Atlantic City Weekly

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Guns ‘n’ Hoses


The annual Guns vs. Hoses charity event returns to Atlantic City on Sunday, June 10 (noon), at the Historic Gardner’s Basin. The Atlantic City Fire Department (ACFD), Atlantic City Police Athletic League (AC PAL) and various sponsors combine to raise money for local charities that include Gilda’s Club South Jersey, Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance and the AC PAL youth programs. Boxers of all levels will duke it out in the ring for cancer awareness and those in need. This year’s showcase is dubbed “Fighting to Fight Cancer,” and 60 percent of the proceeds will be divided among the Gilda’s Club and Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance programs. Sponsors play a vital role in the success of the Guns vs. Hoses events, and over the past four years have contributed about $40,000 to its cause. Tickets are $20 per person. Interested boxers and sponsors can call 927-5605 for more information. Donations are tax deductible and can also be made to: A.C. Memorial Boxing, AC Fireman’s Credit Union, 910 New Rd. Northfield, N.J. PO Box 413. 
— Shana Vanegas


Train Studios Helps Tone 
Miss NJ Contestants


Hesh Donnerstag, co-owner, program designer and celebrity fitness trainer for the Mays Landing (and soon Somers Point) based Train Studios, has been working with two young women who will be vying for the crown at the Miss New Jersey Pageant Thursday through Sunday (June 14-16) at the Ocean City Music Pier. With over 16 years experience as a mentor in such niches as functional training, which draws on primal patterns such as pushing, pulling, twisting, jumping, squatting and lunging, Donnerstag was sought out by Galloway resident Cierra Kaler-Jones (winner of the Miss Northern Lakes qualifying pageant) and EHT resident Courtney Fairfield (the Miss South Shore Area pageant winner) based on his reputation for honing not just athletes but regular folks into peak physical condition in a relatively short time span. “I focus on functional training using kettle bells, spin bikes and planks, and I’ve been advising [Fairfield and Kaler-Jones] about the importance of nutrition in preparation for the biggest competition of their lives,” says Donnerstag, who intends to open Train Studios in Somers Point by early July to complement his existing establishment at 270 Consumer Square in Mays Landing (members will have access to both facilities). Unlike conventional gyms, Train Studios uses equipment like heavy ropes, resistance bands and even tires to utilize one’s own body mass as a fitness tool rather than conventional machines like treadmills or ellipticals. Functional training can also include everyday exercises like walking or running to garner results in weight loss and increased flexibility. According to Donnerstag, functional training will result in a body that is more durable, less prone to injury, more resilient to illness, and proven to work across a wide spectrum of the population from elite athletes and Navy SEALS to everyday folks such as police, fire and first responders. Train is open weekdays from 5am and Saturday and Sunday from 8am. Call 233-8699 or visit trainstudios.com for more. 
— Julie Pipitone 


A.C. Free Summer Concerts 


The Atlantic City Summer Concert Series returned to Gardner’s Basin on Saturday, June 2 as part of the city’s Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival. An exciting combination of nationally known recording artists and popular local acts will continue the summer-long series every other Saturday through Aug. 18. The concert series, which is co-sponsored by the City of Atlantic City and Atlantic City Free Public Library, is free and open to the public. The rest of the schedule, which is subject to change, is as follows: Saturday, June 23: Tavares, Con Funk Shun and Kool Moe Dee. Openers: Eddie Morgan’s Rek’d 4 Jazz, The Emperors and Essence Pittman. Saturday, July 21: War and the Chi-Lites. Openers: Rick Cason Express, Mark Big & Tasty Baxter, Jack and Judah Dorrington. Saturday, Aug. 4: 2012 Gospel Fest featuring Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers. Saturday, Aug. 18: Cameo and Enchantment. Openers: Coolist & Maceo Mobley, Special Occasion, Angela Burton and Passion. All opening acts begin at 1pm with headliners taking over at 4pm and playing until dusk. The rain date for postponed shows will be Sunday of the same weekend. — Vanessa Rae Samson

Drew Toonz