MediaWize

The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City is hosting a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party on Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to noon. To begin with, attendees will enjoy a scrumptious buffet, which includes -- What else? -- Dr. Seuss’ favorite meal, green eggs and ham. There will also be story time, pictures with the Cat in the Hat and games and crafts.

On rainy days, when the wind is howling and the blankets are calling for us to stay inside, Joan Wilson puts on her jacket and starts her day. The same can be said of snow days and heat waves and everything in between. Nothing could stop Wilson from assuming her post as a crossing guard for the primary and intermediate schools in Ocean City. After 18 years of service, Wilson is set to retire on Friday. She was honored Wednesday night at the Ocean City Board of Education meeting for her almost two decades of service to the families of Ocean City schools.

Cape May County passed its 2019 budget on first reading on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The total budget for 2019 is $161.2 million. This budget reflects an overall increase of 5.6 percent over 2018. The increase will enable the County to maintain essential services as well as support capital improvement projects for improvements that include county roads and bridges. The tax rate for 2019 is up three-tenths of a cent. Revenue increased 4.75 percent, while the levy raised in support of the 2019 budget is $118.7 million.

New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership (NJEFP) named the Ocean City Education Foundation (OCEF) as “Outstanding Education Foundation/Small” for the organization’s 2019 awards. NJEFP is a statewide organization dedicated to enhancing public education in New Jersey by growing and strengthening local education foundations through education, training, collaboration, and advocacy. OCEF garnered the award in recognition of its fundraising efforts, mission, and support for the Ocean City School District as a whole.

The Ocean City High School boys’ basketball team defeated Cherry Hill West, 62-50, in the opening round of the South Jersey Group 3 state playoffs Tuesday night. In what was a hotly contested and competitive game, the Red Raiders used multiple scoring runs to outlast the Lions.

There are no style points in the state basketball playoffs. Every win is beautiful and a loss ends your season. The Ocean City High School girls’ basketball team turned in a gritty performance Tuesday night, defeating Timber Creek 69-45 to open their defense of the South Jersey Group 3 championship. Abbey Fenton’s 25 points, including five 3-pointers, sparked the Raiders, (21-6) who picked up where they left off following their Cape Atlantic League championship game win over Middle Township last week.

The Sustainable Jersey Atlantic-Cape May Hub will offer Green Team members, municipal officials, community leaders and interested residents an opportunity to learn about the current state of recycling at a free event. The program, "The Problem with Plastics: Changes in the Recycling Industry," will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority's (ACUA) Recycling Center at 6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township. Recent changes in global markets for recycled materials have presented challenges to recycling processors across the nation, according to a press release.

Jon Anderson, the original voice behind the progressive rock band Yes, will bring his 1,000 Hands Tour to the Ocean City Music Pier on July 29. Tickets for the show will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. A pre-sale is set for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 (use code BRE). For more information and ticket links, visit www.ocnj.us/SummerConcerts.

The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management has issued a "Code Blue” advisory for the entire county from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, allowing people to seek shelter in local warming centers during the cold weather. Code Blue conditions are in effect when the temperature reaches 25 degrees or lower with clear skies or 32 degrees or lower with precipitation. People seeking temporary shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality. Additional resources are available by calling the County Homeless Hotline at 1-877-886-1325 or 1-609-886-1325.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning in effect for Ocean City from 4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 24) through 6 p.m. Monday (Feb. 25). Forecasters predict sustained west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts from 45 to 55 mph on Sunday night. Starting Monday morning, gusts could reach 55 to 60 mph. Loose objects on your property should be brought inside or secured. All contractors are asked to secure job sites. Driving conditions could be hazardous, and scattered power outages are expected...