Eat Healthy
on a Budget
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) has scheduled the program Eat Healthy on a Budget for 7 p.m. March 28 at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Chris Zellers, FCHS educator/assistant professor, will discuss how to compare prices, the benefits of eating healthy to save money and how eating healthy now will save money later.
The class is free but registration is requested at oceancitylibrary.org/events/eating-healthy-budget. Call (609) 399-2434, ext. 5222, or email jhoward@oceancitylibrary.org for more information.
Rotary Club
meets March 28
SOMERS POINT – Rotary Club of Ocean City – Upper Township in-person dinner meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, will be at the Somers Point Diner, 8 MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point.
The program for this week will be Glen Stewart, Thrivent financial associate. HIs presentation will be about his firm’s services and he’ll explain the opportunity for Thrivent “Action Teams” that are willing to partner with Rotary to work on volunteer projects in the community.
Rotary Inter-Clubs, quests, prospective members, and the general public are always welcome to attend Rotary meetings.
Please see the OCUT Rotary Club website for future meeting times and locations, http://ocutRotary.org
Easter events
at county zoo
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The public is invited to an Easter Extravaganza from March 29 to April 7 at the Cape May County Zoo.
The 10-day event will feature an array of activities and an appearance by the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30.
Events will include Easter Bunny I Spy, a game that allows individuals to embark on a quest to discover hidden Easter Bunnies throughout the zoo and an Easter Scavenger Hunt in which individuals can sharpen their observation skills and learn an animal fact. Finally, there will be the HOPstacle Course that combines physical activity with some fun. The Easter Bunny I Spy, Scavenger Hunt and HOPstacle Course are offered daily, while photos with the Easter Bunny are scheduled for March 30. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. daily.
The free Cape May County Parks are open from 7 a.m. until dusk daily and the zoo from 10 a.m. until 3:40 p.m daily. Visit cmczoo.org for more information.
Breakfast Before
the Bunny at
Masonic Lodge
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Masonic Lodge at 940 Wesley Ave. is having a pancake breakfast Saturday, March 30.
Doors open at 8 a.m.
Breakfast includes specialty pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee and juice.
Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children and $10 for veterans.
Egg hunt set
for March 30
SOMERS POINT — The city of Somers Point has scheduled its annual Easter Egg Hunt for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. There will be candy and prized-filled eggs.
The hunt is open to children up to age 10, who are encouraged to bring their own bag for the hunt. The first 250 people will receive a free bag.
Free face painting will be offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Call (609) 833-5428 or email dshallcross@spgov.org for more information.
Pops fundraiser:
Antiques appraisal
SOMERS POINT – The Friends of the Ocean City Pops antiques appraisal luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Crab Trap in Somers Point.
Cost is $40. Ticket includes a crab cake or filet mignon lunch as well as the appraisal of one item by Bruce Dooley, certified appraiser and owner of Bridge Street Antiques in Lambertville.
For information and tickets, call (215) 932-6657.
Green Thumb
Garden Club meeting
SOMERS POINT – The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Somers Point Senior & Community Center, 22-98 Ambler Road.
The public is welcome to attend the program presented by Gary Schempp, bee expert from Cape May County. His worldwide travels and video programs promote the importance and protection of bees and how they affect human lives.
Donations are gladly accepted from non-member guests who attend.
SJ Jazz Society
concert April 3
SOMERS POINT — The South Jersey Jazz Society will kick off its 2024 spring series “Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and Something Neu” on April 3 with a tribute to jazz vocalist Blossom Dearie.
The Sharon Sable Quartet will perform the first of the three-part series that pays homage to this amazing song stylist. Group members are Sharon Sable (vocals), Joe Holt (piano), Tom Baldwin (bass) and Steve Abshire (drums).
The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Gregory’s Bar and Restaurant, 900 Shore Road in Somers Point. Tickets are $20 for Jazz Society members and $25 for others.
Part two and three of the series are scheduled for May 8 (Charlie Apicella) and June 7 (Andrew Neu Big Band).
Beach Driving
Clinic on Zoom
OCEAN CITY – The New Jersey Beach Buggy Association is sponsoring a free beach driving clinic on Zoom at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10.
To register, email Doug Taylor at fishtrek@comcast.net. For more information visit njbba.org/beach-driving.html
The NJBBA recommends the following equipment be kept in a beach buggy: tire pressure gauge, standard first aid kit, shovel, snatch rope, jack and large support board, flashlight, spare tire or equivalent, self-contained toilet (where applicable), standard fire extinguisher, road flares/chemical light sticks, trash bags and tide chart.
Comedy improv
classes to begin
SOMERS POINT – Introduction to comedy improv classes take place in April at Studio Space, 112 Woodland Ave., Somers Point.
The classes will be led by instructor Kristine Knowlton, a dramatist, improv performer, comedian, artist and actress; and assistant instructor Paul Foer, who has been a journalist, radio host, public speaker and stand-up comedian who has performed comedy improv with three troupes.
