Mainland Living - Best Version Media

Mainland Living - Best Version Media Welcome to Mainland Living...a monthly invitation to celebrate all that is special about the Mainland The best part?

Meet the people in your neighborhood whose stories you might not really know, and whose moments you’ll be glad to share. Join us as we meander down the bike path and through the trolley tracks of time, celebrating all that is unique and inspiring from our connected towns of Northfield, Linwood, and Somers Point. We'll explore the cool and quirky, celebrate our kids and families, as well as the nei

ghborly bonds we often take for granted. We'll feature stories, events, and ideas submitted by you—our neighbors. Whatever you're planning, celebrating, cooking, or remembering, if you think it should have a place among our pages, we want to hear from you! So please engage with us and share the gratitude—who couldn’t use a little more of that!

Same Starter, Different LoafBy Anne BullenIt’s early September, and a familiar ease settles in. The Dog Days have loosen...
09/02/2026

Same Starter, Different Loaf
By Anne Bullen

It’s early September, and a familiar ease settles in. The Dog Days have loosened their grip. The marshes take on streaks of brown and rust, the daylight drone of the cicadas gives way to the evening chorus of crickets, and the Tuesday after Labor Day brings a welcome return to local rhythms.

I don’t need to check the clock to know it’s happened. The one-mile backup from New Road to my home off Somers Point Road has disappeared. Traffic eases into something closer to a conversation than a competition, with more waving and less weaving. The abundance of summer visitors gives way to something quieter and fuller: more time, more breathing room, and more freedom to enjoy the pace of the place we’re fortunate enough to call home.

We begin gathering again—to enjoy more time around the table and share in the abundance of fall: garden harvests, apples and pumpkins, warm ovens, and the comfort of something homemade. It’s fitting, then, that this month’s cover story features a baker who understands that good bread takes time. Her sourdough starter is nurtured, patiently fed, and given time to develop. From that same starter, every loaf can become something a little different.

I like to think our magazine works much the same way. We return to the familiar—our neighbors, our homes, our local stories—yet every issue offers something new to savor. Same starter. Different loaf.

Welcome to September!

Photo: Shaun Reilly Photography

As September approaches, menus begin to shift from fresh berries to ripe apples and the delicious season of fall. With t...
08/29/2026

As September approaches, menus begin to shift from fresh berries to ripe apples and the delicious season of fall.

With that in mind, we are thrilled to invite you into the Kyle family's kitchen, where family, food, and flour are the heart of their Northfield home.

Arriving in Mainland mailboxes soon, we hope you !

Photography: Shaun Reilly Photography

The Importance of Fiber: Digestive Health & General WellnessBy Nancy Adler, Nancy Adler Nutrition, Nancy Adler Nutrition...
08/12/2026

The Importance of Fiber: Digestive Health & General Wellness
By Nancy Adler, Nancy Adler Nutrition, Nancy Adler Nutrition LIVE

Consuming a massive amount of protein seems to be all the rage. Protein is undeniably essential for maintenance and satiety. The fiber gap, however, is a much larger health concern. While most Americans consume enough protein, over 90% are chronically deficient in fiber.

A high-fiber diet improves digestive health, promotes weight loss and weight management, and lowers the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. By stabilizing blood sugar and managing cholesterol, fiber is a critical nutrient for good health and overall well-being.

Fiber adds bulk to your meals, helping you to feel full and satisfied after you eat. Other fibers have a laxative effect on the digestive system.

There are many ways to increase the fiber content in your meals:

🥦Look for whole-grain bread that contains 3 g of fiber per serving and whole-grain crackers that contain at least 2 g of fiber per serving.

🥦Leave the skins on your organic fruits and vegetables.
Substitute brown rice for white rice and choose whole wheat pasta over white pasta.

🥦Be sure to increase your fiber intake slowly—3–5 g per day over several weeks—and remember to drink plenty of water each day to avoid constipation. Shoot for 20-35 g of fiber daily. Lentils, split peas, black beans, raspberries, artichokes, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, high-fiber cereals like All-Bran, and avocados provide high fiber daily.

🥗High Fiber Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies

Two medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 (12 oz.) package broccoli florets

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon salt plus 1/8 teaspoon, divided

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Quarter cup pomegranate arils

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

✅Preheat the oven to 450°F with the racks in the upper and lower third positions.

✅Combine cubed sweet potatoes, halved Brussels sprouts, and broccoli florets in a large bowl.

