Welcome to Ocean City, NJ - Part one by Ocean City Magazine

About This Book

elcome back all you Ocean City lovers. It was a long, cold, snowy, cold, cold, long (did I mention snowy?) winter and we are happy - so happy - to be welcoming back the warm weather and all our summertime friends. And we are just as pleased to be bringing you the third edition of the Welcome to Ocean City Guidebook, which, if the truth must be told, is the greatest guide to Ocean City ever published (at least that’s what our moms told us and they’re always right). Within these pages you’ll find everything you need to know about Ocean City - where to eat, where to drink, where to shop, where to stay and where to play - like we said, everything. Our intrepid staff (all both of us) spent the entire summer walking the streets of America’s Greatest Family Resort investigating the ins and outs of town and we’ve compiled the best shops, restaurants, accommodations, and services on the island - and much more too. So you can continue reading (we would certainly appreciate your attention) or you can dive right in and start enjoying this book (also a good idea). Either way this book is going to make your visit to Ocean City a much better experience. Hungry? There are plenty of great places to eat in Ocean City and we’ve included the best ones. Ocean City has undergone a bit of a Restaurant Renaissance if you ask us - the restaurants just keep getting better - and we are happy to be enjoying the fruits of those labors. Pizza, seafood, steaks, sandwiches, sticky buns, breakfast, lunch, dinner - it’s all here. Why anyone leaves this island is a mystery to us. Looking for something to do? Let’s start with some shopping. Ocean City has the cutest downtown shopping (voted Best Shopping District by South Jersey magazine) where you’ll find boutiques, services, electronics - whatever you may desire. You’ll find art, jewelry, home decor, fashions - everything (oh go ahead, you can skip to the shopping section, we don’t mind). Need a place to stay? Look inside. Want a massage? Got that too. Looking for something a little more intellectually stimulating? We can help. Beach photo? Yup, got that. Forgot your baby stroller? Oh yes, it’s listed in the pages of this book. Need a place to get married? Fugetaboutit. And the Boardwalk... ahh those 2.5 miles of awesome Americana - we can help you navigate the boards as well. From the beach to the bay, southend to northend, downtown to the boards, we do our best to highlight the best of America’s Greatest Family Resort. We’ve also compiled a list of events throughout the year. Ocean City is renowned for its abundance of unique and family-friendly events. There’s no reason to ever be bored here - there’s always something to do. Of course there are the beaches, which are some of the cleanest, best cared for, and sunniest in the world - we’re serious - in the WORLD. Ocean City was recently voted Best Beach in New Jersey in a survey conducted by Stockton College. There are also children’s and adult programs throughout the summer including organized sports activities, weekly family, music and movie events, and special events like the Doo Dah Parade, Miss Crustacean, Miss New Jersey Pageant, Fourth of July events, merchant sales and so much more. Ocean City offers a wealth of natural treasures too - it’s America’s Greenest Family Resort. Ocean City was also voted best spot for eco-touring in the same Stockton College survey. Captain Bill Stuempfig, who regularly paddles the back bays of Ocean City has graciously provided us with an article on what you can see and experience along the back bays of the island. Bill has been paddling with the wildlife in Ocean City for over 20 years, and is well-versed on the subject. Osprey, piping plover, black skimmer, least tern, and northern diamondback terrapins are a few of the species that can be seen around Ocean City’s marsh habitats. And of course, you’ll find a listing for kayak rentals and eco-tours in these pages where you can get up close and personal with the island’s resident and migratory wildlife. There are also pieces on the beach patrol, the Ocean City Sailing Foundation, and love at the Shore. We hope you enjoy them. We also asked a few of the locals to tell us how they would spend a summer day off (if they ever got one) in Ocean City. Many of these people are working to make your stay in town a memorable one; it’s okay... relax, let the professionals do their jobs. It’s not ground-breaking journalism, but you may find a nugget or two in their thoughts on how to enjoy this paradise known as the Jersey Shore. Now before you go thinking that this book is just for visitors, hold on there big fella. Whether you’re a newcomer to the island or a salty, seagoing island dweller, there’s something in this book for everyone. Keep a copy on your coffee table for quick reference before you head out the door. Keep a copy in your car for an even quicker reference. Give it as a gift, keep it for yourself, but whatever you do, enjoy this book. And please... tell the advertisers you see in these pages that you saw them in the Ocean City Guidebook. That will make them happy which will make us happy because it’s their hard-earned money that makes this book possible. There are so many people who helped us get this book into your hands and we want to thank each of them - our families, the army of babysitters, and everyone who supported our efforts. We are truly blessed and grateful for your help. Finally, please leave this book where you found it. If it’s in a hotel room, leave it for the next person to enjoy. If you want a copy for yourself, you can find this book at select establishments around the island. We’re happy to help you find it. Call us at (609) 675-0867 or email us at gonenative@comcast.net and we’ll do whatever we can to assist you. Thanks and have a great summer.

We spent all summer sniffing out the best places in Ocean City... so you could get out there and enjoy. Go Boy... Go!

STEF AND BILL GODFREY, PUBLISHERS 3

WELCOME TO OCEAN CITY GUIDEBOOK 2010 A GONE NATIVE PUBLICATION Gone Native Communications, Inc. PO Box 63 Marmora, NJ 08223 www.gonenativecommunications.com (609) 675-0867 Publishers Stef Godfrey, Bill Godfrey Editor/Photographer/Advertising Manager Bill Godfrey Design/Copyeditor/Account Manager Stef Godfrey Contributing Photographer Eric Weeks, ezmemories.com Additional Photography Stef Godfrey, Carrie Riley, Lynn Schoeninger Cover art and additional artwork provided by Bogy

To advertise in next year’s edition, contact Bill Godfrey at (609) 675-0867 or gonenative@comcast.net Copyright 2010 by Gone Native Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this book are property of Gone Native Communications, Inc. Reproduction of the materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, without the prior written consent of the publisher, is prohibited by law. 4

Contents FEATURES Welcome to Ocean City.....................6 Eco-Touring Ocean City................... 16 A Day in the Life............................... 22 The OCBP; A History ....................... 30 Ocean City Sailing Foundation.........31 Calendar of Events........................... 33 If I Weren’t so Busy I’d . ..................46 Loving Ocean City............................48 ADVERTISER’S INDEX Good Food The Chatterbox................................ 50 Del’s Oceanside Grill........................ 52 Hula Restaurant & Sauce Co...........54 Island Grill Seafood and Steak........ 56 Jay’s Crabshack................................58 Ocean City Coffee Company...........60 OC Surf Cafe..................................... 62 Pink Parrot Grille .............................64 Flipper’s Grille ..................................66 The Sindia Restaurant.....................68 Uncle Bill’s Pancake House............. 70 Aunt Betty’s Ice Cream Shack........72 Varsity Inn......................................... 74 Yianni’s Cafe..................................... 76 Ocean City Restaurant Assoc.........78 All Natural Pizza...............................80 Bennie’s Bread..................................81 Bloom ’N Tulip.................................. 82 Brown’s Restaurant......................... 83 George’s Candies & Breakfast.......84 Mack and Manco Pizza................... 85 Mallon’s Homemade Sticky Buns..86 Ocean City Seafood Co...................87 Oves Restaurant..............................88 Prep’s Pizzeria & Dairy Bar..............89 Ready’s Coffee Shop.......................90 Red’s Jersey Mex..............................91 Scully’s Asbury Cafe......................... 92 Voltaco’s Italian Foods.................... 93 Boyar’s Market.................................94 Wards Pastry....................................94 Walt’s Original Primo Pizza............. 95 DeFusco’s Trattoria.......................... 95

Shopping Downtown Ocean City....................96 Artwork by Bogy............................ 100 The Spot, by Jilly’s...........................102 Jilly’s 99 Cent Store.........................103 Jilly’s T-Shirt Factory...................... 104 Jilly’s French Fry Factory............... 105 Jilly’s Arcade................................... 106 Jilly’s Ice Cream Factory.................107 Jewelry Hut..................................... 108 Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy................112 Shriver’s Gelato............................... 114 Air Circus.......................................... 116 Pirates Arrrghh Us.......................... 117 Gabrielle & Co.................................. 118 Henry’s Jeweler...............................120 Annarelli’s Bicycles.......................... 122 B&B Department Store..................123 The Butterfly Boutique...................124 By The Sea Surf Shop.....................125 Could Be Yours Consignment....... 126 Ireland Imports...............................127 Johnson’s Popcorn........................ 128 La Bottine Boutique........................129 Laura’s Fudge..................................130 Pessano’s Variety Stores................ 131 Silver Lining/Name Station.............132 Sunglass Menagerie...................... 133 Ta-Dah!.............................................134 We R Wireless................................. 135 Azul Coast........................................136 Flying Carp Gift Gallery...................136 Flying Carp Clothing Gallery...........137 Fralinger’s Salt Water Taffy............137 Gingham Whale.............................. 138 Handpainted Furniture & Design..138 P. Francis..........................................139 Sun Rose Words & Music...............139 Activities Ocean City Activities...................... 140 OC Aquatic & Fitness..................... 142 OC Historical Museum....................143 OC Arts Center...............................144 Ocean City Library.......................... 145 Glazed Over....................................146 Gillian’s Wonderland Pier...............147

