Acar was struck by a train Tuesday night in Galloway Township after the driver mistakenly turned onto railroad tracks, according to police.
The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. when a Ventnor man was driving north on Pomona Road. Instead of making a right turn onto the cross street, the driver inadvertently turned onto the train tracks, where his vehicle became stuck, police said.
The driver was able to exit the car safely before attempting to call for help. Moments later, an eastbound New Jersey Transit train on the Atlantic City Line collided with the unoccupied vehicle.
No injuries were reported among the driver, train crew or passengers.
Train service experienced delays Tuesday evening as a result of the crash. New Jersey Transit Police are investigating the incident.
April is Autism Awareness Month: A personal reflection
Letter from the editor
When our son was diagnosed with autism in 1997, we were thrust into a world that felt unfamiliar and uncertain. At the time, public understanding of autism was limited, resources were few and the internet was still in its infancy. Aside from the 1989 film “Rain Man,” which offered a narrow and often misunderstood portrayal, autism was rarely discussed or recognized.
We were told that autism affected one in 500 children—a number that had already risen significantly from previous estimates of one in 10,000. Still, we felt isolated. Support groups were scarce, and there was little to guide us. I remember visiting the library and searching the card catalog for information, only to come up empty. Our bulky new home computer was mostly used for the kids’ educational games and email had only just emerged. We learned as we went—through trial, error and unconditional love.
Today, the picture looks very different. According to the CDC, one in 36 children is now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What was once seen as rare is now a
recognized part of our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and families.
ASD encompasses a wide range of neurological and developmental differences that affect communication, social interaction and sensory processing. The spectrum is broad. Some individuals are nonverbal and require significant daily support, while others live independently, maintain relationships and hold jobs, but still navigate challenges like anxiety, sensory sensitivities or difficulty reading social cues. No two people experience autism in the same way—that's what makes it a spectrum.
Jamie Fertsch with his mother, Cindy Fertsch, at the Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City. This photo was taken in 2016, when Jamie was 21.
Chances are, you know someone with autism—a friend, classmate, co-worker, sibling or grandchild. And while awareness has grown significantly, there is still work to be done in fostering deeper understanding and acceptance.
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. It’s a time not only to educate ourselves but to embrace and celebrate the unique strengths and challenges of those on the spectrum. It’s a time to listen, advocate and support.
Our son Jamie would be turning
Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com
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 Guevara, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Jeff Whitaker, Chuck Darrow, Bruce Klauber, Christina Martin, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Marjorie Preston, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ Cover photo by Gabriella Louis
31 this year. Tragically, we lost him in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. His life was cut short by SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), leaving our hearts broken. While the connection between autism and epilepsy is still being studied, the National Institutes of Health reports that individuals with autism have a significantly higher risk of seizures than the general population—a risk that increases during adolescence.
This issue of Shore Local is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of autism— an issue deeply personal to us. We’re proud to employ several individuals on the autism spectrum, including our longtime events coordinator, Steffen Klenk. A dedicated advocate, Steffen recently brought the Blue Envelope Initiative to Ocean City, which helps law enforcement better communicate with individuals on the spectrum. You can read more about that on page 8.
Also in this issue, music producer and autism dad Jerry Ryan shares insight into how music can benefit individuals with autism, and health reporter Robin Stoloff has compiled a helpful list of local resources for families navigating the autism journey.
As a parent, I’m both grateful for the progress we’ve made and hopeful for the road ahead. I envision a future where every person with autism is valued, supported and given every opportunity to thrive.
Peace & Love, Cindy
N.J. ratepayers bracing for a major increase in electricity prices this summer
By James FitzPatrick Contributing Writer
It’s as dependable as flipping a light switch; New Jersey electricity prices are about to jump come June 1. What’s less certain is exactly why.
In February the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced that electric bills would be going up dramatically in 2025. The annual Basic Generation Service auction, conducted by the NJBPU, sets the price for generating and transporting power throughout the state via the grid, also known as the PJM Interconnection. The network operates across 13 states and the District of Columbia. Depending upon which part of the state you live in, prices will rise between 17 and 20% come June 1.
Now that the bad news has hit the street, politicians in Trenton are busy trying to figure out what went wrong, who to blame, and what needs to be done to fix the problem.
On March 28 a special hearing was held by the Senate Select Committee and the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee where the BPU president said PJM seems to penalize clean energy states like New Jersey.
“PJM has consistently changed and adopted market rules in a way that favors fossil fuel generators and transmission operators at the expense of ratepayers and states with significant clean energy generation,” said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of the NJBPU. “Most recently, PJM once again changed the way they model for available capacity which is expected to drive auction prices even higher.”
Trenton Democrats said PJM could make more power available if it utilized projects waiting in the pipeline.
“PJM currently has about 1,600 energy projects waiting to be added to the grid, with 96% of those being clean energy projects, including 79 in New Jersey,” NJ Democrats said in a press release issued after the meeting. “If even 30% of those projects on the waiting list had been connected to the grid, energy prices at the last auction would have been 63% cheaper.”
Asim Haque, senior VP of governmental and member services for PJM, said it’s a supply and demand issue, according to the New Jersey Business and Industry Association:
“Demand is increasing due primarily to the proliferation of data centers, but also due to electrification as well as the onshoring of the U.S. manufacturing industry,” Haque told lawmakers. “As demand is going up, supply is going down. Supply is coming off the system due primarily to decarbonization policies and some economics.”
The Murphy administration has been criticized by Republicans for its ambitious energy master plan of 2019 which seeks to have the state using 100% clean energy by 2035, and places emphasis on generating that power with offshore wind.
“Many of my colleagues have been
sounding the alarm on the governor’s misplaced energy master plan and the costs associated with it for five years,” said Sen. Tony Bucco (R-25th).
Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who has called for an investigation of the BPU, said it doesn’t have to be this way.
“They have ignored real solutions like nuclear, solar, and natural gas while shutting down projects that could have helped, like the B.L. England Power Plant and the South Jersey natural gas pipeline.”
Regardless of who wins the political battle in Trenton, there is no doubt that ratepayers will be the losers.
Residential and small business customers of the state's four major electric utilities: Atlantic City Electric, PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Rockland Electric will be affected.
Based on the average household using 650 kilowatt-hours per month, Atlantic City Electric customers will see an increase of $28.02 per month, the highest of the big four, for a percentage increase of 17.23%. If your previous bill was $162.60, the new average bill will be $190.62.
PSE&G customers will see an increase of $26.87, Rockland Electric (North Jersey) customers will see an increase of $25.48, and Jersey Central Power & Light customers will see an increase of $22.67.
The 450 Megawatt B.L. England power generating station opened in Beasleys Point in 1961, was decommissioned in 2019 and imploded in October 2023. Photo by Steffen Klenk
OCPD launches Blue Envelope Program to support drivers on the autism spectrum
The Ocean City Police Department has launched a new initiative to reduce stress and improve communication during traffic stops involving individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Blue Envelope Program, introduced in partnership with the Ocean City Free Public Library, was proposed by Steffen Klenk, a 2011 Ocean City High School graduate. Klenk, who is an autism advocate and serves as events coordinator and reporter for Shore Local Newsmagazine, brought the idea to the department after learning about similar efforts in other communities.
The program provides a blue envelope designed to hold a driver’s license, registration and insurance documents. One side contains simplified instructions for the motorist, while the reverse offers guidance for officers on how to engage calmly and effectively during a stop. The envelopes are available at the front desk of police headquarters at 835 Central Ave.
“This is a mechanism to keep peo -
ple safe,” said Police Chief Bill Campbell. “If we can bridge the gap and create a better experience for someone with autism, it’s a win for everyone.”
At a press conference announcing the program, Klenk spoke about the anxiety he experienced during a traffic stop of his own. “I didn’t know what to expect. I always had those nerves and anxiety,” he said. “Thankfully, I had people around me who were supportive.”
Klenk and his mother, Pamela, brought the idea to Sgt. Chris Vivarelli, who helped develop the local version of the program.
Library Director Karen Mahar said the library was “all in” when asked to collaborate. She said the initiative helps raise awareness about how stressful a routine interaction can be for someone on the autism spectrum.
The program also launched at a meaningful time—April is Autism Awareness Month.
How it works
The front of the envelope includes three key reminders for drivers:
● Keep your hands on the steering wheel unless directed otherwise, even if the officer has not yet approached.
● Be aware the officer may use a flashlight, flashing lights or a radio.
● When the officer arrives, let them know you have a Blue Envelope, answer questions, and ask permission before moving.
The reverse side includes information for officers:
● Drivers may be sensitive to lights or noise and may require extra time to respond.
● Officers are encouraged to speak clearly, use simple language and avoid unnecessary detail.
● Some drivers may avoid eye contact, display repetitive movements or react differently to authority.
● The envelope may include a contact card and indicate how the driver communicates—whether verbally, through sign language, pictures, an electronic device or writing.
● Officers are reminded to clearly state when the stop is complete.
Chief Campbell was joined by Deputy Chief Clint Helphenstine, Sgt. Vivarelli and Mahar at the announcement. Vivarelli thanked the Klenks for bringing the idea forward and credited department leadership and the library for their support.
Klenk said the program not only empowers autistic drivers but also gives families peace of mind. “Everyone learns and communicates differently, but we all have something to contribute,” he said.
The department plans to promote the program through social media and city channels. For now, Blue Envelopes are available at police headquarters at 835 Central Ave. in Ocean City.
Pictured, from left to right, is Police Chief William Campbell, Steffen Klenk, Community Policing Sgt. Chris Vivarelli, Ocean City Free Public Library Director Karen Mahar and Deputy Chief Clint Helphenstine. Photos by Julia Train
Forsythias: A lesson in hopeful anticipation
Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
When my oldest son was just a little boy, we would say, “look, forsythia, the sign that spring is on its way.” Sometimes, hopeful signs are what get us through the tough times. Forsythias are one of the earliest shrubs to bloom and will begin to show new signs of life in late winter. They have the unique characteristic of blooming before the leaves emerge. Now that spring is in full swing, you can see the vibrant yellow flowers bursting in all their glory, announcing that brighter days are ahead.
Forsythias are easy to grow and, though they can take some shade, will bloom best in full sun. My forsythias were grown from cuttings that I bought one spring to use as a cheerful centerpiece for my dining room. I noticed that the cuttings were beginning to form roots in their vase of water. As an experiment, I planted them on the border of my property to see if they would grow. That was years ago, and now I have a nice bushy shrub. Since then, I have grown a new shrub from the cuttings of the original plant.
When pruning your forsythia bushes, be sure to do it soon after the plant has bloomed, since they bloom on old wood. By pruning too late in the season, you may sacrifice the following year’s blooms. Resist the temptation of shear-
ing your forsythias into a rigid shape, since they look best when allowed to keep their natural shape. Thin out the branches for better airflow by cutting them to the base of the plant. You can trim away dead or ailing parts of the plant any time in the season. You can use forsythia flowers as a pretty garnish or in salads since they are edible, but the raw flowers do have a slightly bitter taste. However, on the good side, this bitter taste makes forsythia fairly deer-resistant. You can also make jelly from forsythia flowers.
Though forsythias are not native plants, they are not invasive in New Jersey. However, they do grow vigorously. To tame your forsythia, cut off any branches that touch the ground since these branches can root and spread. Forsythias can grow 8 to 10 feet high. Aggressive pruning can help keep your plant in check. If you prefer to stick with native plants, witch hazel is a good alternative that is native to New Jersey.
Whether you decide to grow your own forsythia or choose to enjoy the vibrant yellow flowers of your neighbors, remember that even during the dark days, we can look to the forsythia with hopeful anticipation that good things await us.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
Bring Spring indoors by displaying forsythia branches in a vase of water. They usually last 5-10 days.
Will April snow showers bring May flowers?
The Jersey Shore is no stranger to it
By Meteorologist Joe Martucci
April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes. But what about April snow showers? Some April snow is common at the Jersey Shore, but don’t expect the plows to pass by the blooming cherry trees.
Snow is tough to love, especially the older you are. I visited a homeschool group at Lakewood Chapel in Mays Landing on March 26. When I asked who liked snow, most of the children raised their hands, with a few parents agreeing. But most of the parents didn't like the snow.
With the arrival of spring, this story plays out often for me, too. April snow especially has a face only Mother Nature could love. (Let me know how you feel about April snow on my social media pages).
Personally, I love snow until St. Patrick’s Day. Then I’m done with it. However, I could make an exception for record-breaking April snow.
How often does the Jersey Shore have snow in April?
For inland parts of the shore counties, 15% of Aprils have had measurable snow, at least 0.1 inches of snow or greater. The most recent time this happened at Atlantic City International Airport was on April 9, 2016. Totals that day, reported via CoCoRaHS, were downright weird.
First, any measurable snow in April is uncommon. But this was a South Jersey snow special. Ocean City reported 3.2 inches of snow, while Estell Manor saw up to 2.9 inches of snow, according to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, while central and northern parts of the state barely had accumulation, even on grass.
The Sen. Frank S. Farley Marina in Atlantic City hasn’t kept snow records since 1956. However, looking at the short term, current data in Margate, and longer-term data in Lower Township suggests that measurable April snow in the beach towns has a 5-10%
chance of occurring in a given year. For reference, the northern part of the Jersey Shore jumps up to around 20%.
This all being said, April flurries are common. You can go for a few years in a row with a few festive flakes floating in the spring sky.
Has it snowed enough to be plowable?
For the purposes of this question, we’ll assume that 2 inches of snow is plowable.
Since snow records at Atlantic City Airport began in 1945, there have been only six April days with at least 2 inches of snow or more. In Margate, there has only been one time since records started in 2000 when this has occurred.
Even in a cooler climate period, the Sen. Frank S. Farley Marina in Atlantic City only had three such days during their 1884-1956 snow record-keeping period. All records come from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In other words there has, and continues to be a less than 1% chance the snowplows will come around in any given April at the shore. What year produced the most April snow?
Since measurable April snow is uncommon, and plowable snow is rare, the Aprils with the most snow are largely driven by one day of snow.
At ACY Airport, 1996 saw the most April snow – 5.7 inches of snow fell that year. However, all of that fell on April 9.
