<<

November 2014 After 25 Years, CRDA’s Susan Thompson Moving On

Atlantic City has witnessed plenty of change since 1989, but one constant has remained over the past 25 years, Susan Ney Thompson. Thompson, the Deputy Executive Director of the CRDA, announced her resignation from the authority effective October 31, 2014. Thompson joined the CRDA in 1989 with responsibilities for property acquisition when the organization was focused on community develop- ment in the city’s Northeast Inlet. The Agency’s work created new neighborhoods and stands today as a model of successful planning, investment and redevelopment. According to Thompson she has no immediate plans. “I joined the staff of the CRDA in 1989, and I am honored to have been a part of many transformative investments in the City and elsewhere in the State. I (Left to right) - CRDA Board Vice Chairman believe strongly in Atlantic City and know it is quickly moving forward Robert Mulcahy, CRDA Executive Director to a strong future. I look forward to seeing the City’s success in the John Palmieri, CRDA Deputy Executive months and years to come” Director Susan Thompson and CRDA Board Chairman James Kehoe. During her tenure, CRDA helped create 1,500 housing units in the City. Thompson worked on a long list of projects that provide community- based services, including the Boys and Girls Club, The Jewish Older Adult Services Pogachefsky Senior Citizen Pavilion, the Usry Daycare Center, restoration of Absecon Lighthouse, the Atlantic City Aquarium, the Atlantic Avenue/Main Street façade renovation and residential program and housing loan programs in Atlantic City. Her background in planning assisted the Authority with developing major infrastructure projects including The Wave Garage and the Art Garage. She was among the key CRDA staff involved with creation and launch of the Atlantic City Tourism District. Thompson serves on the Board of the Atlantic City Main Street and represents CRDA on the Aviation Research Technical Park Board. Thompson served as Interim Executive Director of the CRDA prior to John Palmieri’s start as Executive Director. “Susan has made a lasting mark on Atlantic City and on the CRDA,” Palmieri said. “Her guidance is evident in the success of these projects. I know we’ll all miss having her input and insight as we move forward, but we wish her the best.” During the October 21st CRDA Board meeting, Thompson was presented with a signed resolution extolling her achievements over the years: RESOLUTION OF THE REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN RECOGNITION OF SUSAN NEY THOMPSON

WHEREAS, Susan Ney Thompson has served the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) since 1989; and

WHEREAS, the Authority greatly appreciates Susan Ney Thompson’s 25 years of service to the Authority, and wishes to formally commend and thank her for her selfless commitment, abundant knowledge, steadfast leadership and enviable professionalism during those years of service to the Authority; and,

WHEREAS, Susan Ney Thompson has helped usher the CRDA through many economic development projects throughout the State of and in Atlantic City, there by establishing vibrant new neighborhoods, such as the Northeast Inlet redevelopment; venues for community-based services, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Usry Daycare Center, Atlantic City Aquarium; and programs, such as residential housing loan programs and Atlantic Avenue/Main Street facade renovations, that provide economic benefits to the community; and,

WHEREAS, Susan Ney Thompson, who served as the Interim Executive Director during the implementation of the Atlantic City Tourism District, worked tirelessly to craft a new Master Plan; played a vital role in the planning and revitalization of the Expressway Corri- dor region that included the construction of Tanger Outlets The Walk, The Wave Garage and the Arts Garage gallery; and,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the CRDA that Susan Ney Thompson has made an enduring contribution to this Author- ity, to the State of New Jersey and to the goal of redeveloping Atlantic City, serving with grace, dignity, honor and distinction.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Authority hereby expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Susan Ney Thompson for her leader- ship and dedication, and extends its best wishes to her in hope that she may long enjoy such activities as may be pleasurable and meaning- ful, and that a duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the Chairman and attested by the Secretary, be transmitted to Susan Ney Thompson.

A copy of this Resolution shall be immediately transmitted to the Governor. The Resolution shall take effect immediately, but no action authorized herein shall have force and effect until ten days, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted, after such copy of this Resolution has been delivered to the Governor for his approval, unless during such ten-day period the Governor shall approve the same, in which case such action shall become effective upon such approval, as provided in N.J.S. A. 5:12-183.

I hereby certify that this document is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 14-137 of the Casino Reinvestment Develop- ment Authority.

