SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | October 24, 2024 by Mike Kurov

Cozy Sectionals

Divine Dinettes

Blissful

Howl-O-Ween celebrations

From the Editor

When the kids were young, I delighted in finding whatever costume their hearts desired, going to parties and watching them march outside their elementary school. All that changed abruptly in the teen years, but they still enjoyed a good costume, haunts, and of course, all the candy that came with Halloween.

One day, though, it ended. the girls had gone to college, and my son was no longer interested. that’s when I turned to my dogs. t hat first year, my dogs were decked out in Superman capes. It was adorable until my coco decided to play tug-of-war with callie's cape. My dynamic duo became a caped disaster.

the next year I tried a black bat costume for my lab and a lion's

mane for my golden retriever. coco looked mildly offended by the whole bat thing, and callie? Well, let’s just say the lion’s mane had a lifespan of about five minutes before it was unceremoniously rolled off and chewed up.

It turns out that dogs are a bit particular about their fashion. Anything on their heads? Nope. I quickly learned that a simple, slip-on, t-shirtstyle costume is about the only thing my picky pups would tolerate.

enter my latest fur baby – a little white Westie. My mom's beloved dog, b itty, whom I "co-parent," is surprisingly cooperative compared to her stubborn “sisters,” and happy to ride in a stroller donning a candy corn fairy dress.

Last weekend I had the honor of judging the Northfield b usiness Association’s first-ever dog costume parade. My dog-loving heart was overjoyed. b ut do you know how hard it is to judge a parade where every dog is adorable? It’s practically impossible.

the creativity on display was out of this world. One couple dressed as hippies, complete with their little pooch sporting dreadlocks. Another fan favorite had a dog in a beetlejuice

O ce - (609) 788-4812

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

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

Publisher Assistant - Julia Train

Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch, Julia Train

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

Web Designer - Holly Martin Social Marketing Manager - Benjamin Howard

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 by Jamie Robertson

costume, with the owners matching. the effort people put into these costumes is inspiring – and absolutely hilarious.

Historic Smithville also held its own spooktacular dog parade, and the creativity was just as jaw-dropping. Make sure you flip over to the gallery of contestants on page 14 to see the whole furry affair for yourself. And don’t fret, dog lovers. If you missed out on last weekend's dog parades, Ocean city’s Howl-oween festivities are coming up this weekend, with a parade and special

permission to bring your dogs onto the boardwalk – something you rarely see. So, leash up your pups and join in the fun!

Let’s not forget that Halloween can be a bit overwhelming for our furry friends. between doorbells ringing non-stop and the very real danger of chocolate, it's important to keep your pets safe. Flip to page 24 for some helpful tips on how to keep your dogs calm and secure this spooky season. b e sure to check out our events listings packed with Halloween fun. For more adult entertainment, check out Whitney’s Picks in the entertainment section, highlighted in yellow. It’s the season of fun, so grab your costumes (even if you’re the only one in your household still excited about it) and enjoy all the festivities.

So, as you dive into the Halloween chaos — whether it's putting a costume on your dog, raiding the candy stash, or dodging skeletons — just remember: the best part of Halloween is letting loose and having fun. And if your dog rips off that costume? Well, that’s just part of the tradition.

Happy Howl-O-Ween!

Peace & Love, Cindy

New Jersey is in drought, and it’s getting worse

By Joe Martucci

Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Digital Meteorologist

On Oct. 17, the New Jersey Department of environmental Protection issued a drought watch for the entire state. It came the same day that the United States Drought Monitor, a federal product under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reported that 60% of New Jersey now met drought conditions.

the state and feds are in agreement: It’s dry. It's been dry and it’s close to impacting our normal way of life.

A number of us are enjoying this very long stretch of sunny days and clear nights. It’s been perfect for outdoor events. And, come time for the weekend, it’s been downright warm. You can’t ask for much more to draw

Haunted Tours and a Paranormal Investigation

in people to our Jersey Shore during the shoulder season. I don’t want to lose sight of that because I’ve loved this endless blue sky as well. However, we do need the rain, and multiple days of it. Otherwise, our day-to-day life will look different in the near future.

State v. Federal Drought

If you are wondering, what the differences between a state or a federal drought, think of the United States Drought Monitor as just the facts. they’re using weather and ground conditions to determine if an area is in drought. If we are in drought, they break down what stage of drought we’re in (there are four). they update their maps every thursday. the state’s drought is a policy put forth by the state Department of environmental Protection. they’re applying the data of the drought monitor, as well as using their own data, to make a plan.

NJDEP Drought Watch Explained

the New Jersey Department of environmental Protection has placed ↘Continued on 8

the state under a drought watch. that’s the second step of four possible state water supply actions. the purpose of a drought watch is to bring more awareness to the issue that it’s been dry for a while and our water supply is being stressed.

Usually, there are no mandatory water restrictions put into place. that’s true here, as only voluntary water restrictions are in effect.

“While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry periods such as New Jersey has been experiencing for much of the summer and into early fall,” environmental Protection commissioner Shawn M. Latourette said. “Voluntary water conservation now can help to avoid more serious and restrictive measures in the future.”

the previous drought watch in New Jersey occurred from August to December of 2022.

U.S. Drought Monitor Status

After reviewing rainfall, groundwater and agriculture data, 59.4% of New Jersey’s land area is in drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor’s Oct. 17 update. this included the Atlantic and cape May county coastal areas, our Shore Local region, for the first time.

this is a 23% increase from the Oct. 10 update – a big gain.

As of the Oct. 17 update, drought conditions are present from the Delaware b ay on north to Monmouth, Mercer and Hunterdon counties. the South Jersey coastal area is in the first stage of drought, which is called moderate drought.

In all, 3.3 million New Jersey residents are in drought. the northern parts of the state are in a pre-drought stage known as abnormally dry conditions. However, western Atlantic county, eastern b urlington county and southern Ocean county are in the second stage of drought known as a severe drought.

Drought began in the state, according to the drought monitor, with the Sept. 10 update. this was a small part of northern Atlantic and eastern burlington counties.

Impacts So Far

In addition to voluntary water restrictions, we’ve seen a number of high wildfire danger days. As the sunshine dries out more of the ground every day, the crisp air makes the Pinelands more susceptible to a blaze, and the breezy days we’ve seen can spread it around. this very dry weather has also impacted fall foliage. the colors are less vibrant than usual this season, a result of the trees not getting the nutrients

they need to create those vivid hues. On the plus side, the sunny days and cool nights at least are making the colors turn out.

Farther north in the state, reservoir levels are low. the Manasquan reservoir in Monmouth county made news on Oct. 17 for being at 58% of capacity, according to the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. that was a record low, according to NJ.com.

t hankfully, though, the impacts have been fairly low so far. With the growing season over, we’re not irrigating the land for crops. Furthermore, we’re past the high water usage season of summer (think lawns, water parks, pools, etc). If there were ever a good time to be in drought, this it.

How Dry Has it Been?

bone dry. there are so many ways to classify how rain-free it’s been, I’ll list a few below.

the most recent measurable precipitation was Oct. 1 at Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic city and Oct. 2 at Atlantic city International Airport, according to NOAA. When this Shore Local issue is published on Oct. 24, that will mean we’ve gone 23 and 22 days in a row without rain, respectively. that’s the longest dry streak since Sept. 16 to Oct. 8, 2007 in Atlantic city. At the airport, that’s the lengthiest since July 29 to Aug. 26, 2006.

the most recent rainfall with more than a quarter inch of rain is Sept. 27. Out of the 17 community collaborative rain, Hail and Snow Network (cocoraHS) volunteer weather observing stations in c ape May and Atlantic counties that have reported nearly every day since Labor Day (Sept. 2), 15 of them have logged in less than an inch of rainfall.

How Long Will it Last?

the drought will get worse before it gets better. No significant rainfall is expected through the end of October. A few showers will be possible on Oct. 28, but that won’t help our drought situation.

I would expect the United States Drought Monitor to expand that severe drought – the second stage of drought – in the Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 updates as a result.

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

Cape May County legislators discuss proposed flood elevation rules

By Steffen Klenk

Last thursday, members of the Ocean c ity r egional c hamber of c ommerce heard from county legislators about proposed rulings and issues that would affect businesses and the greater community at large. State Senator Michael testa Jr. and Assemblyman Antwan Mc c lellan spoke about changes to the state’s minimum wage to $15.49/hour, effective Jan. 1, along with policies surrounding energy, offshore wind and the environment. “We have to have a much more realistic conversation about what our businesses need,” testa says.

One of the biggest issues discussed included the potential impact of the New Jersey Department of

environmental Protection’s (NJD eP) new rule for resilient environments and Landscapes (reAL), formed after the signing of e xecutive Order 100. the order, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2020, established the New Jersey Protection Against climate threats (NJPAct) initiative. According to the D eP website, the regulatory effort would aim at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making built environments more re -

silient to the impact of climate change.

c ape May county officials say the new rules would not only increase construction costs for public and private projects and put distress on low- and moderate-income families, but would impact development opportunities for affordable housing, impact ADA access, and expand flood hazard areas, leading to a decrease in development. Mcclellan says realtors, contractors, and seniors need to be concerned. “If you sell your home, you (may) have to raise an additional five feet.”

Meetings are being held to discuss the new D eP rules and their potential impact on county residents. A town hall is scheduled to be held at Ocean city Yacht club, 100 b ay road, on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

During the meeting, Ocean city Mayor Jay Gillian was honored by legislators for his devotion to business.

Gillian is the former owner of Wonderland Pier, which ceased operations earlier this month.

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

State Senator Michael Testa Jr.

During the meeting, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian (center) was honored by legislators for his devotion to business.

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan

Spencer’s is reinventing itself once again with Spirit Christmas

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

We are fortunate to have a wonderful corporate neighbor like Spencer's.

t his great company was first called Spencer Gifts when it started as a mail order novelty business in 1947 in easton, Pa. It moved to Atlantic city in 1960 where they experienced tremendous growth.

t heir first retail store opened in 1963 at the cherry Hill Mall. the theme was to offer unique novelty items exclusive to their store. the company headquarters is located at 6826 black Horse Pike in egg Harbor township.

Similar to many businesses, their model has changed, along with the

ownership of the company. In 1990, Spencer Gifts closed the mail order part, in an effort to focus on retail. It has been known as Spencer’s since 2003.

today they are proud to say they have over 670 retail stores located throughout the United States, canada and Puerto rico. However, recently it was announced that the company will be closing about 40 stores that are underperforming.

You have to give a lot of credit to the company which has been able to survive and remain profitable in this challenging retail environment.

As part of an ongoing effort to reinvent themselves, the company acquired Spirit Halloween in 1999. this resulted in a unique “pop-up” retail concept which has grown to over 1,100 stores. It’s a win-win situation for the retail center owner and Spirit, whereby Spirit opens only for the season of Halloween and closes for the season shortly thereafter until

the next season.

If the owner of the space finds a permanent retailer, then the Spirit moves on, but the owner loves it because it fills the space and creates a tremendous amount of traffic to the site. Spirit is said to produce half of Spencer’s revenue.

In an age of retailers closing, it is refreshing to see innovative concepts reinventing the retail space. the company is now testing a new concept of 10 pop-up locations in the Northeast including consumers Square in Mays Landing. All of the stores are being transformed from Halloween locations to Spirit christmas.

Deck the Halls with Spirit christmas, the newest holiday retailer with 10 exciting pop-up stores, will be starting this November and December. each store offers a unique shopping experience brimming with a vast assortment of holiday décor, apparel, inflatables, gifts and stocking stuffers. Guests can meet Santa for

their annual christmas card photo and receive a free digital postcard featuring you and Santa.

Sometimes in these challenging times, it’s tough to find Santa in the malls. At Spirit christmas you can wander through a life-sized gingerbread village, where you can mail your letter to Santa at the North Pole and find out whether you’ve been naughty or nice. Simply put, bring yourself and your family to enjoy this joyful holiday experience. For a list of the new stores near you visit www.Spiritchristmas. com.

Spencer’s seems to be a model for all of us in the business world. You have to constantly review your methods of operation and determine what is working and what is not. Don’t be afraid of change. You have got to grow or you go.

Spencer’s is nearing completion of its new corporate addition, which will raise the capacity of its egg Harbor township headquarters to approximately 700 people in addition to their nearly 10,000 nationwide employees. thank you, Spencer’s, for being a great corporate neighbor.

Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

Northfield Business Association hosts first annual Dog Costume Parade

The Northfield b usiness Association hosted its first-ever Dog costume Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20 at congregation b eth Israel. Dog owners and their pets gathered for a fun-filled afternoon, with prizes awarded in categories such as toy, medium, large, and best in show.

Many owners wore coordinating costumes with their pets. One family dressed as hippies, complete with a dog in dreadlocks. Another group stood out in matching " beetlejuice" costumes. the event was marked by creativity and enthusiasm.

DonutNV served as the event's food vendor. Northfield Veterinary center, an event sponsor, had a veterinary team on site to provide information and care if needed. HG Workshops offered an art activity for dogs, and a selfie station was set up for attendees.

Organizers and participants agreed the event was a great success, with hopes of making the Dog costume Parade an annual tradition.

Photos by Steffen Klenk

“I proudly endorse Commissioner Maureen Kern for re-election this year. Our partnership is delivering results for the residents of our great county.”

Dennis Levinson Atlantic County Executive

Protecting Taxpayers

Economic Development

Creating Jobs

Responsible

EHT High School JROTC sets Oct. 27 car show to raise money

By Stephanie Loder

The egg Harbor township High School Air Force

J rOtc cadets are marching toward their financial independence with a planned Oct. 27 car show fundraiser.

the car show is a first-time event for the high school J rOtc , a 501(c) (3) organization.

It is open to the public, all car makes and models, and kicks off in the high school bus parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with trophies being awarded at 1 p.m.

the car show is open to any type of vehicle and will be held rain or shine. the entry fee is $10.

Drivers who want to compete for a trophy must be parked by 8:30 a.m.

and should use the main school bus lot at the main entrance of the high school.

Spectators can park in the athletic field parking lot and food vendors will be available.

t he car show is also a way to spread the word about the J rOtc unit, and to help educate people about the program, said spokesperson JrOtc cadet colonel Amie-Lynn King, 17, a high school senior.

b y the end of the year, the 65-member J rOtc group wants to raise $10,000 for their booster club account, and $5,000 in a separate school account, King said.

“ by next year we want to be able to stand on our own two feet without needing to do a million separate fundraisers,” King said.

the high school JrOtc cadets are guided by Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) Major Jaine Del rio (ret.) and Aerospace Science Instructor (ASI) Senior Master Sergeant. Joseph Valentine (ret.) t he Air Force provides some funding.

However, finances can add up

TIRE AND SERVICE EXPERTS

to operate the high school J rOtc program.

It costs the group $175 each time they use a township school bus for a trip, King said.

the trips, she said, are beneficial to cadets learning more about the area where they live.

“We take these kids on trips. A lot of them haven’t seen Philadelphia or the Liberty bell,” she said.

J r Otc is for the high school level and provides scholarship money for cadets going to college.

In college, students can join the rOtc (reserve Officers' training corps) which is a leadership training and development program for students that prepares full-time, college-enrolled students for service opportunities in the Army, Marine corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force.

J rOtc planned a Spirit Night from 5 – 8 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the chick-fil-A at english creek Avenue and black Horse Pike in cardiff and a car wash from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at the cardiff Volunteer

tickets for the car wash cost

Anyone can stop and get their car washed and pay the donation on the day of the event.

“It’s a family,” said King, who plans a career in American Sign Language interpretation. “I don’t think I could trade it for anything and I am not sure how I am going to leave this family behind when I graduate.”

c adets plan visits to the 177th Air National Guard Fighter Wing in egg Harbor township and the 108th Wing of the Air National Guard at Joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. they want to take a trip to Kalahari Indoor Waterpark and Ski resort in the Poconos as their senior trip.

“We run solely off of fundraising,” King said. “We need money to keep our organization going and provide community service. We go places and have hands-on experiences that help our unit thrive.”

to purchase a ticket for the car wash, contact the J rOtc by messaging them on their Facebook page, “ egg Harbor township High School Air Force J rOtc Nj-20222,” or by calling the rOtc office at the high school at 609-653-0100 ext. 2695 or ext. 2654.

Fire Station 2 on english creek Avenue at Atlas Avenue.

$10.

Events and Happenings

Multiday Events

Scullville Terror in the Junkyard

▶Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 27, 7-9 p.m.

Flemings Junkyard, 353 Zion

Road, Egg Harbor Township

It’s the final weekend of terror in the Junkyard in 2024. Don’t miss one of South Jersey’s most haunted attractions. Hayride tickets are $15 each, maze tickets are $10 and combo tickets are $20 per person. $2 discount for military and first responders. Skip the ticket line and purchase tickets online at www.scullvillefire. org/hayride. For daily updates and weather information, call 609-9272588 and choose option 3.

Dog Days in Ocean City

▶Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ocean city boardwalk

Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk this weekend. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their favorite furry canine friend. Saturday will include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society of Ocean city’s Pet of the Year announcement. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

‘The Night Side: A Ghost Story’

▶Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse, 738 bay Ave.,

Somers Point “ the Night Side” is a psychological thriller where Sherlock Holmes obsesses over the mysterious death of edgar Allan Poe. His chilling encounters with the Ghost of Poe reveal a horror more shocking than Poe’s own tales of terror. Opens Nov. 2 and runs weekends through Nov. 9. tickets are on sale at www.gatewaybythebay.org.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

▶Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m.

Ocean city Music Pier 825 boardwalk

Presented by the Ocean c ity theatre company. this production will feature students in Seventh-12th grades. t his adaptation of the best-selling book “ t he Lightning t hief” by r ick r iordan features a thrilling original rock score and action-packed mythical adventure. For

tickets and information, visit www. oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Thursday, October 24

Ocean City Halloween Parade

▶7:15 p.m.

