November/December 2023 Ocean City Magazine

Ocean City

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 The Premier Lifestyle Magazine for America’s Greatest Family Resort

“Earlier than the Bird” DOWNTOWN SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 | 8 AM - NOON Enjoy free coffee at Jon & Patty’s, 637 Asbury & Ocean City Coffee Co. 917 Asbury.

SHOP IN YOUR PJS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE! Text in to win while you shop for your chance to gobble up gift certificates and prizes from Downtown Merchants!

Noon-3 pm • FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD THE APP

ASBURY AVE. 6-14TH • OVER 100 SHOPS & CAFÉS

oceancityvacation.com 1.800.BeachNJ Facebook/DowntownOCNJ

Contents Nov/Dec 2023

"The beach is not always a place, sometimes it’s a feeling."

Unknown

IN THIS ISSUE 4 The List/Tides 5 Horoscopes 6 Letter from the Editor 8 In the Kitchen 10 Sunday Girl Eats 12 Dining Guide

Home for the Holidays Artist Lauren DeMarco is giving us all the warm and fuzzy vibes that come from a holiday surrounded by loved ones at home. See more of Lauren's work at @Laurenspired on Instagram. This issue and previous issues are readable on www.ocnjmagazine.com.

14 Cheers 18 Snapshots 28 It’s History by Fred Miller 30 Meet the Maker 34 Store Guide 36 Trends: Giving Back 40 Shop Talk: Peace of Wood

48

36

Present Tense

Trends

‘Tis the season of giving and, as always, OC Mag is here to help.

Check out our gift guide!

There is nothing more trendy than a community coming together to support those in need.

42 Ready Player One 46 Peddling the Past 48 Present Tense: Gift Guide 52 Home for the Holidays 54 Beach Reads 55 Word Search 56 Spot It Quiz 57 Activities Guide 58 Be Well 60 Services Guide

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42

Sunday Girl Eats

Ready Player One

62 Real Tour

It’s the perfect time of year to try something new (and delicious!) in your kitchen like this holiday pavlova.

OCHS embraces student interests by creating not only an esports club, but classes too!

66 Last Shot

Actual size

SPOT THE SURFER

We've hidden a surfer in one of the ads in this issue. Email us with the ad she is surfing on at editor@ocnjmagazine.com.

A winner will be chosen on January 1 from correct entries to win a $50 gift card to Cousin's Restaurant 3

On the Radar

Nov

High Tide

Low Tide

1

10:30am 5.0 11:02pm 3.6

4:07am 0.2 5:10pm 0.3

2

11:17am 4.6 11:57pm 3.3

4:54am 0.6 6:05pm 0.5

3

12:09pm 4.3

5:44am 0.9 7:02pm 0.7

4

12:58am 3.1 1:06pm 4.1

6:41am 1.1 8:01pm 0.9

5

2:02am 3.1 1:08pm 3.9

6:44am 1.2 7:58pm 0.9

Home for the Holidays

6

2:04am 3.2 2:08pm 3.9

7:48am 1.2 8:48pm 0.8

It's the most wonderful time of the year... apart from summer.

Now how are you going to spend your holly jolly days? Here are six things we think are must dos this season in OC. - SG

7

2:58am 3.4 3:02pm 3.9

8:48am 1.1 9:32pm 0.7

8

3:45am 3.6 3:50pm 3.9

9:41am 0.9 10:11pm 0.6

9

4:27am 3.9 4:34pm 3.9

10:28am 0.7 10:46pm 0.4

10

5:05am 4.2 5:14pm 4.0

11:12am 0.5 11:20pm 0.3

11

5:42am 4.5 5:53pm 3.9

11:54am 0.3 11:54pm 0.2

12

6:18am 4.7 6:31pm 3.9

12:35pm 0.2

Forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go Downtown to get a Dirty Hippie from OC Coffee Co. Be it hot, cold, spiced or vanilla, things will be great when you're at 9th & Asbury.

13

6:55am 4.9 7:09pm 3.8

12:29am 0.1 1:16pm 0.1

14

7:32am 5.0 7:49pm 3.7

1:05am 0.1 1:59pm 0.1

15

8:12am 5.1 8:32pm 3.6

1:43am 0.1 2:45pm 0.1

3. Party like it's 1929

16

8:56am 5.0 9:20pm 3.4

2:26am 0.1 3:34pm 0.1

17

9:45am 4.9 10:16pm 3.3

3:14am 0.3 4:28pm 0.2

18

10:41am 4.7 11:21pm 3.3

4:10am 0.4 5:26pm 0.2

19

11:44am 4.6

5:16am 0.6 6:27pm 0.2

20

12:33am 3.4 12:52pm 4.4

6:29am 0.6 7:28pm 0.1

21

1:44am 3.6 2:00pm 4.3

7:43am 0.5 8:26pm 0.0

1. Make it a first Grab your First Night button and party like it's 2024. With entertainment happening at multiple venues and fireworks - it's going to be lit.

2. Channel your inner hippie

The Flanders Hotel is hosting its 100th anniversary gala on November 18. Get your tuxes, sequins and fringe in order and we'll see you there - www.theflandershotel.com.

4. Earlier than the Bird Arguably the kookiest (and funnest!) of all annual OCNJ events is almost here. Dress up in pajamas and shop Downtown specials on the morning of November 18.

5. Soup for you When the weather starts to chill, we've got one thing on our minds... a bowl of Jersey Tomato soup from Varsity Inn.

22

2:48am 4.0 3:04pm 4.3

8:53am 0.3 9:21pm -0.1

23

3:45am 4.4 4:02pm 4.3

9:56am 0.1 10:12pm -0.3

6. Groundhog Day

24

4:37am 4.7 4:56pm 4.2

10:53am -0.1 11:00pm -0.4

Take in this classic movie on December 4 at the OC Library.

Take in this classic movie on December 4 at the ... wait a sec.

25

5:26am 5.0 5:46pm 4.2

11:47am -0.3 11:46pm -0.4

26

6:12am 5.1 6:34pm 4.0

12:37pm -0.4

27

6:56am 5.2 7:20pm 3.9

12:31am -0.4 1:26pm -0.4

28

7:39am 5.1 8:06pm 3.7

1:14am -0.2 2:13pm -0.3

29

8:21am 5.0 8:52pm 3.5

1:57am -0.1 3:00pm -0.1

30

9:04am 4.7 9:39pm 3.3

2:40am 0.2 3:47pm 0.1

Good to Know On November 1, the sun rises at 7:25am and sets at 5:57pm. On November 30, the sun rises at 6:57am and sets at 4:35pm.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Photo of Groundhog's Day movie with Bill Murray

TIDE FORECAST

photo credit

THE LIST

Monthly Horoscope Aries March 21 - April 19 Financially, it’s important you pay due attention to how you manage your money and material resources in general. On November 24, Mars – ruler of Aries – begins its transit through your 9th house and induces a thirst for adventure, travel, and explorations that can bring in positive energy.

You stand to gain from choosing dialogue and negotiation. Take the first step toward honest communication and healthy compromise.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Pay more attention to relationships and strive to recreate the balance where there are issues in exercising your personal power. At work, you have great odds at success provided you’re willing to work hard and let go of some habits that are limiting your productivity. You need to prove to be flexible. You have better odds at reaching your goals if you take on a cooperating attitude and strive to make allies.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 You might feel attracted again by someone from your past and could tend to remember only the good, the pretty, and the harmonious aspects. You can expect to have more energy for work and be better organized than usual. Some Geminians are taken by surprise by a totally unexpected offer that involves moving to some other city or even to another country. Make time for your family and gather around you those you love, particularly if you haven’t seen each other for a while.

Cancer June 21 - July 22 With the end of Saturn’s retrograde motion, you can find easy solutions to any relational issues, however difficult. You have great odds at harmonizing your values and beliefs with those of your better half. Financially, if you have some money saved up and want to invest, seek the help of a financial advisor who’s experienced and has a strong reputation. Strive not to make big promises, in your love life or at work. You stand to gain from taking a moderate and realistic attitude.

Leo July 23 - August 22 The love lives of many Leos look to be pretty agitated and hectic. There might be divergent opinions about living spaces, moving, or buying a home. Family conflicts need to be treated with patience, particularly if they involve tense ties to parents. Even if you’re in demand professionally, make time for them, too; listen to their issues and surprise them with a different attitude than the one you had before.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Many reach the conclusion that their relationship is worth the effort so they start to seriously revitalize their life as a couple. It’s time to take on more responsibilities, take the relationship more seriously, even if it’s not official, and strive to make it more solid and more durable. At work, you have great odds at getting better income but there can also be a predisposition toward spending too much on expensive items, pampering yourself, and so on.

Libra September 23 - October 22 You can expect important opportunities and even surprising ones when it comes to improving your income. You might not feel an improvement in your buying power immediately because you have to pay off some debt you’ve accumulated throughout time. But you get the chance to get rid of some worries and become less stressed out.

When it comes to money, it’s time to prove to be diplomatic and patient. Be as objective as you can when you evaluate what you think you’re owed.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 Love ties can be unstable around the middle of the month and you’re most likely the one creating the issues or even conflicts. You stand out professionally provided you are cooperating, calm, and willing to negotiate. After a term of inner turmoil, you feel the need to express your feelings, talk about what you’re going through and what you desire. A constructive attitude can be more helpful since temper outbursts are entirely counterproductive.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 The transits of this term favor honest and deep dialogue on sensitive or painful topics, about what each partner feels and wants. At work, Mercury’s transit through Sagittarius inspires and helps you to align your professional goals with your personal values and beliefs. In this favorable astrological context, you have no shortage of professional opportunities but it’s important you be prepared for them. When it comes to income, you could feel a lot of stress but you can resolve a lot through a more responsible attitude and with better planning when it comes to the resources you have.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 The love lives of Capricornians are more dynamic than usual and maybe marked by contradictions and dilemmas. If you’re involved in a recent relationship, you might not be so clear whether it tends to become platonic, friendly, or if it can take a romantic turn. Also, it’s a good term for focusing on your professional growth. If there are tensions in your family life, particularly around the middle of the month, remember that you’re able to stay calm and lucid.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 This month has great conditions for partners to express their disgruntlements or disappointments and find together the middle ground. To get rid of stress, check whether you’ve set your priorities in a realistic manner and try to organize your activities so that you’re left with time for yourself. At work, your efforts start to pay off. You have prestige and odds are you’ll get an award or be appointed head of the team or so on.

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Professionally, the first half of November could be relatively tense, particularly because you tend to become stubborn. If you’re not open to the propositions and ideas of coworkers, business partners, or associates (as the case may be), you risk causing conflicts and destabilizing some situations that are already difficult. Try not to become the famous know-it-all that ruins everyone’s mood, is always unhappy, and closed off with limited views.

By Eastrolog.com.

For entertainment purposes only.

5

From the Editor x

My son Finn and I took a minute to snap a pic before he headed to the OCHS Homecoming Dance in October.

When the nostalgia hits We all have our earliest memories of being down the shore.

One of mine is of biking around Ocean City as a kid as if I owned the streets... feeling independent and safe on my Huffy with the banana seat. I rode down the entire Boardwalk, and, though two and a half miles, it felt like I somehow traversed Earth on two wheels. This memory and others like meeting friends at the 34th Street playground, buying jelly sandals from Hoy’s, rolls from Bennie’s, and building sand castles 'til the ocean took them back still resonate some 40 years later.

This feeling of nostalgia for home is what guided the magazine covers this year by artist Lauren DeMarco. When I first saw Lauren's artwork, it was like a hook lured me in. Her palette and eye for using textiles in her painting made my heart happy and I knew it would make incredible magazine covers. What I didn't know was how much nostalgia for Ocean City there was behind Lauren's art. Read her story in the Meet the Maker column on page 30 and see how it resonates with you.

