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Ocean City Today
Local organizations collect donations for those in need
Sussex Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ performed in OC
(Dec. 4, 2015) Sussex Dance Academy of Rehoboth Beach, Del. has been a training ground in classical ballet and other dance forms since 2002. Sussex Ballet is a pre-professional ballet company comprised of students from Sussex Dance Academy, under the artistic direction of Kate Downes Walker. Although in its 13th season, this will be the company’s premier performance in Ocean City. “The Nutcracker” will be performed by Sussex Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street. There will be two performances with curtain at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the box office.This show is appropriate for all ages. Audience members will have the opportunity to meet lead characters after the performances. In its 12th annual production of this
DECEMBER 4, 2015
“The Nutcracker” will be performed by Sussex Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street. Pictured is Cameron James.
seasonal favorite, the Sussex Ballet, which is comprised of dancers ranging in ages from 7 to 18, has a holiday treat for every member of the family. For more information, contact Sussex Dance Academy at 302-645-7855 or visit www.sussexdance.com.
By Kara Hallissey Staff Writer (Dec. 4, 2015) The Ocean City Police Department, Santa House, Worcester G.O.L.D. and Toys for Tots will be assisting local families in need this holiday season by collecting toys, food, clothing and monetary donations throughout the area. •Ocean City Police Department/ Santa House: The Ocean City Police Department will be working with Santa House for the third year to provide food and toys to local families. Donations will help struggling families across Worcester County
have a happy holiday season. “The collaboration with Santa House makes it easier for both groups,” said OCPD Public Affairs Specialist Lindsay Richard. “Officers can deliver toys from events and it adds another dropoff location for the charity.” The Santa House is collecting new, unwrapped toys until Friday, Dec. 11. The toys can be dropped off at the Public Safety Building, located on 65th Street, or at any Calvin B. Taylor Bank location throughout Worcester County. Monetary donations can be mailed to Santa House, Inc. any time of the year at See DONATIONS Page 71
CROSSWORD
Winterfest of Lights Jingle Bell 5K run at OC park, Sun.
By Kara Hallissey Staff Writer (Dec. 4, 2015) Do not miss the chance to run through the Winterfest of Lights on Sunday evening during the fifth annual Jingle Bell 5K run at Northside Park on 125th Street from 5-6:30 p.m. “It is all about the spirit of the season,” said Chris Klebe, event organizer. “We have a lot of families and kids who come out. I love seeing people slow down to enjoy the scenery. It is fun and a unique run.” Participants will run through the Christmas lights twice during the race course and will receive a T-shirt. In addition, hot chocolate and cookies will be waiting at the finish line and all runners will receive a free ride on the Winterfest Express.
First-place finishers for top male and female in seven age categories will be awarded after the race. The cost to participate is $28 for adults and $23 for runners 12 and under. Registration will be held outside Abbey Burger on 126th Street from 3:30-4:40 p.m. on Dec. 6. Organizers encourage participants to donate a toy for Toys for Tots and the Santa House. “They support us and I like to do whatever we can,” Klebe said. “I am looking forward to it and the event brings many friends and family together. A lot of grandparents watch the kids run through.” For more information, visit www.octrirunning.org.
Furnace Town’s 19th century Christmas celebration, Sat. (Dec. 4, 2015) Furnace Town Living Heritage Village presents a 19th century Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 5, from noon to 5 p.m., with activities including live holiday music by Bob Sellers all day and a book signing by Gracie Ayers, author of “The Weaver’s Daughter,” from 1-3 p.m. Baked goods and craft vendors, Furnace Town artisans and complimentary holiday refreshments will be on hand throughout the celebration, which concludes with a 19th century church service officiated by Rev. Sherwood McGrath in the historic Old Nazareth Church at 7 p.m. Church doors open at 6:30 p.m. While regular admission applies to ex-
ploring Furnace Town’s artisan village from noon to 5 p.m., all other holiday events are free and open to the public, including walking the Paul Liefer Nature Trail through the Nassawango Cypress forest. Furnace Town is located at 3816 Old Furnace Road, just southwest of Route 12, on the northwest side of Snow Hill. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for age 60 and older and AAA members and $4 for children ages 4-18. Children 3 and under get in free. The Nature Conservancy and Furnace Town members and their guests with passes are free. For more information, contact Furnace Town at 410-632-2032.
Answers on page 67