Asbury Avenue, Sixth-11th St.

Sponsored by the Ocean city e xchange club. For more information call 1-800-813-5580 or visit https:// ochp.blogspot.com.

Friday, October 25

Fall Concert Series at Ocean City Library

▶7 p.m.

Ocean city Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join OcFPL for their free weekly concert series. this week, enjoy a live performance by the Fabulous Silver Wings. concerts will be held in the chris Maloney Lecture Hall. Use the entrance closest to Seventh Street. For more information, visit www. oceancitylibrary.org or call 609-3992434.

Saturday, October 26

Smithville Monster Bash

▶10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Historic Smithville, 615 e . Moss Mill road

Photo by Donald Kravitz

celebrate Halloween with Underground and Historic Smithville. there will be live music, pumpkin carving and painting contest and special guest appearance from Horror Queen Genoveva rossi. Plus, sign up for their costume contest for a chance to win cash prizes. the contest begins at 4 p.m. More information is available at www.facebook.com/MonsterbashNJ.

South Jersey Walk to End Alzheimer’s

▶10:30 a.m.

Ocean city civic center, Sixth St. and boardwalk, Ocean city registration opens at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Promise Garden ceremony at 10:15. the walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Sign up or learn more at http://act.alz.org.

Line Dancing at the Library

▶11 a.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join the library for a Saturday morning of line dancing, a great way to get your mind and body moving. c all 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.

HSOC Howl-o-Ween Parade

▶3 p.m.

Ocean city boardwalk, Sixth-14th St.

Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean city. contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season. registration opens at 2 p.m. at the Sports and civic center. the procession will start at Sixth St. and the boardwalk at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Halloween Costume Skate

▶4 p.m.-Dusk

Ocean city Skate Park, Fifth St. and Asbury Ave.

All are invited to come dressed for the holiday. there will be prizes for the best costume and best trick, along with candy for the participants. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.

Somers Point Trunk or Treat

▶4:30-6:30 p.m.

corner of Harbor and bay avenues

Join the Somers Point Police Department for their annual trunk or treat event. this is a free community event. Family friendly costumes are encouraged; no dogs allowed. the department will be accepting toys to help kick start the department’s holiday toy drive.

Reels on Wheels in Upper Township

▶7 p.m.

Amanda’s Field, 1091 route 50, Petersburg

enjoy a free movie event for the whole family and watch the film “ twisters” on the big screen. Gates

open at 6 p.m. the event is free to attend. registration is required. Visit www.capeassist.org/events to sign up.

Paranormal Investigation at Absecon Lighthouse

▶8 p.m.

31 S. rhode Island Ave., Atlantic city

Join the New Jersey researchers of Paranormal evidence (NJ rope) for a public investigation. tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the door.

Sunday, October 27

Ventnor City’s Halloween Fest

▶11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ski b each Dorset and b urk avenues

Ventnor city Special events celebrates the spooky season with a full day of activities including pumpkin crafts, movies, food trucks, crafters, music by the Vecc band and a parade and kids costume contest. registration for the parade opens at 11:30 a.m., the parade begins at 12:30, followed by an awards presentation. Prizes awarded in multiple categories, including scariest, best DIY, most creative, best group and overall.

Witches Day Out

▶Noon-5 p.m.

Historic Smithville, 615 e . Moss Mill road calling all witches. come dressed in your favorite witch outfit and enjoy a day full of activities, specials and lots of fun. t his year will include a scavenger hunt, raffles and prizes. Plus, take in a day full of shopping and scary good deals, along with treats and discounts for anyone wearing a witch’s hat. For more information, call the Smithville Inn at 609-652-7777.

Linwood Fall Festival

▶4-7 p.m.

All Wars Memorial Park

Mark your calendar for Linwood board of recreation’s Fall Festival. the event will feature food trucks, a trunk or treat, face painters, games and other activities, along with a biergarten benefiting the Linwood education Foundation (LeF). contact claudia at ckaufelds@linwoodcity. org for questions and more information.

Egg Harbor City Halloween Parade

▶6:30-9 p.m.

Philadelphia Ave.

the annual egg Harbor city Halloween Parade is back for 2024. the festivities begin at claudius Street, proceeding down Philadelphia Avenue, Arago Street and Liverpool Avenue. Visit www.eggharborcityhalloweenparade.com for updated information and the full parade route.

↘Continued on 20

Monday, October 28

We Walk Somers Point

▶8:30 a.m.

Somers Point city Hall, 1 W. New Jersey Ave.

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.

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

▶7 p.m.

Gregory’s, 908 Shore r oad, Somers Point

Join the South Jersey Jazz Society for an evening of live music featuring tom Angello on the drums, Matthew r otker-Lynn on guitar and b rian charette on the organ. Non-members are $20 at the door, Jazz Society members$15.

Tuesday, October 29

Brigantine Trunk or Treat

▶6-7:30 p.m.

b rigantine community School Parking Lot, Sheridan Place come out for a night of costumes, music and candy. Meet members of the brigantine community while showing off your costumes. Hosted by the brigantine chamber of commerce.

Ocean City Library Halloween Fest

▶6-8 p.m.

Ocean city Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join OcFPL for a full evening of festivities, including games, candy, stories, crafts, dry ice station and more. All ages are welcome at this free event. costumes encouraged. 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. call 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.

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. Kick up your heels or just listen to good music with good company.

Wednesday, October 30 Positivity Project joins the Mindful Movers

▶9-10 a.m.

Newport Ave. beach, Ventnor Start your day in an upbeat way.

e xplore mindfulness, gratitude and meditation followed by a stroll on the Ventnor b oardwalk. c are for your mind, spirit and body. rSVP by Monday, Oct. 28 by contacting tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Mays Landing Halloween Parade

▶6:30-9 p.m.

Main St. and route 50 be among thousands entertained by the array of costumes, floats and performances. Hosted by the rotary club of Mays Landing, the parade has something for everyone of all ages. the parade is scheduled to begin at Intex Millwork, traveling east down Main Street, traveling to War Memorial Park and concluding at Shaner School. Visit www.mayslandinghalloweenparade.com for updated information.

Spooky Tales at Somers Mansion ▶7 p.m.

Somers Mansion, Somers Point Grab a lawn chair and join the Patriots at the Somers Mansion for this free event. Gather around the bonfire as local author Scott Macom shares his spooky Jersey Devil tales from his book “Devil Leeds.” Plus, pick up a signed copy of his book after the event. Snacks will be available for purchase. the bonfire will start at 6 p.m., the talk will begin after dark.

Photo credit: Donald B. Kravitz

Thursday, October 31

Halloween Bingo

▶6:30 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

try your luck at bingo. Available for all ages. c all 609-487-7403 to register or learn more.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Flemings Pumpkin Run

▶8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Flemings Junkyard, 353 Zion road, egg Harbor township

One of South Jersey’s largest automotive, antique engine and tractor shows returns in 2024. the 27th Annual Pumpkin run will include hundreds of show cars and trucks, engines and tractors, a flea market and plenty of great food. registration at the gate is $15 per car. No pets. For more information, visit www.flemingspumpkinrun. com. rain date: Saturday, Nov. 9. Trail of Two Cities 5K/Walk

▶8 a.m.

Ninth St. bridge in Ocean city to Somers Point

this unique point-to-point race travels from Ocean city to Somers Point with spectacular views along the causeway. t he race will begin at Ninth and Haven beginning at 8 a.m., traveling along the eastbound lanes of the causeway, concluding at Kennedy Park in Somers Point. registration is open at www.ocnj.us/raceevents or by calling 609-525-9317.

Misty Meadow Fall Festival

▶Noon-4 p.m.

Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy, 100 Dennisville Petersburg road, Petersburg enjoy pony rides, sheep shearing, music, face painting, vendors and Ludlam Island b rewery quenching your thirst.

Health and Wellness

Living in the Moment Group

▶Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Mental Health Association of Atlantic county, 4 e . Jimmie Leeds road Suite 8, Galloway

Slow down and spend an hour with like-minded people working on developing gratitude, self-love and other character traits that encourage mindfulness. Weekly meetings include meaningful discussions, camaraderie and a group activity. For more information, call 609-652-3800 ext. 0306.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and thelma Lane, Mays Landing

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

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

▶thursday, Nov. 7, 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. Meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth thursday and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. contact Gail christian at 609-652-3800 ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.

NAMI Family Support and Connection

▶Monday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph’s catholic church, 606

Shore road, Somers Point

Hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). the Family Support Group is peer led for families, caregivers and loved ones of individuals with mental illness; connection is a recovery support group for adults 18+ living with a mental health condition. 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.

Lung Cancer Screening Event

▶Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.-noon Shore Medical center 100 Medical center Way, Somers Point

Shore Medical center, a member of the Penn Medicine cancer Network and Advanced Shore Imaging Associates are working together to offer free screenings and consultations provided by Shore Physicians Group. If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 years of age and a current smoker or have quit smoking in the last 15 years, a low dose ct scan may be right for you. call 609-653-3440 for your appointment.

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

The Steadman Group Has YOU Covered..

..From Mystic Island to Stone Harbor!

Levinson questions court ruling to further delay PILOT decision and deny millions to taxpayers

100 E Faunce Landing Rd, Absecon

NEW LISTING!

Listed for $425,000!

Open House Sun 10/27 from 11-1pm

Price JUST dropped an with a total price improvement of $15k!

This is a beautiful 2 bed 2 bath condo with an over-sized primary bedroom

Off-street parking for two cars!

Each owner has their own outside shower and storage shed!

Large covered front porch!

Low Maintenance Exterior!

To arrange your private showing please contact Margaret at 609-703-9093

Open House Sat 10/26 from 11-1pm

Beautiful 3 Bed 2 Bath home with In-Law Suite in Absecon by the Bay!

Unique 1915 Vintage Bay Block Single

Family Home on 50 x 200 lot BONUS!

Adjacent 50 x 200 Lot is Included

Preserving the Privacy and Tranquility that this Home Offers

To arrange your private showing please contact Margaret at 609-703-9093

3401 Ocean Ave, Brigantine

Perfect for guests or a home office Situated in the prestigious Regency Towers For more info call Michael Walsh at 609929-6582

Whata Spooktacular Price!

FIX UP SPECIAL! ASKING $299,000!

Don’t miss this opportunity! One bedroom condo, just steps to the beach! in a small friendly complex!

Contact Margaret @ 609-703-9093 for more info!

Winter Rental:

323 44th st s #10, Brigantine

At $1,200 a month this unit is available September through May!

First level one bedroom unit in the popular Islander complex on the south end of the island

Call Margaret @ 609-703-9093 to schedule your showing!

Yearly Rentals:

113 N Cambridge Ave-Triplex, Ventnor

Call Margaret @ 609-703-9093 to schedule your showing!

After waiting more than two years for a decision from the New Jersey Superior court’s Appellate Division, the Oct. 21 unpublished opinion to vacate two previous decisions in the PILOt lawsuit is a travesty, according to Atlantic county e xecutive Dennis Levinson.

the Appellate court did not disagree with the earlier decisions of Judge Joseph Marczyck and Judge Michael b lee that found the State of New Jersey had violated a 2018 consent Settlement regarding casinos payments to Atlantic county in lieu of taxes, noted Levinson. “It only questioned the process.”

“ the Appellate court never indicated the trial court made a mistake, but rather the procedure was flawed because it relied on certified legal affidavits as opposed to sworn testimony. I am told that in 99% of similar cases, certified affidavits are the norm, not the exception,” he stated.

“ this appears to be yet another tactic to delay an inevitable decision. but what I find most disturbing is the unnecessary burden and cost to our taxpayers. We have spent a small fortune to fight for what is rightfully ours. In 2018 we reached a $30 million consent agreement in our favor. And we are currently owed more than $14 million for years 2022 through 2024.”

“Does anyone find it strange that despite having more than 700 salaried lawyers in the Attorney General’s Office, the state hired the firm of the former c hris c hristie-appointed, U.S. Senator Jeff chiesa, to fight its battle? Are we to believe there is not one competent attorney on the state’s payroll they could entrust with this case instead of going to outside counsel? Imagine that bill. It could easily be in the millions and growing.”

“ t he longer this drags on the more costly it becomes. the people of Atlantic county are getting ripped off,” said Levinson, “and I’m not going to stand for it.”

“casinos are an economic boon to the entire state. Why should Atlantic county taxpayers single-handedly be responsible to pay the tax break for casinos?”

“Former Governor chris christie remarked, ‘Atlantic county can afford it,’ early on in the PILOt dispute

based on the facts that Atlantic county is very frugal, has a decent surplus and is run extremely well. While I appreciate the compliment,” said Levinson, ”I don’t understand the logic. Why should we be penalized for doing a good job in holding down taxes and debt? Why should Atlantic county bear the burden of casino taxes if casinos are beneficial to all counties in New Jersey? We’re the second poorest county in the state. How is that fair?”

Levinson also questioned the Appellate court’s issue with “ambiguity” in the previous cases. “ this issue was never raised before now. the state never indicated any problem with our affidavits. Why would this be brought up now, if not only to ensure further delays and costly litigation?”

“ the fact is three highly respected and experienced judges (Judge Julio Mendez presided over the 2018 consent Settlement) found nothing ambiguous about the settlement or the parties’ intent,” stated Levinson. “Instead, the Appellate Division decided to ‘punt’ and give the state another bite at the apple by citing an ambiguity where none existed and ask for yet another hearing with a fourth judge.”

" t his could have been settled two years ago, but the state refused to ever speak to us despite calls for both parties to mediate,” explained Levinson. “It is extremely unfortunate that the State of New Jersey has such little respect for the citizens of Atlantic county.”

“How much longer will Atlantic county taxpayers be denied millions of dollars in casino tax payments that help fund essential social service programs for our residents?” he asked.

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson

Taylor Swiftinspired Airbnb opens in Absecon

Fans of taylor Swift can now experience an enchanted stay with the grand opening of a new taylor Swift-inspired Airbnb in Absecon. t his uniquely themed four-bedroom, three-bathroom home celebrates the spirit of taylor’s musical talent, creative spirit and storytelling, offering guests the ultimate taylor experience at the Jersey Shore.

the homeowners, Kyle and Ashley tress, partnered with a local Airbnb co-host when they purchased the home in spring 2024.

“Fearless,” “1989,” “Lover,” and “Folklore,” each designed to reflect the mood and aesthetic of the album and ‘era.’

Guests can enjoy the lyric-inspired decor, custom artwork including a moss-covered mini-piano suspended from the ceiling and six makeup vanity stations.

“We wanted to create a space that celebrates the magic of taylor Swift while providing an unforgettable experience for friends and families to gather together to make memories for a lifetime,” said Krista baum, the Airbnb host.”

“We knew with the Airbnb being located in Absecon we needed a way to attract guests and stand out from other Airbnbs in Atlantic city and neighboring beach towns,” said Kyle. “After our first meeting with our Airbnb host, she proposed the idea of a taylor Swift-inspired theme based on our mutual interests and we all decided to run with it!”

t he Airbnb features four bedrooms inspired by taylor’s albums

Located just a short drive from Atlantic city, this Airbnb is perfect for Swifties looking for an enchanted experience inspired by taylor’s various ‘eras’ and albums.

t he property also offers amenities such as a pool, a basketball court, a pool house with a wet bar and a grill pavilion. the home can also be rented for private events.

to celebrate the launch, the first five guests to book a stay through Airbnb will receive a complimentary “Swift Suite Welcome Gift,” including exclusive locally curated merchandise.

Booking Information:

the taylor Swift-inspired Airbnb is now open for reservations. Guests can book their stay through Airbnb: Swift Suite at evermore estate.

AESTHETIC SERVICES

BOTOX & JUVÉDERM FILLERS

FACIAL SKIN RESURFACING & TIGHTENING

COOLSCULPT ELITE, EMSCULPT NEO & EMSCULPT ULTHERAPY, COOLPEEL CO2 LASER, TATTOO REMOVAL

COOLSCULPT ELITE, EMSCULPT NEO & EMSCULPT ULTHERAPY, COOLPEEL CO2 LASER, TATTOO REMOVAL EMSELLA - URINARY INCONTINENCE

EMSELLA - URINARY INCONTINENCE

FACIAL VEINS & PIGMENTATION

HYDRAFACIAL, MICRONEEDLING & RADIOFREQUENCY

LASER HAIR REMOVAL, DERMAL PLANNING & VI SKIN PEELS

*Conditions apply to payment plans

MEDICAL SERVICES

PHYSICIAN DIRECTED WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - Featuring Industry Leading InBody Full Body Composition Analysis, FDA Approved Medical Therapies including GLP-1 Medication, SEMAGLUTIDE - WEGOVY / OZEMPIC, and other evidence-based treatments, ADIPEX. LOOSE FAT AND IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH NOW!

BIO IDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

BIOTE CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN DIRECTED HORMONAL TREATMENT

PROGRAM - Designed to help MEN & WOMEN Suffering from the Aging Process - LOW TESTOSTERONE, PERI MENOPAUSE, MENOPAUSE, THYROID DYSFUNCTION, & NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES.

BIOTE CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN DIRECTED HORMONAL TREATMENT PROGRAM - Designed to help MEN & WOMEN Suffering from the Aging Process - LOW TESTOSTERONE, PERI MENOPAUSE, MENOPAUSE, THYROID DYSFUNCTION, & NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES.

SEXUAL WELLNESS FOR MEN & WOMEN

GOOD SEX = HAPPY & LONGER LIFE - Learn how MEN & WOMEN can reclaim the passion, improve relationships and become healthier featuring GAINSWAVE and Regenerative Therapies, P/O-Shot.

Dr. Hernberg, a Board-Certified Physician Specializes in Helping Individuals Optimize their Health, and Appearance with Evidence Proven Medical Therapies. Serving South Jersey for Over 20 Years.

