OC & Upper News Notes – 12-12

Stop at “Santa’s Family Workshop” at the Cape May County Park and Zoo on Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. which features photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, education stations, entertainment, and treats. “Santa’s Family Workshop” is free and open to the public.
While there, you can tour the Zoo, which is home to more than 500 animals. In May, the Cape May County Zoo was rated No.3 in the United States by Trip Advisor, according to its Popularity Index. A Trip Advisor traveler stated, “If you and your family like to see animals treated in a fair and humane way and enjoy a wonderful park setting, the Cape May County Park and Zoo is the place to go.” (The Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska won top honors, followed by the St. Louis Zoo in Missouri.)
The Zoo is located at 707 Rt. 9 N. in Cape May Court House, exit 11 off the Parkway. (609-465-5271 or visit www.capemaycountygov.net ). You can visit the Zoo 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day). Winter hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (weather permitting). There is no admission fee; donations are appreciated.
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Ocean City Historical Museum Commemorates Sindia Day – The Museum will mark the 111th year since the Sindia, which sailed from Kobe, Japan to New York, came to rest on a sandbar near 17th Street on the Ocean City Beach. The Sindia Day event takes place on Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The Museum is located at 1735 Simpson Ave. Call 609-399-1801 or visit www.ocnjmuseum.org.
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Button Up – Admission buttons for Ocean City’s First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration are now on sale for $15 per person. The entertainment, for all ages, lasts from 4 p.m. until midnight when there will be a fabulous fireworks display (weather permitting). Also included are rides at Wonderland Pier from 5 to 9 p.m. and miniature golf at Gillian’s Adventure Golf from 2 to 9 p.m.
There are 60 shows from which to choose. You can check out the complete program before purchasing buttons, at the Wonderland store at the Stainton Complex, 8th and Asbury Ave.; or the Chamber of Commerce Complex, Ninth St. across from TD Bank. The schedule of events can also be viewed at www.firstnightocnj.com. There is an Angel Fund for those who cannot afford buttons; call 609-525-9300.
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For a complete list of upcoming events in the county go to the Herald calendar, in print and online, at www.capemaycountyherald.com/calendar.
If you would like to make the public aware of happenings in your town, classroom, group, or club, please email me at RWhelan@cmcherald.com.Photo – Winners of the Last Cast Tournament sponsored by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club were (L-r) Bob Oster, third place, 11 lbs.; Gary Riordan, first place, 19.5 lbs.; and Ed DiMarcantonio, second place, 13 lbs.