SHORE LOCAL | Mainland | January 22, 2026

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY'S NEWSMAGAZINE

Events & Entertainment to Beat the Winter Blues

Ocean Casino Resort Debuts Mini-Golf Course

Local Teen Wins Congressional App Challenge

Makeup Artist Makes it Big Time with Celebrities, Vogue

The 10-year challenge: Remembering the year Shore Local began

From the Editor

If you’re on social media, you’ve likely seen the 10-year challenge posts — the latest trend of users sharing photos of themselves from 2016 and reflecting on how much has changed. That was the year we began our journey with Shore Local. We soon will be celebrating 10 years of publication and steady growth — a milestone that once felt anything but certain.

In early 2016, longtime local print media ownership changed hands, and with it came a shift in direction that Bob felt was detrimental. After more than a decade of leading the advertising department at the Current, he made the difficult decision to choose a new path.

Together, we had a vision to create a

new hyper-local publication that spotlighted the people, places and events that shape our lives here at the Jersey Shore. By early March of that year, the first edition of Shore Local came to fruition and was on newsstands throughout Atlantic County and Ocean City.

There was a lot to do! We felt like we were constantly working: branding, networking, selling, writing, delivering papers, covering events and building our digital platforms. Looking back, it’s easy to forget just how much went into those early years. Good thing we were 10 years younger!

Starting something from scratch forced us to bet on ourselves. We controlled the effort we gave, the sacrifices we made and the perseverance we brought to the table. We learned that when we committed fully to your own vision, excuses fell away.

Still, many people believed we didn’t stand a chance. We were laughed at, mocked and warned that we were making a mistake. Some even tried to intimidate us out of trying. But we had too much skin in the game, too much grit and too much belief in what we were building. We trusted the

Publisher– Bob Fertsch (609) 334-1691 shorelocalads@gmail.com

Executive Editor - Cindy Christy Fertsch (609) 705-5323 shorelocalcindy@gmail.com

Publisher Assistant - Julia Train

Copy Editors - James FitzPatrick, Holly Fertsch, Julia Train

Advertising Sales - Meg Perry (609)425-5407 shorelocalmeg@gmail.com

Web Designer - Holly Martin, Digital Marketing - Liz Katz

Contributors –Charles Eberson, Scott Cronick, Tammy Thornton, Rich Baehrle, Sarah Fertsch, Steffen Klenk, Brian Cahill, Dave Weinberg, Doug Deutsch, Elisa Jo Eagan, Joe Martucci, Heidi Clayton, Eric Reich, Chuck Darrow, Alex Corson, Cat Pepe, Delaney Crawford, Ursula Duffy, Robin Stoloff, Tynan Hand, Madison Russ

mission, the product and our ability to deliver something meaningful to the community.

Looking back, Shore Local didn’t grow because we were fearless or perfect. It grew because we kept going despite the fear we felt. We learned along the way, adjusted when necessary and stayed focused on serving our readers, advertisers and the communities we cover. That kind of consistency — week after week, year after year — is what compounds over time and builds trust.

If there’s one lesson I’ve taken from the past decade, it’s this: chase your goals with intention and don’t wait for permission. Be willing to think bigger than what feels comfortable. Take ownership of your choices. And don’t let anyone else define your limits. If someone doubts you, let it sharpen your focus rather than slow your stride.

Ten years ago, we took a chance on a dream. We’re grateful every day that we did. We are also deeply thankful for your support along the way. As we look back at the thousands of stories we’ve published about the people, places and events that shape our community, we hope at least one felt personal — something about you, your family, your friends or your business, or a story that simply resonated. Whether in print or online, we aspire to be a welcome addition to your life at the Jersey Shore.

Our slogan says it plainly: home grown and locally owned. We are of this community and for this community. We’re also incredibly proud of the team that brings Shore Local to you each week — people just like you and me, living here, doing business here and raising families in southern Jersey. Thank you for welcoming Shore Local into your homes and businesses. Your continued support allows us to stay true to our mission — telling local stories with care, integrity and heart.

Peace & Love, Cindy

Egg Harbor Township student wins 2025 Congressional App Challenge with veteran-focused app

By Julia Train

Uchenna u duma a junior at Egg Harbor Township High School, has been named the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for n ew Jersey’s Second Congressional District. He earned the recognition for a self-taught app designed to help veterans access neurological health resources and support.

The app, named BetterVeteran, offers tools aimed at early awareness and connection to care. users can upload brain scan images and receive an easy-to-understand indicator highlighting potential risks associated with certain types of brain bleeds. It also features a PTSD self-assessment tool modeled after the structure of the PCL-5 questionnaire, allowing veterans to better gauge their symp -

toms and determine whether professional care may be needed.

Based on user results, the app can then direct veterans to nearby resources, including VA facilities, medical centers, shelters and other support services.

u chenna said his grandfather, a military veteran who struggled to access care after his service, inspired the project. Although he was young at the time, uchenna said his understanding of his grandfather’s struggles grew through family stories.

“I wanted to make a difference, make an impact when creating something,” he said.

uchenna learned about the Congressional App Challenge in July 2025 through social media while searching for opportunities to apply his computer science skills.

That discovery led to months of independent learning and development, spending a majority of the summer teaching himself how to build an app from the ground up. uchenna said the concept continued to take shape through late August as the school year began.

“To be honest, creating the app was a bit of a struggle, especially in

the beginning and the end,” he said.

“It's my first time developing an app like this that other people use as well.”

According to uchenna, he relied heavily on online resources to teach himself how to build the app from scratch.

“I watched a lot of videos on tuto -

rials on how to make an app through Visual Studio code and a lot of Stack Overflow,” he said.

Once classes resumed, he worked on the project nearly every day after school — often late into the night after completing his homework — refining the model and improving its functionality

As the October deadline approached, u chenna said technical challenges intensified.

“I would have a lot of issues with connecting the artificial intelligence model with the [user Interface] of the app,” he said, explaining that troubleshooting required “a bunch of trial and error.”

uchenna said it “came down to the wire.” He submitted the app just minutes before the deadline 12 a.m. Oct. 31 and learned he had won on Dec. 3.

“When I read ‘winner,’ and after some ‘congratulations,’ then I started jumping for joy,” uchenna said.

His mother, ugochi u duma, was at the grocery store at the time and said she initially thought her son was joking when he shared the news over the phone.

“I thought he was pulling my leg,”

she said. “So I told him, are you serious? Are you for real?”

Once she saw the confirmation email, her reaction was immediate. ugochi said she screamed and rushed home to celebrate with her son.

She emphasized her pride in her son’s determination and said she encouraged him to get help with the more difficult aspects, but uchenna always told her, “Mom, I’ll figure it out.”

“I'm proud of him, and I know that he knows that. He's always been a very, very, very good kid, ugochi said. “I know that there's more ahead. I know his name is gonna be heard … So I hope he continues on that path, and I know that he will.”

In a Jan. 13 press release, Congressman Jeff Van Drew officially announced uchenna as the district’s winner, praising both the app and its mission.

“This year's winner is u chenna u duma, and I am incredibly proud of the work he did,” Van Drew said. He described uchenna’s app as “an

easy-to-use web app created to help veterans dealing with serious neurological challenges like PTSD and brain injuries.”

He added, "The competition was strong, and we saw a lot of impressive ideas from students across South Jersey. Choosing a winner was not easy, and everyone who took part should be proud of the effort they put in. Congratulations to uchenna, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next."

One day, u chenna hopes to expand on the app and create advanced technology for neurological use.

Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @ juliatrain on Instagram.

Cape May County launches prosecutorled Mental Health Diversion Program

By Julia Train

The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office has launched a new Mental Health Diversion Program designed to redirect eligible defendants with serious mental health conditions away from the traditional criminal justice process and into treatment-based services.

In a Jan. 15 press release, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced the establishment of the program, noting that it stems from a statewide effort to address gaps in how the criminal justice system handles individuals whose mental illness contributes to criminal behavior.

According to the release, in 2025 the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office were awarded a grant from the Office of the Attorney General to develop the prosecutor-led Mental Health Diversion Program, based on an existing model in Atlantic County.

The grant funds mental health screening, evaluation and case management services through Jewish Family

Services (JFS) of Atlantic County, which was awarded the contract to provide services in both counties, according to

the press release.

Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Gretchen Pickering, who currently runs the program, emphasized that eligibility is limited and specific.

“One of the first things that has to be made clear is that this applies to people who have indictable charges,” Pickering said. “You actually have to have charges.”

She added that the goal is to divert individuals with serious and persistent mental illness or intellectual or developmental disabilities when there is a clear connection between the condition and the alleged offense.

3120 Fire Road, Suite 100, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ Phone 609.317.0801 kap@djd.law djdlawyers.com

ternative to prosecution. Sutherland stressed that not all offenses qualify. Certain violent crimes, domestic violence offenses, crimes against children and sexually based offenses are unlikely to be accepted, even if they are lower-degree charges.

“It's not like someone with a mental health condition gets a free pass,” he said.

Pickering noted that applicants must have active charges and cannot apply after being sentenced to state prison.

Defendants may apply while incarcerated if their charges are pending. Pickering explained that being in jail does not automatically disqualify someone, but participation generally means they would not remain incarcerated during treatment. Sutherland said most qualifying cases involve nonviolent third- or fourth-degree offenses.

Participants accepted into the program must comply with treatment recommendations, attend required court appearances and remain under supervision.

In the press release, Sutherland stated that eligible defendants may be diverted “into appropriate case management and mental health services” and that, upon successful completion, “cooperative defendants can have their sentences downgraded or charges dismissed without prejudice.”

Applications are submitted primarily through defense attorneys, though defendants may also apply themselves, and applicants must provide documentation showing a mental health history tied to the alleged crime.

Sutherland compared the program to other diversionary tools, such as veterans diversion and recovery court.

“It's just another tool we have to help people who maybe ended up in the criminal justice system because of a condition they suffer from more than their bad intentions to engage in criminal activity,” he said.

The program is not a blanket al -

Sutherland also highlighted the program as part of a broader countywide approach to mental health, which includes the Alternative r esponses to reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (A rr IVE) Together program. The initiative pairs officers “trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, with certified mental health screeners and crisis specialists to respond to 911 calls involving behavioral health incidents,” according to the n ew Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

Applications for the Mental Health Diversion Program are being accepted now. According to the press release, application materials and program information are available on the resources tab of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website, and completed applications may be submitted through eCOurTS or to the judiciary.

Winter Feast to bring taste of Greece to EHT

By Steffen Klenk

Last week, up to 20 volunteers and staff gathered at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township to make delectable desserts to be served at the annual Greek Winter Feast. Preparations are underway for the annual three-day event, which will include a plethora of authentic Greek foods, live entertainment, dancing, merchants, church tours and a festive atmosphere.

n ow in its 16th year, the Greek Winter Feast is growing in popularity among area residents, with flavorful items on the menu all weekend long, including classic gyros, moussaka, shish kabobs, tyropita and baklava. There are plenty of specialty plates and pastries on the menu, along with several vegetarian items and drinks such as ouzo and traditional retsina wine.

Brian and Athena Sacco have lived in Egg Harbor Township and have been part of the congregation for nearly 20 years. They built their house just a short distance from the church grounds.

“Brian happened to be taking a bike ride one day and he saw them preparing for the June Festival,” Athena said. At the time, they were not parishioners and belonged to another church in Atlantic City. “He came here and said he wanted to be involved and that’s how it started.”

Today, Brian and Athena are active parishioners with the church. Brian serves as the festival chairman, planning events such as the Greek Festival in June; Athena is a member of the parish council.

One of the most popular items on the menu is galaktoboureko, a mouthwatering dessert made with a custard filling, wrapped in layers of phyllo dough, melted butter and lots of spices. up to 50 trays of the dessert are being made for this year’s event.

Athena described the preparations as “kind of like an assembly line; every phyllo is counted so we have consistency.”

“Everybody has their task and everybody knows what they need to do, so for the most part, it runs pretty smoothly,” Brian added.

Each year, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts multiple events, including their annual Greek Fest in June and appearances at the Ocean

11am-4pm in Jan, Feb& March

Presidents Day, Monday, Feb 16 from 11-4pm

with approximately 88% of the rebuilding efforts already fully funded.

Brian, who is also a member of the church’s building committee, estimates that construction will begin as early as next year. Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the upcoming project.

“It is a major accomplishment and a big celebration,” Athena said.

Since its founding in november 1982, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has been rooted in serving the community. The philanthropic work of the Philoptochos Society has increased over the years, welcoming new members regularly and supporting various charities throughout South Jersey, including monthly Peanut Butter & Jelly n ights to support Sister Jean’s Kitchen in Atlantic City, and participating in local walk-a-thons.

“You don’t have to be Orthodox to come and be part of our community,” said Athena.

The event will take place Friday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 31, from noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Holy Trinity is located at 7004 ridge Ave. in Egg Harbor Township. Dine-in and takeout will be available.

City Spring and Fall Block Parties. Planning events of such scale takes a lot of work and preparation. Athena said their festival committee has 15 active members that meet regularly to discuss preparation details.

“We’re very community driven, and we welcome everybody to our Winter Feast,” she said.

In recent years, Holy Trinity has been on a mission to rebuild the existing sanctuary. So far, their capital campaign has risen to $3.5 million,

For more information call 609-6538092, ext. 5. You can also view the full menu online at holytrinityeggharbor.com.

Steffen

is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

Events and Happenings

Thursday, January 22

Absecon Galloway Rotary Club Meeting

▶6:30 p.m.

Gourmet Italian restaurant, 324 South Pitney road, Galloway

A networking social hour will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about rotary, how they serve the local community and meet local community members. For club information, go to www. facebook.com/AbseconGallowayrotary, or email rose McCarthy, club president, at bluerose46@aol.com.

Friday, January 23

Movie at the Library

▶2 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join the Longport Library for a screening of the film “One Battle After Another.” For more information or to register, call 609-487-7403.

Saturday, January 24

Saturday Family Storytime

▶10:30 a.m.

Egg Harbor Township Library, 1 Swift Drive

Join the Atlantic County Library in Egg Harbor Township for a family

storytime this Saturday morning. Bring the family and enjoy a morning of songs and stories. register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-927-8664.

‘Pete the Cat’ by TheaterWorksUSA

▶11 a.m.