TomorrowsWellnessCenter.com

Keep Halloween howling-free: How to help dogs get through the holiday

By Heidi Clayton

Halloween can be fun for some dogs and absolutely terrifying for others. Scary decorations, costumes, and an endless stream of scary people coming to the front door for candy can be hard on some dogs. So, let’s discuss keeping dogs safe during trick-or-treating.

For starters, you care more about your dog wearing a costume than your dog does. before dressing your dog up, consider your dog's temperament and if they will be comfortable wearing a costume. try doing a test run of your chosen costume before taking your dog trick-or-treating. Make sure to have plenty of treats on hand to make wearing the costume a pleasant and rewarding experience.

ensure that their vision, breathing, and movement are not obstructed. If your costume of choice stresses your dog out, ditch it and opt for a seasonal bandana or collar.

If you are hosting a Halloween party, make sure you think about how your dog will handle having free ac-

3120 Fire Road, Suite 100, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ

Phone 609.317.0801 kap@djd.law djdlawyers.com

cess to a table stocked full of treats and candy. chocolate is, of course, off-limits to dogs; when consumed in large quantities, it can be toxic. In addition to chocolate, artificial sweeteners like xylitol are highly toxic to dogs. If your dog is a counter surfer, make sure that they are going to be closely supervised or put them away with a bone to chew on while the party goes on. I always questioned why people gave raisins out on Halloween, but if your child gets a box of raisins in their loot, you also need to keep them away from dogs as they can cause kidney or renal damage.

If the doorbell ringing normally sends your dog into hysterics, imagine how hard it will be on them to handle a steady stream of excited children in costumes yelling, “ trick or treat!” consider the real possibility of your dog bolting out of the door when opened and jumping on people or worse, running away. If there is any chance of either, consider crating your dog for the night or keeping them on a leash. Also consider if children will want to pet your dog and how your dog will handle being approached by a child in a costume.

If you would like to take your dog along when going trick-or-treating, consider your dog's leash manners before doing so. If your dog pulls you when there are very little distractions, expecting them to walk nicely and not be overwhelmed with costumed children running about may be asking too much of them. can you reasonably manage your dog and child (or children) in a crowd of excited trick-or-treaters? Is your dog fit enough to walk the long trick-or-

treat walk? If not, leaving your dog at home with their own Halloween treat for the night would be smartest for all of you.

It is OK to involve your dog or puppy in Halloween festivities if they are able to handle the excitement level that comes with it. Happy Halloween from the staff of Four on the Floor Dog training!

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

Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net

Skip The Line and Buy Online

Tacos for trick-or-treat night

Walking Tacos for Witches, Werewolves and the Walking Dead at your house

By Lisa Zaslow Segelman

Even though my kids are grown, I remember and cherish those trick-ortreating evenings. I also remember the challenge that dinner presented on that spooky night.

In search of a quasi-healthy meal before the costumed crowd heads out, pillowcases in hand in search of candy, I offer up a festive, fun idea. I call this recipe, Walking tacos for Witches, Werewolves and the Walking Dead.

More often than not, Halloween falls on a school night with the classroom party and school parade afternoon. even if moms and dads have the afternoon off from work, dinner can be catch-as-catch can: cold pizza or the real horror, candy on empty little stomachs.

Walking tacos is a compact, portable meal that can be eaten with a plastic fork while standing up in the kitchen, in the family room or on the front steps. Your trick-or-treaters can dine on Walking tacos as they head out the door for round two, or back home after hitting all the “good houses” in the neighborhood.

If you’re thinking that those tacos will crumble and the filling tumble out in the tumult of costumes and excitement, here’s the good news: Walking tacos don’t have shells; the “shell” is a mini bag of Doritos or your taco chips of choice. You simply prepare and assemble all of the ingredients for Walking tacos, set out an assortment of toppings, and give every ghost, goblin, princess or mini-taylor Swift a snack bag to create their own dinner on the run.

If Halloween day is too busy, you can make the taco meat a day or two before, chop and assemble the other ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. the toppings will last for a few days, and the meat for four or five. On Halloween night, heat up the taco filling of your choice (beef, chicken, turkey or sauteed vegetables) in

OCEAN AQUARIUM

Visit our new location n in Norrthfield! 201 Tilton Road in Lonndon Square (609) 272-0660

Visit our new in Northfield! London 272-0660

l Tropical Fish

l 200 0 tanks of Freshwater & Saaltwater Varrieties

l Aquariums & Supplies

l Frienndly, Knowledgeaable Staff Fish 200 tanks Freshwater Saltwater Varieties & Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff

the oven at 300 for 15 minutes, or microwave for 4 minutes in a microwave-safe dish.

Make a fun Halloween buffet with a seasonal tablecloth and decorations and designate it taco central. Once kids and guests make their Walking tacos, they need to be eaten right away or the chips will get soggy. Meat can be served in a crock pot to keep it warm for serving seconds. before you can say, bOO, little tummies will be full and ready for some sweet treats.

Walking tacos are a good trick for you to have in your repertoire as the cleanup is easy and leftovers make for a Happy Day After Halloween for you.

Walking Tacos for Your Witches, Werewolves and Walking Dead Prep and cook time: 60 minutes Serves 8 (Double the recipe if necessary for your group of goblins and ghouls)

Taco Filling Ingredients:

● 2 tsp. olive oil

● 2 medium onions finely chopped

● garlic cloves, minced

● 2 tsp. dried oregano

● 2 lbs. ground turkey, beef, chicken or vegetarian: rice & beans or sauteed vegetables

● 16 oz. tomato sauce

● 2 tsp. brown sugar

● 2 tsp. salt or to taste

● Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until it shimmers.

2. Add onions and cook on medium heat until soft, 5-8 minutes. Add seasoning mixture, garlic and oregano and cook for one minute.

3. Add crumbled ground turkey, beef or chicken and cook on medium heat until cooked through, but not overdone, about 10 minutes.

4. Add brown sugar and tomato sauce and cook until thickened on low heat for 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Walking Tacos

Once the meat filling has thick-

↘Continued on 28

↘Continued from 26

ened, open the bags of corn chips. Divide the filling mixture between the opened bags and then let family and guests top their bags with the toppings of their choice – cheese, sour cream, salsa, green onions, etc. Walking tacos should be eaten right away.

Walking Taco Topping Ideas

● chopped iceberg lettuce

● chopped fresh tomatoes

● Shredded cheddar/Mexican blend cheese

● Sliced jarred jalapenos

● Diced bell peppers

● Pico de Gallo, also known as “salsa fresca”

● (chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and lime)

● Salsa (difference between salsa and Pico de Gallo is that salsa is typically blended)

● Guacamole or cubed avocado

● Sour cream

● Sliced green onions (scallions)

Taco Seasoning from Scratch (Optional)

Ingredients:

● 2 tbs. chili powder

● 3 tsp. cumin

● ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

● 1 tsp. coriander

● 1 ½ tsp. paprika

● 1 tsp. salt

● 1 tsp. cornstarch (optional)

● Fresh ground pepper Mix the salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a bowl and set aside. Add to cooking taco filling at Step. No.2.

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

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm • Sat, Sun 6am-5pm

Fall for our Treats!

EHT resident releases mafia romance

Retired c ape May county technical School (cM ctS) teacher, Diane Zimmerman has released her debut novel, “ the Other Side of tenderness,” a steamy mafia love story/murder mystery. Set against the backdrops of both Atlantic city and Las Vegas, “ the Other Side of tenderness” follows the turbulent life of mafia casino owner Nick rusano, as he attempts to shield his true identity from the story’s love interest, a naive woman being stalked by a vicious serial killer. this is not a story for the faint of heart as violent scenes are depicted.

Zimmerman draws back the curtain, stealthily taking us into the inner sanctum of the gambling world and entertaining us with a colorful cast of dishonest dealers, unscrupulous tricksters, and unruly tourists. Multiple scams are gleaned from her early employment in the casino industry.

Diane Zimmerman retired from cM ct S in 2018 after serving 22 years as an exploratory teacher and substitute school nurse, but she credits her inspiration from her days growing up in Ducktown, Atlantic city’s Italian American neighborhood once historically populated by multiple infamous

organized crime figures.

“I have only fond memories of my old neighborhood. It was the safest in the city,” said Zimmerman. “ everyone knew each other, looked out for each other, and protected each other.”

“ the Other Side of tenderness” is available now.

Allowing your seeds to chill out in the garden

Let It Grow

By Tammy Thornton

Normally, when we think of planting seeds in the garden, we picture the refreshing early days of spring after we have survived another cold, dark winter. However, did you realize that certain seeds need a period of cold, wet weather to germinate and flourish? While some seeds can and should wait until after the last frost of spring, others need a time of cold to break their dormancy. Seeds of perennial plants that are native to the cold winters of the Northeast will often fall into the category of requiring a process called cold stratification. this is the cycle of exposing seeds to the cold, wet, freezing, and melting of winter, which will aid in breaking the dormancy of some seeds while softening the hard outer shells of others.

cold stratification can be achieved

in several ways. For one, you can allow cold stratification to occur naturally. Picture the current state of your purple coneflowers, for instance. Some of the flower heads have now gone to seed, and you are left with those wonderful thistle-like seed heads. If you keep a close eye on them, you may have noticed goldfinches (our state bird) balancing on the seed head while tugging at the seeds with their beaks. Inevitably, some of these seeds will fall to the ground and will be forgotten and unnoticed throughout the winter months. the seeds that are resting on the soil will be exposed to rain, cold, and possibly snow, while we are warmly snuggled under blankets in our homes. Instead of feeling bad for these poor little exposed seeds, take heart — they are going to be your star pupils in the germination class. At just the right time, they will wake up in the spring and be ready to start their journey of growth and bloom. this period of “hardship” that they have endured in the cold months will have equipped them with the best chance of reaching their potential in the garden. Who knew that coneflowers could teach us a lesson in being hopeful through hardship? If you want to trust nature

to do its work, plant seeds requiring cold-stratification directly in the garden in the fall. but wait until cold weather is here to stay, or your seeds will germinate prematurely.

If you are the type that wants to have a little more control over the situation, you can use other methods that will mimic the cold stratification found in nature. t he paper towel method consists of placing your seeds on a moist (but not overly wet) paper towel, inserting the paper towel into a zipped baggie, and chilling it for several months in the refrigerator. You will find different variations of this method, such as using sand or vermiculite in the bags, soaking the seeds overnight first, or differing the lengths of time that the seeds are chilling in the freezer or refrigerator. Another method that I have attempted myself and found very successful is the “winter sowing” method. the seeds are sown outside during the winter months but are planted in sealed containers such as milk jugs. Holes for drainage are added to the container and the cap is removed to expose your seeds to rain and snow. Like a miracle, at just the right time, you will see little seedlings emerge in the spring.

In addition to coneflowers, some of the seeds that will germinate more successfully after cold stratification are: lupine, milkweed, goldenrod, bee balm, lavender, false indigo, blackeyed Susan, columbine, money plant (honesty) and poppies. Years ago, I wrote an article called “Sowing Poppies in the Snow” when I discovered that you can sprinkle poppy seeds over the snow, and they will begin to grow in the spring after the snow melts. tulips and other spring bulbs follow this same principle of needing a period of cold to cause them to bloom in the spring.

If you aren’t sure which seeds

need cold stratification, check the backs of seed packets. Some of them will indicate that it will take two seasons before the flowers bloom, and others will plainly state that the seeds need cold stratification. If you have planted certain seeds in the spring or summer and were disappointed be -

Read your seed packet carefully, and you will see telltale signs like “365 days to bloom”. These types of seeds should be cold stratified.

cause the flowers did not bloom that year, they might just be waiting for a cold winter. You can cheat the system and speed the process by planting these seeds in the fall or winter, or using a method of mimicking the cold. We would love to hear about your successes (or educational failures) in the garden. Send your comments or questions to shorelocalgardener@ gmail.com.

Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.

Coneflower seeds can become more productive with cold stratification.

A pizza restaurant that aims to please all diets

By Chef Christina Martin

In upcoming articles, I will be sharing some local restaurants that offer plant-based vegan menu items. I recently visited

roman’s Pizza House in Absecon, and they not only offer regular fare, but also plant-based, vegan options.

Owners Olga Lavreniuk and Adrian roman have a long history in the pizza business. I sat down with Olga and she shared her story.

Olga came to the United States from Ukraine and met Adrian who was from romania. they worked at trump Plaza Hotel and casino in Atlantic city for Sbarro restaurant and learned the pizza business from Jerry Sbarro and Angelo balbo. they had been working there for

10 years when trump Plaza closed. they loved making pizza and so they decided to start their own business.

In 2014 Olga and Adrian opened roman’s Pizza House in North cape May and some of their former coworkers from the casino came along with them.

the business was doing very well, but the commute became tougher when they started having children. In 2018 they opened their second location in Absecon and sold the original location in North cape May. In 2020 during the pandemic, they had their third child and their business survived with takeout and delivery orders.

While they were building a suc-

Making these changes had a profound impact and her daughter who started meeting her development benchmarks. Ultimately the autism diagnosis was reversed.

She was fortunate that making these dietary changes had such an impact. While learning to live with dietary restrictions, Olga noticed that at some events such as birthday parties, there were children who could not partake in cake, ice cream, pizza – the standard birthday foods, because of their allergies.

She didn't want to see them miss out on events because there was nothing for them to eat, so she decided to make additions to her menu

cessful business, their 3-year-old daughter was having an allergy to milk and was not hitting the normal benchmarks for her age. She was ultimately diagnosed with autism, a diagnosis which would shake up any parent. even today you can see the emotion in Olga’s eyes while she tells her story.

After receiving the news about their daughter, she knew she had to do something. After a lot of research, she made some dietary changes including eliminating dairy and gluten. It was a huge learning curve for Olga as this was all new to her, but as a mother she wanted to help her daughter in any way she could.

at the pizza shop so there was something for everyone when families, and groups, came in and someone had an allergy.

It was a learning curve, beginning with her daughter’s diet, to make foods that didn't include dairy or gluten. b ut Olga rose to the challenge to help her daughter, and then to add these options to their menu.

In March 2024, Olga and Adrian attended the 40th International Pizza expo in Las Vegas. It was there where they were introduced to plant-based vegan options such as Violife vegan cheese and eat Meati.

↘Continued on 34

Pasta with Beyond Meat available with gluten free pasta too

Gluten free /vegan crust, veggies, sauce and plant based vegan cheese

At the same time Janine riggins, a retired teacher, vegan, and a customer, started consulting with Olga and helped her learn more about vegan products and worked with food purveyors to find the best substitutes for meat and dairy. riggins, who improved her health by making dietary changes, is a compassionate vegan.

“Helping restaurants add vegan menu items is a labor of love,” she said.

Olga started testing out the products with Janine as taste tester. Many of these dishes have been added to the menu. the most popular menu items are the spinach and broccoli Stromboli with vegan cheese, and the Grandma's pizza which is a square pie with vegan mozzarella, dollops of red sauce homemade by Olga’s mother, basil, olive oil, oregano and garlic. the “chicken” Alfredo is another popular dish with customers. Olga said people have brought the pieces of faux chicken back believing it was real chicken.

eat Meati is the closest to real chicken that I have ever seen in my many years eating vegan. Another story Olga shared was about an employee of a business in the neighborhood who does not eat meat, so he purchased a pizza with faux bacon. When he got back to the shop the

employees ate it not knowing it was vegan. they could not believe after eating it that it was not real bacon. It was that good.

On my visit I tried the gluten-free penne with vegan meat sauce. It was delicious. the homemade sauce hugged the pasta perfectly, with chunks of tomato and just the right balance of sweetness. the faux meat is beyond Meat crumble, which from personal experience, makes the best homemade Italian meatball. I also tried the gluten-free pizza crust with veggie toppings and Violife cheese. roman’s has a lot of fresh toppings to choose from so you can do

any combination you like. You can have regular pasta with the meatfree and dairy-free toppings. Olga will create whatever combination to fit your dietary preferences.

She is also very careful to avoid cross contamination, using rice flour under all the pizzas, both regular or gluten-free, to minimize contact in the pizza oven.

If you are vegan, you know the struggles of dining out and not having a good vegan dessert besides sorbet. Order the vegan banana cake and you cannot even tell that it is gluten-free as well. the banana cake is topped with a creamy coconut whip. It is go -

ing to be hard not to drive by on my way to work and not stop for a piece. Family meals are meals that serve up to six people are available that include an entree, salad, garlic knots and either spaghetti or penne. Order ahead and pick up for a convenient weeknight meal. Also, Janine is working on a Veganuary event to be held at roman’s in the new year. Veganuary is a month-long commitment to going vegan and lasting the entire month of January.

roman’s Pizza House has something for everyone and puts quality first. If you are going out in a group and you have that one friend, sister, brother, etc., who has dietary restrictions, this is the place to go because it has all options.

Olga said it best: “I believe everyone should enjoy and have something to eat when they are out with family and friends.”

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.

Fan favorite Stromboli plant-based vegan cheese with spinach and broccoli

Toast Pink to host annual gala at The Flanders Hotel

By Julia Train

Toast Pink, a Margate-based nonprofit organization, knows that cancer treatment can be a financial burden and wants to help those dealing with the high costs.

the 501(c)(3) will host its annual gala at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean city on Friday, Nov. 8. each year, the black tie event has a different theme. Last year’s was “Havana Nights;” this year’s is “Diamonds are Forever.”

the event, which is toast Pink’s largest of the year, will include a plated dinner, an open bar, music by the e xceptions, an auction and raffle items.

Joe Girallo, a thyroid cancer survivor, will be the guest speaker. He’ll be talking about how it affected him and his family and how his life changed after.

“Not everybody's as fortunate as I was. I had wonderful benefits,” said Girallo. “I was lucky. I'm a 10-plus year survivor.”

Aria Mazer, one of the nonprofit’s founders, found Girallo through her sister, who cuts his hair.

Girallo found out he was sick during a doctor’s visit after experiencing a sore throat that wouldn’t go away for six months.

