By Scott Cronick
Let’s face it: As a society, we have not been on a good run.
A pandemic. Political turmoil that has divided our country in half. Crazy inflation rates. Horrific gas prices. A recession (yes, we are in one even if no one will officially say we are). An abundance of mass shootings … do I need to go on?
Going into 2022, I said, “Well, 2022 can’t be any worse than 2021, right?”
I should have bitten my tongue. And I won’t make that same mistake predicting 2023.
So, I asked my family, friends, local celebrities, national celebrities, politicians and those in my life whose opinion matters, what they hope to accomplish or see in the new year.
For me, I want a lot of the things I have wanted in the past that most people want: To lose weight; to eat and be healthier; to continue to be a better man and husband; continued health for my wife, my in-laws, my mom, who turns 80 this year, and my son, who turns a quarter century old in January; to continue to love what I do professionally and find new challenges; to see Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and the Orange Loop and North Beach evolve and prosper; and to see Atlantic City get cleaner and safer.
There are some things in 2023 that I am really looking forward to: I can’t wait to slide my fat ass down Atlantic City’s first waterpark at Showboat; I look forward to see what will happen with Atlantic City’s Bader Field; I hope Atlantic City Wing Fest sells out Feb. 4 at Golden Nugget; I will announce some personal ventures of mine that I think will excite everyone who knows me and knows what I like to do; I will travel as much as possible, including taking mom to Italy for her big birthday; I hope to continue my impressive concert-going habits by seeing Bruce Springsteen (at Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla.,), Metallica at MetLife Stadium, Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks together in Philly, Motley Crue and Def Leppard at Hard Rock Atlantic City, see Dead & Co. for the first time before they call it quits, and hopefully jam with Phish on the beach again; and I will jump in my new pool for the first time as soon as humanly possible.
Most of all, I hope all of the below resolutions – and yours – come true. The old sports betting adage of being due couldn’t be more appropriate for the new year.
We are due – all of us – for a better 2023!
Happy New Year!!!
LaRissa Cronick, Wife
I am finally going to get my motorcycle license!
Sam Cronick, Son
I think this year I want to start cooking at home more and stop finding excuses to get fast food.
Nancy Cronick, Mom
My 2023 wish is that our entire family has a healthy and happy year. My personal wish is that I enjoy this year’s “big” birthday on our family trip to Europe.
Greg Perks, Father-in-Law
Exercise more. Eat less bread and pasta. Stop buying motorcycles.
Brian Cahill, Marketing Director, Shore Medical Center
That’s obvious: Seattle Mariners to win the World Series
Wayne Parry, Associated Press Journalist
Attend a Yankees World Series championship parade.
Marty Small, Atlantic City Mayor
For Atlantic City to have the cleanest, safest, and most revenue rewarding year.
Jeff Van Drew, United States Congressman
To work as hard as I can to bring our America back home. To work day and night to make America No. 1 again. To ensure that it is the shining city on the hill again. To restore our military, to restore our police, fight crime, lower inflation, stop extreme spending, close the southern border, increase our energy portfolio and, most of all, to stand up strong for America and fight hard for the strong moral fiber of this nation.
Vince Polistina, State Senator
I would like to see real, substantive, bipartisan discussion and efforts to finally start to get property taxes in New Jersey under control.
Don Guardian, State Assemblyman
My goals are for smoke-free casinos for employees; mental health courts to address homelessness; through Councilman Kaleem Shabazz’ committee, continue to have the city, county and state work together to make A.C. clean and safe.
Harvey Kesselman, Stockton University President
That my eventual successor is committed to Stockton’s expansion in Atlantic City, and that even more local students, their families, and our wonderful stakeholders take part in the thousands of events we host each year.
Kaleem Shabazz, Atlantic City Councilman
I would like to see the supermarket project completed. I want to see the ribbon cutting for Weekes Park and all neighborhoods well lit. I hope for a prosperous summer for all, and the closing of health, education and economic gaps and disparities for our residents. And, of course, all violations cleared at Stanley Holmes Village.
Will Reynolds, Atlantic County Prosecutor
To be better every day than I was the day before.
Mark Giannantonio, Resorts Casino Hotel President and CEO
To continue to work with state and local stakeholders and political leaders to make Atlantic City the jewel that everyone knows it can be.
