Ma France Creperie hosts artsy happenings

In addition to authentic French crepes and a bohemian vibe, Ma France Creperie of Ocean City offers many artsy events, from dinner theater to musical performances to exhibits of work by local artists.

Two nights of dinner theater will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 with the performance of "Laughter and Tears," four short plays written by Jerry Hyman. The plays are “The Walk,” about the many years and memories of a couple whose lives are forever entwined; “Evening News,” a special kind of newscast; “All Aboard,” about two people who take the cruise of a lifetime; and “Tales from the Archives.”

Admission of $38 includes a three-course dinner and beverage.

For reservations call (609) 399 9955.

The creperie will also hold a "Toast the Artist" event Thursday May 15, the first in a series of events celebrating art and fine food. This month's featured artist is Joanne Bernardini, displaying "Treasures of Ireland," a collection of original photographs from the Emerald Isle. The cafe will be open as usual until 8 p.m., when the doors will close for a private party, which will include a complimentary toast and meeting with the artist. Reservations are required, and space is limited. For an invitation call France Hyman at (609) 214-9232 or Joanne Bernardini at (609) 399-8190.

Past events at the creperie have included Halloween and Christmas dinner theater performances.

Ma France Creperie is at 506 Ninth St. in Ocean City. Spring hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For information email Mafrancecreperie@gmail.com or log on to http://mafrancecreperie.com/.

 "Castle Wall" by Joanne Bernardini

 

"Castle Door" by Joanne Bernardini


 “A Journalist’s Look at the Importance of His Hometown” talk by Mays Landing native Jack McCallum, chief NBA writer for Sports Illustrated, 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 in the Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian Church, 6001 Main St., Mays Landing. 

Build-a-Book 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the Galloway Township branch of the Atlantic County Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road. For children in third to sixth grade. Registration is requested. Call (609) 652-2352.
 
Girls’ Night Out – Shop for CHOP 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. Complimentary manicures, martini bar, chef demos, angel card readings, auction and DJ Sparkles. Call (609) 653-3800 or visit www.shorememorial.org/gno. Admission is $5 until May 14 and $10 at the door.

Berry-Gathering Basket Weaving Workshop 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at the Noyes Museum of Art on Lily Lake Road in Galloway Township. Cost is $30 for Noyes members, $35 nonmembers, plus $20 materials fee. Reservations required. Call (609) 652-8848 or visit www.noyesmuseum.org.

Comic Drawing Llesson for Children 3:30 p.m. May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Atlantic City Free Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave. Joe Del Beato will teach children how to draw comics ranging from super heroes to anime and manga.

Wine Tasting and Silent Auction hosted by the Literacy Volunteers Association Cape-Atlantic Inc. 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at the Flanders Hotel, Banquet and Conference Center in Ocean City. Includes a wine symposium by John Mahoney, wines, handcrafted beers, spirits, hors d’oeuvres and jazz music. Tickets are $75. Call Melissa or Sally at (609) 645-3800. For tickets online go to www.lvacapeatlantic.org.

Beef and Beer 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 16 at Trinity Lodge, 563 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township, to benefit the 32 Degree Scottish Rite Masonic Learning Center for Dyslexic Children in Northfield. Admission is $20.

Fashion Show 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, sponsored by Absecon Lighthouse, Talbot’s and Treo Restaurant. Tickets are $25. Fashions by Talbots, appetizers by Treo, Chinese auction and cash bar. Proceeds benefit lighthouse educational programs for children. For information or reservations call Absecon Lighthouse at (609) 449-1360. Website is www.abseconlighthouse.org.

Noyes Museum 25th Anniversary Reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16 at the Noyes Museum of Art in the Oceanville section of Galloway Township. Free for members; adults $4, seniors and students $3. For information call (609) 652-8848.

Roast Beef Dinner 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at the Port Republic Volunteer Fire Company on Blakes Lane. Adults $10; children $6. Takeout available. For information call (609) 652-7978 or (609) 377-9755.

“The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” presented by Sojourn Productions 7 p.m. Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 in the Walter E. Edge Theater at Atlantic Cape Community College. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. For information call (609) 927-2202. Tickets available at www.sojournprod.com or at the door.
 
Hamilton Olympics 2008 Fest sponsored by the Hamilton Township PTA in conjunction with the Community Education Department 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 16. All-sports theme; games, prizes and food. At 8:30 p.m. there will be a showing of “The Game Plan.” For information call Kris at (609) 412-2445.