Margate’s highest April snow year was 2016 with 2.0 inches. Again, April 9 was the day when all of that fell at once. Another way to look at it is the April with the most days of accumulating snow.
ACY Airport saw two days of measurable snow in April 1956, 1959 and 1983. Lower Township had two days back in 1907. Meanwhile, Margate
only had snow accumulate in April once – in 2016.
Biggest April snows
Here’s a look at the three biggest April snow totals up and down the Jersey Shore.
If you’ve lived in the shore counties your whole life, and are over the age of 14, you should at least remember the 2016 snow.
May snow?
The Jersey Shore never had measurable snow in May during its period of record. Non-accumulating flurries are uncommon, but not rare. I remember when flurries flew on Mother’s Day weekend back in 2020.
Hurricane season forecasts On the completely opposite side of the weather spectrum, the first hurricane season forecasts will come out this month.
It kicks off on April 3 when Colorado State University releases its outlook for the season. Despite the state being landlocked, it was home to William Gray, widely considered the pioneer of this specialized weather field.
The Weather Channel typically releases its hurricane forecast during the first half of April. So, be on the lookout for that.
Then, the National Hurricane Center will release its forecast in late May. The Hurricane Center manages all tropical watches, warnings and storm-specific forecasts in the United States.
As we go deeper into spring, stay tuned for a few hurricane-related articles here at Shore Local.
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.
he 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala welcomed more than 900 guests to the Harrah’s Waterfront Convention Center on Thursday, March 27, 2025. This year’s theme was
Gala Goes Broadway. Over thirty restaurants presented their most elegant dishes for attendees to sample, along with drink pairings, star-studded desserts, and entertainment that couldn’t be beat. Several wellknown names were in attendance for this year’s festivities. Emmy-award winning actor Kelsey Grammer was
seen serving up samples of his Faith American Brewing Company, while ACA graduate Kyle Timpson, who
recently won season 23 of Hell’s Kitchen, served delicious caviar during the gala’s opening reception. Since launching in 1984, the Restaurant Gala has raised more than $4.3 million to benefit culinary student scholarships, the student emergency fund, and the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation. By the end of this years event, over $301,000 was raised in total.
Coastal Collective Arts brings new life to Ventnor’s creative scene
By Delaney Crawford
When one door closes, another opens...
After the recent closure of Makt Arts Studio, a beloved creative hub, the space is set to come alive again with the arrival of Coastal Collective Arts.
This new venture, operated by longtime locals and friends Marie Hornberger and Danette Gotta, will open its doors the first week of May — just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, spring weather, and the promise of a great summer ahead.
The duo hopes to bring fresh artistic energy to the community while honoring the creative spirit that came before them. More than just a gallery, Coastal Collective Arts aims to be a space where local artists can not
only showcase their work but also collaborate, connect, and inspire one another.
“We just liked the idea of having a local arts place,” Hornberger said. “An outlet where local artists can proudly showcase their work.”
After Makt Arts closed, there weren’t many places left for local artists to be featured, so Hornberger and Gotta are dedicated to creating a space that fosters collaboration, community and creativity. For them, it’s not just about the art. It’s about the community all around us.
The pair hopes to offer workshops, fun events, and exciting collaborations once the shop is up and running. Their vision is to bring people together, highlight local art, and give everyone a piece of South Jersey to take home.
“It will be very unique to the island,” Gotta said. “There’s really no place like this. It’s an art consignment shop, a gift shop, and a custom printing — all with that small-town feel.”
Of course, any good art shop will feature beautiful, locally made pieces, and Coastal Collective Arts is no exception. The shop will showcase a variety of products, from framed oil paintings and photography to mosaics, stained glass, handmade soaps, candles, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. A retail section will also offer items like mugs, T-shirts and keepsakes — perfect for visitors looking to take a piece of the shore home with them.
“We’re excited for people to come in and know that nothing is mass-produced,” Hornberger said. “Everything is one-of-a-kind, whether it’s sea glass jewelry or handcrafted pottery — it’s all homemade.”
Hornberger and Gotta saw an opportunity to keep local art alive in a beloved space and jumped at the chance to help the entire community benefit. Their partnership works well — Hornberger focuses on the business side, while Gotta brings the creative vision.
“I am not an artist at all,” Hornberger admitted. “For 30 years, I’ve been a bookkeeper and office manager, so I know what needs to be done to get this up and running. I handle the business, while Danette has the artistic eye.”
Gotta, a retired nurse, has always been drawn to the arts as a personal passion. Whether making handmade paper or pottery, creativity has been a lifelong comfort for her, and now she has the chance to immerse herself in it fully.
“An opportunity presented itself, and I think we were in the right place at the right time,” Gotta said. “We both loved the concept of what the previous owner did, and we wanted to carry it on since there’s nothing else like it around.”
The shop’s consignment model is something both owners feel strongly about.
“The fact that this shop supports other artists makes it special,” Gotta said. “Consignment is a big part of what we do. We want to make sure local artists have a place to showcase their work; that’s why we’re here.”
In addition to working with local artists, the pair hopes to collaborate with arts organizations and other creatives in the community. They’re excited to build connections and become an integral part of South Jersey’s artistic landscape.
So far, the support from the community has been overwhelming.
“We’ve received such a warm welcome from people who hear we’re taking this over,” Gotta said. “They’re excited that there will still be a venue for art. People have even offered to help us set up — the generosity has been incredible.”
With their passion, vision, and deep community ties, Hornberger and Gotta are poised to make Coastal Collective Arts a thriving creative space — one that celebrates local talent and keeps the arts alive in Ventnor for years to come.
As Coastal Collective Arts prepares to open its doors, Hornberger and Gotta are eager to welcome the community into a space filled with creativity, connection and local pride. Whether you’re an artist looking for a place to showcase your work, a shopper searching for a unique handmade gift, or someone who simply appreciates the arts, Coastal Collective Arts promises to be a hub of inspiration. With their shared passion and dedication, the duo is turning a once-empty space into a thriving center for artistic expression — proving that when one chapter ends, another beautiful one begins.
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.
Marie Hornberger and Danette Gotta plan to open the doors the first week of May.
The Steadman Group Has YOU Covered..
Events and Happenings
Multi-day Events
‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’
▶Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6
Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point
This comedy play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Heart debuted in 1939 in New York City and has enjoyed a number of revivals both on Broadway and in London. The play follows city wit Sheridan Whiteside, who is invited to dine at the house of factory owner Ernest W. Stanley. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.
OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show
▶Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
The highly anticipated comic book and memorabilia event of the year makes its return. Join collectors and enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend of activities. Meet your favorite comic book artists and cosplayers, step back in time
with the DeLorean, participate in a LEGO workshop, or test your knowledge with trivia. Plus, Vince Lee and Friends will perform fan favorites live on stage Sunday afternoon. Admission is free. OC CON will be held Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See the full schedule online at www.ocnjcon.com.
Ocean City Girls Weekend
▶Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 Mark your calendars for Girls Weekend in Ocean City. Downtown Asbury Avenue is the place to be for a full weekend of shopping and dining specials, accommodation packages, wellness classes and much more. For more information, call 609-399-1412 or visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Thursday, April 3
Sip and Shop
▶5-9 p.m.
Seaview Dolce Hotel, 401 S. New York Road, Galloway Join Motivated Mommies for an evening of shopping with over 35 local businesses, cash bar and more. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Advanced registration and
details can be found at www.motivatedmommiesnj.com.
Art Beats Gallery Reception
▶6 p.m.
New Day Family Success Center, 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Pleasantville
Enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable evening viewing artwork from talented local artists within the community. The gallery will be open to everyone of all ages who love and admire art. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 609-6520230.
Friday, April 4
Blood Drive in Brigantine
▶8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brigantine Elks Lodge, 400 W. Shore Drive
To pre-register and schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show
▶7 p.m.
Ocean City Yacht Club, 100 Bay Road
OC Girls Weekend kicks off with a fashion show at the Yacht Club this Friday night. Tickets are $40 each and include refreshments and light fare. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at www.oceancityvacation. com/boxoffice.
Saturday, April 5
Yard Sale at OCTC
▶8 a.m.-12 p.m.
1501 West Ave., Ocean City
Ocean City Theatre Company is hosting an indoor and outdoor yard sale benefiting professional and children’s theatre education opportunities. Rain or shine.
OC Con Super Hero Run
▶9 a.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
The annual OC CON will kick off with a 1-mile Super Hero Run, where
costumed characters of all ages will show off their speed. A separate running event for kids age 12 and under puts a series of fun challenges in the path of speedy young crusaders.
Race-day registration opens 8-8:45 a.m. at the Music Pier. Proceeds benefit Ocean City Recreation Scholarships and Programs. Sign up or learn more at www.ocnj.us/race-events.
Egg Hunt at Misty Meadow Farm
▶10 a.m.-12 p.m.
100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road, Woodbine
Admission is $15 and includes an
egg hunt for the kids, along with hayrides and a scavenger hunt. Decorate and take home your own egg hunt bag, win prizes and meet the Easter Bunny.
Reed’s Farm SpringFest
▶10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5075 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township
Join Reed’s Farm for a family-friendly celebration of the spring season, with over 70 vendors, pizza, local farms and coffee from Reed’s. SatARTdays Free Kids’ Art Classes
▶12 p.m.
Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City
The Arts Garage hosts a series of art classes for children ages 5 to 12. Seats are limited; reservations are suggested. For more information, visit www.artsgarageac.com. Scroll to the Events tab and click on Calendar. EHT Egg Hunt at New Life Assembly
▶3-5 p.m.
5071 Fernwood Ave., Egg Harbor Township
Join New Life Assembly for a day filled with fun for the whole family. There will be egg hunts, inflatables, food, ponies and more. Admission is free.
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SPRING CLEARANCE TENT SALE
St. Vincent de Paul Designer Bag Bingo
▶6:30 p.m.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish Hall, 1421 New Road, Northfield
Gather your friends for a fun night of Bingo, with an amazing array of designer brand bags, 50/50 raffle, basket raffles, door prizes and more. There will also be two special raffles, one for a GG Emblem Super Mini Shoulder Bag and for a Philadelphia 76ers Game 4-Pack. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is $35 per person. Purchase tickets online at forms. diamondmindinc.com/svdprs/designerbagbingospring2025.
Sunday, April 6
April Fools Half Marathon and 8K
▶8 a.m.
Atlantic City Boardwalk at Resorts, 1133 Boardwalk
The April Fools Half Marathon is one of Atlantic City’s premier oceanfront races. The run will start and end on the Boardwalk at Resorts. Runners participating in the 8K will travel south along the iconic Boardwalk and through the Downbeach communities of Ventnor, Margate and Longport before returning north. Learn more and sign up at www.acraceseries. com.
St. Maximilian Health Fair
▶8 a.m.-12 p.m.
200 Tuckahoe Road, Marmora
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish invites the public to this free event. Over a dozen community health organizations, vendors and resources will be in attendance.
Flea Market and Craft Fair in Somers Point
▶9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road
Gather your friends and head to St. Vincent De Paul's Designer Bag Bingo on Saturday, April 5 at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish Hall.
Join the auxiliary for their upcoming flea market and craft show. Spaces are $15 for outside space and $20 inside. For more information, call 609-927-7169 or 609-9273281.
Dog Day at Renault
▶12-2 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave., Egg Harbor City
Come bring your best friend to Parc Renault for a day of music and dog-centric fun. Watch as Parc Renault gets transformed into a dog parc and come socialize with other furry friends.
The Masters of Jazz Saxophone Masters
▶2 p.m.
Ocean City Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
The Michael Pedicin Quartet will present the music and styles of jazz saxophone masters who formulated the current music that most young and older saxophonists have used as their guide. Hear the music of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz and more. This program will be held in the Lecture Hall. Admission is free. Seating is first come, first served.
Monday, April 7
History of the Somers Brick Yard:
What Made Birch Grove Park
▶7 p.m.
Atlantic County Historical Society, 907 Shore Road, Somers Point Rob Patrick of the Northfield Historical Society will give a presentation on the history of the Somers Brick Yard. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Park in the rear parking lot or side of the ACHS building.
Tuesday, April 8
Meet the Lenders
▶9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
National Aerospace Research & Technology Park, 600 Aviation Research Blvd., Egg Harbor Township
Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to meet local bank loan officers and other funding sources. Learn how to qualify for loans and access invaluable resources to grow their businesses. The event will include a roundtable panel discussion and networking opportunities. Hosted by NJSBDC, U.S. SBA, and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance. Admission is free. Register online at www.aceanj.com.
Village Film Society
▶10:30 a.m.
↘Continued on 20
Join JFS Village and Cinematic Film Buff Tom Celandine for a discussion about the Academy Award nominated motion picture, “Conclave,” starring Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow. This program will be held via Zoom. RSVP by April 4 by emailing Bella at bnketia@jfsvillage. org.
South Jersey Players Dinner Theater
▶5:30 p.m.
Aroma Restaurant, 5206 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor
Enjoy a three-course plated dinner, plus cash bar, followed by four original one-acts performed by Jim O’Hara, Edward Shakespeare and Sam Sardina. Tickets are $48 per person. Shows will be held on Tuesdays through April 8. For reservations, call 347-920-6399.
Historic Preservation Society Meeting
▶7 p.m.
Upper Twp. Senior and Wellness Center, 1369 Stagecoach Road, Ocean View
Join the Historic Preservation Society of Upper Twp. for their April meeting. This month, the group welcomes Amy M. Reade, a local resident and New Jersey mystery writer who masterfully weaves stories from the Cape May Lighthouse
to the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Hear about her unique research process and enchanting stories that make the county come alive. More information is available at www.uppertwphistory. org.
Senior Dance Society
▶7:30-10 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1, 447 Bethel Road
Come join in the fun and enjoy an evening of dancing with live musical duos every Tuesday. Activities include social dancing, line dancing, dance mixers and more. For more information, contact Sharon at kookiecar@ yahoo.com.
Wednesday, April 9
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.
Join JFS Village for a leisurely lunch with friends while supporting a local restaurant. This month, the group will dine at Ozzie’s Luncheon -
ette. Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP by April 8 by emailing Bella at bnketia@jfsvillage.org.