Mike Woodside, Hard Rock Atlantic City Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing
I want to be more present, to not be distracted in meetings with cell phones and laptops. I also want to spend more time involving my children with various volunteering events.
Joe Lupo, Hard Rock Las Vegas President
Work every day in 2023 to bring the Hard Rock culture to the Las Vegas strip at The Mirage!
Phil Juliano, Bally’s Executive Vice President of Casino Operations and Chief Marketing Officer
My New Year’s resolution is to assist the casinos and resorts division of Bally’s to reach the highest level of performance possible. By satisfying our customers, team members and shareholders, our goal is attainable. But closest to my heart as a lifelong resident of the area – born and raised in A.C. and 40 years in the industry – is the rebirth of Bally’s Atlantic City. We are well on our way and to that end, I and the team at the property resolve to build a lasting relationship with all who visit our renovated casino and resort.
Joe Lodise, Caesars Atlantic City President and General Manager
This is our year to really make a difference in A.C., so I would say our collective resolution – and ours at Caesars – is to make the city a safer and cleaner place for people to live, work and play.
Peter Caporilli, Entrepreneur, Founder of Principle Academy Charter
I am looking forward to the reopening of Cardinal Bistro (New York Avenue). I am eager to see what magic Michael Brennan can work in a larger kitchen and more resources!
Jose Garces, Restaurateur and Iron Chef
I dropped about 45 pounds this past year, so I’m hopeful to stay on track for another 20 or so! Eating healthy, lots of exercise and other mindful practices are what I’d like to continue. All of this can help provide more clarity for creating delicious dishes among other lifestyle benefits.
Jackie Martling, Comedian
My 2023 New Year’s Resolutions are to stop whining about the excruciating pain in my knees, my aching legs, how impossible it is to get up from a chair and to keep lying about my age.
Mark Callazzo, Entrepreneur, Tennessee Avenue Developer
I’d like to see a year filled with nothing. 2022 was supposed to see the end of the pandemic, and instead we had the great omicron surge. This was followed by inflation that we haven’t seen since the Love Boat made its maiden voyage. This was followed by interest rates going up almost 3x in a 6-month period. If you’re in a debt-driven business like Real Estate, this really sucks. So, for 2023, I hope for nothing radical … and for Scott to make his long awaited apology to Bart Blatstein.
Michael Chait, Greater Atlantic City Chamber President
Personal and professional New Year’s resolution: Celebrate more! I want to celebrate good things when they happen. I think that we can be happier, feel more fulfilled and build and maintain better relationships if we celebrate all of our accomplishments. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. A phone call instead of a text or email, grabbing a cup of coffee, or a walk on the Boardwalk will suffice. The easier and simpler can make this a habit. These little moments can make a big difference.
Vince Mazzeo, B.F. Mazzeo Co-Owner, Former State Assemblyman
The new year brings new ideas for me. I intend to focus on my business by perhaps freshening up and updating the store while continuing to expand my culinary ideas. I am also looking to start a nonprofit organization and to have more time with family.
Charles Soreth, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Executive Chef
To create a more work/life balance while growing my business. I’d say live a healthier lifestyle, but that’s probably too far fetched.
Paul Kelly, Longport Media President and General Manager
To continue to improve myself and my relationships. As for what I’d like to see in the new year, I’d like to see people being nicer to each other, listening to each other and giving each other the benefit of the doubt, forgiving each other when mistakes are made and having empathy when others are hurting or in difficult situations. Let’s carry the Christmas holiday spirit with us throughout the year!
Randi and Mike Talley, TacocaT Owners
We would like to see the Cost Of Goods finally level off and see some people choose to look for opportunities in the food industry. On a more personal note, we would like to remind people that our food truck, Kitty Cat, is on the prowl, and we hope to be part of 100-plus events in 2023!
Denny Levinson, Atlantic County Executive
Maintaining Atlantic County’s position as the finest run county in N.J.
Michelle Tomko, Comedian
I want to grow and expand … and I don’t mean around my middle. I plan on attracting the people and resources I need to grow Tomkomedy. I hope to achieve a broader digital audience.
Don Williams, Radio Talk Show Host on Newstalk 1400-AM WOND
Improve upon what I have accomplished so far, and I hope to make a difference in improving all of our lives going forward and also lose some weight.
