Atlantic Cape announces Distinguished Alumni Award honorees & other Atlantic County news

Atlantic Cape Community College recognizes 2022 President’s Distinguished Alumni recipients

MAYS LANDING - The Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation has announced the five recipients of the 2022 President’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award honorees, as selected by the Atlantic Cape Alumni Association Advisory Committee, are:

• Terry Budd, ’78, of Ocean View.
• Greg Lasher, ’97, of Cape May Court House.
• William McCarrick, ’84, of Hyde Park, New York. 

The committee also selected the recipients of the 2022 Young Alumni Achievement Award:

• Jerome Ingram, ’04, of Galloway Township.
• Taylor Henry, ’16, of Wildwood.

“Our diverse and impressive alumni represent one of the college’s many strengths, and in your everyday lives you showcase the positive effects of an Atlantic Cape education,” said Dr. Barbara Gaba, president, Atlantic Cape.

The honorees were recognized during an awards dinner on April 13 at Careme’s, the Academy of Culinary Arts’ student-run restaurant on the Mays Landing Campus. 

Since 2010, the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented annually to graduates of Atlantic Cape that have differentiated themselves through professional, public, and community-based accomplishments.

“Our 2022 honorees and all previous honorees truly represent our mission and serve as exemplary role models for our current and future students,” Jean McAlister, executive director, Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation.

“We are very proud of you and incredibly grateful that you continue to support Atlantic Cape and its mission. The college relies on its alumni to develop future graduates that will seek to emulate the type of success you have all achieved,” Maria Kellett, associate director, Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation. 

Ingram, who has served for nearly 17 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he holds the rank of major, is the program coordinator for athletes and veterans at Atlantic Cape, where he provides crucial support to these students.

Henry is a freelance journalist, author, and an adjunct instructor at Atlantic Cape. She is a co-founding member of the Atlantic Cape Communication Alumni Council and member of the Communication Program Advisory Board. 

Budd retired from her 40-year career at Atlantic Cape in 2014 as the Dean of Administration. She is an Atlantic Cape Foundation Board member and co-chairwoman of the Restaurant Gala Committee.

Lasher is the principal of Richard M. Teitelman Middle School in Lower Township, where he previously was a math teacher and assistant principal, and an ardent Atlantic Cape supporter.

McCarrick is a distinguished culinary professional, who has worked at restaurants around the world. He is an associate professor at the Culinary Institute of America, was a guest teacher at the Academy of Culinary Arts, and is a supporter of the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala. 

For information about the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award or the Atlantic Cape Alumni Association, call Kristin Jackson at (609) 463-3621 or email kjackson@atlantic.edu.

CASA advocates and the community play a role in protecting children

SOMERS POINT – Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month by highlighting the role that everyone plays in making our community a better place for all families.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that CASA advocates and communities play in protecting children,” said Lauren Crenshaw, executive director, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. “It is a time when communities come together to raise awareness of child abuse prevention and show support for programs and activities that help our children succeed. Research tells us that childhood trauma has long-term negative impacts for the child and for society. The rising cost of health care and mental health services, substance abuse, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency and dropout rates have a negative impact on our community. Programs that support parents and give them the knowledge that helps them provide their children with positive, nurturing environments have been shown to reverse that negative impact. I encourage everyone to get involved with an organization in our community that helps children and families, become a CASA advocate, a mentor or financially support a group that makes sure children are safe and families have access to resources.”

CASA advocates ensure that children and their families have the resources, services and support that will help them thrive. Research shows that when parents have the knowledge, skills and services they need to care for their children, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families prevail.

“I believe, as I am sure most people do, that all children deserve a childhood that provides a safe, loving, stable home with adults that support their hopes and dreams,” said E. David Hieb, Board President, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. “Sadly, for many children in Atlantic and Cape May counties, that home does not exist as 100s of children suffer abuse and neglect each year and are placed in the foster care system. Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month is a way for us to raise awareness of the hardships foster youth face and highlight the roles that CASA advocates, and all of us, play in helping children succeed.”

For information, call (609) 601-7800 or visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org.  

Holocaust survivor to speak at Yom HaShoah program at Stockton 

GALLOWAY – The Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton University will host a Yom HaShoah Program for 2022, “Unto Every Person There Is A Name - Remembering the 6 million Jewish Victims of the Holocaust.” 