CRDA Board Actions Continue Path to Atlantic City’s Redevelopment

The Board of the CRDA approved several measures at its October 21st Board meeting that will provide community and tourism enhancements, and add to Atlantic City’s economic development efforts. “The CRDA maintains a strong commitment to serving community needs as well as tourism needs,” said Board Chairman James Kehoe. “We need a strong community to create a welcome atmosphere for our visitors.” The Board awarded Steel Pier a supplemental fund reservation not to exceed $4 million for additional project financing for their planned observation wheel. The funds will allow the project to proceed without seeking bank financing, in order to complete the wheel by the end of 2015. The 200-foot observation wheel will be one of the tallest in the country, providing scenic views year-round from (Above) - Rendering of the proposed Steel Pier Observation Wheel. enclosed gondolas, with available food and beverage service, during a half-hour loop. According to CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri, “This is the kind of year-round attraction people are willing to travel to see. It will certainly add to the non-gaming amenities Atlantic City needs to attract new visitors.” The Board also approved a $9.1 million fund reservation for relocation of the John Brooks Recovery Center currently located on Pacific Avenue and on Tennessee Avenue. Under the approved plan, the Atlantic City outpatient clinic will remain in the city to serve the city’s residents and workforce, but will move to a new location, while an outpatient clinic to serve others throughout the county is planned to be located on the mainland. Additionally, the residential clinic will be relocated off-island. CRDA funds will be used for relocation expenses, acquisition of JBRC owned real estate and demolition as needed. In addition, the Board authorized Community Capital Development Grants of approximately $148,000 for the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, Inc.; the American Engineering and Science Robotics Academy; Covenant House of South Jersey, Inc.; Golden Circle of South Jersey, Inc.; and Spanish Community Center - Shore AHEC. All organizations maintain a presence in Atlantic City and serve various segments of the community including educational, social and basic needs. The Tourism District Advisory Board will have five new members as approved by Board action today, including Auggie Cipolini (Sr. Vice President of Operations at Borgata) filling the casino industry seat, Bob Marshall representing the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Howard Kyle (County Administrator and CRDA Board) filling the CRDA's seat, Elizabeth Terenik (City Planner) filling the City of Atlantic City seat and John Peterson (County Planner) filling the Atlantic County seat. “We welcome this group’s energy and ideas and look forward to their input on how to continue growing Atlantic City’s tourism market,” Palmieri said. NHL’s Flyers “DO AC” With Open Practice at Boardwalk Hall

For the first time since 1982, the Philadelphia Flyers full team will be making a stop in Atlantic City to host an open practice, sponsored by Tropicana Casino & Resort, for fans at Boardwalk Hall on Sunday, November 9 at 12 p.m. “We are thrilled to host an open practice for the Philadelphia Flyers at Boardwalk Hall and to be a part of the team’s first visit to Atlantic City in 32 years,” said Fran Rodowicz, Global Spectrum General Manager at Board- walk Hall. “It’s a prudent time to give back to our local community, and we are happy to welcome residents of both South Jersey and the Philadelphia area into our arena for this free event. We’d especially like to thank our sponsor Tropicana Casino & Resort Atlantic City for their support of this event.” Free tickets are now available for the open practice online at the brand new www.BoardwalkHall.com or in person at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office. All tickets for the event are general admission and patrons are limited to four tickets per order.

While several Flyers players participated in the Operation Hat Trick game in November 2012 to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy relief, the open practice will be the first appearance for the full team in Atlantic City since playing an exhibition game versus the New York Rangers at Boardwalk Hall on October 3, 1982. “As part of the Atlantic City community, Global Spectrum believes in A.C. and is thrilled to help support this exciting, one-of-a-kind event down the shore,” said John Page, President of Global Spectrum. The Flyers will practice in Atlantic City between a five-day break in games between their game versus the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, November 8, and their home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, November 14. 2

