I’m happy to report that Ocean City’s mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk, saw his shadow this morning in the annual ceremony that bears his name. According to a 53-year-old tradition in Ocean City, that means summer will come a week early this year. The lighthearted event is always a fun way to get ready for the season, and we’re all looking forward to another great summer.
With the arrival of May, road projects are starting to wrap up.
Cape May County will be completing concrete and paving work along Roosevelt Boulevard and 34th Street through next week. Work will take place between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. at night. Alternating traffic patterns and detours will be in place. More information is available here.
In the Gardens, the water company’s water and sewer project will continue with final paving of Battersea Road and Wesley Road next week, along with temporary paving of side streets.
The sewer repair on West Avenue at 31st Street remains on track to be complete by May 15. The rebuilding of a street-wide boardwalk ramp at Moorlyn Terrace is now complete. The boardwalk reinforcement and redecking project and the beach-side ramps from 12th Street to 14th Street are complete with work on the street-side ramps continuing next week.
I want to thank Robert Hendrickson for donating his amazing collection of surfing memorabilia to the Ocean City Historical Museum. Robert is a retired surgeon who grew up surfing the breaks of the Jersey Shore and was friendly with George Gerlach, the founder of Surfers Supplies in town and one of the earliest board shapers on the East Coast.
Hendrickson’s collection includes every imaginable magazine, book, and video from back in the day. Next year, he will bring down his vintage boards. The material will be part of a new exhibit at the Historical Museum, and it’s my hope that it will help provide a foundation for a future surf museum in Ocean City.
Our semi-annual Household Cleanup Day and paper-shredding service is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow (May 2) at the Shelter Road Recycling Center. More information is available here.
I want to encourage everybody to attend the annual Community Wellness Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ocean City Free Public Library. The keynote address (11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) will be delivered by John-Edward Heath, a Marine veteran and adaptive athlete, whose life reflects resilience forged through adversity.
I’m sad to report on the passing of Marlene Murphy, the mother of Firefighter Sean Murphy and retired Fire Captain John Murphy. Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to the Murphy family and all of Marlene’s friends and acquaintances.
We also want to pay tribute to Colleen Griffies, who passed away last weekend at the age of 75. Colleen was a tireless advocate for local veterans, along with her husband, Joe, and she will be greatly missed. Please include Joe in your thoughts and prayers.
The Spring Block Party will go off rain or shine 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow along Asbury Avenue from Fifth Street to 14th Street. This is always one of the biggest events of the spring, and I hope you all get a chance to check it out, along with the Discount Days in-store and outdoor table sales on the boardwalk and downtown on Saturday and Sunday.
Check out this week’s “Inside City Hall” video below.
Have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
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Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
I’m happy to report that Ocean City’s mascot, Martin Z. Mollusk, saw his shadow this morning in the annual ceremony that bears his name. According to a 53-year-old tradition in Ocean City, that means summer will come a week early this year. The lighthearted event is always a fun way to get ready for the season, and we’re all looking forward to another great summer.
I want to thank Robert Hendrickson for donating his amazing collection of surfing memorabilia to the Ocean City Historical Museum. Robert is a retired surgeon who grew up surfing the breaks of the Jersey Shore and was friendly with George Gerlach, the founder of Surfers Supplies in town and one of the earliest board shapers on the East Coast.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!