Stockton Performing Arts Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway

A groovy blue cat meets The Biddles and gets the whole family rocking, setting out on a mission to help Jimmy Biddle conquer art class. The show will take place at 11 a.m., with a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.stockton.edu/pac.

Morning Rise and Shine Yoga

▶11 a.m.

Mays Landing Library, 40 Farragut Ave.

Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel for class. register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-625-2776.

Overdue Opinions Book Club

▶11 a.m.

Somers Point Library, 801 Shore road

Join the Atlantic County Library in Somers Point for their monthly book club. From buzz-worthy new releases

to nostalgic throwbacks, each month brings something different to the table. This month, the club will discuss the title “There Should Have Been Eight” by n alini Singh. Members can vote on next month’s themed read at the end of each meeting. register online at www.atlanticlibrary. org or call 609-927-7113.

Meet the Author: Debbie McGuire ▶2 p.m.

Brigantine Library, 201 15th St. South

Join the Atlantic County Library in Brigantine as Debbie McGuire, author and environmentalist, discusses her latest work “Everyday Choices for the Earth: Hope through Our Multiplied Actions.” register online at www. atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-2660110.

Monday, January 26

Supervised Bridge Play

▶9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join Ocean City Library for Super-

Elisa Jo Eagan

vised Bridge. During the play session, students play practice hands based on the lesson. Students can ask questions at any time when they are not sure what to do. This class is free and open to players of any level.

Employment Assistance with One Stop Career Center ▶1-2 p.m. n ew Day Family Success Center, 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Pleasantville

Are you looking for a job or a career change? Atlantic County One Stop is available to assist you with

your job search at n ew Day FSC. Their services include job assistance for seniors, vocational training, literacy training and more. By appointment only. For more information, call 609652-0230.

Yoga and Meditation

▶5 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township

Find your Zen with community yogi Tarak. He will lead participants through yoga poses and meditation techniques for beginners. Wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers. Mats will be available at the class.

Tuesday, January 27

Paint and Sip

▶5-7 p.m.

Ventnor Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave.

Join the library for a themed paint party with snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and games, plus painting. Open to adults and interested teens. register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-823-4614.

Crafty Hour: Wooden Block Lantern

▶5:30 p.m.

Absecon Library, 305 n ew Jersey Ave.

Enjoy a fun evening making your own personalized craft. Share your

creative ideas of customizing your own art piece. register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609646-2228.

Furry Buddies

▶6-7 p.m.

Galloway Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds road

Join the Atlantic County Library in Galloway and read a story to therapy dogs Fritz and Frieda, who love sharing stories with children. registration is required and guardians must remain present. register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609652-2352.

Wednesday, January 28

Brunch & Learn with JFS Village

▶10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Shirat Hayam, 700 n . Swarthmore Ave., Ventnor

Join JFS Village as they explore how Jewish communities in the region navigated memory, identity and resilience after the traumas of the 1990s and life in a post-Srebrenica world. rSVP by Jan. 26 by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsvillage.org.

Block Party LEGO Edition

▶3 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township

Celebrate national LEGO Day at Inland FSC during a creative free play. There will also be LEGO-themed treats. All ages are welcome to attend.

Thursday, January 29

Storytime Club-Winter Edition

▶9-10 a.m.

St. Vincent de Paul r egional School, 5809 Main St., Mays Landing

Calling all little listeners ages 2-4, along with their favorite grown-ups. Step into a Winter Wonderland with a special Winter Storytime. Enjoy a cozy hour filled with enchanting stories, cheerful songs and a hands-on winter craft led by the eighth-grade students of St. Vincent de Paul. Feel free to dress in your favorite winter or festive outfit and warm up with delightful seasonal treats. register in advance by emailing advancement@ svdprs.com or call the main office at 609-625-1565.

Let it Snow Paint Night

▶5 p.m.

n ew Day Family Success Center, 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Pleasantville

Bring the whole family out for a magical winter-themed paint night. Join local artist Verneen as she guides participants step-by-step in creating a fun, snowy masterpiece. For more information, call 609-652-0230.

Saturday, January 31

Atlantic City Wing Fest

▶1-4 p.m.

Golden n ugget, 600 Huron Ave., Atlantic City

If you love wings, craft beer and live music, this event is for you. Atlantic City Wing Fest brings 21 of the region’s top restaurants together as they serve up their tastiest wings, along with craft beer tastings, cocktails, contests and live music by The Billy Walton Band. The event will be held inside the Grand Ballroom at Golden n ugget. General admission tickets are $55 per person and include unlimited wings and dipping sauces from all restaurants. Must be 21+ Old Friends: A Night of Songs and Stories

▶7 p.m.

Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point

Mark your calendars for a special fundraiser as singer-songwriter Brian Conover and all-around performer Debby Jenkins come together to sing for the first time after 40 years of friendship and mutual admiration. Pianist and singer Scott Breiner joins the two for a night of songs and stories about life, music and friendship. Tickets are $30 per person. Proceeds benefit the Gateway

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Continued on 14

Playhouse and arts programs in the community.

Sunday, February 1

Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market

▶12-6 p.m.

Anchor rock Club, 247 S. n ew York Ave.

Get ready for a full day of music, shopping and a festive atmosphere at the Punk rock Flea Market. Shop for new and gently used records, oddities, vintage clothing, crafts, antiques, upcycled goods, original art and more. There will be plenty of drinks and snacks available for purchase. Admission is $10 at the door.

Multi-day Events

Greek Winter Feast

▶Friday, Jan. 30-Sunday, Feb. 2

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7004 ridge Ave., Egg Harbor Township

The Holy Trinity Church Family invites you to their 18th Annual Greek Winter Feast, featuring traditional Greek dancing, authentic Greek food and homemade Greek pastries. DJ Khan will be playing popular Greek music for Saturday’s Taverna evening, along with group dance performances and church tours. The event will take place Friday, Jan. 30, from

5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 31, from noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Health and Wellness

Coffee Talk

▶Saturdays, 11 a.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave. Suite 617, Atlantic City

During this one hour meeting, participants discuss, enhance and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase optimism. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

Monday Meditation and Stretching

▶Mondays, 11:30 a.m.

Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds road, Galloway n ewcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.

Depression and Anxiety Group

▶Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking

coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. n o cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-6523800 or email jgimbel@ mhanj.org.

Dementia Support Group

▶Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m.

Egg Harbor Township Community Center, 5045 English Creek Ave.

Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-4026966 for more information.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

▶7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9

St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore road, Somers Point n AMI of Atlantic/Cape May offers free self-help, peer led support groups for family members, caregivers and friends of individuals over the age of 18 living with a mental illness. Participants gain the support

of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others challenges and successes. Family Support and Connections groups meet on the second Monday of each month. Visit www.namiacm.org for further information.

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

A look inside the Atlantic County Aces and their championship season

By Delaney Crawford

As humans, we all want to feel a sense of accomplishment, build friendships at every stage of life, and feel included in activities we enjoy. But those feelings and connections aren’t always easy to achieve for everyone. For individuals with special needs, finding a space that offers all of that can be especially challenging… but what if it didn’t have to be?

Enter the Atlantic County Aces, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities throughout South Jersey through sports, social engagement, and community activities. For the past six years, the Aces have created a place where athletes truly belong. The organization not only teaches participants how to play team sports and work with others, but also helps them build independence, set goals, and experience the pride of accomplishment, all while forming meaningful friendships and becoming part of a supportive community.

What began as a small group of 10 athletes playing floor hockey has steadily grown. Thanks to the dedication of President Kathy Turcotte and Vice President Lori McHale, participation continues to increase, and the organization now offers pickleball, bocce ball, and bowling, with hopeful plans to add golf this fall.

Each team within the Atlantic County Aces is part of Special Olympics n ew Jersey, allowing athletes to compete in full seasons against teams across the state and advance to state games at the conclusion of each season.

The Aces’ floor hockey team recently wrapped up their winter season on a high note. The Special Olympics floor hockey games were held at Stockton u niversity, where the Aces delivered a clean sweep, capturing the championship title.

“Everything they worked on all season just came together at that tournament, and seeing their teamwork was incredible,” Turcotte said. “There wasn’t one standout person; everyone played, and everyone contributed. It was truly great teamwork. They were so excited to win, especially when they received their gold medals.”

The teams practice during the week and compete on weekends, training hard, as their recent success clearly reflects. Many athletes participate in multiple sports through

the organization and also take part in social and volunteer outings throughout the community.

Athletes come from a wide area, with many living in Cape May and Atlantic counties, while others travel from different parts of n ew Jersey just to be involved. regardless of distance, each athlete looks forward to practices and games, eager to be part of the team.

“Being on this team really does mean everything,” said McHale, whose son Sean plays on several Aces teams. “Sean doesn’t get much socialization now that he’s out of school. He works part time, but there’s not much interaction there. This is his outlet. He gets to spend time with friends and connect with people he wouldn’t normally interact with, and he absolutely loves it.”

McHale shared that beyond sports and friendships, being part of the Aces has had a profound impact on Sean’s personal growth as well.

“A few years ago, he was very introverted, and now he’s so much more social and independent,” she said. “The Aces have really brought him out of his shell.”

That growth isn’t unique to one athlete. Turcotte shared a story about a pair of brothers from Manahawkin who have gained newfound independence through their involvement. The brothers now take Zip rides on their own to and from practice each week, something their sister never expected.

“She arranges the rides, and the guys get in and come down by themselves,” Turcotte said. “Their sister told me they would have never done that before, but they want to be part of the sports so badly that they’re doing it. They’re becoming more confident and independent and that’s happening with so many of our athletes.”

For Turcotte and McHale, stories like these are the most rewarding part of being involved.

“We get so attached to them,” Turcotte said. “Watching them thrive, grow, and become more social is incredible. It gives us such satisfaction. We all want to feel successful and have fun with friends, and these athletes are no different. Being able to give them that means everything.”

For McHale, that fulfillment comes not only as a coach and leader, but also as a parent.

“I love that something like this exists, because opportunities for people with special needs can be very limited,” she said. “When you find an organization where your child can be social, active, and feel included, it’s a huge win for the entire special needs community. It’s been amazing for my son and for so many others.”

The Atlantic County Aces welcome any athlete who wants to participate, with a general age range of 14 and up. Following the floor hockey team’s recent championship success, the organization hopes to continue growing and welcoming new athletes.

The Aces pickleball team will compete in state games at the end of this month, with bowling sectionals scheduled for early February at King Pin. Summer sports begin in March with bocce ball, followed by state games in June, offering plenty of opportunities for athletes to stay active, connected, and involved.

“If you have a disability and want to play one of our sports, come on in, you are more than welcome,” Turcotte said.

“ no matter what level you play at,” McHale added.

Louis J Rondinella MD, Retirement

I retired my practice on December 31, 2025.

Effective December 31, 2025 we have retained Cariend, a medical records custodian, to manage the records for the next 10-19 years. Cariend is not a medical provider and does not handle billing, medications, or referrals for the closed practice.

Requestors should be prepared to complete the Records Release Authorization Form and provide a copy of government-issued photo ID, as required by HIPAA. The fastest way to process requests for copies of medical records is to visit Cariend’s website and follow the instructions posted here: https://www.cariend.com/request-records/

If you do not have access to a computer or internet, Cariend can be reached by phone at 404 991-7080 – please note the HIPAA laws do not allow medical records to be released based on a phone or email request. If you prefer to mail your completed Authorization Form and Government-issued Photo ID: Cariend ROI PO Box 1866 Thomasville, GA 31799-1866

If you have questions about the process, Cariend can also be contacted via email at Request@Cariend.com however, you should not send sensitive personal information or request documents through email.

Louis J Rondinella, MD

647 Shore Rd, Somers Point NJ 08244 609-601-9055

The rise of EHT celebrity makeup artist Catrina Breitweiser

By Delaney Crawford

From Vogue articles to red carpet runways, one South Jersey local is making major headlines in the beauty industry.

Catrina Breitweiser, known as Makeup by Catrina, the makeup artist everyone’s talking about, transforms faces for celebrities, photoshoots, and high-profile events across the area. What started as a passion has grown into a thriving career, and her talent, creativity, and drive have made her a recognized name in the world of beauty.

Breitweiser’s journey began with a simple childhood passion. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother and father, both artists, she spent hours sketching in her room. By fourth grade, she had moved from drawing on paper to experimenting with “makeup” on her dolls. That love of creating only grew, but it wasn’t until she turned 16 that a real opportunity presented itself.

“I was walking around the mall and passed the MAC counter. It felt like the gates of heaven opened. Seeing those women fully made-up under the lights, I thought, ‘This is what I want to do. This is what I’m going to do,’” she recalled.

Soon after, Breitweiser got a job at MAC to gain experience. Through that

and other makeup counter positions, she learned her craft, met people, and began making initial connections that would help her later on.

Her career didn’t skyrocket overnight. For years, she worked tirelessly, taking a small number of clients in her kitchen while building her skills and reputation. Then one day, a breakthrough came.

“Someone asked if I knew anyone who did weddings, and I thought, ‘Why can’t I do that?’ I took my first gig with just a few sample products, and it went well. After that, I started getting more referrals. Soon, every weekend was booked,” Breitweiser said.

As her wedding work expanded, she turned to social media. “I started posting online, showing my work authentically. That brought even more business,” she said. “Then it was time to open a studio, and it blew up even more. Each step just led to the next.”

For Breitweiser, authenticity has been key. “It’s not always just talent, it’s also your vibe, how you act, and how you treat others. Stay authentic and be yourself,” she said.

Her authentic online presence eventually helped her break into the celebrity makeup world. Once celebrities saw her work, referrals grew rapidly. “Once you’re in that world, people trust you, and referrals go a long way,” she said.

Over the years, Breitweiser has worked with networks like Fox, n BC, and n etflix, and thousands of clients, including many of the “ real Housewives of n ew Jersey,” Bethenny Frankel, n FL wives, and more. She frequently travels to n ew York for shoots while still serving clients in and around Atlantic City.

Success also brought its challenges, though. “At first, it was nerve-wracking when socials got more attention. I remember using Dolores Catania from the ‘ real Housewives of n ew Jersey’ as a model for a master class, and a bad photo leaked online. People were so mean. I cried for weeks,” she recalled. “Dolores called me afterward and said, ‘Catrina, if you’re going to be in this industry, you have to know we don’t read our comments. rule number one.’”

