so many ways. A walk on the beach in New Jersey doesn’t cost a lot of money, but jumping on a plane and exploring the beautiful wonders of Greece sure isn’t free.

This month, in our September issue, we explore some of those expensive things that make life fun. We’re putting the top down in the convertible BMW and taking some exciting excursions to Ocean Grove and Cape May. In our Social Pages, we catch up with some of the local happenings that took place over the last few months.

We are also working on expanding the magazine in both size and scope with more pages and a larger distribution area. I hope you enjoy some of the changes we're making.

On a sad note, former owner and publisher of this magazine, Bill Scarduzzio, has passed away. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family. Please read the tribute that honors Bill’s legacy.

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Publisher

how to reach us SUBSCRIPTIONS For new subscriptions, changes of address or questions about an existing subscription, call 609.513.0813 or email info@njlifestyleonline.com.

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NJLIFESTYLEONLINE.COM Visiting our website is your connection to South Jersey’s Good Life.

WHERE TO FIND US "NJ Lifestyle Magazine" is mailed to select households in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, and parts of South Jersey.

We can be found at select retail locations, golf clubs, restaurants, doctor offices and more.

CONTENTS Avacado Salad with Citrus, Hearts of Palm, and Red Dulse Photo by Jessica Orlowicz

DEPARTMENTS

30 The BMW 430i combines a sporty driving

experience with the luxuries commensurate with your station in life.

Local Chatter.............................................. 6

56

The buzz on happenings in and around our area.

We explore the Ebbitt Room’s offerings for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to try something different and delicious.

Lifestyle Fashion......................................... 10 Fashion meets function.

FEATURES

Benefits Corner.......................................... 14

Make a Splash................................... 13

Lifestyle Tribute.......................................... 15

6 chic and practical rain boots for Autumn.

A Big Fat Greek Vacation..................... 26 For an exotic cruise vacation, Greece is the word.

Going Topless..................................... 30 The BMW 430i perfectly combines sportiness and luxury.

Eat Your Veggies................................. 56

At Cape May’s Ebbitt Room, eating your veggies is an eagerly-welcomed chore.

Inside the changing workforce landscape in AC. A tribute to NJ Lifestyle founder, Bill Scarduzzio.

Lifelines.................................................... 16 The bye-bye blues.

Lifestyle Wellness....................................... 18 Come home to assisted living.

Health Watch............................................. 20 The health food illusion.

Money Watch............................................. 24 Rules for 529 plans.

On the cover: Whole Charred Artichoke with lemon Aioli and Salsa Verde at the Ebbitt Room. Photo by Jessica Orlowicz. The convertible BMW 430i.

26 If you’re thinking of cruising the Mediterranean this

fall or winter, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime.

Lifestyle Entertainment.............................. 34 A musical romance, of sorts, stands the test of time.

Lifestyle Opinion........................................ 37 Midterm media frenzy.

Lifestyle Road Trips.................................... 38 Secret gems in a gem of a town.

The Social Scene........................................ 42 Get the picture on the latest events and happenings.

Lifestyle Cooking........................................ 52 A food vacation at the Atlantic City Country Club.

Lifestyle Wine............................................ 60 Revealing Spain’s noble grape.

Dining Gallery............................................ 62 All the details on the area’s great dining venues. njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Fall 2018

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LifeStyle NEW JERSEY

MAGAZINE

Publisher

Nick Valinote Creative Director

Darla Hendricks Copy Editor

Alyson Boxman Levine Contributing Editor

Lisa Johnson Contributing Writers

Call today 609-214-1058 Uber rates with black car service.

2018 Gala Concert The Event of the Year An Evening with

Jason Alexander

John D'Angelo Dennis Hayes Harry Hurley Phaedra Laird Alyson Boxman Levine Michelle Dawn Mooney Felicia L. Niven Marjorie Preston Matt and Tom Reynolds Elaine Rose David Spatz Robin Stoloff Photographers

Paul Dempsey Kristian Gonyea Jessica Orlowicz Justin Tinel Nick Valinote Eric Weeks Online Media Info.

www.njlifestyleonline.com

Saturday, Sept 29, 2018

VIP EVENT Dinner w/Open Bar Concert (w/Jason Alexander) Post-Concert Dessert Reception VIP Event Tickets: BayAtlanticSymphony.org Concert Only Tickets: theBorgata.com

New Jersey Lifestyle is published by Nicholas & Partner’s Media, LLC. The entire contents of New Jersey Lifestyle are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. Nicholas & Partner’s Media, LLC assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. Nicholas & Partners Media, LLC reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse editorial material and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. NJ Lifestyle Magazine and Nicholas & Partner’s Media, LLC assume no responsibility for writers opinions and contents. All correspondence should be sent to:

Nicholas & Partners Media, LLC

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

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PO Box 1183, Absecon, NJ 08201 Telephone: 609-513-0813 info@njlifestyleonline.com • njlifestyleonline.com

Rough storms call for strong anchors.

Whether you’re a parent concerned with a custody arrangement, a property owner with a complex land use issue, or a contractor contemplating litigation, the attorneys at Hankin, sandman, palladino and Weintrob have the experience to protect your interests, even in the choppiest of waters.

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Main Office Atlantic City 30 South New York Avenue | Atlantic City, NJ | P: (609) 344-5161 Cape May Court House Office 18 N. Main Street | Cape May Court House, NJ | P: (609) 465-5557

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LifeStyle Chatter

THE BUZZ ON HAPPE NINGS IN AND AROUND OUR AREA Local Comedian Returns to AC

Butch Bradley

FUNNYMAN BUTCH BRADLEY returns to his hometown on September 23 when he brings his comic act to the Hard Rock Atlantic City.

With his constant manic energy, Bradley doesn't just warm-up an audience, he sets them on fire.

Bradley started his comedy career as a founding member of the Boston Improv troupe.

A veteran of The Laugh Factory, The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Tropicana Comedy Stop, The Comedy Connection, and Comic Strip NYC, his extensive experience has earned him opening spots for comics such as Ray Romano and Lewis Black. Bradley's dynamic upbeat humor and fast-witted improv make him popular and keep his audience howling for more.

Carve Wars Invade Annual Festival

VISITORS TO THE ATLANTIC CITY Seafood Festival on September 8-9 at Bader Field will be treated to a very unique performance. While enjoying the delicious seafood, attendees will also experience Carve Wars, a unique high-octane performance art experience that delivers an exciting combination of chainsaw carving and competition. Be sure to check out these amazing artists as they create their masterpieces onsite.

The Atlantic City Seafood festival gives attendees the opportunity to experience this seaside city as a culinary destination. It is also a great opportunity for foodies and food seekers to meet some of Atlantic City’s most unique chefs and restaurateurs, all while eating their tasty creations. From clams to calamari, oysters to ahi, and even alligator too, this festival has it all.

A Classic Big Band Tribute

THE SWEET SOUND of big band music will be heard on September 17 at Josie Kelly's Public House in Somers Point as “Back to the Big Bands,” a tribute to the classic bands of the 30's, 40's, & 50's (with a splash of contemporary thrown in, too) is featured. The Ed Vezinho/Jim Ward Big Band is comprised of some of Atlantic City’s finest showroom musicians. The performance will feature everything from jazz standards to original compositions by co-band leader, Ed Vezinho.

This high-energy, 16-piece jazz ensemble will have you dancing in your seat.

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Beerfest is Back!

CALLING ALL BEER ENTHUSIASTS... it’s that time of year again.

On September 15, Resorts Casino Hotel will present the 6th Annual Craft Beerfest. Specializing in unique, rare, and local craft beers, the event will feature more than 70 signature craft beers from around the country. Regional breweries will be showcased, including: Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, New Belgium, Troegs, Oskar Blues, and Ommegang and premier local craft breweries

including: Tuckahoe Brewing Company, Glasstown 609 and 7 Mile.

All guests will receive a complimentary souvenir sampling glass to try premium craft beers, including: Hennipen Farm House, Breckenridge Nitro Stout, Victory Golden Monkey, Kona Wailua Wheat, B. Nektar Zombie Killer Cider Ale, Terrapin Hopsecutioner, and Brooklyn Sorachi. Beer experts from many of the breweries will be on hand to answer questions.

A Tribute to Miles Davis

END THE SUMMER with some cool jazz. On September 12, the South Jersey Jazz Society Summer Jazz Series will conclude with the much anticipated Kind of Blue — A Tribute To Miles Davis, featuring the Mike Natale Quintet, at Clancy’s by the Bay in Somers Point.

Mike Natale was a nationally-known solo trumpeter for 16 years on the Mike Douglas Show in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. He also worked with the Tonight Show Band under Doc Severinsen, and was a Solo Jazz Trumpeter with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Terell Stafford's Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Currently, he is a professor of Jazz Trumpet at Temple University and performs in many of the popular Philadelphia and Atlantic City jazz venues. Joining Mike Natale will be: John Guida, tenor saxophone; Tom Lawton, piano; Lee Smith, bass; and Dan Monaghan, drums. njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Chatter The Evolution of a Pageant

Lights, Camera, Fashion

On the runway at Atlantic City Fashion Week

SEASON 13 OF ATLANTIC CITY Fashion Week will be held September 5-8 at the Showboat Hotel. A multi-day showcase of Ready to Wear and Couture Fashion, Atlantic City Fashion Week will also include a vendor exhibition, seminars, celebrity appearances, retail events, and industry parties.

Past seasons have shown collections from India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, Germany and Russia.

Founded in 2011, Atlantic City Fashion Week is an event that rivals the likes of fashion week NYC, Paris and Milan, and is presented by fashionSTYLE magazine and KingBee Media.

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IF YOU'RE PLANNING on attending the 2019 Miss America Competition on September 9 at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, you will be participating in an historical event.

The Miss America Organization recently announced groundbreaking changes for the competition, declaring that the 51 women will no longer be judged on outward physical appearance.

This change in format signals the end of the swimsuit portion of the competition. In its place, each candidate will participate in a live interactive session with the judges, where she will highlight her achievements and goals in life and how she will use her talents, passion, and ambition to perform the job of Miss America.

“We are no longer a pageant. Miss America will represent a new generation of female leaders focused on scholarship, social impact, talent, and empowerment” said Gretchen Carlson, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Miss America. “We’re experiencing a cultural revolution in our country with women finding the courage to stand up and have their voices heard on many issues. Miss America is proud to evolve as an organization and join this empowerment movement.”

Iconic Resort Sold

IN JULY, STOCKTON UNIVERSITY sold Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club to KDG Capital LLC of Florida for $21,070,000. KDG partner Greg Ogle said the property would keep the name Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, and would continue to be managed by Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham. Troon will continue to operate the two 18-hole golf courses.

“We are excited to be a part of this iconic resort’s future and to contribute positively to the Galloway community,” Ogle said.

Stockton purchased the 104-year-old property for $20 million in 2010 to address an immediate need for student housing to accommodate Stockton’s growing enrollment. The university invested $22 million in capital improvements to Seaview since 2010, and generated $28 million revenue from tuition, fees, room and board paid by students who lived there.

The beachfront housing for 533 students at the new Atlantic City campus, which opens in September, has eliminated the need for student housing at Seaview.

The future of Stockton’s hospitality program is also in Atlantic City, where students can get internships and hands-on experience at dozens of locations. njlifestyleonline.com

Artistic Hardware is proud to Congratulate the A Shore 14u Team on winning the 2018 World Series Championship in Eagle Pass, Texas!

Back Row: Coach Pat McCarthy, Coach Bill Rauzzino, Mark Elliott, Cole Campbell, Ryan Spina, Tommy Finnegan, Matt Nunan, Trevor Cohen, Luke McCarthy, Coach Dave Geiger. Front Row: Jack Hoag, Nick Bozzi, Noah Meyers, Michael Ordille, Coach Lee Geiger. Kneeling: Ben Hoag and Rocco Buondonno.

Lighting n Shower Doors n Plumbing Fixtures n Decorative Hardware n

430 Tilton Road, Northfield, NJ • 609-407-7200 • www.artistichardware.net

Vanities Ceiling Fans n Medicine Cabinets n Accessories and More! n n

LifeStyle Fashion

Fashion Meets Function Tips to seamlessly transition your wardrobe

By Alyson Boxman Levine

ave you ever noticed, or even worse, been friends with that woman who always looks effortlessly well dressed? You know the one. She will appear at the grocery store or a muddy soccer field wearing the perfect outfit, with not a hair out of place. Well, I have a confession to make. For years, I have covertly envied her chic and seemingly-effortless style. And I have, for years, tried to figure out her secret to always looking so well dressed. I’ve even gone to the extent of jotting down her outfit choices and going over them later in my mind, trying to match up something in my closet with those chic pieces she so Red Lace Dress, For Love & Lemons

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Power Red

Boyfriend Blazers

Boyfriend Blazer, Maje

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readily wears. One evening, while lying awake in my bed after yet another encounter with my fashion nemesis, I had an aha moment. Being fashionable shouldn’t be that difficult and, believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be!

When quality pieces are paired with everyday closet items, magical fashion-forward outfits appear. This season, stylish updates come in the form of familiar patterns, colors, and layering tricks, all worn in new ways. Check out these chic transitional outfit options that are not only ridiculously flattering, but remarkably comfortable as well.

Denim Overalls, [BLANKNYC]

Overall(s) Extravaganza

H

nnnPower Red Well, it's official. Red is the color of Autumn, and high-end designers eagerly incorporated this hue into their runway shows for the season.

From sleek rouge outerwear, to monochromatic looks and statement Edgy Outfit, Rachael Zoe

Adding Edge

The Transition Dress

Scarf Print Dress, Sandro

boots, this vibrant color will soon be seen all over the streets. Fall in love with this Emerie Lace Dress from the fashion label For Love & Lemons. Featuring all-over lace, a round neck, and long sleeves with flared cuffs, this open-back beauty possesses both style and elegance.

Founded in 2011 by best friends Laura Hall and Gillian Rose Kern, For Love & Lemons was cultivated on the principles of confidence, femininity, and individuality. The brand is for the woman unafraid to take risks, forge her own way, and embrace a bit of adventure. Their mission is to design clothes that inspire women to embrace their uniqueness in all aspects. Every year, the company donates unsold clothes to non-profit organizations and charities that help women and their families achieve economic independence. nnn Overall(s) Extravaganza Yes, your favorite fashion trend from childhood has returned.

