True Believers (The AC Times, May 20, 2015)

True Believers  (The AC Times, May 20, 2015)

By Harriet Diamond

I believe that creativity will be the currency of the 21^st Century.

Gerald Gordon, President and CEO, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority

Because the arts are integrally entwined in our city’s viability, we are all stakeholders in the future of the arts in Atlantic City. Below are two of the many entrepreneurs who contribute to building an arts community.

Ursula Ryan celebrates 35 years in business in Atlantic City this year as the city works to recapture the excitement of those early years as an entertainment capital.  The owner of the Weist-Barron-Ryan agency, on Atlantic Avenue since 1984, she provides training and opportunity for aspiring actors.   Ursula continues not only  to train actors, but also casino executives, front line staff, politicians, and local TV and radio personalities.  “We’re all actors on a stage called life,” she explains. 

Ursula arrived in the US from Europe in 1960 and went to New York City as a singer.  She studied commercial acting, and the legendary Weist-Barron agency booked her jobs in TV commercials.  She then became a talent agent and was asked to join the group.  When the company decided to sell franchises, Ursula’s talent as an entrepreneur surfaced; she and four others bought the Philadelphia franchise. 

Sal Dupree, a voice coach based in Ventnor, urged Ursula to move her business to South Jersey.  She ultimately settled in Atlantic City.  She worked with Atlantic City icon, (Judge) Jerry Consalvo, a SAG actor and the force behind the Columbus Day Parade, who had a theatre in Ventnor.  Ursula also collaborated with Bill McCullough’s modeling agency.  “We trained Miss America, Suzette Charles, in soap opera acting. We worked with cast members from Annie and had several Miss New Jersey's as clients. 

“Many continue to come to us for speech and presentation improvement.  Acting is a great skill for anything we do in life.  It is so gratifying to see and hear from those who, after our training, got their lives in order and went on to higher education and/or acting careers.“

Local, related projects are important to Ursula.  She recently provided actors for the Atlantic City Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker and for a Casino Reinvestment Development (CRDA) brochure. Weist-Barron-Ryan offers pre-teen workshops along with assisting adult actors.  One current endeavor near to Ursula’s heart is creating a movie with five developmentally disabled actors, some with Downs Syndrome and others with varying degrees of autism.  The project is yielding positive changes in the actors’ interpersonal reactions, self-confidence, self-discipline, and the ability to overcome an impediment such as stuttering.

Ursula continues to develop talent to maintain Atlantic City’s corner of this market.  Each client who goes on to greater opportunities does so with the imprimatur of having studied in our city by the sea.  “We have a great talent pool, in South Jersey.  We can once again attract the film industry. Weist-Barron-Ryan provided 500 cast members for The Warrior, but most of that film was shot in Pittsburgh; just as Boardwalk Empire was filmed in New York.”

“Welcoming filmmakers can put Atlantic City on the map. We have everything to create a first class film location:  Growth for acting as an industry and proximity to NY and Philadelphia make Atlantic City a convenient hub for filming.  By offering tax credits, NJ can compete in this market.”

Steve Kuzma first shared his art in South Jersey when AtlantiCare hired him in 2005 to provide a body of work for its Life Center in Egg Harbor Township.  His reflective paintings and prints, depicting landscapes and seascapes, remain a part that wellness environment.  Steve continues to integrate his calming artwork with healthcare programs throughout the state.  His signature work is both refreshing and relaxing to viewers.  Recalling Atlantic City’s origin as a healing destination, bringing visitors to the salt water and fresh air, Steve reminds us,  “Atlantic City was initially a restorative, healing place.”  He continues to nourish that concept through his art.

Boardwalk art shows, in which Steve has participated, have been a perfect vehicle for marrying art to the environment.  “I love to paint on the boardwalk,” he says.  Steve’s union of art and the environment is demonstrated by his 20’ panorama at Garden Pier, where he currently has a one-person show featuring local themes.  His projects and commissioned work are often murals. In line with his art-is-healing theme, Steve is now working on several health-related projects throughout the state.

Steve expressed gratitude to the Atlantic City arts initiative.  “When my studio in Ocean City was destroyed by hurricane Sandy, Michael Cagno approached me about joining the Arts Garage community.”  The concept is an important one.  Artists need fellowship.  The events at the Garage have been terrific – for the artists and the visitors. Having a place to show their work is so critical to artists.” 