“Finally, my endocrinologist one day was feeling around in my throat… when she pressed on my throat very hard, I couldn't breathe and, at that point, she felt the tumor in my throat,” he said.

Girallo said he rushed himself right to surgery, which was followed by taking a radiological pill instead of chemotherapy because of the location of the tumor.

the thyroid gland is vital for producing hormones. “It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. It helps to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream,” according to the National Library of Medicine.

Mazer and Joseph Orazi co-founded the nonprofit in 2012, fueled by the

experiences of people around them.

For Mazer, it was her friends who had needed some help. Orazi’s daughter survived cancer.

Now, the 501(c)(3) helps individuals and their families who have unpaid expenses, such as medical, mortgage, rent, utility, insurance, or car bills. the organization even helps with paying for groceries or transportation to treatment.

the nonprofit has a team of 10 volunteers who work to assist its applicants with affording chemotherapy, transportation, housing, durable medical equipment and bridging the gap of uncovered medical expenses. the process of receiving aid from

the nonprofit is simple. First, apply on its website, then there’s a vetting process. Once approved, the charity can then help you.

Since the crew is 100% volunteer, over 80% of the proceeds are sent to the applicants, while the other 20% goes back into the organization to hold fundraisers, Mazer told Shore Local in November 2023. besides the dance party and the gala, Mazer also facilitates small-scale events to fundraise in her hair salon, Avant Girl, like giveaways with help from other Margate businesses. the nonprofit hopes to bring in at least 200 guests to the dance party. tickets are $150 and can be purchased at toast Pink’s website: www. toastpink.org.

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

Photo credit: Toast Pink Facebook

Tony Grant’s Stars of Tomorrow: When kids ruled the Boardwalk

By Bruce Klauber

There’s nothing new about the concept of a talent show or talent contest presented on television, radio or elsewhere. t he long-forgotten Major bowes instituted the idea on radio in 1935 as “ the Original Amateur Hour” and it was consistently top-rated in the years it ran. Among its talent discoveries was a singing group called the Hoboken Four. One of the four youngsters in that singing group was named Francis Albert Sinatra.

Upon bowes’ passing in 1946, ted Mack took over the hosting duties, and two years later, “ t he Original Amateur Hour” was broadcast on television. It ran, on various networks and in a number of different time slots until 1970. Among those who got their start on Mack’s show were Gladys Knight, Ann-Margaret and Pat boone.

While Mack presented nothing but amateurs, Arthur Godfrey took a slightly more professional route with “Arthur Godfrey’s talent Scouts,” which ran from 1946 through 1958,

first on cbS radio and later on television.

Godfrey, an immensely powerful media presence for decades, relied on pro talent scouts who presented their discoveries each week to the old redhead. Dozens of future stars first appeared on Godfrey’s program including Steve Lawrence, b arbara McNair, tony b ennett, and strange as it might seem, comedian Lenny bruce.

What b owes, Mack and Godfrey presented eventually morphed into ed McMahon’s “Star Search,” which had an incredible television run –from 1983 to 1995 – and a number of programs on the air today including “American Idol,” “America’s Got talent” and “ the Voice.”

Atlantic city’s Steel Pier presented children’s shows, actually children’s

theater, as early as 1931. In 1934, the shows were formalized when a variety performer named Dave tyson was hired to produce the shows and hold auditions. At one point, the Pier’s children’s theater was presented seven days per week, with four shows each day.

the real talent shows, though still with a theatrical orientation, came about when tyson passed and former vaudeville performer tony Grant took over, circa 1947.

“ tony Grant’s Stars of tomorrow,” as it was eventually called, was a tremendously popular daily attraction on the Pier. by the mid-1950s, there were some 45 youngsters who were a part of Grant’s performing troupe, including connie Francis (who also appeared on the Arthur Godfrey talent program) and Frankie Avalon.

Despite changing times and demographics, and Atlantic city’s ups and downs, tony Grant’s presentations remained a major Pier attraction through it all. In 1973, John S. Wilson of the New York times headed down to the Steel Pier to do a story on Grant and the show.

Author Steve Liebowitz, in his terrific book on the Steel Pier, “Showplace of the Nation: Steel Pier Atlantic city,” managed to track down the times’ feature story on Grant. It read, in part: “More than 300 kids come a week in July and August to dance, sing and play instruments at the 1,700-seat theater. With 12 acts in each show, Mr. Grant is faced with

the task of polishing up a total of 36 new acts a week.”

Grant explained to Wilson just how the auditions worked.

“At the auditions,” Grant said, “I give each act from one to four stars. I don’t really turn an act down. I just say, ‘I’ll get in touch if I need you.’ t hat way, when I need substitutes, I’ve got a good bench. All the children come at their own expense, paying for travel, lodging, food and costumes. Steel Pier pays them nothing.

“ t hese are not ordinary children. there has never been an incident with them. Nobody has ever been sent home. We have four rules. A performer is not allowed to be on the Pier in costume. A performer is not allowed to sit in the first ten rows of the theater. No chewing gum on stage. And if you’re old enough to smoke, you’re too old for the children’s theater.”

the many pieces written about music and show business through the years by the times’ John S. Wilson tended to be sharp, biting, often hyper-critical, and brutally honest, with the accent on “brutally.” What’s pleasantly surprising about his feature on tony Grant and his talented youngsters is that the piece is 100 percent positive. It seems Grant and the kiddies were even able to charm the curmudgeonly Mr. Wilson.

the latter-day Grant shows, which actually lasted until the Steel Pier closed down at the end of the season in 1978, produced only one real “Star of tomorrow.” that was Andrea McArdle, who went on to broadway fame as the star of “Annie.”

Grant was still presenting in the neighborhood of 150 kids each and every week by the end, but Grant knew that time was running out.

“I just hope we can keep ‘Stars of tomorrow’ alive once resorts takes over,” he said near the end. “ t he show just wouldn’t be the same somewhere else. Where would we go? Where could we take it?”

though tony Grant died in 1990, his “Stars of tomorrow” lives on not only at the Steel Pier. His legacy continues on television, almost every night of the week.

October 26th&27th

Open Fri., Sat. & Sundays.

What’s happening in Ocean City

Halloween events and Dog Days on the Boardwalk

October comes to a close in Ocean city with a full slate of Halloween events and the return of Dog Days on the b oardwalk. t he early forecast for the week calls for clear and mild weather, ideal for families to enjoy these annual traditions.

the fun starts with the 76th annual Halloween Parade at 7:15 p.m. thursday, Oct. 24. the parade travels a route on Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street and includes families, children and pets in costume, cheerleaders and dance teams, floats, musical entries and more.

All are welcome to watch or participate in this fun community event, which is organized by the e xchange club of Ocean city in partnership with the city. For more information or to sign up, please visit Ocean city Halloween Parade (ochp.blogspot. com).

Ocean city will welcome Vince Papale as the grand marshal of the annual Howl-O-Ween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender in 1976 when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia eagles. Not only did he make the team, but he became a fan favorite and earned the team’s “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”

26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27.

On Saturday, Oct. 26 activities will include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations and the Humane Society’s announcement of Ocean city’s “Pet of the Year.” the event will allow owners to shop for dog treats, dog collars, shoot photos with Santa and more.

Pre-registration for the Howl-OWeen Parade closes at 4 p.m. Oct. 22, and event-day registration will be open 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Ocean city civic center (Sixth Street and boardwalk). All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Ocean city. t he event is sponsored by Manco & Manco, Heritage Surf, castaway cove, JiLLy’s OcNJ, OcNJ entertainment, berger realty, Johnson’s Popcorn, the Ocean city Policemen’s b enevolent Association, Stainton’s, We Make It Personal and PHL-17. For more information and registration, visit ocnj.us/DogDay.

Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean city, the Howl-O-Ween Parade includes costumed pets and owners in a procession down the Ocean city boardwalk that starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday. the event is part of Dog Days on the Boardwalk Oct. 26 and 27, a weekend that welcomes dogs on the boardwalk, where they are usually prohibited.

Leashed dogs will be permitted on the boardwalk 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct.

Other Halloween events include the Halloween Costume Skate at the Ocean c ity Skate Park at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue 4 p.m. to dusk on Saturday (Oct. 26). Skateboarders are invited to come dressed for the holiday. there will be prizes for best costume and best trick, and candy for the participants.

Hours for traditional trick-ortreating will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. thursday, Oct. 31.

the fifth annual Halloween House Decorating Contest in Ocean city will award prizes to homes and busi -

nesses in a variety of categories. A list of participants will be posted at ocnj.us/halloweenhouse, so everybody can see the decorated homes. Judging will take place the evenings of Oct. 22 and 23.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOME NIGHT ON WEDNESDAY the Ocean city regional chamber

of commerce invites Ocean city residents to its annual Welcome Night 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean city Sports & civic center (Sixth Street and b oardwalk). t he evening provides an opportunity for residents to meet Ocean city groups, businesses and organizations.

Bill McGinnity is Ocean City’s Citizen of the Year

Bill McGinnity has spent years helping others in the Ocean city community and itt has not gone unnoticed. the chef and owner of cousin’s restaurant in Ocean city and Nobil catering and Food Services, has been selected as the 2024 citizen of the Year, the Ocean city regional chamber of commerce announced thursday.

He will be honored at the chamber’s 2024 citizen of the Year Award and Outstanding business and beautification Awards dinner on thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Ocean city Yacht club, 100 bay road.

McGinnity, a graduate of Ocean city High School, has dedicated 30 years to the restaurant business and as many years to helping others.

One of his favorite ways to give back is to help veterans. He works with Ocean city’s American Legion Post 524 and VFW Post 6650 to provide meal deliveries to veterans, shut-ins, and others in need.

He has been a part of the right Notes fundraiser for the MS Foundation for a decade, the renee Parker Monihan Foundation for two years and the tara Miller Melanoma Foundation fundraiser for seven years.

In 2022, the city of Ocean city honored b ill with a Martin Luther King Jr. community Service Award for helping the community during the

cOVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, McGinnity volunteered his time and cooking talents, while partnering with OcNJ cAre, a nonprofit organization created to help those in need from the community. McGinnity made holiday meals, which were distributed at various locations in the community.

He also worked closely with the Ocean city High School administration to orchestrate the first-ever outdoor prom on the football field.

McGinnity is also active on boards and organizations. He is a member of the Ocean city tourism Development commission, Ocean city regional chamber of commerce, president of the Ocean city restaurant Association and a board member of the epicurean Society.

For dinner reservations or to congratulate the winners in the 2024 Program b ook, please contact the Ocean city regional chamber of commerce at 609-399-1412 or email info@oceancitychamber.com.

Tremendous End-of-Season Savings

HERO Walk remembers lives lost to drunk driving

By Steffen Klenk

Hundreds gathered this past Sunday on the Ocean city boardwalk for the annual John r elliott

H erO Walk and Fun run. the annual event raises much-needed support and awareness for designated, sober driving. the appearance of thirteen

police cars highlighted the event, including a brand new car unveiled by the Ocean city Police Department. each car displays the brightly-colored H erO c ampaign logo along with a message reminding everyone to “ be a Hero. be a designated driver.”

this year’s program recognized the lives of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and showed support

for their family. Johnny was a star left-winger for the calgary Flames and columbus blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Matthew played briefly in the American Hockey League and ecHL before going on to coach high school hockey. both lost their lives tragically to a drunk driver in August.

“We want to promise you that life will go on and their legacy will go on,” said bill elliott, who founded the H erO campaign. “It’s up to all of us

to make sure they are not forgotten.” Sisters Katie Gaudreau and Kristen Venello thanked the crowd for coming out in support of team Gaudreau. the H erO c ampaign hosts various events throughout the year, including driving simulations in high schools throughout South Jersey and the H erOtini Mocktail challenge. You can learn more about the initiative by visiting www.herocampaign.org.

Autumn splendor at Beach Plum Farm

As summer fades and the autumn air sweeps through c ape May, b each Plum Farm transforms into a vibrant display of fall’s beauty and a celebration of the harvest. Just a few miles from the famous cape May beaches, this 62-acre working farm becomes the heart of c ape May’s seasonal charm, inviting visitors to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Held every Friday and Saturday evening through November, these unique dinners allow guests to enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring seasonal ingredients harvested directly from the farm, complemented by other locally sourced products. Dishes like roasted squash, cider-braised pork and herb-infused chicken are paired with fresh salads, warm bread and

If you’ve visited during the bustling summer months, you’ve already experienced beach Plum Farm’s irresistible charm, but come autumn, it takes on a new life. the farm grows more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, which are harvested for the farm’s market and served during the farm-to-table dinners that happen on-site and at its sister properties in cape May. Fall is one of the most exciting times of year on the farm as it brings a variety of fresh, seasonal produce—things like kale, leeks, brussels sprouts, pumpkins and apples all come into their prime. Visitors experience the farm at the peak of its harvest, with the fields full of late-season crops and the apple trees ripe for picking.

One of the highlights of the fall season are the farm's Harvest Dinners, where farm-to-table meals are served in the barn and bring guests together for an autumn feast. Under string lights and surrounded by the sounds of the farm, diners gather at long, communal tables that encourage conversation and connection, inviting them to bond over a shared appreciation of locally sourced, seasonal food.

seasonal local beers. Meanwhile, the farm’s seasonal menu specials highlight the flavors of fall, providing plenty of delicious options for those looking to enjoy a farm-fresh meal.

the farm store also offers a variety of locally made products, from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, allowing visitors to take a piece of the farm’s charm home with them. Whether you’re trying a seasonal menu item, enjoying a cocktail or browsing the store for unique items, fall at the farm offers something for everyone to enjoy in the crisp

autumn air.

In cape May, beach Plum Farm offers a fall experience centered around tradition, community, and the harvest season. It's not just a place to visit, but a chance to connect with nature, enjoy good food and spend time with family and friends. Whether you come for a dinner, a day or a weekend stay, beach Plum Farm offers a memorable way to appreciate the beauty of the season.

For more information, visit https://beachplumfarmcapemay. com/

fall vegetables, making the Harvest Dinners a complete celebration of the farm’s harvest.

For those looking to stay a little longer, b each Plum Farm offers overnight stays in its cottages. these cottages, tucked among the trees, provide a rustic yet comfortable retreat. With fireplaces, wooden beams and large windows, the cottages offer a cozy place to relax after a day on the farm where you can take walks through the gardens, gather fresh eggs and enjoy seeing the harvest come to life.

beyond the Harvest Dinners and cottage stays, fall weekends at beach Plum Farm are filled with activities for all ages. every Saturday and Sunday in October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the farm hosts its annual Fall at the Farm event. No reservations are needed and admission is free, so visitors can simply show up and enjoy the day. the event features pumpkin decorating, lawn games, a hay bale maze and a pumpkin patch where guests can pick out their own pumpkins to take home. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, and for parents and young adults, a bar cart offers

Sibling rivalry on display in Eagles-Bengals game

By David Weinberg

Twin brothers Sydney and chase brown will be staging the ultimate sibling rivalry when the eagles take on the bengals Sunday in cincinnati.

Sydney is in his second season as a safety with the eagles while chase is in his second season as a running back with the bengals.

there’s a good chance that Sydney might wind up having to tackle his brother.

“I think it would be sweet if (Sydney) got a cool hit on his brother,” eagles coach Nick Sirianni said.

It marks a special reunion for the brothers, who are apart for the first time in their 24-year-old lives.

chase was born at 5:33 a.m. on March 21, 2000 and Sydney arrived two minutes later.

they endured a difficult childhood

in London, Ontario c anada, moving an estimated 20 times to various homes and shelters with their mother raechel and younger sister, Mya.

the brothers moved together to b randenton, Florida for high school, then played for the University of Illinois before getting selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

“It’s been a journey,” raechel told eSPN.com. “A lot of great and a lot of not-so-great all mixed together. but everything they’ve done, they’ve done together, at the same time.”

they’ve remained together despite playing for different NFL teams. they talk on the phone daily, about football and about life.

“ that’s my guy,” Sydney said to N bc SportsPhiladelphia.com after a 28-3 victory over the New York Giants. “(chase) is almost like my therapist in so many ways.”

those conversations helped Sydney come back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in Week 18 of last season.

Sunday’s win at MetLife Stadium marked his season debut. He played 26 snaps on special teams, registering

one tackle, and had a pass breakup while appearing on defense late in the game.

chase has enjoyed an impressive season with the bengals. He enters Sunday’s game having rushed for 327 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries (5.0 yards per carry) and also has one tD reception.

If he wants to gain more yards against the eagles, he may have to get past his brother to do it.

“ this is going to be tough because it’s like a one-week breakup between the two of us,” Sydney said. “ b ut it will be all right. We’ll play the game and then afterward we’ll be back together like we never left.

“I’m excited for it because this is something we’ve been working toward since we were little kids. It’s going to be cool to have that moment with him on the field.”

Eagles on a roll

“It seems like everything is just coming together,” e agles defensive end b randon Graham said. “ everybody is just believing in one another.”

A.C. receiver sets S.J. record

Atlantic c ity High School senior wide receiver Sah’nye Degraffenreidt recently set a South Jersey record.

the rutgers University commit caught two touchdown passes in last Friday’s 54-14 victory over Hammonton to increase his career total tD receptions to 32.

According to South Jersey football historian c huck Langerman, Degraffenreidt broke the Atlantic county record for career tD receptions. t he previous mark was 30, set by 2022 Holy Spirit High School graduate elijah Stewart.

Speaking of Atlantic city and Holy Spirit, those teams will be playing for the West Jersey Football League’s

Sunday’s game marks the midway point of a critical juncture for the eagles (4-2).

t hey own a two-game winning streak after beating the browns (1-6) and Giants (2-5) and are now taking on two more teams with subpar records. After playing the b engals (3-4), they face former coach Doug Pederson and the Jaguars (2-5).