The free one-hour program will be livestreamed via Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m. April 26. 

Dr. Michael Berenbaum, a Holocaust scholar and author, will be the host and will introduce and interview Betty Grebenschikoff of Ventnor, a Holocaust survivor.

Grebenschikoff will share her life story, including remembrances of Kristallnacht on Nov. 9 and 10, 1938 in Berlin, Germany, and an unexpected reunion with her childhood friend, Ana Maria whose father was arrested during Kristallnacht, when both girls were 9.

In May 1939, after Ana Maria’s father was released from a concentration camp, each family said farewell because Betty’s family left for Shanghai, China.

After World War II, Betty and Ana Maria wondered what happened to each other. Betty always ended her talks with students, educators and community members by saying: “If you ever see someone named Ana Maria, tell her I am always looking for her.”

During the Yom HaShoah program Betty will include her life story’s newest chapter, the reunion of Betty and Ana Maria in Florida last year.

To request the Zoom link, call (609) 652-4699.

Open Mic and Poetry Jam planned in Hammonton

HAMMONTON – Main Street Hammonton will present an Open Mic and Poetry Jam, hosted by Art Club, Eagle Theatre and Soupcan Magazine, from 5 to 8 p.m. April 21 in the courtyard behind Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery at 212 Bellevue Ave.  

Signups will begin at 4:30 p.m.

For information, visit https://bit.ly/36iyV7o.  

Atlantic City Ballet to present ‘Carmen’

ATLANTIC CITY - The Atlantic City Ballet’s spring season continues at 7 p.m. April 23 with a performance of “Carmen,” featuring Artistic Director Phyllis Papa’s original choreography and an enthralling score by Georges Bizet. “Carmen” tells the story of a beautiful seductress, the two lovers who vie for her affection and the tragic outcome of their tangled affair.

The final performance for spring will be held at 7 p.m. May 21 when the ballet presents “Cinderella.” Audiences will be delighted by Papa’s captivating choreography and the magnificent costumes. Complete with a fairy Godmother, a handsome prince and a pair of unforgettable stepsisters, this production is a delight for all ages.

Tickets are $45 for ages 18 to 64, $20 for ages 17 and younger and $15 for Atlantic City residents; a 15 percent discount is available for ages 65 and older.

All of the performances will be presented at the Circus Maximus Theater in Caesars Hotel. 

For tickets or information, call (609) 348-7201 or visit www.acballet.org.

Register at Atlantic Cape by May 3 and get three free credits

MAYS LANDING – Students have until May 3 to register for summer and fall 2022 classes at Atlantic Cape and receive up to six free credits.

Summer semester begins May 16 and fall classes start Aug. 29.

Students who register by May 3 will receive three free credits, a savings of $438, for each semester. This program is made possible by the Federal Government’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds.

Students who register for six or more credits can also receive a new laptop, which they are allowed to keep upon graduation with an associate’s degree or a certificate.

More information is available at atlantic.edu/exclusives.

Also, students registering for fall 2022, who earn less than $65,000 a year, and are enrolled in at least six credits, may be eligible to have their tuition costs covered under New Jersey’s Community College Opportunity Grant. Financial aid and scholarships are also available.

Easy registration is available during the Stop, Drop, Enroll Day, which is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. April 28 at the college’s campuses in Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing. During these enrollment events, students get one-on-one help filling out their application, choosing classes, and applying for financial aid. Attendees should bring photo identification and high school/college transcript or SAT/ACT or high school graduation test scores. Those who need help with financial aid applications should bring their most recent tax return.

Registration is also available online and in-person at any of Atlantic Cape’s campuses from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Current students may download Atlantic Cape’s new mobile app, Atlantic Cape Connect, to register for classes, check financial aid status, make a payment and more.

To register or for information, visit atlantic.edu/register.

Northfield artist takes first place in Ocean City Fine Arts League exhibit

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Fine Arts League’s “Signs of Spring" art show and exhibition will be on display at the Art on Asbury Gallery this month.

The winners are:

• First, Donna Mindish, Northfield, “Spring Has Sprung,” pastel.
• Second, Dawn Kohansky, Millville, “Peaceful Pansies,” acrylic.
• Third, Grace Zambelli, Ventnor, “Downpour at the Downs,” acrylic.
• Honorable mention, Alexis Flack, Somers Point, “Robin’s Nest.”
• Honorable mention, Rene Capri, Cape May Court House, “Welcome Tulips.”              

