Observe Black History Month at the library, and more this weekend

Written by Claire Lowe Thursday, 16 February 2012 09:36

OCEAN CITY — In honor of Black History Month, the Ocean City Free Public Library is hosting author Joseph G. Bilby who will discuss African-Americans and the Civil War.

The author presents a look at how African-Americans from New Jersey enlisted to fight for the Union during the Civil War 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 in room N110 of the library, 1735 Simpson Ave. Books will be available for purchase. They include: “Hidden History of New Jersey,” “Freedom to All,” “New Jersey Goes to War,” and “New Jersey's Civil War Odyssey.”
The Center for Community Arts will present a discussion on the first free African-American settlements in Lower Township, moving on to West Cape May, Cape May and Whitesboro at noon Wednesday, Feb. 22 in room N110 of the Ocean City Free Public Library. For more information, call 399-2434, ext. 5231.

Looking to stay active this weekend? It’s the last few days of the sixth annual CONTACT Cape-Atlantic Triathlon/Duathlon, which runs through Feb. 20 and includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 2-mile run. The registration donation is $25 and the event is co-sponsored by the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center. Competitors can substitute gym events for the swimming, biking and running events. Everyone who enters receives a T-shirt, and everyone who finishes will receive an award. A list of finishers will be posted and an awards ceremony will take place Feb. 25 at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave. Registration forms are required and are available at the Ocean City Aquatic Center, by calling CONTACT at 463-4564 or 823-1850, by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or online at www.contactcapeatlantic.org.

Young adults are invited to play video games, board games, eat pizza and hang out 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17^th Street and Simpson Avenue. Call 399-2434, ext. 5235 for more information.

Older adults are invited to attend the AARP Chapter 1062 of Ocean City meeting at noon Feb. 17. After a brief social time, the meeting will commence at 12:30 p.m. with speaker Winnie Pitano speaking on “Aging with Attitude.” The meeting will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 30th Street and Bay Avenue, Ocean City.

On Saturday afternoon, enjoy a free movie at the library. The Ocean City Free Public Library hosts “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (PG-13) 2 p.m. Feb. 18. Refreshments will be provided.

The Italian Cultural Institute of South Jersey will meet 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 at St. Frances Culliney Hall, Second Street and Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City. The program, pizza and a movie, will feature Johnny Stecchino. All are welcome. Call Marie Condo at 748-0619.

An all-you-can eat pancake supper will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at St. John Lutheran Chuch, 10^th Street and Central Avenue in Ocean City. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under. There will be pancakes, sausage, syrup, butter, coffee and juice. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the church office or at the door. Proceeds benefit St. John Lutheran Youth Organization for their trip to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, La. in July. For more information, call 399-0798 or see www.stjohnlutheranoc.org.

First Ward residents can attend a meeting with Mayor Jay Gillian 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Bayside Center, 520 Bay Ave. The mayor will be joined by Ward Councilman John Kemenosh. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange information about current and upcoming city projects, plans and other issues, including issues of particular interest to this ward.