Market Madness
In Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City businesses will gather under one roof for the fifth annual Market Madness event March 14-15.
The two-day shopping extravaganza offers an early sample of summer with discounts and specials on everybody’s favorite local merchandise, brands and attractions.
The event is held at the Ocean City Civic Center, just off the Boardwalk between Fifth Street and Sixth Street, with plenty of free and convenient parking adjacent to the building (access from Fifth Street). Local food trucks from Las Olas Taqueria, Jay’s Crab Shack, Philly Jawns and Ocean City Coffee Company will be on hand.
In addition to vendors from Ocean City’s Boardwalk and Downtown districts, Market Madness will feature a live DJ and prize giveaways. Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Native plant
gardening tips
GALLOWAY – Come learn native plant gardening tips and tricks with Native Plant Society Southeast Chapter co-leader Jesse Conner at 7 p.m. Monday, March 16.
Topics include plant selection, maintenance, favorite tools and Q&A. It will be in Room 160 at the Unified Science Center at Stockton University.
More information at https://npsnj.org/event/lessons-learned-tips-techniques-for-native-plant-gardeners/
EHTHS presents
‘In the Heights’
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Egg Harbor Township High School presents “In the Heights,” the electrifying, Tony Award–winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes. Performances will take place on March 13, 14, and 15 in the school’s Performing Arts Center.
Winner of four Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, “In the Heights” helped launch the career of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who later created the global phenomenon Hamilton. “This show is about belonging,” said Matthew Guenther, artistic director of the production. “Our students have embraced the music, movement, and the message of this story. It’s joyful, heartfelt, and incredibly relevant.”
The production is rated PG-13. Performances are scheduled for 6:30 p,m. March 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 14 and 2 p.m. March 15.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at ehths.booktix.com. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.
Holy Spirit presents
‘Little Shop of Horrors’
ABSECON – Holy Spirit High School’s theater students are presenting “Little Shop of Horrors” this weekend with performances at 7 p.m. March 13 and 14 and 2 p.m. March 15.
Tickets are available at the door, $12 for seniors and students and $15 for adults. Performances will be in the Robert “Reds” Reynolds Performing Arts Center at the school, 500 South New Road, Absecon.
Breakfast with
Easter Bunny
SOMERS POINT – Somers Point Fire Department No. 2 is having an all-you-can-eat breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 16, at the firehouse, 20 W. New Jersey Ave.
It features pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, coffee and orange juice for $12 for adults and $ for children. Free face painting.
Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
March 20
OCEAN CITY – “Demystifying Artificial Intelligence” will be the topic at the Ocean City AARP Chapter 1062 meeting at 1 p.m March 20 in Room 110 at the Ocean City Free Public Library
Join in for a friendly, eye-opening session that demystifies AI presented by Thom Phair, a volunteer for the AARP Speaker’s Bureau. No tech background needed for this seminar.
Participants will learn, what AI really is, how it’s already part of everyday life, simple ways to use AI tools safely and confidently and the truth behind the headlines, separating fact from fiction.
Designer Bag Bingo
Benefits Shore
SOMERS POINT – Shore Medical Center is hosting Designer Handbag Bingo on Friday, March 20, at the VFW Post 2189, 500 Bethel Road, in Somers Point.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each, and include 12 rounds of bingo and a chance to win designer handbags from brands such as Coach, Kate Spade and Michael Kors. Guests must be 21 and older to participate. Tickets and tables of eight may be reserved online at https://www.shoremedicalcenter.org/events/designer-handbag-bingo-0
.
Guests will have the option to purchase a dauber, additional game faces and enter a 50/50 cash raffle, chance auction, and an additional luxury handbag raffle. There will be a cash bar, and guests are encouraged to bring their own food.
Event proceeds will fund new medical equipment, technology and patient care initiatives at Shore Medical Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information, contact Jessica Giles at 609-653-3986 or jessica.giles@shoremedicalcenter.org
Green Thumb
trip April 30
SOMERS POINT — The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point has scheduled a bus trip April 30 to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J.
Tickets are $90 and include transportation, entry fee and driver’s tip. The bus is set to leave at 8 a.m. from the Target parking lot and return to the same location at 4:30 p.m.
Checks made out to GTGC can be mailed to Sally Pietrofitta, 250 Atlantic Ave., Somers Point, NJ 08244; include name, address, cell phone number and email address, or call (609) 927-4147 before 6 p.m. or (267) 882-8355 after 6 p.m. for tickets
Spring Book Sale at
library March 13-14
OCEAN CITY – The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Library will have the Spring Book Sale 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14.
Offering fiction, non-fiction, hardback and paperback books for adults, children and young adults as well as puzzles, audio books, CDs and DVDs.
The sale will be in the atrium of the library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Sales are cash only. Please bring a tote bag for purchases.