The gallery is at 711 Asbury Ave., and is open seven days a week, but hours vary.

All of the show pieces are for sale as well as all other pieces on display including watercolor, glass, mixed media, pottery, photography, oil, acrylic, textiles, jewelry and sculpture made by professional local artists. 

For hours or information, call (609) 814-0308 or visit oceancityfineartsleague.org or Ocean City Fine Arts League on Facebook.

Shore Seeks Volunteers for Patient and Family Advisory Council

SOMERS POINT – Shore Medical Center seeks current and former patients and family members, who want to help improve the patient experience at Shore, to join its Patient and Family Advisory Council. PFAC serves as the liaison between the community and Shore, and members help ensure patient perspectives guide Shore’s development of patient-centered programs and policies.

Meetings are held at noon on one Monday per month.

According to Kathleen Schallus, manager of patient experience, PFAC members play a vital role in Shore’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all patients. But PFAC membership has dwindled as a result of the pandemic.

“We hope that people who had experiences at Shore Medical Center and feel passionate about helping us achieve our patient experience goals will consider applying to join PFAC,” said Schallus. “Being a PFAC member gives you a chance to make a real difference at Shore Medical Center. Several years ago, our PFAC members revamped our Patient and Visitor Guide to make it more user-friendly. They also led an initiative to upgrade our patient room whiteboards to a style that is more effective in communicating important information to patients, families and clinicians.”

Shore welcomes PFAC members from all backgrounds who represent the diversity of healthcare issues, diagnoses and cultures among the families it serves.

Members are asked to make a two-year commitment, renewable at Shore's discretion, and attend at least 5 of the 10 annually scheduled meetings. Meetings are not held in July or August. Members will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement upon joining the council.

To apply to join PFAC, call (609) 926-4715 or email Kathleen.schallus@shoremedicalcenter.org.

Rabies confirmed in second racoon collected from Northfield

A second raccoon collected from Northfield within the past three weeks has been confirmed for rabies, according to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health. This is the county’s sixth case of rabies this year.

The local animal control officer notified the county on April 7 after a raccoon was found staggering and panting on the bike path at Wabash Avenue and Tilton Road in Northfield. The raccoon was collected and sent to the state lab for testing, where it was found positive for rabies on April 13.

The county’s other rabies cases this year have involved a fox collected from Hamilton Township and three skunks found in Egg Harbor Township.

Public health officials advise residents to teach children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals. Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets.

Residents should also ensure trash cans have secure lids to prevent wildlife from foraging for food and should not leave pet food outside. Many animals are also attracted to bird seed.

If you see wildlife behaving in a strange manner, especially nocturnal animals such as skunks and raccoons found during daylight hours, do not approach the animal. Instead, call your local Animal Control Officer. Contact information is available on the county web site at www.aclink.org/animal-shelter/municipal.asp. 

If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. All bites should be reported to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.

Because rabies can be fatal if left untreated, public health officials also remind residents of the importance of vaccinating their pets to protect both the animals and the humans with whom they have contact.

The Atlantic County Animal Shelter holds free rabies vaccination clinics each month for dogs and cats by appointment at www.aclink.org/animalshelter.    

The next clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 8. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.

For information on rabies control and precautions, call (609) 645-5971 or visit www.aclink.org/publichealth.    

American Red Cross announces area blood drives

The American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region has issued an appeal for blood donors. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand and prevent a blood shortage.

The following blood drives are scheduled in Atlantic County:

• 1 to 6 p.m. April 20, Hamilton Mall, 4403 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing.
• 2 to 7 p.m. April 22, Winslow Township Municipal Complex, 125 S. Route 73, Hammonton.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22, Harrah’s Resort, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24, AtlantiCare Life Center, 2500 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township.
• 1 to 6 p.m. April 25, United Methodist Church, 100 Pitney Road, Absecon.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27, Atlantic City Country Club, 1 Leo Fraser Drive, Northfield.
• 2 to 7 p.m. April 29, Absecon Presbyterian Church, 208 New Jersey Ave., Absecon.
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30, Knights of Columbus 7463, 157 Oak Ave., Waterford Works.

To make an appointment, call (800) GIVE-LIFE or visit www.redcrossblood.org.  

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