By Joseph Harrison  

Atlantic City is suite-crazy. And there’s good reason. More suite availability definitely means drawing high-caliber players as Atlantic City casinos compete for the biggest gamblers in the world.

That’s why casinos across town are investing big money in suites. When Harrah’s Atlantic City debuts its new 961-room, 44-story tower and Trump Taj Mahal opens its 40-story, 800-room tower next year, they will be full of new suites. Same goes for Borgata’s 43-story, $400 million, 800-room Water Club, which will feature three residences and amenities in every room from LCD televisions to iPod docking stations.

When Borgata debuted in 2003, it vowed to bring high rollers back to Atlantic City. Part of that allure would be the inclusion of approximately 350 suites in its 2,000-room hotel. The experiment worked, and everyone in town noticed.

“When we opened Borgata, we put great emphasis on our guestrooms and suites, as it’s an integral part of the overall trade-up guest experience we sought to create within the Atlantic City market,” says Larry Mullin, president and COO of Borgata. “Creating an environment of comfort and luxury in-room entices guests to extend their stay beyond a day trip and allows them to experience more of our amenities—offering them a more enhanced getaway. The addition of the Water Club will continue to redefine travel with a highly personalized in-room experience.”

Borgata realized there was a market for guests willing to pay for suites, even if they weren’t big gamblers. That’s why the Water Club will offer more guests the opportunity to lodge in style.

“The Water Club will add 800 finely appointed guestrooms and suites to the Borgata resort destination, and will introduce a unique brand of hospitality to the market, allowing more guests than ever before to experience Borgata,” says Mullin.

And while the number of suites is increasing with every new tower in Atlantic City, other casinos are doing their best to stay competitive.

Trump Taj Mahal, for example, recently invested $14 million to totally remodel and enhance its seven penthouse suites—a pretty big investment for seven rooms.

“This is a product we were really lacking, and if we were going to redo these suites, we were going to do it better than anywhere else in town,” says Mark Juliano, chief executive officer of Trump Entertainment. “Now that we did it, we have found better customers. If you look at what is happening in Atlantic City, these are the kinds of investments you have to make if you are going to grow the market or take market share from your competitors.”

The Taj’s new tower will feature 40 new suites, including six mega-suites, but Juliano says luxury rooms are just part of the whole package.

“Atlantic City isn’t going to get to the next level by just offering suites,” Juliano says. “It’s one of many things you need: restaurants, shopping, entertainment and gaming. It’s all part of the package. The old Atlantic City won’t survive. It needs to make the transformation to become a truly resort theme, and it certainly needs products like our new suites.”

Phil Juliano, regional senior vice president of marketing for Resorts and Hilton, agrees.

“People take the entire property into consideration,” Phil Juliano says. “It helps having suites, but people consider all of the amenities. That said, big players not getting suites could be a deal-breaker. You lose reservations if someone can get a suite somewhere else and not at your place. They bounce around from casino to casino where they can get the best suite. If they can’t get it at one place, they may go to another.”

“We are the largest hotel in Atlantic City,” says Tropicana President and General Manager Mark Giannantonio, “and we realize the importance of offering a good mix of rooms and suites. It does help you attract top players if you have quality suites. Our penthouses, for example, compare with the suites at any casino in town, and we use them as marketing tools.”

Many suites in town are not available for purchase. The new penthouses at the Taj, for example, will be given to players who have credit lines of approximately $250,000 and higher. Most casinos have already upgraded their suites, too, as wealthy customers look for the ultimate guest experience.

“Guests are willing to pay to upgrade their experience,” Mark Juliano says. “That is a fact.”

“Typically, you are a very rich person to afford suites like penthouses,” says Phil Juliano. “But when you think about it, it’s no different than a wealthy traveler who doesn’t gamble and stays in the best suites around the world like the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, the Waldorf. If you’re getting into the best suites in Atlantic City, money really isn’t a concern, whether they pay for it somewhere else or gamble here.”

Here’s a cross-section of suites of every casino in Atlantic City:

Atlantic City Hilton

Some of the most impressive and eye-popping suites can be found at the Hilton, where former owner Steve Wynn really left his mark, particularly with the six penthouse suites at the top of the former Golden Nugget.

All six penthouses are themed, each equally impressive. But the Hilton is particularly proud of its Chairman Suite, where Ol’ Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra used to stay when he performed there.

The exotic Chairman Suite features an impressive panoramic view and an open design in the main area with an elevated dining room, elevated Baby Grand piano, stunning chandeliers that drop from cut-out ceilings that feature murals of angels, a large, stocked bar with seating for four, a second dining table with leather chairs and a TV room with an ocean view and its own fax machine.

Walk down a hallway adorned with some classic art, pass the full kitchen, half bathroom and walk into the regal master bedroom that is beautiful in itself but taken to another level by the adjoining bathroom. In there, you’ll find a Jacuzzi tub surrounded by plants and pillars that look like something out of a spa, a dry sauna, stand-up shower and imported marble everywhere.

The other themed suites, which range from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet, include an Asian suite and the Wall Street, which has a large desk with oversized leather chair, computer, fax machine, a TV wall to watch stocks—or football games—dining room table, canopy bed, cut-out ceilings, dark woods and two bathrooms.

But if you don’t get into the penthouse suites, there are others that will certainly please as the Hilton has a wide array of suites, including 13 executive suites, and a bunch of grand suites that can be divided into various configurations.

Bally’s Atlantic City

Bally’s only has approximately 70 suites in its 1,700-room inventory, but the ones it has are pretty impressive, particularly in the Main Tower, where the penthouses are extraordinary.

With spectacular ocean views, the modern-designed penthouses were recently remodeled. You realize these suites are special when you walk in the foyer and take in the intricate tile work. The large, open living area features beautiful hardwood floors, crown molding and wood trim everywhere. With a gas fireplace, a telescope, plasma television and sharp circular bar with its own LCD TV, these New York-style spaces are upscale without being pretentious.

The master bedroom’s color scheme is easy on the eyes with its yellows and whites, and a king bed, seating area, plasma TV, Bose Wave Radio and a pillow menu to order your favorite pillows epitomize luxury.

The master bath has two LCD televisions, a dressing table, two sinks, a whirlpool tub, and a stand-up shower with overhead and body jets.

A larger two-bedroom suite has a more open layout, and features a media room with a 50-inch plasma, surround-sound system, digital remote and seating for four, a fireplace and a larger sitting area in the master bedroom, a pop-up plasma in the living room, a larger dining room table with leather chairs, and a second bedroom with two beds and a bathroom that matches the enormous master bath.

Everyone who stays on the luxurious 49th floor also has the right to use the communal game room. Featuring a classic pool table with intricate wood carvings, a television, leather furniture, card table and wood walls, the room offers a great escape for the adults or someplace the kids can hang.

Bally’s also features some smaller and not quite as elaborate suites that are also attractive and, unlike the penthouses, available for sale to the general public.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Borgata features six types of suites, ranging from the 282 Fiore Suites, which are a larger version of the casino’s Classic Rooms, complete with sitting area, to the two Residence Suites on the top floor that boast 5,000 square feet of space each.

Unlike most casinos, most of Borgata’s suites have a price. The Fiore Suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, king or two full beds, a large bathroom with two sinks, sunken tub and a foyer with hardwood floor, range from the high $200s to $600. The Opus Suite, which maintains the stylish, classy beige-and-white color scheme of the Fiore, is a little bigger than the Fiore and range in price from $400 to $700s.

The suites really begin to impress at the Piatto level, where stars including comedian Jimmy Fallon have stayed. Super-modern and ultra-stylish, the room features an entrance hallway with wood inlay floors and a living area to the left that features a dining nook, plush furniture, plasma TV, second dining table and light wood walls that blend perfectly with the cutting-edge artwork that is unique to every suite.

The Piatto features a desk in the master bedroom with its own computer and internet access, and a plasma television at the head of the bed. The master bath, loaded with marble, has an LCD TV, deep bath and stand-up shower. The Piatto ranges in price from the $600s to $800s.

When you get into a Quadri, which is generally not for sale to the public, you know you’re a big gambler or VIP. Comprised of six former Classic Rooms, these suites are the lap of luxury and seem suited to host rock stars. A four-seat wet bar features a metallic rock surface, and the entire suite is extremely masculine in its décor.

The huge living room features enough seating for a large party with back-to-back couches, Bose stereo system, large plasma TV and dining table for eight people. The master bedroom has its own sitting area, Bose Wave Radio, plasma TV and canopy king bed.

Finally, the two Residence Suites are the biggest in the city at 5,000 square feet each. Each is different in design. To prove that these are totally indulgent suites, one of them is a one-bedroom suite despite the fact that most families have houses that are less than half as big as one Residence Suite. This place looks like a mini-palace.

The open living room features light hardwood floors, exotic area rugs, majestic drapes, plasma TV surrounded by book cases and an executive desk. The humongous dining room offers an unparalleled view of the Atlantic City skyline as the circular table for eight sits on intricate tile work.

There’s also a kitchen, a massage room for two, a separate office with a computer and plasma TV, a master bath with a shower that’s big enough for six people but only has two overhead shower heads, two huge vanities and a Jacuzzi tub with an LCD TV built into the wall above it, including surround-sound in the ceiling. Another half bathroom in the hall area is as big as most people’s full baths.

While stars like Bruce Willis—who is a big gambler—have stayed there, the room is also used for executive meetings and functions.

Caesars Atlantic City

One of the most upscale casinos in town also boasts some of the nicest suites. Most of the best suites, however, can be found in the Ocean Tower, where many of them have been renovated and aren’t as outdated as some other suites in town.

Former themed suites have been remodeled with a more modern, classy look with a tan/white color scheme that features a large living room, hardwood floors, stereo system, Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom, dual sink and stand-up shower. Some even have their own treadmills.

Emperor Suites impress with their white marble foyers, three-seat wet bars, majestic yellow carpets, Jacuzzi tubs that overlook the ocean and Pier, granite countertops, tile showers, double sinks, dressing table, dining room table with candelabra chandelier and plush furniture. One step down, but still impressive, are the Senator suites, a bit smaller but with most of the same amenities. The Tribune suite features a studio layout that is still striking.

There are a different penthouse layouts, but one boasts a wild design with a leopard skin-like carpet, granite wet bar with two seats, television and stereo system, glass dining room table, faux stone pillars, step-up Jacuzzi, bidet and canopy bed with Bose Wave Radio.

Many of the Ocean Tower rooms are currently being renovated and are as nice—but not as spacious—as suites. They include 42-inch plasma screens and down comforters, and are available for purchase. Caesars’ penthouses are reserved for players only.

Harrah’s Atlantic City

Harrah’s has quite an array of suites throughout its property.

In the Bay Tower, the penthouse is amazing. With wood crown molding, 12-foot ceilings and a beautiful granite wet bar with two seats, the three-room modern suite features a huge living room with working fireplace, dining nook with hardwood floors and small bar, master bedroom with its own seating area, a master bathroom with burgundy marble floors, Jacuzzi and two sinks, plus a stand-up shower. The King Super Suite is also impressive in the Bay Tower, with its large living room and spacious bathroom with Jacuzzi.

In the Atrium Tower, the Super Suites are a popular high-roller choice for a reason: they are stunning. With a very homey design that looks like something out of Martha Stewart’s magazine, the living room features a working fireplace, while the top-floor rooms have dining rooms with hardwood floors and satellite windows. A two-step Jacuzzi is located right in the bedroom overlooking the bay, and there are plasma screens, BOSE Wave Radios and a bar.

In the Harbour Tower, the Executive Suite also boasts a modern, classy design scheme with a large, boardroom-like dining room table for eight, a wet bar, leather furniture, Bose stereo system, and the obligatory Jacuzzi tub.

Harrah’s does not sell its suites to the public.

Resorts Atlantic City

Resorts’ relatively new Rendezvous Tower reflects Atlantic City patrons’ attitude that bigger is better. For starters, the Rendezvous boasts the largest standard rooms in the city, and nearly 10 percent of the 450 rooms in the tower are suites that range from 1,090 to 1,150 square feet.

Located on the top six floors of the Rendezvous, the suites are decorated in a style similar to the rest of the Rendezvous rooms. Classy and simple with tan and yellow colors, most of the suites feature 42-inch plasma screens in the large living room, which also has a dining table, wet bar, refrigerator and marble foyer.

Each suite boasts king beds, and features two bathrooms with imported white marble, double vanities and a makeup table. One bathroom has a walk-in shower, the other a whirlpool tub.

For the whale, Resorts’ Chairman Suite is something to gasp over. The late Merv Griffin’s former personal suite, the Chairman Suite can combine with the adjoining vice-chairman suites for extra bedrooms.

But it’s hard to believe anyone would want more than what it already is. The only suite in town that has its own private elevator entrance, the Chairman Suite is the epitome of class. Former guests have included Whoopi Goldberg, Evander Holyfield, Tom Jones and Jerry Seinfeld. And scenes from the Danny Devito-Joe Piscopo film Wise Guys were filmed in this suite.

With its own-full-sized white kitchen, including a television, refrigerator, dishwasher and matching appliances, the Chairman Suite is bigger than some people’s homes.

Located in the Ocean Tower, the suite boasts marble floors, rich woods, a Baby Grand piano, stocked bar with LCD TV and seating, living room with adjacent sun deck and dining room table. The master bathroom still features the sunken whirlpool tub Griffin personally picked out, an LCD TV at the makeup table, stand-up shower and bidet. A second bedroom has two full beds with its own bathroom. It is simply amazing.

Resorts does not sell its suites to the public, saving them for qualified players, but they are sometimes offered to paying customers as upgrades.

Showboat Casino Hotel

The hippest and newest suites belong to Showboat, where 22 House of Blues-themed suites opened last year. Located in the Orleans Tower, the trendy suites feature a two-level design, including a living room with 42-inch plasma screen above a fireplace mantel, surround-sound system with iPod docking station, Sirius satellite radio and free Wi-Fi.

In the elevated bedroom, relax in the king bed, listen to the Bose Wave Radio and check out the adjacent master bathroom with multi-jet, stand-up shower and dual sinks. Designed to resemble the Foundation Room, the House of Blues’ private club, the suites feature mural ceilings, cool artwork, Persian rugs and hardwoods. Unlike most casino suites, the HOB suites are available for purchase and range from $175 to $500 in price.

Before the House of Blues, however, Showboat had some other suites that remain some of the best in the market.

Particularly impressive is the Mardi Gras Suite, a stunning, modern design that looks like a high-end Manhattan apartment with a beach view, wrap-around balcony, leather furniture, 42-inch plasma TV, hardwood floors, Kenwood stereo system, and a king bed that overlooks the ocean. There’s also a Jacuzzi tub and stand-up shower.

The Garden Court offers a more open configuration with two plasma TVs—one in the living room, one in the bedroom—breakfast nook, dining table, hardwood floors and a bathroom with an LCD TV, Jacuzzi tub and awesome overhead shower that is bubble-shaped with frosted glass that juts into the bedroom.

Tropicana Casino and Resort

With more than 2,100 rooms, the Tropicana obviously has its share of suites in its various towers.

Its 500-plus-room Havana Tower, completed in 2004, features more than 30 suites, including some aimed at convention-goers that include large, open party meeting areas on the same floor as large meeting presentation rooms.

With its Cuban theme carrying into the suites, furniture features red leather, 42-inch plasma screens and a wet bar in some. The bright-colored suites also feature a king bed, dining room table and more.

Other Tropicana towers, however, boast more impressive suites, particularly the West Tower’s 40-plus suites, including six themed penthouses that are spectacular.

The themed suites all feature two bathrooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs, stand-up showers, large living room areas and master bedrooms with king beds, pop-up televisions and cool designs. The Santa Fe features a rich-looking Southwest décor; the signature Marakesh resembles a Moroccan mosque; the Caribbean boasts a beach theme; the Villa Roma has rich marble and Italian design; the Versailles’ wood floors and faux fireplace are beautiful; and the humongous Park Avenue features three bedrooms, a breathtaking ocean view, Baby Grand piano, fireplace in the master bedroom, sunken whirlpool tub, black and white tile floors, four-seat bar and four bathrooms.

While those suites are not for purchase, there are some suites in the West Tower that are available by upgrade that include a Jacuzzi tub inside the master bedroom and a spacious living room area.

The North Tower is loaded with suites, including bi-levels with spiral staircases. Featuring usual suite amenities like Jacuzzi tubs, bars and lots of space, the penthouses are smaller than the West Tower penthouses, and are not as elaborate, but beautiful.

Trump Marina Hotel Casino

Trump Marina, like its sister properties, is trying to keep up with the Joneses by also offering many of its suites to the general public.

