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Mainland Living - Best Version Media, Atlantic county, Linwood, NJ (2025)

12/04/2025

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

🎄🎄🎄Linwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, 5 - 8pm
Linwood Arboretum
Music, hot cocoa, ornament decorating, carriage rides, stuff-a-bear, and photos with Santa!

🎄🎄🎄AC Ballet Presents “It’s a Shore Holiday”
Thursday, 7 pm
Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Let the Atlantic City Ballet get you into the holiday spirit! This "radio city-esque" review features a blend of contemporary and classical numbers.
Details: Tickets available at Ticketmaster
Cost: $33-62

🎄🎄🎄Absecon Lighthouse Luminary Light Festival
Friday, 5pm
A festive evening filled with holiday caroling and DJ tunes, a full moon lighthouse climb, tree lighting, and a lovely wine and cheese tasting for all guests to enjoy. $25 Ticket proceeds support the Absecon Lighthouse, get yours today by calling: 609-449-1360

🎄🎄🎄8th Annual Matthew Bee Mocktails & Cocktails Gala
Friday, 5:30 - 10pm
Linwood Country Club
Enjoy live music from SIDESTORY, festive food, signature mocktails and cocktails, raffles, and heartfelt stories of hope and recovery.
Details: Eventbrite.com

🎄🎄🎄Somers Point Annual Porch Performances
Friday, 6 PM
37 Somers Ave., Somers Point
Kick off the season with a quirky and humorous rendition of A Christmas Carol, performed by The Riddlesbrood Players! The evening begins at 37 Somers Ave., then travels from porch to porch through the Bayfront Historic District, wrapping up at Gregory's Bar with light holiday refreshments. This event is free and welcomes everyone—proof that the best things in life really are wrapped up nicely!

🎄🎄🎄Family Fun Night at the Renault Ice Rink
Friday, 6-8 pm
Renault Winery & Resort
Join in for Family Fun Night at Vintner Wonderland, a memorable evening filled with holiday magic. Each week brings a new festive craft for kids to enjoy, paired with a family-friendly movie on the big screen. Every ticket includes a delicious hot chocolate to sip while you create and watch.

🎄🎄🎄EHT Holiday Toy Drive Concert
Friday, 7-9pm
EHT Community Center
Enjoy the sounds of Atlantic Pops Community Band and help local children have a fun holiday season at the Pops’ Holiday Toy Drive Concert. Admission is free but a donation of a new unwrapped toy or article of clothing for a boy or girl is requested. Donations will be distributed to needy area families by the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

🎄🎄🎄Northfield Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, 7 pm
City Hall, 1600 Shore Road, Northfield
Join the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Santa will be taking lists and pictures. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies provided by the City of Northfield Volunteer Fire Company Ladies' Auxiliary.
Details: cityofnorthfield.org

🎄🎄🎄EHTHS Drama Club presents “A Christmas Carol”
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
EHTNJ - Egg Harbor Township High School
An adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. Details: Tickets available at ehths.booktix.com
Cost:$10-12

🎄🎄🎄Scrooge the Musical
Friday & Saturday, 7pm (additional dates and times next weekend)
Gateway Playhouse, Somers Point
Based on Charles Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol, Scrooge the Musical brings the timeless holiday tale to life with warmth, humor, and unforgettable music by Leslie Bricusse. Follow the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on his magical Christmas Eve journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, as he discovers the true spirit of the season. Filled with lively songs, dazzling production numbers, and heartfelt moments, this festive classic is perfect for the whole family. Tickets: gatewaybythebay.org / Cost: Adults: $35, Children: (12 and under) $15

🎄🎄🎄MudGirls Studios Annual Holiday Sale
Saturday, 10am - 2pm
Josie Kelly's Public House
Celebrate the season with MudGirls Studios, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides job training and employment to women in poverty in Atlantic City. Shop handmade ceramic pieces, including ornaments, functional art, and exclusive works available only at this event.
Details: mudgirlsstudios.org

🎄🎄🎄5th Annual Somers Point Christmas Market
Saturday, 11am - 4pm
Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Rd., Somers Point
Enjoy amazing vendors, tasty treats, and live music, all while helping to preserve the historic Somers Mansion. Hosted by the Patriots for the Somers Mansion, this event also offers an opportunity to explore the historic property.

