Five things to add to your fall bucket list
From the Editor
Autumn reminds me of “golden hour” at the shore, that magical window of time during summer evenings when it's not too hot or too crowded and beauty abounds. this week we officially enter autumn. even without the calendar confirming it, the signs are everywhere, from giant skeletons popping up in front yards to the cool nights and increasingly earlier sunsets. With the summer crowds thinning, locals and day-trippers can enjoy a quieter, more relaxed vibe at the shore. the water is still warm, the sunsets are stunning, and the slower pace allows for a deeper appreciation of everything the shore has to offer.
It’s not just the beaches that shine in the fall—the Jersey Shore’s historic landmarks and natural wonders are at their best this time of year. Without
the peak season crowds, you can take your time, breathe in the crisp air, and discover the rich history and beauty that often gets overshadowed during the summer hustle.
If you’re looking for some local spots to explore, here are five landmarks I highly recommend adding to your fall bucket list:
Absecon Lighthouse: Standing tall and proud, this historic beacon has been guiding mariners for over 160 years. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Atlantic City and the surrounding area.
Lucy the Elephant: this beloved, larger-than-life icon in margate is a must-see for locals and tourists alike. Not only does Lucy offer fascinating tours, but her towering presence is a reminder of the shore’s quirky charm and enduring history.
Corson’s Inlet State Park: A gem for outdoor enthusiasts, Corson’s Inlet, on the southern end of Ocean City, is ideal for kayaking, bird-watching, and fishing. the serene beauty of the park, with its quiet dunes and marshlands, offers a great escape.
Somers Mansion: take a step back in time at this historical site, the oldest existing house in Atlantic County. It’s a window into the past,
O ce - (609) 788-4812
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Contributors – Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Fred Miller, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Rachael Guebara, Elisa Jo Eagan, David Setley, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Whitney Ullman, Bill Quain, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Lisa Zaslow-Segelman, Julia Train, Ursula Duffy, John Loreaux, Marjorie Preston, Tynan Hand
Cover photo of Atlantic City from Gardner's Basin by Bob Fertsch.
offering insight into early colonial life and the founders of our region. Free tours are offered on weekends.
Historic Smithville: Spend the afternoon browsing boutiques, tasting delicious treats, and taking in the natural splendor. Whether you’re riding the carousel with your kids, smiling at a family of ducks, or attending a weekend festival, every visit to Smithville is unique and memorable.
Cape May County Zoo: Known for its beautifully maintained grounds and free admission, the zoo is home to over 500 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world. Visitors can explore lush, shaded paths while encountering
giraffes, lions, and zebras, as well as exotic animals like red pandas and snow leopards. Its adjoining park, with playgrounds, picnic areas, and nature trails, makes it the perfect place to spend the day.
exploring these local gems in your town will make you feel more connected to your home and bring some unexpected joy!
Peace & Love, Cindy
Egg Harbor Township EMS director uses dogs to relieve stress
By Stephanie Loder
Retired Ocean City Fire Chief
Christopher b reunig took over as director of egg Harbor township emergency m edical Services last year, but he rarely works alone.
If he’s around town Hall or inside the emS Ambulance Squad building on Fire road, b reunig – who began his career as an egg Harbor township communications dispatcher – is likely accompanied by his four-legged companions, Nash, a long-haired German shepherd and b elle, a rescued German shepherd and terrier mix.
Nash and belle help first responders take the stress out of their busy and often stressful job of saving lives, breunig said.
t he workload for emergency medical services has increased year after year in the township.
In July, the township em S responded to 840 calls and in August they responded to 796.
“ the call volume has been going up. recently, we had 11 calls in 53 minutes, and have had as many as 50 in a 36-hour period. We average 26 calls for service a day,” breunig said.
“We are on track for over 8,000 calls this year,” he said, making the township’s department the second busiest in Atlantic County next to Atlantic City.
the township employs 20 full-time and 24 part-time emergency medical technicians (emts) to provide basic life support services to the residents of the township and its visitors, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said.
the township has seven ambulances, three to four of which are staffed 24 hours a day. breunig wants to hire more part-time emts.
the township also has a 10-year shared services agreement with Somers point which began in 2018.
“ m ost recently, we were able to increase our regular presence in Somers point and now have an ambulance in town 24 hours a day,” he said. “We have also partnered with Shore m edical Center and utilize an office in the neighborhood of the hospital.”
“ egg Harbor township is a whole different town. the goal is to be consistent with what we are doing,” he said.
before belle.
b oth dogs were introduced to the township mayor Laura p frommer at the 2023 Christmas tree lighting.
“ t he mayor loved them and we had her blessing,” said b reunig, who also met with the township Committee to show them the dogs.
the dogs provide comfort to first responders after an emotionally draining call. It’s easy to see b elle and Nash obey commands, wait to be petted, and likely hope to get a treat for good behavior.
It’s also common for b reunig to get a call from the town hall with a request to bring the dogs to visit.
Nash and b elle were on hand at the Cardiff Fire Company Station 1 during a debriefing for first responders in August following a fatal crash in July in the West Atlantic City section of egg Harbor township. two people – one who was pregnant – died and multiple others were injured.
Counselors were at the firehouse for the group of first responders.
So far, breunig said the township’s call volume is on track to surpass last year’s numbers.
Improvements are being made within the squad building such as accommodation, living space and computer areas.
t hey’re also replacing old equipment. they have added new equipment and stretchers that automatically lift patients into the ambulance – minimizing the chance an emt will get injured if they had to lift the stretcher.
emt Stephen Lee has spent 30 years with the squad and is matter of fact about how the need for services in the township has changed.
“ the population has changed. It’s grown. And every day is quite eventful for us,” Lee said.
Lee called english Creek Avenue a “back road” when he started his career. today, he said, there is traffic throughout the day and evening.
b reunig got approval from the township to bring the dogs to work at the emS building and other places like the township municipal building. belle sticks by b reunig’s side; he rescued her in the Carolinas after she was found abandoned and abused. Nash had been adopted by b reunig
b reunig brought b elle and Nash. b oth are registered as service animals.
“ the dogs know if someone is upset. they provide stress relief,” he said.
b reunig is no stranger to being a first responder, having started as a volunteer in m armora when he was in high school and working as an Ocean City firefighter for over 20 years, retiring as the fire chief.
He has a long family history in Atlantic County.
b reunig’s grandfather engelbert ‘Inky’ b reunig served as the Northfield mayor.
His grandfather also owned the bala Inn in Somers point in the 1970s.
b reunig is positive the changes he has planned for emS will help the people of the township.
“We have to be ready,” he said.
EMS Director Christopher Breunig.
Nash and Belle, both registered service animals, help first responders cope with the stressful demands of their job.
Elisa Jo Eagan
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Lifetime Membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club and National Association of Realtors.
Picture-perfect day for 4th annual 'Art in the Garden' show
By Tammy Thornton
With picture-perfect weather, Lang’s Garden held its fourth annual Art in the Garden show on Sunday, Sept. 15. Local artists and vendors displayed their garden-inspired artwork among the flowers as visitors listened to soulful music while perusing exhibits. m any of the artists were return exhibitors and have had their artwork displayed for each of the four years. Others were new to the Art in the Garden venue and were pleased to participate for the first time. erin Daniels, of margaret James Designs, has been displaying her beautiful artwork
since the first show and co-organized the event with Stephanie Santini-Duff, owner of Lang’s Garden, with her husband, Joseph Duff. Santini-Duff was pleased with another successful art show and said, “Our fourth annu -
Enjoying the soulful music of Clynne Smith at Lang’s Garden.
al Art in the Garden was our biggest and best yet. We were blessed with a group of talented artists, delicious treats by Spoon & Sip, and the serene music by Clynne Smith and perfect early autumn weather. We look forward to next year, date to be announced soon.”
Annaliese Giunta displayed her paintings on canvas along with greeting cards, t-shirts, and tote bags. though her exhibit contained mostly oil paintings, Giunta also works with acrylic paint and uses printmaking techniques. She also holds printmaking workshops.
m udGirls were also on the scene with their beautiful handcrafted works of art. this nonprofit studio empowers disadvantaged women through training and employment, to help them transition to a pathway of self-sufficiency. their one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces of art are lovely as well as functional. Clay vases, dishes, and tiles were part of the display, with interesting tactile patterns made by using leaves and plants.
Kathy Anne english of english pine Studio displayed acrylic paintings of wildlife scenes from her own back deck. She finds inspiration on her 25-acre property, which is on the edge of the pine b arrens. She named this exhibit “ b irds, b ranch -
es, b lossoms, and bugs”. this self-taught artist began her painting career over 40 years ago and now teaches others. Some of her former students were also exhibitors at the art show.
m osaic artist Jeannie b ell displayed her unique, botanical collages at the art show. Years ago, creating a mosaic table was the start of her passion for mosaics. She fell in love with the textures and colors of mugs and plates, and uses glass, broken pottery, and “found things” to make her works of art. She also creates commissioned pieces, such as her “Lucy the elephant” mosaics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, bell held classes in her backyard, but now
teaches both group and individual classes and can be found at Avra Art Gallery in margate.
During the art show, attendees could enjoy frozen yogurt and sorbet from Spoon & Sip of Ocean City while enjoying the music of Clynne Smith singing and playing her guitar. Seventeen artists and vendors made this year’s annual art show the largest to date.
a
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying
life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Annaliese Giunta poses with her artwork at “Art in the Garden.”
Kathy Anne English among her collection named “Birds, Branches, Blossoms, and Bugs”.
MudGirls Studio exhibit. Pictured left to right: Pat Smith, Debbie Scheer, and Bernadette Getzler.
Hamilton Township School District expands security technology
By Julia Train
The Hamilton township School District recently expanded its security technology to keep students safe.
the district, which includes Joseph C. Shaner elementary School, George L. Hess educational Complex and William Davies m iddle School, spent $1 million on the upgrade which began in 2019.
the project implemented an “ecosystem” of technologies to create a safer learning environment.
t he district’s new system encompasses a range of technologies including radio communications, video surveillance, mass notifications and HALO-based detection systems.
the advancements are designed to enhance school safety by addressing both proactive and reactive measures.
“What's so great about this investment is that a lot of these technologies—especially with the offerings that we have in our safety and security ecosystem—are meant to work in concert with one another,” said Sharon Hong, vice president of ecosystem solutions at m otorola Solutions.
Hong detailed the comprehensive safety solutions implemented across Hamilton township’s schools.
Over the last five years, security cameras increased from 39 to about 500 between the three schools in the district.
New access were deployed that provide automated alerts when doors are propped open and smart sensors to detect kids vaping, loud noises and keywords that can indicate an emergency, such as “help ”
Additionally, license plate readers were added in parking lots along with panic button technologies for quick lockdowns during an emer-
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Jeffery Zito, superintendent of the Hamilton township School District, noted that he’s heard from Davies middle School’s principal that students have said they feel safer with the implementation of the new technologies.
“Hamilton township is a leading example of how a well-rounded technology ecosystem can significantly improve school safety,” said Hong. “ they’ve invested in a diverse array of technologies that not only work independently but also interact seamlessly with each other.”
Among the noteworthy features is the HALO-based detection system, which allows for monitoring areas where traditional cameras may not be feasible, such as restrooms. this system complements existing video and access control measures.
Hong emphasized that the integration of these technologies into a unified platform is a significant advancement.
“Historically, schools have used these tools in isolation. the integration allows for instantaneous alerts and coordinated responses, moving from a reactive to a proactive safety approach,” she said.
the versatility of this technology extends beyond educational institutions. Hong noted that the solutions are adaptable to various sectors including health care, stadiums, airports, manufacturing, and retail.
“ the technology is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different environments,” she said.
t he Hamilton township implementation serves as a model for other schools interested in adopting a similar approach.
“We are seeing a growing interest in the ecosystem approach. Schools are beginning to recognize the benefits of a connected system that enhances safety measures,” said Hong. “ each school is on its own journey, starting with foundational technologies and progressing towards a more integrated approach.”
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
The Hamilton Township School District increased their security cameras from 39 to about 500 between its three schools.
HALO smart sensors were added to bathrooms to detect vapes, loud noises and keywords, such as "help."
EHT resident reports bear tracks
What to do if you encounter a bear
By Julia Train
Living near the pine barrens, or pinelands, it’s not uncommon to hear about or even see bears, with a majority of the land in South Jersey being wooded.
Over the years, there have been reports in community Facebook groups every now and then of bear sightings or evidence that they might’ve been near.
A Facebook group is a feature on Facebook that allows users to create and join communities centered around shared interests, topics, or causes. Within a group, members can post updates, share local news and engage in discussions.
Last week, an egg Harbor township resident with the Facebook screen name Jay H p posted his findings of bear tracks near his home. the report was posted in the Original egg Harbor township Area Happenings 08234 Facebook group, which includes over 26,000 members.
Along with a photo showing his hand next to what looks like a bear track, he wrote, “Hey folks, just a heads up. We were out in the yard with the dogs this morning and our two young-
est started tracking a scent. While investigating we came across some bear tracks. t hey're about 6.5-7 inches across. We're on the north end of tremont.”
Amassing hundreds of comments and likes, the post was met with mixed reactions.
While some, like Suzanne Johnson, thanked him for the note of caution, writing,”thx for the heads up. Something dug a large hole right in the middle of our volleyball court. Our dog was all over it. thought maybe gopher or wood chuck but it’s in the middle of a lg sand volleyball court that surrounded by woods. Near dogwood and alder.”
Some commenters didn’t think it was noteworthy.
According to the National park Service (N pS), here’s a few tips on what to do if you see a bear.
● Stay put, even if the bear comes closer. According to N pS, “It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.”
● talk calmly to the bear to identify yourself as human and not prey.
● Do not make any loud noises, run or make any sudden movements.
Others, like terry Green- Downs, shared their stories of possible evidence.
She wrote, “O m Gsh, my hubby came home from work at 2:45 am t hurs. morning and he was putting out the trash for later that day when he heard some kind of growling and moaning sounds in the woods across from where we live near tremont. Wow.”
Sharon Lea Scarella wrote, “ they roam harmless if not poked,” and JJ bauer, chimed in with, “It's only a bear relax everyone not like he or she's gonna break into your house.”
Jean Gibboni said, “Why does anyone think this is so far fetched. bear spotted in mays Landing several times and on the news.”
While it’s not an actual sighting of a bear, it’s important to know there might be some in the area if residents would like to keep themselves and their pets safe.
● N pS said, “If the bear is standing still, move away slowly and sideways, which allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. moving sideways is also non threatening to bears.”
● Do not run or climb a tree. bears can run as fast as a horse and climb. there are quite a few tips on the website, so make sure to view the full list here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm. It’s important to be prepared.
If you see a black bear, report it to New Jersey’s Department of environmental protection’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WAr N D ep (1-877927-6337).
The health care war at the Jersey Shore
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
For decades the Jersey Shore medical scene consisted of Shore m emorial Hospital (now Shore m edical Center), Atlantic City m edical Center (now AtlantiCare), and b urdette tomlin m emorial/Cape regional (now Cooper University m edical Center).
During the past 10 years the medical market in the Cape/Atlantic region has changed substantially while elevating the competition to a whole new level. In the past, there were numerous independent medical practices. today the independent practices are practically nonexistent. Health care, even at the community level, appears to be consolidating, going in the direction of large corporations.
AtlantiCare has launched an aggressive expansion campaign, resulting in over 100 service locations
throughout five counties in southern New Jersey. It has two hospitals and over 1,000 doctors with 6,000 staff and providers.
m uch of the growth was guided originally by the vision of George Lynn, past CeO. He was succeeded by his mentee David tilton, who took the helm in 2007 through 2016. tilton is credited with navigating AtlantiCare through many award-winning, nationally recognized programs, which eventually resulted in the development of strategic sites and campuses.
In 2016, tilton passed the torch to Lori Herndon who held many roles with AtlantiCare since 1983. She guided AtlantiCare through considerable growth in the face of extremely challenging times including covid. Herndon is credited with AtlantiCare becoming the region’s largest provider of mental health and drug and addiction recovery services, including the acquisition of the John b rooks recovery Center. Another highlight during Herndon’s tenure was the opening of the 69,000-square-foot m edical Arts pavilion in Atlantic City at the end of 2022.
m ichael Charlton, who has been the board chairman since 2017, and has been CeO since Herndon’s 2023
retirement, has an ambitious plan to grow the health care provider to twice its size by investing $1 billion into improving the health of South Jersey’s residents.
Cooper University Health Care made a tremendous statement in the Cape/Atlantic region through its merger with Cape regional Health Care System. It officially occurred on July 1, 2024, and included the Cape regional Hospital along with the various strategic medical services which are offered in locations throughout the region.
Somers point. Virtua has apparently taken over the former pace Orthopedic practice which was headed by the well-known and respected Dr. Glenn Zuck. the practice will now be known as Virtua reconstructive Orthopedics. As far as we know Dr. Zuck has remained on with the transfer.
Last but by no means least is Shore m edical Center and the various medical services that it provides throughout the two counties.
Cooper University Hospital is a 635-bed acute care academic medical center which serves southern New Jersey and the Delaware Valley. It is known for being the largest academic medical center and the only Level 1 trauma Center in South Jersey. Cooper has more than 10,000 employees, including 950+ physicians and 550+ advanced practice providers in more than 75 specialties.
Cooper has already made some moves with recent openings in marmora, along with the acquisition of the well-known Atlantic Gastroenterology practice at 3205 Fire road in egg Harbor township. the Fire road location will also provide surgery center services for patients at a very strategic location in Atlantic County.
When Cooper announced the merger with Cape regional, they indicated that it was only the beginning of much more to come along the Jersey Shore.