Taking that advice to heart, Breitweiser has continued to grow, learn, and set new goals while staying true to her passion. Four years ago, she opened a larger studio in Egg Harbor Township and later launched her own cosmetic line, MBC Cosmetics. What began as four glosses has now grown into a full makeup and skincare collection.

“I started it because I couldn’t find the products I needed, whether that be specific textures, colors, and formulas. I wanted clean, vegan, cruelty-free products,” she said. “My aunt passed from breast cancer linked to a product she used, so keeping everything clean has always

been important to me. It’s all about the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic.”

In addition to her cosmetic line, her bridal business remains booming, and she balances body contouring services, celebrity clients, and motherhood. “I love that no day is ever alike. Staying inspired 22 years into

my career is all I ask. I never want to get comfortable or feel like I’ve done everything. My goals are just getting started,” she said.

Breitweiser describes her makeup style as versatile. “You can’t put the same makeup on everyone. What looks good on one person might not on the next. My specialty is curating the perfect look for each client.”

Breitweiser can do soft glam, beach shoots, fitness shoots, drag queen, special effects, weddings, and more. She also emphasizes authenticity in an industry often perceived as superficial. “Even though I’m in a ‘fake’ industry with celebrities, I’m a straight shooter. People often think because I’m ‘Hollywood,’ I’m fake. I’m not,” she said.

After years of growing, continuing to learn, and remaining true to herself and her work, Breitweiser had a major breakthrough moment recently. Her hard work recently earned her a feature in Vogue.

“When my Pr company told me, I thought they were joking. I never expected this. I’m still crying about it, I never expected that this could be

possible,” Breitweiser said. “I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and now I’m 40 years old and I just feel like hard work really does pay off. It took years to get here, I’ve been working my butt off and started from nothing. It’s just so surreal and I’m just so grateful.”

Looking ahead, Breitweiser has Fashion Week, award shows, and her annual masterclasses on the horizon. You can follow along as her career continues to grow through her socials at makeupbycatrina_studio.

“There is nothing better than doing someone’s makeup and doing it well. I’m a giver and I just love to make people feel good,” Breitweiser. “There are so many women who are just so hard on themselves, but when they’re in my chair, they feel beautiful and that is the best feeling. Just making someone feel good, feel worthy and give them confidence, I feel like it’s my whole purpose in life.”

Winter Storm Jonas, 10 years later

By Meteorologist Joe Martucci

Iwas going to write this column anyway, but with the 2016 Challenge spreading throughout the internet, this came at a perfect time.

The Blizzard of 2016 happened Jan. 22 to 24 of that year. The Weather Channel named it Winter Storm Jonas, which is how many of us know it today.

It came with high winds, rounds of significant coastal flooding, extreme cold and, of course, snow. This nor’easter had it all, enough to make this the fifth most impactful northeast winter storm since records began in 1956, according to the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (n OAA). For context, that’s between the slightly weaker Presidents Day II Blizzard of 2003 and the much stronger Blizzard of 1996. Sadly, at least eight people died,

according to nJ.com, and over 100,000 homes and businesses were without power.

Moody’s Analytics estimated $4 billion in damage on the East Coast, in December 2025 dollars.

Jonas is a good reason why my weather dad, Jim Eberwine, always says that we have a 12-month hurricane season here at the shore. n or’easters around here are feared more for their flooding and wind than the snow itself.

Flooding rivaling Sandy

Satellite imagery of the Blizzard of 2016 via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For those south of Brigantine, where Superstorm Sandy made landfall four years earlier in 2012, the Blizzard of 2016 brought even more significant flooding.

Two rounds of flooding affected the Jersey Shore the mornings of Jan. 23 and 24. The combination of powerful, onshore winds, and the near-full moon drove feet of saltwater into beach towns in some locations.

In Cape May Harbor, the n OAA tide gauge reached a record 9.36 feet above mean lower low water. That

was more than a half foot higher than Sandy. Below are others that had a higher crest than Sandy.

Delaware Bay (Cape May):

● 8.98 feet in Jonas

● 8.89 feet in Sandy

● north Wildwood:

high tide (snow and ice aside) and brought water into homes and businesses that rarely see it.

Farther north through Sandy Hook saw moderate flooding, similar to the flooding we had during the October 2025 nor’easter. Generally the flood level was 3 to 4 feet above normally high ground along the South Jersey shoreline.

There were concerns about saltwater freezing on the roads on the nights of Jan. 23 and 24, as temperatures fell into the 20s. However, that mostly did not occur.

Whipping winds

Power outages were a problem for many at the Jersey Shore. Onshore winds were fierce and drove tidal flooding.

Strathmere had the highest gusts

However, the strongest winds were in Ocean County. Good Luck Point in Bayville took the top mark statewide at 72 mph. Good luck standing in that. Other Ocean County gusts on Jan. 23 included:

● Tuckerton: 68 mph

● Harvey Cedars: 64 mph

● Beach Haven: 62 mph

● Lakewood: 61 mph

● Seaside Heights: 61 mph

● Holgate: 61 mph

● Beach Haven: 60 mph

Beyond that, many beach towns, from Sea Bright to Cape May, gusted to at least 50 mph once.

A decent amount of snow

The fierce winds blew and snow drifted feet high. However, snow was more of a concern for inland folks rather than people in shore and beach towns.

The highest snowfall totals reported in Atlantic and Cape May counties were 17.5 inches in Buena Vista Township. Closer to the coast, Atlantic City International Airport picked up 12.9 inches. Wildwood Crest had 11.3 inches and Woodbine had 8.6 inches, according to data gathered by the Office of the n ew Jersey State Climatologist.

In typical Jersey Shore fashion, we had a smorgasbord of precipitation types.

“Snow began falling in the south during the early evening of the 22nd, moving steadily northward,” said Dave robinson, the n ew Jersey state climatologist at the time.

“The intensity of the storm grew overnight, with heavy snow falling by the morning of the 23rd, winds howling and ocean waters pouring into coastal com munities at times of high tide… Early snow turned over into a mix of snow, sleet and rain in… coastal areas, before turning back to snow toward the storm’s end.”

Farther north, it was a high-end snowstorm. Ocean County picked up 12 to 21 inches of snow. Monmouth County’s lower snowfall total was just 16.5 inches in Colts up 25.5 inches while on the beach, Long Branch saw up to 21 inches. n OAA’s fifth-place ranking aside, the Jersey Shore hasn’t had a winter storm bring quite the combination of snow, wind and tidal flooding since.

88 on the Garden State Parkway, barely an inch fell.

Is a big snow expected this winter?

The Blizzard of January 2022 saw 12 to 21 inches up and down the Jersey Shore. Drifts of snow were

all around. Thankfully, there was no

Just a few weeks before that, there was significant flooding and wind in the snowy nor’easter of Jan. 3, 2022 (I was freezing in my rain boots in a foot of water off the White Horse Pike in Atlantic City). Snowfall totals of 9 to 15 inches buried South Jersey in snow. Once you got to Exit

I don’t believe so. As mentioned in our winter outlook column, this looks more like the season for medium-sized snows without major tidal flooding. The prevailing storm track doesn’t favor the types of low-pressure systems that form off the Florida or Georgia Coast, and increase in strength as they move north.

That being said, another bitterly cold outbreak is expected late in January through the first half of February. This may be a case of it being too dry to snow much. We’ll keep you updated.

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A community table at Northend Grill

By Brian Cahill

One of the most rewarding parts of serving on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association is the opportunity to connect with new member businesses and learn the stories behind them. When n orthend Grill joined the SPBA, I wanted to reach out personally. I had heard so many great things about the food and the atmosphere, and it quickly became clear that this is a place built on community in every sense of the word.

northend Grill, located at 718 Bay Avenue in Somers Point (where Bay Ave Sushi used to be), is owned by Angelo Di Bartolo and Jim House, two longtime locals whose careers were rooted in public service before they ever opened a restaurant. Angelo spent years as a teacher and guidance counselor in Ocean City, while

Jim served as an Atlantic County Sheriff’s officer. After retiring from their previous professions, the two friends, who originally met while playing rugby, formed a partnership that blends Angelo’s breakfast and lunch expertise with Jim’s well-known barbecue and catering background. That partnership is reflected in both the menu and the mission. From the beginning, n orthend Grill set out to be a neighborhood restaurant that offers quality food at a price that makes sense. The goal is simple. This is a place people can visit regularly, not just for special occasions.

At the same time, northend Grill has found creative ways to serve the community beyond its everyday menu. Special events have become an important part of the restaurant’s identity, offering something a little different while keeping the focus on value and accessibility.

Their upcoming Super Bowl

gatherings, office lunches, or community groups. The owners are also willing to open the restaurant outside of normal business hours when the occasion calls for it. They have done this for private parties, team breakfasts, and special gatherings, including hosting the Mainland High School soccer team. These events are handled with the same care as daily service, offering custom menus and comfortable buffet-style setups for groups of 30-40 people.

What sets n orthend Grill apart, though, are the people behind it. This is a family-run operation, with children and relatives actively involved in the dayto-day work, and it shows in the warmth of the service and the pride they take in the space. northend Grill is more than a restaurant. It is a place where Somers Point comes together, one table at a time. Call 609-788-4422, visit them on

barbecue event on Feb. 8 is a great example. Guests can stop in between 12-4 p.m., order takeout, or place catering orders for their Super Bowl gatherings. Signature ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue platters, and classic sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, slaw, collard greens, and Pork Island potato salad are all part of the offering. Orders must be placed by Feb. 7. n orthend Grill has also introduced monthly dinner events that show another side of the kitchen. Their Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb. 14 will feature a three-course prix fixe menu at $38 per person. Guests can choose between Caesar salad with grilled chicken or escarole soup, select from several classic Italian entrees, and finish with dessert. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included, and the restaurant is BYOB. The response to these dinners has been overwhelmingly positive, with February already filling quickly.

Facebook or order online at https:// www.toasttab.com/local/order/northend-grill-718-bay-ave

Catering and private events are another growing part of the business, and one that truly highlights their commitment to customers. All catering now comes directly out of northend Grill, whether it is for family

Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He also volunteers on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.

Professional wrestling in Atlantic City

By Bruce Klauber

One of the staples of early television programming was professional wrestling. The fledgling and short-lived DuMont Television n etwork first presented pro wrestling on the national airwaves in 1948, with the initial matches taking place at new York City’s St. nicholas Arena. It was a gamble for the low-budget network, as pro wrestling up until that time was presented only regionally. But DuMont needed cheap programming, so the network took a chance.

It worked beyond anyone’s dreams, helped by pro wrestling’s first outrageous television star, a veteran wrestler named George raymond Wagner, better known as Gorgeous George. Already in his late 30s when he hit the airwaves, Wagner seemed to know instinctively just

what television audiences wanted.

“It was with the advent of television that Wagner's in-ring character became the biggest drawing card the industry had ever known,” wrote John F. Molinaro in his book, “Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time.”

“With the networks looking for cheap, effective programming to fill its time slots, pro wrestling’s glorified action became a genuine hit with the viewing public, as it was the first program of any kind to draw a real profit. The first televised wrestling match in 1948 was more than just a one-time event. It was a milestone that set the stage for the future of professional wrestling as an entertainment form.”

stranger to the sport, even before the advent of television broadcasts.

Pro wrestling was promoted in these parts, courtesy of a veteran promoter named Myer Saul, as early as 1935 at what was then called Convention Hall.

What Molinaro did not say is that television helped create a national audience for wrestling, and that the audience ultimately wanted to see the stars of wrestling in person.

Given that Atlantic City was a resort destination with lots of entertainment – and pro wrestling, at its core, is entertainment – it’s no surprise that the Boardwalk was no

Promoter Al Soifer replaced Saul upon Saul’s retirement, and promoted shows at Convention Hall from 1947 through 1969. In 1967, Soifer hooked up with another promoter, this one with a television presence and an affiliation with the World Wide Wrestling Federation: ray Fabiani who hosted a Philadelphia-based TV show called “ ray Fabiani’s Mat Time.”

With the advent of legalized gambling in 1978, it would seem that Atlantic City casinos would be the perfect spot to present live wrestling shows. Still, promoters at the time were relatively unsure whether the shows would be a draw or not.

A dry run for wrestling in Atlantic City casinos took place on Oct. 11, 1981 at the now-defunct Playboy Hotel and Casino when comic Andy Kaufman, self-styled “Women’s Wrestling Champion,” brought his show to the shore. n ot surprisingly, the event did very well.

The oddity of Kaufman aside, what made professional wrestling such a hit on television, and in person, was World Wide Wrestling Federation’s Vince McMahon, who envisioned a wider audience for wrestling beyond old-time heroes like Bruno Sammartino, Killer Kowalski, George “The Animal” Steele and Gorilla Monsoon.

In the early 1980s McMahon introduced music to professional wrestling by way of pop star Cyndi Lauper, who appeared at many events and even

became a part of the storylines. As a result of the wrestling/pop music tie-in, audiences all over the country flocked to see the outlandishly outfitted villains and heroes, the spectacular sets, manufactured rivalries and other trappings of pure showbiz. And Atlantic City was primed and ready for it.

What really put the town on the map as a wrestling center was WrestleMania IV, which took place in 1988 at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Diehard fans may recall that randy Savage won the WWF championship match that evening. Wrestlemania V took place the following year at the same location; Hulk Hogan defeated Savage on that memorable evening.

Since then, there have been dozens of pro wrestling events in the city sponsored by various wrestling organizations, at a number of venues, notably the Showboat, which often presented shows under the aegis of Game Changer Wrestling, aka GCW. Other venues that have hosted pro wrestling events include the Hard rock, Anchor rock Club, and even the ACX1 Studios. Some of the bigger events were also televised.

The wrestling juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down in Atlantic City with the Boardwalk Brawlers scheduled for Jan. 24 at ACX1 Studios.

Professional wrestling has become big business despite the fact that almost everyone knows it’s fake. That, however, has never seemed to matter to the fans. Joseph Bentz, a college professor and sometimes wrestling fan, has tried to explain the decades-long phenomena.

“WWE is not only about wrestling matches,” Bentz wrote. “It’s about stories. Characters are created, and storylines are constructed that can be carried out for months or years. The major wrestlers have their own theme songs to which they strut out from backstage to the ring, wearing familiar costumes and sometimes accompanied by loud fireworks and gigantic video images. rivalries are stoked for months leading up to big events such as the annual WrestleMania.

