Atlantic City Weekly

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Did you know that Father’s Day was celebrated for the first time on June 19, 1910, and that it was initiated by a woman whose father raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth?

Mother’s Day was becoming a nationally recognized holiday during that time so the woman pushed to make it a law to celebrate a Father’s Day. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance, then in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed it a national holiday, and finally observance on the third Sunday of June was decreed by law in 1972.


There’s a saying, “Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.” 


This Sunday we are not just celebrating a day for our fathers, but a day for our dads. It’s a day to show our appreciation and our love for our dads. I am fortunate to still have my dad and see him every so often, but for those who have lost a parent, no matter if it’s recent or years ago, this is a day to celebrate your memories. 


It’s also a day to say “thank you” and show appreciation to your uncles, grandfathers, and any other man who raised you or has helped guide you throughout the years. There is no harm in sending a card or making a phone call. I’m sure it will make their day! 


And as for finding the right gift for that special person, anything personalized is always appreciated. You could go to Zazzle.com and personalize everything from clothing to accessories. Here are some other great gift ideas. Author Rocky Fino suggested his cookbook, uniquely titled Will Cook For Sex — A Guy’s Guide to Cooking. How fun is that! Plus he has two other books, Will Mix For Sex — 21 Classic Cocktails to Set the Mood, and Will Cook For Sex — Again, Again ... and Again. All can be found at willcookforsex.com. 


My girlfriend Kristen Jorgensen had the genius suggestion of a stock-car racing experience. On gifts.com, a site where you can find unique gifts, one of them is the Ultimate Stock Car Ride-Along, where you can experience real-life racing thrills by riding shotgun in a NASCAR stock car driven by one of their professional instructors. You’ll hit speeds exceeding 150 miles-per-hour. As they say, it will be the ride of your life! Another great idea that won’t be too expensive is to host a dinner at home, and just have a much-needed family day. With everyone going in their own direction nowadays and with the family tradition of setting aside one night a week to just sit and eat together slowly fading, it’s nice to set aside time to come together. 


Make an effort to be with family because in the end they are all you’ve got. Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Ron Pisnoy. 


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Last week’s (June 9, 2011) column talked about people finding their creative hidden talents and acting on them, even when you work full time doing something different. Well, another one of those fabulous people is none other than Atlantic City Weekly’s own Jeff Schwachter. Not only is he a fantastic editor and award-winning writer, he is a professional musician (in three bands) as well as a very talented artist. 


His first exhibit, “Jazz Portraits,” is a collection of mainly oil pastel drawings of legendary jazz and blues figures. On Saturday, June 18, from 2-5pm at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (at the Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville, Atlantic County), there will be a meet-the-artist reception with music, food and a chance to meet the artist and check out the 26 pieces on display. Check out aahmsnj.org for more details. 


Speaking of art, Margate’s Steve & Cookies by the Bay will host their Eighth Annual Art Show on Wed., June 22, from 6-9pm (show entrance is through the Oyster Bar). It will include artwork by local artists, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A $25 donation benefits the Atlantic County Special Services School District art program. A Chinese auction will feature pieces donated by the artists. You can see a list of the artists on Steve & Cookies’ Facebook fan page. 


Tickets are on sale now for the Eighth Annual Chefs at the Shore at the Atlantic City Aquarium, June 23. Some of the area’s finest food is showcased at this event and it’s also a fundraiser for the Atlantic City Aquarium and the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey. I personally try to make it every year because the food is absolutely fabulous! The event is scheduled from 5:30-9pm and tickets are $50 each, or $450 for a block of 10. For more information check out oceanlifecenter.com. 


Dishing out advice on various topics to our readers on issues related to networking, dating, employment, news, events, shopping and much more. She is the current president of the Greater Atlantic City Jaycees and owner of 
www.GoToWhitney.com.