Farmer’s Market/Inn to Inn Tour.. 148 Bay Cats........................................... 150 Bayview Marina.............................. 150 Tuckahoe Bike Shop....................... 151 Surf Buggy Centers......................... 151 Publications Ocean City magazine......................152 Lifestyle Services Property & Lifestyle Mgmt.............154 Health & Beauty Shore Orthopaedics.........................156 Still Waters Stress Center.............. 158 Ideal Hairstyling & Barber Shop... 159 Shore Memorial Quick Care...........159 Photographers EZ Memories Photography............160 Banquet Accommodations Port•O•Call Banquet Facilities...... 162 Accommodations Port•O•Call Hotel...........................164 Atlantis Inn Luxury B&B................ 166 Ocean City Hotels........................... 168 Harris House Hotel..........................170 Osborne’s Inn....................................171 Atlantis Inn Luxury B&B................ 166 Real Estate and Services Cheryl Huber; Pru, Fox Roach.........172 Fox Real Estate................................173 Monihan Realty...............................174 OC Board of Realtors......................175 Gone Native Communications....... 175 Mortgage Services Superior Mortgage..........................176 5

Welcome to Ocean City

Ocean City’s beaches were recently voted best in New Jersey! They’re clean and comfortable, with soft sand and lots of room. There’s even an event celebrating the opening of the city’s 42 beaches - the Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons’ Plunge, shown above.

Welcome to Ocean City!

America’s Greatest Family Resort is also America’s Greenest Family Resort. Spend some time here and you may never want to leave .

f you’ve spent any time at all in Ocean City you know what a great place it is. Miles and miles of perfect beaches, a world-famous Boardwalk (world famous you ask? Oh yes, it is), a downtown shopping district that should not be missed, a spectacular bay where you can play all day on the water - it’s truly one of the nation’s top resort destinations. Actually we think we’re the number one spot for a great vacation. And now we have the research to back it up. According to a survey conducted by the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, thousands of people voted Ocean City the “Number One Beach in New Jersey.” And there’s more. That same survey also named Ocean City as the best place for eco-touring and best place for a Shore Day Trip. I know that a lot of folks are very proud of those awards and very grateful to the voters who chose Ocean City as the best beach. But Ocean City is not resting on it laurels. No sir. There are a LOT of folks working to ensure the present and future of this storied seaside town

only gets better. If you’re looking for a first-class vacation, Ocean City has everything you could need – beaches, Boardwalk - okay we mentioned that - but there’s plenty more. Ocean City boasts big-city shopping, outstanding dining options, a municipal airport, golf course, recreational fields, special events, family festivities... we’re talking endless possibilities here. Together with the newly-renovated Community Center (housing the Arts Center, Historical Museum, Aquatic and Fitness Center, and Free Public Library - see page 142 for more info), there’s the famed Music Pier (home of the Ocean City Pops), the Bayside Center and more. Whether you’re here for a day, the week, or perhaps the rest of your life, we’ve got plenty for you to do. Where to begin... Let’s start at the water’s edge, where the sea meets the sand and Ocean City’s legend starts. Ocean City has some of the best beaches in the world – miles of soft clean sand from one end of the island to the other (did we mention the best beach award? Yes? Right. Sorry). Guarding these beaches (and providing you with the

peaceful easy feeling that comes with safety) is the Ocean City Beach Patrol, one of the oldest in the country. The OCBP is renowned for its professionalism and friendliness and also for its prowess in local lifeguarding competitions). Please, listen to these folks when they’re talking. They know what they’re doing and their only job is keeping you safe. Follow their instructions and remember to always SWIM NEAR A GUARD. Move inland a few feet and you’ll come across the Ocean City Boardwalk, a two-anda-half mile stretch lined with shops and restaurants of every kind, movie theatres, amusement rides, miniature golf courses and a water park like no other. The Boardwalk is an icon. And whether you’re five or 50, there’s a good chance you’ll get that electric feeling of giddiness every time you step onto those wooden planks. When it comes to shopping, Ocean City has what you need. Asbury Avenue and the Downtown Shopping District from 6th to 11th Streets is a destination spot for discerning shoppers. Right in the center of our historic downtown is

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCEAN CITY, GO ONLINE, WWW.OCNJ.US

Bike Ocean City! A bike is a great way to get around the island. Ocean City has a variety of designated bicycle routes or bikeways for safe travel either alongside vehicle traffic or as a separate dedicated bike path. Haven Avenue is a quiet and well-paved street to ride on from 9th Street to 34th Street. Burn less fossil fuel, burn more calories. Photo by Stefanie Godfrey a collection of boutiques, specialty stores and restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else – and we mean that. No chain stores here, just retailers who’ve put their heart and soul into their businesses. And that makes for a top-notch retail experience. If you haven’t been shopping Downtown in a while, then you’re missing out on something special. Asbury Avenue has changed for the better over the past decade and there is shopping to rival some big cities here. Mixed in are great restaurants and service providers along a beautiful street lined with flowers and filled with smiling people. There are also a ton of special events in the downtown during the year including Funtatsic Tuesdays, holiday shopping days and a lot more. See page 96 for more info on the Downtown shopping. Continuing our westward movement you’ll come to what the locals refer to simply as “the bay” - Peck Bay and the Great Egg Harbor Bay - where you’ll find every water sport imaginable, including kayaking (great story on page 16) sailing, boating, fishing, crabbing and more. Did we mention being voted best place for eco-touring? Seriously though, there are great opportunities to see pristine eco-systems up close and personal. You may even discover a few things about yourself out on the water.

Go ahead and visit ocnj.us - the official ocean City website. There you’ll find plenty of info on what to do in Ocean City. And if you need more info, just keep reading - it’s probably in this book somewhere. Whether you’re here for the day, the entire summer, or you’ve lived down here your whole life, Ocean City has what you need for the perfect day. Of course, there are as many definitions of “perfect” as there are stars in the sky, more or less, so we’ll leave it to you to find the activity that suits your needs. Traveling with the kids? Ocean City is known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” so that’s covered. Weather not cooperating? Don’t worry, Ocean City has what it takes to get you through. All you really have to do is decide what you’re in the mood for and take it from there. It’s easy. The possibilities in Ocean City are limitless… and always exciting. What follows is a list of information, ideas, services and things to do around Ocean City that we thought you might find helpful. List of Events Ocean City hosts so many fun and exciting events throughout the year, it’s almost TOO much fun - okay not really. Many of these events are unique to Ocean City and you won’t find any-

thing like it anywhere else. The city also hosts more than 25 runs and walks, a triathlon, and Restaurant Week from June 20 to 26. Woo hoo! Turn to page 33 for a complete listing of Ocean City events. Ocean City Community Center A $12 million expansion and renovation of the Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue is now underway and it is awesome! To start, there’s a new addition to the library that will add approximately 10,000 square feet of new space while revitalizing the existing space. Look for a new lecture hall that will seat 80. There’s slated to be a new senior center. A new atrium and cafe make walking into the center a joy and provide a common entrance to all five facilities in the center. The renovations were designed with conservation in mind. The Community Center is Ocean City’s first green building. Many steps are being taken to reduce waste, provide for energy efficiency and limit the operating costs of the center. Ocean City Arts Center The OCAC believes that an appreciation of mankind’s diversity can be learned through the arts. Each month, OCAC presents a new exhibit featuring regional and national artists of various

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCEAN CITY, GO ONLINE, WWW.OCNJ.US

mediums. OCAC is responsible for its own funding through grants, fundraisers, tuition, gallery sales and donations - so go ahead and do your best to support arts in Ocean City. OCAC is located in the Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue; (609) 398-7628. Aquatic & Fitness Center The center is a multi-faceted facility that encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in programs that promote good health. In other words, it’s a great place to workout. And it’s newly renovated! The center has strength training and cardiovascular equipment; a 25-meter pool; an aerobics studio for aerobics, yoga, and pilates; racquetball; babysitting; and youth programming spaces. Located in Community Center; (609) 398-6900. Ocean City Historical Museum OCHM depicts early Ocean City’s history with period room displays and vintage clothing, a large display of old Ocean City photographs and postcards, dolls and toys. Displays of items from the city’s past will delight visitors. The Sindia Room features a scale model of Ocean City’s most famous shipwreck and a lighted eight-byeight-foot stained glass window showing the Sindia under sail. Located in the Community

