MediaWize

Mayor Jay Gillian announced Friday that new property appraisals will be done on a former car dealership lot that the city unsuccessfully sought to buy last year for $9 million. The property owners have since received preliminary approval to build 21 homes on the tract of land bordered by 16th and 17th streets between Haven and Simpson avenues. Nothing has been built yet. The mayor indicated in a message posted on the city's website that he is still interested in acquiring the land to protect it from housing development.

Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton was inducted into the newly created New Jersey Association of Counties Hall of Fame on Thursday. The organization honored freeholders who have served at least 20 years on their boards. Thornton served as a freeholder from 1976 to 1987 and then returned to the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1995 and has been serving ever since. “It was such an honor to be recognized by the New Jersey Association of Counties,” said Thornton. “I am truly grateful to represent the residents of Cape May County for all of these years.”

Ocean City High School’s art department organized an art contest to showcase the talents of the students in art, photography and digital art. The artwork was judged on May 1, by art teacher Liz Stem and Ashley Warley, an Ocean City High School alumnus who is a successful artist herself, according to a JASM Consulting press release. The list of winners follows.

Ocean City Beach Patrol alumnus turned chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Jay Clayton, is coming to speak with Ocean City High School students. The former lifeguard is making his return to Ocean City on Friday, May 24, at 1 p.m. to discuss the financial markets, economy, financial education and investing in the long term.

The community group Bike OCNJ invites the public to a reorganization meeting 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 13 at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Bike OCNJ is committed to bicycle safety and enhancing bicycle routes and amenities in town. The purpose of the meeting is to encourage new membership and to share information on Bike OCNJ initiatives.

A single point of entry/exit to the Cape May County Courthouse in Cape May Court House, Middle Township, will be implemented starting Monday morning, May 13. Modern screening stations, together with other security enhancements, have been added to the open lobby area, which also provides barrier-free access. New signage has been installed. Single points of entry/exit enhance security, maintain control, and provide for more efficient use of sheriff personnel, the county said in a press release Tuesday announcing the change. The single point entry/exit plan applies to all litigants, general public, court staff, and attorneys.

Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition, a community initiative of Cape Assist, partnered with Cape Regional Wellness Alliance for the annual Public Service Announcement and selected students from local schools for their entries. Contest to raise awareness about substance abuse and mental health. A Breakfast & Awards event was held on April 30 to honor the student winners and Cape Assist’s Partners in Prevention. This year, the theme of the contest was raising awareness about healthy coping skills, resilience and prevention of drug abuse. “It’s one of my favorite projects we do with the coalition members,” said CMC Healthy Community Coalition Coordinator Natalia Wilber. “It’s an opportunity for the students to express their voices and an opportunity for adults to learn more about our youth, what their concerns or needs are, what they hope for, what inspires them.” Students were invited to create a written or video PSA on one of the following topics...

The AC Blackjacks scored big in their home opener Saturday at Boardwalk Hall. They grabbed a thrilling 42-35 win over the Columbus Destroyers and were also a big hit with their fans. The Arena Football League game provided high-quality action on the field and family-friendly entertainment for the spectators.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Ocean City from 7 p.m. Sunday through 1 a.m. Monday. Steady north winds will push water and rough surf toward the coastline during a higher-than-normal new moon tide. Forecasters also predict rain.

Letter carriers across the country, in partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, will be collecting food for families in need on Saturday, May 11. In Ocean City, carriers ask that residents collect and bag non-perishable food items, then place them by their mailboxes for pickup. All food will be donated to the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Food Cupboard. Please do not include items that have expired or are in glass containers.