Bus Trips
Scott Arboretum and Phillips Mushroom Farm
▶Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Join The Little Gardens Club for a day trip to Scott Arboretum and Phillips Mushroom Farm in Chester County, Pa. The bus will depart from Harbor Square Shopping Center, next to Boscov’s in Egg Harbor Township. Cost is $82 per person. Space is limited. For more information, contact Karen at 609-501-5257 or Deb at 856-285-4876.
Health and Wellness
Too Much Stuff
▶Saturday, April 5, 12 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
This twice-monthly group is offered to individuals who live with clutter challenges. Strategies, education, support, goal-setting, and other related topics will be covered. No cost to participate. Meetings offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information,
call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.
Monday Meditation and Stretching
▶Mondays, 11:30 a.m.
Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway
The Atlantic County Wellness Center provides a weekly 15–20-minute meditation, follow-up discussion and light stretch on Mondays. Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Depression and Anxiety Group
▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
By Julia Train
STen fun spring activities to enjoy as the weather warms up
pring is finally here! With the chill of winter fading away and the sun starting to shine a little brighter, it’s the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the beautiful weather. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or just a fun day out, here are 10 activities to try this spring.
1. Go for a hike
One of the best ways to embrace spring is by hitting the trails to soak in the fresh air and enjoy the blossoming flowers and lush greenery. Whether you choose a challenging trail or a casual stroll through a local park, it’s a great way to reconnect with nature. Check out the trails at the Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor or the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve.
2. Walk the boardwalk
One of the best parts of living near the beach is taking a leisurely stroll along one of the local boardwalks in the spring. Feel the cool breeze, listen to the waves and stop for classic boardwalk snacks before the summer crowd rushes to the shore.
3. See if you have a green thumb
Spring means flowers and gardens! Try your hand at gardening, whether it's starting a small vegetable garden or planting flowers and herbs. Even if you don’t have a yard, consider getting some potted plants to brighten your space.
4. Capture nature’s beauty
With everything in bloom, spring is
a photographer’s dream. Take a walk and snap photos of birds, cherry blossoms or waves crashing on the beach. Ocean City’s Ninth Street Bridge offers a great spot for bird-watching.
5. Attend an outdoor festival
As the weather warms up, communities come alive with outdoor events. Festivals are a fantastic way to enjoy good food, live music and a sense of community. Some to look forward to are the Margate Cherry Blossom Festival and the Funny Farm Spring Festival on May 4.
6. Play golf or miniature golf
Grab your friends or family and head to the golf course, like Harbor Pines, or a miniature golf spot, like Haunted Golf or Congo Falls in Ocean City or Margate. Whether you’re practicing your swing or just having some lighthearted competition, it’s a
fun way to spend a spring afternoon.
7. Visit local amusement parks
Some places are best enjoyed as the weather improves, like Storybook Land or Playland’s Castaway Cove. Amusement parks and local attractions reopen in the spring, offering
a day filled with rides, snacks and plenty of excitement.
8. Try pickleball
Pickleball is having a moment, and spring is the perfect time to join in. Gather your friends for a friendly match. It’s easy to learn and great exercise.
9. Visit a farm to see baby animals
Spring means new life! Local spots like the Funny Farm in Mays Landing or Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy in Woodbine offer visitors the chance to pet and cuddle some adorable spring babies.
10. Go to brunch
Nothing says spring like brunch with friends or family. Check out 279 Social Kitchen during the weekend for their $1 mimosa refills. Make the most of this spring by trying out some (or all) of these activities. From active adventures to laid-back outings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the weather gets warmer!
Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy's "Lamb Camp" offers visitors the chance to pet and cuddle some adorable spring babies. Photo by Steffen Klenk
AC Beer and Music Fest brings brews and tunes
By Steffen Klenk
The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival welcomed thousands of attendees to the Convention Center last Saturday. More than one hundred breweries brought their most popular and tastiest samplings for attendees, while bands Senses Fail and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes rocked the main stage. There were plenty of food offerings, contests, live acoustic sets, freebies, and more than thirty
vendors under one roof.
The entire day of festivities was produced by Good Time Tricycle Productions, which also organizes the
annual Downbeach Seafood Festival, WitchCraft, and Tattoo Expo, among other events.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Memories of ‘The World’s Playground’
By Seth Briliant
My parents owned the Barclay Motel in Atlantic City, which was known in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s as “The World’s Playground.”
I worked at the motel during my teenage years, first as a bellhop, then as a lifeguard, snack bar cook, and finally as a front desk clerk. But my lunch hours and days off were spent
on the Boardwalk, which was a wonderful place.
My favorite spot was the Steel Pier, which I could go to for free (using one of the passes that we were supposed to give to our motel guests).
My first stop was always the Music Hall, which offered several vaudeville acts plus a headliner such as Al Martino, the Three Stooges, or Pat Boone.
My next stop was the Water Circus at the end of the Steel Pier, more than
a half-mile at sea. I loved to watch the amazing circus acts – trained seals and poodles, acrobats and tightrope walkers – and the High-Diving Horse, which dove 40 feet headfirst into a huge tank of water with a courageous woman riding on its back.
The Marine Ballroom offered live music with famous bands, and you could go right up to the bandstand, stand there, and listen.
face), and then rocket up and splash to the surface. Usually the water was so dark and muddy that you couldn’t really see anything, but it was quite exciting and very fascinating to a 12 year old.
There were also two movie theaters, the “Tony Grant’s Stars of Tomorrow” kiddie revue, several funhouses to walk through, two scary dark rides, and many intriguing booths to visit.
I also liked to watch the Diving Bell take a group of 10 people down to “Davy Jones’ Locker” (actually only about 20 feet below the ocean sur-
For 10 cents, I got my fortune told by a parakeet that walked to a large basket of rolled paper fortunes, picked one up, and dropped it into my hand!
There was also the glassblower, who created beautiful swans and other figurines from glass tubing as you watched. And for $1, I bought a Svengali Deck – a pack of special playing cards that enabled you to perform amazing magic tricks. You could also visit the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum to see many unusual things, and walk through the General Motors exhibit, where you could sit in the latest model cars.
Not quite as long or as exciting as the Steel Pier, Steeplechase Pier still had great things to do. I grew up riding the smaller kiddie rides at the
front of the pier – the Rocket Jets, the Donkey Carts, and the Boat Ride.
As a teenager, I could enjoy bigger rides like the Ferris Wheel, the Bumper Cars, and the Whip. Steeplechase also had a very scary vintage dark ride which I rode numerous times, but never opened my eyes once.
Central Pier didn’t have any rides, but it had a great collection of vintage pinball machines and games. Each game only cost a nickel or a dime, so I could always spend a few dollars and a leisurely hour or more there.
Convention Hall offered the Ice Capades every summer. This was a wonderful musical show of talented ice skaters, dancers, and comedians. We always looked forward to seeing
the big searchlights in the night sky, which meant the Ice Capades was here!
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum was an amazing place, with lifelike figures of President Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Clark Gable, and many more, plus a spooky Chamber of Horrors.
Our motel was located on North Carolina Avenue, so Million Dollar Pier at Arkansas Avenue was a longer walk for me, but it was well worth it.
There was a great two-story dark ride there called the Oriental Express. Since it wasn’t too scary, I kept my eyes open almost the whole time. There was also a beautiful carousel, a Circular Swing, a Tilt-A-Whirl, and a Swirling Tea Cups ride that was lots
of fun.
I also enjoyed all the culinary delights of the Boardwalk: Belgian Waffles piled high with strawberries and whipped cream; hot dogs covered with chopped onions, relish, and spicy brown mustard; pink lemonade; Taylor Pork Roll sandwiches washed down with ice-cold birch beer soda; James’ Salt Water Taffy; freshly fried donuts at Mammy’s Restaurant on Steeplechase Pier; warm roasted peanuts from Planters Peanuts; Steel’s Fudge; and chocolate-covered molasses pops at Fralinger’s candy store.
The Boardwalk I grew up with
and loved is gone now, replaced by casinos and stores selling T-shirts and cheap trinkets. Compared to today’s faster-paced electronic thrills, many of these attractions may seem too sedate, simple, slow, old-fashioned, and perhaps even boring. But to me, they were a constant source of fun and wonder. The Atlantic City Boardwalk was a great place for a kid to be. Seth Briliant is a retired attorney who enjoys reading nonfiction books about business, politics, and entertainment; biographies of famous and infamous people, scientific discoveries, and stories about popular culture. He lives in Egg Harbor Township.
Thelma Witherspoon: A trailblazer in Hamilton Township politics
By Julia Train
In 2022, Dr. Thelma Witherspoon made local history as the first Black woman to serve on the Hamilton Township Committee. This year, she’s running for the position again.
Born and raised in Atlantic City, Witherspoon’s path to politics was inspired by the work of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman, whom she admired during her high school years.
“I never dreamed that I would be in politics at this end, but that's where it started,” she said.
Witherspoon’s first political role was on the Atlantic City Board of Education for two years, where she served as vice president and pres -
ident. Under her leadership there, along with the board members, ground was broken for two new elementary schools — New York Avenue School and Sovereign Avenue School — and renovations were started for the Uptown Complex, Chelsea Heights and Martin Luther King schools.
The seed for her political involvement, however, was planted when she worked for the City of Atlantic City and helped with Mayor Mike Matthews’ grassroots campaign, where she knocked on doors and made phone calls.
After a 35-year career in Atlantic City government, including roles in revenue, finance and the police department, Witherspoon retired and moved to Mays Landing in 2016. A few years later, she was back to work at the Atlantic County Special Services School, which she retired from on Feb. 28.
When Witherspoon moved to the county seat, her passion for civic en -
gagement continued as she became involved in township meetings and local committees, including the Historical Preservation Commission.
Frustrated by unreturned calls to local leaders, she decided to run for office herself, determined to ensure other residents’ voices would be heard.
In 2018, she was elected as Atlantic County committee person-atlarge of Hamilton Township. In June 2022, she was elected as the vice chair of the Atlantic County Democratic Party.
Leading with integrity and collaboration
Now in her role as a Hamilton Township committee woman, Witherspoon serves on the Planning and Public Works subcommittees. Her duties include attending bimonthly meetings, studying proposals and engaging with community concerns.
Despite being the only Democrat among four Republicans on the committee, Witherspoon emphasized the importance of working collaboratively.
“I have to say that we do work together. We don't always agree on everything, but I've learned how to agree to disagree respectfully, and I vote my conscience. For the most part, we collaborate, because we have a lot of redevelopment, we have a lot of things that are going on in the township,” she said. “It takes everybody working together in order to get things done in the township, and that's what I wanted the residents to
see, that it didn't matter if I was the only Democrat and they were all Republican, my responsibility was to those who elected me.”
Witherspoon’s approach to leadership is listening to her constituents. Whether through social media, public appearances or direct conversations, she makes it a priority to understand residents’ perspectives.
One of her proudest achievements has been the construction of a new concession stand and restroom facilities at the Liepe Field, replacing portable toilets that had been in use for 16 years.
“To see that coming to fruition, I was just so excited about that, so I was able to talk about that and speak up about that,” she said. “[That] was something that I saw, that I felt needed to be done, and it happened, but it didn't happen with me alone.”
Celebrating community and diversity
One of Witherspoon’s key initiatives has been celebrating women’s contributions during Women’s History Month. During the month of March, the township committee honors local women who have made significant impacts with proclamations recognizing their achievements. This initiative, now in its second year, reflects Witherspoon’s commitment to inclusivity and community recognition.
Witherspoon’s vision for Hamilton Township centers on responsible development, fiscal accountability, and continued community engagement. She is particularly excited about new projects, including the upcoming arrival of Amazon, which will bring economic growth to the area.
As Witherspoon prepares for re-election in November with her running mate, Yvette Soto, her focus remains on maintaining Hamilton Township’s status as one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
Thelma Witherspoon and Aline Dix, one of the women honored during Women's History Month.
Beyond awareness: South Jersey’s autism community builds support, advocacy and inclusion
By Robin Stoloff Health & Wellness
April has arrived, bringing more than just blooming flowers and warmer days. Marks Autism Awareness Month, also known as Autism Acceptance or Neurodiversity Acceptance Month.
Let’s be honest; awareness alone is no longer enough. If you have a loved one on the spectrum, as I do, you know the true priority is encouraging acceptance, promoting understanding and building a world where neurodiverse individuals are genuinely included.
Autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Some individuals have exceptional talents, while others face challenges with communication or sensory sensitivities. Personally, I’ve learned so much about patience, resilience and the beauty of seeing the world from a different perspective. Yet, I’ve also felt the heartache of watching someone I love navigating a world that often doesn’t accept their differences or accommodate their challenges.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children nationwide, and 1 in 35 in New Jersey is identified with autism spectrum disorder. That’s why it’s time for everyone to better understand autism’s complexities.
Yet this month isn’t just about sharing statistics; it’s about leading with kindness and embracing everyone on the spectrum for who they are.
South Jersey’s autism community
Fortunately, South Jersey is home to incredible organizations dedicated to this cause. One of the most prominent is FACES 4 Autism , a nonprofit in Egg Harbor Township.
Founded by parents with firsthand experience raising children on the spectrum, FACES 4 Autism provides educational programs, support groups and sensory-friendly events. Their mission is all about connection – helping families navigate the ups and downs of autism, while ensuring no one feels alone.
According to their website, “FACES 4 Autism supports children, teens and
adults on the autism spectrum, and those who love them. FACES provides autism education and resources to families and educators in South Jersey, fostering self-advocacy, independence and dignity.” They are dedicated to the idea that those on the spectrum are "different, not less."
Heart of Surfing is another remarkable, grassroots organization founded in 2014 by Bob and Cindy Fersch, the publishers of Shore Local Magazine. Inspired by their son Jamie’s love of the ocean and passion for riding waves, the organization became their way of honoring his memory after his sudden passing in 2020.
Dedicated to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, Heart of Surfing offers free, inclusive, recreational opportunities. Their programs include adaptive surfing every Saturday during the summer, as well as year-round activities like skateboarding, sensory-friendly roller and ice skating, waterpark outings, trampoline bounce parties, holiday events and more. Managed entirely by volunteers and supported by sponsors such as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, this nonprofit is built on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to play, participate and have fun.
Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for autistic individuals, their families and the professionals who support them. Through awareness, credible information, education and public policy initiatives, they advocate for lifelong services that enhance resilience, abilities and quality of life.
The South Jersey Chapter of the Autism Society of America , based in Mt. Laurel, offers advocacy, resources and support through social events, educational workshops and parent meetups, fostering a much-needed sense of community.
Raising a child with autism can be isolating, but having a network of people who genuinely understand makes all the difference.
For those seeking both research and support, the New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence (NJACE) is a game-changer. While serving the entire state, their work has a meaningful impact in South Jersey.
NJACE funds innovative research and offers training programs for teachers and therapists to improve the lives of autistic individuals and their families. Their website states, “We address the complex and unique features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by promoting communication and collaboration among autism researchers,
educators, practitioners and autistic individuals and their families to improve understanding, diagnosis and management, while reducing service disparities and improving health outcomes.”
National Autism Organizations
Several national organizations play a vital role in autism advocacy, support and research.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) is one of the oldest and most well-known, offering resources, education and community-based support.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), run by and for autistic individuals, promotes policies centered on self-determination and neurodiversity.
Autism Speaks focuses on research, advocacy and services for individuals and families, though its approach has sparked discussions about representation and priorities within the autism community.
Additionally, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) funds practical studies to improve daily life for autistic individuals and their families. Each of these groups contributes to shaping a more inclusive and supportive world for the autism community.
How You Can Make a Difference
This Month
So, how can we move from awareness to action this April? Here are a few ideas:
● Support local autism organizations by attending events, volunteering, or donating. Be sure to wear your blue or blue ribbon, the color of autism awareness and advocacy
● Educate yourself, read books and articles by autistic individuals to better understand their experiences.
● Advocate for inclusion in schools, workplaces and public spaces.
● Show up for autistic individuals in your life, whether by being a friend, a mentor, or simply make an effort to understand their world.
For me, Autism Awareness/ Acceptance Month is personal. It’s a reminder that my family member, like so many others, deserves a world that sees their strengths, values their differences and gives them the opportunities they need to thrive.
This April let’s not just raise awareness; let’s build a future where autism acceptance is the norm, not the exception.
Buzzworthy Books, Events, And More
From best-selling books to workshops, and from online resources to children’s activities, the Ocean City Free Public Library has something for everyone this spring.
What’s happening in Ocean City
Two major annual events this weekend will kick off the April calendar of family fun for Ocean City in 2025: the OC CON Comic Book and Memorabilia Festival and Girls Weekend.
Now in its ninth year, the OC CON Festival returns to the Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and April 6. The event features meet-the-artist sessions, costume contests, and the display and sale of comic books and memorabilia. Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (April 5), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (April 6).
Featured artists include Tony DiGerolamo (“The Simpsons” and “Bart Simpson” comic books … Sunday only), Bob Petrecca (Marvel
Comics), Luke Petrecca (Upper Deck and the Dear Hunter) and Neil Vokes (American Mythology Comics), Galica Graphics, Jude Martys, J.M. DeSantis, Niko Lopez and NVYXUS. Professional LEGO artist Mariann Asanuma will be on hand, and the festival will include LEGO displays, build areas, and workshops. Veteran cosplayers will make appearances, and the DeLorean time machine will be on display. Another highlight is the annual 1-mile “Super Hero Run” on the Boardwalk (9 a.m. Saturday) and more Super Hero running events” (9:30 a.m. Saturday). Sign up for either or both events at the Music Pier starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Pre-registration is available online at ocnj.us/ race-events.
General admission to the show is free, and free parking will be available at municipal lots adjacent to the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace, Eighth Street and Ninth Street. Due to reconstruction of the ramps, access to the Boardwalk from Moorlyn Terrace will be closed. Use the Boardwalk entrances at Eighth Street or Ninth Street. Anybody who parks in the lot at Moorlyn Terrace can access the Eighth Street ramp from the northeast corner of the lot.
Visit www.ocnjcon.com for complete information on all artists and scheduled events for OC CON. The event is sponsored by the Ocean City Free Public Library and the City of Ocean City.
The annual Fashion Show will open Girls Weekend on April 4, and the celebration will continue through Sunday, April 6 with shopping and dining specials, and activities that highlight all that Downtown Ocean City has to offer.
The Downtown Ocean City Girls Weekend Fashion Show will return to the Ocean City Yacht Club (100 Bay Road), on Friday, April 4, 2025, and tickets are on sale now. The annual event features the latest spring and summer clothing lines for sale in Ocean City’s retail shops and
Avenue will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, rain or shine. This indoor/outdoor rummage-style sale offers a wide variety of items, all for a great cause. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Theatre Company, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional and educational theater opportunities.
April 12 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
April 12 – Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep: Volunteers are encouraged to join in Clean Ocean Action’s semi-annual beach cleanup from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at cleanoceanaction.org and pick up supplies at the Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace) before heading out.
April 12 – Doo Dah Parade: Welcome the spring season with this comedy parade complete with more than 300 basset hounds. Starts at noon on Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to 12th Street and then up to the Boardwalk ending at 6th Street and Boardwalk. Sponsored by Dietz & Watson.
April 12 – The Great Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street along the Boardwalk. Rain date: April 13.
modeled by local men and women. It includes light fare and refreshments.
Girls Weekend features hotel and bed-and-breakfast packages, dining offers, shopping discounts, giveaways, yoga and wellness classes, craft projects and demonstrations at various locations throughout Ocean City. Look for updates and announcements about activities and participating businesses at facebook. com/DowntownOCNJ or by calling 609-399-1412.
Tickets for the Fashion Show are $40 each and available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice. Capacity is limited, so don’t wait to make your purchase.
More spring events in Ocean City
April 5 – OCTC Spring Yard Sale: Ocean City Theatre Company’s Spring Yard Sale at 1501 West
April 13 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
April 19 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
April 19 – The Great Egg Hunt: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street along the Boardwalk. Rain date: April 20.
April 20 – Easter Sunrise Service: A traditional non-denominational service by the sea. All are welcome. 6:15 a.m. at the Music Pier.
April 20 – Dueling Pianos Show: The Philly Keys will be performing their hit dueling pianos show starting at noon. Free fun for the entire family in front of the Music Pier.
April 20 – Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue).
April 26 and 27 – Sports Memorabilia Show: Purchase sports memorabilia and sports cards from various vendors and participate in meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions at the Ocean City Music Pier.
April 26 and 27 – Boardwalk and Downtown Merchant “Discount Days”: At businesses from 6th Street to 14th Street on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
April 4, 7pm
Ocean City Yacht Club 100 Bay Road
Doors open at 6:30pm
Lite Fare and Refreshments
$40 per person
Limited seating.
Spring is here and OCTC is offering a variety of theater education opportunities
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) is preparing for a bustling spring of theatrical fun! Registration for spring opportunities is now open, and registration for spring classes, OCTC Junior Company auditions and summer camps. The educational lineup includes: Future Stars of Broadway: A Tribute to NYC – Spring Edition
An exciting beginner/introductory musical theater class filled with singing, dancing, acting, and fun! This high-energy class celebrates the city that never sleeps. It is open to kids in kindergarten through third grade and will be held on Wednesday evenings from April 9 through April 30.
Broadway Bootcamp: Spring Session
This program is designed for young performers looking to become
triple threats! Participants will work as an ensemble to develop performance skills that build confidence for their next theatrical adventure. This class is open to kids in fourth through sixth grade and will take place on Wednesday evenings from April 9 through April 30.
Spring Break Camp: Broadway Through The Decades
Join us for an exciting adventure exploring some of the most iconic Broadway musicals from each decade! This camp is open to students in grades second through sixth and
will run from April 21 to April 25. Superheroes and Royalty: Mini Camp
In this mini-camp, campers will have a blast bringing their favorite superheroes and movie musical royalty to life through singing, dancing, acting, crafts, and more! This oneweek camp is open to kids in grades kindergarten through third (as of Fall 2025) and will take place from June 23 to June 27.
To learn more, visit the education section of OceanCityTheatreCompany.com or call 609-398-1118.
Pass it down: My grandmom’s chopped liver recipe
have
Life is What Happens
By Lisa Zaslow Segelman
guests singing ‘Dayenu’ and
It's all about the ‘kinder’ (Yiddish for children)
The most important goal of the seder has remained the same for over 3,000 years: telling the story to the children, no matter how chaotic or imperfect the evening may be.
“Dayenu” means “it would have been enough” in Hebrew and is the refrain of a lively Passover song. It lists blessings God bestowed on the Israelites, emphasizing that each act alone would have sufficed, yet God did more.
Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery. Jews are encouraged to personally connect with the story, imagining themselves as once enslaved. The Haggadah says, “We were slaves in Egypt”—not “They were slaves.”
Though Yom Kippur is the holiest Jewish holiday, Passover is the most widely celebrated. A 2013 Pew survey found that 70% of U.S. Jews attended a seder the previous year.
People have lasting memories of seders at their grandparents' or aunts' houses—of the youngest asking the Four Questions and the oldest answering them. They remember who brought which dish each year, complete with comparisons. Somehow their mom’s matzo balls are always better than what they’re enjoying at the moment.
As easy as the story of Passover is, preparing a seder is more complicated. There are ritual foods that make up the seder plate— each with its own meaning—followed
by an appetizer, soup, the festival meal, dessert and, of course, prayers of thanks for the meal, the abundance and the freedom.
Chopped liver:
The peasant’s Pâté
Chopped liver is a hearty, earthy spread made with chicken liver, caramelized onions, schmaltz (rendered chicken fat), and hard-boiled eggs. Traditionally served with matzo or crackers, it has roots in Medieval Germany, where Ashkenazi Jews used goose liver. Later, Eastern European Jews adapted the dish with chicken or beef liver, bringing it to America in the late 1800s.
Schmaltz, essential in many Ashkenazi recipes, adds depth to dishes like matzo balls and chopped liver. In times of scarcity, nothing from the chicken was wasted—schmaltz and gribenes (crispy chicken skin) made use of every part.
Though respected within Jewish communities, chopped liver is often seen as a “poor man’s pâté” outside of them. It’s humble, hearty, and best enjoyed thickly spread on rye bread or matzo.
My Grandma Dora’s Chopped Liver Recipe
Serves 24 people, more if served with matzo, 12 if served as an appetizer
Photo by Lisa Zaslow Segelman
Prep Time: 1.5 hours
Equipment:
Large cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet, consider using two at once Food processor or blender
Ingredients:
● 3 pounds chicken livers
● ½ cup chicken schmaltz, divided or ½ cup vegetable oil
● 8 large onions, sliced thin
● 8 hard boiled eggs
● Salt, 2 teaspoons or to taste
● Black pepper, 1 teaspoon or to taste
● 1 cup gribenes/chicken skin crackle (optional, see note below)
● ¼ cup brandy or to taste
● 4 T. minced parsley
Method:
1. OPTIONAL: Prepare the schmaltz and gribenes ahead of time (see below). Set aside. If you can’t find chicken schmaltz at your supermarket or deli, use oil where schmaltz is called for.
2. Prepare the livers by cutting off any tough pieces or stringy tendons and anything that looks yellow or strange, including any fat.
3. Add 4 T of schmaltz or oil into your skillet. Melt over medium heat. Season generously with salt and pepper as they’re cooking. Cook for 3 minutes per side. They should be firm and browned on the outside and slightly pink on the inside. Don’t
overcook them. Place the livers in a mixing bowl and set aside.
4. Add 4 T of schmaltz or oil to the same skillets that cooked the liver. Add the sliced onions (you can slice on a food processor or mandolin or by hand).
5. Cover the skillet and let the onions cook undisturbed over medium heat for 10 minutes. This kick-starts the caramelization process. Uncover, stir the onions and continue cooking at low heat for another 30-40 minutes until they are deeply caramelized, tender and sweet: do a taste test.
6. Add the cooked onions to the mixing bowl along with 7 of the 8 hard boiled eggs, brandy, salt and pepper and the ½ cup of gribenes (optional). Season all ingredients generously with salt and pepper.
7. Chop all the ingredients into a rough pâté by hand or in small batches using a food processor. Pulse for 10 seconds at a time, stirring between pulses to avoid over-smoothing. The consistency should be a rough, textured paste, not too smooth.
8. Taste the chopped liver once it is ground. Add additional salt and pepper, if desired. Chill the chopped liver in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Chop the remaining hardboiled egg and garnish the chopped liver with that and the minced parsley
9. Serve as an appetizer with matzo mini rye bread, or gluten free crackers. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Lasts 6-7 days. Chopped liver can also be frozen and served at a later date.
How to make chicken schmaltz and
gribenes
Yield: ¾-1 cup
Ingredients
● 1 pound chicken skin and fat (from thighs, wings or a mix)
● 1 small onion, finely chopped
● Kosher salt, to taste
● Black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken skin into small pieces, about 1-inch in size. If there are large chunks of fat, chop them up as well.
2. Place the skin and fat in a large skillet or saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, so the fat melts and the skin begins to crisp up. This can take 30-45 minutes.
3. Once the skin is turning golden brown and has released most of its fat, add the chopped onion. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized, and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy (another 10-15 minutes).
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy gribenes and onions to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and a touch of black pepper, if desired. Use in chopped liver or use the schmaltz instead of oil in your matzo ball recipe.
Lisa is an advertising copywriter (think ‘Madmen’ without the men), journalist and columnist. Claim to fame: Lou’s waitress for four teenage summers. For column comments, story ideas, or to get on her “quote” list for future columns: redshoeslzs@ gmail.com
Gnocchi: 'Little pillows of heaven'
By Chef Joseph Massaglia
Ilove gnocchi! Made properly, these little, light, airy dumplings usually made with potatoes are, as a friend says, “little pillows of heaven.”
It’s believed gnocchi originated in Northern Italy. The name came from the word “nocca,” which means knuckles, or the Lombard word “knohha,” which means knot – like a knot in wood. Gnocchi have been a traditional type of Italian pasta since Roman times and were originally made from semolina flour mixed with eggs. In the early 1500s, gnocchi were made with bread, milk and ground almonds (called “zanzarelli”). Later on, a mixture of eggs, flour and water were added to the “zanzarelli,” and the dough was
pushed through a cheese grater and called “malfatti” (which means badly made).