Center; (609) 399-1801. The Ocean City Free Public Library A library is a special community resource no matter where you live, but the Ocean City Library strives to be the “intellectual, social and cultural heart of our community, providing a place to go for information, literacy and cultural resources, in a comfortable, attractive and convenient environment.” A tall order no doubt, but once you visit the library, you’ll understand the staff’s unending commitment to live up to this lofty goal. Of course you can borrow books at the library but there’s more than that. The library has movies to entertain you, newspapers to inform you, programs and workshops to enlighten you. And more. The library is there to serve you. The library, its board of trustees and its staff believe in the power of education and in the potential of libraries to change lives. The library strongly supports the children of Ocean City in their efforts to learn, grow and achieve. In support of its broad-based mission to serve and educate, the library “selects, collects, organizes and makes available for use a broad, deep and diverse collection of materials in a variety of formats, provides excellent personal information services and guidance in the use of library resources; and

offers programs for personal enrichment.” That and it’s a fun place to go. Plus the staff is really friendly and helpful; (609) 399-2434. Bike Ocean City! Using a bike is a great way to get around the island for purpose and pleasure. The Route 52 Causeway bridge project, when completed, will boast a separate bikeway for riders that will connect to many Atlantic County bikeways. The bikeway will be separated from the main roadway and bridge for safe passage to some of the most magnificent sightseeing locations at the Shore, as well as access to the new fishing piers and state-of-the-art Welcome Center. Ocean City is committed to protecting its natural resources and recognizes eco-tourism as an important element for a sustainable island and a great vacation. In addition to the Boardwalk, Ocean City has a variety of designated bicycle routes or bikeways for safe travels either alongside vehicle traffic or as a separate dedicated bike path. Haven Avenue is a quiet and well-paved street to ride on from 9th Street to 34th Street. Look for the sharrow, which designates a lane shared by cyclists and motorists. Biking is great transportation, promotes healthy living, reduces traffic congestion and motor vehicle emissions that

There’s always something to do in Ocean City. There are, clockwise from top left, plenty of playgrounds around town - this one is at 34th and West Avenue; a host of downtown activities, including the Merchants in Venice Seafood Festival; plenty of special events at the Music Pier, including a french fry sculpting contest; and a skatepark.

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCEAN CITY, GO ONLINE, WWW.OCNJ.US

Asbury Avenue is filled with unique boutiques and fabulous restaurants. You can enjoy big-time shopping with small-town hospitality year round.

for admittance. “Paw Passes” are available from the first-floor reception area of City Hall, located at 861 Asbury Avenue. “Paw Pass” requirements include: a completed “Paw Pass” application form, proof of a municipal dog license from either Ocean City or the owner’s place of residence, proof of up-to-date immunizations, signed Release of Liability and Waiver form and payment of fee. First Night Ocean City’s First Night celebration – a community event that rings in the New Year – is an alcohol-free bash that marks the passage from the old year to the new with art, food and festivity. It’s quickly becoming THE party of the year for Ocean City lovers. There is entertainment of every variety, special restaurant packages and more – capped off by First Day at the Beach. Ocean City Municipal Golf Course Ocean City has a public, 12-hole, par three golf course. The golf course is a great place to go in the morning before hitting the beach, after a beach day to unwind or as a change of pace from the sand and sea. Set in the scenic meadows of the bay area, the golf course provides a beautiful and fun way to spend a few hours of the day in Ocean City. All ages are welcome, but children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent. To play, each person must have their own golf bag. Clubs are available for rental as well as hand carts and riding carts. Located

at Bay Avenue at 26th Street. Summer hours are 6am to 7pm. Winter hours are 8am to 4pm. The golf course has a pro shop and memberships are available. Call (609) 399-1315.

daily, weekly, and seasonal passes are available. Seasonal passes for residents (property owners) are half price. For more information call (609) 525-9304.

Surf Chairs Ocean City wants everyone to enjoy the beautiful beaches and offers a wonderful beach-accessible wheelchair service for mobility limited individuals of all ages. Surf chairs allow everyone to enjoy the surf and sand on Ocean City beaches. The service is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm (check in by 4:30pm) and on weekends from 9am to 5:30pm (check-in by 5pm). The surf chair program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Reservations are suggested. The program is based out of the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center located on 6th Street at the Boardwalk. For information call (609) 525-9304.

Ocean City Municipal Airport Trying to beat the traffic into Ocean City? The local airport can help! The airport is also home to the annual air festival held in September. The air festival features a variety of antique and WWII planes, ultralights, homebuilts, classics and warbirds. Call (609) 399-0907 for more information.

Ocean City Skateboard Park For some, fun at the beach is not complete without being able to skate. The skate park is open to skateboarders and in-line skaters only. All users are required to wear shoes, helmets, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads. Safety equipment is for sale (no rental equipment) at the Sports & Civic Center. The Skateboard Park is located next to the Sports & Civic Center on 6th Street at the Boardwalk. Hours are from 9am until dusk. Users must purchase a pass at the Sports & Civic Center:

Ocean City Second Season When most summer resorts are preparing to close down for the year, Ocean City is gearing up for its “Second Season,” a wonderful time to experience America’s Greatest Family Resort. With year-round boutique shopping, chic restaurants and family-friendly special events, hundreds of thousands of visitors have discovered that what used to be known as the “off-season” has become a great time to explore the shore in Ocean City. Second Season is in full swing with events which include the Street Rod Weekend, the Air Festival, the Boardwalk Auto Expo and the Indian Summer Block Party, with more than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainment. Many other events are planned right up to First Night and First Day at the Beach, the city’s annual New Year’s celebration.

The Ocean City Music Pier, located on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace was constructed in 1928 and is home to great year-round entertainment, including the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. The Pops has been playing in Ocean City for more than 80 years. Photo by Eric Weeks

are a leading source of global warming pollution. Follow the rules of the road! The Bayside Center The Bayside Center is an activities and education facility dedicated to the environmental and cultural aspects of Ocean City’s bayfront along the Great Egg Harbor Bay. On the first floor of the house is the Bay Window Environmental Center. Highlights of the Bay Window include a walk under estuary waters, local game fish, a display of tools used by bay men of the Great Egg Harbor Bay estuary, a mural by Ocean City artist Diane Bressler featuring species found in the local estuary, and a photo gallery. The second floor is home to the Hutsko ship models, a collection of 25 museum quality boat models of historic, local and well-known ships. The third floor is open to the public for unmatched views of the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Night in Venice is a big night and the Bayside Center is a great place to view the boat parade. There’s an outdoor party with a band and special children’s activities. The Bayside Center also hosts special events throughout the year. Visit ocnj.us for more info. 520 Bay Avenue; (609) 525-9244. Sports and Recreation Throughout the island there are well-equipped

playgrounds, maintained for safety and fun. There are baseball, softball, football, soccer, field hockey and multi-purpose fields. Numerous basketball, tennis, street hockey, shuffleboard and volleyball courts complete the array of active recreation sites, many of them lighted for added hours of enjoyment. Additionally, Ocean City has an outstanding organized recreation program for people of all ages. Sports & Civic Center: 6th & Boardwalk, (609) 525-9304. A 12,000 square foot gymnasium with multi-purpose sports flooring. Carey Stadium (Football Field & Track): 6th & Atlantic Avenue. Basketball Courts: North, 6th, 8th, 15th, 18th, 34th and 52nd Streets. Soccer Complex: Tennessee Avenue and Palmer Park, 15th Street and Haven Avenue. Baseball/Softball Fields: 5th/6th Street and Bay Avenue; 35th & Haven Avenue, 20th & Bay Avenue; (609) 525-9233. Municipal Golf Course: 26th & Bay Avenue, 525-9233. Playgrounds: North, 8th, 15th, 29th, 34th, and 52nd Streets. Public Boat Ramp: There are three public boat ramps and associated docks providing access to the Intercoastal Waterway – fee required seasonally. Contact the Tennessee Av-

enue dock at (609) 525-9289. Shuffleboard Courts: 5th & Boardwalk, (609) 525-9853. Tennis Courts: Eight courts at 35th & West Avenue, (609) 525-9308: Six courts at 18th & Haven Avenue, (609) 525-9307; Ten are available at 6th & Atlantic Avenue, (609) 525-9306. The Ocean City Music Pier The resort’s famed Music Pier, home of the Ocean City Pops and concerts by leading entertainers, dates back to 1928 when construction began to create a new concert hall for the community. The Music Pier that you see today was dedicated on July 4, 1929. Nationally renowned musicians and music groups make appearances at the Music Pier and various pageants call the Music Pier their home, including the Miss New Jersey Pageant. The Ocean City Pops has a summer concert series from July through October that showcases the beautiful music of the orchestra. Dog Park The City of Ocean City is home to the Cape May County Dog Park. Since dogs are a big part of the family, they should also have a place to play. The dog park is located at 45th and Haven. Access cards known as “Paw Passes” are required

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCEAN CITY, GO ONLINE, WWW.OCNJ.US

Known originally as Peck’s Beach, Ocean City was a 8-mile stretch of sand dunes, meadows and cedar swamps named for John Peck, a whaler who used the island as a staging spot for his whaling operation. Things are a bit different these days. Ocean City was voted Best Beach in New Jersey by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. Photo by Eric Weeks

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCEAN CITY, GO ONLINE, WWW.OCNJ.US

Spanning two-and-a-half miles, the Ocean City Boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, and plenty of activities - it’s also an excellent spot for biking, walking, jogging and people watching. Photograph by Eric Weeks

