Bus trip to Longwood
Gardens and
Brandywine Museum
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Arts Center has a bus trip to Longwood Gardens and The Brandywine River Museum of Art on Saturday, June 14.
The bus leaves at 8 a.m. from the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson
Ave., The trip costs $112 and includes all admissions.
At Longwood explore one of the great gardens of the world, featuring 1,100 acres of meadows, gardens and woodlands, including a four-acre historic conservatory with lush, colorful gardens and the soothing sounds of water.
The Brandywine Art Museum has a distinguished collection of 19th and 20th century American art housed in a renovated 19th century mill with a dramatic steel and glass addition that overlooks the bucolic Brandywine River. The extraordinary site — the intersection of art and nature — emphasizes the Brandywine Conservancy’s commitment to the preservation of the natural, cultural and scenic resource of the region.
For details and tickets go online to https://www.oceancityartscenter.org/ or call (609) 399-7628.
Miss Night in Venice
seeks contestants
OCEAN CITY – The Miss Night in Venice Charity is seeking young women contestants ages 15-25 to help raise funds for local charities while earning community service hours.
Fundraising takes place over six weeks and culminates in a crowning ceremony followed by a ride at the head of the annual Night in Venice Boat Parade in July.
For more information call (609) 425-5708 or email dollsusan3889@gmail.com before June 1.
Flea market
May 3 at NCS
NORTHFIELD — The Northfield Cultural Committee is hosting a flea market featuring 35 vendors selling a variety of items from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3 at Northfield Community School, 2000 New Road in Northfield. Proceeds benefit the Northfield historical museum at Birch Grove Park. Call (609) 374-6614 for more information.
Dinner benefits
Autism Room
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Masonic Lodge will be hosting a spaghetti dinner to benefit Shore Medical Center’s Autism Room.
The dinner will be at the lodge, 940 Wesley Ave., Ocean City, Saturday, May 10. There are two seatings, 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dinner includes salad, spaghetti, meatballs, Italian sausage, assorted desserts, iced tea, lemonade, water, coffee and tea. Cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
Call or text John Davis at (609) 827-0779 to make a reservation. All proceeds from this event go to Shore Medical Center’s Autism Room.
Bishop McHugh
golf outing May 8
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School invites local residents, golfers and supporters to join the 2025 annual Bishop McHugh Golf Outing on May 8 at the private Union League National Golf Club in Cape May Court House.
The event offers golfers the opportunity to play 18 holes while supporting the students and school.
Participants will be treated to 18 holes of golf with cart and greens fees, a commemorative gift, lunch, on-course refreshments and a post-tournament reception, open bar and awards dinner, contests, prizes and more.
Players may register as an individual, gather a foursome or support the outing through one of the many sponsorship opportunities available.
The event is one of Bishop McHugh’s most important fundraising events of the year. Proceeds help bridge the gap between tuition and the cost of educating students.
Visit bishopmchugh.com to register or sponsor the event. Call (609) 624-1900 or email advancement@bishopmchugh.com for more information.
Child ID Day in
Somers Point
SOMERS POINT – NJ Amvets Post 911, the Somers Point Police and Knights of Columbus are sponsoring Child ID Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the American Veterans Resource Center, 415 Shore Road, Somers Point.
There will be free refreshments and a free fingerprinting card will go home with parents.
It is by appointment only by calling (609) 526-4356 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Monday through Wednesday.
St. Peter’s annual
spring plant sale
OCEAN CITY – St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City, at the corner Eighth Street and Central Avenue, will have its annual Spring Plant Sale 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10.
Beautiful hanging plants, annuals and tropical plants will be available just in time for spring and summer flowers. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.
Strathmere: Order
plants by May 12
STRATHMERE — The Strathmere Improvement Association will be selling a wide variety of 5-inch perennial plugs and two varieties of annuals available through May 12. Pick-up will be 8:30 to 10 a.m. May 17 at the Rita Schiavo Library parking lot. Plants also will be available for purchase on pick-up day, but pre-orders are recommended. Payments for pre-orders can be made at pick-up.
Children will be able to plant seeds in compostable pots and watch them sprout at home.
Text orders to Linda Bateman at (609) 970-0157 by May 12.
Christ Child
Spring luncheon
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Christ child Society of Cape May County annual Spring Fling luncheon is 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at The Shore Club, 1170 Golf Club Road, Cape May Court House.
All are invited for an afternoon of fellowship, good food and fun. A three-course luncheon will be served with an entrée choice of flounder francaise, chicken piccata, teres major steak or vegetarian pasta.
Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit children in need in the community. Call Kay at (609) 224-3229 for tickets and entree choice. There will be chances, basket raffles and 50/50.
Seaville Fire Rescue
Craft Show and
Chinese Auction
SEAVILLE – Seaville Fire & Rescue will hold its Spring Into Summer Craft Show and Chinese Auction 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, in the social hall at 36 Rt. 50, Seaville.
There will be 17 select and varied vendors and a snack bar. The Chinese Auction features more than 30 prizes from local businesses and vendors, The drawing will start at 1:30 p.m., and partipants do not have to be present to win. Process support the all volunteer Seaville Fire and Rescue, Station 19.
Colony Club to
celebrate 75th
SOMERS POINT – The Colony Club of Ocean City is celebrating its 75th anniversary of service, scholarship and friendship while empowering the next generation of young women.