“The most common criticism of wrestling is that it’s fake. The athleticism is certainly not fake. I have watched wrestlers climb high up on enormous ladders and then dive into the air, doing several flips on their

way down to the mat to pin an opponent. I have watched them lift 300-pound wrestlers off the mat and toss them out of the ring,” Bentz added. “There are some fake elements to what they do. The seemingly brutal punches they land on their foes, for instance, are not as violent as they are meant to look. But these are truly gifted athletes who have not only wrestling skills, but also tremendous strength and impressive gymnastic abilities.”

So maybe it is a real sport after all. But whatever it is or isn’t, rest assured that Gorgeous George would have been proud.

Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers

Business Buzz

By Richard Baehrle

What began as a modest neighborhood market has grown into a small business hub along route 9 in Absecon.

Brothers Yogesh Patel and rakesh Patel opened Gokul Farmers Market at 209 S. route 9 in 2008. The store quickly gained a loyal following for its wide selection of fresh produce, full grocery offerings and international food items.

As customer demand increased, the original space became increasingly crowded. The brothers recognized the need to expand in order to better serve their growing customer base.

Over time, Gokul Farmers Market broadened its inventory to include popular products from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America, alongside traditional American grocery staples. In recent years, the Patels completed the approval

process for their current 8,000-square-foot store, allowing them to offer a more spacious and organized shopping experience.

“What sets the store apart from competitors is its diverse international selection, combined with fresh produce and everyday essentials, all under one roof,” Yogesh Patel said.

In an era dominated by bigbox retailers, differentiation has been key to the store’s success. Customers have come to expect specialty items not typically found at larger chains.

shop for groceries while doing their laundry.

“We listen to our customers,” rakesh Patel said. “If there is demand for a particular item, we do our best to stock it.”

That customer-first philosophy has remained central to the business since its early days.

In n ovember 2025, the brothers made another strategic decision, choosing not to lease adjacent space. Instead, they opened Absecon Laundromat, a newly built, state-of-theart facility next to the market. The bright, clean space is outfitted with new equipment and offers added convenience for customers, who can

The latest addition to the growing plaza is rosie’s Pizza, owned by Dev Patel, with a projected opening in May 2026. The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will focus primarily on takeout, with limited seating, and will be the owner’s first location.

“The restaurant will offer a unique blend of classic pizza and American-Indian fusion cuisine,” Dev Patel said. “It’s designed to appeal to both traditional pizza lovers and customers looking for bold, international flavors.”

The menu will feature specialty pizzas such as paneer tikka, chicken

tikka, butter chicken, spicy masala and tandoori chicken. Additional offerings will include Indian street foods like vada pav, pav bhaji, samosas, chaat varieties, dosa and uthappam.

The plaza will also feature authentic Mexican cuisine prepared by chef Moyo, known for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.

Together, Yogesh, r akesh and Dev Patel have transformed Gokul Plaza into a family-run destination that reflects years of hard work, collaboration and community support.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by and explore the growing collection of locally owned businesses at 209 S. route 9 in Absecon — and to continue supporting small businesses throughout the region.

Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com

The Forecast Calls for Fun

What's happening in Ocean City Winter Warrior Festival,

Environment Family Fun Day, Broadway love songs on Feb. 14

The Winter Warrior Challenge will return for its third year on Saturday, Feb. 14, and registration is open for the event’s fun and wintry competition. Winter Warrior includes three components: an obstacle course race for children, a “Winter Warrior” obstacle course race for parents and individuals and team challenges such as a fire truck pull.

● Kids Obstacles: A fun, non-competitive course includes a rock wall, hazard walls, cargo net, agility poles, teeter plank, monkey bars, floating steps, tire run and noodle tower.

● “Winter Warrior Challenge”: Show your grit on a cold 2.5-mile course with 10 obstacles. Look for things like sand mounds, floating steps and a cargo-net climb along the way. This race is reserved for participants ages 14 and older (or those younger but accompanied by an adult). All survivors receive an exclusive Winter Warrior Challenge finisher T-shirt.

● “Winter Warrior” Team Challenges: Teams of four from local businesses, organizations, church -

es and other groups will compete in events such as a fire-truck pull, dummy rescue and tire-flip relay. registration for all events is open now, and discounted fees will be available through 4 p.m. Feb. 11. For complete information and registration, visit ocnj.us/race-events.

Nature & The Environment Family Fun Day

The seventh annual Ocean City Nature & The Environment Family Fun Day is set for 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday Feb. 14 in the cafeteria at Ocean City High School (501 Atlantic Ave).

The event is a great chance to get the kids out to do something educational, interactive and have loads of fun this Presidents Day weekend. Last year’s event drew more than 850 parents and kids. This year’s event will include a wide range of hands-on experiences focused on nature and the environment and catered to both children and adults.

Hands-on activities:

● Meet and Greet Ocean City’s Boardwalk raptors – East Coast Falcons

● Small Zoo Animal Interaction (Cape May County Zoo)

● Marine Life Interaction (Wetlands Institute)

● recycling Arts and Crafts (Ocean City Environmental Commission)

● nature and Environmental Takeaways

● Food Drive: Please bring canned and shelf stable foods and personal products to donate to the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard)

Demonstrations, exhibits, experts:

● The Importance of Pollinating Insects – Show and Tell (Ocean County College, Barnegat Bay Partnership)

● Planting Your Own Pollinator Garden – Show and Tell, and Pollinator Seed Giveaway (Ocean City Garden Club)

● The Wonderful World of Birds: n .J. Audubon Society

● Bringing Back the Original Jersey Tomato: Show and Tell, and Tomato Seed Giveaway (rutgers Agricultural research and Extension Center)

● Environmentally Friendly Shellfish replenishing – Demonstration (ACT Engineers)

● Protecting the Watershed and Cleaning up the Bay – Demonstration (AmeriCorps)

● Trash Decomposition and the Environment (Ocean City Environmental Commission)

● The Ins and Outs of recycling (Cape May Municipal utilities Authority)

● How to Compost (Ocean City Environmental Commission)

● native Plants Exhibit (Ocean City Environmental Commission)

● Energy Efficiency (South Jersey Gas)

● Energy Efficiency (Atlantic City Electric)

● Water Efficiency (n ew Jersey American Water)

● Solid Waste and Wastewater Management (Cape May Municipal utilities Authority)

● Electric Vehicle Charging Location Maps

The event is sponsored by Ocean City’s Environmental Commission and held in partnership with the Ocean City Free Public Library, Cape May County Park and Zoo, The Wetlands Institute, Ocean County College, Ocean City Garden Club, Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard, rutgers u niversity Agricultural Extension Center and the Audubon Society of n ew Jersey.

‘Love is in the Air’ at the Ocean City Music Pier

The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company will celebrate love with some of the most enchanting and unforgettable songs to ever grace the Broadway stage at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Bring that special someone, your family, a friend or let Broadway be your Valentine this year for the “Love is in the Air” show at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Talented performers from the OCTC’s Professional Broadway Series and student programs are back on stage for a relaxed and fun cabaret featuring favorite Broadway songs.

After the show, keep the Valentine’s celebration going at The Flanders Hotel with a special reception. You’ll get to meet the performers and enjoy drinks and light fare, including a fondue station, grilled vegetables, antipasto, international cheeses and passed hors d’oeuvres like fig and mascarpone puffs, Mediterranean chicken skewers, mini crab cakes, and mini-grilled cheese with tomato soup.

You can buy tickets for the cabaret and reception at oceancitytheatrecompany.com. Show-only tickets are $18 per person. The $75-per-person package includes both the show and the post-show reception at The Flanders Hotel. You can also pre-order via OCTC's site for a $25 bouquet from SeaSpray Flower Cart, which will be available when you check in.

All proceeds will support the Ocean City Theatre Company.

LaManna ends career with third Boxer of the Year award

By David Weinberg

Atlantic City has steadily reestablished itself as one of professional boxing’s top destinations.

The resort was host to 10 cards for the second straight year at four different venues – Bally’s Atlantic City, Hard rock Hotel & Casino, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Tropicana Atlantic City.

It marked the busiest two-year period for boxing in Atlantic City since it also had 20 total shows in 2017-18.

Most importantly, Atlantic City was home to a major championship fight at Boardwalk Hall’s main arena for the first time in over a decade.

An estimated crowd of 8,000 watched welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis of Philadelphia gain a sixth-round TKO over Lithuania’s Eimantas Stanionis last April 12. It marked the first boxing event at Boardwalk Hall since november 8, 2014, when then-light-heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalez earned a unanimous decision over legendary Bernard Hopkins.

r&B Promotions president Alex Barbosa staged four cards in 2025 at Hard rock while Margate native Larry Goldberg of Boxing Insider Promotions enjoyed a second straight successful year at Tropicana with three cards.

The year in boxing ended when Debra LaManna and son Thomas of Vineland-based rising Star Promotions celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a card at Bally’s last month.

This year kicks off for Atlantic City boxing on February 7 at Hard rock with a r&B Promotions card that is scheduled to include Mays Landing heavyweight rodney Brooks (5-0, 5 KOs) and Atlantic City light-heavyweight Christian Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO).

Figueroa’s brother, unbeaten super-welterweight Justin Figueroa (14-0, 11 KOs) will headline a Boxing Insiders show at the Trop on March 7. Smithville heavyweight Bruce Seldon Jr. (8-0, 6 KOs), former Somers Point heavyweight Josh Popper (5-0, 5 KOs) and Pleasantville super-lightweight Julio Sanchez III (3-1, 2 KOs)

are also slated to be on the card.

Before the first punch is thrown in 2026, however, let’s highlight the fights, fighters and other people who helped make 2025 such a fantastic year for boxing on the boardwalk.

Local Fighter of the Year:

Thomas LaManna (40-6-1, 19 KOs). The Millville middleweight gets the award for the third straight year. The 34-year-old LaManna posted a fifth-round TKO over Juan rodriguez at Bally’s last month, then announced his retirement after a 15-year pro career that began during his senior year at Millville High School in 2011. LaManna’s 40 career wins tied former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon of Atlantic City for the second-most career victories among local fighters. The late richie Kates of Bridgeton won 44 fights as a light-heavyweight.

Local Prospect of the Year: Justin Figueroa (14-0, 11 KOs) went unbeaten in three fights in 2025. The Holy Spirit High School graduate and Atlantic City native earned a second-round TKO over Mario Gaston rios at the Trop, took an eight-round, unanimous decision over Jarron Tenant in San Antonio, then returned to Atlantic City to stop Jose Edgardo Perdomo at the end of four rounds.

(runnersup: Brooks, Pleasantville bantamweight Francisco rodriguez, Seldon Jr..

Crossover Fighter of the Year: Anthony Young. The Pleasantville welterweight (23-3, 8 KOs) put his boxing career on hold to play baseball for Atlantic Cape Community College last spring. The 37-year-old hadn’t played the sport since Little League.

Honorable mention: Jeff Lentz. The former boxer and MMA competitor from Egg Harbor Township made his BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) debut last October and scored a first-round knockout at the Prudential Center in n ewark.

Speaking of BKFC, Mays Landing’s Dalvin Blair (2-1), won two fights in the sport in 2025, including a four-second KO in his debut last March.

Trainer of the Year: Julio Sanchez II. Sanchez, who heads the boxing program at the Pleasantville rec Center, gets the award for the second straight year. He works the corner for Brooks, Sanchez III, Seldon and several others. (Honorable mention: Arnold robbins).

Managers of the Year: Jim Kurtz/ David Dubinsky. Kurtz, a Buena Vista Township resident and Holy Spirit

graduate, and Dubinsky are also repeat winners as co-managers for DKO Boxing. Seldon Jr. and Sanchez III are part of their stable of fighters, along with world-ranked contenders Edward Vazquez, William Foster and Brittany Sims.

Promoter of the Year: Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing. As Jaron Ennis’ promoter, he obviously played a major role in bringing boxing back to Boardwalk Hall’s main arena. Kudo also to Premier Boxing Champions, Boardwalk Hall officials, the Atlantic City Sports Commission and the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame for making it such a special night.

MMA update: Atlantic City has

always been viewed as a popular venue for mixed martial arts and 2025 was no exception.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returned to Atlantic City for the first time in four years when they held its welterweight and featherweight tournament championship matches at Boardwalk Hall on August 1.

Vineland-based Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC), led by owner rob Haydak, continued its loyalty to Atlantic City by holding three events at Hard rock in 2025. ring of Combat remained a boardwalk staple with four cards at the Trop in 2025.

David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.

By Tammy Thornton

While January can be a time of new beginnings, it can also give us a case of the winter blues as we feel cooped up indoors, longing for the sun. Of course, staying active and eating healthy can help us shake winter depression, but bringing some color and life into your indoor world can also help lift your spirits while you wait for spring. Choosing plants with colorful leaves and flowers can further brighten our days when it’s dreary outside.

Perhaps you already have plants around your house that you either purchased as holiday decorations or received as gifts and are not sure how to care for them. Poinsettias can be grown year-round by giving them indirect sunlight and keeping them away from drafty windows. Though we think of poinsettias as

Christmastime flowers, they are actually tropical, native to Mexico and Central America. We often have a tendency to overwater houseplants, but, for some reason, forget to water our poinsettias. If the soil is dry, place your poinsettia in the sink (with the decorative foil removed), and give it a good soaking, making sure that it has time to drain, so that it isn’t sitting in water. Christmas cactus is another popular plant to receive during the holidays. If you have been the proud recipient of one, enjoy the colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or salmon. Christmas cacti are not desert plants, but tropical forest cacti, native to South America. Water every two weeks or when the soil is dry, but be sure that any excess water drains out of its container. These are long-lived plants lasting 20-30 years or more and, with proper care, may outlive their owners! They are also easy to propagate, using pieces of the succulent leaves. recently, I acquired a pink jasmine plant full of buds that will soon turn to heavenly-scented white starry flowers. Outside, my climbing star jasmine has graced my garden for

years and fills the backyard with its intoxicating scent. This new plant will keep me company indoors and will require regular watering. Certain plants, such as jasmine, Boston fern, staghorn fern, and peace lily, prefer high humidity. This can be achieved by growing your plant in the bath -

room, giving it a regular misting, or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

n ow that I am trying to get better at houseplant parenting, I have gained some very unwelcome guests — dreaded fungus gnats. While sticky traps can catch the adults, you must treat the soil to eradicate the larvae. You can use a strained “tea” of mosquito dunks, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution, and other treatments for the soil to stop the fungus gnat life cycle. The larvae thrive in moist soil, so allowing the soil to thoroughly dry between waterings can help. Consider bottom watering your plant by temporarily placing it in a bowl of water. using this method instead of top watering will help the top layer of soil stay dry. Experienced plant parents have also suggested placing diatomaceous earth on the dry top layer of the soil or using sand or fine gravel to keep the adult gnats from laying eggs on the soil.