A 4-0 or 3-1 record in that fourgame stretch would leave them in strong contention for the NFc east at the midway point of the year. the birds seem to be hitting their stride, especially on defense. After a lousy effort against tampa bay three weeks ago, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s group has gone backto-back games without allowing a touchdown and have collected 13 sacks, including eight against the Giants.

constitution Division championship on thanksgiving Day.

the Vikings (6-2) and Spartans (7-1) are also among several local teams expected to qualify for the upcoming state playoffs, along with Absegami (4-4), cedar creek (6-2), Mainland regional (5-3), Oakcrest (5-3), Ocean city (5-3) and St. Augustine Prep (5-3).

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.

Courtesy Atlantic City High School

Sydney Brown to play against his twin brother

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

Immerse yourself in the variety of spooktacular weekend events. Join us as we explore the coolest ways to celebrate Halloween, from entertainment to costume parties. Don’t forget to share your epic moments with the hashtags #shorelocal, #gotowhitney and #thecitypulse.

What: cookies & cocktails

Where: renault Winery and resort

When: thursday, Oct. 24

Time: 6 p.m.

Website: eventbrite.com

Get ready to indulge in a delightful experience at renault as they present cookies & cocktails, Fall edition. their c afe La Fleur pastry kitchen has joined up with the lead mixologist at renault to present a flight of signature fall- and Halloween-themed cookies and cocktail sample pairings that will get you in the spooky spirit. b ring your friends for a fun and flavorful night out.

Who: the Jacksons, billy Ocean and the Pointer Sisters

Where: Hard rock Hotel & casino | etess Arena

When: Friday, Oct. 25

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/the-jacksons-

billy-ocean-the-pointer-sisters e xperience Musical Legends Live in concert. Mark your calendars for a spectacular evening of music and memories as t he Jacksons, b illy Ocean, and the Pointer Sisters take the stage. this is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of music history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this concert will be an unforgettable experience.

Who: Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling towards ecstasy 30th Anniversary tour

Where: borgata Hotel casino & Spa | event center

When: Friday, Oct. 25

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment/event-center/ sarah-mclachlan.html

Don’t miss a night of beautiful music

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

with multi-platinum singer and songwriter, Sarah McLachlan. experience the heart and soul of timeless classics and new hits, all at borgata’s event center.

What: eMO Halloween Night

Where: Anchor rock club

When: Friday, Oct. 25

Time: 9 p.m.

Website anchorrockclub.com

Get spooky with Arc this Halloween. DJ David earl will be spinning some of your favorite eMO songs by taking back Sunday, My chemical romance, New Found Glory, Fall Out boy and more.

What: Atlantic city ballet ‘Night on bald Mountain’

Where: c aesar’s circus Maximus theater

When: Friday, Oct. 25

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.acballet.org/nighton-bald-mountain

“Night on bald Mountain” is a short story by russian author Nikolai Gogol which inspired a musical composition by Modest Mussorgsky. t he story centers around witches who gather on bald Mountain for a party that lasts all night and ends at sunrise. Audiences will recognize the musical piece as it has been used in many movies, including “Fantasia,” “ the Wizard of Oz,” and Halloween commercials.

What: Monster bash

Where: Historic Smithville

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Website: www.historicsmithville.

com/monster-bash/ t his event is organized by Mike Spagnola, the owner of Underground. Horror Queen Genoveva rossi will be signing autographs all day, and there will be live music, vendors, pumpkin carvings, a costume contest and more.

What: Face 2 Face tribute to elton John and billy Joel

Where: resorts casino Hotel | Superstar theater

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/face-2-face-tribute-to-eltonjohn-billy-joel/ celebrate the two greatest piano men of our generation with David clark as billy Joel, and b ill connors as elton John. this stunningly accurate to each show will feature hits like “crocodile rock,” “I’m Still Standing,” “You May be right,” “Piano Man” and more.

Who: Duran Duran

Where: borgata Hotel casino & Spa | event center

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment/event-center/ duran-duran.html

Move and shout along to the timeless chants of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Ordinary World,” and “ rio” at borgata's event center.

Continued on 48

Who: Johnny Mathis: the Voice of romance tour

Where: caesars Atlantic city | circus Maximus theater

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.caesars.com/caesars-ac/shows

Johnny Mathis is bringing the Voice Of romance tour to the circus Maximus theater at caesars Atlantic city.

Who: c andace b ushnell | And Just Like that … ‘SAtc’ creator

Where: Stockton University Performing Arts center, Galloway

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Website: stockton.edu/pac

In a new one-woman show that is equal parts dramedy and memoir, candace bushnell – the international best-selling novelist and creator of “Sex and the city,” will take the audience on her storied journey to finding herself and her voice. Audience members are encouraged to dress to impress in their best couture. A cocktail reception in the Stockton Art Gallery with free appetizers begins at 6:15 p.m. A cash bar stocked with cosmos will be available for those 21 and older. tickets for the general public are $45. t ickets for senior citizens (65+) are $43.

What: It Was 50 Years Ago today - A tribute to the beatles

Where: borgata Hotel casino & Spa

| Music box

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 9 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment/the-music-box/ it-was-50-years-ago-today-a-tributeto-the-beatles.html

It Was 50 Years Ago today steps back in history as they play their own hits plus your favorite songs from the “Let It b e” and “Hey Jude” albums. this tribute to the beatles will be one that you won’t want to miss.

Who: DJ Joel corey

Where: HQ2 Nightclub at Ocean casino resort

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: hq2ac.com

Don’t miss Joel corry as he takes the stage at HQ2 Nightclub on Saturday, Oct. 26 to end Halloween Weekend with a bang.

What: ‘ Saw the Musical: the Unauthorized Parody of Saw’

Where: resorts casino Hotel | 13th Floor Showroom

When: Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27

Time: Saturday, 11 p.m. and Sunday, 5 p.m.

Website: SawtheMusical.com/national-tour

Direct from New York, SAW t he Musical the Unauthorized Parody of Saw will premiere in Atlantic city’s original casino hotel, resorts.

What: Joe Holiday Live, the Magic and comedy Hour

Where: Wyndham’s Skyline tower

When: every Saturday Time: 3 and 7 p.m.

Website: www.joeholiday.com/live check out magician Joe Holiday live at Wyndham’s Skyline tower for the magic comedy hour every Saturday.

What: Matt bridgestone’s Halloween comedy bash

Where: Showboat Atlantic city, 1st Floor Scarduzio’s Steakhouse

When: thursday, Oct. 31

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: eventbrite.com

Hosted by Matt b ridgestone (writer for the Justin bieber roast on comedy central). Matt has put together a Halloween lineup of some of the

area’s funniest including rodney Dangerfield tribute comic Hardly Dangerous, Nate b en seen at the Stress Factory and tropicana, and Mike Merk who has written for Mt V and tMZ. Plus many more. 18 to enter. 21 to drink.

Halloween Events:

What: SIN Ac: Heaven or Hell

Where: Showboat Atlantic city’s Island Waterpark

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: www.sincityac.com this year’s event will be hosted once again by popular model and influencer Jordan torres (@officialjt) and headlined by DJ caution along with five other DJs including IAmYoungHitta. there will be a lineup of sultry entertainment featuring jaw drop -

ping performances. A risque Hellfire e xotic Lounge and even a chance to win cash prizes during the costume contest, with the first-place winner receiving $2,000 and second place $1,000. Guests must be 21+ and dressed in costume or all black to enter. tickets start at $20.

What: Halloween Dance Party

Where: the claridge Hotel

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.claridge.com/ events-promotions

Get ready for a night of thrills and chills at the Vüe rooftop bar. Dance the night away with their DJ spinning your party favorites and win exciting prizes throughout the evening. enjoy wickedly delicious food and drinks all night long.

What: It’s Showtime. Josie Kelly’s Halloween bash costume Party

Where: Josie Kelly’s Public House, Somers Point

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Website: josiekellys.com/events/ category/events

It’s showtime. Grab your Handbook for the recently Deceased and join the costume party featuring the turtle Heads Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. Prizes for best costume. No cover.

What: beach rave’s Haunted Mansion

Where: Anchor rock club

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 10 p.m.

Website: anchorrockclub.com

In the darkest hour, for one night only, Anchor rock club transforms into b each rave’s Haunted Mansion - a supernatural playground with its own rhythm, where strange sounds echo from the walls and every beat reverberates a connection to those who came before. costumes are your key to unlocking the mansion’s mysteries.

What: Haunted Walking tours and a Paranormal Investigation

Where: Absecon Lighthouse

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 6 p.m.

Website: abseconlighthouse.org

Do you want to discover if Absecon Lighthouse is home to ghostly keepers that still watch over the shore in Atlantic city? Did the Jersey Devil pay a visit in 1909? come visit the Absec-

on Lighthouse to hear the true ghost stories that prompted a visit from SyFy’s “Ghost Hunters.” t he New Jersey researchers of Paranormal evidence (NJ rOPe) will be on property to help you hunt for ghosts. Plus, hear and see their eerie recordings and video taken during previous paranormal investigations. Guided tours will let you explore its rich history and experience some spooky tales. there are two different experiences. the Haunted Walking tours, 6-7 p.m. for $25, and a paranormal investigation, 8-10:30 p.m. with NJ rOPe with an actual paranormal investigation using ghost tracking equipment. tickets are $50.

What: Family Fun Night: Halloween

Pumpkin Decorating contest

Where: renault Winery

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

Time: 6 p.m.

Website: renaultwinery.com

Join renault for a hauntingly good time at Halloween Family Fun Night. Settle in under the stars in their wine and beer garden for a family friendly Halloween movie screening. there will also be a pumpkin painting station, and adults can enjoy the finest wines and beers along with seasonal treats. costumes are encouraged.

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!

The Jacksons return to the stage at Hard Rock

By Chuck Darrow

The Jackson siblings’ youcan’t-make-this-stuff-up story runs the gamut from the highest of highs (the Jackson 5’s turn-of-the-’70s

run of hit singles; Janet Jackson’s decades of mega-stardom; baby brother Michael’s culture-changing solo career) to the lowest of lows (the physical and emotional abuse by their father-manager, Joe Jackson; Michael’s child-molestation scandal and his anesthesia-overdose death at age 50 in 2009).

t heir latest rendezvous with tragedy occurred just last month as tito Jackson, 70, suffered a fatal heart attack on Sept. 15 while driving through New Mexico on a trip from california to his home in Oklahoma.

t ito was a member of the Jacksons along with brothers Marlon and Jackie. As such, it would have been completely understandable had the group’s two remaining brothers called off the rest of the tour they’d been on with t he Pointer Sisters and billy Ocean.

b ut according to Marlon Jackson, that was never an option. And six weeks after tito’s passing, the Jacksons are back on the boards, beginning with an October 25 date at Hard rock Hotel & casino Atlantic city.

According to Marlon, 67, calling it quits wasn’t going to happen because, he offered during a recent phone chat, “ that's not what [ tito] would want us to do. So that's why we’re going to continue.”

While the eldest of the five brothers from Gary, Ind. who took show business by storm in the late-1960s and went on to an unprecedented-and-unmatched (for a family) run of pop music successes won’t physically be on stage, he’ll still have a presence for his younger brothers.

“ tito won't be there, but I'm sure his spirit will be there with us,” he said. “ t he same with Michael; his spirit is there with us.”

but hasn’t the loss of one-third of the unit engendered changes in the Jacksons’ presentation? “Sure,” replied Marlon. “ but the show's pretty much gonna be the same, with [a few] minor changes. It is something that tito would want us to continue doing. So that's what we're gonna do.

“You make adjustments, but we've been doing this for so long, so adjustments are part of what comes with the territory. We make adjustments all the time.”

For Marlon, his life’s journey on such a too-often torturous road has certainly endowed in him the ability to take the hardest of punches and get up off the mat.

“As it is when you lose anybody you loved, you never get over it,” he reasoned. “ but you learn to deal with it. You learn to live with it, and each day it gets better and better and better. the same thing that happened with Michael, that's where we are right now. We're still grieving, still mourning. b ut, people will want us to [continue] our engagements and that’s what we're doing.

“So it's still gonna be a fantastic show. We're gonna celebrate, tito.”

Marlon promised the brothers’ Hard rock set will be chock-full of

signature songs like “A- b - c ,” “I Want You back” and “State of Shock,” all of which he’s been performing for decades. So, are there any tunes that he’s tired of rendering night after night, year after year, decade after decade?

“How,” he asked with a chuckle, “can you get tired of hit records?” For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.

A spook-tacular weekend

boogie Nights, the popular danceteria that revels in pop-culture nostalgia is going all-in for this weekend’s run-up to Halloween. the themed fun kicks off tonight with “Scream,” which is billed as “the ultimate 90s-2000s Halloween Party.” Friday night, the soiree is called “ boogie Of the Dead,” with the threenight celebration concluding Saturday with “the “Haunted Halloween bash.”

While the first two events will feature “best-costume” contests with a $500 prize for each, Saturday’s bacchanal boasts $3,000 in awards for winners in five different categories (the “best overall” getup is worth a cool $1,000).

Saturday and Sunday at resorts Atlantic city, they’ll be celebrating All Hallows’ eve in a more, shall we say, cutting manner as Aycee’s First casino presents “SAW the Musical: the Unauthorized Parody of ‘Saw.’” the show is a send up of the “Saw” horror-movie franchise (specifically the first installment of the gory, 10-flick series). It features three actors singing and wise-cracking their way through a program that has been described as “more funny than scary.”

And if you are looking to wet your whistle before or after the show, you can stop by boo bar, a Halloween-themed pop-up at bar One off the casino floor.

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

Miami comes to Atlantic City as Limonada debuts at Showboat

By Scott Cronick

If you haven’t been to Showboat resort over the last few years, its transformation is overwhelming. No other business in South Jersey can rival the major changes that have happened compared to Showboat.

With a $100 million waterpark as its anchor, the rest of the property has also received major love and investment from Owner bart blatstein, including room renovations, restaurant additions and makeovers, the addition of a large convention space, and the expansion of the Lucky Snake Arcade, which Showboat says is the biggest arcade on the planet that includes the largest indoor go-kart track in the Northeast.

the transformation of Showboat

resort Atlantic city continues in the form of Limonada, yet another brand-new experience on the city’s iconic boardwalk that offers a vibrant bar and restaurant experience inspired by its popular South beach counterpart operated by think Hospitality, the Miami-based management company that blatstein tapped to oversee the hotel, waterpark and all of its restaurants.

Limonada does an outstanding job bringing the flavors, energy and entertainment of Miami to Atlantic city for another great year-round dining option steps away from the beach. With its yellow-and-green color scheme, Limonada particularly shines on those weather-friendly days when you sit under an umbrella, sip frozen daiquiris – they have 12 frozen drink machines - or bottomless mimosas and enjoy stellar food with views of the Steel Pier’s the Wheel with waves splashing nearby and the beach just steps away. b ut, even on colder days, Limonada’s interior experience is certainly worth the visit.

the man behind the scenes of Limonada’s transformation is certainly

no stranger to the South Jersey food and beverage scene. Sal Spena is the director of food and beverage and event sales, and he’s doing an exceptional job not just transforming the restaurant spaces, but also changing the once negative perception of Showboat’s food and beverage product.

Spena grew up locally and gravitated to food naturally.

“I have always been surrounded by food and beverage, and I always enjoyed it and always enjoyed taking care of people,” said Spena, who went to Widener University’s School of Hotel and restaurant Management before landing positions with Marriott at Seaview in Galloway, banquet manager at borgata Hotel casino & Spa, general manager of the former robert’s Steakhouse at trump taj Mahal, vice president of sales for Shannon Family of Wines, and most recently, general manager of multiple concepts at Golden Nugget in Atlantic city, including Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse. “It was just part of being in a typical Sicilian family. everything happened in the kitchen … you weren’t allowed to sit in the den, you sat in the kitchen.”

Spena said it was think Hospitality that made him even consider leaving Nugget.

“ they manage hotels and restaurants in Miami, and this is their biggest and first foray in the Northeast,” Spena said. “ the ownership has an amazing background that includes tao in New York, so there’s no mistaking the background and the people behind think and what they bring to the table and how they are fusing Miami and New York to Atlantic city. At the end of the day, when guests are giving you great feedback, that’s where the reward is. And I hear great feedback every day.”

t hink and Spena had to do everything from changing restaurant concepts to rehiring a large amount of staff since taking over earlier this year.

“It was about getting people out of bad habits, hiring new chefs and line cooks and getting everyone on board that we are now a scratch-cooking operation,” Spena said. “cooking ev-

erything from scratch makes a huge difference, and there is an immediate impact where everything is fresh all of the time. It’s not easy, and you have to have the right people, and we went through quite a few people until got the right nucleus of employees who saw the same vision that I have – and most importantly, think Hospitality has – when it comes to making this the destination that it is. It’s very daunting because every day is pushing that ball uphill, and it can be hard. You have to love it, or it can eat you up. b ut we are seeing the positive reactions every day.”

Brunch anyone?

Limonada is located right on the city’s iconic boardwalk and is inspired by its southeast counterpart.

“ t hink developed this down in Miami in a hotel there, and it’s really a brunch concept during the day that is also an American restaurant with Mexican influences,” Spena said.

the transformation included renovating the whole front corner of the building with gorgeous green and yellow awnings, adding two bars outside, renovating the interior bar, adding new furniture, seven giant televisions and more. Additional transformations will continue through the fall, including new lighting.

“ the renovations and the colors

really make the place pop,” Spena said about the former space that was once Surf bar and then tacos & tequila. “Limonada is our signature restaurant at this point. Without really telling many people about it, people just gravitated toward it. everyone loves brunch. People rave about the bottomless mimosas. We serve them tableside with the whole setup brought right to you with the carafe of orange juice and the Limonada prosecco put in a bucket right at your table.”