At Ocean City Magazine, we’ve been watching these shores since 2010, documenting the people, life and times of this barrier island and its surrounding communities. I’ve referred to the magazine as my fourth child and now that she is a fully blown teenager (14!), the nostalgia is hitting hard and I'm left wondering how the years went by so quickly. Luckily, the magazine is like a mini time capsule – a glimpse back into the not-so-distant past showing the people, places, and things

swirling around OC at the time. If you're feeling it – check out the archived issues online at www.ocnjmagazine.com.

Tis the season for giving and this month, we really got into it.

We’re giving you loads of ways to spend your days… including giving back to the community. From inspiring stories of sharing family traditions with recruits in Operation Fireside to a gigantic gift guide from local shops for everyone on your list – there’s a lot of heart, art, and love on these pages. We go In the Kitchen with Express Pizza, where new owners Chris Monihan and TJ Heist recently joined up with Mike Fitzick from the former (and legendary) Bakeria 1010. Mike is bringing his square sourdough pizzas to the north end, and we couldn’t be more stoked.

From pizza to taco Tuesdays… we head into the cool beachy shack that is Peace of Wood, a gallery and space for creative kid art programs (including taco nights), owned by Kristina Young and her husband Marshall. Kristina painted our Welcome to Ocean City guidebook cover for 2023 celebrating women, relationships, and the ocean. It’s sunny and warm, just like she is. Read Shop Talk on page 40.

When it comes to art, it's like the change of season. It just is what it is, nothing more, nothing less. You can love it, hate it, be indifferent about it, but you can’t deny it.

See you next year!

Visit www.ocnjmagazine.com to sign up for our summer Beachin' Emails, bringing you fun, fresh ideas, features, games, fab photos (like the ones above), and more all about OCNJ. Facebook facebook.com/OceanCityMagazine • Instagram instagram.com/ocnjmagazine 6

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Photo by Diane Tuthill

Stef Godfrey

Come Join The Good Times Open Year Round • Wed - Sun • 12 - 9pm

Casual Family Restaurant Banquets & Parties

Call Today To Book Your Holiday Party Let us host your holiday celebration!

Overlooking the Scenic Greate Egg Harbor Bay 1 Harbor Road & Route 9, Beesley’s Point (Just outside Ocean City) 609-390-3322 • www.tuckahoeinn.com

7

Shore Eats In the Kitchen

WITH

EXPRESS PIZZA & SUBS Express Pizza & Subs continues its tradition of quality food in Ocean City’s North End

A

S A KID growing up in Ocean City, TJ Heist used to eat at Express Pizza & Subs.

So did his friend Chris Monihan.

“It was always one of our favorites,” TJ recalled.

The pair wasn’t alone in this opinion. The popular Express Pizza & Subs was a familyowned and operated restaurant serving Ocean City since 1980.

But after four decades of being a family-run

Go for a cheesesteak plain, or add lettuce and tomato for an extra punch of flavor.

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OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

business, last June, TJ and Chris purchased the restaurant.

“The prior owners had been doing it for years and were ready to retire,” TJ said. “We wanted to pick up where they left off to keep this Ocean City staple open.”

So TJ now stands on the other side of the counter at the north end of the island where he once devoured pizza.

TJ attended Ocean City High School and graduated in 2011. He then went to Washington

Express Pizza & Subs is open all year and located at 719 Battersea Road.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

College in Maryland and then St. John’s in New York City for a certificate in risk and insurance management.

But, Ocean City called.

“After working in insurance for a couple of years, I came home to focus on my own local businesses,” TJ said.

He also started and owns Jet Drive Exchange – a boat and jet ski club in Ocean City with other locations in Somers Point, Avalon, Brigantine, New Gretna and Brick Township. He also owns OCNJ Watersports and All Action Watersports.

TJ is able to be so diversified in his portfolio and operate the time-consuming business of owning a restaurant thanks to Mike Fitzick, Joan Jablonoski and Pablo Cortes.

“We have three managers, Mike, Joan and Pablo, who run the day-to-day operation at Express,” he explained. “Mike spearheads our pizza program, including our new Island Square pizza. Pablo is in charge of our grill, including steaks, sandwiches and specials, and Joan is our front-of-house manager.”

Feel a little famous with the Hollywood, a chicken sandwich with red peppers, melted cheese and a drizzle of balsamic.

When simplicity is the name of the game, a classic white pizza with fresh basil will do the trick.

Express Pizza & Subs Top Tip:

TRICKS OF THE TRADE You know how pizza can get soggy when reheated at home and all you’re clamoring for is that fresh-fromthe-pizzeria crisp bite? Well, when it comes to crispy pizza crust, Express Pizza & Subs knows what’s up – at the restaurant or at home. Express uses a cornmeal-like ingredient on the bottom of its pizzas to ensure it is just as good as a fresh pie when reheated.

Mike has spearheaded other pizza programs and has brought his experience to Express.

“He is the former owner of Bakeria 1010 in Linwood, which was famous for square, specialty pizzas with a sourdough crust,” TJ said. “He has crafted a new pizza, but still with a sourdough crust, that we have added to our menu in addition to our classic round pizzas.

“This new pizza is known as the Island Square and it’s truly an amazing pie. We are excited to offer this new pizza on our menu.”

Joan also has experience in the food industry.

“Our front-of-house manager, Joan, also owns her own catering business, so her expertise has been so beneficial in bringing new offerings to the menu as well as specials and menu additions,” TJ said.

Located at 719 Battersea Road, TJ knows it is more than the geography that makes his restaurant remain a neighborhood favorite.

“It’s one of the only restaurants in the north end of Ocean City and the only one that’s open year-round,” he said. “It’s a go-to staple for locals and visitors alike. Our pizza crust is so unique that many people come here specifically for that pie.”

Although pizza is in the name, the Express steaks are an island go-to as well.

“Our steaks are a fan favorite, and just as popular as our pizzas,” TJ said. “The classic cheesesteak or buffalo chicken cheesesteak are our most popular. We use fresh rolls baked

A spread of delicious fare at Express Pizza & Subs.

daily with the cheese melted into the sandwich. If you’ve never tried one you certainly have to add it to your bucket list. They are fantastic.”

Open daily from 11am to 9pm, TJ feels the service also separates Express from other restaurants in the area.

“At the end of the day, we are a pizza parlor, but we pride ourselves on serving our local community and providing quality consistent food,” he said. “We are excited to expand on the menu with specials, such as lasagna and short rib tacos, as well as a possible breakfast menu.

“We have a lot of fun things in store for the season ahead.”

TJ, of course, has his own favorite meal at his restaurant.

“I’m personally a big fan of the Buffalo chicken cheesesteak, but another one of my favorites is an Express pizza with jalapeños, pineapple and pepperoni known as the ‘Spicy Roni,’” he said.

Unlike the previous owners, there are no family members currently working at Express, “but there is a good possibility that it could be Chris’ or my children’s first summer job one day.”

And like their dads, they certainly will have eaten at Express as kids.

Express Pizza & Subs is located at 719 Battersea Road, Ocean City. Reach them at (609) 398-3322. Find them online at www.expressocnj.com, on Facebook @ExpressPizzaSubs and on Instagram @expressocnj.

By Kevin Callahan.

Photos courtesy of Express Pizza & Subs.

9

Top row left to right: Add egg whites and salt to mixing bowl and whisk until stiff peaks begin.

After adding the last of the sugar, whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy. Finely chop the pistachios.

Bottom row left to right Add ingredients to the meringue mixture and whisk until just combined.

Shape the pavlova on pan and bake. Top cooled pavlova with the whipped cream, cherry sauce and garnish with additional chopped pistachios.

Opposite page: A slice of pavlova is perfect for a holiday treat.

Photos by Amy Mahon.

Holiday Pavlova

SUNDAY

Cherries and pistachios combine for a holiday dessert with flair INGREDIENTS 6 egg whites at room temperature 1 1/2 cups + 1 tbsp granulated sugar Pinch salt 3 tsps cornstarch 2 tsps lemon juice 2 tsps vanilla 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped 1 cup frozen cherries, thawed Zest of one orange 1 cup heavy cream 2 tbsps powdered sugar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 300° F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Wipe the inside of your mixing bowl and whisk attachment with lemon juice to remove any residues. Add egg whites and salt to mixing bowl and whisk on high until stiff peaks begin to form. Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of sugar, about a 1/4 cup at a time, and

10 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

whisk after each addition. Continue to whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture isn't grainy. After adding the last of the sugar, whisk on high for three minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of vanilla. Add to the meringue mixture along with the pistachios and most of the orange zest and whisk until just combined. Scoop the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking tray, forming a circle about eight to nine inches in diameter. Use a spatula to shape the pavlova and continue to layer with the rest of the meringue mixture.

Reduce the oven temperature to 250° F and bake the pavlova on the middle rack for one hour until the pavlova is lightly browned. Do not open the oven while the pavlova bakes. If you need to check it, open the oven quickly. The pavlova should be dry to the touch. Turn off the

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Girl

EATS

oven and let the pavlova cool in the oven for two to three hours or overnight. If the pavlova cools too quickly, it may crack or deflate.

While the pavlova bakes, prepare the cherry topping and whipped cream. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, one teaspoon sugar, one teaspoon lemon juice and about a teaspoon of the orange zest.

Simmer over medium heat and reduce to low heat. Continue to simmer on low heat until sauce is slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and let cool/transfer to refrigerator to cool completely. In a small chilled bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar and one teaspoon vanilla on high until soft peaks form. Keep cold until pavlova is completely cooled.

Top cooled pavlova with the whipped cream, cherry sauce and garnish with additional chopped pistachios.

Follow Amy Mahon on Instagram @ sundaygirleats and at www.etsy.com/shop/ beachgirlacrylics.

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Shore Eats The Dining Guide BREAKFAST I LUNCH I SWEETS Aneu Kitchen Grab and go gourmet market. Breakfast sandwiches, heat and eat entrees, beach delivery. 5501 West. 609232-7075, www.aneucatering.com.

Asbury Kitchen Extensive and healthy menu. Inside and outside seating, gluten free options. 624 Asbury. 609-399-3639, www.asburykitchen.com.

Augie's Omelette & Waffle House Breakfast and lunch with unique items like the peanut butter and jelly waffle. 9th & Atlantic, 391-0222.

and the Salty Dog (maple icing, pork roll, and a salted caramel drizzle) you’ll feel like a sailor navigating waves of a dessert ocean. 2133 Asbury, 609-938-2253.

Ocean City Coffee Company Fresh brews, coffee drinks, bites. 9th & Boardwalk, & 1066 Boardwalk, 917 Asbury, 399-5533. Open year round.

Positively Fourth Street Breakfast and lunch. Dinner in season. Innovative dishes.

Outside dining. 400 Atlantic, 814-1886.

PIZZA I BURGERS l FRIES l SANDWICHES

Aunt Betty's Seriously fresh ice cream.

2100 Asbury; 40th & West. 398-4001; 398-4005.

Flippers Grille Outside Port-O-Call Hotel. Burgers, etc. 1510 Boardwalk, 399-8812.

Blitz's Market Breakfast sandwiches, pickle sandwiches, burgers, steak sandwiches, vegetarian and vegan options, smoothies, catering, and more. Open year round. 2100 Asbury, 609-399-6080.

Jilly’s Ice cream and fries... best day ever!

Ice cream, 1172 Boardwalk. Fries, 1034 Boardwalk.

Christine's Italian Pastry Shoppe Custom cakes, delish pastry, gluten free options. 314 Tilton, 646-5666.

DeFelice Exquisite Cakes Online bakery delivering pies, sheet cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cheesecakes, mousse cakes, strawberry shortcake, birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and more to the South Jersey area.

609-545-8942.

Goji Cold pressed juices, coffee, treats, smoothies, bowls, plant-based eats. 612 Asbury, 814-2816.

Hooked on Breakfast From crepes to choc chip cannoli pancakes, this eatery has a menu to please everyone. Daily specials, outside dining. 916 Asbury, 938-9285.

Johnny B Goode Waffles, ice cream, family entertainment, fresh made fudge and other confections. Outside dining.

14th & Asbury, 525-0646 & 34th & West, next to Hoy’s, 525-0648.