If the above suggestions sound more stressful than soothing, don’t despair. You too can grow houseplants with nothing more than a container of water — no soil required. Certain plants, such as pothos, philodendrons, spider plants, and monstera, can all be grown from cuttings in water. Simply change the water every week or so. You can also use a hydroponic fertilizer every so often for plant health. You can keep these cuttings in water, but as they grow roots, you may build your confidence and decide to pot them up in soil. With any luck, you will soon have more plants that you can take cuttings from to increase your stock or share with a friend.

As a word of caution, keep in mind that certain plants can be toxic when ingested. If you have young children or curious pets, you will want to keep them away from certain plants. While poinsettias can be toxic for dogs or cats, members of the lily family are highly poisonous to cats. You can refer to www.aspca.org for a full list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

We would love to hear from our readers. What are your favorite houseplants that bring you happiness as you wait for spring? Send your comments, questions, and anecdotes to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.

Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.

Entertainment & Dining at the Shore

Top Weekly Entertainment Picks

By Steffen Klenk

Don’t let the winter blues get you down; instead get ready for a night on the town with our Top Weekly Entertainment Picks. Check out top-tier entertainment as Mike Tyson headlines Hard rock, enjoy Music Bingo in EHT and an evening of Dueling Pianos.

What : Mike Tyson: return of the Mike Tour

Where: Hard rock Live at Etess Arena

When : Friday, Jan. 23

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ mike-tyson-presents-return-of-themike

return of the Mike Tour marks the Boxing Hall of Famer’s highly antici -

pated return to the stage with an honest, hilarious performance that will showcase the legend like you have never seen him before. From his personal battles to candid reflections of his career, Tyson will revisit his younger self and share wisdom through comedy.

What : Music Bingo night

Where: The roost Pub & Grill

When : Friday, Jan. 23

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Website: www.harborpines.com/ roost-entertainment

Grab your friends for a night of tunes, thrills and top-tier giveaways this Friday as The roost in Egg Harbor Township hosts a special night of Music Bingo. no sign-ups, no stress, just straight-up fun. Listen to the hits, play to win and walk away a champion.

Who: Tesla

Where: Hard rock Live at Etess Arena

When : Saturday, Jan. 24

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : https://casino.hardrock. com/atlantic-city/event-calendar/ tesla---still-keepin-it-real-tour

rock legends Tesla make their way to Atlantic City for their Still Keepin’ it real Tour. Enjoy an evening of high-energy rock with timeless hits that will have you out of your seat. The band will be joined by special guest Sebastian Bach, providing an epic night of rock anthems and fan favorites.

Who: Andrew Santino

Where: Borgata Event Center

When : Saturday, Jan. 24

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : https://borgata.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/ event-center/andrew-santino.html

Comedian and actor Andrew Santino has starred in the FX series “Dave” and Showtime’s “I’m Dying up Here” executive-produced by Jim Carrey, and hosts his own podcast, “Whiskey Ginger.” Santino will deliver an evening of laughs and observations this Saturday night at Borgata.

What : retro Saturdays

Where: The Wave at Golden nugget

When : Saturdays

Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.goldennugget.com/ atlantic-city/nightlife/the-wave/retro-saturdays/ Grab your friends for

an evening of live music as Golden nugget hosts retro Saturdays. Hear some of your favorite tribute bands take the stage for a night of amazing music. This week, the red n ot Chili Peppers will take the stage. Admission is free.

Who: DJ Vito G

Where: Kiss Kiss nightclub

When : Saturday, Jan. 24

Time: 10:30 p.m.

Website: www.kisskissnightclub.com

Dance the night away with your friends this Friday as DJ Vito G spins all your favorite tunes at Kiss Kiss n ightclub inside Tropicana. Get on the guest list for a fun night on the town. Must be 21+ to attend.

10% OFF HAPPY HOUR

Early Bird 8am-9am Nite Owl 9pm-10pm

What : Dueling Pianos

Where: nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

When : Sundays

Time: 8 p.m.

Website : www.theoceanac.com/ dueling-pianos-12

Enjoy an evening of dueling pianos at n ola’s Bar this and every Sunday as your favorite live and local singers perform your favorite hits and rarities. Admission is free and attendees must be 21 and older.

What : Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

Where: Gregory’s restaurant

When : Monday, Jan. 26

Time: 7 p.m.

Website: www.southjerseyjazz.org/ event/tom-angello-all-star-jazz-se -

ries-9/

Get ready for a night of live jazz music in Somers Point with the South Jersey Jazz Society. Hear some of your favorite movie and TV theme songs with John Guida on tenor sax, r ick and r ob Budesa on the keyboards and guitar and Tom Angello on drums.

What : Vinyl Wednesdays with DJ Oldtimate

Where: Anchor rock Club

When : Wednesday, Jan. 28 Time: 8 p.m.

Website: www.anchorrockclub.com

Vinyl Wednesday returns this Wednesday as special guest DJs take listeners on a genre-bending journey through some of the best record collections in South Jersey. This week, DJ Oldtimate will spin a collection of hip-hop, funk and soul cuts. The event is free and doors open at 8 p.m., with music running until 12 a.m. Must be 21+ to attend.

Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.

Hole-y moley! Ocean Casino Resort debuts groundbreaking mini-golf course

By Chuck Darrow

Ocean Casino- resort’s latest addition/innovation is anything but par for the course.

Last Saturday evening, a few hundred of the pleasure dome’s closest friends — including a few bold-faced names — gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar. The 8,000-square-foot, hightech complex located in a previously unused space on the property’s “city” side next to the La Scala’s Fire Italian eatery is the first such facility under a gaming-hall roof anywhere in the world.

Ocean’s 18 (an absolutely perfect name!) is laid out over two levels, each of which boasts a nine-hole

course. Individually, the holes don’t take up a lot of space; there isn’t a lot of length to them. But they are arranged in ways that provide some degree of challenge to players.

The holes’ designs are modern-bordering-on-futuristic, with the color scheme emphasizing blue and lavender. There are no mechanical animal tails or windmills to be found, but both courses are big on tunnels, tubes and chutes. And only one of the 18 holes has a casino-related theme

(a roulette wheel).

Two unique features are digital, Q r-code scorecards and a real-time leaderboard that allows guests to measure their performances against others throughout the day.

According to Becky Thiry, Ocean’s executive director of marketing, the concept was a no-brainer for the property which, incidentally, has for years housed a Topgolf outlet.

“Just like some other amenities we have on property, there is a bar that's available for 21-and-older guests,” she offered. “But families are allowed and we encourage them to enjoy the space before 9 o'clock. We embrace visitors of all ages to Ocean, and we think this is [something] that will appeal to both families and those who are 21 and older.”

“We looked at what our customers want and need, and we thought a mini golf course that had a lot of new features and things that the market hasn't seen before would be a great addition for our guests of all ages,” she said. “It gives our guests something interesting to do in addition to all the other great amenities we have.”

While miniature golf is firmly ensconced in the “family fun” category, it’s no accident that “& Bar” is part of its name. And it’s why it becomes an over-21 playpen nightly at 9. That, reasoned Thiry, dovetails with the gaming hall’s multi-generational marketing strategy.

To that end, two large bars dominate the front part of Ocean’s 18, whose optical technology was created by HYPErVSn , the company that conjured the much-talked-about hologram program at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Here, that includes “Ava the Avatar,” a virtual human who welcomes and interacts with guests. Ava is multilingual, which allows guests to communicate with the hologram in their native languages.

The venue, which is open Wednesday through Monday, also claims a 12-foot Great White Shark hologram over the main bar that Ocean folks

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brag is the largest hologram ever installed in a mini-golf course or inside a casino. And two giant video screens display various athletic broadcasts giving the place a sports-bar vibe.

Shootin’ the breeze with ‘Shooter’

As noted above, a few familiar faces showed up at Saturday’s grand-opening bash including “Jersey Shore” cast members Sammi

Admission is $15 per person for nine holes and $25 for 18. There are no age-related discounts. And an extra $5 buys three chances at the “Challenge Hole.” For more, go to theoceanac.com.

“Sammi Sweetheart” Giancola and Jenni “JWoww” Farley. Also spotted were former Philadelphia 76ers president, Pat Croce and the Phillie Phanatic, who cakewalked to the sounds of the Avalon String Band.

But the main attraction was veteran character actor Christopher McDonald who famously portrayed golf hotshot Shooter McGavin in both “Happy Gilmore” movies. We asked him if he’d ever envisioned he’d become a golf icon.

“I had no idea [‘Happy Gilmore’] was gonna be big,” offered the genial Waterloo, n .Y. native who turns 70 next month. “This one blew up when it got to television, everybody watched it and it became iconic.”

He modestly turned away praise for his on-the-links performance, admitting that he “acted like a golfer;

I needed a little help, so I had a pro with me.”

n onetheless, he aced the lower-level “Challenge Hole.” So, he obviously has some idea of how to play the game, right?

He explained that at his peak, he was playing twice a week, primarily at charity-related events. Then, he estimated he was a seven handicap, “but today, I’m probably a 12.”

Tesla frontman keeps it real after 40 years as tour lands at Hard Rock

By Scott Cronick

When Tesla debuted in the 1980s, little did they know they would have to compete with a billionaire car maker for name recognition.

For those who like to rock hard, there is only one Tesla that still matters these days, and it’s the fantastic classic rock fivesome of bassist Brian Wheat, lead guitarist Frank Hannon, lead singer Jeff Keith — the original three — along with guitarist Dave r ude and drummer Steve Brown known for some of the best hard rock anthems of that “hair metal” era including “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Love Song,” “Little Suzi” and their cover of the Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs,” the biggest hit of their career.

Tesla, with its dueling guitar melodies, raspy, Steven Tyler-like vocals of Keith and a superb knack of writing catchy arena anthems, returns to Atlantic City after a long hiatus Saturday, Jan. 24, at Hard rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City with former Skid row frontman Sebastian Bach opening.

Keith took the time to talk about the band’s evolution and — most importantly — ability to rock hard and live more than 40 years after forming.

SCOTT CRONICK: It's been a while since Tesla was here. Tell us what's been going on in the world of Tesla since you've been here. It just seems like you guys don't slow down after all these years. It's got to feel good that not only are you getting the respect that you've always deserved plus you are still performing at a high level that many of your peers can’t anymore.

JK: You know what? It's holding up pretty good. I'll be honest with you: Some songs we tune down a half step, maybe a certain song down a whole step. And then there's songs that you want to put in the set but they just don't come off, so we don’t do them. We're up there working on songs right now at sound check so we can throw some things in there that we haven't played for quite a few years because we like to change it up. And so for me, I just try to do the vocal warm-up, stopped the drinking and smoking years ago, which is

JEFF KEITH: We're very fortunate for that. We've done four residencies (in Las Vegas) and we’re still filling the seats. We got a lot of great fans that make that possible. We never stop. 2026 is going to be a lot of fun rock and rolling.

very helpful. When you see a runner getting ready to run or an athlete getting ready to do something, they're stretching their muscles out. So, you know, these are things I never used to do that I do now. And so far, it's still working.

SC: And all those years ago when you did that Five Man Acoustical Jam and ripped out a cover of “Signs,” never did you probably think it would end up your most popular song. You play that as an encore now nearly every night. Do you appreciate that, or do you resent that at all?

SC: You guys have also been an anomaly in that you've kept most of the band together. How have you figured out how to not only stay as bandmates but friends?

JK: Because we're brothers, and we're actually having fun on stage and writing music together. When we're in the studio and when we’re on stage, we're just having a great time and it's a real deal. There's nothing more intoxicating than performing live on stage. And we're just trying to take care of ourselves. We're getting a little bit older, but we're still having fun, and it's working.

SC: And how about how about your voice, Jeff? You always had this this great, raspy, awesome rock ’n’ roll voice with Steven Tyler qualities about it. How is it holding up, man?

JK: n o, no resentment whatsoever. Are you kidding? I love “Signs.” Back in 1989, we happened to be on tour with Motley Crue, and we had a couple of nights off. We went, “Hey, let's find a place that'll let us do some songs acoustically.” It was starting to feel so good that the guys went, “Hey, maybe we should bring a 24-track mobile truck down there with five cameras and record it and tape it.” And we had it on the shelf for, gosh, three or four months. And then me and (former guitarist) Tommy (Skeoch) and (lead guitarist) Frank (Hannon) went to a station and played it live, and the phones were ringing off

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the hook … back when phones had a hook.

It was our best-selling record to date, 2 million records or so. And people love it. And we loved it. We forgot we were recording. We were just having fun. And we captured live from top to bottom. So, yeah, that's it. That's a great album. We've always been told, write songs from the heart. And then that way you'll never resent having to play something.

SC: How do you keep things for yourself fresh every night, Jeff?

JK: Well, you got to keep the staple songs. There are staple songs that you got to play every show: “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Love Song,” “Signs.” And then we can change it up. Like I said, we are actually working on some stuff that we haven't played, gosh, maybe in years, like even “The Way It Is. “

I'll be honest with you, Scott, someone might say, “Hey, man, Jeff, you can't quite hit the notes anymore.” You know what? I just get up there and sometimes be kind of clever and take the melody and calm it down a little so people get to hear that song and it doesn’t go in the “We Can’t Play It” file. We don't want to do that. People love “The Way It Is,” so we're going to try a lot of things like that. People aren't there to hear the

record. They're here. You're there. They're there to hear you play a live performance. So, we're going to do our best to see what songs that we can do. We call it pulling the rabbit out of the hat.

SC: Exactly. The most important thing is that you remain a truly live band. No tracks. No gimmicks.