Olde Tyme Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at Memorial Park, Route 50 and Main Street in Mays Landing. Rain date May 18. For information call Dottie at (609) 625-0805.

Country Carnival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday, May 17 at Atlantic Christian School, 391 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township. Open to the public. Food, fun, bake-off and various games for children of all ages. For information contact the school office Monday through Friday at (609) 653-1199.

Ashley's 5K Run and Walk for Life benefiting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Care Center Saturday, May 17 Atlantic County Park, Route 50 in Estelle Manor. Rain or shine. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; run begins at 9:30 a.m. Admission is $20 per person. One-mile walk is $10 per person and begins at 10 a.m. For information email AshleysMemorial@comcast.net.

Actors and Playwrights by the Sea Evening of One-Acts 7:30 p.m. May 17 at Dante Hall Theater of the Arts. Admission is $8. Dante Hall is adjacent to St. Michael's Church at 14 N. Mississippi Ave. (between Arctic and Atlantic avenues).

Angeline Bandon-Bibum reading from her novel “Sojourner’s Dream” 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Atlantic City Free Public Library. Free and open to the public. Call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3115, for information.

Road Rally/Scavenger Hunt to raise money for Life Improvement for Cats and Kittens, or LICK, a local nonprofit, no-kill cat shelter, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at Cavallino Nero Restaurant, 4760 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple.

Yard Sale 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17 on the grounds of the Weymouth Volunteer Fire Company on the Black Horse Pike in the Weymouth section of Hamilton Township. Call to reserve a table or space at (609) 625-0283.

Ceramic Teapot Workshop noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 at the Ventnor Cultural Arts Center. Ages 16 and up. Cost of $120 includes materials. Call (609) 823-7952.

Mayfest 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 at Historic Smithville in Galloway Township. For information visit www.smithvillenj.com.

“Perfect Ladies: The Art of Dress, Beauty and Etiquette in the Victorian Age” 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at the Noyes Museum of Art on Lily Lake Road in Galloway Township. Free; reservations required. For information call (609) 652-8848 or visit www.noyesmuseum.org.

Family Fun Day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18 on New Jersey Avenue at the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point. Free parking at Gregory's Restaurant, 900 Shore Road, at Somers Avenue and the bay, and Higbee Avenue and the bay. For information call (609) 927-6665.

Strut for Mutts III noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Estell Manor Park, Pavilion C, Route 50. All proceeds benefit Beacon Animal Rescue. Free admission; $10 registration fee to strut at 2 p.m. A trophy will be awarded to the “top dog.” For information email strutformutts@aol.com or call (609) 390-7946. For directions log on to aclink.org. Click on recreation and leisure/county parks.

Cape May Music Festival Sunday, May 18 to Sunday, June 15 featuring orchestral, folk and chamber music. Performances held at 8 p.m. throughout Cape May. For information and tickets call (609) 884-5405.

Atlantic City Casino Collectibles Club Meeting 11 a.m. Sunday, May 18 at Trump Marina. For information visit ccgtcc.com/chapters/ac or call vice president John Chopek at (609) 408-0590.

Action for the Arts Performing and Visual Arts Exhibition 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Dante Hall Theater of the Arts, 14 N. Mississippi Ave., Atlantic City. Sponsored by the International House of Blues Foundation, Atlantic City to raise awareness about the importance of the arts, present youth artistic works and accomplishments and increase access to arts programs. Free and open to the public. For information call (609) 343-5782 or email ihobfatlanticcity@hob.com.

Spring Boat Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18 along Bay Avenue in Somers Point.  There will be over 20 exhibitors ranging from the National Weather Service and the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed Association, to the Dawes Avenue School Save the Bluff project. Environmental groups and marina wishing to participate may contact Greg Gregory at (609) 927-6665. 

Photo Class for Teens 4 p.m. Monday, May 19 at the Atlantic County Library Ventnor branch, 6500 Atlantic Ave. Program is suggested for teens ages 12 to 16. Space is limited; registration required by May 15. Call (609) 823-4614.

Women Business Owners’ Networking and Dinner/Speaker Meeting Tuesday, May 20 at Greate Bay Country Club, 901 Mays Landing Road, Somers Point. Speaker is Stacey Kammerman, founder of KAMMS WorldWide. Cost is $30 with reservation before May 16, $35 thereafter. RSVP to http:WhosComing.com/AtlanticCapeMayChapterNJAWBO. Call (609) 266-9139 or email janeann@jahmeetingplanners.com.

