STUDENT LIFE: THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTIC CITY

Written by: Dominic Verrichia

STUDENT LIFE: THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTIC CITY

Students living in Stockton’s new Atlantic City campus may be 25 minutes away from the main campus, but that does not mean they are 25 minutes away from having any fun. There are plenty of things to do just minutes away from the new campus for any type of person both on the weekends and during the week.

Atlantic City is known for its casinos and nightclubs. The Tropicana hotel and casino is just minutes down the road. Here you can find events every weekend, and stand-up comedy every night of the week for $25.

Students looking for a scary time and a beautiful view of the ocean should check out the Absecon Lighthouse.. Just 10 minutes away from campus, and only $8 to climb to the top, this haunted lighthouse is worth checking out especially during halloween. The reportedly haunted lighthouse stands 171 feet tall and is over 160 years old

Around the corner from the lighthouse is the Atlantic City Aquarium open daily 10am-5pm. At the aquarium, visitors are free to touch sharks, stingrays, and a variety of crabs. It costs $10 for admission, but pair it up and make an evening trip to visit both the Aquarium until 5pm and head over to the Lighthouse to see the sunset.

Large groups of friends can check out the escape rooms in the Tropicana. It is strictly an 18+ environment, and considered one of the best, highest quality escape rooms by reviewers. This escape room is geared towards adults; EscapeAC does not play games. Groups are locked in a room behind a steel door. Most cannot solve the puzzle in time. Find a group of friends and check them out.

For those looking for some exercise outside of a regular gym, the Flyers Skate Zone is minutes away and has daily public skating sessions from 12:30 to 2:30. The rink never gets too crowded, so it is a perfect place for both beginners looking to learn how to skate and experienced looking for an open rink to practice. There are Friday and Saturday night sessions from 8-10pm which usually draw a larger crowd.

Contrary to what many believe, the Tanger Outlets do not close during the winter. There are popular shopping outlets down the street from campus including Adidas, Nike, American Eagle, and Calvin Klein to name a few. There are many places to eat, but much of it is outside, so make the Tanger Outlets a Fall day trip before it gets too cold.

If all other plans fail, the Boardwalk is right underneath the residential building. It is always open to take a walk and check out the beach. The Rainforest Cafe is open every day from 11-9pm. There will always be something to do in Atlantic City, even during the winter months.

A Monster Bash

Written by: Thomas Taylor

Performance of “I Put a Spell on You”

    On the night of October 26th, Stockton held a halloween masquerade ball at Dante Hall. The party started at 8pm, and the hall was fully decked out in spooky adornment including giant spiders and bubbling cauldrons.Stockton students were allowed to attend free of charge, but guests had to pay an $8 entrance fee. On top of having a professional DJ, a group of volunteers lip synced to a scene from the cult classic Halloween film “Hocus Pocus”, in which the three antagonists of the movie perform the song “I Put a Spell on You.” There were several activity tables in which party-goers could decorate pumpkins and make their own masks and necklaces. It wouldn’t be Halloween without candy, so the party had a candy and dessert bar and each table had a martini glass full of M&M’s.

Make your own mask table

    All of these factors helped generate an enjoyable party that was only held back because of a lack of attendance. Barely any students showed up and the ones that did scarcely stepped foot on the dance floor making the party feel dead and stale. More students attended towards the end of the party, but for a majority of the time the number of party goers barely hit double digits.This was even apparent to local party attendee, Josh Burns, who said, “I appreciate the amount of effort that was put into this party, but, because there’s barely anyone here, it still kind of feels like a Homeschooler dance.”

Juggling to leave a legacy

Written by: Marialla Negro Juggling to leave a legacy

On a chilly afternoon, the sun had already gone down but the bright smiles and enthusiastic energy emitted from Stockton’s Juggling and Circus Club seemed to fill the air with light and warmth. Especially their own vice-president Tina Notaro, who is enjoying senior year alongside them.

The members were just cleaning up near the C/D Atrium after another day of inviting other students to learn how to juggle and play with their hoola-hoops as Ms. Notaro began reminiscing how this club began.