✅Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of oil, then sprinkle with half a teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, coriander, and smoked paprika, plus a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Toss to coat.

✅Spread the vegetables evenly on two large rimmed baking sheets, arranging the Brussels sprouts cut sides down.

✅Roast until the vegetables are brown and tender—18 to 20 minutes—rotating the baking sheets between top and bottom racks after 10 minutes.

✅Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking often. Cook until the mixture is reduced to about 2 tablespoons and has a syrup consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

✅Transfer the roasted vegetables to a platter. Drizzle the vinegar mixture, then top with 1/4 cup of pomegranate arils and 2 tablespoons of parsley.

So Long, Special TeachersJune 20026 at Northfield Community School marked some special send-offs for retiring teachers a...
08/11/2026

So Long, Special Teachers

June 20026 at Northfield Community School marked some special send-offs for retiring teachers and staff members. This included 5th-grade science teacher Dianne Bennett, 6th-grade ELA teacher Kristen Elsworth (formerly P***k), physical education teacher Christopher McLaughlin, special education teachers Christianne Strang and Coreen Macaluso, and accounting clerk Carole Lyons.

Mainland Living is happy to feature both Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Elsworth as they celebrate their final days in education.

🍎🍎🍎Dianne Bennett
Subject: 5th Grade Science
Years in Education: 31

✏️Favorite Memories: If Mrs. Bennett had to pick a favorite lesson, it would be teaching the phases of the moon. It is a unit of study that can be explored and reviewed throughout the year with each new phase.


As for favorite memories, she points to the passage of time and the many students she has taught who are now parents themselves. “I taught so many of my friends’ kids, and now they are grandparents,” she explains. “Those grandchildren are school age now, and I thought that meant it was a good time to retire.”


✏️Plans for Retirement: Dianne plans to travel whenever possible and never work another Monday again.



🍎🍎🍎Kristen Elsworth
Subject: 6th Grade ELA (and most other grades along the way)
Years in Education: 35

✏️Favorite Memories: Mrs. Elsworth’s favorite lesson came down to “D'han' is not blin'” from the novel The Cay by Theodore Taylor. In the novel, Phillip, a 12-year-old boy, and Timothy, a 70-year-old man, are strangers stranded on a Cay during World War II after their ship was attacked by the Germans.

As summarized by Mrs. Elsworth, Phillip lost his eyesight when he was hit with debris from the ship. Timothy tried to teach Phillip how to weave mats to sleep on, while Phillip made excuses for why he couldn't weave because he was blind. Her lesson: students had to be blindfolded and work with a partner to weave strips of paper. The partner had to guide "Phillip" and tell him to weave over and under. Then they switched roles. The discussions afterward were wonderful, exploring empathy, frustrations, feelings about being blind, and trust.

Her favorite memories include finding students in her classroom whose parents she once taught.

✏️Plans for Retirement: Kristen looks forward to a part-time job that helps her maintain a routine and gives her more time to travel.

Save the dates for another addition to summer's soundtrack!
08/06/2026

Save the dates for another addition to summer's soundtrack!

Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.—He...
08/05/2026

Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
—Henry James

🍉One More Summer Evening
By Anne Bullen

There is something about August that makes us linger a little longer.

Maybe it’s one more walk on the beach before heading home. One more evening by the pool before the days begin to shorten. One more boat ride as the sun slips below the horizon. One more inning before the porch lights come on. One more burger on the grill because someone stopped by unexpectedly and there is always room for one more at the table.

August has a way of stretching the best parts of summer—not by slowing the clock, but by convincing us we still have time.

Perhaps that is why summer gatherings feel so special. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a neighborhood concert, a Little League game, a beach picnic, or a spontaneous conversation with a neighbor we’ve known for years—or just met yesterday—community is built in these ordinary moments.

They rarely make headlines, but they become the stories we tell long after summer has faded.

As August quietly begins its gentle turn toward autumn, I hope you’ll make room for a few more of those moments.

Stay for the extra conversation. Watch one more sunset. Pull up another chair. Because sometimes the memories we treasure most begin with one more summer evening.

It is the eve of August, and we are excited to share our latest feature.....A Passion for Service: With the Hieb Family ...
07/31/2026

It is the eve of August, and we are excited to share our latest feature.....

