Meteorologist Joe Martucci Reports on Summer Sizzle
Local Towns Set The Stage for Upcoming Films
Eyes in the Sky: Public Safety Drones
100 Years of Lifeguard Racing
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Cool it! Slowing down for safety
From the Editor
Iget it. You’ve worked hard all week and now all you want to do is plant your beach chair at the water’s edge and take in the sea breeze. If only you could get there! With traffic moving at a crawl over the bridge and bicycles and pedestrians at every turn, it can feel like an eternity to travel just a few blocks. This is peak season at the Jersey Shore. Whether you live here yearround or you’re visiting for the first time, as you cross the bridge to your favorite shore town, please remember to slow down. Summer means more kids on bikes, more adults meandering in golf carts, and care-free pedestrians soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Jersey Shore. For those behind the wheel this summer, this is a loving reminder to be cautious and expect delays. There’s a reason why hundreds of
thousands of people flock to the Jersey Shore. That cool ocean breeze is heavenly. It’s the place to escape the heat, dip your toes in the ocean, and enjoy endless entertainment opportunities. From the bustling boardwalks to the beaches, there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you’re driving to work or heading to the beach, please remember to take your time getting there. Before you leave the house, pack an extra dose of patience or build a time cushion into your commute. However you get to where you’re going, be mindful of the people around you. Open doors with caution, drive with your eyes on the road, and keep a lookout for those taking the scenic route.
ate of everyone sharing this beautiful space. Slowing down not only helps prevent accidents; it also allows us to fully appreciate the charm and beauty of the Jersey Shore.
This summer, safety should be at the forefront of our minds. The influx of visitors means more cars on the road, more bikes on the paths, and more pedestrians crossing streets. It’s crucial to be aware and consider-
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Cover photo provided by City of Ocean City
This week, we’re excited to welcome meteorologist Joe Martucci to the Shore Local team. Check out Joe’s column on page 6 and look for his weather updates on all our social media platforms. Joe’s Sea & Sand reports will let you know exactly what to expect, and if you need to pack the bug spray. (n othing can ruin a perfect beach day faster than a greenhead fly.)
As you flip through these pages, take a moment to check out the advertisements from local services, restaurants, shops, and more. When you’re deciding what to do this weekend or what to eat for dinner tonight, pick this publication back up and choose local first. There’s so much to experience here, and supporting local businesses ensures our community thrives.
So, as you navigate through the hustle and bustle of summer at the Jersey Shore, remember to take it easy. enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The beach will still be there when you arrive, and you’ll get to enjoy it all the more knowing you traveled safely.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Let’s make this summer not just fun, but safe for everyone. Here’s to long, lazy days filled with sun, sand, and sea breezes.
Peace & Love, Cindy
Summer temperatures are sizzling
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
Summer. For the Jersey Shore, the start of summer might as well be n ew Years’ Day. After a fall of reflection, a winter of waiting and a spring of preparation, new life is breathed into our region as soon as the beaches and bays fill up. So with the shore as busy as ever and a breath of salty air pumping vigorously through our town’s lungs once more, let’s talk weather.
Hello Heat Wave
Our first heat wave of 2024 sizzled inland areas from June 18-23. There is no technical definition of a heat wave, but in the northeast, it’s commonly known as three or more days with 90 degree or greater heat.
At Atlantic City International Airport in egg Harbor Township, our primary inland reporting station in the area, the thermometer
climbed into the 90s from June 20-23. The peak of the heat came on June 22 and June 23, both saw the thermometer sizzle with a high temperature of 98 degrees. We tied the record high temperature for June 23.
Heat waves in June are fairly common. Of the 184 heat waves to come to ACY Airport since records began in 1943, 39 of them were in June according to the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (nOAA). That’s 21 percent. July has seen the most, with 84.
The shore did what the shore does best during the summer, keeping us cooler than those west beyond the bays.
Daily sea breeze development meant the Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City stayed in the 70s throughout this stretch, according to nOAA. Farther north, in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island, it was 74 degrees Sunday, according to the office of the n ew Jersey State Climatologist.
For the shore, the bigger story may have been how cold the ocean was. Atlantic City reported water temperatures in the 50s for much of this time, according to nOAA. Signifi -
July’s monthly temperature outlook, according to the Climate Prediction Center, a branch of the National Weather Service. NJ’s hottest month of the year should be hotter than average. (Climate Prediction Center)
cant upwelling occurred thanks to the overarching southwest wind.
It’s not just the daytime warmth that’s hot, but the nights, too. If you have air conditioning, the balmy nights aren’t an issue. However, for those without air conditioning, warm nights leave us little ability for our bodies to cool off. That puts higher demand on our heart to pump more blood per minute. Respiratory distress is higher on these warm nights.
The airport broke daily warm minimum temperatures on June 22 (73 degrees) and June 23 (75 degrees). The marina avoided records but was at or above 70 degrees a number of nights.
More Heat Waves Likely in July
It’s nearly guaranteed that July will wind up hotter than average, and it’s already our warmest month of the year.
The Climate Prediction Center, a branch of the national Weather Service based in Maryland, gives us just a 3% chance our area will be cooler than average in July. It’s 79 percent above average. That’s true from north Carolina to Vermont.
The reason is mainly due to a thicker-than-usual atmosphere expected over the eastern part of the country for at least the first half of the month. The thicker the atmosphere, the more heat it can hold.
n ext week, Fourth of July week, should be an inland scorcher most days. This means more 90s for highs and 70s for lows. The shore will be
at the whim of the localized wind direction. In general, you can expect more pleasant conditions here, which is why we love the shore in the first place. However, you can expect at least a few days in the 80s, with lows in the stuffy 70s, too.
Remember, too, the sun is very strong this time of year, just removed from the summer solstice on June 20. Sunscreen will be a must wherever you go.
Long range computer forecast models give me some confidence that the second half of the month will be closer to average. However, this is our climatological warmest time of the year. For the shore, that means pleasant. Atlantic City peaks around a comfortable 80 degrees, with lows in the low 70s. Go inland and you’re talking average highs in the upper 80s, with lows in the upper 60s.
We average 2.2 heat waves a year and have averaged just over three since 2000 because of our warming climate. So, there’s a good chance you’ll see more heat waves in the month to come.
Joe earned his Meteorology Degree from Rutgers University. He is approved by the American Meteorological Society as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Digital Meteorologist, the only one in the state with both. He's won 10 New Jersey Press Association Awards. You can find him on social media @joemartwx
Savings, shore settings attracting Hollywood filmmakers to our area
By William Sokolic
Fred Borsani has made subs for Dino's Subs and Pizza in Margate for years. He could probably make them in his sleep, But on June 5, Borsani had a little extra on his plate at the shop. He made Stephen Dorff a sub.
Dorff, Brad Furman and Shirley MacLaine, all Hollywood A-listers, spent much of the day in Dino’s, along with a filmmaking crew. They were all there to film a scene for an independent movie tentatively called “People n ot Places.”(There is some chatter it might be retitled, “Margate Memories.”)
The production is one of an increasing number set in South Jersey, with more coming in the fall. “ ezra,” filmed in Central and n orth Jersey,
included Stefanie Ryan-Manhim, president of Galloway Township’s Weist-Barron-Ryan acting studio as one of the casting directors. Filmed in 2023, “ ezra” is in theatrical release with Bobby Cannavale, Robert De niro, Rose Byrne, and as the title character, newcomer William Fitzgerald.
“We had worked with the producer on several other projects, and they were aware that we have trained neurodivergent actors,” Ryan-Manhim says of a film that featured an autistic child as the title character.
Filming wrapped earlier in the spring in Cape May on “A Complete unknown,” a Bob Dylan biopic, starring elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet as Dylan.
And reports swirl that Margot Robbie, fresh off the success of “Barbie,” will do a film based on the popular board game, Monopoly. The original game based its streets on those in Atlantic City. Kevin Hart is believed to be attached as the lead.
So, what gives with all this play in n ew Jersey? Tax credits, for sure.
“One hundred percent,” Ryan-Manhim says.
In 2018, the state adopted among the highest credits in the country—a fact not lost on moviemakers—and the number of productions rose as a result. The Atlantic City Film Commission works closely with studios and the new Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission to bring projects to the area. So does Weist-Barron-Ryan.
says Heather Colache, director of the Atlantic City Film Commission.
At 90, the iconic MacLaine plays an elderly resident of Ducktown in Atlantic City, where she befriends Dorff, a homeless man. She also struggles to mend her troubled relationship with her son.
“This is absolutely a labor of love for Shirley, my mother and me.,” Furman told Deadline.
Says MacLaine, “It’s a wonderful script.”
The story takes them to Dino’s where MacLaine buys Dorff something to eat.
"I make a sandwich for the guy, and she gives it to him. " Borsani says. “It was a fun experience.”
Francizka Brugger, a longtime employee at Dino's, was not part of the actual filming, but she got a taste of the unglamorous part of making movies, when she hung around behind the sub shop during the day. "It took almost ten hours to film.”
“Atlantic City has everything from glitz to grime (as any good city should to film in),” Ryan-Manhim says. “And we have lots of local actors who will work as local hires and we know who most of them are. This helps to keep production costs down when not having to cover travel expenses.”
Furman's film, based on a script by his mother, ellen, had more of a local connection beyond tax credits. The Furman family has long maintained a vacation residence in Ventnor. "The producer has roots in this area and the story was written for Atlantic City,”
While ellen Furman’s screenplay called for Atlantic City and Margate, others see new Jersey as replicating different locales. The Dylan film focuses on the events at the n ewport Folk Festival in 1965. Dylan received a chilly reception from folkies when he stepped on stage with a rock band backing him up. The incidents involved in the storyline do not take place in Cape May, but the resort can pass for n ewport, R.I. in 1965.
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Acclaimed actress Shirley MacClaine is seated while filming a scene on set in Atlantic City last week.
“We do have films that look at Atlantic City for different scenes that can easily be another country or state,” Colache says. Plus, Atlantic City does not charge for permits and has lower rental costs for police, fire, and palatable location fees, in addition to the tax breaks.
In the Bob Dylan biopic, the Jersey Shore was chosen to portray Newport, RI because of favorable tax breaks there.
new Jersey offers a 30-35% tax incentive, along with a 2 or 4% enhanced tax credit for productions with at least
a 25% diverse cast/crew mix—an incentive that studios and networks are happily putting to use when hiring crews here in n ew Jersey, says Jon Crowley, executive director of the state film commission. It should be noted that Hollywood spent almost $600 million in n ew Jersey last year, representing a great return on the state’s incentives legislation, Crowley says.
One meaningful metric to consider when measuring the economic impact for productions is the average spend per day of shooting, Crowley says. In 2017, the year before the tax credit program was created, the industry spent $67 million in new Jersey over 2,784 shoot days, with an average daily spend of $24,089. In 2023, with a total industry spend of $592 million over 2,761 shoot days, the average per shoot day rose to $214,538.
Sixty percent of the total film production expenses (exclusive of post -production costs) must be incurred for services and goods purchased through vendors authorized to do business in n ew Jersey, Colache says. Qualified film production expenses (expenses incurred in new Jersey for
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the production of a film) must exceed $1 million per production.
Aside from the tax breaks, n ew Jersey established a program known as Film Ready in which various municipalities participated in a workshop seeking certification as a film-friendly town. “We had a film ready workshop in South Jersey in September for 30 towns,” Crowley says.
Most of the towns that attended— covering six counties—are currently involved in the certification process. An announcement will be made in August as to the South Jersey towns involved. As a result of the Film Ready program, three projects are in various stages of development or pre-production to shoot in South Jersey in late Summer/early Fall.
Most producers and location managers start their journey with the Atlantic City Film Commission, the n ew Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, which verifies productions, and the casting agency.
“We are members of the Location Managers Guild and the Association of Film Commissioners International,” Colache says. “I’ve attended film shows in Los Angeles and Santa Monica and conducted a film sales mission to major studios right after Covid with cooperation with the film and television commission. We were the first offices to meet with the studios after Covid. All of the networking and cooperation with the new Jersey Film Office and Reel Scout on our website help keep Atlantic City visible as a great place to film.”
William Sokolic is a veteran journalist who has written for daily, weekly and monthly publications. He’s covered a wide range of news, features and entertainment stories. Much of his work concerns tourism, Atlantic City, and the gaming industry.
A set in Cape May during the filming of a Bob Dylan film titled "A Complete Unknown". Photo credit: Benjamin Howard
Police Drones: Aerial crime fighters come to the Jersey Shore
Ocean City is the latest municipality in New Jersey to add a drone unit to its police force. In only weeks, the technology has proven its worth.
By Marjorie Preston
At the end of May, the Ocean City Police Department officially launched its new drone program, becoming the latest law enforcement agency in Cape May County to adopt the technology.
In its first month alone, the drones (also called unmanned aerial vehicles, or uAVs) helped locate a missing man,
find a woman in need of medical assistance, detect a capsized boat on the bay, and foil a group of alleged car thieves.
‘Eyes in the Sky’
“We’re fully up and running and ready to help,” says Lt. Mark Pancoast, who leads the 13-person, three-drone unit. “Some of the others who don’t have a drone program see these things as toys, but when you put them to use in search-andrescue, it’s incredible to see how they work.”
Take the recent case of an upper Township man who went missing for 15 hours. State police were considering a search by helicopter when a drone found him in under three minutes, wading through a marsh in the
“Drones provide law enforcement with a perspective from the air, a view that we otherwise wouldn’t have.”
—Chief Bill Campbell, OCPD
Woodbine area. The drone maintained a bird’s-eye view of the subject until rescue personnel could be dispatched.
In another incident, a drone used its infrared capability to spot an impaired woman unconscious on the Ocean City beach, after dark, lying perilously close to the surf. In that case, too, police were able to render aid before the situation became a tragedy.
Ocean City’s new police chief, Bill Campbell, who took command last n ovember, was pivotal in bringing drones to the shore resort.
“They provide law enforcement with a perspective from the air that we otherwise wouldn’t have,” he says. “They help in investigations, supplement officers on patrol, and get eyes in the sky to see what’s happening.”
The new fleet includes:
● An Avata 2 first-person view (FPV) drone, which streams real-time video from a fixed camera to goggles worn by the operator. It has a run time of about 25 minutes
● A Mini 3 drone, which can zoom in, angle around, and deal with wind and other natural elements with
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ease. It has a battery life of about 50 minutes
● The Matrice drone is the largest of the three with a circumference of about 2.5 feet. Thermal-imaging capability makes it indispensable in finding lost and missing people. It can stay aloft for about 35 minutes
Altogether, the equipment represents an investment to the city of about $13,000. But by saving labor and equipment hours, the drones also save tax dollars.
“Any time you can save a life, there’s no monetary value you can put on that,” says Pancoast. “ even a cheap helicopter now I think is around $700,000, plus the cost of operations. So it's definitely worth it.”
A Growing Phenomenon
thing they can’t do is fly more than 400 feet above ground or in any controlled airspace (banner planes and other small aircraft have to fly 500 feet or higher).
The use of drones in law enforcement is a growing phenomenon around the u.S., helping officers pursue suspects, evaluate crime scenes, and protect first responders in potentially dangerous situ -
Drones boldly go where foot patrols, police cruisers, and helicopters cannot, swooping under bridges, flying through tunnels, and hovering around and inside buildings. One
town.
ations. They can also be used to map terrain for storm preparedness and assess post-storm damage, which may be especially helpful in a coastal
“Any time you can save a life, there’s no monetary value you can put on that.”
—Lt. Mark Pancoast, drone unit leader, OCPD
Then there’s crowd control, which resort communities need at the height of the season. “On a Saturday on the Boardwalk, we can identify a potential fight before there are boots on the ground,” says Campbell. “The pilot can get on the radio and say, ‘Hey units, 11th and the Boardwalk, it’s two people, and a crowd is gathering.’ It’s very advantageous to be able to monitor those situations.”
Five of Ocean City’s 13 operators have already earned their FAA Part 107 certification at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology. The others “are able to fly as long as they’re side by side” with a certified operator,
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says Pancoast. “So they’re getting hands-on training, and after summer our goal is to get them certified.”
Police drones have their critics, including the American Civil Liberties union (ACLu), which says the technology, if unchecked, may lead to “an era of pervasive, suspicionless, mass aerial surveillance.”
The ACLu advises communities to “think very carefully about whether they want drone surveillance, and if they decide to permit some operations, put in place guardrails that will prevent those operations from expanding.”
But, as Pancoast said in an interview with WPVI Action n ews, “There's nothing hidden or nefarious that we're doing with these drones. They're there for public safety.”
According to Campbell, the OCPD creates incident reports every time a drone is used, which are then available through open-records requests. “Whether we’re looking for a missing person or a person of interest, the flight log shows exactly the time it went up, who the pilot was, where the drone was flown, and when it came down. We have a clear path of documentation.”
Preventing Crime — and More
Ocean City’s new drones have the potential to be important allies as law enforcers work to prevent criminal activity. But they can be of service in small matters, too. “On the beach the other day, somebody lost their cellphone,” says Pancoast. “We just happened to be there and turned the spotlight on the phone.
“This is not just for catching bad guys. We’re trying to make this very much a part of the community. We want to be there to help.”
Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.
Farmers Markets
Brigantine Farmers Market
▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Brigantine Community School parking lot Sheridan Blvd.
The Brigantine Farmers Market will be open to customers on Saturdays, rain or shine, until Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ brigantinefarmersmarket.
EHT Community Farmers Market
▶Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Atlantic County Library 1 Swift Dr.
Just Organics Marketplace and Honeytree Health host a Community Farmers Market on Sundays, featuring a variety of local pesticide-free farmers, food vendors, artists, crafters, music, and fun activities. Support family farmers. n ow through Sept. 1. For more information, visit thehoneytree.net or e-mail wellness@ thehoneytree.net.
Galloway Green Market
▶Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m.
Historic Smithville Village Greene 615 e . Moss Mill Rd.
Go Green Galloway hosts their weekly Green Market, Thursdays through Sept. 5, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts, specialty breads and more. Visit gogreengalloway.org/greenmarket for information and updates.
Margate Farmers Market
▶Thursdays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Steve and Cookies Parking Lot 9700 Amherst Ave.
The Margate Farmers Market is open for the 2024 season. Markets will be open starting Thursday, June 20 through Aug. 29. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.
Ocean City Farmers Market
▶Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ocean City Tabernacle Grounds
Asbury Avenue from 5th – 6th Streets
Visit dozens of vendors on the grounds of the Tabernacle, and crafters in the street at 6th & Asbury Ave. Wednesdays through Sept. 4. For more information, call 1-800-BeACHnJ or visit oceancityvacation.com.
Somers Point Farmers Market
▶Saturdays, 8 a.m. 12 p.m.
Somers Mansion 1000 Shore Rd.
Somers Point Farmers Market is open Saturdays on the grounds of the beautiful and historic Somers Mansion. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com.
Ventnor City Farmers Market ▶Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
St. James Church n ewport & Atlantic Ave.
The parking lot at St. James Church brims with 60+ farmers, food vendors, and crafters who offer fresh, seasonal picks, delicious artisan foods, baked goods, beverages, and beautiful handmade wares. Open Fridays through Aug. 30. Visit vcfm. org for more.
Events and Happenings
Multiday events
Fakefest
▶now – Sunday, June 30
The Deck at Golden nugget 600 Huron Ave. Atlantic City
Some of the hottest cover bands on the east Coast converge for this annual event that will make you do a double take all week long. See the complete schedule at www.goldennugget.com/atlantic-city and click on entertainment.
FlowRider Flow Tour
▶Saturday, June 29 & Sunday, June 30
Island Waterpark at Showboat 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Surf’s up. Island Waterpark is teaming up with FlowRider to host the very first Flow City Pro Am event. Flowboarding competitors will have the chance to display their skills to win awards and prizes. This friendly event is for all ages, genders, and/or skill levels. Registration is open at www.islandwaterparkac.com. Click on Get Tickets and search for FlowCity Pro Am. Beach Walks in Ocean City
▶Tuesday 9 a.m., Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
59th St. & Central Ave.
enjoy a nature walk along the beach in Ocean City. Meet at the beach entrance to Corson’s Inlet at 59th St. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Thursday, June 27
Sunset Yoga on the Beach
▶7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach, Somers Point
Bring some water, a towel, or a yoga matt of your choice, and join in a 60-minute gentle yoga on the beach. This donation-based class is open to all.
Movie Night in Somers Point
▶7:45 p.m.
Somers Point Softball Field 599 Marks Rd.
Join the Somers Point Police Department for a free community movie night. Bring your chair or blanket and watch “Lightyear” on the screen. The snack stand will be open and is cash only. n o dogs allowed.
Friday, June 28
American Red Cross Blood Drive
▶10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Somers Point Youth Center 599 Marks Rd.
The American Red Cross will be at the Youth Center in Somers Point for a partnered blood drive, hosted by the Somers Point Police Department. Appointments can be made by visiting www. redcrossblood.org. Click on ‘Find a Drive’ and search: SPPD.
Smithville Car Cruise
▶5 – 8 p.m.
Historic Smithville 615 e . Moss Mill Rd. Cruise on down to Smithville and hang out with fellow car enthusiasts. Drive to the side parking lot of the Village Greene near the covered bridge; you will see orange cones set up. Move a cone and park your car. More information is available at www.historicsmithville.com.