Emphasizing how the arts bring a new demographic to the city, he cites his customers from around the world. Attracting visitors who appreciate the arts strengthens not only the art institutions and the businesses of the individual artists, but the entire community.  Every visitor has to eat somewhere, possibly enjoy some entertainment and the boardwalk, shop a bit, and maybe even gamble.

  

“Although many good people are working hard to support the arts in Atlantic City, we need to assist artists with living and working space and affordable parking.  Surviving in this economy isn’t easy; it is still a struggle for many. I look forward to a strong initiative that builds on the swelling excitement for the arts in our area.”

DO AC ARTS:  Enjoy the many art, music, dance, film, and other cultural offerings that are embedded in Atlantic City’s history and that are a significant component of the city’s renewal and diversification.

 “True Believers” appears monthly in The AC Times.  Are you a “True Believer”?  Email Harriet Diamond at harrietdiamond@me.com.  Harriet is a retired business owner and management consultant, now living in Atlantic City.  She is the author of eight business and communication books and numerous published articles.  

Brigantine City receives $1.4M for stormwater pumps

Great Grant for Nice Pumps. While improving the addressing of flooding here, it will also not alleviate tainted overflow at the ACUA end. Per the Society Of Civil Engineers, natural solutions must be employed. On site pervious surface increase will allow direct drain back into the aquifer, while saving $ short & long term. -George Loza PA/NJRA, ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager


BRIGANTINE– City Manager Ed Stinson told council at its Wednesday, May 20 meeting that Brigantine will be one of the first New Jersey towns to receive more than $1 million in federal funding to improve local storm resiliency through a grant program administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
A $1.379 million grant will completely fund three new pumping stations at Hackney Place, Lighthouse Circle and 34th Street and Jenkins Parkway to help the city combat flooding as the result of storms.
Council quickly moved through its agenda, approving four ordinances and a number of resolutions.
All of the ordinances were up for second and final readings, and were adopted with little comment from the public.
The first two dealt with appropriating funding for the Brigantine school district. One approved bonding $3,817,609 for school improvements. The other appropriated “certain unexpected proceeds of the sale of previously issued bonds and notes to finance the cost of additional capital improvements” totaling $1,242,724.84.
Councilman Rick DeLucry voted “no” on both ordinances, saying he was uncomfortable with the lack of detail. He also questioned the second ordinance, saying some of the previous bonds were from 1993 - “Twenty two year old bonds?”
He cast the only “no” votes. The second two ordinances passed unanimously.
Council approved an ordinance amending the Residential Development Fee Ordinance, waiving the fees on affordable housing projects in cases of fire, flood or other natural disasters.
A contract $172,123.75 was awarded to L. Feriozzi Concrete Co. for improvements to 8th Street South. It was lowest of six bids received. Part of the cost will be paid by a Community Development Block Grant.
A grant agreement was approved for the city to obtain $125,000 to fund “coastal protection along Brigantine Boulevard.” Council also authorized the city’s obligation of a 50 percent matching payment.
It has been months since a motorist ran into the 14th Street stairs of the Brigantine library resulting in the entrance being closed. Council awarded a contract to Aliano Brothers of Vineland for its low bid of $115,200 and an additional cost of $1,330 for tread units. The accident is probably covered by insurance.
The engineering firm of Remington, Vernick & Walberg was approved for a contract to perform engineering services for a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant for seven street-end bulkheads. Their fee will be $33,900.
City Council’s next meeting is scheduled 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6. The Saturday meeting was scheduled as one of two meeting that would allow second home owners concerns be heard. The meeting agenda and supporting documents will be available online

Public pitches ideas at Atlantic County economic forum

One man suggested making an arts district in Atlantic City. Another proposed making the resort “the world capital of games.” A woman said it should it be the wellness capital.

About 100 residents of Atlantic County gathered at the Atlantic City Convention Center Monday to bounce ideas off one another during a public forum on diversifying the economy. The forum, which included business and political leaders, was the second of three such meetings. The third will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 24 at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton.

“We need diversification,” said County Executive Dennis Levinson during opening remarks. He said the area has a foundation in medical, education and tourism.