A Passion for Service: With the Hieb Family
By Christine D'Alessandro

The dog days of summer can be brutal, especially if you work in roofing, road construction, or find yourself over a hot stove—something The Doc’s Place owner Dave Hieb knows a lot about.

The long August days can also take a toll on the boys of summer, especially those in the minor leagues. Living out of duffle bags and enduring doubleheaders for minimal pay—any time off feels like a holiday. Dave Hieb knows about that, too.

“We had a long morning practice that day and got a rare afternoon off. We were ready for a good night out when our PR guy walked into the locker room,” Dave recalls. “The team had organized a special movie day for a group of underprivileged kids, and they were looking for a volunteer to sign autographs.”

It was 1994, and Dave was playing for the Charleston Rainbows. He’d been drafted as a catcher by the Texas Rangers in 1992, and had his rookie season with the Butte Copper Kings. Now in South Carolina, the Lowcountry heat made Montana feel like a dream.

“We were all desperate for a night out, and nobody was jumping up to volunteer, so I offered to go,” he shares. “There must have been 200 kids there, and just as the PR guy was telling me to wrap it up, I noticed this one kid off to the side by himself. So, I asked him: What’s going on? He explained he didn’t have any friends, and none of the other kids liked him.”

As the PR executive continued to nudge him toward the door, Dave decided to stay. “I told the guy to come back and get me when the movie was over.”

Two hours later, the boy was surrounded by his peers, all wanting to know how he got to sit next to the baseball player. Dave watched the boy, who was smiling and soaking in the attention. When he turned to leave, the boy caught Dave’s attention, giving him a wave, a smile, and a reminder that small things can also be big.

“When it comes to kids, Heather and I will help any way we can,” he adds, never forgetting that day at the movies. To her credit, Heather’s career as a dedicated teacher, both in and out of the classroom, has also had an impact that’s hard to measure.

The couple has worked hard to improve the welfare of children wherever they go, and the clearest sign of that commitment is their three beautiful daughters—Riley, Kaelin, and Molly—who are now young adults on their way, each with a plan dedicated to children.

The August issue of Mainland Living is arriving soon...we hope you .

Photo: Shaun Reilly Photography

WEEKEND PREVIEW:☀️Ventnor City Farmers MarketFriday, 8:30am-NoonNewport and Atlantic AvenuesJersey fresh produce, specia...
07/31/2026

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

☀️Ventnor City Farmers Market
Friday, 8:30am-Noon
Newport and Atlantic Avenues
Jersey fresh produce, specialty food items, and handcrafted items.
Details: Every Friday through Labor Day Weekend

☀️EHT “Tea Wrecks” – Summer Play Auditions
Friday, 2pm
EHT Library
Join an original play that will be practiced and performed by participants.
Cost: Free
Details: Ages 6–12. Registration required. Practices run August 3–7 and August 10 at 2 pm. Dress rehearsal August 11 at 2 pm.

☀️Blues Travelers, Gin Blossoms, & Spin Doctors
Friday, 6pm
Ocean Casino Resort
“The Hook,” “Hey, Jealousy,” and “Two Princes”—transport yourself back to the 90s with three bands in one show. Tickets via ticketmaster.com

☀️Somers Point Beach Concert Series: Mitch Ryder & The Tony Mart Allstars
Friday, 7pm
William Morrow Beach
Multi-million-dollar-selling classic rock star Mitch Ryder: 17 Hits, 5 Top Ten Songs, 3 Gold Records * “Devil with the Blue Dress.” Accompanied by The Tony Mart Allstars

☀️Grease the Musical
Friday, 7:30pm
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
“Summer lovin’” is back and ready to entertain! Enjoy this classic brought to the stage and back to Rydell High School
Tickets via ticketmaster.com

☀️The Chicks
Friday, 8pm
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Signature hits like 1999’s “Cowboy Take Me Away” and 1998’s “Wide Open Spaces,” along with their bluegrass virtuosity, saw The Chicks go from opening for Tim McGraw in 1999 to headlining massive concert tours that have sold over $100 million in tickets.
Tickets via ticketmaster.com

☀️Somers Point Farmers Market
Every Saturday through Sept 12, 8am-Noon
Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Rd.
50+ vendors offering fresh produce and seafood, prepared goods, and more.
Details: Somers Point Farmers Market


☀️”Summer in the Sixties" Benefit Concert
Friday, 8:30pm
Superstar Theater, Resorts Casino Hotel
One of the country’s premier ’60s tribute acts, Sixtiesmania will captivate audiences of every decade.
Details: www.schultz-hill.org

