SHORE LOCAL | Coastal | November 28, 2024 by Mike Kurov

Meet the McElwees, the Bea Tree Originators

Holiday Happenings

Small Business Saturday a Big Deal

Land ll to be Capped to Stop The Stink

Centurion Re ects on her 102 Years

Recycled Bicycles to Ride Again

Think local this holiday season

Letter from the editor

As the season of gift giving is upon us, I encourage you to think local first. This Saturday is Small business Saturday, and I hope you’ll join us in celebrating all that our local businesses have to offer.

At Shore Local, celebrating the “local” in everything we do is a guiding principle. When b ob and I launched this publication more than eight years ago, we knew the name had to include “local.” o ur mission was and continues to be to spotlight the small businesses, people, places and events that make South Jersey shine.

Let’s support our friends and neighbors who manage small businesses. After all, it’s the makers, chefs, artists and entrepreneurs who truly value our patronage. When we shop locally, we ensure that our

dollars stay in the community, contributing to its growth and vitality.

According to the American Independent business Alliance, $68 out of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community, while just $43 out of every $100 spent at big box stores or online giants.

Imagine if we all shifted even 10% more of our purchases to small local businesses. The result? A ripple effect that fuels job creation, enhances our economy and fosters a vibrant, unique community.

o n the other hand, when we choose national chains, our dollars often vanish into faraway corporate accounts. but shopping locally keeps that money right here, supporting initiatives that make our area special. If we want to preserve the distinctive character of our towns—the charm of a handmade gift, the flavor of a locally sourced meal, or the warmth of personal service—our choices need to reflect that.

This past weekend, o cean City’s e arlier Than The b ird shopping event brought Asbury Avenue to life with sights, sounds and aromas that evoked the very best of the holiday season. Shoppers clad in festive pajamas strolled under twinkling lights,

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

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, Christina Martin, Julia Train, Ursula Duffy, John Loreaux, Marjorie Preston, Tynan Hand

Cover photo by Steffen Klenk. Pictured is the McElwee family of Ocean City.

their laughter punctuating the hum of cheerful holiday music. Local shopkeepers welcomed visitors with warm smiles and special discounts, while street performers added a magical energy to the bustling avenue. The experience was delightful and a reminder of the joy that shopping locally brings—not just for the treasures we find, but for the memories we create.

o cean City’s o ld-Fashioned Christmas on Asbury Avenue is

another must-see, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, charming window displays and Santa himself lighting the tree from the rooftop of City Hall. It’s a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie!

Nearby in margate, you can enjoy South Jersey’s only American Sign Language (ASL) Santa, a festive parade and a variety of family-friendly activities. Plus, you’ll find exclusive deals from local shops, making it easy to check off your holiday list while supporting small businesses.

These are just a couple of highlights. b e sure to check out our events and Happenings calendar on pages 18–21 for even more ways to celebrate this special weekend.

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we at Shore Local want to express our heartfelt appreciation to you, our readers. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and letting us share the stories of our incredible community. You inspire us every day to care more, do more and support all things local.

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Peace & Love, Cindy

The Jersey Shore 2024-2025 winter outlook

By Meteorologist Joe Martucci

Last winter we received anywhere from 5.4 inches of snow in o cean City to 8.7 inches of snow in Somers Point in our part of the Jersey Shore. That’s a far cry from average, but could very well be in line with what happens this winter coming up.

It’s time for the 2024-2025 Jersey Shore Winter o utlook, the annual tradition predicting probably our most controversial weather phenomenon: snow.

I was a guest speaker at the Cape may m useums, Arts, Culture (mAC) Lunch and Learn on Nov. 13. roughly 30% of the audience said they wanted no snow in their lives, ever. Another 50% were one and doners – people who enjoyed one snow, but nothing more. About 10% of the group were like me – the more snow the better. I imagine you’re split about the same.

This winter, the development of a weak La Niña and positive Quasi b iennial Index (we’ll get into that later) are the main factors for a winter outlook that offers little in the way of predicted snowstorms.

to complete a thorough winter outlook. In the case of Cohen, he developed a theory for winter forecasting in the Northeast: The more snow in Siberia during o ctober, the better likelihood for snow and cold here. That’s because the polar vortex – the cold dome of low pressure that rests at the North Pole during the winter – has a better chance of stretching or splitting, making its way down to our parts.

That’s pretty much the only factor that suggests this winter will be colder and snowier than the average one here at the Jersey Shore. Snowfall predictions by the rutgers University Global Snow Lab show it slightly above average here. o therwise, all other factors point toward a mild and less snowy winter.

Weak La Niña: A weak La Niña will develop over the winter, according to the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Historically, that has led to below-average snowfall in New Jersey. The farther

south in the state you go, the more below average it is.

I do not do my own winter forecasting. It takes months of research to complete one, with more skills than just a computer model. rather, this comes largely based upon my conversations with Steve Dimartino, owner of NY NJ PA Weather; as well as Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting at Atmospheric and environmental research.

b oth spend considerable time pouring over data and forecasts

A La Niña occurs when water temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific ocean, off the coast of Peru, are cooler than average.

Positive Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO): The Q bo is a pattern of changing winds high above the equator, between 60,000 and 100,000 feet in the air. When it’s negative, the winds blow from east to west. When it’s positive, like this winter, the winds blow from west to east.

The Q bo switches direction every 14 months. It's one of the most regular weather patterns, second only to the changing seasons. A positive Q bo means a drier winter, more often than not.

Warmer tropical Atlantic

Ocean waters: Forecasts are for the tropical Atlantic o cean to be warmer than the long-term average. Also known as a Warm Atlantic Quadpole m ode (AQ m), this typically leads to drier-than-average conditions in South Jersey. In a true North-South Jersey divide, though, the northern half of the state typically sees more precipitation than usual. Colder ocean waters near N.J.: Forecasts are also calling for water temperatures to be below average off the coast of the Northeast United States. To me, that means coastal storms won’t be as powerful. Storms like the big contrast between the cold landmass and the relatively milder water to explode and become powerful. Colder water means we won’t see that contrast.

Winter forecast summary

I give the Jersey Shore a 65% chance of snowfall to be at least 3 inches below the 14.8-inch seasonal snow average at the immediate coast, and the 17.4-inch average for the mainland (11.8 inches and 14.4 inches respectively).

I then give us a 20% chance of snowfall being within 3 inches of average. The remaining 15% is for snowfall more than 3 inches above average.

remember: With just one snowstorm, we can get nearer or even to average. While I like to think I’m good at forecasting, I’m not that good at knowing if 15 inches of snow will hit us on Feb. 19 at this stage of the season. We’ll take those as they come. but it’s safe to say that we can expect fewer storms with a possibility of snow.

Temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual overall. However, there could be a prolonged pe -

riod of cold weather, possibly with snow, in mid-to-late December, and again in the second half of February. Cohen, from Aer , believes that if the first cold spell doesn’t happen in December, it’s unlikely to happen in February either.

There should also be an average amount of storminess. m ost of these storms should bring warm southerly winds. That will bring a near to slightly above average amount of coastal flooding this winter. be prepared to move your cars if you live on or near bayside roads. Drought should recede during the winter, but I don’t believe it’ll be enough to cure our problems as we exit the season. Looking ahead, we’ll need a wetter-than-average spring to end the drought for good. o therwise, there will be water problems.

Learn about the winter outlook, live!

In the next few weeks I’ll be hosting live winter outlooks at the Jersey Shore. That includes a virtual one 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3; then 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at m argate’s o ld City Hall on S. Washington Avenue. both are free to attend and will have giveaways. Pre-registration is appreciated, which you can find on my social media pages. Happy Thanksgiving to you, your friends and family. At the time of this writing, Thursday and or Friday look stormy. be careful traveling.

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

Eurasian Snow Cover, by year. The average line is green. 2024 was slightly above average (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via the Rutgers University Global Snow Lab)

Six years of memories at North Street Tree

Ocean City family is behind the beach tree trend

By Steffen Klenk

On a chilly Saturday afternoon, a pickup truck arrives at the north end of o cean City with

a special delivery. There was excitement in the air as the m celwee family and young volunteers brought the North Street Christmas Tree onto the beach. Several onlookers were there to witness the tradition, which is now six years strong.

“I love doing it,” mcelwee says. “It means a lot hearing that it’s people’s traditions, and I love seeing everybody enjoying it.”

Upon arriving at North Street b each, follow the signs that will lead you to a ten-foot-tall evergreen tree, donated by eisele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Petersburg. The tree is planted with a clear tube and bucket underneath the sand to collect water, ensuring health and vitality all season long.

and skateboarders. “I like to incorporate the kids”, mcelwee says. “Having them witness all this is inspiring them and teaching them along the way.”

The tradition began in 2019 when Sue m celwee and her husband, mike, moved from b ucks County, Pa. to o cean City, with her children: m ichael, 17, maddox, 14, mason, 12, and Harlow, 6. All four are active surfers

The first tree was surrounded entirely by clamshells, each adorned with positive messages, well-wishes to loved ones. but it wasn’t until the pandemic when the tree gained notoriety as a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. “After CovID, it really took off, because it was outside and we were finally seeing people,” mcelwee says. more than 7,000 shells were left at the tree a year later in 2021.

artist Kristina Young. o ne will guide you in the direction of the tree. The other, standing next to the tree, encourages beachgoers to leave an ornament or other décor made by organic materials.

The North Street Tree will stay up for all to visit until New Year’s, after which what is remaining will be donated for the animals at Funny Farm rescue and Animal Sanctuary in mays Landing.

As you visit o cean City this season, be sure to stop by North Street Tree to decorate or drop off a clam shell, enjoy the many festive activi -

In the years since, the trees on the beach have become a phenomenon, spanning to various parts of the island and beyond. “I think everybody likes to be part of it,” m celwee explains. “When you’re down here, you come across so many people that you would never meet or talk to.”

Those who are arriving at North Street will notice several wooden signs, each sign created by local surf

ties that the island has to offer, and spark new memories that will last a lifetime.

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.

City leaders, public meet to discuss future of Wonderland site

By Steffen Klenk

There has been much interest surrounding the now shuttered Wonderland Pier in o cean City. The site, owned by ICo NA, is slated to be transformed into a seven and a half story, 252-room hotel. Aptly named ‘Icona in Wonderland’, the property would pay tribute to the former amusement park owned by the Gillian family, complete with the iconic Ferris wheel and carousel. According to Icona owner eustace mita, the project is estimated to cost $155 million and would be one of the largest investments along the Jersey Shore.

o n m onday, Nov. 25, members of the public gathered at the ocean City Library Lecture Hall for an open discussion on the project, held by Third Ward Councilman Jody Levchuk.

“We’re all here with open minds and open hearts” the councilman said. “ my number one priority is to listen to the constituents.”

Icona operates several beachfront resort properties throughout Cape m ay County, alongside restaurants

and meeting space. “This is a site that I am very passionate about.” mita spoke about his upbringing in o cean City as a resident and husband, raising five children only blocks from the beach, even sharing some of his own person -

be kept on-site.

al memories. “ my first ride was on the wet boats.”

m ita discussed his vision for the property, which would include an underground parking garage, arcade, and indoor pool, along with potential shopping and retail opportunities and seasonal entertainment. Additionally, Icona in Wonderland would invest in restoring the carousel, and for the Ferris wheel to be moved and elevated. The iconic wet boats would also

According to mita, the hotel would support the city’s growing tourism and resort industry. residents were given an opportunity to share their thoughts on the proposal. Several residents voiced their support for the project, citing the need for more hotel rooms. “I’ve seen it all” said Norma Lee Linforth, lifelong ocean City resident. “I have calls coming from friends who say they would love a place to bring their whole family.”

o thers highlighted potential adverse effects from the project, including concerns about traffic, dwindling amusement options, and the lack of available sunlight along historic neighborhoods like Plaza Place.

Several groups, including Save Wonderland, have been calling on the site to be preserved as an amusement destination, advocating against potential zoning changes. Helen Struckman, founder of the non-profit and o cean City resident, spoke at the meeting. “If (Icona) goes through, the entire boardwalk area can become open to hotel development.”

o verall, m ita says he was very encouraged by the meeting. “When people don’t like change, their the most specific. I felt like we had a very even meeting of those in favor.” Another public meeting on the Icona in Wonderland resort is scheduled to be held at the ocean City Tabernacle on Wednesday, December 4th. Further details are pending.

m eanwhile, Friends of oCNJ History & Culture will host a community meeting at 11 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 30, at Tabernacle b aptist Church. The community group will discuss revitalization of the property, zoning, and hear from area residents, visitors, and businesses.

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Eustace Mita, owner of Icona Resorts

Living to 102: A life of hard work, family and kindness

By Julia Train

Doris Clark of mays Landing celebrated her 102nd birthday on Thursday, Nov. 21. b orn in 1922, Clark’s life spans more than a century of change, living through the Great Depression and World War II.

Clark’s early years were marked by hardship, as she was born and grew up in the roaring ‘20s, a decade that was followed by the Great Depression. Her education was interrupted when the economic strain forced her to leave school after seventh grade to help support her family.

principle she still values today. When asked about the secret to living a long life, Clark insists that there’s no magic formula—just a commitment to kindness and healthy habits.

During World War II, Clark stayed home as her husband—who she married when she was 19 and he was 20—was in battle. She worked at the bulova Watch Factory in Philadelphia, which shifted to producing bombs as the war ramped up. At the factory, Clark became a shift leader.

When the war ended, Clark moved with her family from Philadelphia to a house on the lake in mays Landing. She spent over 30 years working as a lunch lady in the mays Landing School District.

“I have no secrets. Just be kind to everybody,” she said. She’s never smoked or drank much, and after her husband passed away 30 years ago, Clark adopted a healthier lifestyle, including a diet that emphasizes lean proteins like chicken and avoids red meat.

Her husband, who passed away at 66 years old from an abdominal aneurysm, had a history of smoking and heavy drinking, which Clark believes contributed to his early death.

Clark said she doesn't see much of a difference in the world she grew up in and the one today. However, she does believe that children today don't show the same level of respect to their elders that previous generations did. She was quick to point out that her own upbringing involved a deep respect for parents and elders, a

Doris and her husband Walter during WorldWar II.

Doris and her great grandkids.

Doris at age 17.

Clark’s family is a central part of her life, and she encourages others to spend time with loved ones. She enjoys the company of her children and grandchildren and has fond memories of traveling with friends to see elvis Presley impersonators across the country.

Although Clark’s three children live in other states, she maintains a strong bond with her family, who continue to care for her and support her as she navigates her 100s. Her daughter, Denise, described her as a loving mother who always put her family first. Denise noted that her mother never remarried after her husband's passing, choosing instead to focus on her children and her health. She recalled how, after her father's death, Clark took

it upon herself to travel and enjoy life, going on numerous bus trips with friends.

Despite being a woman of few words when it comes to advice, Clark advises younger people to be kind to others, respect their elders and focus on family.

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

Doris and her grandkids.

The great debate: Should you decorate for Christmas before or after Thanksgiving?

By Julia Train

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, one debate arises each year: when is it acceptable to start decorating for Christmas? Should we wait until after Thanksgiving to deck the halls, or kick off the holiday season earlier?

o n Nov. 22, I posted a poll on my personal Instagram account. I asked my followers when they decorate for Christmas— before or after Thanksgiving. I received 51 responses. Seventeen votes—or 33% — said they decorate before turkey day, while 34 — or 67% —wait until after.

m eanwhile, a Nov. 16 poll on the Shore Local Instagram revealed that those who decorate after Thanksgiving are the minority.

This great debate has sparked intense discussion, with strong, valid opinions on both sides.

The case for decorating before Thanksgiving

For many, Christmas is more than just a day on the calendar — it's a season. The end of o ctober marks

the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and by early November, many people are eager to embrace the festivities.

For those with busy lives — particularly families with children or people who work long hours — putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving offers more flexibility. If you can get the decorating done early, you have more time to relax and enjoy the season as it ramps up. You can avoid the stress of cramming everything in at once when the holiday season hits full swing.

Jenna DeLuca from Hammonton said she starts decking the halls on Nov. 1, skipping over decorating for Thanksgiving.

“It just doesn’t make sense for me to trek up and down the attic steps multiple times in one month to decorate for two separate holidays. Plus I like [to] have the tree up for photo ops during our Thanksgiving feast,” she said. “I don’t believe people are wrong for decorating at a different time though they are creating unnecessary work for themselves.”

A Wakefield research survey of 1,000 Americans found that 79% of participants believe they feel more holiday spirit when they decorate for Christmas earlier. Additionally, 55% of respondents had already started decorating before Thanksgiving.

The case against decorating before Thanksgiving

For many, Thanksgiving holds a unique and sacred place in the holiday calendar. It’s a time to gather with family, express gratitude and reflect.

Starting the Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving can be seen as a dismissal of Thanksgiving's importance.

For many families, the tradition of decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving is deeply rooted. The day after Thanksgiving — known as black Friday — marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season, both in terms of shopping and decorating. For these households, waiting until after Thanksgiving feels like the natural, respectful way to honor the seasons and holidays.

Kevin Ward from e gg Harbor

City begins decorating the day after Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is a huge holiday for our extended family; It’s the holiday that always reminds us to be thankful for the little things and for our family and friends so we like to not skip or minimize thanks by not decorating for that holiday,” he said.

Ward said he thinks those who decorate earlier have their reasons but believes Thanksgiving shouldn’t be skipped over.

“It’s about being thankful and reminding ourselves that we’re surrounded by so many things to be thankful for, no matter how hard life gets,” he said. “At least that’s the value that I was raised with.”

There’s no right answer

Ultimately, the "right" time to decorate for Christmas is a matter of personal choice, guided by family traditions, convenience and individual preferences. Whether you choose to jump into the holiday spirit as soon as spooky season is over or wait until after your Thanksgiving feast, the most important thing is to embrace what brings you joy.

Atlantic City casino workers urge Gov. Phil Murphy to move on smoking bill ban

By Stephanie Loder

Casino Workers Against Smoking effects (Ce ASe) won’t stop rallying until New Jersey Gov. Phil murphy bans smoking inside Atlantic City casinos.