Clockwise from top left, the annual sandcastle building contest; one of Ocean City’s many lagoons providing access to the bay; fun, fun, fun on the Boardwalk; Photos by Stefanie Godfrey and more fun, fun fun on the Boardwalk; Photo by Eric Weeks. Bottom right, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream (ice cream is one of the basic Ocean City food groups). Every Day is a Special Day in Ocean City Ocean City has something special happening every day of the week throughout the summer. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Ocean City has something to suit your tastes. Enjoy the Stockton Goes to the Beach concert series every Monday evening at the Music Pier. The always-popular Farmer’s Market happens every Wednesday at the Tabernacle grounds, 500 Wesley Avenue from 8am to 1pm beginning in June. June also features Market Days on Asbury Avenue with face painters and free entertainment. Funtastic Tuesdays start in July and feature live entertainment on Asbury Avenue from 10am to 1pm as well as Family Film & Fun Night at 7:15pm at the Cornerstone Auditorium at Stainton Square on Asbury Avenue. Boardwalk Family Night, Inn to Inn tours and Beach Walks also happen Thursdays in July. As for Fridays, well, they’re always special, but there are a number of festivals on Fridays in summer, including the Merchants in Venice Seafood Festival in July. Live the Dream in Ocean City If you like Ocean City, you may dream of living here. We like it here, you probably will too. Ocean City is one of the East Coast’s finest yearround resort cities with eight miles of beauti-

ful beaches, two-and-a-half miles of amazing Boardwalk, fine dining, established downtown shopping and a respect for the traditional values of the city’s founding fathers. Ocean City always was and still is a wonderful and safe place to raise a family or retire. It’s also a great place to invest and visit time and time again - year after year, generation after generation. Ocean City High School provides a well-respected, top-ranked education – it was ranked number one in the state by New Jersey Monthly magazine. The school was recently built, is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by accredited teachers. The Red Raider athletic teams consistently rank among the top programs in the area in many different sports. Ocean City schools deliver a comprehensive education from kindergarten through high school. The Ocean City Community Center houses the Ocean City Arts Center, the Free Public Library, the Historical Museum and the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Ocean City has much to offer those interested in culture, fitness, history, adult education programs and much more. Of course the list of special events is lengthy - and the city doesn’t shut down after Labor Day, it just takes on a more “local” feel. Information about city services is easily acces-

sible on the Ocean City website; ocnj.us. The site includes maps, city ordinances, online payment systems and links to special events and information about island events. America’s Greatest Family Resort is a great place to live. Think about it when you visit.

FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCEAN CITY, GO ONLINE, WWW.OCNJ.US

This juvenile Yellow Crowned Night Heron, photographed by Lynn Schoeninger somewhere around Ocean City’s back bays, will lose its browngray color and soon develop the yellow-white crown and white cheek patch that marks these distinctive birds.

Where Water Meets the Marsh Edge

Eco-Touring in Ocean City By Captain Bill Stuempfig. Photos by Lynn Schoeninger

cean City is home to an incredible and vast array of natural resources and treasures, including one of the most diverse saltwater eco systems on the East Coast. With such a great variety of marine and avian life so easily accessible, you’d be missing a big part of Ocean City if you didn’t spend some time enjoying the island’s ecotouring possibilities. Since the island lies on a primary migratory route for many birds - the Atlantic Flyway - it’s a great spot for bird watching, especially in the spring and fall. Marine mammals including dolphins, seals, otters, and whales can sometimes be seen from the beaches. Protected species such as the osprey, piping plover, black skimmer, least tern, and northern diamondback terrapin can be found nesting on the beach and in marsh habitats. An eco-tour through Ocean City’s bay and marsh areas is a wonderful way to enjoy the back country of New Jersey’s waterways. And one of the best ways to get up close and personal with nature is with a guided nature kayak tour with Don Pussehl and his crew at Bay Cats on Bay Avenue, including Captain Bill Stuempfig. Don and Bill been planning and/or leading these kayak

tours for a long time, so they know what they’re doing. Captain Bill Stuempfig is a pleasure to paddle with. Let’s let him tell it... WELCOMED BY THE WILDLIFE I like to go paddling on the bay early in the morning. The water is calm and the air is cool. But no matter how early I get up and slide my kayak into the water, the birds are already active and loud, and well into their day. The water seems to glide past my kayak as if I am standing still. My focus and relaxation let the problems of the world melt away to be replaced by nature. I only have to paddle for five minutes to go from a bustling resort to a place pristine and ancient, alive with so many creatures and habitats that every time I visit, I see something new. At low tide I can see the bottom covered in mussels and orange starfish, brightly colored seaweed mud banks covered in periwinkle snails. The most abundant life is where the water meets the marsh edge. As Rachel Carson said “the edge of the sea is a strange and wonderful place.” And it certainly is. Life in this area is adapted to being dry at low tide and flooded when the water is high. I

ghost along through the small creeks, welcomed by the wildlife as if one of them. The young chicks watch as I approach and then retreat under their parent’s wing. I am grateful that they let me share their world. As the day heats up and the birds take a break from early morning socializing, I retreat to the other world, a world so close, but so foreign to so many people. The birds that come here for the summer take advantage of the long days, the warm weather and abundant food to nest and produce offspring. LIFE OF THE OCEAN CITY BAY To get to Ocean City you have to drive over the bridge that crosses the water and the marshes. It is impossible to miss the bay, but for most visitors the bay is the end of a long drive and what it has to offer is the last thing on their mind. A vacation at the Shore can be about relaxing on the beach or cooling off in the surf. In the evening the Boardwalk is the place for fun. On the other side of Ocean City is the bay. You can watch the sunset or you can be a little adventurous and get out on the water. The possibilities

Ospreys, like the one shown above, can be seen nesting in several spots around the back bays. They feed primarily on fish and their hunting technique involves plunging feet first into water to capture prey.

Black Skimmers take flight.

The Black Crowned Night Heron, like the one shown here, spends its days resting in the trees, coming out to feed at the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge when the sun goes down.

Above, an American Oystercatcher with her chick. Oystercatchers are fond of the muddy marsh areas around the bay. for fun and exploration on the bay are endless, and the best, low impact way to see the bay is by kayak. Paddling a new stable kayak is a great family activity full of learning opportunities for the kids and adults. See the awe on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face as you paddle only a few feet from nesting laughing gulls and their chicks. Most people enjoy the companionship of a tandem kayak, but children do well in a single as well. Only a ten minute paddle from Bay Cats lies the pristine marsh islands and surrounding channels that are home to thousands of birds and literally millions of fish. Bay Cats can take you on a guided nature tour to the Cowpens Island Nature Sanctuary. Glide silently through the calm marsh channels, look just below and see starfish grazing on vast beds of mussels. Hidden under seaweed in the shallow mud flats are small fish, grass shrimp, crabs, clams and myriad other species. The seaweed is actually red, green or brown algae. The brown algae that floats along the marsh edges is called rockweed, while green sea lettuce covers the bottom. The little snails that seem to be everywhere are periwinkles. They live in the shallow water on the mud banks, but every two days or so, they must dry out so they do not drown. Hermit crabs are mixed in with the periwinkles, but do not take them home. These are marine crabs that must live in the water. The bay is an estuary, where fresh and salt water mix. The wild and scenic Great Egg Harbor River provides the fresh water, and the Atlantic Ocean provides nutrient rich salt water. The river also brings silt and sand, the building blocks of

the marshes. Sometimes the bay looks brown and muddy - this is healthy - with nutrients carried from the river. Other times, when the tide brings in ocean water, the bay is cool and clear. The bay acts as a nursery for many species of fish that find refuge in the marsh grass that borders the channels. This abundance of life ensures an ample food supply to the huge number of birds and fish. Just like tourists that visit Ocean City, the bay is full of wildlife that has migrated here for the summer season. One of our eco-star visitors is the osprey. They fly in from South America and the Caribbean in mid-March, build a nest, raise a family and leave in September. This large bird of prey nests on the marsh islands and hunts by diving feet first in the water to snag fish. To see an osprey make a plunge is a truly awesome sight. In August you can see the parents teaching their fledglings the skills they will need to survive. The young, starting in early September, leave the shore and make their way to South America. In three years they return to our bay to find a mate and raise a family. Other avian visitors are the graceful herons and egrets that forage in the shallows for fish and shrimp, and common terns that dart headfirst into the water for silversides. Listen for the loud oystercatcher, the one that looks like it is smoking a carrot, with its long bright red bill and eyes. Go out paddling in the morning or evening, and you will most likely see black skimmers or the secretive clapper rail. Look up in the bayberry bushes and experience the sights and sounds of one of New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest heron rookeries. Watch the young beg for

fish from the parents. You will see several nesting areas along the way to Bird Island, named for the abundance of nesting gulls, oystercatchers and herons. Paddle quietly and look for the diamond backed terrapin, the only turtle to be found in the salt marsh estuary. This turtle must leave the water during early summer to lay eggs. Sadly this is when many are run over by cars on the causeways. Please be careful. The bay ecosystem is healthier than it has been for fifty years. The Great Egg Harbor River has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River, and the daily supply of clean ocean water that flows into our bay keeps it healthy. Also, people and businesses have become more aware environmentally and use better sense when it comes to the environment around us. A healthy ecosystem is essential to the survival of literally thousands and thousands of birds that make the bay their home. Some come here in the summer to mate, nest and raise young, and then migrate back to their wintering grounds. Countless more birds inhabit the bay during winter, getting nourishment from algae, shrimp, fish or crabs. Many of these birds nest in the far north, so our winters do not seem too harsh to them. The bay is an environment rich with biodiversity and endless possibilities for recreation and exploration. Explore the isolated channels of the salt marsh and discover the hidden secrets. Everyday has something new to offer. Get to know the bay. In the end we will conserve only what we love.

