Spring Events March Forward
The History Behind Moving Clocks Ahead
Upper Township Man is Humanitarian of the Year
Local author and ‘Sopranos’ Actor Team Up for Book
New Group Forms to Plan for Future of OC
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE
New Jersey launches wildfire safety initiative as dry conditions persist
Following an intense wildfire season last year, New Jersey faces increased concerns heading into 2025, with ongoing drought conditions heightening the risk. Much of the state remains classified under severe or extreme drought, and the upcoming wildfire season is set to begin next week.
In response, Governor Phil Murphy, alongside the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has introduced NJ Wildfire SMART—a new initiative focused on wildfire prevention and safety. The program, which stands for Safety, Mitigation, Awareness, Response, and Training , will serve as a centralized resource for wildfire-related information from various state agencies.
safeguard their homes. "This will provide critical guidance, enabling homeowners to take proactive steps in fire prevention," said DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.
As part of the campaign, residents will have access to wildfire risk mapping tools, allowing them to assess the threat level for their property and obtain recommendations on how to
Governor Murphy announced the initiative during a roundtable discussion with local mayors who have experienced the impact of wildfires. Officials emphasized the need for better equipment and an increase in prescribed burns to mitigate risk.
Letter from the editor
This weekend, we set our clocks ahead—an unmistakable sign that spring is just around the corner! For me, this is a game-changer. The worst part of winter isn’t just the cold; it’s the early sunsets. Darkness creeping in before dinner cuts short my evenings outdoors with the dogs and my time unwinding in the yard after work. More than that, I need time outside every day—I crave sunshine. The long, frigid nights feel endless and, at times, downright depressing. It turns out I’m not alone in this. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to the changing seasons, most commonly occurring in the winter months. Many people experience lower energy levels, difficulty concentrating and moodiness as daylight fades. research suggests that exposure
Spring forward
to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, improve mood and even boost energy levels. So, when the sun sets at 4:30 p.m., it’s no wonder so many of us feel a little off.
To get through what I call the "dark months"—January and February—I rely on early morning outings (albeit freezing), extra vitamin D, and, when possible, a quick escape to warmer climates. I’ve found that even small changes—like opening the blinds first thing in the morning or taking a short midday walk—can make a difference. But nothing quite compares to the feeling of stepping outside in the evening after work or school to a bright sky.
work and watching the world bathed in golden-hour light to help me relax and recharge for the next day.
the highly anticipated Atlantic City Beer Festival at the end of March promises to be a crowd favorite. The Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) Culinary School’s Gala is another standout event, showcasing incredible local talent and delicious cuisine. These gatherings remind us that spring is not just about warmer weather, it’s about reconnecting with our community, embracing new opportunities and making the most of longer days.
So, if you’re like me, this weekend is a big deal! We finally get our evenings back. I love a 7 p.m. sunset! There’s something about that extra daylight that instantly makes everything feel lighter, both literally and figuratively. The simple joys of evening strolls, lingering outside after
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, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Whitney Ullman, Jeff Whitaker, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Christina Martin, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Marjorie Preston, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ Cover photo by Delores Nardone.
March is the light at the end of the tunnel. While it’s still coat weather, the signs of spring are everywhere— longer days, the first blooms pushing through the ground and a renewed sense of energy in the air. Soon, we’ll trade heavy sweaters for lighter layers and swap snow boots for flip flops.
More events are filling up the calendar. The St. Patrick’s Day parade brings lively celebrations to town, and
This issue of Shore Local highlights people making a difference in our community and spotlights the best events and entertainment in the area. Do you know someone doing something extraordinary? We’d love to hear about it! Your feedback and opinions mean a lot to us, so let us know what’s on your mind.
Email us at shorelocalnews@gmail. com.
Peace & Love, Cindy
The coldest winter in 10 years just froze N.J.
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
Climatological winter –December, January and February – is over, and the latest data shows that this was the coldest since 2014-2015 for the Jersey Shore.
The average temperature was 34.8 degrees at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg h arbor Township, and 36.4 degrees at the Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City.
What stood out the most to me was how long the cold lasted. December, January and February were all colder than normal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The only exception was February at the airport, which was exactly average for the season. Note that average here means the 1991-2020 universally used time. We’ll talk more about that later.
Monthly temperature departure from average h ere’s the Monthly Temperature Departure from Average in degrees Fahrenheit, according to NOAA:
December was -1.0 at the airport and -0.9 at the marina.
January was -3.5 at the airport and -3.7 at the marina.
February was 0.0 at the airport and -0.2 at the marina.
It truly felt like a start-to-finish winter at the Jersey Shore, something that has become less and less common over the decades.
While all three months were at or colder than average, that conclusion is based off of the mean temperature from 1991-2020. Looking back at all of recorded history shows that this winter was more in line with an average one than a frigid one.
Yes it was cold, but...
Take Atlantic City International Airport. Out of the 82 winters on record, this winter ranked exactly at the halfway point between them all. Taking it a step further, the average temperature for the entire period is 35 degrees, just 0.2 degrees above this past winter’s temperature.
Go to the beach and we have At
lantic City Marina, one of America’s premiere weather reporting stations. It has had nearly continuous record keeping since 1873 – one of the country’s longest established weather outposts. Plus, situated right at the marina, its data reflects the true impact of the water on the shore’s climate.
This was in the colder half of the 150 winters on record, but not by much. It was the 68th coldest, putting it in the top 45%. The longterm average is 36.1 degrees, which is actually slightly colder than what we just experienced.
Neither Atlantic City International Airport nor Atlantic City Marina set any new cold temperature records. The last time either place had record cold, for high or low temperatures, was in 2022, according to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
The only new record was in Estell Manor, Atlantic County. On Feb. 19, the highest temperature of the day was just 30 degrees, the coldest ever for that date. records there go back to 1966. While it’s not as well-known for climate data as the airport or
marina, it still provides useful information.
Overall, this winter wasn’t extremely cold when looking at all past records. But compared to recent years, it was colder than usual – the coldest since the winter of 2014-2015.
Frozen waters
The salty bays had some ice on them from late December to mid-February. In some places, the ice stretched far out into the water.
Ice was especially extensive on Jan. 24. Most of the Delaware Bay had a total ice concentration of 90%, according to the United States National Ice Center. Even on the Atlantic Ocean side, there was some ice in Cape May County.
The Delaware Bay shoreline, from roughly Del haven, Middle Township, over to East Point Lighthouse was at least 90% iced over on Feb. 21, according to the United States National Ice Center. At least some ice covered nearly the entire Delaware Bayshore
↘Continued on 8
that day, too. That extended up the river to Philadelphia.
The freshwater ponds were frozen over for a long while this winter. Pictures on social media of people playing pond hockey, skating or even ice sailing were seen up and down the Jersey Shore. Furthermore, the cold reversed the trend of plants and trees budding in mid to late February.
Why was it so cold?
The reason for the coldest winter in nearly a decade has to do with two factors: the polar vortex and the cold ocean.
The polar vortex – the cold dome of low pressure in the stratosphere that sits over the poles in its resting state – stretched down into the northern United States numerous times this winter. As of the end of the month, it occurred 10 times, according to Judah Cohen of Atmospheric and Environmental research (AEr) in Massachusetts. For those keeping score at home, that’s a lot.
When that happens the jet stream – the river of air about 30,000 feet high that separates colder and warmer air masses – will dive toward the equator about 10 to 14 days after the polar vortex moves in.
The polar vortex and jet stream can stretch down to the equator any-
where in the Northern h emisphere it wants. h owever, this winter, it was locked into the northern tier of the United States, as well as far eastern russia.
Typically, stretched polar vortexes bring less bitter cold than a split polar vortex (when the polar vortex breaks into two). however, with it occurring 10 times it brought a persistent cold.
The second thing that affected the weather was the cold ocean. It made the air chilly at the Jersey Shore. The Atlantic City Marina was much colder than usual compared to Atlantic City International Airport.
The ocean water was colder than normal this winter. It was 45 degrees in December, 40 degrees in January, and 39 degrees in February, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Also, the bays were super cold, even below 32 degrees for a while.
The drought continues
In addition to temperatures, we have to talk about precipitation. We did not get the rain or snow needed to pull us out of drought. In fact, in my winter outlook I said the following:
“There should also be an average amount of storminess… 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. Otherwise, there will be water problems.”
That was true for New Jersey as a whole. however, for the South Jersey Shore, “extreme drought” lasted all winter long, according to the United States Drought Monitor. That’s the third level with level four being the worst. Statewide, most of the northern half of the state dropped from level two to level one for drought by the Feb. 27 update.
Precipitation over the three months was between 6.18 inches at Atlantic City Marina and 8.70 inches in Galloway. This is for Atlantic and Cape May counties based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That’s 26% to 50% below average.
Snowfall ranged from a little below average in Atlantic County to a little above average in Cape May County. Margate was the lowest at 10.3 inches. Lower Township was the highest at 17.5 inches. I’ll have a full snow season recap later in the month.
Looking ahead
March does not look like a very wintry month. After the frigid cold on March 2-3, temperatures will mostly be at or above average through the middle of the month. Think highs in
the 50s and 60s, cooler at the beaches as the daily, chilling sea breezes return. Cohen from AEr believes one more shot of colder-than-average temperatures will arrive in the second half of March. If it does, we’re likely talking highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. That’s more of the typical wintertime cold, nothing exceptional. In terms of precipitation, there’s no strong lean toward a wetter- or drier-than-average month. Getting a normal amount of rain would be helpful. March is the wettest month of the year at Atlantic City Marina with 4.27 inches of rain. It’s the second-wettest month at Atlantic City International Airport, with 4.52 inches. That much rain would stop the drought from getting worse, but it wouldn’t make it better.
By St. Patrick’s Day we’ll need about an inch of rain each week to make up for the water that dries up from the ground and the water people use. To get ahead, we would need at least 1.25 inches a week.
Joe Martucci, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Digital Meteorologist, is the President and Director of Meteorology for Cup A Joe Weather and Drone. You can connect with him at cupajoe.live.
Mainland sophomore works toward Scouting’s highest rank
By Tammy Thornton
ainland regional h igh School sophomore, Geoffrey Lovett, of Somers Point has been
hard at work to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement attainable in the Scouting America organization. Among additional requirements to attain the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must progress through six ranks, earn 21 merit badges, serve six months in a troop leadership position, and plan and develop a service project for the community. Lovett, a member of Boy Scout Troop 55, said he always wanted to find a project that would be a help to the town where he lives and where his troop meets.
After many months of planning, Lovett chose a project that would work with the Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point. h e said it was all the more special because his grandmother, Mary Sue Lovett, was a member of the garden club.
On Saturday, March 1, the future
Eagle Scout conducted a work day at Somers Mansion in Somers Point. Lovett’s project consisted of removing eight older raised beds behind Somers Mansion and replacing them with new two-foot-high raised beds, which were built on-site.
This was truly a community project. Somers Point Lumber donated the wood for the boxes. Tim Lenzsch, “The Tree Man”, donated wood chips, which were added to the base of the new planting boxes, and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) donated “eco-soil”, which was used to fill the boxes. Lovett supervised the flurry of activity as friends, family, and fellow Boy Scouts rolled wheelbarrows of wood chips and soil to fill the boxes. Though Lovett was leading the project, he also got his hands dirty and led by example as he worked tirelessly to finish the project.
Members of the Green Thumb Garden Club were on hand looking forward to planting peas, tomatoes, sunflowers, carrots and strawberries in the new garden beds, as well as the corn, beans and squash in the “Three Sisters” garden.
Lovett hopes to earn his rank of Eagle Scout before he turns 16 in three months. he truly demonstrates the Boy Scout spirit. We applaud his hard work and enthusiasm and wish him the best of luck in achieving his goal.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Boy Scout Troop 55 posing by the new planting boxes at Somers Mansion, organized by prospective Eagle Scout, Geoffrey Lovett. Left to right: Blaine Ellis, Dylan Brown, Cole Switzer, Geoffrey Lovett, Robert Knaak, Ethan Gerber, and David Kane.
Friends, family, and Boy Scouts from Troop 55 of Somers Point work on the Somers Mansion project.
The history behind Daylight Saving Time
By Steffen Klenk
This coming Saturday, most of the country will mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST) by moving our clocks forward by one hour. While we lose an hour of sleep in this process, the reward of longer days and later sunsets are on the horizon. This ‘time-honored’ tradition has been observed for well over a century.
In 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote a satirical letter to the Journal of Paris entitled ‘An Economical Project for Diminishing the Light.’ In his letter, he coined this phrase: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Franklin praised the benefits of waking up early and taking advantage of natural sunlight to save money on candles and oil for lamps. his proposal wasn’t taken seriously at the time.
It wasn’t until over a century later that his theory was adopted. William Willet, a prominent builder, outdoorsman and avid golfer, conceived his proposal for Daylight Saving Time in the early 1900s. h e suggested moving clocks ahead by eighty minutes over the course of the summer, so that people could take advantage of
the increased daylight.
At the height of World War I, the concept of ‘summer time’ became more widespread throughout the European continent. Germany became the first country to implement DST in April 1916, to combat coal shortages and blackouts.
One month later, the United Kingdom followed suit.