Ce ASe again took to the streets with protest signs on Nov. 21 on the final day of the 2024 League of m unicipalities conference at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City where m urphy was scheduled to speak.

It has been more than 15 years since the state legislature passed New Jersey’s clean air law which created the loophole.

Protesters – comprised of casino workers – want murphy to close the loophole in the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act using state Senate bill S1878/ A4541, which is pending in the state legislature.

They’ve been making the same request to m urphy for years.

If signed by murphy, the bill would eliminate the smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities.

m urphy, a Democrat who is going into his last year as governor, supported banning smoking inside Atlantic City casinos while he was running for re-election.

“Governor m urphy and our lawmakers can’t keep overlooking the health risks casino workers face every day,” said ricky Foster, a casino dealer in Atlantic City.

“They’re here (at the conference) talking about improving the

lives of residents, yet they’ve ignored a simple, common-sense solution that would immediately protect the health and well-being of thousands of casino workers and patrons,” Foster said.

In 2023, Ce ASe asked m urphy to urge the legislature to send him the bill that would end smoking in the Garden State’s nine gaming halls.

b ut the bill remains stalled. Ce ASe continues to protest.

“We cannot keep waiting for action. The time for talk is over — Governor m urphy, we need you to step up and lead on this issue. o ur lives depend on it,” Foster said.

While the state Senate’s casino smoking band bill is supported by Atlantic City’s governing body, a city ordinance permits smoking inside resort casinos on no more than 25 % of the gaming floor.

m any casino workers say they have suffered long-term effects of inhaling secondhand smoke on the casino floor. Some workers have reported that they were diagnosed with cancer and other conditions related to second-hand smoke exposure.

Atlantic City casinos contend that indoor smoking is an option to keep business going.

The Casino Association of New Jersey warned in a previous statement that “Going completely non -

smoking would place Atlantic City casinos at a competitive disadvantage with other nearby casinos that allow smoking” and “would have a significant adverse effect on Atlantic City, resulting in a decline in customers which would cause job loss, and ultimately a decline in tax revenue.”

Ce ASe members don’t agree.

“Casino workers in New Jersey have had to choose between their

health and their paychecks for almost two decades,” said Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of Ce ASe and a casino table games dealer.

“It’s time to end this hypocrisy and give casino workers in New Jersey the same health and safety protections as nearly every other New Jersey worker. It’s long past time to close the casino smoking loophole,” Naccarelli said.

Smoking inside Atlantic City casinos was banned between m arch 16, 2020 and July 4, 2021 due to the Cov ID-19 pandemic.

Ce ASe argued at the time that lifting the ban was bad for the health of casino workers.

“ ever since indoor smoking returned to our workplaces on July 4, 2021, we have been fighting to protect our health by closing the casino smoking loophole in New Jersey law that gives the casinos a special exemption that no other business receives,” CeASe stated in a previous letter.

Restored bicycles find new homes for Christmas

By Stephanie Loder

Consider Pat m cGowan of Northfield one of Santa’s elves.

For the last 10 years, m cGowan has repaired used bicycles in his backyard shop, then donated them at Christmas to churches and foster families.

“So many kids need a bike and they’re grateful when they get one for Christmas,” he said.

m cGowan is no stranger to bicycles. He’s owned one since he was a child growing up in Galloway Township.

When his uncle passed away 30 years ago, his aunt gifted him an old Schwinn bicycle that had been sitting in her garage.

“I started collecting and restoring bikes after that,” said m cGowan, the owner of Pat The b ike man bicycle shop. “Pretty soon, people started asking me ‘Can you fix bikes?’ It just snowballed after that.”

m cGowan developed an eye for finding old bicycles and the parts needed to restore them.

m any families hand down their bicycles from the oldest to youngest child, he said.

“There’s a lot of memories there in a bicycle. I restore people’s memories,” he said.

Some bicycles have been sitting in garages or sheds for years, abandoned by the children who once owned them because they grew up and learned to drive a car.

He started donating restored bicycles about 10 years ago and so far has given away more than 100.

Again this year, m cGowan is repairing eight used bicycles for donation at the request of St. Joseph Church in Somers Point.

“They call me each year and anything they want, they get,” m cGowan said.

Finding used pedal bicycles this year wasn’t as easy as in past years because of the popularity of e-bicycles, he said.

“ e-bikes are pushing out pedal bicycles,” mcGowan said. “Some kids don’t want to be caught dead on a pedal bike.”

He said it took word of mouth and

some social media requests to find enough people this year willing to donate old bicycles. He was able to fulfill all of his donation requests.

Some bicycles might need a new pedal or handle grips. o thers need a tire change or a new chain.

The restored bicycles are put to good use and they are appreciated.

“There are poor kids out there whose parents can’t afford one and I’ll donate a bike if I catch wind of what they need,” he said. “If they need a bike, they’re going to get one from me.”

He also learns about children who need a bike from people in his bicycle community.

“People come to me and say they are going to buy a bike for a foster family or a kid who is riding around with bald tires on his bike,” m cGowan said. “That’s where I come in. I make sure they get a bike for free.”

m cGowan drives his pickup truck after work to gather the bikes from peoples’ homes. He brings them back to his shop.

He doesn’t accept any cash or gifts in return for the bicycles he repairs and donates.

o ne year, m cGowan said he received a gift card from the staff St. Joseph Church to thank him for the work.

“I turned it over to someone who was a single parent and gave the gift card to them,” he said.

m cGowan said knowing he makes a difference for a child at Christmas is enough satisfaction.

“I don’t need to get anything. I’m just doing my part,” he said.

Multi Day Events

Holiday Light Show at Smithville

▶Daily, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

615 e m oss mill road

Events and Happenings

enjoy a special light show overlooking Lake m eone every 30 minutes. Plus, enjoy strolling through the over 150 shops that make up Historic Smithville. m ore information is available at www.historicsmithville.com.

Vinter Wonderland at Renault Winery

▶Fridays-Sundays

72 N. b remen Ave., egg Harbor City

Step into the heart of the holidays as renault Winery is transformed into a festive winter oasis filled with joyful activities. enjoy gliding on the ice rink, explore the cozy marketplace, or gather around the firepits. There is something for everyone to enjoy this season. Learn more and purchase skate tickets at www.renaultwinery. com.

Model Railroad Workshop

▶Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-Noon

o cean City Historical m useum, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Learn more about the layout, setup and maintenance of the Historical museum’s model railroad as this year’s holiday display is set up. b ring your questions and your imagination.

Atlantic County 4-H Model Train Show

▶Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3210 route 50, mays Landing

Attendees will enjoy operating layouts and over 50 tables of vendors selling new and used railroad-related items. Free admission, parking and

coffee. Handicap accessible. Food and snacks will be available for purchase. Holiday Dickens Fest

▶Saturday, Nov. 30, 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 1, 1 p.m.

Historic Smithville, 615 e moss mill road

Join the r iddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company as they bring the Spirit of Christmas back to Smithville with a two-day outdoor Dickens Fest. The event will include an original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” as part of their Arts on the m ove Program (Aom). The show is sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits. The show will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Learn more at www.riddlesbrood. com/christmas-carol.

Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land

▶Now-Dec.

23

6415 e black Horse Pike, egg Harbor Township

every operating night at dusk, Santa will wave his magic wand and light up Storybook Land in over 1 million illuminated lights. The park will be open this Friday and Saturday 2-9 p.m., Sunday 2-8 p.m. and monday through Thursday from 4-9 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. Purchase online at www.storybookland.com.

South Jersey Players Dessert Theater

▶Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.

ventnor Coffee, 108 N. Dorset Ave., ventnor

Join the South Jersey Players this Sunday for their annual fundraiser. The event will feature short plays and monologues from local actors and playwrights. Tickets are $20 per person and include regular or decaf coffee or tea, homemade baked goods and the show. Seating is limited. reserve your spot by calling 347-9206399.

Atlantic City Cinefest

▶Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8

Fannie Hammer event Center at Stockton, 3711 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City

Cinefest weekend is almost here. enjoy two full days of short films and feature-length narratives, documentaries and music videos. v iew the complete schedule online at www. facebook.com/accinefest. Tickets are available via eventbrite.

Horse and Carriage Rides in Ocean City

▶Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-3 p.m.

Sixth St. and Asbury Ave. For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.

Photos with Santa in Ocean City

▶Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-3

p.m.

ocean City m usic Pier, 825 boardwalk

For more information, visit www. oceancityvacation.com.

Thursday, November 28

HSOC Annual Fastest and Furriest 5k Turkey Trot

▶8:30 a.m.

ocean City m usic Pier, 825 boardwalk

Join the Humane Society of ocean City in supporting animals in need during the annual Turkey Trot X v II. registration opens at 7 a.m. The run will begin at 8:30 a.m. There will also be a 1 mile Kids Fun run looping from the music Pier to Fifth Street and back. For more information, call 609-3989500, ext. 4 or visit www.hsoc.org.

Mainland After Prom’s Annual Turkey Trot

▶8:30 a.m.

mainland regional High School, 1301 oak Ave., Linwood

Join the mrHS educational Foundation for their annual Turkey Trot 5K run and Walk on Thanksgiving Day, benefiting mainland’s After Prom. early bird registration is open now at runsignup.com/mainlandturkeytrot.

Friday, November 29

Christmas in the Downtown

▶2-5 p.m.

Downtown Asbury Ave. o cean City

The m iracle on Asbury Avenue takes place on Friday, Join the merchants and Chamber of Commerce in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. m eet at City Hall prior to 5 p.m. for Christmas carols and performances. Then, get ready as Santa makes his appearance atop City Hall, with some help from the o cean City Fire Department to light the tree. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.

Paint it Black Friday: Rolling Stones Tribute

▶8 p.m.

Celebrity Theatre at The Claridge, 123 S. Indiana Ave., Atlantic City

Join Tony mart Presents for Paint it black Friday as the billy Walton band presents a special tribute to The rolling Stones. General admission seating is $20 per person and includes your first beer, wine or drink. Go to www. claridge.com to purchase tickets.

Saturday, November 30

EHT Nature Reserve Turkey Trot

▶9 a.m.

317 Zion road, egg Harbor Township

Take part in eHT’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot this Saturday. e xperience the beauty and challenge of sandy beaches and wooded trails while you work off

your turkey feast. The event will include a 5K run and 1 m ile Fun Walk. registration opens at 8 a.m. The race and walk will start at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is open online until Friday evening at 6 p.m. visit www.runsignup. com and search ‘ eHT Turkey Trot.’

Ocean’s Holiday Village

▶11 a.m.-9 p.m.

o cean Casino resort, 500 boardwalk, Atlantic City

e xperience o cean’s enchanting Holiday village, a festive wonderland filled with joy and cheer. Located inside The Shops at The row, you are sure to find the perfect holiday gift at one of o cean’s hand-selected vendors. o cean’s Holiday village will be open Saturdays through Dec. 21.

Margate’s Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza and Parade

▶Noon-4 p.m.

ventnor Ave., from Coolidge to essex Ave.

margate celebrates Small business Saturday with its annual parade and celebration of the season. Santa’s lifeguard boat will travel from Coolidge Avenue up the length of ventnor Avenue, escorted by the margate City Police Department and Fire Department, to bocca, where the festivities will continue, led by miss New Jersey 2024 elizabeth m endel. The dynamic performers from Leslie’s Dance Studio will dazzle the crowd in front of b occa. enjoy photo-ops with Santa, giveaways, music and crafts from the margate m others Association. Learn more at www.margatehasmore.com.

Tinseltown Market in Atlantic City

▶Noon-4 p.m.

Tennessee Ave.

Stop by the pop-up Tinseltown market at Tennessee Avenue this weekend. This shopping adventure will spark the magic of the season in everyone big and small, with a wide selection of local artists, shops and vendors. This festive event will span the entire block of Tennessee Avenue, showcasing unique local vendors selling handmade crafts, distinctive goods and holiday treasures. Hosted by TennAveAC.

Kids Fitness Class

▶12:30 p.m.

o tto b ruyns Library, 241 W. m ill road, Northfield

Your child will have a blast moving and grooving to the music with a dance party, stretching, fun games, partner exercises and more. For kids ages 10 and under. register by calling 609646-4476.

Holidays with the Ocean City Pops

▶6 p.m.

ocean City m usic Pier, 825 boardwalk

enjoy your favorite holiday songs with the oC Pops. Led by conductor vince Lee, the Pops will perform classic

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favorites and modern hits. visit www. oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice to purchase tickets or call 609-399-6111 for more information.

Noetrope Night Market ▶6-10 p.m.

Anchor rock Club, 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City

The holidays are coming so spend local this Small b usiness Saturday. over 20 local artists and vendors will be selling mixed media, vintage wares, upcycled fashion, skincare and beauty, spirituality and wellness and oddities. Plus, enjoy love music by Saturn Daze and Clune. Admission is $10 at the door.

Whiskey Revival ▶6-9 p.m.

Golden Nugget, 600 Huron b lvd., Atlantic City

Partake in sample tastings of artisan bourbon and whiskies from dozens of distilleries, with live music from the John m cNutt band. The event will be held in the Grand ballroom. must be 21+ to attend. Tickets can be purchased at www.goldennugget.com/atlantic-city.

Sunday, December 1

December in Our Town ▶5 p.m.

b lessed Sacrament Church, 11 N. Kenyon Ave., margate

The Children’s Choir of Southern New Jersey presents ‘December in our

Town,’ with special guest Kelly b riggs, of b roadway’s “Les m iserables” and “Cats.” The concert will feature the e gg Harbor Township High School vocal ensemble under the auspices of Chicken bone beach Historical Jazz Foundation’s Dr. beverly vaughn, Dr. Dianna Hughes, r ichard Tinsley II, Claire N. Collins and Kathy Ford on piano. Admission is a $10 donation at the door and $5 for children.

Tuesday, December 3

Thoughts from the Bookshelf ▶3 p.m.

margate Library, 8100 Atlantic Ave., margate

Join Pat Goldstein and JFS village Specialist Tina Serota for a book club gathering. This month, the group will discuss the masterful debut novel, “Wandering Souls,” by Cecile Pin. The book captures a family’s relentless pursuit of a better life following a past marked by loss. Attend in-person at the margate Library Lecture room. rSvP by Nov. 29 by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or email tserota@ jfsatlantic.org.

A Musical Celebration of the Holidays ▶7 p.m.

o cean City Senior Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.

The John Walter band, the community band of Cape may County, presents

a m usical Celebration of the holidays. This free concert is sponsored by the ocean City Free Public Library and will be held at the Senior Center, closest to the 18th St. entrance.

Somers Point Dance Society

▶7:30-10 p.m.

Somers Point Fire Hall, 447 bethel road

Admission is $10 and includes snacks, live musical duos, line dancing, dance mixers, social dancing and plenty of parking. Come out and kick up your heels, or just listen to good music with good company.

Wednesday, December 4

Somers Point Pinochle Club

▶6-8:30 p.m.

Somers Point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler road

Join the Pinochle Club in Somers Point for an evening of good times and great fun. All are welcome to join.

Thursday, December 5

Beginner Yoga Class in Somers Point

▶10 a.m.

Somers Point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler road

The City of Somers Point is hosting a beginner Yoga Class for Seniors. Take part in a relaxed gentle flow, with focuses on yoga poses linking movement with breath, increasing strength and flexibility. Time will be spent on the

mat, in seated, kneeling and standing poses. b ring your own mat. register by calling 609-226-4389 or email helbigshore@icloud.com.

Girls Night Out at Historic Smithville

▶6 p.m.

615 e m oss mill road

Grab your girls and head to the village for some shopping. each store will be running its own promotion from discounts to food tastings. enjoy the fun at over 50 Shoppes, seven eateries, carousel ride and train ride. m ore information is available at www. historicsmithville.com.

Friday, December 6

Lunch Around Town with JFS

▶Noon-1:30 p.m.

La Cucina ristorante, 1205 Tilton road, Northfield

enjoy a leisurely holiday lunch with friends while supporting a local restaurant. This month, JFS village will dine at La Cucina in Northfield. Come prepared for good food and conversation. order off the menu and pay individually. Contact Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.

Jim Craine’s Swing into Christmas ▶8 p.m.

resorts Atlantic City, 1133 b oardwalk

The Singing Lifeguard Jim Craine invites you to a musical comedy revue

show benefitting Toys for Tots. Don’t miss a night of merriment and songs of the season, all performed by Jim Craine and the Atlantic City All-Star b and, celebrating 50 years in show business, along with Suzie Neustadter, miss Leslie’s Dance Studio of margate Dancers, Happy Tappers Dance Troupe and other special group. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free for anyone bringing a new, unwrapped toy.

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, Dec. 4, 1:30 p.m.

6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, mays Landing

Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609- 402-6966 for more information.

NAMI Family Support and Connection

▶monday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Hosted by the National Alliance on m ental Illness (NAm I). 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. This month’s meeting on Dec. 9 will be held via Zoom. visit www. namiacm.org or call 609-741-5125 for more information.

MHA Atlantic Family Meetings

▶Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as stress-reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. m eetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday, and 7 p.m. every third Wednesday. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800, ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.

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

Atlantic County Toys for Kids program collecting gifts for area residents

By Stephanie Loder

Just like Santa’s elves before Christmas, the volunteers working with the Atlantic County Toys for Kids program are at their busiest this time of year.

For 40 years, the program has worked with Atlantic County businesses to collect toys that are given to area children.

b ut that’s not all the program does, said michelle riordan, the event coordinator for Atlantic County Toys for Kids.

The program is a source of holiday cheer, bringing Santa to residents of nursing homes and hospitals in different Atlantic County communities.

“We visit Shore m edical Center in Somers Point and we bring stuffed

animals and toys to children in the pediatric unit,” riordan said.

“Some children are really sick, so Santa goes to their window and waves to them from outside,” she said.

Last year, riordan said more than 14,000 toys were collected and distributed in Atlantic County.

The need this year is great, she said.

“We are extremely flooded with requests this year because other

organizations have shut down their requests,” riordan said.