Like Spena said, the centerpiece of Limonada is its brunch menu of-

fered 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. the No. 1 seller is the crispy chicken and waffles ($20) with fresh chicken breast fried to perfection and served with hot honey glaze (order extra, it’s that good!).

t here’s also waffles ($17) with seasonal berries and whipped cream; Nutella crepes ($17) topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar; a 4-ounce skirt steak with two eggs and hash browns for $24; a breakfast burrito ($18) with scrambled eggs, peppers, black beans, cheddar cheese, bacon, salsa verde and a side of hashbrowns; sourdough avocado

toast ($17) with a poached egg; and more.

Eclectic, delicious menu

If brunch isn’t your thing, the approachable relatively affordable, but not overwhelming, menu has you covered.

Standouts include stellar wings ($15) with a choice of bbQ, buffalo, honey sriracha and Spena’s favorite – garlic parmesan; coconut shrimp ($16) with a side of honey sriracha sauce; the signature Limonada Smash b urger ($18) featuring two 4-ounce smash patties, cooper sharp, special sauce and pickles on a Martin’s potato roll; a fried chicken sandwich ($17) featuring the same crispy fried chicken you will find with the chicken and waffles, but this one with special sauce and pickles on that Martin’s roll.

“ the wings are gigantic, and we make our own blue cheese dressing in house,” Spena said. “ the smash burger is as good of a burger as you will find anywhere.”

Mexican side of things

Perhaps the best part of Limonada’s menu is the Mexican options, where its nachos ($15, add birria, steak, chicken birria or al pastor for extra money) boasts fresh tortilla

↘Continued on 54

Halloween Dance Party

chips with a scrumptious queso, crema, salsa verde, guacamole and black beans. there’s also a slew of tacos, burritos and quesadillas ($15 to $18) with choice of proteins. Other standouts include the tacos de birria with ancho- and guajillo-braised angus chuck or chicken with Oaxaca cheese, salsa verde, cilantro and onion; and the burrito Mojada with rice, beans, grilled onions and peppers and Oaxaca cheese smothered on salsa verde and crema, with the ability to add your choice of protein.

“Watching them make the birria tacos every day is like a work of art,” Spena said. “When they flash fry

those tacos … they are exceptional. I think the fact we have such a diverse menu that is not overwhelming is the key. A menu can get out of control fast, especially when you start thinking of how many different people can step into your restaurant off that boardwalk. You want to appease everyone. So, if a kid walks in and wants chicken tenders and fries, we make it for them because we have it in our other restaurants, but it’s not on the menu. We just do our best to accommodate anyone and everyone.”

How about some football?

For sports enthusiasts, Limonada serves as a destination to catch NFL

games every week. With the NFL ticket being shown on a giant projection screen and seven new 85-inch flat-screen t Vs, drink specials include $7 craft beers, $5 domestic beers, $6 imports, and $8 wine selections. Special menu offerings pop up for games including the Giant Pretzel for $10 and the Limonada Sampler basket with mozzarella sticks, wings and mac and cheese wedges for just $11.

The right approach

Spena is particularly proud that Limonada and other restaurants are not trying to take advantage of people when it comes to pricing.

“I think we are reasonable,” Spena said. “One of the good things is that ownership wants to make it affordable so anyone and everyone can come here whether they are locals or tourists. they are not trying to gouge anyone, and I love that. the secret sauce to this is we are in between two amazing properties. t here’s not a better spot on the boardwalk with Ocean casino to the left of us and Hard rock to the right of us. At night it’s a confluence of thousands of people walking with their dogs or as couples or whatever. People talk about the boardwalk, sometimes good and bad, but I can tell you it’s really super spectacular out there. I have grown more appreciation for the boardwalk. People from all over the world come as our guests every day. It’s really neat to see, and we love talking to guests and finding out where they are from. People still ask us how the casino is doing. I tell them we don’t have one anymore, but they should check out the biggest arcade and indoor raceway inside.”

Spena says the sky is the limit for Limonada and Showboat.

“We have some great plans for

the future,” he said. “We continue to work our way up to offer some really great food, and most importantly, an overall great experience. We want them to have a great experience here whether they come to the waterpark, the arcade, stay in our rooms or eat in any of our restaurants. that’s the ultimate goal.”

Limonada at Showboat Resort Atlantic City is open 11 a.m. daily with brunch served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Go to ShowboatHotelAC.com

Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also coowns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Photo credit: John Loreaux Photography via Dane Anthony Facebook

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget Flashback Friday: Fleetwood Macked

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Topgolf at Ocean Casino country Night: Glenn roberts band

7 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Villain & Saint at Ocean Casino big bang baby

9:30 p.m.

500 boardwalk Egg Harbor Township The Roost Pub & Grill

tony & taylor w/ Jimmy brogan

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr. Marmora

Yesterday’s

chris Lax

8 p.m.

316 roosevelt blvd. Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Jeff Nowmos

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New York rd.

Somers Point Caroline’s by the Bay X-Stream band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

J c cole: Johnny c ash tribute Show

7:30 p.m.

217 e . Main St.

– 8:30 p.m.

650 New rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Monster b ash feat. t he Usual Suspects

8:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Saturday, October 26

Absecon

Reddog’s Hi Point Pub

Halloween Party w/ big Daddy Duo

8:30 p.m.

5 N. Shore rd.

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Kristina Pruitt

6 p.m.

Kevin Story

9:15 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

beach rave’s Haunted Mansion: A bump in the Night

10 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 boardwalk

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Indelible Groove trio

6 – 9:30 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Hard Rock Café

Dueling Pianos

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

brandon Ireland Duo

7 p.m.

Sean Patrick & the Alibis

10 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

tommy & the Hot Flashes

5 p.m. the Deck band

Continued on 58

Photo credit: Big Bang Baby Facebook

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock band of Make believe

5 – 8:30 p.m.

80’s revolution

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

Topgolf at Ocean Casino

tom & Sara Duo

8 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino

cat 5

9:30 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Margate

Tomatoes

Halloween Party

5 p.m.

9300 Amherst Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s

Halloween Party w/ Going rogue

9 p.m.

316 roosevelt blvd.

Tuckahoe Inn

chameleon

5 – 8 p.m.

1 Harbor rd.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

chad Miller

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New York rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Frankie G & Johnny Keys

3 – 7 p.m.

the company band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Charlie’s

Halloween Party w/ DJ tommy t- bone

9 p.m.

800 Shore rd.

Crab Trap

bob Mower Duo

6 – 9 p.m.

2 broadway

Fitzpatrick’s

Phil Stocker

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

650 New rd.

Josie Kelly’s

Halloween b ash w/ t he turtle

Heads

9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Sunday, October 27

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

Luke carlos O’ reilly

Fine Italian Cuisine

5:30 – 9 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino Dueling Pianos

8 p.m.

500 boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Sky city Social

4 – 7:30 p.m. Yani

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s traditional Irish Session

1 – 4 p.m. 908 Shore rd.

Monday, October 28

Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts

DJ Proud

7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock the bergen boys

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay DJ trivia hosted by Starshield

7 – 9 p.m.

450 bay Ave.

Off Season Hours Wed. thru Sun.

Tuesday, October 29

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Sidestory

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Ken

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Wednesday, October 30

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Modern Luxe

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 Mic Night hosted by b lue eagle

7 – 11 p.m.

450 bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Doug Jennings

6 – 9 p.m.

2 broadway

Josie Kelly’s Jimmy brogan Acoustic

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Events subject to change.

Photo credit: Jimmy Brogan Facebook

Friday, October 25

Atlantic City Headliners

The Jacksons, Billy Ocean & The Pointer Sisters

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Sarah McLachlan

▶8 p.m.

borgata event center

Saturday, October 26

Duran Duran

▶8 p.m.

borgata event center

Johnny Mathis

▶7 p.m.

Anthony Rodia

▶8 p.m. the Music box at borgata

Saturday, November 2

Chicago

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Lenny Kravitz

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean casino

Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute to

Tom Petty ▶8 p.m.

Superstar theater at resorts

Anthony Rodia

Paul Anka ▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean casino

Taylor Dayne ▶8 p.m. the Music box at borgata

Friday, November 22

98 Degrees & Bell Biv DeVoe ▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Wayne Newman ▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Melvin Seals and JGB

Photo credit: Paul Anka Facebook

“Winner of Best New Restaurant”

- Casino Player Awards

“This is the next evolution of restaurants.”

- VICE Munchies

DINNER THURSDAY - SATURDAY

BRUNCH EVERY SUNDAY

HAPPY HOUR 5PM-6PM (THURSDAY-SATURDAY)

WILDLY UNMISSABLE EVENTS

Halloween Happy Hour | October 26th - October 31st

NJEA Wine & Dine Bash | November 7th

Supervino Wine Dinner | November 15th

Pajama Brunch | December 1st

The

the California wine harvest!

Drink Up!

By David Setley

Last week was a celebration of the French wine harvest; this week, let’s travel west to c alifornia. t he Golden State is popular for cabernet Sauvignon and chardonnay, both of which are grown throughout many wine countries and originated in France. but there are two less famous varietals that I believe california grows better than anywhere else: Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

Zinfandel is the third most harvested grape in c alifornia. Zinfandel grapes are in the Vitis Vinifera species, meaning they belong to the

the alcohol level was relatively low and the residual sugar was more than double what it should have been. the color was pink because the tannins in the skins had not fully transferred to the wine. Not wanting to waste the batch, trinchero bottled the wine and marketed it as White Zinfandel. It was an unexpected hit! According to a San Francisco chronicle report in 2003, White Zinfandel was America’s most popular varietal from the early 1980s until the late ‘90s. the victim of White Zinfandel’s popularity was Zinfandel. Many wine drinkers were unaware that a dry, red wine called Zinfandel even existed. I learned of Zinfandel in the late 1990s, but had to refer to it as “ red Zinfandel” to be sure wine stores gave me the right bottle. I love a good Zinfandel. this wine is bold and intense with the fruit flavors of ripe blackberry and strawberry with notes of tobacco leaf, smoke and spices. It is a food-friendly wine that is full-bodied with medium acidity. A

european grapevine family. However, the exact origin is unknown. In 1967, a professor at Uc Davis in california noticed similarities between Zinfandel and Primitivo, a red grape grown in the Puglia region of Italy. More than 30 years later, DNA testing has proven that Zinfandel and Primitivo are the same grape. but this only partially solved the mystery. Italy has long contended that Primitivo is not a native Italian varietal and was imported in.

Zinfandel is often confused with a sweet wine: the sweet pink wine known as White Zinfandel. Incidentally, White Zinfandel was an accident at Sutter Home Winery in california more than 50 years ago when winemaker bob trinchero was attempting to make Zinfandel. the batch he was producing suffered from stuck fermentation, meaning the fermentation process spontaneously stopped while

reasonably priced and excellent one is OZV Old Vine Zinfandel. this wine is approachable and smooth with a rich mouthfeel and notes of vanilla bean and cinnamon. However, my favorite Zins are made by turley Wine cellars. Larry turley is the owner and proprietor of this relatively small winery. the turley Zinfandels are the pinnacle of how great this varietal is. they pair well with barbecued meats and poultry as well as spicy dishes. t he second c alifornia wine to celebrate is Petite Sirah, not to be confused with Syrah. though Shiraz (from Australia) and Syrah are the same, Petite Sirah is its own varietal. Petite Sirah is a hybrid wine, originally found in France and named “Durif”. Durif’s parent vines were Syrah and a local French grape called Peloursin,

↘Continued on 64

Lenny Kravitz rocks Ocean Casino’s Ovation Hall next week

Tune In, Turn On With Doug Deutsch

When rock singer/guitarist Lenny Kravitz burst onto the music scene in 1989 with his debut album, “Let Love rule,” many critics weren’t quite sure what to make of his funk/rock hybrid sound. He made quite an impact with terrific early songs including “I built this Garden For Us,” “Mr. cab Driver” (a commentary on racism, with its lyrics, “Mr., cab driver don’t like the way I look, he don’t like dreads, he thinks we’re all crooks”), and the anthemic title track.

some reason, I’m still that 16-yearold kid trying to get the record deal. I haven’t shed all of that.”

At Ovation Hall, Lenny Kravitz fans can expect to hear all of the above-referenced songs, in addition to other long-time hits like “Always On the run,” (recorded in 1991 with guitarist Slash, off his second album, “Mama Said),” “Fly Away,” “It Ain’t Over till It’s Over,” “Again,” his hip cover of the Guess Who’s “American Woman,” “I Want to Get Away,” and more. Don’t miss this one.

Lenny Kravitz’ “ b lue e lectric Light” tour comes to Ocean casino Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, 9 p.m. each night. tickets are $89 and up. Info: 609-783-8866 or visit theoceanac.com/entertainment/ ovationhall.

Duran Duran Plays borgata: Hard to believe these guys have been around since 1978, but it’s true. While the veteran b ritish band’s hits are numerous – “Hungry Like the Wolf,”

Four Grammys and countless hits later, Kravitz – who visits Ovation Hall at Ocean casino in Atlantic city for two shows next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, his only east coast shows on the current tour before heading to b razil – is still going strong some three-plus decades later, releasing a new album, “ blue electric Light,” this past May. even Kravitz is a big star, with an estimated net worth of $90 million, the musician/producer/fashion designer/actor recently told cbS’ Gayle King, “I still have these moments. People look at you and think, ‘oh, he’s completely got it going on, and he’s confident in everything he does. to some degree, yes. but we all have our insecurities.

“Sometimes I’m just not necessarily sure what I’m doing,” he adds. “For

“Save A Prayer,” “ r io,” “Ordinary World,” “ the reflex,” and “Girls On Film” to name a few – many music critics never quite fell in love with the group’s pop-tinged sound (their music was considered part of the mid’70s/early ’80s new wave movement).

Still, it’s hard to argue with the success of a band whose résumé includes 30 top 40 hit singles and 21 top 40 singles in the U.S., along with more than 1 million albums sold.

Just in time for their show at borgata’s event center 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, Duran Duran have released “Danse Macabre,” their 16th studio album, which contains darkly-re-imagined versions of their hits – perfect for Halloween weekend. tickets/info: borgata.mgmresorts.com, or call 609- 317-1000.

this ‘N’ that: Nice turnouts and great local support for-two music events in our area last week: 91.7 FM WLFr ’s 40th Anniversary celebration at Stockton University in Pomona (which we attended and caught tight sets by Malcolm tent and 1adam12, te Vista, Deardarkhead, and t he Sheckies), and Jerry r yan’s elephant talk Indie Music Awards three-day happening at tennessee Avenue b eer Hall in Atlantic city which we

unfortunately couldn’t attend. thank you Jerry ryan for presenting tune In turn On one of three media awards.

Watch for our feature next week on legendary rock group chicago (Nov. 1 and 2, Hard rock Live at etess Arena) and a brief on acclaimed jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan (Nov. 2 Lizzie rose Music Hall).

Until next week, enjoy this unseasonably warm weather and support live music everywhere.

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.

Lenny Kravitz will perform at Ocean Casino Nov. 1-2. Photo by Mark Seliger

which is now virtually extinct. Durif never gained popularity in France. It was in california where the grape struck gold! From Prohibition until the early 1960s, Petite Sirah was one of california’s most popular wines. It wasn’t until the late 1960s and ‘70s that cabernet Sauvignon became the state’s top red wine.

Petite Sirah is a dry, bold, full-bodied and high-tannin red wine. t he flavors are ripe red plums and blueberries with notes of black pepper, chocolate and black tea. this wine pairs well with everything from steak to beef stroganoff to grilled chicken. b ogle makes a fine Petite Sirah, but my favorite is the J. Lohr tower r oad Paso r obles Petite Sirah. Jerry Lohr and his family are celebrating the 50th anniversary of his company and are committed to sustainable farming. Winemaker brenden Wood describes their Petite Sirah as “delightful red and blue fruit on the palate, leading to a finish of exquisite length, concentration, and well-balanced structure.”

What could be better than to combine these two great varietals into one great wine? c aymus has done just that with the caymus-Suisun t he Walking Fool. c aymus Vineyards is unquestionably among the most revered wineries in c ali -

fornia. Founded in 1971 by Lorna and charles Wagner Sr., the winery is still 100% family-owned and operated by charlie Wagner (charles Jr.). the family’s newest venture is the caymus-Suisun Winery in the Suisun Valley. the Walking Fool is produced by charlie’s wife, Jenny, and is named after Jenny’s great-great-grandfather, Johannes Glos, who came to Napa Valley in the 1880s. Glos often traveled by foot, thus earning his affectionate nickname: the walking fool. this is a vibrant blend of Petite Sirah, or “Grand Durif” as c aymus calls it, and Zinfandel. this gem has the flavors of ripe raspberries and tart cranberries with a savory touch of espresso. My wife and I first tried this on a fall weekend getaway to Lake George, New York, a few weeks ago. this blend is also priced much more reasonably than most of the caymus products.

I invite you to stop in to discuss these and other wines. As always, feel free to contact me at dsetley@ passionvines.com. Until next time, Happy Wining!

David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

Johnny Mathis: The living legend

By Bruce Klauber

Johnny Mathis is 89, and he still sounds like Johnny Mathis.

He has not, like other singers of his generation, stayed too long at the fair. His voice remains instantly identifiable and is among the most imitated in the history of show business.

If he seems to walk a bit slower these days, it’s because he has two titanium hips. He’s modest and doesn’t say much on the stage, as he prefers to let his music speak for itself by way of some 40 concerts per year, including a stint at caesars this Saturday, Oct. 26. His recorded legacy, in terms of the sheer number of records sold over more than six decades, including christmas records that are played in millions of homes each year, is simply astounding.

He is the third best-selling recording artist of the 20th century with over 360 million records sold. More than 70 of his records have topped the pop charts.

He’s won Grammys and has broadcast a dozen television specials. His thousands of live shows, from the late 1950s until now, have sold out. It’s doubtful that any performer or group will match this singular legacy.