Overalls are the ideal transition piece; they are exceedingly comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and enable you to create many fabulous outfits from one item. To stay on-trend, the fit on the waistline should be comfortable, yet fitted. This easy-to-wear denim onesie from the [BLANKNY] label features a square neck, adjustable Cotton Trench Coat, Talbots

A Classic Trench

nnn Boyfriend Blazers The perfect layering piece to transition your warm-weather style is the oh-so-chic boyfriend blazer. A more casual, relaxed version of a classic suit jacket, this garment features a slightly longer length and is wider than traditional jackets. The best way to wear a boyfriend blazer is over a dress or combined with jeans or dress pants. Try this oversized checkered suit jacket from the Maje label on for size. It features defined shoulders, a pointed suit collar, piped pockets with flaps, and a satin lining. This versatile trend piece adds instantaneous style to any look and is truly an essential closet item.

Maje is the chic Parisian label from Moroccan-born designer Judith Milgrom. Created for a woman who is “a lover of bohemian, feminine fashion,� the brand's softly draped silk dresses and classic coverups in wool and leather are at the top of every fashionista's wish list.

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LIFEST YLE FASHION shoulder straps with slide-button closures, button tabs at the waist, and exposed side zip closures.

Since exploding onto the fashion scene in 2007 with their signature Studded Skinny Classique jeans, [BLANKNYC] has been creating approachable clothing in obsession-worthy fits, fabrics, and design. The Manhattan-born brand couples aggressively-modern silhouettes with the integrity of premium quality — a mash-up of stretch denim, vegan leather, plush knits and industrial hardware transform minimalist basics into runway relevance. The brand’s urban motto reads, “Slip into second-skin skinnies. Let it ride in a moto. Rock a crop. Fill in the [*%!&?#] blank.” nnn The Transition Dress If you must invest in a new dress this season, choose one that is actually seasonless. To achieve this lofty goal, pick a garment that is not too heavy, has a pattern you truly love, and can be dressed up or down with accessories to create varied looks. This go-to dress from the Sandro label fits these parameters flawlessly. With an all-over scarf print, long sleeves, and a wrap-style neckline, this perfectlymade piece, with a fun pleated underskirt, can be worn month after month.

The brainchild behind the Sandro label, designer Evelyne Chetrite’s love of clothing was born in Morocco. Her move to Paris during her teenage years confirmed this initial enthusiasm, and her vocation began taking root in the streets of Paris. She studied law, but sharpened her fashion mind at weekends, working at vintage shops where she formed a circle of loyal buyers who loved her selections.

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When she met her partner Didier Chetrite, the couple embarked on their Sandro adventure together in 1984 when they opened their first boutique in Paris. Her vision of femininity is the basis for her designs; she focuses on her favorite area of expression — the masculine-feminine equation — and shares an indisputable Parisian elegance with those she dresses. nnn Adding Edge Edgy florals and powerful looks are certainly in style this season and a simple way to update your summer wardrobe is to add a fashionforward jacket to a summer dress. Designer Rachael Zoe does it perfectly this season as she continues to makes stylish dressing look effortless. By pairing two opposing looks, a stylish energy is infused in the outfit, creating an easily-current option.

Having spent years as a stylist and editor, Rachel Zoe launched her eponymous label in 2011 as a way to create wardrobe staples that evoke the laid-back spirit of Los Angeles and the downtown energy of New York. Known for its bohemian silhouettes and classic tailoring, the line is suitable for any age and occasion thanks to the innate sense of glamour each piece is imparted with. Heavily influenced by 60s and 70s fashion, Rachel Zoe is known for its statement silhouettes and feminine details. nnn A Classic Trench Everybody needs a classic trench (or two) in their closet. When the temperature begins to drop, this timeless outwear staple is a musthave transition piece. This refined cotton trench coat from Talbots features a notched lapel collar, classic shoulder epaulettes, and modern front welt pockets.

With faux horn buckles and a self-belted waist and cuffs, along with a Varsity-striped interior body lining, this oh-so-wearable item is sure to become an instant classic.

Talbots began from a singular and personal vision, inspired by a joy of discovery and fueled by a commitment to timeless and timely fashion, extraordinary quality, and memorable service. In 1947, Rudy and Nancy Talbot, two passionate and entrepreneurial New Englanders, put an ad in The New Yorker.

And what started out as 3,000 fliers ultimately became a catalog with a cult following — treasured for its spirited voice and modern classic product. Soon they moved into a historic Hingham, Massachusetts house where they painted the front door a welcoming red to signal that here was an oasis of inspiration and hospitality. Through the decades, Talbots has expanded beyond New England and developed a devoted following of smart shoppers who rely on gracious service, great quality, and timeless pieces.

As you dress for the season ahead, experiment with the new trends while holding on to your classic pieces as well. Mix and match old and new styles to find your own personal version of effortless fashion. n

Make a Splash

6 Chic and Practical Rain Boots for Autumn 1. Whatever the day brings, these Sienna Mid-Calf 1.

2.

Rain Boots help keep your feet warm and dry while keeping sleek style in mind. This roundtoe pull-on boot features a removable insole lined with pure wool, a metal rivet logo detail, and a rubber sole, UGG. $65.

2. There's no need to sacrifice style just because

it's rainy outside. Try this Bristol Knee High Rain Boot on for size, with a rounded-toe, accented with gold logo hardware at the belted shaft.

The boot is upgraded with the manufacturer’s signature weatherproofing technology, and features a deep notch at the back calf, making it easy to slip on, DÄV, $97.95.

3. Comfort and quality combine in this glossy,

water-tight rubber boot finished with a tractiongripping sole. This “Original Short” Gloss Rain Boot incorporates subtle tonal design circles at the top, while an adjustable buckle at the side adds interest, Hunter, $140.

4. You will never go wrong with a classic look, 3.

and these delightful charmers will have you happily strolling through the rain. Revised for the commute in a calf-grazing design with a check panel and buckled strap, these boots are practical in detail, with a side zip closure and reliable grip soles, Burberry, $320.

4.

5. You don’t have to live or travel to Scotland to

wear these chic Edinburgh Plaid Rain Boots. The crisp plaid elegance puts a preppy twist on a classic rain boot that lets you brave the weather in style, featuring a rubber upper and sole, Kamik, $60.

6. You will certainly make a splash wearing one

of the lightest rain boots around; and stay dry while trudging through town. The trademarked material of this Jaunt Shorty boot gives you plenty of cushion and comfort, making every day a little sunnier, and features waterproof protection with a rubber outsole that improves traction and comfort, Croc, $39.99.

5.

6.

Former Manhattan writer and editor, Alyson Boxman Levine currently resides in Linwood, N.J. with her husband and teenage son. When not researching facts for her latest manuscript, Alyson can be found enjoying the countless amenities offered at the Jersey shore or in the kitchen trying out one of her latest recipes on her family and friends. njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Benefits Corner

Staffing Secrets Inside the Changing Workforce Landscape in Atlantic City

By John D’Angelo CEO, The Forza Insurance Group John D'Angelo

WITH THE OPENING of two new Atlantic City casino operations and the rapidly-expanding East Coast casino market, it is getting harder to recruit and retain employees.

Training an employee in the casino industry can range upwards of thousands of dollars, depending upon job scope.

Still, employees are willing to migrate to new employers for a minimal wage increase and/or a small bump in benefits. An employee is the most important investment for an employer, outside of material infrastructure. The financial wellness of an employee, in conjunction with their physical wellness, has a direct correlation to employee performance, morale, and retention.

Another trending issue is the growing part-time employee population in Atlantic City. Due to the Affordable Care Act and the high cost of employer paid health care in New Jersey, segments of employees are forced to part-time positions to avoid minimum health care requirements. This employee segment is historically overlooked in regards to core benefits and services, leaving them overly exposed. Moreover, after being hired and trained, part-time employees are willing to shift employers for modest enhancements around any level of protection.

What can change to profoundly benefit both sides? After representing multiple large, well recognized national brand employers and conducting countless employee, employer and union focus groups, the solution is to disrupt the traditional approaches. This includes employee education and communication, custom benefit designs, benefit enrollment, onsite wellness clinics and an employee user friendly approach to both benefits and lifestyle benefit options.

Whether part-time or full-time, every employee’s needs

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and pain points are different, largely dependent on scope of work, risk, and income. The cookie-cutter approach to benefits and employee education across an entire employee population no longer works.

It is now crucial to custom design core coverages and voluntary gap coverages specifically for the groups’ demographics. As important, is to properly communicate such options to employees in a way they can understand and appreciate, around their individual needs. Provide options to employees, not just for core benefits, but lifestyle benefits, with concessions they can obtain in the outside market. Make wellness a priority by incorporating reward based initiatives and exploring onsite mini clinics.

Finally, as it pertains to retention, it is essential to implement a custom employee communication strategy that addresses education level and language barriers. Too many employer’s education strategy today is geared exclusively for white collar employees, overlooking the rest of the population.

If an employee doesn’t understand the value an employer is bringing to them, an employee will reflect no appreciation.

Without appreciation, there will be no loyalty.

Forza Insurance Group is a national Atlantic City-based company focused on the design of customized voluntary benefit plans, employee education, and state-of-the-art enrollment.

LifeStyle Tribute

A Tribute

Bill Scarduzzio, founder and former publisher of New Jersey Lifestyle

William Henry Scarduzzio 1932-2018 In August, we sadly said goodbye to Bill Scarduzzio, the founder and former publisher of New Jersey Lifestyle.

Surrounded by his loving family, he entered into eternity peacefully on August 7 in Sarasota, Florida. William is survived by his faithful wife Barbara of 45 years, daughter Darla Barbara Hendricks, son Craig Scarduzzio, son-inlaw Scott Hendricks, and grandchildren Victoria, 15, Trevor, 14, and Karley, 9.

William Henry Scarduzzio was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1932. A successful businessman throughout his career, Bill owned an advertising agency in Cherry Hill, N.J., two women’s clothing stores in Harrah's, Atlantic City, an insurance agency in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey Lifestyle magazine. His business associates couldn’t say enough about his excellent and creative business sense, and described him as “a great salesman and very friendly.” He was always willing to help out a friend or treat a client with a gift or dinner.

While he achieved much success in the business world, Bill's number one priority and passion was always his family. He was, above all, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His smile lit up the room and he will be forever remembered as someone who loved to make people smile, often telling one joke after another.

He also had a passion for shopping, designing, and classic cars. He was always redecorating the house and starting new projects. As an avid car enthusiast, corvettes and cars from the 1950s were fascinating to him and he owned quite a few throughout the years.

Bill enjoyed spending time at the

Bill and his beloved wife, Barbara

clubhouse in his development with family and friends. He loved to play billiards and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the game. He was a fantastic player and when he played, he'd often clear the table as everyone would gather around him to cheer him on. He was always eager and ready to teach someone new shots if they asked for his help.

William Henry Scarduzzio was a big-hearted soul. He will be missed dearly by those whose lives he touched and who loved him so much. His was a life well lived and may he rest in peace. Until we meet again ... n

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LifeStyle LifeLines

The Bye-Bye Blues The Beauty Behind Saying Goodbye to Summer and a Whole Lot More

By Michelle Dawn Mooney

I

It’s time to bid summer adieu, folks. Even if you’re comforted by the fact that technically summer isn’t over until September 22nd, even that deadline is looming.

What is it about saying goodbye that’s so hard to do?

I guess it simply comes down to not wanting to let go of something good, or at least wanting to hold on to it a little longer. We've been spoiled with extra hours of daylight, fun in the sun, and picnics and barbeques with family and friends. Who doesn’t want to keep the good times rolling, right? Well, hopefully you can find a little solace in these three words ... change is good. I know it may not seem like it in every situation, but a lot can be said for being forced to move on from something when it’s the last thing in the world you think you want to do. Wait, are we still talking about summer? Yes and no.

Saying so long to summer means saying hello to some pretty amazing things that are synonymous with this time of year. I think of September as the seasonal launching pad for sweaters and boots, hay rides, pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING, and my favorite — the beautifullycolored leaves. I’m always so sad when the leaves start turning brown and fall off the trees (even sadder when they need to be raked), but if it wasn’t for that cycle of life and saying goodbye to those gorgeous colors in the fall, we would never see those trees bloom green again in the spring. As Boys II Men said, “It’ so hard to say goodbye.” But whether it’s the end of summer, the end of a relationship, or the end of a wonderful chapter in our lives, sometimes a goodbye is what we need to help move us into our next personal cycle.

Anyone ever lose their job after their company sold, only to find a new job that was an even better fit? I have, twice. Ever lamented over a failed relationship that pushed you one step closer to meeting your soul mate?

Been there, done that. As hard as it may be, sometimes saying goodbye can help pave the way to the next chapter

in our lives. Just as kids are embarking on a new school year full of new possibilities, we too can use the end of summer as a time to reflect on the past and learn from our experiences so that we can be inspired and motivated as we head into the future.

It was exactly one year ago when my family and I were relishing the spotlight put on our beloved rescue Boojee, who I featured in my article about the joys of pet adoption for the Fall 2017 New Jersey Lifestyle edition. I shared my personal story of the pros and cons of taking on the responsibility of caring for a four-legged family member, with the love and cuddles you receive far outweighing the doggie tantrums, raided pantries and “not so accidental” accidents. Little did we know that in just a few weeks we would be forced to say goodbye. There’s that word again.

The intense pain felt after we lost him at the age of 15 was something I never even thought possible.

A few months later, my husband and I were in the kitchen when he asked me if it was time. My emotions were still a little jumbled. Had enough time passed to honor Boojee’s memory? Was it too soon for us to open our hearts again? All those questions were quickly answered when we came across a loveable rescue named Rocky. He joined our family just before Christmas and was, without a doubt, the best gift under the tree. He has become our little lovebug and the heartbreak we felt after losing Boojee has been replaced with tons of smiles when we think of how blessed we were to have him here with us for so long.

