O.C. Memorial Day
services planned
Ocean City’s Memorial Day Service starts at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Veterans Memorial Park, 500 block of Wesley Avenue. All are encouraged to attend. Ralph Galati, a U.S. Air Force veteran, will be the keynote speaker. Galati’s plane was shot down over Vietnam in 1972, and he spent 14 months as a prisoner of war. He has been a veterans advocate throughout his life.
The National Moment of Remembrance is also set for May 27. Established by Congress, the event asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. Greg Murphy of Buglers Across America will sounds Taps from the Ocean City Music Pier to commemorate the moment. The performance will be broadcast on the boardwalk public address system.
Unlocking Ocean,
Business Plunge
OCEAN CITY – The annual Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge will be at noon Friday, May 24 at the Ninth Street beach.
After officials turn the key to “unlock” the ocean, participants dressed in business suits carry briefcases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season.
Protect Our Coast
Rally is May 25
OCEAN CITY – Protect Our Coast New Jersey is having a rally, to stop offshore wind farms, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at Mark Soifer Park, corner of Asbury Avenue and Ninth Street, Ocean City.
Speakers will include U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, ICONA Resorts CEO Eustace Mita, gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, CapeGOP Chairman Michael Donahue and radio emcee Dan Klein.
Afterwards the rally will move to the Route 52 causeway. Participants are encouraged to bring their signs.
Memorial Day Service
May 27 at Osprey Point
SEAVILLE — The annual Memorial Day service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, at the Sergeant William R. Godfrey Memorial Park, 1731 Route 9.
Hosted by Osprey Point resident James Joyce, residents and guests will join vocalist Jim Offner in the singing of the national anthem and patriotic songs.
A flag honoring and memorializing Navy veteran Thomas Gardner, father of Osprey Point resident Lucille Carey, will be presented to the community.
State Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, will be the guest speaker.
First Vice Commander Bill Archer and members will represent Tuckahoe American Legion Post 239. Boy Scout Troop 79 will provide the Color Guard.
All are welcome to attend. In the case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Osprey Point Clubhouse.
Memorial Day
parade, service
SOMERS POINT — Somers Point will host a Memorial Day parade starting at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Dawes Avenue.
The parade progresses along Shore Road to City Hall, 1 W. New Jersey Ave., and then up to Patriots Park for a ceremony.
Parade participants can include vehicles, bands and walkers. Memorial Day is held yearly to honor the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Somers Point will honor those who lost their lives while also honoring all who have and continue to serve.
Email dshallcross@spgov.org or call (609) 833-5428 for more information on how to participate.
Juneteenth Festival
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – The Pecks Beach Juneteenth Committee, South Jersey Festivals, Count on Comedy and The City of Ocean City are proud to announce its Juneteenth Celebration and Community Reunion from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, between Seventh and Eighth streets on Haven Avenue. This event will bring together locals from all backgrounds to celebrate African American culture and freedom.
Attendees can expect music, stand-up comedy, special guest speakers, gospel power hour, vendors, food trucks, and fun activities for the whole family. There will be special performances by local and national talent and organizations and games and prizes for the youth. It promises to be a fun and educational afternoon of engaging entertainment and celebration.
The Celebration and Community Reunion serves to unite the community and honor African Americans’ history in Ocean City and beyond. Everyone is welcome to attend and be a part of this free unique event that celebrates our city’s culture and identity.
Memorial Beach
Challenge May 25
OCEAN CITY – The Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 Heroes is an obstacle course challenge and soft sand adventure race followed by a kids’ fun run. Staging at Ninth Street Beach. For registration information, visit memorialbeachchallenge.com or call (856) 905-0583.
Masonic Lodge
pancake breakfast
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Masonic Lodge No.171 F. & A. M. Is having a pancake breakfast Saturday, May 25, at the lodge, 940 Wesley Ave. 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. All proceeds benefit the lodge restoration fund.
Tabernacle Baptist
Fellowship Dinner
kicks off season
OCEAN CITY – Please join Tabernacle Baptist Church as it kicks off the season beginning Sunday, May 26, of Memorial Day weekend with the “Truth” series.
The public is invited to join in for the joint Fellowship Dinner and Worship Service with Shiloh Baptist Church on Sunday, May 26, beginning at 2 p.m., for the dinner, following at 4 p.m. for the Worship Service.
Additional monthly services will be held at 4 p.m. every second Sunday for the remainder of 2024 on the following dates: June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.
Information to follow on the Paint Party and Fall BBQ Fundraiser. Tabernacle Baptist is at the corner of Eighth Street and West Avenue in Ocean City.
South Seaville
Camp Meeting
Women’s Day
SOUTH SEAVILLE – The Women’s Auxiliary of South Seaville Camp Meeting is sponsoring its 74th annual Women’s Day Thursday, July 25, at 188 Dennisville Road in South Seaville.
This event is free and open to all. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. and include cottage tours, Little Acorn Shoppe, History Wagon Ride, bake sale and basket raffle, photo op, prayer tent, and Church and Community Abolition Network display. Rest in the shade of lovely trees, cool off with lemonade at the Bell Tower or visit the Ice Cream Parlor.