Potato gnocchi date back to the 16th century when potatoes were introduced to Italy. But depending on the region, gnocchi are still made with a variety of base ingredients, including pumpkin, semolina, chestnut flour and cornmeal.
Not only does each region have its own gnocchi recipe, they each have their own specific sauce. In my home region of Valle D’Aosta, we make Gnocchi Bava, gnocchi in a butter sage cream sauce, Fontina cheese and broccoli. (It’s been on my menu at Mama Mia’s since I opened 35 years ago.) In Verona, they prefer a fresh tomato sauce, and in Sorrento, they love their gnocchi “alla sorrentina” – potato gnocchi baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.
In spring and summer, it’s wonderful to eat gnocchi with a basil pesto, which gives gnocchi a fresh taste without having to cook a sauce. Just toss cooked gnocchi with pesto sauce to taste, top with freshly grated Parmesan, and voilà – dinner is served!
I’ve included my gnocchi recipe here; feel free to toss it with your favorite pesto. Buon Appetito!
Chef Joe Massaglia’s Original Recipe for Mama Mia’s Potato Gnocchi
● 4 large russet (not Yukon Gold) potatoes, unpeeled
● 2 tablespoons butter
● ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
● Salt and pepper to taste
● 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk
● 1 to 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and dust with flour; set aside.
Pierce potatoes in several places with a fork; microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes or until soft. (You also can bake at 375° until tender.) Cool slightly; carefully remove skins while potatoes are still hot.
Immediately put the potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl. Mix in the butter, nutmeg, salt and pepper until combined; add the eggs and egg yolk and combine with a spatula. Mix in 1 ¼ cups flour until a soft, not sticky, dough is formed. (You may need to add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the proper consistency.)
Put dough on a floured surface and gently roll into a circle ¾ inch thick. Important: Before making all the gnocchi, cut two or three ½ inch pieces from the circle, shape per the following directions and test in boiling water to make sure they don’t fall apart. If they do, you will need to add more flour to the dough before cutting.
Cut dough into 1-inch ropes, then cut each rope into ½ inch pieces. Shape gnocchi by pressing onto the tines of a floured fork or gnocchi paddle. Using light to medium pressure, roll the gnocchi on the fork or paddle to create a ridged surface. Place rolled gnocchi on a prepared baking sheet. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Using a slotted spoon or spider, add half the gnocchi to the water; return to a boil and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until they float to the surface. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, until done. Repeat with remaining gnocchi.
If using immediately, add cooked gnocchi to your prepared sauce and serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Note:
● Cooked gnocchi pieces can be cooled completely on a lightly oiled parchment-covered baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Gently reheat in a prepared sauce.
● Uncooked gnocchi pieces can be frozen on the prepared baking sheet, then transferred to a resealable plastic bag and frozen for up to 1 month. It’s best to thaw them about an hour before cooking in boiling water so they don’t become gummy.
Lucy the Elephant 1881
First Gasoline Powered Car 1889
First Airplane flight 1903
First Philadelphia Phillies Game 1883
Entertainment & Dining at the Shore
Top Weekly Entertainment Picks
By Steffen Klenk
Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered with our Top Weekly Entertainment Picks. Rock out to the iconic guitar-driven sounds of Peter Frampton, enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Katt Williams, and hear the son of legendary jazz musician Tito Puente.
What: Experience Hendrix Tour
Where: Ocean Casino Resort
When : Friday, April 4
Time: 9 p.m.
Website: www.theoceanac.com
Celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix this Friday. The Experience Hendrix Tour embodies a unique interaction with audiences, presenting one-of-a-kind collaborations and an immersive journey through the Hendrix catalog.
Who: Peter Frampton: Let’s Do It Again Where : Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
When : Saturday, April 5
Time: 7 p.m.
Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city
British rocker Peter Frampton arrives in Atlantic City for one unforgettable
night. Best known for his electrifying guitar skills and unforgettable hits like “Baby I Love Your Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do?” Frampton brings over five decades of experience to the Etess Arena stage.
Who: Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour
Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
When : Saturday, April 5
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.boardwalkhall.com
Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride of laughs as Emmy award-winning comedian Katt Williams arrives in Atlantic City for one night only. With over a dozen stand-up TV specials under his belt, his Heaven on Earth Tour will include new material and ignite laughter among audiences all evening.
Who: The Wallflowers
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
When : Saturday, April 5
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: casino.hardrock.com/atlan -
tic-city
Led by Grammy-winning frontman Jakob Dylan, The Wallflowers will deliver a night filled with timeless hits and new favorites. Fans will sing along to classic tracks such as “One Headlight,” “6th Avenue Heartache,” and “Heroes.” With captivating melodies and soulful lyrics, this show will bring generations of fans together to the Sound Waves theater. Must be 18+ to attend.
What : What the World Needs Now: Bacharach Songbook Live
Where: Borgata Hotel Casino
When : Saturday, April 5
Time: 8 p.m.
Website: www.borgata.mgmresorts. com
Prepare to sing along with the time -
less melodies of Burt Bacharach. Former music director and arranger Rob Shirakbari leads this extraordinary show featuring Todd Rundgren and Wendy Motel (of “The Voice”) in a nine-piece all-star ensemble including Elise Trouw, Kasim Sulton, Probyn Gregory, Woody Mankowski, Kenny Dickinson, and Tori Holub, along with special guests.
Who: Tito Puente and His Jazz Ensemble
Where: Stockton Performing Arts Center
When : Saturday, April 5
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Website: www.stockton.edu/pac
The son of legendary American salsa and Latin jazz musician Tito Puente
returns to the region. Tito Puente Jr. has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting musicians on the road today. Captive audiences will witness the thrill and spirit of Latin jazz come to life.
What : Renaissance: Beyonce Night
Where: Anchor Rock Club
When : Saturday, April 5
Time: 9 p.m.
Website: www.anchorrockclub.com
Get ready to dance the night away and sing along to the sounds of Beyonce as Riot Nerd presents its Renaissance dance party.
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.
Burt Bacharach tribute headed to Borgata
The Casino File
By Chuck Darrow
For decades, legendary composer Burt Bacharach was a popular attraction in Atlantic City’s gaming halls. Whether appearing by himself or with Dionne Warwick—whose recordings of such beloved pop tunes as “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” helped make Bacharach and his pri -
who for years served as Bacharach’s musical director (a position in which he still functions for Warwick). According to the 61-year-old music-biz veteran from Arkansas, creating a tribute to his late boss was all but inevitable.
“I think it was maybe always in the back of my head to do something,” he offered during a recent Zoom chat from his London home. “When Burt passed, I knew that even though I hadn't been working with him for a few years at that point, I was gonna at least let a year go by.
“And then people started [saying], ‘Hey, are you gonna do something?’”
Eventually, he continued, he decided the time was right for such a project, and reached out to producer Angelo Bundini, who has staged the
mary lyricist, Hal David, household names—he was a regular at such properties as Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and the long-gone Trump Plaza Hotel-Casino.
The six-time Grammy winner (and three-time Oscar champ) died in 2023 at age 94, but his music will come alive Saturday at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa as classic-rock titan Todd Rundgren heads up a program dubbed “What the World Needs Now—The Burt Bacharach Songbook Live in Concert.”
While Rundgren is the show’s headliner (he’ll be joined by Wendy Moten, a former runner-up on “The Voice”), the driving force behind it is multi-instrumentalist Rob Shirakbari,
acclaimed (and still-touring) “Celebrating David Bowie” extravaganza which featured Rundgren when it debuted in 2017. From the jump, Shirakbari knew his tribute had to be more than just a “greatest hits” recital.
“I wanted to approach it with a new, fresh perspective and go through the catalog in a deeper way than I was really able to do with either Burt or Dionne when I was doing shows for them.
“There was always kind of a limit to the amount of material they would want to do in a show. So that always left a lot of great songs on the table.”
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Rob Shakirbari
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FRIDAY, APRIL 11
YELLOW BRICK ROAD (ELTON JOHN)
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 WE MAY BE RIGHT (BILLY JOEL)
FRIDAY, MAY 9
THE KINGS OF JERSEY ROCK (BON JOVI, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN)
FRIDAY, MAY 23
YACHTY BY NATURE (YACHT ROCK)
Shirakbari, who has also collaborated with a Who’s Who of pop megastars from Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mathis to Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin to Elton John and Adele, added he was also motivated by the fear that other, less-qualified or less-invested parties might undertake such a project.
“I think some of it is a bit out of defense as well, because I really love the catalog and I wanted to do honor to Burt and the songs.
“I've seen so many people get it wrong. And I thought eventually, someone's gonna do this and they're probably not gonna do it particularly well; it’s music that you can get wrong.
“I see that quite a bit, so I thought, I need to do this because I've spent 40 years with [Bacharach and Warwick] separately and together and all that sort of…rubbed off on me. It's sort of in my DNA. I can't help but hear things [the way Bacharach did them]. And having seen the way Burt worked firsthand for so many years in the studio, and on stage--how he dealt with singers, how he rehearsed an orchestra, how he played--I just thought that, for whatever reason, it's kinda fallen to me to lead this.”
As for Rundgren, doing another tribute tour (he also participated in
a Beatles’ “White Album” extravaganza with, among others, Christopher Cross and former Monkees’ drummer Mickey Dolenz in 2019) was definitely not on his to-do list.
“I swore that I was done with tribute tours,” he said in a press release. “But there is too much Bacharach in my blood to let the opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of this libretto pass by.
“It may be that I not only owe a debt for his great influence; I squandered an opportunity to meet the Master when I failed to play ‘Hello It’s Me’ the time he quietly joined the audience solely to hear it. It may also be that I would feel unbearable envy for whomever was lucky enough to perform the music that meant so much to me.
“I can’t think of another artist whose tribute could make me break my vow and rise to the challenge of audience expectations around the greatest songwriter of my lifetime.”
According to Shirakbari, “What the World Needs Now” will not be a one-and-done affair.
“We will keep sort of reinventing
and revisiting it,” he promised. “And so, every tour will be unique. If somebody sees us and we come back in a year or two with another, it'll be a whole different configuration.”
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
An Atlantic City connection
Fun fact: Although Bacharach was born and raised in Kansas City, Mo.,
he has a bigtime familial connection to Our Town:
A cousin of his, Harry Bacharach, served two terms as mayor of the city. Not surprisingly, Bacharach Boulevard is named after him.
Frampton finale
Just a reminder that Saturday’s show at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be your last chance to see classic-rock giant Peter Frampton in concert.
The guitar-slinging singer-songwriter, whose 1976 “Frampton Comes Alive” album made him one of that decade’s biggest rock stars, has been diagnosed with inclusion body myositis, which, according to mda.org, is an inflammation of the distal (far from the body center) flexor muscles, including the wrists and fingers. This, of course, can severely impede the ability to play guitar.
For tickets, go to ticketmaster. com.
Chuck Darrow has spent more than 40 years writing about Atlantic City casinos.
Todd Rundgren
Wallflowers, Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival among April highlights
Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
You’ve heard that old expression, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the
tree.” When your dad is the living legend that is Mr. Tambourine Man, the great Bob Dylan, it’s not hard to see why his offspring would be involved in music in one form or another.
Of the famed folksinger’s six children, however, only one – Jakob Dylan – has chosen the long road of becoming a musician, which he has now done for more than three decades, fronting his roots-rock band, The Wallflowers, who perform in
Atlantic City at Hard Rock Casino’s Sound Waves Theater on Saturday, April 5.
“When I was a kid, he (his father Bob Dylan) was a god to me for all the right reasons,” Jakob Dylan told The New York Times in an interview some years back.
“He never missed a Little League game I had. He collected every home run ball I ever hit. And he’s still affectionate to me.”
The younger Dylan (probably wisely) never pursued baseball as a career, instead opting to become a musician like his dad, leading one media outlet to label Dylan and The Wallflowers “one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands – a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack.”
Dylan has also tried his hand at acting, appearing in “The Guardian,” “American Wedding,” and “The King of Staten Island.”
Dylan, 55, formed The Wallflowers in 1989 (he’s the band’s lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter). The group found chart success with 1995’s catchy pop-rocker, “One Headlight.” The group’s most recent release is 2021’s “Exit Wounds.”
“I don’t know a bigger rush than working on a new song, no matter what it takes to get it done,” the younger Dylan told The Big Takeover magazine. “New material is for me and for those who do care.”
the Tri-State area. The three-day event, at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, features many area musicians who are very familiar to area music fans including Patty Blee, dogbeach, Jersey Calling, Destinee Monroe, The Azures, Amy Elizabeth, Malcolm Tent, Black Rose Rebellion, Catch Me If You Can and The Blues Reincarnation Project, to name but a few.
Festival organizer Jerry Ryan’s event supports Elephants For Autism, which “enriches the lives of local children and young adults with autism through free community programs.”
Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival takes place Friday through Sunday, April 11-13, at the recently renovated Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, 133 S. Tennessee Ave. in AC’s still-developing Orange Loop, with two stages (indoor and outdoor). Tickets are $15 per day, or $30 for a three-day pass. Come out and support a good cause, and tell ’em Tune In Turn On sent you!
While Hard Rock attendees can expect a rousing 90-plus-minute show of upbeat Americana-flavored roots-rock from The Wallflowers’ vast songbook, don’t count on hearing him and the band perform any of his famous dad’s songs – not only have they never performed together, surprisingly, they’ve never collaborated on a song, either.
The Wallflowers perform at Sound Waves Theatre, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1000 Boardwalk, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Tickets start at $59. Info: casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city.
Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival Returns April 11-13: Now in its 60th year, the ambitious, multi-day/ evening festival assembles a few dozen original bands and solo artists from multiple genres, primarily from
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com and www.facebook. com/dougdeutschpublicity.
Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers play Hard Rock Casino April 5.
Tony Mart’s ready to rock summer 2025
Tony Mart is set to kick off an exciting season of music, starting Memorial Day Weekend and rolling through the summer with concerts across South Jersey—from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk to Smithville and Somers Point Beach.
Sunday, May 25 – The Claridge, Atlantic City
The summer season launches Memorial Day Sunday at The Claridge with “Dylan Dead Zeppelin,” a fourhour tribute to the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and Bob Dylan’s legendary “My Back Pages” 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden.