How respected is he as a vocal artist? barbara Streisand proclaimed, “ there are a number of good singers, a smaller handful of truly great singers, and then there’s Johnny Mathis.”

He cites Sarah Vaughan, Mahalia Jackson, Lena Horne, and his father, clem, who taught the young Mathis his first songs, as among his influences. but his all-time favorite, he says, is Nat King cole.

“I had to find out who I was. So I decided that I was everything,” he told the Washington Post not long ago. “I was taught singing by my dad and by this white lady, my voice teacher. I was comfortable with Leontyne Price, b everly Sills, Miles Davis, and cole Porter. Lena Horne was the beginning, middle and end of everything, but she was a piece of work.”

Streisand?

“I was always a little frightened of her. She had a reputation for being difficult to work with. b ut she’s one of my best pals. I love what she does. I love her work ethic. She knows what she wants and doesn’t want. I never

did. I know it when I see it and when I hear it. I would be uncomfortable being that outspoken.”

the story of his discovery is a tale that probably couldn’t happen today.

In the mid-1950s, Mathis was singing with a friend’s jazz group at one of the nation’s most popular jazz clubs,

the blackhawk in San Francisco. the club’s co-owner, Helen Noga, who would later become his manager, was so impressed that she booked him as a solo act at another club. Noga knew she was onto something. She decided to contact one of the most important people in the record

industry at the time, George Avakian, head of Popular Music Artists and repertoire at columbia records. Avakian traveled to hear Mathis in San Francisco at a club called Ann Dee’s 440 club. Avakian was beyond

impressed, and immediately sent the following wire to the honchos at columbia: “Have found phenomenal 19-year-old boy who could go all the way. Send blank contracts.”

Avakian was a jazz guy through and through, having produced artists like erroll Garner, Dave brubeck, and Art b lakey through the years, so it was no surprise that Mathis’ first columbia outing had a jazz flavor. It went nowhere.

columbia producer Mitch Miller, however, knew how to reach an audience who could have cared less about jazz, and when he began producing Mathis, the hits began to flow. And they never stopped.

Vocally, it would be easy to pigeonhole Mathis as a singer of American popular songs. but he’s proven himself comfortable and adept at pop, disco (his 1978 disco duo with Denise Williams, “ too Much, too Little, too Late,” hit the top of the charts), and even light jazz. His 1990 recording, “In a Sentimental Mood: Mathis Sings ellington,” is an underrated gem. His voice has been described as lush and seductive, although New Yorker magazine’s Jesse Green hears something more. “Mathis had the greatest voice of his generation; one that was far better, technically, than Frank Sinatra’s or tony bennett’s or

even Nat King cole’s,” Green wrote. “And yet this did not mean that he was the greatest singer. He was too recessive for that, too hidden behind his amazing technique.”

Obviously, he has to sing many of his hits at his live shows, which he calls “my holy grail,” including “chances Are,” “ t he twelfth of Never,” “Misty,” “It’s Not for Me to Say,” and many others. “If I don’t sing the hits,” he says, “they’ll tear the house down.” regarding his eclectic repertoire, his guitarist/tour manager Gil reigers says, “John can only sincerely perform songs that are well written, and that he happens to like personally. He is very aware and respectful of the gift that he has been given and doesn’t wish to waste it.” Producer and composer Jay Landers adds, “ the one thing that separates him from a lot of other artists is that he isn’t threatened by contemporary music.” the big question, naturally, is just why he continues to do this at the age of 89. Mathis’ pianist Scott Lavender, who’s been playing the show for more than 30 years, answered on behalf of the singer. “He loves to do it,” Lavender told the Washington Post. “Working keeps us all young, our brains active. I think it’s fun being Johnny Mathis.”

A note about Mathis’ much-speculated-upon private life: He doesn’t

discuss it and that’s how it should be. the man has sold some 360 million records in a career that spans six decades. What more is there to know?

With age, Mathis has become more open about the hit songs he sings again and again. Of “Misty” he says, “ that was just a song on an album that I did.” About “chances Are,” his comment is, “just okay,” adding that, “some of the worst songs I ever sang were big hits.” His all-time favorite, and the song he would like to be remembered for is not one of his gigantic hits.

High Notes: there’s good news for fans of jazz piano and the Great American Songbook. Pianist/vocalist/educator/author Andy Kahn, whose public performances are rare these days, will appear on Friday, Oct. 25 at Ventnor’s Provenza restaurant and event center. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the show is at 8. to reserve your space for “Dinner with Andy,” call Provenza at 609-246-7551.

“When I Fall in Love” is his alltime favorite. “Not only is it a pretty song, the lyrics to me are especially wonderful.” Or, in the case of this living legend, it’s “Wonderful! Wonderful!”

Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music "Jazz Legends" film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.

SEASONS ARE CHANGING IS YOUR SYSTEM READY?

Kitchen, Bathroom

Renovations

TRUSTED SINCE 1949

Matthew Fick wins 2024 Atlantic City Marathon, honors late

By Sarah Fertsch Staff Writer

In an inspiring display of endurance and emotion, Matthew Fick, 24, of West chester, Pennsylvania, claimed first place in the 2024 Atlantic city Marathon with a time of 2:34:10. running in honor of his late friend bill Angelina, Fick’s victory was both a personal tribute and a competitive triumph.

Fick, a recent graduate of elizabethtown college, had one clear goal as he lined up at the start: to improve on his previous marathon time of 2:50, set in May at the b uffalo Marathon. He wasn’t running alone in spirit. two of his former college teammates, Devon Soto and Sagar Patel, also ran. Soto finished second in the half marathon, while Patel com -

pleted his first full marathon with a time of 3:07.

the Atlantic city Marathon, known for its flat and fast course, offered Fick the perfect opportunity to push his limits.

At mile 15, Fick surged past the second-place runner, and by mile 20, he had overtaken the leader. From there, adrenaline and the support of spectators along the Atlantic city boardwalk helped propel him to the finish line.

“ the last five miles were my most memorable,” Fick said. “ t here were a lot of people cheering, including runners going in the opposite direction and spectators along the boardwalk. Once I hit mile 26, I looked back and knew I was going to win. I decided to enjoy the last bit and celebrate.”

Fick dedicated the race to his friend bill Angelina, who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 25.

Distinguished Sales Club and National Association of Realtors.

Fick and his former teammates had planned to run the marathon togeth -

er. Angelina, a boston Marathon qualifier, had inspired many with his passion for running.

“I wrote one of b ill’s memorable quotes, ‘ that’s all time,’ on my shoe, along with his name and a blue heart,” Fick said. “I know b ill was cheering from above the whole time.”

After crossing the finish line, Fick celebrated with friends and family at Gordon ramsay’s Pub & Grill in Atlantic city.

Looking ahead, Fick is preparing for his next race: the Harrisburg Marathon on Nov. 10, followed by the b oston Marathon in the spring. b ut this victory, filled with personal meaning, will remain unforgettable.

to honor bill Angelina’s memory and support heart health, donations can be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

The Arc of Atlantic County Golf Classic raises $134,000

The Arc of Atlantic county held its annual signature fundraising event, the Arc of Atlantic county Golf classic presented by I. rice & company, Inc., on thursday, Oct. 10 at the prestigious Galloway National Golf club in Galloway, NJ.

t he event welcomed over 120 golfers, all gathering to support crucial services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Southern New Jersey. the Arc of Atlantic county has hosted golf fundraising events for 15 consecutive years, with I. rice & company as the presenting sponsor.

Participants enjoyed a picture-perfect autumn day on the award-winning course, making the event not just a day of fun and friendly competition, but a powerful expression of solidarity and philanthropy.

Funds raised from the event will directly support the Arc’s essential programs, including intensive case

directly benefiting individuals and families throughout Atlantic county who rely on services of the Arc. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the enduring support of our presenting sponsor, I. rice & company,” Hennis added. “ their commitment to our mission is truly inspiring. through their continued partnership, and the generosity of our additional sponsors, we can raise the funds needed to sustain and grow our programs, helping hundreds of individuals with disabilities thrive in their communities.”

In addition to I. rice & company, this year’s event was supported by major sponsors including Golden Nugget casino Hotel & Marina, the Insulation Heating and Air conditioning Group and trinity code Inspection. their philanthropic leadership was instrumental in the event’s success, ensuring that more individuals in need receive vital services.

management, recreation, employment and family services programs. t hese programs ensure that individuals with IDD have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to live full, independent, and inclusive lives.

“ the Arc of Atlantic county Golf classic returned to Galloway National Golf club for the fifth consecutive year,” said Scott Hennis, chief executive officer of the Arc of Atlantic county. “Our guests thoroughly enjoyed playing this exceptional course; even more importantly, our guests also understand that their participation in this event makes a real difference in the lives of individuals living with IDD in our community.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Arc of Atlantic county Golf classic has become a cornerstone of the organization’s fundraising efforts. t hrough the unwavering support of participants and sponsors, this event has raised over $1.5 million,

the Arc of Atlantic county Golf classic also received support from other local businesses and organizations, including Arthur J. Gallagher & co., Atlanti care, Atlantic county Utilities Authority, b oardwalk Honda, borgata c asino Hotel & Spa, casino reinvestment Development Authority (cr DA), comcast, Hearts therapeutic riding center, HH b enefits, Homes for All, Lennar, Mutual of America, Parke bank, Ocean c asino resort, Sam’s club, t hriven Designs, t.N. Ward company, Village Shop rite, Wawa Foundation and numerous hole sponsors.

t he Arc of Atlantic county is grateful to all sponsors, participants, in-kind donors, and volunteers who made this year’s Golf classic a resounding success. their collective efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with IDD and their families.

For more information on how to support the Arc of Atlantic county’s mission, upcoming events, or to learn more about the services offered and how you may support them, please contact Mary ruley Moyer, Director of Development & community Outreach, at (609) 485-0800 ext. 135 or via email at mmoyer@thearcatlantic. org.

Jersey Lawman: A Life on the Right Side of Crime takes center stage Nov. 2

By Stephanie Loder

Asecond production of “Jersey Lawman: A Life on the right Side of crime,” a staged reading based on the memoir of former cape May county Sheriff Jim Plousis, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at cape May Presbyterian church, cape May.

t he event is a one-night-only “pay-what-you-will” benefit performance that aims to raise money for the U.S. Marshals Survivors b enefit Fund and the east Lynne theater’s capital campaign.

event sponsors are Avalon coffee - cape May and the Plousis Family Fund.

the cast includes Alisa cooper, Nathan Garcia, Ken Hornbeck, Mat Labotka, thomas raniszewski, and Michael Sharp.

Jersey Lawman highlights the 40-year law enforcement career of cape May county native Jim Plousis who worked as an Ocean city patrolman and as cape May county sheriff, before being nominated to United States Marshal by former President

George W. bush. Plousis trekked the Pine b arrens of South Jersey to arrest suspects. He even met with one of the nation’s most notorious mob bosses.

“I’ve known Jim for over 40 years,” said Alica cooper, a New Jersey casino control commission commissioner in Atlantic city.

It seemed a perfect fit for cooper to take part in the production.

“He (Plousis) and my mother, Assemblywoman Dolores cooper, were both involved in Atlantic and c ape May county politics,” she said.

Her mother Dolores cooper was an Atlantic county Freeholder and a New Jersey State Assemblywoman; her father was Dr. David cooper, a well-known dentist in Atlantic city for over 40 years.

Alisa cooper reconnected with Plousis when he became the chairman of the New Jersey casinos control commission in 2017.

“We found out that we were both actively involved in helping and serving our community, particularly with charitable activities,” cooper said.

In November 2023, Jim was chairman of an event called “Hand to Hand for Haiti” and cooper provided the music for the event, which was held at the IcONA Hotel in Avalon.

At the Avalon event, cooper said she met tommy raniszewski.

“We had a wonderful conversation and he explained that he was in the process of adapting Jim’s book into a ‘reading’ and that he was going to need a female voice,” cooper said.

“I had read the book and immediately, I told tommy to count me in – I definitely wanted to be a part of this project,” she said.

cooper is the moderator for Jersey Lawman on stage.

“I was very honored to be included in this project and, also, to be the moderator and portray any of the female characters/voices in the reading/adaptation. the actual book is huge – over 500 pages and it was amazing how tommy selected the best segments to be included in the reading – focusing on different phases of Jim’s long and distinguished career,” she said.

As the moderator, cooper has the opportunity and responsibility to tie all of the segments together and “weave a wonderful and beautiful story.”

She said it was “particularly special” to be the voice of Jim’s wife, Kathleen, “who was very supportive and very involved with Jim’s career.” Kathleen Plousis passed away in 2013.

cooper said the event is important because they raise money for two causes.

“ t here is no charge to attend this event – you have the option to donate whatever you feel like donating at the door – whatever you feel is comfortable,” cooper said.

“Most importantly, 100 percent of the money is donated directly to the Survivors Fund and the east Lynne theatre – everyone who is a part of the reading donated their time and talents for this extraordinary event,” she said.

cooper was born and raised in Atlantic city and is a graduate of Atlantic city High School and the University of Maryland. She owned and operated Alisa cooper Orchestras, a music and entertainment agency. cooper served as an Atlantic county Freeholder and for the past 12 years has been a commissioner with the NJ casino control commission, where she currently serves as Vice chair.

c ooper played piano at the world-famous 500 club and opened at the resorts International c asino Hotel in May 1978 in t he rendezvous Lounge. She has entertained at high-roller parties for tony bennett, Jerry Seinfeld, Dom DeLuise, Neil Sedaka, Wayne Newton, and Smokey robinson.

cooper said the U.S. Marshals Survivors b enefit Fund “is a very worthwhile organization.”

“ t he U.S. Marshals Survivors benefit Fund is an organization which helps to pay for funeral expenses of fallen officers. Sadly, money that was raised at our April performance was sent to North c arolina where less than two weeks after our performance, four officers were killed in the line of duty,” cooper said.

“It was truly a blessing to know that our performance helped/assisted the families of the four law enforcement officers. Also, it was very special that Dan O’Donnell, the founder of the organization flew in from Alabama for our performance in April and spoke about the organization and gave us words of gratitude for our benefit performance that evening,” cooper said.

By Ava Holly

OPleasantville doctor celebrates 40 years in practice

n t hursday, Oct. 17, visitors to Dr. t homas Miller’s office on Main Street in Pleasantville celebrated the 40th anniversary of his practice. t here was food, music, camaraderie and fun. the office underwent a transformation for the day, similar to his own journey.

On hand to participate were longtime friend Frank Daviso, who just celebrated his 95th birthday. Dr. Miller’s mentor Dr. Martin brown, who just retired after 54 years in practice was there along with Pleasantville Mayor Judy Ward and Miller’s loving family including Angel, Dr. Miller’s wife, who took care of the guests.

It all started when Dr. Miller was 19 years old and suffering from asthma. His asthma was not being managed well and side effects from medications were devastating to Dr. Miller’s health.

After six months of regular chiropractic treatments his asthma went into complete remission. this pivot in his life inspired him to pursue a career that would let him help others heal naturally.

opening his first practice in Atlantic city in 1984. He moved to his current Pleasantville office in 2004 and his office/wellness center remains a cornerstone of the Pleasantville community.

Dr. Miller is deeply involved in the community, speaking at programs, and co-sponsoring activities, including the Pleasantville 5K run/Walk, along with wellness events and workshops.

Dr. Miller started locally at Atlantic cape community college in Mays Landing. He completed his doctorate from the Life University School of chiropractic in Marietta, Ga., before

He has volunteered for the Foundation for Wellness Professionals, a nonprofit organization that provides disease prevention programs. He regularly speaks at schools, churches and to community groups on topics ranging from nutrition and exercise, to the importance of chiropractic care. Dr. Miller has built a long-lasting professional relationship with many of his patients over the years. He has been recognized for his professional achievements and contributions to the community. Some of these accolades include the Homeboys Service Award and the Philosophy of chiropractic Award, entrepreneur of the Year Award from the local NAAcP, and the ralph Peterson 5K for Peace and Wellness Award.

Dr. Miller has forged many professional collaborations with other chiropractors in the area including the aforementioned Dr. Martin b rown and longtime friend and associate, Dr. David Sarnoff. Miller and Sarnoff will be attending a seminar together this weekend in Atlanta.

Dr. Miller and his wife, Angel, just celebrated 38 years of marriage. to mark the 40th anniversary of his business fills the family with joy. continuing to grow and learn is what keeps Dr. Miller young and on top of his game. “If God puts you here to do something, there is nothing that can stop you from doing it,” he said.

He is grateful for the longtime support of the community over the years and looks forward to continued success in his growing industry.

What’s the price of a low credit score?

By Eric Reich

We all know that we should strive to have good credit, but why?

What is the reason good credit is so important? this week, I decided to calculate what the average household would pay for a mortgage, car loan, and credit card if they have good credit and compared that to what they would pay with bad credit.

Let’s start with the assumptions. I took the average mortgage, average car loan, and average credit card debt in America. then I researched what the interest rate would be for each, assuming a credit score of 780 vs. a score of 625. I then added up all the additional interest costs that someone with a 625 score would pay over the life of the loans. My conclusion is that it is far harder to get ahead in life if you have a low credit score. Let’s break down the numbers.

1. Mortgage: t he average mortgage taken out in America is $329,854 according to Statista. based on a current interest rate of 6.25% for a 30-year mortgage which is the average rate for a tier 1 credit score, that borrower will have a monthly payment of $2,031 per month (principal and interest) and will repay a total of $401,293 in interest. by comparison, someone with a 625 credit score pays an average of 7.4% interest, which equates to a $2,283 payment, and repays a total amount of interest of $492,332. this means the borrower with lower credit pays an additional $252 per month and over $91,000 more in interest over the life of the loan.

2. Car loan: the average car loan in America is $40,927 according to bankrate. A tier 1 borrower would pay $658 per month for 72 months at a current rate of 5.25% and pay a total of $6821 in interest. A lower-tier credit borrower would pay $749 per month for the exact same car at a 9.83% interest rate and pay a total of $13,312 in interest over the life of the loan. that equals an additional $91 per month and a total of $6,491 in additional interest payments.