The program normally handles children up to age 10, but riordan said this year’s requests include some teenagers.

“We’re getting requests for older kids who are 12 and 14. That becomes a challenge and we do our best,” she said.

Greg Depiano serves as President of Atlantic County Toys for Kids.

Depiano, a retired sergeant with the Atlantic County Department of Public Safety, saw a need to get gifts for children at Christmas and rallied the community for help.

Donations support children in communities from Hammonton and buena vista Township in western Atlantic County to Atlantic City, Somers Point, and Downbeach.

children, said she became involved because she had time to donate.

“I knew a long time ago that I may not have had a lot of money to donate, but I had the time and the kids learned the value of helping others,” she said.

Contributions also continue yearround to support Atlantic City Shop with a Cop, egg Harbor Township PAL Shop with a Cop, National Night o ut, Parades, Tree Lightings, Hispanic Alliance Three Kings Celebration, Shore m edical Center, Gilda’s Club, Atlantic City rescue m ission, the Center for Abused Women, Faces of Autism, St. michael’s Church and the boys & Girls Club.

riordan said there are 40 drop box locations for toy donations throughout the area.

“We do our best to fulfill toy requests,” riordan said. “This year we have some in Hammonton, and we have a lot of returning people who are just amazing.”

Seven volunteers help pick up toys when donation boxes are full and they also help wrap the gifts, she said.

r iordan, the mother of three

Several events are scheduled to raise money for the toy program, including a beef & beer fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 20 at maynard’s Café in margate. Tickets cost $40 and include beef, beer, wine and soda, a cash bar and music. For more information, contact Greg at 609-226-1560.

The deadline is Dec. 1 for Christmas gift donation requests which must be made online at www.toysforkidsprogram.org and identification – such as a driver’s license, state of New Jersey ID card, birth certificate, or school records – is required from adults and children.

Stephanie is a freelance writer with 40 years experience covering NJ news for The Asbury Park Press, The Courier Post, The Catholic Star Herald and The Press of AC. Email her at stephanieloder59@hotmail.com

Margate kicks off holiday season with Shop Small Weekend, American

Sign Language Santa and Friends Parade

While milder temperatures might not say “holiday” to most, there’s no denying the fact the season is quickly approaching and the margate business Association is all in and ready to celebrate the Shop Small b usiness extravaganza beginning Friday, Nov. 29 through to Sunday, Dec. 1, presented by Lexus. Local businesses will be offering great sales, discounts and contests for shoppers, highlighted by a parade through town by America Sign Language (ASL) Santa and some friends.

Holiday m usic and their prize wheel and pianist Shawn Quigley will be performing at bocca. The m arjorie and Lewis Katz JCC will be offering a free holiday craft and there will be a cornhole contest on essex Ave. to win great prizes!

Children can drop off their letters to Santa at the North Pole via his slotted mailbox in the foyer of bocca from Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.

on Saturday, Nov. 30 at noon, ASL Santa will travel from Coolidge Avenue and be escorted down the length of ventnor Avenue by the margate City Fire Department and the margate City Police Department to b occa Coal Fired b istro, at e ssex Avenue. Santa will be accompanied in his beach patrol sleigh by his dedicated elf and unicorn.

Heading up the event is m iss New Jersey 2024 elizabeth m endel, Leslie’s Dance Studio dancers performing to holiday favorites in front of bocca and characters Darth vader and Snoopy riding high above the streets in margate’s 5-ton Storm Truck. An Atlantic County Utilities Authority CNG pickup truck will deliver Supercan, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Atlantic City Division, will march the parade route. Lucy the elephant (the inflatable version) will slowly make her way down ventnor Avenue. Santa, his elves, a unicorn, Darth vader and Snoopy will also be available for pictures and visits both outside of bocca and then inside the restaurant where children can enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage along with a wrapped Wawa cookie (while supplies last). Also, opening this December, Na'cho Taco (corner of essex & ventnor Avenues) will have their m r. Taco character ready to pose for pictures and giving out free coupons for a chicken taco or kids quesadilla slice. Casel’s marketplace will have complimentary baked goods. All giveaways are while supplies last. USA DJ will be offering

o n Saturday, a scavenger hunt for margate businesses coupons will be hidden in small holiday boxes (one per person) and placed throughout the commercial districts (nothing will be

hidden inside). Sustainable margate will have environmental displays and information on Saturday at bocca and participants can spin the wheel or play a quiz game to win prizes. New Jersey Fairy Hair will be on hand at bocca ready to adorn your hair with sparkly strand extensions.

Shop Small Selfie Contest:

Take a picture in front of your favorite business and send the photo to info@margatehasmore.com by 5 p.m Sunday, Dec. 1. Winners will be selected and announced on m onday, Dec. 2.

For additional information on these events and much more go to www.margatehasmore.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sponsors include Lexus, margate City Police Department, margate City Fire Department, margate business Association, bocca Coal Fire Pizza, Na’cho Taco, Casel’s m arketplace, USADJ, Wawa, Fantazzia Co., Sustainable m argate and Shore Local Newsmagazine.

From Turkey Thursday to Black Friday

By Bill Quain

s many of my readers know, I am a long-distance runner. my last big run was the o cean City Half marathon in September. What a great race I had that day! In fact, I had a “personal best” time. but that didn’t just happen! I had to train for that race. I watched what I ate and did lots of stretches. I also bought new running shorts and Hoka’s shoes, and best of all, a new, lightweight running hat. Hey, that’s important! If your hat feels heavy when you start, imagine how heavy it’s going to feel 13 miles later when you’ve been both sweating and pouring water on your head!

SIX WORDS ON A BOARDWALK BENCH

by Bill Quain

The food you eat is important. In the 2023 oC Half m arathon, I made a huge mistake. I didn’t eat or drink enough before and during the race, and I paid the price! If any of you were up on the boards after that race, I was the one in the city-owned wheelchair. many thanks to the emTs who took care of me. I hope I never see you again, but it isn’t because you weren’t nice to me. And, shame of shames, Jeanne had to drive our SUv up onto the boardwalk so they could load me into the back seat for the short ride home. What happened? Well… I was in the zone and thought I was invincible. Who needs water when you’re in such good shape? Who needs food? I was too busy waving at the crowd. Why am I telling you this?

Simple. You are about to put your body and mind into a fierce, 30-plushour competition. It won’t be pretty. If you aren’t prepared – clothing, exercise, nutrition, and mental toughness – you might end up like me: in a borrowed wheelchair, loaded into an SUv because you can’t walk the short distance to the checkout counters on black Friday.

Stay sharp! Stay on your toes! Let’s start with the Thanksgiving dinner. It’s sure to be at an unnatural time of the day – sometime between when you would normally end lunch to just before you would normally eat dinner. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. is the “sweet spot.” Let’s face it, unless you are at the Shores of Wesley manor, you haven’t eaten dinner before 5 p.m. since last Thanksgiving! So you’ve got to get your body ready for this adjustment.

o f course, there is also the matter of eating 3,000-plus calories before dessert. You don’t just walk into that kind of competition wearing a pair of snug jeans. (See above regarding the correct clothing.)

Three of you like turkey legs. You, your father, and your uncle have all been looking forward to that Thanksgiving drumstick. In order to make this dream come true, you’ll

have to compete! The trick is to sit in the right place at the table – just to the right of the person who is carving the bird. either that, or ask the butcher at Acme to keep an eye out for a threelegged turkey. Hey, I know for a fact they have them for special customers. What makes a customer special? big tipping! That’s what I do, starting in about mid-August – buttering up that Acme butcher so I get that special bird.

Would you like wine with that?

o kay, here is a danger zone. A good host will offer his or her guests various libations at Thanksgiving dinner. b ut go easy! Do you remember what happened last year (and come to think of it… every year since 2010) with Uncle Harvey? Last year, he fell asleep on the piano, which was still far better than what happened in 2022! This year, he’ll try to blame it on the tryptophan: “That turkey has a hormone that puts me to sleep.” No, no, no! remember that someone, (usually under age 15), is going to have their phone out, and you don’t want your Thanksgiving meal to end up as another goofy reel on Facebook!

A Belt-Buster or Door-Buster

In the old days (before 2011), everyone went home after Thanksgiving dinner and went to sleep so they could get an early start on b lack Friday shopping. Not these days! You need to be in shape. Skip that second piece of pumpkin pie, because at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, you need to be in line at b est b uy (or Target, Kmart, etc.). The doors are about to be thrown open! Hopefully, you’ve been in serious training for this night. That’s right, bend your knees, lift with both hands and keep your back straight.

Here's a true story. Several years

ago, Jeanne and I were at my sister’s house in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving. We were also rehabbing an ocean City rental property at that time, and we needed to buy four T vs. Although we had always been dead set against shopping on Thanksgiving Day, the sales were just too good. We left my sister’s place after dinner and hit the doors at b est b uy in West Chester, Pennsylvania where we picked up seven televisions. The prices were so good that we decided to also replace some of our older T vs. We were in a shopping frenzy! The salesperson said that prices would be even better after midnight, but it was getting late, and we had to head home to ocean City.

We were driving down the Atlantic City e xpressway. It was approaching midnight just as we neared the mays Landing b est b uy. So we stopped, bought even bigger and better T vs with even better prices, returned the T vs we had just purchased in West Chester, and headed home with our shopping treasures!

The Winner’s Circle or Loser Land?

remember, whether you’re eating or shopping, this isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon! You have been training for this since last year. Will it pay off, or

will you fall just short of the finish line, exhausted, broke, and a little sick to your stomach?

You can do it, but it is going to take commitment, savvy bargaining skills, fearless cart pushing, and a magnificent deftness with a fork and knife.

And, whatever you do, remember to hold onto the receipts! You’ll need them when those unwrapped holiday gifts are headed back to the store.

Then all you’ll have is some memories and an additional 10 pounds around the middle. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! You can reach me at bill@quain. com. As I say each week, I’ll see ya in the papers!

Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www.billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.

Holiday hazards: How feeding your dog scraps might jeopardize their health

By Heidi Clayton

It is that time of the year for large feasts filled with yummy fattening foods, which are incredibly tempting to humans and dogs alike. If you find yourself tempted to overindulge around the holidays, imagine your dog's temptation. every year, I field panicked calls and texts from clients who left their dog unattended during a holiday party, only to find their dog had consumed a 20-pound turkey, a bowl of gravy or a candy dish filled with Hershey kisses.

Aside from chocolate being dangerous for dogs to consume in large quantities, my bigger worry is that of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which disrupts the flow of enzymes. even

small quantities of foods that are high in fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. These foods include turkey that has been slathered in butter or brined, rich gravies, green beans cooked in rich mushroom soup, and sweet potatoes coated in brown sugar.

Pancreatitis symptoms usually surface two to three days after consumption when the dog will begin to vomit a yellowish-colored thick bile. Pancreatitis is painful, so your dog may hunch up when walking, stretch a lot or become lethargic. This condition can be fatal. If you suspect your dog has it, you should take them to the vet immediately.

Diagnosing canine pancreatitis involves blood work, X-rays, and most likely an ultrasound. m ost cases of pancreatitis will involve some sort of hospital stay. The only current treatment is supportive care, such as Iv fluids, pain medications and fasting. There

recommend proactive management. It's a smart idea to use baby gates to block access to the room where the food will be, ask your guests not to feed the dog from the table, or put your dogs in their crates with something they can gnaw on until you are able to make sure they don’t get themselves into trouble.

The holiday season is hectic and stressful enough without having to worry about taking the dog to the er for a dietary indiscretion. Taking a few minutes before entertaining to make sure your dog or puppy doesn’t have access to human food will save you not only unneeded aggravation and drama but also thousands of dollars! Four on the Floor wishes you all a very peaceful and happy Thanksgiving. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.

is a new drug called Panoquell that has been conditionally approved by the FDA to aid in the recovery time of pancreatitis in dogs. Currently, its administration does not avoid a hospital stay, but it has been shown to speed up the process of healing the pancreas.

If your dog has proven to be untrustworthy around the buffet table and you don’t want to worry about having to make a trip to the er to get a bag of Hershey Kisses from their stomach on Christmas eve, I always

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

Keep your fur babies safe around holiday plants

By Tammy Thornton

Pretty plants and flowers make great gifts to give or receive around the holidays. This time of year, garden nurseries and grocery stores sell potted plants and flowers festively-wrapped and ready to go as quick and easy hostess gifts. You may even decide to pick one up for yourself. but use caution when bringing new plants home to live with you. Your curious pets may want to sample your gifts with disastrous results. Keep toxic plants far from the paws of your fur babies and choose non-toxic options for a safe and joyous holiday.

Kissing your sweetheart under the mistletoe might send your heart a flutter, but it could send your pet to the animal hospital. If your pet ingests American mistletoe, it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficult breathing, and a low heart rate—and there’s nothing romantic about that! Some of the most popular holiday plants such as poinsettia, holly, amaryllis, peace lily, and paperwhites are also toxic to pets. So be sure to keep these out of the reach of your furry friends. Don’t forget about plants that you

may have brought in from the garden to overwinter indoors. Geraniums, begonias, and oleander are all toxic for your pets and should be kept in a place that will not be accessible by your pets. If you do suspect that your pet may have ingested something toxic, time is of the essence. Dr. Kimberlee Glenn, of Absecon veterinary Hospital and emergency Service, says, “ b ring your pet to the vet right away, even if you think it ate something hours ago. There are still things a veterinarian can do to lessen the toxin absorption and help diminish the damage. With many ingestions, we will ask the owner or we will call the ASPCA toxin hotline, and set up a case number since they have a huge database for the best recommended treatment protocols. They will follow the case throughout the process and give advice. There is a fee, but it is well worth it.”

If you’d like to avoid some of this holiday stress, you can choose among some of the many non-toxic options when it comes to indoor plants. Though the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

(ASPCA) warns “that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats”, they do offer safer alternatives on their website aspca. org. The suggested plants on the ASPCA’s list are rated as either non-toxic or those that may cause symptoms of mild GI upset if ingested but “are

not expected to be life-threatening to your pets.” When in doubt, search the ASPCA’s website for the plant in question, to determine if the plant is safe for your pet.

Fortunately, one particular holiday favorite, Christmas cactus, is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats. This tropical plant can live for decades and provides bursts of color with exotic flowers in cheery shades of pink and red. Depending on the variety, you can also find Thanksgiving cactus and easter cactus. each can be identified by the unique shape of its leaves—or you can just wait and see when it blooms.

Some other non-toxic options are spider plant, boston fern, phalaenopsis orchid, African violet, American rubber plant, gerbera daisy, and parlor palm. So you don’t have to settle for fake silk or plastic flowers to keep your pets safe. Consider some of these alternatives when giving gifts to pet owners, for a happy holiday with a little less drama.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year hot-line. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call 1-800-4264435.

Choose non-toxic Christmas cactus as a safe choice for pet owners.

Sixteen acres of ACUA Landfill to be capped

Atlantic County appropriates $7 million toward project that will begin in February

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) will install a permanent cap over 16 acres of its landfill in egg Harbor Township that will increase landfill gas collection efficiency, reduce the generation of leachate, improve stormwater quality, and minimize the impact of potential offsite odors.

The Atlantic County b oard of Commissioners recently approved a $7 million appropriation from the federal American rescue Plan (ArPA) to fund the project.

“We thank the Atlantic County Commissioners and Atlantic County e xecutive Dennis Levinson for recognizing this project as a valuable funding opportunity that will directly benefit Atlantic County residents,” said ACUA President m atthew DeNafo. “The funding allows us to complete this project five years ahead of schedule and continue to offer the lowest tip fee in the state.”

The cap is among the many defenses the Authority has implemented to minimize potential offsite odors. Throughout the fall months, ACUA installed 32 gas collection wells, 12,400

linear feet of pipeline, 12,000 linear feet of airline and two dewatering sumps that all contribute to improved gas collection efficiency.

“These investments are more than just figures,” said DeNafo. “They will significantly increase gas collection capacity today and into the future as more waste is buried.”

Last year, similar to other landfill sites in the state, the ACUA experi -

enced an uptick in odor complaints during the cold and wet winter months.

“Cold weather tends to trap odors and prevents them from dissipating quickly,” said DeNafo.

In February 2024, ACUA installed 19 gas collection wells. Shortly after their install, odor complaints declined.

“We’re confident that continual

investment in these proven gas collection solutions will minimize the potential for odors to migrate off-site.” said DeNafo. “We take the concerns of our community seriously and continue to meet federal and state standards for health and safety.”

In addition to the gas well and piping investments, a renewable natural gas facility is being built to transform landfill gas into natural gas that can be used to power area homes, businesses, and collection vehicles. The project will also increase collection efficiency, reducing flare emissions by up to 95%. The facility, a partnership with South Jersey Gas and o PAL Fuels, will be the first of its kind in NJ when it opens in 2025. residents can follow updates and subscribe to email alerts on notable landfill projects at acua.com/landfillgas.

What’s happening in Ocean City

Celebrate

Ocean City’s small-town version of “ black Friday” takes place on Friday, Nov. 29. Christmas in the Downtown – “our miracle on Asbury Avenue” – will be celebrated from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature carolers and performers along downtown Asbury Avenue between Sixth Street and 14th Street.

Downtown stores will offer discount shopping for gifts, and many Asbury Avenue restaurants will be open. Free horse-and-carriage rides will be available noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Santa will visit with children 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at mark Soifer Park (Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue). entertainment and Christmas carols will begin at 4 p.m. on the steps of City Hall at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.

The event culminates around 5 p.m. when Santa Claus will emerge on the rooftop of City Hall. With the help of an ocean City Fire Department ladder truck, Santa will descend and help light the Christmas Tree and illuminate City Hall.

The shopping discounts will continue on Nov. 30 as downtown merchants celebrate Small Business Saturday. Children can visit with Santa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue) or take a photo with Santa in a lifeguard boat from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. outside the o cean City m usic Pier. Free horse and carriage rides will be available 12

p.m. to 3 p.m. with boarding at 6th and Asbury.

m usic lovers can enjoy a special holiday performance of the Ocean City Pops Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 30. Led by conductor vince Lee, the Pops will perform classic holiday favorites and modern hits. For tickets, visit o ceanCityvacation.com/ boxo ffice.