🎄🎄🎄Noyes Holiday Market & Gingerbread Village
Saturday & Sunday, Noon - 5pm
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University
Live holiday music, photos with Santa, craft activities, a pop-up cafe, and shopping from local artists and vendors. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Ducktown AC toy drive and receive FREE parking in the WAVE parking garage.
Details: artsgarageac.com/noyes-holiday-market

🎄🎄🎄Atlantic City Winter Wonderland Parade & Holiday Village
Saturday, 4pm
Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City
Festive floats, local marching bands, dazzling costumes, and community spirit.
Details: acnj.gov

🎄🎄🎄EHT Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, 5pm
EHT Community Center
Join in the 7th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Live music, crafts, and children activities. The evening will conclude with a special guest arriving to help with the tree lighting.
Details: Event is indoor and outdoor. Dress accordingly.

🎄🎄🎄Somers Point Christmas Parade
Saturday, 6pm
Dawes Ave School to Shore Ave to City Hall
Floats, marchers, and all things merry! After the parade, children can visit Santa at the Historical Society, 745 Shore Road.
Details: somerspointhistory.org/

🎄🎄🎄Don’t Call Me Francis LIVE
Saturday, 9:30pm
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Don't Call Me Francis is the high energy, smash-mouth, get up and jam type of band.

🎄🎄🎄Funny Farm Holiday Market & Hayride Fundraiser
Sunday, Market (10am-3pm) & Hayride (Noon-3)
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family! Tickets for the Hayride include: a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, a special holiday surprise for children's activities, a visit with Santa and have your photo taken. Keep an eye out for surprise visits from The Grinch and Santa’s Elves. Explore the Holiday Market featuring Funny Farm Merchandise, Yummy Treats, Festive Crafts, light snacks, and pizza. Enjoy Face Painting for all ages. Visit with over 750 Rescue Animals

🎄🎄🎄Greate Egg Harbour Twp Historical Society Holiday Open House
Sunday, 1-3pm
6647 West New Jersey Ave., EHT
The annual GEHTHS holiday open house is returning for a day you won’t want to miss. Events include a chance to meet and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus (1-2:15), explore the beautiful museum, meet the museum volunteers, enjoy tasty treats and hot chocolate, and grab a chance to take pictures on the wagon! Free event; all are welcome

12/04/2025

Where There is Light: The Mangla-Dabas Family
By Christine D'Alessandro

Of all of the treasures to behold in the home of Ashish Dabas and Dipty Mangla, the image of an elephant hanging in the entryway is among the most visible. Painted in orange, the elephant is Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom, success, and good fortune.

“Ganesha is my favorite,” Dipty smiles before extending her forearm, revealing a tattoo of a swirling elephant trunk.

As Dipty continues into the house, other treasures reveal the family’s deep connection to their homeland. There’s the aroma of cumin and turmeric coming from a pan of dal simmering on the stovetop. In a nearby den, there’s a mandir—a home altar—featuring statues of Ganesha for good luck, Hanuman for strength and courage, and Saraswati for health and well-being. Finally, there is a diya, a traditional Indian oil lamp often used to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, and a favorite family holiday.

“My name—Dipty—actually means light in Hindi,” she shares before settling into a nearby seat. The couple’s son, Kunal, dribbles a soccer ball past the kitchen, while they await the return of Ashish from work and daughter, Riya, from tennis practice. Dipty is surrounded by modern furniture, books, and a contemporary aesthetic that represents the family’s embrace of both their past and present, east and west, and a continued journey to discover their callings while gaining wisdom at every turn.

