Upcoming County Events and Programs in Dec.

COURT HOUSE – Upcoming county events and programs in the month of Dec.:
Cape May County…Helping Our Neighbors:
From now until March 31, 2013, Cape May County Government will be collecting Non-Perishable Food Items to help nourish those in need in Cape May County. By donating a can of soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, a jar of peanut butter or any other non-perishable item, you will help to feed someone during the cold winter months.
Please continue to put your items in the labeled containers located throughout county facilities and we will see that they are distributed to those in need.
Thank you for your support and for helping your neighbors in Cape May County.
For information, contact the Cape May County Communications Office at 609-463-6678.
Now Through Dec. 31:
County Animal Shelter Offers “Senior Pets for Senior Citizens”:
Fonzie is a friendly older cat that came to the Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center when his owner passed away. He is a mature cat that would prefer sharing a home with a mature owner. Fonzie and other senior pets available for adoption have prompted Shelter officials along with the Animal Alliance of Cape May County to team up to offer a special program from now until the end of 2012.
“Senior Pets for Senior Citizens” is hoping to pair the more than 25 cats and dogs over the age of eight with seniors over the age of 60. Adoption fees for dogs and cats in the “Senior Pets for Senior Citizens” program will be waived for the adopter and paid by the Animal Alliance of Cape May County – a non-profit organization that works closely with the Shelter.
For additional information, call 609-465-8923, email animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net or visit capemaycountygov.net.
Dec. 8:
Cape May County 4-H Equine Health Clinic:
The Cape May County 4-H Fall Equine Health Clinic will be held Sat., Dec. 8, 2012. On this date, veterinarians and clinic volunteers travel throughout the county to participants’ farms and boarding stables, offering equine de-worming and vaccinations at a reduced fee. The clinic is open to all horse and pony owners in Cape May County. Please contact Linda Horner at 465-5115 for a registration form and to be added to the clinic mailing list.
Dec. 7:
2013 Master Gardener Program Applications Due:
If you are interested in becoming an expert gardener and a local volunteer, the Master Gardener Program may be a great way for you to begin the New Year. The deadline to apply is Dec 7, 2012. To become a Rutgers Master Gardener, an applicant must live in Cape May County, be available to attend 24 weeks of classes and make a commitment to providing gardening information and services to the community.
Classroom sessions will be held Tues.s from 9-12 from Jan. through June. The first class is Jan. 8, 2013. At the conclusion of the classes, Master Gardener trainees are required to give 60 hours of volunteer time in horticultural projects and answering calls on the county’s “horticulture helpline.” Those who complete the training become certified Master Gardeners. For more information, call 609-465-5115.
Dec. 12:
County Offers Free Flu Shots:
The Cape May County Department of Health will hold a free flu shot clinic on Wed., Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. until Noon at the Cape May County Health Department located at 6 Moore Road, C.M.C.H. The high-dose vaccine for seniors and the pneumonia vaccine will be offered at the clinic. Also, seniors who want the high-dose vaccine need to bring their Medicare and supplemental insurance cards to the clinic.
For information about the County’s flu clinics, check the website at www.cmchealth.net or call the flu hotline at 463-6581.
Thur., Dec. 13, 2012:
Fare Free Transportation Closed:
The Fare Free Transportation office will be closed on Thur., Dec. 13 for an in-service training day for staff. There will be no bus service on Dec. 13, however, normal service will resume on Fri., Dec. 14. The office will not be receiving telephone calls for appointments on Thur., Dec. 13, 2012. Please make appointments for Fri., Dec. 14 by Wed., Dec. 12. Again, all services will resume at their normal hours on Fri., Dec. 14. If you have any questions, please call 889-3700.
Sat., Dec. 15:
“Santa’s Family Workshop” Cape May County Park and Zoo:
The public is invited to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus during “Santa’s Family Workshop” on Sat., Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This free, family event, hosted by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, will also include crafts, education stations, entertainment and treats. This special event is free and open to the public. So take your camera and the entire family to the Cape May County Zoo for a day of holiday fun.
The Cape May County Zoo is located at 707 Route 9 North in Cape May Court House (Exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway). For additional information please call 465-5271 or visit capemaycountygov.net.
Sun., Dec. 16, 2012:
Santa Claws Holiday Open House & Pet Photos With Santa:
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
110 Shelter Road, Crest Haven Complex (Exit 11 off GSP)
Join us for this fun day…Refreshments will be served and bring your camera to take your pet’s photo with Santa!
For more information, call 609-465-8923, e-mail animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net or visit capemaycountygov.net
Mon., Dec. 31:
Swearing – In of Surrogate M. Susan Sheppard
Historic Cape May County Courthouse, Circa 1884
11 North Main Street
Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Freeholder Vice-Director M. Susan Sheppard will take the oath of Office administered by New Jersey Superior Court Judge J. Christopher Gibson at Noon at the Old Courthouse on Mon., Dec. 31, 2012. Freeholder Sheppard will become the 21st Surrogate and first woman Surrogate in Cape May County’s history.
Jan. 3, 2013:
Freeholder Board to Reorganize:
The Reorganization Meeting of the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders will take place at 5 p.m. on Thur., Jan. 3, 2013. The annual reorganization of the Board will be held in the Freeholders’ Meeting Room at the Cape May County Administration Building located at 4 Moore Road, Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Freeholder Leonard C. Desiderio, who was re-elected in Nov. to serve a three-year term, will be sworn in during the meeting. The Oath of Office will be administered by Judge of the Superior Court J. Christopher Gibson.
For meeting dates and agendas visit capemaycountygov.net or sign up to be a fan of Cape May County Government on Facebook.