The Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra and Darby the therapy cat will help the Haddon Township library celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The main events are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library, 15 MacArthur Blvd., in Westmont.

Camden County Freeholder Scott McCray is scheduled to read Dr. Seuss stories to children at 11:30 a.m. The celebration also will include face painting, crafts, games and cake.

The library celebration coincides with the township’s 22nd annual block party, according to branch manager Nan Rosenthal.

The library was closed from May to July after it suffered damage from a water line break. Customers lined up at the door for the library’s reopening, staff said.

UPDATED: Glassboro High School’s new Fine and Performing Arts Academy (FPA) invites parents of student musicians, vocalists, artists and dancers in grades 8-11 to an information session at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Glassboro High School Library (550 Joseph Bowe Blvd., Glassboro).

Approved last spring by the state Department of Education as a school of choice program, the academy allows students to enroll from outside their home district without cost to their parents.

Students accepted into the program can take advanced coursework, earn college credits, and use practice and performance space at neighboring Rowan University, an academy partner. Let’s Dance Studio of Glassboro has signed on to expand the academy’s dance offerings in the coming year.

Students interested in auditioning in art, band, strings, choir and dance must notify their home district by Nov. 1. An “intent to participate” notification does not bind the student to a decision to participate.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 1, with auditions to be scheduled throughout that month. Notices of acceptance will be sent to parents and sending districts by Jan. 4.

Glassboro High School was one of 56 schools statewide selected for the Interdistrict School of Choice Program, which began this school year.

More information on the Fine and Performing Arts Academy is available by contacting Mary Greening at 856-652-2700, ext. 71242 or mgreening@glassboroschools.us. Information also is available on the Glassboro Schools web site

The Third Circuit Court in Philadelphia has agreed to give New Jersey Republicans’ one more chance to argue Olympic track-and-field star Carl Lewis off the November ballot for state Senate.

The entire federal appeals panel will hear an appeal Tuesday. Each side will have 15 minutes to present its case.

A three-judge panel from the court last week put Democrat Lewis back on the Nov. 8 ballot. His opponent in the Eighth Legislative District race is incumbent Republican Sen. Dawn Addiego.

“We are pleased that the court has decided to vacate their original decision and give this matter the additional scrutiny it deserves,” said Republican spokesman Chris Russell.

At issue is whether Democrat Lewis meets the state constitution’s four-year residency requirement for state Senate candidates.

Lewis’ lawyers argue that the rule itself violates his right to equal protection of the law.

Lawyers for the state and Burlington County Republicans dismiss that, saying he has the right to run for the state Senate — just not in this election.

Lewis, 50, grew up in Willingboro, went to college in Texas, and settled in California. He bought homes in South Jersey in 2005 and 2007 and volunteered at his old high school in 2007. But he voted in California as recently as 2009.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who also acts as secretary of state, took Lewis off the ballot in the spring. State courts and a U.S. District judge have sided with Guadagno and the Burlington County Republicans who intervened in the case.

But the Third Circuit panel has twice ruled that Lewis belongs on the ballot.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

During Hurricane Irene, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture worked with county governments to find shelter to house large livestock for owners who needed to evacuate their farms or found themselves without power or water or access to their farms.

While very few farm owners needed the shelters during the most recent storm, the Department of Agriculture is seeking to ensure there are enough facilities to accommodate large animals in the event of future emergencies or disasters.

Anyone with a facility that could serve as a large animal shelter is asked to fill out a form available for downloading here.  When completing the form, please include two contact numbers that would be accessible 24/7 for each facility.

When a facility is made available during evacuations, animal owners will be responsible for the animals’ care, including providing feed.

Forms should be returned by Nov. 1. By mail to:

New Jersey Department of Agriculture

Attn: Lynn Mathews

P.O. Box 330

Trenton, N.J. 08625

Or by e-mail at debra.moscatiello@ag.state.nj.us.

Once compiled, a list of facilities will be made available to county emergency management offices.

Camden County is accepting registrations for its 12th annual Women’s Health Conference, scheduled for Sept. 24 at Eastern Regional High School on Laurel Oak Road in Voorhees Township.

