Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation To Host Annual Signature Social

MANHAWKIN – On August 4, Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation, will host its annual Signature Social at Bonnet Island Estate in Manahawkin. Proceeds from the event will support Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center’s surgical expansion project and the transformation of the hospital’s entire surgical suite.

The surgical expansion project, which is slated to cost $25 million and span 30 months, includes the expansion of six state-of-the-art operating rooms, which will allow physicians to accommodate local and minor procedures, and the extension of the sterile processing department.

“Our surgical expansion project will enable Southern Ocean Medical Center to provide our patients with the most innovative surgical care in a cutting-edge suite right within our community,” said Michele Morrison, president and chief hospital executive, Southern Ocean Medical Center. “Our medical center has not undergone any major enhancements or renovations in the last 20 years, and I am looking forward to an evening with our community to raise funds in celebration of Southern Ocean Medical Center’s impending surgical suite transformation!”

The project will greatly reduce patients’ wait times and comes during a time when there is great growth taking place throughout southern Ocean County. Over the last decade, the hospital has increased its services to accommodate the significant increase of people making Ocean County their full-time residence –especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our fantastic community of supporters is truly invested in what we aim to accomplish to benefit surgical care here in Southern Ocean county,” said James Young, executive director, Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation. “Their generosity allows us to advance care in many ways and I look forward to seeing everyone at our Signature Social!”

The Signature Social is generously supported by Celebration Sponsors: Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center Medical Staff.

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit GiveHMH.org/SOMCSocial. To learn how you can support Southern Ocean Medical Center’s surgical expansion, contact James Young at james.young@hmhn.org or 609-978-3040.

Pinelands Flora And Fauna

SURF CITY – Pinelands Flora and Fauna will be presented by Joel M. Mott, Principal Public Programs Specialist for the NJ Pinelands Commission at the Long Beach Island Library August 4 at 2 p.m.

This presentation includes the sights and sounds of the Pinelands while taking the audience on a walk in the woods familiarizing them with the wildlife of the legendary Pine Barrens.

Over the years living and working in the area Mott has experienced many of these up-close and will discuss iconic species like the Pine Barrens tree frog and the timber rattle snake but also include lesser-known inhabitants like the flying squirrel and bushy beard grass. Light refreshments will be served. Registration at theoceancountylibrary.org/events is required for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library.

For more information, visit the LBI Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, or call 609-494-2480.

Adopt-a-Tree Program

STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and Township Council would like to announce that the 2023 Adopt-a-Tree Program has begun and runs through September 15. Visit staffordnj.gov/418/Adopt-A-Tree to download the brochure and order form. Contact Rachel Giolitto at 609-597-1000 ext. 8509 or email rgiolitto@staffordnj.gov for complete details.