“We want to build upon that,” he said.

Angelos Angelou, of AngelouEconomics, the economic consulting firm hired to help Atlantic County create a plan to diversify its economic base and improve salaries, gave his thoughts during the forum. He stressed that the area cannot rely on the state for help.

“Economic development is local,” he said.

Angelou said the firm has a three-phase timeline for its project. He said the first phase, a market assessment, is “pretty much complete” and a report will be presented to the county this week. The second report will be released in 45 days and a final report will be given in the middle or end of July.

During the public portion, ideas ranged from expanding education to attracting Internet moguls.

George Loza, of Brigantine, said Atlantic City should stick to its strengths as a resort. He also said last weekend’s Garden State Film Festival can be built upon.

“That can fit in with truly creating an arts district,” Loza said.

Peter Liu, of Linwood, said the city should stick to another strength -- gaming -- but not just gambling.

“Games of chance and games of skill. We need both,” Liu said. He said young people “are crazy about video game tournaments.”

Mindy Solkin, founder of The Running Center in Atlantic City, said the city should capitalize on the new popularity of health and fitness and make the city the “wellness capital.”

Ronald Young, managing partner of R&R Development Group, showed renderings of plans to develop Bader Field. He said he already has financial commitments of up to $75 million. He said his plan included a marina and a monorail, and would help bring jobs and entertainment. He also said the area needs to attract international tourism.

“We need China, we need London, we need the world,” he said.

Old New Jersey Factory to House Earth’s Largest Vertical Farm

Article by Urbanist, filed under Offices & Commercial in the Architecture category

 Opening this year in Newark, this 69,000-square-foot space will grow 2 million pounds of pesticide-free produce each year, turning an old steel factory into the largest indoor farm on the planet, 75 times more productive per square foot than open fields.

This AeroFarms facility is to serve both as the company’s global headquarters as well as the anchor project for a Maker’s Village designed to grow business in the city and provide a prototype for scaleable urban agriculture.

 Plants rooted in reusable micro-fleece cloth and stacked in modular planters will be sprayed by a nutrient mist and illuminated by LED lights. These crops require no soil, 95% less water and create no harmful runoff.

 Located on a 3-acre industrial site in the Ironbound neighborhood, the structure will expand the role of affordable and local urban farming in the community and provide nearly 100 long-term jobs for residents.

Such an approach offers a new potential future role to rundown industrial districts around the world, turning unused infrastructure in struggling cities into fresh indoor farming space. The key to the process is the materials: a “reusable cloth medium [supports] seeding, germinating, growing, and harvesting.”

This critical cloth “has a number of benefits such as durability and re-usability, increased cleanliness and sanitation, and the efficient harvest of a dry and clean product.” In terms of LED innovation and efficiency, the company is “targeting specific wavelengths of light for more efficient photosynthesis and less energy consumption.  LEDs can also be placed much closer to the plants, enabling greater vertical growing for even greater productivity per square foot.”

Aeroponics is the key to the solution, limiting the need for conventional watering and representing “a cutting-edge type of hydroponic technology that grows plants in a mist. The aeroponic mist most efficiently provides roots with the nutrients, hydration and oxygen needed, creating faster growing cycles and more biomass than other growing approaches.

AeroFarms has designed its aeroponics as a closed-looped system, recirculating the nutrient solution and using over 95% less water than field farming.”

“We are delighted to introduce AeroFarms, a farming and technology leader, to the City of Newark, creating jobs for local residents and greater access to locally grown produce for our community,” said Ron Beit, founding partner and CEO of RBH Group.

“AeroFarms will anchor our broader ‘Makers Village’ development project in the Ironbound neighborhood that will compete toe-to-toe with the Brooklyn Navy Yard in terms of a superior cost structure and greater trans-modal access, bringing 21st century ‘maker-type’ businesses to Newark and the State of New Jersey.”

True Believers -- Small Businesses in Atlantic City

By Harriet Diamond 
Special Correspondent

 Small businesses that fully embrace commitment to their customers, quality goods and services, and reasonable pricing are essential to Atlantic City’s resurgence. 
-- Joseph Molineaux , Director, Small Business Development Center

 For more than two decades, the mantra, “Small business is big business” has surfaced and resurfaced. Small business owners in Atlantic City with vision, creativity, and energy continue to succeed despite a challenging economy.