St. Patrick’s Day
Party and Auction
LINWOOD – Our Lady of Sorrows’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Party and Auction will be Saturday, March 21, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church Hall, Wabash Avenue in Linwood.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., food is served at 5:30 p.m. and the drawing of prizes at 6:30 p.m. There will be many great baskets and door prizes to win. The $10 entry fee includes pizza, chips and beverage. The public is invited.
Angelus Chorus
scholarship
Angelus Chorus, a non-profit, all-volunteer community choral group, is offering a scholarship to high school seniors in Cape May County seeking to develop a career in music or the arts this year.
The one-year, $1,000 award will be presented to a senior attending college in the fall to study vocal or choral music or the performing arts. Students involved with drama or musical theater also qualify.
The recipient will be selected based on the students’ personal statements, transcript and letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials should be submitted by email or be postmarked no later than April 10. Applications must include all required supporting documents to be accepted for consideration. The recipient will be announced April 24. Visit angeluschorus.org for more information.
Soroptimists seek
award recipients
Soroptimist International of Cape May County is seeking applicants for its 2026 Education and Training Awards for young women who are students.
The application period is open through March 15.
Visit sicmc.com and select Award Applications from the navigation bar for eligibility information including application instructions.
County Youth Art
Program grants
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage is accepting applications for the 2026 Cape May County Commissioners Youth Art Program, which provides funding of as much as $5,000 to support creative projects designed to engage local youth ages 5 to 18 in meaningful arts experiences.
The program seeks to foster artistic skills, encourage self-expression and promote cultural enrichment across a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, creative writing, photography, digital media, cultural heritage arts and more.
Eligible applicants include county-based nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities and municipal commissions/committees. All projects must take place in Cape May County and be open to local youth.
Submission deadline is April 15 and award letters will be issued by May 15. Funding must be spent by Nov. 30. The application form and guidelines are available at cmcculture.net.
Email culture@capemaycountynj.gov or call (609) 465-1066 for further information.
Step it up
to be active
OCEAN CITY — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences has scheduled the class Step it up … Ways to be More Active for 6 to 7 p.m. April 2, online and in person at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Presenter Chris Zellers will share the benefits of physical activity and how to add more into the day.
Register in advance at go.rutgers.edu/lep9fjl7. Call (609) 399-2434, ext. 5222, or email jhoward@oceancitylibrary.org for more information.
Sign-making
class March 19
SEA ISLE CITY — The Cape May County Library has scheduled the Wood Sign-Making — Spring class for 1 p.m. March 19 at the Sea Isle City branch.
Taryn Hudson from Love at First Craft will share how to make a decorative wood sign from start to finish. Each step will be made accessible for participants of all crafting levels.
All necessary materials will be provided. Registration is required. Visit cmclibrary.org or call (609) 463-6350, ext. 700, to reserve a spot.
Story time set
for evenings
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Library Children’s Department has scheduled a special story time for Wednesday evenings in March: Bedtime Boogie & Books.
Participants can wind down the day with stories, songs and a whole lot of cozy fun. Pajamas and plushies are encouraged.
Sessions are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 11, 18 and 25 at the Cape May Court House branch.
Registration is not required. Call (609)-463-6350, ext. 300, or email children@cmclibrary.org for more information.
Mosaic 5K Run
April 19 in O.C.
OCEAN CITY — The 16th annual Mosaic 5K & Family Fun Run is scheduled for April 19 on the Ocean City boardwalk.
Proceeds benefit local dementia and Alzheimer’s disease programs, caregiver support services, community connection activities, and enriching programs for older adults throughout Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties.
The run begins at 9 a.m. on an out-and-back chip-timed course. The walk and Family Fun Run will start at 8:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is available until 5 p.m. April 17. Pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt (while supplies last).
Cost is $35 for runners and walkers (with $5 discounts for ages 22 and under). Day of registration cost is $45. The Family Fun Run is $20. Same-day registration will be available at the race starting at 7:15 a.m.
Visit moasaicgiving.org/5k to register. Call (609) 748-4615 or email eluurtsema@mosaicgiving.org for information or sponsorship opportunities.
April in Paris
set for April 19
SOMERS POINT — The Somers Point Unique Experience Club has scheduled its annual April in Paris event for April 19, featuring the music of the Andrea Carlson Quartet, at Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, 900 Shore Road.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and music begins at 2 p.m. There will be an à la carte menu featuring French-themed brunch/lunch fare and beverages. Admission is $10.
Reservations will be taken by pre-paying the $10 admission, otherwise it will be first come, first served. Send checks to Somers Point Unique Experience Club, PO Box 564, Somers Point, NJ 08244. Include telephone number and email address.
Call (609) 233-1820 or email spuniquenj@gmail.com.
Free fly-fishing
class in O.C.
OCEAN CITY – South Jersey Coastal Fly Anglers is offering a free fly-fishing class for those who are interested in fly fishing but don’t know how it works or how to get started.