Atlantic City: Reinventing a Landmark Destination

Atlantic City—Beyond Gaming: How this landmark destination is reinventing itself for visitors and residents By: Donald A. Guardian, Mayor, City of Atlantic City (Courtesy of New Jersey Municipalities Magazine, October 2014) Atlantic City is ready for a new beginning. The city has been reinventing itself for over 160 years, and today is no different. We are currently in the midst of writing the next great chapter in our illustrious history. Change is in the air, and the Chris Christie Administration along with elected officials and private and public agencies like the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) are working together to usher in this new reality. But what exactly does that mean? To begin with, it means that Atlantic City is more than just casino gaming. A Successful Transition—For too long, Atlantic City has been judged by a single set of monthly figures that fail to measure the destination’s overall economic health, the adjustments it is making to changing market conditions or its potential for future growth and investment. Each month, media outlets report the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s casino revenue numbers as though they reflect the sum of Atlantic City’s parts. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is this: Atlantic City is in the midst of a successful transition from a destination overly reliant on to one in which a dynamic mix of amenities attracts more than 27 million visitors each year. As gaming supply continues to outstrip demand nationwide, mature casino markets throughout the country must look to additional sources of revenue to thrive. Stagnant or declining casino revenue should serve as a wakeup call to jurisdictions that look to legalized gaming as a cure for their economic woes. Fortunately, the changing nature of the casino industry didn’t catch Atlantic City by surprise. Like Las Vegas before it, Atlantic City is aggressively working to broaden its appeal by focusing on attractions beyond the casino floor. This evolution, which is well underway, is essential to replacing the local jobs that have been lost in the casino industry and to writing the next great chapter in Atlantic City’s story. In Atlantic County, non-gaming revenues have increased by $240 million—from $4.72 billion in 2010 to $4.96 billion in 2013. Atlantic City’s non-gaming revenues have increased by more than $160 million in just the last two years and are now approaching $1 billion annually. Another critical indicator of non-gaming growth is luxury tax receipts, which are attached to the purchase of alcoholic beverages, tickets and other amusement attractions. In the first quarters of 2011, 2012 and 2013, the three-year average of luxury tax receipts was 20.7% higher than in the same quarter of the prior four years (2007-2010), growing from $5.6 million quarterly to $6.8 million quarterly. On the same basis, second quarter receipts were 33.1% higher, third quarter receipts were 20.8% higher and fourth quarter receipts were 20.2% higher. Economic Development Initiatives—The CRDA, tasked with overseeing the state-legislated Atlantic City Tourism District, has developed a robust agenda to improve the region. Its goals are to diversify the city’s offerings for both residents and visitors, enhance cleanliness and safety, and provide a variety of new entertainment options. The Authority has attracted more than $700 million in capital investment to the destination, with more than $290 million presently being spent on the development of non-gaming amenities. Major independent private sector investments, such as an $18 million Bass Pro Shop store, are underway in the heart of Atlantic City’s Tourism District. The CRDA’s Ambassador Program has proven successful in enhancing the visitor experience by assisting visitors and alerting the appropriate Atlantic City departments to code enforcement issues. The CRDA’s Special Improvement Division (SID) creates pocket parks on vacant land and ensures cleanliness throughout Atlantic City. A joint program with City government has been successful in removing dilapidated structures and motivating landlords to make needed improvements. A façade improvement program that also focuses on second-floor housing improvements is creating new interest in Atlantic City’s downtown. Supporting Tourism—Finding new ways to bring visitors to Atlantic City is also a priority for the CRDA. A $2 million contribution from the CRDA helped bring new United Airways service to the Atlantic City International Airport. Funding and marketing support also helped attract major events, such as the Garden State Film Festival, Challenge Triathlon and other events, which draw millions of visitors. While free, CRDA-supported entertainment every night throughout the summer gave visitors a reason to stay in town. The overwhelming success of the back-to-back beach concerts this summer featuring headliners Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum portrayed Atlantic City at its very best. Over 120,000 visitors flocked to the beaches to soak up the sun, sand, and listen to music. The breathtaking aerial photos said it all. Atlantic City is still a place than can draw crowds of hundreds of thousands of people. As the city continues to evolve, the CRDA will enact a solid development plan designed to keep pace with market changes. Looking Ahead—Atlantic City’s mission is clear: diversify. Atlantic City will always welcome gamblers, but we must do more to attract a wider array of visitor, particularly as legal gambling options proliferate. As the newly-elected mayor of Atlantic City, I remain optimistic about what America’s Playground will look like many years from today. We will be a city with many more attractions than one can enjoy in a single day. Atlantic City will continue to be a thriving tourist destination and hometown where casino gaming complements non-gaming attractions. This is the next chapter in Atlantic City’s long history. It is a new beginning!

