CAPE MAY – City council Tuesday rolled out a $15.5 million budget for 2012 that will result in a little over a penny increase in the tax rate.

LOWER TOWNSHIP – The Cape May County Clerk’s Office has announced the official results of the fire district elections in Lower Township.

Soccer registration
The Lower Township Department of Parks & Recreation is offering a spring soccer program for boys and girls in kindergarten (child must turn five by Oct. 1) thru sixth grade. This program will be designed to teach children the basic fundamentals of soccer. Practices will be held during the week according to your child’s coach’s schedule. Games will be played primarily on Saturday mornings with the possibility of some weeknight evening games. Participants are recommended to wear cleats and must wear shin guards to all practices and games. Please bring a drink to all games and practices as well. Registrations will be held Feb. 18 – March 4. Fees are as follows: Residents-$15 for 1 child, $25 for 2 and $30 for 3 or more children. Non-resident fee is $20 for 1 Child, $30 for 2 children & $35 for 3 or more. For more information, contact the Lower Township Recreation Center at 886-7880 ext. 0.

Lenten suppers and services
The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May will be hosting weekly Lenten suppers and services on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:15 p.m. from Feb. 23 through March 29. A soup and bread supper will be offered at 6 p.m. with a service of reflection and worship following the meal. Members and friends of the church will provide music and personal testimonies. All are welcome.  Contact Lenore Bowne and 898-6159 for additional information and reservations for the meal.

Historical Society celebrates black history
The Greater Cape May Historical Society will meet at the Physick Estate Carriage House, 1048 Washington Street, on Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Bernadette Matthews will be the featured speaker on “Wendel White’s Schools for the Colored: Highlighting the Life and Soul of the Frank Street School.” Schools for the Colored depicts the landscape and architecture of historically segregated schools in northern states in 50 photographs by nationally renowned New Jersey photographer Wendel White. Also included is an exhibit highlighting the life and soul of Cape May’s Franklin Street School. Free admission. Co-sponsored by the Center for Community Arts.  Light refreshments.

Move would affect thousands of workers

CAPE MAY – The governor’s Unemployment Insurance Task Force has recommended ending unemployment benefits for seasonal workers, a change that would affect thousands of people in Cape May County who work in the billion dollar tourism and hospitality industries.

MAC elects new officers

CAPE MAY – The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Board of Trustees assembled at its first meeting for 2012 at The Carriage House located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.

LOWER TOWNSHIP – Erik Simonsen, who resigned his 2nd Ward Township Council seat last year, plans to run for mayor in 2012, joined by Mayor Mike Beck’s former running mate Kevin Lare.

LOWER TOWNSHIP – Several hundred township residents attended Police Chief Brian Marker’s open house at the high school here last Tuesday, Feb. 7.