“I’ve made a lot of drastic changes in my life,” she begins, “and life will throw a lot of things at you, and sometimes you have no other choice but to tackle them. And when you go through that difficult challenge, you come out of it, you endure, and you look behind, and see what you gained—it's always beautiful.”

Mainland Living is excited to celebrate the story of Linwood's Mangla-Dabas family, the rest of which you can read in our December issue, arriving in Mainland mailboxes now. We hope you .

Photo: Shaun Reilly Photography

12/03/2025

Profiles in Coaching: Meet Fred Napoli, Mainland Girls Head Soccer Coach

Like many coaches, Fred Napoli has had some great games. He’s also had games that made him question his decision to coach. The latter was the case when an unexpected phone call came right on time.

“I was the head coach of the boys' soccer team at Middletown, and we just had a really tough game—got really beat up,” Fred reflects. “And I was sitting in my office, thinking, What am I doing? Then, my phone rang.”

The voice on the other end was a player he’d coached years before, one of many athletes Fred refers to as his “soccer family.” Fred had convinced the young man to continue playing soccer in college.

“I was surprised to hear from him, and he just says thank you. And I said—for what? He tells me he just finished his Master's and earned his principal certification. He said he couldn’t have done it without me,” Fred shares. “That meant a lot and couldn’t have come at a better time.”

There have been many proud moments over Fred’s decades-long soccer career. Starting as a standout player at Middletown High School, Fred went on to play at Kean University, where he learned some important lessons; he also discovered his passion for coaching.

“When I arrived at Kean, I quickly realized I was no longer the best player on the field,” Fred laughs. “But that was a great lesson. I learned what it means to work hard for what you want. I switched positions and did whatever I could to get off the bench. That experience also influenced me as a coach. No matter how talented you are, you have to be ready to work hard and respect the game.”

Fred eventually became the assistant soccer coach at Kean and then the head coach of the Kean girls' soccer team. Realizing he wanted to make a career out of coaching, he attained his teaching certification in physical education and health and moved to Monmouth County to begin his career in high school coaching, first at Jackson High School, and then back home at Middletown.

“I’ve had some wonderful teams, and some unbelievably talented players,” Fred explains. “And some of my proudest moments have also come when we were the underdog and came out on top. We once had a state sectional championship game against a very talented Shawnee. It seemed like half their team was committed to some Division I school. We hung in until the very end. We may have lost, but we played better than anyone ever expected, especially the other team.”

Now retired from teaching, Fred and his wife, Betty, have settled in Northfield, close to one of his three brothers, Belhaven history teacher, John Napoli. Fred is working as a permanent substitute teacher in Mainland’s Special Education Department while also enjoying his first season as the head coach of Mainland’s girls' soccer team.

“This team is so wonderful to work with. The seniors possess strong leadership, the juniors are exceptionally talented, and the sophomores are hardworking. We also have a great group of freshmen, many I already knew from summer camps I coached.”

Although Fred may be new to Mainland, he’s not new to our soccer community, having helped run summer camps for the MUSA soccer program.

“My expectation for this season is that we play as well as we can for as long as we can,” Fred smiles. “That’s always the goal. And what I love about this team is that when something isn’t working, they want to know why and what they can do to fix it. Sometimes, you’ll get talented players who accept that the team isn’t good at something. Not these girls. They work hard every day to get better.”

Fred is a team player too, and insists he couldn’t do what he does without the support of his assistant coaches: Zach Adams, Liv Hansen, and Claire Eager, as well as boys' head coach, Alex Weidman, and his brother, John. “I am not used to having so much help,” he smiles, “and I am grateful for it all.”

***Since this article went to print, the Mustang girls soccer team finished their season 9-3 in the CAL, and 12-7 overall. They also defeated Cherry Hill West in the Group 3 tournament first round, before falling to Shawnee in the quarterfinals.

Congratulations on a great season and bright future!

12/02/2025

SEASONS
By Anne Bullen

The gorgeous wedding of my beautiful niece was the perfect kick-off to the holidays this year. I’m not sure when spring stopped being the season for nuptials, but the anticipation of being together with far-flung children, cousins, and family was as delicious as the actual event.