3

CRDA Bond Sale Shows Confidence in Atlantic City A Luxury Tax Revenue Bond offering by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) sold and closed on Thursday, October 30 for $241.19 million per value, with gross proceeds of $255.98 million and net proceeds of $254.69 million. Within the selling window, the issue was significantly over-subscribed. “The high demand for the bond from the institutional market is in line with the strength of the Atlantic City economy right now, as evidenced by current luxury tax receipts,” said CRDA Board Chairman James Kehoe. “It’s also a positive response to the measures the City, County and State governments have taken to expand Atlantic City’s economic base.” The bonds are backed by Atlantic City Luxury Tax receipts, which have increased since 2002 from almost $20 million to $36 million. The tax is collected on items such as hotel rooms, entertainment tickets and alcohol consumption. The bonds are a 30-year series with varying maturities from 2015 through 2044. Proceeds will help refinance debt and other obligations, as well as finance capital improvements at facilities owned by the CRDA, which include the East and West Halls of Boardwalk Hall, which serves as the city’s main concert and entertainment event arena; the Atlantic City Convention Center; and the Atlantic City Rail Terminal, which is attached to the Atlantic City Convention Center. Approximately $100 million is earmarked for updates at those buildings over five years. “The refinancing of the Luxury Tax Bonds is a significant step in the Card's efforts to implement the Tourism District Act,” said CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri. “These are highly valuable assets for Atlantic City. Modernizing them will maximize their economic benefit by making them even more attractive for show producers and by enhancing the visitor experience.” To read the Official Statement for the bond issue, visit http://buynjbonds.gov. For information about the CRDA, visit www.njcrda.com. For information about Atlantic City tourism, visit www.doatlanticcity.com Harrah’s Tops Out Conference Center ACCC Opens New Hospitality Wing

Caesars Entertainment Atlantic Cape officially topped out its Community College Harrah’s Waterfront officially opened its Conference Center during new Caesars a ceremony on Wednes- Entertainment Wing day, October 22, signify- for Hospitality and ing the safe completion Gaming Studies at of the $125-million- the college’s Atlantic complex’s steel structure. City Worthington campus on At 250,000 square feet, Thursday, October the new conference center will cater to the needs of the corporate 16. meetings market and will complement the tradeshows that currently book at the Convention Center. The 20,000-square-foot continuing education technical training facility will offer customized training services for the Atlantic City regional “We believe this conference center will innovate and stimulate, and will hospitality industry and will feature two teaching kitchens, classrooms, be a game changer for the market,” said Caesars Entertainment offices and greenhouse. Chairman, President and CEO Gary Loveman. The CRDA and Atlantic County each contributed $5 million a piece The conference center should be fully enclosed by November and the towards this project, which will offer local residents educational sales team has already signed 25 contracts, resulting in nearly $6 million opportunities that will teach them the necessary skills needed to create of committed business, along with nearly $8 million worth of sales a world-class workforce for the hospitality and culinary arts industries. currently pending. This project is an example of the CRDA’s commitment to assisting The conference center will allow Atlantic City to tap into the lucrative Atlantic City residents and providing them with the state-of-the-art corporate meetings business, which Atlantic City currently only attracts facilities needed to train them for careers in the hospitality and culinary 1% of throughout the entire Northeast region. arts industries.