Kirk’s Pizza Amazing steak sandwiches.

Outside tables. 44 Route 9, Marmora.

390-1845.

Manco & Manco Pizza Thin crispy pizza that's a must try. Three locations on the Boards. 7th, 9th, and 12th Streets, and now available at Citizen's Bank Park, Philadelphia. Go Phillies! 399-2548.

Prep's Pizzeria Stromboli, calzones, sandwiches, pizza and a dairy bar with all your favorite ice cream dishes and hot homemade waffles. 10th & Boardwalk, 398-0636.

Sandwich Bar We're a bit obsessed with the chicken cutlet with rabe. We have to go get one right now. Cash only. 3255 Asbury, 741-9888.

GLOBAL CUISINE I SEAFOOD Adelene Serving breakfast and lunch daily. Burger Bar. Gorgeous beachfront space. 1510 Boardwalk, 800-334-4546.

Johnson’s Popcorn One whiff of this corn a cookin, and you'll be hooked. 1368 Boardwalk, (800) 842-2676. Open year round.

Cold Spring Brewery NJ's first nonprofit brewery. Free parking, wifi, indoor/ outdoor seating, growlers, crowlers, and cans available. 733 Seashore, Cape May. 609-854-3077.

Nauti Donuts With flavors like Mermaid’s Delight (strawberry icing, Fruity Pebbles, and marshmallow drizzle)

Cousin’s Varied and sophisticated menu.

Outside dining, catering too. 104 Asbury, 399-9462.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Thank you to all the restaurants who support Ocean City Magazine and the Ocean City Guidebook.

Please visit them and tell them we sent you!

Crab Trap Seafood, prime rib, steak and pasta dishes. 2 Broadway, Somers Point, 927-7377.

Deauville Inn Recent renovations give the restaurant a modern flair. Fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches... try the prime rib dip. Full bar, outside dining. 201 Willard, Strathmere, 263-2080.

The Farmstand at 14th A healthier, lighter simpler style with plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Burgers and chicken too! Outside dining. 1368 Boardwalk, 399-3439.

Hula Restaurant and Sauce Company Tasty Hawaiian cuisine. We love the Firecracker Shrimp. Outside dining. 940 Boardwalk, 399-2400.

Mama Mia's Gourmet pizzas, calzones, flatbreads and fine dining entrees.

Delivery anywhere on the island. 4 Roosevelt, Marmora, 624-9322.

Ocean City Restaurant Association Member restaurants all over the island.

Eatinocnj.com.

Oves Restaurant Fresh seafood dinners, homemade apple cider donuts. 4th & Boardwalk, 398-3172.

Somers Point Brewing Company A local, independent craft brewery, with an indoor tasting room. Their motto is simple – drink local, eat local. 705 W New York Avenue, Somers Point, 788-0767.

Tuckahoe Inn Waterfront dining with live music. 1 Harbor Road & Route 9, Beesley’s Point, 390-3322. Open year round.

Yesterday's Creekside Tavern An iconic year round sports destination.

Newly renovated, live music, indoor and outdoor dining, open daily. 316 Roosevelt, Marmora, 609-390-1757.

Pizza • Cheesesteaks Hoagies • Wings & More Fresh Dough Made Daily Minutes from OC over the 34th Street bridge

44 Route 9, Marmora, NJ kirkspizza.com • 609-390-1845 www.CapellaOilAndVinegars.com “They’re Not Just Oils & Vinegars”

Shop our holiday gifts!

la’s

el Cap

Oil & Vinegar

We create delicious memories

1123 Asbury Ave, Ocean City • 609-568-6659

The Cure for the Common Omelette

Celebrating 31 years of First Night!

Sunday, December 31, 2023 A fun filled night of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight!

•Breakfast All Day •Kids Menu •Daily Lunch Specials •Homemade Soups Scan for online ordering!

www.augiesocnj.com 9th & Atlantic, OCNJ • 609-391-0222

This year's headliners include: Gypsy: The Music of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Motor City: The Motown Revue Other activities include: Harlem Wizards Brass Transit & The OC Pops Mentalist Dustin Dean Inflatables Rides at Wonderland Pier Ice Skating Rink The Sensational Soul Cruisers Magician Chad Juros Illusionist Salazar ...And So Much More!

For admission buttons and more information please visit firstnightocnj.com or call 609-399-6111

Open 7am-2pm Daily in Season • Call for Hours Off Season 13

WITH LINDA ARCEO

Spicy Bloody Maria With a reputation as a hangover cure, also known as “hair of the dog,” the Bloody Mary is the ideal morning cocktail when you’ve had a little too much holiday cheer. For a new spin on this classic drink, make a Spicy Bloody Maria by using tequila instead of vodka. Cheers!

Serves 2 8 oz. tomato juice 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Dash (or two) of hot sauce 1 tsp of prepared horseradish 1/2 tsp olive juice Small pinch of salt and pepper 1 tbsp of Tajin seasoning 2-4 ounces of tequila (I used cucumber jalapeño tequila) Assorted garnishes such as lemon wedges, lime wedges, Spanish olives, bacon slices, fresh parsley or celery Wet the rim of two highball glasses with lemon and rim with the Tajin seasoning.

Fill the glasses about 3/4 of the way with ice.

Add ice to a large cocktail shaker (or small carafe or pitcher) and combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, olive juice, salt and pepper and tequila and shake (or stir) well to blend.

Pour mixture into prepared glasses and garnish.

Good to Know The great thing about this mixture is you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences.

Follow Linda Arceo on Twitter and Instagram @giggobgulp and online at www.gigglesgobblesandgulps.com 14

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Photos by Linda Arceo

UNCLE BILL’S PANCAKE HOUSE

Lunch Specials - Come grab a seat!

MONDAY Homemade Meatloaf OR BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich TUESDAY Boneless Country Pork Chop OR Chicken Florentine Sandwich WEDNESDAY Homemade Chicken Pot Pie OR Build-a-Burger/Cheesesteak THURSDAY Local Favorite “Thanksgiving Thursday” OR Salad Day FRIDAY Grilled Cheese Special OR Crab Cake Platter

Holiday Gift Certificate Special Buy $100, Get $20 free! available through Christmas

SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH YEAR ROUND 7AM-2PM

www.UncleBillsPancakeHouse.com • 2112 Asbury, OCNJ • 609-398-7393

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3 Locations on the Ocean City Boardwalk 8th and Boardwalk • 9th and Boardwalk • 12th and Boardwalk Free delivery anywhere in Ocean City, call 609-399-2548

Or try our 4th location in Somers Point Ocean Heights Shopping Center • 609-927-9900 Visit us online at mancospizza.com or facebook.com/MancosPizza • Follow us on Instagram @mancoandmanco 15

Local Ocean Snapshot

Your Shot

This page, clockwise from top: The Ninth Street Bridge shines at night by Debbie Shepard. Will Tozer, Lukas Tuthill, and Gregory Guyon after a surf sesh by Diane Tuthill. A new day begins by Debbie Shepard. Opposite page: Crescent moon over the bay by Tom Servis. Got a great pic or two from your time in OC? We want to print it! Send to editor@ocnjmagazine.com.

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Local Ocean Snapshot

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OCHS Football Duke Guenther at work.

Photo by Kerri Janto.

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Local Ocean Snapshot

OCHS Football Game

This page, clockwise from top: Coach Kevin Smith; MaKenna Fleming, Presley Green & Carly Gleason; Ron Moretti, Walker Bailey & Nick Bailey; Caitlin Stell, Abby Leypoldt, Olivia Eggie, Kaylee Newton, Gianna Molinari, Sam Beckmann, Emily Mullins & Shiloh Smith; Jules Sardinas. Opposite page: Brendan Bergman, Talon Fischer, Walker Bailey, Luke Holmes & Clifford Dirkes; Cole Dessicino, Eric Reiff, Ryan Hendricks, Will Kutschera, Jules Sardina, Ryder Hay. Photos by Kerri Janto.

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Local Ocean Snapshot

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Fall Block Party

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Melanie Moore, Kristy D’Ercole, Shannon Steinmaetz, Angel Melvin, Michelle Mccalla; Molly & Maddie McGonigle; Avery Quilter, Saylor Zindel & Scout Berenato. This page, clockwise from top: Joe, Ryan, Bree Gwen & Sami McCullough; Stephanie DeRose, Chiara Dawkins, Maria Wright; Maddie Rossetti, Bella Foglio & Caitlin Quirk.

Photos by Kerri Janto.

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Local Ocean Snapshot

OCHS Girls Sports

This page, clockwise from top: Kailyn Nilsen, Peighton Clemens, Kai Linthicum & Alana Clevenger; Maeve Geary, Delaney Ireland & Carly Godfrey; Kelsea Bowman, Alexis Allegretto, Trista Sparks & Chloe Howard; Madelyn & Casey Adamson. Opposite page: Anna McCabe, Zoey Lappin, McKenna Chisholm, Ashley Rhodes & Maddie Rossetti; Julia Neff, Mia Pancoast, Kate Cossaboon, Breanna Fabi, Gracie Pierce, Julianna Duff, Kelsea Cooke, Nikki Rumaker & Taylor Amstutz.

Photos by Kerri Janto.

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Local Ocean Snapshot

Boardwalk

This page, clockwise from top: Meredith, Kelly & Mike Detwiler; Brendan Degan, Maddy Neill, Jocelyn Serrano & Jayda Serrano; Jennifer Mulhall & Penny Delgaudio.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Caroline Kilty & Maddie Shields; Alice Moszczynski & Mike Reed; PJ, Jonathan, Marilyn & Leon Goodman.

Photos by Kerri Janto.

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27

Local Ocean It’s History

Ocean City Bridges

BY FRED MILLER

N

O HISTORY of Ocean City would be complete without mentioning the many bridges that helped make this barrier island “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”

On June 15, 1883 Ocean City’s first land route to the mainland was completed at 34th Street. Rev. William B. Wood, president of the Ocean City Association, reported, “It is a little over two miles in length, connecting Ocean City with the shore road leading from Beesley’s Point to Cape May City. The thoroughfare is spanned by a good bridge containing a draw, at which is erected a suitable house for the accommodation of the toll-keeper.” The charges were 10 cents for horse and wagon and five cents for pedestrians.

The next two bridges were built by railroad companies to get their trains into Ocean City. In 1884, the West Jersey Railroad built a bridge over Corson’s Inlet entering Ocean City at 52nd Street.

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On July 1, 1907, the first Shore Fast Line trolley came over a trestle bridge from Somers Point entering Ocean City at 8th Street.

On April 11, 1914, the Ocean City Automobile Company opened the causeway and four bridges connecting Ocean City and Somers Point.

The trip across the Great Egg Harbor Bay cost 25 cents for the driver and automobile and five cents for each passenger. The toll was ended on August 15, 1922 when the causeway was sold to the State of New Jersey.

On May 15, 1914, Reuben W. Edwards and John P. Fox, Ocean City residents and Cape May County Freeholders, led the ceremony officially opening the new bridge at 34th Street. This replaced the city’s first bridge to the mainland built in 1883.

In 1917, the Cape May County Board of Freeholders authorized a bond issue of $134,000 for the building of automobile bridges over Corson’s Inlet and Middle Thoroughfare to connect Ocean City and Strathmere. These bridges were rebuilt in the fall of 1933.

The Ocean City-Longport Bridge was dedicated on October 25, 1928.

Congressman Isaac Bacharach and Mayor Joseph G. Champion cut a ribbon formally opening the bridge. It cost $1,250,000 and was built in only ten months. The toll for automobiles was 25 cents. A strip of five tickets cost $1.

Alfred R. Smith, World War veteran and former captain of the Ocean City lifeguards, was the grand marshal of the parade at the August 19, 1933 dedication of the new 9th Street bridge. The modern structure replaced the automobile causeway built in 1914. Mayor Harry Headley said, “This is the most magnificent entrance of any resort along the New Jersey coast.”