Featured performers include singer-songwriter Dan Burke, Jaden Lehman of “Oteil & Friends,” and the Tony Mart Allstars under the direction of Rich “Megahurtz” Kurtz and Waynard Schiller.
Tickets: VIP tables (seating four or more) $40; Reserved seats $30. Available at claridge.com and tonymart. com
Friday, June 6 – Somers Point Beach (7 p.m.)
Free Event
Presented by the South Jersey Jazz Society:
Arturo O’Farrill’s 17-Piece Latin
Jazz Orchestra
An electrifying evening of Latin jazz on the beach.
Saturday, June 7 –
Historic Smithville Village (4–8 p.m.)
Free Event
Tony Mart Allstars present "Eagles Country", a tribute concert featuring
Friday, June 13 – Somers Point Beach Concert Series Begins (7 p.m.)
Free. Always Friday. Always 7 p.m.
The series opens with rock legends:
Jimmy Vivino (from the Conan O’Brien Show)
G.E. Smith (from Saturday Night Live)
More details: somerspointbeachconcerts.com
ers and Soul Project, with guest hosts Jimmy Law and Jeremy Kaplan from “Dogs in a Pile.”
Plus: Jersey Gumbo CookOff and Louisiana Music Festival.
Monday, July 21 – The Point Nightclub & Tiki Bar, Somers Point (3–11 p.m.)
Fiddle, Guitar & Squeezebox
Good Time Festival 2025 Taste gumbo from a dozen top chefs (3–6 p.m.) for just $20 and vote for your favorite. Free concert, free parking, free festival all day.
Tony Mart Rocks The Point –Thursdays & Sundays, 6–10 p.m.
Catch The Billy Walton Band rocking the dock June through August.
Venue: The Point Nightclub & Tiki Bar, 998 Bay Ave., Somers Point. Full schedule at tonymart.com
country-rock classics from the Eagles and more.
VIP party tickets include complimentary Bogle Wines and premium beer tastings.
Wednesday, June 25 – Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City Boardwalk (7 p.m.)
Free Event
Jersey NOLA Jammin’ Funk Fest Featuring Ocean Avenue Stomp -
As excitement builds around the upcoming Dylan biopic and renewed appreciation for classic rock, Tony Mart's 2025 summer season is the perfect way to celebrate. From tribute shows to funk fests, jazz orchestras to beachfront jams— Let the good times roll.
Wines that love Mother Earth
Drink Up!
By David Setley
Happy Spring! In April, we witness Mother Earth reawakening from her winter sleep. I remember celebrating Arbor Day as a young boy by taking a break from classes to go outside and plant a tree. Earth Day became a spring holiday in support of the environment in the 1970s and now is celebrated globally on April 22. EarthDay.org has established “Our Power, Our Planet” as the 2025 theme. The wine industry has embodied this theme for decades by proactively adopting strategies such as sustainable vineyard practices, a zero-carbon footprint, and biodynamic agriculture. Many wine producers make wines using organically grown grapes and vegan-friendly techniques as well. In this article, I will explain what these terms mean and offer examples from wineries that have made these investments to benefit our planet. If you find it interesting, mark your calendar and
join me this Earth Day for a wine-tasting event titled “Sustainable Wines are Divine.” Visit https://passionvines. com/events for details.
Sustainable agriculture practices have become more common in the wine industry. A sustainable certification requires the vineyard to use practices that conserve energy and water, and to promote the long-term health of the earth and the surrounding environment. Wine production takes a holistic corporate social responsibility approach to sustainability, following the three pillars of economy, society, and the environment. California is a leader in the United States through their statewide sustainability program, with about one-third of vineyards representing more than 85% of commercial wine production that is sustainably certified. J. Lohr Wineries is one of the many Golden State winemakers to earn this certification, with vineyards that produce the company’s very popular Arroyo Seco Monterey Chardonnay, the Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir, the Paso Robles Merlot, and my favorite, the Tower Road Petite Sirah. It is important to note that sustainable practices have been utilized globally for centuries, though not all vineyards invest in the cost or take the steps to become certified.
The term “organic” has been pop -
ular in grocery stores for decades. Globally, the market share of organic wines is between 4-5% (prowein.com, 2023). Organic wines are those produced with organically grown grapes, meaning they are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides, including added sulfites. This does not necessarily mean there aren’t other nonchemical additives added to the wine, however. The approved additive list varies from country to country and may, among other things, include yeast, egg whites, or rennet, an enzyme produced in the stomachs of mammals. These additives assist in the filtration process of wine prior to bottling. Certified vegan-friendly wines are those that do not contain additives from animal products.
You may be familiar with the term “sulfites,” the sulfur dioxide (SO2) found in wines that many wine consumers blame for causing headaches, especially when they drink red wines. Sulfites serve as a shelf stabilizer and preservative in wine and other foods, slowing them from going bad. For a small percentage of people with a particular sensitivity, sulfites may indeed be the cause of those headaches. For most people, the alcohol level is likely to blame. Drinking one glass of ↘Continued on 48
KELLY CLARKSON
DARIUS
water with each glass of wine should minimize the likelihood of a headache.
Sulfites are present in many consumables, including cured meats, cheese, canned soup, dried fruit, French fries, etc. This compound naturally occurs in wine, so virtually all wine has some sulfites at low levels. A good quality dry red wine contains about 50 parts per million sulfites. In the United States, a wine identified as organic is “a wine made from organically grown grapes without added sulfites.” So, if sulfites or other synthetic additives are a concern for you, organic wines may be a good option. The Allumea wines from Italy are a great example of excellent organic wines. They are available in the Allumea Rosso, a Montepulciano wine from Tuscany, the Allumea Nero D’Avola, a Merlo from Sicily, and the Allumea Grillo, a Chardonnay also from Sicily. All of these wines are vegan-friendly as well.
Have you heard of Avaline wines?
Actress Cameron Diaz is a partner in this wine company and has established total transparency as a corporate objective. All wines produced under the brand are 100% organically grown, vegan-friendly, and have no added sugar, no added sulfites, and no chemical additives. Avaline wines are fermented "dry," leaving no residual sugar, ensuring all wines have zero grams of sugar per serving. If sugar intake is a concern for you, give these wines a try. Avaline wines are produced in several varietals, including the Avaline Red, Rosé, and Pinot Noir wines from France, the Avaline White and Sparkling varietals from Spain, and the Avaline Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State.
Lastly, biodynamic winemaking is a practice that incorporates aspects of organic and sustainable agriculture.
The philosophy behind biodynamic winemaking goes back a hundred years to an Austrian philosopher named Rudolph Steiner. The basis is a belief that everything in the universe — the earth, the moon, the planets, etc. — is interconnected. Biodynamic winemaking promotes activities that promote this harmony.
Benziger Family Wineries vineyards are all triple certified as Sustainable, Biodynamic, and Organic. Try the Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon as an outstanding example. Mike Benzinger says, “at its core, Biodynamics is an energy management system.” It works on a calendar of activities that include Fruit Days, Root Days, Flower Days, and Leaf Days. Prescribed viticultural activities of everything from watering to harvesting are allowed (or forbidden) based on the day. Montinore Estates in Oregon has been practicing biodynamics since the early 2000s and received the Biodynamic Certification in 2008. The winery states that these practices are the most complete approach to land stewardship and the highest level of ethical farming practices in the industry. Montinore produces outstanding certified biodynamic and organic wines including its Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Reserve, its Pinot Gris, and the unique Montinore Estate L’Orange wine.
Cheers to the wines that attempt to keep us and our planet healthier and more sustainable. As always, contact me with any questions or comments at dsetley@passionvines.com. Until next time, Happy Wining!
David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.
Live in Touch with Your Soul
URSA ALCHEMY is a unique blend of Astrology, Aromatherapy and Cosmic Guidance co-created with the Cosmos, Plants and Spirit.
Offering Astrological Aromatherapy, a variety of Astrology readings, Aromatherapy consults and products, the Becoming Chiron podcast, downloadable classes and guided meditations.
Ursula is the author of The Cosmic Connection weekly horoscopes and astrology summaries featured here in
By Bruce Klauber
Swing into spring jazz preview
Not only has spring arrived; jazz is also arriving at the Jersey Shore.
The 2025 jazz season is getting started early this year,
which indicates that the state of this music is healthier than ever. A good deal of that health in these parts is due to the foresight and efforts of the South Jersey Jazz Society, an organization which continues to innovate in terms of the acts booked and where they perform.
Michael Pedicin Jr.’s free “Music of the Jazz Saxophone Masters,” continues its impressive run at the Ocean City Free Library on Sunday, April 6, and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Maestro and saxophone master Pedicin will be backed by a stellar
rector Alice Woods, “While SJJS has produced shows at the Gateway before, this is the first time we are fully co-producing, and the two entities are already entertaining additional shows moving forward. We are so excited to be able to bring such extraordinary music to our stage. By bringing our two groups together, we can pool our resources to attract the next level of regional and New York talent. It just strengthens our message that Gateway Playhouse is the venue for arts and entertainment in South Jersey.”
rhythm section: Bassist Andy Lalasis, drummer Bob Shomo, and pianist Jim Ridl, as he explores the music of saxophone icons John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley, Michael Brecker, and Kenny Garrett. When it comes to saxophone, no one does it better than Michael Pedicin Jr.
These free events are very popular so best to get to the library as early as possible to ensure getting a seat. See www.oceancitylibrary.org to learn more.
South Jersey Jazz Society and Somers Point’s Gateway Playhouse have announced an important, new partnership. The two iconic organizations are teaming up to present acclaimed jazz trumpeter Benny Benack III, and Broadway star Khailah Johnson in a concert set to take place at the Playhouse 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19.
What makes the this pairing of the Society and Gateway unique is that this is the first actual co-production between the two organizations. According to Gateway Executive Di -
This first show with Benack and Johnson is called “Some Enchanted Evening,” and will feature songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook. Trumpeter Benack, who also sings, is a rarity in the world of jazz for someone of his age – he’s only 34 – in that he concentrates on an American popular song repertoire and is thoroughly grounded in the jazz tradition. Who else out there at his age would quote “Man with a Horn” in the midst of a trumpet solo on “A Lot of Livin’ to Do?” And his latest recording, “Third Time’s a Charm,” features songs ranging from “Where is the Love?” to “The Shadow of Your Smile.”
He’s quite the showman as well, and can scat sing with the best of them. Benack’s current tour has often included rising jazz vocalist, and another relative youngster Veronica Swift, so it will be interesting to hear the collaboration between Benack and singer Khailah Johnson at Gateway, in that Johnson’s experience is mainly on the Broadway stage.
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org, or
by calling the Karen S. Sutherland Box Office at 609-653-0553.
The late Latin percussionist and bandleader Tito Puente, known as the “King of the Timbales,” was a giant of a player and a major influence in Latin American jazz and dance music. Puente passed away in 2000, but his son, Tito Puente Jr., continues to carry on his father’s legacy. His reasons for that are simple. “There was magic in the music my father made,” he says. “It made people happy all over
the world.”
Currently on a nationwide tour, Puente, and his sizzling and swinging ensemble, will appear at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Tickets are available at the Performing Arts Center’s box office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 90 minutes before showtime. Call 609-652-9000 for more information.
Several continuing jazz events in the area are always worth checking out. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood restaurant, within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, continues its weekend policy of booking jazz and jazz-oriented performers, including top-notch singers Paula Johns and Paul Jost, and from time to time, the veteran Brazilian ensemble, Minas. And for as long as I can remember, Bob Sterling’s jazz/fusion crew continues to hold forth at Bocca in Margate every Wednesday night.
Pianist and “open mic maven” Bob Egan’s last appearance in Atlantic City took place at the Claridge in December, which is only one reason why this tremendously popular artist’s upcoming appearance at Atlantic City’s newest nightspot and restaurant, the ByrdCage, is so eagerly-anticipated. Egan will be holding forth at the club on Monday, April 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Egan, deservedly, has a tremendous
following, so reservations are recommended.
Early Ticket Alert: Cape May’s Exit Zero Jazz Festival, taking place May 16-18, has been around in various guises since 2012. While the fest has hosted its share of jazz stars through the years, this upcoming confab is one of the most impressive.
Featured performers this spring include pianist Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band, trumpeter/composer Terrance Blanchard, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel’s Trio, and one of jazz’s newest and youngest singing sensations, award-winning vocalist
Selection - Highest Service - Great
Samara Joy. Note that all shows will take place in Cape May’s Convention Hall. Tickets – which are sure to go very quickly – are available now. Visit exitzerojazzfestival.com for ticketing details and scheduling.
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.
Khailah Johnson
Tito Puente
Live & Local Music Calendar
Thursday, April 3
Atlantic City
Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts
Karaoke w/ DJ Joe
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
DJ Clinton Conyer. 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
Garden State Radio. 7 – 11 p.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.
Gregory’s
Bryan McCloud
6 p.m.
900 Shore Rd.
Josie Kelly’s
Toni Teschner + Billy Walton
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Friday, April 4
Atlantic City
Council Oak at Hard Rock
Minas 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 Chazz. 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Billy Walton Duo. 7 p.m.
3AM Tokyo. 10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Amy Faden Duo. 6 p.m.
Grooveheart. 10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Kono Nation
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Kristen & The Noise
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
The Wave at Golden Nugget
High Noon: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
9 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
No Standards. 8:30 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Brigantine
LaScala’s Beach House
Kenny Curcio Duo. 6 – 9 p.m.
1400 Ocean Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
The BJam Duo. 7 – 10 p.m.
279 S. New York Rd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Bar None Band. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band. 6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Solomon Plays Dylan. 7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Saturday, April 5
Absecon
Reddog’s Hi Point Pub
Jazzmen
2 p.m.
5 N. Shore Rd.
Atlantic City
Anchor Rock Club
Renaissance: Beyonce Night
9 p.m.
247 S. New York Ave.
Council Oak Lounge at Hard
Rock
Brian Betz 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
Shaun Laboy. 6 – 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.
Turning the Tide. 10 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Chris Yoder Band. 5 p.m.
Tailspin. 10 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Daddy Pop
5 – 8:30 p.m.