4

The Quarter’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Offers Holiday Fun at Tropicana It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Tropicana is celebrating with a full schedule of holiday themed shows and events. From November 17 – December 26, take in the sights and sounds of the season with a free holiday musical light show in The Quarter, an elaborate Holiday production show in The Showroom, and even a silly holiday bar crawl! Deck the Halls… Back by popular demand, the original 35-foot holiday tree is back and better than ever to celebrate The Quarter’s 10th Anniversary. Tropicana’s Free Holiday Musical Light Show will feature stunning holiday décor, and music, with the marvelous 35-foot tree in the center of it all. This not-to-be-missed experience combines interactive lights with an inspiring array of beloved holiday musical selections from jazz to rock to international favorites. Daily shows from Monday, November 24 - Friday, December 26 will run every hour on the hour, from noon until 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday and noon until midnight Friday – Sunday. Adding to the festive décor is the Tropicana’s famed 25-foot tree Poinsettia Tree located in Palm Walk. Public Invited to Join The Quarter’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration & Tree Lighting On Monday, November 24 at 1:00 PM, Tropicana will host an official ceremony to commemorate the past and celebrate the future. Guests will enjoy food samples, cake, sparkling beverages, and guest speakers. Immediately following, Tropicana will kick off the holiday season with the countdown to the Official Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring a 35-foot tree and live entertainment. ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly… Holiday Extravaganza is a typical Broadway dance ensemble of 10 dancers and two female singers who will light up the spirit of the Holidays. From Jingle Bells to Carol of the Bells, this ensemble will make you remember what the Holidays are all about. A magnificent Holiday themed set with hundreds of costumes, the dancers and singers will make you believe in miracles, in fairytales and in Santa! The show is scheduled in the Showroom on select dates from Sunday, November 16 through Friday, December 19. Admission for Holiday Extravaganza is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 16 and under. Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000) as well as at the Tropicana Box Office. All tickets will be sold as general admission seating. The doors for each perform- ance will open one hour prior to the scheduled show time. Make your list and check it twice…. Find the perfect gift for anyone on your list as you work your way through any of Tropicana’s 25 shops. The Quarter is home to the latest in men’s and women’s fashion with brands like AKA, White House Black Market, Cache, Francesca’s Collections, Chico’s and more. Pamper that special someone with services at bluemercury spa, and find unique gift ideas at Zephyr Gallery and Old Farmer’s Almanac. For a gift that’s sure to fit everyone’s tastes, pick up a Tropicana Gift Card. Tropicana Gift Cards can be redeemed for overnight stays at Tropicana as well as dining, shopping, and entertainment throughout the property, including The Quarter! Order online at http://tropicana.net/gift-cards/ or call Casino Services at 1-800-338-5553 for more information. Tropicana gift cards are also available for purchase at our Front Desk in the South Tower. Santa Clauses are Running through Town Dress in your Santa’s best and get ready for some charitable fun! Tropicana continues the holiday season with its zany and ever popular annual Running of the Santas on Saturday, December 6 starting at 8 p.m. Join the spectacle as hundreds of Santa-clad participants raise awareness for a great cause as they celebrate the season by participating in this “running” bar crawl. Special appearance will be made by WMGM’s Matt & Tess. Registration for the pub crawl takes place from 8-9pm at Hooters in The Marketplace featuring a signing by the Hooters calendar girls. The party continues from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Firewaters with select draft beers reduced to just $2. At 10pm, the Santas (led by the beautiful Hooters calendar girls) will “run” from Firewaters, down the boardwalk, through the casino floor, and to The North Pole aka A Dam Good Sports Bar in The Quarter. From 10 p.m. to midnight, the excitement continues at A Dam Good Sports Bar as they offer drink specials and host the Hottest Santa competition, where the winner will take home a $250 Visa gift card. The after party will take place at midnight at the Boogie Nights Jingle Ball where the first 200 Santas through the door will receive a free white afro! Take in the ultimate 70s and 80s experience while taking advantage of $5 Bud Light drink specials all night long. Admission is free to all registered Santas with a wristband. Must be 21 with valid ID. (continued on page 10)

5

Beachview Residence Breaks Ground CRDA Ambassador Passes

An official ground The entire extended CRDA family would breaking ceremony like to send our thoughts and condo- took place on Friday, lences to the family and friends of October 10 for the Ambassador Marvin Applebaum, who Beachview Residence, passed away suddenly last month while an $18 million adap- patrolling along Mississippi and Pacific tive reuse project that avenues. will restore a vital Mr. Applebaum had been a seasonal piece of the city’s Ambassador under contract through ocean front. American Building Maintenance (ABM) Beachview Residence since June 8, 2014. will be transformed into a vibrant, five-story apartment community for Sandy-displaced seniors and individuals with special needs. The community will consist of 58 units, 15 of which will be reserved for Memorial Statues & Pedestals Installed individuals living with physical and developmental disabilities. Residents will have access to a large community room, a full range of The statues that will comprise the First Responders & 9/11 Memorial on on-site social services, the Boardwalk at St. James Place were installed on Tuesday, October beachfront and state-of- 28. A formal unveiling ceremony will be held on an as-of-yet- the-art unit amenities. determined date. Please visit www.njcrda.com for updates. The building also will The memorial features a 7” tall bronze casted statue of a police officer, incorporate several a fireman and K9 officer mounted on a 6’x4’ granite base. The second green design principles monument features two granite pedestals with the first displaying a and will seek to achieve police shield on top of the pedestal while the other features a fireman’s the highest LEED helmet. Each pedestal is approximately 3’6” high and is also mounted (Leadership in Energy & on a 6’x4’ base with a flag Environmental Design) pole in between. certification.

