Events and Happenings

Multi-day Events

AnyScapes

Jan. 31-March 28

Galloway Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road

The Absecon Cultural Arts Alliance invites artists to explore place, atmosphere and imagined worlds through 2D artwork. From landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes to realistic and abstract works, this exhibit celebrates how artists interpret space, environment and mood. Artwork will be on display through March 28.

Friday, February 6

Valentine’s Day Concert

2 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join Longport Library for a special Valentine’s Day Concert this Friday, featuring “Love Songs for Swingin’ Lovers.” For more information or to register, call 609-487-7403.

Penny Party

7 p.m.

Second Cape May Baptist Church, 600 Route 9 South, Marmora

Join Cape May Ranch Hope Auxiliary No. 18 for their upcoming Penny Party, benefiting Ranch Hope for Boys. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and include one sheet of numbers, a thank you ticket and dessert. Additional sheets are available for purchase. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera presents Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto.’

7:30 p.m.

Stockton Performing Arts Center, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway

Join Stockton PAC this Friday as they present Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” This Italian libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave based on the 1832 play “Le Roi S’Amuse” by Victor Hugo. For more information, visit www.stockton.edu/pac.

Saturday, February 7

Tai Chi at the Library

10 a.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join Longport Library for a morning of Tai Chi. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. For more information or to register, call 609-487-7403.

Saturday Family Storytime

10:30 a.m.

Egg Harbor Township Library, 1 Swift Drive

Join the Atlantic County Library in Egg Harbor Township for a family storytime this Saturday morning. Bring the family and enjoy a morning of songs and stories. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-927-8664.

Let’s Go LEGO

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mays Landing Library, 40 Farragut Ave.

Stop by Atlantic County Library in Mays Landing, which invites you and your friends to meet up with other LEGO enthusiasts and build your own LEGO creations. All skill levels are welcome. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-625-2776.

Family Craft Hour

2 p.m.

Somers Point Library, 801 Shore Road

Join the Atlantic County Library in Somers Point for an hour of family fun, featuring a different seasonal project. On Saturday, participants will make Valentine’s Day Love Bug Headbands. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-927-7113.

John J. Heinz Chili Cook-Off

5-7 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Church Hall, Wabash and Poplar avenues, Linwood

The Knights of Columbus Council 6277 invites the public to their chili cook-off this Saturday. Dinner includes chili, rice or pasta, salad and dessert. $15 per person; children eat free. Eat in or take out. For more information, contact Gerry at 609-470-0256. Prizes will be awarded for best chili and presentation.

Sunday, February 8

Chief Arthur Brown Memorial Super Bowl Party

2-5 p.m.

The Roost Pub and Grill, 500 St. Andrews Drive, Egg Harbor Township

Join the Chief Arthur Brown Memorial Foundation this Sunday for their 34th Annual Super Bowl Tailgate Party, hosted by Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club. Tickets are $30 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to CSCNJ and their mission to assist individuals with cancer throughout South Jersey.

Monday, February 9

Musical Connections

1 p.m.

Katz JC, 501 North Jerome Ave., Margate

Feel the stress of the day peel away with JFS Village as they share familiar tunes from various genres, including Broadway, classical, contemporary and jazz, along with instruments, with friends and neighbors. RSVP by Feb. 5 by contacting Tina Serota at 609-287-8872 or tserota@jfsvillage.org.

Tuesday, February 10

Furry Buddies

6-7 p.m.

Galloway Township Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road

Read a story to therapy dogs Fritz and Frieda, who love sharing stories with children. Registration is required and guardians must remain present. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-652-2352.

Galloway Writing Club

6 p.m.

Galloway Township Library

The Galloway Writing Club, led by Scott Gray, is a place where anyone with an interest in writing (fiction, nonfiction, prose, or poetry) can meet with other members of the community and discuss the craft, find encouragement and develop habits to help improve. This event is for individuals over 18. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-652-2352.

Wednesday, February 11

Employment Café with Atlantic County One-Stop

1 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township

Are you currently looking for employment? The Atlantic County One-Stop Career Center will be at Inland FSC to assist people looking for employment opportunities. For questions and additional information, call 609-569-0376.

Valentine’s Day: Build Your Own Chocolate Box

4 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township

Valentine’s Day is a time to share heartfelt moments and sweet gestures with those who mean the most to us. This year, join Inland FSC in creating a delightful sweet and salty treat with friends and neighbors. For more information, call 609-569-0376.

An Evening with George and Martha Washington: A Love Story

6 p.m.

Otto Bruyns Public Library, 241 W. Mill Road, Northfield

Enjoy a special performance by George and Martha Washington as part of the library’s America 250 Series. This special evening seeks to educate and entertain people about this important couple, as well as the people that surrounded them and helped them achieve all that they did. The program is open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling 609-646-4476.

Thursday, February 12

Absecon Galloway Rotary Club Meetings

8 a.m.

