The Alternative Press

In this struggling economy few people can afford to miss work or a paycheck. But seasonal influenza poses a serious risk. The highly contagious respiratory illness afflicts an average of 5-20% of our nation’s population each year resulting in 36,000 annual deaths and 200,000 yearly hospitalizations.

To help residents protect themselves and their loved ones from seasonal flu the Atlantic County Division of Public Health is once again providing 11 public flu shot clinics for those 18 years and older beginning Saturday, September 29 through Thursday, November 8. There is a $15 fee for flu shots. Pneumonia shots will also be available to eligible residents 65 years and older for $25. There is no out-of-pocket cost for either shot for residents with Medicare Part B coverage who present their card at the time of vaccination.

As an added convenience this year, residents may schedule a flu shot appointment online at www.aclink.org. Appointments are not required and walk-ins will continue to be welcome at all locations.

"Most residents receive their flu shot within 15 minutes of arrival at our clinics, however, we appreciate the value of people's time and hope that by offering appointments we will attract those who might not otherwise find the time for a flu shot," explained Dennis Levinson, County Executive.

Flu season can be as unpredictable as the virus, but the highest number of cases are typically reported between October and April. The 2012-13 vaccine will protect against three influenza virus strains that research indicates will be most prevalent during the season:influenza B, influenza A (H1N1), and influenza A (H3N2).

"Studies indicate that immunity declines over time so an annual flu shot is your best protection," stated Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond. "Because it may take up to two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your body, the sooner you get a shot, the better."

Flu symptoms may include fever, headaches, extreme fatigue, chest discomfort, cough, muscle aches and pains. Complications from the virus may include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

The effects of influenza are especially concerning to adults over age 50, those with chronic medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during flu season, healthcare providers and home caregivers who provide direct patient care. These individuals are strongly urged to receive a flu shot. Parents and guardians of children 6 months to 18 years of age should consult their child's physician.

To further help prevent the spread of the influenza virus, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently, and clean commonly shared or frequently touched items. If you contract the flu drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of rest and contact your healthcare provider.

For a complete schedule of public flu clinics visit www.aclink.org/public health where you may also schedule an appointment and learn more about seasonal flu. For additional information call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5933.

The Atlantic City Aquarium kicks off its popular preschool Story Time this fall with a new selection of fishy tales and a special story for Halloween.  Story Time is on Tuesdays, starting at 11 a.m. and includes a craft or activity perfect for little hands.

*     Tuesday, October 2, 2012: Katie K. Whale, A Whale of A Tale -When Katie K. is separated from her pod she becomes attached to a black-and-white boat that she mistakes for a whale. Afterward, color your own whale!

       Tuesday, October 9, 2012: Jenny Jellyfish, A Tale of Wiggly Jellies - It's a day in the life of Jenny and her friends. Afterward, create your own moon jelly craft!   *      

       Tuesday, October 16, 2012: Mary Manatee, A Tale of Sea Cows - This is a tender story about a mother and her calf. Afterward, enjoy a Manatee-themed craft.   *    

       Tuesday, October 23, 2012: Great Sharky Shark, A Tale of A Big Hunter - Learn fascinating shark facts from their keen sense of smell to their poor eyesight. Afterward, color your own shark!   *      

       Tuesday, October 30, 2012: Halloween Bugs: A Trick or Treat Pop-up Book - Behind each spooky door lurks a different bug! Don't miss the special appearance from one of the Aquarium's own creepy crawlers! Then, make your own Wiggle Worm "Dirt" Pudding, complete with edible dirt and bugs.  

Following Story Time, visitors may enjoy feeding some of the Aquarium's "residents." At 12 noon and 3 p.m., it's feeding time for the juvenile cow nose rays and bat rays. Visitors can hand feed these species by purchasing cups of food. Cups of food are $2 (or $1 for members).  

The Atlantic City Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children ages 4-12. Children three and under are free.  Located in Atlantic City's Historic Gardner's Basin, the Atlantic City Aquarium offers a fun and educational look into more than 100 varieties of fish and marine animals. For more information on the Atlantic City Aquarium, call (609) 348-2880 or visit www.acaquarium.com. Coupons for discounted admission are available on the website.  