Harry Hurley, Radio Talk Show Host on WPG Talk Radio 95.5-FM
We have to find a way to reverse the beyond toxic level of destructive politics that exists today. America has always been about rugged individualism … politics is a full-contact sport, and that’s not going to change. However, the level of vitriol and the blatant weaponizing of America’s various institutions that has been going on is not sustainable. If we don’t somehow find a way to come together … we’re going to lose our country.
Chuck Darrow, Journalist and Musician
This is the year I’m going to find the willpower to start smoking. But seriously, to stop doing things — like leaving cabinet doors open — that infuriate my wife.
Dave Sholler, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Philadelphia 76ers Chief Communications Officer
In 2023, one of my major professional goals is to do everything within my power to help the Philadelphia 76ers emerge as NBA champions. As for my birthplace of Atlantic City, I hope to see another year of resurgence where we showcase our great beaches, amazing restaurants and overall potential. Atlantic City should and can once again be a driving force for the state and region. Here’s to proving why …
Larry Sieg, Meet AC President and CEO
I hope that we can all work collectively for our destination to once again be the crown jewel in the tourism and hospitality industry that it once was.
Linda Shields, Jersey Shore Medium
So that’s an easy one for me: To have more patience, especially with the people I love. I tend to be a little snarky when people don’t grasp things as quickly as I do, and I’m really trying to work on that because to me it’s a sign of arrogance, and that’s the last thing I want to be.
Brian O’Halloran, Actor (“Clerks”)
I don’t normally set myself up for failure, which most “resolutions” are, so I resolve not to put unrealistic goals and pressure on my plate.
Mary Ellen Spiers, Great Bay Racquet & Fitness
I plan on dedicating more time to my health & wellness. I turn 60 next year and want to be the best healthy version of myself.
Mike the Bread Man, Friend, WOND listener and bread delivery man
To get my A1C under 7 by March, but these wings I am eating right now won’t help.
Bobby Hettmannsperger, Essl’s Dugout Co-Owner
To take one day off a week since I’ve been working seven days a week for the last three years … and spending more time with friends and family.
Al Parinello, Surflight Theatre Owner and former WJSE Radio Owner
I will begin the endless process of putting together the arduous task of assembling all the little notes to myself I have been writing on scraps of paper for the past 30 years to finally put together “Bouncing Off Walls,” the book I am destined to write about a sometimes thunderous career in the media!
Alex Marino, Director of Academic Operations, Stockton University Atlantic City Campus
Continued growth at Stockton’s Atlantic City campus.
Doug Deutsch, National Musical Publicist
I have a few, all based on my having just moved here to the shore: First, to continue to get to know all of the many talented musicians here at the shore and surrounding areas, so I can write about them in my Shore Local music column; second, to learn how to definitively order seafood at all of the great restaurants down here since we didn’t really have anywhere near the amount of fine seafood restaurants where I previously lived; and third, to definitely do more volunteer work.
Tom Foley, former State Assemblyman
Getting cost of living back for retired police and firefighters. It’s been 12 years.
Paul Brown, Spotlight Marketing Solutions Owner
Personal resolution would be to build my work life, find balance, and to be the most present and accountable family man I can be. My business resolution would be to continue learning how my industry is evolving to help as many local businesses thrive as possible.
Mary Omara Tindall, Vice President of Marketing for Resorts Casino Hotel
To spend more time with family and friends – the weeks and years are passing by faster and faster.
Dan Greenberg, Water Dog Smoke House Co-Owner
Lower food costs.
Rebecca Thiry, Ocean Casino Resort Advertising and Media Director
Implement a consistent early morning routine: meditation, gratitude, exercise, coffee.
Jamie Hoagland, Resorts Casino Hotel Director of Advertising and Public Relations
I would like to become a morning person – go to bed earlier and get up earlier – exercise and journal in the a.m. before work. I would like to read at least one book a month and visit my parents in Florida this winter.
Keith Dawn, former Press of Atlantic City Publisher
Mine involves helping people and businesses through my company, Strategic Growth Partners. I want to bring financial and lifestyle freedom to at least 10 new businesses in 2023. I want to continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Stephen Weiss, NorStep Productions Co-Owner
2022 was a breakout year for my music promotion company NorStep with a bright future planned for our local indie music community. Then mid November those plans got tossed out with the Thanksgiving leftovers. With this brought uncertainty to 2023 for both my company and the community. In the days since we’ve made moves to set us up for a productive 2023. My New Year’s resolution is to focus more on my brand while building the community. Bring the NorStep touch to a multitude of events and companies. Instead of focusing on one property and that property’s successes we will focus on our successes as our successes are the community’s and not just one space. I resolve to grow our community leaps and bounds beyond anything I could have imagined prior to the “change of plans”
Mark Melhorn, Stockton University Associate Director of News and Media Relations
I hope to expand my dining palate a little bit more this year by trying some restaurants I never been to and some others – like the outdoor areas at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall and Sweetwater Casino – that I want to frequent more.
