Masonic Lodge
pancake breakfast
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Mason Lodge No. 171 F.&A.M. is having a pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 at the lodge, 940 Wesley Ave.
Breakfast includes specialty pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children and $10 for veterans. Walk-ins welcome. All proceeds benefit the lodge restoration fund.
Christas Eve worship
at Grace Lutheran
SOMERS POINT – Grace Lutheran Church Christmas Eve worship services include a candlelight service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24, at which parents may bring children’s favorite blankets for pastor’s special children’s sermon; and a candlelight service with choir at 9 p.m.
Grace Lutheran is at 11 E. Dawes Ave., Somers Point.
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.
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. Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, Family Support Group, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, Somers Point, Connections, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 23, Feb. 27, March 27, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group.
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
Winter Poetry &
Pose Getaway
GALLOWAY – Murphy Writing of Stockton University will host the 31st annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway at Seaview, a Dolce Hotel from Jan. 17-20.
The program is currently accepting registrations from those who are interested in writing novels and short stories, plays, nonfiction, memoir, songwriting or poetry. Writers of all levels are welcome.
The sliding scale tuition between $550 and $770 includes a 15-hour writing workshop and several meals. Up to 10 scholarship seats will be awarded to first-time participants. A room package to stay on site for the weekend can be added at an additional cost. Attendees also can participate in open mics, tutorials, networking, sunrise yoga, an art exhibit, dancing at the Getaway Disco and writerly camaraderie.
For registration and other information, visit stockton.edu/wintergetaway or call (609) 626-3594. Seaview is located at 401 S. New York Road, Galloway.
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, 7E 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.”
Calling talent for
‘Talent Showcase
By the Bay’ Jan. 12
SOMERS POINT – The Somers Point Arts Commission is seeking talented people for a “Talent Showcase by the Bay” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at Gateway Playhouse, 738 Bay Avenue, Somers Point.
Individuals, duos, or groups of three to 10 are welcome to apply. Participants must be 15 years or older and all kinds of talent are encouraged – singers, musicians, dancers, family friendly comics, magicians, etc.
This is free for participants, but they must apply no later than Dec. 22 by going to somersptarts.weebly.com for application information.
Environmental
Steward program
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County will offer the Rutgers Environmental Steward Program starting in the new year.
A Rutgers Environmental Steward is a volunteer who is trained in the environmental issues affecting New Jersey and works to help solve local problems.
County residents who are interested in improving the environment can learn how to create a conservation project in their community by joining the volunteer program that helps members of the public learn specific steps leading to a positive effect on local ecosystem.
Weekly classes taught by leading researchers from Rutgers, government agencies and the nonprofit sector will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 21, 2025.
About 11 online and five in-person sessions will be held along with field trips to environmentally significant sites. Topics will include climate change, solid waste, recycling, soil health, alternative energy, water quality, habitat conservation, pollinator protection and environmental policy.
Participants will be required to complete a 60-hour project in their community to become certified. The cost for the program is $300 before Dec. 31 and $325 starting Jan. 1. Registration is required by Jan. 17. Visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu to register or or for more information about the program.
Call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3607, or email capemayag@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information about agriculture and natural resources in Cape May County.
Grief Support Group
in Somers Point
SOMERS POINT – All are welcome to a Grief Support Group that meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month from October through January at Grace Lutheran Church, 11 East Dawes Ave., Somers Point.
“Whether you’ve lost a job, a loved one, health, relationships or a dream, we’re here to support you.” It is free and confidential small group care.
To reserve a spot call the church office at (609) 927-3082 or email office@gracelutheranspnj.comcastbiz.net.
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.
Dances in S.P.
SOMERS POINT – The Dance Society’s Tuesday night dances are at Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1’s hall at 447 Bethel Road, Somers Point.
The dances are 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays featuring live musical duos, light snacks, social dancing, mixers and some line dancing. Cost is $10. “Come out and kick up your heels or just listen to some good music,” a spokes-dancer said. For more information call Rita Voli at (609) 408-3619.
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.