Coming up in November and December

Horse and Carriage Rides (Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22): Free rides along decorated downtown Asbury Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street.

Fast & Furriest 5K Turkey Trot (Nov. 28): Annual 5K running race on the o cean City boardwalk benefits the Humane Society of o cean City.

For more information call 609-3989500 ext. 4 or visit hsocnj.org.

Photos with Santa in a Lifeguard Boat (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22): 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the ocean City m usic Pier.

Santa in the Downtown (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22): 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at m ark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).

Ocean City Pops Holiday Show (Nov. 30): The annual holiday show at the o cean City m usic Pier will feature the o cean City Pops orchestra performing classic Christmas song favorites and modern hits, led by conductor vince Lee. The show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice

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Whether you’re interested in the hottest new books, educational workshops, children’s activities, or online resources, the library has everything you need to spark your imagination this fall.

Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources.

↘Continued from 32

Christmas Parade (Dec. 6): 6 p.m. on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 11th Street.

Train Show (Dec. 7 and 8): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the o cean City m usic Pier. Admission free.

Festive Fridays along Downtown Asbury Avenue (Dec. 13 and 20): Join downtown o cean City merchants as

o cean City m usic Pier. Tickets can be purchased atwww.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Jolly Trolley Lights Tour (Dec 17): Tickets are sold out for a new holiday trolley tour geared toward families with young children.

they celebrate the holiday season with shopping specials. enjoy horseand-carriage rides from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through the downtown adorned with thousands of Christmas lights and shop for some for the best gifts this holiday season. Two pickup locations include the Tabernacle (Sixth and Asbury) and oceanFirst bank (10th and Asbury).

Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) (Dec. 14 and 15): Presented by the o cean City Theatre Company’s Junior Company, the musical is a 60-minute adaptation of the b roadway hit specially tailored for young actors. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the

First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec. 31): A complete schedule of entertainment and tickets for this family-friendly New Year’s eve celebration are available atwww. FirstNightoCNJ.com.

First Day (Jan. 1, 2025): Celebrate New Year’s Day with a Shopping e xtravaganza on downtown Asbury Avenue, a 5K run on the boardwalk (1 p.m.) and the annual First Dip in the Atlantic ocean (2 p.m.).

How Longport got its name

An Early History

According to local historian and former mayor michael Cohen, in his book “Longport- The Way We Were,” the first recorded private landowner was Thomas b udd, who settled a claim against the Lord Proprietors of New Jersey in 1695. In the claim, he was awarded 1,500 acres of land, of which a large portion was located on Absecon Island. He later sold most of the property at cost of four cents an acre.

Years later, in 1854, Samuel overshine purchased a parcel of land containing dunes that built-up at the southwestern end of the island for $130. That same year he sold a parcel

of that land for $10 to Isaac barton. Three years later, b arton traded what was known as Lot 32 for a total of $2,000 plus land in Arkansas to James Long.

Long kept the property for 25 years and over the years, his property value increased in both value and size. His property increased by a little more than a mile in length after accumulating sand from an erosion updrift from Atlantic City between 1870 and 1880. He never came to see the land he purchased, nor did he decide to develop it. Although, he came back to Longport several years later and purchased an entire block of land, between 12th and 13th avenues,

where he built a home on the beach. Long named it the “ bide-A-Wee.” by the turn of the century, the home was sold and became a sanatorium. The building was destroyed by a storm in 1914.

Long decided to sell Lot 32 to his friend m . Simpson m cCullough in 1882. m cCullough, a renowned Philadelphia lawyer, businessman, developer and builder, thought of developing the area into a “seashore resort.”

m cCullough purchased the area, which had increased to a size of 250 acres for a total of $150,000. He then

decided to name the area “Longport” in honor of the previous parcel owner and his friend. The naturally long port on the bay side also contributed to m cCullough’s decision in names. Longport became a good deal shorter between the years of 1900 and 1916, when approximately 180 acres of the 250 that m cCullough purchased, moved across the inlet and became what is known as the o cean City Gardens. This explains why the first avenue of the borough starts at 11th, instead of first, as avenues one through 10 were lost during those years.

1908 map shows a longer Longport

Braided yeast bread with sesame seeds

By Tammy Thornton

Who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air? making your own homemade bread

may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually very easy, quite forgiving, and extremely gratifying. every once in a while I get on bread-making kicks and have enjoyed experimenting with different types of focaccia filled with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs. recently, I made a rounded loaf of bread in my Dutch oven, and it looked like it came from a bakery. m y latest attempt looks like I stepped it up a

notch with a sesame-topped braided loaf, but in reality, only one extra step elevated this bread to the next level.

You really don’t need any special tools for baking homemade bread, but using baking parchment paper will provide a nice nonstick surface for your bread to bake. I also use parchment paper on my counters when kneading or rolling out the dough, making clean-up a breeze. o f course, you will also need to have yeast to help your bread rise. Since I like to have the ingredients available whenever the mood hits, I keep a jar of yeast in my refrigerator. You can also use the packages of dry yeast and cut off a pre-measured packet as needed. These unopened packets do not need refrigeration. I have a particular bowl that I like to use when mixing my dough, because it has a very down-home look to it, but you could even dump the ingredients into a large ziplock baggie, and your bread will come out fine.

o ne of the only difficult parts of making yeast bread is the wait. You need to allow the dough to rise, preferably multiple times for the best results. b ut most of this time is not hands-on time. You can throw

the ingredients in a mixing bowl (or baggie), mix them up, and walk away. Just like pizza dough, the flavor can be enhanced if you let the dough rest overnight. This is when a baggie comes in handy. You can dump the ingredients in the bag, shake and squish everything together, place it in your refrigerator, and forget about it until the next day. When using this method, take the dough out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature

before moving on to the next step. The baggie won’t take up much space in your refrigerator, and you can make multiple loaves in different bags to bake at the same time. o ne for you, one for a friend!

Though I’m including the instructions for my latest attempt at making braided bread, you may want to ex-

periment yourself. Perhaps you will find that a little more or less salt or sugar suits your taste. I always use the term “recipe” lightly, because I'm always trying different recipes and tweaking them to see what works best for me. Keep in mind, though, that each ingredient does have a purpose. While honey and sugar can enhance the flavor, they also serve to feed the yeast and promote a better rise. Yeast can expire, which will keep your bread from rising. You can test or “proof” your yeast by mixing it with warm (not hot) tap water. After about ten minutes, the yeast should have a slightly foamy appearance, which means the magic is starting. Pour one cup of warm tap water into a bowl, then stir in one tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of honey. mix well until the sugar and honey dissolve. Sprinkle one tablespoon of yeast over the water. Wait five to ten minutes to allow the yeast to “bloom” and become foamy. Next, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 3 cups of flour, and 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive

oil. mix all of the ingredients until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise.

At this point, I like to place the bowl of dough in a warm spot, such as a barely warmed oven that has been turned off. You can also place your dough in the refrigerator overnight and take it out to rise the next day. Allow the dough to rise for half an hour, then punch it down, stretch it out from all sides, and allow it to rise again. be sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel. o nce your dough has risen a second time, spread a piece of parchment paper on your counter and dust it with flour. Split the dough into three even pieces and roll each piece into a rope about 10-12 inches long. b raid the three ropes into one loaf, tightly securing each end to itself. b rush with an egg wash using one egg white mixed with a little water, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place the braided dough and parchment paper onto a cookie sheet at an angle and allow the bread to rise for another ten to twenty minutes, then bake at 350° for 40 minutes.

Your house will smell like a wonderful bakery. When you’re done, you can take a bow and pat yourself on the back. Allow the bread to slightly cool, and think about all of the other wonderful things you are capable of now that you learned to bake bread! We would love to hear from our readers. Send your comments and 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.

Pajama-clad shoppers flock to Earlier than the Bird

By Steffen Klenk

Ocean City kicked off the holiday shopping season with its annual e arlier than the bird event, held this past Saturday, Nov. 23. Hundreds flocked to Asbury Avenue for a full morning of special deals, discounts, and sales, while dressed in their PJ’s. The festivities continued throughout the day with guest appearances, music, and horse and carriage rides. o n Friday, Nov. 29, hundreds will

line the streets surrounding 9th & Asbury for the annual Christmas in the Downtown. The event will include strolling entertainment, carolers, and the lighting of the tree and City Hall. b e sure to visit www.oceancityvacation. com for an updated list of events.

At Beneficial Bakery, eating healthy starts with dessert

By Chef Christina Martin

Diane m elano, Ph.D., a functional medical nutritionist, never expected to own a bakery, but her drive to help two of her clients led her down an unexpected path.

one of her clients had Parkinson’s disease. He was struggling with preparing foods so he was not eating healthy.

During a consult, he mentioned he missed his mom’s pumpkin bread. Diane thought she could create a pumpkin bread that would be more nutritionally dense.

She started playing with adaptogens, and the idea of fermentation and what happens to food via fermentation clicked at that moment.

Diane would make and send loaves

to her patient, and he would give her feedback as she began to study fermentation. This was before she became a food scientist.

The other client was an 8-yearold with cancer. The child’s oncologist and hospital nutritionist reached out to Diane for help to encourage the girl to consume more nutrients and calories.

When Diane met with her, all she wanted was a chocolate chip cookie. Diane thought about ways to get nutrients, protein, vitamins and healthy fats into a child who was going through so much and only wanted a chocolate chip cookie.

This is how The beneficial bakery began, but it wasn’t a business just yet. She was still in private practice and went into a degree program for food science. In the process her entire life changed, bridging the gap between functional medicine nutrition and food science.

meanwhile, word started to spread in the area and people wanted to try the “ b rain b read” and the “Gooey Cookies,” which are now sold at the

bakery. The brain bread is now made in muffin form.

Then Diane was asked to participate in the margate Farmers market. She was hesitant at first because she had medical debt and student loan debt through the roof. It was a giant leap of faith.

Diane thought about giving it a chance since there seemed to

be a demand for her products. People were emailing and asking where they could get the bread and cookies for themselves or a family member.

She started out solo, but now she has a team. Karen rogers from 6 AbC reached out to Diane to do a segment on her at the farmers market. So did other local media.

Diane Melanio

Rising business

She had a month to create a website, have her products ready, and figure out shipping because people wanted to purchase her baked goods from near and far. She had to rent space and found a place to bake from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

What differentiates her bakery from other gluten-free bakeries is that her products are made with fermented vegetables. This is her pride and joy and where all her studies in food science have flourished.

The baked goods are incredibly nutrient dense, gluten-free and do not contain commercially produced, gluten-free flours. This makes The beneficial bakery one of a kind.

They mill their own flours, which they make from vegetables and amaranth.

They have customers with autoimmune disorders including Crohn’s, rare blood disorders, diabetic, and gastrointestinal issues. Diane has some of these issues herself including gluten and other allergies.

She said when it comes to people’s health, it’s more than what they consume; it’s also the inner joy that they desperately miss when they are so sick.

As far as the available products nowadays, the breads always sell out, whether for pickup or delivery, especially the bagels. Cookies are another favorite, with eight to 10 veggies in a treat.

“As long as you don’t tell your child that there is cauliflower in it, they won’t know the difference,” she said. “ b ut you know they are consuming something so good for them.”

At the bakery on Saturdays they are known for their carrot cake. The m exican hot chocolate is one of my favorites and it is very unique. With no sugar added, it includes lots of adaptogens so it helps the body essentially balance itself. There are veggies in it and you don’t even know it. It is indulgent and topped with a

luscious parsnip whipped cream. It feels so comforting and nourishing, but what you are getting is a meal. New on the menu is the probiotic protein granola, yogurt and their cheeses.

A year and half ago Diane became very sick and was bedridden. The team ran the bakery for six months. She wanted something to feed her soul and was craving a grilled cheese, one of her favorites.

While not being able to sleep she looked into how dairy cheese is made, its chemical components, the aging process and how she could replicate

that, but she didn’t want to make a vegan cheese like those commercially available.

Her cheeses taste amazing. Some local chefs I know have tried them and say they are unbelievable. Her blue cheese has been in the works since october 2023. You don’t want to miss when it is released Dec. 1 for preorder.

Cheeses are in the biggest demand and sell out every single week. They take anywhere from four to 14 months to make.

There is queso fresco, newly launched goat cheese, super melty

cheeses like crafty American, sweet potato cheddar, m uenster, and Asiago, which is great for pastas and eggplant Parmesan.

There are aged crumbly cheeses like Irish cheddar, aged cheddar, and for holidays, mulberry aged, red wine truffle and blue cheese.

Word of mouth

The bakery has been promoted by word of mouth since Diane’s farmers market days and made the opening of the brick and mortar business possi -

ble in June 2021. The response has been incredible.

Diane has many shipping customers, too. They are foundational to the business and she is working on the logistics of shipping cheeses to them.

Local customers say the breads are their favorites along with the probiotic protein granola. The chocolate cherry granola is Diane’s favorite and the ingredients are spectacular including sprouted oats.

She recently started fermented jams with local fruit and figs which are grown at the bakery. Fermented veggie creamer, the best of the best, is another customer favorite.

Diane is particular about whom they source ingredients from. The maple sugar comes from their friend John in m aine. The maple syrup comes from their friend Kim in vermont. And they also have a preferred farmer for their grains.

You can sign up for their newsletter on their website and team member Arteah, who puts together this lovely newsletter, can send it out to you every Saturday.

The online store opens Sunday at noon for customers to select products. Pickup is from 8 to 11 a.m. at the bakery on Saturday, or you can select a shipping option.

If you go into the bakery there are items that are not available online that you can purchase including carrot cake, hot chocolate, yogurt parfaits, different cheeses and jams, mixes. m ost recently, pizza slices can be purchased in the bakery.

Diane’s best friend Kacie runs a business called earth Drenched, which is an eco-friendly dyeing company. She maintains the bakery grounds and the produce that they grow, along with herbs and edible flowers that they dry and use for baked goods.

o ne of her products is a dyed apron which is a beautiful lavender color. I have one and love wearing it to cook. It ties in as the business goes from vegetables to fermentation, to dehydration, to milling flours to blends to get to its baked goods.

Kacie takes the seed, grows a flower or plant, ferments it, boils it, distills it to make a color. These two processes are so similar in creating something that takes time and becomes a beautiful and exceptional product. Diane and Kacie have come up with some amazing items like their cheese boards.

“If you are someone who cannot have dairy or don’t eat dairy for personal reasons, imagine having a

beautiful board that has been died with fermented huckleberries that grew in this area, sanded and polished by Kacie and you have your wedge of cheese that took four months to age, with some gluten-free baguette slices or crackers and you give yourself the most beautiful moment. That is healing.”

The team that makes this all happen includes Tyler who makes the en -

glish muffins, Theresa who makes the cookies, Aidan who helps bake and Jorge, Diane’s husband, who manages the whole operation. Without this team Diane says the bakery would not be what it is. She has to plan ahead as they have been working since m arch for this holiday season. It is challenging.

Diane said it’s a privilege and honor to do what she does. She gets photos from people from all over, something which motivates her. She is grateful for the community and is excited for the future.

The beneficial bakery, located at 6572 m ill road, egg Harbor Township, offers pickup 8-11 a.m. Saturdays at the bakery. See thebeneficialbakery.com or find The b eneficial b akery on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

Picking the perfect holiday tree

By Steffen Klenk

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

The holiday season is upon us, and as the countdown to Christmas moves forward, now is the time to start decorating the house. An integral part of that will include selecting the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Despite the simplicity and ease of artificial trees, there is nothing quite like the thrill of buying a real Christmas tree year to year.

The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that anywhere from 25-30 million real trees are purchased every year. There are close to 350 million trees growing on farms across the U.S. at any given point, with the largest production in Pennsylvania, oregon, North Carolina, and michigan. Here’s an interesting fact: it can take up to 15 years for a tree to grow to its typical height of seven feet.

b efore you jump in your car and drive to the nearest tree farm, there are a few key items of information one should know. It is important to measure the ceiling height of the room where you will set up the tree, while taking into consideration your tree topper and stand. A good rule of thumb: if you have an eightfoot ceiling, you’ll want to purchase a six- or seven-foot tree. Also, be sure to measure the width of the door to ensure the tree will fit through easily. Next, research the different variety of trees to choose the best one for your home. Not all trees are created equal. Fraser firs are considered the best-selling species and most attractive and will look good in any home. These types of trees are appropriate for ornaments

of all shapes and sizes with its sturdy branches and silvery-green undersides. Noble Firs are also easy to decorate, with strong branches that can hold up the heaviest and most fragile ornaments.

The balsam Fir has an aromatic scent that will set off instant feelings of Christmas throughout any room of your home. Douglas Firs are another perfect option. Considered one of the most popular Christmas trees

in the country, the Douglas Fir is one of the densest trees you will find with its soft, shiny green needles.

o ther common trees include the b lue Spruce. With its silvery-blue needles and symmetrical shape, it’s perfect for holding heavy ornaments and, if kept at optimal temperatures, doesn’t drop many needles. The coneshaped Norway Spruce gives off a mild, pleasant scent with its attractive forest-green needles.

o nce you have brought your tree home and it has been properly placed, be sure to water it every day. During the first few days, a tree can drink gallons of water, so check your tree stand often. It is also important to note that Christmas trees thrive in cooler conditions. Keep your tree away from any heaters, fireplace, or other objects that can cause it to dry out

quickly. Anchor the tree firmly if you have an adventurous climber of a cat or be sure to keep your pet’s health in mind. If you have a curious cat and dog that likes to chew on objects, consider purchasing an artificial tree. real trees may contain chemicals that can cause health issues to our four-legged friends.