“I got here four semesters ago, I talked to the club advisor Jeff Wakeman about starting a juggling club. He told me to talk to Amy who was already starting one.”

Their set up was really simple; a crate filled with clubs made out of plastic bottles, balls, hoola-hoops and their handmade sign to advertise their organization.  Behind the theater-like outdoor stairs were two trees that had what looked as a tightrope where some members were sitting and bouncing around barefoot.

“I learned how to juggle about two and a half years ago. The person who is now my boyfriend taught me.” she said with a smile “I contacted him for a juggling lesson and I guess that’s what got me into it.”

The group shared how students would come around randomly and were eager to learn how to juggle, or re-live childhood memories by playing with

the hoola-hoops. “Since it’s currently midterm season at Stockton, lots of people view it was a stress reliever. Learning to juggle is like a meditating tool as well.”

Considering it’s Ms. Notaro’s last year at Stockton, she wants to make sure that the Juggling and Circus Club continues to live on even after they’re not around anymore.

“I like the club, I wanted to get it all set up so it can continue to be a club after we graduate. Juggling isn’t like painting where it continues to exist, once you’re done performing that’s it. It’s wholesome to be able to teach kids and other students the art of juggling and circus.”

The club is having their first event on Thursday, November 29th at the coffee house at 4:00pm.

Vice-president Tina (bottom) with president Amy (top)

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Written by: Trent Clinkscale

Transferring to a different school at any point can be very challenging for a college student. Having to adjust to a new place, new people, and a possible difference academically can go completely smoothly or be disastrous but is usually somewhere in the middle. Stockton University welcomes about 1,500 new transfer students each year, and their experience and journey to becoming a successful Osprey is unique.  One such transfer student is Keairra Lee, a junior who spent her first two years at Rutgers University Mays Landing Campus at Atlantic Cape Community College.

Like so many transfer students,  Keairra’s reason for transferring is following her academic interest.

“They didn’t have the communications major that I wanted to pursue so I came to Stockton. So far I like it a lot and it wasn’t a big move or anything coming from Mays Landing.”

When asked what her favorite thing about Stockton is so far, Keairra replied with a smile, “That I transferred the day was able to transfer a little late because I was stuck in health administration at my old school and I really didn’t want to keep doing that.”

For most undergraduates here at Stockton, they quickly get a feel for the school and the way things work as a freshman and are largely settled in after this, as Stockton is all they know. This means that for transfer students such as Keairra, it can often feel as though they are behind the curve and need to catch up to their peers who have been here.  

But transfer students also bring unique background from their previous schools that can help them individually and help Stockton as a whole in being an institution with a diversity of experience among its students.

When asked what was the most positive thing she took away from her time at Rutgers, Lee replied, “The good people I met there.”

Finally, on if she felt like an Osprey yet, Lee said emphatically “Of course!”

Meet Me on Mars

Written by: Mia Forbes

Meet Me on Mars

Clammy feet and shaky hands leave Brandon Larmoore thrilled, yet terrified. The flow of adrenaline taking over his veins. His hair stuck to his head from sweat in his helmet. Squirming in his seat. Each breath quickening as beads of sweat drip down his forehead. Little ability to control his excitement and terror. He awaits a life-changing countdown from the station as the anticipation is unbearable. This is how Larmoore envisions he would feel going to one planet- Mars.

The television was booming, and the news was blaring. At ten years old, Larmoore sat amongst his classmates’ inches away from the screen with his eyes glued as the event unfolded. It was July 7th, 2003 when the launching of the Mars rover commenced. The aircraft left the ground as slow as a cloud traveling through the sky, while excitement flooded Larmoore’s body. His eyes widened as he was captivated by history unfolding right in front of him.

As time progressed Larmoore was searching websites, watching movies, and reading space related material; this continues to light a fire within him. He daydreams about the day when going to Mars becomes a norm. He looks up at the stars and knows that we will go up there to understand the unknown someday.

Larmoore’s currently a freshman in college at 19 years old and is taking a course at Stockton University. The next step for him would be to become a full-time student at the university as an astronomy major and later become an astronaut for SpaceX American Aerospace Manufacturers.  