Phoenix Diner, 200 W. Absecon Blvd.

The members of the Absecon Galloway Rotary Club invite the public to be their guest at their upcoming meeting. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Phoenix Diner and the fourth Thursday of every month at Gourmet Italian Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. Learn more about Rotary, how they serve our local community and meet local community members. For club information, go to www.facebook.com/AbseconGallowayRotary or email Rose McCarthy, club president, at bluerose46@aol.com.

Holtzman Gallery Black History Month Exhibit

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Ave., Margate

The Holtzman Gallery at the Katz JCC invites the public to celebrate Black History Month with the opening of their newest exhibit, “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” This exhibition will shine a spotlight on local and regional artists and runs through March 1. For further information, email david@holtzmangallery.com.

Saturday, February 14

Winter Warrior Challenge

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ocean City Civic Center, Sixth Street and the Boardwalk

This President’s Day Weekend event will bring families and local businesses together in the heart of winter. The challenge will include multiple components, including an obstacle race for children, a Winter Warrior course for parents and individuals and team challenges such as a fire truck pull. For more information and registration, visit www.ocnj.us/race-events or contact lrumer@ocnj.us.

Ocean City Nature and Environment Family Fun Day

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ocean City High School, 501 Atlantic Ave.

The Ocean City Environmental Commission will be hosting their annual event next Saturday. The event features a wide range of nature- and environmentally focused, hands-on, interactive fun and educational experiences for children and adults. This year everyone will have a chance to meet and greet the three Ocean City Raptors, including an owl, falcon and hawk, who patrol the skies during the summer to keep seagulls at bay.

Mike’s Seafood Run Walk for Autism

12 p.m.

Excursion Park and the Promenade, 42nd Street and Pleasure Ave., Sea Isle City

Join Mike’s Seafood for their Valentine’s Day Run/Walk for Autism this President’s Day Weekend. This unique event encourages runners and walkers of all ages to participate with their families while supporting special services schools, autism support groups, families of special needs and other organizations. Then meet in the heated tent outside Excursion Park for live music, awards and door prizes. Registration is open at https://www.polarbearrunwalkforautism.com/.

OCTC Presents ‘Love Is in the Air: Broadway Cabaret Love Songs’

2 p.m.

Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk

The Ocean City Theatre Company invites you to a special Valentine’s Day matinee of Broadway love songs. Celebrate love with some of the most enchanting and unforgettable songs to grace the stage. Bring your special someone, your family, or a friend, or let Broadway be your valentine. Tickets are available online at www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

Sunday, February 15

Washington-Lincoln Fundraiser

2 p.m.

Josie Kelly’s Public House, 908 Shore Road, Somers Point

Liberty and Prosperity will hold its yearly fundraiser on President’s Day weekend. The event will include an appearance by keynote speaker, state Sen. Michael Testa. Tickets are $75 and include lunch, dessert and a cash bar. For details, visit www.libertyandprosperity.com, email info@libertyandprosperity.com, or leave a voicemail at 609-927-7333.

Announcements

Have a Heart for Veterans

Now-Monday, Feb. 9

Wesley by the Bay is asking for your support with their annual Have a Heart for Veterans drive. The initiative provides Valentine’s gift bags to veterans, with a primary focus on facilities throughout South Jersey, including Vineland and Northfield. Items include wrapped Valentine heart candy boxes, individual sealed packs of crackers, cookies, Tastykakes, potato chips, or any sugar-free items; any new items that are red, such as socks or gloves; or a gift card from Wawa, Dunkin, or any restaurant. Drop off donations to Wesley by the Bay or The Shores in Ocean City. For more information, contact Kathy Speer at 609-399-6702.

Bus Trips

Philadelphia Flower Show

Tuesday, March 3

If you’re thinking about spring, join EHT Recreation and hop on the bus to enjoy the wonder of the Philadelphia Flower Show. The bus will depart from the Egg Harbor Township Community Center. Space is limited. For more information, email recreation@ehtnj.gov or call 609-272-8120.

Health and Wellness

Cancer: Thriving and Surviving Workshop

Tuesday, Feb. 24-March 31, 4:30-7 p.m.

Shore Cancer Center, 644 Shore Road, Somers Point

Cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to a free six-week workshop at Shore Medical Center. This workshop will provide practical tools, encouragement and peer connection to help participants navigate the physical, emotional and everyday challenges of life during and after cancer. Registration is required and space may be limited. To register, call 609-653-3923.

Depression and Anxiety Group

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City

This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups

Monday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point

NAMI of Atlantic/Cape May offers free self-help, peer-led support groups for family members, caregivers and friends of individuals over the age of 18 living with a mental illness. Participants gain the support of peers who understand their experience and gain insight into others’ challenges and successes. Family Support and Connections groups meet on the second Monday of each month. Visit www.namiacm.org for further information.

Dementia Support Group