The Marina features approximately 150 suites, with nearly 100 of them in the Crystal Tower, an all-suite tower that was built in 1990 and renovated in 2005.

There are four types of suites in the Crystal Tower, ranging from the Junior Executive one-bedroom suite that is sold for $189 to $400 to the 12 penthouses that are never for sale.

The penthouses, which vary in design, are all nicely adorned in exotic fashion, loaded with imported white marble. The open parlor features four comfy chairs and a couch in front of a plasma TV. There’s a dining room table for four, and a nice wet bar with seating for two.

The ceilings are layered, featuring beautiful wood, and the master bedroom has its own seating area, king bed, red whirlpool bath and bidet. There’s also a split bathroom, one area featuring a bath and the other featuring a stand-up shower. The penthouses are available in one- and two-bedroom layouts.

If you are a guest in any suite, you are able to enjoy the Trump Club, a recently renovated bi-level club that features plasma televisions, open bar and light bites, including breakfast.

In the original Bay Tower is one of the nicest suites in town, a bi-level suite with a spiral staircase. Downstairs features a living area with a modern design scheme and dark-fabric couches, a plasma TV and a beautiful dark wood dining table. In the hall, relax with a drink in two modern seats while taking in the spectacular bay view.

Go upstairs and admire the classy master bedroom that features a plasma screen at the head of the bed, a seating area and a stunning master bath. There are two and a half baths, and each main bathroom features Jacuzzi tubs. This suite is often used for parties hosted by the Marina.

Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino

Trump Plaza also features some beautiful super suites that were remodeled in the last year. The stunning rooms’ nicest feature is a dividing wall that features a built-in gas fireplace open on both sides, and a plasma screen built into the living room side.

But that’s not all. There’s a beautiful glass dining room table for eight, a wet bar and overall elegant design scheme that uses light colors. A half bath features a modern design with hardwood floors, and the master bedroom has suede-padded walls and a plasma TV and adjoining master bath, including marble floors and a stand-up shower with small tiles that form the image of flowers.

Also not for sale is the Executive Suite, which is very similar to the super suite but smaller. The dividing wall does not have a fireplace, but it does have a plasma on each side—one for the living room, one for the bedroom.

In the Main Tower, contemporary suites are available to the public for around $600 an night. With a classy theme using tans and greens, a small living room is divided by a beautiful glass door that leads to a master bedroom with adjoining master bath that has a whirlpool tub, stand-up shower and multi-colored marble flooring.

Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort

The Taj Mahal’s aforementioned $14 million investment in its seven suites really shows. Each suite has its own unique design, and they truly are some of the—if not the—most beautiful and lavish suites in the city.

The penthouse suites are absolutely mind-blowing. One, for example, boasts a modern décor with a bathroom that is bigger than most guest rooms. A wide-open living room has classic, elegant furniture with a two-seat wet bar and plasma TV. Take three steps to the elevated master bedroom and you’ll find a BOSE Wave Radio and a plasma TV that pops out of a dresser and can be swiveled via the remote control. The master bath has a huge Jacuzzi, steam shower, dual granite sink and dressing table. One of the most striking features is the inset dining room that looks like something out of TV with its hardwood floors, domed ceiling and long dining table for eight.

But the signature suite is the Alexander the Great Suite, which is so big you can get lost. Walk into the living room and check out the plasma screen set into the wood wall, the Baby Grand piano, wet bar and domed, illuminated ceilings.


The dining room is even more impressive than the previous suite in size and beauty, resembling something out of a millionaire’s mansion with its mural ceiling, grand chandelier and long wood dining table.

There’s also a kitchen, separate make-up room, two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and more marble, plasma TVs, showers, Jacuzzi tubs and amenities than anyone could possibly use. The Taj has 216 total suites among its 1,250 rooms. Most offer a slew of amenities. The gorgeous Rajah Suite, for example, offers a two-seat wet bar, wireless internet, BOSE Wave radios, iPod docking stations, in-bedroom Jacuzzi and, like every room in the Taj, plasma televisions.

By Roger Gros   Fri, Nov 16, 2007

By Beth Joseph  

In the shadows of Atlantic City’s casino lights and resort glamour lies a stretch of the Black Horse Pike known as West Atlantic City. It’s no secret that area is in need of a revival. While an immediate turnaround is impossible, the Matzel & Mumford Organization has stepped up to take the first stride toward redeveloping this area of Egg Harbor Township.

“We recognized this as a great place to develop. It’s an area with a peaceful setting just minutes from a host of world-class restaurants, shops and exciting nightlife, as well as some of the state’s most celebrated beaches,” says Glenn Ward, vice president of sales and marketing for Matzel & Mumford.

As of early last month, mounds of fresh dirt, bulldozers and machinery encompass the 12.5 acres on the Black Horse Pike, across the highway from the motels that line the entrance into the city. As thousands of residents and visitors drive past the land each day, it’s apparent the project is a large advancement for the area’s future.

The development, called Bayport on Lake’s Bay, will consist of 131 new luxury townhomes. Each three-story house will contain two bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a single-car garage. Capitalizing on the waterfront views, the development has the master bedroom of each unit facing toward the bay. In addition to providing much-needed area housing, the project is a triple treat by cleaning up the environment and partnering with land preservation enthusiasts.

“Just three miles from the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, passesrby have been completely unaware of this location’s magnificent vistas, protected conservation area and access to one of the country’s top 10 sites for wind and kite surfing,” says Ward.

The 24 acres of open space situated adjacent to the Bayport site has been attracting illegal dumping of construction debris. However, Matzel & Mumford paired with the township and volunteers to clean up the area and restore it to its former glory. During a cleanup day in late May, 5.5 tons of debris and trash were removed from the area, which has since been fenced off and is under the watchful eye of the Lakes Bay Recreation Association. A small beach area was created, and it is now a true public amenity for wind surfing, kite boarding, canoeing and kayaking.

In addition to the townhouses and cleaning up the environmentally protected area on Lake’s Bay, a second construction project just down the road, next to the Hampton Inn, also is under way to create a four-story, Spanish-style condominium-hotel complex. According to Deputy Mayor Stanley Glassey, renovations to upgrade or possibly rebuild the Red Roof Inn also are in the works.

As for the opposite side of the highway, West Atlantic City is planning a major cleanup of its downtrodden motels, from the Garden State gas station toward Atlantic City where the former Old Logg restaurant stood.

“We visualize this area will be a big boom area in Egg Harbor Township and will probably all tie in on the north side of the boulevard from Bader Field to Pleasantville,” says Glassey.

“The township is dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s and doing everything perfectly so the area can be redeveloped. This is the impetus for good things to happen.”

The north side, draped with motels, was recently declared a blighted area. The township hopes to accept development bids on the land by the end of 2007 for the commercial-zoned area. While talks of office buildings, restaurants (Bennigan’s or IHOP), stores and even potential rehearsal space for casino shows have been floating around, no formal announcements have been made for the tract of land.

As a first step in reviving West Atlantic City, Bayport on Lake’s Bay plans to have the first set of townhouses, pool and clubhouses completed and ready for move-in by May 2008. In the meantime, as the development of Matzel & Mumford townhouses continues to take shape, the area is on its way to becoming a gem just outside the city.

“West Atlantic City is now the most unused entranceway to Atlantic City, and with these advancements this is going to be an ideal spot,” concludes Glassey.

By Felicia Lowenstein  

Say goodbye to bold prints, shiny metallics and those sassy baby-doll tops. The retro ’70s wear was the big seller this time last year. But in the ever-fickle fashion industry, last year’s hits are so “last year.” So, if you haven’t gone shopping since that time, be aware. Your closet needs a makeover.

This winter, fashion takes a decidedly sophisticated turn. Rather than the free-flowing styles of past seasons, the body silhouette is back, with more tailored versions of both business and casual wear. At the same time, fun is “in.”

“Everything old is new again,” says Bobette Stott of Stott Innovative DesignWorks. Stott is a design consultant for the fashion industry and an adjunct professor at Woodbury University in Burbank, California. “Swing, bohemia, excess and punk collide to bring Winter 2008 a kaleidoscope of color, texture, pattern and luxe.”

So get ready to clean out your closet. Here’s a preview of what you can expect this winter, and the places in the Atlantic City area where you can discover your own personal style.

STRICTLY BUSINESS

You can make another day at the office into a fashionable statement with just a few changes to your business wardrobe this season. And for those of you confined to casino couture, otherwise known as the “fashionable” uniforms required of your position, don’t despair. This section also applies to party dress, or any occasion that lends itself to a more polished look.

GRAY & BLUE ARE THE NEW BLACK

That’s not to imply that you should rid your closet of that classic color. But more and more, black is being replaced by more subtle shades that mimic it. This fall, and going into the winter, you’ll find “the introduction of more gray and deep blue tones in place of the traditional black,” according to fashion experts from the Pier at Caesars. “Charcoal, steel and ash will become the new staple shades.”

• Michael Kors Astor Satchel ($298) and Astor Tote ($328) available at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• O Oscar Belted Angora/Wool Coat ($484) available at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

MILITARY-INSPIRED DESIGNS

Whether it’s a trend that evolved from supporting our troops, or simply that military uniforms fit the more tailored style of the season, we’re borrowing designs from the front line. According to the Pier, “men and women’s clothing this season will take inspiration from military uniforms and hardware. Clean lines and bold buttons will dominate coats, shirts and jackets, bringing a more tailored and refined look to everyday attire.”

• Women’s Military Coat in Heavy Twill ($2,595) and Men’s Military Shirt in Soft Cotton ($195) at Mulberry at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• Marvin Richards Women’s Military Metal-Button Coat ($190) and Kenneth Cole Reaction Military Blazer for Men ($225) available at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

DRESS-UP DRAMA

Dresses continue to be a mainstay, and can move from work to “after-hours” gatherings with style. This season’s dresses emphasize detail, fabric and color in bolder variations than ever before.

According to Fashion Snoops trend analyst and myShape (www.myshape.com) trend consultant Eva Brune, jewel shades are hot.

“The bright and precious jewel tones from emerald, ruby, sapphire and onyx are hot for the holidays, but so too are the pearls, soft golds and the delicate neutral metallic shades,” asserts Brune. “The black dress is still very important, because that is the one piece that can carry you from day into night, but for those who have some time for a quick change before the evening, the latest metallic dresses, suits and individual pieces can give you that party ‘pop.’”

Accessories incorporate bright “Crayola” colors, according to Stott. “You’ll find turquoise, hot orange, red, fuscia, kelly, canary and violet, as well as black and ivory in all the usual suspects from boots to coats to clutches and luggage.” Patent leather remains hot for handbags and shoes, and instantly creates a festive air. Look for them during the holiday season and beyond.

• Victorian Dress ($2,595) available at Mulberry at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• Stuart Weitzman UFO shoes in red patent ($280) and Salvatore Ferragamo Elenora bag in black patent leather ($1,550)

• Alfani Twist-Front Charmeuse Top ($69) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BLING

Jewelry and watches take a higher profile this season. The Pier suggests, “Watch wardrobing, a fashion-forward concept that is all about accessorizing the wrist. Rather than owning one timepiece that is worn every day, the trend is to own a selection of watches that can be worn to complement and inspire the rest of the wardrobe.”

Diamonds—traditionally paired with gold and platinum—are now being linked with sterling silver. Tiffany & Co.’s new line, Tiffany Somerset, is “a collection of contemporary mesh jewelry—rings, pendants, bracelets—that is fresh and refined and takes its place as the go-to look in jewelry now.”

• Tourneau’s new Gotham Collection timepiece for men ($6,450), Steel and Diamonds for women ($995) at the Pier Shops at Caesars

• The Tiffany Somerset collection (starting at $475) available at the Pier Shops at Caesars

SHOW YOUR LOGO

Logos are in, and the bolder the better. According to the Pier, “Fashionistas can proudly flaunt their favorite designers this fall without leaving the tags hanging out. Handbags and luggage will be marked with distinguishing bold logos that will make bags more than just an accessory.”

• Michael Kors Luggage (Medium: $398; Large $448) and Louis Vuitton Never Full Bags (Small: $575; Medium: $620; Large: $665) available at The Piers Shops at Caesars

• Baby Phat Ruched Logo Tee ($49) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

COZY SWEATERS

“The winter season is also a time to get cozy and bundle up against the elements, and at myShape.com, this means a season's worth of sweaters from cardigans to wraps and from turtle necks to cashmere crew necks,” says trend consultant Brune. “Be sure to stock up on this winter’s best sweaters! Trade out a blazer in favor of a soft cardigan with a self-belted waist or add a sweater layer under a blazer for added warmth and for a pop of color. You'll also want plenty of cuddly sweaters to lounge and play in on weekends.”

• Charter Club Cashmere Pointelle Single-Button Cardigan ($180) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

• Alfani French Rib Zip Mock Neck Sweater for Men ($59.50) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

• Flyaway Cardigan ($138) at Talbot’s at Central Square

CHECK OUT THE PLAIDS

Traditional tartan plaids are back. You’ll see them in shirts, jackets, shoes and more. Whether bold or refined, the checked patterns will add interest and style to an otherwise solid silhouette.

• Stuart Weitzman Marianne Shoe, Black Glenn Plaid ($298) and Mulberry Victorian Blouse in Woven Check Cotton ($495) available at The Pier Shops at Caesars

• Roxy “Snow Bunny” Plaid Bomber Jacket ($74) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

Faux animal prints are sure to liven the dreary winter months. Stott lists the most popular of the prints and textures this season.

“It’s crocodile, alligator and python in nature’s classic colors for bags and shoes,” she says. “You’ll also find fur coats, collars and cuffs on boots and bags. Leopard patterns, stripes and deep, rich jewel tone colors are trendy.”

• INC International Concepts Jewel-Trimmed Animal-Print Tunic ($79) at Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall

• Animal print silk mock-wrap blouse ($78) at Talbot’s at Central Square

ON A BUDGET

For those of us who want a fast fix, or simply can’t afford to put several paychecks toward a winter update, Stott has some suggestions.

“The instant season recipe is to add one or two of the trendier pieces to your classic look,” she says. “Try a Fedora hat, patterned stockings or knee-high boots. Pair a bright-colored blouse with gray, brown or black so that the color will ‘pop.’ Black and white checks and black patent work almost anywhere. Bright-colored, gold, silver or black diamond accessories can be layered to your taste. Oh, and don’t forget to trade your oversized, bug-eyed sunglasses for a square-framed number.”

By Alissa Wolf  

On a spectacularly sunny, unseasonably warm day in early October, the Jewish Community Center in Margate was bustling with activity. Excited people scurried among approximately 75 booths, where representatives from such wide-ranging companies and organizations as banks, mortgage services, universities and health care agencies held forth.

Interestingly, the majority of this sprightly, enthusiastic throng were aged 65 and older, and were here to attend the Senior Expo 2007, presented by AtlantiCare, a not-for-profit health care organization serving southeastern New Jersey.

But they weren’t your granddaddy’s granddaddies (or grandmas, for that matter).

They were members of the fastest-growing segment of the country’s population—a population that is living longer and, in many cases, stronger than at any previous time in history. In recent times, the first members of the omnipresent baby boom generation (those born between 1945 and 1960) officially reached the age of 60. Thus, many now find themselves caring for elderly parents and other loved ones. Meanwhile, fewer of today’s older folks require full-time residency in nursing homes. Yet, someone has to look after Mom, Pop, Uncle Joe or even Grandma.

While this presents wide-ranging challenges for virtually anyone, it can be especially daunting for casino workers and others in the hospitality industry.

Due to shift work, late hours on the job, rigid absenteeism and personal time regulations, scheduling their lives to accommodate elder loved ones’ medical appointments, simple day-to-day tasks such as grocery shopping and laundry, finding outside care options and social activities can be very complicated for these workers. Those with limited incomes face even greater challenges. And Medicare doesn’t cover everything.

But the good news is there’s plenty of support in Atlantic County to help smooth the way.

One-Stop for Mom and Pop

A great place to start is Intergenerational Services, a division of the Department of Human Services headquartered in Northfield. Founded in 1973 with federal Older American Act funds, this provides referrals and resources covering a wide array of issues and needs, for children to seniors. These range from home and personal care (light housekeeping, for example) to social activities, adult daycare, Medicare counseling and legal services referrals, among many others.

While the agency does offer resources and information about the region’s nursing homes, “We help to keep people out of nursing homes; most people are happier at home,” Division Director Marilu Gagnon explains.

According to U.S. Census Bureau figures for 2006, 13.5 percent of the total population of 271,620 in Atlantic County is aged 65 or older. “The highest growth rate in the county is among people 85 and older,” Gagnon points out. “At the casinos, there’s shift work, and it’s difficult to get time off (to care for loved ones).”