The wedding effortlessly flowed with the spirit of celebration that builds with the first pumpkins of Halloween to the Prosecco-infused toasts of the New Year. Guests arrived like the flocks of migrating birds over the marshes; open-hearted, eager to witness the couple’s vows, and bask for a few short days in the season’s warmth and generosity.

This is also the season of life when the children in our clan are pairing off with a fabulous array of partners, and creating completely new realities in a world we never could have anticipated. There is a special warmth when friends and families naturally come together for holidays and celebrations, when gratitude fills the air, and the year's end invites reflection.

I watched the young couple recite their vows and thought of the many seasons that create the tapestry of a life…the comings and goings, beginnings and endings. But each wedding is a beginning of a new little world that fills me with hope for the future and adds to the season's joy.

11/28/2025

Last round of Turkey Trot pictures— including our a favorite moment of the day: the inflatables finale.

To find out how you can support The Mainland After Prom, follow along at: MRHS After Prom 🐎🐎🐎

11/28/2025

The 4th Annual Mainland Turkey Trot (cont).

The race day continued with a welcome warm-up by The Garage’s Stephanie Riis and a singing of the National Anthem by Ella Osbeck.

Runners followed a circular route, ending on the Mainland track. Congratulations to first place finisher, Liz Hauger, who was followed closely by second place finisher, Steph VandenBerg.

For a list of the complete results, check out: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/137129

11/28/2025

4th Annual Mainland Turkey Trot

The best event to kick off Thanksgiving morning didn’t disappoint! Hosted by MRHS After Prom, the excitement started with the one mile kid fun run.

Congrats to the first place boy finisher and overall winner, Wyatt Funk, and first place girl finisher, Kelsie Pacula.

Additional congrats to all the young runners who completed their first competitive run— what a great race it was!

11/28/2025

To all of the Mainland—we wish you tryptophan dreams and grateful memories.

Special thanks to the Clark-Eliason 352 for hosting a special group that couldn’t gather with family.

Forty-six Coast Guard members stationed in Cape May were treated to a complete Thanksgiving celebration, care of the American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, as well as LB 1 who provided the dinner. This marks the 15th year at the American Legion, and the 30th year locally.

Additionally, sixth grade students from Jordan Road School provided special notes, while the students of St. Joseph Regional School decorated placemats.

There was gratitude in abundance, and we hope you enjoyed the same at your Thanksgiving tables.

11/25/2025

The Power of Healing Touch: With Full Circle Wellness

Sometimes, silence inspires ideas. For Audrey Filardi, the concept of Full Circle Wellness came in 2007, while she was alone in the quiet of her car, imagining the possibilities of her life’s passion.

“I was driving, thinking about what my own practice would look like,” Audrey reflects. “I had been working at some local day spas at the time, though I always imagined having a place of my own. The name Full Circle Wellness just came to me like a whisper. ”

Introducing Audrey
Audrey Filardi is a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, and WATSU practitioner. She’s also the owner of Full Circle Wellness, Southern New Jersey’s most sought-after destination for therapeutic massage, myofascial release, assisted stretching, sports massage, and Reiki. Her mission is to help people stay active and healthy throughout their lives by promoting the healing power of touch.

“I think it’s important for people to understand the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit,” Audrey explains. While it’s common to view the idea of getting a massage as a treat or the perk of a special spa day, Audrey affirms the practice should be a part of routine wellness and a form of therapy we should view as complementary care.

“I think if more people really understood the benefits of massage therapy, they would look at it the same way we look at supplements or doctor’s visits. It promotes healing on every level of being, whether it’s traditional massage, Reiki energy healing, or vibration therapy.”

The path to wellness
Growing up in Vineland, Audrey was always interested in the arts. After high school, she headed west to pursue a degree in the arts in California before circling back east to Boston, where she earned a Master's degree in Art Therapy. Audrey then returned to Southern New Jersey, where she began a career in the mental health industry, a path that eventually led to burnout and a desire to change course.