Goodbyes can be tough. Saying goodbye to a season can in no way compare to letting go of something or someone we truly love, but in each case the same principle can often be applied. Having the chance to experience that love in the first place is a gift. When it is with you, cherish it, and when you have to say goodbye, you’ll be left with fond memories of what a blessing it truly was. n Michelle Dawn Mooney is a nationally-recognized author, as well as a TV and radio personality. She has co-hosted numerous radio morning shows and was the former long-time anchor for Atlantic City's NBC affiliate.

Currently the lead anchor for SNJ Today, which airs M-F at 7 & 11 PM on Channels 4, 26 and HD 789, Michelle is also the creator of the lifestyle brand “Middays with Michelle Dawn Mooney.” Her variety show podcast and daily/weekly features — offering inspirational stories and helpful tips to promote positive living — can be found at michelledawnmooney.net.

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LIFESTYLE | Fall 2018

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Lifestyle Wellness

Come Home to Assisted Living

By Felicia L. Niven

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Fall 2018 |

LIFESTYLE

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Assisted living foyer with original art by Diane Hark

Photos by Alex Anton

TIDY STACKS OF CDs ADORN THE WINDOWSILL OF JERRY RHODES' one-bedroom apartment in Galloway. Strains of Mozart fill the air.

A copy of today’s New York Times lies within easy reach. It’s the very picture of contentment for this 98-year-old widower who is starting the newest chapter of his life at the Louis Edelstein Assisted Living Residence at Seashore Gardens Living Center (SGLC). He’s been here two months, and it’s already home.

“I’m a New Yorker, and I can’t live without the Times,” he confesses. “I’ve been subscribing all my life, including when I lived in Florida for 40 years.” A retired professor, Jerry once taught Public Speaking and English Composition. Now he takes pleasure in crossword puzzles, and making people laugh with a witty comment or joke. “I try to keep them clean,” he says with a glint in his eye.

Jerry came to Assisted Living at the insistence of his daughter, who lives in Linwood with her family. “After my wife passed, and whenever I would get sick, she would fly down on Spirit,” explains Jerry. So now she visits me here or I’ll go to her house for a barbecue by the pool or we’ll go out to dinner.”

Ed Quigley, age 78, also came to Assisted Living at the prompting of his children. Initially, the move was with his wife, Patty, who passed away in January. “We lived on a big hill, and our kids came to me, saying, ‘Dad, you can’t keep up with the leaves and the snow.’ Patty was diabetic and also received dialysis. That’s what solidified the decision to move.”

Ed keeps a pillow with a picture of his house on it, but admits “it would be lonelier if I had stayed at home.” As a testament to that fact, he holds court in the Assisted Living library, teasing some of his neighbors as he works on an intricate puzzle at the table. He shares a story of a recent activity that had everyone talking.

“We had a cooking demo that was terrific,” he says. “The Assisted living resident Rose Cruet activities staff made rum enjoying the birds in the aviary. bananas foster for us. My buddy is a diabetic and he didn’t want more than one, so I offered to take a second and drink his half,” Ed says with a smile. While the cooking demo was a special event, the meals at Assisted Living receive generally good marks from Ed, a former Air Force cook. “If you don’t like what’s on the menu, you can always order a wrap or something.”

Both Ed and Jerry enjoy access to the services that make it easier to be independent.

“If you treasure your

independence but also want the security of a support system within steps of your own home, Assisted Living could be the right option,” said Alysia Price, MSW, LSW, CALA, Administrator of SGLC & Assisted Living. “You’ll receive support for housekeeping services, meals, personal care and transportation — as well as access to active social engagements right outside your door.”

Assisted Living residents have their own one bedroom or studio apartment, enjoy three kosher meals daily in a private dining room, and a schedule of activities including stimulating programs, exercise, themed parties, trips, a beauty salon, gift shop. Plus, they have access to a highly-trained professional staff to see to their needs. It’s so successful that it’s been voted the best Assisted Living program in South Jersey, four years in a row by readers of The Press of Atlantic City.

“A friend took me here for a visit and I immediately fell in love with this place,” says Assisted Living resident Rose Cruet. Rose had worked for 14 years in an Assisted Living facility out of state, which made her aware of how a well-run organization should work.

She was very impressed with the Louis Edelstein Assisted Living Residence at SGLC. “It was my choice to live here. I enjoy the fact that I’ve made some wonderful new friends. I take part in exercise classes, crocheting, shopping trips, and I enjoy hearing the musical entertainment presented weekly.”

“Assisted Living brings peace of mind to our residents and their families,” says Alysia Price. “They know that they’re well cared for, and if they should need medical care that we’re right here. In addition, it’s social. The face-to-face interactions that we may take for granted each day are very important, and increase the lifespans of our residents. We encourage you to schedule a tour and see just how Assisted Living can help your loved one maintain his or her independence.”

To set up a tour, email troncoa@seashoregardens.org or call (609) 404-4848. n

Seashore Gardens Living Center Located on a 20 acre campus in Galloway, this 125,000 square foot senior Living Center is truly an environment for living. Our resident-centered culture includes: • Rehabilitation • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing Care • Hospice Care • Alzheimer’s/Dementia Services • Short-Term ‘Respite’ Stays • Independent Housing • Home Care/Outreach It’s a place you can call home. You have to take a tour and see for yourself!

Call (609)404-4848 or visit SeashoreGardens.org to schedule your tour today!

22 West Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway NJ 08205 www.SeashoreGardens.org • office@seashoregardens.org

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December 1st, 2018 — Tropicana AC Call 609-748-4614 for details/tickets Seashore Gardens Living Center is an independent nonprofit 501( c)(3) Home for the Aged

LifeStyle HealthWatch

The Health Food Illusion 12 Foods That Are Not as Healthy as We Think

By Robin Stoloff

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LIFESTYLE

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WHEN WE HEAR SOMETHING AGAIN AND AGAIN we tend to accept it as the truth. When it comes to nutrition, there are certain foods we just believe are healthy or good for us, but many times they are not. Product labels don’t make it any easier with their claims of “all natural”, “100% whole grain” and “reduced sugar.”

Some of our favorite drinks, snacks and meals are not quite as good for us as the manufacturers would have us believe. Yet, what we put into our bodies can greatly impact how we feel, how we look and our risk of illness.

Below, we break down the top twelve foods that are not as healthy as we think. The good news is that many of these foods and beverages can be made at home, so we can control the exact type and amount of ingredients.

1. Granola A serving size of granola is 1/4 cup. Chances are, you are eating three times that amount, which is triple the amount of sugar, calories, and carbohydrates and not getting enough fiber. It can be a nice oatmeal topper, but most of the granola options that you pick up at the grocery store are loaded with hydrogenated oils and added sugars.

2. Nutrition Bars We tend to think of these as healthy, but they are often just candy bars on steroids. Many nutrition bars are high in sugar, carbohydrates and calories.

Read the label and check out all the nutrition information. You will mostly likely want to choose a healthier snack.

3. Fruit Juice If you are craving something sweet, eating a piece of fruit is much better than drinking fruit juice. Even if it is 100% juice, it still contains sugar and is much more concentrated than a piece of fresh fruit. While fruit has sugar as well, it also has fiber, which is important to a healthy diet.

4. Flavored Yogurt Many flavored yogurts have less than 7 grams of protein. But if you switch to plain Greek yogurt, you'll get more than 15 grams of protein per serving.

Nearly 75% of yogurt eaters opt for fruity flavors, which can contain too much sugar. To get your fill of protein, probiotics, vitamin D, and calcium — without the additives and sugar — choose unflavored yogurt and mix in fresh fruit.

5. Salads This one needs to have an asterisk. The truth is that not all salads are created equally. We want our salads to be packed with high nutrition and lower calories. Build a salad with darker-colored greens njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Fall 2018

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L I F E S T Y L E H E A LT H W AT C H and other nutrient-rich fruits and veggies such as broccoli, carrots and tomatoes.

Nothing ruins a salad faster than loading it up with high fat dressing, croutons and high fat cheese or meat. Choose healthier protein options such as fish or grilled chicken. Make your own dressing so you can control the amount of fat and oil in it.

6. Smoothies Most prepackaged smoothies or juice bar options can have a ton of added sugar and may contain as much as 700 or 800 calories in one serving. Smoothies can be a healthy option if you make them at home, so you know exactly what is in it.

Use fresh fruit as a sweetener instead of sugar.

7. Movie or Microwave Bag Popcorn Many brands of microwave bagged popcorn are made with trans-fats and ingredients that can actually be toxic. Airpopped is the best alternative, but don’t overdo it. Popcorn is still very high in carbohydrates.

8. Trail Mix Did you ever wonder why it is called trail mix? It was originally developed as a food to take along on hiking trails since is it lightweight, easy to store and if done correctly, nutritious. Some store-bought trail mixes contain high amounts of sugar and dried fruits that can contain sulfites, which can be carcinogenic. Your best bet — make your own trail mix at home with small portions of seeds, nuts, raisins, non-sulfite dried fruit, and a bit of dark chocolate.

9. Margarine Many margarines contain hydrogenated oils (trans fats), which we know is not good for us. In general, the more solid the margarine, the more trans fat it contains. Stick margarines usually have more trans fat than tub margarines. Trans fat, like saturated fat, increases blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. In addition, trans fat lowers high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the “good” cholesterol levels. Instead, opt

for ghee butter. It is similar to clarified butter, which is produced by heating butter to remove the milk solids and water. However, in comparing ghee vs. clarified butter, ghee is simmered longer to bring out the butter’s inherent nutty flavor. It can also be heated to a higher temperature before it starts to smoke.

Ghee is rich in beneficial nutrients and contains several fatty acids that are important to health.

10. Sushi This one really kills me because I love sushi. I was recently trying to cut down on carbohydrates and I took the rice out of the sushi rolls and just ate the fish.

There was a huge pile of rice left on my plate. I never realized how much rice I was eating when I went out for a sushi dinner. To be fair, some sushi is not bad for you, but the specialty rolls, like the California Roll and Philly Roll can have 500 calories or more because they can be filled with cream cheese, fake crab, and tempura (fried) shrimp. Instead of rolls,

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Look choose sashimi which is the fish with rice or just the fish (sans the roll). If you have to get a roll, choose basic rolls without a lot of added ingredients.

Better ... not done

11. Anything low-fat or fat-free According to a recent study, low-fat/fat-free foods can contain up to 10% more calories and 40% more sugar. Fat usually equates to flavor, so when fat is removed, companies often add additional flavors and sugar to make up for the fat loss. These foods can often contain more trans-fats. Artificial sweeteners are bad for you. Some contain aspartame which has been linked to cancer.

12. Cereal Unless you're choosing the whole grain option, cereal can cause a surge of blood sugar, which releases insulin and that being repeated every day is not good for your body. The calories add up really quickly and you're hungry before you know it. You can have one portion of cereal and be adding 400 calories to your day. Look for cereal with very low or no sugar.

The bottom line — be aware of manufacturer’s claims and false labels. They are trying to get you to buy their product, so of course they make it sound good. Do your research, consider the source, and do not accept that a food or beverage is healthy or good for you until you have read the label, know the ingredients and educate yourself about it. Just like we need to maintain a car engine so it will run at maximum efficiency, our body needs the highest quality food for us to feel good, reduce our risk of illness and live our best life. n Robin Stoloff is a former TV Health Reporter for NBC 40 in South Jersey. She currently hosts a Sunday morning radio show on Lite Rock 96.9 called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. Robin also produces and hosts health features for SNJ Today (channels 4). You can see her features every Tuesday night in the 7 PM and 11 PM newscasts. A fitness instructor and former fitness competitor, Robin produced her own workout video on the beaches of Atlantic City. Robin resides in Atlantic County with her two children and husband, attorney Richard Stoloff. Visit Robin on her Facebook page “Health Update with Robin Stoloff” for health tips and video features.

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LIFESTYLE | Fall 2018

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LifeStyle MoneyWatch

New Rules for 529 Plans Easing the burden of paying for education

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Fall 2018 |

LIFESTYLE

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THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT OF 2017 will expand the use of 529 Plans to allow savers to accumulate money and pay for education on a tax-free basis. Before we discuss the changes, let’s review the basics. A 529 Savings Plan is an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. You are not required to use the 529 in your domicile state and your plan, regardless of which state is the sponsor, can be used for any college in any state.

Contributions to a 529 Plan are invested and grow tax deferred. If the funds are ultimately used for education, distributions come out federally tax-free. Contributions to the plan qualify for the $15,000 annual gift tax exclusion. The plan has to have a named donor and a designated beneficiary. The donor of a plan retains control indefinitely and only the donor can request withdrawals and can close the account at any time. However, if the funds are used for anything other than education, the earnings portion of the account is subject to income tax plus a 10% penalty. Most plans allow for lifetime contributions of $300,000 or more.

Under the old federal tax rules, 529 Plans could only be used for eligible colleges and universities. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 now allows 529 Plans to cover up to $10,000 of qualified expenses for elementary or secondary public, private or religious schools.

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Advantages 1. If used for education the earnings are tax free.

2. Can be used for elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school.

3. Contributions qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion.

4. Donor maintains control indefinitely and can revoke.

5. Numerous automatic age-based investment options and more than 50 plans to choose from.

6. Transferrable to family members.

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Disadvantages 1. Penalty of 10% on earnings if not used for education.

2. Restrictions on use, see 1 above.

There are numerous plans to choose from, including one’s offered by your home state, but your state’s 529 may not be the best one for you in terms of fees and performance. Fees and expenses for both advisor-sold 529 Plans and direct-sold 529 Plans have fallen over the past five years but direct-sold plans still have lower fees and no commissions. We only recommend direct-sold 529 Plans to our clients and we help them with the investment options and managing the plans as a complimentary service. n

www.jbrcnj.org

Tom Reynolds, CPA & Matt Reynolds CPA, CFP® Francis C. Thomas, CPA, PFS Robert T. Martin, CFA, CFP® Gordon Shearer Jr., CFP® Jeff Hilliard, CFP®, CRPC This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision. Consult your financial adviser, as well as your tax and/or legal advisers, regarding your personal circumstances before making investment decisions.

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LifeStyle Travel

A Big Fat Greek Vacation For an exotic cruise vacation, Greece is the word

By Marjorie Preston

Beautiful sea view of Santorini, Greece

T

hinking of cruising the Mediterranean this fall or winter? Lucky you. You’re in for the experience of a lifetime.