That’s why the agency’s toll-free 211 number comes in very handy. You can call 24/7 to locate resources for the Senior Health Insurance Program and the Aging and Disabilities Resource Connection, among other essential services.

The latter helps callers locate resources for and information on adult daycare, home-delivered meals, transportation, legal services, caregiver assistance, homecare services and more. ADRC also screens Medicaid-qualified applicants to determine the level of care required, which may render them eligible for community-based services as opposed to nursing home placement.

There’s also a Care-giver Assistance Program, a Community Care for the Elderly and Disabled program that provides in-home services to those at risk of nursing home placement, a low-income dental care program and others.

“We don’t provide the services, but we connect people to them,” Gagnon explains.

As there are more active, relatively independent seniors than ever, outside activities are vital to their existence. To that end, the county’s numerous senior centers and other agencies host a bevy of activities for anyone over 60, with a $1 donation for meals.

“These are free, and operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” Gagnon says. “They offer bingo, self-defense classes, line-dancing. Guest speakers come in. There are special trips, weekly grocery shopping and other services.”

Institutions such as the aforementioned Jewish Community Center and Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point also host a bunch of activities, from mah-jongg and computer classes for seniors to health maintenance lectures presented by physicians, financial planning and smoking cessation seminars.

The most recent development in this area was the September opening of the Stockton Center on Successful Aging at Richard Stockton State College in Pomona. There are three focus areas here: research, education and services. The center offers older adult educational programs such as lectures on art, music and history, to encourage intellectual stimulation.

“This started due to Stockton’s wonderful certification program to train people to work with older adults; since 1978, 200 students have earned certification,” explains David Burdick, Ph.D, the center’s director. “We’ve often done things in the community (geared toward older adults). We started this because Stockton is a citizen of the community.”

The center also offers caregiver support groups; the “Brown Bag” series, a program of lectures on the latest aging research, and the CMS and You TV program cover topics related to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, airing on Comcast Cable Channel 13 Thursdays at noon and 8 p.m.

There’s No Place Like Home

There also are many resources for elderly who don’t need 24-hour care, but still require supervision, support and/or home aid.

For instance, the Division of Intergenerational Services offers a Fix-It program. “This is a residential maintenance program designed to help seniors live safely,” Gagnon says. “They will put in window units, and do minor plumbing and electrical work. There is a very big need for this among our senior population.”

Another popular option is adult daycare. But this involves more than just “babysitting.” In an effort to foster vitality in seniors, agencies such as Atlantic Adult Day Healthcare, whose services are covered 100 percent by Medicaid, offer door-to-door transportation, meals, hairdresser and manicure services, field trips, parties, exercise, medical education classes, movies, physical therapy and other wide-ranging services.

In addition, there are caregiver support programs.

“We have a huge demand for home care aides; there’s a waiting list,” Gagnon says. “So, we now have a contract with the Family Service Association whereby the Alzheimer’s Association South Jersey chapter trains volunteers. Caregivers need as much support as they can get.”

But what about those who require more in-home care, or supervision in the evenings?

Diane Ott, director of marketing development for Atlantic Adult Day Care, says, “We are looking into extending our hours for 24-hour shifts.” But at the moment, there are no such services available in this area.

“This is a serious workforce issue, especially if you’re single and the only one in the household, and you have to work at night,” David Burdick says.

That’s why caregivers may opt for home care workers, either hired through agencies or privately. Needs may include everything from companionship provided by a worker who helps with personal care (light housekeeping to running errands) to home health aides for the more dependent elderly and hospice services for the seriously ill. This may encompass visits of a mere few hours a week to round-the-clock, live-in care.

One agency that can help sort out the confusion is Bayada Nurses, a nationwide home health care provider headquartered in Moorestown, with branches in Atlantic and Cape May counties. This is one of the few area agencies of its kind that is covered by Medicare.

“We link families to the right resources,” says Bayada Atlantic and Cape May Director Maryanne Prudhomme. “Many times, people will think they need a nurse, but don’t. So the first thing we do is to find out what the need is and put together a plan. We may refer people who need live-ins to non-medical companies. Mom may have Medicare, which provides intermittent care if she breaks her hip.

“But once the skilled need is gone, the home health aide services stop; Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care. But that doesn’t mean Mom doesn’t need help in the morning. Medicare doesn’t provide that. Home care is very confusing. People need to know what they will need—before they need it.”

So, it’s crucial that one is prepared, as opposed to waiting for an emergency to seek care. For one, determine if a parent or other elderly loved one has long-term care coverage, and what their financial issues are.

Moreover, when hiring aides or nurses through an agency, there are critical questions that you must ask. How are employees selected? Are employees bonded and insured? Are employees subjected to background and criminal checks? How is insurance and billing handled?

“You need to ask whether the agency is the employer, or if the family is the employer,” Prudhomme adds. “Does the employer (agency) pay taxes and insurance, or is the family responsible for this? Does the agency provide personal protective equipment, such as surgical gloves? Is there worker’s comp? Is there supervision? Does a nurse come out and do an assessment?”

You also must bear in mind that you are inviting a complete stranger into your home, and entrusting the care of a loved one to them. If you do decide to hire someone privately, it’s best to do so through the state Board of Nurses.

Prudhomme points out that, in certain circumstances, hospice care is an excellent option.

“This is also Medicare-covered,” she says. “People may go to this as a last resort, but it’s one of the most under-utilized programs. This is a team approach that helps patients and their families deal with life-limiting illnesses.”

Be Prepared

While many relatives of the elderly may avoid facing the inevitable due to the emotional impact of the prospect, it’s important to maintain a sense of pragmatism when planning for their future care. (And your own, for that matter.)

That’s why one must anticipate issues and prepare in advance, before there is a crisis.

Preparing for the future financially and in terms of retirement funds, wills, living wills, long-term care and the like are critical. Michael D. Weinraub, P.C., a Ventnor attorney who specializes in elder law, Medicaid planning and estate planning, urges families and caretakers to take steps to avoid leaving the handling of a loved one’s affairs up to the courts.

Among the most important subjects to address are the signing of a durable power of attorney for business and legal matters, a health care directive and living will for medical decision-making. There are many other confusing issues, such as how one can assure their financial security as they age, how and when to distribute assets, tax concerns, how to provide for one’s family, housing, long-term care insurance and so much more.

Thus, Weinraub urges everyone with older loved ones to do a “legal” checkup consisting of a review of estate planning, as well as reviews of legal documents, tax implications, liquidity planning and disabilities planning.

Those who can’t afford an attorney may, once again, refer to Intergenerational Services for information about South Jersey Legal Services, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides free advocacy and representation to low-income people.

While it may be far more difficult for casino and hospitality workers to care for elderly and infirm loved ones, there are plenty of resources and support.

As David Burdick says, “If the casinos want to hire and keep good workers, these services are very important.”

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

2-1-1, 24-hour toll-free number to call all county Human Services AtlantiCare, 888-569-1000, www.atlanticare.org

AtlantiCare Hospice, Doughty Road, Egg Harbor Twp. 609-272-2424

Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services Shoreview Building, 101 S. Shore Road, Northfield 609-645-7700, www.aclink.org

Atlantic Adult Day Health Care, Tilton Plaza, 331 Tilton Road, Suite 2, Northfield 609-383-3313 www.atlanticadult.com

Bayada Nurses, 35 Central Square, Linwood, 609-926-4600, www.bayada.com

Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate, 609-822-1167
www.jccatlantic.org

Shore Memorial Hospital, 1 East New York Ave., Somers Point, 609-653-3500, www.shorememorial.org

By   Fri, Sep 19, 2008

By Frank Legato   Thu, Jun 19, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, May 19, 2008

By Roger Gros   Mon, May 12, 2008

By Roger Gros   Tue, Mar 11, 2008

By David Schwartz   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Since the Borgata’s opening in 2003, Atlantic City has been on a rapid building program. Several casinos—including the Borgata itself—have completed or begun expansions, and several new projects have been announced. But sometimes, in order to build, one must first destroy. Nearly a year ago, for only the second time, an Atlantic City casino closed permanently. During its brief history, the Sands epitomized the best—and worst—of the seaside resort’s casino revival.

At one time, the Brighton Hotel, one of the city’s most famous, stood at Indiana and Pacific avenues. Though the Brighton was leveled in 1958, it remained alive in Atlantic City’s memory, and when a group of local business owners planned a new casino hotel on the site, using the Brighton name seemed to augur well for its chances.

The major stockholders in Greate Bay, the Brighton’s parent company, Eugene V. Gatti and Arthur J. Kania, planned a small casino (at only 32,000 feet, it was about one-fifth the size of the Borgata’s casino today) in a 504-room hotel with little room for expansion.

When it opened on August 13, 1980, the Brighton seemed to have a lot going for it. It was only the fourth casino to open in Atlantic City, following Resorts International, Caesars Boardwalk Regency and Bally’s Park Place.

The Brighton was also the first newly built casino hotel in Atlantic City, making good on a promise that the 1976 casino referendum would guarantee a wave of new construction. But there was no disputing that the casino was, even by contemporary standards, tiny; it was only half the size of Resorts’ and Bally’s gaming spaces.

Indeed, it had auspicious beginnings: the crowd of 1,500 waiting gamblers grew impatient at its opening ceremonies and shouted down a planned dedication speech, demanding that the officials “open the doors!”

But the gamblers apparently didn’t break down the doors for long. By the fall, the casino was losing money ($15.4 million by the end of the year), and though a planned sale to Holiday Inns collapsed, by February 1981 the Brighton was sold to Inns of America, a Dallas-based Holiday Inns franchisee run by the Pratt brothers; the casino’s operating company was later renamed the Pratt Hotel Corporation.

Since the Pratts had just bought Las Vegas’ Sands from the Summa Corporation (which controlled Howard Hughes’ erstwhile casino empire), they chose to rename their new acquisition the Sands, hoping that a bit of the Rat Pack’s magic would rub off.

The Pratts brought in Stephen Hyde and other executives from Caesars, and under the new regime, the property rebounded. However, as Hyde and his cohort moved on to other casinos—and as it became clear that smaller wasn’t necessarily better—the casino lost traction. But the Pratt company remained bullish on Atlantic City, buying the failed Penthouse site and announcing plans for a second casino—Sands Boardwalk—in 1986.

Two years later, the project had become the Sands Hollywood, but it was challenged in the courts by Donald Trump and remained mostly speculation.

In the early 1990s, as the second casino was tabled (it is today the site of Trump Plaza’s North Tower), the possibility of the Sands itself being renamed the Hollywood was mooted. July 1996 was targeted as the date for the transition, but the closest Brighton Park got to Hollywood was the Epic Buffet; the Sands opened a new all-you-can eatery stocked with 400 original props and costumes from Roman and biblical celluloid epics like Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur.

But the Sands’ performance was anything but epic. In 1996, the Hollywood Hotel Corporation spun off the unprofitable casino, and it filed for bankruptcy in 1998.

In 2000, billionaire Carl Icahn purchased the casino. Icahn turned around the struggling Stratosphere in Las Vegas before selling it in 2007, and it was initially hoped that he could work similar magic with the Sands.

But, under a succession of leaderships, the Sands continued to struggle until, in September 2006, Icahn sold it to Pinnacle Entertainment. Pinnacle closed the casino on November 11, 2006, ending the Brighton/Sands’ 26-year run. Pinnacle is currently planning an as-yet-unnamed mega-project that will encompass the former Sands and Traymore sites.

The Sands went out with a bang on October 18, 2007, but few who worked or played there will soon forget its momentous life as an Atlantic City casino pioneer.

By Dave Bontempo   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Walt Tirrell has experienced the extremes of gaming. He has raised the curtain and struck the set.

The 27-year veteran literally closed his last phase with a bang. The Vineland native recently orchestrated Pinnacle’s mid-October demolition of the Sands. As Pinnacle’s executive director of property operations, he was its point man for the first Atlantic City casino ever imploded.

It was quite a “party.” Tirrell mingled with contractors, corporate executives, lawyers, city officials and fellow employees for the last several months. He observed plans, specs, production schedules and bids. Tirrell discovered specialists in various fields. After several months of painstaking detail, the end came quickly. Demolition took less than 20 seconds, roughly one clock tick per two months of planning.

Tirrell, who opened properties in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and New Orleans, experienced a unique phenomenon. He believes he is the only casino executive to preside over two Atlantic City closings. Along with the Sands he helped close Playboy. Ironically, Tirrell once handled security for a building he helped demolish. He has become the ultimate authority on plans blowing up in one’s face.

“It’s quite an experience, something I would not have gotten anywhere else,” Tirrell observes. “From running a casino, in terms of maintaining it, to being in charge of demolishing it is pretty unusual. Even though buildings were demolished in Atlantic City 25 years ago, the laws have changed. There’s a whole different process about how things run.”

Tirrell experienced a range of emotions. He was sad to see the Sands closed, happy to be retained and thrilled about Pinnacle’s future, slated for a 2011 opening.

Fortunately, he felt the mood swing without job interruption.

“When the casino closed, we were all given our letters by the Sands,” Tirrell says. “I have a Harley and a trailer and was just starting to move around, one of those deals where you will know where you are going after you get there. But then (CEO) Kim Townsend offered me a position with the transition team.

“We started by doing our homework on the top companies. Every major company in the Northeast wanted this job. There was a lot of money involved and the exposure was enormous. Everything was very detailed. We had a demo contractor, implosion people, environmental interests, fireworks, you name it.”

And a high profile. Press releases advertised the symbolic passing of the torch. The event officially cleared the way for Pinnacle’s building process. Tirrell will remain to conclude Pinnacle’s leveling of surrounding properties. That in turn will lead to the grand opening.

It’s another interesting rung on the career ladder for this state policeman-turned-executive. Tirrell went to the same police academy as Kevin DeSanctis, who became a gaming heavyweight with Penn National Gaming. Like DeSanctis, Tirrell finds this side of the business more exciting.

Tirrell has enjoyed a grand ride. He met Townsend while directing security at Trump Taj Mahal and has been reunited with her. In between, he moved to Las Vegas and New Orleans. Tirrell is grateful for the variety of duties associated with gaming and glad to advance with the times.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Blurting out a negative comment may cause a quarrel at home this month. Things will smooth over during a pizza-and-movie night but be sure to think before you speak in the future. (In fact, just shut up.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Try to put others before yourself this month. Hold open a door, help carry bags or donate to a charity. An unselfish act will give you a better feeling about yourself. (God knows you need it.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

A rash choice early in the month may come back with harsh consequences. Avoid the backlash by thinking about each decision carefully and relying on your instincts. (Note: punching out the boss—not a good instinct.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Sometimes your friendly nature can be mistaken for flirting. This could cause some tension between you and your partner. Try to keep the balance between friend and flirt. (Unless the other person is totally hot—then go for it.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

You are going to have to roll with the punches and be a little more flexible this month. You will find that not having control over everything is a delightful change that leaves you less high-strung in the long run. (And makes you a little less obnoxious.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

You will need to keep up a quick pace this month to keep up with your professionl and personal projects. No time for a breather, but expect your routine to return to normal by month’s end. (Try jacking up the caffeine dosage.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

You and your sweetie are in need of some quality time. Plan to spend one night a week together without distractions. The one-on-one time will revive the happy couple that makes others jealous. (And nauseous.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Lately, you’ve had a lot on your mind, especially when it comes to work. Clear your head with a much-needed day off. Use the free time to recognize your accomplishments and re-examine your long-term goals. (Be sure to rehearse your pathetic calling-out-of-work voice.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Don’t keep your emotions locked inside. Tell your sweetheart what is really on your mind this month. Being completely honest will bring the two of you closer than ever. (Skip the story about that girl in Philadelphia.)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

It’s the perfect time to start a new project. Paint the guest room, organize the closet or clean the basement. You’ll feel accomplished by checking off a task on your to-do list. (“Sleep 12 hours: Check.”)

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Your positive energy seems to be dwindling lately. Try reconnecting with old friends. A group outing around mid-month is sure to rekindle that sparkling personality. (A few shots of sparkling bourbon might help.)

By Robert Rossiello   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

He was a modest, Mid-western boy, the son of a barber, painfully shy, emotionally awkward, whose first inclination was to become a preacher until his passion for drawing took hold. Charles Schulz, whose life-long nickname was, ironically, “Sparky,” went on to become the creator of the most enduring comic strip of all time. Peanuts, featuring that round-faced, lovable loser Charlie Brown, was the most widely read cartoon in newspaper syndication, and spawned a cottage industry that covered everything from lunch boxes to toys to greeting cards to television specials.

David Michaelis, in his thorough and immensely enjoyable biography, Schulz and Peanuts, has sought to uncover the man behind the drawing board. Relying on in-depth interviews with Schulz’s family and friends, the author paints a vivid portrait of an artist who, by his own admission, lived an incredibly dull life.