☀️Live Music: Twisted Living
Friday, 9pm
Josie Kelly's Public House, Somers Point
Youth + Energy; Boasting sounds of Rock, Blues, and Original Music!
NO COVER // Must be 21+ to enter after 9pm

☀️Petals And Pours Tea Turns One!
Saturday (SOLD OUT!) & Sunday; two seatings; 11am-1pm & 2-4pm
Petals & Pours, Central Square, Linwood
This birthday tea is $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes: a full afternoon tea experience complete with tea sandwiches & savories, sweets, scones and a pot of loose leaf tea Also included: a welcome mocktail, birthday treats, a special take home gift, beautiful photo moments, an opportunity to win multiple raffle prizes!
Reservations are required and seating is limited.
https://www.exploretock.com/petals--pours-tea-room/detail/615685/petals-pours-turns-one-a-birthday-afternoon-tea?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4_a1den5erz0xetc&fbclid=IwY2xjawTZdrhwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUZocllzVUlKUWlFWmR5N0xzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe-yW0X6cgWdijPb2mJXdtdq0UfVUIHQ38u9PyTGuo1GGKtKBdI_7W-DLMz3Q_aem__hE-41VRTZkPh6txs2bp2w

☀️Ventnor Summer Beach Jam Concerts
Every Saturday, Vendors open at 5:30 / Music at 6:30
Beatle Mania, Again!; Beatles Tribute Band

☀️Longport Summer Celebration
Saturday, 6pm
Between 34th and 35th streets
Hosted by the Longport Public Library. The event features live music by All About Billy Joel, alongside food trucks, a drink garden, and designated kids' activities.
Registration required: Call the library at (609) 487-7403

☀️Nikki Glaser: The Stunning Tour
Saturday, 8pm
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino AC NJ
Queen of the Roasts and comic sensation. Tickets via ticketmaster.com

☀️Tyler Henry: The Hollywood Medium
Saturday, 8pm
Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Experience an unforgettable evening as Tyler Henry - The Hollywood Medium: An Evening of Hope and Healing comes to Circus Maximus Theater
Tickets via ticketmaster.com

☀️Live Music: Don’t Call Me Francis
Saturday, 8pm
Memories Margate
One of the best bands around! Making memories at Memories. Or not remembering...whatever suits you.


☀️EHT Community Farmers Market
Sunday, 9am-1pm
EHT Library
Community Farmers Market is back and will be held, weather permitting, each Sunday through October.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Various vendors, artisans, and food trucks

🪴Love Grows in Somers PointBy Rosemary EvansThe Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point is honored to share the results ...
07/28/2026

🪴Love Grows in Somers Point
By Rosemary Evans

The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point is honored to share the results of the “ 2026 Pride in the Point Garden Contest”. Somers Point residents and garden club members were encouraged to participate. We were truly fortunate to visit a beautiful mix of gardens in every part of our town from the bay to the parkway.

We realized that our gardeners were creating not just "a pretty place" but many mentioned quite lovingly legacy or heritage plants from family members. We felt their pride in several stories of 80 year old peonies, iris, lily of the valley and more passed down to them from their parents and grandparents including some brought from Europe after WWII.

Next year we will include many of these gardens on our Down to Earth garden tour. Their passion, hard work and pride certainly showed at each of our stops.

Somers Point City Council will congratulate our 2026 "Pride in the Point" garden contest winners on Thursday, August 27th at 7 PM in City Hall. Congratulations to all.

🪴Public Gardens
1. Best Large Native Garden: Ted Edelman
2. Best Small Native Garden: Teresita Doebley
3. Best Large Flower & Vegetable Garden: Robert Forlini
4. Best Medium-Sized Flower Garden: Jerry & Sheri Mercadante
5. Best Small Flower Garden: Emily Rutter
6. Most Creative Garden in the Historic District: Kathleen Arleth
7. Most Enthusiastic Gardener in the Historic District: Monica Arleth

🪴Member Gardens:
1. Best Vegetable Garden: Gary Papouscek
2. Best Native Garden: Patty Dorr-Lewin
3. Best Transformation Garden: Joe Slane
4. Best Garden Appeal: Mary Rydzewski
5. Best Garden Escape: Lori Kent
6. Most Creative Garden: Tammy Thornton
7. Best Heritage & Harvest Garden: Kimberly and Michael DeAngelo

🪴For more information about The Green Thumb Garden Club, contact Lisa at [email protected].