But where to start? There are dozens of ports of call to choose from, clustered along the craggy coasts of Italy, Spain, France, Monaco and beyond. While there’s no place like Rome (or Florence, Venice, Barcelona, Nice, or Marseille, for that matter), for the ultimate in Mediterranean exotica, choose Greece.

You’ve seen dreamlike images of the Greek Isles: the aqua-blue seas and pearly sands, the cliff-side houses, gleaming white, with picturesque blue dome roofs, shutters and doors. Viewed in person, these vistas are even more stunning.

Traveling by cruise ship is perhaps the best way to see the more than 6,000 islands — mostly uninhabited, at least by humans — that hug the beautiful coasts of the mainland. Virtually all international cruise lines offer Grecian tours, and there are loads of boutique cruise options to choose from as well. They run the gamut, from rough-and-tumble working cruises to luxurious five-star floating spas where you won’t lift a finger.

Shipping Out Windstar Cruises, for example, offers intimate yacht voyages to the “land of the gods.” Azamara Club Cruises visit both Greece and Turkey for a matchless two-for-one deal. Desire Cruises, as the name suggests, offers a couples-only “sensual sanctuary,” with “clothingoptional playrooms.”

Of course, many people choose the time-honored “Love Boat”style cruises from major operators like Princess, Celebrity, Viking, Cunard, and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Like seafaring grand hotels, these massive ships are the ultimate in comfort and ease.

There’s a downside, as big boats are not nearly as nimble as smaller vessels in navigating the islands. With several thousand souls aboard, you may experience longer lines as your shipmates embark and head ashore. But for many travelers, these ships — with their well-appointed state rooms, fabulous buffets, on-board entertainment, guided excursions and of course, shuffleboard — are definitely the way to go.

For those who prefer a smaller-scale experience, companies like Greece by Sail allow you to hire entire wooden sailing ships, complete with crew, to tour the Aegean Sea. Or you can book passage aboard an historic tall ship, like the windjammer Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for heiress and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, once the richest woman in the United States (she also owned Mar-a-Lago).

Aboard this exquisitely maintained private yacht, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an Errol Flynn movie as your 16-member crew

White architecture of Oia village on Santorini Island, Greece

LIFEST YLE TRAVEL swings high among the riggings to hand-set 30 square canvas sails. If you’re feeling self-indulgent, book the owner’s cabin. This opulent, all-white suite, complete with a canopied Louis XIV-style bed and marble fireplace, once was reserved for Marjorie herself.

Greece is certainly a cruiser’s paradise, but it’s what you find at landfall that really matters.

Old Town Harbor, Mykonos Island, Greece

Parthenon temple in Athens

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History Repeats Itself There’s no way to see all of Greece in one visit — or a dozen, for that matter. But a beginner’s tour should always include Athens, the cradle of culture, civilization, and philosophy founded some 3,000 years ago. Every street and avenue in this stunning metropolis is infused with history. As you wander past the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Arch of Hadrian, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you’ll swear you can hear the voices of Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Sophocles, whispering to you across the ages.

Keep in mind that scores of other travelers will be just as eager as you to view these architectural wonders, some of which date back to the 5th century AD. In the shank of the season and at certain times of day, trying to catch a glimpse of the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos or the Theatre of Dionysus may start to feel like standing in a checkout line at Walmart. If that makes you feel a little claustrophobic, plan accordingly. Visit in the off-season and in off-peak hours. While the cruise season in the Greek Isles is yearlong, most tourists visit between spring and November.

Many seasoned travelers say early spring is a great time to set sail.

Also, check out travel blogs for ways to dodge the crowds, get around like a native, and otherwise enhance your experience. One that’s highly recommended is Chrysoula Manika’s Travel Passionate website, which includes a Discover Greece section.

Your Big Fat Greek Feast Greek food is beloved around the world, for obvious reasons. Who doesn’t adore baklava, that classic wafer-thin phyllo pastry, oozing with rich honey syrup and chopped nuts? Or dolmadakia, grape leaves stuffed with ground lamb and rice?

Even a simple salad, made the Hellenic way with olives, feta cheese, and vinegar dressing, is a minor miracle of the culinary arts.

And don’t those names fall trippingly off the tongue? Spanakopita (spinach pie). Pastitsio (baked pasta with ground beef and béchamel sauce). Tzatziki (that wonderful flavorful Greek yogurt sauce). Tiropita (Greek cheese pie). Any Greek feast should include ouzo or retsina wine, and ellinikos, Greek coffee served in a longhandled copper pot.

Be sure to vary your dining experience. By all means, check out the abundant tavernas and fine-dining restaurants, but don’t overlook roadside gyro and souvlaki stands. And one tip that always works: go where the locals go.

Islands in the Sun Other must-see Greek destinations include the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, said to occupy the site of the lost city of Atlantis.

The island of Rhodes contains one of the most beautiful, beloved medieval villages in Europe, with ancient churches and a 13th century castle built by the Knights of St. John. The island of Crete — mythical birthplace of Zeus — is home of prehistoric settlements and exquisite 15th century monasteries.

According to legend, on the island of Patmos (“the Jerusalem of the Aegean”), you’ll follow paths once frequented by St. John the Theologian, who was exiled here from Rome, and wrote the Book of Revelation during his stay. It’s a popular pilgrimage spot, with more than 360 churches and the famed Cave of the Apocalypse, where John received the word of God in a cleft rock. Patmos also has gorgeous beaches, a magnificent Byzantine fortress at Chora, and a fairly lively nightlife scene at the port of Skala.

Poet Oscar Wilde once wrote of Greece, “The sea was sapphire coloured / and the sky burned like a heated opal through the air.”

What imagery. In the case of Greece, it’s no exaggeration. Visit there, and see for yourself.

Opa! n

Marjorie Preston is an enthusiastic traveler and writer based in Brigantine. She is now charting an epic coast-to-coast drive that she hopes will take her through at least 20 states.

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LifeStyle On Wheels

Going Topless The BMW 430i perfectly combines sportiness and luxury, seamlessly creating the ideal convertible.

By Elaine Rose

WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE BEST VEHICLE for viewing fall foliage is a motorcycle. Take in the crisp aroma of changing leaves, feel the wind hit your face, and enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of landscapes bursting with color. But for most people, that mode of travel is impractical. So you might want to consider the nextbest option — a convertible. It still offers the outdoor experience of autumn, but provides some protection from hazards of the road, and it can carry more than two passengers.

If you want a convertible that combines a sporty driving experience with the luxuries commensurate with your station in life, take a close look at the BMW 430i. One of the 4 Series cars BMW introduced in 2014, this puppy is a real looker, whether you’re cruising through the Pine Barrens or taking a weekend jaunt to New England.

If the top is up, it’s difficult to tell at first glance that the BMW

430i is a convertible. That’s because the top is hard and not cloth.

That means a much quieter and warmer ride in inclement weather or other situations when you choose not to be exposed to the elements.

But the transition is a cinch, as the top opens or closes in about twenty seconds at the push of a button.

The 430i comes in four styles, two a regular coupe and two of them convertibles. The convertible, starting at $52,950 for the 2019 model year, comes with rear-wheel drive. Spend an extra $2,000 for the 430i xDrive and get all-wheel drive. Both come in three designs, Sport and Luxury at the base price, and M Sport, which starts at $56,350 and provides a more muscular look.

Both versions come with a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo fourcylinder engine that delivers up to 248 horsepower. The 430i has an eight-speed automatic transmission with several driving modes and automatic sport and manual shift modes and BMW’s direct fuel

BMW 430i luxury convertible in sunset orange metallic

LIFEST YLE ON WHEELS

Rear view of the BMW 430i luxury convertible injection. Manual transmission is not available in the convertible. Several convenience packages offer additional comforts and safety gizmos.

The two-door convertible comfortably seats four, and reviewers say that adults will be comfortable in the rear seats once they get inside.

The configuration of the car’s two doors make it difficult to climb into the back seat, unless you happen to be a small child or a very agile adult.

The 430i convertible is rated to get about 26 miles per gallon, quite respectable for a luxury car. The gas tank holds a generous 15.8 gallons of gas, meaning fewer trips to the fuel pumps.

If you’re looking to get a bargain on the 2018 model, you’re already out of luck — unless you’re willing to buy used. BMW of Atlantic City says that their 2018s have sold out, and the 2019s are already on the showroom floor.

New for the 2019 model year are standard Apple CarPlay, parking sensors, and an upgraded instrument panel. As in previous years, the infotainment system is not compatible with Android phones and tablets. The infotainment screen is placed above the dashboard, like an affixed tablet. It does not respond to touch. But it does respond to voice commands, and reviewers said the seemingly complicated system is easy to master and quickly becomes second nature.

“The 430i will hit the sweet spot for most buyers. Its turbo fourcylinder is a strong performer in its own right, and the money you save (on an upgrade) can go toward desirable options,” Edmunds.com wrote in its review of the 2019 model, while stating that the six-cylinder engine of the 440i offers more power. “The 4 series can be a bit of everything to everyone. It’s more civilized than a true sports car (no cramped interior or bone-jarring ride here) yet more sporting than a mainstream family car.”

Wheel on the BMW 430i luxury convertible Nappa-leather covered steering wheel

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Interior with opal white extended Merino leather seats

Or as one Edmunds editor put it, “The 4 Series favors maturity over exuberance.”

Edmunds test drivers noted that the 430i is a “competent, safe and engaging driving partner,” but lacks the power for quick acceleration. It goes from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.

“Don’t expect to outrun many family sedans or SUVs,” they wrote. “It’s best to know up front that this coupe prioritizes comfort and composure over outright speed and pace.”

But the steering — and holding the Nappa-leather covered steering wheel — is ideal for a luxury coupe, the Edmunds editors wrote. Steering response depends on the drive mode chosen. While the ride isn’t noticeably quiet, it isn’t that noisy either. And even the rear seats — once you make your way into them — are comfortable for long trips, they said.

The BMW 4 Series cars “pack in healthy doses of style, luxury, and exclusivity,” Consumer Reports noted. More of a grand touring car than a sportster, “handling is lithe, the ride is steady, and the interior is luxuriant.”

But there is a price to pay for the sleek hard top of this convertible. And that price is in cargo space. With the roof in the up position, the 430i offers a measly 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, Antuan Goodwin noted in his review of the 2018 model for Road Show. Put the top down, and that leaves only 8.0 cubic feet of storage. That will hold a couple of mid-size suitcases or a few carry-on bags, but forget about any long road trip.

If you are driving alone or with one other person, the rear seats fold in a 40-20-40 split to allow for more storage space. Drivers can place a divider in the trunk to make sure there is enough room to lower the roof, Goodwin noted. But the mechanism will not work if you take that divider out to haul some larger items. A first-world problem, to be sure, he said, but annoying nonetheless if you forget to replace that divider.

But the ride is fine, Goodwin said. The windshield deflects air over the passengers when driving with the top down, “and I was able to enjoy music at reasonable volumes and conversations without shouting too much,” he wrote. “There is also a fabric wind deflector that can be placed behind the front seats, but it is awkward to use.”

One amenity that really helps are the neck warmers, which are optional in the BMW convertibles, Goodwin wrote. Vents in the seat back blow warm air over the front-seat passengers’ shoulders and necks, making a top-down drive more comfortable on chilly days.

The BMW 4 Series is designed for the driver, Eric Stafford wrote for Car and Driver. The center console, center stack, and infotainment screen are all angled toward the left side of the front seat.

And the appearance is sure to garner some notice on the highways. “A menacing face and subtle character lines on the 4 Series combine for an aggressive and elegant appearance,” Stafford wrote. “The kidney-shaped grilles, cat’s-eye headlamps, and trademark Hofmeister kink in the rear window line make it unmistakably a BMW.” If you’re carrying some valuable cargo — such as your offspring — in the rear, note that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have yet to rate the 2019 BMW 430i in crash tests. But the convertible is equipped with a front airbag supplemental restraint system, side-impact airbags mounted in the seats, and knee airbags for the front-seat occupants.

Reliability ratings for the 2019 models are not yet available. Michael Slyman, service manager for BMW of Atlantic City, said the 430i is quite reliable. “We don’t get a lot of them back for (repair) issues,” Slyman revealed.

So if you’re in the market for a new set of wheels and want to enjoy the scents of autumn, check out the BMW 430i convertible. And when the winter winds start howling, put the top up and you’ll be just as comfortable as in any other coupe. n Elaine Rose was a staff writer for the Press of Atlantic City for nearly twenty-two years, and during that tenure covered every subject except sports. Her work has won awards from the New Jersey Press Association and the Philadelphia Society of Professional Journalists. She lives in Galloway Township with her cat, Francis.

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LIFESTYLE | Fall 2018

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LifeStyle Entertainment

Through the Years

A musical romance, of sorts, stands the test of time.

By David J. Spatz Judy Collins

Stephen Stills and Judy Collins

Fifty years after the fact, singer and songwriter Judy Collins has finally figured out the turbulent love affair she had with fellow tunesmith Stephen Stills, who wrote the Crosby, Stills and Nash hit Suite: Judy Blue Eyes as an unsuccessful way of trying to win back Collins.

After touring with Stills for the past two years in support of their 2017 collaborative album “Everybody Knows,” Collins can finally look at Stills from both sides now.

Ouch, right? Pun definitely intended. So was Collins’ great big infectious laugh.

“He says the reason we remained friends is because we each married other people, and I guess that’s partly true,” Collins says. “We did stay in touch with one another for all these years, and we have remained friends. And we’ve had long talks and visits in New York and Florida. We both knew there was always something there, and we knew that it was about music. So it’s been a fortunate relationship.”

Collins and Stills hooked up during the days when Crosby, Stills and Nash were just forming. In music circles, their affair made headlines for both its passion and volatility.

Fortunately, after half a century and some emotional distance, Stills and Collins are making a much happier sound together today. The two artists sang together and took their solo turns when they performed before a sell-out crowd at Tropicana Atlantic City earlier this summer.

Maybe they weren’t compatible in the bedroom, but Collins says neither she nor Stills had any doubts they’d click on stage when they began talking about making an album together. Never mind how long they’ve known one another, but they’ve also worked together over the years, too. They did special live shows and TV specials together and, perhaps most importantly, have always maintained a solid friendship.