But Schulz and Peanuts is far from dull. Michaelis offers us an even-handed account of a complex man whose only solace was creating his comic strip. The book incorporates several reproductions of that strip to chart the private workings of Charles Schulz. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy; these characters were either facets of their creator’s personality or stand-ins for people who influenced his life.

In many ways, Schulz never overcame his repressed childhood in Minnesota. An antisocial teetotaler, he was emotionally distant from the women in his life as well as his five children. He divorced his first wife, Joyce—who played a major role in his career—after 22 years. Though he had affairs, and married a second time, by all accounts he had trouble expressing physical affection. He had a “cold, untrusting side,” Michaelis writes.

But Schulz was also fiercely competitive and determined. This combination of factors, coupled with a minimalist pen-and-ink technique, gave his work a wry, subtle significance. Never a comic strip for easy jokes, Peanuts had a dreamy, contemplative quality that spoke to legions of Americans. Schulz’s work endures because it gives voice to the outcast in us all, and blurs the line between life and art.

By Joe Legato   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

The game that dominated all other first-shooters and defined the world of multi-player gameplay has finally delivered its exciting ending to the world. Bungie concludes the Halo trilogy and brings the franchise to a peak with Halo 3.

The game picks up some time after the suspenseful ending of Halo 2, and the Earth has been directly engaged in battle with the deadly alliance of alien races called the Covenant. As in the other games, you play as Master Chief, the commanding human soldier of a military unit trying to defend humanity.

In Halo 3, he remains allied to the Elite, a species formerly part of the Covenant, as they try to stop the Covenant from activating ring-like halo weapons that will destroy all life in the galaxy.

Halo 3 has new features that make it even better in both campaign and multi-player mode. One such feature is a scoring mode, which awards points for killing enemies and special moves such as head-shots, so that players can now compare each other during cooperative gameplay.

Also, gameplay is now saved on the 360’s hard drive, so players can go back and view awesome battles and strategize future matches by watching their earlier games from various camera angles. Finally, while most of the vehicles and weapons of the earlier games return, gamers can be sure to find an arsenal of new weapons and items.

Halo 3 definitely lives up the hype it has received over the past couple of years. In fact, it already shattered expected sales and broke records its first day of release. Gamers will be able to play the game for years without being bored.

Also, while Halo 3’s storyline makes it very entertaining to play on your own, you’ll probably have more fun utilizing the multi-player mode and joining in with others who have the game. Odds are good that you’ll find somebody to play with.

By Chris Borino   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Despite registering late and dropping out, Kanye West has apparently graduated. West’s third solo release doesn’t have a track that has that certain sound that immediately grabs you (i.e. Late Registration’s “Jesus Walks” and Dropout’s “Gold Digger”), and consequently has less of a likelihood of sounding played out. The songs get better with repeat listening, and West’s production continues to be top-notch, this time inspired by unlikely sources including Steely Dan and Daft Punk.

West continues to put together interesting word play and metaphors, but he needs to give his audience more credit. He does one that really gets on my nerves—he often explains his imagery. For example, on “Good Life,” West brags, “Y’all pop the trunk, I pop the hood,” then ad-libs, “Ferrari.” Thanks, but I’ll save the Cliffs Notes for Homer and Shakespeare. I think I’m good on the car allusions.

I’m not going to be too hard on him, but if his lyrics were as together as his ego, he might be the best rapper in the industry. His lyrics are amusing, but not thought-provoking or particularly witty. On “Can’t Tell Me Nothin’” West explains, “So if the devil wear Prada, Adam and Eve wear nada, I’m in between but way more fresher.”

West made “Big Brother” as an open letter to Jay-Z. It’s nice that Kanye wants his friend to know that he admires and respects him, but he might have gone too far by referring to him as “a idol in my eyes, god in the game, heart of the city, rocafella chain, never be the same, never be another, number one young Hov, also my big brother.”

Kanye has collaborated with Coldplay’s Chris Martin on “Homecoming,” but similar to the Martin/Jay-Z collabo on Kingdome Come, it doesn’t quite work. I like Coldplay and think Martin’s very talented, but his British voice doesn’t sound right singing, “Do you remember when fireworks at Lake Michigan, oh, now I’m coming home again.”

With Graduation Kanye West has made an above-average album, so he’s getting a B- from me this semester. Let’s hope he decides to go to grad school.

By Beth Joseph   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

The latest in the stream of inspirational football flicks, We Are Marshall is based on the true story of the Marshall University football team that perished when their charter plane crashed on November 14, 1970. The 75 passengers aboard, including players, coaches, boosters and parents, all died in the crash, devastating the families, school and entire small community of Huntington, West Virginia.

The university decided to continue the athletic program but the wounds of the survivors and community were still fresh.

As the film begins, Paul Geffen (Ian McShane), who lost his son, waitress Annie (Kate Mara), who lost her fiancé, and assistant coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox), who gave up his seat on the doomed flight, are paralyzed by grief and guilt as they are faced with moving on.

As the first step toward rebuilding the team, Marshall president Donald Dedmon (David Strathairn) hires Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) as the new head coach. With only three returning players, Coach Lengyel attempts to rebuild the football program by recruiting soccer players, walk-ons and even petitioning the NCAA to allow freshman starters. The road to recovery—and victory—is a difficult path, but the new coach instills heart and passion into his players with an inspirational speech.

The cast is outstanding. Anthony Mackie (team captain) speaks each line with determination and remembrance, and McConaughey’s performance is a step above excellent.

This film isn’t about the underdog team rising to victory, but it is about a group of people pushing past the difficult grieving process and merging an entire community together. Director McGinty honors those lost by accurately recreating the tragedy and allowing the community (and audience) to overcome the on-screen heartbreak.

The audience embarks on an emotional rollercoaster that transforms between tears and triumph from start straight through closing credits in We Are Marshall.

Tue, Oct 30, 2007

What type of food is best for my pet?

While that’s a long and complicated answer, let’s assume your pet is one with no health issues. First and foremost is the requirement for meat in the food. As carnivores, dogs and cats need meat in their diet, and this should be listed as the number-one ingredient in the food. Second, no “byproducts.” This is a catch-all phrase for, well, you name it. Could be anything.

Good choices are Innova, California Natural, Wysong, Life’s Abundance and Pet Gard, to name a few.

Can I give aspirin or Tylenol to my dog for pain?

Assuming the dog has no history of bleeding disorders or ulcers, the short answer for aspirin is yes—preferably, the buffered brands. Enteric-coated pills will not digest, so do not use those. Tylenol (acetaminophen) has a different mechanism of action, and is useful in combination pain therapy. However, long-term use of these drugs (as well as any other pain drug) is not advised without the supervision of a veterinarian.

For long-term use, the veterinary brands have been tested and approved by the FDA for use in pets. Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Zubrin and Previcox are a few of the ones available.

One other caution: Cats are not small dogs! Cats cannot take many of the medicines that dogs can. In fact, Tylenol is fatal to cats, and the dose for aspirin is one baby aspirin every three days. Again, please consult your veterinarian.

What is all the controversy about vaccinating pets about?

Good question, and again, long and involved. Basically, the concern now is that we over-vaccinate pets, and that it may be causing health issues. Each pet owner and a veterinarian should discuss the need for vaccine, and which ones are appropriate for each pet.

Something to ask your veterinarian about is vaccine titer testing. This is a blood test that measures the immune status of your pet to the viral diseases. If the titer is high (i.e. protective), then the pet is immune and does not need the vaccine. If the titer goes low after a few years, then the pet is not immune and the vaccine is given. These are only available for the viral diseases, such as distemper and parvo in the dog and distemper and leukemia in the cat. Vaccines for spirochetes, such as lyme and leptospirosis, do not create protective, long-lasting titers, and thus should be repeated yearly, if your dog is at risk.

There is a titer test available for rabies, but the result for pets is not considered “legal” in New Jersey.

My dog has bad arthritis in his hips. What could you do for him?

First, read the other three answers. Diet, proper pain meds and not over-vaccinating are all keys to improving health. In addition, here we would add nutritional supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which protect the cartilage and repair damage. Adding omega 3 fatty acids such as fish or flax oil will help decrease inflammation.

Chiropractics work wonders. And, the addition of acupuncture and prolotherapy often is helpful. Controlled exercise in an underwater treadmill rehabilitates weak muscles and helps range of motion of joints. Class IV laser therapy has made the jump from human to veterinary medicine.

Unlike “cold laser,” this therapy penetrates deeper into the tissues, stimulating healing and decreasing pain and swelling. Homeopathic remedies for pain and spasm are also available. These can be taken orally and/or injected into acupuncture points or around the joints themselves. These therapies should only be done by a trained veterinarian.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

November 3
The Police, Boardwalk Hall
Sarah Silverman, Borgata
Zappa Plays Zappa, House of Blues

November 4-5, 7-9
Ben E. King, Hilton

November 9
Eddie Money, House of Blues
Mario Cantone, Borgata

November 9-11
Engelbert Humperdinck, Tropicana

November 10
Bob Newhart, Trump Plaza
Dashboard Confessional, House of Blues
Travis Tritt, Trump Marina
John Fogerty, Borgata

November 11
Gigi D’alessio, Anna Tatangelo, Taj Mahal
Freestyle Free For All, Taj Mahal

November 16
Last Comic Standing finalists, House of Blues
The Join, House of Blues

November 16- December 23
Tropicana’s Holiday Extravaganza, Tropicana

November 16-17
Paul Anka, Borgata

November 17
Soulive with Lela James, House of Blues
Sid Mark Anniversary with Frank Sinatra Jr., Harrah’s
VHS or BETA with Moving Unit, House of Blues

November 18
Celebrity Chef Series: Giada DeLaurentiis, Caesars

November 21
New Breed Fighters, House of Blues
Jerry Blavat’s Turkey Trot, Hilton

November 22
Grasshopper, Caesars

November 23
Terry Fator, Borgata
Kelly Rowland & Mario, House of Blues

November 24
Boys Like Girls, House of Blues
Jay Leno, Caesars
Chelsea Handler, House of Blues
Robert Schimmel, Trump Marina

November 24-28
The Duprees, Hilton

November 30
Tony Bennett, Harrah’s
Tom Jones, Hilton
Girl Talk, House of Blues

December 1
Brand New, Thrice, House of Blues
Suzanne Vega, House of Blues
Marie Osmond’s Magic of Christmas, Trump Marina
Tony Bennett, Harrah’s

December 1-2
Tom Jones, Hilton

Revues

Now through November 25
Finnegan’s Wake, Showboat

Now through December 6
Darren Romeo: The Voice of Magic, Bally’s

Now through November 24
Legends in Concert, Resorts

Now through November 7
Cirque Shanghai, Tropicana

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Marie Osmond will show her festive spirit when she performs the Magic of Christmas at Trump Marina on December 1. Osmond’s tour comes in conjunction with the release of a Christmas album that bears the same title as the tour.

Osmond was back in the spotlight recently for two major events: her famous family reunited for a performance in Las Vegas for a show that was recoreded for an upcoming PBS special; and she’s a cast member of this season’s Dancing With the Stars, the popular ABC reality series. With more than 40 years in the entertainment industry, Osmond has always been accustomed to the spotlight. As a child and teen, she endeared herself to an entire generation, eventually scoring with hit records, network TV shows.

Broadway musicals, movies of the week, concert tours, a best-selling book, commercials, lecture tours and her own collector doll and craft business.

Osmond was the first female artist to debut with a No. 1 record when she released “Paper Roses” at just 13 years old. She never looked back, performing with her brothers and becoming a sensation along with her brother Donny, particularly on The Donny & Marie Show.

Her Magic of Christmas routine is certainly not new to Osmond. She performed a tour of the same name with five of her children in major venues across the U.S. and Canada in the 1980s and ’90s. She relaunched the tour in 2006, and standing ovations and massive interest prompted her to not only do it again this year, but release an album, too.

The mother of eight children will perform songs that include “The Christmas Song,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and many others.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

aesars Atlantic City’s Celebrity Chefs Series continues on November 18 with the very popular and equally gorgeous Giada De Laurentiis.

You know celebrity chefs have become a major thing when they are being booked for casino showrooms. And De Laurentiis is certainly one of the most successful. Like Rachel Ray, De Laurentiis brings a lot of sexiness to the Food Network, where her background in culinary training and unique personal charm and good looks have made her a household name.

De Laurentiis’ cookbooks, Everyday Italian, Giada’s Family Dinners and Everyday Pasta, have opened many doors for her. Aside from personal appearances, she is a spokesperson for Barilla pasta as well as Pyrex Glassware, sicne she appeals to regular Food Network viewers as well as a younger generation.

Born in Rome, De Laurentiis grew up in a large family where the culture of food was a staple. The granddaughter of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, Giada De Laurentiis first learned family recipes before going to school at the University of California in Los Angeles, where she received a degree in anthropology. But after graduating, her passion for cooking remained, and she decided to pursue a culinary career, studying in Paris and eventually returning to Los Angeles to work at the Ritz Carlton and Wolfgang Puck’s Spago.

But it’s her half-hour daytime cooking show on the Food Network, Everyday Italian, that propelled De Laurentiis to culinary stardom. She also launched a primetime TV series titled Giada’s Weekend Getaways, as well as specials like Giada in Paradise.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Suzanne Vega has been away from the music world for quite a while, but she’ll prove that she’s happy to be back when she performs at the House of Blues on December 1.

Vega is touring to support her first new album in six years. Her Blue Note Records debut, Beauty & Crime, shows the Manhattan native using New York City as a backdrop for 11 new songs that juxtapose acoustic guitar-driven melodies with coolly synthesized beats; intensely personal lyrics with compelling, short story-like narratives; and images of today’s scarred cityscape with memories of her old Upper West Side neighborhood and Lower East Side haunts.

Vega says she wanted to make a modern classic, and critics are saying she has produced something very special. Best known for her breakthrough hit “Luka,” a story of devastating domestic abuse sung to a catchy beat, Vega has never been afraid to tackle whatever is on her mind.

On her new tour, she’ll perform songs that are some of the most personal she has ever written. Some, like “Zephyr & I,” offer an upbeat, Velvet Underground-like rock arrangement, while others, like “Ludlow Street,” show her darker, more contemplative side.

Tackling subjects ranging from her brother’s death to 9/11, her new material is pretty fascinating. But you can also expect to hear tunes from her past, including “Luka” and the songs that made the 48-year-old a Lilith Fair regular.

By Robert Rossiello   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Like the popular Tony ’n Tina’s Wedding the new production at Showboat, Finnegan’s Wake, is an interactive comedy that relies on audience participation. Running through November 25, the dinner show brings together a professional cast of odd-ball characters to eulogize the passing of their beloved relative, Patrick James Finnegan.

Though he never realized his lifelong dream of running his own distillery, Finnegan was a dedicated connoisseur of ale. The jokes fly as freely as the booze at this wild Irish wake, as each friend and relative remembers the dearly departed in his own hilarious way. But the real stand-out of the show is the the Barley Boys, musicians who lay down some authentic Celtic reels and accompany the cast on ballads such as “Danny Boy” and “I’ll Tell My Ma.”

The show comes with a complete chicken dinner and the audience is encouraged to bring their own jokes, sing a song, dance or deliver a eulogy. Or they can just sit back and enjoy the general craziness.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Travis Tritt has been releasing great country albums for nearly 20 years. He will bring his classic hits and songs from his latest effort, The Storm, to Trump Marina on November 10.

The impetus for Tritt’s latest creation came when he was recording a duet with Sam Moore for the soul man’s 2006 CD Overnight Sensational. Producer Randy Jackson, best known for being a judge on American Idol, liked the way Tritt was singing so much that he said he wanted to explore Tritt’s sometimes-underutilized vocal abilities.

The country star’s soulful side shines on the latest record. With bluesy moans, seductive acoustic slide guitar and funky grooves, Tritt seems to be having a lot of fun on The Storm, which features songs written by Richard Marx and Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas, a cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Pressure Is On” and guest appearances by Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Charlie Daniels.

When it came to country in the ’90s, there weren’t too many artists more popular and respected than Tritt. With an outlaw image and bluesy rock style, Tritt was a country rocker who was propelled to success by platinum albums, Top 10 hits and No. 1 singles. He has sold more than 25 million albums, winning two Grammy and three CMA awards.

Expect to hear quite a few those hits like “Country Club,” “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “Put Some Drive In Your Country” and “Foolish Pride” when he plays Trump Marina.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

John Fogerty, who seems to only come around when he’s part of a joint tour, will finally make his way to Borgata all by himself on November 10.