There are many locations in South Jersey where you can find the perfect Christmas tree. below is a list of local tree farms open this season in Atlantic and Cape may counties:

Dupras’ Evergreen Acres

▶ 403 old river road, mays Landing

▶ Saturdays 9am-4pm, Sundays 10am-4pm

▶ 609-625-2307

Eisele’s Tree Farm

▶ 280 old Tuckahoe rd. Petersburg

▶ Fridays 1-4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-4pm

▶ 609-628-2758

Foster’s Holly Ridge Tree Farm

▶ 116 S. Chew rd. Hammonton

▶ Thursday-Sunday 9am-4:30pm

▶ 609-561-8575

research has shown that real Christmas trees have vast environmental benefits. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, real Christmas trees support life on earth by emitting fresh oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide along with other gases. Farms that are growing the trees not only provide refuge for local wildlife, but they protect water supplies and stabilize oil.

And because they are biodegradable, your Christmas tree can be easily reused and recycled. They’re used for mulch, wood chips to create pathways

Littleworth Tree Farm

▶ 1957 Tuckahoe rd. Petersburg

▶ Fridays Noon-4pm; Saturdays & Sundays 9am-4:30pm

▶ 609-628-3346

Ponderosa Tree Farm

▶ 131 S. manheim Ave. egg Harbor City

▶ Now-November 30th from 11am4pm; December 1st-23rd from 10am-5pm

▶ 609-965-4646

R and J Farm

▶ 723 W. Herschel St. egg Harbor City

▶ Friday-monday 9am-4:30pm

▶ 609-593-6180

Wenz Christmas Tree Farm

▶ 560 New Jersey Ave. Absecon

▶ Fridays and Saturdays 9am-8pm, Sundays 9am-7pm

▶ 609-432-8880

and compost filters. Check with your local municipality for pick up dates at the end of the Christmas season. o r, if you have the space, set your tree up in the backyard with popcorn strings or edible ornaments to feed local wildlife, such as birds and squirrels.

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.

Thanksgiving high school football fades away

By David Weinberg

The kids’ Thanksgiving table has to be expanded.

m imi and Poppy Weinberg are now proud grandparents to four boys. Whit arrived on Aug. 18, joining brothers Hampton (8), Graham (6) and Nixon (3).

Whenever we host Thanksgiving dinner, children all sit at the same table in the kitchen. Whit will now be wedged into a crammed space that already includes his brothers, parents Kyle and Ashley, aunt Ashley, as well as various cousins.

The tradition began nearly 40 years ago and has never changed. Age, career, social status do not matter. o ur son Kyle is a 39-year-old attorney. Daughter Ashley and nephew Charles are both 41 and work in education. Niece emily is 28 and is a talented pastry chef.

Come Thanksgiving, they pull up a seat next to six children, some of whom still need help cutting their food.

Doesn’t matter.

o nce at the kids’ table, always at the kids’ table.

For some local families, Thanksgiving also means high school foot-

ball, though that tradition is dwindling.

There was a time when almost every Atlantic, Cape m ay County and Cumberland County team played on that holiday.

Alumni, parents and other fans would pack the bleachers of their local high schools to watch games such as Absegami- oakcrest, Atlantic City-Holy Spirit, egg Harbor Township- m ainland, Lower Cape m ay- m iddle Township, m illville-vineland and o cean City-Pleasantville.

Some of the games were among the oldest Thanksgiving rivalries on the state.

millville and vineland first played in 1864, two weeks after Abraham Lincoln won a second term as U.S. President.

The Atlantic City-Holy Spirit rivalry began in 1926. That same year, travelers first got their kicks on route 66.

each game produced memories that were discussed at Thanksgiving dinner for years and decades.

Sadly, most of the games have either been moved to earlier in the season or are not played at all, partially because of the revamped state playoff system.

Under the current rules, high school football regular season begins in late August – it’s not uncommon for teams to play two games before attending their first class – and ends in late october.

It makes no sense.

b ut Thanksgiving Football has been a part of my life for almost 60 years.

During my father’s tenure as a high school football official, he frequently took me to games on Thanksgiving morning. m y job was to fetch hot chocolate for the officiating crew at halftime.

o nce we got home, we had Thanksgiving dinner. For some reason, mom always saved the neck of the turkey for dad.

Winning a state title is great, but very few teams get that opportunity. Nine local teams made the playoffs this season while the others were reduced to playing a meaningless consolation game the first week of November, then turning in their shoulder pads and helmets.

Lower Cape may and middle Township played the Anchor bowl in September after not playing at all season. The Caper Tigers’ final game was a 43-40 loss to Clayton on Halloween.

Trick or treat.

but at least they played.

ocean City and Pleasantville didn’t play, thus ending a rivalry that began in 1917. That was the year the United States entered World War I.

Fortunately, a few teams and towns have managed to maintain their traditions.

Atlantic City and Holy Spirit will play for the 96th time Thursday at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit's ed b yrnes m emorial Stadium.

I covered a few Thanksgiving games as a sportswriter, including eagles games at Detroit and Dallas. While exciting, they didn’t compare to the local rivalries. I remember Pleasantville Don b rooks running for something like 800 yards on a Thanksgiving morning against ocean City. I can still envision the late ed byrnes on the Holy Spirit sideline, clad in a pair of gold shorts while snow flurries swirled around him.

Stormin’ Norman passed away on Nov. 1, 2014. When I delivered his eulogy, I mentioned that we would always save the neck for him.

A few weeks later, my wife was preparing Thanksgiving dinner and shouted to me from the kitchen.

The turkey had no neck.

b ut it’s still part of our Thanksgiving, along with the butter shaped like a turkey and displaying a bottle of manischewitz in honor of my late in-laws, Newt and Shirley.

So is sitting at the kids’ table. Happy Thanksgiving.

Mainland vying for state title

Speaking of high school football, m ainland regional will be trying to win its second straight state championship on Sunday.

The m ustangs (10-3) will face o ld Tappan (11-1) at rutgers University Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Group 3 title game.

Boxing returns to A.C.

Professional boxing returns to Atlantic City on Saturday with a card at ACX1 Studios at the Pier at Caesars.

Pleasantville welterweight Anthony Young (23-3, 8 Ko s) will end an 18-month layoff in an eight-round bout against Windry Amadis rodriguez (10-2, 15 Kos), of the Dominican republic.

Lucy the Elephant 1881

First Gasoline Powered Car 1889

First Airplane ﬂight 1903

First Philadelphia Phillies Game 1883

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Whitney’s Weekly Picks

The City Pulse with Whitney Ullman

There will be lots of great events this Thanksgiving Weekend, including a few ways you can support small businesses on Saturday. Plus, it will be another week filled with great entertainment, so don’t forget to share your epic moments with the hashtags #shorelocal, #gotowhitney and #thecitypulse.

Who: Justin Hayward

Where: borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

When: Friday, Nov. 29 | m usic box

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: borgata.mgmresorts.com/ en/entertainment/the-music-box/ justin-hayward.html

Having chalked up over 50 years at

the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice and guitar playing have been heard the world over.

What: Family Fun Night at the rink

Where: renault Winery

When: Friday, Nov. 29

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Website: renaultwinery.com/ events/family-fun-night-at-therink/2024-11-29/

Let the magic of winter come to life during Family Fun Night at vintner Wonderland every Friday in December. It’s an evening filled

What: Tinseltown market

Where: Tennessee Avenue

When: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: Noon-4 p.m.

Tennessee Avenue is hosting a free pop-up Tinseltown m arket this holiday season, offering a shopping adventure that sparks the magic of the season. For those interested in participating as a vendor, contact info@tennave.com.

What: Small biz Saturday Night market

Who: matteo bocelli - A Night with matteo

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino |

Sound Waves

with creativity and festive fun. Plus the workshop is indoors, ensuring a cozy and creative atmosphere for all. They have face painting, popcorn, hot chocolate, ice skating and a family-friendly movie playing on the big screen. Come warm up in Louie’s Lounge with hot chocolate and play games like giant Jenga and Connect 5.

When: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city

What: Tropicaliente max 2024

Where: Hard rock Hotel & Casino | etess Arena

When: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/tropicaliente e xperience the ultimate Latin music extravaganza at Tropicaliente m ax 2024. It’ll be a night that celebrates the rich diversity and infectious joy of Latin music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the genre, this event is sure to be a highlight of your year. Get your tickets now and prepare to dance the night away with Grupo Niche, el Gran Combo, Toño rosario and Silvestre Dangond.

Where: Anchor rock Club

When: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 6-10 p.m.

Website: anchorrockclub.com

The holidays are coming so when you do your shopping remember to spend local. Featuring a shopping bonanza of 20+ local artists and vendors with mixed media artworks, vintage wares, upcycled fashion, skincare and beauty, spirituality and wellness and oddities and unmentionables, plus live dreamy pop music by Saturn Daze and Clune.

Who: Jim Jeffries

Where: o cean Casino resort | ovation Hall

When: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 8 p.m.

↘Continued on 50

Website: www.theoceanac.com/ jim-jefferies

This is the rescheduled July 12 show, but tickets are still available. Jeffries was named one of the top 5 touring comedians in the world and entertains audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging and thought-provoking comedy.

What: Holiday Dickens Fest

Where: Historic Smithville

When: Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1

Times: Saturday 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

return to present their two-day outdoor Dickens Fest.

What: m argate’s Spectacular Shop

Small e xtravaganza, Presented by Lexus

Where: v entnor Ave., from Coolidge to e ssex Ave., m argate

When: Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 1

day-themed cocktails and take some holiday selfies and will feature festive decor and live entertainment.

Website: historicsmithville.com/

NOV 23

Holiday Kickoff at Mudhen

NOV 27 – JAN 1

Holiday Window Decorating Contest Display at the Wildwoods Convention Center & Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce – FREE

NOV 29 – DEC 8

Wildwoods Holiday Restaurant Week – NEW!

NOV 29

Family Holiday Beach Bonfire

NOV 29 – DEC 1 Christmas in North Wildwood – FREE

NOV 30

Wildwoods Holiday Shopping Village/ Small Business Saturday – FREE

DEC 1, 8, 15, & 22

Holidays at HenVille: Shopping Village – FREE

DEC 3

Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE

DEC 6

Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade – FREE

DEC 6

Downtown Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE

uncategorized/holiday-dickens-fest/ riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company will bring the Spirit of Christmas back to Historic Smithville when they

W ildwoods!

DEC 6 - 7

Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza – FREE

DEC 7 North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony – FREE

DEC 7 Santa Paws in North Wildwood – FREE

DEC 7

Wildwood Holiday Spectacular Concert – NEW!

DEC 8 Holiday Tree Jubilee in Wildwood Crest

DEC 13 - 14

Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park – FREE

DEC 14

Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Wildwoods Convention Center – FREE

DEC 14

Pinch the ‘GrYnch’ Boardwalk 5K Run

DEC 14 12 Pubs of Christmas

DEC 16

Wildwood Crest Holiday Light Walk – FREE

DEC 20 - 21

Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park – FREE

Time: Noon-5 p.m.

The m argate business and restaurant districts will be celebrating Shop

Small b usiness weekend offering great sales, discounts, contests for shoppers and a parade through town led by American Sign Language (ASL) Santa on Saturday, Nov. 30.

What: The Irish Pub Christmas Spectacular

Where: The Irish Pub

When: Now until Jan. 6

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: theirishpub.com

Join The Irish Pub and experience the joyous wonder and magic of Christmas. The Irish Pub and Inn is once again transformed into a Christmas wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees and one of the largest and most magnificent Christmas displays you’ll ever see.

What: Candy Cane Lounge Atlantic City Pop-Up bar

Where: resorts Casino Hotel | bar o ne

When: Now until Jan. 3

Website: resortsac.com/entertainment/winter-holiday-pop-up-bar

Get ready for some holiday cheer at AC’s favorite seasonal pop-up bar. It’s the perfect place to sip on holi -

What: ocean’s Holiday village

Where: o cean Casino resort

When: every Saturday until Dec. 21

Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

e xperience o cean Casino resort’s enchanting Holiday village, a festive wonderland filled with joy and cheer. Located inside The Shops at The row, shop o cean’s Holiday village this year for the perfect holiday gift. o cean hand-selected 10 vendors for you to experience the magic of the Holiday Season with a bespoke local flair. To celebrate the grand opening of o cean’s Holiday village, the first 100 guests to shop the village on Saturday, Nov. 30 - Small b usiness Saturday - will receive ocean’s signature holiday tote.

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!

Gateway Playhouse announces 2025 mainstage season;

Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point recently announced its 2025 m ainstage Season, which will include: George S. Kaufman and m oss Hart’s classic comedy “The man Who Came to Dinner;” rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical “South Pacific;” “Party of 1 (Acts): A Weekend of o ne Acts;” and the Grimm’s fairy tale-inspired musical “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim. Tickets will go on sale Dec. 5—or what the Gateway has dubbed “Theater Thursday.” Individual tickets can be purchased for $25 per show or, for a limited time, season subscriptions are just $80 for all four productions.

o n the surface, the lineup may not seem to have anything in common, however, according to Artistic Director Phil Pallitto, they most certainly do.

“This year’s shows explore themes of love, connections, relationships, as well as accountability and resilience,” Pallitto said. “We’re inviting the audience to reflect on societal challenges such as prejudice, ambition and the power of influence while celebrating the enduring strength of community.

In the same vein as b lack Friday, Small b usiness Saturday, Cyber m onday, and Giving Tuesday, Gateway board Chair Katie Calvi conceived “Theater Thursday” for Dec. 5 as the kick-off for 2025 mainstage Season ticket sales. As in 2024, tickets will remain $25 per production, or $80 for the full four-show season through march 1, 2025.

“We’re hoping to encourage people to give the gift of theater this holiday season,” Pallitto said. “It’s unique, and it will stand out among the flat-screen T vs.”

The 2025 mainstage season for Gateway Playhouse is as follows:

“The Man Who Came to Dinner” was written by George S. Kaufman and moss Hart. Directed by r yan Daly, “The man Who Came to Dinner” is a comedy that made its broadway debut in 1939 and has had several revivals since, including a 1942 movie version starring better Davis. The play is set in small-town ohio at Christmas. Sheridan Whiteside, a famous New York City radio personality, is invited to dine at the house of the well-to-do factory owner ernest W. Stanley and his family. b ut

before Whiteside enters the house, he slips on the ice outside the Stanleys’ door and injures his hip. Now confined to the Stanleys’ home, the overbearing, self-centered celebrity soon dominates the lives of the house’s residents and everyone else who enters the home. “The man Who Came to Dinner” will run one weekend, April 4-6.

“South Pacific” is a musical composed by richard rodgers with lyrics by oscar Hammerstein II. It premiered on b roadway in 1949 and was an immediate hit, running for 1,925 performances. The plot, based on James A. michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Tales of the South Pacific,” centers on an American nurse stationed in the South Pacific during World War II who falls in love with an expatriate French plantation owner, but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. Another romance between a U.S. marine lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman explores his personal fears of what any societal consequences should he decide to marry her. The issue of racial prejudice is explored throughout the musical, and sends a strong pro -

gressive message on racism. “South Pacific” take places may 30 to June 1, and June 6-8.

“Party of 1 (Acts): A Weekend on o ne Acts,” directed by Camille Averso. Though still finalizing the one acts to be included in this special weekend, Pallitto promises it will be a collection of short plays rooted around a central theme. each night will showcase different one-acts to encourage audience members to return. “We want to provide audience members with the opportunity to see something they wouldn’t necessarily see, such as these one-acts–which, sadly, tend to be forgotten,” Pallitto said. “Party of 1” runs from July 11-13.

“Into the Woods” is a Stephen Sondheim classic. This musical intertwines the plots of multiple brothers Grimm fairy tales and explores the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. main characters are taken from popular children’s tales such as “Little red riding Hood,” “Jack and the b eanstalk,” “ rapunzel,” and “Cinderella,” among others. “Into the Woods” runs from Sept. 26-28 and oct. 3-5.

White wines for the winter months

Drink Up!

By David Setley

After a relatively warm, albeit, dry autumn, the weather finally seems to be changing as a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Though

many pull out hearty red wines during the colder months, others enjoy the flavors of white wines regardless of the weather. Lighter whites, like Sauvignon blanc or Pinot Grigio, are better suited to summer, but I am a strong advocate that some whites go better in the late fall and winter. This week, allow me to recommend some winter whites for you to enjoy as the air continues to get colder.

Chardonnay, America’s most popular white wine, is among the most full-bodied of white wines, making it a perfect choice for cooler months.

The flavors are more intense than most whites, featuring fresh green apples, toasty vanilla, caramel, and a notable stone-like minerality. Classic California Chardonnays are aged in American oak barrels and have the added notes of oak and butter. However, more recently, wine consumers have leaned toward “naked,” or unoaked, Chardonnay. These wines are typically aged in stainless steel vats and do not have the oak or butter notes. I highly recommend the balletto vineyards Chardonnay from the russian river valley of California. balletto makes the outstanding wine in both traditionally oaked and unoaked versions. Chardonnay goes perfectly with chicken or pork. The wine is also great with pasta in pesto or Alfredo sauce.

Though famous in California, the origins of this varietal are oldworld, from b urgundy, France. The Novellum Chardonnay from the Languedoc- r oussillon region of southern France is a great one to try. This wine is partially aged in stainless steel and partially in French oak barrels, often referred to as “neutral oak.” barrels used in France are made from hand-selected oak from one of five forests protected by the French government. French oak does not impart as much of the oak and butter notes as does American oak, causing French Chardonnays to usually have significantly less of either characteristic. Collovray et Terrier Saint-veran from b urgundy, France is an outstanding example of a Chardonnay that was aged in oak but without strong wood and butter notes. either of these wines is the perfect complement for mild creamy cheeses such as brie, Saint Albray, or a triple cream cheese such as Fromager D’Affinois. o r have this with seafood or chicken in a creamy sauce.

The vigneau-Chevreau vouvray Cuvee Silex is also high on my list for a winter white. vouvray is a subregion in the center of the Loire valley in France; the grape produced in this appellation is Chenin blanc. This dry white wine has the intense flavors and aromas of apricots and pears with light notes of citrus and honey and a notable stone-like minerality. Cuvee Silex refers to the section of the family’s vineyard where the rock beneath the soil contains stone, known in the Loire valley as silex, which is similar to flint and imparts its minerality into the wine. This vouvray is full-bodied and intensely flavored, making it perfect during the colder months with a meal or on its own. Try it with baked halibut, roasted pork, or grilled chicken.