Lost in Paris
9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Villain and Saint at Ocean Casino
The Coconutz
8:30 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Jimmy Hally
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
Adam & Min. 8 – 11 p.m.
279 S. New York Rd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
The Turtleheads
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Crab Trap
That 70’s Band
6 – 9 p.m.
2 Broadway
Josie Kelly’s
Rob McMahon
4 – 7 p.m.
Playback Band
7 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
The Nighthawks
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Sunday, April 6
Atlantic City
Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts
DJ Eric and DJ Proud
3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino
Dueling Pianos
8 p.m.
500 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
3am Tokyo Duo
7 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Big Bang Baby
4 – 7:30 p.m.
Gab Cinque Band
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery
Hawkins Road
12 – 4 p.m.
72 N. Bremen Ave.
Galloway
279 Social
Nancy Malcun
12 – 3 p.m.
279 S. New York Rd.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
The Notion. 3 – 7 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Josie Kelly’s
Traditional Irish Session
1 p.m.
908 Shore Rd.
Tuckerton
The Lizzie Rose Music Room
Stanley Jordan Plays the Dead
4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Monday, April 7
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget Red
7 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Kicking Sunrise
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
Margate
Bocca
The Flynns
5:30 p.m.
7805 Ventnor Ave.
Somers Point
Caroline’s by the Bay
Trivia Night with DJ Bill
7 – 9 p.m.
450 Bay Ave.
Tuesday, April 8
Atlantic City
Mad Bunny Bar at Resorts
Karaoke w/ DJ Joe
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
1133 Boardwalk
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Patty & Bugzy
8 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Dane Anthony Band
7 – 11 p.m.
1000 Boardwalk
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, April 9
Atlantic City
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget
Michael Stevens. 8 p.m.
600 Huron Ave.
The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock
Yani. 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
Cristina Vane
7:30 p.m.
217 E. Main St.
Events subject to change.
Atlantic City Headliners
Friday, April 4
Earthquake
▶9 p.m.
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Saturday, April 5
Peter Frampton
▶7 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
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
Dancing with the Stars Live
▶8 p.m.
Borgata Event Center
Kings of Love feat. Stokley & Raheem DeVaughn
▶8 p.m.
Tropicana Showroom
Pete Holmes
▶8 p.m.
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Friday, April 18
Melissa Etheridge & Joss Stone
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Saturday, April 19
Cypress Hill
▶7 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Bonnie Raitt
▶8 p.m. Borgata Event Center
Marcello Hernandez
▶8 p.m.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino
Friday, April 25
Zac Brown Band
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
We Them One’s Comedy Tour
▶8 p.m.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Saturday, April 26
Zac Brown Band
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
The Spinners
▶8 p.m.
Resorts Atlantic City
The Stylistics
▶9 p.m.
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Saturday, May 3
Brit Floyd
▶8 p.m.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
On Sale This Week
The Avett Brothers
▶Saturday, Aug. 9
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Tickets on sale Friday, Apr. 4, 10 a.m.
Check out the Zac Brown Band at Hard Rock on April 25. Photo credit: Zac Brown Band Facebook
The magic of baseball
in right field topped by a Ballantine Beer sign seems to touch the sky.
By David Weinberg
Throughout a sportswriting career that has spanned 40-plus years, I’ve had the good fortune to witness hundreds, if not thousands, of games and events in venues across the country.
I’ve been to Bowls (Rose), Coliseums (L.A., Oakland), Domes (Georgia, Metro, Super), Fields (Lambeau, Lincoln Financial, Soldier, Wrigley), Fieldhouses (Conseco), Gardens (Boston, Madison Square), Halls (Boardwalk), Horizons (Blue), Parks (Candlestick, Citizens Bank, PNC), Speedways (Dover, Homestead, Indianapolis), Yards (Camden), and too many Stadiums (Jerry’s World, Levi’s, Raymond James, Sun Devil are favorites) to list.
The kid was hoping Johnny Callison or someone would hit a “Ballantine Blast” so he could recreate the scene in the Lord’s backyard during the nightly wiffleball games.
The Phillies were playing the San Francisco Giants. The kid’s mom had grown up in New York City in the 1930s and '40s, during the days when the Giants played at the Polo Grounds and the Dodgers at Ebbets Field before bolting for the West Coast. His mom and grandmother enjoyed dressing up and heading to the Polo Grounds whenever there was a Ladies Day game.
He entered the game as a Phillies fan, but once he saw Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal, he started rooting for the Giants, too.
It was part of a magical summer for the kid. A few weeks after that game, his boyhood friend Frank “Tater” Smith invited him to go back to Connie Mack to see a Phillies-Mets doubleheader that was also “Bat Day.”
Now
One sticks out above the others.
Offering GOLF LESSONS on Our Range
Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia, located at Lehigh Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets, was home to the Phillies from 1938 to 1970 – and the old Athletics from 1909 to 1954 – when a certain kid who was just falling in love with baseball.
One day in the late 1960s, his father surprised him with Phillies tickets. We went on a bus trip, along with Mr. Maxwell and his son, John.
The kid, in his third year with Firemen of the Cape May Little League, was thrilled. He had watched countless Phillies games on TV (WFIL Channel 17) and listened to By Saam, Bill Campbell and Richie Ashburn on a tiny transister radio on the beach, but had never been to a game in person.
The sights, sounds and smells of the ballpark took his breath away.
He was awestruck. The grass was emerald green and the infield dirt was the color of cocoa. Hand-painted signs featuring ads for Taylor Pork Roll and Wise Potato Chips rimmed the outfield walls. A giant scoreboard
The kid, Tater and every other fan received real “Louisville Slugger” bats, which they held over their heads most of the day. The kid and Tater couldn’t wait to get home and use them during their pickup games in the field behind the old Christian Admiral Hotel.
A home run for Tater, Dave Velli, Scott Mericle, Edward Gibbons and other right-handed hitters was any ball hit onto the Admiral’s seashell parking lot. The kid, who was a lefty,
The author, David Weinberg at 9 years of age.
took aim at Pittsburgh Avenue in right field. Once in a while, he hit one good enough to land on the roof of the Berk’s house on the other side of the street.
Talk about a Ballantine Blast.
Twenty-five years later, the kid took his daughter and son to their first Phillies game at Veterans Stadium. Both were playing in the Lower Cape May Little League – the kid was coaching his daughter’s VFW Women’s Auxiliary Babes softball team – while the son was on Cecil B. Design’s baseball squad.
They too were enthralled by the sights and sounds at the Vet, though the kid thought wasn’t as colorful as Connie Mack.
Twenty-five years after that, the kid took his two oldest grandsons to their first game at Citizen Bank Park. Both were playing tee ball in Lower Cape May’s Little League and were avid Phillies fans, though the youngest, Graham, was more impressed with the Phillie Phanatic than Bryce Harper.
The kid bought them baseballs at the concession stand, which they couldn’t wait to try out in their backyard with Poppy and Dad.
Connie Mack and the Vet are long gone, as is the Christian Admiral and the vacant field behind it. Mammoth summer homes replaced the seashell
park lot.
Scott and Dave have gone to that big ballpark in the sky.
The kid and Tater now play golf together instead of baseball, but still love to recount the day when they held their bats aloft and watched Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman pitching for the Amazins.
The kid has four grandsons now and loves to play baseball with them in the backyard.
Nine-year-old Hampton is in his first season in the 9-10 division of the Lower Cape May Little League while 7-year-old Graham is playing tee ball.
Three-year-old Nixon enjoys to picking up a bat and running around the yard screaming “Bryce Harper Home Run” before sliding in the grass.
Poppy likes to yell, “That was a Ballantine Blast!”
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.
Walking for women: Is it really enough for your cardio workout?
Empowering Women
By Rachel Guevara
Spring is upon us and with the warmer weather and longer days, many women are eager to take their workouts outside.
Walking is often the go-to choice, offering a simple, low-impact way to stay active. But is walking really enough for your cardio workout, or should you be adding more intensity to your routine?
The benefits of walking
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, requiring no special equipment or expensive gym memberships. For women over 30, it can be a great way to maintain an active lifestyle while protecting joint health. Here are some key benefits:
1. Heart health – Walking at a brisk pace improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart, lowering
blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Weight management – While walking alone won’t burn calories as fast as running or high-intensity workouts, it can contribute to weight management, especially when combined with a healthy diet.
3. Mental health boost – Walking outdoors in nature has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood and enhanced mental clarity.
4. Joint-friendly exercise – Unlike high-impact workouts, walking is gentle on the joints, making it ideal for women with knee or back pain.
5. Improved bone density – Regular walking helps slow the loss of bone mass, which is especially important for women as they age and become more prone to osteoporosis.
How to make walking an effective workout
If you’re relying on walking as a primary form of cardio, there are ways to maximize its effectiveness:
• Increase your pace – A slow stroll won’t cut it if your goal is to improve cardiovascular fitness. Aim for a brisk pace where you can talk but feel
slightly out of breath.
• Add intervals – Alternate between fast walking and moderate walking to increase your heart rate and burn more calories.
• Incorporate hills or inclines –Walking uphill or using an incline on a treadmill engages more muscle groups and increases intensity.
• Use weights or resistance – Carrying light hand weights or wearing a weighted vest can add a strength-training element to your walk.
• Track your steps and distance – Aim for at least 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day or set a goal of 30 to 60 minutes per session.
The myths of walking as your only cardio
While walking is an excellent form of exercise, relying on it as your only workout has some limitations. Here are some common myths:
1. “Walking alone is enough for weight loss” – While walking burns calories, it’s not the most efficient way to lose weight unless paired with a balanced diet and strength training.
2. “Walking builds significant muscle” – Walking engages your lower
body, but it doesn’t provide enough resistance to significantly build muscle. Incorporating strength training is key.
3. “Walking is a high-intensity workout” – While brisk walking is beneficial, it doesn’t provide the same cardiovascular challenge as running, cycling or HIIT workouts.
4. “Walking will prevent age-related muscle loss” – Walking keeps you moving, but it doesn’t combat muscle loss the way resistance training does.
The bottom line
Walking is a fantastic addition to any fitness routine, particularly for women over 30 looking to stay active and maintain overall health. However, to truly optimize your fitness, consider complementing your walks with strength training, flexibility work and higher-intensity cardio sessions. Whether you're walking for heart health, stress relief or weight management, making it a consistent and challenging part of your routine will ensure the best results.
So lace up your sneakers, step outside and enjoy the benefits of walking—just don’t be afraid to mix it up!
The benefits of music for individuals with autism: Spotlight on Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival artists
By Jerry Ryan
Music has a unique ability to connect people, evoke emotions, and enhance cognitive abilities. For individuals with autism, it serves as both a therapeutic tool and a means of self-expression. With its structured and rhythmic nature, music provides a sense of predictability and engagement, making it particularly effective for those on the autism spectrum. From improving communication skills to fostering emotional regulation, music offers numerous benefits that enhance overall well-being.
This impact is especially evident in the indie music scene, where talented autistic musicians are making waves with their creativity and passion. At the 2025 Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival, artists like Andrew Ace Greenspan, Brandon Chiola and Miggy Arato (of the Arato Brothers Band) are proving that music is not just therapeutic—it’s a powerful form of artistic expression and connection.
1. Enhancing communication skills
Many individuals with autism face challenges in verbal communication,
ranging from delayed speech development to difficulty expressing emotions. Music can serve as a bridge to communication by encouraging vocalization, rhythm and word association. Singing, for example, helps individuals practice pronunciation and expand their vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.
2. Improving social skills
Social interactions can be overwhelming for those with autism, but music provides a structured and predictable way to engage with others. Group music activities, such as performing in a band or collaborating with other musicians, encourage turn-taking, cooperation and active listening.
3. Supporting emotional regulation
create unique soundscapes highlights the powerful connection between autism and musical intelligence.
6. Encouraging motor skill development
Playing musical instruments or engaging in rhythmic movements, such as clapping or dancing, helps improve both fine and gross motor skills. Activities like drumming enhance hand-eye coordination, while playing a guitar or piano strengthens finger dexterity.
7. Building self-confidence and self-expression
Brandon Chiola exemplifies this, using his performances to engage and connect with audiences, breaking down social barriers and fostering meaningful interactions through music.
Many individuals with autism experience heightened emotions and sensory sensitivities, which can lead to anxiety, meltdowns or difficulty with self-regulation. Music is a powerful tool for emotional expression and relaxation. Slow, calming music can help reduce stress, while upbeat rhythms can enhance mood and energy levels.
For Miggy Arato, music serves as both an emotional release and a way to manage sensory input, providing a structured outlet for expression.
4. Assisting sensory processing
Sensory processing challenges are common in autism, making it difficult for individuals to interpret and respond to sensory input from their environment. Music therapy can help individuals gradually adjust to auditory stimuli in a controlled and enjoyable way.
The Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival provides an inclusive space where musicians like Greenspan, Chiola and Arato can perform in an environment that celebrates neurodiversity. The festival’s embrace of diverse sounds and styles allows autistic artists to create and share their music in a way that feels comfortable and empowering.
5. Boosting cognitive and academic development
Music enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention and problem-solving. Learning lyrics, following a rhythm and recognizing patterns in music stimulate brain activity and strengthen neural connections.
Many autistic musicians develop exceptional skills in composition, instrumentation, and performance. Their ability to memorize complex melodies, write intricate lyrics and
Music provides individuals with autism a creative outlet to express themselves in a way that may feel more natural than using words. Whether through singing, playing an instrument or composing music, individuals can explore their emotions and ideas freely.
For Andrew Ace Greenspan, music has been a deeply personal and transformative journey.
“Music has been instrumental not just for my recovery but also through my everyday struggles in life. Music is my go-to when I am feeling down
or when I need to lift myself up. I was diagnosed as high-functioning autistic at age 18, late in life. It was hard to accept for many years,” he said. “I thought it made me different in ways that I couldn’t be successful with, only to learn that having autism gave me superpowers to write, record, and produce the music that I create. I am very grateful for my talents and to share them, connecting with others. I hope everyone finds this new album I have put out, 'Livin’ Rough, Hangin’ Tough,' healing and providing hope in hard times.”
Andrew Ace Greenspan
Miggy Arato
By Eric Reich
Financial literacy is key to achieving financial freedom.
