Friends Book Sale
at O.C. Library
OCEAN CITY – The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library spring book sale will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 14, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
It will be in the atrium of the library at 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City.
The sale is cash only. Please bring a tote bag for purchases. More information can be found at www.friendsvolunteersocfpl.com.
St. Patrick’s
auction March 15
LINWOOD – Our Lady of Sorrows parish of Linwood is holding its annual St. Patrick’s Day Auction Saturday, March 15, in the Church Hall on Wabash Avenue next to the church.
There is a $5 admission fee and it is limited to 240 people. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There are many exciting gift baskets available for auction at the event.
Rotary Club hosts
foster parent
recruiter March 13
SOMERS POINT – Guy Forcone, Resource (Foster) Parent Recruiter with the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency, will be the guest speaker for the Rotary Club of Ocean City – Upper Township dinner meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Somers Point Diner, 8 MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point.
Forcone’s talk for the Rotary Club will address details about his agency’s “Foster and Adoptive Families” program here in Cape May County and southern New Jersey.
To learn more about the OCUT Rotary contact Club President
Aslam Sheikh at (609) 377-6418 or oceancitywireless@yahoo.com
Youth suicide
prevention panel
OCEAN CITY – The public is invited to a Youth Suicide Prevention and Awareness night 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Landmark Church, 300 E. Eighth St., Ocean City.
There will be a panel of four speakers including Sherri Asae, an adolescent biblical counselor; Tobi Oves, a public school college and career guidance counselor; Dr. Kiersten Ilaoa, an adolescent psychiatrist; and Larissa Brewer, a licensed clinical social worker.
Topics will include detectives in the brain, suicide warning signs, being a Christian in a public school, college planning, intervention and risk and trauma exposure. All will be navigated from a biblical lens and equip parents and students to work together to navigate mental health. Preregister at https://thelandmark.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/180629120.
Craft Show in
Somers Point
SOMERS POINT – Somers Point Fire Co. 1 Auxiliary will hold a craft show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Bethel Road firehouse. Spaces are $25 each.
For information, please call (609) 927-7169 or (609) 927-3281.
OCAC bus trip
To NYC April 10
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Arts Center is sponsoring a bus trip to New York City April 10 to visit the International Center of Photography and The Hispanic Society of America.
Cost is $90. The trip leaves at 8 a.m. from the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave. See details online at oceancityartscenter.org.
The photography center is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. The Hispanic Society is a museum and reference library devoted to the art and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latina America and the Philippines.
To reserve a seat, go online or call the Arts Center at (609) 399-7628.
Atlantic County
Women’s Hall of Fame
scholarship opportunities
The Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame (ACWHF) is, once again, offering $500 scholarship opportunities to young women who are graduating seniors from an Atlantic County high school and who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
The scholarship application can be found online at acwhf.org and is due by April 15. Scholarships are made available from private donations and from proceeds of the annual ACWHF Induction Ceremony and Dinner.
For an application, visit https://acwhf.org/scholarship/
For more information, please call (609) 377-4035.
Garden Club
sponsors trip
SOMERS POINT – The Offshore Garden Club is sponsoring a trip with Friendly Tours and Travel on Thursday, May 22, to Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens and Chanticleer.
The $125 cost includes travel, lunch, gardens and tour. Leaving from Target parking lot in Somers Point at 8 a.m. Please call or email Janet Toland by March 31 at (609) 369-0449 or golfer_nurse@hotmail.com.
‘My Grownup and Me’
art workshops set
SOMERS POINT – The Somers Point Arts Commission is teaming up with Somers Point PAL to offer “My Grown-Up & Me” art workshop.
The program is for children 6 to 10 years old along with their favorite grownup.
There are three dates to choose from March 15, 22 or 29. The workshop will be held at the Somers Point Youth Center, 599 Marks Road, just off Bethel Road, Somers Point.
The cost is $10 for the child-adult pair. Pre-registration is required. Go to somersptarts.weebly.com for information or to register.
AARP Smart
Driver Course
OCEAN CITY – The AARP Smart Driver course is coming to Ocean City from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, March 17, in room 110 of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m.
Cost is $25 for AARP national members and $30 for non-members. AARP members must show their AARP membership card or bring current AARP magazine with their name and AARP member number on label.