None of this was lost on the 73-year-old Stills. When he and Collins began rehearsing for the tour last year, he was so enchanted by the sound they made together that he lamented aloud they should have shared a stage together in the late 1960, not a bed.

“I told him if that had happened, he never would have written Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, which is a song I absolutely love, so that wouldn’t have worked,” adds Collins, whose voice still packs the power and enthusiasm that makes her sound far younger than her 79 years.

On the album with Stills — and also live — her voice still curls delicately around the edges of some notes and has the same clarity today that it had five decades ago when she was just making her presence felt

Stills and Collins circa 1968

in popular music.

Stills had written Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, which appeared on the first CS&N album, in an effort to win Collins back after they’d split up. One listen to the number and Collins realized she’d broken up with a musical genius.

But not even Stills’ Mensa-like musical abilities, especially on that song and on another please-come-back-to-me number, Helplessly Hoping, had the intended effect.

“The first time I heard (Suite) I said, ‘Oh my God, this is so beautiful.

But it’s not gonna get me back,’” Collins says with a laugh during a telephone chat.

Today, the song is considered one of the key moments in their show, because she performs the tune with Stills.

“Even after all of these years, the song is just magnificent, and it’s so much fun to sing that with Stephen,” she says. “We actually see people dancing in the aisles because it’s just so wonderful. It’s delicious.

Somehow, people are turning it around in their own minds, to their own relationships, their own histories, their own lives and how much fun the ‘60s was when you weren’t (thinking about) the war in Vietnam.

Everything else about (the ‘60s) was great.”

Collins decision to become a professional musician, singer, and songwriter was pretty much made for her, pre-ordained by her family background. The oldest of five children, her father was a blind singer, pianist, and radio host who moved his family from Seattle, where Collins was born, to Denver.

That’s where she began studying classical piano and made her public debut at 13 performing Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos. It was around that time that Collins, then a protégé of instructor Antonia Brico, was admonished by her teacher because of her developing interest in folk music.

So Collins did the only thing she could think of: she stopped taking piano lessons from her. Brico would go to her grave thinking Collins’ career path was misdirected because of her interest in music other than the classics.

After Collins had achieved international fame, she invited Brico to one of her concerts. After the show, former teacher and one-time student met backstage, where Brico made clear her feelings about her former student straying from the classics.

She took Collins by the hands, looked down at her fingers — the njlifestyleonline.com

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L I F E ST Y L E E N T E R TA I N M E N T same fingers that had already won Collins a couple of Grammys — and told her, “Little Judy, you really could have gone places.”

Years later, Collins discovered that Brico had also experimented with things other than the classics. It turns out that before she became a sought-after classical piano instructor, Brico earned a living playing jazz and ragtime piano.

By the early 1960s, Collins had picked up on the music of folk singers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and with that came her mastery of another instrument, the guitar, and her penchant for writing poignant lyrics. By the end of the 1960s, she already had her first Top 10 single with the Joni Mitchell-penned Both Sides Now, which won Collins her first Grammy Award.

She also began experimenting with other types of popular sounds including show tunes, pop, rock ‘n roll and standards.

Her 1975 recording of Send in the Clowns from the Broadway musical “A Little Night Music” also won a Grammy for song of the year. Although it remains one of Collins’ signature songs, the Grammy statuette went to composer Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the song. But it was Collins’ Top 10 cover that made the song so popular and which many experts believe helped Sondheim win the Grammy.

Despite the various forms of music she performs, Collins won’t choose a favorite. “It’s probably whatever I’m doing at the moment that’s my favorite,” she says.

Lately, her favorite seems to be music she’s been making for the last several years with Ari Hest, a guitar-strumming singer and songwriter who also embraces folk, pop and rock. She’s recorded two albums with him, and the second one, 2016’s “Silver Skies Blue,” earned him his first Grammy nomination and the first nomination for Collins in 40 years.

“That’s the longest anyone has gone between nominations for a Grammy,” Collins says by way of a footnote to the album.

When Stills and Collins performed in the Tropicana Showroom, the audience experienced a greatest-hits moment times two. The pair covered tunes like CS&N’s Southern Cross and closed the evening with Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Stills’ threw in some pre-CS&N music from his days with his old group, Buffalo Springfield (For What it’s Worth). Collins’ delivered Chelsea Morning, Both Sides Now and Send in the Clowns, among others.

What former piano protégé didn’t do, though, was play the piano.

“I don’t do any piano playing in this show,” she says. “I’m just doing rock ‘n roll, and I’ll sing a few of my brand new songs.”

Now that they’re into a second year of touring, Collins says their current road trip probably won’t be the end of the tour. She says they have more than enough promoter interest to extend the tour and possibly even take it to Europe.

“Everybody wants us,” she says with a laugh. “There are not enough days in the month to put in the concerts for the people who are requesting us. So we have a feeling that it may spill over in 2019. We might even be able to work this into an international thing, I don’t know exactly how, but it’s possible.” n

David Spatz is the Emmy Award-winning news director for Longport Media and its top-rated news and talk station, NewsTalk 1400 WOND. His entertainment series, Curtain Call, remains the only television program produced in South Jersey ever to win an Emmy Award. On NewsTalk 1400 WOND, David anchors The South Jersey Edition at noon and The South Jersey Edition Prime at 6, the only live midday and evening broadcast news programs in southern New Jersey.

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LifeStyle Events Mark Your Calendars

september 21

A real musical odd couple: In April, British rocker Sting and Jamaican reggae musician Shaggy released a collaborative album titled “44/876,” with the title referring to the country calling code for the U.K. - +44 — and the North American area code for Jamaica, (876). Sting and Shaggy will Sting and perform cuts from that album Shaggy when the two artists play Borgata’s Event Center on Sept.

21. Tickets are $154, $174 and $204, available through theborgata.com or through ComcastTIX at (877)544-8499.

september 28

Catch her while you can: Touring in support of her eighth studio album, “Liberation” (released June 15), singer Christina Aguilera Christina Aguilera brings her first concert tour in over 10 years to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Sept. 28. Tickets are $82, $102, $152, $202 and are available through ticketmaster.com or (800)736-1420.

october 6

Dems, GOP vs. the comedian: This isn’t Fake Politics. One month before the midterm elections, who better to put the political climate into perspective than Bill Maher? The political commentator, comedian and host of the HBO series Real Time with Bill Maher for 15 years will offer his own comedy Bill Maher interference in the political process when he headlines Caesars Atlantic City on Oct. 6. Tickets are $70.50, $90.50, $110.50, available through ticketmaster.com or (800) 736-1420.

october 13

Think he’s driving for Uber? Anyone who thinks Jay Leno retired when he turned over The Tonight Show to Jimmy Fallon in 2014 hasn’t been paying attention. He continues to tour with his standup act (something he did almost every weekend when he hosted The Tonight Show) and is still on TV with his CNBC series Jay Leno’s Garage, which showcases his love and collection of nearly 300 cars and motorcycles, some of which are one-of-a-kinds. Leno brings his always-fresh, headlineJay Leno based stand-up comedy to the Tropicana on Oct. 13.

Tickets are $59, $79, $89, $119, available through ticketmaster.com or (800)736-1420.

LifeStyle Opinion

Midterm Media Frenzy THE STAKES COULDN'T BE HIGHER REGARDING THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

By Harry Hurley, Political Columnist THE NATIONAL PRINT, digital and electronic mainstream media is feverishly committing media malpractice during this midterm General Election season.

They desperately want to flip 23 Republican House seats on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. The case has now been made. We no longer have a dispassionate, objective national media. They have devolved into partisan campaign consultants and advocates for the Democratic Party. They no longer even attempt to hide it.

Republican United States House of Representatives candidate Seth Grossman has been at the epicenter of this for months because the media smells his political blood in the water.

Grossman is a well-documented and controversial candidate. He's easy for the media to attack.

Grossman has been unambiguous, highly opinionated and provocative for the past 40 years. The media doesn't even have to work hard.

They simply cut and paste Grossman's written and spoken words. It's official, the media is now a lethal weaponized agent.

The media has decided that it is their job to destroy one of the candidates, leaving only their chosen candidate standing. It's dangerous and we're entering a phase whereby there will be no objective contests permitted. Left unchecked, this will ultimately destroy our Democratic Republic.

All vibrant debate will be eliminated. The pendulum that has freely swung back and forth for more than 242 years will be eliminated.

We hear all of the time that this is one of the most important elections in our lifetime. There's no hyperbole this time. Our future is currently hanging in the upcoming midterm election balance. All 435 House of Representatives seats are up for election. Troubling is the fact that at least 370 of these races are over before they even begin.

The next two years of representation in The People's House is going to come down to about 65 races around the country. These races are broken down into these categories: Likely Republican, Likely Democrat, Leaning Republican, Leaning Democrat, Tilting Republican, Tilting Democrat and Tossup races.

Since World War II, The President's Party loses seats in his first midterm election almost every time. Only President George W. Bush did not experience this and it was solely because of the solemn and united national mood following

the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.

The math is very challenging for the Republicans. Out of 65 competitive House races, 60 are held by Republicans and just 5 by Democrats. Democrats have to win 28 of these races to win the majority 218 in The House of Representatives. Fourteen of these House races are currently rated as tossups. Only two of these races are currently held by Democrats.

Long-time New Jersey 7th District Congressman Leonard Lance is currently losing in the polls to his Democratic challenger, former United States Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski.

A turn Congressional Districts from “Red to Blue” list now has a total of 38 Democratic candidates on the list, including State Senator Jeff Van Drew. New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District race between Van Drew vs. Grossman is currently rated “Leaning Democrat.”

The overall number of races (65) that will decide this can be reduced further to only 31. This is the number of races that are either presently a tossup or tilting Republican/ Democrat. Fourteen are now tossups, 12 are tilting Republican and 4 are tilting Democrat.

Van Drew is an outstanding, highly-competent candidate. He's spent nearly 30 years at every level of government. Van Drew is fiscally conservative and socially moderate. He is a throw-back to the President Ronald Reagan/ House Speaker Tip O'Neill era. Van Drew would have been considered a “Blue Dog” Democrat during these past glory days in American history.

Van Drew has already confirmed that he will not vote for Nancy Pelosi to be House Speaker should Democrats recapture the majority. Van Drew is also the kind of Democrat that is not prepared to vote to impeach President Trump should he win the House seat, being vacated by Frank LoBiondo.

At least 50 other Democratic candidates have also confirmed that they will not vote for Pelosi to be Speaker should the Democrats win back the majority. Most of them are also not the types who would vote for impeachment of the President.

Van Drew has fought fearlessly against North Jersey casinos. This was important during the ballot question ear because the former late District 2 Senator and one other Atlantic County Assemblyman called North Jersey gaming “inevitable.” They sold out on the District. Van Drew did not, fighting from neighboring District

1 to materially aid in the fight against bringing casino gaming to North Jersey.

Van Drew also never gave up on the issue of legalized sports betting in New Jersey. Just about everyone called this a “fool’s errand.” These are just two examples that looked like clear losing hands, that ultimately turned out to be big winners. Van Drew played a key role in both.

It clearly demonstrates Van Drew will do the right thing, even when the outcome for success was very much in doubt. Before the election of State Senator Chris Brown, R-2, on a number of critical issues, Van Drew had essentially served as the Senator from both Districts 1 and 2.

Here's something else that you almost never see anymore. Van Drew is highly complimentary towards the outgoing Congressman (LoBiondo) saying: “Our district has been represented by two extraordinary people since 1975 — Bill Hughes and Frank LoBiondo” says Van Drew. “There's a good reason for that. Our values are pretty straightforward. People should come before party differences.”

Van Drew demonstrates that he wants to be a Congressman for every resident in the District.

Grossman is an unapologetic Trump MAGA (Make America Great Again) candidate.

All the while, our ever liberal/socialist loving national media carries on as if it is their solemn duty to place Democrats back in charge of The House of Representatives. Their goal is to take down President Trump and stop the Trump agenda. They are willing to employ any means necessary in an attempt to do so. n Harry Hurley is the president of Harry Hurley Consulting and Communications, LLC. He hosts the daily talk radio program "Hurley in the Morning" 6-10 AM, weekdays on Townsquare Media, WPG Talk Radio 104.1 FM & 1450 AM, where he also serves as the senior programming consultant. Harry was elected to both the Philadelphia (2014) and New Jersey (2015) Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Harry Hurley has also been selected (2015-2018) as one of the Top 100 Most Important Talk Radio Hosts in America by Talkers Magazine. Hurley is also doing national fill-in, on-air talent work for FOX News Radio on their nationally-syndicated platforms.

He has hosted various programs for local television and is the editor and publisher of his news and information website, www. harryhurley.com. njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Road Trips

Secret Gems in a Gem of a Town

The Majestic hotel

Herb Encrusted Alaskan halibut over lobster risotto at SeaGrass

D iscovering

extraordinary places along the scenic coastline of N ew J ersey

By Dennis Hayes & Lisa Johnson

The beach in Ocean Grove

O

cean Grove is truly a hidden gem, located along the Atlantic Ocean, quietly nestled between Bradley Beach and Asbury Park.

After cruising through town to get our bearings, Lisa and I easily found free street parking. The vibe of this idyllic seaside town is like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. Perhaps that’s because of its unusual evolution.

Originally founded in 1869 by Methodist Clergymen as the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, religious overtones remain intact to this day. The beaches are closed until noon on Sunday and no alcohol is sold inside its borders. After a period of decline, beginning in the late 1960s, a new, younger population began to improve things in the early 1990s. Trendy sidewalk cafes and shops soon popped up. Ocean Grove was reborn, welcoming both church members, families and the ballooning LGBT community.

Primarily a summer resort in the past, today the town offers a calendar of year-round events, with performances by famousnamed artists at the legendary Great Auditorium, arts and craft shows, giant flea markets and guided historical walking and house tours. Ocean Grove claims to be home to more Victorian-era structures than anywhere else in the U.S. Of course, the main attraction is the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, so we started the day with a stroll along Ocean Grove’s lovely halfmile boardwalk. We stopped for a break at the Boardwalk Pavilion, which is still used for Sunday services. After enjoying the cool ocean breezes and chatting with some friendly locals, we headed for the Great Auditorium and Tent City.

Built in 1894 for religious celebration, and designed to house 10,000 people, the Great Auditorium remains mostly unchanged to this day. Jaw-dropping architectural features include a barrelvaulted wooden ceiling, widely acclaimed for its acoustics.

