Advocacy director
at AARP meeting
OCEAN CITY – Join with Ocean City AARP Chapter 1062 at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, when Evelyn Liebman, AARP New Jersey’s director of advocacy will discuss recent utility rate hikes, state regulations governing utility rates, how consumers can get involved, utility bill payment assistance programs and AARP’s work to help ensure utility services are affordable.
The meeting will be in room 110 at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. This meeting is important for all our area residents, not just AARP members. All are invited to attend.
Want to learn
how to fly fish?
OCEAN CITY – South Jersey Coastal Fly Anglers is offering free introductory fly fishing classes on Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 20. Classes will be 7 to 9 p.m. in the Senior Center in the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Please register by calling (609) 412-9604 or emailing jgerace521@gmail.com.
Practicing the Way
Bible Study at
Tabernacle Baptist
OCEAN CITY – Please join Tabernacle Baptist Church in person or via Zoom as the congregation begins the Practicing the Way Bible Study by John Mark Comer.
The eight-week Bible Study is 4 p.m. Sundays as members seek to deepen their relationship with Christ. Dates are Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, and April 6, 13 and 27.
Contact the church at Tabernacle760@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link for the study and more info.
Library course
on loneliness
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Library will welcome Kathy Thomson for her three-week course, “Connected: Social Health & the Epidemic of Loneliness,” 6 to 7 p.m. on three consecutive Thursdays – Jan. 16, 23 and 30.
Thompson will present an exploration of the loneliness epidemic, creating a personal plan to rebuild connections, and how to maintain long-term social health. She has a master’s degree in sociology from Rutgers University and is a certified disaster and recovery crisis Counselor.
Sessions will be in the Presentation Room at the Cape May Court House branch, 30 Mechanic St.
Registration is required to attend. To reserve a spot, visit the library online event calendar at cmclibrary.org or call (609) 463-6350 x700. Registration is currently open. Please review the Adult Events Attendance Policy before registering.
Pancake breakfast
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 is having a pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the lodge, 940 Wesley Ave.
Cost is $12 for adults, $10 for veterans and $8 for children for assorted pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, coffee, hot tea and orange juice.
The public is invited.
Masonic Lodge
meatball sub sale
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 181 is having a meatball sub sale on NFL playoff weekend, with pickup 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the lodge, 940 Wesley Ave.
Call with questions and to preorder at (609) 827-0779.
House-made meatballs and sauce on 10-inch Liscio’s roll with melted provolone cheese. Cost is $15, including soda and chips. Served hot to go.
Green Thumb Garden
Club meets Feb. 4
SOMERS POINT – The Green Thumb Garden Club invites the public to its 7 p.m. Feb. 4 meeting in the Somers Point Senior Center, 92 N. Ambler Road.
Speaker Bill Reinert, a member of the Somers Point Green Team and nature lover, will share photos and updates on “Endangered Shore Birds.” He travels daily traversing south Jersey capturing amazing shots of these birds reminding locals how wonderful it is to live so near to a river, bay and ocean. For more information contact Pam at (609) 519-3517.
‘Harriet Tubman
Experience’ Feb. 15
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Historical Museum will host “The Harriet Tubman Experience” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in celebration of Black History Month.
Re-enactor Crystal Hines brings Harriet to life in an interactive performance. There will be live music and light refreshments at the museum after the event, which will be in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Admission is free.
The library and Historical Museum are in the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave.
‘Write for Rights’
at O.C. Library
OCEAN CITY – Amnesty International, South Jersey Chapter will host an annual global “Write For Rights” event at the Ocean City Free Public Library 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3.
Amnesty is the largest grassroots human rights organization in the world with about 10 million members. Each year supporters across the globe write millions of letters, cards and tweets, and sign petitions for those whose human rights are being attacked.
Participants should come with nine non-religious cards and write to show solidarity with these people. Cases include a young woman Tiktoker jailed for criticizing a politician in Angola, a young Argentinian who lost his right eye for peacefully protesting and people jailed for protecting the environment. This is a way for ordinary people to make a difference. Many people have been released from prison as a result of our actions. None of them have committed a criminal act. “Most are exercising rights we take for granted. Where we have rights we have responsibilities. Join us and bring a friend.” Information amnestysj@yahoo.com
Chamber to host
DRBA, Icona
STONE HARBOR — The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled presentations from Delaware River and Bay Authority and Icona Resorts during its membership meeting Jan. 16 at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.
Representing the DRBA will be Ceil Smith, deputy executive director; Benjamin S. Clendaniel, director of Airport Operations; and Heath Gehrke, director of Ferry Operations.
Eustace Mita of Icona Resorts will also present plans for the proposed Icona at Wonderland in Ocean City.
These presentations will provide attendees with valuable insights into key developments within organizations that significantly affect travel and tourism in the region. A brief Q&A session will follow, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the presenters.
Pre-paid registration is required. The Reeds at Shelter Haven is located at 9601 Third Ave. in Stone Harbor. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. and the presentations at noon. Visit capemaycountychaber.com/events to register and for more information.
Sustainable Book
Club: ‘Silent Spring’
PALERMO – The Sustainable Book Group (SBG) for Ocean City and Upper Township monthly roundtable meeting on climate change books will be both in-person and on Zoom at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Upper Township Senior / Wellness Center, 1369 Stagecoach Road, Palermo.
This month the SBG will discuss the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson. The book was originally published in 1962 and re-issued as a paperback in multiple editions over the years.
This is a hybrid meeting – both virtual and in-person. Walk-ins are welcome for the meeting.
Register in advance to receive the Zoom link for this meeting: https://tinyurl.com/SBG21JanZoom
Related books, reviews and other information about “Silent Spring” and the author Rachel Carson can be found on the U-Twp. Sustainable Jersey Green Team website: https://uppertwpgreenteam.wordpress.com/Sustainable-Book-Group-OCUT
Monthly SBG discussions feature books about the changing climate/environment and related topics.
The club partners with the Ocean City Free Public Library and the Upper Cape Branch of the Cape May County Library. The libraries will provide extra copies of selected books each month. For additional information or to recommend a book, contact Ralph Cooper at uppercapesustainability@gmail.com or (609) 464-0920.
‘Celtic Spring’
Celebration Feb. 21
SOMERS POINT – The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club will host its first “Celtic Spring” celebration at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Gregory’s Restaurant in Somers Point.
This event will feature the John Byrne Irish Trio with Maura Dwyer on violin and cello and Rob Curto on accordion. Also on hand that evening will be Irish step dancers, Scottish bagpipes and more. The evening will also include a four-course themed dinner. Entrée items will be a choice of fresh caught Scottish salmon in a scotch whiskey honey glaze or a 8 oz. filet in an Jameson Irish whiskey demi glace. “Celtic Spring” begins in February each year and is celebrated by all the Celtic countries that includes Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and Britany. Cost is $70 per person which includes tax and gratuity. Seating is limited.
For more information go to Spunique@weebly.com or call (609) 233-1820. For reservation send a check to the Somers Point Unique Experience Club, PO Box 564, Somers Point, NJ 08244. Include phone number and email address.
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. Feb. 10, March 10, Family Support Group, St. Joseph Church, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. 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.”
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.
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 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.