The eight-hour classroom course can remove two points from NJ licenses and provide auto insurance discounts.
you may be eligible for a multi year discount on your auto insurance. Also NJ Licenses with points are eligible to have 2 points removed!
Email OCNJAARP1062@gmail.com no later than March 15 if planing to attend.
Designer Handbag
Bingo is March 21
SOMERS POINT – Shore Medical Center is hosting Designer Handbag Bingo on Friday, March 21, at the VFW Post 2189, 500 Bethel Road in Somers Point.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are $35 each, and include 12 rounds of bingo and a chance to win designer handbags from brands such as Coach, Kate Spade and Michael Kors. Guests must be 21 and older to participate. Tickets and tables of eight may be reserved online at weblink.donorperfect.com/2025HandbagBingo.
Guests will have the option to purchase additional game faces and enter a 50/50 cash raffle, chance auction, and an additional luxury handbag raffle. There will be a cash bar, and guests are encouraged to bring their own food. Event proceeds will fund new medical equipment, technology and patient care initiatives at Shore Medical Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For more information, contact Jessica Giles at 609-653-3986 or jessica.giles@shoremedicalcenter.org.
Safe boating class
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 81, is offering the “Boat America” one-day course April 12, May 17, June 7 and June 14 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Eighth Street and Central Avenue, Ocean City.
The one-day course runs 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $65.
“Boat America” is the Auxiliary’s basic safe boating class. New Jersey law requires all operators of power boats complete an approved boating safety class as a requirement for obtaining a NJ Boating Safety Certificate. This course will provide the knowledge necessary to obtain that 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. To enroll or for further information, go to http://www.uscgaux-ocnj.org/Boat_Safety_Class.html or call (609) 399-4299.
Miss NIV seeks
501c3 groups
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Miss Night in Venice Charity is seeking local 501c3 organizations to be considered as recipients of funds raised during the 2025 Pageant.
A letter for consideration must include all of the following:
- A copy of the original IRS Determination Letter with the EIN/501c3 number.
- A copy of the most current IRS tax Form 990 or 990N
Summary.
3. A copy of the most current New Jersey CRI filing
(Charitable Registration.)
4. An email address and phone number for the contact
person.
5. The organization’s name, address, and the primary
Mission Statement.
6. State how much funding being requested, and
specifically, how it will be used by the organization.
To be considered, please email: peezi@aol.com on or before May 1.
Want to learn
How to fly fish?
OCEAN CITY – South Jersey Coastal Fly Anglers is offering a free introductory fly fishing class 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 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.
Freedom Fund
Gala March 15
WILDWOOD — The Cape May County chapter of the NAACP has scheduled its fifth annual Freedom Fund Gala fundraiser for 5 p.m. March 15 at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
The gala is the local branch’s annual fundraiser, which directly supports the organization’s mission and work and assists those in need.
Tickets are $150 per person and include a cocktail hour, dinner, awards banquet and dancing. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at NAACP CMC 5th Annual Freedom Fund Gala or from a Freedom Fund Committee member.
Spring Craft Show
In Somers Point
SOMERS POINT – Somers Point Fire Co. No. 1 Auxiliary will hold a Spring Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Bethel Road Firehouse. Spaces are $25 each.
For information please call (609) 927-7169 or (609) 927-3281.
HPSUT spring
Bus trip May 3-4
UPPER TOWNSHIP – This year’s Spring bus trip, sponsored by the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township (HPSUT), will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4..
Registration details and the final itinerary will be available soon. The trip will visit the Hudson Valley to check out George Washington’s last encampment in New Windsor and Newburgh, N.Y., including a stop at New Bridge Landing in Bergen County to visit the “bridge that saved America.” The final stop will be at Washington’s Headquarters in the Morristown National Historic Park. Proceeds benefit HPSUT. Contact Pary Tell at parytell@gmail.com or call (609) 886-8577. Watch for further details via email, media releases and online at www.UpperTwpHistory.org or Facebook: www.Facebook.com/UpperTwpHistory
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. April 14, May 12, June 9, Family Support Group, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 14, May 12, June 9, Somers Point, Connections, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, Cape May County Library, Cape May Court House, Family Support Group.
Visit namiacm.org or call (609) 741-5125 for more information.
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.