North Beach Atlantic City Fireworks Celebration
▶9:30 p.m.
north Beach between Ocean Casino and Resorts
north Beach will host its 4th annual summer kick-off with an oceanfront fireworks spectacular, hosted in partnership with Fireworks by Grucci. The event is free and open to the public and will feature several viewing locations throughout the north end of the Boardwalk, including Steel Pier, Resorts, Hard Rock, Showboat, and Ocean Casino. More information is available at www.atlanticcitynorthbeach. com.
Saturday, June 29
Margate Beachstock
▶8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Huntington Ave. Beach
The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party returns for a fun-filled day of activities. This year’s event features new food vendors, more kid’s activities, an eclectic
live-music lineup featuring the n o Clue Trio, Sunset Cries, and nJ British Invasion, free surf and kite lessons, cornhole, volleyball, obstacle course, Tiki Beach Bar, and so much more. The event is free and beach tags are not required. Learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.
Mays Landing Hometown Celebration
▶10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Memorial Park Main St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Join the Township of Hamilton and the Mays Landing Merchants Association in celebrating a time-honored tradition that brings township residents together for a day of family fun. This 24th annual event will include food trucks, art and craft vendors, a chalk walk, live music, touch-a-truck, prizes, kids rides, and lots more.
Magic Show at the Library
▶10:30 a.m.
Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Calling all kids: prepare to be amazed as an illusionist conjures some fun and mind-bending feats. Call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Mommy & Me Class
▶12:30 p.m.
Otto Bruyns Public Library 241 W. Mill Rd. northfield
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enjoy a special Mommy and Me class at the northfield Library with Retro Fitness. For more information, call (609) 646-4476.
Concert and Bonfire on the Beach in Longport
▶6:30 p.m.
33rd Avenue Beach, Longport
Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy a bonfire and a concert by Pan Gravy. Call Longport Library at (609) 4877403 to register or learn more. Rain date: Sunday, June 30.
Beachstock After Dark
▶7 – 10 p.m.
Huntington Ave. Beach
Margate Beachstock heats up with a bonfire and South Pacific Island Dancers at 8 p.m. Q102’s DJ nico Oso will spin the tunes at 8:30 p.m., followed at 9 p.m. with a live performance by KnOX, best known for the hit single “ n ot the 1975”. Plus, enjoy a free movie on the beach, “Trolls Band Together,” at 6:45. The event is free and beach tags are not required. Learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.
Sunday, June 30
Pancake Breakfast in Ocean City
▶8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
American Legion Post 524 at 4562 West Ave.
enjoy an all you can eat pancake breakfast, pus sausage, coffee, tea, and orange juice. $10 for adults, $5 children. Proceeds support Ocean City Boy Scout Troop 32. For additional information, contact Jen Somers at (609) 425-9494.
Bernadette Peters with the Ocean City POPS
▶7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics with her performances on stage, film, and television. She has gained numerous accolades including three Tony Awards, a Golden Globe, four
emmy and Grammy Award nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. See her perform as the Ocean City POPS open their 2024 season. More information is available at www.oceancityvacation.com.
Monday, July 1
Beach Exercise: Yoga
▶8 a.m.
6th Street Volleyball Courts, Ocean City
Attendance is free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398-6900.
We Walk Somers Point
▶8:30 a.m.
Somers Point City Hall 1 e . West Jersey Ave.
The City of Somers Point is hosting a walking club each Monday at 8:30 a.m. with the purpose of promoting health and creating opportunities for people to pursue fitness goals while meeting neighbors. The group will meet at different starting points each week. Open to all residents of Somers Point. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ SomersPoint or email dshallcross@spgov. org.
Library on the Beach
▶10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
14th Street Beach, Ocean City
Stop by the big blue tent at 14th Street beach and learn about all that the Ocean City Free Public Library has to offer this summer. There will be free books and library giveaways. Weather permitting. Visit www.oceancitylibrary.org for more information or call (609) 399-2434.
EHT Monday Morning Madness
▶11 a.m.
Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheater in Tony Canale Park
Presented by eHT Recreation. enjoy
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free weekly family entertainment at Tony Canale Park. This week, Family Stages Presents: “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Visit www.ehtrec.com or www.facebook.com/ eHTRecreation for more information and updates in the event of weather.
Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen
▶7 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk enjoy this tribute to Queen featuring Patrick Myers. Produced by BRe Presents. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.ocnj.us/SummerConcertSeries.
Tuesday, July 2
Funtastic Tuesdays
▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave. Ocean City enjoy strolling entertainment, face painters, and balloon sculptors along Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
‘Garfield,’ The Musical with Cattitude
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk
Presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company. Garfield fantasizes about having the most amazing birthday in this history of birthdays. u nfortunately, all his friends, and even his nemesis, seem to have forgotten. Feeling rejected, Garfield ventures out to find excitement, but he soon realizes that home is where the heart, and the food, is. Tickets are avail-
able at www.oceancitytheatrecompany. com.
Game Days
▶11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Beth el Synagogue 500 n . Jerome Ave. Margate
This event will take place weekly through Aug. 27. Cost is $15 per person and includes full lunch and snacks. Call (609) 823-2725 to reserve a table or to join a game.
Join JFS Village and Pat Goldstein for a gathering of lively and thoughtful discussion about books and life. This month, the group will discuss the novela, “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan. This program will be held in-person at the Margate Library. RSVP by June 28 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email Tina Serota at tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Mummers Night
▶7 – 9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Watch the Mummers strutting the Boardwalk from 6th – 14th St. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation. com.
Somers Point Dance Society
▶7:30 – 10 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Hall 447 Bethel Rd. Admission is $10 and includes snacks, live musical duos, line dancing, dance mix-
ers, social dancing, and plenty of parking. Come out and kick up your heels, or just listen to good music with good company.
Wednesday, July 3
Beach Exercise: Pilates
▶8 a.m.
6th Street Volleyball Courts, Ocean City
Attendance is free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398-6900.
Wacky Wednesday: Pie Eating Contest
▶10:30 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk Celebrate America with a good old-fashioned apple and cherry pie eating contest. no hands allowed. The contest is free and limited to 150 participants. Must be present at 10:30 a.m. start time to participate.
Somers Point Pinochle Club
▶6 – 8:30 p.m.
Somers Point Senior Center 22 n Ambler Rd.
All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com and click on events.
Thursday, July 4
Market Days
▶10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Downtown Asbury Ave. Ocean City enjoy strolling entertainment, face
painters, and balloon sculptors along Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Friday, July 5
Beach Exercise: Low Impact
▶8 a.m.
6th Street Volleyball Courts, Ocean City
Attendance is free. Bring a towel and a friend. Hosted by the Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center. For more information, call (609) 398-6900.
Thrilling Movies at the Beach
▶7 p.m.
Granville and Huntington Ave. Beach
Join Margate for a free movie at the beach next Friday. Movies are shown on the beach behind the Bloom Pavilion. This week’s feature film is “Kung Fu Panda 4.” Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for free fun activities and giveaways, while supplies last. The event is part of Thrilling Thursdays. Learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.
Saturday, July 6
Red Wine and Blueberry 5K Run ▶9 a.m.
Renault Winery 72 n . Bremen Ave. egg Harbor City
Dress in your most patriotic outfit and start your holiday weekend with a 5k run along a flat multi-surface road to egg Harbor City Lake and back to Renault Winery. The event is rain or shine. A 1 mile kids fun run starts at 9:15 a.m., followed
by the 5k run at 9:30. Learn more and sign up at www.renaultwinery.com.
T. John Carey Masters Swim
▶6:15 p.m.
Ocean City Beach between 6th – 14th St.
The Master’s Swim is one of the premier open-water swimming events on the Jersey Shore, consisting of a one-mile ocean race following a point-to-point course running parallel to the beach. Competitors will enjoy memorable views passing the iconic Music Pier as spectators cheer on the swimmers. Registration is open now at www.raceforum.com/ johncarey. Visit www.ocnj.us/departments/OCBP for updated information and starting location.
Health and Wellness
Living in the Moment Group
▶Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Mental Health Association of Atlantic County 4 e . Jimmie Leeds Rd. Suite 8, Galloway
Slow down and spend an hour with like-minded people working on developing gratitude, self-love, and other character traits that encourage mindfulness. Weekly meetings include meaningful discussions, camaraderie, and a group activity. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 ext. 0306 or email ytran@mhanj.org.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
▶Thursday, June 27, 10 a.m.
These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources, and advocacy. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday, and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at (609) 652-3800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.
Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, July 3, 1:30 p.m.
6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing
Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 402-6966 for more information.
NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups
▶Monday, July 8, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph Church 608 Shore Rd. Somers Point
Participants gain the support of their peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm. org, or call (609) 741-5125.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
Atlantic City Fireworks at Tropicana
▶10 p.m.
Fourth of July Happenings
Iowa Ave. and the Beach Catch Tropicana Atlantic City’s spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m. this July 4th. Fireworks are launched from the beachfront and can be viewed along the boardwalk.
Galloway Fourth of July Parade
▶9 a.m.
Smithville Blvd. & Moss Mill Rd. to Historic Smithville 615 e . Moss Mill Rd.
The Smithville Fourth of July Parade is one of the largest parades
of its kind with over 100 units. The annual parade will begin at the Smithville Square Shopping Center on Smithville Blvd. to Moss Mill Rd. then past Historic Smithville where the parade will end at the Village Greene. More information is available at www. july4galloway.com.
Longport American Mile
▶6:30 p.m.
Longport Fire House 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join the Longport Volunteer Fire Department for The American Mile, the borough’s annual Fourth of July
one mile run. The course will be a point-to-point race, beginning at 11th Ave. & Atlantic Ave, running north on Atlantic to the finish line at Pelham Ave. Sign up at www.longportnj.gov.
Margate Fourth of July Fireworks
Extravaganza
▶9 p.m.
Huntington Ave. Beach
This event is hosted by the Margate Mothers Association. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and kids, and enjoy spectacular fireworks display over the beach. Learn more at www. margatehasmore.com or call (609) 823-9144.
Northfield Connolly Mile
▶8:30 a.m.
City Hall 1600 Shore Rd.
Registration is open now by visiting www. cityofnorthfield.org. Day of registration will be open at n orthfield City Hall from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. Northfield July 4th
Parade
▶10 a.m.
Shore Rd. & Jackson Ave. to Burton Ave. Fire Station
Join the City of n orthfield in celebrating America’s birthday. The parade will take place along Shore Road from Jackson Avenue to the Burton Avenue Fire Station via Mill Road. Parade participants are welcome to join, including volunteers, community groups, floats, northfield businesses, and kids on bikes. Contact Joan Brennan at (609) 374-6614 for details.
Ocean City Fourth of July Celebration
▶7 – 9 p.m.
Ocean City Boardwalk
at 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Ocean City Pops Star-Spangled Spectacular
▶Wednesday, July 3 & Thursday, July 4, 8 p.m.
Carey Stadium 6th St. & Boardwalk
The Ocean City Pops will perform two free outdoor shows this Fourth of July week. The legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers.
Ocean City North End Bike Parade
▶10 a.m.
Longport Bridge parking lot at n ewcastle Rd.
Sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the parade begins at 10 a.m.
Ocean City South End Bike Parade
▶10 a.m.
40th St. & Asbury Ave.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a kite flying competition at 7 p.m. next to the Music Pier at Moorlyn & the beach. A spectacular boardwalk fireworks display tops off the evening
Sponsored by the South Ocean City Improvement Association, City of Ocean City and the Chamber of Commerce. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade will travel south down Central Ave. to 53rd St. and the playground.
Photos by Donald B Kravitz
Ocean City Riviera Neighborhood Bike Parade
▶12 p.m.
Rosemar Lane Park
Sponsored by the Riviera n eighborhood. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and the parade begins at 12 p.m. Strathmere Fourth of July Parade
▶10:30 a.m.
Strathmere Firehouse down Commonwealth Ave.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. at the Strathmere Firehouse. Judging begins at 10 a.m. The parade will begin from the firehouse at 10:30, proceeding south along Commonwealth Ave. This year’s Grand Marshals are Bob and Marilyn Roland. An awards ceremony and refreshments will follow at Deauville Inn following the parade. Rain date: Friday, July 5. For further information, contact Karen Michael at (609) 231-6000 or email KarenGMitchell@comcast.net.
Upper Township Fourth of July Celebration
▶4 – 10 p.m.
Amanda’s Field
Come on out for upper Township’s annual 4th of July Celebration. Fun for the entire family, the event will include live music, food trucks, craft vendors, interactive games, and a fireworks display. Admission is free. More information is available at www. uppertownship.com. Rain date: Friday, July 5. Ventnor Independence Celebration
▶Wednesday, July 3, 5 p.m. n ewport Avenue Beach
Join Ventnor City for an evening of live music at the gazebo beginning at 7 p.m., followed by spectacular fireworks display over the beach to cap off a wonderful night. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with crafters and food vendors. Registration for the Ventnor Mile one mile run opens at 6 p.m. and the race begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www. ventnorcity.org.
All events are scheduled for July 4th except where noted
Down to Earth Garden Tour hosted by the Green Thumb Garden Club
Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point held its “Down to e arth Garden Tour” on Saturday, June 22. From rustic to refined, 10 gardens were featured on the tour that took attendees on an overview of Somers Point and its gardens.
According to Rosemary evans, publicity chair of the garden club, the tour is called “Down to earth Garden Tour” because “most of our members are the kind of people who ‘get their hands dirty’ and maintain, if not design, their own gardens.”
The self-guided garden tour began at the Colonial Garden located behind Somers Mansion. Planted and maintained by the Green Thumb Garden Club, this colonial-inspired
kitchen garden was created as a garden that you might find in the 18th and 19th centuries. Herbs such as sage, dill, lavender, rosemary, parsley, and borage can be found growing in these raised beds. In addition to vegetables such as potatoes, lettuce, beets, rad -
ishes, tomatoes, and peas, the garden also features a “Three Sisters” bed that pays homage to the influence of the Lenni Lenape. Corn, beans, and squash are known as the Three Sisters in this method of planting, and each crop depends upon the other to grow and thrive.
Visitors to the Colonial Garden were greeted by women dressed in
OCEAN AQUARIUM
colonial-inspired garb. Attendees were encouraged to take a guided tour of Somers Mansion, which was built in 1720. Before heading to the next stop on the garden tour, guests could purchase produce or stop for a bite to eat since the Somers Manor farmer’s market was also abuzz during the garden tour. each garden was only minutes away from the next, so the tour was easy to navigate but gave a little taste of each section of Somers Point. The tour featured homeowners as well as areas of interest in Somers Point such as the Somers Point Submarine Veterans Memorial Garden and the Somers Point Senior and Community Center. A step inside the community center welcomed tour-goers to an art show sponsored by the Somers Point Art Commission.
↘Continued on 24
Years old artichokes reaching for the sky in the garden of George and Angelina Wilson.
Artwork by third-graders from Dawes Avenue School was displayed at the Somers Point Senior Center as part of the garden tour.
Third graders from Dawes Avenue School displayed their beautiful floral artwork for all attendees to enjoy. Dr. Larry Lemieux was on call in the memorial garden behind his chiropractic practice. This garden was created to lovingly honor the mem -
among the beautiful flowers.
ory of his daughter Kelli, who passed away at the age of 26. Patients and other visitors who take time to find a quiet moment to admire the memorial garden find peace and solitude
For a lesson on gardening in the shade, the garden of Donna and Joe Mohr features five different types of hydrangeas as well as giant rhododendrons and feathery astilbes. Hostas and azaleas also thrive in this inspiring garden that was a respite from the sweltering temperatures of the day. On the other side of town, the wild and wonderful meadow garden of George and Angelina Wilson provides a paradise for pollinators. Impressive artichoke plants that have been growing for at least four years
were towering with blooms and basking in the hot sun. Meanwhile, coneflowers and daisies beckoned pollinators. Behind the house, shoulder-high corn stalks will soon produce dinner for the family.
each garden was unique and inspired visitors with new ideas that they could implement in their own gardens. For more inspiration, check out the garden club which meets the first Tuesday of the month from September to June. Contact Green
Thumb Garden Club President, Pam DeMarco, for more information at (609) 519-3517.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Staci Endicott with her daughter Violette pose with Linda Keyser and “Richard Somers” while dressed in colonial-inspired garb for the Down to Earth Garden Tour.
Violette Endicott enjoys picking ripe peas from the Somers Manor colonial kitchen garden.
The lovely and peaceful shade garden of Donna and Joe Mohr features five different types of hydrangeas.
Atlantic City to keep watch over beaches from above
By Julia Train
The Atlantic City Public Safety Department has gained another perspective for keeping watch over the beaches: from above.
n o, it’s not a bird or a plane. It’s a drone, which will be flying around Atlantic City’s beaches every day starting in July.
Along with the city’s beach patrol, its police and fire departments also received the aerial cameras from the n ational Aerospace Research and Technology Park, or nARTP, that they use for mapping.
Although the city has had a drone
since 2019, the officials rarely used it because of connection issues due to cell towers. However, recently they were given a new, better one through a public safety grant, according to Steve Downey, chief of Atlantic City Beach Patrol.
The Beach Patrol’s original device was a $1500 SwellPro Splash Drone, purchased about five years ago. Its technology is now obsolete, according to Downey.
“The other issue we had with it was that it was small so the battery life only lasts so long when it's fighting to stay in place from the wind. This one will actually be a lot better for maintaining the battery life,” he said. “Before, we could put the old drone up and only get a few minutes whereas this one we can get a solid 25 to 30 minutes. So that would give us plenty of time to get down and check out areas.”
The new one is a DJI Matrice 30, which costs between $12,000 and $15,000. It’s 3 feet wide and 2 feet
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high. This drone has a 30-minute battery life. It also is equipped with a speaker and thermal imaging/mapping software.
The drone can be used to respond to swimmers in distress with its camera, infrared technology, PA system and an inflatable rescue device. Once the swimmer is spotted on camera, a life preserver will be dropped in the water as lifeguards make their way to them.
In addition, every evening, from 6
to 8 p.m., there will be an emergency response team using the technology to scan the beaches for dangerous water conditions, such as riptides and shark sightings.
Right now, the ACBP has about eight licensed pilots. It is still in the experimental phase of looking at riptides from above, but they “pretty much know by eye where all the riptides are,” according to Downey.
The Beach Patrol is also using the drone to check on erosion. It is
working with the Atlantic City Fire Department to map it out.
The ACBP has taken the new device out four or five times already this year. It can be taken up to 100 yards offshore without a problem picking up signal, according to the chief.
He recalled a time when the drone was tested and found 25 swimmers in the water. They were asked through its PA system to raise their hands if they could hear the pilot. All of them raised their hands.
“So we'll send it down there and do reconnaissance without actually
having to send the manpower down there to do it,” said Downey.
Julia is a student at Rider University, majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in social media strategies. At school, she writes and is news editor for The Rider News and is the News Director for the radio station, producing news updates. She’ll be graduating in the spring. Connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
Local tragedy serves as a ‘wake up’ call
By Julia Train
In February 2016, Mays Landing lost a young boy to suicide. His name was Cole Rocap.
He was 14, grew up on Lake Lenape and loved to wakeboard, a water sport in which one stands on a wakeboard and performs aerial maneuvers while being towed behind a motorboat.
From that tragedy, however, Rocap’s older cousin, Vincent Giardino, and sister, Samantha Rocap, founded The Wake up Project, a 501c3 that
hosts a friendly wakeboarding competition with the mission of raising funds for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
“I didn't think I was doing enough. I didn't think anybody was doing enough and I was just trying to figure out a way that I could do my part to fight youth suicide specifically,” said Giardino. “Once I came up with the idea and got a little bit more involved in mental health awareness as a cause, then it took off a little bit more and I got more heavily involved.”
The competition takes place at
Lenape Park, where the lighthouse is. There are vendors, booths with mental health service information and other activities.
JUNE 27
Anglesea Night Market & Food Truck Night
JUNE 29 - 30
Cape Express Beach Blast Soccer
JULY 4
Independence Day Fireworks
JULY 5 - 7
Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles July Show
JULY 12 - 14
NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival
JULY 12 -14
New Jersey Jeep Invasion
JULY 19 - 21
New Jersey Bronco Invasion
JULY 27
Foam N Glow
JULY 27 - 28
Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament
JULY 31
Wildwoods Baby Parade
AUGUST 1 - 12
Back to School Warehouse Clothing Sale
AUGUST 9 - 11
Tattoo Beach Bash
FRIDAY NIGHTS
JUNE 28 - AUGUST 30
Friday Night Fireworks
SATURDAY MORNINGS TO AUGUST 31
Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market
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There have been two such events – the first in 2018 and the second the following year. Giardino never expected it to become a full nonprofit. He thought he would do one fundraiser with Rocap’s friends and be done.
“It ended up being a little bit too successful to not do it again," said Giardino.
In 2020, however, COVID-19 prevented the competition from happening and each year after, a different obstacle presented itself.
In 2021, restrictions weren’t lifted early enough to put the event in place and in 2022, Lenape Park was under construction.
“In 2023, we were just so frustrated with all the delays that we just took that year off,” said Giardino.
Five years later, the Wake up is coming back July 27 and the charity has been working on the event since last August to make sure of it.
In addition to wakeboarding, there will be inflatable obstacle courses, bounce houses, food trucks, a cornhole tournament and a yoga flow.
to Stockton’s Active Minds chapter, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults through peer-to-peer interaction.
Giardino said that ideally, the organizations that he plans to donate to are going to be available to attend the event and set up tents where they can provide the public with more clinical information.
“We just try to offer as many unique things in the park on that day as possible so that people want to come to the park,” said Giardino.