Absecon Lighthouse is hosting its annual signature special event on Thursday, October 25th , at Chart House, Golden Nugget, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.  Enjoy elegant appetizers, and a special Champagne Toast featuring Etoile by Domaine Chandon, Napa Valley, upon the lighting of Absecon Lighthouse at 6:45pm. Guests will enjoy a Silent Auction featuring over twenty five unique and exquisite items.  Cash bar available.    Tickets are $60 per person and you are invited to make a reservation by calling the lighthouse at 609-449-1360.  Sponsorship opportunities are available: "The Cristal Title Sponsor," "The Dom Perignon Sponsor," "The Perrier-Jouet Sponsor," and "The Bubbly Book."  

All sponsor benefits & information can be accessed by visiting the Absecon Lighthouse website at www.abseconlighthouse.org.  Program book advertising opportunities are also available.  Proceeds are tax deductible and support the ongoing care, interpretation, and educational programming of Absecon Lighthouse.  For further information visit www.abseconlighthouse.org and click on the "DO SUNSET" panel or call 609-449-1360. 

The African Student Organization of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey will hold its “Africa Unite” awards dinner and ceremony on September 27, 2012 in the Campus Center Events Room.  Reception is at 6 p.m. followed by the awards and dinner.

The event will recognize individuals and organizations in the Stockton community for their work in support of the African continent and its people. It is hoped by the organization that the awards will also help raise awareness of issues in Africa and help to inspire others.

 The semi-formal event is open to the public.  Tickets are priced $20 for individuals and $30 for couples and are available at the Campus Center information desk. All proceeds of the event will go to the “Tap Project”; a UNICEF U.S. fund initiative to provide sustainable and clean water in places it was not previously available.  For more information, email Michaela@go.stockton.edu or call 609-626-5532.

The Richard Stockton College’s Office of Veterans Affairs and the School of Education present the conference “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Veterans: What Does it All Mean?” on Thursday, October 25, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Campus Center Events Room.  The conference is designed to explore the challenges military and veteran LGBT students face when transitioning from the military to college campuses and civilian life.

The event, free and open to the public, will feature keynote speeches from SFC Denny Meyer, USN, USAR, the editor of GayMilitarySignal.com and Sgt. Chris “Bobcat” Camacho, OutServe NY/NJ/Pa Chapter leader.  Other guests and panel discussion groups are being confirmed and will soon be announced.

A continental breakfast will be provided to attendees. To register, or for more information, call Patrick Shields at 609-652-4315 or Jason Babin at 609-626-3419.

Woody Woodland and Carol Stone, founders of the award-winning Cape May Jazz Festival, are back on the scene presenting Philly Jazz Fest “Remembering Grover” September 22, 2012, at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel Ballroom. Philly Jazz Fest, Inc., a newly formed nonprofit corporation is proud to have sponsors WRTI Temple Public Radio and Jazz Times joining them for a spectacular jazz event. The Sheraton is the perfect location offering its restaurants, bar, parking and balcony overlooking the lobby.

The festival opens at 1pm with the Immanuel Wilkins Project. Wilkins impressed Cape May Jazz Festival crowds since age 9 and now 15 he is a prominent young alto performer in the Philadelphia area. A jam will follow with many of the musicians area fans want to hear including vocalists Barbara Walker and Jeannie Brooks, sax greats Louis Taylor, Jesse Andrus, Ken Fowser; trumpeters Daud El-Bakara and Eddie Morgan; guitarists Darrell Daughtry and Jimmy O’Dell; keyboardist Will Brock and bassist Steve Green. Between 5pm and 7pm guitarist Teddy Royal with Tony Day on congas will entertain in the bar area.

At 7pm the Denise King Quintet with vocalist Denise King, tenor player Bootsie Barnes, trumpeter Duane Eubanks open, followed by Pieces of a Dream "Remembering Grover". Grover mentored and promoted Pieces for many years when they were still teenagers in East Mt. Airy and was instrumental in their becoming an internationally famous quintet that has traveled throughout the jazz world. If you have not experienced this group you are in for a thrill as you watch James Lloyd on keyboards and Curtis Harmon on drums. You will not want to miss the Swing City Blues Band with Philadelphia favorite, Frank Bey, whose Georgia-blues voice is reminiscent of Otis Redding.