“It’s an informative and fun-filled day that begins at 8 a.m., with more than 60 interactive workshops on subjects ranging from yoga and zumba dancing to wellness, financial planning, legal issues, how to raise a brighter child and how to juggle career and family,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “Many of these classes fill up quickly, so you would be well advised to register online at www.camdencounty.com.”

Previous years have attracted up to 1,200 women to the free conference, organizers say. Corporate sponsorship underwrites the events, which include a continental breakfast. Free child care will be available on-site.

Workshops deal with social networking; parenting; making a career change or finding a new job; and health and beauty tips.

Go to the county web site to register. For more information, call Camden County Public Affairs at 856-225-5431.

The key note speaker this year will be CBS 3’s Pat Ciarocchi, a news reporter and anchor and cohost with Ukee Washington of Talk Philly, which airs weekdays at noon.

The county web site lists a detailed schedule of the workshops with information about the presenters.

Friday

Haddonfield Memorial High School students will place 2,994 flags — one for each innocent victim of the 9/11 attacks — on their school lawn Friday.

Artist John Giannotti will outline the map of the United States on the lawn, and students will place flags inside, after a morning marked with solemn reflection. About 35 residents including firefighters, elected officials, reporters, will speak to a history class about how 9/11 affected them.

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More than 1,000 students and representative of the Stratford Police and Fire Departments and Ambulance Associations are expected at a 9/11 commemorative program of the Stratford School District and John Paul 2nd Regional School.

The ceremony, which will take place at 9 a.m. Friday at 111 Warwick Rd. in Stratford, will include tributes to the individuals lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Students will perform patriotic music and present letters of appreciation and donations to the three emergency service providers in town.

Sunday

The Joint Base McGuire-Lakehurst Chief Petty Officers Association will cast a memorial wreath into the Delaware River on Sunday from the Battleship New Jersey in Camden to honor all those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks. The ceremony, which will include “Taps” and the firing of the battleship’s portside 5-inch gun, will take place at 10:29 a.m., the time the North Tower of the World Trade Center fell.

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The 200 Club of Burlington County will hold the organization’s 10th Annual 9/11 Memorial Prayer Service at 2 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 W. Main St., Moorestown. The ceremony serves to pay tribute to all first responders including police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel. Moorestown firefighter Jonathan S. Clifford will be the featured speaker.

Monday

The Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem County Bar Associations, in conjunction with Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem County Superior Courts, will hold a Day of Service on Monday in remembrance of those whose lives were touched by the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Gloucester County volunteer attorneys will provide free legal consultations from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Room 1031 on the first floor of the Gloucester County Justice Complex addition. To schedule a consultation, call Lynn Silverstein at the Gloucester County Bar Association at 856-848-4071. Gloucester County also will host an information fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Justice Complex Jury Assembly Room. Representatives from the civil, family, criminal, probation and other divisions along with the county clerk, surrogate’s office and sheriff’s department will provide information and materials.

All events are free and open to the public.

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Superior Court in Burlington County, in partnership with county bar association, will hold a Day of Service on Monday to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

The day also marks the beginning of the new court year with an opening ceremony and memorial service at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 1 on the third floor of the County Office Building, 49 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly. This time-honored tradition began when court would recess in the summer and reopen in September. The bar association will honor eight members of the Burlington legal profession who died during the year, as well as the memory of the victims and the heroism of the first responders of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

From noon to 2 p.m. volunteer attorneys will provide free legal consultations on foreclosure, wills and estates, and flood relief. A FEMA representative will be present to discuss matters related to the impact of Hurricane Irene on the Burlington County community and the procedures for applying for federal aid.

All are free and open to the public.

Cherry Hill Mayor Bernie Platt will join township police and fire officials at 8 a.m. Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The township’s ceremony at the fire administration building on Marlkress Road — among many in the area this week — will include the dedication of a 9/11 memorial, which houses a piece of steel from the World Trade Center’s north tower.

Cherry Hill’s event will include an address by Rep. Rob Andrews (D., N.J.), as well as reflections by a local first-responder who aided in rescue and recovery efforts in the days following the attacks.

Among South Jersey schools marking the anniversary is Burlington County College, which will offer community service on Friday and Sunday, organized by the BCC Bonner AmeriCorps Leader Program. Volunteers will paint murals, serve homeless, assist with trail maintenance, and help out at a home for domestic abuse victims.