An Inspirational Program will be in the open-air Tabernacle at 2:30 p.m. Laura Hunter and Joy Furda will speak on “Finding Peace in the Midst of Your Troubles.” There will be a special white dove release following the program.
Dinner is served in Grove Hall at 4:15 and 5:30 p.m. for $12 per person. The deadline for reservations is July 16 and can be made by calling Barb Whitlock at (609) 472-4687.
‘Bach 2 Broadway’
By Cape Shore
Chorale June 2
OCEAN CITY –
Cape Shore Chorale, under the direction of Scott J. Breiner, presents “Bach 2 Broadway” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2998 Bay Ave., Ocean City, at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 2.
The concert will feature Bach’s “Cantata 106” with period instruments, plus selections from Broadway shows including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Pippin,” “Wicked,” “Godspell” and “Mamma Mia.”
Freewill offering. Light refreshments after the concert.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage.
WWII Memorial
to be unveiled
ATLANTIC CITY – ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (May 8, 2024) – An unveiling and dedication ceremony for a World War II Memorial at Atlantic City’s O’Donnell Memorial Park will be held at noon Thursday, June 6th, the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to attend, including U.S. military veterans from several wars. The event is open to the public.
The Bernie Friedenberg World War II Memorial honors the distinguished service of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bernard (Bernie) I. Friedenberg and all other Americans who served their country during World War II.
Several World War II veterans, Gold Star Mothers of America members, and families of United States military veterans are among the honored guests expected to attend the. dedication ceremony, which will include a military flyover by the New Jersey National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing. Susan Friedenberg, the daughter of Bernie Friedenberg, will make special remarks, as will Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and guest speaker Major General John Hussey (U.S. Army, retired).
Jazz concert
on the beach
SOMERS POINT – The South Jersey Jazz Society Spring Series features the Andrew Neu Big Band performing June 7 on the William Morrow Beach on New Jersey Avene and the Bay in Somers Point. Andrew Neu is a renowned New York based saxophonist who will bring a stellar lineup of 18 of some of the finest first call musicians from the tri-state area when he takes the stage at 7 p.m. for this free outdoor event.
Attendees are encourage to bring a beach chair. The Spring Series is sponsored in part by the Ocean First Bank Foundation and Kramer Beverage. This concert will act a springboard for the 2024 Concert on the Beach series that was recognized in 2023 by USA Today as the best outdoor concert venue in the United States.
For more information call (609) 289-0326 or visit www.southjerseyjazz.org
Grace Lutheran
Community Celebration
SOMERS POINT – Grace Lutheran Church on Shore Road in Somers Point is hosting a Community Celebration from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9.
This celebration features complimentary food that includes hot dogs, chips and strawberry shortcake. The celebration is part of a year-long series of events that mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the church.
While this event is free, please call the church office to secure a ticket at (609) 927-3082.
Vendors wanted
for craft show
OCEAN CITY – Vendors are wanted for the St. John Lutheran Church third annual Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21.
Original craft work needed for inside sale with 25 vendors at St. John, 1001 Central Ave., Ocean City.
To apply, visit https://stjohnlutheranoc.org/ or email Janet at tuckahoe1@comcast.net.
Chorus singers
for Pops concert
OCEAN CITY – The chorus for the Beethoven 9th Symphony Aug. 28 performance with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra is resuming. Singers interested in participating should contact Chorus Director Richard Stanislaw via email rstanislaw@comcast.net or text (609) 226-4003.
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. 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.
Ocean City
Walking Club
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Walking Club, formed last summer, 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 9 a.m. each Friday to walk the length of the Boardwalk. The Ocean City Healthy Living Advisory Council created the group as a way for people to get healthy and meet new friends.
The Boardwalk is 2.45 miles long, and round trip is (4.9 miles). Walks may take about 90 minutes, but participants are welcome to stop at any point along the route. Starting June 14, the start time will move to 8 a.m. 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.
Brutus Fluke
Tournament
SOMERS POINT – The 26th “Brutus” Fluke Tournament will be 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22. This tournament, initiated in 1999 to honor the memory of avid Bay Fisherman Walter “the Brute” Gregory Sr., has become a yearly tradition for anglers of all ages.
To request a registration form or for more information send an e-mail to BrutusBoy6665@aol.com. Registration forms can also be picked up in the Somers Point/Ocean City area at Somers Point Marine, Tight Lines, Gregory’s Bar, Fin-Atics, and other local boating shops.
prizes ($1,000 for first) as well as 12 valuable non-cash prizes. Two additional categories are heaviest striper and heaviest three perch (both $100 prize).
The Somers Point head boat “Duke O’Fluke (609-742-9660) will be offering a morning trip that day returning to dock well before the weigh-in cut off time.
The deadline for registration will be at the end of the 6 p.m. captains meeting Friday, June 21 Registration will include free snacks during registration and a free awards buffet after the tournament. All events and the weigh-in will be at the Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge, 1815 Somers Pt.-Mays Landing Road, just over the Patcong Creek Bridge in EHT.
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. June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point, Family Support and Connections
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 23, June 22, July 25, Aug. 22, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
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. 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.
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.
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 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.