Lifeguard races are a fun tradition at the Jersey Shore. It helps when the home team is really good. Ocean City won the New Jersey Lifeguard Championships in 2008 and 2009.

Being a member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol means being on high-alert at all times. But it also comes with the camaraderie and fraternity of being part of an elite unit. This photo was taken in August, 2009 at the patrol’s annual inter-squad competition. Guards gather near 59th Street after their shifts for a little friendly, intramural competition.

A Day in the Life

By Bill Godfrey With assistance from the Ocean City Beach Patrol

want to be a lifeguard. Not a real lifeguard mind you, but a movie lifeguard. You know, with the surf music in the background and the tall chair and throng of admirers crowding around me – that sort of thing. But being a real lifeguard - with the responsibility of ensuring that thousands and thousands of people on a crowded beach stay safe - that’s a different story. I’m on the beach a lot and being a lifeguard in Ocean City looks like WORK. These men and women are out there every day; ready, willing and able to launch themselves into an angry ocean, swim to a person in distress and then pull them back to the beach. Hmm... maybe I’m more cut out for the lyingon- the-beach-with-a-book sort of thing. However, If you’ve thought about being a lifeguard in Ocean City, read on; I’ll try to enlighten you. Never know - it could be right for you. “Being a member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol makes my summer the best any Jersey girl could ask for,” said Kaitlyn Minehan, a local girl who’s in her fifth year on the patrol in 2010. “The random texts I get with countdowns till Memorial

Day reassure me I’m not the only one crazed about the best place on earth - the beach.” If you’ve ever been on an Ocean City beach, you’ve seen members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) at work. I’m always struck by their professionalism and composure – some of them are barely out of high school. And the scope of their job sometimes boggles my mind. I’ve seen these folks sitting on a lifeguard stand while eight-foot waves crash on the beach. Think I want to swim out in that? No way. But they will. Without hesitating. “To be a good lifeguard, it’s important first and foremost to be in good physical condition, both swimming and running,” said Max Mullineaux. Ya think? “And you need to spend time in the ocean and become familiar and comfortable in it,” added Max, who was also a running back for LaSalle High School a few years back. Let’s be straight; being a lifeguard in Ocean City is a demanding job. But the OCBP still manages to attract and keep a bumper crop of professional and highly-motivated ocean lifeguards from

season to season. “The best part of being a lifeguard is spending a summer on the beach in the sun,” said Minehan. “It’s the best possible job anyone could ever ask for. We can protect beach patrons while feeling the warmth of the sun on our faces and get relief in the waves of the ocean.” That’s nice...but what’s it really like? We’re talking constant vigilance here, mixed in with some real risk and a large heaping of dealing with the public. Throw in the ability to swim in rough waters and row a 500-pound rescue boat OVER the waves and you’ve got yourself a job, buddy. Oh and I forgot the ability to administer CPR, enforce the rules of the beach and STILL be nice to the three million visitors who visit Ocean City every year. Still interested? “The most important aspect of being a guard is having your eyes on the water at all times,” said Dan Casey, a four-year guard who told me he learns more about being a better guard every day on the job. “Making the right decisions is also high on the list.” To get first-hand knowledge of what life with

From left; Carly Krudelbach, Ashlea Foglio, Lisa Horn, Kasey McCaffrey

Shawnee Foglio, Stacey Rahter, Kaitlyn Minehan, Renee Tomlin

One of the best parts of being a guard is spending your summers on the beach. The sun on your face, the sand in your toes - it’s not a bad gig. The 2010 Ocean City Beach Patrol Rookie Test is Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. Come prepared for some chilly water conditions and don’t be surprised when you’re asked to row a 500-pound rescue boat out past the shore break. Still interested? the OCBP is all about, you would have to pass the annual “rookie test,” be offered a position, and then suit up and do the job. This year’s Rookie Test is Saturday June 12 and Sunday June 13 if you’d care to take the challenge. Who knows, you might just like it. Every OCBP lifeguard I talk to sure seems to. “In the summer, around 4pm, the sun hits you just perfectly, sitting in the right side of the stand. I take a mental image to carry me through the cold winter months. I think we all are changed after a few years on the beach patrol,” said Minehan. But passing the rookie test ain’t no day at the beach. Water temps are often in the 50s and wet suits are definitely not allowed. You also have to be able to row a 500-pound rescue boat into the ocean (pre-test training is available if you’d like). “In high school, I narrowed my sports down to my two best; swimming and crew,” said Pat Lavin, a lifeguard who swims for West Chester University in the off-season. “These two sports couldn’t translate any better to lifeguard skills. Both require endurance and a sharp mental edge.” Most of these guards are competitive athletes, so they’re already in good shape when they hit the beach. But it’s not all about the muscle either - though that helps. You’ve have to have smarts too. “As a guard, you’ve got to be able to think fast and react faster,” said Lavin. If you manage to pass the test and be offered a spot on the roster, you’re joining the ranks of an elite unit with a long and proud history. You also get to make a little under $11 an hour, so it might help to have a back-up job.

“Growing up, my brother, who is now an Ocean City Fireman was a lifeguard and I thought that it looked like the best job in the world,” said Ryan Clark, who’s had success as part of the beach patrol’s paddleboard relay team. “I’ve been a competitive swimmer since I was nine and have lived at the beach even longer, so becoming a lifeguard just seemed like the right fit. I’m also going to school to be a teacher, so lifeguarding is a job I can keep for years to come.” But what’s it really like out there on the beach? Throngs of admirers crowding around you? Most guards tell me that’s only in the movies. On the surface the job looks sort of glamorous, if a little unexciting. But if you spend a lot of time on the beach, you know there’s a lot to it; these folks earn every dime of their pay. “The need to be on high-alert is, in my opinion, the most difficult aspect of being a member of the beach patrol,” said Ashlea Foglio, a medic who serves with the beach patrol. “Lifeguards have the responsibility to maintain the safety of hundreds to thousands of people each day - a daunting task. At any given moment a lifeguard can have a rip current take a group of bathers out to sea, have a beach patron go into cardiac arrest, or have a frantic parent lose sight of their child. Each of these situations - sometimes they can happen concurrently - requires critical thinking and effective communication skills.” Effective communications skills? I would have said “nerves of steel” or something. So why become a lifeguard? The cool chair? Or the satisfaction of doing a difficult job well? “I decided to become a lifeguard in OC be-

cause I grew up going to the beach and have been on a competitive swim team since I was five years old; I love swimming and the ocean,” said Stacey Rahter, who also competes in lifeguard races for the OCBP during the summer. “My brother Bryan was on the beach patrol at the time and I saw how much he loved working on the beach. I loved going to the lifeguard races to watch him and wanted to be a part of the beach patrol. He was the one to teach me a lot about lifeguarding and I am very happy I decided to try out. I’m lucky to be a part of such an amazing beach patrol.” Tough job no doubt. One that requires a great deal of maturity and professionalism. But there’s got to be some good times, right? “I’d say the best part of being a guard is waking up on beautiful summer mornings knowing that while the rest of the world might be trudging along to work, you’re lucky enough to go to work where you get to swim in the ocean, laugh with your friends, and thoroughly enjoy your day,” said Ryan Dunn, who rows for the beach patrol during competitions. “And when those cool, west wind, blue sky, summer days roll in, you take a moment to look around and really appreciate it; that feeling is the best part of being a lifeguard.” And in case you didn’t know, Ocean City has won back to back New Jersey Lifeguard Championships in 2008 and 2009. “I’ve made lifelong friends and had the best summers guarding in Ocean City, competing and supporting races, and meeting some of the best our city has to offer,” said Minehan. Okay, maybe I’ll try out. Maybe. Give me some 411 on a typical day...

“I always pack a backpack with all the essentials,” said Shawnee Foglio, a five-year guard who normally works at 26th Street. “I pack a towel or two, sunscreen, and lots of layers because there’s always a chance it’s windy and cold. I bring a onegallon jug of water and for lunch I pack a cooler. It’s also important to remember sunglasses and your whistle. “A typical day is usually pretty calm. Working on 26th street, there are lots of the same families that come back every summer so they know the deal with the flags and where to swim. It’s nice to get to know the families. Sometimes there can be a storm which brings in rips or bad water. Otherwise, you just have to be prepared because bad water, lost children and medical emergencies can happen at any time.” The OCBP competes throughout the summer at various events. Try catching them at one of the big three; The Atlantic City Classic, held in mid-July in Atlantic City and featuring 15 beach patrols from Atlantic and Cape May Counties; the South Jersey Championships in late July; and The Margate WWII Memorial Lifeguard Championships in early August. Visit oncj.us for more info or call (609) 5259300.