3. Credit cards: the average credit card balance in America is $8,674. the current interest rate for a tier 1 customer is 19.99% vs. 29.99% for a lower-tier customer. based on the average balance, the tier 1 customer would pay off their card in 165 months (13.75 years) and pay a total of $5,990 in interest. that's assuming they are making the minimum 4% of the balance payment. the same lower-tier credit customer would take 246 months (20.5 years) to pay off the same balance and would pay a total of $13,929 in interest. this equates to a difference of nearly seven years of additional payments and $7,939 of additional interest.

As you can see, the cost of having poor credit is high. the person with lower credit pays around $350 more per month, pays the same credit card for roughly seven years longer and will pay an additional $105,469 for the exact same purchases. Having good credit is key to not only helping you save money but also to having more choices for the credit that is available to you.

t hings that affect your credit score the most are your payment

history, your total amount owed, your length of credit history, new credit taken out, and the types of credit you use. b e mindful of these things and use them wisely to both improve your credit score, as well as save money on all of the credit you use.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLc (Kestra IS), member FIN rA/SIPc Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLc (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. reich Asset Management, LLc is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. the opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLc or Kestra Advisory Services, LLc this is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. to view form crS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.

Nine questions to ask when purchasing an investment property

Real Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

Looking for ways to invest in real estate doesn't have to be a scary experience. b ut it does take some careful planning.

You may think that real estate investing is a simple process of identifying a likely property and posting an ad for a renter, there is much more to the process. Here are nine questions you should ask yourself as you begin developing your real estate investment portfolio.

1. What investment model will you choose?

t here are a variety of ways to invest in real estate. You may choose to purchase a “handyman special,” or find an undervalued property, fix it up,

then offer it for resale.

If you identify a property that you want to keep long-term, you may want to pursue a buy-and-hold strategy. Or you opt for long-term military housing, single-family home, yearly rental, island community summer vacation rental property, or a short-term Airbnb investment may be for you.

2. What updates are needed for a flip?

Generally, you will want to add value to a flip while keeping a close eye on profitability. You will need to make repairs and updates quickly to minimize the carrying costs of the property, including mortgage payments, insurance and taxes.

Often, flippers will favor low-cost, high-impact cosmetic improvements such as kitchen, bath, flooring and other attractive updates to enhance the marketability of the property and increase its appeal to potential buyers. remember to let cost, availability and market impact and rOI guide your choices, not your taste.

3. What about buy-and-hold investment?

Often, buy-and-hold investors

put less time and effort into cosmetic upgrades in favor of getting the property market-ready and occupied as quickly as possible. A buy-and-hold property may be ready to go on the rental market with only a deep cleaning and a lawn cleanup.

but if some of the home’s systems are significantly out-of-date, you may want to make needed repairs or updates before bringing in tenants to save time and money down the road.

4. What about a short-term rental?

Short-term rental owners focus more on the location of the property, along with the number of beds it will hold and the number of value-added amenities they can include.

Part of the expense is furnishing it comfortably and adding necessities like dishes, kitchen utensils and other accessories. Upgraded fixtures and finishes are often included to make the property show better online.

5. How will you manage and maintain the property?

For long-term and short-term rentals, you will need to consider whether you want to be a landlord, or turn the responsibility over to a property management company. If you are handy and looking for something to do with your time, you may feel comfortable coming out for latenight repairs or onboarding renters.

Many times, when purchasing in a condominium community, having an on-site rental manager or repairman to assist you will be most beneficial. Otherwise, a property manager can provide needed expertise and around-the-clock assistance.

You also need to decide if you want to be the one cleaning and prepping the property between guests or hire a cleaning service. For weekly summertime rentals, typically you have a "window-of-time" on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to get ready for the next tenant.

the peak summer rental time period is 13 consecutive rental weeks from Memorial Day week to Labor Day week. Ask around for a good

cleaning service that specializes in working with this type of rental to assist.

6. How will you find renters?

You may be considering placing your property on the internet or putting the word out to your Facebook friends. In most cases it’s a better idea to work with a professional realtor, leasing agent or through a property management company to find well-qualified tenants who have been thoroughly vetted before moving into your property.

It is far cheaper to properly market a property and check out tenants ahead of time than to evict someone for non-payment or repair damage from a bad renter.

7. What Requirements Will You Put on Your Renters?

Will you allow pets? Will you require the tenant to maintain the lawn? Will you charge a co-pay for repairs? there are many things to consider before you rent out your property. You will need to ensure that they are adequately spelled out both in your initial marketing materials, and in your rental lease agreement. Also, make sure you thoroughly read and understand the New Jersey truth In renting Act booklet.

8. What will you provide?

Will you pay some or all of the utilities? Will you pay the HOA or condo fee? Will you pay for pool maintenance, lawn care and pest control? Weigh the impact of paying some of the costs associated with property upkeep, against the liabilities that you will incur if the tenant does not properly maintain the home and grounds. You may find that it is more cost effective to charge a higher rent and do more of the dirty work yourself.

9. What are your goals?

Do you want to add to your property portfolio or eventually consolidate your holdings? Are you interested in commercial property, or perhaps a multi-unit motel? Do you want to own exclusively in our local market, or branch out? consult with a trusted real estate professional for the advice and expertise you will need to make better decisions both now and down the road to prevent having a frightening experience.

How your body type could be affecting your fitness goals

Empowering Women

By Rachel Guevara

When it comes to fitness, understanding your body type can be a game-changer. Different body types respond to food, exercise and lifestyle choices in various ways. this is why some people find it easier to build muscle, while others may struggle to lose weight, even when following the same fitness routine. the three main body types are endomorph, ectomorph and Mesomorph, and knowing which category you fall into can help you tailor your workout and nutrition to achieve better results. Let’s break it down:

Endomorph

endomorphs typically have a softer, rounder physique and tend to gain weight more easily. this body type has a slower metabolism, which can make it challenging to lose fat but easier to

build muscle. If you’re an endomorph, you may notice that you store more fat in your midsection, hips, and thighs. best approach: endomorphs benefit from a combination of strength training and high-intensity cardio to boost metabolism and burn fat. Opt for a diet that’s higher in protein and healthy fats, but lower in carbohydrates. Focus on whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, and healthy oils, while avoiding processed sugars and refined carbs.

Ectomorph

ectomorphs are usually lean and have a more delicate frame. they find it difficult to gain both fat and muscle, no matter how much they eat or train. this body type is characterized by a fast metabolism, which can be both a blessing and a curse—it makes staying lean easy but packing on muscle harder. best approach: ectomorphs should focus on strength training with heavier weights and lower repetitions to build muscle. c ardio should be kept to a minimum to avoid burning extra calories needed for muscle gain. A diet rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins is essential for this group. Incorporate whole grains, lean meats, and nutrient-dense foods into your daily intake, and don’t be afraid to eat more calories than you're used to.

Mesomorph

Mesomorphs fall somewhere in between and are often considered to have the ideal athletic build. they typically have a naturally muscular body, gain muscle easily, and tend to have a faster metabolism compared to endomorphs. If you’re a mesomorph, your body is responsive to both weight gain and fat loss, making it relatively easier to sculpt your physique.

best approach: A balanced fitness plan works best for mesomorphs—one that includes both cardio and strength training. Mesomorphs should aim for a diet that includes an even mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Keeping your portion sizes in check and consuming nutrient-dense foods will help you maintain muscle while keeping fat levels in control.

Finding your body type

If you’re not sure which body type you are, a quick Google search for " body type Quiz" can help you figure it out. to pinpoint your exact type, take three different quizzes and see which one comes up most frequently. Once you know your body type, it’s time to dive deeper—research the best foods, workouts, and lifestyle habits that are most effective for you.

Understanding your body type can take the guesswork out of reaching your fitness goals and empower you to work with your body, not against it!

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.

Transcripts – Your most expensive real estate

By Bill Quain

This is the sixth and final column in my series about colleges, where I’ve shared information from my upcoming book, “ bankrupt U – Students, Parents and Alumni Are Going broke, & colleges Don’t Give a c r .A.P.” In the book, my co-author Dr. Joe corabi and I give our readers an insider’s view of how colleges are big businesses. We want students to get the most from their college experience while paying the least amount possible. And we give them information on making money – information that colleges no longer bother to teach their students. today, I’ll be talking about filling up your college transcript – the list of courses you must take in college. College Transcripts and The Monopoly Board

If you didn’t read last week’s

column “Want a Lifetime Win? Play Monopoly!”, visit https://shorelocalnews.com/want-a-lifetime-winplay-monopoly/. I love Monopoly! As a professor on Stockton’s Atlantic city campus, I like to use it when talking about college. the Monopoly board and college transcripts each have 40 spaces on them. Whether you’re playing Monopoly or filling up a transcript, you need to follow a good strategy.

Don’t Give Your College a Monopoly

In last week’s column, I used an example of a college that charges $30,000/year in tuition. At 10 courses/year, that’s $3,000/course. For 40 courses, you’ll pay $120,000 total. (ever notice how colleges never talk about that enormous “total” number?) For now, let’s look at those 40 spots on a transcript.

In the first two years at almost every college, you are required to take general education courses. these might be things like sociology, philosophy, algebra, etc. Are those courses worth as much to you as a senior-level course in your college major? No! So, why are you paying the same for those “intro” courses as you are for those “senior level” courses? I can tell you why. It’s because your

college has a monopoly! that’s right. Your college has led you to believe that you have to take every course from them, and pay the same price for each and every course – no matter how much it was really worth. It’s crazy! It’s like landing on Mediterranean Ave with a hotel, and paying $2,000 (the rent for landing on boardwalk with a hotel) when you should only be paying $250. Hey, this is no way to win the game!

Break The Monopoly. Transfer The Courses.

When my co-author and I were writing “ b ankrupt U”, we sent the manuscript out to a few college parents to get their reactions. One college dad was just about to write a check for $28,000 for his son’s first-semester tuition. He read our chapter, “Your college transcript – the Most e xpensive Piece of real e state You Will buy before Your 25th birthday,” where we talked about taking your less valuable courses at a lower price, and then transferring the credits into the more expensive college.

t his college dad looked at the $28,000 check (for five classes that would be $5,600/course) and then looked at the local community college’s website, where those same

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH

by Bill Quain

courses cost about $1,000 each. Using our advice, he came up with a plan for his son. t he son would take two general education courses each summer (a total of six courses), and graduate a semester early. the six courses at his son’s expensive school would cost $33,600. those six courses at the community college would cost $6,000 – a savings of over $27,000!

Using my advice, this college dad checked with his son’s university to confirm that they accepted transfer classes from enrolled students. b e sure to confirm this with your college if you use this strategy!

Two More Important Monopoly-busting Techniques every high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which many

Medical Reserve Corps

colleges accept for full credit. If your child is going to college, be sure to check with their guidance counselor and see what AP classes are available. there is a national exam after each course that costs $98. If the student passes at a certain level, they may get full college credit for the course. If the student takes and passes enough AP classes, they could enter college as a sophomore!

And many high schools have agreements with local colleges, where a high school course is actually a college course. this is called dual enrollment. At Stockton University, we have dual-enrollment courses with many high schools. Students enroll in the course for free at their high schools, and if they pass the course,

they can get full credit for it. t here is a $400 fee to obtain the credit, but that’s for a full course credit. And if a student doesn’t end up going to Stockton, they can simply transfer the Stockton credits to the college they do attend, for huge savings! Again, it isn’t unusual for an ambitious student to arrive at college with at least one semester already completed.

And As I Say Each Week I hope you’ve enjoyed my college series! b e sure to check out my website, www.theprofessorswhopayyouback.com. Send me an email to bill@quain.com.

And, 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.

Find

Least Favorite Halloween Candy

BITOHONEY

SMARTIES

BITOHONEY SMARTIES

MARYJANES

CIRCUSPEANUTS

JAWBREAKER

NECCOWAFER

BLACKLICORICE

ATOMICFIREBALL

CANDYCORN

WAXCOKEBOTTLES

DOTS Name: J

WAXCOKEBOTTLES

DUMDUMS

TOOTSIEROLLS

DOTS

TOOTSIEROLLS

SHORE FUNNY

This isnt a haunted house, folks. Just the result of extremely poor housekeeping. I teach my kids taxes by eating 35% of their Halloween candy. No, candy corn is not fresh produce.

November 1: National eat your kids Halloween candy after they go to bed day.

Postcards From The Past

Castle Dracula was a combination walk-through and boat ride on the Wildwood boardwalk. The castle was built in 1977 by the Nickels family on top of a pre-existing old mill ride. The old mill, which was originally constructed in 1919, was transformed into the dungeon boat ride, and the upper level became known as Castle Dracula. Castle Dracula met its drastic death in a massive fire on January 16th 2002. Two teenagers were charged with arson

SUDOKU

Solution on page 86

ACROSS

1. Down in the dumps

5. Letter-writing friend

8. trampled

12. Hokkaido people

13. D. H. Lawrence's "____ and Lovers"

14. Near the wind, archaic

15. Mideast ruler

16. Hipbones

17. *Pumpkin, e.g.

18. *"the ____", movie

20. Jackson 5 member

21. twinings product

22. ___ canto (singing style)

23. Appetite whetter

26. chucking

30. Pilot's announcement, acr.

31. Short sock

34. Kuwaiti leader

35. Dapper

37. "____ the ramparts ..."

38. Origami bird

39. Popular picnic side

40. Weary walk

42. Often precedes "whiz"

43. Larry of Oracle

45. Most idle

47. Napkin holder

48. Gamy, alt. sp.

50. *What witches' brew does in 52 across

52. *"eye of newt and toe of frog" holder

55. Shell-less gastropod, pl.

56. Siren's song, e.g.

57. A Flock of Seagulls' hit (2 words)

59. Ottoman title

60. type of mine passage

61. Head of family

62. Aid in crime

63. *World's largest Halloween Parade location, acr.

64. bulgarian or Serb

DOWN

1. Ovine utterance

2. Margarita fruit

3. Windows alternative in computers

4. "europa ____" movie (1990)

5. Disease in Philip roth's "Nemesis"

6. Licorice-like flavor

7. Future atty.'s exam

8. *Michael Jackson's spooky classic

9. Disorderly retreat

10. M lange

11. "Silent Spring" subject, acr.

13. Make ill

14. Subsequently

19. Settle a debt

22. contrary conjunction

23. end of "incense"

24. In the least (2 words)

25. birth-related

26. Group of cows

27. JPeG data

28. "to the ____," or "to a great extent"

29. roll out the red carpet

32. *Kandy ____

33. romanian money

36. *Stephenie Meyer's vampire saga

38. relinquished

40. Spinning toy

41. Gin plus lime cordial

44. chip dip

46. *"Monster Mash" words, e.g.

48. tasteless and flashy

49. Gold-related

50. Spill the beans

51. Yorkshire river

52. Kin group

53. Word of mouth

54. california wine valley

55. r&r destination

58. *All Saints' Day mo.

See Solution on Page 86

THEME: HALLOWEEN

Let Progressive Help You!

By Ursula Duffy

Horoscopes for Oct. 24 – 30

♈ Aries: Whom or what can best help you achieve your goals? Independence is one of your strengths. However, sometimes assistance from a trusted friend, family member or partner is needed.

♉ Taurus: Where in your body are you storing repressed emotions? the body is one of the biggest messengers of imbalance. Pain and unease can communicate the deeper meaning.

♊ Gemini: What do you really need right now that would best support your goals? Overstimulation is distracting. A little extra effort in finding peace and being present can promote clarity. connecting with your breath may be helpful.

♋ Cancer: Where in your life are you incongruent? A long-overdue, honest examination of your closest relationships could be insightful at this time. regaining alignment may require letting go.

♌ Leo: What would happen if you stopped caring what others think of you as it pertains to your goals? One of your biggest challenges and lessons is heart-centered self-expression and creativity without seeking validation from others.

♍ Virgo: Who are you when you see your future self with your desired

outcome? Visualization and affirmations are powerful manifestation tools. Pairing powerful tools with unwavering confidence can quiet an inner critic that could become a roadblock.

♎ Libra: Where in your life is there clutter preventing you from reaching your goal? there’s still a shedding occurring in the process of becoming the most authentic version of yourself. that which still needs to be shed is the clutter.

♏ Scorpio: Who are you when you see your future self with your desired outcome? Perspective is everything, and how you see yourself is important at this time. Shine brightly as your true self, regardless of how others may see you.

♐ Sagittarius: Who can help you see your blind spots? Phone a friend, Sagittarius! c all in help when it’s needed, which could even result in personal growth and deepening of relationships.

♑ Capricorn: Who are you at a soul level? Does that part of yourself already have the goal you desire? the ending of your personal transformation journey is being written. review the chapters from the beginning (circa 2008) and discover all of the layers of yourself that have been revealed.

♒ Aquarius: Is there a mentor who can help you with your goal? Learning is an ongoing journey. reconnecting with an old teacher, or finding a new one, can be just what you need when you’re ready to level up.

♓ Pisces: Where in your mind is there too much noise? t hinking about your hopes and dreams as if they’re already yours is one of the

best ways to create the life you desire!

Weekly summary:

t he season of truth, intensity and deepest emotions is upon us as of tuesday, Oct. 22 when the sun shifted into Scorpio. Scorpio’s intensity is rooted in all that lies beneath the surface and the willingness to be in intimate states of vulnerability in order to be fully revealed and seen. Insecurity around being fully seen and full emotional expression is partly why Scorpio is misunderstood and is oftentimes negatively stereotyped. this week’s cosmic connection focuses on self-inquiry, using journaling prompts paraphrased from the Nightside Oracle. these prompts can assist us in diving more deeply into ourselves and our own emotional state to become OK with being a little more vulnerable. Honest self-reflection is a key part of this process. 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