OC & Upper News Notes – 8-21

Honor Roll Students of Strathmere were awarded Commemorative Silver Dollars presented to them by Priscilla Bergus Laurence at the August meeting of the Strathmere Improvement Association (SIA). The Bergus Family Memorial Fund Scholarship Program was begun about 15 years ago by Donald and Elizabeth Bergus.
Each of the boys honored at the meeting spoke to the large group that was present. They were John Pond, who commented that “I work really hard, and it’s so nice that you recognize it”; Matthew Pond who thanked everyone who “help make this town really fun and a quiet place when we are studying”; Christopher Furey, who plans “to keep up my good work”; and Brian Furey, who, in thanking everyone, remarked that he “wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Brian and Christopher are students in the Upper Township Schools and Matthew and John attend Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School. Congratulations to all!
An informational program followed the awards. Guest speakers included John Halbruner of Hyland Design Group, who spoke about FEMA maps; Michael McMahon of the McMahon Agency, discussed flood insurance; and Valerie Watson, New Jersey Hope and Healing, talked about managing stress after storms and flooding.
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A Thankful Ocean City Celebrates with Free Fireworks and Family Entertainment – The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24, in front of the Music Pier, with a program of non-denominational “prayer and song” by local clergy and area choirs. At 8 p.m., there will be entertainment throughout the Boardwalk, featuring bands, strolling entertainers, and costumed characters.
At 10 p.m., there will be a huge fireworks display set off from a barge in the ocean. Michele Gillian, executive director of the OC Regional Chamber of Commerce, remarked that “we have a lot to be thankful for,” citing recovering “quickly from Hurricane Sandy,” the “loyal residents, vacationers, and summer residents,” the “completion of a new Causeway,” and also that the “business community is bouncing back.” For more information, contact the OC Regional Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
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Cape Regional Medical Center Classes – For further information, or to sign up for these programs, please contact Bonnie Kratzer, RN, at the Center for Lifestyle Management, at 463-4043.
Smoking Cessation Classes are scheduled for each Wednesday in Sept. from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Sept. 4, 11, 18, and 25). The fee for the classes is $25, with a refund of $15 if you attend all of the classes. The program includes education about risk factors for smoking, nicotine replacement alternatives, lung function testing, stress management, dietary concerns regarding weight gain, and relapse prevention.
Safe Sitter Program will be held on Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is $35. A Safe Sitter Certificate is given at the end of the class. The class was developed for the 11 year old and other teens to answer all questions about babysitting. The course teaches the business of babysitting, safety for the sitter, accident management, choking and rescue breathing, as well as behavior management. This class is very popular and fills up quickly, so please register early.
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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.