Autumn gardening

“Autumn Gardening” is the fourth program of a four-part series, “Gardening Through the Seasons,” presented by Karen Williams.
This free workshop covers topics that help minimize the amount of work in the coming seasons. Topics will include getting the garden ready for winter, the garden and winter wildlife, collecting and storing and sharing seeds and keeping the garden looking good through fall.
The program will be held at the following libraries:
10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 6 at Upper Township Public Library, 2050 Route 631, Petersburg 609-628-2607
6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Main branch, 30 Mechanic St., 609-463-6350
10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 at Lower Township Library, 2600 Bayshore Rd., Villas 609-886-8999
There is no registration for this program and participants are not required to have attended previous gardening workshops.
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Birding by ‘Ear’ for Beginners

On Sept. 27 learn to identify birds by their voices from expert, Dick Walton, who developed the systems for many of the top bird watchers in the country, 10 a.m.-noon at the Main Branch, 30 Mechanic Street.
There is no charge for the workshop, however registration is required as class size will be limited. A Cape May County Library card in good standing is required to register.
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Pre-School Story Time
The Cape May County Library is pleased to offer age-appropriate story time for children at the Main Branch,
•Birth to walking age, 10-10:20 a.m. on Mondays, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 and Oct. 6 and 27.
•Walking age to 2 years– 9:45-10:05 a.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Oct. 7, 14 and 28.
•Two-year-olds, 10:30-11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Oct. 7, 14 and 28.
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Qigong and Tai Chi Classes
Back by popular demand, “Qigong and Tai Chi for Your Health” classes. A series of 15 weekly classes are held at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 10 at the Lower Township Library, 2600 Bayshore Rd., Villas.
Tai Chi and Qigong exercises are simple and unhurried movements requiring no weights, extra equipments, or special clothing. The movements are art forms that can be performed anywhere, at anytime, to strengthen the body and mind and improves each and every body organ. Special ancient methods, yin and yang, are taught to relieve stress and tension (yin training), and qi energy methods used for power training (yang training).

James Rey, Certified Exercise Instructor in Ti Chi/Qigong instructs the classes. Rey received his certification from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and continues his studies under the tutelage of the Great Tai Chi Master Charles F. Farrell; and as a student of the Global College of Natural Medicine in their Holistic Health Practitioner Program.

Class is limited to twenty participants, so registration is required. There is no charge, but a library card in good standing is needed to register. For additional information please call 886-8999 or visit www.cmclibrary.org.

County Library Presents “The Plants of the Pine Barrens”

On Wednesday, September 17th at 6 p.m. at the Upper Township Public Library there will be a lecture on the history and lore on the use of plants for survival in the Pine Barrens. The Library is located at 2050 Route 631 in Petersburg.

If you were lost in the woods, what plants could you eat; use medicinally for washing and dressing wounds and insect bites; keep insects at bay and soothe your aching feet? Learn the history and lore of these important plants used needed or survival in the Pine Barrens as Joe Porter narrates stories from the towns of the Pines. The presentation will begin inside and then go outdoors for a hands-on experience. Join the fun and taste some pine needle tea!

Joe Porter has taught survivalist courses to children of all ages for many years. He began his career teaching English, Social Studies and Survival Skills courses and has worked in education for thirty-seven years in New Jersey. Porter recently retired as Principal at the Burlington County Institute of Technology – Medford Campus.

For more information please call 628-2607 or visit www.cmclibrary.org.
Self Defense Course for Women and Girls at Main Library

The Cape May County Library is offering a course to meet the needs of women of all ages and girls, twelve years and older, who wish to learn techniques for personal self-defense. The course will be offered on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Main Branch of the Library, 30 Mechanic St., Cape May Court House.

Moms and daughters are welcome. This class teaches participants to use leverage to protect themselves from street attacks and personal assaults. Each class begins with a warm-up, joint and balance exercises. Defense methods are taught against most common street attacks and personal assaults.

The course will be led by renowned Black Belt instructor, Walter Miller who has earned black belts in three martial arts; judo, jujitsu and self defense. Miller has been active in the martial arts for thirty years.

Class size is limited therefore registration is required along with a library card in good standing. For more information please call 463-6350 or visit www.cmclibrary.org.

Author Cordelia Frances Biddle at Court House Library

The Cape May County Library invites the public to enjoy an evening with Cordelia Frances Biddle as she introduces her latest book “Deception’s Daughter” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24 at the Main Branch of the Library, 30 Mechanic St., Cape May Court House.

The early Victorian era serves as a backdrop for the Martha Beale Mystery Series that began with Biddle’s research into her Biddle and Drexel ancestors. Financiers Nicholas Biddle and Francis Martin Drexel were powerful men who shaped the city and nation’s growth and politics.

The 1840’s in Philadelphia were tumultuous years. As a descendent of the Biddle line historians refer to as “The Romantics,” Biddle sees ghosts abounding as she walks Philadelphia’s twenty-first century streets. Her characters are a cross-section of a hierarchical society, and Biddle is an excellent guide. Painstakingly researched, “Deception’s Daughter” is a book to get lost in, providing a thrilling mystery, exquisite historical detail, and a strong heroine not bound by the conventions of era or genre.

Light refreshments will be available. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

For additional information please call 463-6350 or visit www.cmclibrary.org.