Two years later, in 1918, in effort to conserve fuel and other natural resources, the U.S. Congress adopted the Standard Time Act. The proposal was not popular at the time. Even farmers had lobbied against the proposal, as it would have meant less time in the morning to harvest crops and get milk, and the law was abolished. A similar DST measure enacted during the height of World War II, between 1942 and 1945.
take in Daylight Saving, in large part because of the islands’ proximity to the equator, resulting in little change in daylight throughout the year. The State of Arizona adopted the use of a year-round standard time in 1968.
have shown that 62% of Americans would prefer to stop changing clocks twice a year, but many do not agree on any longterm, permanent solution. Even still, the benefits of daylight saving often get overlooked. The subtle time change in March extends the amount of sunlight throughout the spring and summer months, resulting in increased mood, activity, and production of Vitamin D. Longer daylight hours have also been shown to have better outcomes on productivity. Additional studies have shown that increased sunlight has resulted in a decrease in crime and auto-related accidents.
In 1966, the Uniform Time Act was passed by Congress, which paved the way for a permanent national Daylight Saving Time spanning the country. To date, there are only two states that do not observe this biannual tradition. hawaii does not par-
In recent years, several efforts have been made to abolish the longstanding practice. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would have created a permanent Daylight Saving Time throughout the country. however, the bill was not voted on in the h ouse of representatives. recent studies
There is no argument that Daylight Saving Time affects daily life for better or for worse. While we may lose an hour of sleep this weekend, it is a small price to pay for the longer days that await this summer. As for the future, only time will tell if any new or permanent proposals may come. For now, we will keep ‘watch’ and await the warm weather that is to come.
By Madison Russ
hen Nick Bricker learned he was being honored by the Upper Township Division of EMS with a h umanitarian of the Year award, he was caught off guard.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” said Bricker. “I’m not one who enjoys notoriety or the limelight because I don’t do what I do for that—I don’t do it for me or to try and get recognition. I do it to help, and as I always say, I’m not the one who does this … I could do a million things, but unless it receives
Nick Bricker with his 14-year-old son, Ryland. The father and son duo often fundraise together to help various causes and the local community. Photo courtesy of Nick Bricker.
the support of the community and people in it, it’s nothing.”
Bricker may shy away from the spotlight, but in Upper Township, he’s well-known for his generosity and efforts to support local businesses and families. What began as a simple idea—creating a Facebook group to help local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic—blossomed into much more.
Today, his efforts have uplifted businesses and community members in need. Bricker’s Facebook group, Upper Township & Surrounding Area Local Business Support Page, raises funds through various fundraising efforts.
h e estimates that the group has raised over a million dollars since he started it five years ago.
But Bricker said the idea really started years prior when his son, r yland, was 7 years old. r yland, who races BMX, started to show interest in fundraising, as Bricker was already actively involved in several charities and foundations.
“We found out USA BMX, the governing body of the sport, has a foundation, and they do a nationwide fundraiser called the race for Life,” he explained. “I said, ‘ h ere you go, buddy. h ere’s your chance to get involved and do something.”
Bricker said his son eagerly took part, taking up collections outside of stores with his helmet and forgoing Christmas and birthday presents for donations instead.
“At 7 years old, that’s pretty admirable because all kids want stuff,” said Bricker. “A lot of the local businesses donated and supported him, as well as some people in the community. So, when COVID hit, I said, ‘There’s gotta be something I can do to help them out since they’ve helped him out.’”
These days, he also tries to highlight new and existing businesses in the community.
“Whenever something new comes, I try to do something immediately to help them get off on the right foot,” he explained. “I always throw stuff out there, like, shop local, shop small. Without these local businesses,
there would be no community.”
Bricker admits he can’t help everyone, but his generosity has touched many. From supporting businesses to organizing holiday toy and gift card drives, sending pizzas to volunteer firefighters, assisting families in need or rallying donations for public works crews after a heavy snowstorm, his
impact has been far-reaching.
In one remarkable act of kindness, he made a young girl’s dream come true by buying her a horse after a failed kidney transplant
“Nick is always thinking of ways to bring this community together,” said Liz Ellison-Saunders, owner of Baked By The Ocean in Marmora, who has experienced Bricker’s generosity firsthand. “ he seeks out ways to contribute and makes it easy for all of us to participate.”
Ellison-Saunders, whose daughter is a childhood cancer survivor, is especially grateful for the work Bricker and his son do to support organizations that help families facing similar challenges.
“I am especially grateful for his and his son’s fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Upper Township is lucky to have him, and I’m lucky to call him a friend,” she said.
Bricker said he feels the group has helped unite community members.
“With all the stuff going on in this country, with political divide and this and that, that has never, ever come up in our group—not once,” he said. “There’s no political drama. Everyone just does it to support the community.”
While he’s not sure what the future holds, as long as the community supports his efforts, he’ll remain all in.
“I kind of just take it day by day. Next week, I could put something up, and people could say, ‘Screw this, we’re over it.’ Then it just goes away. But I never thought it would do what it has, honestly. Ever,” he said. “As long as we can do this and continue to support the community and people of need in our community, I’ll do it and do whatever I have to.”
Nick Bricker helps surprise a young surfer with a new board. From left: Andrew Funk, Ethan O’Reilly, Nick Bricker, and Greg Beck at Surfers Supplies in Ocean City. Photo courtesy of Nick Bricker.
Atlantic City, Brigantine, Margate, Ventnor, Longport
Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
Margate has a native son who has an impressive history of being a competitive athlete, including a 1980 induction into the Atlantic City high School hall of Fame.
Steve Marchel went on to Yale University where he was an All-Ivy League baseball player. h is formal education led him to a successful career in financial planning as alternative investment director for Morgan Stanley in Northfield.
h is career may be in financial planning, but his passion, which he pursues with the same commitment he showed when he was a ballplayer, is food.
his first food venture was Chido
Burrito in Northfield. First opened in 2010, the business is still going strong. The delicious food, the creative names of the menu items, the entire theme and colors all add to the success of the business..
Locals say that it blows Taco Bell away with its quality and presentation. Maybe someday it will be a chain. In the meantime, Steve is keeping busy with other businesses.
Steve decided he was not busy enough with Chido Burrito and his financial career so in 2019 he opened Water Dog Smoke h ouse, at 7319 Ventnor Ave. in Ventnor.
It was a very successful, casual restaurant known for mouthwatering sandwiches and bagels plus smoked fish, pickles and prepared foods. Local people and visitors enjoyed their unique specialty food, whether they were eating in or catering.
Unfortunately, this year Steve made the decision to pass the torch to Jacob and Alex who are going to establish their own brand called Kismet Luncheonette at the former Water Dog location. Steve thinks with their quality food they will kill it.
Don’t feel sorry for Steve. The Water Dog brand also includes Betty’s Seafood Shack located at 9315 Amherst Ave. in Margate.
h e, along with his hard-working partner and wife robin Kramer, established it in July 2023. It features a classic New England style combination with all kinds of mouthwatering seafood such as lobster rolls, fried shrimp, scallops, clams, cod, wraps and much more. This BYOB is all situated in a relaxing setting along the bay.
Last summer apparently robin was not busy enough with her
80-hour work weeks, so Steve came up with the brilliant idea to expand to the space next to Betty’s Seafood Shack. The new concept is going to be called Betty’s BBQ & Fried Chicken.
In previous years Steve and robin did road trips all over the country in search of the best barbecue and fried chicken. They toured famous spots including Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas; rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston, SC and the great barbecue of Joe’s KC BBQ in Kansas City, Kan.
The fried chicken spots they hit were numerous such as h usk in Charleston, hattie B’s h ot Chicken in Nashville and the Little Goat Diner in Chicago. The bottom line is they have traveled high and low throughout the country in search of the best barbecue and fried chicken.
Water Dog will continue as a food truck and catering events. All of the food establishments Steve and robin have will continue to hit it out of the ballpark just like he hit the baseball out of the park in college.
Do yourself a favor and try the Betty’s brand. Your taste buds will thank you.
Betty’s BBQ & Fried Chicken will be located at 9315 Amherst, next to Betty’s Seafood.
remember to support your local businesses, especially small businesses.
Events and Happenings
Multi Day Events
NJSIAA State Wrestling
Championships
▶Thursday, March 6-Saturday, March 8
Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
The top high school wrestlers from across the state will be at Boardwalk hall for the annual championships. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the Boardwalk hall Box Office.
Cedar Creek Theatre presents ‘The Little Mermaid’
▶Thursday, March 6-Saturday, March 8
Cedar Creek h igh School, 1701 New York Ave., Egg harbor City
Enjoy this original production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Show times are Thursday, March 6-Saturday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m., with a special matinee Saturday at 1 p.m.
Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door, by calling 609-593-3560 or visiting www.cedarcreektheatre.org.
Market Madness in Ocean City
▶Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9
Ocean City Civic Center, Sixth St. & the Boardwalk
Join the city for a full weekend of shopping and fun under one roof. All of Ocean City’s favorite Boardwalk and Downtown shops will be offering amazing specials. New for this year are local food trucks along with prize giveaways and a DJ. Free parking. Bring your own bags.
MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships
▶Tuesday, March 11-Saturday, March 15
Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall, 2301
Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Thirteen teams from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will participate in a week-long tournament, with each winning team moving on to participate in the NCAA Tournament. All sessions are on sale now. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and the Boardwalk hall Box Office.
Art Workshop for Children
▶Saturday, March 15, 22 & 29
Somers Point Youth Center, 599 Marks road
The Somers Point Arts Commission is teaming up with Somers Point PAL to offer a “My Grown-Up & Me” art workshop for children 6-10 years old, along with their favorite grownup. Cost is $10 per child/adult pair and pre-registration is required. Visit somersptarts.weebly.com for information or to register.
and Collectibles
Saturday, March 22nd 2025. Show hours -9am - 4pm. Free Admission, Refreshments, Security, Easy Parking, & Friendly Environment. Plus Free Appraisals. Free Koins for Kids
Show location: Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Activity Center 701 Wabash Ave, Linwood, New Jersey. 08221
Inherit a coin collection? Have coins but don`t know what you have? We can help you. Bring your items! There will be many knowledgeable dealers that will help you. For more info call Tom 609-742-2279
Market Madness will take place at the Ocean City Civic Center on March 8 and 9.
Sponsored by
We Walk Somers Point
▶Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:30 a.m.
The City of Somers Point hosts its walking club to promote health, fitness and community. residents are invited to meet behind City hall on Mondays, at the Football Field on Wednesdays and Kennedy Park on Fridays. For more information see www.visitsomerspoint.com.
Beginner Yoga for Seniors
▶Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Somers Point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler road
Take part in a one-hour relaxed gentle flow. Classes will focus on yoga poses linking movement with breath, increasing strength and flexibility. Time will be spent on the mat in seated, kneeling and standing positions. residents of Somers Point can register by calling 609-226-4389 or emailing helbigshore@icloud.com.
Thursday, March 6
‘Along the Eastern Seaboard’ Film Screening
▶6-8 p.m.
Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City
Join the Arts Garage for a screening of “Along the Eastern Seaboard: The Films of Arthur h . Virtue.” The film is approximately 55 minutes. A Night of Pure Irish
▶7 p.m.
Egg harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave.
The Great Egg harbor Township historical Society will host a Night of Pure Irish this Thursday. The Emerald Isle Academy Dancers and Sandpipers Pipes and Drums of Atlantic County will perform. Entry is $2 per person, with free admission for GEh T h S members. r efreshments will be available.
The Atlantic City Saint Patrick's Day Parade is set for Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. Photo credit: Atlantic City Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Facebook
Friday, March 7
Women in Business Conference
▶9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Flanders h otel, 719 E. 11th St., Ocean City
The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Women in Business Conference, celebrating 20 years of moving women forward. Develop business connections with like-minded successful colleagues and enhance personal and professional business skills, while celebrating working women. Admission is $65 for chamber members and $95 for non-members. register online at www.capemaycountychamber.com/ conference or call Stephanie at 609465-7181.
Saturday, March 8
St. Patrick’s Day Party
▶11 a.m.-4 p.m.
risley Square, 319 E. Jimmie Leeds road, Galloway
Get your Irish on and join the Makers Market Co-Op for a day of fun and shenanigans. There will be delicious food from local shops. Prizes and face painting. All ages are welcome.
Atlantic City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
▶1 p.m.
Boardwalk from Ocean Casino to Albany Ave.
Break out your green and head to the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk
for a fun-filled family day with floats, bands, giveaways and special guests. The parade is rain or shine.
OCHS Crew Spring Social ▶6-9 p.m.
DiOrio’s Bar and Grill, 10 MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point
Friends and alumni of OChS Crew are invited for an evening of Bites & Beverages to start the season. Proceeds benefit the Ocean City h igh School Crew Boosters and seasonal activities. registration is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Visit www. facebook.com/oceancitycrew to sign up.
Celtic Angels Ireland
▶7:30 p.m.
Stockton Performing Arts Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway h eaded by a powerhouse creative team direct from Ireland and featuring award-winning Irish and World Champion Singers, this program is a theatrical feast for every age. Tickets can be purchased at www.stockton. edu/pac.
Boy Scout Troop 55 of Somers Point Spaghetti Fundraiser ▶4:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 8 at Christ Episcopal Church, 157 Shore road, Somers Point. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children.
↘Continued on 18
Sunday, March 9
Brunch for a Purpose
▶11 a.m.
Smithville Inn, 1 N. New York road
Join the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a special brunch and help support the MMSC’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine mammals and sea turtles. The event will include live music, an auction and 50/50. Tickets are $75 per person. Advance purchase is required. More information is available at www.mmsc.org.