In 2019, the event raised almost $20,000. While some of that money was kept for other fundraisers and the main event, a majority is dispersed to organizations in the local community that have an immediate impact.
In the past, the nonprofit donated
“I can spread awareness and tell everybody that we need to create safe spaces…but it's a lot more effective if you know somebody can come out with brochures and actually explain the services that they offer, why they offer them and how they could help somebody who might be struggling,” said Giardino.
Although the event is meant to spread mental health awareness and help with suicide prevention on a grander scale, the core reason for it remains to honor Cole’s memory.
By Steffen Klenk
From the historic bars and restaurants along Shore Road to the beaches and nightclubs of Bay Avenue, Somers Point is a city rich in history and culture. Today, part of that history is being preserved in a new documentary being filmed by PBS.
Before the start of last week’s beach concert in Somers Point, dozens made their way to the adjacent Tavern on the Bay to be interviewed by PBS for the upcoming documentary. They shared their memories of Tony Mart’s and the legendary 1983 film “ eddie and the Cruisers”. One of those individuals was longtime Somers Point resident Joe Carner, who was a bartender at Tony Mart’s for five years. “Somehow or another I ended up in the movie, and that was one of the biggest things that happened around here at that time.”
Some who arrived for the documentary filming didn’t just share their memories, they also shared memorabilia that came with that time. Jim
Witchko of Somers Point brought a framed print of the former Bay Shores nightclub, which sat along Bay Avenue for decades. “Somers Point was altogether different in the ’80s,” he explained. “It is a fun town, and we’re built around people enjoying themselves, and certainly that movie makes you enjoy yourself.”
“Where eddie Lives” is the working title of this new project by Steve Rogers. Rogers, a Long Beach Island
resident, first watched “ eddie and the Cruisers" at 9 years old. He spoke about how the movie impacted the local community: “ us kids growing up at the Jersey Shore had never seen a movie that portrayed the Jersey Shore before.” Rogers is also the producer of the emmy-nominated nJ PBS series “Here’s the Story”, formerly known as “Driving Jersey”. The show focuses on human interest stories through visual storytelling.
Rogers recalled the initial moment he received a call from Michael Paré, who played the role of eddie Wilson. “To me, it was like I was talking to eddie from ‘ eddie and the Cruisers’. It was a mind blower for me.” “ eddie and the Cruisers” was filmed primarily in Somers Point and the former Tony Mart’s nightclub, at the corner of Bay and Goll avenues, in 1982, with additional scenes shot throughout the greater region. Though the film was given a theatrical release on Sept. 23, 1983, it was not a box office success. A year later, in 1984, HBO took a chance and began showing the film daily, attracting wider audiences.
The film’s re-release also garnered renewed interest in its soundtrack. The album, performed by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, produced two Top 10 singles: “On the Dark Side” peaked at no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made it to no. 1 on the rock charts, while “Tender Years” ascended to no. 10 on the rock charts.
Today, the band retains much success with regular touring performances across the country. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band are preparing for a star-studded show on Thursday, July 4, at William Morrow Beach. PBS cameras will be on hand for the show.
This forthcoming documentary will also include interviews with the movie’s original director, Marty Davidson. An interview with Carmen Marotta, son of the late Anthony Marotta who opened Tony Mart’s in 1944, will also be featured in the film.
The former nightclub brought many musical stars to the legendary venue, including Conway Twitty, Levon & the Hawks, and countless others. Renowned actors and performers from “ eddie and the Cruisers” will be included in this special feature as well, with further announcements forthcoming.
“Here’s the Story” airs locally on nJ PBS. Past episodes can be found online, with updated links and information on the “Driving Jersey” Facebook page.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
FULL SERVICE SHOP
By Julia Train
WFormer Phillies mascots live in Atlantic County
hen attending a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, it’s impossible to miss the furry, green, muppet-like creature known as the Phillie Phanatic interacting with the crowd, players, coaches and umpires.
While he’s a Philadelphia sports icon, he wasn’t the first.
The team’s original mascot– or mascots– were Philadelphia Phil and Phillis, and they are enjoying their retirement in Atlantic County.
For over 43 years, the duo has lived at Storybook Land, a children’s storybook-themed amusement park in egg Harbor Township.
The brother and sister were first introduced at the same time that the team moved to Veterans Stadium in 1971, as an attempt to add entertainment to the games for families to enjoy.
At the time of opening, Veterans Stadium was a state-of-the-art ballpark, complete with wall-to-wall AstroTurf, new luxury superboxes, 140
usherettes, and a $3 million scoreboard that played comical electronic cartoons while keeping the scores updated.
The idea for the double mascot came from Bill Giles–who, at the time, had moved from working as promotions director for the Houston Astros to be the Phillies’ special effects executive and would later be the team’s executive and part-owner. With that, their homerun spectacular was born.
While there were costumes for the mascots, there were actually animatronic versions that put on a show after a Phillie hit a homerun.
The 15-foot statues, dressed in colonial-era garb as a nod to the city’s history and made of concrete and fiberglass, were originally located in front of the center field wall at the stadium, ready for their show.
After a player hit a homerun, Philadelphia Phil appeared between the boards in center field and hit a baseball that traveled toward the message board in right-center and struck a
former mascots’ costumes and the actual statues used in the home run spectacular for eight years.
Don Horrow, an owner of a Dodge dealership in Waterford Township, nJ, bought the statues and the cannon that Phillis let explode.
Horrow didn’t remember how much he paid for them,
replica of the Liberty Bell. The bell glowed, with its crack lighting up.
The ball continued and hit Philadelphia Phillis, knocking her down and causing her to pull a lanyard on a cannon. The cannon then exploded and after the smoke and sound effects, a colonial-era American flag dropped down and the dancing waters started to the tune of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
but he knew the transportation cost more than the duo. Within a year, esther and John Fricano, the owners of Storybook Land bought the statues for $1,000 and Horrow kept the cannon.
This was a major and popular production for the 1970s, but when the Phanatic was introduced in 1978, Phil and Phillis were gone within the next year. With that, the home run spectacular was torn down and the twins were stored in the bowels of the Vet.
In 1980, Giles, who was then the Phillies’ vice president, held a Spring Clearance Sale, where fans were able to purchase leftover shirts, hats, backpacks, posters, license plates, pennants and… Phil and Phillis themselves. u p for sale were both the
In February 2004, Veterans Stadium was demolished and the Fricano Family purchased a pair of seats from it in november 2003.
Today, 43 years later, instead of the home run spectacular, the lightup Liberty Bell display located at right-center field of Citizens Bank Park, swings and chimes while the twins remain in the park with the pair of seats sandwiched between them.
The Sandcastle: Atlantic City’s own Field of Dreams
By Bruce Klauber
“And there used to be a ballpark where the field was warm and green, And the people played their crazy game with a joy I'd never seen, And the air was such a wonder, from the hot dogs and the beer, Yes, there used to be a ballpark right here.”
– Song written by Joe Raposo Sung by Frank Sinatra
On paper, the idea of having a minor league baseball team in Atlantic City was a fine one, maybe even a can’t-miss proposition. Having the excitement of a real-live professional ball team in town would certainly add to the Atlantic City gaming experience. Further, going to the ball game
would be the perfect family activity in a town that cries out for more events for families to enjoy together. Professional baseball in Atlantic City? n o doubt, fans would be thrilled.
In all probability, the city fathers were unaware that the World’s Playground previously hosted two minor league baseball teams: one in 1885, and the other in 1912, that were both unsuccessful.
But almost 100 years later, the concept of bringing minor league baseball looked great on paper, and on May 20, 1998, Atlantic City’s very own baseball team, called the Atlantic City Surf, played its first game at a new ballpark, then called The Sandcastle.
There were issues from the start as the Surf wasn’t affiliated with a major league club. The Surf was part of an independent organization called the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The Atlantic League operates in cities not served by major or minor league franchises. Its teams play in suburban locations that are too close to teams in major league base -
ball to have affiliated minor league teams of their own.
In Atlantic City’s case, the Philadelphia Phillies, n ew York Yankees, and new York Mets would be deemed “too close.” The league’s other requirements are quite specific: A host city must have a 4,000-to-7,500-seat ballpark maintained at Triple-A standards.
Building the ballpark was the first hurdle. In 1996, the Vineland-based Arthur J. Ogren construction firm broke ground on what was first called The Sandcastle Stadium, located on the city’s Bader Field, for a cost of, de -
pending upon what reports you believe, somewhere between $14.5 million and $18 million. evidently believing in the project, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority kicked in $11.5 million. The remainder came by way of a bond issue floated by Atlantic City. The 5,500-seat park was completed in 1998. Left field, right field and center field distances were a bit on the short side, but still at the pro level. Left and right field distances were 309 feet, and home run distance to center field was 400 feet.
It was, during its operation, a good little park, and the Atlantic City Surf was an above-average team which actually made it to the post-season four times.
In 2007, the team switched from the Atlantic League to the Can-Am League, which stood for the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball.
Like the Atlantic League, Can-Am had no affiliation with minor or major league teams.
During the team’s existence, members of the Surf received a number of awards. In 2007, manager Chris Carminucci was named Manager of the Year, Brian Rodaway won the Pitcher of the Year, and Matt Pike received the Reliever of the Year award.
During the years that the Surf played in The Sandcastle Stadium, attendance varied from being packed one night to nearly empty the next. When there were fireworks displays or other local promotions, and there were many, the park was crowded. Most nights, it was not. The park's naming rights were sold to Bernie Robbins jewelry in 2006, on the thinking that the tie-in with Robbins and the Robbins’ name would somehow enhance the stadium's promotional capabilities. It did not, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
In October of 2006, Bernie Robbins Stadium hosted the Atlantic regional qualifying rounds for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Two years later, WCAu television’s sports director and former eagles player Vai Sikahema and one-time major league baseball superstar Jose Canseco squared off in a celebrity boxing exhibition, with the winner receiving $5,000. Sikahema was a former boxer and Canseco had martial arts experience. Sikahema won by knockout in the first round. Those were just some
of the promotions geared to bringing folks into the park.
On March 30, 2009, the Atlantic City Surf was no more. The proposed sale of the team fell through, and there was no one interested in buying it. The Can-Am League’s Ottawa Voyageurs also collapsed at the same time.
By 2011, the vacant stadium was in bad shape due to vandalism and general deterioration. It was restored in order to host a three-day music festival headlined by the Dave Matthews Band. The next year, the stadium was officially renamed Surf Stadium.
There have been special events
held at Surf Stadium since then, including several music events, conferences, and use by local high school and college baseball teams.
In 2018, Atlantic City’s City Council granted permission to former Surf owner Frank Boulton to conduct a search to find an individual or investment group interested in bringing minor league baseball back to Atlantic City. Boulton was so high on the idea, that he actually announced plans to begin play in the 2019 season.
Sadly, it never happened, and since then, no plans have been announced to bring pro baseball back to Atlantic City.
There is positive news for baseball in Atlantic City. The historic Pop Lloyd Stadium, located at 1200 n . Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. next to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School and named for legendary, n egro League ballplayer John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, has been in disrepair and virtually unused for the past few years. But thanks to $5 million in funding from the $35.5 million awarded to Atlantic City by the American Rescue Plan, work has just started on restoring the field into what will be a multi-sport recreation center.
The work, which should be finished by the fall, will include new seating, fences, bathrooms, scoreboards, dugouts and lockers. The artificial
turf being installed will make Pop Lloyd Stadium suitable for soccer and lacrosse, in addition to baseball. Pop Lloyd, who died in 1964 and was inducted posthumously into the national Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, played for several teams before he moved to Atlantic City and played for the Bacharach Giants. FYI, the Giants played in another long-gone stadium in the city, located on Adriatic Avenue near Kentucky Avenue.
Lloyd is considered to be one of the greatest shortstops in n egro League history. He played for close to 25 years and batted over .300 for most of those seasons.
“Pop Lloyd was the greatest player, the greatest manager, the greatest teacher,” said Bill Yancey, a shortstop who played with him and became, in the latter 1960s, a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. “He had the ability and knowledge and, above all, patience. I did not know what baseball was until I played under him.”
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
Lifeguard races about to celebrate centennial
By David Weinberg
Local lifeguard races are about to celebrate a special anniversary.
This summer marks a century since the first lifeguard races were held in the area. They began in 1924, when a doubles rowing competition was won by Atlantic City Beach Patrol members Harry Yates and Jack Woodworth.
Over the last 100 years, the races have expanded and evolved. What started as a doubles row has evolved into competitions that feature a variety of events designed to showcase the talents of male and female lifeguards from Brigantine to Cape May Point.
The races are a part of summer at the Jersey Shore, just like building a sand castle on the beach in Ventnor, visiting Lucy the elephant in Margate,
and riding the Ferris wheel on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Massive crowds kick off their shoes and stand near the shoreline to root for their favorite patrols. Chants of “Oh See, Oh See” and “Sea … Isle, Sea … Isle” echo along the beach while the rowers expertly steer their boats on waves and swimmers charge out of the water.
The 2024 season begins on Monday, July 1, when competitors from beach patrols from Long Beach Island, Atlantic County and Cape May County will compete in the Cape May SuperAthlon.
The triathlon-style event features a 2.3-mile run along the beachfront, followed by a 1.5-mile row and a quarter-mile, out-and-back swim.
The race almost always features a tight, exciting finish due to a strong current that adds an extra challenge to the swim leg. Venturing into the ocean at the wrong angle can result in overshooting the turnaround buoy. It’s not unusual to see a competitor reach out and grab it to pull himself around the marker before heading back to shore.
In 2021, for example, Cape May’s Rob Moran was in third place entering the swim, but wound up winning because the two competitors ahead of him missed the buoy and were unable to backtrack to get around it.
Moran is entered in the race again this year, along with defending champion Brandon Hontz of Avalon.
Moran is seeking his fifth win, which would tie former Avalon competitor Shane McGrath for the second-most victories in the event behind eight-time champion Bic Murphy.
The season begins in earnest on July 8 with the Cape May County Lifeguard Championships at Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest.
Avalon is the two-time defending team champion. It edged Sea Isle City last year in a tiebreaker, followed by third-place Ocean City.
To me, the Cape May County event is the best one on the schedule because of its variety. A few years ago, organizers made the wise to decision to expand the races to accurately depict the changing of the (life) guard on most local beach patrols. In addition to the men’s singles and doubles row, and swim, it now includes women’s swimming and paddleboard races, and a five-person, coed surf dash relay.
In my view, the South Jersey Championships should also be expanded to feature one or two women’s events. Without question, the all-female races on the summer schedule – Longport Women’s Lifeguard Invitational, Ocean City Beach Patrol Women’s Invitational, Cape May Point Women’s Lifeguard Challenge, Bill Howarth Cape Atlantic Women’s Races – do a great job of showcasing women’s lifeguard talents. But I believe they deserve the opportunity to join their male teammates in competing for a biggest team title.
As always, the season will be highlighted by the “Big Three” races, which include the Dutch Hoffman Memorials in Wildwood, the Margate Memorials and the South Jersey’s.
This year, the South Jersey Championships will be hosted by Brigantine, which won last year’s event outright for the first time since 1979.
To give an idea how long ago, that occurred, “Apocalypse n ow” was the top movie that summer, the Boomtown Rats topped the music charts with “I Don’t Like Mondays,” and a certain sports columnist was renting canvas rafts for 50 cents an hour while working for Steger’s Beach Service in Cape May before grabbing a pork roll sandwich and Birch Beer while visiting his girlfriend at Taylor Pork Roll on the Boardwalk.
How times have changed. Steger’s still exists, but rafts have given way to boogie boards. Taylor’s Pork Roll is gone. The Boardwalk is now called the Promenade, except for us natives and longtime locals.
That girlfriend is now my wife. Karen and I just celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary with our two children and three grandsons.
Hopefully, Poppy will be taking them to a few lifeguard races this summer.
Local Olympics update
A pair of former local high school swimming standouts, Destin Lasco of Mainland Regional and Joey Tepper from egg Harbor Township, came up short in their bids to make the u.S. Olympic team recently.
Lasco competed in the 100-meter backstroke, 100 freestyle and 200 Individual Medley at the u.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Tepper swam the 400 and 800 freestyle.
Tepper, a former star swimmer for the Longport Beach Patrol, still has an outside chance to make the u.S. team in open water swimming.
The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris in August.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
Photo by Tom Briglia
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‘Eddie and the Cruisers,’ the book vs. the movie
By William Kelly
P.F. Kluge’s book “ eddie and the Parkway Cruisers,” and Martin Davidson’s movie, “ eddie and the Cruisers” are two different things. Though Davidson is mostly faithful to Kluge’s storyline, there are some basic differences that should be noted.
Paul Frederick Kluge, who prefers P.F. Kluge, was raised in Berkeley Heights, union County, and attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he teaches writing today.
“Reading is the breathing and writing is breathing out,” Kluge teaches. “It’s your responsibility as a human being to leave a record behind. Something hasn’t happened until it’s written down.”
vidson read it and wanted to make it. Davidson’s first movie was “The Lords of Flatbush” (1974), about a n ew York street gang which starred then-unknown Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler.
Davidson added a few personal touches to the movie, including the band wearing jeans, t-shirts and leather. Set in the summer of 1962, all of the bands at that time had stage suits, jackets and ties, like Bill Haley and His Comets, Levon and the Hawks and even The Beatles. But that all changed around 1967 with Tito Mambo and The upsetters, The Monkey Men and what Tony Marotta called “the Animals.” But we can get past that.
When the location scout came to the Jersey Shore to check out the scene, a local Realtor told him about Tony Mart’s, one of the last of the old-style rock and roll nightclubs.
After graduate school in Chicago, he entered the Peace Corps and was sent to Micronesia where he spent two years, which inspired him to write his first book, “The Day That I Die,” about a World War II Marine who returns to where he fought in the war. He also co-wrote “The Boys in the Bank” for Life magazine, which was made into the movie, “Dog Day Afternoon” starring Al Pacino.
Davidson sat down with Tony and made a deal for him to rent the club as a shooting location for a month, paying what Tony would normally make in that time, shortly after the peak summer season.
Kluge says that, “What I write is based on my experiences of a place: its history, character and storytelling possibilities.”
Somers Point and Tony Mart’s aren’t in Kluge’s book, originally published by Viking Press in 1980, with first editions valued at about $100 today.
Kluge spent some time teaching high school in Vineland, as well as a summer working at the Vineland Times-Journal and at a nightclub at the Jersey Shore, experiences that formed the basis for the “ eddie and the Parkway Cruisers” book, about a typical Jersey Shore rock and roll band.
Movies are made because an actor, director or producer with money wants to make it, and in this case, it was because director Martin Da -
A call was put out for locals to appear as extras, ensuring they wore early ’60s clothing. The songlist of the Beaver Brown Band was bought for the soundtrack.
The n ew Hampshire garage band took its name from the Beaver Brown paint cans they sat on in the garage where they practiced. But only saxman “Tunes” Antones made it into the Cruisers band.
When the band arrives at Tony Mart’s they walk in and see Tom Beringer sweeping up with the chairs upside down on the bars. Beringer plays Frank Ridgeway, aka “Wordman,” who was a schoolteacher working at the nightclub for the summer, a character Kluge based on himself.
They announce, “Tell Tony eddie and the Cruisers are here,” something Tony wouldn’t stand for. If any band actually did that, Tony would have
fired them before they ever played a note. That’s because Anthony Marotta was treated with respect and didn’t take any gruff from anybody, especially from some young punks in a band who wanted him to give them a job. Tony fired a band a week. “Get outa here you bums!” was often heard, but Tony wasn’t a character in the movie, though maybe he should have been.
The movie does capture Tony Mart’s as it was in 1982, as well as parts of Somers Point. In one scene zwith the band practicing on the roof, you can see Dick’s Dock and Dolfin Dock in the background, both now gone, and the Clam Bar down the street. There are also scenes of Ocean City’s ninth Street Beach and Rip Tide Motel, where “Tunes” dies of an overdose, to be replaced in the band by jazz bagpiper and saxman Rufus Harley.
Inside, the main stage was set behind the long bar that ran against the south wall. The second stage, where the house band played, was on the north side and had a brass rail around it.
During the filming of one music scene, I stood behind the cameras, against a wall, when I realized I was standing next to P.F. Kluge himself. We couldn’t talk because of the filming and recording, but I did exchange some emails with him later on, after I read the book.
The biggest difference between the book and the movie is Kluge having Wordman give eddie a book that inspires him: Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.” As America’s poet laureate who lived and died in nearby Camden, Whitman has been an inspiration for many. But Davidson replaces Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” with Arthur Rimbaud’s book, “Season in Hell.” Rimbaud was a radical, controversial
poet who destroyed most of his manuscripts in a drunken, drug-crazed frenzy, though his long poem, “Season in Hell” survived.
That’s a big difference, and when I asked Kluge about it, he was a bit philosophical. He said, “They opted for Rimbaud because their eddie, not mine, vanished and reappeared in the sequel, while my eddie died. So that biographical connection appeared… the mysterious, charismatic figure, leaving and maybe, probably returning.
I much preferred a sweeter, more deeply connected figure in every other way. An American dreamer and n ew Jersey magician.”
There’s also a chapter in the book that has eddie driving the Cruisers to Camden to visit Whitman’s still-standing house, and eddie waxing philosophical about the dichotomy of the old, historic house and the surrounding ghetto of bricks and broken glass where young black kids come to play.