Virtua Health Care is another medical provider that is quietly making inroads in Atlantic County. they have had a presence at the Cornerstone Commerce Center at 1201 New road, Linwood for several years. It’s served by a primary medical service facility for a wide variety of health care needs.
Virtua has also established behavioral health services at the location. In addition to the Cornerstone Commerce Center location, a Virtua sign has appeared at 547 New road,
Shore, which is led by CeO ron Johnson, provides services in oncology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, pulmonary and lung surgery.
Along with the vast services Shore m edical provides, it is proud of its relationship and alliance with penn m edicine, providing patients with critical direct access to the world-recognized medical care of the University of pennsylvania. the synergy between Shore m edical and penn has been a great service for area patients.
the additional medical services that have been added to our region should result in elevated care for local residents. You now have more choices as a consumer and no longer have to leave our area for quality medical care; it has now come to you. remember to shop locally for goods and services.
Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics 547 New Road, Somers Point.
Cooper University Gastroenterology 3205 Fire Road, Egg Harbor Township.
Events and Happenings
Multiday Events
JCC Active Adult & Senior Expo
▶thursday, Sept. 19, 6 – 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
501 N. Jerome Ave.
margate
this two-day event features active aging vendors, health and wellness screenings, flu shots and other vaccines, giveaways, and more. Admission is free and open to the public.
Scullville Terror in the Junkyard
▶Friday, Sept. 27, 7 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 7 – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 29, 7 – 9 p.m.
Flemings Junkyard
353 Zion road
egg Harbor township
Opening night is almost here. enjoy one of South Jersey’s most haunted attractions. Hayride tickets are $15 each, maze tickets are $10, and combo tickets are $20 per person. there is a $2 discount for military and first responders. Skip the ticket line and purchase tickets online at www. scullvillefire.org/hayride.
Little Shop of Horrors
▶Friday, Sept. 27 – Sunday, Oct. 6
Gateway playhouse
739 bay Ave. Somers point
Described as a deviously delicious broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” has become one of the most popular shows in the world. Upcoming shows will take place Friday, Sept. 27; Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. purchase tickets online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.
Pine Barren Makers Fest
▶Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3610 Nesco road
Nesco pine barren makers Fest is a market full of creators, artists and small businesses coming together in the heart of the pines. t he family fun event will feature plenty of popular local food trucks, along with scavenger hunts, raffle prizes, and interactive booths. Visit www.pinebarrenevents. com for more information.
Warm Hearts for Veterans Clothing Drive
▶Now – Oct. 15
Wesley by the bay 2409 bay Ave.
Ocean City
United m ethodist Communities is asking for the support of local businesses and vendors in donating new items of warm winter clothing for the homeless veterans in Atlantic City. New items can be winter coats and jackets, winter socks, gloves, hats and scarves, thermal/flannel shirts, long johns, and hand or foot warmers. those interested in participating may contact Kathy Speer at 609-3996702 or rebecca at 609-399-6701. please call or drop off donations by Oct. 15.
Friday, September 20
Fall Concert Series at the Library ▶7 p.m.
Ocean City Free public Library 1735 Simpson Ave.
Join OCFpL for their free weekly concert series. this week, enjoy a Classical trio for Flute, Cello, and piano. Concerts will be held in the Chris maloney Lecture Hall. Use the entrance closest to 17th Street. For more information, visit www.oceancitylibrary.org or call 609-399-2434.
Saturday, September 21 Surf Fishing Tournament in Ocean City
▶7 – 9:30 a.m.
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 23rd – 34th St. beach
the Ocean City Fishing Club will host its 55th Annual Surf Fishing tournament. m ore than 100 anglers will line the city beaches for the event. entry fee is $15 for adults. teams of six can participate for $70. entrants may register the day of the tournament 5:30 – 7 a.m. at the Ocean City Intermediate School. the first session will take place 7 – 9:30, with a half hour to relocate to the next fishing station. Youth registration opens at 8 a.m. For questions or more information, contact ed at 215-680-6652 or email eparkinson718@gmail.com. Angels at the Shore Recovery Walk
▶8 a.m. brighton park
1801 boardwalk
Atlantic City
Join Angels in m otion and AtlantiCare b ehavioral Health to raise awareness, celebrate individuals in recovery, honor loved ones lost to addiction, and support life-saving programs. register online or donate at www.runsignup.com/ race/NJ/ AtlanticCity/AngelsattheShore recoveryWalk.
Risley Homestead Yard Sale
▶8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
8 Virginia Ave.
Northfield
Hosted by the Atlantic County Historical Society. enjoy free tours of the historic homestead, and a huge yard sale with items priced to sell.
Electronic Recycling Fundraiser
▶9 a.m. – Noon
Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds
3210 route 50
mays Landing
Hosted by the Atlantic County 4-H S tem Club, this event, held on the third Saturday of each month, provides the opportunity to get rid of old equipment. Accepted items include AC adapters, handheld or table mounted scanners, keyboards, pC speakers, laptop and cell phone batteries, t Vs, toner and ink cartridges, and more. See the complete list at www.ac4hfair. org/electronic-recycling.
Smithville Italian Festival
▶10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Historic Smithville
615 e m oss mill road
enjoy a day filled with Italian traditions, including live Italian music from Jim Craine, along with Italian folk dancing, wine tasting, beer tent, children’s activities, bocce ball, 50/50 raffle, and much more. plus, explore the vendor market with hand-crafted items and imported Italian specialties. Learn more at www.historicsmithville.com. rain date: Sunday, Sept. 22. Zumba at the Library
▶11 a.m.
Longport Library
2305 Atlantic Ave.
Join Longport Library for an invigorating Zumba class. Call 609-4877403 to register or learn more.
Ocean City Jeep Invasion
▶Noon – 5 p.m.
Fifth to 14th St.
Ocean City boardwalk
Hundreds of Jeeps will be displayed on the boardwalk throughout the day. meet with other Jeep owners and enthusiasts. For more informa tion, visit www.NJJeepInvasion.com or email njjeepinvasion@gmail.com.
Absecon Creekfest
▶1 – 8 p.m.
Faunce Landing
Creekfest will include a full day of live bands, a wide variety of food trucks, and a selection of beer and wine. enjoy live music from tony pon
tari and Jimmy brogan, On tap, and the brandon Ireland band.
FUNday at Playland’s Castaway Cove
▶1 – 4 p.m.
1020 boardwalk
Ocean City presented by the Humane Society of Ocean City. enjoy $20 unlimited rides, including the Gale Force Coaster, to benefit shelter pets in need. Wrist bands can be purchased the day of the event at the ticket booths. Great Day Fest
▶1 – 10 p.m.
Showboat Atlantic City
Photo credit: Playland's Castaway Cove OCNJ Facebook
801 boardwalk
Great Day Fest is an all-day party consisting of live music from some of your favorite singers, DJs, bands, and artists. Over 20+ vendors will be in attendance. plus, enjoy live art, skate demos, photo ops, games, giveaways, and celebrity guest appearances. m ust be 18+ to attend. tickets are $20 purchased in advance at www. viewstub.com/greatdayfest. presented by Dirty politics entertainment.
Atlantic City Cigar Social
▶2 – 6 p.m.
Oscar e m cClinton Waterfront park
t his event is a gathering of like-minded humans from different walks of life, with stimulating conversation, savory dishes, thirst-quenching libations and an opportunity for cigar discovery. tickets and information available at www.accigarsocial. com.
Free End of Summer Community
Arts and Block Concert
▶3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Orange Loop
tennessee Ave.
Atlantic City enjoy a special event complete with food trucks, great music, neighbors, special guest artists and friends. David Damiani and his Quartet will have you singing and dancing to your
heart's content. Hosted by the Schultz-Hill Foundations Arts Outreach. rain date: Sunday, Sept. 22.
Atlantic City Tattoo Art Revival
▶7 p.m.
Anchor rock Club
247 S. New York Ave.
Hosted by mr. blue Sky tattoo, this event showcases real deal artwork featuring a pop-up gallery of original pieces from over 50 tattoo artists. plus, check out the unique vendors, a tin-type photography booth, live painting demos, and a four-hour DJ set. tickets and information are available at www.anchorrockclub.com.
Sunday, September 22
OCNJ Half Marathon & 5k and 10 Mile Walk/Run
▶8:30 a.m.
Ocean City m usic pier
825 boardwalk
Ocean City’s premier race event showcases the boardwalk, downtown and ocean views along a fast and flat course. the event includes a 10-miler and 5k. registration will be open through Sept. 21. All proceeds benefit Ocean City recreation Scholarships and programs. Sign up or learn more at www.ocnj.us/OCNJHalf m arathon5K.
Eagles Tailgate at Ski Beach
▶1 p.m.
N. Dorset Ave. and burk Ave.
Ventnor the Ventnor business Association is hosting a family-friendly tailgate event. this Sunday’s eagles vs. Saints game will be broadcast on a huge LeD screen at Ski beach. Gates open at 11 a.m. Food trucks will be on site serving tasty bites and cool drinks. b ring your chairs and blankets and join your friends and neighbors in the excitement.
Monday, Sept. 23
We Walk Somers Point
▶8:30 a.m.
Kennedy park 24 broadway
Open to all residents of Somers point. this active walking club meets weekly to promote health and create opportunities for people to pursue fitness goals while meeting neighbors. Go to www.visitsomerspoint. com and click on the events tab for further information. m eeting locations change weekly.
Atlantic City Walk of Fame
Induction Ceremony: The Manhattans
▶12:30 p.m.
brighton park
the National r&b m usic Society is set to induct Gold and platinum award-winning vocal group, the manhattans, to the Atlantic City Walk of Fame. the induction ceremony and unveiling will take place at b righton park, across from the Claridge Hotel.
Gerald Alston will be in attendance to represent the group.
ACUA Garden Talks
▶6:30 p.m.
6700 Delilah road
egg Harbor township
Join ACUA and the rutgers Cooperative e xtension of Atlantic County for their free monthly gardening program, held at the Geo Administrative building. this month’s topic is “Saving and Starting Open pollinated Seeds.” Visit www.acua.com/garden to learn more and register, or email ar@acua.com.
Trivia at the Library
▶6:30 p.m.
Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Gather your friends and test your knowledge in an evening of brain-teasing fun. please call 609487-7403 to register or learn more.
Tuesday, September 24
Somers Point Dance Society
▶7:30 – 10 p.m.
Somers point Fire Hall
447 bethel road
Admission is $10 and includes snacks, live musical duos, line dancing, dance mixers, social dancing, and plenty of parking. Come out and kick up your heels, or just listen to good music with good company.
Wednesday, September 25
Positivity Project: Mindful Movers
▶9 a.m.
Newport Ave. beach
Ventnor
Start your day in an upbeat way while exploring mindfulness, gratitude, and meditation, followed by a stroll with friends and neighbors on the Ventnor boardwalk. the program begins at the park behind the Ventnor Library. rSVp by monday, Sept. 24, by contacting tina Serota at 609-2878872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Offshore Garden Club Meeting
▶10 a.m.
Otto bruyns Library 241 W. mill road
Northfield
the Offshore Garden Club will be meeting this Wednesday at 10 a.m. there will be a presentation at 11 a.m. by a rutgers master gardener discussing “Fall planting for Spring.” All are welcome to attend. For questions or additional information, contact Janet toland at 609-369-0449 or email golfer_nurse@hotmail.com.
Somers Point Pinochle Club
▶6 – 8:30 p.m.
Somers point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler road
All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com and click on events.
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Friday, September 27
Oktoberfest at Grace Lutheran
▶5 – 8 p.m.
11 e . Dawes Ave.
Somers point enjoy German food and desserts, beer and wine, other non-alcoholic drinks, live music by Not Another Oompah band, 50/50 raffle and lots of fun. tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Kids ages 6-12 are $15 per person, and children under 5 are free to attend. Call 609-927-3082 to reserve your tickets.
Saturday, September 28
MS City to Shore Ride
▶8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fifth St. Ocean City
Over 7,000 cyclists will participate in an event that promises to be the best cycling experience on the east Coast. t he ride is fully supported with rest stops, bike support, and transportation. the ride will begin in Cherry Hill and end at the Ocean City Civic Center. the route will open for returning riders at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Northfield Fire Department 100th Anniversary
▶Noon – 4 p.m.
1475 burton Ave.
Join the City of Northfield Volunteer Fire Company in celebrating 100 years of service to the community. Apparatus judging with parade to follow the July 4th route of Shore road to mill road, b urton Avenue to Station No. 2. m eet at the station for awards for music, food, beer, t-shirts, pint glasses, challenge coins and much more.
Galloway End of Summer Bash
▶2 – 8 p.m.
m unicipal Complex
300 e . Jimmie Leeds road
per event. proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and NJ Aid for Animals. pre-register on site next Sunday, Sept. 29 11:30 – 12:30 or via eventbrite. For questions or more details, visit www.facebook. com/annualdogshow.
Ventnor Community Pasta Dinner
▶1:30 – 6 p.m. red room Café
Join Ventnor’s 4th Annual Community pasta Dinner will be held under the tent at red room Café. enjoy a delicious four-course meal while listening to Italian classics performed by Vic rubino. Dinner will be served at 2 p.m., followed by dessert. bYO b register online at www.facebook. com/ventnorcityspecialevents.
Health and Wellness
Cancer: Thriving & Surviving
▶tuesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Shore medical Center Cancer Center 100 m edical Center Way
Somers point presented by Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health and Shore m edical Center. this Free six-week interactive workshop is for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. the sessions are participative, where mutual support and success builds confidence in your ability to manage your health and maintain an active and fulfilling life. registration is required as class sizes will be limited. please call 609-653-3923. Living in the Moment Group
▶Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
m ental Health Association of Atlantic County
4 e . Jimmie Leeds road Suite 8, Galloway
Join Galloway township in closing out the summer season with a spectacular event for the entire family. It is the biggest food truck event of the year with over a dozen of your favorite food trucks in one location. plus, enjoy a car show 2 – 4 p.m., music from Cheers the band, and a fireworks show at 8 p.m. to end the night with a bang. Visit www.facebook.com/Gallowaytownship for additional information and updates.
Sunday, September 29
Steve and Cookie’s 27th Annual Dog Show
▶1 p.m.
Amherst Avenue from Decatur to Coolidge avenues
Join Steve & Cookies for their annual Dog Show. events will include prettiest/ m ost Handsome (small and large dog), best Dressed (small and large dog), m ost Obedient, and m ost talented. registration is $25
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 609-6523800 ext. 0306.
Memory Café
▶tuesday, Sept. 24
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Ocean City Free public Library 1735 Simpson Ave.
Caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia are invited to join JFS Village and U m C representatives in a dementia friendly space. experience creativity and social rSVp by Friday, Sept. 20, at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Seminar by the Shore: Conference on Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia
▶thursday, Sept. 26
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Atlantic City Convention Center 1 Convention blvd. A full-day conference for family
members, caregivers, and professionals supporting people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. the event will include breakfast, lunch, free adult daycare, resource expo to support caregivers and individuals, educational breakout sessions with renowned experts, and Ce credits for professionals. For more information or to register, contact mary Jo bernardo at 609-823-1850.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
▶thursday, Sept. 26
7 p.m.
t hese virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources, and advocacy. m eetings 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, Oct. 2
1:30 p.m.
6009 paul and thelma Lane mays Landing
Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
NAMI Family Support and Connection
▶monday, Oct. 14
7 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore road Somers point
Hosted by the National Alliance on m ental Illness (NAm I), the Family Support Group helps participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. Visit www.namiacm.org or call 609741-5125 for more information.
Do you have an upcoming event?
Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
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Enjoy the harvest season at these upcoming fall markets
By Chef Christina Martin
As the summer at the shore comes to an end and we put away our beach towels and flip-flops, the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air. the farmers markets we have covered over the spring and summer have had an excellent season with minimal weather disruptions. Heading into fall, there are some new fall farmers markets popping up.
these markets are great for purchasing fall produce such as winter squashes, dark leafy greens and root vegetables. Additionally, you will find homemade craft items that make wonderful holiday gifts.
b elow are the farmers markets coming up in our area:
Fall Bazaar at Reed’s Farm
▶Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
5075 Spruce Ave., egg Harbor township
this bazaar will host vendors with sustainable and upcycled goods, plants, homemade items and more.
they will have family-friendly events such as face painting, pie-eating contests, games, costume contests, and a DJ. reed’s Farm makes delicious bakery items, has a coffee bar on site, and their indoor market is stocked with pre-made foods such as jams, spreads and cheeses.
there are also candles, jewelry, pottery, and more inside the market. reed’s Farm is also an animal sanctuary so there are many animals to see on your visit to the market.
Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay
▶Sept. 28, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sept. 29, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Amhurst Avenue and the bay there will be free Jitney service. Just look for signs.
In its 23rd year, this free festival offers food, drinks, kids’ activities, vendors, crafters, live music and more. Also featured is the 26th annual Steve and Cookies Dog Show. this two-day event has parades, a beer garden, and is located on m argate’s beautiful bayfront and promenade.
Historic Smithville Oktoberfest
▶Oct. 5-6
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
615 e m oss mill road
Free shuttle from 9:30 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest hosts more than 100 crafters along with an international food court, live music, and kids’ activities. Historic Smithville has 50 shops, paddle boats, and a carousel ride. Dogs are welcome. Follow their Facebook page to stay up to date.
Brigantine Fall Farmers Markets
Boos and Brews Theme
▶Oct. 19
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
b rigantine Community School parking lot, 301 evans blvd.
Thanksgiving Theme
▶Nov. 23
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
b oth fall markets will feature farmers, crafters, beer and spirits, food trucks, homemade food vendors and more. No dogs allowed at these markets, except for service dogs.