Lines on the Pines
▶11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway
Join in an annual gathering of over 80 talented artists, authors and artisans whose passion is New Jersey’s legendary Pine Barrens. There will be special hands-on displays, crafts and activities for the kids. Admission is free.
The Music of the Jazz Saxophone Masters
▶2 p.m.
Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
The Michael Pedicin Quartet presents a concert of the music and styles of jazz saxophone masters. The group will explore the sounds of jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter, John
Coltrane, Sonny rollins, Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley and others. This free concert will be held in the Lecture h all. Seating is first come first served.
Mainland Baseball Fundraiser
▶5-8 p.m.
Charlie’s 800 Shore road, Somers Point
Join Mustangs Baseball for an evening of fun and baseball-themed activities to support the team ahead of its spring season. There will be plenty of food, drinks and auction items.
Ticket price is $40. Visit the Mustangs-Mainland Baseball page on Facebook for additional information.
Monday, March 10
Mahjong Madness
▶12:30-2:30 p.m.
Ventnor Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave.
Come to the library and enjoy a friendly game of mahjong, with instruction and guidance for beginners to learn this fun game. All skill levels are welcome. Space is limited. Call 609-823-4614 for more information.
Tuesday, March 11
Village Film Society
▶10:30 a.m.
Join JFS Village for a discussion about the Academy Award nominated motion picture, “The Six Triple Eight,” written and directed by Tyler Perry. This program will be held via Zoom. rSVP by March 6 by emailing Bella at bnketia@jfsvillage.org. Furry Buddies
▶6 p.m.
Galloway Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds road
read a story to therapy dogs Erin, Kody, Fritz and Frieda, who love sharing stories with children. Open to all ages. Children 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Call 609-652-2352 or visit www. atlanticlibrary.org to register. Meet and Greet with Children’s author Beth Ferry
▶6:30 p.m.
Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Celebrate the upcoming release of “The Peddler of Puddles” with a live reading by author Beth Ferry, followed by a Q&A and book signing. The program will be held in the Lecture hall. The event is free and open to the public. Call 609-399-2435, ext. 5241 for more information.
Wednesday, March 12
Somers Point Pinochle Club ▶6-8:30 p.m.
Somers Point Senior Center, 22 N. Ambler road
The Pinochle Club gathers every Wednesday night throughout the year to play. All are welcome to join.
Bus Trips
Offshore Gardens Visits Jenkins Arboretum
▶Thurs. May 22
The Offshore Garden Club is sponsoring a trip with Friendly Tours
and Travel to Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens and Chanticleer. $125 per person includes travel, lunch, gardens and tour. The bus will leave from the Target parking lot in Somers Point at 8 a.m. Call or email Janet Toland by March 31 at 609-369-0449, or email golfer_nurse@hotmail.com.
Health and Wellness
NAMI Family Support and Connection Meeting
▶Monday, March 10, 7-8:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore road, Somers Point Open to family members, caregivers and loved ones 18+. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experiences and insight into others’ challenges and successes. Visit www.namiacm.org or call 609741-5125 for more information.
MHA Atlantic Family Meetings
▶Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m. These virtual support groups and educational programs are for individuals with a loved one affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Day and evening meetings include an educational segment as well as support in the form of stress-reduction, self-care, resources and advocacy. Contact Gail Christian at 609-652-3800, ext. 0301 or gchristian@mhanj.org to receive a meeting link.
Dementia Support Group
▶Wednesday, March 19, 1:30 p.m. 6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing h eld on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
The 20th annual Lines on the Pines event will take place on Sunday, March 9 in Stockton’s Campus Center as part of the university's "Weekend in the Pines." Photo credit: Paul Leakan, Pinelands Commission
Finding humor in adversity: Comedian Rory Gardiner shares life lessons at Atlantic Cape
By Julia Train
On Tuesday, March 4, rory Gardiner, a Canadian comedian, TEDx speaker and country artist, visited Atlantic Cape Community College’s Mays Landing campus to talk to students about getting comfortable in the uncomfortable.
Currently, Gardiner is on his “Stop, Drop & LOL” tour speaking about how he’s used comedy to face adversity and Atlantic Cape was a stop.
Gardiner held a comedic and interactive presentation, filled with songs he wrote, stories and inspirational tidbits.
h e talked about his wife and kids, along with the road that led him to where he is today, tying his life’s events into three main lessons: embrace uncertainty, take action and turn setbacks into opportunities.
Turn setbacks into opportunities
Before being a comedian, TEDx speaker or musician, Gardiner was a software engineer and it was during
that time that he started creating music, leading to pursuing the art for 15 years.
h e wrote music for television, opened for Keith Urban and was nominated for a Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) award, but the success didn’t come until after multiple radio stations rejected his music.
Instead of giving up, he kept trying and eventually was rewarded for his work.
During his time as a country musician, Gardiner came up with hacks to hold himself accountable and get work done.
“There were times when I'd have to create a song, but I didn't have anything. I had writer's block. I didn't have
everything ready. So I would book a session with the studio for [the] next week,” he said. “I didn’t want to waste the engineer's time. I didn't want to waste anyone's time. So I had to come up with something. So by putting the appointment on the calendar, I forced myself to focus and create a song for that next session.”
That trick helped him jump into becoming a comedian.
Take action
For six years, he attended comedy shows and wanted to be on the stage too, but he was scared.
h e eventually decided to take action and signed up for a comedy competition to hold himself accountable.
“I had to show up because I was registered for that particular day. So I finally got on stage,” said Gardiner. “I did the competition. I did not win, but I've done comedy every week for the last decade after that. Once I realized it wasn't as scary as I thought it was, I continued to do it.”
Embracing uncertainty
In 2018, Gardiner lost his house in a tornado. The next day, he created an "Extreme Makeover: Tornado Edition" parody video to find humor in the negative situation and spread a resilient attitude to the community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gardiner started posting on TikTok to cope, hoping to have the same impact he did after the tornado, but on a broader scale. his videos led him to the opportunity to host a TEDx Talk in Colorado Springs; his account now has millions of views and has amassed 150,000 followers.
Before the talk, Gardiner was entertaining audiences through comedic sets, but that was different, he said.
“So TED was the first time I had to create, I had to talk in public and create value for people [and] that scared the hell out of me,” said Gardiner. “I’m used to entertaining people, but then I actually had to create a message—an idea—worth spreading. So I did that, and I saw how it impacted people.”
After multiple career pivots and creating several hacks for himself, Gardiner performs comedy sets that also help his audiences at the same time by tying his life events into important lessons.
“I'm trying to do my best to still entertain people, but create a nugget message along with it…teaching [the audience] something without them knowing it is my M.O.,” he said.
Rory Gardiner engages in a lively and interactive discussion with students at Atlantic Cape Community College. Photo by Julia Train
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey – Southern Branch, along with its member charity, Let Us Eat, Please, Inc., once again hosted the Captain’s Table reception at the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show. The evening of delicious food, cocktails and a lavish array of desserts, held at the Atlantic City Convention Center on Thursday, Feb. 27, marked the 50th anniversary of the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, making it an extra special celebration. More than 20 local top chefs from across Southern New Jersey served guests their most popular dishes, and attendees enjoyed tastings of fine spirits from area wineries, breweries and distilleries. Some 600 guests attended and more than $70,000 was raised.
About the charities
Let Us Eat – Please, Inc. was created in 2012 by the late James L. Cooper when he learned from his daughter, a teacher, about the effects of hunger on the one in five
New Jersey children who regularly attend school hungry. Jim, who had devoted much of his 82 years advocating for community, civil rights, and philanthropic causes, formed ‘Let Us Eat, Please’ to help address the issue.
Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law is grateful and pleased to be in a position to continue the work of ‘Let Us Eat, Please’ in memory and honor of
our founding partner.
Community Food Bank of New Jersey, a member of Feeding America®, has been delivering food, help and hope across the state for more than 45 years. Last year, CFBNJ provided nutritious food for over 85 million meals through its network of more than 800 community partners including pantries, soup kitchens,
emergency shelters, mobile pantries, and child and senior feeding programs throughout the 15 New Jersey counties it serves. For our hungry neighbors, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the powerful agent of change that fills the emptiness caused by hunger and provides resources that are essential to earning a sustainable living.
Cooper-Levenson’s Law Form hosts “The Captains Table Event” a benefit to raise awareness and money for child food insecurities. Photo by Mike Manger /PhotoGraphics
Awkwardness is no excuse: Get serious now about colorectal cancer screening
By Robin Stoloff Health & Wellness
“I am so excited to get my colonoscopy today!” said no one, ever. It is not the most pleasant experience, but you know what’s worse? Colorectal cancer. Talking about it might feel a little uncomfortable, but ignoring it is much riskier.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and while this topic may not be the most glamorous, it is critically important.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it remains one of the most preventable cancers. It’s time to put aside any awkwardness and have a serious conversation about our health. Think
of this as a friendly public service announcement—no dramatic music, just facts.
Everyone is at risk
Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum and is a serious threat. But the good news? It’s also one of the most preventable cancers. Early detection can make all the difference.
You may be thinking, “I feel fine, I’m too young, I eat my vegetables occasionally…” And that’s great. But the reality is that colorectal cancer doesn’t discriminate. This disease can affect individuals of all backgrounds, and as we age, our chance of getting colorectal cancer increases.
We can reduce our risks by staying active, eating a healthy fiber-rich diet and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking, but sometimes, cancer develops regardless of lifestyle choices. That’s why awareness and early detection are key.
Warning signs to watch for
Pay attention to changes in your bowel habits – persistent diarrhea
or constipation, blood in your stool (bright red or dark), or unusually narrow stools. Unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain, or feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels could also be warning signs. While these symptoms can be linked to other, less serious conditions, it’s essential to consult your doctor if you experience them.
Listen to your body. There is no need for embarrassment – healthcare professionals have heard it all, and their priority is your well-being.
The power of screening
The most powerful tool against colorectal cancer is screening. There are several screening methods available, depending on your age, risk factors and personal preference.
The gold standard is a colonoscopy, a procedure performed under sedation in which a doctor examines the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera, allowing for the removal of any polyps if found. Current guidelines recommend starting regular screening at 45, but those with a family history or higher risk factors may need to start earlier. Talk to your doctor about your individual needs.
Other options include stool tests, like FIT and Cologuard, which can be done at home. They require collecting a small stool sample and sending it to a lab for analysis.
While these tests are easy to use and do not require bowel preparation or sedation, they have limitations. Stool tests must be repeated more frequently, usually every one to three
years and they may not detect all polyps or early-stage cancers. They also might result in false negatives or positives.
Reducing your risk
Beyond screening, there are everyday steps you can take to lower your risk. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is beneficial, while reducing the consumption of red and processed meat can help minimize risk. regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight also contribute to overall well-being. Additionally, smoking is a significant risk factor, so if you smoke, make every effort to quit.
Breaking the silence
This March, we need to break the silence surrounding colorectal cancer. Talk to your family and friends about it. Encourage loved ones to get screened. It may not be the most comfortable conversation, but it is one that could save lives.
If you are due for a screening, schedule it. Let’s make Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month a time for action, and a commitment to keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy for years to come.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
What’s happening in Ocean City
Ocean City kicks off season with two days of ‘Market Madness’
Ocean City businesses will gather under one roof for the fourth annual Market Madness event on March 8 and March 9. The two-day shopping extravaganza offers an early sample of summer with discounts and specials on everybody’s favorite local merchandise, brands and attractions.
This year, the event moves to the Ocean City Civic Center, just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street, with plenty of free and convenient parking adjacent to the building (access from Fifth Street). Also new this year will be local food trucks, including Las Olas and others
● We Make It Personal
● White Lotus Boutique
Tickets on sale for “Footloose” this summer
Now Offering GOLF LESSONS on Our Range
In addition to more than 40 vendors from Ocean City’s Boardwalk and Downtown districts, Market Madness will feature a live DJ and hourly giveaways. h ours for the event are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Cash payments are preferred and shoppers are asked to bring their own bags.
Participating businesses include:
● Agape Gourmet
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra will team up this summer to present the musical “Footloose” with eight performances scheduled from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14 at the Bill and Nancy hughes Performing Arts Center in Ocean City.
● Air Circus
● All Campus
● Ashore Fit
● Bad Kitty Kids
● Bella U
● Boba Works
● Bowfish Kids
● Fisherman’s Cove
● George’s Candies
● Goodies Gone Wild
Tickets for the show ($27 and $32) are on sale at ocnj.us/boxoffice.
With music from its Oscar- and Tony-nominated score and with dynamic new songs, “Footloose” blends the best of the iconic movie and the Broadway show.
Reading and Q&A with children’s author Beth Ferry
● h eritage Surf & Sport
● Jay’s Crab Shack
● Jewelry hut
● Jilly’s Shops
● Johnson’s Popcorn
● Kay Jay’s Doll Shoppe
● Kilwin’s
● LEh Soap Company
● Lisa’s Sweet Treats
● Making Waves
Follow us on
● Manco & Manco Pizza
● Mia’s Christmas Gallery
● OC Waterpark
● OCNJ Entertainment
● Playland’s Castaway Cove
● 96 Shades
● Shirt Shack
● Shoppes at the Flanders
● Stainton’s
● Starz
● Surf Mall
Children’s author Beth Ferry will celebrate the release of “The Peddler of Puddles” with a live reading, Q&A and book-signing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 in the Chris Maloney Lecture hall at the Ocean City Free Public Library (1735 Simpson Ave.).
