Upper Township 2/1/2006

First of all, my birthday is in February, so there’s always that to look forward to.
Secondly, I like how it’s the shortest month.
So, sure it is cold and windy and generally nasty, but before you know it March arrives and that means spring is just around the corner.
Admittedly, February can be tough when you have kids who are cooped up in the house.
Luckily for you, the Upper Cape Library, 2050 Route 631 in Petersburg, is hosting a “Cool Readers” Independent Reading Club for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Displays located in the library’s children room will present reading materials featuring winter and its many enjoyable activities.
Cool Readers Club Members are required to sign up at the library’s circulation desk and receive a packet of material needed to participate.
Members must read at least four of the books on display, then fill out and return a review sheet for each book read to receive a prize.
Children are allowed help with reading if needed.
Additionally, a special winter program of stories, crafts and treats will be held for club members.
Call the library at 628-2607 for further information.
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During the month of February, the Ocean City Arts Center will host photographer and poet Robert E. B. Manning, featuring his love for images through photography and his love for life through poetry.
This is a special tribute to the month of February with a theme of love.  R. E. B. Manning published “The Autumn Thoughts of a Man in Love” in 2005 and will finish his next book this year.
On Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., you can meet the artist and have a copy of the book signed at a special reception.
For more information, please call the Arts Center at 609-399-7628 or visit our website www.oceancityartscenter.org.
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And now for a couple of reminders about upcoming events I’m sure you don’t want to miss.
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 First, remember the Mature Adults Club of the Church of the Resurrection in Marmora is sponsoring a casino trip to the Tropicana on Feb. 15.
The package includes tickets to the show “Ice Fusion,” a fantastic ice show featuring Olympic Medalist Surya Bonaly.
It is a $35 value but costs only $20.
The bus will leave the church parking lot at 11 a.m. and depart the casino at 5:45 p.m. Contact Joe Cefali at 624-1110.
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I also mentioned this last week, but I’m sure you don’t want it to pass you by.
At 2 p.m. on Feb.11, the Ocean City Historical Museum is hosting its annual children’s party.
The theme for this year’s tea party is the History of the Ocean City Lifesaving Station.
Children will participate in arts and craft projects, learn about Ocean City Lifesaving Station and enjoy a traditional Victorian Tea.
The Annual Children’s Tea Party is for boys and girls between the ages of 6 to 12 years old.
The party will be sponsored by the Exchange Club of Ocean City.
As a result of their generous sponsorship this event, the ticket price for this event will be $3.00 per person.
It is requested one adult attends for every three children.
Limited seating available; advance ticket purchase or registration is suggested.  Please stop in the Museum or call 399-1801 to purchase tickets. 
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Please keep all your Upper Township and Ocean City news coming to me. It’s easy to be included here, just give me two weeks’ notice and send information to herald.events@gmail.com or call me at 898-8825 in the evenings. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.