 One such business is Pilani’s, a unique store that opened on the boardwalk between Chelsea and Montpelier Avenues in 2002, adding a store at Texas Avenue within four years, and most recently investing in an additional location adjacent to their first.

Talk about true believers! Pilani’s began as an ethnic store, carrying high quality Indian clothing and jewelry at an affordable price point. The clothing is all private label, handmade, cotton. The jewelry includes natural stone. They are wedded to the business motto, “know your customer,”

Pallavi and Bharat Aggaarwal continue to grow their business to meet evolving tastes. The store at 3113 Boardwalk has incorporated non-ethnic clothing and added lines for the home as well as stationery items for an expanding customer base. This store caters to the more sophisticated customer, but even the younger crowd will find delights there.

Next door, 3111 remains ethnic, with Indian clothing and jewelry along with home décor items and hand-made stationery from India. The store at 2615 (Texas Ave.) attracts a younger crowd and stocks items that appeal primarily to that demographic; however, women of any age will find clothing and jewelry to suite them as well.

 This refreshing boardwalk chain recently added unusual souvenirs and beach-related items, all matching the quality for which their brand has become known. When asked why she and her husband chose the boardwalk for their businesses, Pallavi answered without hesitation, “The beach. People come to enjoy the beach.” And they do; and they have, year after year. Pilani’s, which only closes in January and February, has attracted a following from as far away as Texas and California. Those loyal customers were the impetus for the Aggarwals to add mail order to their buying options; however, when these customers return to Atlantic City (and they do), they visit their favorite boardwalk store.

Pilani’s was recognized in December, 2014, by the New Jersey Small Business Development Center with a Success Award for their foresight, their unique product offerings, and the welcoming layout of their stores. The displays are as tasteful as the clothing, jewelry, and accessroies they highlight. Pallavi is thrilled with the changes coming to Atlantic City.

 “We already see the benefits from the boardwalk tram and increased foot traffic from the Tropicana’s ongoing, exciting additions.” Business is up 11.5%, a feat in this economic climate. The Aggarwals look forward to the highly anticipated transformation of the Pier to Playground and the role that will play in bringing more people to the Atlantic City boardwalk. Stacy Foster-Godwin, the entrepreneur who created A1 Tours just three years ago has become an accidental ambassador for Atlantic City.

When asked about the impetus for starting her business, Stacy enjoys traveling and exploring various destinations while doing so. Born and raised in Atlantic City, she believes that her hometown “has a colorful history, and touring offers an opportunity to share this experience.” She reaches tourists through DOAC and Internet searches that locate her.

 Additionally, as a member of the Atlantic City Concierge Association, she has a broad network that is instrumental in referring visitors to A-1 tours. “People take our tours for enjoyment, for information, or just to satisfy their curiosity.”

 While many of us know that the Atlantic City boardwalk was the first in the country, that’s news to out-of-state and even some not-from-South Jersey New Jersey residents. Did you know that the first boardwalks were actually rolled up and put away at the end of the summer? Among the tours offered are the drive around the city, touching on historical landmarks and things to do as well as a boardwalk walking tour and a marina tour.

When A-1 began, the city tour included 21 points of interest; it now identifies 44. These include the eclectic mix that is today’s Atlantic City: White House Subs, Duck Town, the Arts Garage, the Atlantic City Historical Museum, the Knife and Fork, the War Memorial, and the remaining casinos, to name a few.

 Visitors are not only interested in Atlantic City’s history, but also in its future: Will Revel reopen? When? I Stockton University coming to the island? When?

 Although she doesn’t have all of the answers, Stacy can maintain visitors’ interest in the outcomes and offer a positive perspective on the many changes.

“I love to point out Tanger Outlets’ expanded roster of stores, including the new centerpiece, Bass Pro.”

 Visitors love it all – the history, the revitalization, the activities, the entertainment, the restaurants. By taking the tour, they can better plan their stay, and, perhaps, realize the value of returning to DO more AC.

 Stacy takes as much pride in the history of Atlantic City and its iconic landmarks as she does in its future and the planned changes. “I see the future of AC only one way: Big and bright. The current transition opens the door for the next big thing.”

