Beach Bards forum
Aug. 27 in Sea Isle
SEA ISLE CITY — The Beach Bards Poetry and Prose Reading Series has scheduled its authors and writers presentation for 6:15 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Sea Isle City branch of the Cape May County Library, 4800 Central Ave.
Program Coordinator Antoinette Libro Braca initiated the popular library literary program thirteen years ago. Each program offers featured writers who read from their work, followed by an open microphone session, drawing participation from audience members.
Presenters include J.C. Todd, a widely published poet; Echezonachukwu Nduka, poet and pianist and author of two poetry collections; Heather Lanier, an essayist, memoirist and poet; and Scott Griffith, a writer of mystery novels..
Visit cmclibrary.org or call (609) 463-6350 for more information about the Beach Bards Poetry and Prose Reading Series.
Tabernacle Baptist
season services
OCEAN CITY – Tabernacle Baptist Church’s monthly services are held every second Sunday at 4 p.m. The following is Tabernacle Baptist’s worship services and fellowship activities for the remainder of 2025:
– The “Temple Stretch,” Egoscue Method that was scheduled for Aug. 23 has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.
– 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, worship service
– Noon Saturday, Oct. 11, BBQ Fundraiser
– 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, worship service
– 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, worship service
– 4 pm. Sunday, Dec. 14, worship service.
Tickets sale Sept. 5
for Author’s Luncheon
OCEAN CITY – The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library announced the upcoming Author’s Luncheon featuring author Fiona Davis will be Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Flanders Hotel, Ocean City.
Assigned seating will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets will be be available online only beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at https://oceancity.biliocommons.com/v2/events. Cost is $40. Limit is 10 tickets per person.
More information can be found at www.friendsvolunteersocfpl.com.
For questions email fvoc@oceancitylibrary.org.
Shiloh Baptist
services Sundays
OCEAN CITY — Pastor Paul extends a heartfelt invitation to join in the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Shiloh Baptist Church, 7 E. Seventh St., Ocean City.
Bible class is at 10 a.m.
“We would be honored to have you with us as we come together to worship and share in fellowship. Shiloh is where everyone’s life matters and every heart belongs.”
Morning Worship Services are held at 11 a.m. Sundays. Upcoming speakers will be:
— Aug. 24: Evangelist Joan Robertson, Macedonia United Methodist Church, Ocean City
— Aug. 31: Minister Amin Benjamin, Union Baptist Temple, Bridgeton
Be an angel
on Aug. 22
SOMERS POINT — Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, at 900 Shore Road in Somers Point, and the Angelic Health Foundation are teaming up to support those in need.
The restaurant will donate a portion of sales from those who mention the foundation from noon to closing Aug. 22, National be an Angel Day.
Donations aid patients in extreme need, such as assisting with daily living expenses, granting a final wish or acquiring special equipment not covered by insurance. Contributions also support initiatives such as memory care, special care kits for hospice and palliative patients, and recognition programs for military veterans.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made in honor or in memory of a special person. Visit angelic.health to learn more.
Mental health
program free
Registration is now open for the free NAMI Family to Family eight-week education program for adults with mental health conditions.
The class provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other conditions. Other topics include communication, problem solving, treatment and recovery.
Classes are set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. weekly from Sept. 3 to Oct. 22 on Zoom. Visit namiacm.org for more information and to register. Registration ends Sept. 1.
Trinity United
monthly lunch
MARMORA — Trinity United Methodist Church, at 20 North Shore Road in Upper Township, hosts a community luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month.
The menu changes monthly. Everyone is welcome. Call (609) 214-0206 for more information.
Exhibitors sought
for Green Fair
OCEAN CITY — Registration is still open for any organization that would like to exhibit at the Green Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, under the covered loggia of the Ocean City Music Pier.
The community-wide event is designed to educate and encourage people of all ages to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Green Fairs allow participants to learn how small individual efforts can make a huge difference in their communities.
The event is free for the public to attend. The Music Pier is located on the boardwalk between Eighth and Ninth streets.
Call (609) 399-6111, extension. 9336, or email jjuliano@ocnj.us for information on registering as an exhibitor.
Friends of the
Ocean City Pops
annual luncheon
OCEAN CITY – “Celebrating the Golden Age of Music” is the theme of the Friends of the Ocean City Pops Annual Luncheon set for Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Flanders Hotel, 719 E. 11th St., Ocean City. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
The event continues to celebrate the Pops Orchestra, the oldest municipal orchestra in the United States, and will feature local vocalist Sara Maimone accompanied by Pops’ Maestro Vince Lee who will perform highlights from the Rodgers and Hammerstein songbook.
Tickets are $60 (includes parking) may be purchased at the Ocean City Music Pier before a Pops concert. For additional information, contact Linda Herbert at (609) 214-2135.
Vendors wanted
for flea market
OCEAN CITY – Vendors are being sought for a flea market scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Holy Trinity Church, 2998 Bay Ave., Ocean City.
The cost is $25 for one parallel parking space or two perpendicular spaces.
Please request a registration form from htecoceancity@gmail.com or call the office at (609) 399-1019. Spaces sell out so please make reservations early.