JK: n o question about it. If we can't play it live, then we just can't throw it in the set. Sometimes you got to revamp something so the song can go on the set. The people

are happy. The people, they're all just very thankful and grateful that you're just doing the song. So, you can't hit some of the high notes? It's not the end of the world. And we love it because, you know, it's part of all of us growing older together. right? It's the real deal.

SC: What's a tour with Tesla like now compared to 1988?

JK : Maybe a cup of coffee before check. n o two cases of Pabst Blue ribbon every day and three packs of Marlboro reds just for me. We're all

just trying to take better care of ourselves because as long as it's working, we're going to keep going. Even throughout the partying days, it was always straight from the heart, the real deal. And that's how we're going to keep it. It's just give it everything you got.

SC: You've gotten to that point where you and Motley Crue and bands from the ’80s and ’90s aren’t considered hair bands or whatever; you are now classic rock bands at this point. The test of time has said that Tesla's not only going to stand the test of time, but you're going to be considered one of the best, and that's got to feel good all these years later.

JK: Yeah. It does. It does. Hey, we're still having fun at it. Still working. Let's rock and roll, man.

Scott Cronick is an awardwinning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – "Off The Press with Scott Cronick" - 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com. He can be reached at scronick@ comcast.net.

Late, iconic musician Bob Weir’s ties to Atlantic City run deep

Tune In, Turn On

With Doug Deutsch

Surprisingly, one of the world’s most popular rock bands, the Grate -

ful Dead, never played in Atlantic City. However, one of its founding members, Bob Weir – rhythm guitarist/ vocalist for the Dead, who went on to form several groups, including Bobby and the Midnites, and more recently, Dead & Company – was a regular performer in Atlantic City in the past, albeit in bands that did not include Jerry Garcia.

In June of 1982, Weir brought his main “side project,” Bobby and the

Midnites, to Atlantic City, where they performed on the Boardwalk at Garden Pier in a show promoted by jazz musician, Michael Pedicin Jr.

“What a concert it was!” Pedicin told Tune In Turn On recently, when I asked him about the show. “A storm forced us to cancel the performance. The ‘Dead Heads’ (Grateful Dead followers) spent the night on the Boardwalk waiting until the next night and we did the concert, and it sold out.”

Also memorable to anyone in attendance was Weir’s unplanned slip on stage, due to the wet weather conditions (He was OK).

Weir’s Midnites were different from the Grateful Dead, playing a jazz/rock fusion mix. They included two of the best jazz musicians of their time: the great Billy Cobham on drums, and Alphonso Johnson (formerly of Weather report) on bass.

Bobby and the Midnites set list from Garden Pier, 1982, included: “Young Blood,” “Big Iron,” “The ed rooster,” “Easy to Slip,” “Bahama Mama,” “ rock in the ’80s,” rules,” “Festival,” “Drums,” “Me Without You,” “Salt Lake City,” “I Found Love,” “Minglewood Blues,” “This Time Forever,” “Shade of Grey” and “Heaven Help the Fool.”

Weir also performed several times in Atlantic City as part of the band Furthur, another Grateful Dead members side project, formed by Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh and Weir. They boasted an eclectic band lineup including John Kadlecik, formerly of stellar Grateful Dead tribute group, Dark Star Orchestra.

Other Furthur members included Jeff Chimenti (from ratdog) on keyboards, Jay Lane on drums and Joe russo of the Benevento/ russo Duo also on drums.

named after the famous touring bus used by Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters in the 1960s, Furthur was an improvisational jam band that performed music primarily from the extensive Grateful Dead songbook, as well as their own original music and that of several other well-known artists.

Atlantic City shows that Furthur played include Etess Arena (now called Hard rock Live) in 2010, Boardwalk Hall in 2011 and 2013.

Furthur set lists from Boardwalk Hall, 2013, include Set 1: “Jack Straw,” “Crazy Fingers,” “Bird Song,” “Cumberland Blues,” “Doin’ That rag,” “Cosmic Charlie” and “In the Midnight Hour”

Set 2: “Space,” “Mountains of the Moon,” “St. Stephen,” “Dark Star,” “Let It Grow,” “Days Between,” “Help on the Way,” “Slipknot!” and “Franklin’s Tower”

Encore: “Touch of Grey”

Today in South Jersey, the spirit and memory of both Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead remain as strong as ever. Dark Star Orchestra, renowned for playing complete Dead shows meticulously and in their entirety, are a big draw in A.C., playing every year at Hard rock Live.

There’s also numerous popular Grateful Dead tributes in the n ew Jersey/Philadelphia area including Foolish Heart, Splintered Sunlight, Be5D, Cosmic Jerry Band, American Beauty Band, Joe russo’s Almost Dead, Crickets & Cicadas, Dead reckoning, Big Foot Country and many others.

It’s safe to say that the musical magic created in our area by Bob Weir, who passed away Jan. 10 at 78, as well as the musical influence and love for the Grateful Dead, will live on here in South Jersey forever.

Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@ gmail.com

Live & Local Music Calendar

Thursday, January 22

Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts

Karaoke w/ DJ Joe

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Live DJ

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Dane Anthony

8 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock Shot of Southern

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor Township

A Touch of Italy

rick Agronick

5 – 8 p.m.

6629 Black Horse Pike

The Roost Pub & Grill

Trivia Thursdays

6 – 8 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Somers Point

Anchorage Tavern

Music Bingo

8:30 – 10 p.m.

823 Bay Ave.

Caroline’s by the Bay Karaoke night w/ DJ Mike

8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s

Toni Teschner & Billy Walton

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Friday, January 23

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

House of roots Sound System

8 p.m.

247 S. n ew York Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

Playback

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9:15 p.m. – late

1133 Boardwalk

Borgata B Bar

Dan Jost Trio

7:30 – 11 p.m.

The Pickles Trio

11:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.

1 Borgata Way

Byrdcage

Piano Bar with nick Myers

5 – 8 p.m.

3426 Atlantic Ave.

Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock

Paul Jost Trio

6 – 10 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Little Water Distillery

Head High

7 p.m.

807 Baltic Ave.

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Big Bang Baby

7 p.m.

Liquid A

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Billy Walton Band

6 p.m.

Priceless

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

The Benderz

5 – 8:30 p.m.

The Cliffs

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

Slippery When Wet nJ: Bon Jovi Tribute. 9 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

A Touch of Italy

Erik Wozniak

6 – 9 p.m.

6629 Black Horse Pike

JANUARY SPECIALS

2 COURSE MENU

CHOICE OF SO UP OR S AL A D

BEEF BOURGUIGNON 24

Rich beef sauce with braised short rib, carrots, and potatoes over wide egg noodles.

BRAISED PORK LOIN TOMATO RAGU 20

Tender braised pork loin in spinach and mushroom tomato ragu. Served over wide egg noodles.

BLACKENED SALMON 24

Fresh salmon served over butternut squash risotto and sauteed spinach with garlic.

GRILLED FLAT IRON STEAK 24

with mashed potatoes and asparagus topped with caramelized mushrooms and onions.

BLACKENED SHRIMP & SPINACH SALAD 20

Blackened shrimp with fresh spinach, apple, feta, tomatoes, and almonds in balsamic vinegrette.

BROWN BUTTER GNOCCHI 18

Ricotta cheese gnocchi in a garlic brown butter sauce with sauteed spinach.

TUES - SAT 7AM - 8PM SUN - MON 7AM - 4PM

The Roost Pub & Grill

Friday night Music Bingo

6:30 p.m.

500 St. Andrews Dr.

Galloway

279 Social

Dear Zoe Duo

7 – 10 p.m.

279 S. n ew York rd.

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Allison Stella

7 – 10 p.m.

1 n n ew York rd.

Margate

Bocca

Lovelight Trio

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Maynard’s Café

Joey Denoble

6 – 9 p.m.

9306 Amherst Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Big Foot Band

6 – 10 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

nYC

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

↘Continued on 44

DESSERTS

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Matt O’ rae Band

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Saturday, January 24

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Verses of the Bleeding w/ Tarnished, Lions Den, Evil Ways

7:30 p.m.

247 S. n ew York Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

Jagged

6 – 9 p.m.

DJ Gary

9:15 p.m. – late

1133 Boardwalk

Borgata B Bar

Sky City Social Trio

7:30 – 11 p.m.

CiBon Trio

11:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.

1 Borgata Way

Council Oak Lounge at Hard Rock

ESQ Trio

6 – 10 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Dan Jost Duo

7 p.m.

Out of Spite Band

10 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Way Outs

5 p.m.

Temporary Grace

10 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Mitchell Faber

6 – 9 p.m.

133 S. Tennessee Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

no Standards

5 – 8:30 p.m.

Turning the Tide

9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

The Wave at Golden Nugget

red not Chili Peppers

8 p.m.

600 Huron Ave.

Egg Harbor Township

A Touch of Italy

Joe Grasso

6 – 9 p.m.

6629 Black Horse Pike

Galloway

279 Social

Modern Mojo. 7 – 10 p.m.

279 S. n ew York rd.

Fred & Ethel’s Lantern Light

Dani & The Chef

7 – 10 p.m.

1 n . n ew York rd.

Margate Bocca Yachtzee

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Maynard’s Café

Jack Mangene

6 – 9 p.m.

9306 Amherst Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay Singin’ DJ Frankie G

3 – 7 p.m.

radio revolution

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

nYC

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

The usual Suspects

8 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Tuckerton

The Lizzie Rose Music Room

Heather Maloney & Hayley reardon

7:30 p.m.

217 E. Main St.

Sunday, January 25

Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts

DJ Eric & DJ Proud

3 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Nola’s Bar at Ocean Casino

Dueling Pianos

8 p.m.

500 Boardwalk

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Owls & Lions

4 – 7:30 p.m.

Sidestory

8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor Township

A Touch of Italy

Sinatra Sundays w/ Zach Taglioli

5 – 8 p.m.

6629 Black Horse Pike

Galloway

279 Social

Kenny Curcio

12 – 3 p.m.

279 S. n ew York rd.

Monday, January 26

Atlantic City

Byrdcage

Over 25 years of turning tragedy into hope

Remembering Jamie Scholarship Fund

Saturday February 21, 2026

Elks Lodge: Somers Point - Mays Landing Rd (Route 559), Egg Harbor Township 4pm 8pm

Music Monday with Kelli Glover

7 – 10 p.m.

3426 Atlantic Ave.

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget red

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Stealing Savannah

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Gregory’s

Tom Angello’s All-Star Jazz Series

7 p.m.

900 Shore rd.

Tuesday, January 27

Atlantic City

Bar One at Resorts

Karaoke w/ DJ Joe

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Il Mulino at Hard Rock

Sinatra night

5 – 8 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Patty & Bugzy

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Billy Walton Band

7 – 11 p.m.

DJ Johnny Looch

9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay

Music Bingo w/ DJ Chris

7 – 9 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Josie Kelly’s

DJ Ken

5 – 9 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Wednesday, January 28

Atlantic City

Anchor Rock Club

Vinyl Wednesday w/ DJ Oldtimate

8 p.m.

247 S. n ew York Ave.

Bar One at Resorts

DJ Gary

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

1133 Boardwalk

Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Michael Stevens

8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

600 Huron Ave.

The Lobby Bar at Hard Rock

Embers the Band

7 – 11 p.m.

1000 Boardwalk

Egg Harbor City

The Inn on St. Louis

Karaoke night

7 – 10 p.m.

446 St. Louis Ave.

Margate

Bocca

Live Jazz with Bob Sterling & The Bocca Boys

7 – 10 p.m.

7805 Ventnor Ave.

Somers Point

Caroline’s by the Bay Open Mic night w/ Blue Eagle

7:30 – 11:30 p.m.

450 Bay Ave.

Crab Trap

nYC

6 – 9 p.m.

2 Broadway

Josie Kelly’s

Jimmy Brogan

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

908 Shore rd.

Events subject to change.

Live Music by The Billy Walton Band

Jan. 31, 2026

Golden Nugget

Atlantic City

Atlantic City Wing Fest 2026 Contenders

279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar

Bill’s Bar & Burger at Golden Nugget

Careme’s at Academy of Culinary Arts

Carmine’s at Tropicana

Chelsea Five at Tropicana

Dos Caminos at Golden Nugget

Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s Resort

Hooters at Tropicana

Il Porcellino Italian Market

King’s Pub

Michael Patrick’s Brasserie at Golden Nugget

Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey

South Jersey Smoke House

YOUYU Noodle Bar at Hard Rock

New This Year

Angeloni’s Club Madrid

ByrdCage

Pic-A-Lilli Inn

Rhythm & Spirits Philadelphia

Terroir expressed through Sauvignon Blanc

Drink Up!

By David Setley

“If it doesn’t happen in the vineyard, it can’t happen in the winery.” This expression, often heard at wineries around the world, summarizes the importance of terroir in the winemaking process. Let’s discuss this frequently used wine term. Then, I’ll offer recommendations of one wine varietal, Sauvignon Blanc, made in numerous distinct wine regions throughout the world, so you may experience it for yourself: terroir is everything!

There isn’t a single term in the English language that encapsulates everything the word “terroir” has come to mean. It was first used in France in the 13th century to refer to a territory or village, but by the 17th century, it meant land or soil. By the mid-20th century, the meaning of “terroir” evolved further to what is currently used in viticulture: a description of the total environment that impacts the quality and characteristics associated with the crops grown in that particular area. This includes the soil, climate, elevation, rainfall, temperatures, ambient flora and fauna, microbial life living in the soil, prevailing wind patterns, proximity to bodies of water, and anything else that could affect what grows there. Think of it this way: n ew Jersey is famous for many crops, including blueberries. Did you know that Maine is also famous for blueberries? I’ve enjoyed my share of Maine’s wild blueberries over my years of owning a home there. They are delicious, but completely different from what we have here. Why? Terroir!

wine regions. Each country has its own designations. In the u .S., we call them AVA (American Viticulture Areas); in France, it is AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée); in Italy, it is DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata); and in Spain, it is DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida). Each appellation has specific regulations for wine making, including which grapes can be grown, growing seasons, harvest dates, fermentation, aging requirements, and more. Most Old-World wine countries place more emphasis on the appellation from which the wine came, rather than on the varietal itself.

To bring these concepts into your own glass, let’s look at how terroir affects just one varietal: Sauvignon Blanc. Although western France, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux specifically, are considered to be the birthplaces of Sauvignon Blanc, it is grown in at least 38 countries globally, including n ew Zealand and the united States. Whether you conduct a side-by-side with the recommendations I am about to give, or select your own, you will undoubtedly note the differences that terroir can bring to the same grape.