“It doesn’t connect, does it?” eddie asks. “It came apart somewhere. They don’t know nothing about each other, him and them. Whitman is just a name on a bridge to Philly.”
“Leaves of Grass” in the book became “Season in Hell” in the movie, and the title of eddie’s last recording, which disappears and is the subject of a mystery and a search.
After the movie came out Kluge wrote an “afterwards” for a new edition of the book which is still in print, where he considers the movie “a flawed but resonant work.”
While the movie bombed at the box office, when HBO aired it on cable TV, a new generation picked up on it, especially the sound track, putting three songs on the pop charts: “Wild Summer nights,” “On the Dark Side” and “Tender Years,” paving the way for a sequel, “ eddie Lives.”
Since Tom Beringer had become a big star after “The Big Chill,” “Platoon” and “Sniper,” he wasn’t available for the sequel, but it’s not a really bad follow-up.
In a scene I saw being filmed, but one that didn’t make it into the movie, Beringer as Wordman, returns to Tony Mart’s, only to find it closed and boarded up. Shortly after the filming of “ eddie and the Cruisers,” Tony sold the place to Harris Berman, who tore it down and built egos, billed as a disco, one that failed.
Today, the essence of the Tony Mart’s nightclub is captured on celluloid in Martin Davidson’s movie, and we are lucky to have that.
You can reach Bill Kelly at billkelly3@gmail.com
This week, it’s a summer romance with a sinister bent; a gripping post-WWII thriller with two wisecracking leads; and a laugh-out-loud look at defiant seniors, out to save their social group. In nonfiction, we go behind the scenes with the greatest band in history, and delve into the lifestyles of the rich, famous, and vindictive. See you on the beach!
Tourist Season
By Brenda Novak Mira
Ismay Chalmers picked the wrong time to visit Mariners Island, a 5-by-10-mile spit of land off Cape Cod.
After passing the Cal -
ifornia bar, she headed to her future in-laws’ summer place, Windsor Cottage, to relax until fiancé Remy could join her. She is just settling in when a hurricane roars up the coast, rattling the walls and knocking out power. While searching for flashlights, Ismay discovers a secret panel in Remy’s room. Its contents make her question everything she knows about the man she plans to marry.
The Windsors’ handyman Bo Broussard stops in, bearing lanterns and candles. After a tree crashes into his own house, Ismay returns the favor, inviting him to shelter with her. They’re unexpectedly joined by Remy’s snarky twin brother, Bastian, who immediately stirs up trouble. novak skillfully blends romance and mystery in this fast-paced novel, where almost everyone has a secret, and the riddles don’t unravel until the final page.
with Marjorie Preston
Under the Paper Moon
By Shaina Steinberg Kensington Publishing
There’s nothing more noir than a ‘40s-era thriller, and this one has all the right stuff: spies, counter-spies, and a pair of hard-boiled gumshoes who have seen too much to trust in true love.
In 1944, evelyn Bishop and n ick Gallagher are part of the Office of Strategic Services, an elite intelligence corps aiding resistance fighters in the last days of World War II. evelyn has a single mission: to infiltrate a POW camp and rescue her brother, Matt. nick has a mission of his own: to protect evelyn from the inevitable heartbreak of war. Both goals prove impossible, and the friends-turned-lovers part on a bitter note.
By 1948, both are back in L.A., where evelyn is a private investigator, and n ick, a little worse for alcohol, works security for a rich arms manufacturer. After his client is gunned down, the onetime couple find themselves working two ends of the
same case, until, reluctantly, evelyn agrees to team again with nick. Bodies and suspects soon pile up in this debut novel, which is slick, smart, and jam-packed with snappy dialogue that recalls n ick and n ora
Charles. It’s a delight to read.
How to Age Disgracefully
By Clare Pooley Viking
Retired businesswoman Daphne is celebrating a milestone birthday—but in her case, “celebrate” may be the wrong word.
On the cusp of the Big 7-0, Daphne has been widowed for 15 years. Her life is increasingly solitary. She has no friends and no discernible purpose beyond “stalking her neighbors and talking to her plants.”
To get back in the game, she forces herself to join a senior social club for at the local community center. There she meets Art, an unemployed character actor; Art’s loyal sidekick, William; and the group’s coordinator, Lydia, a meek housewife who longs to be a badass. She also encounters Ziggy, a poor but gifted teen dad who uses the center’s free daycare and dabbles in petty crime to pay the bills.
After a disastrous accident at the group’s first meeting, the motley crew must face off with officials who want to demolish the old community center, which has become a haven for the neighborhood it serves.
“How to Age Disgracefully” is a charming book about unexpected friendships, feisty old folks, and the bonds that can grow when people admit they need each other.
All You Need Is Love
By Peter Brown and Steven Gaines
St. Martin’s
Press
In this oral history of the Beatles, authors Brown and Gaines talk with most of the major players: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, as well as business associates, fellow musicians, friends, family, and assorted hangers-on.
a decade), and focus mostly on the turbulent last chapter, as the world’s most famous foursome grew up, grew apart, and inevitably, went their separate ways.
“All You n eed Is Love” pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary moment in music history, telling the story from markedly different perspectives. It also offers a sensitive portrait of the man behind the mop-tops, manager Brian epstein, a gay man in an era when homosexuality was illegal, whose early death was the beginning of the end of the world’s greatest band.
The candid interviews, conducted in 1980 and 1981, track the band’s all-too-brief tenure (start to finish, the Beatles were together for only
Capote’s Women
By Laurence Leamer
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Fans of the FX series “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” will love this deeper dive into Truman Capote’s career-ending roman a clef.
In 1975, the little giant of Amer-
ican letters published an excerpt from his novel-in-progress, “Answered Prayers.” He expected to be celebrated for the thinly veiled scandal sheet, filled with gossip about his society friends. Instead, he was shunned by his adored “swans,” and never recovered, socially or otherwise. A decade later, “Answered Prayers” was still unfinished, and Capote died at 59, after years of drug and alcohol abuse.
In “Capote’s Women,” Laurence Leamer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of the uber-rich women who befriended the author, including Babe Paley, Lee Radziwill, C.Z. Guest, Slim Keith, Marella Agnelli, and Pamela Churchill. This is a quick and satisfying read, perfect for a day at the beach.
Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.
By Bill Quain
OK, this week’s title is sure to concern some of my readers. It’s actually advice from Professor Scott Galloway, of the Stern School of Business at nYu. Besides being a professor, Galloway is a well-known multimillionaire and entrepreneur. He is also an author and speaker who is in huge demand around the world. Many of his clients are Fortune 500 companies. But of all the things he does, Galloway considers teaching his students to succeed as his most important work. I highly recommend his book, “The Algebra of Wealth.” You can also find his videos on YouTube.
We give young people bad advice.
We tell young people to “follow their passions.” We convince them to get a college degree – any college degree - even though it may not prepare them to do anything that people will pay them for.
Open the course catalog for any American college, and you’ll see courses on all kinds of subjects. each of those courses fits into a college major, which may or may not be de -
SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH
by Bill Quain
signed to lead students to financial success. What they are designed for is to appeal to students so they will pay the college tuition and to give professors who studied those subjects a job.
Almost everyone has the same passion!
What passions do many people share? How about sports? How about the movies? Becoming a movie star looks pretty good, right? Fame, fortune, adoring fans! But Professor Galloway points out that there are 180,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild (S.A.G.), and almost 87% make less than $23,000 a year. That’s a lot of “starving” actors. How do they support themselves? I don’t know. When we go out to dinner next week, I’ll ask my waiter!
Your passion should be a payoff! When I went to college and chose a major, I was looking for a payoff! I learned during my early life what work was for, and I worked hard.
For example, when I was in eighth grade, my parents told me they could pay half my tuition to a private high school if I could come up with the
other half. We were not poor, but I was the oldest of seven kids. My parents knew I wanted to go to that school, and they taught me that everything has a price. What a great lesson! I went to work, first as a paperboy, then cutting grass, followed by becoming a busboy, and eventually a cook. Why did I become a cook? Because it paid more, and I needed the money to go to school.
With each job, I developed specific skills that people would pay me for. My passion wasn’t to be a cook, although I liked the work, and there was some prestige with it as well. The real reason I moved up from delivering papers to “slinging hash” was to create a better life for myself!
So, when it came time to choose a college major, I made a last-minute switch from history (which was a passion) to hotel administration at Cornell. What a great decision! I went to school in a hotel on the campus. I learned all kinds of practical things, including specialized food and beverage techniques and practices. I later became both an executive chef and a
food and beverage consultant. Plus, I learned how to make money! What’s my passion? Supporting my family!
I was really lucky. early in life, I learned to be passionate about being something, instead of just doing
something. I wanted to create a lifestyle that would enable me to provide for my family. I wanted to become a man that my family would be proud of, and who they could depend on.
In order to achieve that goal, I did my best to learn skills that other people would pay me for. It was very simple. n othing I did at work would give me the satisfaction that I could get from building relationships, developing financial independence, and serving as a good example.
Where are those practical college courses?
In this social media-driven world, where algorithms and marketing campaigns seem to substitute for common sense, it is difficult to find a curriculum for simply becoming a successful person. In preparation for writing my book “Bankrupt u,” my co-author and I began looking at college curriculums, especially the core classes that make up the first two years of school (in four-year colleges). Do you know what we didn’t find? We didn’t see
courses in becoming a responsible, independent, competent citizen – a person who takes care of him/herself and becomes financially capable of supporting a family.
We’re not done with this yet!
Stay tuned. This is a huge topic, and it is going to take a few weeks. Meanwhile, give some thought to what our passions should be. Last week, I discussed how over the course of 50 years since my college graduation, I learned just how unimportant some things are, and just what is worth searching, working and fighting for. That’s the passion we want our young people to develop.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject! Send me an email to bill@quain.com. As I say each week, “I’ll see ya’ in the papers!"
Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www.billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.
What's Happening in Ocean City
Eagles’ Brandon Graham to join Night in Venice as Special Guest A Look Ahead at a Month of Great Events in July
Philadelphia eagles veteran Brandon Graham and his family will be special guests and appear in the 2024 night in Venice boat parade on July 20 in Ocean City, n .J.
Graham will return for his 15th season with the eagles this year. He is a former first-round draft pick and all-Pro defensive end. He helped the eagles reach the Super Bowl in 2018 and provided a strip sack of Tom Brady that helped seal the victory in the closing minutes. His work ethic, talent and loyalty to the team have made him a fan favorite, and the Graham family has made Philadelphia their home.
“Brandon represents everything that Philly fans love, and it’s a great honor to have the Grahams join us,” Mayor Jay Gillian said. “They’ll get a warm welcome from everybody in Ocean City.”
The themed boat parade and decorated bayfront home contest provide a chance to be part of the highlight of the summer season in Ocean City. Thousands of spectators line the bayfront, and thousands
more attend private parties at homes along the route from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., and this year’s theme is “Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.” eSPn reporter and host Marty Smith will be grand marshal. A fireworks display will light up the bay and cap off the festivities after the parade is complete.
Free shuttle transportation will be available and free grandstands will be set up at street ends along the route. For more information on participating in the event or attending, visit www.ocnj.us/niv or call 609399-6111. Presenting sponsors for 2024 n ight in Venice are ACM e Markets and OCnJ Watersports.
Tickets for a July 19 concert featuring the Jimmy Buffett tribute band The Landsharks are on sale now. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at the Ocean City Music Pier and will be a perfect
warmup for night in Venice. Tickets are also on sale for a
special viewing area at the Bayside Center for night in Venice. The viewing area will include a picnic spot and snack stand, face-painting, a DJ, and bleacher seating. Ticket prices will be $6 for children (12-and-under) and $10 for adults (with service fees included). The area will remain open and provide a perfect spot to view a spectacular fireworks display after the boat parade.
Tickets for the concert and the viewing area will be available online at oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice, by calling 609399-6111 or in-person at the Music Pier Box Office, City Hall, the Welcome Center on the n inth Street causeway, and the 46th Street Information Center.
FOu
RTH OF J u LY eVenTS
The Ocean City Pops will once again give a pair of free outdoor concerts on July 3 and July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. In 8 p.m. shows at Carey Stadium (just off Boardwalk between Fifth Street and
Sixth Street), the Pops will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available in the bleachers. The July 4 show will be followed immediately by the holiday fireworks, and Carey Stadium provides a great place to view the display.
At 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, the first of the summer’s Wacky Wednesdays will feature a good old-fashioned apple and cherry pie-eating contest. no hands allowed. The contest is free, and open to all ages, but it will be limited to 150 participants. Wacky Wednesdays
invite families and individuals to participate in a series of different contests. They are held at the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) at 10:30 a.m. every week of the summer.
The Fourth of July in Ocean City always starts with a set of family bike parades. Participants are encouraged to dress and decorate their bikes in the spirit of the holiday. The Gardens parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot with registration opening at 9 a.m. The South Ocean City parade starts at 10 a.m. at 40th Street and Asbury Avenue (also with 9 a.m. registration). The Riviera n eighborhood parade starts at noon at the Rosemar Lane Park (with 11 a.m. registration).
A kite-flying competition will start at 7 p.m. July 4 on the beach near the Ocean City Music Pier.
The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. July 4. The display will be launched from a barge off the Ocean City Music Pier, and it will be best viewed from the beach or Boardwalk between Fifth Street and 14th Street.
WeeKLY ACTIVITIeS AnD eVenTS
Free beach exercise (yoga) classes are underway every Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the Sixth Street Beach volleyball courts. Free pilates
classes take place every Wednesday at the same time and place. Friday classes are low-impact exercise. Bring a towel and a friend. For more information, call 609-398-6900.
Family n ights on the Boardwalk move this year to Mondays and Wednesdays. Free entertainment will include jugglers, music, characters and more from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. between eighth Street and 12th Street. The first Family night of the season will be on Monday, July 8.
Funtastic Tuesdays will bring entertainment, face-painters, balloon-sculptors and more to downtown Asbury Avenue on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting on July 9. Similar family fun will be part of Market Days from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday.
Mummers night will feature string bands strutting the Boardwalk between Sixth Street and 14th Street from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday starting on July 9. This year, the Mummers will return every Thursday evening during the same hours.
Free guided Beach Walks will feature information on shells, birds, animals and the shore ecosystem at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting July 2. Meet at the entrance to Corson’s Inlet State Park at 59th Street and Central Avenue.
ALSO COMI n G u P SOO n
J une 30 – Bernadette Peters
Performing with the Ocean City Pops: Peters will join the Pops at the Ocean City Music Pier to kick off the 2024 season. The award-winning actress and singer’s career spans film, television and stage. She won Tony Awards for her roles in the musicals “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Song and Dance,” and she received five other nominations and an honorary award. Four of the cast albums on which she starred have won Grammy Awards. Tickets for this show are sold out.
J u LY 1 – Killer Queen: The 2024 Summer Concert Series at the Ocean City Music Pier continues with a 7 p.m. concert by a premier Queen
tribute band. See ticket information.
J u LY 2 – Garfield, The Musical With Cattitude: The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company open its 2024 children’s musical theater series with a show following Garfield, a chubby and sarcastic tabby cat fantasizing about having the most amazing birthday in the history of birthdays. The show begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancitytheatrecompany. com.
J u LY 6 – Ocean City Sailing Foundation’s Annual Open House: Free sailboat rides help people experience the fun of sailing and learn about the
OCSF’s weekly sailing camps for kids ages 8 to 14. The Open House is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 6 at the Bayside Center (520 Bay Avenue). Visit ocnjsailingfoundation.org or call 609-418-3356 for more information about camps for kids or private lessons for adults.
J u LY 7 – Ocean City Pops Present Greatest Hits: Back by popular demand, Maestro Vince Lee will take you on a whirlwind tour of the wide variety of genres that the Ocean City Pops is famous for. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Simply Sweet: Where the name says it all
Business Buzz
By Richard Baehrle
Simply Sweet Candy and Ice-cream, located in the ShopRite Center in Marmora, is simply the best.
From the moment you walk in the door, you look around and know this is the place you have been looking for; it’s what every child could ever dream of.
There is everything from a wide variety of chocolates and the best fudge you ever tasted, to lollipops and unique freeze-dried candy which you have to try.
The list goes on for all of you sweet lovers, which includes fan-favorite chocolate-covered pretzels and gummies. If you are looking for unusual beverages to go along with the sweet treats, there is an entire wall of 50-plus varieties of soda, including such flavors as Bazooka Gum, Cookies and Cream, peaches and much more.
School who recently retired from South Jersey Gas after 30 years.
To complement the soda choices, you can try one of their delicious milkshakes, or cool yourself off with one of their 22 flavors of ice cream. Lastly, there is a pickle section where you can explore a vast selection of hot and sour flavors. Simply Sweet is the creation of Joanne and Brendan Kimmins. Brendan is a graduate of Ocean City High
Joanne moved to South Jersey from West Chester 14 years ago. She ran a manufacturing company for 8.5 years where she thought she would work until retirement, but due to inflation, the company decided to shut her facility down.
Suddenly they both had to reinvent themselves and figure out what is next since just sitting around was not an option. Together on the beach
they concluded that they wanted a fun business that would make people happy. The rest is history. When people come into their store their eyes are wide open and they have big smiles.
The store seems to be in an ideal location, right across the parking lot from ShopRite in Marmora and a couple doors down from Mama Mia’s and Tokyo Mandarin. each business complements the other.
As a family-run business Joanne and Brendan are embracing the community. If you are looking for a great party room or gift basket ideas, come in and see what a treat and smile you can put on a loved one's face.
The store has been built from the owners’ hearts who are ready to share their love and happiness with you.
Call 609-938-1111 or find them on facebook. • 4-Hour Flounder ($495) 7:30AM or 12PM • 3-Hour Bay Flounder ($425) 7:30AM, 12PM or 5PM • 2-Hour Cruise ($375) 5PM or 7:15PM
By Charles P. Eberson
Se nior Moments
Icelebrated yet another birthday last week. no, there wasn’t an inflatable bounce house, nor pony rides or even three-legged sack races. Certainly, a trampoline also wasn’t in the mix. While this birthday didn’t qualify as a traditional “milestone,” I consider each year after seventy a significant event and cause for celebration.
Celebrations may mean different things to different people. Some may mark the day's passage of time by skydiving, going for a run or bike ride for the distance of whatever their age is, i.e. 70 miles, 73 miles, etc. Reading 70 or so pages in a book is more to my liking. My family has often floated the idea of publishing a book entitled “Poor Chuck” depicting the physical
mishaps I have survived over the years as evidenced in u rgent Care and eR records. At social gatherings, my family loves to regale my tales of woe while I simply sit there sheepishly attempting to justify my actions to no avail.
It starts out “remember the time…” and so it goes. Tearing the ligaments in my right ankle in a motorcycle accident, tearing the ligaments in my right ankle trying to impress a couple young ladies by my basketball prowess, skateboarding in my 60’s when an unseen lip in the sidewalk sent me head over heels, falling on a n ew england rock jetty and fracturing my wrist and the list goes on. My mother was acutely aware of my recklessness, which was reinforced by me being hit by a car at nine years of age and ending up in the hospital. When I left the house, she was never sure in what condition I was going to return and later, a sentiment that was shared by my wife and children.
Mercifully, one aspect of aging is wisdom. Perhaps it is the accumula -
tion of life experiences or the input of information through reading or interpersonal relationships. One awakens to what is profoundly important and meaningful and separates the wheat from the chaff. This may pertain to people who enter your life. There is going to be disappointment but time and energy shouldn’t be wasted ruminating. It is an emotion manufactured internally by ourselves and is unnecessarily eroding one’s peace.
I have found there is also a generational difference in values which one has to face that can lead to frustration; differences in worth ethics, morals, fortitude. I sound like my parents now, complaining about the long hair, rock music and protests but I guess this is also a product of aging. Fortunately, there is always my wife, who often pulls me kicking and screaming back from the ledge urging me to meditate and have patience. So, instead of new Year resolutions which I have given up years ago, I am embarking on Birthday Resolutions, one of which is to keep walking when I come across a stray skateboard. We don’t need to add any more pages to “Poor Chuck.”
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson. fineartamerica.com
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER
A farmers market that is all about community
By Chef Christina Martin
If you are looking for clean food, the Community Farmers Market in egg Harbor Township is the place to be on Sunday
mornings. It is located behind the eHT Atlantic County Library, located at 1 Swift Drive. This is the third year of the Community Farmer Market. The market runs through Sept. 1, 2024. Market hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This past Sunday there were 19 vendors that braved the excessive heat and strong wind. It is a growing market with 25 vendors that will be there in the coming weeks.
The farmers market is hosted by Just Organics Marketplace and The Honey Tree, both owned by Ruth and Keith Kendall, along with son Keith
aka Bud and their market helper Maria. Ruth started in year one of the market as a vendor. Then last year she took on the roll of running the market along with market volunteer e laine Carroll. This year they moved the market from its previous location that was in a private school's parking lot.
The market is dog-friendly so my rescue pup Theo and I headed over to check it out for the first time. It is located on the grassy area (better for doggie paws) behind the library. This is a convenient spot with plenty of parking. Soon there will be three food trucks at the market including Miss Connie’s Fire Roasted Street Corn, The Muffin Top and Sip A Latte Coffee Co.
What I always look for when shopping at farmers markets are farms that do not use pesticides and follow other organic practices, even if they are not certified organic. Generous Greens is one such farm that has plants, radishes, lettuces and more, including homemade sourdough. The use of pesticides can have a negative effect on your health and the environment. Shopping at farmers markets is a good way to find out about farming practices and to be sure your produce is chemical-free.
