OC & UPPER NEWS NOTES 3-14

There was standing room only as a large crowd gathered for the ceremony which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the devastating March storm of 1962.
The event was presented by the Historical Society of Sea Isle City, in conjunction with the Cape May County Library. Mike Stafford, president of the Society, in his opening remarks, noted that “Sea Isle City was among one of the hardest hit communities in the state.” Councilman Bill Kehner encouraged those gathered to remember the victims of the recent severe weather in the Midwest and South.
A charcoal drawing by local artist Hank Guarini, which he stated was “my interpretation of a heroic event,” was unveiled during the program. Guarini titled the drawing Deliverance 62, which depicted “the evacuation of Mercy Hospital” by helicopter, and he described his artwork as showing “people caring for people.”
Joseph LaRosa, Jr., born and raised in Sea Isle City, and the author of “Our Perfect Storm,” was the moderator of a panel discussion where storm survivors recalled their experiences, including the fact that while many people were hurt, there were “no fatalities during the storm.” Another resident remarked how “welcoming the people were on the mainland.” The discussion was videotaped and will become part of the collection of the Sea Isle Historical Museum.
Mike Stafford, in his closing remarks, aptly summed up the presentation, stating that “we have a lot of heroes in this room.”
The Historical Museum is located on the first floor of the Sea Isle City Library, at 48th and Central Avenue. For more information, the Museum can be reached at 609-263-2992.
Talent Tournament – The first South Jersey Talent Star Competition for singers, dancers, and those who play instruments, will take place at the Ocean City Tabernacle on Thurs., June 28, at 7 p.m. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded at the event, which is being sponsored by the Ocean City/Upper Township Rotaract Club. Email southjerseytalentstar@ gmail.com for an application, compete, and “get your name out in the community.”
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A Safety Net – for Your OC Humane Society Pet – The Ocean City Humane Society is now offering an Alumni Discount Card. All animals adopted at the Society will be eligible for a 10 percent discount on all veterinary services, for life, at its Medical Center. This discount is retroactive for animals previously adopted from the Shelter, as well.
Current pet owners should contact the shelter to obtain their discount card. The Society is one of the first in the State to offer this type of discount program. Bill Hollingsworth, executive director of the society, said, “Our goal is to increase adoptions as well as make it more affordable for pet owners to give their animals the exceptional care they deserve.” Call the Shelter Manager at 609-399-2018 for more information on programs. Check the Shelter website at www. HSOCnj.org for the complete list of services.
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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, email me at RWhelan@cmcherald.com.