Summertime and the livin’s easy. Or not. OCBP members are on the beach every day, in every condition, ensuring the beaches are always safe. Still want to be a lifeguard? Below is an image of OCBP guard Paul Mangan and the 2009 Rookie School for new guards. Water temps were in the 50s and the ambient air temp was (maybe) in the 60s.

From left; Paul Boardman, Pat Lavin, Matt Coffey, Brad Green

Ryan Clark, Ryan Dunn, Dan Casey, Max Mullineux

The Ocean City Beach Patrol has been keeping visitors to the beaches safe since 1898, when the city finally heeded the call of the local citizenry and hired three men, Joseph Krauss, George Lee and William Scull, to patrol the surf and to assist bathers when needed. The lifeguards were paid $40 per month and worked each day from 9am to 3pm.

OCBP: A Brief History

hen Ocean City was founded by Methodist ministers in 1879, only four buildings existed on the island: three U.S. Life Saving Service stations and the home of Parker Miller and family. Miller was there as an agent of marine insurance companies that had hired him to report shipwrecks, to deter people from scavenging from the ships, and to protect the interests of the shipping merchants. Within 20 years, Ocean City had grown into a major seaside tourist destination. As its popularity grew, so did the daring of those venturing into the Atlantic Ocean, and by the late 1890s, several drownings had occurred. Something had to be done. An outcry, led by the local newspapers and businesses, called for the city to hire men to protect the bathers. A few men were already serving as lifeguards, most notably Joseph P. Krauss, who patrolled the surf in front of the large hotels and bath houses. His only remuneration came

By Fred Miller

from donations by grateful bathers he had rescued and from benefits held at the end of summer on his behalf. In 1898, the city finally heeded the call and hired three men, Krauss, George Lee, and William Scull to patrol the surf and to assist bathers when needed. Krauss was named captain of the lifeguards, a position he held until the spring of 1910. The lifeguards were paid $40 per month and worked each day from 9am to 3pm. Ocean City was the first municipality in Cape May County, and one of the few in the country, to pay for bather protection. Alfred R. Smith, who became a paid lifeguard in 1899, succeeded Krauss as captain in 1910. In 1920, the city hired former member of the U.S. Life Saving Service, Jack G. Jernee, as captain of the lifeguards. He is credited with building the Ocean City Beach Patrol into one of the finest lifesaving squads in the country. Thomas A. Williams, a lifeguard since 1922, took over as captain when Jernee joined the U.S. Navy during the summer of 1942. Under Williams, the patrol in-

creased greatly in the number of lifeguards and the number of beaches protected. George T. Lafferty, a former member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol and a retired Navy man, was appointed captain when Williams retired in the spring of 1962. Lafferty built the beach patrol into an athletic powerhouse in South Jersey, winning a record number of intercity competitions held with the 15 beach patrols from Brigantine south to Cape May Point. Under the recent leaders, the Ocean City Beach Patrol has continued to grow and has continued its excellent record of bather safety and distinction in athletic competitions. Much has changed since Joseph P. Krauss left his footprints in the sand of Ocean City, but not the lifeguards’ dedication to bather protection. Fred Miller is a former lifeguard. He and his wife Susan are the authors of five books on the history of Ocean City, including Ocean City Beach Patrol. You can find Fred and Susan’s books at Sun Rose Words and Music, 8th and Asbury.

Sailing is fun and easy - at least when you have the Ocean City Sailing Foundation promoting the sport and making it affordable in the Ocean City community. The foundation offers lessons from beginner to expert and welcomes memberships and/or contributions as they continue their valuable programs. The foundation also offers financial aid to students in need.

The Ocean City Sailing Foundation Providing safe , affordable sailing instruction in the greater Ocean City area By Harry J.J. Bellwoar III

bout three years ago, while on vacation in Stuart, Florida, I read in the newspaper about an individual who had started a foundation whose purpose was to teach the children of his community how to sail. I started sailing at age nine and enjoyed the sport all my life. My wife supported my interest and together we sailed in two world championships. Today we own a 28-foot sailboat and have sailed it from Ocean City to Philadelphia and New York - my wife’s only requirement that we get to port in time to have dinner ashore. As I read the news article, I thought “if this can be done in Stuart, Florida, why not in Ocean City, NJ?” I arranged to meet with the Florida man, got as much info as possible and started the wheels in motion. As a lawyer who practiced in Philadelphia and New Jersey for 50 years, the mechanics were not too difficult for me. I set up an NJ non-profit corporation, and spoke with other interested sailors in Ocean City. The key was to apply for tax-free status from the IRS so that contributions to our new foundation would be eligible for a deduction

on a person’s income tax return. Of course the foundation would have to be open to the public and that was clearly within my view. Another key step was applying for a grant from the I Boat program set up by the State of New Jersey. Everyone who has a boat in New Jersey pays a license fee and part of that fee is set aside by the I Boat program for the education of boaters. We applied for and received a grant of $25,000 to start our fledgling program which, together with individual contributions, let us buy five sailboats and a second-hand chase boat to shepherd the training of young sailors. Our mission from the start was to promote sailing to the youth and families in the greater Ocean City area by providing safe, affordable sailing instruction and sailing opportunities. To accomplish our mission we enlisted a manager, David Jackson, a fourth grade teacher and dedicated sailor, and two other instructors. Every instructor must be certified by the United States Sailing Foundation as a qualified instructor. Safety is our key word. Every student must pass a swim test and wear a life jacket at all times on the water. Realizing there

would be some families who would not be able to afford the modest charge for instruction we provide scholarships to needy kids. Another important step at the very beginning was getting the needed help from the City of Ocean City. We met with the mayor who offered to have city representatives on our board of directors as did the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Realtors. A second key step was getting a $10 lease from the city to use their property at 6th and the bay to launch our program. The first year was very successful. We had a goal of 80 students and ended with 100. In 2009, our second year we increased our enrollment by over 20 percent and hired three additional instructors. In 2010 we have very ambitious plans with anticipated cooperation form the city and the I Boat program but the biggest asset we have is a dedicated board of directors, with whose help this program will continue to be a vital part of the community of Ocean City. For more info on the Ocean City Sailing Foundation, visit www.ocsailingfoundation. org or call (609) 418-3356.

cean City has so much to do it’s hard to know where to start. So here’s a comprehensive events calendar to help. Welcome to America’s Greatest Family Resort. Get ready for some fun. All dates are tentative. For more information call (800) BEACH-NJ or (609) 525-9300. Go online at www.ocnj.us. MAY May 1 to 31 THE OCEAN CITY FINE ARTS LEAGUE FLOWER SHOW The public is invited to this free exhibit of themed artwork by local painters, photographers, ceramic and sculpture artists. Exhibit is free and is located at the OCFAL gallery; Art on Asbury, 608 Asbury Avenue, 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 1pm on Sunday. For more information call (609) 814-0308 or visit www.oceancityfineartsleague.org. May 1 OCEAN CITY LIBRARY ADULT BOOK CLUB Come discuss a great work of fiction or non fiction with the adult book club. FREE for all. Coffee provided by Ocean City Coffee Company. Registration required. Call for more information about the books and to sign up. Times are 9:30am to 11am and 11:15am to 12:45pm. Library Annex, 1501 West Avenue. For more information call (609) 399-2434 ext. 226.

May 1 SPRING BLOCK PARTY 9am to 5pm from 5th Street to 14th Street on Asbury Avenue. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music and more. For more information call (609) 399-2629. May 1 & 2 BOARDWALK & DOWNTOWN MERCHANT TABLE SALES No outside vendors - just Ocean City merchants. 6th to 14th Streets on the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue. May 4 DRAWING A MODEL WITH INSTRUCTOR WANDA KLINE 5pm to 7pm. All levels welcome at the Ocean City Fine Arts League’s gallery Art On Asbury, 608 Asbury Avenue. For information call (609) 814-0308 or visit www.oceancityfineartsleague.org. May 6 MARTIN Z. MOLLUSK DAY Come and find out if summer is coming early, 11am at the 9th Street Beach. For more information call (609) 525-9300. May 8 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY SPRING FLING ALUMNI DAY & FLOWER SALE 10am to 2pm at 1 Shelter Road. Carnival games for kids and dogs take place as many of the adopted

dogs return to the shelter to share their stories. Flats, hanging baskets and pots of flowers will also be available for sale. For more information call (609) 398-4200 or visit www.hsocnj.org. May 8 & 9 MOTHERS DAY WEEKEND Mothers Are Special in Ocean City. Flower giveaway to all moms at participating Boardwalk and Downtown stores, while supplies last. For more information call (609) 398-4662. May 22 AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEARTWALK Registration begins at 9am at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th & Boardwalk, walk begins at 10:30am. May 22 NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP Spend the day in New York City. Bus leaves the Ocean City Transportation Center, 10th & Haven Avenue at 8am. Departs New York City 6pm. Cost: $30 (Transportation Only). Register at the City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Avenue, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. For more information call (609) 525-9304. May 28 UNLOCKING OF THE OCEAN AND BUSINESS PERSONS PLUNGE Participants dress in business suits, carry brief-