After tours with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp, Fogerty will be able to perform a full set of his great solo hits as well as the songs he created and sang for Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Fogerty’s timing to come to Atlantic City couldn’t be better. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s latest CD, Revival, is one of the best-reviewed records of the year. Released in October, critics are wondering what made Fogerty wait so long to record an album this good. With his trademark guitar twang, his rockabilly yowl and anger about the war in Iraq, Revival finds Fogerty in top-notch form. Songs like “Don’t You Wish It Was True” put a smile on your face. The cinematic Western theme of “Gunslinger” evokes vintage Creedence. And he even pays a little homage to his former band on “Creedence Song,” in which he sings, “You can’t go wrong, if you play a little bit of that Creedence song.”

One of Rolling Stone magazine’s greatest guitarists of all time has recorded his best album since 1997’s Blue Moon Swamp, which won a Grammy for best rock album. While Fogerty will certainly concentrate on his new material, you can also expect to hear plenty of his classic material, including “Proud Mary,” “Old Man Down the Road,” “Fortunate Son,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Centerfield” and songs from his last album, Déjà vu All Over Again.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Dashboard Confessional hits the road for its first solo tour in five years, and the House of Blues will host a tour date on November 10.

Dashboard Confessional is the moniker for singer/songwriter Christopher Carrabba, who became an emo god in the early 2000s after leaving Further Seems Forever so he could bare his soul solo.

Leaving his former band was the best move he ever made, as Carrabba’s Dashboard Confessional has been a major success.

Carrabba leaves the rest of Dashboard behind to hit the road by himself to support his new album, The Shade of Poison Trees, which was released in October and shows the songwriter returning to his Dashboard roots, ditching the sunny adult contemporary pop of 2006’s Dusk and Summer to show off his ability to write catchy, clever and, yes, emotional pop songs. With his falsetto in check, electric guitars at a minimum and Carrabba’s personal issues on display, The Shade of Poison Trees should please longtime Dashboard fans while possibly attracting a few new ones.

Anyone who knows Dashboard knows the reason to love the band is the live shows. Carrabba is a rocker at heart who knows how to pump up a crowd. But he also has been known to get so attached to his songs that he can begin weeping at any moment.

Expect to hear a bunch of new tunes from Dashboard’s latest release as well as songs from Carrabba’s back catalog.

By Joseph Harrison   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Sarah Silverman may be the only stand-up comic who doesn’t tour continuously. That will change as Silverman finally makes her way to Atlantic City for two shows in Borgata’s Music Box on November 3.

Silverman has been wearing quite a few hats these days, whether appearing on her own cable comedy sitcom, hosting awards shows or starring in her own movie. No matter what Silverman does, however, she does it with a sarcastic grin.

The girlfriend of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel may be the funniest female comic to make an audience squirm. Irreverent, fearless and definitely hard-core, Silverman isn’t afraid to tackle any subject, whether irritating Britney Spears by making jokes about the pop singer’s kids when Silverman hosted the MTV Movie Awards or pretending she can sing out of her vagina.

Nothing is taboo, including race, religion and sex, and her cute, sexy, innocent persona clashing with her subject matter is what makes her comedy so effective.

The 36-year-old New Hampshire native has been performing stand-up since she was 17, trying out her act in Boston. Eventually, she landed a gig on Saturday Night Live, performing in and writing skits. But her humor proved too edgy for network TV. She appeared as an actress on Seinfeld, had a cameo in Star Trek: Voyager and a recurring role on The Larry Sanders Show.

Movie roles in There’s Something About Mary, Warren Beatty’s Bullworth and School of Rock with Jack Black cemented Silverman’s status as a Hollywood fixture. She has really been on a roll of late, receiving tremendous reviews for her 2005 musical/stand-up film Jesus Is Magic and other appearances. She is in her second season of Comedy Central’s The Sarah Silverman Program.

By Beth Joseph  

New Jersey may be the Garden State, but Hammonton is the Blueberry Capital of the World. This little town located halfway between Atlantic City and Philadelphia has a quaint downtown district surrounded by acres and acres of blueberry fields.

Founded in 1812, Hammonton became home to a saw mill and glassworks factory, in part due to its convenient railroad stop, which still exists today. The booming economic development continued into the 20th century, bringing a settlement of Italian and Hispanic populations.

Today, Hammonton thrives as a diverse, friendly, business-oriented town. Positioned between pinelands, farmland and ongoing commercial development, the 41.8-square-mile community incorporates three very different styles of living.

Although spanning only a few blocks, the downtown district is a strong business area with solid shops, community buildings, schools and churches. Downtown Hammonton has a turn-of-the-20th century feel with signature shops and old-fashioned architecture, but a look beneath the surface shows a community emerging with construction and updates.

“Currently we are in a revival, a renaissance,” says Environmental Commissioner Joanna Conn. “There are so many things going on—a new town hall, main street renovations, new stores, and reconstructed streets and churches. The proposed Hammonton Lake Park Wildlife Habitat, tree plaguing, and environmental conservation all make the town proud.”

At the edge of town, the area along the White Horse Pike continues to grow with restaurants, shopping and commercial businesses. While the commercial growth boosts the Hammonton economy, it’s the thriving agriculture that has caused area farms to flourish.

The summer harvest is when the town of Hammonton truly is in full swing. From late June through August, the blueberry industry brings the area to life with thousands of acres ready for picking. Blueberry pie, blueberry jam, even blueberry iced tea, mustard and syrup find their beginnings in Hammonton before being shipped throughout the country.

“When Ronald Reagan visited Hammonton, he declared us the ‘blueberry capital of the world’ because we produce more fresh-market, high-bush blueberries than any other place,” says Mayor John DiDonato. “We are proud to have such thriving business in the town.”

Aside from the scenic farmland, Hammonton’s real beauty lies in its residents. A community of slightly over 12,000 people, Hammonton has bonded together to provide strong educational, religious and senior services.

The township brings the community together with monthly events, parades and festivals. On November 17, country music star Mark Wills visits the Hammonton High School for a concert. Other community favorites include the Fireman’s Christmas Parade, St. Joe Thanksgiving Football Game and, of course, the Red, White and Blueberry Festival. Coming together through business, entertainment and family living makes Hammonton a friendly, safe and prosperous town.

“Hammonton is a special place among South Jersey towns,” says DiDonato. “Our small farming community with its Italian heritage has a special charm and a quality of life that cannot be matched.”

FUN FACTS

“Arts on the Avenue,” presented by Mainstreet Hammonton, brings the fine arts to Bellevue Avenue on November 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with local artwork, artists, classical music and refreshments.

With 5,000 acres of land, the Atlantic Blueberry Company of Hammonton is known as the largest blueberry farm in the world, cultivating millions of blueberries daily.

The Woman’s Civic Club, the oldest club in Hammonton, is celebrating its 100th anniversary next spring. The entire town is invited to a gala to show support for the club’s community service, contributions and fundraisers.

More than 45 percent of Hammonton’s residents have Italian heritage, making it the largest concentration of Italian ancestry in New Jersey and the second-highest percentage of any municipality in the United States.

The Hammonton Red, White and Blueberry Festival takes place every June, featuring classic cars, live shows, crafts and rides for the kids as well as blueberry pies, turnovers, syrups, iced tea, mustard and more.

The Blueberry Factory, located on Bellevue Avenue, is a one-of-a-kind store with dozens of blueberry products, including unique choices like blueberry coffee and barbecue sauce.

City Hall Address: 100 Central Ave. Hammonton, NJ 08037 609-567-4300

Mayor: John DiDonato
City Council: James Bertino, Edward Wuillermin, Rock Colasurdo, Jerry Vitalo, Christine Massarelli, Anthony Marino

Population: 12,604

Tax Rate (per $100): (per $100): 3.328

Schools: Hammonton Early Childhood Education Center (Pre-K) Warren E. Sooy Jr. Elementary School (Pre-K-6) St. Joseph Elementary School (K-8) Hammonton Middle School (7-8) St. Joseph High School (9-12) Hammonton High School (9-12)

When was the last time you went a day without brushing your teeth? Now consider a week or a month… What about years?

I know, that’s inconceivable and it would be catastrophic for your teeth, not to mention your breath. Most of us manage to brush regularly; ideally, we floss and make routine dental appointments. So, why don’t we take care of our bodies like we do our teeth? Shouldn’t our overall health and longevity be as important as our smile?

Most of us have maintained the proper brushing habits we established as kids, but sports and exercise routines have diminished over time. We know that regular exercise is critical for good health, so why aren’t we all getting physical?

There is no better return on your time investment, yet, it seems the masses still need reminding, convincing or nagging. So, here we go again…

Rich or poor, we are all allotted just one body, and you can’t talk, steal or buy your way into another one. Although Oprah can hire a team of specialists in her quest for a svelte physique, even she must put in her own time and do her own sweating. Although genetics can be a boost or a burden, if you see someone who appears physically fit, chances are they have earned that look with a commitment to exercise. The reverse is also sad but true.

I don’t know the magic words to motivate adults to exercise, nor is there an acceptable cattle prod to force our citizens into doing what is best for their health. Every day we make the choice to either reap the benefits of regular exercise or eventually pay the consequences in fat or poor-functioning body parts.

If we would prioritize our physical health with at least 30 minutes of our precious time at least five times a week, we could look better, feel better and live longer. If you think you’re too busy, consider the time you waste and then focus on the years that may be added to your life as a prize for improved fitness.

For those claiming they are too tired, I refer to the research on increased energy from exercise, and that’s not counting the treat from endorphins. Finally, there is bathing suit season.

We don’t wait for our teeth to fall out to start brushing, so why take that chance with your health? If you want the rewards of regular exercise, then physical activity must be a priority. Simply decide what activities best fits into your lifestyle, make it a habit and know that you’re worth every minute.

It’s that crazy time of year between long sunny days at the beach and when the holidays take over in all their glory. The days are crisp, the nights are cool and it’s the perfect time to spend some time with the family. Whether it’s for the holidays or just for the fun of it, make this special time of year even more special by enjoying one or more of these shows or events.

In Cape May, they may not be playing “Jingle Bells,” but the saxophones and singers who perform during the 28th Cape May Jazz Festival, Friday, November 9 through Sunday, November 11, are sure to keep the kids entertained anyway. This year’s theme is “Favorites Return to Cape May,” and you certainly can’t get any bigger than the return of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The festival includes performances by Pieces of a Dream, Freddy Cole, Barbara Walker, Rolando Matias and the Afro-Rican Ensemble, Ed Cherry Organ Quartet, Winston Byrd Quintet, Point Blank, Frank Bey & the Swing City Blues Band, Barbara D. Mills Gospel and Blues, and many more.

Festivities take place on beachside venues in Cape May, including Cape May Convention Hall, Grand Hotel, Marquis de Lafayette Victorian Gardens, Carneys, Carneys Other Room, Cabanas, Congress Hall’s Boiler Room, and Inn of Cape May’s Aleathea’s Restaurant. There also will be complimentary voice, guitar, saxophone and percussion workshops available for both beginners and advanced participants. For more information, visit www.capemayjazz.org.

By this time you simply can’t hold the kids off from the holidays anymore. That’s why Cape May’s Holiday Preview Weekend, Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18, comes at a perfect time. This year, the Physick Estate is a true Christmas fantasyland, especially on Saturday evening when the estate opens for free self-guided tours beginning at 6 p.m. Santa himself arrives at 7 p.m. to throw the switch for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. For adults, the Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides conjure up images of Scrooge, Marley and more. For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org.

One of the most peaceful events of the season is the annual Quiet Festival held in Ocean City, Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18. It’s a weekend of quiet activities, most of which take place at Ocean City’s Art Center Atrium.

Free to the public, this event includes such silent activities as seashell listening, performances by mimes, silent movies, and a storyteller who performs Indian hand tales. There also is a “Pet Your Pet” pageant and a feather-dropping competition. For more information, call 609-525-9300.

Back in Atlantic City, kids may only know one type of Police, but for the rest of us, the return of Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers touring as The Police is a major event. Their international tour lands at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, November 3.

The concert is presented by Trump Entertainment. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $50, $100, $225 and $300. To purchase tickets, call 1-800-736-1420. For more information, contact 609-348-7000 or visit www.thepolicetour.com

Also at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, world-class skaters and modern high fashion fuse as Progressive and Caesars Atlantic City present Fashion on Ice, on Saturday, November 17.

Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, award-winning skaters Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, John Bartlett, Shae-Lynn Bourne and others will perform to the live music of multi-platinum artist Sarah Brightman, while showcasing the modern designs of Sue Stemp, John Bartlett and Heatherette.

Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $125, $75, $55 and $30. Group rates (15 people or more) are available for $45 and $25 by calling 609-348-7021. For tickets, call 1-800-736-1420. For more information, call 609-348-7000.

Tickets can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 1-800-736-1420 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. For each ticket purchased, $1 will be donated to local charities.

Most folks think there’s just one way for the average homeowner to buy a second property (whether it be investment property or second home), and that is to go to the bank or the mortgage company and buy a mortgage from an institutional lender. But if you're not locked into thinking that way, then you’re already ahead of the game. There are many possibilities open to the average homeowner.

Did you know you can often borrow money from your real-estate agent/broker? It depends on the agent and the company. They’re eager for your business, aren’t they? Well, find out how eager, before you start the deal. Certain agents will allow this. But the trick is, you have to ask. Here’s another way to buy property: Most people already know that you can use the equity in your current home as collateral against a loan for a second home. This isn’t risky if you know what you’re doing. Furthermore, because of the slowness in housing purchases in southern New Jersey, there are local mortgage companies (I have a short list of them) which have “re-tooled” themselves to coach you, the consumer, step-by-step, on how to do this very thing.

Why? Because it’s a buyer’s market right now, so mortgage companies are more than eager for your business.

More about borrowing from the agent: Real-estate commissions are about 6 percent of the property’s purchase price. Independent agents can list and sell the same property. In that case they get the whole commission. If there’s a listing and a selling agent, the commission’s usually split between them. When dealing with independent agents, since they get the most commission, it’s sometimes possible for the buyer to “borrow” some of their commission fee, or even to write the agent a promissory note for an amount larger than his or her commission, to provide some motivation.

Let’s say the agent’s commission is $14,000. Instead of cash, offer a $14,000 note with a great interest rate. Or offer more of a note at a lower rate, due in say, seven years. It’s a great way to generate your new home’s down payment if you need to hold onto as much cash as you can. Then later, before the note comes due, offer to “cash out” the agent from the note deal for an early discount. Legal promissory notes don’t require a special license to write up. The homeowner can do it, just as the agent can.

These are a couple of ways of doing “creative” financing. But there are plenty more. And if you have one or two that I haven’t thought of, give me a ring. If I like the idea, I’ll post it!

By Dave Bontempo  

Glory days beckoned Scott Garawitz last month. The former Trump Plaza and Sands food and beverage executive traveled east to see Bruce Springsteen, several times. Garawitz, now the general manager for Thunder Valley Casino outside Sacramento, California, enjoyed an extended visit with the Boss. He attended several Springsteen concerts in North Jersey and New York, bringing his Atlantic City gaming experience full circle.

The West Orange native recalls Springsteen feeding his initial Atlantic City appetite. Garawitz caught the Boss in Philly, made a side trip here for the opening of Resorts and made a longer one several years later.

His timing was impeccable. Garawitz savored Donald Trump’s heyday and major events at the Sands between 1988 and 1992. He serviced the high-end, high-profile parties that marked Atlantic City’s perpetual Mardi Gras.

“What an incredible experience,” Garawitz recalls. “We worked, like, 1,000 hours a week, but it was fantastic. You have a major event like a Tyson fight and there was nothing but parties. You get all the cocktail severs, the ushers, you coordinate with other properties about some things and now you’ve got 22,000 people at Boardwalk Hall. The fight lets out and it’s absolute craziness. Now these people are all in your joint. Hello, here you are.”

Garawitz learned the art of creating excitement. He catered to celebrities and made gamblers feel important. Atlantic City, sporting its perpetual buzz, enjoyed the tail end of a glamour era.

“The Donald was at his peak,” Garawitz says. “He could do no wrong. He absolutely just ruled the East Coast with the Tyson fights, the Tour De Trump, the whole deal, one after another. We had the Rolling Stones. It felt like the property. The first week there, I delivered a bottle of Louis XXIII (the cognac of celebrities) to a room. Go inside and here is Paul Anka playing the piano, right next to Tyson and Robin Givens. It was surreal.”

Gaming became an indirect blessing for Garawitz. He studied broadcast journalism at the University of Miami, and then learned hospitality through the Hyatt Corporation. He was “rewarded” for the company’s strong performance in Princeton by obtaining a stint in Columbus, Ohio. Garawitz returned to New York and later merged his hotel knowledge with the gaming industry.