Italy has two awesome wines that are great for the winter months: Soave Classico and Arneis. Soave is a subregion of the veneto region near the city of venice. The wine that bears the appellation’s name is made from the Garganega grape. Try the Pra- o tto Soave Classico 2023. Fun fact: o tto is the name of the winemaker’s dog! The wine is certified organic, smooth and easy-drinking with notes of almond. However, it is more complex with more minerality than Pinot Grigio. Try this with seafood such as grilled or roasted bronzino. Alternatively, Arneis is a grape grown in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy that produces a wine that is sometimes called the White barolo. The m alvira roero Arneis is one of my favorite Italian white wines. It is fresh and medium-bodied with the fruitiness of white peaches and notes of honey. This is perfect with appetizers, salads or shellfish meals.

The rioja region of Spain is famous for red Tempranillo-based wines, but did you know there are also white rioja wines? The Alegre valganon rioja b lanco is a blend comprised mostly of viura with a touch of Garnacha blanca and Tempranillo blanco. While most white wines have no skin contact, this wine has a brief period of contact during maceration, after the grapes have been crushed. The result is an amber color and intense flavors of pears, yellow peaches, and citrus with notes of raw almonds, vanilla, oak, and salinity. This is a unique and complex wine that pairs well with grilled poultry and pan-seared fish.

I hope you are inspired to try some winter white wines as we head into the colder months. If you have questions or would like to share your wine experiences, feel free to contact me at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop by the store. 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.

New business makes a big bet on Atlantic City cannabis

Business Buzz

By Rich Baehrle

Cannabis was made legal by the voters of New Jersey in 2020, and quickly enacted by the state Legislature by early 2021. Since then, the industry has rapidly grown to over $1.3 billion in 2024.

It was then up to each city to determine if they were going to run with the “green ball.” Atlantic City not only approved the use of recreational cannabis, it fully embraced the new industry.

The debate over whether AC should lean toward being a family resort, or in the direction of a new “green adult” tourist zone began. Cannabis simply produces too much needed revenue to ignore.

Atlantic City was and is in desperate need to reinvent itself with the advent of fierce competition from surrounding states for gaming. The

casino gambler customer base for the bricks and mortar business has substantially decreased, not only from competition, but also from online gaming and online sports betting.

Is cannabis the economic turnaround answer for Atlantic City? Time will tell, but in the meantime the city is fast-tracking Green Zone redevelopment at a lightning pace.

The city currently has 14 distribution/retail businesses that are open or built out and opening imminently, with another potential 40-plus approvals on the way. Is there an end in sight?

industry is extremely competitive and getting more so with each added dispensary.

It recently expanded the zone to encompass parts of the Chelsea area and beyond. The process of entry to open a cannabis business can be long, arduous and often extremely costly.

The city appointed a liaison, Kashawn “Kash” m cKinley, to assist people with the process of establishing their businesses. However, the approval process can still be long when you combine licensing with the city, Cr DA and the state. There is no doubt the Atlantic City cannabis

I had the pleasure of meeting Jon Cohn, Ceo and founder of Agri-Kind, a 22,500-square-foot grow facility located on baltic Avenue. This is a brand-new, state-of-the-art operation. After millions of dollars of investment, the first harvest shipment is expected to come within the next couple of weeks.

It is exciting for mr. Cohn to see his and his investors' dreams finally come to fruition. He explained the tedious and meticulous process of what it takes to produce premium cannabis flower and related products.

“There has been a tremendous amount of trial and error on the road to produce the finest cannabis product, but our previous experience helped us immensely,” Cohn said.

He entered the Atlantic City market with a vast amount of experience from his Pennsylvania grow and dispensary businesses. He and his investors built a successful, 67,000-square-foot grow business, along with several dispensary businesses in Pennsylvania. In a short time talking with him, I quickly realized the vast knowledge he possesses with the cannabis flowers and all of the various by-products.

He explained the grow process is referred to as a “perfect harvest.” every eight-nine weeks, they will have new product on an ongoing basis. There are numerous variables that combine to make the “perfect bud” such as air quality, amount of lighting, keeping strands separate and humidity and temperature control. Consistency is the ultimate goal.

The supreme quality products will be distributed to his impressive retail distribution store, High rollers Atlantic City Dispensary. It is located at The Claridge, street side at Indiana and Pacific avenues. In addition, they will be distributing to numerous cannabis retail outlets throughout the state.

High rollers is not just your typical retail dispensary. When I entered the store, my immediate reaction was om G.

All the products were professionally displayed, featuring an area where the customer can experience over 60 flower strains in a bud bar where customers can see and smell them in advance of purchase in an effort to choose what is best for them.

As I looked around I observed that the buying process could be overwhelming, but you don’t have to worry; there are team members who can help you. You have a confidential conversation and they will explain what each strand strain has to offer.

Cannabis is not just the flowers; the customers can choose from a wide variety of byproducts including vapes, Cb D products, oils, edibles, and much more. There is a complete digital menu to leisurely scroll through to choose the products that are best for you. The Agri-Kind brand will be featured shortly.

You can also have the flower or products delivered to you, provided you have proper ID. The icing on the cake is the custom 3,300-square-foot cannabis lounge directly adjacent to the dispensary. It is a one-of-a-kind area where people can sit and relax while sampling their favorite cannabis flowers and products, once it’s approved by the NJ-Cannabis regulatory Commission.

While the lounge has been ready to open for close to six months based on the original CrC timing guidance, they are now indicating that lounges are not a priority for the state, which ultimately reduces access and availability for tourists to be able to legally consume.

The bottom line is if you want a truly exceptional experience, go to High rollers where you can determine what separates them from the competition. You will quickly realize that there is no competition when you combine the variety of the products along with their customer service.

Go online to www.highrollersdospensary.com www.highrollersdispensary.com or visit High rollers Dispensary at The Claridge.

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

All-star band brings King Crimson salute to Tropicana

By Chuck Darrow

If there is one word that captures the gaming industry’s fundamental marketing strategy, it’s “mainstream.”

b eing a volume business, casinos need to appeal to the widest audience possible. That’s why gaming halls primarily host top-selling acts.

b ut on Dec. 7, Tropicana Atlantic City is taking a hard left turn away from that blueprint by presenting in its theater be AT, whose repertoire will be culled from the three albums—“Discipline,” “ b eat” and “Three o f A Perfect Pair”—King Crimson released in the 1980s. The quartet consists of a Who’s Who of rock musicians: acclaimed guitarists Adrian belew (who’s lent his talents to the likes of David bowie, Frank Zappa and Talking Heads) and Steve vai (Whitesnake, David Lee roth), drummer Danny Carey (Tool) and bassist Tony Levin, whose resume bears such A-list names as

Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, John Lennon and Alice Cooper.

For the uninitiated, King Crimson is a british band founded in 1969 by,

among others, the late bassist-vocalist Greg Lake (of emerson, Lake & Palmer), the also-deceased multi-instrumentalist Ian m cDonald (a founding member of Foreigner as well) and, most importantly, guitar wizard and all-around musical eccentric r obert Fripp. Thanks to its complex arrangements, virtuosic musicianship and ruminative lyrics, the unit’s 1969 debut, “In the Court o f the Crimson King,” is generally acknowledged as a template for what would become known as “progressive”—or “prog”-- rock.

Despite that pedigree, King Crimson has always existed as more of a “cult band” with a relatively small (compared to prog titans like Yes and emerson, Lake & Palmer) but vociferously loyal following. Part of the reason, at least, is Fripp’s unyielding, half-century-plus insistence on creating art rather than great wealth—which is why Crimson remains a somewhat obscure entity. Fripp, incidentally, has been the only

constant in an otherwise ever-changing King Crimson lineup that has included both belew and Levin.

Although be AT made its debut just this year, it had been in the works for quite a while.

“About five years ago, [b elew] had the idea of a band doing the King Crimson music from the three albums we did in the ’80s,” explained Levin, who played in Crimson from 1981 through 2001, during a recent phone call. “Not using King Crimson members, but other really good players. Why it took five years, I'm not sure. but CovID came around for one thing.”

He added that coordinating the four musicians’ schedules was tricky because of their many other commitments. Thus, he noted, “It took until September 2023 when all four of us committed to the period of September, 2024 through December 2024.”

It’s tempting to describe be AT as a “tribute band” as it does pay homage to the music of a specific entity. but the best tribute bands take great pains to accurately reproduce the music of their subjects. be AT, Levin insisted, has taken a different path.

“[ vai] is probably one of the few guitar players on the planet who would tackle [Fripp’s] guitar parts from the 1980s. They're very difficult technically; the good news is Steve,

not only learned them and is able to play them, but he gave it his own slant.

“And from my point of view--being the bass player in this project--I wasn't that interested in exactly copying what we did in the ’80s. That was great, but that was then. And so I'm very pleased that [Carey] and [ vai] are faithful to the material, but together, we are taking it to different places, being spontaneous and creating something new.”

For Levin, be AT is an opportunity to revisit bass lines he created and update and improve them where he felt necessary.

“I’m always on an adventure to try to improve my parts,” modestly offered the 78-year-old Long Island native whose prowess on the bass guitar, upright bass and a unique, lowtoned stringed instrument called the Chapman Stick, has made him a go-to support player for decades. “If there's a part I wrote--which is the case in King Crimson—I try to improve them and really get them to be as special as they can.

“ b ut since I’ve never reached [that goal], I'm always working on the parts. I suppose if I have some night where I play ‘ elephant Talk’ perfectly, then gee, I'm gonna be puzzled. And

from then on, I'll just try and do what I did that night. but that night has not happened yet.”

As noted above, Levin--who recently released “ bringing It Down To the bass,” an eclectic collection of tunes that showcases his formidable talents as a composer as well as an instrumentalist--has played with some of the biggest names in the history of pop music. but when asked to identify the artist with whom playing is most special to him, there was no hesitation before he responded.

“If I were to pick one, it would be Peter Gabriel,” he proclaimed. “Not only because I played with him for a long time, but his tours are a combination of great music, a lot of fun onstage and a lot of fun offstage. We are, of course, good friends after these 40 or so years together.

“I read an interview with myself this morning. I never read those, but for some reason, I had to read this interview, and I said that I always make sure that I'm available for anything Peter Gabriel wants to do. I read that and I thought, ‘Yes, that's true.’

“I don't wanna put a priority on any anybody's music, but Peter Gabriel is certainly the tour I would most want to do if I were offered every tour on the planet at once.”

For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Live & Local Music Calendar

Wednesday, November 27

Atlantic City

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Austin City Nights

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

Chris Yoder band

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Margate Bocca

bob Sterling & The bocca boys

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s

Thanksgiving eve Party feat. Sofroney & Holman. 8 – 11 p.m.

316 roosevelt blvd.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Chad miller

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New York rd.

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.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

DJ mike Dempsey

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Doug Jennings

6 – 9 p.m.

2 broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Local Noise ft. John Wood

9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Thursday, November 28

Atlantic City

Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts

Karaoke Night w/ DJ Joe

8 p.m.

1133 boardwalk

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Sarah Crowell

5:30 – 9 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Isn’t it Always

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Karaoke Night w/ mike Dempsey

8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Friday, November 29

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Jeremy o ren

6 p.m.

Dominick martino

9:15 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

All black everything w/ DJ Fah D, Frex, I roc. 11 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Candy Cane Lane at Resorts

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 boardwalk

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Jeremy raves 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

Skay Town City Duo

7 p.m.

Kristen & The Noise

10 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

escape Plan Duo

6 p.m.

Sidestory

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Yani

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Lost in Paris

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

Flashback Friday: refugee: Tom Petty Tribute

9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Topgolf at Ocean Casino

40 North Duo

7 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Egg Harbor Township

The Roost Pub & Grill

matt Avery

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Margate

Bocca

bob & bob

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 ventnor Ave.

Marmora

Yesterday’s

Dean Dunleavy

8 – 11 p.m.

316 roosevelt blvd.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

blue Street band

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New York rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay big Foot band

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Doug Jennings

6 – 9 p.m.

2 broadway

Josie Kelly’s

The Usual Suspects

8 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Saturday, November 30

Atlantic City

1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino

Gavin rohrer

6 p.m.

Kristina Pruitt

9:15 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Anchor Rock Club

Noetrope Night market w/ Saturn

Daze & Clune

6 p.m.

247 S. New York Ave.

Candy Cane Lane at Resorts

Jagged

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

1133 boardwalk

↘Continued on 60

Ice Skating Paint & Sip Chefs Table: Holiday | | Tour & Taste Tree Lighting Ceremony | | | Freindsgiving Cookies & Cocktails Breakfast With Santa VIEW OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

ROMANELLI'S Garden Cafe'

↘Continued from 58

Council Oak at Hard Rock

Luke Carlos o ’ reilly 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

m egan Knight Duo

7 p.m.

Yani

10 p.m.

500 boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Chris Yoder band

5 p.m.

John m cNutt band

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock big bang baby

5 – 8:30 p.m. band of make believe

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 boardwalk

Topgolf at Ocean Casino

Tom & Sara Duo

8 p.m.

500 boardwalk Margate Bocca

CJ Sooy

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7805 ventnor Ave.

Marmora Yesterday’s

Local Noise feat. John Woods

8 – 11 p.m.

316 roosevelt blvd.

Smithville

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Steve Gitto

7 – 10 p.m.

1 N. New York rd.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Frankie G. & Johnny Keys band

3 – 7 p.m.

The Turtleheads

8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

450 bay Ave.

Crab Trap

Doug Jennings

6 – 9 p.m.

2 broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Friendsgiving m usic Fest w/ Plaid Salmon & Hotlanta. 5 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

bell bottom blues

7:30 p.m.

217 e main St.

Waretown

Albert Music Hall

Saturday Night Show w/ big Sky,

Lost in b runswick, Gwynne Alden, elaine and Cimarron Sky band, Pickin’ Shed Jam

HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR ONE OF A KIND GIFTS

Distinctive Gifts in a Variety of Prices

Local Artists Original Paintings Prints Photographs Hand Made Designed Quilts Boho Jewelry

OPEN HOUSE

DECEMBER 6-7-8

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS

Open for Holiday Shopping every Fri, Sat, Sun 12-5pm

Monday,

Atlantic

Candy Cane Lounge at Resorts. Photo credit: Resorts Casino Hotel

Remembering when The Quarter changed the AC casino landscape

By Chuck Darrow

It would be almost criminally negligent if we allowed the 20th anniversary of one of Atlantic City’s most significant casino-era landmarks to pass without mention.

In November, 2004, the ribbon was cut at The Quarter—the Havanain-the-1950s-themed retail, dining and entertainment complex that is part of Tropicana Atlantic City. Since then, the bi-level mall has hosted what is easily millions of visitors, and it remains a locally unparalleled attraction boasting ultra-popular restaurants and nightclubs, a wide variety of retail outlets and even an “escape room” and the Shore’s only I mAX Theater.

The Quarter was the brainchild of the late Dennis Gomes, who was the Trop’s President and Ceo at the turn of the 21st century, and whom one of his top executives rightfully described as a “visionary” during a recent interview.

The idea, explained Sherry Amos, was first broached in the 1990s, and was inspired by the success of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las vegas, which was the gaming industry’s first large-scale development designed with non-gambling revenue in mind.

“It was such a popular attraction; it offered a lot of the non-gaming amenities--food and beverage, shopping and entertainment options--and that's how the concept [was hatched] to bring that type of an entertainment center to Atlantic City.”

Amos, who today is the vice-president of marketing for Spectrum Gaming, a leading industry consulting firm, had a unique view of the planning, construction and opening of The Quarter: As the casino’s marketing veep, she was Gomes’ point person on the project and was involved on a daily basis in multiple facets of its creation, from construction and publicity to tenant acquisition and dealing with the various governmental bu -

reaucracies that oversaw permits and other legalities.

As for The Quarter’s theme--Havana’s wild-and-wooly 1950s scene before Fidel Castro came to power and shut down the glamorous (and gangster-run) casinos there--Amos suggested it wasn’t too difficult to land on that motif given the property is called “Tropicana.”

Had the original opening target date been met, this article would have run months earlier. b ut fate intervened in a horrific way on o ct. 30, 2003, when several floors of the project’s under-construction, 12-story parking garage “pancaked,” killing four construction workers and injuring 20 others.

“I was in a meeting on the fifthfloor executive conference room, and we all heard a loud bang,” recalled Amos. “It was like ‘ boom!’ And then several loud booms after that.

“And we just all looked at each other like, ‘What's going on?’ So we ran outside, and it was just people running around, construction workers running around.”

m aking the situation worse for Amos was that her younger brother, Harry, was on the construction crew that day. Thankfully, he was working on the hotel tower and wasn’t caught in the collapse.

“It was just chaos; people were running around, people were crying, people were screaming,” she said. “And I just remember running around the block trying to find my brother. There were hundreds of construction workers just standing on the side of the construction site.

“I remember coming around on Pacific Avenue and I saw him and he saw me, and we just embraced.

We still talk about it to this day. It was such an awful thing. It was heart-wrenching, just an awful, awful tragedy.”

According to Amos, whose Tropicana career began in 1981 when she was hired to perform as a baton twirler in a production show called “ monte Carlo Carnival,” construction on The Quarter (and the Havana Tower hotel that was part of the project) had advanced beyond the point of no return as it were, meaning it was too late to cancel the remaining construction in the wake of the garage collapse. She credits Gomes, who died in 2012

of kidney-related issues, with having the vision and calming personality to shepherd his crew through and past the accident.

“He knew what his role was as a leader at that time, and it's not really anything you could ever rehearse,” she said. “It has to be built into your personality. Your leadership qualities just come out there.

“He handled it miraculously--as well as it could be handled. but it was hard. Dennis was a very caring, loving person; his whole way of managing his employees was that if you treat them with dignity and respect and

appreciate what they do, they're going to work hard for you.

