Wildwood 4.26.2006

Forget for a moment about the illegal immigrants taking all the “menial” jobs Americans supposedly don’t want.
Tomorrow is child labor day, better known as Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day.
This is an annual national event for children ages eight-13, sponsored by the Ms. Foundation for Women.
Young people across the country will have a chance to skip school and accompany their parents to work.
There, they will learn first hand what it actually is the old folks do all day that puts them in such foul moods when they slouch in the door each night.
The theme for the day this year is “Shaping the Future.” And with work as we and our parents knew it becoming an endangered species, our kids are well advised to get a clue about how their futures might “shape up.”
The purpose of the day is to help young people develop an idea of what they want to do in their future work life, learn about job options, and about the workplace itself.
In addition, participants learn that there are still many opportunities out there and that they, through the work they choose, can still make a difference in the world.
One of the main incidental benefits of this event, aside from the chance for generations to bond, is that it might inspire kids to do better in school.
As I explained it to one of my daughters a few years back when I brought her to my work place for one of these events, “work hard and get good grades in school. Otherwise, you’ll end up in a job like this – If you’re lucky.”
The day opened her eyes. She’s been making the honor roll ever since and plans to open her own business. I’ve already applied for a job. A cushy one, of course.
This has become a big event across the country over the years. I read how, in Seattle, a man brought his ten-year-old son to his job and attracted a lot of attention.
The man works as a burglar.
This kid enjoyed the day, watching as his old man, along with two colleagues broke into cars up and down a Seattle street.
I assume the kid played hooky from school because, last time I checked, taking your child out of school to accompany you while you complete a series of felonies does not qualify for an excused absence.
The good news is that the police nabbed the dad, so the kid had a chance to enjoy his day at another type of work – at a Seattle police station. One officer was kind enough to let the kid fingerprint his old man.
I used to organize Take Our Kids to Work Day at my place of employment.
We would escort our young guests around the office, showing them the places that were essential in our workday. Coffee maker. Water cooler. Break room. Then I’d let them check out the heart of the operation, our computer.
The computer was a winner in the early days when computers were novelty items, but in recent years most of those eight-year-old kids would just scoff and inform me that they had better set-ups in their bedrooms.
I had one kid fix my e-mail last year after our tech support guy had failed in several attempts.
One of the things I learned in the process of doing this event is that I have a very uninteresting job, at least from a kid’s point of view.
So this year, I’m taking my kids to the Cape May County Zoo and after that, the water park on Morey’s Pier for a day of fun.
After all, we have all these illegal immigrants to do the boring menial stuff.
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Last reminder. Hey, hey it’s the 60s and Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees is coming to the Wildwoods this weekend to help us all remember the times.
Dolenz will be on hand for the Sensational 60s rock ‘n roll weekend at the Wildwood Convention Center, Burk Avenue and the boardwalk.
The event is sponsored by the folks who bring us the Fabulous 50s Weekend.
Other performers scheduled to appear include the Grassroots, Herman’s Hermits, Rip Chords, 1910 Fruit Gum Company and, of course, Jerry Blavat.
Call (888) 729-0033 for ticket information.
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Another last reminder: The VFW and VFW Ladies Auxiliary are sponsoring a POW/MIA Candlelight service on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall, First and New York Avenues, North Wildwood.
According to organizers, 50 New Jersey vets are still missing in Vietnam. This service will honor them with a display of fifty plaques bearing their names.
There will also be a color guard and special tables set up for each branch of the armed forces. The public is encouraged to attend.
For information call Tony at 868-3786 or Bob at 463-1221.
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Tai chi is offered Saturday at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church at 6700 Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood Crest.
Cost is $3 per session. Call 729-4265 for more information.
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Cape May County Emerald Society is sponsoring a golf outing on Monday, May 1 at the Wildwood Country Club.
For information, call 729-5328.
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North Wildwood City Council meets Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall, 901 Atlantic Avenue.
Wildwood City Commission meets tonight at 7 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall, 4400 New Jersey Ave. Wildwood planners are scheduled to meet Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at the same location.
Joint Construction Office of the Wildwoods meeting is scheduled for Friday at 8:30 a.m. at JCOW’s office, 4004 Pacific Ave.
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Story time for preschool age kids continues tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. at the Wildwood Crest branch of the county library, 6301 Ocean Ave.
Call 522-0564 for more information.
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The Friends of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse are hosting a special fundraising event on Saturday, May 6 at the historic Abbie Holmes Estate, on Route 9 in Clermont.
The event raises funds for ongoing restoration of the lighthouse and will help the effort to create the Anglesea Historic Maritime Village.
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The 16th Annual Business at the Beach Expo takes place this afternoon from 4-7 p.m. at the Wildwood Convention Center. The expo features special exhibits, and networking programs.
Call 465-7181 for more information.
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Margaret Mace School hosts its second annual Summer Job Fair on Tuesday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. The island’s elementary and high school students, ages 14 and older, are invited to participate.
“Our goal is to connect local students with employers in the area.” according to Lisa Kobierowski, a teacher at the school who organized the fair. 
Employers have been invited to participate and take employment applications and interview students.
Some of the employers who participated in last year’s fair include Morey’s Piers, Gateway 26, and Bill’s Beach Rentals.
Among the benefits of hiring local youth are that they will be here Labor Day, are likely to return year after year, and are excited about working for the first time.
In addition, hiring local youth demonstrates an employer’s commitment to the community.
“This fair promotes an avenue for students and employers to facilitate job opportunities,” Kobierowski said. “Both groups found the event valuable.”
Employers interested in reserving space for this year’s fair should contact Kobierowski at 522-1454 during regular school business hours.