OC AND UPPER NEWS NOTES

“Knowledge is free at the library. Just bring your own container.” (Unknown)
The Cape May County Library recently offered free introductory classes in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture at the Sea Isle City Branch. The course was taught by Misty Bratton, an Educational Sign Language Interpreter, who appreciated “the opportunity the library has given me to host a sign language class.” Bratton added, “Even a basic level skill is beneficial to those in the community.”
A Belleplain resident, Sandra Forss, came to the class because she “wanted to learn to communicate” with an acquaintance who is deaf. Forss added, “I’m also a nurse, and I would be able to use this if the opportunity came up.”
A continuing American Sign Language class, also open to beginners, is scheduled to start on Mon. Oct. 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The classes, also taught by Bratton, will be held at the new Sea Isle City Library being completed at 48th Street and Central Avenue which boasts 14,247 square feet and two decks overlooking the back bay.
The Cape May County Library offers all kinds of classes, free of charge, ranging from A to Z – Asian Cuisine to Zumba.
Asian Cuisine will be presented on Monday, Aug. 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. by Chef Mark Kalla at the Main Branch of the Library located on Mechanic St. in Cape May Court House. Kalla is the head chef at the Green Cuisine Restaurant in Stone Harbor. Those who attend will be invited to sample the prepared food. Registration is required for this class.
Zumba, “Latin dance-inspired fitness classes” are taught on Tuesdays at the Main Branch of the Library; however, registration is not needed for these classes. Check the website for times and weeks.
It’s easy to find a fun, free program that’s fit for you, at a branch near you, which includes Court House, Cape May, Lower, Sea Isle, Stone Harbor, Upper, Wildwood Crest, and Woodbine. For information or registration, call 609-463-6350 or visit www.cmclibrary.org and click on “Events.”
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Ocean City Library Educational Jazz Summer Concert – If you love jazz, this is a reminder that the Michael Pedicin Quartet/The Brubeck Project, will play and discuss the music of Dave Brubeck on Sun., July 31, from 2- to 4:15 p.m., in the Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room, which can be reached from the 18th Street side of the Community Center at Simpson Ave.
The concert is free and open to the public. If you need more information, call the library at 609-399-2434 or visit www.oceancitylibrary.org.
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.