Just Organics Marketplace had a beautiful assortment of produce as well as fruits. It was during the pandemic that Ruth and Keith purchased Just Organics Marketplace which is an organic food delivery service. They deliver the best of the farmers market right to your door year-round. To find out how to get organic produce delivered to your door, visit https://www.justorganicsbox. com.
Ruth started shopping at The Honey Tree when it was located in northfield. At that time it was a local health food store that opened in the 1970s that focused on vitamins and supplements. even though I have not been there, just writing this brings back the natural smells of the health food stores where I used to shop before moving to the shore. Ten years ago, she bought the business and moved it to Somers Point, adding more produce along with natural and organic products. The Honey Tree offers high-quality vitamins, supple -
ments, and beauty supplies.
n o matter your food preferences, offering clean, local food is what farmers markets are all about. Ruth told me customers want to support local farmers and shake the hands of those that make our food.
For meat eaters, there were two local farms at this market that both do not use antibiotics and or steroids. If you purchase meats, these are questions to ask as well as how the animals are raised. Surf and Turf Farms is a small-scale farm in Atlantic County. Currently, they offer chicken and in the future will offer beef. Their
products are naturally raised, locally grazed. Owned by farmer Bob Fenton, a second-generation farmer who is a local alumnus of Absegami High School. Follow them on social media at “Surf and Turf Farms nJ”. Piney Pastures Ranch, established in 2013, is owned by David and Ashley Laws. It is a single-family farm that is also veteran-owned. They offer beef and pasture raised chicken. I learned that their beef is fed a mixture that includes spent grain from local brew-
eries. Spent grain is made of up 85% of waste from beer production. It is nice to know that local businesses can work together and reduce waste. You can find them at “Piney Pastures” on social media.
As I was walking into the market, I saw a marketgoer with these unique jars containing plants with water. I asked her where she purchased them. It was from first-time vendors and owners of “Sister in Laws”. They are sister-in-law Tina and Maggie, and they had the most charming booth. They were so excited to be in their first market ever. Hanging in their tent were homemade macrame plant holders for sale, plants in jars and homegrown loofah. I was compelled to purchase a loofah along with the snake plant. Tina was very knowledgeable about where to put the propagated plants in the house. For example, the snake plant helps to clean the air and is good for a bedroom. She also grows the loofah which is not always easy to grow. (I know from experience.) You can find them each week in eHT at the market.
The local community feel of this market is amazing. It comes from the passion of the market hosts and vendors to bring you local, seasonal and the best quality products. each week as I have been visiting the local farmers markets and then sharing it with you, I think this cannot get better. Then, lo and behold, it does! The Community Farmers Market in eHT has vendors who also offer locally grown plants, and speciality products like Shertiques which offers handcrafted lavender products. The dried lavender bundles were so pretty. The were plenty of healthy grainfree products for your best friend at Pet Wants. Theo agrees.
Market tip: Look for local corn and tomatoes from Generous Greens that will be harvested in the coming weeks!
Jersey Street Corn
Recipe of the week features Jersey corn as it comes into season here in the Garden State. I make this dish vegan, but you can always use regular dairy products for the mayo and cheese. It is a delicious side dish for a summer dinner.
Ingredients:
● 6 whole ears of corn on the cob
● 1/2 cup vegan mayo (I use Follow Your Heart brand)
● 1 time, juiced and zested
● 1/2 cup shredded vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
● 1 tablespoon tajin (you can purchase at Grassia’s Spice Company find them at the Community Farmers Market in eHT)
● Salt Procedure:
Shuck the corn and rinse in cold water. In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Add corn and bring to a boil. Boil corn for 10-15 minutes and then drain.
While corn is cooking, mix the vegan mayo with lime juice. Drizzle the drained corn with the cream. Sprinkle with tajin. Toss with the cheese if desired. enjoy!
Chef Christina Martin is a dedicated chef educator, passionate advocate for healthy eating, and mother. Christina’s expertise has been spotlighted in Independent Restaurateur Magazine and she has been awarded 2024 Chef Educator of the Year from the Professional Chef Association of South Jersey.
One hundred years ago in Ocean City
A Look Back
By Fred Miller
'Finest and Safest Bathing Beach
Along the new Jersey Coast' was the headline on the front page of the April 18, 1924, Ocean City Sentinel-Ledger. The article, which was in the special e aster Souvenir edition, bragged about the local lifeguards' efficiency: "Ocean City Beach Patrol, comprised of more than thirty-five stalwart and good-looking young college athletes, has for years been noted as one of the best organizations of its kind along the Jersey Coast, and members of the crew, with their hard-working, energetic commander, Capt. Jack Jernee, are deserving of the praise accorded them. no lives have been lost since Capt. Jernee took charge. The beach patrol for the coming season will consist for the
most part of young men who were on duty last summer."
A total of 19 rookie lifeguards were hired for the 1924 summer. The beach surgeon was Dr. Marcia Smith.
The lifeguards paused for a moment of silence on June 21, 1924, to remember Ocean City's first lifeguard, Joseph P. Krauss. The water safety pioneer died on Feb. 10, 1924, at the age of 79. He was protecting bathers during the summer of 1893.
The first intercity swim meet to be held in the newly opened pool at the Flanders Hotel was held on Friday evening, July 25, 1924, between the Ocean City and Ventnor lifeguards. The next day the Atlantic City Daily
Press reported the results: "The Ventnor City Beach Patrol, with a number of Atlantic City high school's famous 'Water Mermen' constituting its backbone, last night defeated the Ocean City Beach Patrol in the open-air pool of the Flanders Hotel, 37 points to 16. They received a handsome silver loving cup emblematic of the victory." Saturday, Aug. 23, 1924, was a day of intra-squad competition for the local lifeguards. It began at 5:30 p.m. with the annual doubles rowing race on the 10th Street beach. Lloyd Sheppard and Bertrand L. Carey won the 1-mile rowing race crossing the finish line 10 seconds ahead of Jack Brady and Thomas A. Williams.
That evening, the area surrounding the Flanders' pool was crowded with spectators cheering for their favorite lifeguard as they competed in swimming, diving, water polo, and canoe tilting contests.
Thanks to the lifeguards, there were no drowning during the summer of 1924.
Entertainment & Dining at the Shore
Whitney’s Weekly Picks
The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman
Hey party people! It’s that time again to dive into the latest and greatest in entertainment. From comedy, to fireworks, to free beach concerts, we’ve got it all covered, so grab your tickets early and be a part of the action! Let’s show some love to our local venues and make our section of the Jersey Shore shine. Don’t forget to share your epic moments with the hashtags #shorelocal and
#thecitypulse. Let’s get this party started.
Who: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Where: Ocean Casino Resort | Ovation Hall
When: Friday, June 28 Time: 9 p.m.
Website: www.theoceanac.com/ entertainment
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album.
Who: Jeff Arcuri
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa | Music Box
When: Friday, June 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com
The Chicago Tribune calls Jeff Arcuri “a joke machine.” Based in new York, Jeff can be seen nightly at The Comedy Cellar. Don’t miss Jeff Arcuri at Borgata’s Music Box!
NORTH BEACH ATLANTIC CITY FIREWORKS RESORTS #1 VIEWING LOCATION JUNE 28 | 9:30PM
10X TIER POINTS WEDNESDAYS IN JULY | 6AM – 5:59AM
CAPRICCIO
VOTED BEST ITALIAN & MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT NOW OPEN WED – SUN
| 8PM
CHICKEN GUY OPENING JULY 2
Who: Somers Point Beach Concert -
The Dane Anthony Band
Where: William Morrow Beach
When: Friday, June 28
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: visitsomerspoint.com
The Dane Anthony Band is a mix of rock, motown, funk, disco, soul & blues, and is one of the best dance bands in the northeast.
What: north Beach Atlantic City Fireworks Celebration
Where: Beach & Boardwalk
When: Friday, June 28
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Website: atlanticcitynorthbeach.com
north Beach Atlantic City will hold its 4th annual summer kick-off oceanfront fireworks spectacular hosted in partnership with Fireworks by Grucci, America’s First Family of Fireworks. The event is free, open to the public, and will feature several viewing locations throughout the north end of the Boardwalk, including the Steel Pier, Resorts Casino Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Showboat, and Ocean Casino Resort. Tennessee Avenue restaurants are also sponsoring the celebration.
Prepare yourself for a night of side-splitting laughter and unparalleled entertainment, as the legendary Dave Chappelle takes the stage. use of phones, smart watches and accessories will not be permitted.
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like Atlantic City. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at Resorts Casino Hotel under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Both locations are now open for summer to kick back island style! Whether you choose to indulge in one of our new hand-crafted menu items or a guest favorite like the Cheeseburger in Paradise, when quality comes first, it is easy to relax in paradise. Enjoy an ice cold Margarita or Boat Drink because it’s always 5 o’clock here!
Join one of history’s most brilliant, prolific, and accomplished musicians (“Freedom,” “I n eed You”) for a night of genius music composition.
Where: Resorts Casino Hotel | Superstar Theater
When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 8 p.m.
Who: The Temptations Review featuring the legacy of Dennis edwards
This is the original Temptations Review, founded in 1997 with mutual arrangements between the Temptations’ original member, Otis Williams, and the late Temptations member Dennis edwards.
What: national R&B Music Society, Inc., 2024 Free Summer Concert
Where: Gardner’s Basin
When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 10 a.m.
Website: rnbmusicsociety.com
Bring your coolers, lawn chairs and umbrellas to the national R&B Music Society, Inc., 2024 Free Summer Concerts at Gardner’s Basin. Hosted by Bowlegged Lou. Rain date June 30.
What: 2024 Flowrider Flow Tour
Where: Showboat Hotel
The Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam on n ewport Avenue beach is back again for another incredible season.
When: Saturday, June 29 & Sunday, June 30
Time: 10 a.m.
Website: www.islandwaterparkac. com
Surf’s up at Showboat Resort in Atlantic City. The 2024 FlowRider Flow Tour has partnered with Island Waterpark to host the very first Flow City Pro Am event, where flowboarding competitors will have a chance to display their skills to win awards and prizes. This competition offers divisions for all ages, genders and/or skill levels.
What: ‘Slay and the City:’ A Killer Cosmo
Where: Resorts Casino Hotel | Starlight Room
When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 5 & 8 p.m.
Website: resortsac.com/entertainment-and-shows
The ladies from Manhattan have gathered for drinks, but when they discover that they have one particular gentleman in common, things turn deadly. It will be up to you to solve “Slay and the City.”
What: Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam
Where: n ewport Avenue Beach
When: Saturdays
Time: 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Website: ventnorcity.org/events/
Who: Joe Holiday Live, The Magic & Comedy Hour
Where: Wyndham’s Skyline Tower
When: every Saturday
Time: 3 p.m.
Website: www.joeholiday.com/live
Check out magician Joe Holiday LIVe at Wyndham’s Skyline Tower for the magic comedy hour every Saturday.
Get ready to boogie down at Disco Inferno, the ultimate disco party in Atlantic City! This event is perfect for anyone who loves disco music and wants to relive the sounds of the disco era.
Whitney Ullman, Stockton University graduate, and founder of gotowhitney.com is known as a “go to” resource, content creator, reporter, and influencer with established credibility in Atlantic City, The Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. With over 6 million views on her social platforms, she created TheCityPulse.com as a go-to lifeline for all things happening in the city!
Italian Wine Tour: Part 4
Drink Up!
By David Setley
Week four of our Summer Wine Tour of Italy is upon us. On this final leg of our tour, I will cover the southern regions of the country’s mainland, plus Sicily and Sardinia. Join me in a look at Campania, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardegna.
South of Rome is n aples, best known for pizza. Just outside there is the wine region of Campania, the home of Aglianico (pronounced “olli-yawn-nee-ko”).
n ebbiolo may be the king of wines in the north, but Aglianico is king in the south. This dry, dark red wine has fruit flavors of ripe bing cherries and red plums with a touch of white pepper and smoke. The thick-skinned Aglianico grape produces a high tannin, but silky smooth wine.
names, one that is old world and one that is new world. Zinfandel (n ew World) wines from California tend to be more fruit-forward, higher alcohol, and less earthy than Puglia’s (Old World) Primitivo. The reason? Terroir! Different soil, different climates, different elevations, and different winemaking traditions produce different wines, even from the same grape. “Lunga vita alla differenza!” That is, long live the difference. Vespa-Primitivo 'Il Bruno' 2021 is a great example of this wine.
Closer to the tip of the boot heel, but still in Puglia, is the village of Cupertino and another famous southern Italian grape: negroamaro. The Corte Ottone Copertino Riserva is a great example of a wine produced from this grape that comes in a cool bottle that you just have to see. It is a wonderfully balanced dry red wine with very smooth tannins and a delicious red berry and cherry fruit aroma and flavor. This is a great wine for summer picnics or a warm breezy evening relaxing on the porch.
Aglianico is perfect with barbecued meat, Italian red sauce dishes, and, of course, pizza! I am a big fan of the Rocca del Dragone from the town of Avellino. The wine is 100% Aglianico from low-volume, high-quality old vines.
Southern Italy is not just about red wines. Campania offers an excellent white wine made from the Greco di Tufo grape that came to Italy before the Roman empire. In fact, it was the Greeks who primarily introduced the Italian peninsula to winemaking.
Terredora di Paolo-Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra 2021 is a wine made from this ancient grape. It is a bone-dry white wine that is elegant and balanced with aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit, with notes of pear, apple, and honey and a stone minerality on the palate. The fine acidity pairs well with cheeses, salads, fish, and shellfish.
For Puglia, the home of the Primitivo grape, picture the boot shape of Italy and the area on the southeastern shores where the heel is located. Primitivo is the Italian name of a wine you likely know well: Zinfandel. This is an example of one grape with two
ple of this varietal and pairs well with lasagna, ravioli, sausage, and meat sauce pasta dishes. Allumea also offers a white blend that demonstrates Sicily’s Grillo grape. They blend this medium-bodied, flavorful white grape with another grape grown on the island: Chardonnay. It is unoaked and perfect for summer.
For a final recommendation that spans many of the wine regions I discussed this past month, I encourage you to pick up a bottle of SetteVigne. SetteVigne is an Italian red blend that includes, in equal portions, grapes
from seven wine regions.
I hope you enjoyed this four-week Italian Wine Tour. now that we are at the end, you may be wondering what to choose first! Truth be told, I have only covered the tip of the iceberg. Italy claims to have at least 350 different grapes used in wine production, many of which are not exported to the uSA. If the history and wines of Italy interest you, I hope to see you at the three-week Wine Foundations: Italy class in September. Details can be found at passionvines.com, under the events tab.
THURSDAY - JUNE 27
Sindi Raymond Band 5pm-8pm
FRIDAY - JUNE 28
Italy has two large islands to its south, Sardegna/Sardinia and Sicily. Sardegna produces both red and white grapes; the dominant red is Cannonau, and the dominant white is Vermentino. Cannonau is believed to be derived from the Grenache grape and has a very similar flavor profile.
Santa Maria La Palma-Cannonau di Sardegna Le Bombarde 2021 is a good example of this Sardinian red wine. It is dry, full-bodied, medium-plus tannins, and has flavor notes of blueberries and blackberries. Cannonau is an elegant wine that pairs well with traditional Italian red sauce dishes and grilled meat. For the white, Santa Maria La Palma-Vermentino di Sardegna Aragosta is smooth, dry, easy to drink, and goes incredibly well with seafood. Santa Maria La Palma-Aragosta Rosato is the winery’s rosé that is a classic rosé but with a more intense color and flavor than most French-style rosés. I love this wine with sushi.
Sicily also has both red and white grapes. The red contribution is the deep, dark red n ero D’Avola which produces a dry, yet fruity wine that is as intense in flavor as it is in color, but is very easy to drink. The flavors are dark red cherries, plums, and blackberries with hints of tobacco leaf and leather. The Allumea n ero D’Avola/Merlot blend is a great exam -
Radio Revolution Band 8pm-12am
SATURDAY - JUNE 29
Doug Jennings 4pm-7pm
The Core Band 8pm-12am
SUNDAY - JUNE 30
The O'Fenders Band 4pm-8pm
THURSDAY - JULY 4
99 Reasons Band 8:30pm-12:30am
FRIDAY - JULY 5
Haley & Timmy Duo 4pm-7pm
Big Foot Band 8pm-12am
SATURDAY - JULY 6
Dr. Phil & The Heart Attacks 4pm-8pm Yachtzee Band 8pm-12am
SUNDAY - JULY 7
The Notion Band 4pm-8pm
Enjoy Breakfast with a View! Now Serving Brunch Sat. Sun. 10am-2pm
Absecon Concerts in the Park
▶Sunday, June 30, 7 p.m.
Free Outdoor Concerts
Heritage Park 699 Blenheim Ave.
The City of Absecon presents Concerts in the Park. This week, enjoy live music from the Matrix Band, playing the biggest hits from the '60s to today. All concerts start at 7 p.m. Bring your own chair or blanket. Fun, friends, food, and free admission. Atlantic City Summer Concerts at Gardner’s Basin
▶Saturday, June 29, 1 – 7:30 p.m.
800 n n ew Hampshire Ave.
enjoy a full afternoon and evening of summer concerts. enjoy life music from The Manhattans ft. Gerald Alston, Honey Cone, Skyy, Full Force, Allure, Helen Bruner & Terry Jones, Dennis Taylor, and Kim Pinder-Garner. Opening acts include The Cason e xpress Show Band, Judah Dorrington & Paradise, and Calvin Alson. Bring your coolers, lawn chairs, and umbrellas. Rain date Sunday, June 30. Hosted by the national R&B Music Society.
EHT Rhythm in the Park
▶Friday, June 28, 7 – 9 p.m.
Robert J. Lincoln Amphitheater in Tony Canale Park
Bring your blankets and chairs and join eHT Parks & Recreation for
a season of live music in the park. The concert season begins this week with a mix of Irish, bluegrass, and rock 'n' roll with Tom Brett & Bill Felix. Visit www.ehtrec.com or www.facebook.com/ eHTRecreation in the event of inclement weather.
Longport 4th of July Concert
▶Thursday, July 4, 7:30 p.m.
Borough Hall 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join the Longport Library for a special concert at the gazebo behind Borough Hall, featuring the Atlantic Brass Band, to be held after the American Mile Run and Awards ceremony. Please call (609) 4877403 to register or learn more.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk
▶Wednesday, July 3, 7 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Tony Mart Presents Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk, featuring world-class free concerts all summer long. This week, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band takes the stage. Hear the original " eddie and the Cruisers" soundtrack recording artists perform their biggest hits, including “On the Dark Side” and “Tender Years”. For more information, visit tonymart. com.
Jazz on the Beach
▶Thursday, June 27, 7 – 10 p.m.
Kennedy Plaza 2300 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Join the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation for their free concert series every Thursday. The 24th Annual CBB Jazz on the Beach kicks off with live music by Jason Marsalis, and local jazz artist the Tony Day Quartet. In the event of rain, the show will be moved to the Claridge Hotel Stage 4th floor. Visit www. chickenbonebeach.org for updates.
Somers Point Beach Concert Series
▶Friday, June 28, 7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach 800 Bay Ave.
The Point 998 Bay Ave. Somers Point
Tony Mart Rocks The Point every Thursday night through Aug. 29. Jersey Shore rock 'n' roll guitar hero, Billy Walton, will perform with his full band all summer long. For more information, visit tonymart.com.
The Somers Point Beach Concert Series welcomes everyone’s favorite party band, The Dane Anthony Band, to the stage for an evening of funk, Motown, rock 'n' roll, disco, soul, and blues. Visit www.somerspointbeachconcerts.com for the full summer lineup.
Somers Point July 4th Beach Concert
▶Thursday, July 4, 7 p.m.
William Morrow Beach 800 Bay Ave.
Celebrate America’s birthday with a very special concert as the world-famous John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band perform the legacy of " eddie and The Cruisers", with such hits as “On the Dark Side” and “Tender Years.” Visit www.somerspointbeachconcerts.com for the full summer lineup.
Tony Mart Rocks The Point ▶Thursdays, 6 – 10 p.m.
Summer Beach Jam
▶Saturday, June 29, 5:30 p.m. n ewport Avenue Beach
Listen to live music by the beach this summer. This week, enjoy live music by Brian DeRias, playing the best in live reggae, followed by Parrot Beach, the Jimmy Buffett tribute band, at 6:15 p.m. Food and crafters will be ready to serve you at 5 p.m.
Ventnor City Sunset at Ski Beach
▶Wednesday, July 10, 6 p.m.
Ski Beach Dorset & Burk Ave.
Watch the sunset and listen to live music by the bay at Ski Beach, Wednesdays starting July 10. This year’s concert lineup kicks off with live music by Don’t Call Me Francis, playing top hits and classics from the '70s to today. Live music begins at 5:30 p.m. with food and crafters ready to serve you at 5 p.m.
Ventnor
The band Fabulous Silver Wings kicked off the Absecon Concerts in the Park Series on Sunday, June 23.
Photo by Tynan Hand
The Billy Walton Band and Destinee Monroe performed at the Somers Point Concerts on the Beach Friday, June 21. Photo by Bob Fertsch
A Pink Floyd tribute from Down Under hits Tropicana
By Chuck Darrow
It doesn’t matter where you stand on the subject of Pink Floyd, the revered British “space-rock” band whose enduring popularity is rivaled only by
such giants as The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Queen. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, you have to admit the unit that gave us such epic albums as “Dark Side Of the Moon” and “The Wall” are a most unlikely candidate for immortality.