Beat the Cold Campaign

The Westside Neighborhood Association is accepting donations of hats, scarves and gloves for boys and girls from pre-school through the eighth grade as part of its 1st Annual Hat-Scarf-Glove Drop Off. Please help our children beat the cold. Donations may be dropped off at the following locations: Law Office of Jeffrey R. Wilson, 706 North Ohio Avenue in Atlantic City or at Lucy the Elephant, 9200 Atlantic Avenue in Margate. For more information, please contact Dennis Konzelman, president of the Westside Neighborhood Protective Association at 609-214-6381 or via email at [email protected]. Winter Coat & Shoe Drive

The Heart & Soul Foundation at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is spear- heading a Winter Coat & Shoe Drive to benefit the Covenant House and Rescue Mission. If anyone has any spare warm clothing hanging in their closets just look- ing for a new home, please drop them off to Stellzene Roberts at the CRDA office Monday through Friday only. Donations will not be accepted at the Borgata itself.

6

AC Library News/Events: Artifacts on Display at Museum The last episode of the fifth and final season of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” aired on October 26, but the series will maintain a presence at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. The museum, which is presented by the Atlantic City Free Public Library, recently received donations of Boardwalk Empire props and related items – and many of those are showcased for the public to view. Some of the Boardwalk Empire items on display include: an Atlantic City Beach Patrol costume swimsuit, bottles, promotional posters, newspapers, a wooden barrel and research binder about Enoch “Nucky” Johnson – the inspi- ration behind the lead character , played by . The displayed items were donated to the museum by Boardwalk Empire’s producers and their research advisor, Edward McGinty, who also played the character Ward Boss Boyd on the show. The Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Reference Department has worked with McGinty and the show over the years, answering questions, along with providing detailed information about the city and photos from the library’s Atlantic City Heritage Collections. “It has been a pleasure to work with Bootleg Productions and HBO over these past five seasons as historical consultants for the show,” Atlantic City Library and Historical Museum archivist Heather Perez said. “We appreciate their donation of the props and costume piece, as well as their research materials and memorabilia. We are happy to have them on exhibit at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. Interest in Atlantic City’s rich heritage has never been higher, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to draw fans of the TV series and to show them the amazing things that have happened here in the city.” ______The Kiwanis Club of Atlantic City is folding this year after 94 years of serving children throughout the community and thus has donated its archives, which date back to the group’s origin in 1920, to the Atlantic City Free Public Library to be included in its Atlantic City Heritage Collec- tions. Long-time Kiwanis Club members Tom Keck and Bill McGinley presented the archives, which included scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, photos, programs and plaques, to the library in October. ______Free programs for children and teenagers are available throughout November. Children nine years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Please call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3050, for more information. Free Practice SAT: Saturday, November 1, 10 am – 2 pm. Registration is required for this SAT practice test, administered by Kaplan. Please see a youth services staff member if you need help creating an e-mail address. Study materials are available from the library in person and online. Please e-mail [email protected] or call (609) 345-2269 ext. 3050 to sign up. This is the full four-hour SAT practice test. There is no fee to participate. Ages 13-18. Teen Advisory Group (TAG): Saturday, November 1, 2:30 pm. TAG is our teen volunteering group, where teens can help plan teen events, tell the library what materials to buy and get volunteer hours. Ages 13-18. Creative Craft Tuesdays: Tuesday, November 4 and 18, 3:30 pm. Kids use their imagination to make and take home crafts. Ages 6-12. Pre-school Rhyme Time: Thursday, November 6, 13 and 20, 10:30 am. Features stories, songs and simple crafts for children, accompanied by an adult. Family and siblings are welcome. This is a fun way to help your child develop skills they will need to be ready to read. Ages 3-5. Baby Bounce and Play Group: Thursday, November 6, 13 and 20, 11:30 am. This program introduces infants (ages 0-18 months) to the world of sounds and stories. Stories, songs, rhymes and movement help build pre-reading skills. An informal playgroup follows. Comic Drawing: Thursday, November 6, 13 and 20, 3:30 pm. Marvel/DC Comics illustrator Joe Del Beato will lead drawing instruction for children and teens. Ages 9-17. Tween Days in the Teen Lounge: Saturday, November 8 and 22, 11 am—1 pm. Kids are invited to rock out in the Teen Space. This is your chance to enjoy gaming. Participants need a library card in good standing to participate. Ages 9-12. LEGO Club: Saturday, November 8 and 22, 2 pm. Use our LEGOs and your imagination to create something great. Ages 6-12. Children’s Book Club: Saturday, November 8 and 22, 3 pm. Combine technology and reading in a special book club experience. Share a great book then learn how to make an interactive poster about it, plus join our book club blogging group. Any child who joins the program also receives a free copy of the book to keep. Refreshments and crafts included. Registration required. Please call (609) 345.2269, ext. 3050. Ages 8-11. Teen Gaming Club: Saturday, November 15, 3 pm in Teen Lounge. Celebrate International Game @ Your Library Day! Play video and table- top games, analyze how they work, and make your own! Every meeting of the gaming club will include a Game of the Month, lessons about game design, and free play time. 7