Mesmerized by the sight of history, he knew in that moment that he wanted to pursue astronomy and space as his passion and career. It’s a dream he’s had since he was a child, and it’s a dream he continues to carry with him to this day because according to Larmoore, “Life has a plan for you and you gotta go with those plans.”

Larmoore has sat in wonder and awe about space for years hoping that one day he would join a space mission to an extraterrestrial planet. Seeing the skills and advanced technology growing, he believes that his future will lie beyond this atmosphere in the unknown depths of space.

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          edited by Alex Bluze

“Trick or Treat”

Written By: Keairra Lee

                “Trick or Treat”

With Halloween just around the corner, many are wondering what type of night will it be for Stockton students here in Atlantic City campus. Atlantic City already has a reputation of muggins, harassing, etc and this will be the campuses first Halloween experience. Should the students have class, especially at night, during the time that everyone will be out trick or treating?

When asking students what their plans are going to be for the evening of Halloween, a friend of a student from Stockton University who came to pick her up to drive had said, “Oh wow, I’m staying in, probably the day before, the day of, and the day after. I’m afraid of the streets of Atlantic City already, so to add to it with Halloween when people do just about anything, is definitely even more scary.” said Larissa Vanso.

When asked if she had different plans than her friend, Stockton University student who gave the nickname of “Michi”, said plainly, “I’m going out to party. I have my costume and actually have had it since September. Larissa is going out with me whether she likes it or not. It doesn’t have to be partying in Atlantic City, although there are the Casinos, but she is going to come out with me and have fun. We can’t let Atlantic City’s reputation keep us from living life or having fun.” Hopefully Atlantic City, along with all other places will make it safe for everyone to enjoy trick or treating.

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Angelo's: A Great Place to Un“Wine”d

Written by: Moira Solano

Angelo's: A Great Place to Un“Wine”d

Atlantic City --- Right on the corner of Fairmount Avenue in Atlantic City, you will come across an authentic, small, but filled with big hearts, Italian restaurant called, Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern. Placed in Ducktown, this eating establishment opened its doors in 1935 and has been serving the city for over 80 years---and counting! The setting is described as casual and cozy ambience. Although they display a laid back atmosphere, they provide a quick, full service with a wide variety of lunch, dinner, and dessert menus for everybody. Angelo’s serves some of the best comfort food, along with signature late-night food and happy hour drinks.

Angelo’s Family collage proudly hung on the wall.              

                                                                                                   Angelo’s menu.

On Saturday, October 27th, I had the pleasure of eating here for my Mommom’s birthday dinner. I also went with my mom and Aunt Eileen. The smell of food immediately hit me as I walked in. When we arrived at our table, we got a loaf of bread, a pitcher of water, and four glasses were brought to us in under a minute. There was Frank Sinatra’s voice filling up the restaurant, giving it that old time, authentic, Italian feel. It felt like I was transported to Italy in 1943.

We of course ordered a pitcher of wine, but not just any wine. The choice was Chianti, which is their house made wine, and it was impeccable. We also got a very flavorful salad for the table to share. This was up to par for my taste.

All four of us indulged in a variety of dishes. My mom ordered the salmon special on top of a bed of pasta with bits of crab meat mixed in. My Mommom ordered fried flounder with a side of colorful vegetables. My Aunt Eileen ordered a classic T-Bone steak, that also was one of the specials of the night, and it was drizzled in a beautiful portobello gravy. She said, “The T-Bone steak special was excellent. The portobello gravy added something special. It was delicious!” I ordered one of my favorite pasta dishes, penne alla vodka, and I got shrimp poured on top.

Everything that we ate was truly delicious! You would think we devoured every bite of it, but as you know, Italian food is very filling, so we asked for it boxed up to indulge in the following day. I didn’t make that big of a dent, but it felt like I scarfed down the whole platter.

Angelo’s has such amazing service and the atmosphere is so welcoming and warm the moment you walk in. Everyone who works there wants their guests to have a place to devour excellent Italian food and be treated like family. Their website says this simple, but positive, phrase, “Buon Appetito!” This means, “Enjoy your meal!” Believe me, us four ladies enjoyed our meals, and I have a feeling you will too when you dine at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern.

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Edited by Alex Bluze