MediaWize

The Ocean City Fine Arts League announced the winners of the “Black & White with a Touch of Color” Art Show & Exhibition in February. First place: “Molly,” print and watercolor by Janet McShain, of Dennisville. Second place: “The Rosy Finger of Dawn: Italian Morning,” mixed media by Barbara Rosin, of Margate. Third place: “Sylvia,” acrylic by Lolli Grilli.

The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority is replacing and rehabilitating the force mains that carry wastewater to the treatment plant on the bay at 45th Street. The work will be done on 31st Street from Haven Avenue to Bay Avenue and Bay Avenue from 31st Street to Eighth Street. Details follow for construction work scheduled during the week of March 2-7.

Cape May County freeholders passed a resolution on Tuesday supporting an increase in state funding for the "Shore Protection Fund," from $25 million to $50 million. There is a bill in the Assembly and Senate that would increase that allotment. The Shore Protection Fund provides important funding that allows the state and municipalities to engage in cost-share partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on shore protection projects, including beach restoration and maintenance.

Mayor Jay Gillian has delivered his 2020 budget proposal to City Council. The spending plan includes a half-cent increase in the municipal tax rate. That means the owner of a $500,000 property can expect to pay an additional $25 in taxes this year, the mayor said in a statement Friday. A presentation will be made on the budget by the city's finance director Frank Donato during the Council meeting March 26.

Cape May County says it has taken a number of steps in recent weeks to protect the public from any possible outbreak of the coronavirus. The Cape May County Department of Health is working in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Health, and Center of Disease Control to address, monitor and keep residents protected and informed about the new coronavirus (COVID-19). As of Thursday, Feb. 27, there have been no coronavirus cases reported in Cape May County or New Jersey, according to a county press release. However, should this outbreak become widespread throughout the United States then a greater level of public health safeguarding measures will be employed to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of this virus.

The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management has issued a “Code Blue” severe weather alert for the overnight hours on Thursday and Friday. A Code Blue emergency is intended to protect homeless people living outside, on the streets, in parks or poorly insulated settings and who are at risk for cold related exposure and possible death. People seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality. Additional resources are available by calling 2-1-1.

On April 4 and again on April 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. children and their families will make the mad dash to the beaches in Ocean City for a massive egg hunt. The hunt for technicolor eggs, which hold goodies ranging from candies to toys, will be on the beaches from 11th to 14th streets.

The Ocean City Free Public Library has books for every taste -- literally. The annual Edible Book Festival is April 1, offering foodies and book lovers alike an interesting event to showcase their imagination.

Plans for the 66th annual edition of Ocean City’s premier summer event, Night in Venice, are in the works, and registration for participating boats and waterfront homes is now open. The parade this year starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. This year’s theme – “The Olympics: Go for the Gold” – will be a nod to the Olympic Games. The theme is entirely optional but offers a chance to pay tribute to more than 120 years of competition among athletes from more than 200 nations. Details follow for registering your boat or home to participate in the parade celebration.

Oil painter Paul Fuentes brings his exhibit featuring people, places and things to the Ocean City Arts Center March 2 through March 31. A “Meet the Artist” reception will be held Friday, March 13, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fuentes will display several of his portraits of famous people, such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and actor John Wayne.