Upper Township/Ocean City Notes

“It’s like being at a Hollywood premiere,” said Doug Longenecker, President of the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township, referring to the large, enthusiastic crowd that gathered at the Upper Township Community Center on Sept. 10. They were there to celebrate the 215th anniversary of Upper Township and the 35th anniversary of the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township (HPSUT). The highlight of the celebration featured the premiere of the DVD, “The History of Upper Township and Its Villages,” which was produced jointly by the Upper Township Committee and the Historical Society.
The movie began with Mayor Richard Palombo speaking about the heritage of Upper Township and also talking about all that the towns have to offer today. Upper Township includes the ten towns of Beesleys Point, Greenfield, Marmora, Marshallville, Palermo, Petersburg, Seaville, Steelmantown, Strathmere and Tuckahoe.
The well-scripted movie recounted the early inhabitants and settlers in the area, and then visited all of the ten towns, presenting their compelling histories, with fascinating old photos and movie footage, as these towns evolved into the places that they are today. Some of the topics included the Lenni-Lenape Indians; the Stillwell sisters, who were Revolutionary War heroines; whalers; trains, bridges; Osprey Point as the site of the former Palermo Air Force Station, and much more. The movie, narrated by local townspeople, also featured a well-chosen array of background music. At the end of the film, Celine Dion’s, “The Power of the Dream” was heard, as the credits were being shown.
Following the video, door prizes were awarded, and refreshments were enjoyed by all.
The Historical Preservation Society’s next meeting will take place on Oct. 8 at the Upper Township Branch of the Cape May County Library. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. Members and Society friends will be sharing “Railroad Memories.” There will be train memorabilia and photos on display.
The AppleFest will be held at the Gandy Farmstead on Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date is Oct. 20. The Farmstead is located at 26 Tyler Rd. in Greenfield.
For more information about the Historical Preservation Society, visit the website at www.uppertwphistory.org, phone 390-5656 (please leave a message), or email UpperTwpHistory@yahoo.com. New members are most welcome.
Challenger Sports is looking for athletes, coaches, and volunteers to participate in our Fall Soccer Program. Fall Soccer is a co-ed recreational program that enables children ages 5-20 with physical and/or developmental disabilities, to enjoy the benefits of soccer participation in an adapted environment structured to fit their disabilities. Games will be played at Trinity Fields in Marmora from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27, and 11/3. Fee for the season is $20.00 to help fund the cost of shirts, trophies, and equipment (no families will be turned away if unable to pay). Players must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for games and practices. Everyone plays; everyone wins. Come and join the fun. For more information, contact Daryl DiTroia at 609-425-3919 or utchallengersports@gmail.com.
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.