Festival of Trees raises $20,000 for CASA: Hometown briefs (2024)

Festival of Trees: The Deck the Hall Festival of Trees at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, a collaboration between OVG360 and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Atlantic, Cape May and Camden Counties, has raised $20,000 to support neglected and abused children this holiday season.

Backed by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Lite 96.9 WFPG and Coca-Cola, OVG360 called upon the local community to sponsor 39 uniquely decorated holiday trees. The trees will be showcased in the Boardwalk Hall lobby during the holiday season. Additionally, the public is invited to attend weekly holiday organ recitals every Wednesday at noon until Dec. 27.

“Once again, we are absolutely humbled by the support of our partners and local business community who contributed to this year’s event,” said OVG360’s Jim McDonald, general manager of Boardwalk Hall. “OVG360 is dedicated to giving back to our local community, we are proud to help support the critical services CASA provides to children in our region and continuing this tradition for years to come.”

EHTHS grad is Dr. New Jersey America 2024: Dr. New Jersey America Anna Pecoraro, an Egg Harbor Township High School graduate, will compete for the title of Dr. America in October 2024.

Pecoraro holds licenses as a clinical psychologist and registered nurse. She obtained her master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University and completed an NRSA addictions post-doctoral fellowship at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania.

Her areas of specialization include addiction, trauma and spiritual distress, and she provides services to a diverse clientele, including seminarians, clergy and prison inmates.

Pecoraro also is a classical vocalist with a music degree from Westminster Choir College and an accomplished artist and author. Her guiding motto is, “Be the spark that helps to change the world.” Her pageant platform, “Promoting Peace through the Arts, Spirituality and Mental Health,” aligns with the Dr. World system’s mission of empowering women through mentoring and community service.

“Finding Nemo Jr.” at the Music Pier: The Ocean City Theatre Company will perform Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo Jr.” this weekend at the Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk.

Showtimes will be 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The cast of third through eighth graders is guided by directors Hannah Catanoso, Brinley Edwards and James Craver.

Join Marlin, an anxious clownfish, and his adventurous son, Nemo, in the Great Barrier Reef. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears on an epic ocean journey.

Tickets can be purchased at oceancitytheatrecompany.com or in person at the Music Pier box office starting 45 minutes before each curtain. All tickets are $15.

“Magic Flowers” returns: StudioSpace will host the return of the holiday classic “Magic Flowers” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 16, and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 17, at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point.

“Magic Flowers” is a 30-minute one-act play by award-winning playwright Bill Sterritt.

Colleagues Ralph and Ethel, seemingly worlds apart, only connect through work. On Christmas Eve, Ethel resigns herself to spending the holiday alone. On her way home, she encounters a homeless man selling “magic flowers” promising love.

“‘Magic Flowers’ really has nothing to do with magic in the traditional or popular sense,” said Sterritt. “The magic lies within each character, as they learn to put down their walls and look beyond common stereotypes.”

Portraying Ralph and Ethel are Dave Polgar and Catherine Crimmins.

Upper Township Historical Society Christmas Dinner: The Historical Society of Upper Township will host its yearly Christmas Dinner on Dec. 15 at the Tuckahoe Inn in Beesleys Point. The social gathering is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Seating is limited to 30 people.

Scholarship opportunities in Somers Point: The Somers Point Business Association will award $500 scholarships in the spring of 2024 to students who work at a business based in Somers Point.

The scholarships honor the memory of Lou DeScioli, a longstanding business and community figure in the city.

High school seniors and current college students employed at a Somers Point business are invited to apply.

To be eligible, applicants must submit a roughly 500-word essay outlining the influence they have had on the Somers Point business where they work. The essay should include three examples illustrating how their contributions have positively impacted customer relations and enhanced business practices.