In 1948, a new bridge was built over Corson’s Inlet replacing the 1933 bridge.

On July 4, 1962, the new 1,625 foot-long Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge connecting Ocean City with Marmora at 34th Street opened.

On March 4, 1991, a new bridge over Middle Thoroughfare was dedicated to the memory of Rush Chattin. Chattin, who died on January 19, 1982, was a longtime city employee and avid fisherman. The bridge was built with a wide platform running along both sides of the bridge to provide safe areas for those fishing from the bridge.

On July 19, 2002, over 1,000 people participated in the dedication ceremony of the new $55 million Ocean City-Longport Bridge.

On October 27, 2006, Governor Jon S. Corzine, Mayor Sal Perillo and local citizens celebrated the start of construction on the new Route 52

causeway (also known as the 9th Street Bridge, Howard S. Stainton Memorial Causeway) the major link between Ocean City and Somers Point.

Governor Corzine reported the two-and-a-half-mile-long causeway will consist of two high-level fixed bridges, four wide lanes, an emergency shoulder, a separate walking and bike path, a fishing pier, boat ramps, parking lots, and beautiful new Roy Gillian Welcome Center. The entire project was completed in 2012. Mayor Jay Gillian led the dedication ceremony on May 24, 2012.

The causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point was on many postcards from 1933 to 2012.

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Local Ocean

MEET THE MAKER/// ARTIST

Lauren DeMarco Written by Kevin Callahan. Photos courtesy of Allie Wilson & Lauren DeMarco.

Right: Lauren DeMarco and her family – husband Frank and children Chi Chi and Louie – spend some time on an Ocean City beach.

Lauren in her studio surrounded by her artwork.

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Lauren DeMarco’s art is very expressive and reflects just how introspective she is.

“I think that we’re actually a lot lonelier in our society than we realize that we are and we are constantly looking for this connection,” Lauren said. “And even though it sometimes feels like we should be able to just do everything on our own, it’s just so much more fulfilling when there’s other people involved.”

And although she paints for others, sometimes creating is something she does just for herself.

“I am able to kind of differentiate when I’m making something for me to meditate and just be in a flow versus when I’m creating something with the very specific intention of it being meaningful to someone else,” she explained. “I do work through my own processes, my own experiences through the work. And a lot of times when I communicate those feelings that I was having when I’m making something, it does help other people connect with the work better.”

Lauren, an Ocean City High School graduate, painted a thoughtful piece recently for her daughter’s 10th birthday, and it tugged on her emotionally.

“It’s like double digits,” she reflected on her daughter’s age, “and just felt like a chapter kind of closing.”

The painting for her daughter was 10 sunflowers blossoming out of a suitcase.

“It was about showing her the world and the 10 sunflowers for the 10 years,” Lauren explained.

“So when people see that piece they say, ‘oh, that’s pretty. I like it. It’s the yellow pops on the blue,’ and they can find their own story from it.

For instance, this can be a connection of seeing the suitcase and enjoying travel.

“But, then when I express what it’s about for me, it sells them even further on the connection, the concept and they can feel connected to me as another person, even if they don’t know me,” Lauren said, “and feel like they’re more connected to the rest of the world.”

Lauren, a school nurse in Atlantic City, grew up in Ocean City and now lives across the 34th Street bridge in Beesley’s Point with her husband, Frank DeMarco, and two children, daughter Chi Chi and son Louie.

Her artist journey came out of a desire to unwind from her day job.

“I started experimenting with all different kinds of mediums about 10 years ago to cope with

anxiety around a new nursing job, but I didn’t really find my voice and start incorporating my story into my work until about two years ago,” Lauren said.

“I have been connecting with my customers so much more since putting my own identity and experiences into the work.”

The 34-year-old was asked to do the monthly cover art for this year’s six Ocean City Magazines.

She enjoyed coming up with a different concept for each month, which centered around her childhood memories growing up on the island.

“I lived on Plymouth Place, so we used to watch the fireworks over the Ferris wheel when I was a kid from my porch and we had geraniums on the porch and my neighbor would bring a cowbell and it was fun,” she recalled. “So I put a lot of those little details kind of sprinkled in to the Fourth of July issue.”

For the May issue, Lauren painted a piece called “This Morning” for her inaugural cover.

“It’s kind of like the start of the new season and that feeling of being up on the Boardwalk on the north end and then walking over the dunes and seeing the water sparkling, that fresh summer feeling,” she explained.

“So I was just kind of coming up with these experiences that I had and pouring some symbols and some of my story into it, which made it really feel special for me and then it resonated and it was helpful in connecting other people who love the town.”

Lauren works primarily in acrylics and collage, but also paints pottery. She also does some “improv” quilting and embroidery.

Lauren’s art-based business, which includes products such as stickers, cards, prints and bookmarks in addition to her small fine art collection and original pieces for sale, are sold on her website and at in-person markets. Her art is sent around the country for sale in stores.

For more information on Lauren’s expressive collection and work, see Laurenspired.com or follow Laurenspired on Instagram.

And, you may be moved to do some introspection as well.

“I’ve been inspired by a lot of people,” Lauren said.

“So I really try to pay that forward."

She encourages others to dive into art if they’re interested.

“If you’re curious, you should at least give it a shot. It can be really helpful, it’s something to help, you, you know, stand up a little straighter.”

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Shopping OC Store Guide DOWNTOWN Art On Asbury The gallery offers work from over 50 local artists in watercolor, oil, acrylic, mixed media, photography, pottery, textiles, and sculptures. Original art, giclees, and prints are available for sale. 711 Asbury, 814-0308.

Artisan Body Products Organic, vegan, and gluten free soaps.

Bathroom accessories, mens soaps and shaving needs, lotions and scrubs, gifts. 920 Asbury, 398-5661.

Bowfish Kids Posh children's seaside boutique. Organic cotton baby clothes, everyday staples for boys and girls, and superfun dress up clothes, toys, and books for your mini. 956 Asbury, 938-1901.

Capella's Oil & Vinegar Tasting room with oils and vinegars, curated home goods, specialty foods. Head in for a oil and vinegar pairing – we're vibing on honey ginger these days.

1123 Asbury, 609-568-6659.

Downtown Ocean City 100+ distinctive shops, cafes, galleries, spas, and salons, Downtown is home to the best in shopping, dining, culture, and relaxation. From 6th to 14th Streets on Asbury, 800-BEACH-NJ. Kay Jay's Doll Shoppe Your at the shore toy store. An Ocean City destination since 1985. 737 Asbury, 399-5632.

Primitive Beach Locally-sourced coastal merchandise with soulful vibes. Be unapologetically you. 601 E. 9th, primitivebeachboutique.com.

Salty Seahorse Original art, jewelry, candles, pottery, and more. Plus a supercute dog named Finlay.

714 Asbury, 609-938-9173, www. saltyseahorse.com.

Thank you to all the businesses below who support Ocean City Magazine and the Ocean City Guidebook. Please visit them and tell them we sent you!

She'z the Boss Apparel, accessories, and more. Getting to chat with owner Jackie is part of the fun. Tell her we said hi. 709 Asbury, 609-2264880.

whipped creamy fudge, sugar-free selection, salt water taffy, choccovered pretzels, wedding favors, corporate gifts. Open everyday, year round. 800 Boardwalk, 398-7457.

Shop Local Featuring over 20 local artists. Candles, keychains, jewelry, wall art, and more. 620A Asbury.

Payton Jewelry Handmade jewelry, apothecary line, handpicked accessories. 952 Boardwalk, 9381276.

Shoppes at the Asbury Featuring gifts, clothes, jewelry, baby clothes, mens wear, and more. 801 Asbury, 545-8688.

Sneaker Shop Janet and Maureen know their stuff. Specializing in running footwear and apparel. They strive for the perfect fit. 704 Asbury, 391-5223.

Stainton's Gallery of Shops Featuring gifts, clothes, jewelry and more. 810 Asbury, 545-8681; 1216 Boardwalk, new location.

BOARDWALK Jilly’s T-Shirt Factory Get your Phillies at Jilly’s and lots more. 762, 936 and 1048 Boardwalk, 385-1234.

LEH Soap Using the best ingredients nature offers to make their small batch skin care. Also carrying an array of specialty bath and body products including Naked Bee, Farmhouse Fresh, Mistral, and more. 1312 Boardwalk. 937 Asbury, open year round.

Surf Mall The indoor shopping mall is filled with everything from novelty t-shirts to incense, sunglasses, an oxygen bar, beach essentials, games, trendy toys, surf gear, tie dye, jewelry, kids gear, posters, tapestries, and so much more. 1154 Boardwalk, 3981533.

Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge Shop the largest selection of candy in Ocean City while watching production of their fabulous sweets.

Ships anywhere in the US. 9th and Boardwalk, 399-0100.

BAY/WEST AVENUE & SIDE STREETS Shoemaker Lumber For all of your summer outdoor needs. From Beach Chairs, Deck Chairs, Trash Corrals to Weber Grills, they are in stock with free local delivery. 1200 West, 399-0150, www.shoemakerlumber. com.

Heritage Surf and Sport Surf lessons, camp, and women's surf club. Apparel and footwear for the entire family. Accessories and gear for the surf and sand. Fully stocked boardroom with accessories.

740 West, 398-6390 & 14th & Boardwalk, 391-SURF. ON THE WAY TO OC Yes She Can Bras, bra-sized swim, sleepwear, lingerie, shapewear, workout clothing. Professional bra fittings too. 50 Tuckahoe Road, 4783266.

Fudge Kitchen Candy that melts in your mouth. Huge selection of hand35

Shopping OC CHARITABLE TRUST

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City presents CSCNJ with a check for $15,200. Photo courtesy of CSCNJ at Gilda’s Club.

Volunteers at St. Peter’s package groceries and supplies for OCNJ CARE to deliver to those in need. Photo courtesy of OCNJ CARE.

TRENDS

GIVING BACK Supporting charitable ventures during the holidays – and all year – is always in style

C

HARITIES across the nation are desperate for donations and volunteers.

A U.S. Census Bureau and AmericCorps survey found overall volunteerism fell seven percentage points post-pandemic. The same goes for charitable contributions, which have dramatically declined across the board. Even established organizations have been impacted, such as the American Red Cross, which saw a whopping 25 percent decrease in donations.

In contrast, charitable needs are rising dramatically. Between troubling medical diagnoses, weather-related damages and the rising costs of goods and services, some are struggling to get by day-to-day.

It’s important that these charities remain accessible to those in need. For large charitable organizations, it can be hard to provide those quality services while being stretched so thin.

That’s where local nonprofits step in. These charities are supported almost entirely by community members and often have personal motivations, giving them a strong drive to see things through.

And there’s no place better to look for those charities than right around Ocean City.

THE JACKSTRONG FOUNDATION Ten years ago, two-year-old Jack Scanlan’s family received frightening news: Jack had been diagnosed with leukemia.

After months of chemotherapy and radiation, the local Upper Township child wasn’t headed into remission.

It was then the family discovered Jack’s five-year-old brother 36 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Michael was a perfect match for a bone marrow donation.

Michael donated his bone marrow and provided this story with a happy ending. Many local families are familiar with Jack’s story and the foundation because Jack’s parents Mike and Kelli Scanlan are not only local residents, they’ve owned Mike’s Seafood restaurant in the southend of Ocean City for 18 years. Jack, now 12 years old, is part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) survivorship program and The Jackstrong Foundation was formed in his honor.

According to Jack’s aunt and The Jackstrong Foundation founder, Chrissy Stapleton, the nonprofit raises funds to support pediatric cancer research at CHOP and to assist those battling childhood cancer. The foundation fundraises through special events, such as flower and wreath sales, lemonade stands and fall mum sales. The money not donated toward research is used to offer a reprieve to children battling cancer through toy and costume donations, meal vouchers and more.

“The most rewarding and inspiring part of all of this is to instill in our own children the importance of helping others,” Chrissy said. “Our children are learning firsthand how to make the world a better place and help those that sometimes are a little less fortunate.”

