County Library gets 2009 off to a flying start

For additional information on any library program, call 609-463-6350, or your local library, or visit cmclibrary.org.

The Wildwood Crest Library, 6301 Ocean Avenue, will offer “Game Night,” where you can come and enjoy a rousing game of scrabble or chess, every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. beginning January 7.

Bring your own boards and snacks; coffee will be provided.

For additional information, call 609-522-0564.

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Chris Elk, AE2 (AW), United States Navy, will present, “Today’s Modern Navy,” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 at the main branch.

Aviation Electrician Mate Second Class Elk will be joined by other active duty navy sailors to present the history and current status of the United States Navy.

Highlighted will be the quality of life of sailors today as compared to when the United States Navy was established.
There will be no recruiting on the premises of the Cape May County Library.
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“Stenciling for Beginners,” will be presented by Linda Wolfe at the Main Branch of the library, 30 Mechanic St., Cape May Court House. Wolfe, a teacher for 43 years, has been passionate about stenciling for 10 years.

Classes will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 13, 20, and 27.

The basic techniques of stenciling will be taught. Stenciling can be done on paper, fabric, furniture, and walls. During class participants will work on individual projects of their choice.

Registration is required as the class size is limited. A library card is needed to register. For additional information please call 609-463-3650.

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An “AARP Defensive Driving Course” will be held in two, four-hour sessions from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 15 at the main branch in Court House.

The course provides a review of driving skills and techniques. AARP Instructor Pete Diaz presents the 8-hour course, which may result in a reduction of your automobile insurance rate.

Participants need to contact their individual automobile insurance companies to find out the reduction in rate of car insurance offered for completing the course.

Registration is required, and you must have both a valid New Jersey Driver’s License and a Cape May County Library card. There is a $10 fee to AARP that is due at the beginning of the first class.

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All ages are invited to enjoy the sing along version of Disney’s, “High School Musical” at 5:30 p.m. on Family Night, Friday, Jan. 16 at the main branch in Court House.

Children are invited to dress up like their favorite characters and sing and dance along with their favorite songs in the movie.

Light refreshments will be served. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information call 609-463-6354 or visit cmclibrary.org/cmckids.

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“Keeping Your Home & Self Safe,” a revealing lecture, will be presented by retired, 26-year police officer Joe Kash, from 2-3:30 p.m. on Fridays, Jan. 16, 23, and 30, at the main branch in Court House.

“Keeping Your Home & Self Safe” is a three part series where participants learn home security tips to assist local police in protecting homes and property. Safeguarding your home and personal security issues dealing with identity theft and Internet protection will be covered.

The workshops include security exercises, handouts, class participation, and question and answer opportunities. Upon completion, members are aware what home and personal security measures are needed to safeguard property.
There is no charge for the program, but registration and a library card are required.
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January is national personal self-defense awareness month, so the library will offer a self-defense course to meet the needs of females, 12 and older, who wish to learn techniques for personal self-defense. Moms and daughters are welcome.

The course will be offered on Saturday, Jan. 24:
• 10 a.m. – noon, Lower Cape Branch Library, 2600 Bayshore Rd., Villas, 609-886-8999.

• 2 – 4 p.m., Upper Cape Branch Library, 2050 Route 631, Petersburg, 609-628-2607.

The class teaches participants to use leverage to protect themselves from personal assaults.

Each class begins with a warm-up, joint and balance exercise. Defense methods are taught against most common street attacks and personal assaults.

The course is led by renowned Black Belt instructor Walter Miller. Active in martial arts for 30 years, Miller has earned black belts in three martial arts: judo, jujitsu, and self-defense.
Class size is limited; registration and a valid library card are required.

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The Lower Cape Branch Library, 2600 Bayshore Road in the Villas, will present a special art program for children in 2009.

Children ages 6 through 10 are invited to enjoy “Art at the Library — Let’s Compare 19th and 20th Century Artists,” sponsored by the Cape May Center for Community Arts every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The program is offered on Jan. 21, Feb. 4 and 18, March 4 and 11, April 1 and 22 and May 6 and 20.

Art projects will be centered on the following artists: Lois Elhert, Ed Emberly, Alexander Calder, Georges Seurat, Claude Monet, Hanoch Piven, Ezra Jack Keats, Sarah Perry and Pierre Morgan.

Children will experiment with pastels, paper cutting, 3-D mobiles, surrealism self portraits, watercolors and collages.

Please sign up in advance by calling 609-886-8999.