“So when this happened, it broke his heart. but he had to take the role of leadership at that point.” but happier days ultimately returned; the Quarter welcomed the public on Nov. 23, 2004—exactly 23 years to the day that Tropicana itself opened. Perhaps the greatest testament to the concept—and to its ongoing success—is the number of original tenants still doing business there. They include such restaurants as P.F. Chang’s, Carmine’s, The Palm and Cuba Libre restaurant & rum bar, as well as the Imax Theater and The Hat emporium.

Although she seldom gets to the Trop these days, Amos acknowledged the sense of pride she feels whenever she visits. And she had these words for the property’s current owner, Caesars entertainment and any future proprietors:

“Please take care of The Quarter. Keep it nice, because maintenance is important,” she said.

“Keep its image and keep it safe and keep it entertaining. And keep it up to date, because trends change and it's something that, by taking care of it, can always continue to bring people to the Tropicana and into Atlantic City.”

Photos by Tom Briglia/Photographics

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re thankful Rockin’ Road Trips

Tune In, Turn On

With Doug Deutsch

As promised, this is the first installment in our occasional rockin’ road Trips series:

Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour: Shore Local was at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pa., on Nov. 21 for this much-ballyhooed tour featuring artists from the Germany-based indie label. Your intrepid columnist corralled SL Contributing Photographer John Loreaux into making the trip.

We joined approximately 1,300 other music lovers from all over (including people from the Jersey Shore) and treated to two-plus hours of “o ne-Woman band,” belgian artist Ghalia volt; one of the greatest,

most enduring rock groups around, Canned Heat; Chicago blues guitar great bernard Allison; seminal rock hit-maker from yesteryear who still packs a vocal punch, m itch r yder; and the “ belle of the West,” someone who's been written about in this column a bit in the last year, Samantha Fish.

While the other aforementioned artists all currently record for ruf, Fish no longer does; she did, however, record four albums in the past for Thomas ruf’s imprint.

The Kansas City native commanded the stage with a mesmerizing presence in her headlining role for more than an hour. Not only did Fish perform with her own band, but with all of the other artists as well, including a memorable duet with r yder, who’s still capable of rocking hard at age 79.

This was one for the ages, an “instant classic” as the saying goes. Atlantic City/Jersey Shore fans will once again get to see Samantha Fish live during the ‘ e xperience Hendrix’ Tour coming to o cean Casino next April.

Lucinda Williams/Ocean City Music Pier: Theoretically, bringing this revered Americana/roots musician to o cean City had the makings of being one of the most memorable shows we’ve seen. Unfortunately Williams, still showing the effects of a stroke that temporarily halted her storied career in 2020, was clearly not herself, at times visibly struggling through her 16-song set (with a twosong encore).

The audience was packed with her adoring fans, who faithfully, lovingly, applauded Williams throughout the night. every artist should be so lucky to have her fan base. Sadly, it might be time for one of rock’s most respected singer/songwriters to either severely limit her touring, or retire from touring altogether (Williams can still record music and write; she released albums both this year and last, and a book last year as well).

Amanda Fish/Lizzie Rose Music Room: It was my first time seeing this Kansas City musician, and she blew me away! Fish – yes, sister to Samantha – delivered a fiery, passionate, approximately two-hour set, playing tunes from her new album, “Kingdom,” and some choice covers, while interacting nicely with the audience (Amanda clearly wears her heart on her sleeve). Show me two more talented, music-playing sisters than Amanda and Samantha Fish; that’s right, you can’t.

Around Town This Weekend: After recuperating from Turkey Day, come out to The Claridge’s Celebrity Theatre this Friday, Nov. 29, for Paint It black Friday, the annual and always fun rolling Stones tribute performed by the billy Walton band.

This is also one of the last times to see Destinee m onroe perform

with the bWb , as she has a new solo project in the works. You can also catch b illy and crew Saturday, Dec. 14 when they open for Philly’s popular cabaret-style rockers Low Cut Connie at Anchor rock Club.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, see you next week.

Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com and www.facebook. com/dougdeutschpublicity.

Amanda Fish did not disappoint during a recent two-hour set at Lizzie Rose Music Room. Photo by Doug Deutsch

Samantha Fish performs during the Ruf 30th Anniversary Tour in Glenside, Pa. She’s coming to Ocean Casino next April. Photo by John Loreaux

Atlantic City Headliners

Friday, November 29

Justin Hayward

▶8 p.m.

The m usic box at borgata

Saturday, November 30

Tropicaliente Max

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Jim Jefferies

▶8 p.m.

ovation Hall at ocean Casino

Matteo Bocelli

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Sunday, December 1

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

▶4 p.m.

ovation Hall at ocean Casino

Friday, December 6

The Temptations & The Four

Seasons

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Jerry Seinfeld

▶8 p.m.

borgata event Center

Matt Fraser

▶8 p.m.

The m usic box at borgata

Saturday, December 7

Cyndi Lauper

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin

Evening

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Tiesto

▶9 p.m.

ovation Hall at ocean Casino

Tower of Power

▶9 p.m.

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

BEAT: Belew, Vai, Levin & Carey

play King Crimson

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

The Musical Box

▶8 p.m.

Circus maximus Theater at Caesars

Friday, December 13

John Eddie

▶8 p.m.

resorts Atlantic City

Babyface

▶9 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Saturday, December 14

The Front Bottoms

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Engelbert Humperdinck

▶8 p.m.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

The Marshall Tucker Band w/ Jefferson Starship

▶8 p.m.

Circus maximus Theater at Caesars

Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Friday, December 20

Earth, Wind & Fire

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

A John Legend Christmas

▶8 p.m.

borgata event Center

Saturday, December 21

Earth, Wind & Fire

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Giorgos Margaritis

▶9 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Tremonti Sings Sinatra

▶7 p.m.

The m usic box at borgata

Friday, December 27

Pitbull

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Saturday, December 28

Pitbull

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Gary U.S. Bonds

▶7:30 p.m.

resorts Atlantic City

Tuesday, December 31

Pitbull

▶10 p.m.

Hard rock Live at etess Arena

Photo credit: Matteo Bocelli Facebook

Should you list your home during the holidays?

Real

Estate Matters

By Elisa Jo Eagan

If you are thinking of selling your home this holiday season, you may be tempted to hold off until the new year. After all, nobody buys houses this time of year, right? These days, the answer may be “yes, they do.”

If you were thinking of waiting until spring or later to sell your home, you might want to consider listing your home now or during the winter months to take advantage of a healthy housing market.

Advantages

There are plenty of good reasons to list your home during the holiday season, including the following:

- You are likely to find more motivated buyers during this time of year. If they still haven't found the home that they want, or they have a sudden need to relocate, holiday buyers may be more willing to make decisions quickly. In addition, they may be eager to get moved in for their own holiday celebrations, making them easier to negotiate with.

– many of this year’s buyers have been disappointed by competing with multiple offers on previous properties. They may be willing to move fast and make an offer before someone else does.

– The use of virtual tours or videos may make it easier to sell a home with

minimal inconvenience. You will also cast a wider net when your home is on the multiple Listing Service (m LS) and gets exposure on the internet.

– This is a slower time of the year for real estate agents. They have more time to focus on your listing and there are ways to get the widest possible audience for your home and its individual features.

– Let’s face it, you are already cleaning and decorating your home for the holiday season. What better time to show it?

Challenges

o f course, listing a home this time of year may bring some drawbacks, including the following:

– If you are entertaining during the holidays, you will want to communicate the days and times when tours will not be available. o ffering virtual tours, videos and FaceTime tours as a convenient alternative for interested buyers and their agents are good options as well.

– If you are traveling during the holidays, you will need to ensure that you are available for negotiations and pertinent questions by phone. Your agent will prepare your home for showings as required.

– If time is of the essence, it may be difficult to schedule home inspections, appraisals and closings during the holiday season. However, your agent can create a plan to keep the transaction moving forward in the event you go under contract during the holidays.

Making a Holiday Listing More Appealing

Want to get your home in showready condition while also enjoying the holidays with your family and friends? It is easier than you think. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Lighten up on decorations

While you will want to enjoy the season, don't feel the need to cover every possible surface in holiday décor. It is important for buyers to see the space and get a sense of how it works during the non-holiday months. Go for a minimalist, decluttered holiday look that enhances, rather than hides your home.

Focus on outdoor spaces

even though it is winter, don’t neglect your outdoor spaces. Keep pathways and surfaces clear of leaves and snow. optimize outdoor lighting so buyers can see well, even when it gets dark early. Create a cozy seating area on the terrace with candles, a firepit and a basket of blankets.

Warm up the space

Speaking of cozy, take advantage of the season to enhance the indoors as well. Greet potential buyers with the scent of something baking in the oven and a plate of holiday cookies on the counter. Light scented candles and start a fire in the fireplace. make visitors feel welcome and right at home.

Take photos before you decorate

Just in case your home doesn’t sell before Christmas, it is a good idea to take photos before you decorate. You don’t want buyers looking at photos

with holiday decorations in mid-January. It will make the listing feel stale, even if it has only been up for a couple of weeks.

Right-price your home

If you are motivated to sell, this is not the time to test the market and hold out for a higher-than-average price. Check comparable properties in your area and ensure that you price your home correctly at the beginning of the process for maximum market impact.

Consider your timeline and financial requirements and craft a plan that makes sense for you. Work with your realtor who will have the market insights, network and buyer pool you need to get your home sold any time of year.

As we gather together this Thanksgiving with our family, friends and loved ones, may we give thanks for everything and everyone in our lives and for all of the blessings of love, health and home. For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan "The Real Estate Godmother" (609)703-0432 and Remember..."There's No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!"

Press Club of Atlantic City: Keeping journalists connected since 1888

By Bruce Klauber

As a member in reasonably good standing of the Atlantic City press corps since the mid-1980s, it would seem that the Press Club of Atlantic City was an organization I should know something about. I did not, but now I do.

The Press Club, founded in 1888, is said to be the oldest journalism organization in the United States. In that year and in the immediate years following, there were dozens of newspapers being published in our

that time included the Atlantic Journal, founded in mays Landing in 1860; Hammonton’s South Jersey republican (1863 through 1923), mays Landing record (1877 to 1906), Atlantic County record (1908 through 1917), South Jersey Star (1917 to 1923), Pleasantville Press (1912 to 1929), and Pleasantville Weekly Press (1892 through 1911).

There were others, before and after, published in Somers Point, egg Harbor Township and egg Harbor City. Given all that newspaper publishing activity at the time, the formation of the Press Club of Atlantic City made a great deal of sense.

The club describes itself as “a social club that provides a space for individuals to gather and engage in discussions and activities related to journalism and media, and a club that offers a welcoming environment for networking and fostering

December 2-13

biggest contributions is the National Head liners Awards, instituted in 1933 as a fund-raising arm of the Press Club, with the funds initially earmarked toward entertaining influential visitors.

In a 1933 meeting of the Press Club, Atlantic City m ayor Harry b acharach said the club should sponsor “some kind of movement to pay more attention to distinguished visitors; with the upside being that the city would secure more goodwill nationally and internationally.”

entries in the contest, adjudicated by eight print judges to determine 17 winners. Though Atlantic City’s fortunes declined after the mid-1960s, the organization and the awards galas continued to thrive.

In 1975, when Atlantic City was, perhaps, at its lowest ebb — gaming wouldn’t be legalized until a year later — 400 people were in attendance at the awards ceremony, held at the old Howard Johnson’s regency. The speaker was then California Gov. ronald reagan.

The following year, the club expanded its activities within that realm. A press release issued at that time stated: “Atlantic City Press Club invites dozens of the foremost news personalities from the newspaper, radio and newsreel industries for the ‘National Headliners Frolic,’ a threeday, all-expenses-paid June junket. N bC radio broadcasts the banquet with speeches from leading journalists and news executives. Participants get parties, sailing trips, a golf tournament at the historic Atlantic City Country Club, rolling chair excursions and floor shows.”

Ninety journalists participated. The Atlantic City Press deemed it a tremendous success, announcing that “Plans are already underway to make it one of the city’s permanent gestures of hospitality.”

If the notion of trips and parties in exchange for good press seems like a violation of the sacred trust of journalism, bear in mind that it was pretty common for the time. Today, it might be called “lobbying.”

In 1936, the Headliners group hit its stride, giving out National Headliner Awards for, as the club described it, “shoe leather reporting.”

The awards, given out to journalists and newspapers all over the country, made national news through the decades. The earlier ceremonies were broadcast live on CbS radio, which eventually morphed into an early version of today’s “ m eet the Press,” first broadcast from Atlantic City in 1947.

The fame and the scope of the National Headliner Awards continued to grow. b y 1951 there were 1,400

b y 2006, it was estimated that more than 1,600 awards were given out, some in new, digital categories that included “visual applications.”

This year, the Headliners’ 90th anniversary included a digital entry competition with 18 categories, including “ b est Community/Local Website” award.

In retrospect, the Press Club and the Headliners organization had the foresight to expand the awards from regional to national, and to expand their original mission of simply entertaining influential visitors to Atlantic City. That’s because, as of this writing, Atlantic City does not have a daily newspaper.

This may be old news, but last February, the Press of Atlantic City announced that the newspaper would only be published on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, though Publisher b uzz Keough did expand its digital presence.

Though print media is having its challenges all over the country, there is no doubt that the Press Club of Atlantic City and the Headliner Awards will continue. There is also no doubt that Shore Local Newsmagazine –flourishing and vital despite national trends — becomes more valuable with each issue.

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.

The Press Club of Atlantic City was founded in 1888 and is said to be the oldest journalism organization in the United States.

Everyone’s

By Carmen Marotta

It’s been a great year at Somers Point b each, The Atlantic City b oardwalk and all the free live music parties. o n Dec. 12, we want to celebrate the past year as we’re looking forward to 2025 together at the Tony mart Christmas Party, sponsored by Conservatory Cannabis Co. located at 2516 Fire road, egg Harbor Township, N.J.

It will be a free party but tables of four can be reserved for $25 and individual reserved seats are $10 at Josie Kelly’s Public House where the doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Headlining that evening will be the “Grand Dame” of song in South Jersey, Patty blee, with our own Danny eyer, rich “ megahurtz” Kurtz, musical director of The Tony m art Allstars and Guy “ ringo” m erollo on drums.

Guest stars include robbie Leblanc of bogle Wines and former Paul Shaffer collaborator, Teddy royal, Fats Domino's guitarist for 10+ years; and Tony m art Allstar " b ig b ob" ernano, performing songs from his band mr. Wordsworth's album “Pass The Story Down,” produced by rich " m egahurtz" Kurtz and available on all streaming platforms.

A holiday menu will be available and seats can be reserved by going to Josie Kelly’s Public House on resy. com

o ur Tony mart Allstars and guest stars will be performing their favorite songs as well as your requested popular Christmas songs.

We look forward to getting together and sharing the warmth of the friendship of our Tony m art Family with special thanks to Conservatory Cannabis Co.

Looking for that perfect holiday gift? Go to conservatorycannabis. com or call 609-904-9409. Take advantage of their holiday specials and find the perfect gift for that special person on your list!

Let’s all get together and let the good times roll! tonymart.com tonymart/facebook @tonymartpresents

J e s s H i m m e l M e d i u m s h i p & O r a c l e R e a d i n

W e a r e a c o l l e c t i v e o f h e a l i n g a r t i s t s o f f e r i n g a w i d e v a r i e t y o f h e a l i n g s e r v i c e s a n d e d u c a t i o n i n c l u d i n g A s t r o l o g y , A r o m a t h e r a p y , C o a c h i n g , R e a d i n g s , O r g o n e E n e r g y P i e c e s , O n l i n e / I n - P e r s o n C l a s s e s a n d W o r k s h o p s , H e a l i n g C i r c l e s a n d L I V E R e a d i n g s e v e r y T u e s d a y a t 1 1 : 3 0 a m o n o u r F A C E B O O K P A G E !

Photo by John Loreaux

omers Point's Christmas parade will be Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 6 p.m.

The route begins at Dawes Avenue School and then proceeds down Shore road to the Somers Point Historical Society and City Hall. There are over 50 participating groups this year that include The

Kensington String b and, Cape may County String band, miss New Jersey Teen America, lots of floats and of course Santa. Children will be invited to visit with Santa at the Somers Point Historical Society, 745 Shore road at the conclusion of the parade. The museum will be open and decorated.

Gilchrist’s, Downbeach Deli, and Dock’s:

247 years of legendary Atlantic City dining

By Bruce Klauber

On the surface it would seem that Gilchrist’s, the Downbeach Deli and Dock’s oyster House have little in common. After all, their menus and their specialties are poles apart. Gilchrist’s has long been known for its great breakfasts, Downbeach Deli is an authentic Jewish delicatessen, and Dock’s is a seafood house.

b ut what they do have in common is that they have been a part of the Atlantic City restaurant landscape for years, and the loyalty of their customers is legion. Why is this so? b ecause what they serve and what they have always served is consistently wonderful.

When it comes to restaurants, “best of” lists pop up with regularity on social media and elsewhere, and you never know what restaurants will be chosen. b ut when it comes to “ b est b reakfasts at the Jersey Shore,” one thing is for certain: Gilchrist’s will be on there.

As the story goes, sometime in 1946 the Gilchrist Family opened a bait and tackle shop on maryland Avenue. It didn’t take long before they started selling sandwiches to local fishermen. eventually that morphed into the first Gilchrist restaurant, which moved to the current location at Gardner’s basin.

Under the leadership of mike barham and his mother, Denise Stamat, the family’s fourth generation, the word about Gilchrist’s quality, con -

sistency and no-frills charm spread to the point where the family was able to open three more restaurants: In margate within the margate Towers, in Atlantic City within the Tropicana, and in Galloway on the White Horse Pike.

quite soon.”

Note: The Gilchrist restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. m argate’s Downbeach Deli has been open since 1982, and it’s one of those places that everyone in Atlantic

Some years back, a writer named Frank Gabriel neatly summed things up in a piece written for Atlantic City Weekly.

“I could sense instantly upon entering A.C.’s legendary Gilchrist restaurant that this place would more than live up to advance billing,” Gabriel wrote. “With a locale few restaurants anywhere can match, the charming little shack sits at a dead end of rhode Island Avenue in Atlantic City’s Gardner’s basin.”