Those looking to financially support the work of The Jackstrong Foundation can make a tax-deductible donation at TheJackstrongFoundation.org.

OCNJ CARE OCNJ CARE was first formed in response to the devastation left by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Its initial mission was to care

By Chelsea Valcourt

There are so many worthy ways to give back this holiday season, including donating to a local charity

Jack Scanlan, 12, smiles with big brother Michael, 15. When Jack was 2 years old and fighting leukemia, Michael donated his bone marrow to help his little brother recover. Photo courtesy of The

Jackstrong Foundation.

for those displaced by the storm, but as time went by the nonprofit’s mission shifted to other community needs. As the world was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, they helped those most likely to be affected by the novel coronavirus. Like most charitable organizations, OCNJ CARE relies on the generosity and compassion of those within its community.

Locals have donated their time, money, food and supplies to help their neighbors in need.

“We are grateful and blessed to be a positive influence in our community and to have worked with so many generous community partners and volunteers,” said Drew Fasy, OCNJ CARE chairperson.

The group is dedicated to helping at-risk populations, such as the elderly, with help completing basic tasks during which they could be exposed to disease. These tasks may include shopping or picking up medications. They also work to provide meals to those in need — including school-aged children and older adults.

OCNJ CARE couldn’t do this work alone. In addition to volunteers and monetary donations through its website, OCNJCare.org, the nonprofit relies on partnerships with other local organizations including the Ocean City Public School District, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, City of Ocean City, Ocean City Restaurant Association (www.eatinocnj.com), the local fire and police departments and other local businesses.

“I see OCNJ CARE as a partnership-organization. We simply could not do what we do without our community partners,” Drew said. “It only works because we all work together.”

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF NEW JERSEY AT GILDA’S CLUB Receiving a cancer diagnosis at any age can be terrifying and can oftentimes feel very isolating, especially if those around you haven’t experienced the same thing. Despite that isolating feeling, battling cancer isn’t a fight that can be fought alone. It requires doctors, loved ones and a steady support network ready to pick you up when you stumble.

The Jackstrong Foundation hosted a successful mum sale earlier this fall. Mums were sold and picked up in Ocean View and Havertown, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of The Jackstrong

Foundation.

That’s where the Cancer Support Community of New Jersey (CSCNJ) at Gilda’s Club can help.

CSCNJ at Gilda’s Club offers those battling cancer and their loved ones support groups run by licensed mental health professionals. The nonprofit also offers a multitude of programs including. What Do I Tell the Kids, for instance, is a workshop to help those diagnosed with cancer learn how to speak about their diagnosis with their children and families. There are a variety of social get togethers, such as Men’s Night, Women’s Night and Supper & Social. There are also yoga and strength training classes, book clubs, arts and crafts programs, dance nights and many other offerings. There are also virtual offerings — an addition during the pandemic that has persisted to help those who are immunocompromised take part in programming.

“The mission at Cancer Support Community New Jersey is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community,” said Jessica Melville, Development Director of CSCNJ at Gilda’s Club.

The organization has many fundraising events throughout the year, including a restaurant gift card raffle, a Polar Bear Plunge, thirdparty fundraising events and the annual Dragon Boat Festival. More information about these events and how to donate to CSCNJ at Gilda’s Club can be found at CSCNJ.org.

A COMMUNITY OF CARING Whatever the cause and whatever the need, all charities rely on the support of their communities. While the pandemic caused significant challenges in their work, charities in Ocean City and beyond have worked tirelessly to adapt and even expand their capabilities. It takes a group of compassionate and dedicated people to ensure that those who need assistance have access to the help and resources they need.

Despite the national downturn in volunteers and donations, these organizations have persisted and are resolved — perhaps now more than ever — in their pursuit to create a better world through their actions.

In turn, the community is showing up to support them.

37

ART R ON O ASBURY S SB SBU SBUR A GALLERY of local Artists featuring fine art in all mediums

Monthly Exhibits

711 Asbury Ave. Ocean City, NJ 609-814-0308 www.oceancityfineartsleague.org

Open Daily

Open Everyday Year Round 6am-11pm 418 Atlantic Avenue Ocean City, NJ 609-399-8123

PARTY with US! JiLLy’s Arcade is the perfect place to host your next celebration!

BOOK online at JiLLysocnj.com or scan the code

JiLLy’s Arcade 38 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

12th & Boardwalk, Ocean City

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

609-385-1234

Happy Howlidays!

Closed Saturdays.

We ship!

•Corporate Gifts • Party Favors • Souvenirs GET CONNECTED OCEAN CITY BOARDWALK 14th St. (Open Year Round) • 8th St. • 6th St. • MAIL ORDER 609-398-5404 • 609-398-5404 www.JohnsonsPopcorn.com • • www.JohnsonsPopcorn.com

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Shopping OC

x

Art adorns the walls at Peace of Wood, where one-of-a-kind finds and unique clothing are also sprinkled throughout the shop.

shop talk

PEACE OF WOOD

G O O D V I B E S A L L A RO U N D AT T H E P E AC E C O M PO U N D

O

N THE 300 block of West Avenue tucked in between a twolevel duplex and a local service shop is Peace of Wood, a onestory white cinderblock storefront with teal accents, a colorful wooden bike rack and a paint-splattered picnic table out front.

A self-described community space with a DIY attitude, Peace of Wood was built with the intention of equality for all who enter through its doors, as a place for people to feel free to be themselves creatively, musically and spiritually.

“It’s a space to come, relax, take a step back and connect with others,” co-owner Kristina Young explains.

WHAT IT OFFERS

Above: Owners and Ocean City transplants Kristina and Marshall Young are excited to offer the community a welcoming, chill and artistic locale.

40 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

Peace of Wood is far from a cookie-cutter retail shop. If you’re looking for a freshly waxed and sealed tile floor with pristine white walls covered with mass produced art for sale and shirts with Shore-esque puns then you’re in the wrong place.

Not in a bad way, there are different strokes for different folks, but Peace of Wood is one-of-one.

“We’re built from the ground up,” Kristina said. “Grass roots, creaky floors. It’s vintage. Not everything is perfect, but it gives the shop character.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

It makes everyone feel comfortable.”

Peace of Wood is filled with vibrant, joyful artwork for sale from Kristina and many other artists. There is equally cool clothing and accessories, art prints and mugs, driftwood sculptures and a bevy of one-of-kind, feel good finds. It caters to the tiniest of artists with kids paint jams and paint parties.

It welcomes artists of all ages to come create.

Musicians can showcase their talents within the shop’s walls. It’s artsy. It’s fun. It’s community.

“It feels like home,” Kristina said. “That comes from the energy we put into it.”

The “we” is Kristina and her equally creative husband, Marshall. The duo run Peace of Wood together.

This little shop with a big heart in the middle of West Avenue is genuine. Genuine because it is an honest-to-goodness story of two people who put their lives into the shop and make their business personal.

HOW IT STARTED “It’s a snapshot into our lives,” Kristina explained.

“It grows every year in the most beautiful way. …

To be in a town like this is awesome.”

It’s no surprise the beach has a strong influence at Peace of Wood, but that’s not only due to its

Left: A small stage stands at the ready for musicians to share their stylings at Peace of Wood.

location. Before opening the shop and while working as a gradeschool teacher, Kristina was also using art as therapy by painting seashells and selling them on the side of the road in Brigantine.

She says a lot of her inspiration comes from the beach lifestyle – something she’s loved since she was young despite her (former) deathly fear of the ocean.

“I think I saw ‘Jaws’ too young,” she joked.

Enter Marshall, a surfer from Georgia who moved to Philadelphia and was working in the food industry when he met Kristina. Early in their dating days, the pair took a day trip to Ocean City, where Marshall helped his future wife overcome her fear of the ocean.

WHERE IT’S GOING Marshall’s surf lesson for Kristina was a successful venture, and the two still surf to this day – and use the lessons learned from the ocean at their shop.

“You see ebbs and flows like chapters,” Kristina said of her art. ”That tells the story of where I’m at in life.”

This year, Kristina’s art is on the cover of the Welcome to Ocean City guidebook, the sister publication to this magazine. Somehow Kristina managed to evoke the beauty of Ocean City, the ocean, beach, waves, sisterhood, women, and surf all while just about nine months pregnant with her daughter Yemaya.

Growth and change is constant at Peace of Wood, and not just in the artwork. Marshall builds new fixtures and tables to keep the shop fresh and the Youngs are always dreaming up new programs. For instance, this past summer the shop offered its first art camp, something that will be built upon next year. And new this off-season, Peace of Wood is offering a homework club for kids, where Kristina provides help with homework and then leads a guided art project.

Peace of Wood is an experience. It’s an evolving passion project

of two people who decided to leave the hustle and bustle of their former lives behind.

“It’s where I want to be always. It’s very hard to explain,” Kristina said. “We’re not perfect. We’re very transparent. We’ve grown, made mistakes, we try to keep it as real as we can.

“The growth of the shop is because of the growth of us.”

Painted in black above the window to the right of the door are two words: “Good Vibes.” Aside from “genuine,” there couldn’t be a better way to describe the little artist alcove nestled on the 300 Block of West Avenue.

Written by Anthony J. Mazziotti III. Photos courtesy of Peace of Wood.

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By Anthony J. Mazziotti III

42 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

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A PRODUCT THAT’S RISEN IN POPULARITY EXPONENTIALLY SINCE THE BOOM IN THE LATE '70S/EARLY '80S, THEY’RE SOMETHING KIDS OF ALL AGES ENJOY. Gen X’ers look back and have fond memories of meeting up with their friends at a local arcade, throwing a quarter on a machine and waiting their turn to play Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders or whatever game they were best at. Elder millennials will spin tales of sleep overs where they stayed up all night playing Mario Kart, Madden or Halo depending on which at-home gaming device that family owned. On school days it transformed into racing home to log online and play Call of Duty with their buddies where they could still stay up all night if they so choose, but it was in the comfort of their own home.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Video games and kids have gone hand-in-hand for almost half a century now. The only difference is nowadays kids don’t only have to go to an arcade to play and share the experience with friends. They don’t only have to meet at someone’s house or sign into a virtual lobby at the same time, either. More and more high schools around the country, including Ocean City High School, are offering an after school club where kids can team up and play together online against other high schools in the area in matches that are sanctioned through a league – similar to the basketball team traveling to Mainland in a rivalry game. The games don’t

43

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sean Aber, Gavin Taylor, Teagan Birmingham, Nick Bimbo, Edward Fuller, Katherine Smith. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Brendan Degan, Avery Silva, Cole Haas, Salem Godfrey, James Erney, Michael Ellsworth.

- Ms. Annelise Buono

44 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

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necessarily have to be competitive, either, club members can play online together at a leisurely pace completing missions and quests in the video game of their choosing.

It’s called “Esports” and with its meteoric rise in popularity the Ocean City High School took notice from the students and made it, not just a full-fledged club of more than 20 students, but an elective class offered to students in lieu of an art or computer design course.

“It’s student input,” principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal said. “The students had a loud voice for it. The students really wanted it. We also had a teacher who is extremely invested in it, talented in it, in Ms. (Annelise) Buono, that’s for sure. For her to be able to guide the kids, that’s important for us.”

The course referenced was designed entirely by Ms. Buono. She said there is a lot of hands-on learning with class discussion and self-reflection.

For example, she led a discussion about being a good citizen both in the real world and the digital world then followed by putting the discussion to use in a hands-on activity using the lessons learned in the video game “Minecraft.” The lesson ended by having the students take notes on their experiences. She says she has four courses this year and plans to expand next year. Currently students taking Buono’s Esports course can receive dual credit at Stockton University.

The club, on the other hand, is a totally different beast. Buono said with each passing day she’s getting more and more slips with student’s names wishing to join the club. There are currently 24 gaming stations set up with a few Nintendo Switch consoles if need be.

Junior Salem Godfrey co-founded the club in his sophomore year with classmates Nick Bimbo and Sam Ritti.

"I started the esports club with my friends because we thought it would be fun to play other esports teams," said Salem.