Memory Quilt Block Workshop 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville. Cost is $25 Noyes members, $30 nonmembers, plus $5 materials fee. Reservations required. Call (609) 652-8848 or visit www.noyesmuseum.org.

Classical Music Lecture Series sponsored by the Bay-Atlantic Symphony Tuesdays 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 20 at the Millville Public Library, 210 Buck St., Millville; and May 27 at the Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon. Call (856) 451-1169.

Children make Thank-you Cards for Veterans 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 at the Atlantic City Free Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave. Call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3050.

La Leche League Meetings 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 at the Linwood Library on Davis Avenue. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month, same time and place. Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through support, encouragement and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Contact Meredith at (609) 204-5067.

Journal Writing Workshop: “Your Words, Your Life” for ages 12-18, 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 at the Atlantic City Free Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave. 

Uncovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy Research 2 p.m. Wednesdays, May 21 and 28 in the reference section of the Atlantic County Library Mays Landing branch, 40 Farragut Ave. Free; basic computer and Internet skills required. Registration is required; call (609) 625-2776, ext. 6310.

"Freshman Friday" Friday, May 23 at the Little's Dairy Bar on Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township. Sponsored by and to benefit the Egg Harbor Township High School Freshman Class Council.

PAL Charity Poker Run and Party by da Bay Sunday, May 25. Rain or shine, bring a motorcycle, hot rod, truck or other favorite vehicle and enjoy the ride. Proceeds benefit Egg Harbor Township PAL programs (football, cheerleading, lacrosse, basketball, paintball, ATV riding, etc.) and facilities. Register 9 to 11 a.m. at Bennett Chevrolet, 6721 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township; ride takes scenic route to Tuckahoe Inn in Marmora for after party, 2 to 6 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. For information contact the the PAL center at (609) 645-8413 or visit www.ehtpal.com and click on the fundraiser link to preregister. 

Ranch Hope Auxiliary No. 13 Atlantic County Meeting and Covered Dish Lunch noon Tuesday, May 27 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Asbury Road, Egg Harbor Township. Bring items for auction. All are welcome. Donations of combs, toothbrushes, hair gel and toothpaste are needed. For information or directions call Arline (609) 628-2710 or Elsie (609) 266-8466.

Margate Players Auditions for "Footloose" 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 27-28 at the Margate Performing Arts Center, behind the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School on the corner of Monmouth and Frontenac avenues. Reading material and accompanist will be provided. Prepare 16 bars of music to sing. All roles open; must be 16 or older. Show dates are July 11, 12, 18, 19 at 7 p.m.; July 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Call (609) 487-7783, visit www.margateplayers.org, or email themargateplayers@yahoo.com.

Boating Basics Course offered by NJ Boating Safety Classes in Linwood 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 27 and 28 at the Brandywine Assisted Living Facility, 432 Central Ave., (corner of New Road) in Linwood. The two-evening course meets the new state requirements for boating safety education certification. Cost is $65. Call (201) 291-5976 or (856) 816-8907 or visit www.njboatingsafetyclasses.com.

Open Mike Night for ages 12-18, 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28 and Wednesday, June 25 in the second-floor meeting room at the Atlantic City Free Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City.  

Galloway Cultural Arts Center Exhibit: "Water" through May 30 at the Galloway Township branch of the Atlantic County Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road. Call (609) 652-2352.

Bingo 7 p.m. every Thursday in the cafeteria at St. Nicholas Parish. Prizes are always $1,000.

Mid-Atlantic AARP Chapter 4191 meets noon to 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at the Atlantic County Library Galloway Township branch, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road. New members welcome. Refreshments provided.

Six-week Introductory Mahjong Class at the Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate. Cost is $70 members, $90 nonmembers. For dates and times call Josh Cutler at (609) 822-1167, ext. 138, or email JCutler@jccatlantic.org.

Historic Photographs and Documents of Soundra and Pierre Hollingsworth are on exhibit with the campaign material, film and photos of former Atlantic City Mayor Jim Usry at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Also exhibited are paintings of Carol Cuyjet and the mosaics of Larry B. Joseph through June 14. The museum is at 661 Jackson Road in Newtonville.  For directions or information visit www.aahmsnj.org. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged

Writing Group meets 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at the Mays Landing Library. All styles and types of writing welcome. Call (609) 625-3612 or email margo@margoproductions.com.