Ferry is the author of several beloved children’s books, including “Stick and Stone” and “Swashby and the Sea.”
The event is free and all ages are welcome. Call 609-399-2434, ext. 5241 for more information.
Spring book sale set for March 14-15
The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library will hold a spring book sale in the atrium of the library at 1735 Simpson Ave. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 14; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15.
Local teen earns Eagle Scout status
Asenior at Atlantic County Institute of Technology has attained the highest rank in Scouts BSA program of The Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America).
Sydney Prince, 18, a resident of Mays Landing, has completed the final steps on her trail to attaining the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. Sydney spent the last months of 2024 working hard all the way to the end of her six year journey through the Scouts BSA program. Prince, a Life Scout with Troop 452, is the youngest of the group of 10 girls that founded the Troop in February 2019, when the Boy Scouts of America began allowing girls to join their ranks and have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the same program that boys have had since 1910.
One of the most challenging and demanding requirements to attain Eagle Scout is that of conducting the Eagle Scout Project. This project, designed and executed by the Eagle Scout candidate is geared toward providing a benefit to a nonprofit community group or local organization that has a need. The project must meet the standards set forth by the National Council of the BSA and must
go through thorough reviews at local and Council levels to gain approval for execution. Prince is not the first scout to choose to design her project to benefit the needs of our local first responders.
As a senior at ACIT, she is enrolled in the h ealth Sciences program and is also very close to completing the National Emergency Medical Technician certification through that program. No small feat for a high school student who is also enrolled in Advanced Placement level courses in other subjects, plays a myriad of sports and has had a pivotal role in building the program at Troop 452 since its inception.
No stranger to the emergency services, Prince spent the summer of 2024 working as an intern for the Galloway EMS and decided to assist that organization with establishing an outside relaxation and decompression space for those first responders where they can enjoy the fresh air and a comfy and quiet space after a long shift or difficult incident. Through her project, Prince designed, carried out the logistics of planning, procuring, transporting and installing thousands of pounds of materials, supplies and the equipment and tools necessary
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to construct a beautiful paver patio, complete with landscaping border and custom built Adirondack chairs in an otherwise barren plot of dirt behind one of Galloways two EMS stations. h er project took careful planning, a lot of resilience and an execution of leadership skills that are not common for a 17-year-old high school student. The main objective of the project is for the candidate to utilize the leadership skills they have learned and honed through their years in the Scouting program to successfully execute that project. A major aspect of a project of this magnitude is
cost. Coming in at an estimated cost of $3,500 for materials, Prince was able to successfully obtain all of the materials plus some bonus supplies through generous donations form 84 Lumber of Pleasantville and Atlantic Masonry Products and The h ome Depot, both of Egg harbor Township. Without these very generous business donors, completion of this project would have proved difficult, if not impossible. A project of this scope also takes a great deal of time as well. Through the planning and execution of her project, Prince, along with 24 volunteers (both youth and adults) contributed 329 hours of work to the project. Of that, 55 of those hours were the hours Prince spent with design, planning, logistics and execution.
With the successful completion of her project in November 2024 and the successful completion of her Eagle Scout Board of review on Feb. 4, 2025; Prince has found herself a permanent place in history as the 7th Eagle Scout of Troop 452. After high school graduation this coming June, she plans to attend college and pursue schooling and a career in the field of health sciences, continuing to help and nurture as she always has.
By Jeff Whitaker
Is it just me, or do you get the feeling this weather of ours just can’t make up its mind?
This past Saturday was beautiful. The sun was shining, and the temperatures flirted with the low 60s for much of our region. That was until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon when suddenly the wind kicked in, and the temperature dropped like a lead balloon. But for just a few hours, the 60s felt really nice and turned my thoughts toward summer. The funny thing is, a couple of weeks ago my family and I vacationed down south. Daytime highs reached the mid-80s — so nice. But at night, it dipped into the 60s, and my thought at the time was “Boy, it feels kind of chilly tonight.” So, how can the 60s this past weekend feel warm, while in Florida, the 60s felt chilly? It’s all in your perspective.
All in perspective
h ere is my point. h ow we see things based on our current situation, our location or circumstance has a huge impact on how we view things. It’s all about mindset. If you and I get up in the morning and anticipate doom and gloom based on the circumstances around us, the situation we find ourselves in or, for that matter, even the weather, we set ourselves up for negativity at every turn. On the contrary, if we don’t allow ourselves to have our attitudes or perspectives impacted by our circumstances, we set a whole different tone for the day.
So, what do we need to do to feed the positive and starve the negative influences in our lives? It starts with pursuing a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset looks at the situation we find in front of us, buying into the negativity and accompanying mentality that it brings with it. Whereas having a growth mindset looks at every situation and scenario as an opportunity to learn, grow and look for the positive.
It seems around every corner we are presented with plenty of situations and circumstances that we can see as either obstacles or opportunities. It's all about our perspective.
Psychologist Carol S. Dweck said, “When there's a setback, someone with a fixed mindset will start thinking, 'Maybe I don't have what it takes?' They may get defensive and give up. A hallmark of a successful person is that they persist in the face of obstacles, and often, these obstacles are blessings in disguise.”
This is not to say that we have to view every situation with rose-colored glasses. But there is something to be said for looking at life with an attitude of finding a way to “grow through” something rather than just “go through” it.
Chuck Swindoll, a well-known pastor, famously penned a poem on attitude. If you get a chance, look it up. I have it framed in my office. Swindoll ends his poem with this: “We cannot
change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.”
So, the next time you become overwhelmed by your situation or the circumstances that surround you, check your perspective. Consider a mindset or attitude adjustment. You might be pleasantly surprised at the difference it will make in your day and the days to come.
And just think, in a few short months, we’ll once again feel the ocean breeze, take in the smells of pizza and popcorn on the boardwalk, and bask in the 80-degree days and cool 60-degree nights.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
Meet the breed: Curly Coated Retriever
By Heidi Clayton
WChill out at the library this winter.
The library is the coolest place to be this winter! From best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities, the Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone, all season long.
Visit OceanCityLibrary.org for a complete list of events and resources.
www.oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434
HOURS Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm
CURBSIDE PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 11am-4pm
hile the Labrador and Golden retrievers occupy the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the American Kennel Club's list of most popular breeds, there are a few other retrieving dogs that do not get the love that I feel they should! One of my favorite retrievers is the lesser-known Curly-Coated retriever, which, in my experience, is just a little less needy than their cousins in the Sporting group.
The specific dates of the origin of the Curly-Coated retriever are somewhat unknown, other than they are one of the oldest retrieving breeds from England. The Curly-Coated retriever Club of England points out that in the 1700s and 1800s, dogs were kept for a purpose, not as pets. h unting and retrieving were the primary purpose of most retrieving breeds. That led to breeding dogs that would hunt all day, could swim well, and had coats that could withstand the elements. There may have been, at one point, the introduction of the Standard Poodle to a retrieving line, which produced the signature tight curly coat. This was helpful because the coat is water-resistant and enabled them to go into thorny bushes to retrieve game. The Curly-Coated retriever gained popularity for its desire to hunt and retrieve, its independent temperament, and their devotion to their families without being overly needy. They were first officially shown in England in 1860. The official breed standard in England was developed in 1896. Both of the wars in Europe resulted in the breed almost becoming extinct. h owever, dedicated groups have kept them alive, and they remain today a hidden gem among the Sporting dogs.
The signature look of the Curly-Coated retriever is, of course, their curls. These curls appear naturally and are small and tight to the skin. They come in only two colors: black or liver. These signature curls will require routine brushing because, like with Labs or Goldens who grow fur constantly, the dead hair will need to be stripped probably once a week
or so. Their curls can also grow into dreadlocks or mat around the ears, so you will need to pay attention to those areas. Their coat is not as thick and dense as the Golden, so they may not leave as much hair around the house. Curlies are about the same size as the Golden retriever. Females weigh about 60 pounds or so, and males can weigh as much as 90 pounds. however, they are also very active and athletic, so they should always be fit and trim.
The Curly is not as needy for attention as the Lab or Golden. They were popular among the English gamekeepers because as long as there was a job to be completed, they never quit. These dogs were bred to have more of an independent temperament while retaining the innate love of their people that most retrievers have. That being said, the Curly is a dog that loves “their” people but may be aloof with strangers. The Curly-Coated retriever Club of America says that “bored, underemployed Curlies are a handful!”
The Curly-Coated retriever of today has truly retained its original purpose; They are still excellent retrievers for those who hunt. I think they are also very pretty dogs to look at. They also excel at performance sports and make an excellent, loyal companion to any family looking to bring a retriever into their life that sometimes just relaxes and chills on their own!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.net.
Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net
New advocacy group aims to hold Ocean City officials accountable and transparent
By Julia Train
Anew advocacy organization was launched on Monday, March 3 by a group of Ocean City residents with the goal of holding the town’s officials accountable and promoting transparency.
The group, Ocean City 2050, formed in response to growing concerns over governance, planning and development.
In recent months, several zoning issues on the island — including those involving the Wonderland Pier property and the Glen Cove marina — have been raised, and the group feels they weren’t resolved in a way that reflects the community’s wishes.
“It's really about good governance. So if you look at a bunch of issues over the last couple years in Ocean City, a bunch of us just felt like there's a better way to do this,” said Bill Merritt, a founding member. “We just felt like the decisions or the processes being used were not fact driven. They weren't driven by the interests of the community as a whole, but seemed to be very sort of special interest driven for whatever reason.”
Alongside being a member of the new group, Merritt is also president and co-founder of Friends of OCNJ h istory & Culture (Friends of OCNJ), a nonprofit that aims to preserve the island’s historic homes and culture.
Like Merritt, several of Ocean City 2050’s members also come from Friends of OCNJ.
According to a press release by the novel organization, Ocean City 2050 shares a commitment to community preservation with Friends of OCNJ, but will operate as an independent organization with a unique focus on governance and planning.
The release made the distinction between the two groups.
Ocean City 2050 will drive longterm policy advocacy, ensuring the city remains well-governed, family-friendly and vibrant, with a focus on transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making.
Friends of OCNJ will continue its mission of celebrating Ocean City’s historic character through initiatives like house and garden tours, historical documentaries, an old-home database and educational seminars.
Merritt said that since Friends of OCNJ is a charitable organization, the group cannot lobby or endorse candidates as a registered 501(c) (3). Meanwhile, although Ocean City 2050 is a nonprofit, the group isn’t registered as a 501(c)(3) so they are able to lobby and endorse candidates.
“We just want the decisions in town, whatever those decisions
will be at the end of the day, to be driven by facts, driven by the people who are most impacted by it, which are the residents. And that's both full-time residents and part-time residents,” said Merritt. “We're not distinguishing between the two, because people that own a second house and come down for the summer are as entitled to a good community as anybody else.”
According to the release, Ocean City 2050 says it is committed to promoting transparency and integrity in local government while ensuring community voices are heard. The group aims to advocate for a fact-based, balanced Master Plan that supports responsible development, historic preservation and environmental sustainability to protect Ocean City’s unique cultural identity.
Additionally, Ocean City 2050 also plans to work with local leaders and officials to keep the town’s future a priority and explore new, family-friendly entertainment options that align with its character. When necessary, the group is
prepared “to pursue litigation to uphold the principles of good governance, preservation and responsible planning.”
In order to fulfill its mission, Merritt said the organization plans to attend city meetings, talk directly to the mayor and Council, post information on its Facebook page, write letters to editors of local publications and engage with other community organizations.
For additional information, visit www.oceancity2050.org, contact oceancity2050@gmail.com or find the group on Facebook: www.facebook.com/oceancity2050.
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
State wrestling championships kick off exciting March
By David Weinberg
When it comes to enjoying top sports events in our area, this is the best time of year for local fans.
This week is part of a four-week stretch that features an intriguing mix of high school, college and professional competitions in and around Atlantic City.
The best boys and girls high school wrestlers in New Jersey will gather at Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall Thursday through Saturday for the State Individual Championships.
It’s always one of the most popular events in our area. Don’t be surprised to see crowds in excess of 10,000 filling the stands each day to watch some of the top grapplers in the country.
Three girls and 19 boy wrestlers from Atlantic and Cape May Counties
are among the 592 competitors who will be vying for state titles.
Of the 144 girls who are wrestling, Absegami’s Lamiah Berry is the highest local seed, ranking third in the 132-pound weight class. Egg h arbor Township teammates Cami Bird and Samirah Durah are fourth and seventh, respectively, at 126 and 120 pounds.
region 8 champions Chase hansen of Lower Cape May regional (138 pounds), Anthony DePaul of St. Augustine Prep (144), Tommy Grimley of Ocean City (165) and Max Adelizzi of Middle Township (190) top the list of 19 local wrestlers among the 448 in the boys field.
DePaul is among a whopping nine wrestlers from St. Augustine Prep in the tournament.
Boys and girls basketball is also in the midst of its state tournament. Several local teams entered this week as contenders to reach the South Jersey finals in their groups, which are scheduled to be held Friday and Saturday. The area is guaranteed at least one South Jersey champion, since Ocean City and Absegami played in a boys Group 3 semifinal Tuesday.
On the girls side, Middle Township is seeking its third straight South Jer-
sey title as the top seed in Group 2.
As soon as the last state wrestling champ is crowned Saturday, Boardwalk h all officials will be rolling up the mats and laying down a basketball court.