One of my favorite fall soup recipes featuring winter squash: Harvest Squash Soup
Any squash can be used with this recipe, but a favorite is butternut squash. tofu is added for protein and creaminess. Serves 4.
Ingredients
● 1 large butternut squash
● olive oil
● salt
● pepper
● water
● 1⁄2 block silken tofu
● 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
● 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
● 2 teaspoons fresh sage (and extra for garnish)
Procedure preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Wash the butternut squash and cut it in half. Scoop out the seeds (rinse seeds with water, season with oil, salt, and pepper, and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees until crispy). these are great for a snack or as a garnish on top of the soup.
Drizzle olive oil over the cut squash and season with salt and pepper. place cut sides down on a parchment-lined sheet tray. b ake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Allow to cool, then scoop out into a blender. Add 1 cup of water, silken tofu, and herbs. b lend until smooth. Add more water if needed until the desired consistency is reached.
Add the blended ingredients to a pot and heat on the stovetop until warm. Garnish with fresh sage. enjoy this soup and the fall season!
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.
OCEAN CITY
Summer 2024: Hot start, seasonable finish
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
Astronomical fall begins on Sunday, Sept. 22. However, in the weather world, climatological summer runs from June 1 to Aug. 31.
Sure, last week and even the beginning part of this week felt summery outside. I laid out on the sand and hopefully you were able to do the same, or maybe hang on the boat or boardwalk.
However, it’s pitch black at 6 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. now. the sun hangs lower in the sky and, of course, the crowds are gone (which many of us that are “Shore Local” are enjoying).
So, that being said, I dug through the data for climatological summer. All in all, summer was hotter than average at the Jersey Shore. precipitation wound up above average. both come from the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, Dave robinson, whom I also call my “weather dad.”
Note that robinson’s office defines the coastal region as roughly the Garden State parkway on east from Cape may to monmouth counties. So, there can be differences at specific weather stations as opposed to the shore as a whole.
Let’s dive into the details.
How hot was summer 2024 at the Jersey Shore?
June started out hot. the average temperature was 3.2 degrees above the widely used 1991-2020 30-year climate average. It was 4.7 degrees above the average for the entire period of record, which dates back to 1895. Since then, 2024 was the third hottest summer.
July was the 12th hottest summer in the 130 years of record keeping at the state climate office. In a sign of the warming climate, the month was 1.3 degrees above the 1991-2020 average. However, when you expand it back to 1894, it was 3.1 degrees above average.
July was an instance where a single weather station showed a significant difference when compared to the coastal climate region the state climate office uses. Atlantic City marina was actually slightly below the 1991-2020 average by 0.8 degrees.
August was the summer month that was closest to average. It was 0.3 degrees above the 1991-2020 average. Similar to July, though, August still ranked well above average month compared to the entire period of record. 2024 ranked at the 27th hottest in 130 years.
Generally, the first 10 days of the month were hotter than average. then it flip-flopped between warmer and cooler days. Despite the overall monthly warmth, the most notable part of the month to see was that autumn feel from Aug. 20 to 24.
e xpansive high pressure from the north wiped away the humidity. Highs at the shore were in the low to mid-
70s much of this time. Overnight lows even fell into the 50s, which is very unusual for that time of the year.
In all, June was the third hottest month, July was the 12th hottest month and August was the 27th hottest month. It was one of the hottest summers on record.
The ocean was chilly most of the summer
From June until the middle of August, many of us said that the ocean was just too cold to really enjoy. Water temperatures were in the lower 60s and 50s for a good part of this time. Finally, ocean temperatures warmed in the late part of August, just in time for our typically warmest waters of the year. the first half of September has had waters in the low to mid-70s, too.
Upwelling caused the chilly water for most of the season. Upwelling occurs when the relatively warmer water on the sea surface pushes out to sea. In its place is colder water from the sea floor.
Upwelling is caused when winds run parallel to the coastline. In our case, a wind from the south, south-southwest or southwest will do that. that’s just three of 16 different directions.
We had plenty of that.
Winds at Atlantic City International Airport, 54% of days in June, July and August were from just those three directions.
I should say, upwelling is natural and our marine life does need it. Cooler water is denser in nutrients than warmer water.
How muggy was summer 2024 at the Jersey Shore?
there are no long-term records for this at the immediate shore. So, we go to Atlantic City International Airport for the answer.
Using the dew point, a measure of moisture in the air, it was the 27th muggiest in its 79-year period of record. that's just outside the top third. the dew point average was 65 degrees, according to the Iowa environmental m esonet. With that dew point, you’re feeling the humidity but you’re not sweating from every part of your
body. For reference, the highest dew point was 68.4 degrees in 2018.
We can add that dew point to the well above average summer heat to give us what the heat index was like for June through August. that was noteworthy. 2024 was the eighth hottest looking at it this way.
How wet was summer 2024 at the Jersey Shore?
A drier June wound up fairly seasonable during July and August.
An average of 11.48 inches of rain fell in the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist’s coastal division. the 1991-2020 climate average is 12.83 inches.
June’s 2.65 inches of precipitation was more than an inch below the 1991-
2020 average.
July’s 4.46 inches and August’s 4.37 inches were both within a quarter inch of the average.
How did summer 2024 compare to the outlook?
As I traveled up and down the shore this spring, I said that summer would be hotter than usual, which it was. p recipitation had a fairly good chance of being wetter than usual. that would lower the drought and wildfire concerns.
Drought did avoid the area during the summer. there were a few wildfires in the pine barrens. the largest was one caused by Fourth of July fireworks that burned over 4,000 acres, according to NJ.com. that’s not huge by New Jersey standards.
However, the Jersey Shore did wind up with precipitation slightly below average.
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
Drone footage of Ocean City’s bayside on a June day this summer.
Making a dream come true for Ocean City child
Volunteers from the Ocean City Cape Atlantic Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation recently held their 29th Annual Sunshine Golf Classic. m oney raised will answer the dreams of Leilani Castillo Guzman, and other children. Leilani, age 9, has been diagnosed with turner syndrome, a lifelong condition which can cause a variety of medical and developmental problems. Leilani dreams of spending quality time with her brothers and family, while meeting her favorite characters at Disney World.
t he golf tournament was founded in 1995 by volunteers from the all-volunteer Ocean City Cape Atlantic Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation. t he tournament continues to be organized and run by local volunteers and has sent over 100 children and their families to Universal Studios, LeGOLAND Florida, Disney World, SeaWorld, and the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village in Central Florida over the years.
the annual golf tournament has also answered many Special Dreams: shopping sprees, computers and i pads, meeting celebrities, above ground swimming pools, family trips, cruises, adaptive tricycles and other special needs equipment. the goal for this tournament is to raise money
to sponsor dreams for children served by the Sunshine Foundation. Sunshine Foundation answers the dreams of children, ages 3 through 18, who have severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse, and whose families have limited income. Children with lifelong conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, level 3 severe autism, Down syndrome, hydrocephalus, severe epilepsy, sickle cell dis-
may be turned away from other national wish-granting organizations that require a life-threatening or critical diagnosis.
Since 1976, Sunshine Foundation has spread sunshine into the lives of more than 42,500 children. proud to be the top- rated Wish-Granting Organization in America with a perfect 4-Star 100% score on Charity Navigator and “A” rated on CharityWatch! For more information or to refer a child for a dream, please visit www. sunshinefoundation.org.
Pic L-R: Cathy DiMarco-All-Volunteer Chapter President, Dr. Cathleen Smith-Primary School Principal, Leilani
Pic L-R: Chapter Volunteers - Gina Birzes, Doreen Mills, Norma D’Angelo, Carmen D’Angelo, Hetty Sokolowski, Maria Bocchino, Cathy DiMarco, Leilani Castillo Guzman and family, Joseph DiMarco
The last pre-iPhone graduating class
By Bill Quain
Okay, summer is over. Just like last year, I’m going to primarily switch from “feel-good” stories to
timelier six-word stories. Hey, it’s going to be a long winter, and I want to give you some food for thought. So, let’s start breaking down this week’s six words on a boardwalk bench. Running the iPhone math for 2028
the i phone 1 was first launched in 2007. (Of course, nobody knew it was going to be the iphone 1. Where are we now, the i phone 15?) 2007 was 17 years ago. the students that will graduate from college in 2028 are entering school this fall. m ost of them are 18 years old, meaning they
were born in 2006 – one year before the iphone. this makes them the last pre-iphone babies to enter college. Next year, in fall 2025 and beyond, almost every college freshman will be a “post-iphone” college student.
Now, you might not think this is significant. After all, what does it matter that a kid was born before the iphone was introduced? by the time those kids were able to hold an iphone, we were already looking at the iphone 4. these kids grew up with iphones and lots of other devices. they don’t remember what the world was like before we all walked around with “mini-computers” in our hands. No more searching through encyclopedias or pouring through books for answers. Just look it up on Google. And now we have artificial intelligence. A world of knowledge is at your fingertips.
I’ve been a college professor for my entire adult life. And here’s what I’ve observed. Despite the changes brought about by the i phone and other technology, colleges are still teaching students the same way they did back in 2006. m ost people aren’t saying, “Wait a minute. In just the past 17 years, we’ve seen the invention of the iphone, the Great recession, and a global pandemic. maybe it is time to revise the curriculum so these new students will have a fighting chance to make it in this quickly changing world of ours.”
that’s what I will be discussing in this series of columns. I’ll give you an “insider’s view” of how colleges work (or don’t work). m uch of what I’ll be sharing comes from my soonto-be-released book, “ bankrupt U – Students, parents and Alumni are
SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH
by Bill Quain
Going b roke, & Colleges Don’t Give a C. r .A. p.” I co-authored this book with Dr. Joe Corabi, a fellow college professor. together we founded “ the professors Who pay You back,” as we want to “give back” by sharing our insider’s knowledge.
Let’s start the discussion by talking about the time required to get an undergraduate college degree. Why does it take four years? that’s a great question. In almost every U.S. college, students are required to take 120 credit hours of classes to graduate. that’s 30 credits per year, or 15 credits per semester. the first two years are usually dedicated to “general education,” such as english, social studies, math, science, etc. It sounds like high school, doesn’t it? these courses take up two years of a student’s time and half of the tuition money they spend (or borrow) to pay for college.
t he reason colleges have this two-year requirement for basically a high school-plus education is a bit complicated. You see, since colleges are businesses, they need money to keep going. And to accept Federal Student Loan money, (where much of the money comes from), colleges must be “accredited.”
the accrediting bodies set very specific standards for the curriculum – especially in those first two years. And, the accrediting bodies are mostly made up of professors who teach those first two-year courses. Is it likely that one of those professors (for example, a history professor) is going to say “Hey, it’s time for us to rethink requiring a history course”? Well… I’ll let you supply your own answer to that question!
How does this involve the iPhone?
As we discussed before, it takes just a few seconds to get answers to questions today. Want to know how to solve a math problem? Click, click — you are a math genius! Not sure how to add complicated punctuation to a formal letter? Click, click — you’re editing that letter like an english professor.
So why does it still take 16 weeks and thousands of dollars to learn basic sociology? the answer is simple. the colleges want to get paid, the professors who teach those courses want to get paid, and the accrediting boards want to support those colleges and professors.
“Honk” if you like this subject OK, have you ever seen one of those bumper stickers that say, “Honk if you…”? Well, we have a new way to “honk.” Send me an email and let me know what you think about this topic. From time to time, I’ll be sharing those comments in this column. And, if you want me to periodically go to the lighter side and add in a few “we love the Shore” columns, let me know that as well. Shoot 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.
Bark in the Park raises $19,500 for Laddie’s Legacy
On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Atlantic County 4H Fairgrounds was transformed into a playground for dogs and their families at bark in the park, hosted by Absecon Veterinary Hospital. the event brought together dog lovers for a day of fun, while raising $19,500 for Laddie’s Legacy, a charity providing financial assistance to families in need of lifesaving care for their pets.
the festivities kicked off at 10 a.m. with a lively mix of vendors, entertainment, games, demonstrations, and plenty of doggone fun. popular activities included dog nose painting, where pups created one-ofa-kind artwork using their noses and a little help from spray cheese. many dogs also tested their speed and agility on the Doggy Agility Course, while a variety of dog-friendly treats, including doggie ice cream, offered cool refreshment on the warm September day.
One of the biggest crowd-pleas-
ers was the Human and Dog pie eating Contest. As dogs eagerly dove into pet-safe pies, humans struggled to keep up in this messy yet heartwarming competition, making it one of the day’s highlights.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., demonstra-
tions of obedience and canine skills wowed the crowd in the pavilion. Impressive performances by Seashore Dog training Obedience, Dayna troiano pet Services, Family Canine training, and the pinelands K9 Club showcased the bond between dogs and their trainers, with each tail wag earning cheers from the audience. t hroughout the day, attendees
explored a variety of attractions, including food trucks offering tasty snacks and a Zen Center with holistic services and products for pets and their owners, including dog psychic readings. An “Ask the e xperts” panel provided advice on topics ranging from pet nutrition to behavior. Visitors also learned important safety tips during the Dog bite prevention talks.
In the barn, budding veterinarians attended the Future Veterinary professional Workshop, gaining insight into animal care and veterinary medicine. t his year’s session, “ everything Horses,” taught by the staff from Absecon Veterinary Hospital, focused on equine care. e ach participant received a summer learning packet to prepare them for this workshop.
chairs that had everyone laughing and cheering.
t he Kid’s Corner kept younger attendees entertained with a bounce house, skee ball, duck pond, and frog fling, while adventurous adults tried their hand at axe throwing. the plushie Animal Adoption booth was a hit with both kids and adults, as many took home adopted plush animals. m eanwhile, adults could unwind at Dr. brewlittle's beer Garden, offering craft beers and yard games.
Live entertainment was provided by the m itchell Farber band, whose lively performance from 3 to 5 p.m. set the perfect backdrop for the remainder of the event, as families relaxed and soaked in the final hours of bark in the park.
Cherie Scheurich, e xecutive Director of Laddie’s Legacy, expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support: “ bark in the park is truly a celebration of the bond between pets and their families, and the generosity of our community makes it all possible. every dollar raised today will help save a pet’s life, and we’re so thankful for everyone who came out to support our mission. Laddie’s Legacy continues to grow thanks to events like these, and we are committed to making sure no pet is left behind due to financial hardship.”
A midafternoon highlight was the Dog Show, where pet owners proudly showcased their dogs’ skills and charm. Categories such as “ best in Show,” “Celebrity Lookalike,” and “Sexiest Senior” added fun to the competition. Later, dogs and their owners participated in the Doggie m usical Sit, a canine twist on musical
Since its creation in 2022, Laddie’s Legacy has saved countless lives by offering financial assistance to pet owners struggling to afford veterinary care. the charity was named in memory of Laddie, a m aine Coon cat surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital when his owner could no longer afford his medical expenses. thanks to events like bark in the park, Laddie’s Legacy continues to make a significant impact, ensuring pets in need receive the care they deserve.
For more information about Laddie’s Legacy, visit www.laddieslegacy. org.
High-flying fun on display at O.C. Aerobatic Airshow
By Steffen Klenk
Ocean City’s boardwalk Aerobatic Show soared into town on Sunday, Sept.15, delivering highspeed excitement to visitors up and down the beach. prior to the show, attendees were greeted with a special flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing out of egg Harbor township.
the program continued at 1 p.m. with a jump from team Fastrax, soaring over 11th Street beach with a giant American flag. the jump team
also carried a flag in support of Honor and remember, an organization that recognizes fallen service members and their families.
t he show included flyovers from renowned pilots r ick Volker, Kevin russo, and Scott Francis, all of whom brought their amazing aerial skills and expertise to the delight of all watching on the ground below. t he Jersey Jerks created stunning visual displays through classic warbirds, while the nineplane Full throttle Formation team out of Atlanta, Ga. dazzled in aerial delight. even boeing’s KC46A peagusus refueling plane made a special appearance for Sunday’s show.
Sunday’s Aerobatic Show was proceeded by Ocean City’s Airport Festival, and boardwalk p yrotechnic parachute Jump on Saturday.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Tremendous End-of-Season Savings
Thousands of attendees enjoyed
Photos by Benjamin Howard
Skip The Line and Buy Online
Glory Days: Surfing Hall of Famer Mark Neustadter shares memories from a lifetime of surfing
Life is What Happens
By Lisa Zaslow Segelman
My husband and I raised our kids with more than a dropper-full of reality. As much as they loved their hobbies and dreamed of playing center field for the Yankees or phillies, we suggested they choose a more realistic, yet still satisfying path; one that would make a living.
For local surfer mark Neustadter, combining a living and a life in surfing proved to be a challenge. From a young age, the m argate native (see Senior Surfing Dudes, Sept. 5 edition of Shore Local) always knew that he wanted to “do what he loved,” but how do you make a living out of catching waves?
At a well-attended event at Ventnor Coffee last Wednesday evening
as part of a Surfrider Foundation meeting, Neustadter shared his surfing life story and his contributions as a photographer to a book titled, “I Heard there Were No Waves in New Jersey: Surfing on the Jersey Shore 1888-1984,” by Danny Dimauro and Johan Kugelberg.
the coffee table book, which came out in m arch, has been described as a “love letter to the beaches and boardwalks of the Jersey Shore,” and the first visual history of the much-loved surf culture on the southern New Jersey coast.
“ the book is an eye-opener because people don’t necessarily think of New Jersey as a hot spot to surf,” said Neustadter. “Hawaii and California have always had top surfing billing in the U.S., but the reality is that a surfing culture developed in N.J., and other areas of the east Coast, that has had a measurable impact on the history of the sport.”