The fund-raising event will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 10, at Greate Bay Country Club, Somers Point. Tickets are $60. Call (609) 462-0597.
The Colony Club provides scholarships to young women graduating from Ocean City High School, achievement awards to eighth-graders at Ocean City Intermediate School and sponsors a spelling bee for fifth graders. The group sends two OCHS juniors to the NJSFWC Girl’s Career Institute at Rutgers University.
The club also donates to CASA, OCNJ Cares, CARA, the Ocean City Historical Museum, among others. In 2024, The Colony Club provided more than $12,000 in education-related financial support to the Ocean City community.
Bus trip set
for May 20
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The Little Gardens Club of Atlantic City has scheduled a bus trip for May 20 to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.
The trip includes a self-guided tour of Scott’s Arboretum in the morning and a talk by Tina Ellor on growing mushrooms at The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farm.
Cost is $82. Boards at 7:30 a.m. at Harbor Square Shopping Center next to Boscov’s entrance in Egg Harbor Township.
Call (609) 501-5257 or (856) 285-4876 or email kfarbman@comcast.net or gabe_debbie_70@msn.com to register.
Safe boating class
in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 81, is offering the “Boat America” one-day course 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.
Lunch & Learn:
Stress reduction
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Program will hold the virtual Lunch & Learn program Mindfulness for Stress from 12:30 to 1 p.m. May 8.
Presenter Chris Zellers, Cape May County FCHS educator/assistant professor, will review the benefits of mindfulness for better stress management, define mindfulness and demonstrate techniques for stress reduction.
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/49gjg2i4. Sessions are recorded and available for the public to view on the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County’s YouTube channel.
Medicinal herbs
workshop May 20
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host the workshop The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Using Medicinal Herbs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May 20 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, 355 Courthouse-South Dennis Road.
The workshop is part of the 2025 Garden & Grow series, which aims to teach locals how to improve or expand their home gardens in new ways.
Presenters Claudia Gil Arroyo, County Agent III, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Jen Sawyer Caraballo, ANR Program Associate II, will teach participants how to identify chamomile, lemon balm, lemon verbena, yarrow, calendula and peppermint, to use these medicinal herbs for different ailments, and to grow and harvest these medicinal herbs.
The cost is $10. Register in advance at go.rutgers.edu/yo2zm62o. Call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3607 or email capemayag@njaes.rutgers.edu for more information.
Lunch & Learn:
Emotional Wellness
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) program is partnering with the Ocean City Free Public Library to present the workshop The Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional Wellness from noon to 1 p.m. May 20.
The program, part of the new Lunch and Learn Series for the Ocean City Free Public Library running through November, is offered both virtually and in-person at 1735 Simpson Ave.
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional Wellness will be presented by Chris Zellers, FCHS educator/assistant professor for Cape May County. Zellers educates the community on wellness, nutrition and fitness.
The class is free but advance registration is requested at go.rutgers.edu/dvy3g0yk.
Grandparents
group May 22
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Rutgers Cooperative Extension Family and Community Health Sciences Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group has scheduled its next meeting for 5 to 6:30 p.m. May 22 at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, 355 Courthouse-South Dennis Road. The building is handicap accessible.
The topic will be Sound Health Meditation with presenter Chrissy Ennis, energy healing practitioner and owner of Radiant Pixies LLC. According to Ennis, Sound healing puts the body into the parasympathetic state that affects people on an emotional and a physiological level and helps bring the nervous system into balance.
The program meets 10 months each year, providing information and support to Cape May County grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. New families are always welcome.
Child care is provided for grandchildren. A light supper will be served at 5 p.m. followed by the program at 5:30 p.m.
There is no charge but advanced registration is required by April 18. Email brooke.chiera@co.cape-may.nj.us or call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3609.
Grief Support Group
in Somers Point
SOMERS POINT – All are welcome to a Grief Support Group that meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church, 11 East Dawes Ave., Somers Point.
Group and one-on-one support will be available.
For information call (609) 927-3082.
Depression and
Anxiety Group
ATLANTIC CITY – This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness, and recovery.
Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience with anxiety and/or depression. The group meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at at the Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City. Offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Monday Meditation
& Stretching sessions
GALLOWAY – The Atlantic Community Wellness Center provides a weekly 15-to-20-minute meditation, follow-up discussion, and light stretch at 11:30 a.m. Mondays.
Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. No cost to participate. Provided by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 8, Galloway. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Reduce stress with
Coffee Talk
ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic Community Wellness Centers hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group at 11 a.m. Saturdays. Called “Coffee Talk,” the group is a one-hour meeting during which participants discuss, enhance, and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase optimism.
Meets weekly at the Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City. Coffee is provided at no cost; pastries/snacks are provided once a month. For more information, call (609) 652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Too Much Stuff
group meets
Atlantic City – Twice monthly, a group is offered to individuals who live with clutter challenges and “too much stuff.” Strategies, education, support, goal-setting, and other related topics will be covered.
There is no cost to participants. Meetings are at noon the first and third Saturdays of each month at the Atlantic Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City. Offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. Call (609) 652-3800 or jgimbel@mhanj.org. *Upcoming dates are May 3, May 17.
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. May 12, June 9, Family Support Group, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 12, June 9, Somers Point, Connections, St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point.
— 7 to 8:30 p.m. 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.”
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.