Senior Katie Smith is an inaugural member of the club – a casual player who loves all aspects of gaming found her home within the club.

“I joined thinking I could do cool video games like Valorant,” she said.

When pressed about what the game is, she said with a laugh and smile, “How the heck do you explain Valorant?”

She proceeded to say it’s a shooting game with different game modes like Death Match where it’s every person for themselves against each other and other game modes where one can play with teams up to four people including friends or random players online.

It’s not just Valorant offered to the students, Smith said some people play Fortnight while others play Rocket League or Super Smash Brothers.

“There’s a lot of different games,” she added.

For the competitive types, such as Nick, there are tryouts for teams that compete in the Garden State Esports league and High School Esports League. Like Smith above, he also likes Valorant and captains the school’s competitive team who completed their tryouts early in October.

“We just kind of see who is interested and basically watch how they play, how they react, how they are mentally, then we make a team of five plus as few subs then we play other schools that are also involved in the program,” he described.

Competitive matches are played until someone wins 13 rounds of the game by either capturing a site or defending it. Much like the popular pick-up game of basketball adage where one must win the game by two points, the game could go to overtime where a

team would have to win two consecutive games before declaring a winner.

Last year, in their very first season, the Ocean City High School Esports Valorant team made it to the second round of the playoffs in the Garden State Esports league. This year, Nick’s set on making it to the finals.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if students want to play competitively or casually, it’s about being inclusive and giving each student an avenue to pursue something they actually care about.

Take 10th grader Aiden Pollock for example, he joined the club as a freshman but is taking the elective course as a sophomore.

“It’s one of the things I like to do,” he said of playing video games and taking a class that specializes in the subject matter. “[Of] all these classes I take, that can be computer science and geometry, there’s not that many that I get the chance to do something that I want to do. This is that chance for me.”

Ms. Buono echoed the sentiment.

“It brings students’ passion into school,” she said. “A lot of times kids are not involved in any clubs but they’re going home and playing video games and they have their online people they meet but not so much face to face interaction. With bringing their passion for video games into school they get to meet a lot of people within their own area they can play games with.

They get lifelong friends, they get that face-to-face interaction and it’s showing that it’s not just playing video games. You’re learning soft skills, learning how to strategize, learning to work collaboratively, all things that will help them in the future.”

Between the club and the class offered, Ocean City High School is on the cutting edge of something that, while nearly half a century old, is fairly unchartered territory in the school realm. Giving the students an inclusive arena to chase their dream, be it a safe space at a leisurely pace or a competitive environment where college scholarships are at stake, is a step in the right direction. There are plenty of ways for the program to grow and this is only the first chapter. Or should we say round.

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Peddling the Past With so many shops in the area, it’s easy to make antiquing your new favorite pastime at the shore Written by Kristen Dowd.

Photos courtesy of Capt. Scrap’s Attic & Treasures Past Antiques.

From Easter to Christmas, antique and vintage holiday blow molds are consistently a popular item at local antique shops, including Capt. Scrap’s Attic.

It’s not always easy to know what the most popular items are at an antique shop. For many shoppers, nostalgia leads the way, which could be the case with this delicate sailboat model at Treasures Past Antiques.

Holidays are big at antique stores. These ceramic Christmas trees at Capt. Scrap’s Attic go quickly when in store.

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Record albums are one of the most popular items at Capt. Scrap’s Attic.

An old Coca-Cola crate at Treasures Past Antiques.

An array of antique steins on display earlier this season at Treasures Past Antiques.

Treasures Past Antiques is located at 300 Main St., South Seaville. Reach them at (609) 624-2100. Find them on Facebook @ SouthJerseyAntiques and on Instagram @treasurespast. The shop closes for the season on Nov. 26 and will reopen in June 2024.

Capt. Scrap’s Attic is located at 3071 Route 9, Ocean View.

Reach them at (609) 624-0111. Find them on Facebook @CaptScrapsAtticNJ and on Instagram @ capt.scraps_attic.

On the way to Cape May, you may fall in love with an antique or two...

That’s because if you decide to take a scenic fall drive down Shore Road to Ocean City’s Victorian neighbor, you would be remiss not to enjoy the plethora of shops peddling the past along the way. The 30-some odd miles are packed with antique shops and galleries galore if you know where to look, and with so many to choose from, there’s bound to be at least one special treasure you’ll want to bring home.

“Every day is different. You never know what people are going to be looking for,” Carrie Dickinson said. “You don’t know what people are going to fall in love with. It’s just interesting and amazing.”

Carrie and her husband, Phil, own Treasures Past Antiques on Main Street in South Seaville. Just a stone’s throw from Route 9, the business is a multi-dealer co-op treasure trove of antique and vintage finds. Although the Dickinsons didn’t open up the retail space until 2000, they were running spaces at antique malls since the early ’90s, and both grew up around antiques since they were kids.

“My parents were into it. My mother used to drive me to – what I called at the time – the junk shops,” Carrie said with a laugh.

At some point, that junk turned into treasure for Carrie, and she became captivated by what she calls “the thrill of the hunt.”

“It’s the fun of never knowing what you’re going to find,” Phil said.

In the antique industry, it’s generally accepted that an item can be called an antique once it reaches the age of 100 years – at least around here.

“In this country, 100 years old is definitely an antique,” Nancy Batura said.

“But if it was in England, you’re talking 16th century, then it’s probably an antique.”

Nancy – who has been dealing in the antique business since “Moby Dick was a minnow,” she told Ocean City Magazine with a chuckle – opened up Capt. Scrap’s Attic on Shore Road about 14 years ago with business partner Kathleen O’Neill. The spot is another multi-dealer locale filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind finds.

Everything old is new again The inventory at both Capt. Scrap’s Attic and Treasures Past Antiques is always changing, which is the way it needs to be in the industry.

“The young people today, it’s a different world. They certainly don’t want grandmother’s dishes,” Nancy said. “They like clean lines, and obviously like the painted furniture, which would have been horrifying a few years ago.”

The Dickinsons see a lot of smaller furniture pieces move quickly – little tables, sewing stands, stools. Some older, solid wood pieces sell, but not like they used to and certainly not at the same price point.

“It’s not nearly as expensive as, say, 20 years ago,” Phil said of antique furniture sales. “When we first got into the business, furniture in general sold for two to three times what it does now.”

Nancy concurs.

“It’s not to say it doesn’t sell. One of our [retailers] sells really lovely old furniture,” she said. “It’s just not really popular with the young. Dining room sets? Forget that.”

Younger buyers seem to all be after vintage finds – that is, those items that are from around two decades ago or longer.

“For the younger generation – vinyl records, graphic T-shirts, old cameras, sports stuff, bar stuff,” Carrie counts off. “Holiday is big all year round.”

“Vintage Christmas and vintage Halloween – some of that stuff is worth crazy money,” Phil said.

Blow molds – the large plastic statue lawn decorations that light up – are

“very, very popular,” the Dickinsons say, for Christmas, Halloween and Easter. Nancy agrees blow molds are hard to keep in stock. In fact, she said anything Christmas “goes out almost immediately.”

Vintage is popular at Capt. Scrap’s, too, and Nancy said the shop also does a strong business in selling records.

“One of our biggest sellers is the vinyl albums,” she said. “Everybody is raving about those now.”

Where past meets present Overall, the value of antiques has seen a decline over the past few decades.

“Except for the best of the best, in general things are not worth what they were 20 years ago,” Phil said. “The internet has messed it up. Before eBay and before the internet, you had to go out and physically find the item you wanted.”

While the internet may have caused a bit of a downfall in the antique business as far as pricing goes, Carrie was also quick to say that there are also many benefits with the internet and that social media is one of Treasures Past Antiques’ best advertising tools.

“We’re into the modern ages, even with the antique business. Social media is our friend. I post on social media every day that we’re open, new things that have arrived. People will call us or message us immediately and say, ‘I’ll take that. Can you put it on hold for me?’” Carrie explained.

Nancy said the same – even if she wasn’t on board at first years ago before Capt. Scrap’s went online.

“Kathleen – who’s a lot younger than me – she said we have to go on the internet,” Nancy recalled, adding with a laugh, “She dragged me kicking and screaming. But it’s absolutely helpful.”

Trash to treasure The real value of an antique or vintage item typically comes down to the buyer – and this has always more or less been the way in the antique world.

If a buyer deems an item special to them, they’re willing to pay to bring it home.

Nostalgia plays a big part in that nowadays.

“The older you get, the more you want to get back to what you had when you were younger,” Phil said.

“That’s what we find,” Carrie added. “People come in and they see things from their youth or something their grandma or great aunt had. … It’s all in what you find you love.”

Nancy, for instance, mentions she would like to see more “good oil paintings” coming through Capt. Scrap’s Attic, such as one by the famed German pop artist Peter Max that sold at the shop.

“I loved that piece,” Nancy said. “I’d love to have more of those.”

And big ticket items are not always the biggest draw. At Treasures Past Antiques, Carrie said one of the things customers love most is the dollar table, where everything – from jewelry to small pieces of China, all sorts of baubles and trinkets – is priced for a buck.

“We’ll have people come in and buy one thing from the table or sometimes come in and buy 20 things,” Carrie said.

And for those who come in not knowing what they want, the Dickinsons, Nancy and Kathleen are at the ready to help them find what they need, be it an antique ceramic, a vintage record album or art deco pearl earrings.

“We like to consider ourselves recyclers too. We keep things out of the landfills,” Carrie said. “We find it a new guardian, a new home. It’s fun to try to match people with items.”

Present Tense.

Shop the OC Mag gift guide for everyone on your list.

by Stef Godfrey

1 2

5 3 4

1. Flour Power These actually could be too pretty to eat. Just kidding!

2. Spread the News Yes, it's beer jam. You do not need to remove your beer goggles.

Agape Gourmet, 854 Asbury

3. Bead It For the coolest cowdogs and cowcats.

4. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Christmas is really for the dogs, after all.

Animal House, 705 Asbury

6

5. Splash Down After shave splash, so much more than a Home Alone movie moment.

6. Season's Greetings Trying not to freak out over how amazing this pop up card is. I'll let you know how I do.

Artisan Body Products, 920 Asbury 48 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

1

3

5 4

2

6 1. Color Your World There's no such thing as too many stickers.

2. Go Glamping Now I want to light a tiny fire and roast tiny hot dogs.

Kay Jay's Doll Shop, 737 Asbury

4. Sud Wiser Stuff some stockings with these handmade beauties and gift a shower experience.

5. Skin Saver Let your skin in on the pumpkin spice latte trend.

LEH Soap, 939 Asbury

3. Rainbow Bright This hand painted coat is my new spirit animal.

Colette, 900 Asbury

6. Hood Luck Hoodies are essential to life. This transcends age.

Jilly's T-Shirt Factory, 1048 Boardwalk 49

GIFT GUIDE 2

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1

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5

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1. Host with the Roast Coffee can be anything it sets it mind to be.

Snack Cake? Pecan Roll? Dream big beans.

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OC Coffee Co., 917 Asbury

4. Cat's Meow But can we also get a grumpy cat version of this stocking?

5. Butter Up Has a truer sentence been spoke?

Mia's Christmas Gallery, 755 Asbury 50 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2. Karma Chameleon Light up that karma and watch it burn.

3. Bauble Baby Let your ears in on the holiday fun with these fringy festive earrings.

Primitive Beach, 601 E 9th

6. Fringe Benefit Clearly we all need more elephants and fringe in our lives.

These shorts prove it.

7. Velvet Underground Getting serious Rizzo vibes here. Post Kenickie Rizzo vibes to be clear.

Beach It, 976 Boardwalk

She'z the Boss, 709 Asbury

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5

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1. Sweet Dreams Classic OC in a box. I call the vanilla!