 She continues, “We now have an opportunity to make Atlantic City better than before. Stay tuned.” The accidental ambassador concludes, “What I love about Atlantic City is that it’s small enough to bring in fresh and new businesses and large enough for them to grow and thrive.”

 These business owners are using their varied talents and their enthusiasm not only to promote the businesses that they created but also the city that they love.

“True Believers” appears monthly in The AC Times. Are you a “True Believer”? Email Harriet Diamond at harrietdiamond@me.com. Harriet is a retired business owner and management consultant, now living and writing in Atlantic City. She is the author of eight business and communication books and numerous published articles.

Photography Exhibit Celebrates the “Raw” Spirit and Splendor of New Jersey

The woman in white is pinned to the peeling wall in the attic of the old home, surrounded by dust, dirt and covered in scathing thorns.  Her delicate and beautiful feet balance precariously two feet off the ground in a ethereal way that leaves the viewer wondering how it was done.  

This is “Forsaken,” a portrait by Susan Gietka, which recently won first prize at RAW.  RAW is a juried photography competition organized by The Noyes Museum of Art, now in its third year.  Currently exhibited in the Noyes Gallery at Kramer Hall in Hammonton, RAW focuses on portraits of New Jerseyans in all their diversity and raw spirit, complexity and nuances.  

The exhibit features artists from all over New Jersey, both community artists and professional photographers, according to Brenda Kele, Assistant to the Director. Kele annually puts out the call to artists and curates the show.  “Some come from the other end of New Jersey, almost from the New York state border,” Kele recently said, “and some much closer, from right here in South Jersey.”

One of the local community artists, Belinda Manning, of Pleasantville, said she took the photography that made it into the exhibit while watching dancers at a Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center Lenni Lenape Pow Wow in MIllville.  “There were women there dancing, and this young dancer was absolutely beautiful,” said Manning of her photo.  The picture features the profile portrait of a young woman in full traditional garments and headdress, and is a swirl of bright greens and blues.

Manning and all of the other artists paid an entry fee to be entered into the competition, and that money was used to create prizes for the first, second and third place, according to Kele.  In addition, all of the pieces came to the Noyes Museum matted and framed before being reviewed by Bill Horin, a professional photographer who has worked in South Jersey for over twenty years.  Horin, of Linwood,  is the founder of ArtC and the art based magazines ArtBeat and Envision Arts Magazine.

First, second and third prize artists were awarded $300, $200 and $100, respectively, while honorable mentions won ribbons.  “Bill had a hard time with the honorable mentions, and eventually awarded four of them, because he was so impressed with the entire collection and especially those individual pieces,” said Kele.

While hundreds of photographs were submitted from across the state, only 40 were chosen to be part of the exhibit.  The photographs range from color to black and white and include digital composites, snapshots and studio work -- all representing the spirit and splendor of New Jersey. One such composite was Gietka”s piece, filled with warm brown and cream tones reminiscent of sepia photos from the turn of the century.

While the photograph seems to reference Christ on the cross, Gietka refused to limit it to one vision.  She is always interested to hear how other people interpret it, she stated on Thursday night, during the opening reception.  The inspiration for much of her work, she said, comes from ideas or struggles she is working through on her own, making the process both creative and cathartic at the same time.  Depending on what viewers see is how they infer the meaning of her work, making the richly detailed and planned photographs a blank canvas of sorts.

Many of the photographs had New Jersey references and themes, including two that focused on cranberry workers in the bogs and fields.  Another photograph featured a uniquely New Jersey shot -- a Wildwood lifeguard rowing into a wave, clad in a small red bathing suit, every muscle strained to force the boat through the water.  Susan Allen’s honorable mention winning photograph “Horseshoe Crab Tagging,” showed children seeking horseshoe crabs on a South Jersey beach-- all by the last light of a fading moon.

Last year’s winner, Glynnis Reed, of Hammonton, had another photograph included in the 2014 exhibit.  It shows a strong portrait of a young woman, with an overlay of texture that transforms the woman’s face into a pattern of scarring.  Aptly titled “Woman Warrior,” it is a digital collage and archival pigment print.  The young woman stares directly into the eye of the camera -- and consequently the eye of the viewer.