Grants available
for arts, history
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage has announced that Letters of Intent are being accepted for the 2026 Art & History Regrant Program.
The funding opportunity is open to county nonprofit organizations seeking support for general operating expenses, special projects (such as a single event) or general programming (such as a series of events or activities) taking place in 2026.
Funding is made possible through partnerships with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the New Jersey Historical Commission and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners.
Letters of Intent are due Sept. 5.; invitations to apply are expected to be sent shortly after review. Applications are due by Oct. 10.
Visit cmcculgture.net for the Letter of Intent form and full grant guidelines. Call (609) 465-1066 are email culture@capemaycountynj.gov for more information
Mental health
support groups
NAMI Connection is a free recovery support group for adults (18+) living with a mental health condition. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community.
NAMI Family Support Group is a free peer-led group for family members, caregivers and loved ones (18+) of individuals living with a mental illness. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes.
Schedule:
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Family Support Group, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Somers Point, Connections, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
Functional Foods:
Mushrooms
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) has scheduled Functional Foods: Mushrooms 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Ocean City Free Public Library at 1735 Simpson Ave.
Anneliese Kuemmerle, Program Associate II for Cape May County, will teach the program. The class will increase participants’ knowledge about mushrooms, including historical, processing and preparation facts, as well as create an understanding of the current research and health benefits of mushrooms and identify the recommendations for including mushrooms in a healthful plant-based diet.
The class is free but advanced registration is requested at go.rutgers.edy/nn4dn2sr. Call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3609, for more information.
Lunch & Learn:
Social Wellness
OCEAN CITY — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) program is partnering with the Ocean City Free Public Library to present the workshop The 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Social Wellness from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 9.
The library is located in the Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave.
The class, offered both live and virtual, is free but advanced registration is requested at go.rutgers.edu/ad9xltk9. Call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3609, for more information.
Lunch & Learn:
An Apple a Day
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences Program has scheduled the virtual Lunch & Learn program, An Apple A Day, for 12:30 to 1 p.m. Sept. 11.
Presenter Anneliese Kuemmerle will highlight some of the health benefits of apples, classic and creative ways to eat them and science-based ways to store and preserve the fruit.
The virtual series provides viewers with health and wellness information during their lunch hour. Topics vary and allow participants a chance to grab a healthy half-hour tidbit of wellness to carry throughout the day.
Register in advance at go.rutgers.edu/lnun6viz.
Family Fun Day
at Trinity United
MARMORA — Trinity United Methodist Church, at 20 North Shore Road in Upper Township, has scheduled a Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13.
Come out and play, have some lunch and meet our Sunday school teachers, nursery school staff and Cub Scout Pack leaders. Free fun for all children.
Call (609) 703-2808 for more information.
Soropti-SMASH
set for Sept. 13
WILDWOOD CREST — Soroptimist International of Cape May County has scheduled its 5th annual Soropti-SMASH Pickleball Fundraiser Event for Sept. 13 at the Wildwood Crest Pickleball Courts, 6301 Atlantic Ave. (rain date Sept. 14).
Registration is $60 per team. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and are invited to stay for the awards ceremony.
Since its inception, the Soropti-SMASH Pickleball Fundraiser Event has raised more than $35,000.
Visit eventbrite.com SoroptiSMASH 5th Annual Pickleball Fundraiser to register. Email spashuck@hotmail.com for event sponsorship information.
St. John Craft Show,
Bake Sale Sept. 13
OCEAN CITY – St. John Lutheran Church of Ocean City, at 10th Street and Central Avenue, will host its fourth annual Craft Show and Bake Sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13.
This will be an indoor event. Visit stjohnlutheranoc.org or call (609) 399-0798 for more information.
Back Bay Cruise
benefits Shore
ATLANTIC CITY — The Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center is hosting a Back Bay Cruise through Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
Boat departs from 800 N. New Hampshire Ave. in Atlantic City. Cost per person is $65, which includes light fare and a cash bar.
Call (609) 805-8777 for more information.
Dog training
starts Sept. 23
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Dog Obedience Training Club is offering a six-week training course for puppies and beginners starting Sept. 23
The cost is $95 for six one-hour classes in Cape May Court House. Download registration at cmcdotc.com or call (609) 425-1096 for more information.
Walking Club
back in action
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Walking Club is back in action this year and invites everybody to join weekly walks on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Friday mornings.
People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to meet outside the Ocean City Music Pier at 8 a.m. each Friday to walk the Boardwalk. The Ocean City Healthy Living Advisory Council created the group as a way for people to get healthy and meet new friends.
A round trip covering the length of the Boardwalk is (4.9 miles), but participants are welcome to stop at any point along the route.. The HLAC asks everybody to grab a coffee or water and “don’t forget to bring your smile.”
For more information, email recreation@ocnj.us.
Tree Fruits and
Table Grapes
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has scheduled the workshop Growing Tree Fruits and Table Grapes in the Home Garden for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, 355 Courthouse-South Dennis Road.
The workshop is part of the 2025 Garden & Grow series, whose goal is to teach locals how to improve or expand their home gardens in new ways.