Trump provided the Atlantic City indoctrination. Garawitz ultimately moved to the Sands and watched the small property excel. Frank Sinatra authored an episode Garawitz never forgot.

“It was the night Frank decided not to perform,” Garawitz recalls. “The tickets were $400 and the Sands has every player on the East Coast, I mean everybody, in town to see Frank. We had a record table-game drop that weekend which stood for quite awhile.

“Frank was here with Spiro Agnew,” Garawitz observes in reference to the former Untied States vice president. “Frank had just done shows Friday and Saturday and killed them—his stage presence was unbelievable. It sent a chill up your spine, and he was in his 70s.

“Friday night they are walking through the Sands and the place was absolutely electric. Frank is high-fiving, walking through the casino—it was a wave of humanoids the whole weekend.”

Garawitz was in charge of the showroom. He made sure the ushers and the food-and-beverage personnel set up the fancy champagne at the tables. Garawitz recalls the jewelry, the fine dresses, the expectation of “Ol’ Blue Eyes”—and the sound of horror.

“Twenty minutes before the Sunday show, we get the word. Frank isn’t going on,” Garawtiz recalls. “We had to announce that Frank Sinatra Jr. and his orchestra would be playing. The crowd was not too happy, to say the least. Well, Frank Jr. performs and knocks the crowd dead. The people still wanted Frank Sr., but they gave Frank Jr. four standing ovations. It was unforgettable.”

Garawitz learned the ropes from many future gaming giants—Mark Etess, Mitchell Etess, Gary Selesner, Bill Weidner, Brad Stone and Rob Goldstein, for starters. Garawitz obtained leadership skills that fueled his advancement.

When Atlantic City stagnated in the early 1990s, Garawitz heard a sales pitch from Frank Fertitta III about moving to Las Vegas. Being “single, young and dumb,” he bought into Fertitta’s ambitions regarding Palace Station. Garawitz became part of a booming empire which now has Fertitta III as its CEO. The company asked him to handle its new venture in Sacramento in 2002. He got the casino open in record time.

Garawitz remains on a roll. He helped train hundreds of dealers for the new facility. He sports high intensity, enthusiasm and a drive for the next project. He is the perfect face for a gaming company.

By Dave Bontempo  

Deep implications affect several industries in a major boxing match. Vested interests for gaming, networks and boxers ride on the outcome. When a fight goes back and forth, the interests endure a roller-coaster ride.

That was never more evident than in Kelly Pavlik’s magical come-from-behind victory over Jermain Taylor at Boardwalk Hall September 29. Almost certain to lose on points, Pavlik suddenly knocked out the previously undefeated middleweight champion.

It was one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Atlantic City’s fight history, and it altered the landscapes of boxing and HBO. The fight lasted seven rounds and produced a soap-opera twist. Let’s examine seven scenarios and how major players were affected, in As The Ring Turns.

ROUND ONE

Gaming in general. The Atlantic City casino industry loves a downtown special event, drawing more than 10,000 fans. Pavlik-Taylor produced a strong revenue weekend, bolstered by more than 5,000 Youngstown, Ohio fans who drove here to back Pavlik. His sudden turnaround ensured another trip for them and a future lucrative weekend for the city. Eastern Ohio suddenly advanced beyond secondary market status. It approaches prime-market identity for major events. Perhaps the Atlantic 10 will cross-promote to find boxing fans who love basketball for the March 2008 tournament here.

Implication: Had Pavlik lost—a probability throughout the bout—this would have been a one-time special event. Now he figures to return. For the industry, millions turned on the momentum shift.

ROUND TWO

Bally’s, Trump and Caesars. Midtown establishments prosper handsomely from Boardwalk Hall events. Customers spill into their properties first. They obtain substantial revenue increase for a small investment. Bally’s bankrolled this event and took the initial risk, but outgoing chief executive Ken Condon figured the attendance would essentially cover the site fee for staging the event. He was right. It became a financial knockout.

Condon believes Pavlik, a well-spoken, humble personality, could trigger revenue results similar to Arturo Gatti. That Jersey City financial pied piper retired this summer after waging nine blockbuster events here in five years.

“Kelly is very similar to Arturo,” Condon observes. “He spent the whole evening after the fight at Bally’s signing autographs. He was very appreciative of his fan base. Kelly is somebody the people can rally around.”

I mplication: More than other properties, midtown casinos may have another big score handed to them.

ROUND THREE

Condon. The face of Atlantic City boxing sent shock waves through the industry by announcing his intention to step down at the end of the year. Condon, the first-ever Atlantic City casino host, worked his way up through the marketing/public-relations door to become a highly respected casino president. He purchased, by one account, 18 of the last 19 major boxing events in Atlantic City. Promoters, networks and the boxing commission all enjoyed Bally’s annual July and January blowouts. The January special event always boosted revenues during a dry period.

Long faces around ringside coincided with his coming departure. Shortly afterward, however, Condon indicated he plans to stay around boxing.

“I’m not looking at it as my last fight,” Condon says. “I want to somehow or other stay involved, not turn my back. I feel I owe it to boxing fans who have supported our events so well over the years. The word ‘retirement’ is not in my vocabulary. I’m 52 and have been going six, seven days a week for the last 30 years. I want to chill out, take some trips with my wife and then see what happens.”

Condon did not rule out being a chief executive once again, or even serving as a consultant. At this life juncture, he has the luxury of choice.

Implication: For boxing fans, that’s like hearing about negotiations for another year of their favorite series.

ROUND FOUR

Home Box Office. The network loves to develop new stars. Taylor, though likeable, had been less than exciting in his last four bouts. Pavlik was the draw in this bout, giving HBO an unexpected interest in the outcome. Pavlik scored the storybook knockout, expressed all the right humility afterwards and has become a hot item. Implication: He gave the network at least another year to showcase a new face. ROUND FIVE Jermain Taylor. The pride of Little Rock, Arkansas ended Bernard Hopkins’ record of 20 middleweight title defenses. Then he beat Hopkins again, gained a draw against Winky Wright and scored a controversial decision over Cory Spinks. Each win resembled a successful number being rolled on a craps table. Each victory brought an increased purse for the next fight.

Implication: Pavlik delivered him a seven-out, cutting short the increase in paydays. The seven-out metaphor eventually hits every fighter, but hopefully the individual has prospered. Taylor maximized his hot roll and left the table with a substantial amount of chips.

ROUND SIX

Kelly Pavlik. His victory was the stuff of dreams. He was down in round 2, and two punches away from being knocked out. Pavlik was fortunate to have a patient referee in Steve Smoger, who allowed him to keep fighting. Many referees would have stopped the fight in the second round. “That’s absolutely true,” Smoger says. “But those punches never came.” Pavlik regained focus and overcame a substantial deficit in beating Taylor. He would not have won a decision, making the big turnaround more gratifying.

Implication: Suddenly, his paydays will rocket. The longer he stays on the roll, the richer he will become. The rally from near-certain defeat to victory will probably make a millionaire.

ROUND SEVEN

The future. Condon expressed hope that Las Vegas-based Top Rank Inc. will continue developing East Coast fighters and ensure more events like this.

Borgata beams a ray of sunshine to boxing fans November 17. It hosts HBO’s After Dark series with Joan Guzman facing Humberto Soto for the WBO super featherweight championship. Borgata certainly has the deep pockets that Bally’s has flashed over the past several years. It became the first property to host a major midtown bout with Bernard Hopkins’ June 2006 event against Antonio Tarver. Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya became the prime force behind Borgata’s involvement in boxing.

Now come the questions. Will Borgata perceive a power vacuum in Atlantic City and pursue future events? Will the Harrah’s merger process force Atlantic City to pass on some other mega-bouts? How soon will Pavlik return here? Will Atlantic City suffer a boxing slump, only to reach a new Pinnacle in 2011?

The decision-makers have a lot to uncover. Writers are preparing their scripts. Stay tuned to As The Ring Turns.

By Beth Joseph  

Downbeach locals are no strangers to the location of the newest restaurant to open in Margate. Formerly occupied by the Sailfish Cafe, Margate Pub and most recently Stumpo’s, the new seafood and sports bar Steamers has finally found the neighborhood niche.

“Everybody that comes in here says this is exactly what they have been waiting for,” says general manager Marc McKinney. “This is what they want, and the locals have been great.”

Steamers opened on June 21, and while it still has a slight resemblance to the former occupant, the décor has been changed to create a more seafood-oriented feel. Oversized crabs, fish and tropical shirts adorn the walls of the dining area, but it is the amusing signs scattered throughout the bar area that provide personality.

Signs reading, “Don’t talk about yourself. We’ll do that after you leave,” and, “We don’t serve women here; bring your own,” add the sarcastic humor that every bar patron adores.

The humor is free at Steamers, and food and drink are cheap, which brings the regular crowd back week after week. A special football menu offers discounted finger foods and drinks while patrons take in the games on 14 televisions.

“The prices are what separates us from everyone else,” says McKinney. “With food and beer specials during the games, we get a big football crowd here.”

Off the Steamers Football Menu, the pitcher and (pizza) pie combination for only $12 is a favorite, but the newest addition of pork wild wings is an unusual and delicious choice. Both NFL and college ticket broadcasts provide all the games, and the musical entertainment is state-of-the-art.

Steamers is the one bar in the area with a video jukebox. Patrons are able to pick their favorite songs for free on the oversized jukebox, then enjoy the music videos as they play over all the televisions. Beginning at 8 p.m. every Friday, Gordon Carmen takes musical requests and performs favorites for the audience. And keeping the musical theme, Steamers’ back room, called the Music Box, houses a stage for live entertainment. With authentic guitars and gold records adorning the walls, the Music Box is an ideal spot to bring a group to watch the games.

Whether catching a game at the bar or chowing down mussels during halftime, Steamers is a great new addition to the Margate lineup. And, in case you forget when pulling up the bar stool, a sign over the bar reminds, “The more you tip, the nicer we are.”

Steamers is open from 11 a.m. until “the last person leaves” (3 a.m.), serving lunch, dinner and late-night choices. Happy hour runs 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily with $1-off drinks. Reservations and large-party room rentals are available.

By Sharon Harris-Zlotnick  

While Sage may be new, its owner’s reputation for serving fine food dates back to the mid 1990s. Lisa Savage is known throughout the region for her innovative cooking style. Her new restaurant uses the letters—minus the “av”—from her name, and she likes to think that it also reflects wisdom she has gained from her many years in the restaurant business.

Savage moved to Ventnor in 1985 to deal blackjack in neighboring Atlantic City. She always loved to cook, and attended Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts program. After graduating in 1992, Savage trained in a prestigious cooking course in Italy.

She returned to New Jersey in 1992, and worked at a local restaurant. In 1994, Savage and a partner opened Savaradio in Ventnor. The small restaurant grew increasingly popular, forcing Savage to twice relocate to larger space.

Savage has now returned to Absecon Island, and has scaled back to a more intimate site in Ventnor. Sage opened on Memorial Day weekend last May. She says it feels more comfortable in this setting, where she can be more hands-on and better manage the operation. Once again, Savage and her cooking crew work from a small kitchen and produce an eclectic menu that mixes international foods.

Sage is one colorful main dining room. Savage and her longtime staff renovated the space in three weeks. She hand-sanded and stained every chair, and upholstered the seats with a paisley patterned fabric. There is also a new entrance vestibule. The beige tile floors complement gold stucco walls.

“All the front-of-the-house people have stayed with me, so the cooking and operation are stable,” says Savage. “I change menus a few times a year, and the new fall menu includes heartier dishes. I also vary the meat and ravioli selections. We have the same energy and style of food as ever.”

Dishes spotlight Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, Spanish and American cuisine. Appetizers are priced from $9 to $13. Salads range from $6.50 to $7.50. Entrees, priced from $18 to $30, are served with a vegetable and starch. The main course choices include a wide variety of fishes, poultry, meats and pastas.

All other menu items are a la carte. The same pastry chef has prepared the $7.95 homemade desserts (except the biscotti) for 10 years. Everything is available for takeout, and Savage will prepare trays for outside parties.

Sage recently introduced lunch service. She says it was always popular with local residents and business people. The two-page lunch menu includes dozens of sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads and omelets.

She also opened Lisa’s Italian Market next door. This upscale market sells both prepared foods and gourmet imported condiments and Italian delicacies.

The restaurant seats 94. Reservations are necessary on weekends. Cash only. BYOB. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on weekends (closed Monday). Street parking is available.

LISA’S ITALIAN MARKET
5210 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor, 609-823-2117

Open since July, this gourmet market has been a pet project of Sage owner Lisa Savage’s and sells everything Italian. Lisa’s Italian Market is the only location in the region where customers can buy many imported food items, including a wide assotment of cheeses, olive oils, vinegars, condiments, coffees, pastas and Italian biscuits and cookies.

For fresh foods, Lisa’s display case features lasagna, fried stuffed artichokes, roasted peppers, crab cakes, chicken cutlets, lentil salad and other freshly made items that change regularly. Customers may also buy packaged, pre-cooked dishes. Gift baskets may be customized.

The market menu includes dozens of takeout sandwiches, paninis, salads and fresh pizza from a brick oven. Cash-only delivery is available throughout most of Absecon Island for $1.50. Credit cards are accepted at the store.

By Roger Gros  

Joe Corbo is senior vice president and general counsel for the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa in Atlantic City and president of the Casino Association of New Jersey. Corbo has been president of the Casino Association of New Jersey for the past three years. During that time, he dealt with the state shutdown of the Atlantic City casinos in July 2006, as well as the smoking regulations imposed by the City Council of Atlantic City. He addresses how the association dealt with those issue and others coming up, including a subsidy for state racetracks, increasing regional competition and employee participation in an upcoming election. He spoke with Casino Connection Publisher Roger Gros from his offices in Atlantic City in late September. To hear a full podcast of this interview, go to www.casinoconnectionac.com.

Casino Connection: The Casino Association of New Jersey has been somewhat dysfunctional during its 20-plus year history. Tell us the status of the organization now.

Corbo: I am not sure I would say dysfunctional but I would certainly say that there have been some time periods in the past where competitive issues have caused a lack of unity, and unity, of course, is critical to our message. The last time period when all Atlantic City casinos were not CANJ members was a few years back when the Trump organization was not involved. However approximately two years ago Trump came back on board so CANJ now includes all 11 casinos within Atlantic City that are owned by five casino companies. As such we are now fully aligned and unified.

Do you believe New Jersey residents understand the positive impacts of casinos on the state? Do senior citizens understand that it’s casino taxes that pay for their prescriptions?

No, I really don’t. I think that the people from this region have a better understanding of this but I don’t even think they fully understand it. And as you get geographically further away from Atlantic City there is less and less understanding.

One statistic that I throw out there that opens people’s eyes is that the gaming revenue that is generated by the 11 Atlantic City casinos is equal to that which is generated by the 24 largest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. People are astonished by that fact. One of the struggles that we have is letting people throughout the entire state know that our industry benefits them. Yes, it has a larger benefit to the southern portion of the state because we are truly the economic engine of this region, but if you look statewide you are correct in pointing out the PADD program is a huge success. The 8 percent gross gaming revenue tax is over $400 million a year right now, which goes directly to fund that program which primarily funds the prescription drug program for seniors and disabled citizens throughout the state.

The other thing that benefits the entire state, we also pay a 1.25 percent tax to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and, by law, a certain percentage of those funds have to go to redevelopment projects that benefit the entire state. Another huge benefit is the volume of goods and services we purchase from New Jersey vendors in all 21 New Jersey counties. For instance, last year we expended $2.2 billion with these New Jersey vendors. Among other things, that generates thousands of jobs with those vendors throughout the state. One of the general objectives of the casino association is to get the word out of all the positives that are generated by our industry and we need to do a better job of doing that.

One of the big impacts the state has had on the industry was the casino shutdown in July of ’06 after a budget impasse forced the state to lay off non-crucial workers. That situation still has not been rectified. Has CANJ been working on that?

We absolutely are pursuing this issue although, realistically, we understand that this will not be addressed until, at the earliest, after the upcoming elections for the entire legislature are concluded in November. Until those elections occur, we won’t get any legislation on that will assist us in that regard, but it is one of our priorities to get that legislation enacted. We can’t have a repeat of what happened a year-and-a-half ago in July. It impacted our customers; it impacted our employees who lost wages and tips that they will never recoup during a very busy time. It obviously impacted our business and it also impacts the way the business climate of the state.

When you see a private industry such as ours that is shut down in that manner, it doesn’t send a good message about the business climate. It doesn’t send a good message to the casino community as a whole that is looking to invest billions of dollars in our state. So, we certainly will put that on the top of our list once these elections are over because the fiscal situation in the state hasn’t improved, in fact reports are that it is getting worse. When it comes budget time next year at the end of June and early July, we can’t have the threat of another shutdown hanging over us because our customers are going to remember it. They will make other plans just in case another shutdown happens in New Jersey, and we can’t let that happen.