According to Surfline, a comprehensive source for New Jersey surf reports and surf cams, New Jersey
THE FUN STORE AT THE SHORE
gets a bad rap when it comes to surfing, but their position is that if you can tap into a good hurricane swell 500 to 1,000 miles offshore, a good day of surfing awaits, even in New Jersey.
there are stats to back that viewpoint. According to Statista, an online data gathering platform, New Jersey is one of the top states in the country for surfing. b ehind California with 403 surf spots, Hawaii with 267, and Florida with 155, New Jersey comes in fourth with a whopping 82 surf spots dotting its 130 miles of coastline.
Unlike in other states, riding waves off the Jersey Shore isn’t for the faint of heart. In these waters, good waves are less consistent, but the weather has a harsher temperament, and wave forecasting can be unpredictable.
“I Heard t here Were No Waves in New Jersey: Surfing on the Jersey Shore 18881984” includes photos from the New Jersey Surf museum, the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame, plus photos from private collections like Neustadter's.
Neustadter was inducted into the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame in 2017 and this past January he was inducted into the east Coast Surfing Hall of Fame for his contributions to helping the industry reach the level of popularity it enjoys today. “It was such an honor to be included,” said mark.
For Neustadter, becoming a proficient surfer on the Jersey Shore presented opportunities and challenges.
“ my whole life changed when we moved to an oceanfront house in margate at Fredericksburg Avenue and the beach when I was 8 years old,” said Neustadter. “Suddenly my backyard was the ocean and the beach.”
At 10-11 years old, before Neustadter and his friends had their own boards, the older kids would lend them their surfboards. As a way to show his appreciation, Neustadter convinced his parents to let his friends store their boards at his house.
“ m y parents got me my own board and my friend Dan m ittleman’s parents gifted me a Super 8 film camera,” Neustadter said. Childhood friend Lou Solomon asked for the same bar mitzvah gift, which panned out as to this day, both still surf, sometimes together.
Once Neustadter wrote his thank you note for the surfboard, he surfed, surfed, and surfed. He began winning competitions and photographing his friends engaged in the sport.
Neustadter’s love of surfing took a professional turn early on when he joined the reef Surf Shop team, one of the best teams on the east Coast. He got a job at the reef Surf Shop and realized he excelled at sales. b etween school, work at the shop and surfing during his free time, Neustadter placed second two years in a row at the eastern Surfing Association Championship at Cape
Mark surfing at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch, 2022 at 68 years old. Photo: Matt Neustadter
Hatteras, N.C., in the Juniors Division, and at the U.S. Championship in Huntington beach, Calif., in 1972 and 1973, where he took third place.
In his youth, Neustadter was also a factory team sponsored rider with Challenger east Surfboards, and later on met Jim Jenks, the founder of Op (Ocean pacific), and bill Yerkes who owned Sundek. these legends helped guide him to his future career.
In his first action sports job after college, Neustadter established, developed and pioneered rip Curl USA, where he managed sales, marketing and advertising, working with team riders and future World Champs tom Carroll, Wayne “ rabbit” b artholomew and tom Curren. mark’s career in surfing had officially begun. In the mid-1980s Neustadter started his own sales agency based in m argate which served customers from miami to maine.
Surfing, photography and sales all blended to define the next 50 years of his life. In the warm and muchloved environment of Ventnor Coffee, Neustadter gathered with more than 30 surfing aficionados, many of whom knew each other well.
Abraham paskowitz, a member of the legendary paskowitz surfing family who ran a West Coast surf camp for decades, was in attendance. Currently the managing director of
Isurus, a wetsuit company, paskowitz said he came all the way from California to support the lecture and book-signing. “I like the book, and I like cold water! It sells wetsuits,” said paskowitz.
During his talk, Neustadter took the group through photos that included surfer Dan m ittleman’s Absecon Island surfing photos from the '60s and his own photos from the '70s and '80s.
“ t he authors began the book project six or seven years ago,” said m ittleman. “ many of these surfers have passed away. I contributed to the book because I wanted their families to see the photos of their parents and friends and share my sense of nostalgia.”
Neustadter was able to identify all of the people in his photos, from world famous surfers to local surfers whom many in the audience remembered or knew.
entertaining nicknames like “Dog,” “Flame,” “ b uzzy,” and “Soup bowl” and “ the Sultan of Speed” were what us non-surfers expected to hear as surfing has one of the richest lingos of
any sport, much of which has seeped into mainstream slang – think “Hang ten,” “Hang Loose” and “Cowabunga,” which was the “Yahoo!” phrase of the early surfing days. the book’s title, ”I Heard t here Were No Waves in New Jersey: Surfing on the Jersey Shore 1888-1984,” is about the entire state, but it centers on Absecon Island. “It’s our story,” says mark. “Of course locals here love the emphasis on their own surf.” How can we not? m ark even formed a group in the 1970s called “ the Steel pier Surf riders” who performed a couple of times a day next to the iconic and much-loved pier.
When he’s not surfing, mark works as a realtor at Soleil Sotheby’s International in m argate where the waves attract both surfers and non-surfers looking for a shore property. Like surfers, many have the dream of one day living near the ocean and the bay. You could make the case that the waves still help mark make a living and a life. m ark’s induction to the two Halls of Fame, and his photo contributions to the book aside, he’s most proud to be a member of the Absecon Island surfing community.
“We’re known for doing what we love, loving what we do, and for having too much fun. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com
Specializing in Men's, Women's and K id's apparel, swim, foot wear, hard goods, board rentals and lessons for over 60 years.
Mark at 11 yrs. old, surfing in Margate. Photo: Harry Neustadter/ Mark's Dad
What's happening in Ocean City
Jeep Invasion and OCNJ Half Marathon Set for Weekend
Jeeps will be displayed on the b oardwalk on Saturday, and runners will take over on Sunday for two traditional events: the Fall New Jersey Jeep Invasion and the OCNJ Half marathon.
About 400 Jeeps will roll down the boardwalk on Saturday, Sept. 21 and remain on display in lines that stretch from Fifth Street to 14th Street. the Jeep Invasion runs from noon to 5 p.m. the event raises money for local charities, and trophies are awarded to the best Jeeps in various categories with trophies awarded at 4 p.m. at the Ocean City music pier. the show started in Ocean City in 2013. Visit njjpinvasion.com for more information.
Organizers of the OCNJ Half Marathon are expecting a strong turnout for three races on Sunday, Sept. 22, and registration is still open. In addition to the 13.1-mile Half marathon, the event includes a 10-mile non-competitive walk/run and a 5-kilometer race.
In-person registration will be available with packet pickup 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (Sept. 20) and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 21) at the Ocean
City Aquatic & Fitness Center (1735 Simpson Avenue). there will be raceday registration for the 5K starting at 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City m usic pier. there will be no race-day registration for the Half m arathon and 10-mile event.
For complete information and registration, visit www.ocnj.us/ race-events the increasingly popular event showcases Ocean City's boardwalk, downtown and neighborhoods with ocean views along a fast, flat course.
the public is encouraged to come
out and cheer for runners. Volunteer groups man "peppy" water stations and are judged for their themes. Contact Lisa rumer at lrumer@ocnj.us if your group would like to volunteer. t he OCNJ Half m arathon and 10- miler start at 8:30 a.m. the event will include some brief road closings, including the closing of the Ocean City-Longport bridge from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on race day. Drivers on other streets and boardwalk pedestrians/ bicyclists should anticipate delays as the field of runners passes by. the 5K will start at 8:40 a.m.
Also coming up in September
British on the Boardwalk (Sept. 18): Sponsored by the Austin-Healey Sports & touring Club, more than 50 examples of this iconic sports car will be on display on the boardwalk from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18. m ore information: austin-healeystc.org/show.html.
MS City to Shore Ride (Sept. 28-29): About 7,000 cyclists raise millions of dollars through a two-day charity ride from the philadelphia area to Ocean City and back. For more information, call 1-800-445- b IKe or visit www.mscycling.org.
• 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
Stories of Atlantic City
or some sailors, the warm beacon of light radiating from Absecon Lighthouse on the New Jersey coast near Atlantic City was a sign of safe arrival. Others weren’t so lucky–it’s estimated that around 500 ships were stranded or shipwrecked on New Jersey’s southern coast in the years before Absecon Lighthouse was opened in 1857 – and plenty more after.
there are quite a few interesting shipwreck stories in Atlantic City’s past. In 1884, the schooner “ robert m organ” was grounded on an Atlantic City beach by a severe storm; the city decided to promote the undamaged ship as a tourist attraction, and thousands paid an admission fee to tour the beached boat.
t he Almirante, a passenger freighter that sunk in 1918, is also known as “ t he Flour Wreck” because flour from the ship’s cargo mixed with seawater to form doughy debris that washed up onto the beaches of Atlantic City.
the brighton ran aground just off the Atlantic City shore in 1903 and was forced to dump nearly 26,000 bunches of bananas overboard. Local opportunists ventured into the waters to collect the jettisoned bananas and re-sold them on the streets of Atlantic City for days afterward! b elieve it or not, this was only one of four “ banana boat” wrecks that occurred near Atlantic City between 1894 and 1924. Several other ships, such as the Collier and the Arundo, were sunk during World War two by German U- boats patrolling off the coast of Atlantic City.
t hough these vessels may be at the bottom of the sea, it’s still possible to explore them. Atlantic City is one of the top scuba diving destinations around for exploring old shipwrecks. many scuba divers like to learn about shipwreck stories and then check out the wreck sites and their decades-old artifacts while others enjoy spearfishing, lobster catching and mussel collecting.
The Excursion House, Ocean City’s first amusement park
By Fred Miller
House. It was built in the spring of 1886 by Anderson bourgeois for the Ocean City e xcursion Company. the company was headed by ezra b . Lake, S. Wesley Lake, parker m iller and J. G. Salter.
During the summer of 1893, this amusement ride, the elevated bicycle railroad, opened at the Excursion House. This ride was found nowhere else but at Coney Island.
A publicity article told visitors what they would find at the e xcursion House: “ the excursion House is located on the beach at 11th Street. It is a large and handsome building,
and contains every convenience for the excursionists and visitors. It has an immense balcony, where hundreds can sit under cover and watch the waves roll in. A first-class dining saloon is attached, as well as several ice cream and refreshment stands. Here may be procured the best dinner that
the market can provide. A large and fine merry-go-round is also here, and furnishes amusement to the young people. A good bath house is connected with the e xcursion House.”
During the summer of 1893, a novel amusement ride opened at the e xcursion House—the elevated bicycle railroad. An article on the front page of the July 12, 1893 Ocean City Daily reporter reported on the new ride: “ the elevated bicycle railroad was completed today, and the first ride was made. the railroad consists of two parallel tracks, about five and half feet apart, stretching along the ocean on the outside of the boardwalk below the e xcursion House, and is about one-eighth of a mile in length. the tracks, which are about seven feet from the ground, are supported by planking resting on posts
driven in the sand between them, and are very securely built.”
by 1893, bathing in the ocean in front of the e xcusion House was a popular activity. Joseph p. Krauss saw the need for bather protection, and he became Ocean City’s first lifeguard.
the e xcursion House, the most popular amusement center on the boardwalk since 1886, was destroyed by fire on Sept. 9, 1900.
The Warren Commission Report, 60 years later
By William Kelly
It’s been 60 years since U.S. Supreme Court Justice earl Warren handed president Lyndon Johnson the final report on the official investigation into the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, but there’s nothing final about it.
president Johnson took the report and said, “It’s heavy,” and indeed it was, but it’s conclusion, that the president was killed by one man acting alone for no apparent reason has still not been accepted by the majority of people. the issues the report presented are still reverberating in the halls of government and debated by conspiracy theorists and dedicated “lone nutters” on the internet. t he final report of the Warren Commission was actually written by pentagon historian Alfred Goldberg, who died last week at the age of 105. When I interviewed Goldberg over the phone when he was still working at the pentagon he told me Warren called him in and asked him to write the report so ordinary people could read it, as each chapter was to be composed by different attorneys and he didn’t want it to read like a legal brief.
On Sept. 27, 1964, three days after Warren handed the report to president Johnson at the White House, the report, along with 24 volumes of documents and testimony, were published and released to the public. While the report became a bestseller, the supporting documents were also read by independent researchers who picked the report apart, including Joshiah thompson, Sylvia m eagher, penn Jones, mae brussell and others.
In the late '60s New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison began investigating the b ig easy connections to the assassination, as the accused assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was from New Orleans and lived there in the summer of 1963 shortly before the murder. Oswald had dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. marine Corps, as his older brother had done. In the m arines, Oswald obtained his high school diploma and also learned the russian language, not an easy thing to do.
He was stationed in Atsugi, Japan, home of a secret CIA base and from
where the super secret U-2 spy plane took off for overflights of the Soviet Union. Oswald was a radar operator and was also trained in radio communications. When he was honorably discharged after two years of service, he traveled to m oscow and defected to the Soviet Union, saying he wanted russian citizenship and was interested in learning the Soviet economic system.
While living in the city of m insk, he met and married a russian woman, m arina Nikolayevna, and they had a baby girl. He also decided to return to the United States, and did so with his wife and baby. He was not charged with any crime and according to the records, was not even debriefed about his stay behind the Iron Curtain. the CIA’s top brass, led by Counter-Intelligence chief James Jesus Angleton, kept close tabs on Oswald and shared the information with other high ranking intelligence officials.
In texas, Oswald was befriended by oil engineer George de m ohrenschildt and his rabid anti-communist associates, one of whom, Volkmar Schmidt, suggested to Oswald that right-wing U.S. Army Gen. edwin Walker should be shot, like Hitler should have been killed before he got too powerful. Oswald then ordered a rifle and pistol through the mail under the alias Alek Hidell, though he could have obtained the weapons from any department or sporting goods store without any ID or leaving a paper trail.
the Warren report states that Oswald did take a pot shot at Walker one night but missed. He then took marina to his hometown of New Or-
leans, where he started a Fair play for Cuba Committee, sympathetic to Fidel Castro, the communist dictator of Cuba. After getting into a fist fight with anti-Castro Cubans on a street corner and getting arrested, Oswald participated in a radio debate with two CIA-trained propagandists.
After visiting the Cuban and Soviet embassies in m exico City and failing to get a visa to Cuba, Osawld returned to Dallas, where his wife was living with ruth paine sho arranged for Oswald to get a job at the texas School b ook Depository ( t S b D), where he handled textbooks.
When president Kennedy visited Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, his motorcade passed through Dealey plaza, right in front of the tSb D, where he was shot and killed, and texas Gov. John Connolly was wounded. Leaving work, Oswald returned to his rooming house in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, where a Dallas policeman, J.D. tippit was shot and killed. Oswald was arrested in a movie theater and charged with murdering both tippit and the president, though he denied shooting anyone. He was later killed while in police custody by Jack ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner.
Oswald was 24 years old at the time.
A week later, president Johnson ordered earl Warren to conduct an investigation into the assassination, but the reluctant Warren balked. Johnson said that if the public were convinced there was a conspiracy, it could lead to a nuclear war with millions of people killed. LbJ used the
↘Continued on 45
same reasoning to convince the other Warren Commission members to serve, including former CIA Director Allen Dulles, whom president Kennnedy had fired over the bay of pigs fiasco. Dulles kept secret the fact that the CIA had engaged the mafia to kill Fidel Castro, something still living Warren Commission attorney Sam Stern said would have resulted in their conducting a different type of investigation.
the Warren Commission was also kept in the dark about a threatening note the accused assassin had sent to FbI agent James Hosty, who had been questioning Oswald’s wife marina. In the end, then as now, most people never accepted the Commission’s conclusion that Oswald alone was responsible for the assassination.
then a major motion picture was released, “ executive Action,” starring b urt Lancaster and robert r yan, a screenplay by once blacklisted writer Dalton trumbo that portrayed the assassination as a conspiracy by rich texas oil men and covert operatives. It ended with a list of witnesses who died suspiciously, further fueling the public’s imagination.
Other movies were also made, including “ ruby,” which focused on the mob-connected man who killed Oswald, and Oliver Stone’s “JFK,” which became a popular hit. As a trailer in the end of the film, Stone mentions the fact that many of the assassination records were still secret, which sparked a public outcry and forced Congress to unanimously pass the JFK Act of 1992, which established the Assassination record review board (Arrb) to identify and declassify the assassination records, all of which were required to be released in full 20 years after the passage of the law.
When the JFK Act was signed into law by president George H.W. bush, he included a rider that the president and only the president could continue withholding assassination records after that date, which was set as Oct. 26, 2017, when Donald trump was president.
trump repeatedly said and tweeted that he would release the records in full, but then, at the very last moment, listened to his CIA director and Chief of Staff United States m arine Corps Gen. John Kelly, and agreed to delay the release for another two years. Joe biden was president then, and he, too, agreed with the CIA and the pentagon to continue withholding key assassination records, allowing the CIA to draw up what they called the “transparency plan,” an oxymoron if there ever was one, that can withhold records indefinitely.
two lawyers, b ill Simpich of San
Francisco and Larry Schnapf of New York then sued both president b iden and the National Archives in Federal Court for failure to uphold the JFK Act, a legal case that continues today.
Former presidential candidate robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose father and uncle were victims of political assassinations, made the release of the records a campaign issue, and former president trump, also a candidate, agreed, and once again has promised to release the sealed and secret records if elected. trump also convinced rFK, Jr. to drop out of the race and endorse him in exchange for being promised a position to head a new Assassinations Commission that would investigate all assassinations and attempted assassinations, including the two recent attempts on trump’s life.
t he Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has not expressed her views on the release of the records, but she is expected to maintain president Joe biden’s view that the still-sealed records should remain secret.
