Middle 3.8.2006

Today is my mom’s birthday.
My youngest sister is the admissions director for Russell Sage College in NY, and a couple of weeks ago she was down in Long Branch for a college fair.
She invited me, my mom, and our middle sister to meet her there to celebrate.
     What a place! The fair was held at an oceanfront resort/spa, so we stayed the night there.
We took advantage of the wonderful facilties, but I especially enjoyed just leisurely driving through Long Branch.
I dabble in architectural history, and the waterfront homes there were spectacular.
     A large section of the older waterfront properties have been leveled, and new condos, hotels and shops are being built.
Further along Ocean Boulevard, however, are gorgeous older mansions.    
     Having grown up on Long Island, NY (if you are from L.I., it’s always on, not in L.I.,) this section of Long Branch reminded me a bit of Dune Drive in the Hamptons.
Even the less posh homes made my heart race.
I plan to take my family back for a fun weekend in the spring.
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Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences may be scheduled for the Middle School on March 13 and 14 from 12:30- 2:30 p.m. or on March 15 from 6-8 p.m.
Parents may meet their child’s individual teachers, who will provide a summary of the student’s preparation, participation, behavior and grades.
     Progress reports will be issued on Friday, with report cards distributed on April 13.
     Call the school at 465-1834 for more information.
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     Court House resident, Kevin Bramble, a member of the United States Disabled Alpine Ski Team, will be competing in the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games in Torino Italy beginning Friday.
    For the first time in history, you will be able to view the games live 24/7 on the internet at www.ParalympicSport.TV.
    You can log onto the website now and see highlights from the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games from Salt Lake City, Utah where Kevin won a Gold Medal in the men’s Downhill.
    There are previews of the 2006 Torino games and also highlights from the first ever Paralympic Games in Sweden in 1976.    
    For anyone who is interested, it is very exciting to watch these elite disabled athletes perform.
The opening ceremonies on March 10 should be pretty spectacular also.
    Good luck Kevin!
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Help is needed to clean and prepare the gardens at the Cape May Bird Observatory Center for Research and Education in Goshen.
    Bring gloves and a garden rake tomorrow and March 16, 3 to 6:30 p.m., or Friday, and Saturday, March 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.
    A dinner tomorrow and March 16 and a lunch on the other dates will be included. Free.
    Call 861-0700 to advise when you will be helping.
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The Cape May County Museum will host its 2nd Winter Book and Bottle Sale on March 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
   Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while browsing through the many antique books, magazines and bottles for sale.
New this year is an assortment of vintage bottles.
In addition to great buys, you will receive free admission to the museum with any purchase. 
   All proceeds benefit the museum’s Alexander Memorial Genealogy Library.
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Movies on the Marsh continue at the Wetlands Institute, a film festival complete with critters.
After a documentary or animated film, meet some of the animals from the county zoo or the Wetlands own aquarium on Saturdays 1 to 3 p.m.       
   On  Saturday Blue Planet 5 and 6: Tidal Seas and Coasts will play. Free with regular admission.
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Schoolhouse Rock Live, based on the videos, will be performed free at the PAC on Sunday at noon.
   ACCC, along with the New Jersey Theater Alliance’s Family Week at the Theater will sponsor the event. It will be performed by Surflight Theater and is recommeneded for children in grades K-5.
   It’s free but reservations are required.
You know how kids love the Schoolhouse Rock songs.
Call 463-1924.
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The next meeting of the Middle Township Taxpayers Association will be held on March 15.
All subsequent meetings will be on the third Wednesday of each month.
    All meetings will be held in the Old Courthouse Building on Route 9 in Court House.
Members are asked to arrive so that all meetings can begin at 7 p.m. sharp.
They will end at 8 p.m. sharp.
    The executive board and committee members are asked to arrive at 6:15 p.m.
The reval will be discussed, among other things.
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Cape May County Duplicate ACBL Bridge Club Feb. 20 overall winners: Mike Mueller/Ron Small; Frank Caterini/John Del Corio; Henry Buchianico/Karen Sylvester; Jerry Mueller/Larry Allen; Sandra Furman/Julia O’Neill.
     Feb. 23 overall winners: William Haas/Robert Sylvia; Jerry Mueller/Kay Wade; Phyllis Baker/Mike Mueller; Bob Sherwood/Bob Weber; Henry Buchianico/Barbara Streeter.
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Please send submissions to susansboneyard@verizon.net.