Presenter Hemant Gohil, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Agent II, Gloucester County, RCE, will share cultural practices for growing peaches, apples and table grapes; common problems faced by the home orchardists in growing tree fruits; and peach and table grape varieties suited to the local climate.
The cost is $10. Register in advance at go.rutgers.edu/vd42ie9r. Call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3607, or email capemayag@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information.
Monthly Grief
Support Group
OCEAN CITY – St. John Lutheran Church, Journey Hospice, and The Shores – a United Methodist Communities (UMC) Community – are partnering to offer a monthly Grief Support Group for adults who are navigating the difficult journey of loss.
The group provides a safe, welcoming and confidential space where individuals can come together to share their experiences, listen, and support one another. Whether someone has recently experienced a loss or is still processing grief from years past, all are welcome.
Meetings will be held in person on the second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon at St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Ave.
“Grief is a deeply personal experience, but it doesn’t have to be experienced alone,” group coordinators Beth Gebhart and Michele Musto said. “This group is about honoring each person’s
journey and finding hope in shared understanding.”
The group is free and open to all adults, regardless of background or faith.
For more information, please contact Beth Gebhart, (609) 760-6073, bgebhart@lsmnj.org; or Michele Musto, (609) 391-6321, meroclani@umcommunities.org
Depression and
Anxiety Group
ATLANTIC CITY – This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness, and recovery.
Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience with anxiety and/or depression. The group meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at at the Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City. Offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Monday Meditation
& Stretching sessions
GALLOWAY – The Atlantic Community Wellness Center provides a weekly 15-to-20-minute meditation, follow-up discussion, and light stretch at 11:30 a.m. Mondays.
Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. No cost to participate. Provided by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 8, Galloway. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Reduce stress with
Coffee Talk
ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic Community Wellness Centers hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Called “Coffee Talk,” the group is a one-hour meeting during which participants discuss, enhance, and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase optimism.
Meets weekly at the Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City. Coffee is provided at no cost; pastries/snacks are provided once a month. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Too Much Stuff
group meets
Atlantic City – Twice monthly, a group is offered to individuals who live with clutter challenges and “too much stuff.” Strategies, education, support, goal-setting, and other related topics will be covered.
There is no cost to participants. Meetings are at noon the first and third Saturdays of each month at the Atlantic Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City. Offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. Call (609) 652-3800 or jgimbel@mhanj.org. *Upcoming dates are May 3, May 17.
Grief Support Group
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – The Grief Support Group, open to any adult who is grieving the death of a loved one, is invited to attend a safe and caring gathering at 6:30 p.m. every other Tuesday year-round at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, corner of Eighth Street and Central Avenue, Ocean City.
There is no need to be a church member or from Ocean City to attend. “It is a time to share your story, to tell of your grief and talk of your loved one. It is a place where you may express your feelings, without judgment, nor fixing. Everything is confidential and you, as well, are privileged and entrusted with the heart-felt stories of others. No matter when your loss, it is healing to acknowledge its place in your life.”
For questions or more information contact Jane Taylor at (609) 412-1855 or by email at janeht927@yahoo.com.
Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous of Central Jersey invites people who have problems with food to join them for its 12-step recovery program. There are in-person meetings in Ocean County and Zoom meetings as well.
Visit oa-centraljersey.org for more information.
History museum
seeks volunteers
OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Historical Museum is seeking volunteers to serve as welcome desk greeters (including gift shop sales) and as museum docents. Training will be provided.
The museum is located within the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave. Those interested in volunteering or learning more should call (609) 399-1801 or email info@ocnjmuseum.org.
Join Submarine
Association
SOMERS POINT – South Jersey has a Submarine Association.
Service members who served on a U.S. Military submarine are invited to join the Jersey Sub Association. Call Commander Tom Innocente at (609) 927-4358 for more information
Call for free Family
Crisis Intervention
Families who are experiencing serious difficulties in managing the behavior of children 10 to 17 years old for whom they are responsible can seek assistance through the Atlantic County Juvenile/Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU).
FCIU is a legally mandated program that is available 24 hours a day to intercede in family conflicts and help strengthen the family unit. Its services include short-term crisis stabilization, family assessment, case management, treatment planning and referrals to appropriate community-based services.
FCIU is available to meet in-person by appointment with youth and their families from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 101 Shore Road in Northfield. Appointments can also be conducted by phone or as a virtual meeting to help de-escalate and resolve family conflicts.
Call (609) 645-5861 or email family_crisis@aclink.org. Referral forms are available at atlantic_county.org.
Free screening
for depression
Online screening for depression and postpartum depression is available at mhaac.info/screening.
The confidential screening involves 10 questions related to topics such as sleep habits, appetite, concentration and level of energy. Resources and recommendations are offered at the end of the survey.
Anyone who wants to take the screening but needs assistance can call The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County at (609) 652-3800. Staff are available throughout the year by phone or by appointment. No cost, no insurance needed.
Angelic Health
seeks volunteers
Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care is asking the public to share its time and compassion with those near the end of their journey.
Visit angelic.health, email volunteer@angelic.health or call (609) 432-0073 for information.