WEEKEND PREVIEW: 🌊Thrilling Thursdays Movie Night: SmurfsThursday, 6:30-9pmBloom Pavilion between Granville and Huntingt...
07/23/2026

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

🌊Thrilling Thursdays Movie Night: Smurfs
Thursday, 6:30-9pm
Bloom Pavilion between Granville and Huntington Avenues
Arrive at 6:30 pm for our prescreening FREE fun activity & giveaways (while supplies last)! Movie begins at approximately 7:00 pm. There are no rain dates this year

🌊Ventnor City Farmers Market
Friday, 8:30am-Noon
and Atlantic Avenues
Jersey fresh produce, specialty food items, and handcrafted items.
Details: Every Friday through Labor Day Weekend

🌊EHT Fantastic Fossils
Friday, 11am
EHT Library
Representatives from Edelman Fossil Park will visit the library. See amazing fossils and learn how these ancient creatures lived.
Cost: Free
Details: Open to all children. Registration required.

🌊Ocean City Christmas in July Celebration
Friday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
Asbury Ave., 6-10th Streets
Grab your friends, stroll Downtown, and experience Christmas with a coastal twist.

🌊Live Music: Dead Reckoning
Friday, 6-10pm
The Fox Den, Linwood Country Club
Performing two sets of Grateful Dead classics and rarities with Colin, Joe, Al, Charlie, and special guest Dean Rubenstein on bass. No cover.

🌊Somers Point Beach Concert Series: DR. JOHN & THE METERS LEGACY SHOW
Friday, 7pm
William Morrow Beach
New Orleans Dr. John & The Meters Legacy Show
George Porter Jr & The Runnin’ Pardners; Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame; Founder of The Meters John “Papa” Gros; Tribute to Dr. John & John Gros latest tribute “Giants”

🌊Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Tour
Friday and Saturday, 7pm & 10:30pm shows
Ocean Casino Resort, AC
Rife is currently selling out arenas around the globe on his biggest tour to-date, Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour, where he recently sold out two shows at the famed Madison Square Garden in NYC and became the youngest comedian to do so.
Tickets via ticketmaster.com

🌊Fool Moon Theatre Presents: The Drowsy Chaperone
Friday & Saturday (7:30pm); Sunday (2pm)
Margate Community Church
When a die-hard theater fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce.
Details: https://www.foolmoontheatre.org/drowsy

🌊Harry Connick Jr., Live in Concert
Friday, 8pm
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
The foundation of Connick’s art is the music of his native New Orleans, where he began performing as a pianist and vocalist at the age of five. Highlights of his music career include several multi-platinum recordings such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “Blue Light, Red Light (Someone’s There)”, “When My Heart Finds Christmas,” “Come By Me, and “Only You.”
Tickets via ticketmaster.com

🌊Somers Point Farmers Market
Every Saturday through Sept 12, 8am-Noon
Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Rd.
50+ vendors offering fresh produce and seafood, prepared goods, and more.
Details: Somers Point Farmers Market

🌊Saint Joseph Regional School Bag Bingo
Saturday, 5:30pm
11 Harbor Ln., Somers Point
A night filled with beautiful designer handbags, raffle baskets, 50/50, and more.
Tickets: https://forms.gle/15uYE3TThN6nEsAr7
Need help with tickets? Email [email protected]

🌊Ocean City's Night in Venice
Saturday, 6:30pm
Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave.
Various viewpoints along the bay.
For more details, visit: https://oceancityvacation.com/events-calendar/71st-annual-night-in-venice-celebration/

🌊Longport Movies on the Beach
Saturday, 7pm
Between 34th and 35th streets
Remember to bring a beach chair.

🌊Live Music: The Usual Suspects
Saturday, 7-10pm
Margate Log Cabin
Open to the public: members and first guest free; all others $5.
Come for the music; stay for the sunset.

🌊Shakira: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour
Saturday, 8:30pm
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, AC
Latin pop singer-songwriter Shakira’s discography has spawned global hit singles “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes.”
Tickets via ticketmaster.com


🌊EHT Community Farmers Market
Sunday, 9am-1pm
Library
Community Farmers Market is back and will be held, weather permitting, each Sunday through October.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Various vendors, artisans, and food trucks

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