There’s been a lot of speculation within the state racing industry about possibly renewing the arrangement in which the casino industry contributed $63 million to subsidize racing purses. Let’s start with the money you’ve already contributed. Do you know or understand how they used that money?

No, we don’t unfortunately. And the reason we don’t is that under the agreement that we entered into three years ago, the money was supposed to be placed into a segregated interest-bearing account. For some reason this was not done. As I understand it from the accountants that I have spoken to, it is impossible to independently audit those funds given that they were not put into a segregated account. So we truly don’t know where the money went. That’s not to say that the money wasn’t used exactly how it was required to be used. We are just saying that because that requirement of the agreement to put the funds into a segregated account was not adhered to we can’t really tell you where the funds have gone.

Are you currently having discussions with them on this issue?

Not as of yet and I don’t know that we will ever speak directly to the horseracing people. But there are several misconceptions that are out there. In your question you asked me about $63 million we contributed. That is the amount we have contributed up to this point. The actual deal is a four-year deal that was entered into three years ago which calls for $86 million to subsidize horseracing, and for that our industry receives a moratorium that precludes placing slot machines at the Meadowlands racetrack, or anywhere else in New Jersey other than Atlantic City. The final payment of that $86 million, which is $23 million, is due on October 15. From our perspective— it was a four-year agreement since the consideration that we received was the moratorium on slot machines through December 31, 2008. As such, we don’t really see a particular rush to sit down and discuss this right now because the agreement has more than a year to go.

There’s an election coming up in November with some very important legislative seats up for grabs. CANJ doesn’t and can’t endorse candidates, but you would like to see all casino executives and employees vote. How would you suggest they prepare for their votes?

Not that it is necessarily for me to say but if somebody asked me that question as you just did I would advise them to decide what issues are important to them and study how the candidates will deal with those issues and vote accordingly. If an employee decides that issues that could impact our industry or their workplace are important to them and therefore could impact their jobs, they should take those concerns into account and vote accordingly. Study the issues and make the right decision based on what your individual desires are.

Why is it important for all casino employees, executives and their families to vote?

As an American, first and foremost, I believe that it’s everybody’s civic duty as a citizen of this country to vote. It is one of the primary foundations on which our great country was founded upon. Looking at it as an industry, we’ve got roughly 40,000 to 45,000 employees and if you multiply that by a spouse or a significant other and family members I think its pretty easy to get up to half-a-million people or more who are directly impacted by policy decisions that impact our industry. If those issues are important to those workers and their families, that is a sizable voting block and it could have an impact on how those candidates view our industry as a whole if they get elected.

Do you think casino employees and executives should be able to participate in Atlantic City and state politics the same as any other citizen of New Jersey?

Absolutely. Any time that you can increase the pool of qualified candidates that is a good thing and we think that there are certain of our employees who would be very well qualified to hold office. Some people believe that the casino employees’ inability to seek public office renders them second-class citizens and we don’t think that they deserve that connotation.

There is also a school of thought that the casino industry could possibly dominate politics in Atlantic City, is that something that you disagree with?

I disagree with it. I assume that that was one of the concerns back in the late ’70s when casinos first came to Atlantic City but, just as the regulations and our industry has matured, I don’t think this is a valid concern at this point. There were a whole different set of circumstances back then. There were concerns with organized crime being a part of casinos. People now understand that the men and women who are employees of casinos are good, upstanding citizens and they deserve the same rights that an employee of any other company has in order to run for office.

By Casino Connection Staff  

Nevada teachers group announced plans to push for a ballot initiative that would rely on the state’s gaming industry to improve funding for public education programs and increase teacher salaries.

The proposal from the Nevada State Education Association would add another 3 percent tax on gambling revenues at casinos grossing more than $1 million a month. It would bring their total tax to 9.75 percent, and generate more than $200 million a year.

“There is nothing more important than increasing educators’ salaries, benefits and improving their working conditions as well as the learning conditions of students,” said Lynn Warne, NSEA president. “We have chosen to stand to make a difference and we will not quietly submit to the idea that there is nothing we can do.”

The proposal would need voter support in 2008 and 2010 before it would take effect.

Warne said polls show overwhelming support for the union’s petition to amend the state constitution.

Warne said that the increase is modest compared to casino taxes in other parts of the U.S., saying, “We think 9.75 percent is fair when they are paying a 53 percent gaming tax in Pennsylvania. When you look at the national average tax for casinos, it’s about 20 percent.”

Not surprisingly, the state’s gaming industry does not support the proposed tax increase. Bill Bible, president of the Nevada Gaming Association, pointed out the obvious: “If you raise taxes you reduce investment and the amount of jobs that are created as a result of that investment.”

Bible criticized the proposal for targeting only one industry. He added that gaming funds nearly 33 percent of public education in Nevada. Bible also said that the resorts agree with the teachers on the need for quality education, but added, “The problem with this particular proposal is that it targets one industry... and doesn’t bring other payers to the table.”

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio thinks the legislature should be the only one to approve a tax increase. He does not support using a ballot initiative to impose higher taxes on any industries.

“Targeting a single tax source for a single spending purpose is not a responsible approach,” Raggio said.

By Casino Connection Staff  

The dominos continue to fall in the eastern part of the U.S. Responding to difficult budget environments and evidence that state residents are playing elsewhere, the governors of Massachusetts and Maryland last month proposed legislation that would legalize gaming in their states.

Standing in the paddock of a horse breeding farm, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley proposed legalizing slot machines at state racetracks in order to save the state’s racing industry, and also, by the way, to close some of a $1.7 billion state budget shortfall.

O’Malley’s plan would permit up to 9,500 slot machines—all owned by the state—at various locations throughout the state, mostly at racetracks. When fully operational, the governor expects it to generate up to $550 million for the state each year. He will designate $100 million of that to the tracks and $6 million to problem gambling treatment programs.

In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick broke a summer of silence to propose three casino resorts, one in the state’s southeast corner, one in the west and a third in Boston.

The casinos, said the governor, would put $400 million into the treasury and generate 20,000 jobs. But he emphasized that he doesn’t want to transform “Massachusetts into Las Vegas.”

The money, from a 27 percent tax rate and the sale of casino licenses, would go for roads, infrastructure and property tax relief. At least 2.5 percent would be earmarked for public health, including battling gambling addiction. It would also fund Patrick’s dream projects, like the world’s largest stem cell bank and expanded commuter rail. It is considered by many politicians to be the last revenue source besides raising taxes.

Licenses, good for 10 years, would be sold for $200 million. Casinos could open within five years, according to estimates.

Fiscal desperation seemed to be the principal reason behind the proposals in each state.

In Maryland, O’Malley is not the first governor to support slots. His predecessor, Robert Ehrlich, also supported slot parlors in the state but his proposals were shot down by a Democrat-controlled legislature. O’Malley, also a Democrat, believes he has the power to move the plan through the legislature.

“What we have tried to do from the first days of our administration is restore a spirit of civility and the ability to search for compromise and consensus,” O'Malley said. “Certainly we're all talked out on this, aren't we? I don't think there's a single other issue to be debated or considered.”


O’Malley’s main opponent is House Speaker Michael E. Busch, who spearheaded the defeat of Ehrlich’s proposals. Busch doesn’t much like O’Malley’s plans either.

“My position on gambling has not changed,” Busch said in a statement. “I am not an advocate for slot machines. I don't think we can expect Marylanders to step up to the plate and pay $2 billion in taxes while unjustly enriching racetrack owners.”

Massachusetts is also facing a huge budget crunch and the hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that would be gained by approving the three casinos apparently convinced the previously anti-gaming Patrick.

Some economists feel that the high price of the licenses could shut out many potential developers and possibly cap the casinos’ economic benefits.

Critics say that the governor relied heavily on gaming moguls such as Donald Trump, Charles Sarkis, owner of Wonderland Greyhound Park, Sheldon Adelson, CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and representatives of Indian gaming tribes to provide information for the economic assessment of the benefits of casinos. These same people will bid for casino licenses.

Others who interested are Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., whose chairman, Gary Loveman, hails from Massachusetts, Steve Wynn and MGM Mirage.

Like Maryland, however, Patrick faces opposition.

State Rep. Daniel Bosley announced, “I am profoundly disappointed in this governor. There really isn't new revenue here. It just gives him cover to spend more money.” Casinos make it harder for other businesses to operate near them, he alleges.

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi’s office announced himself willing to look at Patrick’s proposals before taking a position.

Another senator commented, “Most of these developers are nothing more than glorified snake oil salesmen.”

In both states, studies have shown that residents are leaving the state in droves to gamble in casinos in neighboring states.

In Massachusetts, residents head to Connecticut’s two casinos, Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun. A third of their customers are from Massachusetts. But many gaming experts feel that the region’s market is nowhere near saturation, although their profits have remained flat in recent years.

Maryland tracks have been under attack from surrounding states. Delaware and West Virginia have had slots since the late 1990s and Pennsylvania recently legalized the devices. A recent study by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation showed that Marylanders were spending at least $400 million on slots in Delaware and West Virginia alone. That translates to more than $150 million for programs in those states funded by slot revenue.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. vows to get it through his chamber, but Republican leaders promised to block it.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

The Quarter at the Tropicana is a great place to go holiday shopping. To kick off the season, the Trop will hold its annual tree lighting on November 15 at 1:30 p.m. So get into the holiday spirit early and get a jump on shopping at the same time!

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Several casinos and other organizations demonstrated that charity sometimes begins at work.

Caesars Atlantic City truly brought the concept “home” when it contributed $125,000 to and Habitat for Humanity Atlantic County. The money will go to build a modular home for Iliana Gavaria on North Michigan Avenue in Atlantic City. In January 2007, Stephen Prakash, vice president of food and beverage at Caesars, joined Habitat’s board of directors. In addition to the money, Caesars employees will donate time and talent to build the house.

“I think it is important to recognize those who go the extra mile to assist Atlantic County Habitat in providing simple, decent, affordable housing to low income families,” said Debbie Murray, executive director of Atlantic County Habitat. “The employees of Harrah’s Entertainment and Caesars are excellent examples of both the organization as a whole, and individual employees that are committed to giving back to the community. Caesars is not only funding the house, but employees are anxious to volunteer their time and talents to work on completing the home for the Gavaria family.”

At the Borgata, they were “thinking pink” in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink champagne was available at all the property’s bars and restaurants in October, along with pink items on sale at the resort’s luxe retail store, Whim. One dollar from every glass of champagne and 10 percent of the retail price of the pink items was donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer charity.

The Borgata is presenting the fabulous Women in Wine charity event on Saturday, November 10. Hosted by Robin Leach, the event features wine tastings, a celebrity chef cook-off and a gourmet meal by several of Borgata’s best chefs.

Proceeds from ticket sales and live and silent auctions will be donated to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer, as well as the Atlantic County Women’s Center in New Jersey, through the Borgata Heart & Soul Foundation. Previously, Women in Wine has helped to raise over $200,000 for these two worthy charities.

Tickets can be purchased at theborgata.com or by calling 866-900-4TIX (4849).

Also this month, music lovers can combine their passion for tunes with giving at Jazz Jam 2007, held at Dante Hall in Atlantic City on November 4. Jazz artist George Mesterhazy and his trio will perform an exclusive benefit for Haven’s Youth Center, an Atlantic County-based non-profit, founded in 1995 to assist domestic violence survivors and their families in finding safe, secure and affordable housing with assistance to rebuild and transform their lives. In addition to Mesterhazy, listeners will also enjoy special guest performances from Paula Johns and Paul Jost on vocals, Joe Barrett on clarinet and Bob Rawlins on alto saxophone. Tickets can be reserved with a $30 donation on the Haven website, www.HavenOfAtlanticCity.org or by mailing your request and donation to Haven, PO Box 73, Leeds Pt, NJ 08220.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Harrah’s Entertainment is offering several free courses to its employees through a special relationship with Atlantic Cape Community College.

Through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor, non-English speaking employees can take a free English as a Second Language course. The 40-hour course consists of two 2.5-hour sessions per week for eight weeks and is available at no cost to interested participants.

Other courses include MS Office training, an Influential Leadership Workshop, and, soon to come, an Effective Performance Appraisal Writing Workshop.

“All of the Harrah’s courses at ACCC are customized to meet the needs of our employees and our business,” said Carlos Tolosa, Harrah’s Eastern Division President. “We also recently launched several new programs for the region aimed at fostering employee development and engagement. These programs include a highly interactive new employee orientation program, as well as leadership, coaching, and motivational workshops for supervisors and managers.”

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Two groups committed to the improvement of the Boardwalk merged last month. A group organized by the Atlantic City Chamber, the Committee for Boardwalk Excellence, has joined forces with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Committee to form one organization that will aim to improve the safety, condition and marketing of the Boardwalk, and to also coordinate special events that will draw tourists to the Boardwalk.

Joe Kelly, president of the chamber, said the committee will be run as a division of the chamber.

“The chamber and this committee have similar goals,” he said. “The chamber is trying to improve the business climate in the entire city, while the Boardwalk committee will try to do the same thing for the Boardwalk. There is a mutual benefit to each effort.”

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

A report in the Star-Ledger newspaper of Newark, New Jersey has revived rumors that longtime Atlantic City casino executive Dennis Gomes may be involved in an attempt to buy one or more of Trump Entertainment’s Atlantic City casino properties.

The newspaper, citing anonymous sources, reported that Baltimore’s Cordish Company was in talks to acquire Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc., operator of three Atlantic City casinos. Wall Street gaming analysts immediately speculated that meant involvement by Gomes, who is already a partner of Cordish in casino projects in Kansas and Indiana.

Mark Juliano, CEO of Trump Entertainment, denied there are any specific talks going on that he knew of which involve the sale of one or more properties. The analysts, however, speculate that the talks may be going on between Cordish and board chairman Donald Trump without Juliano’s knowledge.

Neither Trump nor Cordish President David Cordish would confirm or deny the rumors. The speculation, however, has created an upward surge in stock price for Trump Entertainment.

Gomes, who once was president of Trump Taj Mahal and was long in charge of Aztar’s two Tropicana properties, teamed up with an investment firm earlier this year in an attempt to negotiate a deal to buy one or more of the Trump properties. Although that deal fell through, it is well-known that Gomes wants to return to the Atlantic City casino business.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Atlantic City Mayor Bob Levy stepped down last month, citing health problems and an ongoing federal probe into his military background and possible illegal benefit payments. Levy took office in 2005, defeating the incumbent mayor, Lorenzo Langford, in the Democratic primary and then coasting to victory against an overmatched challenger.

From the first day of Levy’s term, however, a cloud hung over his administration. Many said Levy was simply a puppet for City Council President Craig Callaway, who had pulled out of the mayor’s race just months before the election, citing similar “health” issues (although it later came out that he was told that the FBI would soon indict him for bribery), but then campaigned hard for Levy as his replacement.

Earlier this year, Callaway and two other members of city council were indicted on federal bribery charges, forced to resign and sent to jail. A fourth council member has been indicted on charges that he was involved in a sex-tape scandal involving yet another councilman. And still another councilman was arrested for drunken driving in a city vehicle on the beach. Despite the kingpin’s departure, many still contended that Levy danced to Callaway’s tune.

Meanwhile, local radio host Harry Hurley began to dig into Levy’s military background. While it’s not in dispute that Levy served honorably in the U.S. Army for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam, it became clear that his claim to be a Green Beret special forces member was not true. When Levy admitted as much to the local newspaper, he still refused to resign. It wasn’t until national exposure of his problems increased the media attention that he dropped out of sight for 10 days, only to return to resign in disgrace.

Should Levy be indicted, he would be the third of Atlantic City’s six casino-era mayors to be charged with crimes. City Council President William “Speedy” Marsh was sworn in as temporary mayor until City Council chooses a candidate from three offered by the city’s Democrat Party. Should council fail to choose a mayor, Marsh will remain in office until litigation is decided or a special election is held.

He began his term by dismissing several city hall employees, including solicitor Kim Baldwin, but retained Business Administrator Domenic Cappella for the time being.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Harrah’s Entertainment cleared a major hurdle last month when the New Jersey Casino Control Commission approved the purchase of the company by the Texas Pacific Group and Apollo Management, two private equity firms. The $31 billion deal is dependent upon approval by regulators in all jurisdictions in which Harrah’s operates (50 properties in more than a dozen states), but New Jersey is one of its most important since the four Atlantic City properties generate fully one-third of the company’s revenues.