Next week, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will be holding their men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at the short for the sixth consecutive year.
Quinnipiac is currently in first place in the men’s standings with an 14-4 conference record, followed by Marist (13-5) and Merrimack (13-6).
Fairfield leads the women’s standings at 18-0. Quinnipiac is second place at 16-2 and Siena is in third at 14-4.
Professional boxing makes its 2025 debut in town this Saturday, when promoter Alex Barbosa is scheduled to stage a card at h ard rock Atlantic City.
Two weeks later, on March 22, Margate promoter Larry Goldberg of Boxing Insider Promotions returns to Tropicana Atlantic City with a card that includes Atlantic City super-welterweight Justin Figueroa (11-0, 9 KOs) and Smithville heavyweight
Bruce Seldon Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs). In addition, Pleasantville welterweight Julio Sanchez III is scheduled to make his pro debut on that card.
Last week, I made my annual visit to the Atlantic City Boat Show at the Convention Center.
I go every year as an homage to my late father-in-law Charles Newton. Upon marrying his daughter, Karen, in 1982, I enjoyed several fishing trips off the coast of Cape May with him and his good friend the late John Bell aboard the “Shirley E.” which was named after my late mother-in-law.
I boarded a few yachts just to get a glimpse of how the other half lives, but my only purchase was three bottles of barbecue sauce sold by one of the vendors.
When it comes to actually boarding a vessel, I now stick to standup paddleboarding in the Cape May harbor. It’s a hobby I started about 15 years ago and have never stopped enjoying it.
It’s just me, my SUP and some Jimmy Buffett music playing on my phone.
My favorite is, “One Particular harbor.” It fits.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
Lucy the Elephant 1881
First Gasoline Powered Car 1889
First Airplane flight 1903
First Philadelphia Phillies Game 1883
Top Weekly Entertainment Picks
By Steffen Klenk
The luck of the Irish comes to South Jersey this weekend. With the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the Boardwalk, post-parade parties, headliner concerts and a brunch by the sea, there is a plethora of activities to choose from.
Who: Smokey robinson
Where: hard rock Live at Etess Arena
When: Saturday, March 8
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city
Prepare to be swept off your feet as legendary Motown sensation, Smokey robinson, graces the Atlantic City stage. Feel the soul-stirring vibra -
tions of some of his biggest hits, including “Tears of a Clown” and “Cruisin’.” his smooth voice and electrifying stage presence have transcended generations. Witness the musical icon in action with a performance that will leave you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
What: Girls Just Wanna have Brunch
Where: Ocean Casino resort
When: Sunday, March 9
Time: 11 a.m.
Website: www.theoceanac.com
Ocean Casino will host a special
glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, indulge in mouthwatering dishes and shop pop-up experiences from local female-owned businesses. Take in the added bonus of a stunning ocean view and raise a toast to the special women in your life.
What: NJSIAA Wrestling State Championships
Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
When: Thursday, March 6– Saturday, March 8
Website: www.boardwalkhall.com
h osted by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, the state’s top athletes will participate in the annual high School Wrestling Championships this weekend, with finals being held on Saturday.
Who: Lovelight Grateful Dead Tribute
Where: Anchor rock Club
When: Friday, March 7
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.anchorrockclub.com
One of the most recognized Grateful Dead tributes on the East Coast is coming to AC’s independent music venue. Doors open at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 at the door. Open to 18+.
What: The Atlantic City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Where: Atlantic City Boardwalk
When: Saturday, March 8
Time: 1 p.m.
Website: www.acstpatricksdayparade.com
The historic Atlantic City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade invites everyone to
break out their green and join the excitement of this family-friendly event. Dozens of participants, bands and floats will travel down the Boardwalk from Ocean Casino resort south to Albany Avenue next to Stockton. The event is rain or shine.
What: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party
Where: Anchor rock Club
When: Saturday, March 8
Time: 1 p.m.
Website: www.anchorrockclub.com
raise a glass, toast your neighbor and revel in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade spirit. The festivities kick off with DJ Sparkles spinning the best in Irish music, from punk to folk. At the conclusion of the parade, stop by to
see Bar Dust, a live band tribute to The Pogues, then DJ Sparkles will continue spinning the tunes until 6 p.m. Admission is free.
What: Parade Day Shenanigans Party
Where: Josie Kelly’s Public house
When: Saturday, March 8
Time: 3 p.m.
Website: www.josiekellys.com
Expect a sea of green and a full lineup of entertainment with Tom Brett at 5 p.m., followed by the Jenny Barnes Band at 7 p.m. Plus performances by the Emerald Isle Academy Irish Dancers and Nae Breeks Pipes and Drums.
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.
Cheers to 19 Years: Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival returns big
By Delaney Crawford
Get ready to cheers your beers. One of Atlantic City’s biggest and booziest celebrations is just around the corner! The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival is set to return, bringing together craft breweries, live music, and thousands of excited attendees for a weekend filled with hops, malts and unforgettable memories.
On Saturday, March 29, the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival will transform the Convention Center into a beer lover’s paradise. The air will be filled with the rich aromas of craft beer, perfectly foamed beer heads, and tastings happening all around. For beer enthusiasts, this annual event is a must-stop, and for those
who aren’t typically beer drinkers, this might just convert you into one!
This event has been a staple in Atlantic City for the past 19 years, and attendees continue to flock for more each year. The festival promises a huge selection of beer and plenty of good times. It’s organized by the Good Time Tricycle team, who continue to make it a standout event year after year.
When the festival started in 2006, it was much smaller and simpler, focusing solely on beer. While it was still a great event, 2012 marked a major shift when the team introduced music into the mix, transforming it into the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival because, as they put it, “every beer adventure needs its soundtrack.”
Now, as the festival enters its 19th year, you can expect over 100 breweries, 60 vendors, and live performances from Senses Fail, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and so much more, bringing fun, beer, and music to thousands of attendees.
In addition to the beloved breweries, activities, and features that festival-goers have come to love,
this year’s festival will introduce some exciting new elements. One standout is the “Chugger Knights Charity Challenge”, where two local charities, Mighty Writers and the humane Society of Atlantic County, will be showcased.
Of course, any event as massive and exciting as this requires a lot of planning. But the team at Good Time Tricycle, though small, is mighty, and after 19 years, they’ve become seasoned pros.
“We typically look for vendors and breweries that match the vibe of our festival-goers. We want to ensure that all our breweries and vendors are as successful as possible, so we seek those that we believe will best fit our customer base,” Makenzie henderson said.
Sure, the name “Beer and Music Festival” might immediately make you think, “Of course, there’s beer
and music.” But if you’ve never stepped foot into this lively event, let us set the scene for you.
Picture a massive room brimming with laughter, the clink of glasses, the lively hum of people discovering new brews, and the upbeat rhythm of live music filling the air. It’s a place where friends old and new gather to sip, play, and revel in the joy of the moment.
But the festival isn’t just about the beer or the tunes. It’s about discovery. Whether it’s finding a new favorite beer, a band that speaks to your soul, or a quirky bar or restaurant that becomes your next go-to, the festival is designed to leave you with unforgettable memories and new discoveries that will stay with you long after the fun ends and the hangover begins.
This event also helps to bring a significant boost to the city. From pa -
trons visiting local bars, restaurants, and casinos to first-time visitors exploring Atlantic City, this festival is a win for the entire community. The festival partners with numerous hotels and casinos, ensuring attendees get the best room deals, including at The Sheraton, resorts, Ocean, Showboat, Tropicana, Caesars, hard rock, Golden Nugget, and the Claridge. The West at Caesars Atlantic City will be hosting the festival’s official after-party, ensuring the fun doesn’t stop when the festival ends.
Not a big beer drinker but still interested in attending? Don’t worry, there’s plenty for you to do, and we’re convinced you’ll become a beer fan by the end of the day!
The Good Time Tricycle team encourages all taste buds to join the fun: “There’s so much going on beyond the beer! From wing-eating contests to silent discos, there are so many things to do that don’t involve drinking beer. Some of the shenanigans this year include (but are not limited to) the Eliminator, Wing Wars, Beer Cup Derby, the Acoustic Stage, Mini Golf, Silent Disco, and so much more!”
With all the beer flowing and delicious flavors to sample, the team encourages everyone to take it slow so the fun can last all day.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Take
your time, enjoy the beers, meet new people, play some games, and enjoy the music,” h enderson said.
Excited yet? March 29 will be here before you know it, so grab your tickets for this year’s AC Beer & Music Festival now. Or grab your chance to drink even more beer and snag some tickets on March 20 at The Seed: A Living Beer Project, where you can get a taste of what’s to come!
“As we celebrate 19 years of the festival, it’s incredibly rewarding to see people enjoying and celebrating craft beer. We’ve always aimed to uplift and support New Jersey’s craft beer industry, and we’re thrilled to still be doing so after all these years,” h enderson said.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC's Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
At Hard Rock, live music is a full-time gig
The Casino File
By Chuck Darrow
Earlier, we took a look at the overall entertainment strategy at hard rock hotel & Casino with an emphasis on the year’s headliner programming. But big-name, big-ticket shows are actually more of the dessert at the massive adult playpen that sits on the Boardwalk opposite Steel Pier. The meat-and-potatoes part of the sonic meal hard rock serves up is what the folks there call “365 Live”—as in live music 365 days a year.
Not a day goes by that someone isn’t strumming a guitar, pounding a drum kit or tickling piano keys in at least one of three “Vibe Stage” venues: Lobby Bar, the lounge at Council Oak Steak & Seafood and hard rock Café. While it makes sense for a gaming company whose entire brand was built on music to emphasize live
presentations, that’s not the only thing driving the policy.
“When we think of the Vibe Stage programming, the first thing that comes to mind is the energy,” explained Michael Woodside, hard rock’s vice president of entertainment. “Especially the location of where our Vibe Stages are.
“If you notice, Lobby Bar is located by a main thoroughfare of the property. So, it’s really setting the tone for the rest of people's time here.
“Whether it's at the Lobby Bar or over at Council Oak, which is by another entrance to the building, we want to make sure that we're starting people's visit out with positive, high energy so they know they're in for a good time. That is the most important thing.”
Another reason daily live-music offerings—most notably at Lobby Bar, which is the only space that features performances seven days a week—are such an important part of the gaming hall’s business plan is as a lure for meetings and conventions.
“Our convention business is so important to us, which is why we focus those efforts midweek,” offered Woodside. “Mondays through Thursdays, we'll have several thousand room nights occupied by conventiongoers, and we want to make sure we're providing them with the right experience.
“People come here...not because we have meeting space; everyone has meeting space. But we've got meeting space, plus we've got live music, plus we have great restaurants and bars. So, we want to make sure that we're giving them the kind of experience they deserve on a Monday through Thursday.
“This is their time out with all of their peers and coworkers. We want to make sure that we're catering to that midweek business.”
Out-of-towners aren’t the only people who figure in the live-music calculation. The strategy is also aimed at locals, particularly one significant group.
“There are a lot of [gaming] industry folks [for whom] Monday is their Saturday night, and we want to make sure that we cater to those folks as well,” reasoned Woodside. "So, we give them the experience on a Monday that you would expect on a Saturday.”
Not surprisingly, the talent roster is not monolithic, and acts are booked in keeping with the specific room. Lobby Bar specializes in bands whose job is to create and maintain a party atmosphere conducive to dancing and general revelry. It’s here that regional favorites such as The Billy Walton Band, Tokyo 3 a.m., Garden State radio and the Sensational Soul Cruisers can be seen on a semi-regular basis. In all, Woodside estimated he has about 50 groups in rotation, but said he’s always on the lookout for additions.
h owever, Woodside noted that the amps aren’t always cranked to “11” in the space that connects the
hotel reception area to the casino.
“A lot of it is based on time of day. So, at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon, we're not blasting the loudest dance-along hits. Maybe it is a duo or a trio, and it's more background music.
“Perhaps you're checking into the hotel, and you want to have a quiet cocktail with a [duo or trio] playing. At night, when people are looking for more of a nightlife experience, the setlist amps up quite a bit; the beats-per-minute get a little bit higher. And we put a DJ in as a set-filler. We try to make sure our evening programming is more about getting people up and dancing and enjoying the nightlife aspect of the property.”
On the other hand, he continued, the music at the Council Oak lounge is purposely quieter and designed to enhance the dining experience as well as to create a more romantic, sexy atmosphere.
The hard rock Café offers everything from tribute bands to “dueling piano” attractions.
According to Woodside, he and his staff are always considering public opinion when booking musicians.
“Our customers are not afraid to give feedback, both good and bad,” he said, “and we love that. We love that they give us the chance to make sure we provide the best experience possible.
“A lot of folks will reach out to us, they'll send us an email, they'll reach out to me directly or DM us on Instagram. We're always listening to people's feedback.
“I also care a lot about the opinion of our bartenders, who are experienced and speaking to customers all the time. I care about our bar supervisors and managers. I care about speaking to our frequent guests. It's important that we're always listening to our customers and trying to create a strategy around what we think they're looking to experience here.”
New address for funnyman Maniscalco
After some 10 years and dozens of performances at Borgata h otel, Casino & Spa, comedy megastar Sebastian Maniscalco has a new local address. The Chicago-born gagster has booked eight shows on two successive weekends: Sept. 18-20 and 25-27. For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
Live & Local Music Calendar
Thursday, March 6
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Karaoke Night w/ DJ David Earl
7 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
Bar One at Resorts
Karaoke Night w/ DJ Joe
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
DJ Austi Frosty
8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Dane Anthony
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Slaytown City
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Kicking Sunrise
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Danny Eyer
4 – 7 p.m.