After all, much of the band’s earliest material—which boasted titles like “Astronomy Domine,” “Careful With That Axe, eugene” and “Several Species of Small Furry Animal Gathered Together In a Cave and Grooving With a Pict”—were the antithesis of what was happening in much of
A tribute to the beatles dinner show
SATURDAY - jUNE 29, 2024 - 6:00pm - $90 00 Per Person
Come Together...
and enjoy a live show that you don't want to miss! The Beat Tells, a premier tribute band, will captivate you with a walk through time. Sharing your favorite Beatles tunes from the early years through all the eras of greatness! Price includes show ticket with assigned seating, gourmet dinner buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, tax and service fee.
rock music in the late 1960s and early ‘70s. The group vociferously pushed aesthetic envelopes and created music that was meant for quiet, even intense, introspection rather than celebratory partying.
In particular, the landmark “Dark Side” LP was a collection of songs steeped in ruminations on isolation, despair and the ultimate futility of human existence: As stated in the song “Time,” every sunrise people find themselves “one day closer to death.”
nonetheless, almost 60 years after its founding, Pink Floyd remains one of the world’s most beloved bands. However, given the death of keyboardist Richard Wright in 2008 and the well-publicized bad blood between bassist-composer Roger Waters and guitar god David Gilmour, the group appears to be permanently defunct.
But its continuing popularity— including among young people--is such that Pink Floyd tribute bands constantly criss-cross the globe, recreating the group’s sound and techheavy live presentations. Foremost among them is The Australian Pink Floyd Show, which on June 28, lands at Tropicana Atlantic City. According to guitarist Dave Fowler, Floyd’s contemporary status as a titan of the rock music realm isn’t hard to understand.
For starters, he reasoned, Waters’ lyrics transcend generational lines.
“I think the topics that they address are still valid,” Fowler said during a recent phone chat. “I mean, look at ‘ us and Them,’ look at ‘Money,’ look at ‘Time’ (all of which appear on “Dark Side”). Are you telling me that there isn't a kid who doesn’t need to hear [from “Time”], ‘And then one day you find ten years have got behind you; no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun?’
“It's all absolutely as relevant as it was the day it came out [in 1973].”
Fowler also pointed to Pink Floyd’s embrace of what was then cutting-edge musical and recording technology.
“Compared to [many] other albums at the time, they were pushing the limits of what you could do with technology in a studio,” he said. “They weren't shy about getting as much modern tech in, and playing with it and creating sounds that not many people had made before.
“I'm sure other people had made those sounds before, but, it certainly wasn't the norm. The Rolling Stones weren't really pushing boundar-
ies--don't get me wrong, they've done very well for themselves. But there were some bands that just were like, ‘ no, we are just guitar, bass and drums. That's what we do.’ And there were certain bands who really pushed: ‘We've got these [additional recording] tracks, and we got these synths and we got things that can do sequences.’ And there were other bands that were like, ‘Anything that makes a noise can be incorporated into our band.’ And those bands—like Pink Floyd—that pushed the limits still sound kind of fresher; they opened up sonic boundaries.”
Fowler, who has been in the band 14 years, noted that the 13 musicians who comprise the Aussie Floyd roster don’t attempt to clone a 1970s concert experience. That is, unlike say, The Musical Box, which utilizes the actual production props and equipment Genesis employed back in the day (which it rents from the band members), his group uses modern technology to achieve visuals that are in keeping with what Pink Floyd did on their tours, and what they likely would be using today if they were still active.
“We are still putting on a show that feels like a Pink Floyd show,” he said. “But we can get more lights in there because one light today can do what 10 used to do. And, I think we feel more comfortable innovating with [technology] than we would with the music.
“We don't want to mess with the music,” he added with a chuckle, “because the music's like the Bible. You can't change that.
“But our fans trust us to tread that balance between keeping it as it was and bringing in some modern elements into the look. I hope we do it well; I think people think we do because they buy tickets, and that's really the ultimate goal.”
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City
This summer, the biggest and best concerts aren’t on the beach—they're on the boardwalk! every Wednesday night, starting June 26, Atlantic City's Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza will host a series of incredible performances, bringing music lovers an unforgettable experience.
Kicking off the series on June 26, Victor Wainwright and The Train will take the stage at 7 p.m. Known as one of the hottest young roots rock, blue-eyed soul, jam bands in the world, they promise two intensely entertaining sets. Grammy-nominated and dubbed “The Piano from Savannah,” Victor Wainwright is a powerhouse performer, akin to a dueling piano star on steroids, backed by one of the most talented groups of virtuoso musicians in the country.
On July 3, get ready for “ eddie and The Cruisers” night. At 7 p.m., John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band will light up the boardwalk with iconic hits like “Dark Side” and “Tender Years,” bringing favorites from the
movie to life.
July 10 will feature “Stanley Plays The Dead,” a critically acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute band. This summer tour includes the legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan, multi-platinum, multi-Grammy award-winning
drummer Kenwood Dennard, and members of The Dark Star Orchestra. It’s a must-see for Deadheads and music enthusiasts alike.
What a way to kick off the summer and keep the vibes rolling right into September! enjoy the reasonably priced beverage garden right on the
Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza while you soak in the music and let the good times roll.
Don’t miss out on these incredible performances. Join us every Wednesday night for a summer of unforgettable music and fun! Let the good times roll!
JULY SHENANIGANS
Victor Wainwright
Live & Local Music Calendar
Thursday, June 27
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Dane Anthony. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Deck at Golden Nugget
B Street Band. 8 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Glitter Bar at Resorts
Karaoke night w/ DJ Joe
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Pulse. 7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine LaScala’s Beach House
The Dirty Dance Band
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Linwood
Fox Den at LCC
Chris Yoder Duo
6 – 10 p.m.
500 Shore Rd.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Twisted Livin
6 – 10 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Monday-Saturday 7am-9pm • Sunday 7am-4pm
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Sindi Raymond Band
5 – 8 p.m.
Karaoke Hosted by Mike Dempsey
8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Fitzpatrick’s
Beth Tinnon
5 – 8 p.m.
650 n ew Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Kadin Sevene
7 – 10 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Mexiquila
Bronson Tennis
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
101 e . Maryland Ave.
Queen Jayne’s
Sidestory Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
264 n ew Rd.
The Point
Billy Walton Band
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Ventnor
Ventnor Coffee
Open Mic night w/ Pete Glaze & T Five
6:30 – 9 p.m.
108 n . Dorset Ave.
Friday, June 28
Atlantic City
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Kristina Pruitt
9:15 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Anchor Rock Club
Start Making Sense: Talking Heads
Tribute
8:30 p.m.
247 S. n ew York Ave.
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Lastella Brothers
7 p.m.
Hometown Radio
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
escape Plan Duo
6 – 10 p.m.
Jumper
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Dave Troneri
3 – 7 p.m.
Christian Glomb Duo
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Balcony at Hard Rock
DJ Kaos. 10 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Separate Ways
7 & 9:40 p.m.
Completely unchained
8:20 & 11:20 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Glitter Bar at Resorts
Killer B’s
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Chaz
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock night Anthem
5 – 8:30 p.m.
The Cliffs
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Yard at Bally’s Split Decision
10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
1900 Pacific Ave.
Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino
Big Bang Baby
9:30 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The Way Outs
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Philly Keys
6 – 10 p.m.
72 n . Bremen Ave.
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
Tony & Kim Duo
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
500 St. Andrews Dr.
Galloway
Romanelli’s Garden Café
Kodin Sevene
6 – 9 p.m.
279 S. n ew York Rd.
Linwood
Fox Den at LCC
The Zone Duo
6 – 10 p.m.
500 Shore Rd.
Margate
Bocca
CJ Sooy
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Memories
Sean Loosh
5:30 p.m.
eddie Tully
10 p.m.
9518 Amherst Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
Trifecta
6 – 10 p.m.
Carlos Scott
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light
Blue Street Band
7 – 10 p.m.
1 n n ew York Rd.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern
D’arc Family Jams
9 p.m.
823 Bay Ave.
Caroline’s by the Bay Radio Revolution
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Fitzpatrick’s
Phil Stocker
5 – 8 p.m.
650 n ew Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
The AshCats
8 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
Sidestory Band
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater Marina
3AM Tokyo
7 – 11 p.m.
2780 7th Ave.
Saturday, June 29
Atlantic City
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Kevin Story. 9:15 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Anchor Rock Club
Schism: A Tribute to Tool
8 p.m.
247 S. n ew York Ave.
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
DB Duo
7 p.m.
Sky City Social
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Blue Street Trio
5 – 9 p.m.
Breck
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Killer B’s
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall
The Shore Thing Band
8 – 11 p.m.
133 S. Tennessee Ave.
The Balcony at Hard Rock
DJ nick Spinelli
10 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Refugee
1:30 & 8 p.m.
Tuesdays Gone
3:10 & 9:35 p.m.
Black Dog
4:50 & 11:10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Glitter Bar at Resorts
Shaun LaBoy
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Gary
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Gypsy Wisdom
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Daddy Pop
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Yard at Bally’s
DJ Redline
5 – 9 p.m.
It’s All Good
10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
1900 Pacific Ave.
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
The Whitewalls
1 – 5 p.m.
Split Decision
6 – 10 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
John King
12 – 4 p.m.
Staycation
6 – 10 p.m.
72 n . Bremen Ave.
Galloway
Romanelli’s Garden Café
Kat Rivers
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
279 S. n ew York Rd.
Margate
Beachstock
no Clue Trio
11:30 a.m.
nJ British Invasion
2:30 p.m.
Kn OX
9 p.m.
Huntington Ave. Beach
Bocca
One Hot Mess
8 – 11 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Memories
David Joel Stephens
7 p.m.
Jason Weiss
10 p.m.
9518 Amherst Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside
Tavern
Local noise
6 – 10 p.m.
Keep the Change
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light
Tom and Sarah
7 – 10 p.m.
1 n n ew York Rd.
Somers Point
Anchorage Tavern
Christian Glomb
9 p.m.
823 Bay Ave. ↘
Caroline’s by the Bay
Doug Jennings
4 – 7 p.m.
The Core Band
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Fitzpatrick’s
Phil Stocker
5 – 8 p.m.
650 n ew Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
The People’s Choice
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Mexiquila
SensaMotion
5 – 8 p.m.
101 e . Maryland Ave.
The Point
Discoteks
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater Marina
Colin York
12 – 4 p.m.
Cheers the Band
7 – 11 p.m.
2780 7th Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Brown Sugar: Rolling Stones Trib -
ute
7:30 p.m.
217 e . Main St.
Sunday, June 30
Atlantic City
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dueling Pianos
8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden
Nugget
95 Live Duo
7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Fleetwood Macked
1 & 7 p.m.
nY’s Finest
2:50 & 8:35 p.m.
Chicago Rewired
4:40 & 10:10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Glitter Bar at Resorts
DJ Charles
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
night Anthem
4 – 7 p.m.
Se7en Band
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Incognito
12 – 4 p.m.
The e xceptions
5 – 9 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
nashVegas Girls
12 – 4 p.m.
72 n . Bremen Ave.
Galloway
Romanelli’s Garden Café
Frank Cervantes
12 – 3 p.m.
279 S. n ew York Rd.
Margate
Bocca
Mitchell Faber
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern
The Part-Timers
6 – 10 p.m.
Petty Cash
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Millville
Levoy Theatre
Will Downing
7 p.m.
126-130 n . High St.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
The O’Fenders Band
4 – 8 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Josie Kelly’s
Traditional Irish Session
1 – 4 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Mexiquila
De Tierra
4 – 7 p.m.
101 e . Maryland Ave.
The Point
The Verdict
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater Marina
Poor Mouth Henry
2 – 6 p.m.
2780 7th Ave.
Monday, July 1
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Tommy & The Hot Flashes
7 – 11 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Tony Caggiano
3 – 7 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Red
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Marmora
Yesterday’s Creekside
Tavern
Josie Tolson
6 – 10 p.m.
316 Roosevelt Blvd.
Somers Point
The Point
Richie Angelucci
6 – 10 p.m.
998 Bay Ave.
Tuesday, July 2
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Patty & Bugzy
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Troy Rusnik
3 – 7 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
DJ Johnny Looch
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Margate
Betty’s Seafood Shack
Cosmic Charlie
5 – 8 p.m.
9315 Amherst Ave.
Somers Point
Josie Kelly’s
DJ Special K
5 – 9 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
Dan Ward
6 – 10 p.m. 998 Bay Ave.
Wednesday, July 3
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Michael Stevens
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Steel Pier
Killer B’s
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
Hawkins Road
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Sensational Soul Cruisers
6:30 – 9 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Margate
Bocca
Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Open Mic n ight hosted by Blue eagle
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Josie Kelly’s
The Tommy Allen Band
7 – 10:30 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
The Point
Vinny D
6 – 10 p.m. 998 Bay Ave.
Events subject to change.
Remembering when the stars came out in Atlantic City.
FATLANTICARE CONCERTS ON THE BEACH IN SOMERS POINT
June 28 Dane Anthony Band
Rock, Motown, Funk, Disco, Soul & Blues One of The Best Party Bands In The Northeast
Specia� �ursda� Show!
July 4 John Cafferty & Beaver Brown Band
Celebrate Somers Point Legacy of Eddie & The Cruisers: Hear “Dark Side” “Wild Summer Nights” “Tender Years”
July 5 Mardi Gras In July
Waylon Thibodeaux, Rocking Bourbon Street Fiddler and The Tony Mart New Orleans Big Band
July 12 Ladies Night Double Header
Dana Fuchs Off Broadway “Across The Universe” To The Beatles Music Movie And Her Songs On The Billboard Charts "The Girls Can't Help It" Tribute To The Women Of Rock N’ Roll, 60’s To Today
Rocking for 31 Seasons! Fridays 7pm VOTED USA TODAY BEST OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
July 19 The Phantom Blues Band
Special Guest Star Curtis Salgado
Multi Grammy Awards Winners, Soul Blues and BMA Award Winners
Heather 'Lil' Mama' Hardy on violin
July 26 Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz
Starring The Radiators’ Dave Malone, Bonerama’s Mark Mullins, Honey Island Swamp Band, Bob Margolin & Johnny Sansone Doing Original Songs from Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Van Morrison and The Band from the Martin Scorsese movie
Aug 2 Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes
Preeminent Nashville Producer Of The Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zz Top, Susan Tedeschi
Aug 9 Third World
One Of The Greatest And Most Popular Reggae Bands In The World: “Now That We’ve Found Love” “Try Jah Love” “96 Degrees In The Shade”
Aug 16 Wildflower 70’s Night at Tony Mart’s With Original Members Who Played Somers Point In 1970! Popular Horn Band Sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire And Philly Funk E Street Shuffle
Premiere Springsteen Tribute Band
Aug 23 Jimmy Carpenter Band
Aug 30
Saxophone Star & Musical Director Of The Big Easy Cruise New Orleans Party Music
Joe Lewis Walker & his Big Band
Grammy nominated blues rock star!
Fat Mezz
South Jersey's hottest young rock & rollers
Sept 6 Tony Mart Allstars
Classic Rock, Country Rock, red
New Wave Dance Party, World Class Original Music
Attendance is free to the public, and there will be limited snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at each concert. In the event of inclement weather, concert venue changes or cancellations will be posted to the Somers Point Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SomersPoint.
Platinum Sponsor
evening, they were barely noticed. n either were movie “Brat Packer” Judd n elson and TV star Robin Givens (who, besides being a cast member of the then-popular sitcom, “Head Of the Class,” was, at the time, Mrs. Mike Tyson). I still can see nelson standing by himself sipping a drink with no one anywhere near him and people walking right past him to get to another, more-famous face.
Givens and nelson were overshadowed by far, far bigger names, including Jack n icholson, Warren Beatty, Paul Simon and Barbara Streisand
with then-boyfriend Don Johnson (they’d be in Splitsville by summer’s end), as well as C nn talk-show megastar Larry King—then at the zenith of his fame and influence–and zillion-selling horror author Stephen King.
Almost unbelievably, even those bold-facers weren’t the brightest stars in that evening’s firmament:
Those of us who were there were likely convinced things couldn’t get any more glittering. But about halfway through the festivities, Sean Penn (eight years away from the first of his five Best Actor Oscars, but still a major movie star) and his then-bride, Madonna—who together at that moment comprised celebritydom’s absolute “It” couple–entered the room. This sent the paparazzi in attendance into a feeding frenzy. Perhaps my most vivid memory of the evening is of the couple—who it was later learned, had no idea the media was invited–never breaking stride as they made their way, escorted by several hulking security types, from the ballroom entrance, along the room’s right-side wall and into the kitchen in order to effect their escape from the madness they generated.
That brief, but dramatic, appearance should have been the party’s end-all and be-all. But, as they say in infomercials, “Wait! There’s more!”
Shortly after Penn and Madonna beat their extremely hasty retreat, they were actually upstaged by another (at least for that evening) couple. Rev. Jesse Jackson, then campaigning for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, arrived, but he was far from alone. Accompanying him were several network news crews, a phalanx of Secret Service agents and Oprah Winfrey. Their entrance was the perfect capper to what has to be considered the most memorable evening of Atlantic City’s legal-casino era.
Photo credit: Real Brigantine
Exit Zero Summer Concerts: Heating up the shore’s jazz scene
By Bruce Klauber
The Jersey Shore is not necessarily thought of as a hotbed for jazz, but a look at the record shows that during the summer season, our region rivals any big city with the number and quality of jazz performances.
Kelsey’s in Atlantic City presents drummer Tony Day and his Across the Globe Band every Sunday, and veteran trumpeter eddie Morgan’s Trio each Friday.
Bocca in Margate continues its long-running Wednesday night jazz series featuring Bob Sterling’s exciting group. And Council Oak Steak and Seafood Restaurant, within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, books top-tier
jazz performers from time to time, including the singers Paula Johns and Paul Jost. And of course, there’s the season-long Chicken Bone Beach concert, recently chronicled in these pages.
This summer, the e xit Zero Jazz Festival organization, known for presenting multi-day jazz festivals in Cape May in the spring and fall, is joining the summer jazz fray. e xit Zero has put together an impressive lineup, with all shows taking place at Carney’s Other Room in Cape May. Most shows at Carney’s are at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets purchased reserve a table or bar seats where jazz fans can dine before and during the show. note that all seats are reserved.
Sunday June 30, Harold Lopez Nussa Timba A La Americana:
Lopez is a Cuban jazz pianist now living in France who first made his mark in the jazz world in 2005 by winning the prestigious Montreux Jazz Piano Competition. Lopez’s recordings for the Blue n ote label have been acclaimed for their unique, genre-bending style, which incorporate elements of classical and Latin American music along with inventive jazz improvisation.
Saturday, July 6, Orrin Evans Trio:
The Philadelphia pianist is one of the most popular jazz pianists on the scene today. evans is also a producer and composer who has appeared in a number of unique combinations, including his Captain Black Big Band, the eubanks evans e xperience with guitarist Kevin eubanks, the Brazilian group Terreno Comum, and a collective trio called Tar Baby, featuring evans, bassist eric Revis, and drummer nasheet Waits. In addition to his superb playing, he’s got a bit of the showman in him. evans never forgets the audience
Saturday July 13, Matt Cappy Quintet: Cappy is a trumpet player who has done steady session work with a number of pop icons, including Jill Scott, The Roots, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, and Patti LaBelle. He’s also very much involved in jazz education and has conducted master classes for the past 25 years.
Saturday, July 20, Edgardo Cintron’s Mambo Magic: Latin percussionist Cintron has been on the scene for as long as I can remember. He’s a personable,
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Edgardo Cintron’
Paul Jost
high-energy bandleader and a superb percussionist who has worked all the major jazz festivals, and has performed with notables like Michael Pedicin Jr. and Pablo Batista. I’m proud to have helped present Cintron on record during his time with the DBK Jazz label. When Cintron plays, you can almost hear the entire history of Latin percussion as it applies to jazz.
Friday, July 26, Imani Records Presents Alison Crockett:
Vocalist Crockett, also known as “Diva Blue,” names influences as diverse as Sarah Vaughan and Donna Summer, but it’s clear from her recorded output that she’s difficult to pin down stylistically. She’s recorded jazz, funk, soul, bossa nova, and some electronica as well. And as her bio says, “She’s paid her dues in full.”
Saturday, Aug. 3, Betz-Gillece-Bianchi-Landham:
This is truly an all-star group, and all members have close connections to Philadelphia. Guitarist Brian Betz has six superb CDs under his belt. When he’s not touring and recording, he serves as the chairman of Rowan university’s jazz guitar department. Behn Gillece, named Down Beat magazine’s “Rising Star” on vibraphone in 2018, has taken the vibes style of Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson
several steps beyond, particularly by way of his refreshing, original compositions.
He’s also an educator and, along with Betz, serves on Rowan’s faculty. Bianchi is a jazz organ virtuoso who has been featured in traditional settings with artists like Pat Martino and Dakota Staton, but is modern and progressive enough to have opened for Steely Dan on three e ast Coast tours. Byron Landham has got to be one of the busiest drummers anywhere. He’s worked with just about every major jazz artist out there, including Betty Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, and George Coleman. He’s a natural-born swinger who has recorded, as of this writing, about 50 CDs.
precise whenever it wants to, but it’s more like a party than a machine. It’s a working model of the new Orleans musical ethos: as long as everybody knows what they’re doing, anyone can cut loose.”
