Columbus Day Parade Seeks Nominations For Grand Marshal

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN

COUNTY –

The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is searching for a grand marshal for their 32nd annual parade, one of the highlights of their Italian Festival to be held in Seaside Heights from October 6-8.

“The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival has grown into one of the most popular ethnic celebrations in the state, attracting thousands of tourists to Seaside Heights over the past 31 years,” Parade Chairman Michael A. Blandina said. “Grand Marshal nominees should be civic minded individuals who are of good character as they will be the symbolic leader of the weekend’s festivities as we celebrate our 32nd year.”

Grand Marshals from the parade’s past years included Mulberry Street Italian Food Center owner Michael Colasurdo, former banking executive Nina Anuaria, former Superior Court Judge Peter Giovine, Stephen R. Leone, Kim Pascarella, Luigi Marciante, Joseph Leone Introna, Paul Barlo, Alan Floria, Michael A. Blandina, Robert DiBiase, Judi Leone, Dennis Filippone, Nicki Ann Cordi and last year’s Gilda Rorro Baldassari.

“This selection process has always been very difficult because there are always a number of deserving nominees,” Blandina said. “The Selection Committee will work diligently to choose the

Gas Bill Reduction Announced

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY –

Residential and small commercial customers will see a reduction in their New Jersey Natural Gas bill starting in March.

The company announced that they will implement a bill credit and lower the Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) rate for these customers. Based on their estimations, an average household would see a savings of $129.48, or 8.1%, on their annual bill.

“We never stop working to meet our customers’ expectations for safe, reliable service at a reasonable cost,” said Steve Westhoven, President and CEO of New Jersey Natural Gas. “Following a period of volatility and higher natural gas costs, we are pleased to see prices come down and to pass these savings on to our customers. We will continue to monitor market conditions and use our expertise to manage costs and provide savings to our customers whenever possible.” right person to serve as Grand Marshal for this year’s Parade and Italian Festival and one that will represent the Parade Committee and Ocean County in an admirable manner.”

The bill credit is a one-time reduction for the month of March. The average homeowner using 134.3 therms would see a $67.88 cut in their bill for that portion.

Additionally, NJNG is reducing its rate to supply the gas, which will amount to a savings of about $61.60 a year for the average person.

The company said that they were able to provide these decreases due to a drop in wholesale natural gas prices, as well as expected rate case refunds and other management strategies.

In related news, any resident who needs help paying their gas bill is urged to call 800-221-0051 and say “energy resistance” at the prompt to speak with someone at the gas company about financial programs. You can also email energyassist@njng.com.

The deadline for nominations for grand marshal is March 25. Nominations must be submitted with a letter of recommendation and biography or resume to: Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee, c/o Michael A. Blandina, 249 Hawaii

Drive, Brick, NJ 08723

Blandina added, “every nomination that is submitted will be carefully considered by the Selection Committee and may be called upon with additional questions. I am confident that the search committee will once again select a deserving individual and someone who will be an exemplary representative of Italian Heritage and Culture.”

The selection will be announced in April and the person chosen will be honored at the committee’s annual dinner dance. “At this dinner we will honor the grand marshal, and other worthy individuals, businesses or organizations,” Blandina said. Those interested in becoming involved with the 2023 Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival, or joining the committee, should contact Blandina by calling 732-477-6507.