The earlier you start managing your money wisely, the better. By building strong financial habits, staying disciplined, and setting clear goals, you can take control of your financial future.
1. Start budgeting early: Understanding your cash flow is essential. Use a simple app or spreadsheet to track income and expenses. A common budgeting strategy is the 50/30/20 rule, where:
● 50% of income covers necessities (rent, utilities)
● 30% goes to discretionary spending (entertainment, dining)
● 20% is allocated to savings or debt repayment
2. Build an emergency fund: Having three to six months’ worth of living expenses in savings can prevent
financial hardship during emergencies like medical bills or car repairs. It's always easier to stay ahead than to recover from financial setbacks.
3. Avoid high-interest debt: Credit cards and payday loans can lead to financial trouble if not managed properly. Aim to pay off balances in full each month, avoid unnecessary borrowing, and develop a structured repayment plan for student loans and other debts.
4. Building credit wisely: A credit score determines your ability to secure loans and favorable interest rates. Improve your score by paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization below 30%, and regularly checking your credit report for errors.
5. Start saving and investing early: Time is your greatest financial asset. Compound interest allows your investments to grow exponentially. Consider:
● Low-cost index funds and ETFs for stock market exposure
● Contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), to maximize matching contributions
6. Live below your means: Resist lifestyle inflation — just because you can afford something doesn’t mean you should buy it. Wealth is built by
prioritizing saving and investing over unnecessary spending.
7. Educate yourself about money: Financial education is a lifelong journey. Books like “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel and “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki provide valuable insights into wealth-building.
8. Set clear financial goals: Whether it's buying a home, funding a vacation, or retiring early, well-defined financial goals help you stay motivated. Break long-term objectives into manageable steps to maintain focus.
9. Stay patient and consistent: Wealth-building is a long-term commitment. Avoid get-rich-quick
schemes and focus on steady saving and investing. Even financial mistakes can be overcome with persistence.
10. Take advantage of employer benefits: Maximize your 401(k) match, health savings accounts (HSAs), and other employer-sponsored financial perks. These benefits offer a valuable opportunity to grow wealth.
11. Avoid financial FOMO: Social media often creates a false sense of financial urgency. Stay focused on your personal financial plan rather than keeping up with others’ lifestyles.
12. Strong wealth leads to strong health: Financial stability improves access to healthcare, better nutrition, and mental well-being. A well-managed financial life leads to an overall better quality of life.
By following these principles — budgeting wisely, saving diligently, investing early, and living below your means — you can secure financial freedom and build a bright future. The key is consistency, patience, and education. Register for our upcoming Financial Literacy Seminar for Young Adults on April 24. Visit www.reichassetmanagement.com/events for more information.
Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.
Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.
How to make training click for your dog
By Heidi Clayton
When using positive reinforcement to train a dog, one of the most effective and popular training methods is clicker training. Clicker training is, in my opinion, the most efficient method you can use to make not only the most of your time but to deliver the clearest message to your dog that they did something correctly.
Clicker training involves using a small handheld box or device that normally has a button or a recessed metal tongue that, when pressed, makes a “click” sound. When dogs are consistently rewarded for good behavior, the likelihood of that good behavior being repeated increases. The difference when using a clicker as opposed to verbal praise is that the click sounds the same in everyone’s hands as opposed to verbal praise,
which varies from person to person. Secondly, verbal praise is not always training-specific. Using a clicker during a training session will clearly deliver the message to your dog that they indeed did do it right.
A woman named Karen Pryor is credited for being at the forefront of clicker training from her work with many species of animals using a clicker and the subsequent development of a massive business called “Karen Pryor Clicker Training.” Pryor conducted a study and published an article called “The Neurophysiology of Clicker Training,” which found that the sound of the click is a conditioned response of joy and reaches the brain before verbal praise. So, basically, once a dog associates the sound of a click with receiving a reward and training, they will react reflexively and won't be able to refrain from responding positively.
The sound of the click to an untrained dog might mean nothing at first. But once a dog is “powered up” on the use of the clicker, they may automatically react to it.
To start using a clicker in training, you will first need to “power up” the noise. I use meals as the ideal time to
power up the clicker by simply just clicking and then immediately giving the dog a piece of food. I recommend that you do this for maybe three meals to really drive home that the sound of the click means a reward is coming. Every dog I work with who was not the most enthusiastic learner prior to the introduction of the clicker has an absolutely positive response to it. Their heads whip around to you when they hear the click.
After the power-up, you can then start to click and treat your dog when they offer the desired behavior. For example, when teaching a puppy to sit, you would lure their head up so their butt goes down onto the ground. When their butt hits the
ground, click and treat them. Timing is important when using a clicker, so be sure to mark the “sit” when the butt is still on the floor, not if they are in the process of standing up. You can start to make the task harder by counting to maybe the first five seconds or ten seconds between the click and treat so your dog stops popping up after sitting for a split second. I use clicker training all of the time, both with my clients’ dogs and my own. If you're struggling to train your dog, try employing a clicker. There are endless resources available to show you how.
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
Why did the umbrella go to the doctor? It was feeling slightly under the weather. What is a tornado's favorite game? Twister.
What did one blade of grass say to the other about the lack of rain? We’ll have to make dew.
What did the rainbow say to the pot of gold? You will be the end of me.
Where did the spy go to get out of the rain? Undercover
Riddle Me This
1. What gets wet while drying?
2. I shave every day, but my beard stays the same. What am I?
3. There is boat filled with people, yet there isn’t a single person on board. How is that possible?
4. A man dies of old age on his 25 birthday. How is this possible?
5. What question can you never answer yes to?
6. What is full of holes but still holds water?
7. What month of the year has 28 days?
8. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
9. I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can't go inside. What am I?
10. What always in front of you but can’t be seen?
10. The future
A candle 9. A keyboard
All of them
A sponge.
All the people on the boat are married. 4. He was born on February 29. 5. Are you asleep yet?
A barber
A towel
Answers
SUDOKU Solution on page 70
THEME: DESSERTS
ACROSS
1. Like some champagnes
5. Undergarment
8. Dashboard acronym
11. Poison ivy woe
12. Took to court
13. Milan's La ____
15. Afresh
16. Globes and such
17. SNL's fort й
18. *Ladyfingers+coffee liqueur
20. Grammy of sports
21. Jeweler's unit
22. *Like walnuts on ice cream
23. *Thin Mint or Carmel deLite
26. *Apple dip
30. Nelson Mandela's org.
31. Profoundness, pl.
34. Frost-covered
35. Ticket leftovers
37. Pathet ____
38. Lazybones
39. Samoan money
40. A in AU, Alabama
42. Heidi Samuel ___ Klum
43. Contaminating punch
45. Flammable anesthetics
47. a.k.a. acid
48. Military group
50. Jezebel's deity
52. *Espresso+gelato
56. Forgo
57. Palo ____, CA
58. Sacred image
59. Southern cuisine pods
60. Show the guns
61. Small stream
62. "The Star-Spangled Banner" author
63. Toni Morrison's "____ Baby"
64. Adeline or Addison, for short
DOWN
1. Troublesome child
2. Jasmine of "Aladdin," e.g.
3. Olympic cast-out
4. Smack
5. Anatomical sac
6. Overthrow by argument
7. Marketing creations
8. Wild onion
9. Clever tactic
10. Spanish sea
12. Evening party
13. See-through
14. *Eggs+milk+sugar
19. Old ____, or unpopped popcorn kernels
22. Be, singular past tense
23. Uses a fishing reel
24. Like beer at a kegger (2 words)
25. Round openings
26. Cabbage, in France
27. "The House at Pooh Corner" author
28. African chieftain
29. Ancient Greeks' harps
32. Socket counterpart
33. Bar bill
36. *Filo dough+nuts+honey
38. Book opener
40. Uniting conjunction
41. Robin Hood in Disney's "Robin Hood" (2 words)
44. Keys
46. Mecca to Medina exodus
48. Type of lily
49. Happily ever when?
50. *Make Alaska
51. Gossamer
53. Vinegar or lemon juice, to a chef
54. Communicated
55. James Bond's "For Your Eyes ____"
56. Asian cuisine pan
57. Astern
See Solution on Page 70
The Cosmic Connection with
Ursula Duffy
Horoscopes for April 3-9
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, also known as a birth or natal chart, is a snapshot of the sun, moon, planets and more at the moment of one’s birth. This snapshot holds many keys and secrets to one’s personality and characteristics. It can be considered one’s map, guidebook and lesson plan for life! Everything in the cosmos continues moving beyond the moment of your birth, which influences your life in various and cyclical ways. The rhythm of the sun, moon, planets, stars, and seasons at specific ages influence your life and possibly your attitude toward life. The weekly
Weekly Horoscopes
horoscopes provided here in Shore Local Newsmagazine are written based on your rising sign. These horoscopes are intended to provide guidance and insight based on these rhythms and 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.
♈ Aries: Your waking life may seem more like a dream than usual. That’s the point of this time. Lean into it and embrace the lure of your imagination.
♉ Taurus: The rewrite of your future is still underway. The language is ethereal yet grounded in an emerging new form. Your capacity to co-create has just been leveled.
emerging clarity around disillusionment. Go with the flow.
♊ Gemini: The swiftness of your thoughts and mental agility may feel stalled this week. The discomfort of a wet blanket encourages expanding into new digs.
♋ Cancer: Your public image or role may be shifting in ways that are difficult to discern. This is coupled with shifting beliefs, values and
♌ Leo: Life is asking you to surrender the comfort zone of your own resourcefulness. As you peer into murky waters before diving in, your heart beckons intimate trust in another.
♍ Virgo: The waves of redefining your closest relationships are coming ashore like sets at Mavericks. Wheth -
er to duck or ride is up to you. Either way, facing fear is one significant lesson.
♎ Libra: Standing solidly on your own two feet may feel challenging. Changes in your health and/or day-today life can knock you off balance. A new, stabilizing discipline is emerging.
♏ Scorpio: The creativity zone of your life is flooded with ambiguity. The dynamic between realizing
something solid and something still unformed remains in motion.
♐ Sagittarius: All things home and family have been in a deep chapter of review. There’s a connection to your work and health. An ending in one area can create a beginning in the other.
♑ Capricorn: Your untapped inner magic is beckoning for a voice. Redefining your perspective around its container will reveal a new foundation for communication.
♒ Aquarius: The infinite depths of your ingenuity are slowly being shown to you. As values and resources are redistributed, a redefinition of yourself becomes part of the process.
♓ Pisces: The constitution of your being is like the inside of a chrysalis. The beautiful creation being formed is still partly imaginal cells. The vision for the new you is limitless.
Weekly astrology summary:
The cosmic energy is still tightly concentrated in the zodiac sign Pisces this week. The threshold between transcendence and birth is an active highway with blind curves and parts requiring high beams that can’t quite illuminate the path ahead. We all may need some extra travel time or even extra time pulled over on the shoulder, waiting out the weather or traffic. Mercury retrograde ends on
April 7, although the interventions may continue due to the Piscean terroir, which isn’t Mercury’s homestead. On the same day, stern Saturn and wanderlust Venus meet up again, attempting to re-curate amends in relationship challenges and fears that still need healing space. Their efforts may feel like trying to pour something into a form on the surface of the ocean. Patience and compassion are required to endure attempts at what may ultimately result in means to an end. Healing heart wounds are one of the most grueling parts of this Earth experience. Venus’s retrograde lasts until April 12; more on that next week. 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.
Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Aromatherapist and founder of Ursa Alchemy. Find her astrology readings and astrological aromatherapy services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www.ursaalchemy.com or ursaalchemy@gmail.com.
Distinguished Sales Club and National Association of Realtors.
Five top tips for first-time home buyers
By Elisa Jo Eagan
Buying your first home is equivalent to embarking on a grand adventure. Although extremely thrilling, learning the ins and outs of the process can often seem overwhelming. From determining a budget to obtaining a mortgage loan, there are numerous factors to take into consideration along the way. Keep these five tips in mind throughout the journey.
Work with an experienced, supportive real estate agent
Make a connection with a real estate agent who will assist you and fully understand you, listen to your needs, requirements, and your specific search criteria and will guide you throughout every step of the entire first-time home buying process.
You will be surprised how much easier it is to work from the start with a real estate agent who looks out for you, who will cheer you on, who will protect and negotiate along with you and will help you save money wherever possible.
One of the many additional features offered by your real estate agent is to suggest to you the best options of qualified professionals available to assist you in the home buying process, and, most importantly, put you in touch with a local, experienced mortgage company representative that will make financing your dream home possible.
Check your credit score
Your credit score impacts various aspects of your life, especially when it comes to buying a home. It is a determining factor in being approved for a mortgage with the best interest rate.
Credit Karma offers free credit reports and a phone app which can help you keep track of your accounts and monitor your credit, which can also help you catch what might be negatively affecting your credit score.
Keep in mind that Credit Karma is a simulation estimate of your actual credit score. Having a good mortgage company representative is your best bet to help you and to explain your credit score in greater detail to prepare and guide you in improving your credit for obtaining a mortgage loan.
Be realistic about what you can afford
When setting a budget, it is important to be realistic. To keep your head out of the clouds, consider making a master list of the necessities, such as the number of bedrooms, baths and square footage, and a separate list of the extras, such as hardwood floors and a modern kitchen, that you are willing to compromise on. Many first-time buyers update their home piece by piece, creating the ultimate dream home.
Gather all necessary documents
To get prequalified for a mortgage loan, lenders typically require various documents. It is advantageous to collect pay stubs, bank statements and W-2s from the past two years. Ensuring your paperwork is organized will eliminate having to scramble every time your lender requests additional information.
Get preapproved for your mortgage loan
Once your credit score is deemed acceptable and the required documents are submitted, you will be able to begin the preapproval stage. Being preapproved allows you to submit an offer with confidence, and puts you on an equal footing with competing bids.
As with any adventure, the destination is the most rewarding part. Take the time to enjoy it; you only get to be a first-time home buyer once in a lifetime. Remember there’s no place like your own home. Happy house hunting!
For real estate information and advice, contact Elisa Jo Eagan, the “Real Estate Godmother,” at 609-703-0432. Learn more at www.TheRealEstateGodmother.com.
