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Places to Go, People to See

by Peter Proko; Editor-In-Chief

Change is all around us as the fall season kicks into full swing. Leaves have turned their autumn hue, the temperatures are getting brisker and the holidays are closer than you think. I am one of those people who longs for warm weather getaways, but I must admit I couldn’t live anywhere else. As much as I hate shoveling snow or shivering in the morning while the car warms up, I think I would miss having four seasons. Change is good.

Perhaps no place has seen more change in recent years than Atlantic City. The once storied seaside resort town has fallen on hard times with casino closings and unsteady economic growth. But recent reports have suggested that things are taking a turn. Revenue is up at the remaining properties in town and a push for non-gaming entertainment is at the forefront of a proposed revival.

On the heels of this news, we headed to A.C. to see what still makes it a great place and found plenty of reasons, none of which had to do with gambling. We revisited old haunts, found some new places to unwind and walked away feeling upbeat about the future. On page 68 you’ll find our 50 best ways to spend your time eating, drinking and pampering yourself the next time you head into town. You won’t be able to fit it all in at once, but if recent headlines hold true, A.C. won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

We also had the great fortune of sitting down with this month’s cover star Hugh Jackman. The Oscar-nominated actor may be one of Hollywood’s biggest names, but he remains a humble family man who just so happens to be an avid soccer fan and supporter of the Philadelphia Union. His outlook on life is a refreshing take from that of the self-absorbed celebrity that dominates today’s entertainment industry.

Keeping in the vein of stand-up guys, our annual Men of the Year feature on page 76 spotlights those who uplift our communities by setting an example of selflessness and determination to better the lives of others. In addition, you’ll hear remarkable stories from four local centenarians, catch up with Oaklyn native and bestselling author Mitch Albom and hear the inspiring story of one West Deptford woman who was born without a right forearm and now is taking the fashion world by storm as both a print and runway model.

One of the benefits of doing this monthly publication is being able to tell so many different and wonderful stories. Like I said, change is good.

Kind regards,
Peter J. Proko
Editor-in-Chief

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 8 (November, 2015).
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