Surrounding the Auditorium is Tent City; originally erected for the Camp Meeting Association, the 114 platform tents are now occupied by summer tenants. The demand is so high for these tiny canvas rentals that there is a ten year waiting list!

Following Pilgrim Pathway, we headed over to Olin Street to grab a bite to eat at one of Ocean Grove’s secret treasures — the Starving Artist. Located in a building that owner Frank Teixera said is over 140 years old, it offers both indoor and outdoor dining.

Serving breakfast and lunch, the menu includes some creative items like Eggs Benedict over Crab Cakes. We ate indoors the first time...yes, I said first time; the food was so good we went there for breakfast our first day and lunch the next, sitting on the delightful back porch. We enjoyed the specialty omelettes and salads during our visits and highly recommend their coffee, WB Law, made exclusively in Newark.

We spent the afternoon touring downtown, admiring the Victorian architecture and taking in the history and beauty of Founders Park. Arriving at Main Avenue, we visited many of the boutiques that line the street, experiencing the true essence of small town charm.

Don’t miss Mermaid’s Yuletide, where we found a salty Santa greeting guests outside and shore-themed holiday décor inside.

Walking down to Wesley Lake, we spied the attractions of the njlifestyleonline.com

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LIFEST YLE ROAD TRIPS

Owners Frances and Jennifer Majestic-Plotino with Santa at the Mermaid's Yuletide 42

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Burrata Cheese Salad at Bia Nagle's Ice Cream Shop

60-seat European-style bistro with both indoor and outdoor dining.

We made reservations for dinner that night. When we returned, our new friend Natalie was now our server and sat us at a table on the porch with an ocean view. We started with lobster bisque. Chef Jason Blankley’s presentation was spot on, so much so Lisa hesitated on “disturbing” the artistic swirls on its surface. She was glad she did.

The bisque was full of flavor with a velvety, creamy broth and lots of lobster chunks.

I ordered a mouth-watering burrata salad with cheese floating on top of mixed field greens and covered with a flavorful pesto sauce.

Lisa chose the Tropical Greek salad special with mixed greens, fresh watermelon and cucumbers tossed with passion fruit vinaigrette.

Natalie insisted we try the lobster mac and cheese appetizer. We did and it was out of this world; slightly sweet, succulent and decadent with lobster meat throughout.

For entrees, Lisa chose the Day Boat Scallops, pan-seared with lemon aioli, lemon rice pilaf and sautéed garlic spinach. Although I just had halibut the night before, the description on the specials menu — pan-seared and served on a bed of lump crab, roasted artichoke hearts and red peppers drizzled with a lemon cream sauce — had me hooked. Both dishes were incredible.

Although full, we were told by those locals on the boardwalk not to miss the ice cream at the popular, and over a century old, Nagles, where customers line up for the creamery and then linger outside to enjoy. It was a sweet end to our road trip to this quaint shore town.

We toasted our cones making a pact to return. n There is a lot to see and do in beautiful New Jersey! Until next time, keep on tripping and send us your suggestions for places to visit at info@ njlifestyle.com.

Photos by Dennis Hayes

iconic and rejuvenated Asbury Park. Unlike its dry neighbor, it boasts a distillery and biergarten right along Lake Avenue. Although just a short walk away, we opted to stay in Ocean Grove, but are planning another road trip to Asbury Park in the future.

Dinner time was soon upon us. Prior to our visit, and what actually prompted it, was social media postings we read raving about one of the best seafood restaurants at the Jersey Shore — SeaGrass.

Their website claims “you will feel welcome and at ease the moment you arrive.” This is absolutely true. Lisa and I immediately fell in love with the place. The ambiance is indeed welcoming and starts at the entrance with a beautiful saltwater aquarium and continues inside with earth tones, local art and subdued and natural lighting. We were seated at the perfect table, just inside glass doors that opened to sidewalk dining.

Perusing the menu, we were quickly impressed. I ordered the herb-encrusted Alaskan halibut over a lobster risotto and Lisa chose the special of stuffed lobster with scallops and shrimp. Our server recommended two appetizers to start; Asian tuna over sliced cucumbers, and deep-fried, corn-crusted oysters with classic tartar sauce. The tuna was refreshing and uniquely Asian with a Jersey shore twist of garden fresh cucumbers. The lightly-breaded oysters were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The entrees were also perfectly prepared, beautifully plated and exceeded our expectations.

The space is “intimate,” so we got a chance to chat with fellow diners. Arthur, a local, was enjoying New Zealand lamb pops and shared, “I love the seafood here but when SeaGrass has lamb on special, I’m all in as it is always perfectly cooked, juicy and meaty.”

Narda and Carmella, visiting from Staten Island, gave the seafood pasta and cod with lobster sauce glowing reviews. Chef and owner, Janine Cinseruli, popped out to greet diners and told us she focuses on sustainability and simplicity and stated, “Our close proximity to Jersey’s best farms, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, assures guests food that is local and fresh.” Cheers chef! SeaGrass is exceptional!

If you’re looking to stay in Ocean Grove, why not try someplace majestic like, well … The Majestic! Built in 1870, it’s one of New Jersey’s top-rated boutique hotels. We discovered it after walking about town our second day and decided to check it out. I’m a history buff, so I always ask about the backstory to any place I visit.

Natalie, the front desk hostess, told us the hotel was originally built in 1870, but was updated and renovated in 2008 with spacious accommodations. Inside, we found yet another hidden gem — Bia, a

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LifeStyle Social

It's Official The Hard Rock Atlantic City had its official opening ceremonies and kicked off with world-class entertainment and celebrity guest appearances, including Pitbull and Howie Mandel. There was also an opening Guitar Smash that included Jim Allen, Chairman of

Hard Rock International; Marcellus Osceola Jr., Seminole Chairman; Mitchell Cyprus, Seminole President; Christopher Osceola, Hollywood Representative; Emanuel (Mondo) Tiger, Immokalee Representative and more.

Photos by PhotoGraphics Photography / Tom Briglia and Mike Manger Howie Mandel performs at The Howie Mandel Comedy Club.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Memorabilia on display

Pitbull performs at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino opening.

The installation of Hard Rock sign

Opening Guitar Smash with Joe Jingoli, Jim Allen, Marcellus Osceola Jr., Mitchell Cyprus, Christopher Osceola, Emanuel (Mondo) Tiger, and guests Fireworks mark the opening celebration

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Matt Smashed guitar Harkness president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City addresses the crowd.

LifeStyle Social

Celebrating 40 Years of Success On May 26, Resorts Casino and Hotel celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a weekend of fun and entertainment. With a performance

by the Village People in the famous Superstar showroom, a beach ball drop, and fireworks, the weekend was non-stop party.

Photos by PhotoGraphics Photography / Tom Briglia and Mike Manger

Atlantic City’s own singing lifeguard Jim Craine performs at Resorts.

Resorts President and CEO Mark Giannantonio with the Village People Guests await the festivities outside Resorts.

Village People perform at Resorts.

Oh So Sweet!

Photos by PhotoGraphics Photography / Tom Briglia and Mike Manger

On July 28, reality star Kourtney Kardashian attended the grand opening of the Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Hard

Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Wearing a chic pink blazer, Kourtney posed for photos while tasting the delectable treats.

Fans waiting to get a view of the famous Kardashian

Kourtney Kardashian

Joe, Mike and Joey Jingoli and friends njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Social

Local Jeweler Raises $4,000 for Seashore Gardens Living Center In July, Roberts Fine Jewelers in Northfield held a to fundraiser benefit the programs at Seashore Gardens Living Center in Galloway Township. A Night

Out with Charles Krypell was an exclusive showing of the jewelry designer’s work, and raised $4,000 for local seniors.

Photos by Nicholas & Partners

L to R: Adrienne Beinfest, Janice Cambron, Martin Klein and Paula London

L to R: David and Norma Blecker, Sharon D’Angio, Bonnie Kasiarz and Merle Feldman Linda and Anthony Bongiovanni

Eileen and Alan Carr with Marcia and Jeff Langley

Bob Rovinsky, owner Roberts Fine Jewelers and Brian Krypell

Happy Birthday to NJ’s Favorite Pachyderm Lucy the Elephant celebrated her 137th birthday on July 22. The local landmark, located adjacent the beach in Margate, showed

guests and fans an awesome time with rides, games, and a special birthday cake for Lucy.

L to R: Devin Mulloy, Brittany Middleman, Caroline Tesone and Devin Francz 46

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Photos by PhotoGraphics Photography / Tom Briglia and Mike Manger

Board Vice President, Jason Tell serving cake to Lucy supporters.

Supporters attending Lucy’s Birthday celebration.

njlifestyleonline.com

A young fan goes for a hole in one at the miniature golf course.

LifeStyle Social

Celebrating Summer 2018 The Greater Atlantic City Chamber and the Atlantic City Junior Chamber (The Jaycees) kicked off the summer while

guests took in spectacular views of the Atlantic City skyline on a 12-15 minute ride on the 227-feet tall observation wheel.

Photos by Nicholas & Partners

L to R: Tyler Griffin, Lori Tarud, Jeff Dolan and Joseph Somers

L to R: Paul Garraty, Anthony Catanoso, Michael Goloff, Jeremy Bingam, Matt Cadira, Carla Baez, Andrew Schulz, Kerry Celepija and Jason Tell L to R: Jason Tell, Pamela Fields and Durwood Pinkett

L to R: Roger and Becky Gros, Bill Parker and Lisa Johnson

Annual Street Life Concert a Success On June 20th at Harrah’s Resort, the Hansen Foundation presented the 13th Annual Street Life Concert produced by Waynard Scheller of The Rainbow Full of Sound. The concert brought together some of the most accomplished singers and musicians on the east coast, and featured special guests Grahame Lesh from California and Philadelphia’s Eddie Bruce as Master of Ceremonies. The show

Grateful Dead Tribute Band and Rainbow Full of Sound

headlined the Grateful Dead Tribute Band, and Rainbow Full of Sound.

This annual event helps provide a supportive and safe environment for people recovering from substance use disorders through the foundation’s Serenity Houses and Serenity Estates, Hope Farm and Enlightened Café.

Photos by Paul Dempsey

L to R: Band member and show producer, keyboardist Waynard Scheller, Guitarist Zach Nugent, Hansen Foundation President Jennifer Hansen and Guitarist Grahame Lesh njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Social

Rotary Club Installs Officers, Awards Scholarships On June 28, the Atlantic City Rotary Club held their Annual Officer Installation and Scholarship Awards. Past Atlantic City Mayor and Rotary Club member Hon. Don Guardian installed Anthony Pinto Jr. as President of the Club for 2018-19.

Photos by Nicholas & Partners

Rotary International is a global network with a mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Don Guardian swears in new President Anthony Pinto.

Michael Wazen delivers an acceptance speech

L to R, Anthony Pinto with Michael Wazen and his mother Christine Waszen, and Tim Datig President Pinto delivers his acceptance speech.

Making the Most of It Annual Fundraiser a Success The Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation held its annual fundraiser “Make the Most of It” at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City on June 29. Marking its 5th year, Dr. Lynn Schuchter shared with attendees the numerous program and John Kruk and George Miller

Baseball pro John Kruk signing a bat at the event.

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Photos by Nicholas & Partners

research funded by the monies raised at the annual event.

The mission of the Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation is to raise funds to support research of effective treatment methods and ultimately a cure for melanoma.

Debbie and George Miller

LifeStyle Social TA R A M I LL E R E VE NT CONTIN UED Kristi Miller (left), John Kruk and Lauren Miller

L to R: Dr. Robert H. Vonderheide, Danielle Palladino, Dr. Lynn Schuchter, Debbie Miller, Lauren Miller, Kristi Miller, George M

An Artists Meet and Greet Photographer Paul Dempsey hosted an art show at his studio in Galloway Township on July 12 featuring both his art and the art of metal

artist Charles Branigan. The event featured acoustic music by Mike Ian and gave local artists a chance to mingle and meet.

Photos by Bill Horin Photographer David Woeller and Glen Lillie

Larry Higbee looks through an album of Paul Dempsey's photos.

Mike Ian provided acoustical entertainment.

Musician Greg Pordon & photographer Paul Dempsey in front of the "Musicians Wall"

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LifeStyle Social

Award for the Best Pot in Town The Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance hosted their annual Garden Party Event on July 11th at the beautiful Historic Jonathan Pitney House in Absecon. The event features The Best Flower Pot in Town Contest and this year, 25 artists competed for the title of “The Best Pot in Town.”

“This year’s plants were the best we have seen,” said judge Rae

Jaffe. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners, and the event featured sangria made by Chris Parker, Philadelphia Pretzels accompanied by a fancy mustard bar, water melon skewers, ice cream and more. Plus, music by the Pan Gravy band provided attendees with a laid-back 1960s vibe.

Photos by Paul Dempsey

L to R: Debbie Caprioli, Isolde Elias, Carole Voermans and Diane Boehm

Band members Peter Hagan, Sharon Garland, Jim McCarthy, Joe Maher and Frank Cerreto of Pan Gravy perform at the contest.

First Place Winner Fairy Garden by Jennifer Stairs

Mom and daughter April Elias (President of the Carissa and Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance) Lilianna Stairs stands alongside her entry

MBCA Rocks the Hard Rock, Raising Over $20,000 for Scholarships On July 31, the MBCA Annual Summer Mixer/Silent Auction was held at the new Hard Rock Café and raised over $20,000 for MBCA. The sold out event was a great way to welcome the new Hard Rock

Casino to Atlantic City. The event was sponsored by PNC Bank, AC Weekly, Fox Rothschild, and CRDA. Special Entertainment by Rebel Kicks from New York City helped to rock the night.

Photos by Nicholas & Partners Proud Sponsor PNC Bank

Dr. Fred and the girls ROCK OUT from Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine 50

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LifeStyle Social M B C A RO CK S CONTINU E D Councilmen Arron Randolph, and Kaleem Shabazz with the Bales and Friends.

Fulton Bank with Mary Blackburn and Bill Cradle

Racing Dragons for Charity On a sunny Saturday in July, Gilda’s Club of South Jersey held its annual Dragon Boat Race fundraiser.