Tony Boloney’s

Hank Sauce

Sauced Tacocat

The concept of terroir as it relates to wine can be attributed to the Benedictine and Cistercian Monks of France, who, as far back as the first century A.D., recognized that different parcels of land had characteristics that allowed certain varietals of grapes to fare better than others. They were observant enough to notice that terroir could even be distinct between adjacent rows of vines. This became the basis for the appellation system, which identifies specific subregions that have been proven to produce particularly good wine of specific varietals within larger

Let’s begin in France, the origins of the grape. Sancerre is a region that has become so famous that the wine produced there is better known by the name of the region rather than the grape varietal. Customers looking for a Sancerre may not realize they are actually requesting a Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc accounts for approximately 81% of all the grapes grown there. As famous as the wines are, however, this region is a bit off the beaten path. When my wife and I visited last year, we were surprised when the train doors opened onto grass. The Tracey-Sancerre stop is quite literally a stop, not a station! Sancerre is the epitome of pastoral beauty as a small medieval hilltop town overlooking the Loire r iver with a population of just over 1300 people. Sancerre AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) is comprised of the area immediately surrounding the town, plus 14 nearby villages. It is the terroir, specifically the soil, of this region that makes the Sauvignon Blanc of Sancerre so outstanding. The calcareous (calcium carbonate and chalk) and siliceous (silica limestone) soils are what give the region’s wines such wonderful minerality. The resulting wine is a perfect balance of fruit and minerality with a crisp, clean, fresh taste. Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc wines are very dry and typically

extremely low in sugar. Many wine enthusiasts consider Sancerre the world’s most perfect demonstration of Sauvignon Blanc wine, but I leave that for you to decide.

Many Sancerre wines are wonderful examples, but two of my favorites are family names that are extremely well-known in this region. The Mellot family name is present throughout the region. La Moussiere Sancerre by Alphonse Mellot is an outstanding wine that demonstrates the effects of the terroir of this region on this grape. Equally as renowned is the Henri Bourgeois Sancerre. Both wines feature expressive notes of tropical fruit, pineapple with hints of eucalyptus, followed by a fresh, mineral finish that makes the Sauvignon Blanc from this appellation famous.

Immediately to the east of Sancerre is the appellation of Pouilly-Fume, also famous for Sauvignon Blanc. Why is this designated as a distinct wine region? You got it: Terroir! While the basic composition of the soil in these two regions is similar, Pouilly-Fume’s soil is more dominated by silex, which is known in the u.S. as flint rock. The result is a wine that has notes of smoke, flint and stone fruit such as peach, apple, and pear. An excellent example of the Sauvignon Blanc from this region is Michel redde et Fils La Moynerie Pouilly-Fume.

California has become very popular for its expression of Sauvignon Blanc, accounting for nearly 44% of all sales of this varietal globally. The two aspects of terroir that distinctly impact the flavor and aroma of wine are weather and soil. California is quite a bit warmer and, as a result, has a longer growing season. Also, the soil is composed of marine sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The resulting wines in California are more fruit-forward and tend to have notably less minerality.

Two of my favorite Sauvignon Blancs from California are the Daou Sauvignon Blanc from Paso robles and the Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc. The aromas and flavor profiles are white peach, honeydew melon, guava and passionfruit with notes of tangerine and grapefruit on the finish.

n ew Zealand has become as popular for Sauvignon Blanc as California and now accounts for a little more than 44% of global sales. Again, the terroir makes the difference. The

climate is maritime influenced with very warm days and much cooler nights. The soil is largely sand and clay. The result is the very fragrant wines that are dominated by the bright aroma and taste of grapefruit with notes of passionfruit that have made n ew Zealand’s expression of this varietal very popular, especially in the summer season. There are many great examples, but my favorites are Cloudy Bay, Whitehaven and The Infamous Goose. Each has its own subtle differences, but all demonstrate what makes new Zealand popular.

So there you have it – one varietal, four distinct wines. Terroir is everything! I hope you enjoyed learning about one of the more complex concepts in winemaking. A fun way to experience the effect of terroir is to get a bottle from each region and have your own personal wine tasting with friends. As always, contact me with any questions at dsetley@passionvines.com or stop by the store. until next time, Happy Wining!

David Setley is enjoying his retirement from higher education as a wine educator and certified sommelier at Passion Vines in Somers Point, New Jersey.

Friday, January 23

Mike Tyson

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at Etess Arena

Atlantic City Headliners

Saturday, January 24

Tesla

▶8 p.m.

Hard rock Live at Etess Arena

Andrew Santino

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Bianca Del Rio

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Matt Dusk: Tribute to Tony Bennett

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Friday, January 30

Mojo Brookzz

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Saturday, January 31

Jason Aldean

▶7:30 p.m.

Hard rock Live at Etess Arena

The 3 Kings Ultimate Elvis Experience

▶3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

Joe List

▶8 p.m.

The Concert Venue at Harrah’s

Friday, February 6

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Treaty Oak Revival

▶7 p.m.

Hard rock Live at Etess Arena

Zeppelin USA

▶9 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Musiq Soulchild

▶9 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Saturday, February 7

Dancing with the Stars Live

▶3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band

▶8 p.m.

The Music Box at Borgata

Million Dollar Experience: A Celebration of Sun Records

▶8 p.m.

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

Josh Johnson

▶6:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Alfred Robles

▶8 p.m.

The Concert Venue at Harrah’s

Friday, February 13

Trevor Noah

▶8 p.m.

Borgata Event Center

Oh, What a Night: The Ultimate Tribute to Frankie Valli

▶9 p.m.

Superstar Theater at resorts

Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino

UpDating

▶8 p.m.

Sound Waves at Hard rock

The R&B Lovers Tour: Keith Sweat, Joe, Dru Hill & Ginuwine

▶8 p.m.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall

Saturday, February 14

Diana Krall

▶8 p.m.

Boat House Row: Yacht Rock Experience

▶8 p.m.

Tropicana Showroom

Beat the winter blues: Seven ways to enjoy South Jersey this season

By Delaney Crawford

Often, as South Jersey continues into the winter season and beach days feel far away, ocean lovers may experience what is commonly known as seasonal depression. When the wind chill is biting and the early darkness makes us do less and stay inside more, it’s easy to let the season dictate our moods and miss out on all that our area still has to offer. Even though one of the most special parts of South Jersey is the beach, there is beauty to be found in every season and we are lucky to experience each of them.

So, the next time you get annoyed that it’s dark by 4:30 p.m. or dread pull -

ing out your heaviest coat, try to see the beauty of winter and all that South Jersey still has to offer. Here are seven ways to feel alive and happy this season:

Visit a state park

Even in the cold, state parks offer trails, water views, and serene vibes that never get old. Plus, with fewer people around, you can enjoy the quiet beauty of nature even more. This winter, head to Wharton State Forest, which offers hiking trails, campsites, and miles of peace and quiet.

Enjoy local breweries and wineries

Cape May is not only beautiful; it’s also home to numerous local breweries and wineries. Grab some friends

Splash around at Island Waterpark

Visit the Cape May County Zoo

The Cape May County Zoo isn’t just a summer destination. In winter, you’ll find fewer crowds and more time to enjoy the animals as they brave the chill alongside you. It’s a fun and peaceful way to spend a day, no matter the season.

If you’re craving a taste of summer, Island Waterpark at the Showboat Hotel and Casino is open year-round. With waterslides, arcade games, restaurants, and bars, it’s a fun stop for the whole family. Make a little splash this winter and enjoy a “summer day” indoors.

Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium

Open year-round, seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the updated

AC Aquarium is a great place to escape the cold and enter a world of wonder. Meet the animals, learn about their habitats, and spend the day immersed in a vibrant, educational experience.

Weekend staycation

The Ocean Casino is the perfect spot for a winter staycation. With ocean views just outside and endless activities inside, you can relax, explore, and enjoy all the amenities without stepping into the cold. Book a room, grab a friend, and let this winter getaway lift your spirits.

Walk the beach at sunset

One silver lining of the early sun -

sets? You can take a peaceful beach walk as the sun goes down and still make it to dinner at a reasonable hour. There’s something magical about a winter beach stroll too. The serene vibes, the sound of the waves, and the crisp air can help lift any slump.

Winter in South Jersey doesn’t have to mean hibernation. From outdoor adventures and cozy indoor escapes to unique experiences and serene walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the season, try something new, and discover that winter can be just as magical as summer, sometimes even more so. Your mood, your body, and your spirit will thank you for it.

TRADE IN, TRADE UP

Trade in your Old Clubs Trade up for New Clubs

Eat Clean Org makes healthy, gluten-free eating easy across South Jersey

By Delaney Crawford

Between busy work schedules, family commitments, and the ever-present hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be difficult to prioritize healthy eating. When life gets chaotic and time feels limited, it often seems easier to stop at the nearest fast-food spot rather than attempt, and possibly fail, to cook a nutritious meal at home. Fortunately for residents of Atlantic, Cape May, and parts of Cumberland County, Eat Clean Org has stepped in as a reliable solution.

Eat Clean Org provides gluten-free meal prep services with a mission to make healthy eating accessible, convenient and sustainable in everyday life. This locally rooted business is redefining convenience by offering allergen-friendly, satisfying meals for individuals and families who want nutritious options without sacrificing time or quality.

working in Hawaii. upon moving back to her hometown, LaTorre quickly noticed a gap in the local food scene.

“There weren’t many organic or cost-effective, healthy options readily available like I was used to in Hawaii. Meal prepping became a way to offer the community high-quality food, without the price tag of private chef services, while also allowing me to balance being a mom. Creating that work-life balance and prioritizing quality time with my daughter was my biggest motivator,” LaTorre said.

Founded in 2015, Eat Clean Org was created by chef and caterer nicole LaTorre after she returned to South Jersey following 10 years of living and

While living in Hawaii, LaTorre became immersed in a culture that prioritized organic food, local farming, and protecting the integrity of what people consumed. That lifestyle left a lasting impression. Today, that influence is reflected in Eat Clean Org’s commitment to working closely with local farms, including Walking Bird Farm, Working Dog Farm, Stone Circle Farm & Potato Homestead. With a menu that changes weekly, the chef team builds dishes around what local farmers have available, allowing seasonal ingredients to drive inspiration.

At first, Eat Clean Org did not plan to operate as a fully gluten-free business. That decision came organically when LaTorre began searching for a kitchen space to launch her meal prep operation. It was her best friend and fellow business owner who helped make it possible.

“When I first started, I rented kitchen space from my best friend, who owns Kizbee’s Kitchen. The agreement was that I could use the space as long as everything I prepared was gluten-free, allowing the kitchen to remain dedicated to gluten-free cooking and ensuring her customers’ safety,” LaTorre said.

That requirement ultimately shaped the direction of Eat Clean Org. Even after the business grew enough for LaTorre to move into her own kitchen space, she chose to remain gluten-free.

Since the meals focus heavily on proteins, vegetables, and starches, the transition felt natural and sticking with it became an easy choice.

One of the elements that truly sets Eat Clean Org apart, beyond the quality of its ingredients, is its ever-changing weekly menu. Each week features different proteins, preparations, and meal combinations, offering customers something new to look forward to. LaTorre and her team also rely heavily on customer feedback to guide their menu planning.

“One of my favorite things is when

a customer texts or emails to say they loved a dish or asks if something can be added back to the menu again,” LaTorre said. “That feedback helps us identify which dishes land best with customers and also helps us build future menus.”

Some recurring favorites customers frequently request include the grass-fed beef lasagna, barbecue ranch chicken taco salad, and, most recently, the creamy garlic chicken with loaded scalloped potatoes.

Ordering from Eat Clean Org is designed to be simple and flexible. Customers visit EatCleanOrg.com, select the meals or sides they want, and build their cart themselves. There is no minimum order requirement, allowing someone to try just one meal if they’d like. Orders can be placed week to week, with no recurring charges or subscriptions.

LaTorre and her team work hard to make Eat Clean as accessible as possible. Orders can be placed weekly from Wednesday through 12 p.m. Saturday for Monday pickup or delivery. Eat Clean offers several pickup locations at local health-focused facilities, including ProShot Pickleball, upper Level Fitness, Zen Landing Yoga, The Honey Tree, Ola Kai Fitness, ACCC

Eat Clean Org. provides gluten-free meal prep services. Photo credit: Eat Clean Org Facebook

Cape May Court House campus, as well as its commercial kitchen in Galloway. Orders are kept in refrigerators until customers are able to pick them up.

Home delivery is offered Monday mornings throughout Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties.

“What sets Eat Clean apart is our

commitment to quality and intention,” LaTorre said. “We use high quality ingredients and our food is made fresh based only on what is pre-ordered, which allows us to significantly reduce food waste. When we do have extra meals, we package them up for the local food bank and they’re distributed locally. Over the summer, we donated over 1000 pounds of allergen-friendly food to help support people in need. That level of freshness and care is what differentiates us from big box companies. When ordering from us and other local meal prep businesses, you’re going to get better-quality products in my opinion versus ordering from another state where your food sits in a box at FedEx for two days.”

n ow more than a decade into business, Eat Clean Org has experienced steady growth. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a 16-person team. “Being able to spend meaningful time with my family, feed the community quality food I believe in, and work alongside a team that is committed to our shared vision gives me purpose,” LaTorre said. “I’m proud of what we have co-created.”

National Honors. T he Best Care In Our Community.

Shore Medical Center is proud to be the region’s only hospital to earn both Top Hospital status and an A Rating for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group — national recognition of our commitment to deliver Healthcare at Its Best for our community.

Meet the breed: The Bull Terrier

By Heidi Clayton

In less than a week, my Bull Terrier, Miki, is expected to deliver her puppies! The puppies are kicking now, and Miki is doing great, which is always a relief. The whelping box, where the newborn puppies will live, and all the other supplies are in place, so we are just waiting for the big day. In the meantime, allow me to highlight the Bull Terrier as a breed and discuss what kind of home these puppies might do well in.

I caution everyone who inquires about the puppies that the bull terrier is not a dog for everyone. That may not sound like a glowing endorsement of my beloved breed, but I always want everyone who may be drawn to their looks to understand what kind of dog they are getting. Like most terriers, Bull Terriers are independent and free thinkers. They

aren’t entirely untrainable, but there are times when you are going to have to think outside of every dog-training box you know. Bull Terriers aren’t for sedentary people, as they’re quite active and demand a great deal of attention from their owners.