Shriver's, 852 Boardwalk

3. Sneak Around New sneaks? Bet.

Sneaker Shop, 704 Asbury

5. Rose and Crown Cool hats are hard to find. Here's one.

2. Collar Back Girl Definitely only interested in tracking cats with good style.

Animal House, 705 Asbury

4. Wicked Good If that green fish were red, I'd really have something here.

Shop Local, 620 Asbury

6. 'Jama Mama These are perfect for a Christmas morning cuddle up.

6

Shoppes at the Asbury, 801 Asbury

51

HOME FOR THE

HOLIDAYS Operation Fireside gives Coast Guard recruits a chance to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas off-base with local families Written by Kristen Dowd. Photos courtesy of American Red Cross New Jersey Region.

W

HEN Gary Halbe heads to the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May on Thanksgiving morning, the Ocean City resident always makes sure to have a few bags of Milky Way or 3 Musketeers bars with him.

Experience has taught him that when he picks up his Coast Guard recruits to spend the holiday with him and his family as part of the American Red Cross Operation Fireside program, the young men and women may be craving a chocolate bar after their boot camp sugar detox.

“I know they’ve had absolutely zero candy,” Gary said with a smile in his voice, “so I want to treat them on the ride home.”

Comfort and joy, after all, is what the Halbes and other families aim for when welcoming these young recruits into their homes for the holidays.

Started in 1981, Operation Fireside is an opportunity for USCG recruits to enjoy a one-day reprieve from boot camp by relaxing with a local family and indulging in a delicious home-cooked meal.

“It is opening your doors on a holiday to recruits that are in

Coast Guard recruits are all smiles as they enjoy Christmas cookies at a local home as part of Operation Fireside, which gives them the chance to spend the holiday with a local family.

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boot camp and usually not allowed to have any kind of outside influence during that very rigorous training,” Diane Concannon, American Red Cross New Jersey Region communications director, said.

“On these very special holidays, it’s a pleasure to work together with the U.S. Coast Guard and the wonderful families in Cape May County and the surrounding areas that open their doors to host the recruits and provide a special holiday for them,” she added.

This is the first year CWO Mike Lutz is working the Cape May USCG training center’s operational side of Operation Fireside, although it’s not his first experience with the program. His introduction to Operation Fireside was 20 years ago, when he himself was a recruit.

“It was one of my fond memories of being here,” he recalled. “You’re so far from your families. The Coast Guard is family, but this gives you that more intimate engagement for a holiday that’s so important to so many people.”

Historically, about 400 recruits take part in Operation Fireside for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Host families are primarily from Cape May County since they must live within a onehour drive or 50-mile radius.

This requirement wasn’t a problem for the Bell family. They live just a couple miles away. And even though Donna and Rick Bell purchased their Cape May home just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the area in 2020, hosting recruits at the house was already a tradition.

“The couple we bought the house from, the woman would send me emails. She would say they used this exterminator, or these people for this job,” Donna said. “Then she told me, by the way, we’ve hosted recruits from the Coast Guard.

I don’t know your plans for the holidays, but it’s a great way to give back.”

The pandemic shut down the program for two years, but Donna remembered the email

Steven Colon (center), executive director of American Red Cross of Southern New Jersey, had a chance to visit with families during Operation Fireside last Thanksgiving. Here he catches up with the Bell family – daughter Evey, wife Donna and husband Rick – and the two Coast Guard recruits they hosted for the holiday.

when host family registration opened up again in 2022. Donna and Rick – along with one of their four children, daughter Evey – signed up for Thanksgiving, inviting two recruits for a traditional turkey dinner.

“We didn’t know what to expect. It was a great time,” Donna said. “If it was my son or daughter and they were in a strange area to them, I would hope a family that had an open seat at the table would take them in and treat them like family.”

When the recruits got back to the house, Donna told them she was going to treat them like her kids’ friends. She wanted them to feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed.

“I know they appreciated it. They fit right in,” Donna said. “They enjoyed the food, the company. There were no demands. A day off for them like that was very helpful.

“They thanked us a million times.”

One of the recruits has since visited the Bells three more times, even staying for a week during the summer so he could explore Cape May. In fact, keeping in touch with recruits, hearing from their thankful families and even attending their training camp graduations are all commonplace for Operation Fireside families.

The Halbe family has kept in touch with many of the recruits they have hosted over the years, too.

Getting involved in the program was a natural fit for Gary, who has volunteered for years with the Red Cross. He’s a longtime blood donor – up to around 17 gallons! – and even started helping at the blood drives after he retired. He trained through the Red Cross to help with disaster relief, too, and has worked in this capacity both locally and nationally.

“And then when I moved down here to Ocean City eight years ago, I had heard about Operation Fireside, but we didn’t live within 50 miles or the certain drive time,” Gary said. “I talked to my wife about it and we said Gary Halbe is all smiles when he picks up three yeah, let’s do it.” recruits to bring home for Thanksgiving dinner last They’ve taken part every year. The Ocean City resident has hosted recruits as part of Operation Fireside for the past eight years.

Thanksgiving since, even dropping off cards, desserts and video holiday wishes during the two years the program was on pandemic hiatus.

The Halbes’ longevity with the program has even influenced their turkey day menu. While they stick with traditional fare for the meal, having hosted many recruits from southern states means they now cook up homemade macaroni and cheese for the table, too.

The program, according to Mike, is filled with families like the Halbes and Bells, just looking to create a comfortable, homey atmosphere filled with relaxation – and plenty of good food – for their recruits.

“The families are just so kind. They have an understanding that that family environment is so important to everybody,” he said, adding that they are indebted to the local Red Cross chapter for running the program. “We’ve had thousands of Coast Guard recruits spend time with families for the holidays. We can’t thank them enough for the partnership – and the community of Southern New Jersey. It’s just a tremendous program.”

According to Diane, the Red Cross is just as thankful to the USCG for the opportunity.

“The American Red Cross has been supporting the Armed Forces for years, so to be able to do this with the Coast Guard is very special,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing to open up your home to others that don’t have that kind of a holiday. It’s such a beautiful event.”

For those considering the program, Gary said to “definitely” sign up.

“It’s really amazing to listen to [the recruits’] stories, hear their background. They come from all different walks of life,” Gary said. “It’s amazing how quickly and how much you can get to know them in a short period of time.”

Donna wholeheartedly agreed.

“It brought a different vibe to our house that day,” she said. “It was a wonderful thing.”

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On the Beach Beach Reads

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On the Pulse of Morning A Rock, a River, a Tree, Host to species long since departed, Marked the mastodon.

The dinosaur, who left dry tokens Of their sojourn here On our planet floor.

first lines

"

STEPHEN pulled up the collar of his coat as he walked briskly along the platform. Overhead a dim fog clouded the station. Large engines hissed superbly, throwing off clouds of steam into the cold raw air. Everything was dirty and smoke-grimed.

Fall concerts Family nights Film screenings

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new fiction

first lines

classic fiction

poetry

selections NOV/DEC

first lines

x

On the forty-eighth floor of a glistening tower on the southern tip on Manhattan, Mitch McDeere stood alone in his office and gazed out the window at Battery Park and busy waters beyond. Boats of all shapes and sizes crisscrossed the harbor.

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

You’ll find it all at the Ocean City Free Public Library.

Whether you’re interested in best-selling books, educational workshops, children’s activities, or online resources, the library has everything you need to stay informed, inspired, and entertained this fall.

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www.oceancitylibrary.org 1735 Simpson Ave. | (609) 399-2434

LIBRARY HOURS IN-PERSON Mon.-Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm CURBSIDE PICKUP Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. 9am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm

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>> WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MISTLETOE

CHRISTMAS DOWNTOWN

ISLAND BREEZES

HOLLY

NEW YEAR’S KISS

FIRST NIGHT

SNOW DAYS

OPERATION FIRESIDE

FOOTBALL

BEACH TREES

EXPRESS PIZZA

HOT CHOCOLATE

ORNAMENTS

LAURENSPIRED

MAGAZINES

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

PEACE OF WOOD

CANDY CANES

THANKSGIVING TABLE

PRESENT TENSE

ELF

55

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1. The Crossings, 3420 Haven. 2. Berkshire Hathaway, 109 34th Street. 3. Fire Department Station 3, 4518 West. 4. Uncle Bill's Pancake House, 40th & West. 5.Harry D. Vanderslice Baseball Complex, 3501 Simpson. 6. Barefoot Market, 214 West.

Sit back, get comfy in your beach chair and see if you know where you can find these places and things around the island

Think You Know Ocean City?

On the Beach Spot Me

Thank you to all the businesses below who support Ocean City Magazine and the Ocean City Guidebook. Please visit them and tell them we sent you!

Activities Guide

x

x

x

Bowfish Studios

OC Pops

Greate Bay

BOWFISH STUDIOS

One of a kind interactive makeover experiences for ages 3 and up

Inside Bowfish Kids, 956 Asbury

938-1901

www.bowfishstudios.com

FLYOCNJ PARASAIL

State-of-the-art boats and equipment

314 Bay

398-1000

www.flyocnj.com

GILLIAN’S WONDERLAND PIER

Amusements with the family in mind since 1929.

6th and Boardwalk

399-7082

www.gillians.com

GREATE BAY COUNTRY CLUB

18-hole Championship course

901 Mays Landing Road, Somers Point

927-5071

www.greatebay.com

GREATE BAY RACQUET AND FITNESS

Indoor squash and tennis, fitness classes

90 Mays Landing Road, Somers Point

925-9550

www.greatebay.com

JILLY’S ARCADE

Awesome arcade, skeeball, pinball

1172 Boardwalk

385-1234

www.jillysocnj.com

LOCAL GYM & FITNESS

Ocean City's complete gym

908 Asbury

545-8732

www.localgymandfitness.com

OC AQUATIC & FITNESS CENTER Salt water pool

1735 Simpson

398-6900

www.ocnj.us

OCEAN CITY ARTS CENTER

Classes, shows, summer art camp

1735 Simpson

399-7628

www.oceancityartscenter.org

OCEAN CITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Check out OC’s past through postcards, photos and exhibits

1735 Simpson

399-1801

www.ocnjmuseum.org

OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER

Boat rentals, full bait and tackle store

300 Bay

391-8300

www.fishocnj.com

OCEAN CITY LIBRARY

Filled with DVDs, games, and books

1735 Simpson

399-2434

www.oceancitylibrary.org

OC MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

12 hole, par 3

26th and Bay

399-5762

www.ocnj.us

OC POPS

An Ocean City tradition Various venues

525-9248

www.oceancitypops.org

OC THEATRE COMPANY

Broadway style shows

1501 West

525-9300

oceancitytheatrecompany.com

PLAYLAND’S CASTAWAY COVE

Over 30 rides, two mini golf courses, and Go Karts

1020 Boardwalk

399-4751

www.oceancityfun.com

801 E. 4th

736-0130

www.uslifesavingstation30.com

US LIFE SAVING STATION 30

Living history museum

57

Be Well

WITH LAUREN DECKARD

WINTER SELF-CARE: Ideas for Nurturing Your Mind, Body & Soul During the Darker Months Some of us love it, some dread it – the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop.

Winter arrives with its unique charm and challenges. While the season often brings images of cozy nights by the fire and the joy of the holidays, it can also bring fatigue, isolation, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some. Yay? To combat these winter blues, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Here is the how.

1. Embrace Hygge: The Danish concept of hygge centers around coziness and contentment. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home with soft, fluffy blankets, neutral brighter tones, candles, and a steaming cup of herbal tea. Surrounding yourself with comfort can instantly lift your spirits. (Check out The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well at our local OCFPL!)

2. Get Moving:

By Lauren Deckard, LMT, NASM-CPT Owner of Peak Mobility

It’s easy to become sedentary during the winter, but regular exercise is vital for your mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s a stretch routine, yoga, a home workout routine, an indoor workout at a local gym, or simply going for brisk walks on the boards in the crisp salt air, staying active will boost your mood and energy levels.

3. Sunlight and Vitamin D: Reduced sunlight in the winter can contribute to SAD. Try to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors during daylight hours. Consider a vitamin D supplement (talk to your doctor) and a SAD light to help encourage your brain to reduce the production of melatonin (a hormone that makes you tired) and increase the production of serotonin (happy hormone)!