Karaoke Night w/ Mike Dempsey
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
Yachtzee Duo
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Gregory’s
Mark DiFrangia
6 p.m.
SIncluding Traveller Bourbon Whiskey
“Complex
900 Shore rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Toni Teschner
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Woodbine
Ludlam Island Brewery
Open Mic w/ Andy Frankel
7 – 9 p.m.
2051 Dennisville-Petersburg rd.
Friday, March 7
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Lovelight: Grateful Dead Tribute
8 p.m. 247 S. New York Ave.
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Dan Jost Trio
6 – 10 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Hard Rock Café
Dueling Pianos
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts
Glenn roberts
6 – 9 p.m.
DJ Gary
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
The Loop
7 p.m.
Stealing Savannah
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Danny Lynch
6 p.m.
Sidestory
10 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Yani
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Gypsy Wisdom
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Wave at Golden Nugget
rockin’ the Paradise: Styx Tribute
9 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Frisky
8:30 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Egg Harbor Township
The Roost Pub & Grill
Tony, Taylor & Al Price
6:30 p.m.
500 St. Andrews Dr.
Margate
Bocca
CJ Sooy
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Smithville
Fred and Ethel’s
Jeff Nowmos
7 – 10 p.m.
1 New York rd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Jump the Line Band
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Tom Brett
9 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Singer Songwriter Evening in the round
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Saturday, March 8
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
Family Affair
8 – 11 p.m.
5 N. Shore rd.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party w/ Bar Dust & DJ Sparkles
1 – 6 p.m.
Club Beach r ave: DJ Dance
Monthly
10 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock
Indelible Groove Trio
6 – 10 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Hard Rock Café
Dueling Pianos
8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts
DJ Ahmed
12 – 4 p.m.
DJ Dave
4 – 9 p.m.
DJ Gary
9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dan Jost & Friends
7 p.m.
Split Decision
10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Chris Yoder Band
5 p.m. Synergy
10 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Gab Cinque Band
5 – 8:30 p.m.
3AM Tokyo
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
Jumper
8:30 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Mark Fisher
12 – 4 p.m.
Beth Tinnon Duo
6 – 10 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Margate Bocca
No Clue Duo
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave. ↘Continued from 38
CJ Sooy will play at Bocca in Margate on Friday, March 7. Photo credit: CJ Sooy on Facebook
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
The O’Fenders Band
4 – 8 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Tom Brett
5 p.m.
Jenny Barnes Band
7 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Johnny & The Mongrels
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Sunday, March 9
Atlantic City
1927 Lounge at Ocean Casino
Dueling Pianos
8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Anchor Rock Club
h eadcase hair Show
7 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
3am Tokyo Duo
7 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
The Loop
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Turning the Tide
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Warren Montgomery Country Duo
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Millville
Levoy Theatre
So Good: The Neil Diamond Expe -
rience starring robert Neary
7 p.m. 126 – 130 N. high St.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Sindi raymond Band
3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Sheridan ruitin
3:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Monday, March 10
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
red. 7 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Sky City Social
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay Trivia Night with DJ Bill
7 – 9 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Tuesday, March 11
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Patty & Bugzy
8 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Andrew Moorer Band
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Millville
Levoy Theatre
A Taste of Ireland
7:30 p.m.
126 – 130 N. high St.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay Music Bingo hosted by DJ Chris
John
7 – 9 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Josie Kelly’s
DJ Special K
5 – 9 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Wednesday, March 12
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
Patsy Bradley
8 – 11 p.m.
5 N. Shore rd.
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Michael Stevens
8 p.m.
600 huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Event horizon
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Margate
Bocca
Jazz by Bob & The Bocca Boys
7 – 10 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay Open Mic Night hosted by Blue Eagle
7:30 – 11:30 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Jimmy Brogan
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 Shore rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Deadgrass
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Events subject to change.
Making waves: highlights from the 45th Annual Atlantic City Boat Show
By Delaney Crawford
Ever wondered what it’s like to step aboard a luxury yacht, test the latest fishing gear, or chat with boating experts all under one roof? Last week, the Atlantic City Boat Show transformed the Convention Center into a marine enthusiast’s paradise, drawing thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest in boating innovation.
From sleek, high-performance speedboats to family-friendly rides, the show offered something for every level of boating passion. But beyond the dazzling displays, it was the hands-on experiences, expert seminars and interactive demos that truly made the waves.
The 45th annual Atlantic City Boat Show kicked off with a splash on Feb. 26 and continued to draw crowds until its final day on March 2. This show brings together hundreds of boats, the latest marine gadgets, and a shared passion for life on the water, uniting boaters, fishermen and newcomers alike in a celebration of all things nautical.
Pulling off a five-day event of this scale takes immense effort, but Discover Boating is always up for the challenge. Show manager Jon Pritko shared that planning for each year’s event is a yearlong process, meaning as soon as one show wraps up, they’re already preparing for the next.
“Some people may think it’s only five days of the show, but it actually takes four to five days just to set everything up and about two days to take it all back out,” Pritko explained. “But it’s also a whole yearlong process to get everything together. From selling space to exhibitors, handling the logistics of getting everything into the building, and planning the layout, it’s a lot. The exhibitors also spend a lot of time planning their space, picking which boats to bring, and getting everything hauled down here.”
This year, the Atlantic City Boat Show welcomed 370 exhibiting companies, showcasing everything from high-end luxury yachts to budget-friendly boats, ensuring options for every lifestyle and level of experience. When it comes to selecting exhibitors, Pritko said many of them continue to come back year after year, making the process easier.
“We don’t really pick the exhibitors at this point, I like to say that they pick us,” he said.
Stepping into the Convention Center, visitors were greeted by boats in every direction. Sleek designs, bold colors and unique names adorned the vessels, each one an invitation to step aboard. Attendees could explore any boat that caught their eye and chat with industry experts stationed at each exhibitor’s section.
According to Pritko, one thing that sets the Atlantic City Boat Show apart from others around the world is the passion of its attendees and exhibitors.
“The people that come here aren’t just interested in boating, it’s their lifestyle,” Pritko said. “That’s what makes this show different from others. The passion and love that people have for boating here is unmatched. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a way of life.”
Beyond offering visitors a chance to buy or browse different boats, the Atlantic City Boat Show is also deeply focused on education. The event featured numerous seminars on boat repairs and fishing, aiming to both enhance the skills of seasoned boaters and make recreational boating more accessible to newcomers.
“That’s how the show has evolved over the years,” Pritko shared. “People who are looking to get into boating may feel intimidated by various things, but we’ve worked to bring in a lot of educational resources and vendors who can teach them everything they need to know to get started.”
The overarching goal of Discover Boating is to bring more people into the world of recreational boating and fishing. Whether attendees were looking to purchase a new boat, upgrade their gear, or simply learn something new, the Atlantic City Boat Show aimed to deliver value to everyone involved.
“My hope for both the exhibitors and the visitors is that they got something valuable out of the experience,” Pritko said. “For the exhibitors, I hope they made connections, closed sales, and grew their business. And for the visitors, I hope they felt it was worth their time and money, whether they learned something new, found a boat
they loved, or just got one step closer to getting out on the water.”
While the event provided excitement and entertainment for the community, it also served as a crucial support system for manufacturers, dealers and marine industry professionals.
Looking back, it’s safe to say it was another success for the Atlantic City Boat Show. From enthusiastic visitors flooding through the doors
to exhibitors expanding their reach, the event once again proved why it’s a staple in the boating world.
When asked about his favorite part of the show, Pritko shared that it’s seeing all the hard work come together.
“Seeing it all come together is great, but also seeing the energy of the show, watching sales happen and exhibitors making connections. That’s what it’s all about,” Pritko said.
'Love Letters in the Sand': Pat Boone in Atlantic City
By Bruce Klauber
He was once Elvis Presley’s number one rival. In later years, he was the butt of jokes and heavily criticized for recording cover versions of songs originally performed by Black artists, and he never performed in a casino.
Yet he has sold almost 50 million records, appeared in a number of motion pictures, and hosted his own network television program. Today, at the age of 90, he’s still on the road as a motivational speaker.
Pat Boone is revered for his honesty, his considerable work on behalf of charitable causes, his integrity, ability to laugh at himself and for being among the last surviving pop music idols of the 1950s.
In 1955 one of his first recordings for Dot records, a remake of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame,” was a gigantic hit. The Steel Pier’s George h amid, who was always on the lookout for the hottest new talent, booked Boone for a weekend in July in the Music h all. It was mobbed. h amid and the fans got their money’s worth.
The late Bobby r ydell, who headlined at the pier often, described what it was like working at the pier in “Teen Idol on the rocks,” his autobiography.
“Usually, the pier’s theater had four or five scheduled shows a day,” r ydell recalled. “If I had a hot record on the charts, I would sometimes do as many as 10. My first show started at 10 a.m.; the last one ended at 9 p.m.”
Boone continued to make appearances, mainly at state fairs, but not long after his arduous pier appearances, he began concentrating on television and films, including a
stint as a regular on the “Arthur Godfrey and Friends” television program, which lasted until 1957, and as host of his own “Pat Boone Chevy Show-
room,” broadcast on Thursday nights.
It was during this period, 1956 to be exact, that Pat Boone was one of the stars in an obscure and long-forgotten movie made for television called “Atlantic City h oliday.” This unique project, which is not on YouTube, not on cable, and not on DVD, was a 90-minute feature film expressly made for television, something which did not really become common until the 1960s. It was broadcast in black and white on the NBC network on Aug. 12, 1956 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the network’s short-lived “Sunday Spectacular” series.
The “movie” was basically an all-star variety show partially filmed in Atlantic City. Boone, who was the biggest star in this gala, sang his hits, “Tutti Frutti,” and “I Almost Lost My Mind.” Others in the cast were brash comic and early television staple Jack Carter, Bill haley and his Comets, Jayne Mansfield, boxing
champ and television personality rocky Graziano, singer/actress Polly Bergen, comedian Jonathan Winters and a young Jean Stapleton.
There’s a good deal of Atlantic City footage of Bergen, then appearing at the 500 Club; a circus act filmed at the Steel Pier, and Jack Carter presenting the key to Atlantic City to Carol Morris, Miss Universe. The grand finale, which must have been really something to see on television, featured rocky Graziano, Jayne Mansfield and Pat Boone all singing “See You Later Alligator” with Bill haley’s group. If anyone has any interest in viewing this, and it probably sounds a lot better than it actually was, can find it at the Paley Center for Media in New York City.
Boone visited Atlantic City’s Steel Pier again 17 years later. On the weekend of July 30, 1973, the Boone Family, featuring daughter Debby, performed in one of the pier’s final shows. It was just the type of family act that Steel Pier owner George hamid loved.
Pat Boone did not perform in casinos, so through the years there were few places for him to perform in the Atlantic City area. But on Sept. 17, 2016, he made a rare appearance at the shore at the Stockton Performing Arts Center. At that juncture in his career, he was doing an autobiographical, one-man show which included songs, stories, film clips and a question-and-answer session.
Though the audience was relatively small, those who were there reported that the then 82-year-old star was still singing well and adhered to the old showbiz adage: “Give it everything you’ve got.” Spotlight Central, a channel on the widely-read Medium website reported, “In addition to stories about his career as a singer, actor, television host, author, radio personality, family man and
humanitarian, Boone absolutely charmed the members of this South Jersey audience with his pleasant singing, vivid storytelling and downhome personality.”
Near the end of the show, Boone told the crowd about his infamous, 1997 album, “In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Boone’s unique take on some heavy metal classics didn’t sell a heck of a lot of units, but did put him back in the public eye. Never one to disappoint, Boone changed into a black, fringed leather jacket, donned sunglasses and performed a song from the album, Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water.” his fans loved it. And yes, he was still wearing his trademark white bucks.
Anyone familiar with the name Pat Boone is likely aware that he is a devout Christian and patriot. Boone concluded the evening, wrote the Medium reporter, “When he unabashedly displayed his patriotism and faith by performing another original composition, ‘Under God.’ With his hand on his heart, in this song – his 61st hit record – he sang about the importance of those ‘two sacred words’ in America’s Pledge of Allegiance.”
If Pat Boone is to be remembered in the history of popular music at all, it probably won’t be for his covers of Little richard songs, his hit version of “Love Letters in the Sand,” or his faith. At the age of 23, Pat Boone was one of the youngest performers to ever host a network television series, “The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom,” which ran from 1957 to 1960. To his credit, Boone broke new ground on network television by regularly booking African American performers including Count Basie, Johnny Mathis, The Mills Brothers, Pearl Bailey, Nat “King” Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and the Billy Williams (gospel) Quartet.
After reviewing Pat Boone’s rich history in the industry, one gets the sense that he didn’t set out to be a pioneer or to break new ground. I suspect that’s just the way he was. And that’s just the way, at the age of 90, he is.
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.
Welcome to the 'grape unknown'
Drink Up!