Bull Terriers do not come from glamorous origins. During the 1800s in England, Bulldogs were used for the blood sport of Bull Baiting. At the same time, there was a breed of terrier known as the White Cavalier.

When Bull Baiting was outlawed, those who made money off of animal blood sports took their endeavors underground and started fighting dogs in pits in the basements of pubs. Those involved in this pit fighting started crossing Bulldogs with White Cavaliers to capitalize on the strength of the Bulldog and the “gaminess” of the Cavalier. These mixes were called the “Bull and Terrier.”

head and their small, dark, triangular eyes. They come in two varieties, which are white and colored. Colored Bull Terriers are either brindle, tricolor, or red. If you see a merle-colored Bull Terrier on social media, it is not a Bull Terrier!

I can not say a Bull Terrier will like every dog it meets, but they always love people. My dogs are people magnets, and they worship the public. If a

When pit fighting was finally outlawed, the Bull and Terrier found themselves out of a job. Much like the Bulldog, people who liked the breed decided to breed them with less of a temperament of a gladiator and more of a temperament of a gentleman. A man named James Hinks is credited with creating the Bull Terrier. He knew that looks, status, and being on top of the latest trends were very important to Victorian-era Brits. Hinks mixed Dalmatians with the Bulldogs and terrier dogs from the pits to get the all-white coat. He also possibly mixed them with Pointers to straighten out the legs and get fewer wrinkles. As a result, their foreface was longer and their bodies more refined, creating the Bull Terrier, which was an instant fad. He improved their temperaments, making them civilized so they could be in the pubs and look fancy when ratting at home. Once they took off in England, they made their way into the American Kennel Club in 1885.

The Bull Terrier is not a small terrier. They are muscular and athletic, requiring daily exercise of both body and mind. They are not dogs that respond well to punishment-based training. If you hurt a Bull Terrier's feelings or offend them, like most terriers, they will not forgive and forget.

What is most distinguished about the Bull Terrier is their egg-shaped

Bull Terrier does not like people, it is not a good Bull Terrier.

Bull Terrier breeders have worked diligently to improve temperaments, leading them to be called the clown of the terrier group and no longer the gladiator. I can attest to their clown-like behavior, as I live with three comedians, though I freely admit to sometimes not appreciating their brand of humor when it comes to what they decide to get into on any given day. While it was their looks that originally drew me to them, after having had so many now and breeding them, it is their unique charm and, what we call in the breed, “jaunty” attitudes that have kept me in it. I can’t wait until my next five contributions to the Bull Terrier world make their debut!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at heidi@fouronthefloordogtraining.

Heidi Clayton started Four On the Floor Dog Training to provide positive, rewardbased dog training in South Jersey. She breeds, trains and shows bull terriers under the SoraBully’s Bull Terriers kennel name. Email questions to heidi@ fouronthefloordogtraining. net or learn more at https:// fouronthefloordogtraining.net

How chronic inflammation quietly sabotages weight loss

By Amanda Nahas Wilson, MSN, APN

Chronic inflammation has become one of the most underestimated barriers to sustainable weight loss. While most people focus on calories, macros, or workout routines, the body’s inflammatory state often plays a far bigger role than we realize. u nderstanding this connection can transform how we approach metabolic health, energy, and longterm weight management.

What

chronic inflammation actually is

Inflammation itself isn’t the enemy. In its acute form, it’s a protective response — your body’s way of healing after injury or fighting infection. But chronic inflammation is different. It lingers for months or years, even when no threat is present, and is linked to conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis.

This longterm inflammatory state is often driven by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, and inactivity.

The inflammation–weight connection

Chronic inflammation doesn’t just coexist with weight challenges — it actively fuels them. research shows that inflammation increases as body weight increases, but it can also precede weight gain. In other words, inflammation and weight issues can create a vicious cycle.

Inflammation disrupts weight regulation through several mechanisms:

● Insulin resistance: Inflammatory cytokines interfere with insulin signaling, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose. This leads to higher blood sugar, increased fat storage, and more cravings.

● Altered metabolism: Inflammation can slow metabolic rate or shift how the body uses fuel.

● Hormonal dysregulation: Appetite-regulating hormones like leptin and ghrelin become imbalanced, making hunger cues less reliable.

● Fat cell dysfunction: not all fat is the same — visceral fat is especially inflammatory and perpetuates the cycle.

When inflammation causes weight loss instead

Interestingly, chronic inflammation doesn’t always lead to weight gain. In some cases, it contributes to unintentional weight loss. Persistent inflammatory cytokines such as Tn Falpha and IL6 can suppress appetite and increase resting energy expenditure, creating an energy deficit. Over time, this can lead to cachexia, a wasting syndrome involving loss of both fat and muscle mass. This pattern is often seen in chronic infections and autoimmune diseases.

This duality — sometimes causing weight gain, sometimes weight loss — shows just how deeply inflammation influences metabolic processes.

How diet drives or reduces inflammation

Food is one of the most powerful levers for reducing chronic inflammation. Diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats promote inflammatory pathways. In contrast, an anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods that calm inflammation and support metabolic health.

Key anti-inflammatory foods include:

● Colorful fruits like berries and citrus

● Leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes

● Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice

● Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish

● Lean proteins and plant-based options like legumes and tofu

This way of eating improves gut health, stabilizes blood sugar, and lowers inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein — all of which support weight loss.

Lifestyle factors that matter

Inflammation isn’t just about food. Stress, poor sleep, and sedentary behavior all elevate inflammatory markers. regular movement, restorative sleep, and stress-reduction practices like mindfulness or breathwork help lower inflammation and improve metabolic resilience.

The bottom line

Chronic inflammation is a hidden driver of weight struggles. It affects hormones, metabolism, appetite, and even how your body stores or burns energy. Addressing inflammation through whole-food nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management doesn’t just support weight loss — it supports wholebody healing.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding your health.

You can reach Amanda Nahas Wilson at Thrive Wellness and Weightloss 631 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ 08244 609-299-1839 Thrivewellnessandweightloss.com

What you need to know about Trump Accounts

By Eric Reich

Since the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), we have received a lot of questions about Trump Accounts. What are they, and how can someone open one? These questions have increased over the last few months with announcements by both the Dell family and, most recently, by ray Dalio, that they would make major contributions to these accounts on behalf of eligible children. The Dells have pledged an astounding $6.25 billion ($250 for up to 25 million eligible children), and Dalio pledged $75 million for children in Connecticut, his home state. Several employers have also signed on to make matching contributions to their employees’ contributions, including Blackrock, Schwab, B nY Mellon, Dell, and our own firm.

So, what is a Trump Account and how does it work? Essentially, it is

an Individual retirement Account (I r A) for children under 18 who have a valid Social Security number, without them needing to have earned income to contribute. The government will make a one-time contribution of $1,000 to the account for children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. Children’s parents, grandparents, etc., can make their own contributions to the accounts in 2026 up to a combined limit of $5,000 per year, which will index for inflation starting in 2028. Employer matches can be made up to $2,500 per year, but those matching contributions do count towards the $5,000 total limit, unlike government contributions. The good news is that matches are not treated as taxable income to the employee. Contributions to Trump Accounts also do not affect regular I r A contribution limits, meaning that in addition to the $5,000 you can contribute to the Trump Account, you can also contribute up to $7,500 to another I r A.

Trump account contributions are not tax-deductible, as they might be for other traditional I r As.

Logistics of the accounts include no withdrawals before age 18, other than rollovers. Once the child turns 18, the account converts to a traditional I r A. Distributions are allowed, but they follow the same I r A rules, unless they meet the strict criteria of exceptions (e.g., higher education, first home purchase, or disability).

Then, withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% penalty along with ordinary income tax. After age 59 ½, distributions are taxable but no longer subject to penalties.

Accounts can be opened starting sometime in the middle of 2026 via an online portal at https://trumpaccounts.gov/. Contributions can begin on July 4, 2026. There will be a list of funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that the accounts are permitted to hold, but will mostly be made up of low-cost index-type funds.

Starting early with investing can be seen as beneficial. The magic of

compound interest is the reason it is so important to start as soon as possible, and Trump Accounts make starting early even more attractive.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Reich Asset Management, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regard to your individual situation. To view form CRS, visit https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures.

Eric is President and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. He relies on his 25 years of experience to help clients have an enjoyable retirement. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Investment Management AnalystSM (CIMA®) and has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.

SUDOKU

Solution on page 62

THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS

ACROSS

1. Pinch to save

6. Brownie

9. Lady, in Madrid

13. Proprietor

14. romanian money

15. Iraqi money

16. Coffee shop order

17. *Before 1998 only they played Olympic hockey

18. Spring to mind" or "Spring into action," e.g.

19. *Most decorated country in Winter Olympics

21. *____ of Hamill Camel fame

23. *How Olympic Athletes from russia were designated in 2018, acr.

24. Assistant

25. ____ of war

28. Sushi wrapped in nori

30. Oblong cream puff

35. Singles

37. Manure, e.g.

39. Soil for cultivation

40. Bon Jovi hit "Have a ____ day"

41. "Encore!"

43. Don't go

44. Bumpkin

46. Poet Pound's first name

47. rodeo Drive tree

48. Sense of alienation and isolation

50. Similar

52. Toast option

53. *Misha, 1980 russian Olympics Mascot was one

55. Samuel Butler: "Spare the ___ and spoil the child"

57. *____ Shiffrin, most decorated u.S. alpine skier

61. *Overall Olympic curling medal leader

64. Bikini ____ in the Marshall Islands

65. Zodiac sign

67. Pasture

69. Boundary lines

70. Government Printing Office

71. rocky ridge

72. Singer Tori

73. Farm layer

74. *1964 and 1976 mountainous Olympic location

DOWN

1. Honda Cr-X del ____

2. *Michelle ____, most decorated u.S. figure skater

3. Enthusiastic about

4. Part of MGM

5. From the 1930s, e.g.

6. Abounding with certain trees

7. Bruce ____ of karate fame

8. Fundus, pl.

9. Aeneas' lover

10. "Don't bet ____ ____!"

11. Lye formula

12. A in "M*A*S*H"

15. Do like Tarantino

20. Pleasant smell

22. Schiller's "____ to Joy"

24. real ____ of Seville

25. *Margot robbie's "olympic" role (2017)

26. "For better or worse"?

27. GEICO's mascot

29. *Olympic toboggan

31. Speech defect

32. Place for worship

33. *2026 Winter Olympics location

34. Mother Goose creation

36. Give an impression

38. Michael Douglas' dad

42. nigerian money

45. Slanderous statements

49. Snake-like fish

51. Dairy choice

54. Frustration, in a comic book

56. Grocery store section

57. Cass Elliot, a.k.a. ____ Cass

58. Big-ticket ____

59. Japanese zither

60. Saloon selections

61. Colloquial "Follow me!"

62. Widely hunted ruminant

63. Kind of sax

66. King Kong or Donkey Kong, e.g.

68. Penn.'s neighbor

See Solution on Page 62

– 28

Aries: An awakening has been in the works for many, many years. It’s now time to embody your dreams and visions. As you begin integrating and walking the path, you become the guru.

Weekly Horoscopes

nity has been a shapeshifting journey. Harness the many lessons as you begin a new chapter of discernment. Your own connection to the source matters most.

Gemini: An initiation awaits. The threshold is filled with lessons about feeling into the most supportive path toward your future. Trust your gut about who to align with along the way.

Cancer: Confusing influences are incoming in your career space. Proceed with caution and be wary of those you feel aren’t prioritizing your best interests. Take the initiative for yourself.

into your travels, your studies, and any new journey onto which you embark.

Virgo: This is the beginning of a dissolving of boundaries between yourself and those with whom you are intimately connected. Greater self-discovery unfolds as the merging occurs.

Libra: You may begin to develop or attract relationships that expand your own consciousness. remember that everyone you meet holds a key to unlock something to learn about yourself.

Taurus: The quest for commu -

Leo: Your explorations of new frontiers are going to deepen. Infuse an essence of spirituality

Long-Term Care Planning

• Annui�es for income or growth • IRA & Pension Discussions Disability Income Protec�on Planning for Re�rement

• Tax-smart income strategies • Market vola�lity planning

I can help you put the pieces together.

Scorpio: u ndertones of the unknown may begin influencing your daily life. The best way to avoid getting lost in the mist is to become in tune and in touch with your body and your health.

Sagittarius: Creative endeavors may begin to become ethereal. As your imagination expands and your muse begins to connect with you in new ways, be the channel and enjoy the flow.

Capricorn: The foundation of your being starts to become unstructured. Amorphous terrain is unfamiliar to you. This is a new chapter of redefining your roots and discovering new depths.

Aquarius: Your inner knowing is calling. All forms of communication will begin to become more intuitive. Hush the skeptic and just go with it. What comes through may surprise you!

Pisces: It’s a good time to become familiar with the “law of attraction” and the processes of manifestation. Abundance in all forms is available to you, and you can tap in at any time.

Weekly astrology summary: It’s a week for the cosmic history books! Mars marches on into revolutionary Aquarius on Jan. 23, leading the way for more potent encounters with Pluto. On a global scale, there may be secret handshakes plotting revolutions with intense power dynamics at play. It’s important to remember that your power lies in your individual calling. n ebulous n eptune shifts into Aries on Jan. 26, finally infusing its trident with the divine spark of creation, permanently leaving behind the transcendental Piscean waters. This shift, personally and collectively, will be the beginning of a brand new chapter that will harken back to the preview period we experienced from March 30 – Oct. 22, 2025. reflect back to that time frame, as the themes that began to develop then will be revisited and become a more permanent energetic fixture in our lives. See the above horoscope for your rising sign for more specific insight and guidance. If you’re unsure what your rising sign is, you can email me at ursaalchemy@gmail.com, learn more in my tutorial video on my ursa Alchemy YouTube channel, or cast your own birth chart for free on astro.com.

Ursula Duffy is a Professional Astrologer, Certified Aromatherapist and founder of Ursa Alchemy. Find her astrology readings and astrological aromatherapy services, teachings, podcast, get in touch and more at www.ursaalchemy.com or ursaalchemy@gmail.com.