58 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

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4. Prioritize Sleep: The longer winter nights provide the perfect opportunity to prioritize sleep. Ensure you get enough rest each night to support your immune system and maintain good mental health. A consistent sleep schedule can work wonders. Remember to put your phone away at least 30 minutes before your sleep routine (our devices can interfere with sleep by suppressing the production of melatonin).

5. Nourish Your Body: Comfort foods may be tempting during the winter – especially during the holidays, but don’t forget to incorporate nutritious options! Try to mix it up with hearty soups, stews, and seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system and stay energized.

6. Connect with Loved Ones: Winter can sometimes lead to feeling isolated – try to make an extra effort to maintain social connections.

Schedule hangouts, meet up with a friend at a workout class, or plan small gatherings with those in your bubble. No matter what the techies say, real human connection is essential for your soul’s well-being.

7. Engage in Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and meditation to calm your mind and reduce stress. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing and self-reflection each day can make a significant difference in your mental and emotional state. Free meditation app recommendation: InsightTimer.

Don’t just survive in these darker months, thrive! Focus on yourself this winter and come spring, you’ll feel a renewed sense of well-being and a deeper appreciation for the unique beauty winter offers.

59

OC Services Directory PLACES TO STAY Atlantis Inn Boutique Hotel Europeaninspired hotel, beach block location. 601 Atlantic Avenue, 399-9871.

INSURANCE AGENCY McMahon Insurance Agency Multiple locations, 399-0060.

Beach Club Hotel Ocean views, pool, sun terrace. 1280 Boardwalk, 399-8555.

REALTORS Monihan Realty Multiple locations, 800255-0998.

Beach Club Suites Near Boardwalk, wellappointed, one-bedroom suites. 1217 Ocean Avenue, 399-4500.

Berger Realty Multiple locations, 888399-0076.

Ebb Tide Suites One and two bedroom apartments with balconies steps from beach.

1001 Little Atlantic Avenue, 391-9614.

Ocean 7 Family-friendly property with standard and king efficiencies or two room suites. Heated outdoor pool. 870 East 7th, 609-398-2200.

Pier 4 Contemporary, four story high rise hotel with spectacular bay views. Family-run. 6 Broadway, Somers Point. 609-927-9141.

Scarborough Inn Ocean City's oldest hotel, built in 1895. From iconic pink fish scale shingles, to Benny Goodman playing on the gramophone, this inn brings a cozy vibe. 720 Ocean, 609-399-1558.

Jilly's Properties Several options for your stay.

Clean, affordable, and unique properties in top locations. 609-385-1234.

Harris House Motel Clean, comfy, and quiet rooms and a heated pool. 1201 Ocean Avenue, 399-7800.

The Impala Island Inn Refrigerators, free WiFi, and cable. 1001 Ocean Avenue, 399-7500.

Osborne’s Inn 50 yards from Boardwalk, free Wi-Fi, ocean view decks, parking and beach tags.

601 East 15th Street, 398-4319.

Port-O-Call Hotel Wi-Fi, meeting areas for gala receptions, small board meetings or large conferences. 1510 Boardwalk, 399-8812.

Wild Dunes Inn Luxurious suites – spacious and furnished near Boardwalk. 801 10th Street, 399-2910.

ASSET MANAGEMENT Reich Asset Management 105 Roosevelt Boulevard, Marmora, 486-5073.

60 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Pete Madden Goldcoast Sotheby's 200 34th Street, 513-4781.

Daniel Maimone Compass Real Estate 201 34th Street, 670-9978.

Long & Foster 14 E. 9th Street, 398-6762.

MEDICAL Atlantic Coast Dentistry 450 Shore, Somers Point, 601-9566.

Ocean City Dental Center 6th & West, 399-4542.

Ocean City Family Practice Center 500 6th Street, 399-1862 Cape Regional Urgent Care Quick, convenient, quality care. 8 Route 9 South, Marmora, 465-6364.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT/ MARKETING/DESIGN Gone Native Communications Newsletters, books, magazines, ad design, brochures, rack cards, logos, more. Call 609-525-4830.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly and Craig Photography Jersey Shore residents who work up and down South Jersey's coast. 267-614-5335, www.kellyandcraigphotography.com RETIREMENT UMC The Shores Excellent care, friendly residents, delicious food - retirement living at its best. All levels of care. 2201 Bay Avenue, 609-399-8505.

CONSTRUCTION Shore Construction & Remodel Customized solutions for every homeowner. 877-626-6111. remodelattheshore.com.

Thank you to all the businesses below who support Ocean City Magazine and the Ocean City Guidebook. Please visit them and tell them we sent you!

All About the OC The Welcome to Ocean City Guidebook 2023 is available in hotel/motel rooms and rentals all over the island.

This hardback book is a fab guide to the island and its surrounding communities.

Loads of fresh, colorful pics, and helpful text inside.

Get yours for $25 at www.ocnjmagazine.com.

While you're there... you can read this issue, previous issues, and so much more.

©2023 Ocean City magazine Editor in Chief Stefanie Godfrey editor@ocnjmagazine.com Sales Director Bill Godfrey localocean@comcast.net Graphic Design Kirsty Smith Editorial Kristen Dowd Contributors Fred Miller, Lauren Deckard, Amy Mahon, Linda Arceo, Anthony J. Mazziotti III, Kevin Callahan, Chelsea Valcourt Photographers Kerri Janto & Katelin Keane Cover Artist Lauren DeMarco IG @laurenspired Cuddler in Chief Olive the Bernedoodle

We are the perfect gift!

Give them Ocean City, all year long!

$40 for six issues

Subscribe online at ocnjmagazine.com

61

tour this home

OC Services Real Tour

12 Valmar Court, Ocean City Amazing Views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Wetlands Custom built home including pool, an airplane hangar, and direct access to Ocean City Municipal Airport with a through-the-fence agreement. Recently remodeled entry level offers three bedrooms and full bath, den area with fireplace, crown molding with LED lighting, and kitchenette/bar, heated tile floors and access to the finished heated and insulated hangar. The second floor features a spacious, updated kitchen, hardwood floors, living room with fireplace and cathedral ceilings, powder room and laundry room. The master bedroom suite has a walk in closet, steam shower, jacuzzi, private sunroom and deck.

Listed by Compass Real Estate, 201 34th Street, Ocean City, NJ Contact Daniel Maimone 609-670-9978 • www.myocnj.com • ocdaniel@comcast.net

62 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Reclaim Independence in Senior Living Assisted Living at United Methodist Communities at The Shores provides assistance with activities of daily living so that you or your loved one can reclaim independence. In a secure environment, our residents feel empowered to rediscover their interests and confidently do more of the things they’ve always wanted to do.

To learn more about Assisted Living at United Methodist Communities at The Shores, visit TheShores.UMCommunities.org.

2201 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226 TheShores.UMCommunities.org 609-473-1958 Residential Living | Assisted Living | Rehabilitation | Tapestries® Memory Care Respite | Bridges℠ Hospice and Palliative Care | Long Term Care | Transitions

Certified

MAY 2021–MAY 2022 USA

63

OCEAN CITY FAMILY PRACTICE CENTER

OCEAN CITY DENTAL CENTER

GARY W. RAAB, DO

GERALD F. RAAB, DDS, PA

“We specialize in care for the entire family”

BOARD CERTIFIED IN FAMILY MEDICINE

EMERGENCIES ACCEPTED  DAILY, EVENING, & SATURDAY HOURS

BY APPOINTMENT Family Nurse Practitioners

General & Family Dentistry

DIANE G. STONE, HYGIENIST SCOTT H. RAAB, LAB TECH SAME DAY EMERGENCY CARE

› Laser Gum Treatment › Invisible Brace › Crowns, Bridges, Implants › Full Service Lab On Premises

B. Denise Hemby, RN, MSN, APN-C Teresa Byrd RN, MSN, APN-C

609-399-1862

6TH STREET & CENTRAL AVE. OCEAN CITY 500 6TH STREET ACROSS FROM OC TABERNACLE

Atlantic Coast Denistry for Children

Where we emphasize preventive care!

Mark R. Raab, D.M.D

1 HOUR WHITENING AVAILABLE

609-399-4542 6TH & WEST AVE. OCEAN CITY

609-601-9566 450 SHORE ROAD, SOMERS POINT

DANIEL MAIMONE | COMPASS REAL ESTATE O C E A N

C I T Y ’ S

P R E M I E R

R E A L T O R

WITH OVER 23 YEARS EXPERIENCE, Daniel Maimone is proud to be “Ocean City’s Premier Realtor.” Whether you want to buy, sell, or rent a beach home, customer service is the top priority and Daniel has proven to be the best in the business. In today’s real estate market you need to work with a real estate professional you can trust and Daniel is dedicated to providing the absolute finest service and expertise possible.

Call Daniel today to make your real estate dreams come true!

201 34TH STREET, OCEAN CITY 64 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

(609) 670-9978

MYOCNJ.COM

Your dream home or vacation rental

is just over the horizon!

Rentals and Sales from Beach to Bay! 3201 Central Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 399-0998

717 Battersea Road Ocean City, NJ 08226 (609) 399-1311

MONIHAN.COM

Check us out on

@monihanrealty

BERGER REALTY Leon K. Grisbaum #1 in ocean city sales and summer rentals

#1 in Your ocean city NUMBER ONE Avenue Realty 17 & Boardwalk 3160 Asbury City, NJ Ocean City, NJ sales &Inrentals Sales And Rentals! Ocean (888) 579-0095 (888) 399-0076 YourAvenue Southend Specialist!

3160 Asbury 1670 Boardwalk Avenue 1330 Bay Avenue 55 & Haven Brian Kolmer Brent Ocean City, NJ Ocean NJ Ocean City, NJ Call Us today!

Ocean City, NJCity,Kolmer (800) 399-3484 (855) 399-1330 (609) 425-1391 (609) 287-2888 (888) 399-0076 (888) 579-0095 www.bergerrealty.com NEW SINGLE FAMILY CONSTRUCTION IN Avenue OCEAN CITY 109 E. 55th Street 1330 Bay th

Give yourself the gift of retirement this holiday season!

th

Ocean City, NJ (800) 399-3484

Ocean City, NJ (855) 399-1330

www.bergerrealty.com

Your Enjoyable Retirement SolutionTM at the shore.

105 Roosevelt Blvd • Marmora, NJ 08223 609-486-5073 • www.ReichAssetManagement.com 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. To view form CRS visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

65

Last Shot

Heads Up

The Ocean City High School girls soccer team is kickin'. See more snapshots of life (including more high school sports) in and around OCNJ on page 18. Photo by Kerri Janto.

66 OCNJMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Choose Shore Construction & Remodel

BECAUSE

YOU DESERVE

BEFORE

AFTER

THE BEST Comprehensive Design Services Full Bathroom Remodeling Full Kitchen Remodeling

BEFORE

AFTER

Drywall Replacement & Repair Popcorn Removal & Repair Water Damage Restoration & Repair Full Painting Services Complete New Addition & Renovation Projects Complete Trim & Wall Design Projects Professional Cabinet Refinishing & Refacing

We provide customized solutions for every homeowner

877-626-5111 • info@remodelattheshore.com 859 Ocean Ave, Unit 723, Ocean City

RemodelAtTheShore.com

Long & Foster. For the love of home.™ Because you don’t want to just live in it. You want to love it.

Helping people buy and sell homes since 1968.

With 50 years and counting in real estate, we have learned a few things about guiding people home. Our expertise and commitment to clients has made us the No. 1 real estate company in the United States.*

Find your way home at longandfoster.com

* By transaction sides as part of HomeServices of America and according to REAL Trends 500. © 2021 The Long & Foster Companies. All Rights Reserved.

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Ocean City Main Office 14 E 9th Street | 609-398-6762 Ocean City-Grisbaum Group 628 Asbury Ave | 609-938-9954 Escape to the shore on your next vacation.

Visit OCNJVacationRental.com