By David Setley
Introducing customers to new wines is one of the best aspects of my job. A few days ago, a gentleman asked for recommendations on any lesser-known wines that I thought he would enjoy. I’ll share the suggestions I gave to him. Welcome to “The Grape Unknown.”
rkatsiteli is one of the oldest wine grape varietals still in production and is the most planted grape in the nation of Georgia, specifically in the Caucasus Mountains region between Eastern Europe and Asia. Archaeologists have identified Georgia as one of the world’s original birthplaces of wine production. Evidence shows that wine has been produced there since approximately 6,000 B.C. To put this into perspective, the Phoenicians began wine production approximately 4,000 years ago. The Greeks began 3,000 years ago, and the romans
only got involved approximately 2,000 years ago. In the Georgian language, rkatsiteli means red stem. There are more vines of this varietal planted in the world than either Pinot Gris or Cabernet Franc. My first introduction to rkatsiteli wine was not one from Georgia, but rather from Dr. Konstantin Frank’s winery in the Finger Lakes of New York. The host gave us a suggestion on how to pronounce the wine, saying “our cats on the telly.” Try it!
r katsiteli wines are traditionally produced as a skin-contact wine, resulting in an amber color and a richer aroma and flavor than is typically found in most whites. This wine is fermented in qvevris, an egg-shaped, beeswax-lined terracotta vessel. For a bottle straight from the source, I recommend the Glekhuri Qvevri rkatsiteli 2022 from the Kakheti region of Georgia. It has aromas of guava and passion fruit. The wine has flavors of peach, pear and lemon preserves
with a rich, nutty finish. It pairs well with spices that you might find in an Indian or Armenian restaurant. Salad and seafood also pair with it well.
My next “grape unknown” is another ancient grape from Georgia. Saperavi is the most widely planted red grape in that country. In the Georgian language, Saperavi means “the place of color.” This is likely because it is a rare teinturier grape whose pulp and skin are both red. Almost all red grapes have white pulp. The dry wine produced from this grape is dark ruby red and has the rich flavors of dark fruit, cherries and plums with relatively high acidity and low tannins. Two examples from Kakheti, Georgia, are the Dila-O Saperavi and the 8K Ancient red, whose name is an homage to the 8,000 years of wine-making in the country. Both wines pair beautifully with roasted or grilled meat or vegetables.
For another “unknown grape,” we go to the Italian Island of Sardinia. In 2004, National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner investigated locations, now known as the Blue Zones, where people lived significantly longer and with greater health than the rest of the population. One of these locations is the island of Sardinia. reasons for longevity in residents of Blue Zones include healthy eating, stress management, avoiding smoking and other risky substances, restorative sleep, and a sense of community. In his discussion of Sardinia, Buettner also mentioned the wine produced on the island: Cannonau di Sardegna. Although red wines, in moderation, are often discussed as part of a healthy diet, Cannonau is exceptionally high in antioxidants and has two to three times the “artery scrubbing” flavonoids than other red wines. In his Blue Zone book, the author notes that in addition to the health quali -
ties of Cannonau, the way that Sardinians consume the wine may be just as important. Sardinians drink Cannonau while surrounded by good friends and good food. So, get some friends or family together, make a good Mediterranean-style dinner, and enjoy the Cantina Santa Maria La Palma Le Bombarde Cannonau di Sardegna. I can’t guarantee that you will live to 100, but I am confident that you will enjoy this rich, dry Italian red and the memories made.
The final grape unknown comes from the Languedoc region of southern France. Picpoul de Pinet is both the name of the grape and the wine subregion where this grape is grown. Picpoul wine dates back to the first century B.C. when the romans built a road connecting Italy to newly conquered regions of Spain. Even today, that road goes directly through this wine region. Vineyards in Picpoul de Pinet are planted on the banks of the Mediterranean Ocean. Traditionally, the bottles used for Picpoul wine are tall, slender, and made of green glass. The words “Picpoul de Pinet” are embossed, along with a cross, on the face of the bottle. Waves are depicted on the bottle’s neck to reflect the region’s proximity to the sea. The name of the wine means “lip stinger” because of its high acidity. But don’t let that image deter you! The aromas and flavors are very light and crisp, similar to a Sancerre, but with a distinct saline minerality that invokes the sea. Try the Cabrol Picpoul de Pinet. This is the perfect wine for oysters but also pairs extremely well with cheese, salad, shrimp, lobster and grilled fish.
If you, like me, are a wine adventurer, give these wines a try. I also invite you to join me on March 11 for a wine event titled “A Complete Unknown Grape,” where we will taste and explore more of the “grape unknown.” For more information, go to passionvine.com/events or, as always, stop in to see me at the store or contact me at dsetley@passionvines. com. Until next time, keep exploring and 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.
Friday, March 7
America
▶9 p.m.
Ovation hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, March 8
Smokey Robinson
▶8 p.m.
hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Friday, March 14
Burton Cummings of The Guess
Who
▶9 p.m.
Ovation hall at Ocean Casino
Atlantic City Headliners
Saturday, March 15
Sevendust
▶7:30 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Alton Brown: Last Bite
▶7:30 p.m. Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars
Friday, March 21
Ginuwine
▶9 p.m. Ovation hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, March 22
Il Volo
▶8 p.m. hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Friday, March 28
Mary J. Blige
▶7 p.m.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
Yacht Rock Revue
▶9 p.m.
hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Air Supply
▶9 p.m.
Ovation hall at Ocean Casino
Saturday, March 29
LIT in AC
▶7 p.m.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
Sal Da Vinci & Arisa
▶8 p.m. Sound Waves at hard rock
Harvey Hubert
▶8 p.m. resorts Atlantic City
Friday, April 4
Peter Frampton
▶7 p.m.
hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Earthquake
▶9 p.m. harrah’s Atlantic City
Saturday, April 5
Katt Williams
▶8 p.m. Jim Whelan Boardwalk hall
The Wallflowers
▶8 p.m.
Sound Waves at hard rock
Ginger Billy
▶8 p.m. harrah’s Atlantic City
Friday, April 11
Jerry Seinfeld
▶8 p.m. Borgata Event Center
Saturday, April 12
Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners
▶8 p.m.
hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Kings of Love feat. Stokley & Raheem DeVaughn
▶8 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Pete Holmes
▶8 p.m.
harrah’s Atlantic City
On Sale This Week
Sam Hunt
▶Friday, July 25
hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Gabriel Iglesias
▶Saturday, Aug. 30
Borgata Event Center
Robin Trower
▶Saturday, June 14
The Music Box at Borgata
Anthony Rodia
▶Saturday, Nov. 15
hard rock Live at Etess Arena
Tickets on sale Friday, Mar. 7, 10 a.m.
Looking to get out and hear some live music? We’ve got you covered
Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Concert of the week: The annual Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade happens this Saturday, March 8 on the Boardwalk. Those wishing to take a break from all the parade revelry should consider taking in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party at AC’s Anchor rock Club that day from 1 to 6 p.m.
Besides well-curated, Irishthemed rock music by one of our area’s best, DJ Sparkles, there’s also live music by Philly-based Bar Dust (pictured below), a highly-regarded tribute to The Pogues, one of Ireland’s finest rock groups whose surviving members reformed last year and will tour the UK and Ireland during 2025. Free show (beers cost extra). Info: anchorrockclub.com.
Facebook for additional info: https:// www.facebook.com/betsy.paisley
Johnny & The Mongrels at the ’Rose: right now is Mardi Gras time. Lizzie rose Music room in Tuckerton marks this fun-filled annual occurrence with a show by a band whose sound blends “swamp funk and Bayou soul.” Johnny & The Mongrels will perform Saturday, March 8.
The Louisiana/Colorado-based ensemble just released a new album, “Magnolia & Pine.” We predict a rockin’ good time for all who attend. See more on this show, and other fine artists coming to Lizzie rose at www. lizzierosemusic.com/.
Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and Legacy Concerts on the Bay in Somers Point: Carmen and Nancy Marotta report that both popular annual concert series will once again take place this summer.
“Look for an eleven-piece tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire; the return of the one of the greatest East Coast rockers in the world, Gary US Bonds; five-time Grammy-nominated ‘Queen of the Blues,’ Shemekia Copeland; the Prince of the Neville family dynasty, Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk; as
Betsy’s Backyard Blues is back: One of our area’s unsung musical heroes, Betsy Lynn Paisley, has announced her Betsy’s Backyard 2025 Spring Series "PotLuck Dinner and Music" schedule, and it’s a good one. First up are two-time IBC semifinalists Blues People (March 25), followed by The ShaeLyn Band (April 8), r yan Lee Crosby with Grant Smith (April 16), Dave Keyes (April 29) and Johnny Burgin with harmonica Slim (May 17). More shows to be announced.
Betsy’s shows start at 6-6:30 p.m., so you can catch some fine, original live music in a friendly, cozy setting, grab a bite to eat while you’re there and still be home in time for the 10 o’clock news. Message Betsy on
well as the Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra paying tribute to the great Quincy Jones, and Jeff Bradshaw bringing the Neo Soul of Philly to his fabulously entertaining performances on the same night, August 13,” Carmen told us.
“On August 20th, the Boardwalk will become the site of Devon Allman’s Blues Summit with Jimmy hall, vocalist from famed Southern group Wet Willie, plus guitarist Larry McCray, and the Neo Soul star of New Orleans Frenchman Street, Sierra Green.”
In Somers Point, the Tony Mart All-Stars will present their Tribute to the Classic rock Guitarists (June 20). It will be “The Boss Meets the Jukes” when Southside Johnny’s lead guitarist, Glenn Alexander, brings the
Asbury Jukes’ horn section to perform (July 11) the same night as premier Springsteen tribute, East Street Shuffle. On Aug. 22, grandson of legendary Conway Twitty, Tre Twitty, will join the great boogie-woogie piano players, The reverend Billy C. Wirtz, along with blues-roots stalwarts, The Nighthawks, for a memorable musical party. Sept. 12 features renowned Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast singer/ songwriter/pianist Marcia Ball, in
the finale to the Somers Point 2025 Concert Series Season.
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. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com.
Bar Dust, highly-regarded Pogues tribute band, play Anchor Rock Club March 8.
Noyes Gallery at Seaview features local artists' work in magnificent setting
By Andrea K. Hammer
With expansive vistas of r eeds Bay, the Seaview's serene beauty repeatedly beckons visitors to explore the sprawling hotel and golf club. Located on more than 600 wooded acres that are part of the New Jersey Pinelands, the elegant and stately yet welcoming and bright retreat offers surprising delight after discovery of a Noyes Gallery tucked in a back corner on the lower level.
Just beyond the golf club shop, the current exhibit featuring local artists Joanne Coffman, Tim Faherty and Marion Lotka captures the power of nature-inspired work. Displayed on sun-dappled walls framing interlinked benches at the center of the room, the comfortable setting shows the acrylic paintings for sale in their best light. With subjects ranging from fishing to summertime, some of the stand-outs include Coffman's “Serenity,” Faherty's “The Beauty of the Broken” and Lotka's “East of the Sun.”
Strong signs of arts and business partnerships were evident throughout the Seaview, A Dolce h otel. On a Sunday in early March, a pop-up market offered 10 local creators including jewelry, candle and honey makers the opportunity to sell their work. Visitors enjoyed a brunch buffet in the main dining room with panoramic views as well as a photo booth set up at the event.
Other notable attractions at the hotel make the Seaview a place to pause, relax and make new discoveries. A large interactive digital display near the front entrance provides area businesses with a collaborative
On view through March 16, the Noyes Gallery at Seaview exhibit includes an education guide with information about the featured artists based in Egg h arbor, Ocean View and Marmora. Paintings on loan from the Noyes Galleries at Kramer hall in h ammonton rotate at the hotel gallery throughout the year.
way to share information about their enterprises. The Celebrity Wall, views of the indoor pool and historical photography also offer moments to linger around every corner in the peaceful hotel.
To learn more about the Seaview's upcoming exhibits and special events, see www.seaviewdolcehotel.com.
Andrea K. Hammer has published arts and business articles in international publications.
Local author and “Sopranos” actor serve up stories, behind-the-scenes tales in this new book
By Madison Russ
Anew book by a local author offers fans of “The Sopranos” a taste of something unique—eight mouthwatering recipes paired with eight behind-the-scenes stories from h BO’s legendary mob drama.
“ h omemade,” co-authored by “The Sopranos” actor robert Funaro, Brigantine native James C. McCusker and Funaro’s business manager, Andrew Jedlicka, serves up fans a flavorful mix of Funaro’s favorite family recipes and tales of his time on the show.
The book also highlights Funaro’s longtime friendship with series lead James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano.
McCusker, who has written and published mafia novels set in Atlantic City, such as “The Edge” and “Atlantic City Nights," was in his element teaming up with the on-screen wiseguy.
“It’s really robert’s story. A lot of it encompasses his background and time on the show, and I was there to kind of put in my two cents where needed,” said McCusker.
A New York native, Funaro has also appeared in films such as “The Irishman” and “American Gangster” and shows like “ ray Donovan” and “Law & Order.” h is friendship with Gandolfini began decades ago when they both starred in a three-month European tour of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
Their time together on stage would eventually lead to Funaro being cast on “The Sopranos” as the character Eugene Pontecorvo.
McCusker said Funaro’s passion for cooking was also a surprise, noting that Funaro wanted to put something together that highlighted the recipes that were “near and dear” to him.
“A lot of those folks in the book that have these recipes, like his mom or grandmom, are gone,” he said. “Being Italian, a lot of recipes are scribbled down on Post-it notes and hard to read. So, he wanted to put something together that was easy to read for people and pass on
this legacy he’s really proud of. Being Italian, food is everything.”