He went on to praise the food and service, especially the legendary blueberry “hotcakes” (not pancakes), and added, “I anticipate returning to this timeless Atlantic City treasure

City seems to know about. Jordan Posner of the Jewish voice newspaper profiled this area institution in an article published this summer.

“It is unlikely that you will find someone down the shore who has not eaten at Downbeach Deli,” Posner reported. “Serving all the Jewish staples, from matzah ball soup to knishes, brisket, corned beef, and so much more, patrons of Downbeach Deli never leave hungry and are always treated like family.

“How did the restaurant go from being opened by a Jewish couple in 1982 to being purchased by an

↘Continued on 77

Irish-Catholic in 2016?” Posner asked. “That is the story of robert Hammerschlag and richard ‘ b uddy’ Della Fave.”

margate native Della Fave was a busboy at the deli around 1991 when he was 16 years old. The owner at the time, rob Hammerschlag, saw something in the youngster and started giving him more and more responsibility. by the time he finished his first year in college, he learned the day-to-day operations and became almost indispensable. He bought the Downbeach Deli from Hammerschlag in 2016.

It’s clear that Della Fave loves the business, which is one reason it continues to thrive.

When Posner asked Della Fave to name his menu favorites, Della Fave replied, “Try the brisket; it is one of the best I’ve tasted. o ur kasha and bow ties are delicious, and the matzah ball soup is fantastic.”

decade later, Dock’s added a bar. In 2001, the third and fourth generation of the Dougherty Family revamped the entire place and also added a raw bar. even more space and more capacity were added in 2015.

Dock’s has outlasted all of its com petitors, including the neighboring Abe’s o yster House, which closed

What Della Fave didn’t say is that Downbeach Deli is the best Jewish deli in the Atlantic City area, and likely the only Jewish deli in the Atlantic City area. Downbeach Deli is on 8 S. essex Ave. in margate City. Call 609823-7310 or see Facebook for hours.

Along with Knife & Fork Inn, Dock’s o yster House is the oldest restaurant in Atlantic City.

Founded in 1897 by Harry Dougherty, the first Dock’s had 60 seats and was not licensed to serve alcohol. In that configuration, it managed to do very well and there was really no reason to change until some 48 years later, when 20 more seats were added.

In 1960 Dock’s finally obtained a liquor license and at that point, the dining room was again expanded. A

around 1990; and the famed Captain Starn’s and Hackney’s restaurants, which have been gone since the late 1970s.

Quality, consistency and what you might call a “subtle modernization,” are some of the reasons behind the continued success of Dock’s, as well as the other Dougherty restaurants (Knife & Fork, Linwood Country Club, and Dougherty's Steakhouse & raw bar within resorts).

Particularly noteworthy about Dock’s is the fact that, along with Knife & Fork and Steve & Cookie’s in margate, Dock’s has become among the shore’s trendiest hot spots. And it’s mobbed every month of the year.

Gilchrist’s has been running for 78 years. Dock’s is 127 years old and Downbeach Deli has been open for 42 years. That’s 247 years of success combined. That says something for quality and loyalty.

Discover treasures in your pocket

By Douglas Keefe

What if I were to tell you there could be thousands of dollars worth of coins in your pocket change? Would you take the time to hunt for them? Well, it’s true! There are one-cent coins (incorrectly known as pennies) that are worth hundreds, thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars each. And yes, they could be in your pocket or lurking undetected in the container where you throw your loose change. Do I have your attention?

The coins of which I speak are what we call “double dies.” That is, the die that was made to mint the coins that command these high prices had a double impression transferred to the die. Hence, double dies are the coins that were struck by this die. How does this occur? A die is created starting with a blank piece of steel. A device called a hub, which has the image of the coin on it, is driven into the steel multiple times, creating

the reverse image of the coin. This hub is held in place by a set screw. on some occasions, while making the die, the set screw loosened and the hub shifted, creating a second image over the first. This double image can be dramatic or very minor, but still noticeable through a magnifying glass.

The most famous double-die coin is the 1955 one-cent coin, whose doubling is so evident that it can be seen with the naked eye. However, since

INVESTMENT PROPERTY OWNERS

The state has a new legal requirement – NJAC 5:28A for lead safe paint inspections of your property

this is a wheat cent (cents with wheat stalks on the reverse), this is not one that would be typically found in circulation as most wheat cents have been saved by collectors. However, here are some examples of double-die cents in the coins minted from 1959 forward, which have a design of the Lincoln m emorial on the reverse.

The 1972 double die cent created a lot of interest when first discovered. While not as evident in doubling as the 1955 cent, it can still be seen with the naked eye. This discovery started many people getting $50 bags of cents from banks to search for this coin. The value today is anywhere from $200 up.

The next cent was the 1983 cent, which had its reverse doubled. A good magnifying glass is required to see the doubling, as it is not as obvious to the naked eye. The current value is $100 and up.

Postcards

The next year, 1984, saw another double die, but this showed only on Lincoln’s ear. Looking closely, there is a second ear under the main design. Today, they are valued at $100 and up.

1995 resulted in probably the most common of double-die cents. The doubling is evident in the lettering and date on the face (obverse) side of the coin. The value stands at $20 and up.

So where is the real money, you ask? It’s in coins that have not been well publicized and discovered recently. A 1971 double-die cent, while not as known as 1972, is worth more: $300 and up. 1969-S is a biggy. The doubling is evident in the date; it appears as a shadow but doubled nonetheless. An example of this coin sold in an auction in 2007 for over $125,000. Next is the 1970-S cent, which can command three figures when sold. There are other examples of double-die cents. If someone is interested in finding which ones are valuable, I recommend purchasing a copy of the book, “The Cherry Pickers Guide.”

If you have a collection of wheat cents, check your 1958 dates. This was the last year that wheat cents were minted. So far, three coins have been found doubled, and I guarantee the die that struck those coins struck more than three. If you find the fourth, you could have a $100,000 payday.

Look closely at lettering on these double-die coins

From The Past

Known as the "Sandcastle By the Sea", the Traymore Hotel was the largest hotel in Atlantic City with over 400 rooms. It closed its doors in the mid 1970s and was later imploded, marking the end of Atlantic City's historic hospitality industry before the casino era.

Retirement journey, part

What to consider pre-retirement

By Eric Reich

Retirement is often viewed through the lens of working years and non-working years. Lumping retirement into a single (God willing) 20-plus year period is an oversimplification of a very significant time in your life. While the phases of your working life can typically be broken down into three roughly 20-year time periods which include early-stage career (ages 25-45), peak earning years (ages 45-65) and retirement (ages 6585), I think retirement age needs to be examined closer. The last stage (retirement) is so important in the planning process because it’s the only one that is difficult to fix if you make a mistake. If a 30-year-old makes a mistake with their investments, they have plenty of time to correct it. If a retiree makes a major

mistake, they have a much harder time because they typically are no longer working and have a shorter time horizon compared to younger folks.

Let’s start off with what the specific phases of retirement are. They include pre-retirement, which includes the five years leading up to your actual retirement date. early retirement runs from roughly the day you retire and continues for about 5-7 years. mid-stage retirement is the next phase, which we’ll assume falls between years 8 and 14. Finally, late-stage retirement runs from there until the end of your life. These numbers aren’t meant to be exact, but rather an idea of timelines. o ver the next few weeks, I’ll break down each of these four phases of retirement by tackling one phase each week.

Pre-retirement or the years leading up to retirement can start as early as the time you seriously begin to think about and plan for retirement. Things to consider during this phase include:

1. Maximizing your retirement plan contributions.

These are the years that you want to save as much money as possible leading up to your last working day. If you intend

to retire early, you might want to consider roth 401k or I r A contributions if you intend to stop working before age 59 ½. Yes, there are ways to avoid the 10% penalty for distributions before age 59 ½, but roth contributions tend to give you the most flexibility.

2. Focus on expenses.

Pre-retirement is the time you want to get a handle on what your expenses really are. I would guess that fewer than 50% of retirees I meet with truly know what their monthly expenses actually are. Getting out of debt and cutting expenses helps you understand exactly how much money you are going to need once you get to retirement. Knowing what you will be spending makes it much easier to back into the amount of how much money you will have to have saved in order to live comfortably in retirement.

3. Get an idea of what you intend to do once you retire.

o ne of the most difficult questions for me to answer is how much income you need to have to “live comfortably.” The answer to that question is wholly dependent on what you intend to do with your time in retirement. Do you intend to travel the world? buy a second house? Take up expensive hobbies? All of these are factors in the amount of money you will need to live comfortably during retirement.

4. Where will you live in retirement?

Will you relocate to Florida? m ove closer to the grandkids? There are significant considerations related to relocation including state taxation, insurance costs, real estate tax rates, and

ease of air travel.

Clearly, there are quite a few factors to consider before you even get to retirement. The sooner you start planning, the easier the transition can be and the more accurate your assumptions may be.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FIN r A/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.

Staying healthy during cold and flu season: Prioritizing exercise and immune health

Empowering Women

By Rachel Guevara

As the chill of fall transitions into winter, cold and flu season becomes a reality. For health-conscious women balancing careers, family and self-care, staying healthy is paramount. While there's no magic solution to avoid illness altogether, focusing on boosting your immune system, maintaining a consistent exercise routine and recognizing when to rest are key to navigating this season successfully.

Boost your immune system with exercise regular exercise is a cornerstone of a strong immune system. engaging in moderate-intensity workouts, like brisk walking, strength training, or a fitness class at your favorite studio, stimulates

circulation and helps your body flush out toxins. Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your cells, including immune cells, enhancing their ability to combat invaders like viruses and bacteria.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. If you're feeling pressed for time, try 20–30 minutes a day of movement you enjoy, whether that’s yoga, resistance training or a cardio session. Prioritize consistency over intensity, as overtraining can strain your immune system. Other tips to stay healthy

● Nutrition matters : Pair your exercise routine with a nutrient-dense diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains. Foods like citrus, spinach, garlic and ginger offer immune-boosting benefits.

● Stay hydrated : Water helps maintain your body’s natural defenses by keeping your mucous membranes moist and aiding in toxin removal.

● Sleep smart : Your body repairs itself during sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours per night to recharge both physically and mentally.

● Reduce stress : Chronic stress suppresses your immune system. Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, or even stretching after a workout. What to do if you get sick even with the best precautions, illness happens. If you start feeling under the weather, the most crucial thing is to listen to your body. exercise during a mild illness, such as a cold, might still be beneficial if symptoms are above the neck (e.g., congestion or sore throat). o pt for lighter activities like stretching or a low-intensity yoga class.

However, if you’re experiencing fever, fatigue, or body aches, it’s time to hit pause. rest is vital because your immune system is working overtime to fight off infection. e xercising during a fever or more serious symptoms can delay recovery and increase the risk of complications.

The power of rest rest allows your body to channel energy toward healing. Use this downtime to replenish your hydration, nourish your body with warm, comforting meals, and indulge in self-care activities like reading or watching a favorite

show. o nce you’re feeling better, ease back into your fitness routine gradually to avoid setbacks.

Cold and flu season doesn’t have to derail your health goals. by keeping your immune system strong through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care, you can reduce your risk of illness and recover faster if sickness strikes. Stay consistent, but don’t hesitate to prioritize rest when your body calls for it. After all, true health is about balance, not perfection.

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.

8 Days Only! • NOV. 29, 30, Dec 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

High School Mascot Mashup

SUDOKU

THEME: NFL TEAMS

ACROSS

1. Kate DiCamillo's "____ and Ulysses"

6. blunder

9. Gymnastics parallel ____

13. About 1.75 pints

14. Pronoun that can be singular or plural

15. Chic's "Le ____"

16. Willow tree

17. Teller substitute, acr.

18. With ample space

19. *only community-owned NFL team

21. *only team with no logo on helmets

23. Greek letters on campus

24. Log splitter

25. *Traditional team ride

28. ranee's husband

30. '70s Tv series "The ____ Woman"

35. bookkeeping entry

37. Do over

39. Words to live by

40. Italy's obsolete money

41. Fur shawl

43. Pay a visit

44. beau's and Jeff's acting dad

46. edward Scissorhands' sound

47. editor's mark

48. Port city in Alaska

50. Cozy spot

52. Store posting, abbr.

53. bright thought

55. bonnie and Clyde, e.g.

57. *Team that shares stadium with #29 Down

60. *Cincy's team

64. Not taut

65. Tamari sauce ingredient

67. Kind of salami

68. realtor's wares

69. bowl over

70. Unborn vertebrate

71. What outgoing tide does

72. Not no

73. Site frequenters

DOWN

1. Hit's opposite

2. bonet or Kudrow

3. Suffix with psych-

4. Does like something rotten

5. Unpaid debt

6. Unfledged hawk

7. Decompose

8. "Dancing with the Stars" number

9. Arch above eye

10. Another spelling for eon

11. *moved from St. Louis

12. blue hue

15. Lark about

20. raises children

22. "____-a-dub-dub"

24. Superbowl 2012 half-time act

25. *only team to play home games in New York state

26. being of service

27. Asian goat antelope

29. *Headquartered in New Jersey

31. Tolkien villains

32. Poet's "below"

33. Lazybones

34. *Their stadium hosts NFL Scouting Combine

36. She knows "Why the Caged bird Sings"

38. mixture or medley

42. Horace's poem

45. John Collins and Tom Collins, e.g.

49. banned pesticide

51. Karate-like art

54. Composition notebook entry

56. S-shaped moldings

57. Lump

58. Shakespeare's metrical unit

59. Single pip cards

60. *Team rest weeks

61. Place one's stake

62. Look angry

63. back talk

64. mother, sister or daughter

66. be in the red

By Ursula Duffy

Astrology, by definition, is the study of time and light. It is an art that has been utilized by humanity for millennia to provide a better understanding of how the cosmos affects life on earth. o ne’s personal horoscope, also known as a birth or natal chart, is a snapshot of the sun, moon, planets and more at the moment of one’s birth (date, time and location). This snapshot holds many keys and secrets to one’s personality and can be considered one’s personal map, guidebook and lesson plan for life! everything in the cosmos continues moving beyond the moment of your birth to influence your life in various and cyclical ways. Cycles according to the rhythm of the sun, moon, planets, stars, seasons and even at specific ages influence your life and possibly your attitude towards life. The weekly horoscopes provided here in Shore Local Newsmagazine are written based on your rising sign. These horoscopes are intended to provide guidance and insight based on these rhythms and demonstrate the cosmic connection to your lived experience. So much is written in the stars! It is my intention that these entries will assist you in deciphering what is encoded within you.

Horoscopes for Nov. 28 – Dec. 4

♈ Aries: If you’ve been feeling a nudge to set a goal that’s more ambitious than ever before, now’s the time to start planning. It would be prudent to give extra consideration to new ideas that spark your creativity, encourage self-improvement and add knowledge.

♉ Taurus: modification or revision of ways in which you are intertwined with others are themes this week and this month. Choices regarding any changes should be guided by personal soul-searching and instilling peace of mind. All forms of contracts are under review.

♊ Gemini: There’s potential for a new relationship or partnership. However, the beginning may be stalled or influenced by hesitation. Time is on your side; being impulsive is not. every relationship is a two-way street and ultimately offers insight into oneself.

♋ Cancer: Infusing a fresh activity into every day is uplifting for body, mind and spirit. Seek out something that improves not only your overall health, but also your energy throughout the day and boosts your self-confidence.

♌ Leo: Presence in creative flow is your happy place. Sometimes it flows freely and effortlessly, and sometimes it can feel blocked. The times of blockage are the most important. Think about what’s calling to your heart instead and divert your attention to that.

♍ Virgo: energy is flowing into the possibility of relocation or creating a space that feels more like home. Avoid analysis paralysis by shifting

out of your head and into your heart. If a new purchase of a home or something for a home is in the works, review things carefully, especially any legal documents or contracts.

♎ Libra: It may be time to focus more on your immediate surroundings in all forms. Dialogue isn’t always verbal. Whom or what creates more peace for you versus more conflict? Clear away the conflict.

♏ Scorpio: r emember that “wealth” is overall well-being and not necessarily measured solely by finances or possessions. An attitude of gratitude will work wonders for recognizing true value and easing stress during times of difficulty or uncertainty.

♐ Sagittarius: Have some fun this week freshening up yourself. Perhaps try a new look, buy some new clothes or simply do something that makes you feel good. A little effort can go a long way. You deserve it!

♑ Capricorn: Intentional time alone can clear the path for mental clarity. So can protecting existing boundaries, or creating new boundaries where needed. Gift yourself some time and space to decompress. Get grounded and process your thoughts and feelings.

The Cosmic Connection

♒ Aquarius: What future are you creating for yourself? m otivation to focus more on how you show up in community, what you contribute to your local community and how that relates to your social life may shift some relationships. being authentic is important.

♓ Pisces: Here comes that guidance about your work again! The review process about the satisfaction and feelings of fulfillment, or lack thereof, is underway. Sit with these feelings and allow them to guide your decision. Double-check everything if you’re submitting any new applications.

Weekly astrology summary:

The zodiac sign Sagittarius and the fire element get extra emphasis this week. With messenger m ercury now backpedaling through the sky and a Sagittarius new moon on Sunday, Dec. 1 (1:21 a.m.), themes of free-spiritedness, adventure, passion, broadening one's horizons, philosophy, expansiveness and conviction are highlighted. e xtreme Sagittarius energy can be myopic or unwavering in beliefs and convictions. This energy can manifest as wanderlust and/or as a person who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others. The new moon is energetically connected to assertive mars, as well as to personal

and collective growth in independence and individuation. be extra mindful of communicating with clarity, intention, and the best ways to cool off when feeling aggressive or hot-tempered, especially when instigated or catalyzed by others. Sarah Fertsch’s column in last week’s edition, “Navigating Thanksgiving conversations: Five topics to avoid and what to talk about instead,” offered excellent guidance and suggestions about working with these cosmic energies and choosing to embrace the lighter, higher vibration. Check out Sarah’s column, maybe even bring last week’s Shore Local to any family gatherings, and 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