The event was held at Lake Lenape and hosted live Khaalesi's Dragons

AtlantiCare IT

entertainment, contests, and local food vendors. In addition to the race, teams competed in contests for best costume, tent, and monies raised.

Gilda's Gladiators

Photos by Kristian Gonyea

Khaalesi's Dragons

L to R: Bob Pinsky, Anne Baker, Jerri Pinsky and Dr. John Baker

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LifeStyle Social

Sam Hunt Rocks Atlantic City Beachfest Country Singer Sam Hunt rocked the crowd at The Atlantic City Beachfest Concert Series on July 1, 2018. This was the first show of the season and thousands packed the beach for the afternoon performance Live Nation and the CRDA present a $25,000 check to support the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Photos by Nicholas & Partners

as temperatures reached into the mid 90s. A $25,000 check to support the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City was presented by Live Nation and the CRDA during the concert.

Maria D’Angelo and Carmela Gehring

Lorraine Hill and her son Keith Hill

L to R, Lance Landgraf, Matt Doherty of CRDA, ACPD Deputy Chief James Sarkis and Kathy Landgraf

Sam Hunt performing

Fans light up social media with photos.

Jazmyn Rivera and her mother Stellzene Roberts

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LifeStyle Social

Dancing with Dolphins Event a Success

Photos by Nicholas & Partners L to R, Peggy Tomeo Richards, Elizabeth McGlinn, Sheila Dean, Paul Gerstel and Bob Schoelkopf

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center's 40th Anniversary Gala “Dancing with Dolphins” was held on August 9 at One Atlantic Events at the Pier at Caesars Atlantic City. This year’s event raised approximately $50,000 to aid in the daily operational expenses of the center.

Bill Kindle, Co-Chairman of the Board, was honored for his over 20 years of dedication and service to the center. Some 240 guests enjoyed breathtaking views, world-class gourmet food, cocktails and wonderful jazz by Bob Ferguson and the Breckerville Group. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a non-profit organization formed in 1978 for the purpose of rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles.

Peggy Tomeo Richards and Bill Kindle

Bob Schoelkopf (left) and Bill Kindle L to R, Ron and Allison Kashon with Joe Nave and Andy Parker Nave

Bill Kindle (left) and Bob Schoelkopf address the guests. njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Cooking

Food Vacation

By Alyson Boxman Levine

Where will you go on your next food vacation?

Try the Atlantic City County Club!

Chef Ed Daggers addresses the guests.

Sous Chef Devin Courtney and Chef Daggers present a whole pig.

H

ave you ever prepared the perfect Kimchi? Do you know the correct direction to slice steak? And what is the proper way to debone a chicken? If you are looking for the answers to these culinary questions, and many other cooking tips, you just might want to attend a cooking demonstration. Cooking classes and demonstrations have risen in popularity in recent years as foodies across the globe are craving education on exotic ingredients and tips on cooking from the professionals. And with the Food Network and YouTube cooking channels battling for their share of the culinary market, it’s no wonder local establishments are offering their own versions of cooking demonstrations.

One evening this summer I traveled to the Hawaiian Islands without leaving Atlantic County … well, actually my taste buds did the traveling. On an unassuming Thursday evening at the historic Atlantic City Country Club, overlooking the dazzling skyline of Atlantic City, a group of 50 food connoisseurs gathered together to

experience the taste of the Islands.

This particular cooking demonstration was led by Atlantic City Country Club Executive Chef Ed Daggers and was entitled: Hawaiian Islands and Polynesian Cuisine. Each monthly cooking demonstration offered at the country club has a unique theme, and 4-5 courses associated with that theme are demonstrated, discussed, and tasted. This evening’s selections were inspired by a trip Chef Daggers took to Hawaii. He was there for a month on a culinary excursion with Chef Martin Yan from the iconic cooking show Yan Can Cook, and 25 other chefs experiencing the delicious flavors offered there. On the menu was: Kimchi, Huli Huli Chicken, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Steak Teriyaki, and Mango Bread served with Coconut Ice Cream.

According to Chef Daggers, Atlantic City Country Club began their cooking demonstrations approximately three years ago through an idea from John Igoe, the General Manager at that time.

“Scotland Run, a sister Ottinger property,

was bringing in an outside chef to do something similar,” explained Daggers.

“However, we saw the opportunity to specialize here at Atlantic City Country Club. As a Certified Executive Chef, I can enhance the evening through more discussion of technique and theory. We don’t talk only about a specific dish — we talk about the culinary background; the cuisine of the region, the five Mother sauces (for example).”

As guests arrive at the event, situated in a private room overlooking the expansive golf course, the sun was setting and the horizon was the perfect hue of sky pink.

Adorning the sides of the ornate room were tables filled with a selection of wines, along with a bountiful fruit and cheese station, both available throughout the entire evening. Luckily, we sat with a friendly group of regulars who have attended the last few demonstrations and eagerly showed us the ropes.

The engaging Chef Daggers began the event by welcoming the guests and gave a brief description of the evening’s

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LIFEST YLE COOKING selections. His sheer passion for the ingredients and his extensive cooking expertise energized the crowd… and then the culinary show began.

Guests gathered at the center of the room where a long table and hot plate were situated. As Sous Chef Devin Courtney began the first course demonstration, the guests intently listened to his every word; jotting down notes, and asking many questions. This back-and-forth banter was, for me, the most exciting aspect of the evening as guests were able to infuse their input.

Discussions circled around how a particular participant cut their onions a certain way or prepared their meat differently. All the culinary information passed around the room seamlessly combined, like a great recipe, creating a wonderful learning experience.

Throughout the evening, our newfound friends kept repeating, “It’s

a lot of food, pace yourselves. Maybe pack a course to take home in between like we are?” But, as first-timers eager to experience all the flavors, we did not listen to their sound advice and were feeling a bit bloated after four courses were served. But then something magical happened … dessert arrived.

Somehow, upon seeing the wait staff bring around the last course and everyone’s eyes widen, we pushed that stuffed feeling aside. The delicious dessert was a Mango Bread served with Coconut Ice Cream and topped with Shaved Coconut. It was one of the best desserts I had ever tasted and, although I could only take a few bites, they were truly spoonfuls of heaven.

While the delicious food is certainly a draw for many participants, what I enjoyed most about the evening was the culinary education and the sharing of cooking experiences among the guests.

Featured Recipe INGREDIENTS 1lb. strip sirloin ½ c. teriyaki sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. minced ginger ¼ c. sliced scallions, plus 4 whole scallions Juice of 1 lime Extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt Freshly-ground black pepper DIRECTIONS 1. Cut steak crosswise into three equal pieces.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, ginger, scallions, and lime. Add the steak and toss so that the meat is fully coasted in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours.

3. After the steak has time to marinate, preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high and oil the grates.

4. Once hot, remove the meat from the marinade and place on the grill. Add scallions to the grill and brush with oil.

Season both with salt and pepper. Cook steak for about three minutes per side (depending on the thickness) for mediumrare.

5. Remove steak from grill and transfer it to a cutting board.

Cover with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serves four.

Chef’s Note: The grilled scallions are a game changer!

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The interaction between the chefs and the guests was truly inspiring. For those looking to hone their cooking skills, try exciting new dishes, or simply enjoy an evening out, these classes are certainly required.

“We have a fantastic group of regulars who come to almost every class and then they bring friends who become regulars … and so it goes,” explained Chef Daggers. “Classes are the third Thursday of the month, and the September class is Steakhouse.”

“This is a fantastic social activity and many of our repeat guests have made this their monthly get together with friends,” reveals Daggers. “It’s a fun evening of food and wine, with the added benefit of some culinary knowledge and ideas to take home.”

Schedule your Atlantic City Country Club food vacation soon and escape for the evening to undeniable food bliss. n

Grilled Teriyaki Steak

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Restaurant Report

Avocado and Squash Tartar with Radish, and Sundried Tomato Tapenade

Eat Your Veggies AT CAPE MAY’S EBBITT ROOM, EATING ALL YOUR VEGGIES IS AN EAGERLY-WELCOMED CHORE.

By Phaedra Laird Photos by Jessica Orlowicz

It’s funny so many of us had to be told to “eat your veggies” when we were kids. Maybe that’s because Chef Jason Hanin wasn’t in the kitchen preparing them. Maybe it’s because he has a 62-acre farm at his disposal, located less than two miles from the awardwinning Ebbitt Room where he heads up the kitchen, which provides him with more than 100 different varieties of fruit, veggies, and herbs.

What I do know is that when he gets his hands on the fresh produce, magic happens. While the Ebbitt Room, located inside the Virginia Hotel, has always utilized fresh ingredients from its own Beach Plum Farm, they are now upping the ante by offering 58

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dishes that are entirely plant-based, in addition to their regular menu options like fresh local seafood and farm-fresh meats, which sell out nightly.

This is not a new direction for the Ebbitt Room, just an expanded offering for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to try something different and delicious. The new plant-based dishes, integrated into the menu, are of the same exceptional quality and creativity as the other dishes served at the restaurant.

Plant-based dining is one of the biggest food trends of 2018, with statistics showing that more than 80% of U.S. consumers are adding plant-based foods to their diets as a way to improve

Avocado Salad with Citrus, Hearts of Palm, and Red Dulse nutrition and health.

“I like making food that is clean, elegant, and simplistic — crafting dishes that let the main ingredients shine,” said Hanin. “Raw and plantbased dishes really challenge you to think outside of the box, and when it all comes together in a beautiful, bright, delicious dish, it’s so rewarding.”

Hanin enrolled in PLANTLAB, the leading cooked and raw vegan culinary school, which taught him how to best utilize the produce coming from the farm and helped stimulate the creativity of the culinary team. There, he learned how to make homemade

Tomato Gazpacho with Radish, Avocado, Guajillo Chilli Crema, and Lime-Salt njlifestyleonline.com

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Whole Charred Artichoke with Lemon Aioli and Salsa Verde

“It’s exciting to walk the farm during the day and pick my ingredients for dishes we will be serving that night.”

—Chef Jason Hanin

Jason Hanin, Executive Chef of Ebbitt Room 60

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R E STAU R A N T R E P O R T almond milk, nut cheeses, and other raw, plant-based items, like Coconut-Cilantro Dumplings stuffed with homemade kimchi and cashew cheese, which were featured at this year’s Atlantic Cape Community College’s Culinary Gala. The completely raw, vegan and gluten-free dumplings were a crowd favorite.

A vegetarian/vegan option is offered nightly and changes almost daily depending on what is fresh and available from the farm. Some past offerings include Miso Grilled Tofu with soft herb pistou, dashi tomatoes and shaved veggies; a Chilled Spring Pea Soup, with pickled radish, snap peas and lemon oil; Avocado & Squash Tartar with radish and sundried tomato tapenade; and Tomato Gazpacho with radish, avocado, and lime-salt.

“It’s exciting to walk the farm during the day and pick my ingredients for dishes we will be serving that night,” said Chef Jason Hanin. “I always use as much as I can from the farm in all of my dishes, but I still wanted to do more. I’m constantly trying to learn new and different things and having such amazing produce at my disposal, I was naturally drawn to raw food and plant-based offerings. I wanted to try to incorporate that into the Ebbitt Room’s already diverse offerings.”

“It is amazing to see all the eggs, meat and produce that Beach Plum is producing,” said Curtis Bashaw, whose company, Cape Resorts, owns Beach Plum Farm and Virginia Hotel. “When we started Beach Plum Farm 10 years ago, our vision was to grow food for our restaurants, and now we are doing that by the truckful.

It was a labor of love to get the farm to where it is today, but it was worth it. It’s sad to see so much agriculture disappear from the Garden State; we wanted to do our best to make it a mainstay not just for our restaurants but also the community.

It’s great to have a menu focusing on light, healthy, multi-faceted food that is clean, crisp and pure for both meat-eaters and those who prefer plant-based foods.” n

W HIT E HTHE I T TTARGET H E TA R G E T WE

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Direct Mail Marketing

The Ebbitt Room, located at The Virginia Hotel is located at 25 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204 and can be reached by calling 609-884-5700. Reservations are recommended, but not required. njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Wine

Spain’s Noble Grape

Understanding the subtle nuisances of Tempranillo

By Michael Bray

H

istorically there are six “noble grapes” of the wine world: three red (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir) and three white (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling). They get this acclaim for their appeal and ubiquitous plantings in all the major wine producing regions of the world. It’s also common for a country to have its own “noble grape,” and if you’re talking Spain, that would certainly be Tempranillo.

Believed to have received its name from the Spanish word 62

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“temprano” (meaning, “early”), this grape is an early-ripening variety that can perform in an enormous range of climates and soils. In fact, due to this versatility, you may find Tempranillo, pronounced temprah-NEE-yoh, under several monikers across Spain’s outstanding wine-producing regions. No matter where you find it, you will find flavors of strawberries, spices, leather, and fresh tobacco, with an ability to turn savory and earthy with bottle aging.

In the D.O. (Designation of Origin) of Ribera del Duero,

LIFEST YLE WINE

Tempranillo is known as “Tinta del Pais,” where wines here are often bottled varietally, though some famous producers like Vega Sicilia are blended with the Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Tempranillo from here is often elegant, well-balanced, and rivals Rioja in terms of age worthiness.

The D.O. of Toro calls this grape, perhaps not coincidentally, “Tinta de Toro.” For the Cabernet drinker, this one is for you! Here, the wines can be very full-bodied and rich, thanks to the hot, dry climate. In fact, the grapes build sugars so quickly, the rules for production state that the alcohol level cannot exceed 15%.

Catalunya (or Catalonia) is the D.O. near Barcelona, where there are several sub-regions experimenting with different Tempranillobased blends, where the grape here is called “Ull de Llebre.” The most popular blends from this region are done with Monastrell, the superdense, chewy, concentrated grape variety that gives lots of alcohol and dark fruit flavors.

While this strays outside of Spain, Portugal relies on Tempranillo (where it is called “Tinta Roriz”) as an important grape in creating the great fortified Port wines. Here, it acts as a counterbalance for the other local grapes in the blend and adds structure for the long-haul, especially in vintage port.

Confused? Don’t be. All you really need to know is that there is so much to explore with just one grape variety acting as the star of the show. Try a few examples for yourself and taste the difference!