Drawing FUNdamentals 1 to 3 p.m. on three consecutive Sundays at the Galloway Cultural Arts Center in Glenn by the Bay Park, 636 S. New Road (Route 9). Cost is $25 for GCAC members and $35 for nonmembers. All supplies included. Space is limited. To register call (609) 204-8278 or email Jennyb304@aol.com.

Garden State Songwriters Open Mike Night for acoustic singer-songwriters 8 p.m. the second Friday of every month at Borders in Mays Landing. All are welcome.

Poetry Open Mike with the Bad Penny Poets 7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays at Joe and Marylisa’s Main Street Café on Main Street in Mays Landing. Free.

Poetry Slam 3 to 5 p.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at Galloway Cultural Arts Center, Glenn by the Bay Park, 636 S. New York Road, Galloway Township. Free. Call (609) 677-0168.

Adults-Only Open Mike 7:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month at Ocean City Fine Arts League, 943 Asbury Ave., Ocean City. Call (609) 675-0133.

Older Adults Special Interest Series free programs 10:30 a.m. Mondays in the second-floor meeting room of the Atlantic City Free Public Library. Light refreshments provided.

English as a Second Language 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Atlantic City Free Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave. Free; no registration required. Call reference department supervisor Julie Senack at (609) 345-2269, ext. 3063.

Country Fun offers dances, including country line dances and lessons, 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays at the Scullville Fire Hall, 1708 Mays Landing-Somers Point Road. The $10 admission per night includes one lesson and refreshments. For information contact Ken and Debbie Gaskill at (609) 927-9580 or email countryfun5@comcast.net.

Free Computer Training at the Atlantic City Free Public Library main library second-floor meeting room. Space is limited to 14 per session. Preregister at the computer help desk near the computer reservation station on the first floor. Participants can take up to two sessions in a six-month period. Call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3066.

Free Yoga Instruction 1 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of each month at the Atlantic County Library Mays Landing branch, 40 Farragut Ave. Suggested for ages 16 and up. Registration required. Participants are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat, pillow and notebook to class. No food should be eaten three hours before the program. Call (609) 625-2776, ext. 6304.

Acting Classes for ages 6 and up Saturdays at Dante Hall Theatre of the Arts, 14 N. Mississippi Ave. in Atlantic City. Beginning and intermediate acting is offered, and for adults ages 18 and up, a class in the Meisner technique, covering the basics of improvisational and scripted theater. Fee is $75 to $200 for the six-week session with a one-time $35 registration fee. Classes are also available on a drop-in basis for $12.50 per class. Contact Joanna Sykes-Saavedra at (609) 344-8877 or visit www.dantehall.org.

Prime Rib Dinner sponsored by the Galloway Township Elks Lodge 2845, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Fridays at the American Legion building, 621 W. White Horse Pike, Cologne. Price is $8.

Free Community Bingo for seniors 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. the last Thursday of the month at the Health Center at Galloway, 66 W. Jimmie Leeds Road. Prizes, gifts and refreshments. Space is limited. Reservations a must. Call (609) 748-9100.

Ocean City Fine Arts League Workshops in wire jewelry, yoga, oils and pastels, watercolors, collage, photography, poetry and other fine arts disciplines. Call Mike at (609) 814-0308.

Bingo every Sunday all year round at Mainland Bingo Hall, 701 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville, across from Kmart and next door to Best Western Hotel. Doors open 5 p.m.; game starts 7 p.m. Refreshments available. Benefits Trocki Hebrew Academy. Progressive jackpots, $100 games, $1,000 games, raffles and more.

Wetlands Institute Aquarium Feedings 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants can help the Wetlands staff feed the fish and terrapins or just watch the turtles chasing minnows and the horseshoe crab gobbling shrimp. Free with general admission; members are free. For information call (609) 368-1211. The institute is at 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor.

Open Auditions for Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra, which performs classical, sacred, patriotic and contemporary music in southern New Jersey. To schedule an audition contact Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra, 901 Hopkins Road, Haddon Township, NJ 08033. Call (856) 858-0693 or email JDCO@Comcast.net. Information can be found on www.JDCO.org.