Summer The Ocean City Baby Parade is 101 years old in 2010 and still going strong. Above is the crew from the Chatterbox Restaurant riding their float down the Boardwalk during the 100th Anniversary celebration in 2009.

and the finals at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Show us your shoes! June 17 OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS ADVANCED MEMOIRS WORKSHOP The program is a six week workshop designed to assist interested parties who have taken the library’s previous memoir writing course. Admission is free, but registration is required. For more information call (609) 399.2434 or visit www. oceancitylibrary.org. June 20 THE OCEAN CITY HUNGRY MAN EVENT It’s not quite an Ironman - it’s a new event in 2010 to help kick off Restaurant Week. Details to follow. Call (609) 675-0867 for info.

cases and march into the ocean to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance to welcome the new season. Noon, Moorlyn Terrace Street Beach. For more information call (609) 525-9300. May 30 BARKS ON THE BOARDS Sponsored by the Humane Society of Ocean City. Noon in front of the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. An opportunity to walk your dog on the Boardwalk and compete in various categories of the pet contest. You must register to do the walk in order to compete. Prizes are awarded in various categories. Registration begins at 11:30am. $15 per dog. For more information call (609) 398-4200 or visit www.hsocnj.org. May 30 HUW PRIDAY TENOR CONCERT At the Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue, 7pm. Classically-trained tenor. Performances include ‘Piangi’ in Phantom of the Opera in London. Admission is free. For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. May 31 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE 11am at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 5th & Wesley Avenue. For information call (609) 525-9300. JUNE Beginning Tuesday, June 29th through August 24th FUNTASTIC TUESDAYS 10am to 1pm on Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors and more. June 3 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY PUTTING FOR PAWS Join families at the mini golf course on the Boardwalk. Play at your convenience during this 2 hour event 6pm to 8pm at Golden Galleon Golf Course, 11th & Boardwalk. For more information call (609)

398-4200 or visit www.hsocnj.org.

June 21 to 27 RESTAURANT WEEK Come enjoy all the diverse and tasty dining options that Ocean City has to offer. Special offers and more all week long.

June 3 WONDER’S BIRTHDAY BASH AT GILLIAN’S WONDERLAND PIER Celebrate Wonder Bear’s Birthday from 6pm to 10:30pm, 6th Street and the Boardwalk. All rides will be only one ticket and at 9pm see a birthday bash fireworks show! Rides open at 6pm and Wonder Bear will be available all night for photos. Celebrating 81 years on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

June 23 12TH ANNUAL FUNDAY AT PLAYLAND Community Quest, Inc.’s FUNday benefit helps to provide innovative housing and employment services to low income individuals with special needs. Playland’s Castaway Cove, 10th & Boardwalk, 1pm to 5pm. $10 wristband/unlimited access to rides/go-carts and mini golf. Raindate is Friday June 25, for more info call (609) 646-0388 or visit www.CQInc.org.

June 4 - 6 OCEAN CITY FLOWER SHOW See beautiful commercial and amateur displays at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Show times are Friday 2pm to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

June 26 THE PHILADELPHIA BOYS CHOIR Tickets for this world-renowned group are $10 with kids 18 and under free. 7pm at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 8th & Central Avenue. The doors for the concert will open at 6:30pm. For ticket reservation please contact the church office at (609) 399-2988. Further information can be found by visiting the website at www.stpetersumcoc.com.

June 5 SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS SIGN-UP 9am to 12pm at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th Street off the Boardwalk. For more information call (609) 525-9304. June 5 & 6 BOARDWALK SPRING FAMILY FUN FEST Juried Craft Show, face painters, bands, pony rides at 11th Street. 9am to 6pm. June 11 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY FAMILY GOLF TOURNAMENT Teams of four play in the 9-hole municipal course. Lunch is served following the event at the Red Barn building. Teams should pre-register at the shelter. For more information call (609) 398-4200 or visit www.hsocnj.org. June 16 to 19 MISS NEW JERSEY This yearly event kicks off with a Boardwalk Parade at 7pm on June 16; preliminary competitions,

June 26 ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW Over 300 vintage vehicles. Tabernacle grounds, 6th & Asbury Avenue. 9am to 2pm. Boardwalk parade after 2pm. For more information call (609) 432-5347. June 28 - July 2 JULY JUBILEE A fun-filled week of contests leading up to July 4th complete with taffy sculpting, treasure hunts and more. 11am at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

Ocean City hosts a great variety of events all over town. Above left is from the Indian Summer Block Party, held every year after Labor Day. Bottom and right are photos from the Merchants in Venice seafood festival, held during the Night in Venice celebration in July. That’s Jay from Jay’s Crabshack on the left and the pizza makers from Randazzo’s on the right. Every Tuesday through August FUNTASTIC TUESDAYS 10am to 1pm on Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors. Ends August 24th. FAMILY FILM & FUN NIGHT 7:15pm at Cornerstone Auditorium at Stainton’s Square, 810 Asbury. $4 per person or max $15 per family includes movie, pizza, popcorn and drink. (609) 399-7527. MUMMERS NIGHT Strutting 7pm to 9pm on the Boardwalk, 6th to 14th Streets.

JULY

BEACH WALKS Southend Location: 59th Street & Central Avenue. Tuesdays at 9am. Northend Location: OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot. Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Purchase tickets on-site. Adults $1.00 Children $.50.

Throughout the summer OCEAN CITY POPS ORCHESTRA Has performances throughout the summer at the Music Pier.

Every Wednesday through August FARMER’S MARKET At the Tabernacle Grounds every Wednesday 8am to 1pm.

BEACH WALKS Southend Location: 59th Street & Central Avenue. Wednesdays at 6:30pm. Northend Location: OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot. Wednesdays at 9am. Tickets may be purchased on-site. Adults $1.00 Children $.50. EVENINGS ALONG ASBURY Music, art, shopping, and dining. 5 to 8pm. Every Thursday through August MARKET DAYS Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors. 10am to 1pm. FAMILY NIGHTS Entertainment on the Boardwalk, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, between 6th and 14th streets. INN TO INN TOURS Thursdays 2pm to 4pm, pick-up at 7th & Central Avenue. July 1 FRECKLE CONTEST 6:30pm at the Music Pier. Registration begins 6pm in front of the Music Pier, Moorlyn Ter-

race & Boardwalk. For more information call (609) 525-9300. July 3 JULY 4TH BIKE PARADE Sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association. Registration 8:30am at the Longport Bridge parking lot. Parade begins at 9am. For more information call (609) 525-9300. July 4 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Kite flying competition followed by entertainment. A spectacular fireworks display off 9th Street beach tops off the evening. For more information call (609) 525-9300. July 4 MATTHEWS BROTHERS CONCERT Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue, 7pm. Brothers perform piano, trumpet, organ, and vocal numbers. Admission is free. For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. July 4 JULY 4TH BIKE PARADE Sponsored by the South OC Improvement

July 25 KING’S BRASS CONCERT Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Dynamic nine-piece brass ensemble. Admission is free. For info call (609)399.1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. July 26 THE ASSOCIATION They’ve sold over 80 million records, tapes, CDs and DVDs. Their album, The Association’s Greatest Hits continues to be one of the longest best-selling albums in the history of the company. They’ll perform all of their hits, including Along Comes Mary, Never My Love and Windy. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www. ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300. July 31 7TH ANNUAL OPEN AMERICAN MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT Open to all styles and ages. 9am to 6pm. For more information call (856) 783-1133 or visit www.bbkacademy.com. AUGUST Throughout the summer OCEAN CITY POPS ORCHESTRA Has performances throughout the summer at the Music Pier.

The annual Pamper Scamper on the beach - no walking! Association. Registration 8:30am at 40th & Asbury Avenue. Parade begins at 10am. For more information call (609) 525-9300. July 5 COUNTRY ROADS: THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER & DAN FOGELBERG The group will perform songs from Denver’s canon, including: Rocky Mountain High, Annie’s Song and Sunshine On My Shoulders. Dan Fogelberg’s songs include Longer, Leader Of The Band, and Old Lang Syne. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25. Order online at www.ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300. July 7 SAND SCULPTING CONTEST 9am at the 6th Street Beach – the first one of the season. For more information call (609) 525-9300. July 11 GLAD VOCAL ENSEMBLE CONCERT Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue. 7pm. Male a capella quartet. Admission is free. For more information call (609) 3991915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. July 12 THE ULTIMATE BEE GEES TRIBUTE BAND:

STAYIN’ ALIVE Playing all the hits: Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, and Jive Talkin’. Break out the platform shoes and the polyester because You Should Be Dancin’. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www.ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300. July 17 31ST ANNUAL T. JOHN CAREY MASTERS SWIM Registration between 3pm and 6pm at the beach patrol station at 34th Street and the beach. The race starts at 6:30pm. T-shirts to all registrants. Plaques to first six male and female finishers. Medals to the first, second and third place finishers and ribbons to fourth, fifth and sixth place finishers. Additional information call (609) 525-9201. July 18 GREG BUCHANAN HARP CONCERT Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue, 7pm. Four harps played in a variety of styles. Admission is free. For information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. July 19 JAY & THE AMERICANS A big voice, a big band with big hits. Their

huge catalogue of hits includes Come A Little Bit Closer, Only In America, and When you Dance. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www.ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300.