In any case, it is quite clear that the Warren Commission’s attempt to
lay the assassination debate to rest failed. If anything it backfired, evolving into a lingering source of mystery, suspicion and political intrigue 60 years later.
My JFK journey
For me the assassination of president Kennedy began a personal journey that isn’t over, ever since I was let out of grade school early, and my father, then a Camden, N.J. police officer, called me and ordered me to stay in the yard.
“ the president’s been killed and we don’t know what it all means,” he said. Now, more than 60 years later, we still don’t know what it all means.
In college in 1969 I began to study the assassination as an historical event, but it soon became apparent that it was still impacting our society.
I lobbied for the creation of the House Select Committee on Assassinations and co-founded national organizations Coalition on political Assassinations and Citizens Against political Assassinations. I was the third person to testify before the Assassinations records review board and interviewed a dozen obscure but significant witnesses.
For those interested in this subject I have documented and posted the results of my 50 years of research at my blog http://JFKCounercoup.bogspot.com – b K
Eagles struggle in loss to Falcons
By David Weinberg
The eagles blew a chance to take early control of the NFC on m onday night with a 22-21 loss to the Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field.
the Cowboys, 49ers and Lions –the expected contenders in the conference – all lost on Sunday, creating an opportunity for the b irds to join the b uccaneers, Saints, Seahawks and Vikings as the only NFC teams with 2-0 records.
b ut it didn’t happen. Various defensive breakdowns, some costly offensive mistakes and questionable coaching decisions led to a disheartening defeat.
“ this is on all of us,” eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “ that starts with coaching and goes to the players. We are all responsible for this loss.”
A lack of a pass rush proved costly
for the defense. edge rushers b ryce Huff, Josh Sweat and company failed to put pressure on Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Falcons running backs b ijan robinson (97 yards on 14 carries) and tyler Allgeier (53 on 9) gashed the interior for 150 yards.
“Sometimes you have to earn the right to rush (the quarterback),” Sirianni said. “ m eaning, you’ve got to get them in passing situations.”
Offensively, running back Saquon b arkley rushed for 95 yards, but dropped an easy pass late in the game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered an impressive performance until throwing a game-ending interception.
Nick Sirianni drew criticism early in the game by eschewing a chip-shot field goal in the first quarter, only to see a fourth-down pass fall incomplete. Coordinators Kellen m oore (offense) and Vic Fangio (defense) also came under fire for their decision-making.
A daunting challenge awaits. the e agles now head on the road for back-to-back games at New Orleans and tampa bay. the Saints scored
91 combined points in their first two games during romps over the panthers (47-10) and Cowboys (4419), respectively. According to FOX Sports, it was the fourth-highest total to start a season in league history.
“ there’s no secret ingredient to this,” Hurts said. “ there’s no difference between the joys and the pains, the wins and the losses. It’s a matter of if you can learn from it.
“In the end, winning is the only thing that matters. And to win, you have to continue to learn and to grow.”
At least the phillies are doing well.
Joanna Coe earns PGA Pro title
three months after giving birth to her first child, professional golfer Joanna Coe delivered a big victory. the Oakcrest High School graduate won the Women’s philadelphia pGA professional Championship for the second time in three years earlier this month, beating 10 other golfers at Union League Golf Club in torresdale, pennsylvania.
Coe, who is the director of instruction at m erion Golf Club (penn -
sylvania), shot an even-par 70 to become the first two-time winner of the event.
Coe and her husband, r yan Hartsfield, welcomed daughter Jenny rose Hartsfield on June 14.
Coe, who is a member of the Oakcrest High School Wall of Fame, is also one of five pGA of America Golf professionals who will be competing for the U.S. in the Women’s pGA Cup Sept. 30-Oct. 5 on the m eadows Course at Sunriver resort in Sunriver, Oregon.
Local NFL update
Green bay packers wide receiver bo melton (Cedar Creek High School) rushed for 8 yards on two carries in a 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday.
Younger brother m ax m elton (Cedar Creek), a rookie cornerback with the Arizona Cardinals, registered two tackles for the Cards in a 41-10 victory over the Los Angeles rams. buffalo bills defensive tackle Austin Johnson (St. Augustine prep, Galloway township) had two tackles in a 31-10 win over the miami Dolphins.
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.
Lucy the Elephant 1881
First Gasoline Powered Car 1889
First Airplane flight 1903
First Philadelphia Phillies Game 1883
Entertainment & Dining at the Shore
Whitney’s Weekly Picks
The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman
This week’s edition of Whitney’s picks offers a variety of thrilling performances and events including the Italian Festival, ru paul's Drag race All Stars, Great Day Fest and more. there’s a diverse lineup with something for everyone. Don’t forget to share your epic moments with the hashtags #shorelocal, #gotowhitney and #thecitypulse.
What: Active Adult and Senior e xpo 2024
Where: m arjorie and Lewis
Katz JCC 501 N. Jerome Avenue margate
When: t hursday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 20
Time: t hursday 6 - 8 p.m, Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m
Website: jccatlantic.org
Don’t miss this two-day event. Admission is free and open to the public. enjoy active aging vendors, health and wellness screenings, flu shots vaccines and giveaways. For more information or to sponsor contact b rian Adler at 609-822-1167 or email badler@ jccatlantic.org
Where: Showboat Hotel Atlantic City
When: thursday, Sept. 19 - Saturday, Sept. 21
What: Kenan presents VI p Access Comedy Show
Time: 7 p.m and 9 p.m (all three nights)
You’ll
witness comedy history with Kenan thompson as he heads to the
Celebrity theater at Claridge along with industry leaders and scouts to be on the lookout for the next big star. And the audience has the power to vote. Info at standupcomedyclub. com
What: Atlantic City Fashion Week
Where: Showboat Hotel Atlantic City
When: thursday, Sept. 19 - Saturday, Sept. 21
Website: atlanticcityfashionweek. com
thursday will feature children designers, as well as their ACFW awards. Friday will be their runway I showcase, and Saturday will feature the runway II showcase. both nights will have couture, ready to wear, streetwear and urban wear.
What: my big Gay Italian midlife Crisis
Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino | Sound Waves
When: Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 8 p.m. both nights
Website: casino.hardrock.com/ atlantic-city/event-calendar/mybig-gay-italian-midlife-crisis t he interactive comedy of errors is actually set at Hard rock Atlantic City during a weight loss convention. pinnunziato owns a company, “ b ody b ody,” and is there to compete with other fictional
weight loss companies while trying to stay out of trouble.
What: Italian Festival
Where: Historic Smithville
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 (rain date Sunday, Sept. 22)
Time: 11 a.m.
Website: historicsmithville.com/ smithville-events/italian-festival
Come join the excitement. the festival will feature an Italian market offering a spectacular variety of
wares and food. the day will be filled with live Italian music, bocce ball on the Greene, folk dancing, children’s activities, and more.
What: Atlantic City Jazz Festival
Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino | etess Arena
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ac-jazz-fest
Immerse yourself in the smooth sounds of jazz at the Atlantic City Jazz Fest, featuring the incomparable b rian Culbertson as the headliner, along with support from Jonathan b utler and Jazmin Ghent. Whether you’e a jazz aficionado or simply looking for an evening of world-class entertainment, this event is sure to leave you captivated.
Who: ru paul’s Drag race All Stars Live
Where: tropicana
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: caesars.com/tropicana-ac/ shows
e xperience the high kicks and low splits of rupaul’s Drag race All Stars 9th Season unfolding LIVe on-stage.
What: Classic Albums Live performs the beatles Abbey road
Where: resorts Casino Hotel | Superstar theater
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/classic-albums-live-presentsthe-beatles-abbey-road
With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success in performing arts centers and theaters. Fans in nationwide have continued to support
↘Continued on 50
the series and make it a sustaining, successful show.
What: Great Day Fest
Where: Showboat Hotel Atlantic City
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 1 p.m.
Website: viewstub.com/greatdayfest
Great Day Fest brings together a diverse group of people from all walks of life, to celebrate music, art, fashion, skateboarding, and community. the festival also includes over 20 talented artists, singers, DJs, and bands, who will take to the stage to entertain and inspire.
What: AC tattoo Art revival
Where: Anchor rock Club
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: tixr.com/groups/anchorrockclub/events/atlantic-city-tattoo-art-revival-111951
returning to Anchor rock Club for its second year, it includes a pop-up gallery featuring original pieces from over 50 tattoo artists, as well as unique vendors.
What: Orange Loop Community block party and Concert presented by the Schultz Hill Foundation
Where: tennessee Avenue beer Hall
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 (rain date Sept. 22)
Time: 3:30 p.m.
tickets: enjoy an end-of-summer free community arts block party and con -
cert complete with food trucks, great music, neighbors, special guest artists and friends. Dress casual and bring a lawn chair.
What: Absecon Creekfest 2024
Where: Faunce Landing When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 1 - 8 p.m.
What: rooftop Wednesday rewind with DJ Skyline
Come enjoy an amazing day at the Absecon Creekfest. Food trucks will line Faunce Landing road. enjoy beer, live music and a whole lot of fun.
What: Funday at p layland’s Castaway Cove presented by the Humane Society of Ocean City
Where: playland’s Castaway Cove
Ocean City
When: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 1 - 4 p.m.
tickets: $20 Unlimited rides wristbands can be purchased at ticket booths located at 10th and the boardwalk
the unlimited tickets include the Gale Force Coaster. It is also a human only event, so no pups permitted. For more information call 609-399-4751. www.OceanCityFun.com.
Where: t he Vue rooftop at t he Claridge Hotel
When: Wednesday, Sept. 25
Time: 5 - 11 p.m.
Happy hour 4-7 p.m. enjoy food, drink specials, and music from the 1970s to 2000s.
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!
South Jersey Jazz Society announces exciting lineup for upcoming Jazz Festival
By Julia Train
The South Jersey Jazz Society is gearing up for its highly anticipated Jazz Festival Oct. 10-12 at the Gateway playhouse in Somers point. the society aims to enhance the jazz scene in the community, focusing on the proliferation of jazz in South Jersey, according to Joe Donofrio, vice president and artistic director.
One of the society’s major events is the Jazz Festival, which this year will feature a unique theme: " basses Loaded," highlighting prominent bass players.
Some of the society's past themes included a 2022 tribute to the late guitarist pat martino. "We had 40 artists perform in three days to celebrate his legacy," Donofrio recalled.
the festival kicks off Oct. 10 with Ciara moser, a bass player from boston
originally from Dublin, Ireland, known for her unique perspective as a blind musician.
On Oct. 11, b rian b romberg will perform a tribute to Scott LaFaro, a celebrated bass player of the past. the festival closes on Oct. 12 with John patitucci and his brazilian trio.
" these are world-class musicians and it’s a rare opportunity for our community to see such talent right here in South Jersey," said Donofrio.
In addition to the main performances at the theater, the festival will also feature a late-night series at Gregory’s restaurant on Oct. 11 and 12.
Friday night’s session will feature Andy Lalasis, a local musician who has recently received the the George m esterhazy Jazz master Award, which is the South Jersey Jazz Society’s highest honor.
On Saturday, m ike b oone, from philadelphia, will showcase his group featuring his son, m ekhi boone, who is “a promising young jazz drummer." the society has also planned a special award presentation and gala on Sept. 25 to honor Lalasis with the Jazz master Award at the Great bay Country Club.
“It will be a wonderful evening with a meal, live music and the award ceremony," Donofrio noted.
past recipients include Donofrio, michael pedicin, Johnny Andrews and bob perkins, among others.
the South Jersey Jazz Society has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 25 years, celebrating its commitment to jazz and education. Founded by Nick regime, the society has been active in promoting jazz through performances, scholarships and community outreach.
"Nick regime has done an incredible job leading the society and fostering a love for jazz in our area," Donofrio said. the society runs several concerts and showcases throughout the year, mainly in the Somers point region.
On m onday, Sept. 16, they ran tom Angello’s All Star Jazz Series featuring Andy Lalasis, paula Johns and Aaron Graves.
the m onday night series features artists from the region and is known for its sold-out performances.
" this series is a staple of our programming and offers a platform for both local and renowned jazz artists," Donofrio said.
the South Jersey Jazz Society continues to advance its mission, which is "to promote, present, educate, and appreciate jazz in southern New Jersey." m ore information on events and membership can be found on the South Jersey Jazz Society’s website or social media platforms.
The Best Draft Picks!
No seasonal let down for AC casino entertainment
By Chuck Darrow
One metric of calculating the success of Atlantic City’s casino industry is the year-to-year revenue totals. this column doesn’t concern itself with such mundane matters, but we will use that chronological measuring stick to point out that this autumn’s entertainment schedule represents something of an upgrade compared to the talent roster in the fourth quarter of 2023.
While there are no current super-duper-stars on the performance menu, there is a nice variety of noteworthy entertainers heading our way as the 2024 calendar sheds its remaining pages. below
is a look at some of them. please note that tickets to all of the shows listed herein are available at ticketmaster. com.
John Mulaney; Oct. 11; Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
On his previous solo AyCee visit (at Hard rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in June, 2022; he played there last year with pete Davidson and Jon Stewart), the popular funnyman conjured an entire performance based exclusively on his sometimes
harrowing tale of his drug addiction and recovery from same. It will be in -
teresting to see how he follows such an intensely personal presentation.
Diana Ross; Oct. 19; Hard Rock
Do we even need to articulate the reasons this is a must-see? If so, here are three: r oss is inarguably one of pop music’s most important artists of the past 60 years.
Her previous local turn–at Ocean Casino resort in September, 2022–was an absolute stunner.
And at age 80, there’s no telling whether she’ll return to town.
Don’t miss her!
Duran Duran; Oct. 26; Borgata the british unit was a major contributor to the soundtrack of the early 1980s with such mt V-propelled hits as “ rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Girls on Film,” and they have been enjoying a renaissance of sorts the past few years.
Johnny Mathis; Caesars Atlantic City; Oct. 28
Of course, ross is a kid compared to the incomparable velvet-voiced crooner whose introduction to the world came in 1957 (meaning he has performed in eight different decades!) Like ross, the soon-tobe-89-year-old mathis is a national treasure who shouldn’t be missed.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Nov. 15; Borgata trombone Shorty (real name: troy Andrews) is a millennial native of New Orleans who has gained commercial success and critical acclaimed by throwing into his musical blender everything from rock to funk to jazz–both modern and traditional New Orleans-style—and conjuring a unique, high energy brew that is
at once cerebral and elemental. this date should be quite the party.
Justin Hayward; Nov. 29; Borgata Hayward, who spent more than 50 years as lead singer/guitarist/ composer for t he m oody b lues (he wrote such signature tracks as “Nights in White Satin,” “Question” and “ tuesday Afternoon”) will no doubt recreate those and many other moodys’ tunes, as well as songs from his solo career.
The Musical Box; Dec. 7; Caesars For our money, this m ontreal-based quintet, which focuses on the music of Genesis when it was a “prog-rock” band fronted by peter Gabriel (before they became a chart-topping pop act with drummer phil Colllins as lead singer), is the greatest tribute band of all. And its salute to the group’s 1973-’74 “Selling england by the pound”—which they’ll be doing to celebrate the Lp ’s 50th anniversary—is an astonishingly accurate recreation of that show—right down to the between-song patter.
BEAT; Dec. 7; Tropicana Atlantic City
And speaking of getting into the weeds of prog, the sub-genre of rock marked by experimentation, sophisticated arrangements, virtuosic instrumental work and extended pieces that are the antithesis of short, to-the-point and hook-laden pop tunes, this one’s a real curve ball for a casino:
Although be At ’s lineup is comprised of guitarists Adrian b elew (David bowie, Frank Zappa, talking Heads) and Steve Vai (David Lee r oth, Alice Cooper, m otorhead), bassist tony Levin (peter Gabriel, Stevie Nicks, pink Floyd) and drummer Danny Carey (tool). this show is dedicated exclusively to three 1980s
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ROMANELLI'S Garden Cafe'
albums—“Discipline,” “ b eat” and “ three to A perfect pair”– released by prog-rock progenitors, King Crimson.
Tom Jones; Sept. 15; Hard Rock terrific. magnificent. Spectacular. Wonderful.
Any (and all) of these adjectives apply to tom Jones’ Sunday night performance at Hard rock before a sold-out etess Arena crowd. the 84(!)-year-old Welsh belter may no longer have the pelvis-thrusting moves he did decades ago, or be as concerned with glitz (gone were the flashy tuxedos and tight bolero pants of days gone by; he wore a simple, untucked royal-blue print shirt and black pants), but the set was still a memorable one for any number of reasons.
First and foremost, Jones’ chesty baritone was perfectly intact Sunday night. Granted, he smartly shied away from material that would have tested his somewhat limited vocal range, but there was no song on which he stumbled, even a little bit.
of the set list focused on the work of top-flight composers from Dylan (who’s “One m ore Cup of Coffee” was a standout) to Leonard Cohen (“ tower of Song”) to Cat Stevens (“ popstar”) to randy Newman (“You Can Leave Your Hat On”).
And when it came to hits like “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah” and “Green, Green Grass of Home,” they were delivered by his crackerjack, fivepiece-band with sharp, rootsy-lean -
And even though he began the set with two somewhat melancholy numbers–“I’m Growing Old” and bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet”– that unflinchingly addressed his advanced age, Jones proved to be quite genial and upbeat during the bulk of the program.
erhaps the coolest aspect of the show was Jones’ song selection. to be sure, he covered all of his signatures (more on them below), but most
ing arrangements that effectively removed the shlock of the original recordings.