Saturday, Aug. 10, the Rebirth Brass Band:
Formed in 1983, the Rebirth Brass Band is well known in their native n ew Orleans. Like comparable groups such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Canadian Brass, Rebirth specializes in the music of new Orleans’ traditional brass bands, but over the years, has added elements of funk and hip-hop to the mix. According to ew York Times, “Rebirth can be
Saturday Aug. 17, Paul Jost Quintet: Volumes could be written about vocalist/composer/drummer Paul Jost, who cut his teeth as the house drummer in the original Golden nugget’s elaine’s Lounge back in the day. He could have rested on his considerable laurels and stayed in his niche as one of the finest and most musically sensitive drummers out there, but instead has chosen to evolve and break new ground as a vocal stylist and inventive composer. He’s performed at all the jazz festivals and most of the top jazz spots. His style is singular, he’s passionate about everything
he does musically, and every recording Jost has made stands an individual and unique statement. Tickets for all these events are available at: exitzerojazzfestival.com/summer-nights-concerts High notes: The South Jersey Jazz Society is inviting area students to apply for its SJJS annual Jazz Scholarship Award, available to junior high and high school students, and those still attending college. It’s open to all students living in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean countries. The award, named in honor of longtime arts supporter Bob Simon, is designed to allow the winner to work one-on-one with a professional jazz educator. Applications are due by July 1. To apply, visit southjerseyjazz.org/ scholarship-2024.
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Claridge
Alison Crockett
A year later, Caesars still on ‘The Hook’
By Chuck Darrow
Proving once again that time does indeed fly (at supersonic speed), the very creative — and somewhat twisted (in a good way) — folks at Las Vegas-based Spiegelworld recently hosted a private soiree at Caesars Atlantic City. The bash included a preshow dinner at Superfrico, S-World’s “psychedelic-Italian” restaurant, and a performance of “The Hook,” which marks its first birthday this week, and which remains Our Town’s first and only Vegas-style, full-time resident production show (its custom-built venue, which also houses Superfrico, is also called “The Hook”).
The celebration also offered this observer a chance to take another look at the program, which proved to be as raucous and entertaining as remembered.
6/7
6/8
6/9
6/14
6/16
6/21
6/22
6/23 12pm-3pm
6/28
6/29 11am-2pm
6/30 12pm-3pm
If you haven’t yet seen it (you definitely should), “The Hook” is an adults-only affair that melds coarse, unPC humor with turns by a roster of you-gotta-see-‘em-to-believe‘em specialty acts. Think Borgata’s “The Burlesque Show” with contortionists, aerialists and jugglers as the featured acts instead of women stripping down to G-strings and pasties (although there is plenty of male and female flesh on display).
The show’s pretext is presented in a most spectacular way, staging-wise (more I cannot say lest I spoil it for those who haven’t yet attended a performance). From there we meet the presentation’s two comedy stars, Phil nichols and Scout Durwood.
keeps “The Hook” from being a mere throwback.
The pair’s antics are interspersed with a series of segments featuring a variety of Cirque-style perform, all of whom are top-notch. e specially enjoyable is high-energy magician, Tan BA, whose stock-in-trade is the swallowing of seemingly-impossible-to-swallow objects (his turn includes a razor-blade-focused bit that is a variation on the needle-swallowing sequence that Teller (of Penn &) has been doing for some 50 years).
Although not for the overly squeamish, contortionist n ikita Gergert, who apparently has steel coils instead of bones, is absolutely riveting as he bends his body into ostensibly impossible positions.
And the team of nate Armour and Kellin Quinn Hentoff-Killian delivers the single greatest juggling routine
n ichols is a good, old-fashioned foul-mouthed jokester whose material is much like that of Chris Morris in “The Burlesque Show”—juvenile and unsophisticated, but consistently funny (at least for those who don’t mind four-letter verbiage and what used to be called “dirty jokes”). Durwood’s equally rib-tickling shtick is steeped in her feminist-lesbian point of view, which
I have ever seen in more than 40 years of seeing gaming hall shows (including more jugglers than I could possibly remember).
The pair’s act finds them removing their jackets, pants and shirts and stripping down to their skivvies, then getting completely dressed again, all the while keeping three clubs airborne. It is simply a wonderful piece
of stagecraft and an astonishing display of precision teamwork and concentration.
Increasing the enjoyment level is the show’s venue, a custom-built, ultra-intimate space with a horseshoe stage that is, at best, but 40 or 50 feet from the farthest seat. This means a total absence of “bad seats.” It also should be noted that audio problems that marred the performance I attended last July seem to have been rectified.
It all adds up to a knee-slappin’, eye-poppin’ extravaganza that shouldn’t be missed.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
Bally’s rocks 45
Friday is the day Bally’s Atlantic City officially celebrates its 45th birthday. The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with, among other things, a performance by the Fralinger String Band, ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new Park Place Prime steakhouse and VIP slot lounge, food sampling and a cake-cutting. The first slot machine ever played at the midtown gambling den will be unveiled for display.
As part of the celebration, you can book a weekend hotel package that includes a $45 food and/or drink credit. For more info, go to ballysac. com/45th.
Comedian Pat McGann makes A.C. headlining debut at Ocean
By Scott Cronick
Pat McGann is very familiar with Atlantic City.
Most Atlantic City visitors know the Chicago-born comic for opening countless times for Sebastian Maniscalco over the last decade or so.
But McGann’s first entry into Atlantic City was different than most.
“I used to sell bags that were used at the casinos,” said McGann, who will make his Atlantic City headlining debut Friday, July 5, at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall. “And one of the accounts was Caesars entertainment. So, if you went to Caesars and bought something in their sundry shop, you got a bag printed with Caesars Palace. I sold bags to those properties and had
a bunch of business in Vegas, and that’s how I worked my way into Atlantic City. I always enjoyed going to Atlantic City, and that’s how I got to love Atlantic City. I was a big ‘Boardwalk empire’ fan, so people took me to the Knife & Fork, and I went down to see Lucy the elephant (in Margate).
So, it’s very cool to come out and do a new venue for me, and I am so excited to come to Ocean Casino and Ovation Hall.”
McGann’s entry into the world of comedy is about as atypical as his entry into Atlantic City. While he was selling branded packaging to support his family, McGann didn’t step on a comedy stage until he was 31 years old, finally getting the courage to do an open-mic night.
“I was in sales at a normal 9-to-5 job out of college and hustled ’til I was about 31, and then I hit some
open-mics in Chicago, where I grew up and still live,” McGann said. “I was never on stage before, so I was terrified to go to an open-mic and get on stage in front of people. I went to an open-mic and saw the vibe, and if you have ever been to an open-mic, you realize there is some horrible stuff going on, so that gives you a little confidence to say, ‘OK, I can at least try this.’”
After his first open-mic, McGann
was hooked. He kept at it, polished his material and eventually hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, a legendary comedy institution where he met a fellow comedian who would change his life.
Enter Sebastian Maniscalco
Maniscalco, also from the Chicago area, was selling out Zanies and other comedy clubs at that point, but it would still be a few years before he would be headlining arenas, doing 12-show weekends in Atlantic City and acting in Martin Scorsese movies.
He enjoyed McGann’s work and that he worked clean, which fit Maniscalco’s relatively profanity-free approach. Maniscalco eventually asked McGann to hit the road with him, and McGann has been doing so
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ever since … about 15 years now. For McGann, who was 33 at the time and only doing stand-up for about two years, this was a mind-blowing opportunity, one that he still appreciates every day.
“I think with us both being Chicago guys, we just connected growing up around the same time and around the same type of people. We just hit it off,” McGann said “I think he just dug my stuff. I always gave Sebastian his space and showed him respect. He’s a very hard-working, focused guy, and he brought me on the road, and it just snowballed from there. n ow, he’s selling out arenas and doing things very few comics are doing.”
Maniscalco has encouraged McGann in a plethora of ways, including encouraging him to go on his own headlining tour like the one that lands at Ocean, and even producing McGann’s special – Sebastian Maniscalco Presents Pat McGann: When’s Mom Gonna Be Home? – that is available on Peacock and Amazon Prime.
“He’s really shared his platform with me,” McGann said. “It’s really the most you can do for another comic. He always wants me to kill in front of him. He wants me to try new things. He’s always encourag-
ing growth, and I appreciate that because it takes a certain person to have that kind of confidence. There are comics who like someone a little soft up front and serviceable who will do a decent job. He says, ‘Go out there and destroy!’ He really lets me do my own thing. When people ask me about him, I always say, ‘You are rooting for a good guy.’ He’s a genuine human and leads by example.”
But make no mistake about it, McGann will open for Maniscalco as long as Maniscalco invites him.
“These are like the last couple shows of this tour,” McGann said of his solo jaunt around the nation. “Then I am going back with Sebastian on an arena tour and doing a bunch of those dates. But other than going to Vegas to do his shows at Wynn, he hasn’t really been touring, so that gave me the time to do this solo tour.”
Pat McGann at Ocean
If you go see McGann on July 5, get ready for a bunch of new material.
“So, I have room to do all my gymnastics and pyro … I will have enough space?” he joked after learning Ovation Hall was designed by the team that also designed
Cirque du Soleil theaters in Las Vegas. “Whatever it takes to get ’em in the door. Let’s go!”
McGann, whose comedy relies on his personal experiences, particularly his life as a father of three, has had some new life experiences to mine for material, particularly a recent divorce.
“A good chunk of what I’m doing is new material,” McGann said. “My life has shifted over the last two years, and the divorce isn’t the funniest thing, but it’s a life ex-
perience. So, my comedy isn’t really about the divorce but about putting things together since then … like getting new furniture. I had nothing. I had to reset my whole life. When you are getting divorced, you aren’t thinking, ‘Where am I gonna sit?’ I had to scramble. And there are a lot of experiences through the process. And I always have my kids because I have shared responsibility for them, so they are with me half of the time, and I think there has definitely been more intensive parenting going on.”
For McGann, there is definitely a line when it comes to what he will joke about when it comes to the divorce.
“I would never say anything about my children’s mom that would be interpreted as uncomfortable,” said McGann, who joked regularly about his ex-wife when they were married. “A lot of people can look back and say it was doomed. Yes, you lose material, but I just don’t go there. I talk about my experience with it and leave her out of it. This experience opens up other doors and experiences you hope people find relatable.”
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Its Rose Season! New Wines Arriving
McGann’s evolution
McGann used to regret starting later than most comics usually get into the business, but now he looks back and thinks it was a positive.
“I used to kick myself,” he said. “I see comics starting at 19 and 20 years old, and I used to get envious, but now I think about all the life experiences I gained. Once you become a comic, you lose a little bit of your humanity. You lose a little bit of the regular life that everyone else is doing. You are giving up weekends and not experiencing the same things everyone else does … the shared experience. So, having an office job and commuting and all the things I did from 22 to 31 really shaped me and helped me figure out the stuff I wanted to talk about. I just had to catch up with the performance side of things. It really made me a different type of comic and definitely made me more grateful from being away from that place I was not doing well in. If I was killing it in sales, I probably would have stayed in it.”
If you never saw McGann before, you might be reminded of some of the greats ranging from Jerry Seinfeld to Johnny Carson to David Letterman, who his parents turned him on to when he was younger.
“Working clean wasn’t an intentional decision,” McGann said. “I love comics that swear, and I still swear sometimes in the show and use language occasionally some will find a little offensive. But those comics were the ones I watched growing up. All of those comics who were on Carson and Letterman had to work clean to be on television. I also grew up watching ‘Saturday night Live,’ and I would sneak away and watch eddie Murphy ‘Raw’ and ‘Delirious,’ so I knew what was out there, but I wanted my parents to be able to sit through a show, and it kind of just went this way. n ow everyone swears. My third grader is dropping F bombs. He is vaping right now and blowing it in my face and telling me to get off the phone.”
McGann, who is known for his sarcasm, said his kids are his greatest source of material.
“The kids and them playing sports is something to witness … all these dads who didn’t make it,” McGann joked “My son is playing baseball, and he has an expensive bat. I mean, ‘You have seen four good pitches all year, why is your bat $380? Why not just hand it off to the next kid when you’re done striking out with it?’ We have $4,000 in bats in the dugout, and we have two hits!”
That relatable humor is what makes McGann’s comedy resonate.
“ even the kids getting out of school … it’s like a camp release program,” McGann joked. “I am not just dropping them off once in the morning. n ow I am dropping the kids off all day long. They are signed up for everything. We can’t just be with them. They are signed up for anything. Bomb making camp? Sure. Is it Monday to Friday? That’s all I care about. Get ’em out of my hair.”
even though McGann was a history major in college, you won’t hear him talk about the TrumpBiden presidential debate.
“Politics are so divisive,” he said. “People just want to escape from those things that are nagging at us constantly. I think comedy is a great outlet for people looking to get away. I don’t want to ignore what’s going on in the world. I like politics, but it seems to devolve quickly.”
As far as the tour that lands at Ocean on July 5, McGann can’t wait to perform in Atlantic City again.
“I am fired up,” he said. “Doing these venues is a confidence builder. The exposure is great and seeing the country has been great. Audiences are more grateful for the live experience. They seem to be responding more than ever.
There is a lot of gratitude after shows. ‘That was so fun,’ and ‘I haven’t laughed that hard.’ It’s great to be out there with people. And they have really responded to the new material very well. I know people may be jammed up with plans on July 4th, but when they wake up on the 5th a bit hung over and looking for something to do, come to Ovation Hall. It’s going to be a really good time.”
Pat McGann performs 9 p.m. Friday, July 5, at Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort. Tickets, which start at $29, can be purchased at TheOceanAC.com, Ticketmaster.com and the Ocean Casino box office.
Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also coowns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.
Friday, June 28
Dave Chappelle
▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
Lynyrd Skynyrd
▶9 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Jeff Arcuri
▶7 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
Saturday, June 29
Jon Batiste
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Atlantic City Headliners
Eric D’Alessandro
▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard Rock
Temptations Review feat. Dennis
Edwards
▶8 p.m.
Superstar Theater at Resorts
Sweet
▶9 p.m.
Golden nugget Atlantic City
Shreya Ghoshal
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
Sunday, June 30
Super Trans Am
▶4 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Wednesday, July 3
Kesha
▶9 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
Friday, July 5
Pat McGann
▶9 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
▶8 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Saturday, July 6
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Hasan Minhaj
▶8 p.m.
Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars
Fortune Feimster
▶8 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Sunday, July 7
Donny Osmond
▶7 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
On Sale Now
Trombone Shorty & Orleans
Avenue
▶Friday, nov. 15, 9 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
On Sale This Week
Gwen Stefani
▶Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
Dave Attell
▶Saturday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
Trevor Noah
▶Friday, Aug. 23, 9 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Deep Purple and Yes
▶Friday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Tom Jones
▶Sunday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
Grand Funk Railroad
▶Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
Atsuko Okatsuka
▶Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
The Music Box at Borgata
The Pointer Sisters, Billy Ocean & The Pointer Sisters
▶Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
BEAT – Belew/Vai/Levin/Carey
play 80s King Crimson
▶Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Babyface
▶Friday, Dec. 13, 9 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
The Front Bottoms
▶Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
Rod Stewart
▶Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at etess Arena
All tickets on sale Friday, June 28, 10 a.m.
Veteran glam rockers Sweet to ‘Ballroom Blitz’ the Golden Nugget
Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Once upon a time there was a genre of music known as glam rock. Started in Great Britain, in its heyday of the 1970s it featured such now-memorable bands as Slade, Gary Glitter, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, T. Rex and Sweet, among many others (including a fellow named David Bowie).
In the u.S., bands/solo artists like Lou Reed and the n ew York Dolls emerged as glam-rock heroes. The musicians dressed flamboyantly; the genre was a rebellion against the classic rock which, back then, dominated radio airwaves.
Sweet, in particular, shot to prominence during that era with such catchy, radio-friendly pop/rock hits as “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox on The Run,” “Love Is Like Oxygen,” “Little Willy” and more.
They’ve sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, no easy feat. Like many longtime groups, Sweet has undergone numerous personnel changes. We recently spoke with their drummer, Richie Onori, whom I met and knew from my time living in Southern California, where Onori is based. Sweet will perform at the
Showroom at Golden n ugget this Friday, June 28 at 9 p.m.
DD: Discuss how you’ve been able to keep Sweet’s legacy alive, even though there are no original members from the band?
RO: My friend Kelly Hansen, lead singer for Foreigner, invited me to the Hollywood Bowl. n o original (members) but it was quite clear they had been well-groomed by original guitarist Mick Jones. The crowd went crazy because the band delivered the goods. We toured with (late original Sweet member) Steve Priest for well over a decade, playing hundreds of venues. Besides us having the name with Steve’s family, we all decided we should keep going after Steve’s passing. Keeping the legacy alive and playing the Sweet music is in our blood
and we enjoy playing the music as all the fans do (hearing it). Bottom line: the fans should be able hear the real deal as Steve groomed us to do so. Stevie Stewart and I have been in the band for eighteen years. Some fans call us re-originals (laughs) That’s the difference between a tribute band and us… we’ve lived and breathed this amazing music!
DD: The music Sweet became known for was primarily power pop with rock riffs. Has the current incarnation of Sweet changed/altered the group's original sound; if so, how?
RO: Live, absolutely not! Our new music and our first single “Little Miracle” is set for release on July 25. If you really dig deep into the full Sweet catalog, the band was very diverse. If the guys were here today I guarantee
you the group would sound nothing like the Sweet of yesteryear. We have tested the waters playing “Little Miracle” and all I can say is the crowd was standing and raving. Besides “Little Miracle,” we have 40 songs that we are deciding what songs to choose for the album. Are some of the songs reminiscent of the Sweet sound? You betcha.
RO: Stay tuned for a serious, amazing record because it’s all about chemistry, and like the original band, has something very special, too. note: We have a few tracks that Steve Priest played on as well. So I look at it this way. We are as close to the real deal as you can get. Lastly, we released two songs on SoundCloud a few years ago. “System of the Slaves” and “Wasted in Hollywood”— Check em out on YouTube.
Because life should be a SWeeT RID e!
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com and www.facebook. com/dougdeutschpublicity.
Sweet will perform at the Golden Nugget Friday, June 28. Photo by Jim Zons
By Amy Brewstein
IReader writes in: Just say hello
’ve been conducting research, informally and unscientifically for the last seven summers. I’ve been studying the friendliness patterns of Margate and Ventnor residents out for walks.
There are several categories: those alone, those in pairs or groups, those with dogs, those with strollers, and every combination of all of these. I have been noticing over the years how very few people when out walking on the streets (strolling, dog walking, power walking, stroller pushing, etc.) say hello.
I generally do my long walk in the morning. I walk the dog a mile and a half or so, looping around Atlantic Avenue, up to Ventnor Avenue. I include the specifics for the locals, who already have a clear vision of my route and the scenery: fountains, mailboxes, dog waste stations, and a steady stream of walkers.
I greet everyone who passes me with a “good morning". In most cases, I’ve surprised them. “Oh my, you’re a human with the power of speech! Well, yes, I actually do see you. So yes, good morning,” they manage to get out. Many are grateful for my
friendliness.
They live in a world where you would never say good morning first. Why leave yourself so vulnerable in such a dog-eatdog (or shall I say dog-walk-dog) environment such as the mean streets of a beach vacation community?
When I walk early, there are very few people out. I am amazed that from a block away, people are actively not noticing me. Is it snobbery, the aforementioned vulnerability, obliviousness, or just rudeness? I do not know. But I press on. “Good morning, Good morning. Hello, how are ya? nice day! Good morning.”
The most surprising example of this phenomenon happened several summers ago. I was walking on the Parkway early one morning, around 7 a.m. About a block away, walking toward me, were several people pushing a stroller. They looked to be the grandparents. I noticed that the toddler in the stroller had dropped his blankie. It was now on the ground, and they were walking away from it. I waved my arms wildly and gestured for them turn around and look down. They retrieved the blankie and con -
suppose. But the pandemic has ended. now it’s just a signal of “I don’t want to engage, and COVID-19 made it acceptable for me to do this."
tinued toward me. I was poised for the gratitude, the small chit-chat about the importance of that blankie, and prepared for the thank you. But they walked right by me, engrossed in their conversation. no eye contact, no thank you, no acknowledgment. As they did, I simply said, “You’re welcome.” You’re welcome indeed.
Since COVID-19, it became appropriate, even polite, to cross to the opposite side of the street when someone is approaching. There were many valid reasons: germs, recommendations to stay 10 feet apart, the hatred of humanity. All valid reasons, I
I say good morning to groups of people, to solo walkers, to dogs and then their owners, and to children in strollers and then their guardians. The results are mixed. I am trying to send a message – a simple one – just say hello! I know, your dog isn’t friendly, you’re on a phone call, you’re listening to a book, but a nod and a wave or mouthing “good morning” would be lovely.
Of course I have come upon many lovely folks out there, shiny happy people laughing, (to quote R. e .M.) who offer a good morning with warmth and kindness. I live for those people. They eclipse all the others.
My cousin and I were walking to the market the other day, and I did my requisite hellos along the way. She sees how and why I do it, and the frequently surprised result from the person to whom I’ve just said hello. “You’re just baiting people now,” she said. I am. I am baiting the hook with kindness and hoping to get a bite.
Are ‘in-marriage QDROs’ a good idea?
By Eric Reich
As part of my continuing education for ed Slott’s elite Advisor IRA GroupTM, I periodically attend education conferences, review content on complex IRA issues, and take an assessment. One of the issues that was recently touched upon and questioned was the “in-marriage QDRO” or marital QDRO.