Class is 7 to 9 p.m. March 19 at the Senior Center in the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Register to reserve a place by calling (609) 412-9604 or emailing jgerace521@gmail.com.
Safe Boating
classes in O.C.
OCEAN CITY – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 81, is offering the “Boat America” one-day course on multiple dates during 2026.
Classes will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 28, April 11 and June 6 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Eight Street and Central Avenue, Ocean City.
The cost of the course is $65.
“Boat America” is the Auxiliary’s basic safe boating class. New Jersey law requires all operators of power boats complete an approved boating safety class as a requirement for obtaining a NJ Boating Safety Certificate. This course will provide the knowledge necessary to obtain that certification, without the need to study before the class and includes the proctored exam.
Please note that class sizes are limited. To enroll or for further information, go to https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=053-08-01&category=flotilla-81-boating-classes or call (609) 399-4299.
Free tax prep in
Ocean City, Lower
OCEAN CITY – IRS certified volunteers are providing free tax preparation – for individuals whose income does not exceed $70,000 per year – on Mondays and Fridays at the Ocean City Arts Center, which is on the second floor of the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Appointments are required by calling the Cape May County Division of Aging & Disability Services at (609) 886-2784.
Appointments are also being taken for the Lower Cape Senior Center, 2612 Bayshore Road, Villas, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Individuals should bring documents for themselves, their spouse, anyone being claimed as a dependent, if applicable, along with ID, income, IRS letters, medical, home, child care, education and Social Security cards.
AL-ANON meets
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – The AL-ANON Ocean City Family Group meets 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Ave., Ocean City.
Miss NIV Charity
seeks organizations
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Miss Night in Venice Charity is seeking local 501c3 organizations to be considered as recipients of funds raised during the 2026 pageant.
A letter for consideration must include all of the following:
1. A copy of your IRS Determination Letter with EIN/501c3 number.
2. A copy your most current IRS tax Form 990 or 990N Summary.
3. A copy of your current New Jersey Charitable Registration filing.
4. An email address and phone number for your contact person.
5. The organization’s name, address & primary Mission Statement.
6. State how much funding you are requesting and specifically how it will be used by your organization.
To be considered, please email: peezi@aol.com All entries must be received on or before April 1.
Shiloh Baptist
services Sundays
OCEAN CITY — Shiloh Baptist 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.”
Become a
hospice volunteer
NJ Health is looking for people who are willing to share their time, talents and compassion visiting with hospice patients. A pleasant conversation and a cup of coffee can make a difference for a hospice patient.
“Your volunteer service will fit your schedule and interests, and visit assignments are your choice,” according to the group. Volunteers must be 18 years old. An application is available on the resource page of the website at www.njhealthteam.com For more information call (856) 696-5340.
Volunteer activities often include reading, playing music, card games or crafts activities; listening to and documenting their memories for a life or memory journal; staying with patients to give family members a break to run errands or take care of their own needs; certified pet therapy visitors; keeping vigil with patients in their final hours; bereavement and grief support of family; vet to vet volunteers for military veterans; and office administrative work for those who prefer not to visit patients.
NJHealth Hospice serves Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Camden and Salem counties.
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. Feb. 26, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, Cape May County Library, 30 Mechanic St., Cape May Court House, Family Support Group.
— 7 p.m. Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, Family Support Group, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
— 7 p.m. Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, Somers Point, Connections, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
Support groups
meet at library
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Library System hosts Al-Anon, Memory Café and Family Support Groups.
Al-Anon supports those whose lives have been affected by another person’s alcoholism. Memory Café is a place for those experiencing memory loss and their caregivers and family members. Family Support Group is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that provides support for adults with a loved one living with a mental health condition.
Al-Anon is held at 11 a.m. each Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Lower Cape branch in Villas.
Memory Café is held at the Cape May Court House branch one Monday per month.
Family Support Group meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the Cape May Court House branch.
Registration is not required.
Call (609) 463-6350, ext.700, or email adultevents@cmclibrary.org for more information.
Library hosts
yoga classes
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Library System hosts a variety of yoga classes perfect for finding some calm before heading into the hectic holiday season.
The offerings include Yoga, Intro to Sahaja Yoga Meditation, Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga and Total Body Chair Yoga.
— Yoga is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays at the Sea Isle City branch.
— Intro to Sahaja Yoga Meditation is set for 1:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Cape May branch.
— Gentle Yoga is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Upper Cape branch.
— Chair Yoga is set for 5:30 p.m. Mondays at the Wildwood Crest branch.
— Total Body Chair Yoga is held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Cape May branch.
Registration is not required. Call (609) 463-6350, ext.700, or email adultevents@cmclibrary.org for more information.
Grief Support Group at Grace Lutheran
SOMERS POINT – A Grief Support Group meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church, 11 E. Dawes Ave., Somers Point.
Group and one-on-one peer support will be available.
Grief Support
Group in O.C.
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.
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.
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.
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.