I’m also hoping for another Eagles Super Bowl, an NCAA tournament appearance by Northwestern basketball (my alma mater) and an NCAA basketball championship for Stockton University.
Jerry Beaver, Bally’s Atlantic City Director of Food & Beverage
For the Democratic and Republican leaders to find common ground to effect positive change on the many issues concerning the United States now such as crime, boarder security, gun reform, tax reform and more.
Bob Fertsch, Shore Local Co-Owner
I hope to be more content with what I have and the people around me rather than striving for more 24/7. Slow down, relax and enjoy life.
Adam Zengel, Hard Rock Atlantic City Director of Entertainment Operations
My resolution is to travel more, worry less, live in the moment and dance like nobody’s watching.
Alisa Cooper, New Jersey Casino Control Commissioner
I am honored to serve as a Commissioner on the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, and I look forward to continuing the work of the Commission to strengthen an industry that is so vitally significant to South Jersey and our state. On a personal note, I hope to stay a little healthier than this past year … and that can be accomplished by exercising a little more … and eating a little less!
Dave Weinberg, Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
I hope to see a big fight at Jim Whelen Boardwalk Hall. Eight years is too long! I also resolve to give up cursing every year. I usually make it to about 10 a.m. Jan. 1.
Dave Bontempo, Sports Journalist and Broadcaster
I hope to accomplish hitting a parlay of 7 or more teams. Resolutions: Get hearing checked, worry less, laugh more, sip life.
Aram Mardigian, American Bar & Grille Executive Chef
I want to commit to giving my family as much time and love as I possibly can give. I’ve been in this business since I was a teenager and always put work first, which led to some success. However, I have learned as I have grown older that the balance is possible.
Butch Buchanico, Hard Rock Atlantic City Director of Retail Sportsbook Operations
I would like to work on my patience, take more time to be kind and make people smile. I want to also concentrate more on family as every day is important. Material things are usually not attainable, so I learned not to waste effort trying.
Butch Bradley, Comedian
I’m at a point in my life where a New Year’s resolution won’t save me. So this year – 2023 – I vow to increase all bad habits and enjoy the process.
Frank Becktel, Jitney Guy
This is my year to actually attend some of the great festivals and concerts that come to Atlantic City instead of always working.
Nick Ballias. Wingcraft Kitchen and Beer Bar Owner
I hope to see Atlantic City full of tourists, enjoying themselves and having a great time!
DJ Jason E, Entertainer and Promoter
I pray to make my full comeback in 2023. I’ve worked hard at getting back to health and now ready to rock!
Rick Santoro, Special Improvement Division Director for CRDA
Continued focus on my physical Fitness and health. Spend more time with family and friends. Increase charitable contributions. Do a set of stand-up at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall’s Open Mic Night on Thursdays.
Lisa Johnson, Lisa Johnson Communications Owner
Doing whatever I can to help convert some of the toxic negativity in the world – and right here in A.C. – into constructive, positive energy and actions. We need to stop battling each other and work together. On a personal note, I want to get more sleep!
Ky Carlin, Editor of Sixers Wire
To find a work-life balance.
Christian Correa, Life Enthusiast, Yoga Instructor, Service Industry Expert
I’d like to turn professional as a writer and consistently create and share work and content.
Alexandra Lehr Hennessey, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Director of Communications
Later in January/early February, we’ll talk about some excitement with Borgata as we prepare to celebrate our 20th Anniversary!
Coby Frier, Entrepreneur
I resolve to have my second book, “The Names Have Been Changed to Protect the Guilty” published and to also make Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company the No. 1 cigar destination in New Jersey.
Cathy Marinucci, Longport Media Sales Consultant
Make more time for my family and friends and to learn something new like taking a class to make me a better seller. I want to write more letters or send cards to people I know who are alone to put a smile on their faces. I want to learn to take time for myself to just breathe and to not take things so personal. I can’t control everything. Learn to live in the moment and stop worrying about what is going to happen next. And enjoy my beautiful grandchildren more often.
