Spring Block Party,
merchant table sales
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s annual Spring Block Party will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, from Fifth Street to 14th Street on Asbury Avenue. There will be more than 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. For more information, call 1-800-BeachNJ.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 5, will be merchant table sales on Asbury Avenue and from Sixth to 14th streets on the Boardwalk.
N.J. Troubadour
performs May 4
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Arts Center presents the folk music and songwriting of New Jersey’s Troubadour, Valerie Vaughn at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the lecture hall at the Ocean City Free Public Library.
Vaughn’s evocative songs earned the Ocean County Commission’s Special Award and the Pine Barrens Festival Award for preserving “the culture, heritage, and natural beauty” of the Pinelands. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made online at oceancityartscenter.org or by calling (609) 399-7628.
Green Thumb
plant swap
SOMERS POINT – The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the Somers Point Senior Center on Ambler Road.
This meeting is the annual plant swap. Members and guests are invited to bring potted perennials from their gardens or starter plants to exchange with each other at the conclusion of the business meeting. Topics to be discussed include the upcoming June 22 Garden Tour and the various garden projects the club maintains throughout Somers Point. The public is welcome to attend and donations are always welcome from non-members. For more information call Pam at (609) 519-3517.
Flower sale at
Absecon Lighthouse
ATLANTIC CITY – “Hydrangea Trail 2.0” is a new Atlantic City non-profit, with the mission of bringing back the famous Hydrangea Trail, the historic, beautiful flower trail inclusive of all people and neighborhoods.
To kick off gardening season and raise important funding, Absecon Lighthouse is the host site of the second annual Mother’s Day Hydrangea Sale to benefit the “Hydrangea Trail 2.0” organization. Sales will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, Sunday, May 5, and Saturday, May 11. Receive a free climb with plant purchase.
All mothers climb free on Sunday, May 12. Parking on site at 31 So. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City, is free and dogs are welcome on leashes in the museum. First lit in 1857, Absecon Lighthouse is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and the country’s third tallest lighthouse.
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.
Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge 2563 and Somers Point AMVETS Post 911 are again combining their efforts. The tournament proceeds support their veterans and handicapped children’s charities. The entry fee is $50 per angler and fishing may be done from boat, pier or beach. This year’s Brutus Tournament will feature $2,050 in cash 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.
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.
‘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.
Ocean City Triathlon,
Duathlon is May 19
OCEAN CITY – The OCNJ Triathlon/Duathlon, a quarter-mile pool swim, 2-mile run, 16-mile bike and 2-mile run is May 19. There is a kids course with an eighth-mile swim, 1-mile run, 8-mile bike and 1-mile run. Pool swim at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center is 6 to 8 a.m. The Run/Bike/Run starts 9 a.m. www.ocnj.us/race-events.
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.
Fundraiser
May 22 in A.C.
ATLANTIC CITY — The 10th annual Sip, Savor, Support event to benefit Cancer Support Community New Jersey (CSCNJ) is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, 672 N. Trenton Ave. in Atlantic City.
The cost is $60 for a single ticket or $110 for a pair of tickets. The cost includes a gourmet buffet and an open bar with beer, wine and cocktails, as well as a raffle.
This year’s event will take place in the Mile Stretch Beer Garden, an outdoor space with live music performed by Chelsea Rae and The Rescue.
All proceeds go directly to the free support programs at CSCNJ for men, women, teens and children affected by all forms of cancer, at any stage of their cancer journey.
Call (609) 926-2699 or email jessica@cscnj.org for more information.
Tickets will not be sold at the door. Call (609) 926-2699 or visit cscnj.org.
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.
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. May 13, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point, Family Support and Connections
— 7to 8:30 p.m. May 23, 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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
AT:ANTIC 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.