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5pm-7pm, Tuesday through Friday, and Sunday.

Three course Pre-fixed Dinner Menu for $31.95 every day but Saturday and closed on Monday’s.

9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ n 609-652-1700 n RamsHeadInn.com

Three Delicious Selections To Get You Started 1. 2015 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo (La Mancha) Founded in 2003, Bodegas Volver is a joint venture between Jorge Ordoñez and Rafael Cañizares, who is the winemaker. The winery makes wine and has vineyards in D.O. La Mancha, D.O. Alicante, and D.O. Jumilla ($16).

FREE ALCOHOL DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME !

2. 2015 Numanthia Termes (Toro) The Termes grapes are selected for their intense, vibrant and lively fruit expression, characteristics of the perfect adaptation of the Tinta de Toro variety ($23).

3. 2009 R. Lopez De Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza (Rioja) This family-owned winery makes highly individual wines in a style essentially unchanged since its inception in 1877. They grow all their grapes using organic methods, ferment using only natural yeasts and do not filter their wines ($27).

If you have any questions and or comments, please feel free to reach me at Michael@passionvines.com.

Drink Passionately,

Michael Bray

265 NEW RD | SOMERS POINT NJ 08244 | 609-601-VINE

3 0 1 3 O C E A N H E I G H T S AV E . | E G G H A R B O R T W P N J 0 8 2 3 4 | 6 0 9 - 6 5 3 - V I N E

*All of the aforementioned wines can be purchased at Passion Vines. njlifestyleonline.com

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LifeStyle Dining Gallery

Ram’s Head Inn

9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1700 ramsheadinn.com The Ram’s Head Inn continues the long-standing tradition of superior quality food and service that the Knowles family brought to Southern New Jersey in 1979. This started at the Manor in the 1950s, and also continues at the Highlawn Pavilion and Pleasantdale Chateau (all located in West Orange, NJ). Traditional food and beverage is served with a contemporary flair at various venues within this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Executive Chef Elio Gracia has provided outstanding culinary excellence for seventeen years, incorporating as many seasonal organic and locally-grown foods as possible. Walk-ins are always welcome.

The Historic Smithville Inn VUE Roof Top Bar and Lounge

The Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ 844-224-7386 www.claridge.com Boasting magnificent views of Atlantic City’s skyline and beach, this bar on the 23rd story of The Claridge Hotel features both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Enjoy upscale dining with light fare and signature cocktails as you take in the view or catch the big game. VUE can also be reserved for events for up to 100 people inside the restaurant or 600 for a standing outdoor reception.

Nobil Food Services

Barista’s Coffee House

199 New Road Ste. 10, Central Square, Linwood 609-904-2990 baristascoffeehouse.com Owners Mark and Debbie Becker have created the perfect “neighborhood” atmosphere coffee house. Brewing up more than just coffee, customers come back time and time again for Barista’s espresso, tea breakfast, Liege waffles, Brussels waffles, gourmet desserts, and Italian gelato. Once you walk through the doors, you instantly become part of the “Barista’s Family”.

Open Monday thru Friday, 7 am - 5 pm; Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm and Sunday, 8 am - 2 pm.

The Twenties American Bistro

The Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ 844-224-7386 www.claridge.com Order a drink from the original speakeasy bar that made this restaurant famous during the Roaring Twenties era, and then savor a tender steak, fresh seafood or their fine Italian cuisine.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the sixth-floor restaurant features beautiful views of Brighton Park and the Atlantic Ocean.

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609-822-3604 nobilfoodservices.com A privately owned and operated food service management company and caterer, Nobil Food Services is the region's premier on and off premise caterer. Specializing in exquisite weddings, private parties and corporate functions at your location, or theirs. From start to finish, Nobil will help you plan an event that will make your next special occasion truly memorable.

The Ebbitt Room

25 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 609-884-5700 caperesorts.com From the relaxing front porch, to the classicallycomfortable bar and lounge with live piano music on weekends, the Ebbitt Room is strongly rooted in a farm-to-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy featuring the freshest ingredients from their very own Beach Plum Farm located in Cape May. Whether you're in the mood for cocktails or a multi-course dinner, you'll be delighted by a dining experience of artisanal cocktails and farm-fresh classic American regional cuisine. The Ebbitt Room offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten free dishes. As a farm-to-dining restaurant, they proudly feature free-range eggs and fresh herbs, vegetables and pork from their local farm.

1 N. New York Road, Galloway, NJ 609-652-7777 historicsmithvillenj.com The Historic Smithville Inn offers a sophisiticated dining experience combined with the atmosphere of warm hospitality, since 1787. Their scenic view dining areas looking out on Lake Meone, private dining rooms with fireplace and formal banquet and wedding facilities coupled with their attention to detail services will make your dining, banquet or wedding event a night to remember.

Discover the tradition of the Historic Smithville Inn.

Maplewood

470 White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 6126 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 609-561-9621, 609-625-1181 joesmaplewood.com For almost 70 years, Joe Italiano’s Maplewood has been known for its consistently great food! They believe that freshness and loving preparation are keys to satisfied customers. They have high standards for their food. Consistency can and should be expected. Food is fresh, salads are made to order, and pasta is boiled right before sauce is poured over it. “Gravy” or red sauce is made fresh daily and is loved by the locals in the area. They only use the finest ingredients at the Original Maplewood. Two locations — Same Great Food. Your Choice.

Ventura's Offshore Cafe

2015 Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 609-641-5158 venturascafe.com Ventura's is a family restaurant and sportsman's bar with a cozy hometown atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again.

From their famous mussels marinara to their award-winning filet mignon, to their simply delicious gourmet pan pizzas, they offer fresh homemade meals to please everyone's palate.

Seaview Dolce

401 South New York Road, Galloway, NJ 609-652-1800 stocktonseaview.com When it comes to dining at Seaview, guests savor seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. In the sophisticated Main Dining Room, enjoy breakfast daily and Sunday brunch in an elegant setting overlooking the historic Bay Golf Course. Connect with family and friends in the rustic warmth of the historic Coastal Grille Pub, which stands ready with signature craft cocktails, a wide selection of beer and wine, and delicious pub fare served in a comfortable, convivial setting. Or, relax and unwind with signature cocktails in the luxurious Lobby Bar and Lounge. The Galloway, NJ location offers casual and fine dining expertly prepared by a world-class culinary team. From awardwinning Champagne brunches and romantic dinners for two to post-golf parties or snacks during the big game, there’s something for every taste. Dining at Seaview is an experience not to be missed!

Tomatoes

9300 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ 609-822-7535 tomatoesmargate.com A favorite of chefs and foodies who are impressed with the location, food, and view of the Margate Bay. The elegant and refined atmosphere includes a bar area, sushi bar, private meeting and dining rooms in addition to the main dining room. Trendy with a high-end, eclectic American fare and sushi, plus a happening bar scene. Excellent fresh fish, wonderful sauces and impressive desserts.

A Touch of Italy

6629 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-641-1855 touchofitaly.net A Touch of Italy offers the finest quality of food and service. Each meal served is cooked to order. A friendly and pleasurable atmosphere will make your visit a memorable one. Established in 1981 with more than 31 years of experience, this restaurant, banquet facility, and lounge serves only the finest natural veal, steaks, poultry, pasta, seafood and brick-oven pizza.

Valentina's Trattoria Italiana

Kensington Square, 200 Tilton Rd., Northfield, NJ 609-380-2466 valentinasnj.com Comfort food the "Italian way" featuring Neapolitan pizza cooked to perfection in their wood-fired oven.

Handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, imported meats, and fine Italian cheeses, along with fresh baked bread and desserts made in-house daily, are served in a warm, inviting ambience with old world charm.

Paula Pisano and Rosaria Conti, a Neapolitan-born chef, bring an unmistakably authentic touch to the Valentina’s menu. BYOB.

Lunch  Dinner  Catering ValentinasNJ.com 609.380.2466 njlifestyleonline.com

LIFESTYLE | Fall 2018

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LifeStyle Casino Dining

Capriccio

Dolce Mare

Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 866-50-OCEAN theoceanac.com/dining Dolce Mare is a modern Italian restaurant that captures the effortless elegance of seaside dining.

Whether lingering over a Negroni or a decadent meal with the best ocean views in Atlantic City, Dolce Mare is the perfect setting for socializing and indulging in the charm of the Italian dining culture. Enjoy menu items such as handcrafted pastas, seafood risotto, and meatballs over creamy polenta.

TROPICANA (THE QUARTER)

Olón

Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-4050 olonrestaurant.com Inspired by the beach towns of Ecuador, specifically Olón, and the vibrant flavors of coastal cuisine, Olón is an alluring beach front experience centered around Chef Jose Garces’ vision of fresh seafood. Bar Olòn offers a more casual experience, serving sandwiches, small plates and an extensive beer list.

RESORTS Gallagher’s Steakhouse

Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-340-6555 gallaghersresorts.com A classic steakhouse serving hearty salads, dryaged meats, wonderful fish and shellfish. Their glass-enclosed meat locker is in the front of the restaurant for all to view; and all of the beef is dry-aged for 21 days at a constant 36 degrees to insure tenderness. Offering the finest selections of seafood as well. Open for dinner Sunday thru Thursday 5-9:30 pm, Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm.

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njlifestyleonline.com

Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJ 609-344-6000 resortsac.com No passport needed for this Italian experience.

Capriccio’s all new menu features gourmet Italian cuisine in an exquisitely comfortable Mediterranean atmosphere, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the food and view are spectacular.

CAESARS Nero's Italian Steakhouse

Caesar's, Atlantic City, NJ 609-343-2505 caesars.com Oceanside dining in a magnificent old world setting. Entrées feature Prime grade steaks, delicious pastas and a fresh seafood selection that you won't find anywhere else. Nero’s also serves the most decadent Sunday brunch in Atlantic City with specialties such as filet of beef, grilled swordfish, freshly carved turkey and handmade lasagna. Dive into their succulent seafood favorites, including shrimp, crab claws, oysters, or freshly prepared sushi. Enjoy the bottomless Bloody Mary bar and an amazing dessert display.

PLAYGROUND AT CAESARS

Phillips Seafood

The Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-2273 phillipsseafood.com Enjoy Phillips’ classic signature crab cakes along with delicious seasonal fishes and an array of seafood choices. Want a bit of land and sea?

Phillips continues to accommodate with their famous Surf and Turf, served with a juicy 6-oz filet and 6-oz tender lobster tail; all for $19.95!

It doesn’t stop there; Phillips’ Happy Hour is now all day every day (except Saturday). Select choice appetizers as well as cocktails keep you comfortable and full for the duration of your visit. Experience an upscale, interactive dining experience with their exhibition kitchen, who will also happily serve your banquet or large event. Phillips Seafood, located on the third floor of The Playground at Caesars, brings guests the most succulent classic American seafood while surrounded by a captivating view of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and beaches.

Souzai Sushi & Saki

The Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-348-4443 souzaisushi.com.com Simple… seasonal… sensual… Souzai features a diverse menu of hand-rolled sushi, fresh sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes, as well as a wide range of innovative cocktails, Japanese sake and beer. Showcasing stunning views of the beach, ocean sunsets and the sparkling cityscape from its perch high above the famed Atlantic City boardwalk, Souzai has become one of the hottest spots in town to mix and mingle. Grab a seat and discover Souzai for yourself.

The Continental

The Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-674-8300 continentalac.com Stephen Starr’s Continental features a clever mix of vintage elegance and vanguard sophistication.

It invokes the drama of the Rat Pack days on the Vegas Strip. The space incorporates unique retro elements such as a sunken fire-pit lounge, populuxe bar and outdoor patio, all accented by breathtaking views of the ocean. The global tapas menu showcases a variety of innovative dishes meant to be shared. And of course the martinis are an essential part of the experience. Whimsical culinary creations and specialty cocktails make for a fun and hip dining experience.

Buddakan

The Playground at Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ 609-674-0100 buddakanac.com Buddakan's dreamlike ambiance makes an enchanting setting for hosting special events.

Guests are instantly transported to an ancient Chinese village complete with rock gardens, thatched roofs and a dramatic twilight sky. The menu portrays an innovative interpretation of Modern Asian cuisine that matches the decor in terms of creativity and inspiration. Guests will feel relaxed and indulged in this exotic and comfortable environment.

When Selecting

your Advisory letters do matter.....

Firm

and we just happen to have them all.....

CFP®, CPA, CFA, PFS n As SEC REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISORS we adhere to a higher standard of fiduciary care.

609-380-3500 332 TILTON ROAD, NORTHFIELD, NJ www.crafinancial.com

We are CRA Financial.

Thomas Reynolds, CPA Matthew Reynolds, CPA, CFP® Robert Martin, CFA®, CFP® Frank Thomas, CPA, PFS Gordon Shearer, Jr, CFP® Jeffrey Hilliard, CFP®, CRPC®

n As PRACTICING CPA’s we understand the complexities of the current tax system and work to maximize tax efficiencies. n As INDEPENDENT ADVISORS, we remain product neutral, transparent, and answer only to you, the client. n With an emphasis placed on FUNDAMENTAL FINANCIAL PLANNING, we strive to help you achieve your long term investment goals. n With over $690 Million in assets under management, we have the RESOURCES, the EXPERIENCE and the KNOWLEDGE to help you achieve your financial goals.

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When the unexpected happens, we’re here.

Illness and injury can happen at any time.

That’s why AtlantiCare Urgent Care Centers are conveniently located throughout South Jersey.

Here you’ll find board-certified physicians, registered nurses, medication dispensing*, and X-ray and lab services — available seven days a week without an appointment, even on nights, weekends and holidays. Get the care you need, when you need it.

For a complete list of hours, call 1-888-569-1000 or visit www.atlanticare.org/urgent. *Select locations. **Pediatric providers’ hours vary.

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LOCATIONS Atlantic City

Manahawkin

(Opening Fall 2018)

Marmora

Cape May Egg Harbor Twp. (Pediatric providers on-site)**

Galloway Twp.

Ocean City (Seasonal-June 15-Sept. 16, 2018)

Somers Point

Little Egg Harbor

Visit our other locations in southwestern New Jersey: Berlin

Mount Holly

Clementon

Mount Laurel

Hammonton

Sicklerville

Marlton

Most major insurances accepted — now including UnitedHealthcare®