“I worked in the mental health field for six years and was ready for a change,” Audrey admits. “I started to work as a personal trainer, and I also started a business with my sister, who is a horticulturist. We cultivated our own medicinal, culinary herbs, and though we loved doing it, we struggled to turn the business into something more sustainable.”

Although her roles as both a personal trainer and herbalist didn’t ultimately lead to her lifelong career, they did signal a segue into the world of wellness and a full-circle moment for Audrey.

“I decided to enroll in the New Jersey School of Massage Therapy in Hammonton, and graduated in 2005. I started Full Circle Wellness in 2007, first seeing clients in my home and continuing to work outside the home while building my practice. In 2017, I began to devote more time and marketing efforts to my work. I began working with the VA, and I also connected with an acupuncturist and rented space in her office. When she relocated to Florida, I went totally solo and have been growing ever since.”

Audrey’s reputation for customizing sessions to meet each client’s unique needs has made her the area’s go-to practitioner in the field of massage therapy.

“Whether it’s an athlete looking to help remedy an injury or improve performance, a health enthusiast looking for a life balance, or someone suffering with anxiety or emotional distress, massage therapy can be tailored to anyone’s needs.”

For Audrey, there is no clearer illustration of the power of healing than her work with veterans. As a recommended service provider through the VA, Audrey has amassed a following of clients who have found relief they once thought impossible to achieve.

“There’s no denying our emotions can often be the root of pain,” Audrey shares. “I remember when a veteran suffering from PTSD came to me, desperate for relief from constant pain and a ringing in his ear. I was one of his last resorts, and through massage therapy, he was able to release so much of his pent-up trauma. It truly shows how our body can hold onto pain, and also how we can release it through this practice. It can truly be transformative.”

To learn more about the services offered at Full Circle Wellness, visit fullcirclewellnessllc.com or call (609) 839-3810.

11/24/2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Post Crashers are Committed to Helping Veterans
By Suzanne Marino, Photos provided by Carol Ferguson

The nation honors the men and women of all branches of the military on Veterans Day. Post Crashers, a grassroots student-run group based at the Harvey D. Johnson American Legion Post 295 in Northfield, is doing its part for veterans throughout the year.

Some of the volunteers include Clark Silvern, an Eagle Scout and senior at Mainland, who combined his passion for fishing with his desire to help veterans. He launched the Salty Vet Fishing Club. Clark applied for and received several grants that enabled him to purchase rods and reels for the effort. The Salty Vet Club event was part of Post Crashers 9/11 Day of Service.

Later that morning, at American Legion Post 295, Post Crasher volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began harvesting their 27-bed garden. Inside, more volunteers prepared meals for the veterans living in transitional housing.

Julia Lockhart and her daughters, Riley and Reece, are part of the Post Crashers. At first, Julia said she showed up and helped where she was needed while her daughters were there. "I have continued because there are a lot of good qualities about the organization that you do not necessarily find locally. I think the combination of Post Crashers being a student-run organization and that they have a direct and tangible impact on the veterans' community is significant to me. I am a Navy veteran, and I joined the military because I wanted to help people and serve my country. Once I left the military, I was hoping to continue that service in some way, especially if it involved the veterans' community." She expressed her appreciation that her daughter, Riley, was able to be involved in designing and creating a pollinator garden, utilizing skills in an area she loves to focus on. Reece enjoys working with the foster kids' summer camp program. Julia added that she has enjoyed seeing her girls grow through this service experience. "I want them to understand that not everyone in our community has the same comforts they have in their lives, and for them to know it is part of being a good human being to others who might need it," she concluded. For the girls' part, working with others and helping feed an unappreciated community is something they enjoy.