Lunch & Learn:
Physical Wellness
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences program is partnering with the Ocean City Free Public Library to present the The 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Physical Wellness, from noon to 1 p.m. March 18.
The program, part of the new Lunch and Learn Series through November in Ocean City, is offered both virtually and in-person at the library, 1735 Simpson Ave. in Ocean City.
The 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Physical Wellness will be presented by Chris Zellers, FCHS educator/assistant professor for Cape May County.
The class is free but advanced registration is requested at go.rutgers.edu/75knxox9: Call (6090 465-5115, ext. 3607, or visit capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu for more information.
Kids Cooking
Club March 19
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) program has scheduled the second of four Kids Cooking Club sessions for March 19.
The program, for children age 8 to 12, is set for 4 to 6 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 355 Courthouse-South Dennis Road in Cape May Court House.
This session will focus on the fruit and vegetable food group. Children who participate will learn about the food groups and why it is healthy to eat many colors of fruits and vegetables. They also will make recipes with foods from around the world using fruits and vegetables.
The class is open to the public and costs $10 to attend. Space is limited, therefore registration is required by March 5 at go.rutgers.edu/8wevlyy5.
Call (6090 465-5115, ext. 3609, for more information.
Lunch & Learn
Exercise benefits
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, Avoiding Stress Eating, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. March 6.
The presentation will demonstrate the benefits of exercise for the mind, body and overall wellness.
The series provides viewers with health and wellness information during their lunch hour. Topics vary and allow participants a chance to grab a healthy half-hour tidbit of wellness to carry throughout the day.
Register in advance at go.rutgers.edu/1moy8kiq.
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 up-to-date information.
Fundraising run,
walk April 27
ATLANTIC CITY — The 15th annual Mosaic 5K Run & Health Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk are scheduled for April 27 on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Organized by Mosaic (formerly Seashore Gardens Foundation), the Run & Health Walk is the key fundraiser for Alzheimer’s and dementia outreach and programs.
The event will start and finish at Stockton University’s Atlantic City Campus at Albany Avenue and the boardwalk. The 5K Run will begin at 9 a.m. The 5K Health Walk and 1 Mile Family Fun Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome in each of the events.
Free parking is offered from 7 a.m. to noon at the Stockton University commuter lot, 3601 Boardwalk at Hartford Avenue.
Pre-registration is available through 5 p.m. April 25. Preregistered participants will receive an event T-shirt (while supplies last). Cost is $35 for runners, $30 for walkers (with $5 discounts for ages 22 and under). Day of registration cost is $45.
The Family Fun Run is $20, and children ages 10 and under are $15. Same-day registration will be available at the race starting at 7:15 a.m. Visit mosaicgiving.org/5k.
Call (609) 748-4615 or email luurtsemae@seashoregardens.org for more information or sponsorship opportunities.
Easter events
at county zoo
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Families are invited to join Cape May County Park and Zoo for a weeklong Easter Extravaganza from April 18-25.
Highlights of the event are an Easter Bunny I Spy Hunt, Easter Scavenger Hunt, HOPstacle Course and Easter Bunny Photo Opportunity.
The Easter Bunny will be ready for photos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19.
Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. daily.
Eat What You
Grow Series
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family & Community Health Sciences and Agriculture & Natural Resources departments have scheduled Eat What You Grow: Spring Session for 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 9 and 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 17 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, 355 Court House-South Dennis Road.
It is the second part of the four-part Eat What You Grow Series offered in both the evening and daytime through October 2025.
Presenters are Anneliese Kuemmerle, FCHS program associate II, and Jen Sawyer Caraballo, ANR Program Associate II.
The classes focus on seasonal vegetables and fruits, providing participants nutritional information and preparation ideas while teaching about growing tasty produce in a home garden.
The upcoming sessions will cover seed starting, greens and root vegetables, how to shop at farm markets or farm stands, benefits of eating seasonally, preserving spring harvests and encouraging children to eat what they grow. Attendees will also get hands-on experience sowing tomato seeds to take home with recipe idea cards.
The public is invited to sign up for individual classes at $10 per class. Visit go.rutgers.edu/2ndjz63h to register for the April 9 class go.rutgers.edu/8w6qqg4w to register for the April 17 class. Call (6090 465-5115, ext. 3607, or visit capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu for more information.
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.
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.