Classes are open to anyone over 18. No experience needed. They will be from 7 to 9 p.m. April 2, 9, 16 and 23.
To register or for more information, contact Foer at (443) 852-2163 or via email: paul@foerfront.com
Cost is $90, payable by check or Paypal or at the door if space permits.
Bible study: Book
of Colossians at
Tabernacle Baptist
OCEAN CITY — Tabernacle Baptist Church invites the public to an eight-week Bible study exploring the Book of Colossians.
Led by Joe Rowell, the Bible study will be offered in person and via Facebook Live at 6:30 p.m. every other Tuesday. Rowell will discuss the teachings of Paul and how to better align daily lives with the truth of Christ.
Prayer and Communion service is scheduled for 6:30 to 7 p.m. and Colossians Bible Study (in-person and Facebook Live) is set for 7 to 8 p.m.
Dates are March 26 and April 9 and 23. Tabernacle Baptist Church is at the corner of West Avenue and Eighth Street in Ocean City.
Email tabernacle760@gmail.com for more information.
Book and bake
sale at library
NORTHFIELD — The Friends of the Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield has scheduled its annual book and bake sale for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20.
The library is located at 241 W. Mill Road in Northfield.
Women’s History
Month at schools
March is Women’s History Month, which recognizes the achievements and contributions of remarkable women in the United States both past and present.
The Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame (ACWHF) will commemorate Women’s History Month through its educational panel on which past inductees are invited to speak to local high school students. The panel typically consists of three or more ACWHF inductees who speak about how they became trailblazers in their fields, in hopes of inspiring and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
The ACWHF will be honoring four remarkable and accomplished women, inducting them into the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony and dinner are scheduled for June 27 at Linwood County Club.
The ACWHF is a non-profit organization and all net proceeds benefit the scholarship program and permanent exhibit.
Historic bar tour
slated for April 7
SOMERS POINT — The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club has announced the return of “We’re All Bozos on this Bus Historic Bar Tour.”
The event, on Sunday, April 7, is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. when a jitney leaves from the parking lot of Gregory’s at 900 Shore Road.
Participants dressed as clowns will visit various bars in Somers Point, while Kirk Gerety, president of the Somers Point Historical Society, narrates the history of the bars, taprooms, night clubs, restaurants and saloons that were once or now are part of a vibrant entertainment scene in Somers Point.
Those wishing to participate should call (609) 233-1820. Tickets are $20. Mail reservation request and payment to PO Box 564, Somers Point, NJ 08244. Checks can be made payable to Somers Point Unique Experiences Club. Seating is limited.
Vet to Vet Café
sets schedule
Angelic Health Veteran Support Services offers Vet-to-Vet Cafes to help connect military veterans to services, support and each other. It is free and open to all veterans.
— 1 to 2 p.m. April 3: Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point
— noon to 2 p.m. April 23 (women only): Angelic Health Community Outreach Center, 23 Peterson St., Millville
— 1 to 2 p.m. April 24: Angelic Health Community Outreach Center, 23 Peterson St., Millville
— 1 to 2 p.m. June 5: Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point
— 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 18: Angelic Health Community Outreach Center, 23 Peterson St., Millville
— 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 2: Shore Medical Center, 100 Medical Center Way, Somers Point
— 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 18: Angelic Health Community Outreach Center, 23 Peterson St., Millville
Men RSVP to John Prutting at (609) 464-8377 or jprutting@angelichospice.net.
Women RSVP to Philecia Howard at (609) 385-3934 or phoward@angelichospice.net.
Jazz ‘Evening
in Paris’ May 2
SOMERS POINT – The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club in cooperation with the South Jersey Jazz Society will offer “An Evening in Paris” at 6 p.m. May 2, at Gregory’s Bar and Restaurant, 900 Shore Road, Somers Point.
This event will feature a four-course French Dinner and the vocal stylings of the Andrea Carlson Quartet that includes Andrea Carlson on vocals and guitar; Stan Slotter on trumpet and flute, Mike Frank on keyboard and David Bopdrummer on percussion. This ensemble will recreate a Paris bistro scene with jazz overtones, reminiscent of a magical bygone era.
Tickets are $45 and include the dinner and entertainment. (Gratuity not included).
For more information call (609) 289-0326 or visit www.spunique@weebly.com or www.southjerseyjazz.org
Tuesday night
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.
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
— 7to 8:30 p.m. March 28, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 8, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point, Family Support and Connections
— 7to 8:30 p.m. April 25, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
8 Dimensions
of Wellness
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Program has scheduled the virtual Lunch & Learn program Introduction to the 8 Dimensions of Wellness for 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. March 28.
This program, the first in a 10-part series by Chris Zellers, Cape May County FCHS educator/assistant professor, will introduce the 8 Dimensions of Wellness defined by SAMSHA.
The series of monthly one-hour lessons runs through October. The talks include an introduction and wrap-up session and focus on each individual dimension: physical, environmental, financial, occupational, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social wellness.