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) was created in 1984 as a way for spouses going through a divorce to split their assets. QDROs are used specifically to handle the separation of retirement plan assets (not IRAs). QDROs are actually court-ordered since there is no other way to separate retirement plan assets. For 40 years, this process has worked just fine, then along comes an idea that could potentially screw it up.
The newest “idea” is the in-marriage QDRO, which involves doing a QDRO for a couple who has no intent on getting divorced. Promoters will tell you that the statute allowing QDROs does not specifically reference “divorce” in it. While that may be true, the intent of the statute was for exactly that reason.
Why would a couple with no intention of divorcing need a QDRO? Well, for starters, QDROs only apply to retirement plans, not IRAs. Retirement plans, unlike IRAs, are difficult to access for reasons other than retirement. An in-marriage QDRO would allow couples to move money between them in a way that they never previously could. There are a few instances when this idea could potentially be helpful.
1. Shifting money to a younger spouse when you don’t want to take a required minimum distribution (RMD)
Let’s say you have a large 401(k) and are about to turn 73, which is the current RMD age. Imagine you really don’t want to take the RMD because it will cause you to have to pay income taxes on money that you don’t need. By shifting that 401(k) balance to a younger spouse, you
could delay that RMD for several years or even a decade or more, depending on his or her age.
2. Retirement
If you retire early, you can’t typically distribute money out of your retirement account before age 59 ½ without paying a 10% penalty for a premature withdrawal. If you instead use an in-marriage QDRO and shift those funds to your spouse, who is older than 59 ½, the penalty will not apply.
3. Possibly help with Medicaid planning
An in-marriage QDRO could shift funds from a sick spouse to a healthy spouse, which could potentially help with Medicaid planning in some states.
While all of these ideas may sound great, there are a lot of potential negatives to an in-marriage QDRO. For starters, if you shift assets from your retirement plan to your spouse, your spouse now controls those assets 100%. Your spouse can change the beneficiary to anyone they want. They could also withdraw those funds without your knowledge. In addition, when you file a QDRO, some company plan rules may not permit contri -
3 MEN AND A HOE
butions into the retirement plan for a period of time. This could impact the company match and your tax deferment opportunities. You can imagine the scenarios that could come from these issues. In addition, there are fees and costs that apply to QDROs. each state has its own rules and domestic relations laws. Lastly, under federal law, the administrator of the retirement plan providing the benefits affected by an order is the person initially responsible for determining if the order is a QDRO.
The biggest issue, in my opinion, is that neither the IRS nor the DOL has remotely suggested that this idea is legal. I personally do not think they are legal, and I would absolutely not want to be the test case before the tax court if/when the IRS decides to put a stop to them.
ed Slott's IRA Advisor Group℠ is a paid-membership, educational organization comprised of professionals of varying credentials. Membership in this organization does not imply a set level of skill or training. The logo and/or service mark is the property of their respective owners and no endorsement of Comprehensive Advisor, LLC is stated or implied. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FI n RA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.
Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.
By Andrew Hoffman
Hello all, I welcome you to an ongoing series on a lighter subject of death, the epitaph. An epitaph is defined as a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, as an inscription on a tombstone.
I am going to highlight a few epitaphs throughout the centuries that I found interesting, creative, eccentric and funny. I hope you will find them amusing as well and perhaps spark some creativity in your own tombstones and or monuments many years from now.
“Once I Wasn’t. Then I Was. now I ain’t Again.” Written on a tombstone in Lee County, Mississippi.
“SHALL W ee ALL DI e ? W ee SHALL DIe ALL. ALL DIe SHALL We?
Eccentric Epitaphs The third part of an ongoing series
DI e ALL We SHALL." Written on a tombstone in Cunwallow, Cornwall, england.
“All ye who stop to read this stone, Consider how soon she was gone. Death doth not always warning give, Therefore be careful how you live.” Tombstone of Mary Richards (1740-1771) Doddington, england.
“Here I lie snug as a bug in a rug”. An envious relative of the deceased instructed that he be buried in an adjoining grave with the following inscription on his tombstone: “Here I lie snugger than that other bugger.”
dirt." Written on a tombstone in Walton, norfolk.
“Here lies Matthew Mudd, Death did him no hurt; When alive he was Mudd. And now he’s dead he’s but
On a celebrated London cook’s tombstone: “Peas to his Hashes". Meaning, of course, "Peace to his ashes."
On a tombstone in Connecticut: “Here lies the body of Jonathan Stout. He fell in the water and never got out. And still is supposed to be floating about.”
The following epitaphs have a common theme of dealing with regrets in life.
“Here lies W.C Fields. On the whole I would rather be living in Philadelphia." Written on the tombstone of W.C Field (1880-1946).
On the tomb of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.), translated from ancient Greek : “Here a mound suffices for one for whom the world was not large enough.”
Written on a cemetery stone in Dunmore, Ireland: “Here lie the remains of John Hall, grocer, The world is not worth a fig, and I have good raisins for saying so.”
On the monument of King Joseph II of Germany (17411790), “Here lies Joseph, who was unsuccessful in all his undertakings.” It is worth noting that the king requested this epitaph for himself.
And finally, an epitaph that really nails down regret on the tombstone of George Johnson in Arizona: “Hanged by mistake”.
Stay tuned to my next article as we go deeper into art of the epitaph and highlight a few more.
Andrew B. Hoffman is a funeral director at Jeffries and Keates and Keates-Plum Funeral Homes. He is a twenty-two year veteran of the funeral industry.
Meet the breed: Italian Greyhound
By Heidi Clayton
One of my favorite little toy dogs to recommend to people looking for something small is the Italian Greyhound. They are not simply the toy version of the larger Greyhound. These dogs are their own breed that can be traced back thousands of years.
Known as the “IG,” the Italian Greyhound is considered a “sight hound”, which is a dog that hunts rabbits and other animals by sight instead of by scent. While their exact origin is unknown, archaeological remains from 79 A.D. were found in the ruins of Pompeii. As trade at the time often involved dogs, it is believed that traders from Turkey and Greece brought the IG to Italy. The first written description of the IG dates back to 1626 when Francesco Birago wrote that the form and
function of the IG impacted its purpose as both a companion dog and a hunter. The IG has long been a recognized breed in the united States, gaining its AKC status in 1896. Both World War I and II nearly extinguished the breed as a whole. A group of dedicated fanciers brought them to America to replenish their numbers, and the Italian Greyhound Club of America was formed in 1950.
Based on their size only, the IG is a member of the Toy Group. They range from 13-15 inches and weigh about 7-14 pounds. They come in various solid colors. Purebred IGs do not come with brindle or tan and black markings. The coat of an IG is short, supple, and soft. It will require very little brushing. However, they hate the cold, so a jacket or coat in chilly weather is recommended. While toy in size, they remain fast-moving sight hounds and excel at sports like agility and fast CAT.
The Italian Greyhound Club of America says that the reason they remain in fashion today as they did among the Italian nobility is they are “snuggly and warm, and they truly love their people.” Most IG breeders
I know swear that the dogs prefer the company of another IG if their person is not available. every IG owner I know has more than one, and they live in complete harmony with each other. By and large, the Italian Greyhound you get is going to be a healthy little dog. The Italian Greyhound Club of America is making great strides in identifying health-related issues. It has a list of recommended health tests that all breeders should follow for all of their breeding stock dogs. A good breeder will have a complete health evaluation from an OFA-certified veterinarian who tests the hips for dysplasia, thyroid testing,
eye exams, a D nA test to see if the gene for progressive retinal atrophy is carried, a D nA test for glaucoma, a D n A test for familial enamel hypoplasia, and a D n A genetic diversity test. every IG breeder I know takes health very seriously and has all of these tests done before considering breeding a dog. If you are in the market for a toy breed and want a snuggly little charming dog, the Italian Greyhound is the dog for you. They can also be a great choice of dog for people living in apartments or condos.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net
A Shore Local
Are you looking for perfection?
If that is so Steer in the right direction
If you live at the shore
You need nothing more
The beach that you choose
You simply won’t loose
As the tide goes up, then recedes down
You can relax there on the beachy ground
Hear & watch the seagulls play
And as you know at the end of the day…..
See you again tomorrow!
By Beth Haffert
You and Me, Down the Shore
I love you like sand loves salty wet feet. I love you like hermit crabs love bright shells.
Like beachgoers yearn for that well-distributed tan….
Like waves that never stop roaring …..
Like the elderly couple holding hands along the pier…. I love you in the brightest sunshine, between bites of the coldest custard.
I’ll never tire of you because how could anyone get used to heaven?
By Sarah Fertsch
Poetry Corner
Joy
I wake to sound of seagulls and I sleep to breath of salt through an open window. Who could have known that I would have so much when I was little and dreamed of ocean?
The sea laps soft beneath the sun; its waves glitter and crest and glitter and crest. Sand shifts beneath my feet as I walk, its warmth a balm I carry for the day ahead. embered western sky glows orange and pink as I head for the bay—Oh, to see it!— before dusk’s purple-gray undertones fade finally into nighttime’s hushed darkness. Life has been given me here in this place. How can pain be when all I see is joy?
By Marya Small Parral
HELP PROTECT VULNERABLE ADULTS
Make the call to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploita�on of residents 18 & older, who are lacking in capacity.
Wonderwheel Dreams
Old folk and kids dream of parallelogram shadows cast by the sun’s rays past metal railings onto gray boardwalk planks. It is early summer: school has let out; snowbirds returned from their tropical Southern climes. On aqua and carrot coaster bikes they glide along the boards with chrome-spoked wheels, longing to glimpse freshly-planted dune grasses, those green-golden sentries that protect their isle from ocean floods. Zigzagging between white parallel-line bike lanes, they spot the solitary jetty angler clutch his surf rod like a medieval knight with lance in hand. They ride past scores of rectangular benches coated with pastel hues, inscribed with plaques bequeathed by aboriginals to honor lost loved ones; past the chevron-shaped trail of the wary red fox, bespeckling the sand with linear tracks that disappear into dune dens ‘neath beach plum shrubbery and cusped yuccas; past cedar rail posts that guide beachgoers through tall dunes to wet sand and saltwater; past bikers’ oases: pyramidal pavilions providing caesuras, shade, and cool ocean breezes. Old folk and kids dream of parallelogram shadows – Wonderwheels of geometric dreams. —from Untethered Balloons
John Sweeder
Kitchen, Bathroom
Renovations
SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?
TRUSTED SINCE 1949
There are over 6,500 bridges in NJ Find the spans that take us to the beach
DORSET
SUDOKU
1. Glass piece
6. *It can be measured via carbon decay
9. Sandwich alternative 13. Free-for-all
14. Madame Tussauds' medium
15. State of dishonor
16. Kidney, e.g.
17. Cleopatra's killer
18 Arthur Hailey bestseller
19 *Force pulling two objects together
21 *One on Mendeleev's table
23 Organ of balance
24 Criticism
25 British mom
28 Tibetan priest
30 Gluten-free dieter's disease
35 Relating to #23 Across
37 Deficiency
39 Goes with onions?
40 "In ____ veritas"
41 Daisylike bloom
43 Apple leftover
44 Choose Trump, e.g.
46 Feed storage
47 Actor Kristofferson
48 Gibraltar or Bering
50 Moonfish
52 Hitherto
53 Jockey's leash
55 Give a nickname to
57 *"A Brief History of Time" author
61 "One of us" singer Joan
65 *Most of earth's hydrosphere
66 Fall behind
68 American Akita, e.g.
69 Circular gasket
70 nocturnal flyer
71 Verb derived from "laser"
72 Chipper
73 Smallest whole number
74 "_____! Read all about it!"
1 urban haze
2 Drosselmeyer's title
3 *Pond organism
4 Ransack or plunder
5 Coping mechanism
6 "And ____ we go!"
7 *Low density state of matter
8 Kick out of school
9 "For ____ the Bell Tolls"
10 *60 miles/hour, e.g.
11 So be it
12 Trapper's bounty
15 Israeli money
20 "____-____-la" refrain
22 Lake in Provence
24 Dissenting clique
25 *Galilei: "And yet it ____"
26 At less then 90 degrees
27 Forty-niner, e.g.
29 *m in F = ma
31 Way to seal an envelope
32 Poacher's ware
33 Bird of prey nest
34 *Highest point in a wave
36 Source of cocaine
38 Kind of seaweed
42 Two diverged, one not taken and other taken
45 Causing one to need rest
49 X
51 *He had a telescope named after him
54 Inuit shelter
56 *a.k.a sodium borate
57 LeBron's goal
58 43,560 square feet
59 Dam-like structure
60 Immanuel ____, German philosopher
61 eye up and down
62 none of this for the weary
63 ____-do-well
64 Cocoyam
67 Grass bristle
Physical activity helps with stress management and mental health
Empowering Women
By Rachel Guevara
In today's fast-paced world, women are juggling more responsibilities than ever before.
The pressures of balancing careers, family, social obligations, and personal well-being can be overwhelming. unlike the days when the primary role of women was to manage the household, modern women are often expected to excel in multiple domains simultaneously. This shift has inevitably led to increased stress and mental health challenges. While doctors are quick to prescribe medications to manage these issues, an ageold resolution—exercise—remains an incredibly effective tool for promoting mental well-being and managing stress.
The Science Behind Exercise and Mental Health
e xercise is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, and reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Regular exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, boost self-esteem, and enhance cognitive function. Furthermore, it provides a sense of accomplishment and routine, which can be particularly beneficial for women navigating the complexities of modern life. Here are some exercise programs to consider:
1. Yoga
Yoga is an excellent exercise program for stress management and mental health. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, which work together to reduce stress and promote relaxation. For women, yoga can be particularly beneficial as it improves flexibility, strength, and balance. Classes like Hatha and Restorative Yoga are gentle and focus on deep relaxation, making them perfect for beginners or those
looking to unwind after a stressful day.
2. Pilates
Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. It emphasizes proper breathing, alignment, and concentration, which can significantly reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Pilates workouts can range from beginner to advanced levels, making it accessible for women of all fitness stages. The controlled movements help in building strength and improving posture, which can alleviate physical tension often associated with stress.
3. Cardio Workouts
Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are highly effective in combating stress. These activities increase the heart rate and trigger the release of endorphins, which help to elevate mood and reduce anxiety. For busy women, incorporating cardio into daily routines—such as a brisk walk during lunch breaks or cycling to work—can provide a much-needed mental boost and break from daily pressures.
4. Strength Training
Strength training, involving weights or resistance exercises, not only helps in building muscle but also in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The sense of empowerment and physical strength gained from lifting weights can translate into mental resilience. Women often shy away from strength training due to misconceptions, but it is a vital component of a balanced fitness routine that can significantly enhance mental well-being.
5. Dance Classes
Dance is a fun and expressive way to exercise. Classes like Zumba, salsa, or even hip-hop are not only excellent for physical health but also for emotional release. The combination of music, movement, and social interaction in dance classes can elevate mood and reduce stress levels. Dance provides an enjoyable way to stay active, meet new people, and forget about daily worries.
For many women, finding time to exercise can be challenging due to busy schedules. However, integrating physical activity into daily routines doesn't require significant time commitment. Short, consistent workouts can be just as effective as longer sessions. Activities like taking the stairs, walking during phone calls, or doing quick home workouts can make a big difference. Prioritizing physical activity and viewing it as essential self-care rather than an optional task is crucial.
Rachel Guevara is the owner of Lift & Glitz Training Studio in Northfield, NJ. With 13 years of experience in the fitness industry, Rachel holds certifications in Personal & Group Fitness through ISSA and is a Zumba Fitness Instructor. A proud single mother of two, Rachel balances her professional and personal life with grace and determination. She earned her BA in Communications from Stockton University and resides in Northfield.
Postcards From The Past
The lobby at The Steel Pier’s entertainment hall in the 1960’s. Some of the country’s most popular bands played there, including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and The Rolling Stones.
Horoscopes for June 27 – July 3
Cosmic Connection
By Ursula Duffy
♈ Aries: Life’s balancing act is coming into sharper focus. Trailblazing requires action and adjustment. Consider areas for improvement in the road ahead by reflecting on the experience of the journey in hindsight.
♉ Taurus: Finding a sense of peace may be closer than you realize. Your immediate surroundings are a great resource. Soothe any restlessness by going for a walk, enjoying a local meal or even considering a brief staycation.
♊ Gemini: A change in pace allowing for more free time is an asset. use the time wisely by spending it on things that bring you joy, creating new connections and catching up with friends.
♋ Cancer: Redirecting your focus from work and studies to your relationships and yourself may feel long overdue at this time. A little extra tender loving care, especially for you, can go a long way.
♌ Leo: Revelations in attachment patterns allow space and grace for change. Be honest with yourself and be open to a new daily practice that can assist you in healing forward.
♍ Virgo: Feeling understood is often a great blessing. Connecting with like-minded community, whether in-person or online, can help nurture this need and provide uplifting solutions.
♎ Libra: Shedding old skins and redefining yourself are deeply internal processes, especially when your public image is concurrently changing. Give yourself some quiet, alone time at home or in private if things are feeling overwhelming.
♏ Scorpio: Sometimes things happen that can feel way beyond any form of control. In any event with unseen forces at the helm, there’s
↘Continued on 100
SHORE PRO MARKETPLACE
always an opportunity for a shift in perspective. Jotting down thoughts and emotions is a helpful way to sort through confusing feelings.
♐ Sagittarius: Teaching from your own lived experience is a wonderful way to impart knowledge onto others. Take a risk and dive deeply into yourself to enrich your lesson plans.
♑ Capricorn: A bit of sluggishness is afoot. Prepare to move forward again by taking a few steps back to rest and recharge. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.
♒ Aquarius: Your usual spark may feel a little dimmer for a while. Volunteering or participating in community events can be satisfying ways to refuel and to keep the momentum going.
also identifying what’s been taking away from feeling more whole and balanced. Intentionally move ahead with the positive and actively release the negative. Pay particular attention to where you’ve grown by taking
♓ Pisces: The wave has crested and now it’s time to go within and retreat into yourself. Firmer boundaries to create space for self-discovery and internal review may be necessary. Take inventory of every recent tide that has led to greater self-empowerment.
Weekly Summary:
We reach the midpoint of the calendar year this week, and it will feel pivotal in more ways than one. Hindsight is truly 20/20 and it’s a good practice to review the last six months. Take inventory of what’s been positively fueling your internal fire while
more personal responsibility in your life and making your dreams reality. Whatever surfaced or was revealed during last week’s full moon could provide some useful information, and a second chapter of that story is incoming toward the end of July.
Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, founder of Ursa Alchemy and founding partner/ Goddess of Operations (GOO) of Sea Goddess Healing Arts, Atlantic City, NJ. Find her services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www. seagoddesshealingarts.com/ ursaalchemy
Egg Harbor Township: ‘The Heart of Atlantic County’
Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
When we think of choosing a place to call home, so many factors come into the equation. We dream, plan, search, and research to find our own utopia. You need to look no further than the place I call home, the thriving community of egg Harbor Township, located in “The Heart of Atlantic County.”
With the beauty and enjoyment of the Great egg Harbor River along our border, convenience of the Atlantic City International Airport in our center, our own military bases (the 177th Fighter Wing of the new Jersey Air n ational Guard and the u.S. Coast Guard Air Station) to protect us, and
Jo Eagan
the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center employing many of our residents, eHT is a place like nowhere else.
We have senior communities like the 55+ Village Grande of Little Mill and english Mill, our own parks, recreation and community center, award-winning golf courses and homes, youth programs in all sports, a Police Activities League, our own fully paid police force and dedicated volunteer fire companies, places of worship where we gather, numerous dedicated businesses and services, and many other features that we enjoy, appreciate and love.
Our desirable public school system provides top-notch education for our children and grandchildren. Generations of successful, well-educated students have gone through our egg Harbor Township schools, and have chosen to live and work in the township after their education
In Today’s Fast Paced Real Estate Market. It Is Even More Important To Choose The Right Agent To Represent You! Over 40 Years of Real Estate Expertise, Knowledge, and Experience to Assist You!
• ABR-Accredited Buyer Representative- Expert Negotiator To Get You The Home That You Want !
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is complete, giving back to our community, and happily sending their children and grandchildren to the same schools they successfully attended and graduated from.
Many neighborhoods of new construction homes have been built in the last few years and are continuing to be built or are now under construction to accommodate the strong demand for housing. Stay tuned. There is more to come. n ew homes being built is a positive sign of a healthy real estate market, and housing is the backbone of a community and the economy.
During COVID, e gg Harbor Township became the “sweet spot” for many n ew York, n orth Jersey, Pennsylvania and other out-of-state purchasers seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of living and working in crowded cities, and bringing their families “to the country”
while working from home. Many relocated to egg Harbor Township for a better life by the shore, or to be closer to family, near Ocean City, their favorite beaches, or to work in and around Atlantic City and Atlantic County areas.
egg Harbor Township real estate values, from 2020 to present, have increased an average of 35 percent and more, building equity for homeowners. Inventory and supply of existing homes for sale is low and the demand for housing is high – stronger than it has ever been. Buyers want to buy and own in egg Harbor Township in all price ranges and neighborhoods. The desire to own, enjoy and experience living in egg Harbor Township and the shore area is alive and well.
Since its founding in 1710, egg Harbor Township has been built and made up of many talented, caring residents and dedicated business people that have given of themselves to create a wonderful place for families past, present and future. u ntil next time… Remember bloom where you are planted!
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"