Another photograph that includes a subject looking directly at the camera is “Hub City 3,” a digital print by Stephanie Cortazzo, which captures the urban vibe of New Jersey’s many metro cities.  The photograph plays with the gender fluid qualities of the Millennial Generation in a way that speaks to the audacity and rawness of New Jersey and its abundance of city dwellers.

The exhibit runs through February 8, 2015 and can be viewed for free, Monday through Friday, 8:30-5 pm, at Kramer Hall, 30 Front Street, Hammonton.  For more information or a listing of the purchasing prices of the photographs, check out noyesmuseum.org or call (609) 626-3840.

Women’s Service Organization Ahead of its Time

Maryanne Foley, longtime Charity League member and past president, displays handmade, sequined stockings at a recent Christmas Mart.

When The Charity League of Atlantic County started over 80 years in 1932, it began as an organization invested in supporting women and children in the Atlantic City area.

Today, it is still an organization focused on raising money in Atlantic County and keeping that money in Atlantic County, all for….women and children.

How is it done?  With sequins, felt and beads.  Lots of sequins, felt and beads.

Despite a name that embodies “do-gooders” from a bygone era, The Charity League is a women’s service organization with progressive roots -- help provided to women by women, focusing on raising and keeping the funds in the community.  

“Who would have better understood the needs of women in the community in 1932, other than other women?” said Dot Johnson of Margate, member since 1972.

Every year for the past several years, this organization has raised over $150,000 by designing, producing and selling sequined pins, ornaments, tree skirts and stockings.  Most of the money is raised through The Annual Christmas Mart, an event held for the past decade at The Greate Bay Country Club.  

Who is buying all these handmade holiday items?  Women, often at $20-$25 for pins and ornaments, and sometimes anywhere from $90-$250 for the sequined felt card holders, table runners and tree skirts.  Many of these items are ordered one year in advance to provide the members of The League with the opportunity to painstakingly hand sew hundreds of sequins to each item.

In the past seven years, The League has donated over $1 million to seven nonprofits, in addition to the ALS Foundation.  While ALS is not one of their main local nonprofits, a member’s husband was diagnosed with the disease as a young father and the membership felt this was something they could do to support the family.

“Tom Cittrone died last year from complications of ALS, and The Charity League was proud to have raised thousands of dollars on behalf of his family,” stated Andrea Worrall, President.

The organization helped to found two nonprofits along the way, which are still supported with major contributions to their operating budgets -- Child Federation in Pleasantville and Atlantic City Day Nursery in Atlantic City.  These are agencies that are vital to bolstering families in the community, according to Worrall.

“Child Federation provides immunization and health referrals to services for many young children in the area,” she said.  “The Day Nursery is one of the first child care centers in Atlantic City, and definitely the oldest still in operation.  They working families of Atlantic City rely on it for affordable and high quality child care.”

Many people know about The Charity League because of the Mart, which has occurred every year since 1946.  It is also recognized as the organization that every year produces a uniquely different, limited-edition Christmas pin.  But not everyone realizes where that money goes, and how it is leveraged to support women and children in Atlantic County.

“The Charity League  has supported us with hundreds of thousands of dollars through the last 15-20 years that they have provided the agency with grants,” said Beverly Gilbert, past executive director of The Women’s Center, “TWC uses that money to support women returning to the workforce with job readiness training, interview clothes, and resume preparation.”

Not content to only provide grants to local nonprofits, each agency must agree to have a member of The League sit on their Board of Directors as a condition of receiving the monies.  This ensures that the organizations’ missions are in alignment with The League, and also gives members an opportunity to be part of the solution in the community.

“We have members who sit on the Boards of The Covenant House of Atlantic City, The Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Family Service Association and The Donny Fund,” said Worrall, in addition to The Women’s Center, Child Federation and Atlantic City Day Nursery.  Worrall is a board member of Family Service Association of Absecon.

All of this money is raised and donated through 100% volunteer hours -- there are no paid staff of The Charity League of Atlantic County.  Instead, The League relies on the hard work and innovative talents of members.  

“There are over 50 actively engaged members,” said Vice President Karen Clark.  “Plus another 50 or so ‘retired’ members who still support the work we do.  Every hour they provide, every dollar they raise is put back into the communities we live in.”

For more information about The Charity League of Atlantic County, visit www.charityleagueac.org or follow them on Facebook at Charity League of Atlantic City.