Additional events in New Jersey:

Remembering 9/11 Exhibit featuring artifacts & oral histories from bereaved families, survivors & first responders. New Jersey State Museum, 205 W. State St., Trenton; 609-292-6464. www.newjerseystatemuseum.org. Donations accepted. Thru 9/30/2012.

America, an Artist’s Reflection Multimedia exhibit. Opening reception 9/9. Medford Arts Center, 18 N. Main St., Medford; 609-654-6485. www.artsinmedford.org. 9/9-10/2.

Tenth Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Guest speaker Dave Smolka, of Hamilton Fire Co, & wreath-laying ceremony. Mercer County Community College - Memorial Garden, 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor. 9/9 11 am.

Michael Benfante: Reluctant Hero Benfante will discuss his experiences. Barnes & Noble Market Fair, 3535 Rte. 1, Princeton; 609-897-9250. www.barnesandnoble.com. 9/10 3 pm.

9/11 Ceremony Small ceremony followed by a procession to water’s edge to observe a moment of silence. Fox Park, Burke Ave., Wildwood; 609-522-5837. 9/11 8 am.

September 11th Commemoration North Wildwood City Hall. 2d Ave., North Wildwood; 1-800-882-7787. www.northwildwood.com. 9/11 8:45 am.

Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run 5K Fun Run. Benefit event for disabled veterans & families of fallen heroes. www.911heroesrun.com. Stone Harbor Municipal Parking Lot, 96th St., Stone Harbor. $25. 9/11 9 am. Cooper River Park, North Park Dr., Pennsauken; 856-216-2122. $25. 9/11 10:30 am.

Community Heroes Appreciation Day Discounted park admission for police, firefighters & EMS workers & their families. Storybook Land, 6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor; 609-641-7847. www.storybookland.com. Included in admission. 9/11 11 am-5 pm.

9/11 10th Anniversary Observation Talk by a first responder who was on the scene; flag presentation, musical performances & dedication ceremony. Freedom Park, Union St., Medford; 609-654-2512. www.medfordtownship.com. 9/11 4 pm.

Unity Through Diversity Panel discussion with area officials & college administrators. Mercer County Community College - Kelsey Theatre, 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor; 609-570-3333, www.kelseytheatre.net. 9/12 noon. Mercer County Community College - Kerney Hall, 102 N. Broad St., Trenton; 609-586-4800. www.mccc.edu. 9/14 6:30 pm.

Talking Through Walls (2008) Documentary about a NJ man who wanted to build a mosque, but had to deal with the community’s post-9/11 concerns. Camden County College-Blackwood Campus, College Dr., Blackwood; 856-227-7200 Ext 4333. www.camdencc.edu. 10/4 7 pm.

God Bless America: Remembering 9-11 Concert. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Sts., Philadelphia; featuring Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra of Haddon Township; 215-893-1999. www.kimmelcenter.org. $25-$100. 9/11 2:30 pm.

Send other 9/11 commemorative events to chenry@phillynews.com

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information about the murder of a Camden woman who was beaten to death earlier this summer.

Carmen “Shorty” Perez, 49, was found beaten on the porch of an abandoned home on the 1200 block of Jackson Street in Camden on July 23, said Jason Laughlin, a spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. Perez died at Cooper University Hospital on Aug. 1, and an autopsy determined that she was killed by blunt head trauma.

The Citizens Crime Commission is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers. Tipsters can call Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Lance Saunders at 856-225-8400 or Camden Police Detective Janell Simpson at 856-757-7420. To be eligible to receive the reward, information must be called in to the Crime Commission Tipline 215-546-8477 or 877-345-8477, and the caller will receive a code number from the operator.

The 30-foot statue of the Virgin Mary atop Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden has been secured with scaffolding.

A crew of engineers and hospital workers worked into the early morning hours to secure the statue in preparation for the anticipated hurricane-like conditions set to begin Saturday. Engineers will be on the hospital roof Friday, looking at ways to further secure the 15-ton statue, which cracked and shifted slightly after being shaken in Tuesday's earthquake.

The front entrance to the hospital has re-opened and operations are back to normal, according to hospital officials.