Here’s hoping Jones is able to head back to Atlantic City—a regular stop for him since the dawn of the legal-gambling era. but if, sadly, this was his final visit, he certainly said farewell with a bang.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
Schultz-Hill Foundation Hosts
Orange Loop Community Block Party and Concert
The Schultz-Hill Foundation is hosting an afternoon of music, art, and family fun at the Orange Loop Community block party and Concert on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 3:307:30 p.m. (rain date Sept. 22). this free event brings the community together for a memorable day of entertainment and activities. participants should bring their own folding chairs.
the event, which is to be held at the tennessee Avenue beer Hall, will feature a live concert by Dave Damiani and his Quartet, known for their classic American standards. Damiani
is a singer, songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles.
performance artist michael Indorato, also known as "the flying artist," will showcase his unique talents. Indorato is renowned for creating large-scale art pieces while suspend -
ed in the air, blending creativity and spectacle in a way that is truly oneof-a-kind.
Attendees will enjoy free face painting and caricatures. Food will be available to purchase from food trucks.
t his event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of OceanFirst b ank, the Orange Loop, and the m idtown Community Development Corporation. For more information, contact the Schultz-Hill Foundation at (609) 344-3122.
the nonprofit 501(c)3 Schultz-Hill Foundation supports the arts, history, and education throughout South Jersey. programs include the DINA Scholarships, Senior m usic Series, Free ArtS Community Concerts and Student Youth program with Stockton University, and an Arts Outreach collaborative with the bay Atlantic Symphony and students in the Atlantic City region. For additional information, visit www.schultz-hill.org.
A look at where all the great music is happening
By Doug Deutsch
We're counting down the days until the incredible roots-rock singer/songwriter
Lucinda Williams makes a very special SJ area appearance at Ocean City m usic pier (Saturday, Nov. 23). In the meantime hear’s what’s happening… Tennessee Avenue (Blues) Hall: A well-known Southern California musician named Cadillac Zack once memorably told me, “If you can draw a hundred or more people to a blues show, it’s a success.” Zack’s words were in my mind last Friday night at tennessee Avenue b eer Hall in Atlantic City, where local musician Jeff Caraway threw himself a birthday party featuring local musicians
William rishell, James Howell, Luis Gonzalez, himself, and a very special blues musician by the name of billy the Kid (along with his band t he regulators).
before the night was over, tAb H booker/part owner Scott Cronick told us there were 110 paid admissions. So, in other words, according to Cadillac Zack, a successful event –and, as a result, Cronick said he was open to possibly more blues-themed shows there.
For the better part of two hours, billy (full name billy evanochko) put on a fun, high-energy guitar clinic, hopping up to jam on tables at the outside venue and playing a special cigar box guitar that was made for him by Florida-based blues musician, Jp Soars. billy is popular in the South Jersey area, having performed several times at local promoter betsy Lynn paisley’s house concerts, as well as a recent show at Lizzie rose m usic Hall.
Elsewhere In AC: t he casinos have been rockin’ with big-name headline acts such as Squeeze, boy George, Crowded House, bachman turner Overdrive, Jane’s Addiction, and Get the Led Out all making recent appearances.
Of particular note: the Jane’s Addiction show at Hard rock. On this night, vocalist perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro and the rest of the band were in fine form...but not so much a week or so later, where the band unfortunately imploded after an on-stage altercation between Farrell and Navarro, which subsequently resulted in the rest of the tour being canceled.
Anchor rock Club, coming off a weekend that featured special shows at the spacious New York Avenue venue by hardcore-Krishna rockers Shelter (featuring two members formerly of hardcore group Youth of today) and gender-bending Laura Jane Grace & the m ississippi m edicals, isn’t letting up, with a performance by popular North Jersey group the Feelies here on Friday, Sept. 20.
t his longtime indie rock group packed the Anchor the last time they performed here in November 2022. there’s a local connection, too: Area musician Adam berardo, also known as 1adam12, performs in a band with Feelies’ guitarist, Glenn m ercer. the Feelies’ strong harmonies and well-crafted pop-rock tunes make this a show to see. tix/info: anchorrockclub.com.
This Weekend & Beyond: Josie Kelly’s in Somers point keeps the live music going with a NJ british Invasion (Friday, Sept. 20) and Allman broth -
ers band tribute Hotlanta (Saturday Sept. 20). both are free. Josiekellys. com for more
Finally, Chicago blues guitar queen Joanna Connor brings her expertise to Lizzie rose m usic Hall this Sunday, Sept. 22, with opening act bees Deluxe, of whom the rock Doctor, music Critic John Kereiff wrote, “this is what Steely Dan would sound like if they played the blues.” t ix/info: lizzierosemusicroom. com.
See You Next Week, stay safe and please support our local music venues.
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.
Tune In, Turn On
Billy the Kid (Billy Evanochko) puts on a guitar clinic at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. Photo by Doug Deutsch
R E N A U L T W I N E R Y
U P C O M I N G S E P T E M B E R E V E N T S
LARGER THAN LIFE BOY BAND TRIBUTE | TOURS & TASTINGS
CHEF’S DINNER: AUTUMN HARVEST | MASTERCLASS: MIXOLOGY 101
CHEFS TABLE | PICK & PRESS | YOGA & BRUNCH | CIGAR & SIP
Atlantic City Headliners
Saturday, September 21
Atlantic City Jazz Fest
▶7 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Felipe Esparza
▶8 p.m.
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Friday, September 27
Rob Schneider
▶9 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
Nate Jackson
▶9 p.m.
tropicana Showroom
Saturday, September 28
Creed w/ 3 Doors Down & Finger
Eleven
▶7 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Teddy Swims
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Friday, October 4
Trace Adkins
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Dirty Honey
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
The Doobie Brothers
▶8 p.m.
borgata event Center
Saturday, October 5
Gimme Gimme Disco
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Wanda Sykes
▶7 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
Grand Funk Railroad
▶8 p.m.
the m usic box at borgata
Sunday, October 6
Luis Fonsi
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Friday, October 11
Giggly Squad Live
▶8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
John Mulaney
▶8 p.m.
borgata event Center
Becky Robinson
▶8 p.m.
the m usic box at borgata
Saturday, October 12
Brad Paisley
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Whitney Cummings
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at Hard rock
The Rascals
▶8 p.m.
Superstar theater at resorts
Bryson Tiller
▶8 p.m.
borgata event Center
Atsuko Okatsuka
▶8 p.m.
the m usic box at borgata
On-Sale Now
John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band
▶Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
the Celebrity theatre at the Claridge Hotel
On-Sale This Week
Earth, Wind & Fire
▶Friday, Dec. 20 & Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.
Hard rock Live at etess Arena
Kool & the Gang
▶Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
One Vision of Queen w/ Marc Martel
▶Friday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Dary Hall w/ Howard Jones
▶Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.
borgata event Center
Tower of Power
▶Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 p.m.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
The Marshall Tucker Band w/ Jefferson Starship
▶Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
Circus maximus theater at Caesars
Engelbert Humperdinck: A Winter World of Love
▶Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.
Harrah’s Atlantic City
On sale Friday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.
Photo credit: Jabari Jacobs / Courtesy Earth, Wind & Fire
Live & Local Music Calendar
Thursday, September 19
Atlantic City
Bar One at Resorts
Karaoke Night w/ DJ Joe
8 p.m.
1133 boardwalk
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Dan Jost trio
5:30 – 9 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
DJ Gabor Kiss
8 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Dane Anthony
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Lost in paris
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Karaoke Night w/ mike Dempsey
8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap
2 Old Friends
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Gregory’s bob & bob
6 – 8 p.m.
900 Shore rd.
Josie Kelly’s 40 North
7 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Mexiquila
Dave Kelly
5 – 8 p.m.
101 e maryland Ave.
Queen Jayne’s Sidestory Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
264 New rd.
Ventnor
Ventnor Coffee
Open mic Night w/ pete Glaze &
t Five
6:30 – 9 p.m.
108 N. Dorset Ave.
Friday, September 20
Atlantic City
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Jeremy Oren
6 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Anchor Rock Club the Feelies
8:30 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
Bar One at Resorts
Jazz with D’ bra powell & the tony
Day band
5 – 8 p.m.
DJ Gary
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Luke Carols O’ reilly trio
6 – 9 p.m.
JulsG
10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Hard Rock Café
Dueling pianos
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Indelible Groove Duo
7 p.m.
Garden State radio
10 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Losa bouchelle
6 p.m. breck
10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Changing Lanes
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Steal the Sky
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Topgolf at Ocean Casino Country Night w/ Kelli & DJ trish
7 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino
Cat 5
9:30 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
philly Keys
6 – 10 p.m.
72 N. bremen Ave.
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
Incognito band
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
500 St. Andrews Dr.
Margate Bocca
Sidestory Duo
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light
brandon Ireland
7 – 10 p.m.
1 N. New York rd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay Yachtzee band
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap that 70’s band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Fitzpatrick’s beth tinnon
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
650 New rd.
Josie Kelly’s NJ british Invasion
8 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Jeffery Gaines. 7:30 p.m.
217 e . main St.
Saturday, September 21
Absecon
Creekfest
tony pontari & Jimmy brogan
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
On tap
3:45 – 5:30 p.m.
brandon Ireland band
5:45 – 8 p.m.
Faunce Landing
Atlantic City
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Kristina pruitt
6 p.m.
Dominick martino
9:15 p.m.
500 boardwalk
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Photo credit: The Brandon Ireland Band Facebook
Bar One at Resorts
Jimmy macWilliams
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Gary
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Indelible Groove trio
6 – 9 p.m.
evan edge
10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Hard Rock Café
Dueling pianos
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
High Five Swan Dive Duo
7 p.m.
Steal the Sky
10 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
twisted Livin’
5 p.m.
Sidestory
10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
the Loop
5 – 8 p.m.
Don’t Call m e Francis
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 boardwalk
Tuesday-S aturday 7am-9pm • Sunday & Monday 7am-4pm
Topgolf at Ocean Casino
tom & Sara Duo
8 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Isn’t it Always
9:30 p.m.
500 boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Future Stars band Showcase
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. bremen Ave.
Margate Bocca
CJ Sooy. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Smithville
Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light
Sara & tom
7 – 10 p.m.
1 N. New York rd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Doug Jennings
3 – 7 p.m. the Company
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap that 70’s band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Fitzpatrick’s
Andy berlin
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
650 New rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Hotlanta: t he Allman b rothers tribute
Photo credit: Twisted Livin’ Facebook
8:30 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Sunday, September 22
Atlantic City
Bar One at Resorts
DJ eric
3 – 8 p.m.
DJ proud
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Dan Orlando
5:30 – 9 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dueling pianos
8 p.m.
500 boardwalk
The Deck at Golden Nugget
the e xceptions
2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Daddy pop
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Kicking Sunrise
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery to be Determined
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. bremen Ave.
Millville
Levoy Theatre
the World Famous Glenn m iller
Orchestra
3 p.m.
126-130 N. High St.
Somers Point
Crab Trap
Lew London Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
7:30 p.m.
217 e . main St.
Monday, September 23
Atlantic City
Bar One at Resorts
DJ proud
7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Ladies & Gentlemen
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Somers Point
Crab Trap
Keith Hickman
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Tuesday, September 24
Atlantic City
Bar One at Resorts
DJ raff
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget patty & bugzy
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Dane Anthony band
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Somers Point
Crab Trap
Keith Hickman
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Josie Kelly’s
DJ Ken
5 – 9 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Scratch Recipe Buns
Savory Scones & Blueberry-Lemon Scones Cookies
Crumb Cake & Lemon Bars Brownies & Apple Cider Donuts
Vegan and Gluten-free Options
FRESH COFFEE AND LATTES SOURDOUGH TOAST SPECIALS
Outdoor Patio Seating
Open 7am-2pm Wed. thru Fri. Sat. & Sun. 8am-2pm
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
michael Stevens
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Sidestory
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 boardwalk
Margate
Bocca
bob Sterling & the bocca boys
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Open m ic Night hosted by b lue
eagle
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 bay Ave.
Crab Trap that 70’s band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Jimmy brogan
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Vanessa Collier
7:30 p.m.
217 e main St.
Events subject to change.
W e n e e d e d t h i s . S o m e r s P o i n t ’ s h a p p i e s t h o u r.
Wines that love the Earth… and you!
Drink Up!
By David Setley
Happy harvest season! In my opinion, autumn (aka Locals’ Summer) is the best time of the year. the air is cool, the skies are clear, and in the wine world, it is harvest time. In the Garden State, we celebrate the hard work of those in agriculture by purchasing the fruits of their labor. many of us seek out the most natural produce available that is grown with minimal, if any, chemical additives. For some wine consumers, those criteria are equally important in the wines they purchase. t his week, let’s look at some of the terms used to indicate such standards in wine: sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and vegan-friendly.
Sustainable agriculture practices have become more common in the wine industry. A sustainable certification requires the vineyard to use prac-
tices that conserve energy and water, and to promote the long-term health of the earth and the surrounding environment. Wine production takes a holistic corporate social responsibility approach to sustainability, following the three pillars of economy, society, and the environment. California is a leader in the United States through their statewide sustainability program, with about one-third of vineyards representing more than 85% of commercial wine production that is sustainably certified. J. Lohr Wineries is one of the many Golden State winemakers to earn this certification, with vineyards that produce the company’s very popular Arroyo Seco m onterey Chardonnay, the Falcon’s perch pinot Noir, the paso robles m erlot, and my favorite, the tower road petite Sirah. It is important to note that sustainable practices have been utilized globally for centuries, although not all vineyards invest in the cost or take the steps to become certified. the term “organic” has been popular in grocery stores for decades. In the global wine market, the market share of organic wines is between 4-5% (prowein.com, 2023). Simply put, organic wines are those produced with organically grown grapes,
meaning they are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides, including added sulfites. t his does not necessarily mean there aren’t other non-chemical additives added to the wine, however. the approved additive list varies from country to country and may, among other things, include yeast, egg whites, or rennet, an enzyme produced in the stomachs of mammals. these additives assist in the filtration process of wine prior to bottling. Certified vegan-friendly wines are those that do not contain additives from animal products.
including the Avaline red, rosé, and pinot Noir wines from France and the Avaline White and sparkling varietals from Spain.
You may be familiar with the term “sulfites”, the sulfur dioxide (SO2) found in wines that many wine consumers blame for causing headaches, especially when they drink red wines. Sulfites serve as a shelf stabilizer and preservative in wine and other foods, slowing them from going bad. For a small percentage of people with a particular sensitivity, sulfites may indeed be the cause of those headaches. For most people, the alcohol level is likely to blame. I recommend drinking one glass of water with each glass of wine to minimize the likelihood of a headache. Sulfites are present in many consumables, including cured meats, cheese, canned soup, dried fruit, french fries, etc. this compound naturally occurs in wine, so virtually all wine has some sulfites at low levels. A good quality dry red wine contains about 50 parts per million sulfites.
In the United States, a wine identified as organic is “a wine made from organically grown grapes without added sulfites.” So, if sulfites, or other synthetic additives, are a concern for you, organic wines may be a good option. the Allumea wines from Italy are a great example of excellent organic wines. they are available in the Allumea rosso, a m ontepulciano wine from tuscany, the Allumea Nero D’Avola, a m erlot from Sicily, and the Allumea Grillo, a Chardonnay also from Sicily. All of these wines are vegan-friendly as well.
Have you heard of Avaline wines? Actress Cameron Diaz is a partner in this wine company and has established total transparency as a corporate objective. All wines produced under the Avaline brand are 100% organically grown and vegan-friendly with no added sugar, no added sulfites, and no chemical additives. Avaline wines are fermented "dry," leaving no residual sugar, ensuring all wines have zero grams of sugar per serving. If sugar intake is a concern for you, give these wines a try. Avaline wines are produced in a number of varietals,
Lastly, biodynamic winemaking is a practice that incorporates aspects of organic and sustainable agriculture, and more. the philosophy behind biodynamic winemaking goes back a hundred years to an Austrian philosopher named rudolph Steiner. the basis is a belief that everything in the universe — the earth, the moon, the planets, etc. — is interconnected. biodynamic winemaking promotes activities that promote this harmony. m ike b enziger, of benziger Family Vineyards in Sonoma, Calif., says, “at its core, biodynamics is an energy management system.” b iodynamics works on a calendar of activities that include fruit days, root days, flower days, and leaf days. prescribed viticultural activities, including everything from watering to harvesting, are allowed or forbidden depending on the day’s classification. m ontinore e states in Oregon has been practicing biodynamics since the early 2000s and received the b iodynamic Certification in 2008. the winery states that these practices are the most complete approach to land stewardship and the highest level of ethical farming practices in the industry. m ontinore produces outstanding certified biodynamic and organic wines, including its pinot Noir and pinot Noir reserve, its pinot Gris, and the unique orange wine, the m ontinore estate L’Orange 2020. I hope this discussion of organic, biodynamic, sustainable, and vegan wine was of interest to you. Cheers to the harvest and cheers to the wines that attempt to keep us and our planet healthier and more sustainable. As always, contact me with any questions or comments at dsetley@ passionvines.com. Until next time, Happy Wining!
Setley is enjoying his
David
retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
Tony Marts celebrates 92nd anniversary with John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band
By Carmen Marotta
In the ambiance of the Celebrity theatre in the Claridge Hotel, tony m arts will celebrate the arrival of Anthony marotta with a concert performed by the original soundtrack artists from “ eddie and t he Cruisers,” John Cafferty and beaver brown band.
When Anthony “ tony m art” m arotta arrived in New York and found his way to Atlantic City in 1932, he began working as a laborer, a milkman with a horse and buggy.
He had ultimately worked as a soda truck driver and salesperson, which taught him enough to open and operate “ the tony mart Luncheonette” at Columbia place on the boardwalk.
e ventually, he discovered Schicks tavern on b ay Ave. in Somers point, where he created one of the most famous east coast rock ‘n’ roll bars in 1945.