CRDA Project Updates in Photos

Bass Pro Shops

Lighthouse District Park

Harrah’s Conference Center

Connecticut Crescent Housing Development

8

CRDA Project Updates in Photos

Atlantic Avenue Façade Improvements

(Left) - Carolina Crescent Housing Development

(Below) - North Carolina and Pacific avenues pocket park

9

Convention Center Events The Quarter Celebrates 10th Anniversary Import Expo Car Show November 1 (continued from page 5) NJEA Annual Meeting November 6-7 Advance tickets are available at www.runningofthesantas.com for $10 in advance or in person MESCO Annual Trade Show November 12-13 on the day of the run for $20. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ellie Koerner Leukemia ASAH 37th Annual Conf November 13-14 Foundation. For more info visitwww.onetuffgirl.com. Santas from runs in the other locations will receive free entry with their Running of the Santas ticket stub and all Santas will receive an AC National College Fair November 13 exclusive hotel rate at Tropicana of $79 Friday, December 5th and $139 Saturday, December th NJSLM Annual Fall Conf November 18-20 6 . These rates are based on double occupancy and do not include taxes. Must reserve by No- vember 21, 2014. Call 1-800-345-8767 or visit www.tropicana.net and use booking code TSAN- TA4. Boardwalk Hall Events Packages You Won’t Want To Miss Hopkins vs Kovalev Boxing November 8 Take a break from the holiday madness at home and get some shopping done as well! Take ad- vantage of the Holiday Shopping Package for just $84. Price includes overnight accommoda- Philadelphia Flyers Open Practice Nov 9 tions, a $40 Tropicana gift card, and a $20 breakfast credit. Package is valid Monday through Usher in Concert November 15 Thursday from November 10 – December 23. Rates are based on double occupancy and do not include taxes. To book your room now, call 1-800-345-8767 and refer to the booking code Albany Devils vs LHV Phantoms Nov 28 THOL14 when making your reservation. It’s all about the entertainment with the Holiday Extravaganza Show Package which includes Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton Events overnight accommodations, 2 tickets to Holiday Extravaganza, and a $20 breakfast credit. Pack- age is valid Sunday – Thursday nights from November 16 – December 16. Rates are based on Sculpture Workshop Series double occupancy and do not include taxes. Show tickets are valid for Sunday, Monday, and November 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th & Tuesday 7pm performances. To book your room now, call 1-800-345-8767 and refer to the book- 24th ing code THOLEX when making your reservation. Second Friday November 14 About The Quarter’s 10th Anniversary

Having opened on November 23, 2004, this year marks the 10th Anniversary of The Quarter at Meetings & Events Tropicana Casino and Resort, which remains the largest non-gaming casino expansion in the history of Atlantic City. The Quarter is a 200,000 square-foot complex with unique dining, enter- CRDA Land Use Hearing November 6 tainment, and retail experiences. 10th Anniversary celebrations include the return of the wildly Meet AC Board Meeting November 10 popular Man vs. Chicken $10,000 Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, Flash Back and Fast Forward video, a free holiday musical light show featuring a 35-foot tree, dozens of dining, shopping, and enter- CRDA Board Meeting November 18 tainment specials, and a full calendar of headliner entertainment. For more information visit Noon Time Talk w/AC Planning Dept Nov 19 http://www.tropicana.net/celebration. CRDA Land Use Hearing November 20 Tourism District Holiday Decoration Installation November CRDA Birthdays Jim Kutch November 3 Gary Callender November 9 Miguel Caban November 13 Kimberly Ward November 13 Ali Reynolds November 14 Anna-Maria Fabbricante November 16 Patricia Gilbert November 21 Angela Dennis November 30 Jon Bitzer November 30

Published monthly by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Written by David Zuba, Publicist, Media Relations & Communications Do you have an idea for a story, question or comment? If so, please contact David Zuba at [email protected] or 609-343-5980 10