The company has continued its expansion in Atlantic City—a new tower under construction at Harrah’s and an upcoming announcement about the repositioning of Bally’s. There were some doubts when the deal was announced but most of them have disappeared in the intervening months. Harrah’s pledges that its management team will remain in place and its business plans remain unchanged. The company has announced several major projects in Las Vegas, Mississippi and elsewhere since the buy was announced.

“We invested in Harrah's because we have a tremendous amount of confidence in (chairman and CEO) Gary Loveman,” said Eric Press, a partner in Apollo. “His plans for the business are our plans. We don't intend to change a thing.

“Harrah's has pursued a strategy of growing its assets and investing in its assets,” Press said. “We see no reason why that would change in Atlantic City.”

One day later, the Mississippi Gaming Commission gave its OK for the buyout to proceed.

The buyout still needs approval in nine more states. Texas Pacific and Apollo both said they plan to hang onto Harrah’s for at least five to 10 years.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

A fire in September in the under-construction second hotel tower at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa will delay the opening of the new expansion. A fire which broke out early on Sunday morning, September 23 at the boutique hotel under construction at Borgata, ironically called the Water Club, was brought under control quickly by local firefighters. However, fire and water damage at the tower will push back the expected February 2008 opening of the expansion, according to casino officials. Grand opening is now estimated to take place sometime early next summer.

“Although we are disappointed by the delay caused by the fire,” said company president and COO Keith Smith, “we currently remain on track to open the Water Club’s doors in time for the peak season of the Atlantic City tourism season in 2008.”

Borgata officials held topping-off ceremonies in July for the Water Club, billed as an upscale, boutique hotel to offer customers a “step up” from Borgata’s standard rooms. In addition to 941 guest rooms and suites, the building will include five indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a two-story “spa in the sky,” six retail shops and 18,000 square feet of meeting space.

Meanwhile, Borgata announced it would hire an additional 800 workers to staff the expansion. During negotiations for a new contract with Local 54 of UNITE-HERE, Borgata officials committed to adding at least 300 union members in that group. In addition, current Borgata employees can transfer to the Water Club for a conditional 15-day trial period, at the end of which they are eligible to return to their old jobs, if they so desire. Local 54 President Bob McDevitt praised the Borgata for “sharing the growth” with its workers.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

It’s not unusual for Las Vegas to attract thousands of people to a casino implosion. During the past 20 years, more than a dozen hotels have fallen to the expertly placed explosives.

It is, however, something new for Atlantic City. When Pinnacle Entertainment scheduled the demolition of the Sands hotel and casino for 9:30 p.m. on October 18, it attracted thousands of people to the Boardwalk and surrounding blocks to get a good vantage point for the ending of one era and the beginning of another.

Though the mood was festive, for many observers it was bittersweet. Some worked at the Sands; others had family who had worked there; still others played there and attended parties thrown by the surrounding casinos to celebrate the occasion.

Opened as the Brighton in 1980, the Sands was never one of Atlantic City’s premier properties. Its location a block away from the Boardwalk was a disadvantage to the casino. The Sands enjoyed some good times in the 1980s when the entertainment policy focused on superstars, but that period was short-lived and during most of its history, the Sands struggled.

Pinnacle Entertainment bought the Sands last year, and closed the property in November 2006. The implosion clears the way for the company’s plans of a billion-dollar-plus mega-resort, which will stretch from Pacific Avenue to the Boardwalk. Though Pinnacle has not released details of the new resort, CEO Dan Lee has stated that an upscale, “Las Vegas-style” casino will be built, with an opening scheduled for 2011 or 2012.

By Casino Connection Staff   Tue, Oct 30, 2007

When Steve Wynn acquired Atlantic City’s former dump in the mid-1990s, he envisioned three huge casinos on the 110-acre plot in the city’s Marina District. His joint venture with Boyd Gaming, for what would become the Borgata, was only the first. But then he sold his company, Mirage Resorts, to MGM Grand and all the plans were put on the back burner.

For years, MGM Mirage contended it planned to build at least one casino on the land, now known as Renaissance Pointe, but it always was the “next project.” In the meantime, MGM Mirage announced and built projects in Detroit (the permanent MGM Grand Detroit), Las Vegas (CityCenter), Macau (MGM Grand, with partner Pansy Ho), MGM Grand Foxwoods (a JV with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe adjacent to the tribe’s casino resort in Connecticut), and Las Vegas again (a joint venture with Kerzner International, across from the Sahara Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip), not to mention joint-venture agreements with companies from Dubai to China to build non-gaming destination hotels and resorts.

Last month, however, it was finally Atlantic City’s turn. The company announced MGM Grand Atlantic City, a $5 billion project that will occupy 60 of 72 acres set aside for the project. Along with the city’s biggest casino (280,000 square feet), the project will include three hotel towers holding more than 3,000 rooms and suites (one tower, a 57-story skyscraper, will become the tallest building in the state), retail, entertainment and convention facilities.

The $5 billion price tag does not include the value of the land. Unlike CityCenter in Las Vegas, there currently is no residential or condominium component to the project, but may be added at a later time on the extra 12 acres.

MGM Mirage Chairman and CEO Terry Lanni says he expects the project to create “very healthy returns” for company shareholders.

“We believe the success at Borgata demonstrates the eagerness for further evolution of the nation’s second-largest gaming market,” Lanni said. “We will continue to raise the bar, and by doing so, hope to re-energize the city’s resort offerings.”

Company officials say the announcement of the Atlantic City development is completely unrelated to an ongoing investigation by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement into the business relationship between Pansy Ho and her father, Stanley Ho, who for many years controlled all gambling in Macau. Ho’s connections to the organized crime triads have long been suspected, but Pansy Ho denies there is any business relationship between her and her father. Regulators in Nevada and Mississippi have found there to be no reason to reject the MGM joint venture with Pansy. Should New Jersey turn down the arrangement, however, MGM officials have suggested they would abandon New Jersey in favor of Macau.

While Atlantic City’s casinos are facing their first annual year-over-year decline in revenue since the establishment of casino gaming in 1978, due to competition from nearby states and a partial smoking ban imposed earlier this year, MGM remains confident that Atlantic City’s future is bright.

“We believe that it is the right time to develop something that is revolutionary in the marketplace," said Jim Murren, president and COO of MGM Mirage. “If we were simply going to build a casino along the lines of what exists today, that would probably be uninspiring and not successful.”

MGM Mirage plans to file for city and state approvals toward the end of 2007 and early 2008, with groundbreaking scheduled for mid-2008. Completion is set for 2012.

Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Summer in Atlantic City has come to an end, and 2008 isn’t too far away. As we take a look at this year, which has been both exciting and challenging for Atlantic City, many indicators show positive growth in the region.

I know, we’ve all read the doom and gloom in the press about the challenges the casino industry has faced this year. Increased competition from the Pennsylvania market has negatively impacted the slot revenue of most of the casino resorts. A partial smoking ban that limited smoking to 25 percent of the casino floors also was reported as contributing to that decline.

But while gaming revenue declined, several key indicators for Atlantic City have actually increased. Occupied room nights are up 1.7 percent. Overall occupancy rates are up 2.5 percent and average daily hotel rates in Atlantic City are up 7.1 percent.

Looking at the transportation end of things, in 2007, New Jersey Transit’s Atlantic City Rail Line is setting a ridership record for the fourth consecutive year, with riders taking approximately 1.3 million trips between Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway increased between 1 percent and 1.5 percent during the months of June, July and August. And, so far in 2007, scheduled commercial service has increased nearly 40 percent at the Atlantic City International Airport, with a record 1.2 million passengers expected for all of 2007.

Visitation figures at several Atlantic City attractions has also increased during the summer. The Atlantic City Aquarium Ocean Life Center in Historic Gardner’s Basin saw a dramatic increase of 63.4 percent over 2006. Attendance at the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville increased 18 percent. And the Greater Atlantic City Golf Association, marketed exclusively by the ACCVA, booked substantially more rounds of golf at member courses throughout the prime summer months including August, showing an increase of 104.79 percent.

The ACCVA’s own website showed a 10.1 percent increase in visitors in 2007 over the previous year. And summer visitation to ACCVA’s two information centers, located on the Atlantic City Expressway and the Boardwalk, was up 6.4 percent year over year.

Interest in Atlantic City has resulted in continued growth of meetings, conventions and trade-show sales at the Atlantic City Convention Center and local hotel and casino properties. In the past two years, room nights associated with future business in this market has increased by nearly 100 percent. In 2005, the convention sales department produced 73,000 room nights associated with future events.

In 2007, convention sales is projected to produce 145,000 future room nights by year end. This increase has resulted in more diverse meetings, conventions and trade shows coming to Atlantic City from a broader part of the country.

All this shows that marketing Atlantic City as a full-service destination is proving successful. Focusing on the overnight customer, rather than the day-trip slot customer, will solidify the future of Atlantic City as a world-class destination. The enhancements and additions made throughout the city will play an integral part of this success.

Atlantic City Outlets: The Walk saw the opening of 25 new stores, including Eddie Bauer Outlet, Adidas, Perry Ellis, Big Dog Sportswear, LongHorn Steakhouse and Converse, among others. Eight more should be open before the end of the year. The Pool, Waterfront Buffet and shopping at Harrah’s all opened to rave reviews, along with Spice Road at Trump Taj Mahal, Providence nightclub at the Quarter at Tropicana, the continued openings at the Pier Shops at Caesars, Finestra at Trump Marina and much more. All these new developments have made Atlantic City a popular destination for gamblers and non-gamblers alike.

And what do we expect for the future? The transportation infrastructure will continue to expand, including the introduction of direct rail service from New York City, which has the potential of bringing 300 passengers round-trip nine times each weekend. Three new hotel towers, at Borgata, Harrah’s and Trump Taj Mahal, will open, along with non-casino properties such as the Courtyard at Marriott, formerly Quality Inn, at South Carolina and Pacific avenues, and the Holiday Inn/Howard Johnson redevelopment to be named the Chelsea.

Of course, on the horizon are Revel and Pinnacle’s projects. With the promise of new developments in the years to come, one can be assured that Atlantic City will remain “Always Turned On.”

Tue, Oct 30, 2007

Since its establishment in 1978, there has been no suggestion that the gaming industry in Atlantic City has been anything other than upstanding, responsible and respectable. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the city’s government, which endured another stain last month. I know we’re all sick of the situation surrounding the former mayor, but you can read a recap on page 12 in the Tides section. Some in and around Atlantic City are relieved and ready to put this period behind us. But it’s a long way from being over. The prescription to resolve the situation when a mayor resigns is for the city Democrat Party to submit three names to city council, who will then choose one of those names to assume the office. Sounds reasonable, since Levy was a Democrat, at least in name (he was a lifelong Republican until someone “suggested” it might be advantageous for him to become a Democrat).

The problem is that the city’s Democrats are still controlled by the un-indicted members of the Callaway gang. Levy may be gone, but Callaway is still exerting his influence from behind bars. Hopefully, City Council, which is no longer controlled by its disgraced former president, will reject all the nominees who are tainted by a Callaway connection.

The only rational remedy is a new vote for a mayor. There is still just over a year left in Levy’s term, so it makes sense that the citizens of Atlantic City should have a say over who becomes the mayor for that time.

And I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t stick with the man who assumed the mayoralty when Levy stepped down, City Council President William “Speedy” Marsh. Regular readers of Casino Connection will recall we named Speedy one of our “People to Watch” in last January’s magazine. Speedy has proven to be a uniter, someone who understands that to succeed in Atlantic City, you have to work with all factions. He’s a pragmatist who wants to do what’s best for the city—businesses and residents alike. That’s a big change from the Callaway regime, which only wanted what was best for the Callaways and their allies. Atlantic City needs someone who has the good of the city in mind.

Arguments have been made that the casino industry prospers and progresses no matter what happens in city government (in fact, on the day of Levy’s resignation, MGM Mirage announced a $5 billion project for Atlantic City, infinitely more important than Levy’s departure). There’s some validity to that point of view, but can you imagine how the city would move forward with a forward-looking mayor; one who not only does what’s best for the city businesses and residents, but one can be the “face” of Atlantic City and show the world what we truly can accomplish?

That face, in my view, can be Speedy Marsh. Let’s at least give him a chance for the next two years.

And speaking of elections, on November 6, one of the most important elections in years will be held when Atlantic City picks a majority of its city council and all the local representatives for the state legislature are to be chosen.

Now, we’re not endorsing any candidates in this election because most of them seem to understand the importance of the gaming industry to their districts. If you read last month’s magazine, we presented the views of all the assembly and senate candidates on gaming issues, so you should have a good understanding where they stand on these issues, which are so important to the health of the largest industry in South Jersey. Read them closely and combine what you know about them on issues unrelated to gaming, and you’ll have a good idea which way you’re going to vote.

But it is crucial that you do vote. And not only to have a say in the direction the region and the state will head in the next several years, but also because it demonstrates the potential power of the casino employee voting machine. We have the power to hold politicians accountable when they do things that harm the industry and the region, so show them you care and you’re involved. It will send a powerful message.

By Roger Gros   Wed, May 23, 2007

By Roger Gros   Wed, May 23, 2007

By Frank Legato   Tue, May 22, 2007

By Roger Gros   Tue, May 22, 2007

By Frank Legato   Thu, Mar 01, 2007

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Feb 02, 2010

Convention Center:  Feb 3-7 is the International Power Boat Show. Feb. 20 Spirit Unlimited Cheerleading Competition. February 26th to 28th is the Atlantic City Classic Car Show & Auction.

Boardwalk Hall: February 27 Show of Shows, featuring the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association, 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. in Boardwalk Halls arena. 

February 25 9th Annual Men R Cookin at Atlantic City Boys & Girls Club to benefit Boys & Girls Club

It's the Second Annual Atlantic City Restaurant Week from February 28th to March 6th.  70 restaurants with prefix menu's at prefix prices... mark your calendar NOW!

For more information go to http://www.acrestaurantweek.com/

January 30 2010 Casino Connection Magazine update with Lisa Johnson on NBC 40

By NBC 40 WMGM   Fri, Jan 29, 2010

By NBC 40 WMGM   Sat, Jan 23, 2010

By NBC 40 WMGM   Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Late last month the founder  of Beal Bank, who is also known as a high-stakes poker player, made a surprise move by joining billionaire Carl Icahn in a new bid for Trump Entertainment. Beal hopes to convert his multimillion-dollar loan into equity in the company.

“Trump jumped ship at the last minute,” Icahn attorney Edward Weisfelner said in court, “and left Mr. Beal standing at the altar.”

see entire article here:  http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/january-2010/article/games-the-same-but-players-have-changed

By NBC 40 WMGM   Wed, Dec 02, 2009

http://casinoconnectionac.com/issue/november-2009/article/ac-outlets-the-walk-your-holiday-headquarters

 

By NBC 40 WMGM   Wed, Sep 30, 2009

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Sep 22, 2009

FAREWELL TO A LEGEND

Atlantic City bids goodbye to a favorite adopted son, the late Arturo Gatti, September 19 at Bally’s. A professional card has been established, with fights being sandwiched around highlight presentations, speeches and tributes to the most prolific fighter in Atlantic City history.

Gatti, based first in Montreal and then in Jersey City, became the only sure thing in a town known for gambling. Twice a year, he’d fill up Boardwalk Hall against any opponent, and his loyal fan base substantially spiked the drop in nearby casinos. Gatti was responsible for nine consecutive sellouts here, including the second and third bout of his famed trilogy against Micky Ward, and a matchup with Floyd Mayweather that established a non-heavyweight record for gross sales receipts in Atlantic City.

Gatti’s appearance was the brainchild of Bally’s then-President Ken Condon.

“We should have a special day for Arturo,” Condon said while Gatti was still alive. “I’d be the first to put that together.”

The tribute is appropriate. While earning about $20 million for himself, Gatti performed some other memorable deeds. He stayed with one promoter, Main Events, for his entire 16-year career. That’s now unheard of. He waged several Fights of the Year in boxing and created high paydays for Ward, Ivan Robinson, Mayweather, the gaming industry and HBO.

Gatti died under mysterious circumstances July 11 in Brazil (authorities first believed he was murdered by his wife, then changed the determination to suicide, which the boxing community does not believe).

He is sorely missed, not only for the exciting boxing, but for his effervescent, approachable personality. Gatti could laugh at himself, display respect for his opponent and make good copy for the media. He reminded those around him why they loved boxing.

Casino Connection salutes the athlete who symbolized the boxing-gaming marriage and carried a presence we may never see again.

By NBC 40 WMGM   Tue, Sep 22, 2009

By NBC 40 WMGM   Mon, Sep 21, 2009

Here is a link to the written article "Colony's Atlantic City Headache" on casinoconnectionac.com.

 

By NBC 40 WMGM   Sat, Sep 12, 2009

Don Marrandino named president of Harrah's Eastern Division Tides Story