Now known as one of the greatest east coast rock ‘n’ roll performers, John Cafferty was chosen by the music legend Kenny Vance,
and the screenplay writer and director of the movie, m arty Davidson, to create the movie’s soundtrack.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, John Cafferty and b eaver b rown will perform one of their popular two-hour concerts with several favorites from the movie including, “ tender Years,” “On the Dark Side,”
Cafferty regularly performs many of his other hits, including “ tough All Over,” “City,” “Hearts of Fire” from the movie “ rocky IV,” “Song and Dance” from the movie “ roundhouse” and his new song, “A Day in the Sun.”
“Wild Summer Nights,” “ boardwalk Angel,” and many others.
A concert with one of America’s greatest bands is a great way to celebrate Columbus Day weekend at the Jersey Shore. everyone is invited to take advantage of VIp seating with meet and greet and private banquette seating for at least four at $45-50 as
well as reserved seating for just $35.
to reserve your space at this tony m art celebration of the history of rock ‘n’ roll at the Jersey Shore, just go ClaridgeHotel.com, click on events and purchase your tickets.
“We are so grateful to the Claridge Hotel as our official hotel for both mardi Gras on the boardwalk in Atlantic City and Atlanticare Concerts on the beach in Somers point,” said Carmen marotta, son of Anthony marotta. “We are even more excited and enthusiastic about the future of concerts like this in the gorgeous Celebrity theatre and other fabulous venues at the Claridge Hotel.” the Claridge Hotel, known as the "Skyscraper at the Sea," was built in 1930, two years before tony marotta arrived on the scene.
You will feel the rock ‘n’ roll history, the soulful magic, when you hear the original music and celebrate the legacy when the good times roll that night at the Claridge.
Photo by John Loreaux
Anthony Marotta, founder and owner of Tony Marts in Somers Point. Photo provided by Carmen & Nancy Marotta
Atlantic City Restaurant Week Showcases
Authentic Flavors For Every Taste, Oct. 6-11
Now in its 16th year, Atlantic City Restaurant Week returns October 6-11, showcasing the region’s vibrant culinary scene and offering authentic flavors for every taste. From gourmet restaurants like Capriccio at Resorts (pictured), to celebrity chef restaurants and original AC favorites, more than 50 participating restaurants offer specially priced, multi-course menus for just $20.24 for lunch and $40.24 for dinner. For a list of restaurants, menus and to book reservations, go to ACRestaurantWeek.com.
Indulge, unwind, and savor it all during Atlantic City restaurant Week, which returns Oct. 6-11, showcasing the region’s vibrant culinary scene and offering authentic flavors for every taste.
Now in its 16th year, the resort’s classic culinary celebration features six days of specially priced, multi-course menus at more than 50 participating restaurants in Atlantic City and the surrounding area. From gourmet establishments like Capriccio and Il m ulino, and celebrity chef restaurants such as Angeline by michael Symon and Gordon ramsay Steak, to local Atlantic City favorites like Dock’s Oyster House, Knife &
opportunity to explore a variety of dining experiences. this year’s firsttime participants include Las Delicias De La Negra m exican restaurant and park place prime.
m any of the area’s premier and most popular restaurants participate in the event, offering diners value priced meals all week long. m eals include appetizer, entrée, and dessert. tax, gratuity and beverages are not included.
“Atlantic City restaurant Week celebrates our extraordinary dining scene here in the resort,” said Karen martin, Director of Communications & marketing for the Casino reinvestment Development Authority (CrDA), which presents the six-day event. “ t his is the region’s largest such culinary event, held during one of the best times to experience Atlantic City and explore all the resort offers year-round.”
Fork Inn, and Girasole, along with newer spots like La Strada at the Shore and Superfrico, guests can enjoy a $20.24 lunch menu or a $40.24 dinner menu, making it the perfect
During Atlantic City restaurant Week, area restaurants take advantage of fresh, seasonal food and produce when designing their menus. From fine dining to more casual fare, the event will feature seafood, steakhouses, gourmet Italian, Asian fusion, authentic m exican, and more. Whatever your taste, there is a restaurant Week menu for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors can go to the official website at ACrestaurantWeek.com to see an updated list of participating restaurants (which will continue to be updated in the coming weeks), view lunch and dinner menus, and book reservations, which are encouraged. You can also follow AC restaurant Week on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Additionally, you can enter to win a “ taste of Fall in AC” getaway package
at AtlanticCityNJ.com, including an overnight stay at a luxurious casino resort and an Atlantic City restaurant Week Dinner for two!
Atlantic City restaurant Week is produced by the CrDA. Sponsors include Stockton University, 95.1 WAYV, Greater Atlantic City Chamber, and Interstate Outdoor Advertising.
Visit acrestaurantweek.com for a list of restaurants, menus, and to book reservations.
Photo credit: Dock’s Oyster House Facebook
Local theater selling tickets for 'The Miracle Worker'
The tony Award-winning “ t he m iracle Worker,” is a profoundly moving play that tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months. With tough love, compassion, and humor, “ the miracle Worker” explores the volatile relationship between a lonely teacher and her headstrong charge in a Great American drama.
“‘ t he m iracle Worker’ is a powerful theatrical experience,” said director Andrea Zakheim- poetsch.
“It’s a life-affirming story about developing deep, human connections and spectacular accomplishments by overcoming tremendous obstacles. It’s a powerful, exhilarating show.”
Hillary poetsch and Lydia Snyder play the demanding roles of Annie and Helen. the cast includes many Fool m oon t heatre veterans and some actors new to the company. the cast includes: Guido b attaglini, Alyssa mills, Kerry burns, Arcadia pena, Safia
signed and created the set.
b illie riggins, an American Sign Language interpreter, will be interpreting the Sept. 22 performance. r iggins has been an educational interpreter in the Vineland public
schools since 2004 and has interpreted numerous theatrical performances throughout South Jersey. Contact Fool m oon t heatre foolmoontheatre@gmail.com.
Zakirova, Lisa Weck, Andrew Ireland, m atthew powals, t ina Holden, Zoe Wells, Carmela Keeper, Lennon thurlow, Sophia Suthard, Samantha tafeen, brett Holden and Aaron rabinowitz. theater veteran Joe Lazarus de -
Director Andrea Zakheim-Poetsch (standing) directs Lydia Snyder (left) and Hillary Poetsch (right) in a scene from The Miracle Worker.
By Bruce Klauber
IStill hitting all the right notes: Pleasantville Music Shoppe
n December of 2021, Shore
Local’s Cindy Fertsch wrote a profile of one of the few, remaining “mom & pop” music stores anywhere, Pleasantville Music Shoppe. Given the changes and developments in the retail market for musical instruments over the past several years, it seemed an appropriate time to check in with Shoppe owner Joanne Schilling and see how the store has survived the challenges of the past six years.
Gaston ragno opened pleasantville m usic Shoppe in 1938. though his musical experience was limited to only playing a little guitar, he did have experience in retail. And as an experienced retailer, he must have realized that in 1938 at the Jersey shore, there was a vast market for musical instruments and accessories. At that time, there were dozens of hotels and nightspots that used live music, to say nothing of the extensive musical activities going on at Steel pier, m illion Dollar pier and even Garden pier. that’s a lot of
musicians, hence, a pretty big need for instruments, accessories, and musical instrument repair.
Joanne Schilling, ragno’s daughter, is the store’s owner, and she vividly recalls how, early on, things took an interesting turn at pleasantville m usic. “We had records in the store,” Schilling remembers. “ many of the records were on rCA Victor record label. In those days, if you wanted to carry rCA records, you had to carry merchandise from rCA’s subsidiary companies. So we started selling rCA-owned appliances like Whirlpool washers, driers, and refrigerators. We became the only music and appliance store in the region.
decided, with a little nudging, that he should give up the appliances and the records.”
“ my dad decided to move from the main street of town on to the black Horse pike, which he felt would be a better location. He bought this old house, built in 1890, and turned it into a music store. eventually, he
Schilling, who is married to the famed “singing lifeguard” and WOND radio broadcaster Jim Craine, began working at the store at a young age. “I always helped out after school, and I just liked being around it,” she says. “ my father taught me how to count change by using dried lima beans. I was always interested. After college, I put my foot in just to see how much I liked it. I loved meeting all the people and helping people.” Gaston, by the way, worked in the shop each and every day until his passing in 2015. the changes in music and in the musical marketplace since the founding of the store have been extraordinary, and pleasantville m usic Shoppe has survived and evolved through virtually every style of music. the musical instruments that the store has carried through the years--from amplifiers and keyboards, to drums and trombones--have also reflected changing times and changing musical tastes. A drum set of today, for instance, is totally different from a set of drums made in 1949. the store has also miraculously outlived local competitors like Gilday’s in Somers point, the venerable Irv’s m usic in Atlantic City, as well as the 45-store Sam Ash chain, a company that just went out of business after 100 years of operation.
think Covid made people a little lazy when it came to going out to a store. people got in that groove of being able to push a button on their computer and order something. t hat’s the new world. t hat’s the way everything is going now, and it has taken a toll. b ut we’re still plugging and we’re still pushing.”
What p leasantville m usic offers that internet retailers do not, among other things, is personalized service in line with instrument repair. Sure, an instrument can be sent out to an online repair service, but who is there to answer questions about the actual repair process? Something like that just doesn’t happen often on the internet. In the percussion instrument area, while the internet retailers offer hundreds of choices when it comes to something like cymbals or snare drums, it’s almost impossible to make an intelligent, personal choice without playing the cymbal or the drum first. “You want to look at the quality and hear the quality,” Schilling says. “You can’t get that from a picture.” the store also offers in-person music lessons, and it’s the only retailer to offer acoustic pianos within a 50-60 mile radius of the store. pleasantville also continues to service local schools with name brand, quality band instruments. “If somebody wants a pink clarinet,” Schilling says, “go online and order a pink clarinet.” pleasantville m usic Shoppe has been a part of the retailing landscape in our area for more than 80 years, and during that time, Schilling could have taken the operation anywhere. She elected, thankfully, to stay here as one of the very few mom and pop musical retailers anywhere.
the internet represents competition of a different kind, and trying to compete is a challenge. Over the past 10 years or so, musical instrument online stores like reverb, Sweetwater, and musicians Friend, have all but taken over the musical instrument and musical accessory market.
“ t he internet has affected us greatly,” Schilling admits. “And I
“I grew up in pleasantville,” Schilling explains. " my father started this in pleasantville and he stayed in pleasantville. I think it’s important to be here to service the local community. We’ve gone through a lot of changes. people have changed and the town has changed, but at the heart of it, it’s still my hometown.” If anyone seeks the answer to the musical question, “How Do You Keep the music playing?” just stop in to see Joanne Schilling and the good people at pleasantville music Shoppe. they’ll tell you how.
Joanne & Jim Schillin, owners of the Pleasantville Music Shoppe
By Bruce Klauber
WThere He Is: Bert Parks
hile I was writing the Shore Local piece about Jersey Shore songs, the name b ert parks kept popping up. those of a certain age may recall that parks hosted the m iss America pageant, when the pageant was held in Atlantic City, from 1955 to 1979, and that he sang, after the winner was crowned, “ there She Is, miss America.”
parks had a unique career before and after his association with the pageant. And the pageant itself had hosts before and after parks.
bob russell was named the official host of the pageant in 1940. He hosted through 1946, and from 1948 to 1950, and again in 1954.
russell, all but forgotten today, had quite a career. He appeared several times on b roadway during the 1920s, and had some success in
the 1930s when he sang frequently at p hiladelphia’s old Hotel Adelphia. He later helped create the m iss Universe p ageant, which he hosted from 1952 through 1967. He also hosted several television game shows in the 1950s, including “Name t hat tune.”
In 1954, r ussell was the host when the m iss America pageant was first broadcast on television. However, he refused to sing “ t here She Is, m iss America” in favor of a song of his own and now long forgotten. b ert parks got the job as host the following year, based on russell’s recommendation, and for the next 25 years, parks was happy to sing “ there She Is.” It became his signature song.
Love,” “Hold that Note,” “ bid ‘n’ buy,” “County Fair,” “ m asquerade party” and “ the big payoff.”
Some people were under the mistaken impression during those years that parks only worked one day a year. On the contrary, parks was an important figure in radio and early television as the host of various quiz shows including “Stop the m usic,” “ b reak the bank,” “Double or Nothing,” “ balance Your budget,” “ two in
m ost of these programs were broadcast during the 1950s, but by 1965, parks was still in the quiz show business, as he hosted “Yours for a Song,” and the pilot for “Hollywood Squares.” In the mid-1960s, in one of his few projects outside of television, he replaced robert preston in broadway’s “ the m usic man.”
In 1979, parks reached the retirement age of 65. After the miss America broadcast that year, parks was fired, as those running the pageant were looking to appeal to a younger audience. parks, who learned of his termination by reading it in the newspaper, left without even being given a gold watch.
Johnny Carson, then hosting “ the tonight Show,” was incensed, and led an on-air campaign to get parks rehired. Some 20,000 people sent letters to pageant officials in support of keeping parks onboard. It didn’t work. ron ely, then television’s tarzan, was pegged to be the new host.
In 1980, pageant director Albert marks Jr., finally stepped forward to explain why parks was canned.
“We wanted to appeal to a younger generation unfamiliar with parks or his rendition of the m iss America theme song,” said marks. parks’ rebuttal was that the firing was the best thing to happen to his career.
In the years following, parks was as busy as he wanted to be. He guest starred on the cit-coms “WKrp in Cincinnati” and “Night Court,” “ the bionic Woman,” and other television series. In 1990, he parodied his role as beauty pageant host in the film, “ the Freshman.”
Some 10 years after he was let go as miss America pageant host, parks began negotiating with pageant management to return to the program as a special guest. “I can confirm we are talking to people on behalf of parks and to parks himself,” pageant
director Leonard Horn said at the time.
In the end all parties agreed. Gary Collins and phyllis George remained as co-hosts. parks appeared in several bits during the show, and then sang “ there She Is” to 25 contestants gathered on stage.
Collins sang the song while the pageant winner walked down the runway. Also part of the deal was that parks would serve as grand marshal of the m iss America parade, held a few days before the pageant’s telecast. the 75-year-old veteran was happy to be on hand saying, “I feel like this could be a vindication.”
though parks’ nostalgic return to the pageant was certainly a poignant television moment, the reviews were not great. “Although he received a standing ovation, the program was marred by gaffes and he was not asked to return,” according to a pbS news report.
I vividly remember viewing that telecast. I was curious to see what parks would be given to do and how he would fare. Overall his segments were filled with flubs and miscues, and I recall one bit where parks tried to plug his favorite Atlantic City restaurants, including tony’s baltimore Grill. For that alone I thought, you’ve got to love the guy. parks died two years later at the age of 77. He was once asked by a reporter about the secret to his appeal to television viewers after so many years. “It’s because I’m utterly charming,” was his reply.
In tribute to the genial host who was, in his own unique way, the television face of Atlantic City for almost 25 years, a bronze statue of b ert parks holding a miss America crown stands in front of the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center. If you stand under the crown, a recording of parks’ signature version of “ there She is miss America” plays.
Where will the miss America pageant go? this year it will be held at the Walt Disney theatre in Orlando, Fla. Atlantic City will always have b ert parks.
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the
and
and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
Warner Brothers
Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series,
Veterinarians receive life-saving support for animals
By Steffen Klenk
Members of AtlantiCare made a special visit to Absecon Veterinary Hospital on t hursday, Sept.12, donating a manual defibrillator for use in its practice. t he company will provide training and simulations for veterinary staff to support its use in pet emergencies. Some of the hospital’s therapy animals also made a special appearance for the occasion.
Since opening in 1980, Absecon Veterinary Hospital has been serving the community, providing essential and emergency services to pets in need seven days a week. the hospital is certified in basic and Advanced Life Support, a vital tool for animals in critical need, according to Cherie Scheurich, Director of Community Outreach and Client relations. “We do referrals from all the local vets, so if your dog needs surgery in the moment, they can be sent to our practice.”
Certified, ensuring a mission of alleviating anxiety and stress. Absecon Veterinary Hospital is a proud community partner of AtlantiCare, one of the region’s largest healthcare networks and employers.
t heir facility is also accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and is Fear Free
SEPTEMBER 20 - 22
Annual Irish Fall Festival
SEPTEMBER 20 - 21
Fall Classic Car Show
SEPTEMBER 27 - 28
Monsters on the BeachMonster Truck Beach Races
SEPTEMBER 27 - 28
Olde Time Italian Festival
SEPTEMBER 28
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
OCTOBER 4 - 6
The Race of Gentlemen
OCTOBER 4 - 6 Wildwood RV Show
OCTOBER 5 Run the Crest
OCTOBER 18 - 19
Wildwoods ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Weekend
OCTOBER 25
Drinks and Drag Halloween Show
OCTOBER 26
Greater Wildwood Elks Haunted House
OCTOBER 26
North Wildwood Trunk or Treat and Halloween Block Party
NOVEMBER 2
5 Mile Beach Half Marathon, 10k, and 5K
NOVEMBER 3
Wildwood Wedding Expo
WILDWOODS ISLAND SHUTTLE - LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US Jitney Service from Diamond Beach to Olde NJ Ave...and everywhere in between! ~ Download the Free Jitney Surfer App ~
Don't fall for coin cons, scams and cheats
By Douglas Keefe of Beachcomber Coins
’ve written several times about avoiding coin scams that occur when companies take out large ads promoting special, limited edition coins and sets. And t V infomercials are another source of bad deals for the unsuspecting public. people bring these in all the time and are greatly disappointed to find they are worth a fraction of what they paid. but, some customers with currency this last weekend reminded me of what was a real low-key scam that probably netted the perpetrators a windfall years ago.
