Kieran Jacobsen, 2, left, and Eba Simonds, 15 months, of Burke, Va. tell Santa Claus their Christmas wishes during his visit to the Wetlands Insti-tute’s Holiday Hoopla Nov. 29. Photo by Jack Fichter

STONE HARBOR MANOR — Children of all ages took part in the Holiday Hoopla event at the Wetlands Institute on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Among the most popular things to do was talk to Santa about all those important Christmas toy wish lists.

See today's Herald print edition for a full page of photographs on this an Stone Harbor's celebration during Thanksgiving Weekend.

WILDWOOD — The 13th annual flag football game Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. at Maxwell Field between Wildwood Police Department and Wildwood U.S. Postal employees will benefit the Community Toy Drive, not Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots, as reported in a News Digest on page A5 of the Herald's print edition, which was based on mistaken submitted information.

Hilda Pike marks her 100th birthday Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 at Dias Creek United Methodist Church. Photo by Al Campbell

DIAS CREEK — Hilda Pike of this community turned 100 on Nov. 30.

On that day, her family surrounded her, including son, Kenneth, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The celebration was held throughout the afternoon, then continued with a dinner at Dias Creek United Methodist Church, where she has been a member for 40 years.

First District legislators, Sen. Jeff Van Drew, and Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (all D) attended and presented a certificate.

COURT HOUSE –– During the holidays, food banks help many people put meaningful dinners on the table.

Countywide branches of the U.S Postal Service will collect non-perishable food to help fill food banks desperately in need of replenishment after Thanksgiving in preparation for Christmas.

Mail carriers will do the footwork and deliver items to the food pantry but need residents to supply the goods, Saturday, Dec. 6.

Leave any unopened, non-perishable food item near the mailbox for the carrier to pick up. Food items can also be dropped off at participating postal services.

WILDWOOD — Employees of Wildwood Post Office will participate in several events this holiday season.

On Friday, Dec. 5, employees will march in Wildwoods’ Christmas Parade collecting Letters for Santa which will be transported to the North Pole in time for Santa to check his naughty and nice list, according to a release.

The employees, including many other post offices, will collect non-perishable food items to help fill local food banks on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Santa greets children of all ages in Stone Harbor Saturday, Nov. 29. Left. members of Our Saviour Lutheran Church sing carols around Stone Harbor's town clock on 96th Street. Photos by Jack Fichter..

STONE HARBOR -- Thanksgiving Weekend drew to a close with thoughts that turned to Christmas from Friday, Nov. 28 to Saturday, Nov. 29.

There were many activities for families to enjoy along 96th Street and adjacent business districts throughout the days.

But Saturday night was a time for singing Christmas carols and watching the parade that ushered in Santa and Mrs. Claus brought to town on a white horse-drawn carriage.

COURT HOUSE — The eighth annual Michael Mossbrooks Food Drive will run through Dec.17.

As in recent years drive organizers will be working with Middle Township school district, to give them families that they will help.

Organizers are aware that money is tight, but are hoping that members of the community will go to their aid as they have in recent years.

Anyone wishing to send a donation can send it to:

Michael Mossbrooks 8th Annual Food Drive
c/o P O Box 555
Cape May Court House, New Jersey 08210-0555.

Lutes Family celebrates Thanksgiving Day with four Cost Guard recruits. Photos by Jack Fichter

COURT HOUSE -- Local community members participating in Operation Fireside picked up 452 U.S. Coast Guard recruits from Training Center Cape May Thursday Nov. 27 and provided them with a break from the rigors of basic training and, most importantly, Thanksgiving dinner.

Some recruits went to the Disabled American Veterans in Del Haven or Veterans of Foreign Wars halls in various places, but truly fortunate recruits were taken in by local families where they could watch football, phone home and send e-mails.

U.S. Postal Service's 2008 Christmas Stamp. © 2007 USPS Used with permission. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) on Tuesday, Nov. 25 encouraged South Jersey residents to send “warm greetings to servicemen and women who will be unable to be home for the upcoming holiday season.”

The American Red Cross and U.S. Armed Forces have teamed up for the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program to deliver holiday greetings from the United States to troops serving abroad.

AVALON -The Avalon Home and School Association is getting locals ready for the holiday season with two exciting events.

The Avalon Home and School Association is currently holding its Holiday Wreath Sale. Florist-quality decorated wreaths are available for purchase for only $20.

Wreaths will be available for pick up on Friday, Dec.5 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Checks can be made payable to the Avalon Home and School Association. For more information about this sale, please contact Lynn McLaughlin at (609) 972-0104.