Jesse O. Kurtz, Atlantic City Councilman
Let us make 2023 the year where we maintain the cultural vibrancy in the 6th Ward and increase work on key neighborhood infrastructure, including streets, flood resiliency, public works equipment, and smart traffic controls.
David Pena, Owner of Pena Productions and Boogie Nights
In 2022 Boogie Nights at Tropicana Casino has seen one of its best years ever, and it is because of our loyal local costumers and so many visitors from all over that continue to come party with us every weekend. In 2023, we hope to keep the momentum and energy. We want to give the people what they expect and want, but always keep creating and evolving with some exciting new attractions, experiences, events and surprises. We also will be taking the Boogie Nights brand on a Pop-Up tour across the U.S.A. Outside of the club, Pena Productions is currently working on some very cool, innovative, new projects that we launch in 2023. They are already in motion. Personally, I hope to see this and every new year change in a good way. I hope to see progress, development, improvement, results and a real future. And personally I would love to see everyone find comfort, love, hope and ideally true joy and happiness in 2023.
Betty McHugh, Hard Rock Atlantic City Property Maitre’d
To spend additional time with my mom, to go to lunches and chat about the past and what an amazing ride it has been. I want to remember all of the great times and create new memories with her, our kids and my grandkids. Family is the most important thing in this world and creating long lasting memories that we all can cherish is something that I plan on doing more of this year.
Caren Fitzpatrick, Atlantic County Commissioner
My wish/resolution has been the same for many years: To NOT gossip, and that has evolved to believing what I see with my own eyeballs rather than whispers I may hear. For 2023, I’d like my family to be healthy and happy and to travel with my hubby.
James Sarkos, Atlantic City Chief of Police
The Atlantic City Police Department will roll out a new deployment plan in 2023. This plan was designed in conjunction with the state DCA and A.C.P.D. for maximum visibility and staffing of officers during peak times of consumption of police services.
Tina Notaro, Entertainer and Promoter
I resolve to lean into my strengths in 2023! And to not waste time.
Michael Suleiman, Atlantic County Democratic Chairman
To have more civil dialogue, regardless of viewpoints or agendas, with the focus squarely on ensuring economic prosperity and public safety for our communities.
Charity Jeffries, former chief of staff for Vince Mazzeo, John Armato
To live more on the idea that “breaking the cycle” isn’t just the money you make or job title, but to live happy and have choices.
Mark Haynie, the Beer Guy
Besides all the normal ones about taking care of the physical and mental health of ourselves, as a beer writer, I always resolve to visit as many breweries as I can and taste as many of their beers as possible. With the constant expansion of the number of breweries in N.J., it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve but certainly not impossible. The number of beer fests and distribution to bars and restaurants has also increased allowing people to sample many beers without having to travel to the source. Though not the same experience, you can find out usually if the trip would be worth the time. Happy New Year … and enjoy the beers!
Sonny McCullough, Consultant and former State Senator and Egg Harbor Twp. Mayor
Make my company, Mccullough Consultants, Inc., bigger and better, and to support and help my clients’ projects succeed.
Anthony Krizan, Musician and former Spin Doctor
More exercise, to eat better and healthier; to travel more and go to Europe – hopefully a few times for live shows and festivals; getting my songs to well-known artists to record; finish and release as many songs as possible of my own; read more books; and be a good person and do things to help people in need and good causes.
Mark Blum. Former Press of Atlantic City Publisher
I’m hoping that inflation will be brought under control and mortgage rates will decline so that potential new homeowners can afford to buy their first home. I’d also like to see the end of the war in Ukraine.
Malcolm Tent, Punk Rock Accordionist, Legend
I want to cut down on cigarettes. I smoke 4 a day.
1adam12, Musician
Fix and sell some guitars I’m not playing … get in touch!
Scott Cronick is an award-winning journalist who has written about entertainment, food, news, and more in South Jersey for nearly three decades. He hosts a daily radio show – “Off The Press with Scott Cronick” – 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays on Newstalk WOND 1400-AM, 92.3-FM, and WONDRadio.com, and he also co-owns Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City, while working on various projects, including charitable efforts, throughout the area. He can be reached at scronick@comcast.net.
