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Women of all faiths from Ocean City are invited to a one-day women’s conference that organizers say will forge bonds and new friendships between people of all religions. The conference titled: “Living on Purpose For Him” is centered around connecting women through Christ and God. The featured speaker, Veirdre Jackson was selected after members of a congregation saw her speak and thought she would have a lot to bring to Ocean City, organizers explained. The program will be held Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per person. Lunch is included and will be provided by Yianni’s Cafe.

With eight minutes remaining between winning or going home, Ocean City was not about to go down without a fight. Ocean City left nothing behind, battling for every loose ball, rebound and bucket. Scrappy play was evident by every member of the team who gave it their all until the final buzzer rang. With a sizable lead and under three minutes to play, Mainland moved the ball quickly around the court, stalling to eat time off the clock. Although the Red Raiders were attempting to foul get the ball back, it ultimately wasn’t enough. Battling until the end, Ocean City showed it’s grit and perseverance that was a hallmark trait all season long...

Free tree seedlings will be available to Ocean City residents on April 1 as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign. This program helps communities replace trees damaged or destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 1, residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue) or the Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue)...

City Council is putting a hush on Boardwalk entertainers with an ordinance to eliminate amplifiers. The ordinance was approved on first reading Thursday and will be up for public comment and a final vote at a Council meeting March 14. “This change is simply to prohibit amplification because of the feedback we got from the public and the merchants,” City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson told Council during Thursday's meeting. She said while business owners say overall that the entertainers are fine, at times they become too loud.

From events in lecture halls, to sign language classes, story time for children and the popular weekly reading club for young adults, there is always something for visitors to enjoy at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Soon there will be a lot more to please library guests. Plans are moving ahead for a $1.3 million renovation to the second floor. Library Director Karen Mahar and Ocean City officials say the project is on track to start this fall and will include extensive renovations to really showcase the facility as the gem of the Ocean City Community Center.

City Council took a strong stance Thursday night to preserve the community’s family-friendly atmosphere. To go with its ban on alcohol sales since the 1800s, the city is also prohibiting the sale of marijuana, keeping with its slogan “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” In a unanimous vote, Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting marijuana facilities within one-quarter mile of a school, church, recreational or sports facility, the Boardwalk and any residential area. It would effectively outlaw businesses from selling marijuana or pot paraphernalia in all parts of town.

David Allegretto was installed for another one-year term as Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce president during an installation dinner for the officers and board of directors Wednesday night. “This is a very active board, at the forefront of the business community,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michele Gillian at the beginning of the program. “David has done a fabulous job.” She also told the crowd at the historic Flanders Hotel that Allegretto has had the foresight to lead the chamber well. “We thank him for all he is doing.”

Alicia Stauffer, of Ocean City, couldn’t wait to get to the Ocean City Tabernacle to pick up her daughter, Brielle. When Brielle, 8, a second-grade student at the Primary School saw her mom, she ran up and hugged her. In one hand she held a lollipop. In the other, the smiling blue-eyed girl held a pen. Brielle is one of members of the Son Club at Tabernacle, held in the Kull Center. It is an open and free aftercare program for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. During the school year from Monday through Friday, volunteers and staff provide tutoring, snacks, Bible lessons, games, enrichment and life skills classes for local students.

A group of local middle school students who formed their own robotics club are taking their talents to another galaxy. Well, no. But they are heading to Louisville, Ky., for the VEX Robotics World Championship competition at the end of April. The Linbots, aptly named since four of the five members live in Linwood, won the “Middle School Excellence Award,” beating out another middle school at a Feb. 23 state competition in Millville, Cumberland County. Their parents have set up a GoFundMe page to help finance their trip.

Being aware of the changes in the coastline is key to developing a plan to mitigate, adapt, or learn to live with rising sea levels throughout the Jersey Shore, a Rutgers scientist said Thursday night. “Be smarter than the storm,” said Lisa Auermuller, watershed coordinator with the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. “Things are changing. We don’t have to look in the rearview mirror anymore. Take the science to help inform your decision-making.” Auermuller was the featured speaker at the Ocean City Free Public Library during a presentation, called Coastal Resiliency, that focused on flood hazards and ways to reduce the risks.