Participants who view an entire webinar and complete the five-minute questionnaire will be entered to win one of 15 fit bits.
Lunch & Learn programs allow viewers a chance to learn about a variety of wellness topics while having lunch at home or work.
Register in advance at go.rutgers.edu/etizfq0i. Registrants will receive an email with information about joining the meeting. Sessions are recorded and available for the public to view on the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County’s YouTube channel.
Visit capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu for more information.
Series on vegetable
gardening in 2024
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has scheduled Start Your Gardens: Everything you need to know about starting a vegetable garden from planning & planting to harvesting will include three in-person workshops at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, 355 Courthouse-South Dennis Road in Cape May Court House and two online webinars.
Workshops are scheduled for March 27 and June 12 and the online webinars for April 17 and May 22. Classes are open to all skill levels.
The main instructor is Jen Sawyer Caraballo, Program Associate in Commercial Agriculture, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. The sessions will be broken down as follows:
— March 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in person at RCE, Class 2: “Seed Starting & Planting 101.” Fee of $15 includes seed starts to take home.
— April 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Class 3: “Plant Care” is a virtual class. Fee $5.
— May 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Class 4 with Jen & Belinda Chester, Program Associate Atlantic County RCE: “Harvesting: Use & Storage” is a virtual class. Fee $5.
— June 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Class 5: “Extending the Season” is in person at RCE. Fee is $5.
Register go.rutgers.edu/upk74hb6. Follow the link, then click on the course ID of the class you are interested in attending and register. Call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3615, or email sawyer@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information.
Free tax prep
help for seniors
OCEAN CITY — The Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services will offer free tax preparation assistance from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave. in Ocean City.
The service allows seniors to drop off documents for one of the county’s tax experts to prepare. The county will then contact the taxpayer to pick up completed returns.
Appointments are required. Participant income cannot exceed $66,000 per year. Call (609) 886-2784 or schedule online at capemaycountynj.gov.
Participants should provide documents including identification, income documents, any IRS letters, Social Security cards and information on medical, home, education and child care expenses.
Chamber offers
scholarships
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications from June 2024 high school graduates planning to pursue a college, university or trade school education.
Scholarship applications and deadlines can be found at capemaycountychamber.com/scholarships.
A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student from each high school in Cape May County based on the qualifying criteria.
Additionally, home-schooled students are encouraged to apply as well as county resident students who attend high school outside Cape May County and meet all other application criteria.
The Education Foundation provides scholarship opportunity to students in Cape May County who themselves, or whose parents or guardians, are employed by or own a business that is a member of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.
Since its formation in 2015, the foundation has awarded more than $73,000 in scholarships.
Applications are accepted only through the chamber’s online portal. Email president@cmcchamber.com for more information.
Museum, garden
bus trip April 25
The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point is sponsoring a bus tour to the Brandywine Museum of Art and the Nemours Mansion & Gardens on Thursday, April 25, with advanced reservations required by April 9.
Registration forms are available in the foyer of the Somers Point branch of the Atlantic County Library.
The bus is scheduled to depart at 8 a.m. from the parking lot of Target and return by 6 p.m. Cost of $105 includes transportation, boxed lunch and bus driver tip.
Call (609) 927-4147 or (267) 882-8355 after 6 p.m. for more information including lunch options.
Safe-boating
class offered
OCEAN CITY — U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81 is offering the Boat America one-day safe-boating course on multiple dates during 2024. Classes will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at Eighth Street and Central Avenue in Ocean City. The courses are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27, May 18, June 1 and June 15. The cost is $60.
State law requires all operators of power boats complete an approved boating-safety class to obtain a Boating Safety Certificate. The course will provide the knowledge necessary to obtain the certification without the need to study before the class and includes the proctored exam.
Course topics include an introduction to boating, boating law, vessel safety equipment, safe boating, navigation, mishaps and emergencies.
Class sizes are limited. Visit uscgaux-ocnj.org or call (609) 399-4299 to enroll or for further 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.
SPBA to present
scholarship
SOMERS POINT — The Somers Point Business Association has announced that it will award $500 scholarships in spring 2024 in the name of Lou DeScioli to students who work at a business based in Somers Point.
The scholarship awards are inspired by DeScioli, a longtime business and community leader who always believed that a great business is one that strives to make its community better.
All high school seniors and current college students who work at a Somers Point business are eligible to be considered for an award. Applicants must submit an essay of about 500 words describing the impact they have had on the business at which they are employed. The essay should also provide three examples of how their efforts positively affected customer relations and improved business practices.
Essays must be submitted to somerspointba@gmail.com by April 20.
Visit somerspointba.org or email somerspointba@gmail.com for more information.
Senior America
Pageant May 30
ATLANTIC CITY — Ms. New Jersey Senior America is seeking women 60 years and older to participate in the Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2024.
The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 30 at Harrah’s Resort Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
Call (609) 412-4980 or (908) 216-8534 or visit newjerseysenioramerica.org for more information.
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 5 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.