On Saturday, a couple came into the egg Harbor township office with a collection that was her dad’s, also with an envelope containing “ barr bills”. Neither knew what they were or why he had saved them.
A little background, and then the scam: the terms “ barr dollars" or " barr bills” refer to the one dollar bills signed by Joseph barr who was Secretary of the treasury from Dec. 21, 1968 until Jan. 20, 1969, the shortest term of any Secretary of the treasury. His signature appears on series 1963- b one dollar
bills. remember, currency is dated different then coins with the date representing when the design was first used and the suffix letter added and changed every time a treasurer or Secretary of the treasury changed and had their signature applied. Although barr was in office for only a month, there were 458 million notes printed with his signature. (that’s a lot of paper).
Now for the scam: t here was a lot of publicity regarding barr’s short tenure in office. Naturally people feeling notes with his signature would be valuable, started hoarding them in anticipation of a big payday. Well, to fuel that activity, some enterprising individuals (that’s a fancy name for crooks) took out ads in the classified section of newspapers around the country under the “Wanted to buy” section offering to pay up to $1000 for Joseph b arr
signed dollar bills. to obtain a list of b arr dollars and the price that would be paid, people were to send $5 for the list. to the best of my knowledge, either lists were not sent or else the lists contained description of notes that did not exist, hence no payments were ever made and someone received a lot of $5’s for lists that were worthless. However, knowing offers were out there to pay for barr dollars, even though no one ever benefited from those ads, this perpetuated the opinion that barr dollars were valuable. Sixty years later the legend persists.
So, do barr dollars have any value whatsoever? A retail price of an uncirculated note for someone who wanted an example for their collection would be around $2.00 to $2.50. A star note (remember a star note is a replacement note for one that was faulty and has a star at the beginning of its’ serial number) will be in the $4.00 to $5.00 range, neither of which are budget busters. As for barr dollars that have been used, just go ahead and spend them as they have a negligible premium value.
Kitchen, Bathroom
Renovations
SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?
TRUSTED SINCE 1949
By Eric Reich
There has been a lot of talk lately about the government forgiving student loans. For those hoping for it to be a financial windfall, don’t hold your breath. It is incredibly unlikely that student loans will ever be forgiven for the masses.
In my opinion, they shouldn’t be either. this creates a moral hazard for those who took the loans, but why on earth should someone who didn’t go to college be saddled with the debt/ future tax burden of loan forgiveness for those who did? And please don’t compare it to personal protection program (ppp) loans during the pandemic because they are completely different issues. ppp loans were to prevent an entire economic collapse
of the country, and student loan forgiveness is for a select few with little to no immediate economic impact.
I certainly understand the arguments in support of it. If people didn’t have these loans, then they would have more money to buy a house or spend to stimulate the economy. this is purely hypothetical, and young grads without debt aren’t buying homes either, so the argument doesn’t hold up well.
the real reason mass student loan forgiveness is unlikely to happen is because nobody who wants to get reelected is likely to get behind this. It is just too politically volatile.
If loan forgiveness isn’t likely to happen, then what can we do to lessen the burden? employers are able to make payments under the CAreS Act up to $5,250 per year towards an employee’s student loans.
An even better option falls under the Secure Act 2.0. this option is one that many people have never heard about. t he Secure Act 2.0 allows you to make Qualified Student Loan payments (QSLp) and have your employer match those payments to your 401(k). It is as if those payments that you make towards your student loans were made to your 401(k). this way, you still get to save for retirement while paying off your student loans. It’s the best of both worlds. You are getting out of debt and saving for retirement at the same time. this includes student loan payments (for the current year) for yourself, a spouse or a dependent (assuming you are legally obligated to make payments). this new provision goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. For the employer, these contributions still follow the 401(k) rules for vesting and eligibility. this doesn’t just apply to 401(k)s. It also includes SI mpLe I r As, 403(b)s and 457 plans as well.
this plan benefits everyone. employees start saving earlier, which is crucial for maximizing the compounding effects of interest. t his could add up to a huge difference when these younger workers reach retirement. they also don’t have to choose between saving for the future and paying off debt. employers may be more likely to attract and retain their employees. Helping employees retire on time can save employers in benefits costs, sick time, and more. there are several considerations. For example, the amount you pay towards the loans reduces the amount you can contribute to the retirement plan overall. So, talk to your CpA
before you start. talk to your employer or 401(k) plan provider about the student loan match option, or feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FIN r A/SI pC. 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. t his is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific invest-
ment 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.
Explore the world of dog sports: scent work
By Heidi Clayton
All of my dog show friends are obsessed with the fastest-growing sport in the AKC called scent work. Scent work involves using a dog's natural ability to sniff to find hidden smells in a variety of situations. Any dog can participate in an AKC scent work trial regardless of mix. training a dog to do it is a great way to bond with your dog and mentally stimulate their brains.
Scent work involves training your dog to sniff out cotton swabs that are soaked in one of four essential oils. the oils used are birch, anise, clove, and cypress. A cotton ball is then soaked and hidden in small metal tins for your dog to find. Your dog is trained to sniff the tins out and to indicate to you that they have found the scent, at which time the handler tells the judge that the scent
has been found. there are two divisions of trials: the Odor Search Division, which involves sniffing out hidden essential oils; and the Handler Discrimination Division, where the dog searches for the scent of the handler. Handler discrimination is an advanced skill. trials are timed events and are scored with either a qualifying or a “q”, or non-qualifying “non-q.”
Scent work trials involve container searches. this includes the tins being hidden in boxes, suitcases or briefcases. these searches are conducted inside and outside. Sometimes the scents are buried. When your dog gets a “q” at a trial, they are working their way towards the titles of Novice, Advanced, e xcellent, and master.
sharp is to try scent work games by getting a kit or making your own and teaching your dogs to sniff on cue.
Scent work has become so popular that you can buy a premade scent work kit off of Amazon to begin training your dog on finding the scented oils yourself at home. training your dog to sit and stay can become boring for the dog and the handler. A great way to bond and keep a dog's brain
I have worked with many rescue dogs from the South that appear to be hound mixes who are shy and scared. playing scent work games with them has not only helped them bond with their owners, but also helped them become more comfortable with their environment. putting their nose to the ground to accomplish the task of finding a scent leads to more confidence. It also can show
them the world is not as scary as they think. trials for AKC scent work are so popular that entry spots fill up within minutes of being posted. Anyone I know involved in the sport loves watching their dogs progress to the next level and is amazed at how brilliantly the canine nose works. If you’d like to get involved in scent work, visit https://www. akc.org/sports/akc-scentwork/.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, 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
Top reasons to purchase a home in the fall
Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
As we have wrapped up the 13 weeks of summer, the children have now gone back to school and we are getting back to fall routines, autumn breeze and autumn leaves. the majority of buyers assumes that they will be unable to find a house that fits their needs during the fall, hence the mad rush during the spring and summer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are many reasons why, as a buyer, you should disregard the myths and make a fall real estate purchase.
Star of the Show
crisp. the majority of warm-weather buyers may have already found a home, meaning in some cases, as a fall buyer, you may have less competition for the available homes on the market that spark your interest.
Exhaustion is Real
the real estate market starts to clear out as soon as the weather turns
Not every home on the market has multiple bids and sells immediately. Countless showings may make for a tired seller. After a few months on the market, lingering summertime sellers may be ready to sell, and this
may put you as a buyer in a better position to negotiate a price that fits your budget.
Home for the Holidays
Fall is the perfect time to house hunt. It is a wonderful time to get into your new home just in time to celebrate and enjoy it with the family for thanksgiving and the holiday season. Sellers are delighted to have a quick closing, and as a buyer, you are able to use this time crunch to your advantage.
Season of Savings
After settling on a new home, furnishing it is certainly next on your list. Fortunately, December proves to be an ideal time to purchase large-ticket items. According to Consumer re -
ports, appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers are at their cheapest. As a buyer, you can also snag great deals on furniture and home decor during end-ofyear sales. If you are serious about moving, there is no reason to wait until spring. With just a little patience and persistence, you can be in your dream home before the holidays. m ortgage interest rates are the lowest they have been in months, creating savings opportunities. New inventory is coming on the market every day.
pumpkin spice makes everything nice!
For real estate information and advice, contact elisa Jo eagan, the “ real e state Godmother,” at 609703-0432. Learn more at www.therealestateGodmother.com.
Shore Local Trivia
Test Your Knowledge of Cape May
The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort
1. Cape May was named after:
a) Cornelius Jacobsen mey
b) the month it was discovered
c) Captain t homas may
d) the mayflower ship by Christopher Columbus
2. What US service base trains recruits in Cape May?
a) Navy
b) Coast Guard
c) National Guard
d) Army
3. The quartz pebbles collected on the beach called:
a) Sandstones
b) beach Gems
c) Sea Sand
d) Cape m ay Diamonds
C. het rominadep
b . Victorian. m ost were built in the mid to late 1800’s. 5. C. Lewes, Delaware 6. b . Washington Street allm
4.What architectural style dominates the historic town?
a) Colonial
b) Victorian
c) Classical
d) American Craftsman
5. The Ferry takes passengers across the Delaware Bay to:
a) Wilmington
b) philadelphia
c) Lewes
d) rehoboth beach
6. What is the main shopping area in town?
a) Asbury Avenue
b) Washington Street mall
c) Shore mall
d) bayshore Outlets
7. The walkway along the beach is called:
a) the boardwalk
b) the Seawall
c) the promenade
d) Oceanway
A. Dutch captain, Cornelius Jacobsen ey.m Due to a misspelling on the original paperwork, Cape “ ey”m be -
Lost in Cape May County
SUDOKU
Solution on page 90
ACROSS
1. Fountain order
5. Christian minister, abbr.
8. betelgeuse or Deneb
12. Isaac's firstborn
13. Senegal's neighbor
14. Nobody (2 words)
15. bangladeshi currency
16. Chopin's creation, e.g.
17. Like thick smoke
18. *Greek goddess in 1995 Woody Allen movie title
20. *mars, to the Greeks
21. Ooze out
22. edible tuber
23. *poet of "Aeneid" fame
26. *"pair of writing tablets"
30. Outrage
31. A small part
34. european currency
35. Jousting pole
37. b & b
38. Sunni religion
39. et alibi, abbr.
40. Newspaper VIp
42. First woman, biblically-speaking
43. return of disease
45. Washer, during a certain cycle
47. Last month
48. belittle
50. taro plant
52. *Athenian Acropolis tourist attraction
56. Anticipate
57. black-and-white cookie
58. Small european freshwater fish
59. *#18 Across, to romans
60. big cat sound
61. Future atty.'s exam
62. Work units
63. tight one, in football
64. Sunrise direction
DOWN
1. Facebook owner
2. Quickly, acr.
3. Hundred thousand, in India
4. Sahara's berber people
5. r in r e m
6. Wash out with solvent
7. Workbench holding device
8. *plato's famous teacher
9. ripped
10. black tropical cuckoo
11. *Not black-figure, but ____-figure
13. Spacecraft's detachable unit
14. W.e b Du bois's org.
19. Oxygen-containing compound
22. *Olive derivative
23. more reprehensible
24. About to explode
25. Kidney-related
26. exertion
27. Christmastides
28. Have a hankering
29. *poet of "Iliad" fame
32. Ocean motion
33. "Wheel of Fortune" request (2 words)
36. *"I, ____"
38. Like bushmills whiskey
40. boston time
41. *Demosthenes of Cicero
44. Land parcels
46. Conifer's leaf
48. New York Jets' quarterback
49. bakery offering
50. pitcher
51. "Shoot!"
52. minute opening
53. Civil space org.
54. #22 Across, pl.
55. Left after deductions
56. map abbr.
See Solution on Page
THEME: GREEKS AND ROMANS
Understanding Weight Gain in Postmenopausal Women: Causes and Remedies
Women's health and wellness
with Rachel Guevarra
Menopause brings many changes to a woman's body, including shifts in hormone levels, metabolism, and overall health. One of the most common challenges faced by postmenopausal women is weight gain, particularly around the midsection. this stubborn belly fat can feel frustrating, but understanding why it happens and how to address it can help women regain control of their health and well-being.
Why Postmenopausal Women Gain Weight
1. Declining Estrogen Levels
e strogen, a hormone that plays a critical role in regulating body fat
distribution, declines significantly during menopause. b efore menopause, estrogen helps to keep fat stored in areas like the hips and thighs. As estrogen decreases, fat storage shifts to the abdominal area. this change in fat distribution leads to an increase in belly fat, contributing to the common complaint of weight gain in the midsection.
2. Slower Metabolism
With age, metabolism naturally slows down. t his means the body burns fewer calories at rest, leading to weight gain even if dietary habits haven't changed. postmenopausal women may find that they need fewer calories than they did in their younger years but may not adjust their intake accordingly.
3. Loss of Muscle Mass
As women age, they also experi -
ence a natural decline in muscle mass, a process known as sarcopenia. Since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, losing muscle mass further contributes to a slower metabolism and an increase in body fat. t he reduction in muscle also makes it harder to stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Increased Insulin Resistance postmenopausal women are more likely to develop insulin resistance,
which affects how the body processes sugar. When insulin resistance occurs, the body has difficulty using glucose for energy, causing it to be stored as fat, particularly around the abdomen.
Remedies for Postmenopausal Weight Gain
While the challenges of weight gain during and after menopause are real, there are practical solutions that can help postmenopausal women manage their weight, improve their health, and feel better in their bodies.
1. Focus on Nutrition
Adjusting dietary habits is key to managing weight in postmenopausal women. Here are some nutrition tips: - Increase protein Intake protein is essential for preserving muscle mass, especially as muscle loss accelerates with age. Include lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, beans, and plant-based protein in
diet to support metabolism and muscle repair.
- eat m ore Fiber
A diet rich in fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes feelings of fullness, preventing overeating. Incorporate vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes into your meals.
- Limit Added Sugars and refined Carbohydrates
Foods like white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks can lead to blood sugar spikes and contribute to fat storage. Opt for whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice, and choose natural sweeteners like fruit.
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for digestion and metabolism. Dehydration can slow metabolism and increase hunger, leading to overeating. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
2. Prioritize Strength Training
Strength training is one of the most effective ways to combat the muscle loss that occurs after menopause. Lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups helps preserve and build muscle, which in turn boosts metabolism. Aim for at least two to three strength-training sessions per week.
resistance training using resistance bands or light dumbbells can also be highly effective, especially for women new to strength training. building muscle helps the body burn more calories, even at rest, making it easier to manage weight.
3. Incorporate Cardio Workouts
Cardiovascular exercise is important for heart health and burning calories. Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and low-impact aerobics are great for postmenopausal
women. try to include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week.
For those who enjoy more intense exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIt) can be a great option. Short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest can maximize calorie burn in a short amount of time, while also improving cardiovascular health.
4. Manage Stress Levels
Chronic stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, a hormone that contributes to fat storage, especially around the midsection. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help regulate cortisol levels and prevent additional weight gain.
Weight gain during postmenopause can be challenging, but it's not inevitable. by understanding the changes that occur in the body and making mindful adjustments to diet, exercise, and stress management, postmenopausal women can maintain a healthy weight and improve their quality of life. the key is to focus on gradual, sustainable changes that promote overall well-being.
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.
The Cosmic Connection with Ursula Duffy
Horoscopes for Sept. 19 – 25
♈ Aries: It’s been a journey in recognizing the distribution of your energy between yourself and your relationships. the scales may swing more toward the latter this week with an emphasis on open lines of communication.
♉ Taurus: States of equilibrium require constant checks and balances.
be sure to tend equally to presence in your waking life and reflection on your dreams.
♊ Gemini: From where do your creative ideas come? A realization of the interplay between independent and collaborative ideas may begin to take form.
♋ Cancer: Your own basic needs are as important as your work, your home and your family. A little extra emphasis on self-care can lead to an overflowing sense of replenishment.
♌ Leo: t he dynamic between the short-term and long-term may be highlighted this week. t ime focused on integration is just as important as experiencing adventure and exploration.
♍ Virgo: What belongs to you personally, and what you’ve gained through another has been an ongoing theme for a while. A perfect seesaw exists when there’s equal weight on both sides.
♎ Libra: the classroom of life has been teaching you how to shed tendencies to people-please and keep the peace at the expense of yourself. Letting go of what’s unfair to you is still in the lesson plans.
♏ Scorpio: Shining light in the dark is what allows you to see beyond the shadows. Allow hidden parts of yourself to thaw and become part of your being.
♐ Sagittarius: b eing open to new relationships can stoke inspiration. b roaden your own horizons through what others teach you about yourself.
♑ Capricorn: b ig changes may require more rest than usual. As balance becomes a theme this week, give yourself enough private time to restore a sense of peace in your public life.
♒ Aquarius: Knowledge and philosophy gained through experience can benefit your local community. e xplore new ways to contribute more to what
exists in your immediate surroundings.
♓ Pisces: release of other people’s “stuff” from your space and awareness can feel like a weight has been lifted. Increasing your own sense of confidence and independence is what matters most.
Weekly summary:
t he Autumn equinox arrives this week when the sun shifts into the sign of Libra on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8:44 a.m. twice a year at the equinoxes, the cosmos demonstrates a perfect balance between day and night, light and dark. these are always times of recognizing the connection to balance and equilibrium in our own lives. Since July of last year, there has been an extra emphasis on this theme, with a focus on identity, self, independence and release of relationships and anything that disturbs our own sense of peace. this year, the Autumn equinox arrives in the middle of an eclipse season, which can create even more emphasis on changes occurring related to the overarching theme. See the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific information. If you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can learn more in my info/tutorial video on our Sea Goddess Healing Arts Youtube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.
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