McCusker explained that each chapter explores an episode of the show, with Funaro sharing insider details on how he prepared for scenes and anecdotes from his time on set. The chapters conclude with one of Funaro’s family recipes, such as his Jersey blue claw crab sauce with thin linguine and his sister Anne’s recipe for broccoli with rigatoni pasta.
McCusker, who describes himself as a “superfan” of the show, guided some of the episode selections for the book.
Funaro’s reflections on rewatching episodes with his friend Gandolfini, who died in 2013, and his immense talent are poignant. h e writes in the book, “Watching my friend James Gandolfini’s genius acting proved extremely difficult. It saddens me to think of the significant loss to his family and all those who knew him. The world genuinely suffered by his passing.”
McCusker said working with Funaro was like “a dream come true.”
“It put me on cloud nine. he made me feel like another cast member being so transparent, and we got so close, and I really felt a part of the show. And the way he described it made me feel like I was there,” said McCusker. “It was a dream come true for a guy like me who idolized the show when I was 13, 14 years old. To be sitting with the guy, 24 years later,
was pretty surreal.”
As for the recipes, McCusker
said they aim to be approachable and affordable, and Funaro’s stories will appeal to all kinds of readers, not necessarily die-hard fans of the show.
“If they are, great—they’ll eat this up,” he said, noting the book will appeal to small, young families looking to cook on a budget.
“I’d say the perfect reader is anyone who is looking to cook and enjoy good food, really,” he said.
“ h omemade” is now available on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats. Local restaurant Chico & Sons in Northfield will host a book signing on Saturday, Apr. 26, from 12-2 p.m.
Madison Russ is an awardwinning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area's vibrant arts scene.
“The Sopranos” actor Robert Funaro and local author James C. McCusker teamed up to write “Homemade,” a book featuring eight behind-the-scenes stories from Funaro’s time on the HBO show’s set alongside eight family recipes. Photo courtesy of James C. McCusker.
1943 copper and 1944 steel cents
Shore Collectibles
By Douglas Keefe
It seems that not a week goes by where someone with a 1943 steel (some call them silver) cent thinks they found a rare coin. h opefully, this will clear up the confusion.
At the start of 1943, we had been at war for almost two years and all production was geared toward the war effort with many items including food and gasoline being rationed. Since copper was a key metal necessary for bullets and shells in artillery, it made no sense to use this metal to mint one-cent coins. Therefore, it was decided that all 1943 one-cent coins were to be struck using steel with a zinc coating. This was to be done at all three mints: the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Well, remember Murphy, the guy who created Murphy’s Law “anything
that can go wrong, will”? While things didn’t actually go wrong, there was something that wasn’t expected or considered as to what effect it would have in the future. That was there were a few copper blanks left over from 1942 that were not minted into one-cent coins. Mint workers, not giving any consideration just threw those copper blanks into the minting presses along with the steel blanks. This occurred at both the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. No one knows the exact number of copper
blanks that were turned into 1943 cents, but it could not have been more than a handful since very few have surfaced after all these years.
If you think this was a one-time occurrence, think again because Murphy was still lurking in the mints. As a result of a major salvage effort, boatloads of used shell casings were recovered from the battlefields, shipped back to the states, and processed into material that could be used to strike one-cent coins. But, (there is always a "but") in 1943, some steel cent blanks were left over and found their way into the minting process, resulting in a few rare 1944 steel cents. h ow rare is rare and what could someone owning one of these coins expect to receive? There is no guarantee, but valuations of plus or minus $100,000 depending on condition would not be unheard
of. Now the question is “have they all been found?” to which the answer is “no one knows”, so if you are feeling lucky, grab a handful of copper and steel cents and check the dates. Some dastardly people have gone to the extent of counterfeiting 1943 copper cents by copper plating steel cents, but this can be uncovered quickly because steel is magnetic, so a copper plated steel cent will stick to a magnet. Use a magnet when testing, do not do what someone did to the 1943 copper cent I once owned. They scratched it with a knife to show the coin was plated, which it was not. Also I have seen people take a 1948 cent and shave the front of the 8, but since the lower part of the number 3 on a 1943 cent slopes downward (see below), that attempt to fool is easy to see.
Douglas Keith is the President of Beachcomber Coins, Inc. He and his wife Linda operate Beachcomber Coins and Collectibles, formally located in the Shore Mall and now located at 6692 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township in the old Wawa building.
1943 Copper Cent
1944 Steel Cent
SUDOKU
Solution on page 58
ACROSS
1. Trunk extension
5. Dojo pad
8. *Villanova ____ at end of each half in '18 championship
11. Away from port
12. Windmill blade
13. Key material
15. h efty competitor
16. European sea eagle
17. Walnut ____, MN
18. *____ Sunday
20. Smelling tainted, as in meat
21. Soft and sticky
22. Giant bird of "One Thousand and One Nights"
23. *____-elimination
26. Making sounds like Babe
30. Beatle wife
31. Not absorb, nor repel
34. Twelfth month of Jewish year
35. Batman to Bruce Wayne
37. Elizabeth Gilbert's "____ Pray Love"
38. Cubic meter
39. Ghost of Christmas ____
40. P in POI
42. Make work
43. Puffed up
45. ____ and effects
47. Mont Blanc, e.g.
48. Oddball's attempt?
50. Tropical tuber
52. *Penultimate NCAA round
56. Like cornflakes leftovers
57. Slavic version of John
58. Tangerine plus grapefruit
59. Chased up an elm
60. Blow off steam
61. Tear violently
62. Da in russia
63. Before of yore
64. Pasturelands
DOWN
1. Falls behind
2. Archipelago unit
3. Square one?
4. Good-for-nothing
5. Nobel Prize winner Curie
6. Bug
7. high school student
8. rumpelstiltskin's weaver
9. Green-eyed monster
10. Tie ___
12. ruled against, as President can
13. Prod
14. *Fill-in-the-blanks
19. Pepsi and Coke
22. Part of human cage
23. Daytime entertainment, pl.
24. Spouse's parent
25. Neil Diamond's "Beautiful ____"
26. Tiny leftovers
27. Intestinal obstruction
28. N in rN
29. Mirths
32. *1 or 68, e.g.
33. Crew tool
36. *Automatic vs. ____
38. Creepy one
40. *Coach's locker room talk
41. Similar to sextant
44. Andrew ____ Webber
46. *hang a banner, e.g.
48. Abraham Lincoln bill, slangily
49. Lacking sense
50. ruptured
51. Ice, dark, and middle
52. *Twelve's opponent
53. Type of molding
54. Forearm bone
55. Purges
56. Slovenly abode
See Solution on Page 58
THEME: MARCH MADNESS
Exit planning for business owners
By Eric Reich
One of the more sensitive topics for business owners is exit planning. Last week, we discussed taking steps to allow you to begin to put your and your family’s needs before the needs of your business. We talked about developing future leaders and creating and documenting systems and processes to not only free up your time but also make your business more valuable!
Once you start to make your business less dependent on you and you become able to step back and view the business from a distance, you may begin to think about what comes next in your life. You’ve spent so much time focusing on the business, that you never really think about life without it.
When I mention the topic of exit planning to business owners, they,
more often than not, react in an almost defensive manner, as if I’m suggesting that they should retire. Exit planning is not about retiring, but rather about maximizing the value of your business. All business owners should be doing exit planning even if they have no intention of leaving the business.
Why plan for your exit if you don’t want to leave? For starters, not everyone leaves their business voluntarily. A large number of owners who leave their businesses do so due to their own or a family member’s health problem, disability or death. I can assure you the last thing I was expecting at 51 years old and running a successful business was hearing the words, “You’ve had a heart attack.”
Luckily for me, I survived nearly unscathed. I will admit, however, that it was a huge wake-up call for me. I never want to stop working because I love what I do. But this made me realize that one day I might not have the choice. I started to develop my future leaders, systematized and documented all of our processes, and began to set the company up in a way that it could operationally run very well
without my daily presence. The intent of doing that was to ensure that if anything ever happened to me, my clients and staff would be taken care of with minimal disruption. What I didn’t plan on was that designing my business in such a way made it far more valuable than the average firm in my industry.
Planning for an exit when you have no plans to exit is the perfect time. This allows you to spend a decade or more working to increase the factors that increase value, such as growth rate, management team, culture, processes, technology, and, of course, EBITDA. While EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) is important, the other items mentioned are what determine whether or not you get an average valuation or something closer to the top end of the spectrum for your business. A business that has all of those factors in its favor not only sells for more, but is obviously a better-run company and something all owners should strive for.
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FIN r A/SIPC. Investment advisory services of-
fered 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.
Key questions to ask your agent in seller negotiations
Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
For some sellers, the negotiation process is a chance to duke it out with potential buyers, while for others, it is a nail-biting source of anxiety. In order to plan for and weather the process successfully, formulate a game plan with your agent and determine ahead of time what your goals, priorities, and expectations will be.
selling your home. It may mean fewer days on the market and can mean a higher price paid for your home as well. This is certainly a wonderful position to be in as a seller, however, it is important to remember that your home will still need to appraise for the sale price in order to facilitate financing for your buyers.
Your real estate professional will keep track of market conditions as they change and help you use the most relevant comparable sales to price your home properly for the market.
Factors other than price
You will first need to check with your real estate professional to ensure that the price you need is supported by comps for your area. Once they have helped you set this price and you are sure that it is appropriate, it is time to think about the other factors that will come into play during your negotiation.
Define a successful negotiation
Success is primarily dependent on your goals and the goals of the buyers. In many negotiations, a win-win is both desirable and possible. In other cases, the negotiating parties have widely varied interests, and it is more difficult to come to a conclusion that is satisfactory to everyone. To maximize your chances of a successful negotiation, remember that flexibility is the key.
Why not go it alone?
While many sellers feel that they are strong negotiators, it is a different proposition to negotiate with your own property and finances. Emotions can take over during even the most trouble-free negotiations, and it is easy to say or do something to undermine your negotiating position when you are caught up in your own personal perspective and feelings.
One of the main reasons for engaging a real estate agent or broker on your behalf is to benefit from their expertise in your market and to allow them to bring a dispassionate, professional perspective to the negotiation for your sale.
Low inventory market
In many areas, low inventory may mean that you will have an easier time
You may be able to offer a quick closing if you are able to move shortly after agreeing to an accepted, signed contract. This may be especially desirable for cash buyers who will not have to wait for financing and will be able to close more quickly. When are the negotiations over?
In many ways, the negotiations are just starting when a home is under contract. Following the home inspection, there may be a negotiation regarding needed repairs identified by the inspector in order to obtain the certificate of occupancy from your town. Depending on your municipality, this may vary.
Should the appraisal on your property come back at less than the sale price agreed to in the contract, there may be another round of negotiations for the difference. You may choose to lower the price to the appraised value, the buyers may choose to add cash to their offer, or you may split the difference, giving a little on either side.
For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “ real Estate Godmother,” at 609703-0432. Learn more at www.TherealEstateGodmother.com.
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!"
The Cosmic Connection with 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. One’s personal horoscope, aka a birth chart 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 characteristics. A horoscope can be considered one’s map, guidebook and lesson plan for life! Everything in the cosmos continues moving beyond the moment of your birth and influences your life in various and cyclical ways. The rhythm of the sun, moon, planets, stars, seasons and even 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 insight and 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 March 6-12
♈ Aries: Embody your dreams by anchoring them in your mind and your heart. They must take form and be initiated within you first.
♉ Taurus: Parts of yourself and others hidden from your mind and heart come into focus. Allow time for retreat and solitude with firm boundaries.
♊ Gemini: What do your mind and heart want most from your group of friends? There’s a reweaving of meaning and vision, along with the interconnected relationships.
♋ Cancer: Trailblazing in your career is the focus of your mind and heart. There’s a well of new courage within you waiting to be tapped.
♌ Leo: A quest for knowledge, adventure and experience is pulling at your heartstrings and stimulating your mind. Dare to explore external and internal landscapes.
♍ Virgo: Your mind and heart are called to review how they’re intertwined with others. This review may lead to a reshaping of your closest relationships.
♎ Libra: Former lovers, friends and partners revisit and stoke the fire in your mind and heart. reconnection could rekindle the spark or extinguish it permanently.
♏ Scorpio: Physical health, work and your well-being may require some adjustments. Feel into your intuitive thoughts and your heart for guidance.
♐ Sagittarius: Something deep within you wants to be expressed. Give your mind and heart the stillness necessary to connect with your inspiration.
♑ Capricorn: reconsidering the value and worth of where you call home may become bigger themes for your mind and heart. An important checkbox is the satisfaction of your basic needs.
♒ Aquarius: An initiation of your voice and how you communicate is occurring. A new sense of confidence emerges from speaking from your heart.
♓ Pisces: Extra energetic boundaries and protection may be required as you carefully review your finances and resources. Values and self-worth fill your mind and heart with a new spark.
Weekly astrology summary:
Messenger Mercury and brazen Venus connect this week in Aries (March 11). I covered the themes of the current Venus retrograde in last week’s Cosmic Connection. As Mercury and Venus come together, our personal and collective attention will be influenced by the merging of their energies. Focus will become redirected to whether our minds and thoughts are in alignment with our hearts. The themes that emerge will carry forward into the rest of March as Mercury’s retrograde will begin mid-month. Finances, markets and their value are potential areas of interest. 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 my Ursa Alchemy YouTube channel or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.