Post Crashers is making a positive impact on the veteran community. Over the past 11 years, more than 1,000 students have been part of the effort. According to organizer Carol Ferguson, they have prepared over 23,000 lunches and served 6,500 full-course meals. They have grown over 24,000 pounds of produce in their community garden, repurposed more than 300,000 bagels through food recovery, and collected over 30,000 pounds of food, along with toiletries, clothing, and blankets. The student volunteers and parents have renovated American Legion Post 295 into a welcoming hub for veterans and secured over $220,000 in funding to sustain youth-led initiatives.

To learn more about Post Crashers and their ongoing efforts to support the veteran community,
follow them on Facebook.

11/24/2025

Gathering in Gratitude: Circle Liquor Picks for the Holiday Season
By Chester Malloy

We are getting ready for the holiday season, which includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's!

A good time to be grateful
Let's start with Thanksgiving—a great day for families and friends to get together and enjoy this wonderful American holiday. We recommend American wines for this feast, and with the many flavors on the table, many wines will work well on this day.

Let's talk turkey! Some white wines that are appropriate are Chardonnay, and Ferrari Carano, in particular, has an oaky profile that works very well and is on sale for $16.99. Another Chardonnay we enjoy is Wente Morning Fog, which is not as bold as Ferrari Carano, but still has the creamy style that pairs well with the foods on the table.

Riesling is a great partner with this meal; an off-dry Riesling hits the spot. We like Willamette Valley Riesling from Oregon; the apple and peach flavors, along with sharp acidity, are very complementary, and it's only $18.99 at the Circle. For another dry Riesling, try Pacific Rim Dry Riesling on sale for $7.99. Finally, Pinot Gris will fill the bill with its bright, fruity flavors and easygoing style.

For the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is a good call, and we recommend Educated Guess Napa (on sale for $19.99) and Decoy by Duckhorn Limited Napa (on sale at $24.99- normally $39.99). Pinot Noir is a good bet, and we like Benoni Red Hill from Oregon, which is Burgundian in style and makes a great food wine. Our staff has also been enjoying Cambria Pinot Noir, Julia's Vineyard, on sale for $19.99 ($31.99). Of course, we have to have a big Zin on the table. A great buy is the Lapis Luna Zinfandel, only $9.99 ($14.99)—loaded with ripe fruit and bold flavor— and Carol Shelton Wild Thing Zinfandel is terrific ($21.99).

A December to Remember
After Turkey Day, our focus is on Christmas and Hanukkah. We offer a diverse selection of Kosher wines from around the world, featuring both red and white varieties, as well as dry and sweet options.

We work hard getting our center aisle set up for the holiday season. We purchase numerous gift sets from our suppliers, and we are well-known for our holiday gift baskets. We have over 40 different choices on display, and we will CUSTOM-MAKE baskets for you. We offer beer baskets, wine baskets, and liquor baskets.

December is a big month for sparkling wines from around the world. Italy is famous for Prosecco. We recommend Bele Casel on sale for $14.99 ($21.99). Circle Liquor Store prefers Roederer Estate from California ($25.99, originally $36.99). From the Champagne region of France, we love Gaston Chiquet Brut Tradition NV, available for only $47.99 as a grower-producer Champagne. Some great buys in bubbly include Valdo Numero Uno ($9.99), St. Hilaire from France ($13.99), and Gruet Brut from New Mexico, available for only $15.99 (originally $ 19.99).

We Do Dry January
If you are joining the ranks of people abstaining from alcohol for the month of January, Circle Liquor is also your go-to place for alternative beverages. We have a large selection of THC drinks, with some popular brands including Uncle Arnie's, Delta, and Cycling Frog, among others. We also offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits.

Happy Holidays to all of our friends!!

11/21/2025

🎄🎄MAINLAND SNAPSHOT🎄🎄

Spotted…

🦉 Who? Charity League members Suzanne Bianchi and Judy Page

📍Where? The Charity League Christmas Mart at Linwood Country Club

❓What is your favorite Charity League pin of all time?

Sue: “I’d have to say the swan from 2004– my first year as Chair.”
Judy: “Mine is the white ornament from 1995.”

See pins in comments. The mart is still on until 8 pm tonight! One day only….

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