Ocean County NJ 7

OCEAN COUNTY NEW JERSEY | VOL. 6

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

AT&T Byron Nelsons TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship + Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JULY 22 - 28 3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

DATES TOURNAMENT

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MAY

MAY 18 - 26 | RENAISSANCE FAIR

New Jersey Renaissance Faire features music, dance, comedy, living history, stunts, various acts, demonstrations, vendors, food and drinks, and more. Browse through our enchanted crafts village where over one hundred merchants and artisans demonstrate and sell their wares. For more info visit: njrenfaire.com

JUNE

JUNE 13 - 16 | BEARDFEST

Escape with us for a weekend in the Jersey Pines where you’ll experience music, visual art, nature, discussion, playtime, and community building unlike anywhere else. Our team works hard to cultivate & curate a breathtaking participatory experience to engage and stimulate festival goers of all ages. For more info visit: beardfest.net

JUNE 20 - 23 | COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Give your friends a holler and get ready for some fun in the sun ‘cause country music’s biggest stars are coming to the beautiful beaches of Wildwood, NJ! This three-day event will host 30+ of the industry’s biggest stars and up-and-comers on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic backdrop of the Wildwood shores, this family-friendly, three-day fest is a summer vacation destination. For more info visit: barefootcountrymusicfest.com

JULY

JULY 2 - 5 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The whole state is dressed in red, white, and blue and ready to celebrate America’s Independence! New Jersey is famous for its 4th of July waterfront extravaganza in Atlantic City and other great locations along the coast. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3pzoF1B

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

OCEAN COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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JULY 12 - 14 | VEGAN FOOD FEST

The Atlantic City Vegan Food Festival is taking over for the biggest and most epic vegan festival New Jersey has seen yet. To add to the exciting festivities this year, there will be a 5K race on an early summer morning right on the Atlantic City boardwalk! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n7ej84a

JULY 13 | ATLANTIC CITY BEER

The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival powered with two epic sessions of awesome tunes, lip-smacking brews, and outrageous fun! It’s time for the SUMMER SESSIONS! Picture our spring fling but under the open sky. Dive into over 100 breweries, seltzers, and uniquely crafted adult beverages, as you savor refreshing flavors while grooving to a killer soundtrack and stirring up some mischief on the side! For more info visit: acbeerfest.com

AUGUST

AUG 1 - 3 | CLAM FESTIVAL

The Annual Clam Fest will feature a Beer, Wine and Sangria Garden on the corner of Waterwitch and Bay Avenues with portions of Waterwitch and Bay Avenues closed to street traffic to accommodate rides, games, children’s activities, specialty vendors and food trucks. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdh7yb3s

AUG 19 - 28 | RESTAURANT WEEK

Discover deliciously prepared meals from a host of restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines all over Jersey City—from Greenville to Grove Street. For more info visit: jerseyshorerestaurantweek.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 7 | STREET FAIR

Wood Street Fair is a much anticipated annual event which takes place in the midst of the Historic City of Burlington, New Jersey. Brought to you by the Colonial

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

Burlington Foundation, this popular event draws over 25,000 visitors and is comprised of more then 175 of the areas finest artisans and crafters. For more info visit: woodstreetfair.com

SEPT 14 - 15 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

The Downbeach Seafood Festival will be highlighting all the fantastic dining options this coastal area has to offer. Whether it’s trying the vast selection of local restaurants, sipping Jersey made craft beers, cooking with local chefs, shopping for unique exhibitors, or playing in the sand, you will find yourself immersed in the festival and all it has to offer. For more info visit: downbeachseafoodfest.com

OCTOBER

OCT 5 | STREET FAIR

Street Fairs are absolutely the best way to sell your art-work, crafts, products or services. Meet face-toface with thousands of quality customers in a single day. Create your own temporary store-front on the

main streets of our upscale towns on either a Saturday or a Sunday. For more info visit: streetfairs.org

OCT 25 - 27 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Exit Zero Jazz Festival debuted in November 2012 in the national historic landmark city of Cape May, a picturesque beach town. You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed. For more info visit: exitzerojazzfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | Turkey Trot

Join the Parvin Appreciation Committee and Second Capital Running for the annual Parvin Turkey Trot! A 5K Trail Race on Thanksgiving Morning at The Peoples’ Park. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3mApmWb

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC 1 -

30 | LIGHT SHOW

This year’s holiday light show you won’t want to miss! Experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3e8mmNH

DEC 7 | DICKENS FESTIVAL

Main Street in Medford has become an old-fashioned winter wonderland at the start of the holiday season. The official tree lighting begins when a town crier transports Santa and Mrs. Claus to the center of downtown. Upon Santa’s arrival, the town gets busy with tons of activities, plus magic, comedy, and juggling shows. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3SAWs63

JANUARY

JAN TBA | FLY FISHING SHOW

An entertaining and informative consumer show dedicated to connecting customers with business owners, manufacturers and other fly fishing professionals. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4twmfa27

FEBRUARY

FEB

13 - 16 | BOAT EXPO

This show has something for every age and interest with hundreds of new boats on sale from the top dealers in the state representing boating’s most popular brands. Attendees will be able to board and shop all the top boat brands and models of all sizes. The show also has a Boater’s Marketplace, FREE Seminars and Boating Safety Classes and the Kids Cove. For more info visit: jerseyboatexpo.com

FEB 28 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

New Jersey’s premier home & garden event features over 200 exhib-

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

itors with the area’s top services & products. Attend expert presentations, meet kitchen and bath designers, improve your home’s curb appeal, find outdoor furniture for spring, shop home decor, attend a painting class, enjoy the kid’s activity area and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhomeshow.com

MARCH

MARCH 27 - 30 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Garden State film festival is held together by the philosophy of promoting an engendering independent films and new and inspiring filmmakers, and they have garnered support from Hollywood heavyweights like Glenn Close, Frank Vincent, Michael Uslan and James Gandolfini. For more info visit: gsff.org

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 30 | TULIP FESTIVAL

Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower grower and flower farm in New Jersey. Our U-Pick Tulip season opens when the millions of bulbs we planted in the fall burst into bloom. Rows and rows of colorful tulips as far as the eye can see! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3iYfOl8

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MAY 26 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE

- WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 04 - TUE 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 06 - THU 12:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 07 - FRI 12:00 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - FRI 3:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 08 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 09 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single * Schedule subject to change

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.