Every Tuesday through August FUNTASTIC TUESDAYS 10am to 1pm on Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors. Ends August 24th. FAMILY FILM & FUN NIGHT

7:15pm at Cornerstone Auditorium at Stainton’s Square, 810 Asbury. $4 per person or max $15 per family includes movie, pizza, popcorn and drink. (609) 399-7527. MUMMERS NIGHT Strutting 7pm to 9pm on the Boardwalk, 6th to 14th Streets. BEACH WALKS Southend Location: 59th Street & Central Avenue. Tuesdays at 9am. Northend Location: OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot. Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Purchase tickets on-site. Adults $1.00 Children $.50. Every Wednesday through August FARMER’S MARKET At the Tabernacle Grounds every Wednesday 8am to 1pm. BEACH WALKS South End Location: 59th Street & Central Avenue. Wednesdays at 6:30pm. North End Location: OC/Longport Bridge Parking Lot. Wednesdays at 9am. Tickets may be purchased on-site. Adults $1.00 Children $.50. EVENINGS ALONG ASBURY Music, art, shopping, and dining. 5 to 8pm. Every Thursday through August MARKET DAYS Asbury Avenue. Entertainment, face painters, balloon sculptors. 10am to 1pm. FAMILY NIGHTS Entertainment on the Boardwalk, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, between 6th and 14th streets.

INN TO INN TOURS Thursdays 2pm to 4pm, pick-up at 7th & Central Avenue. August 1 JOE M. TURNER MAGIC SHOW Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Christian illusionist. Admission is free. For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. August 2 RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED Starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band. The show pays tribute to one of the most cherished and beloved artists of all time. His sons bring his musical legacy to life by playing all of Ricky’s hits: Garden Party, Believe What You Say and Stood Up. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www. ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300. August 4 SAND SCULPTING CONTEST 9am at the 6th Street beach, the second one of the season. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 4 MISS CRUSTACEAN HERMIT CRAB BEAUTY PAGEANT The original beauty contest for crustaceans. The winner receives the Coveted Cucumber Rind Cup and gets to walk down a flowery runway. 1pm at the 6th Street Beach. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 4 HERMIT CRAB RACES

July 21 OCBP WOMEN’S LIFEGUARD INVITATIONAL RACES 34th Street beach, 6pm. Women representing the 15 beach patrols on the South Jersey coast will be competing in this annual invitational race. For info call (609) 525-9201. July 23 MERCHANTS IN VENICE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Come and feast on some of the best seafood in the area and enjoy entertainment and rides for the kids. 5pm to 9pm, 6th to 9th streets on Asbury Avenue. July 24 NIGHT IN VENICE The City’s annual boat parade is one of the largest in the world. Starts at 7:30pm from the Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue along the bay. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

There’s never a dull moment in Ocean City (unless, of course, you’re looking for a few dull moments). The annual Baby Parade is one of the oldest in the nation and always features great entrants with imaginative themes.

Local authors Fred and Susan Miller have penned five books on the history of Ocean City and can usually be found around town at different events. Here they are at the 100th annual Baby Parade... wait a minute, that’s not Fred and Susan, that’s Oona, Aiofa and Jen Freeman at the 1ooth annual Baby Parade. Isn’t Ocean City a great town? Watch as some of the fastest crabs in the universe compete for the King of Klutz Plaque immediately following Miss Crustacean at the 6th Street beach. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 5 to 7 THE 10TH ANNUAL ART OF SURFING At the Ocean City Music Pier. Thursday 7pm to 10pm; Friday & Saturday noon to 10pm. It’s a FREE family event featuring original art from surfing’s biggest names, live music, and a chance to meet artists from across the country. August 6 - 8 47TH ANNUAL BOARDWALK ART SHOW Leading artists from throughout the East Coast exhibit and sell their work. Traditionally an ideal place to buy fine artwork at reasonable prices. Friday & Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm. For more information call (609) 525-9310. August 8 DAVID PENDLETON VENTRILOQUIST Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Ventriloquist that can make anything talk! Admission is free. For more in-

formation call (609) 399-1915 or visit www. octabernacle.org. August 9 WINGER IN CONCERT One of the best hard rock bands in the world will hit the boards! The band’s two platinum albums, Winger and In the Heart of the Young, along with charting singles Seventeen and Miles Away put the band on the top of the charts by the early 1990s. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www.ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300. August 10 PAMPER SCAMPER Annual baby crawling race. 9am registration, 9:30am start at the 6th Street Beach. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 12 101ST ANNUAL BABY PARADE One of the oldest baby parades in the country. On the Boardwalk, 6th to 12th streets, 10:15am. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

August 12 TWINS CONTEST Prizes for those who look the most and least alike. Registration begins at 6pm, contest at 6:30pm, in front of the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 14 MISS OCEAN CITY PAGEANT Scholarship pageant sponsored by the Ocean City Exchange Club. 8pm at the Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets $15 at the door. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 15 DAVE STAHL ORCHESTRA CONCERT Big band sound, 30-piece ensemble plus choir. Admission is free. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. August 16 B.J. THOMAS IN CONCERT One of the most distinctive voices in American pop music. B.J. will be sure to sing his signature hits including the Oscar-winning

Top left, “There’s no need to fear, Wonder Bear is here!” Right, the Ocean City Repertory Theater hosts a Bloomsday celebration every June, featuring readings from James Joyce’s classic novel all day at various locations around town. That’s Dr. Jack Devine above. And we just couldn’t resist a photo from the Miss New Jersey Pageant. Show us your shoes! Below, the Music Pier hosts a variety of events all year long. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head, and his career-igniting cover of Hank Williams’ I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www.ocnj.us or by calling (609) 525-9300. August 16 - 20 WEIRD WEEK Wacky But Not Tacky these events are fun for the entire family. 11am each day at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. For more information call (609) 525-9300. August 20 LITTLE MISS OCEAN CITY PAGEANT Scholarship pageant for girls ages 8 to 11. Must live in, attend Ocean City Schools or parent be a property owner in Ocean City. 7pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $10 at the Music Pier Box Office. Registration is June 5th to July 9th. For information call (609) 525-9304. August 22

STEVE GREEN CONCERT CCM recording artist with guest back-up choir from ChARTer Tech. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Admission is free. For information call (609) 3991915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. August 23 THE LITTLE RIVER BAND Celebrating 35 years of music. Their hits include: Lady, Reminiscing, and The Lonesome Loser. Show time is 8pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Tickets are $25 and may be ordered online at www.ocnj. us or by calling (609) 525-9300. August 29 ROBIN MASSIE & STEVEN CONDY CONCERT Classically-trained soloists. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Admission is free. information call (609) 3991915 or visit www.octabernacle.org.

Second Season The Holidays Spring 2011

The annual Christmas Parade in Ocean City is a high point of the holiday season. SEPTEMBER September 4 FALL FARMER’S MARKET IN THE DOWNTOWN In the City Hall Annex Parking lot, 9th & Asbury Avenue, 8am to 1pm. For more information call (609) 398-4662. September 5 C.S. LEWIS DRAMA Performance by David Payne portraying C.S. Lewis. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Admission is free. For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www. octabernacle.org. September 10 - 12 STREET ROD WEEKEND Features classic cars on display at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th Street off the Boardwalk and on the Boardwalk. Saturday, noon to 4pm. For information call (609) 525-9300. September 11 FALL FARMERS MARKET IN THE DOWNTOWN In the City Hall Annex Parking lot, 9th & Asbury Avenue, 8am to 1pm. For more information call (609) 398-4662.

September 11 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY’S FUNDAY AT PLAYLAND’S CASTAWAY COVE Ride all the rides for $10.00, 1pm to 5pm. For more information call (609) 398-4200 or visit www.hsocnj.org. September 18 OCEAN CITY AIRPORT FESTIVAL Annual festival at the Municipal Airport, 26th & Bay Avenue, 10am to 3pm. Features a ground display of unusual airplanes ranging from World War II planes to Classics and Warbirds. Meet the performers for the next day’s Aerobatic Air Show. For more information call (609) 525-9223. September 18 FALL FARMERS MARKET IN THE DOWNTOWN In the City Hall Annex Parking lot, 9th & Asbury Avenue, 8am to 1pm. For more information call (609) 398-4662. September 18 & 19 BOARDWALK FALL FAMILY FUNFEST Juried Craft Show, face painters, bands, pony rides at 11th Street. 9am to 6pm.

September 18 & 19 BOARDWALK AEROBATIC AIRSHOW Thrill to some of the best stunt pilots and aerobatic champions in the world plus military demonstrations. 1pm to 3pm. 6th to 14th streets. For information call (609) 525-9300. September 21 - 23 PASTORS CONFERENCE Featuring training and encouragement from well-known pastors and authors. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.octabernacle.org. September 25 FALL FARMERS MARKET IN THE DOWNTOWN In the City Hall Annex parking lot, 9th & Asbury Avenue, 8am to 1pm. For more information call (609) 398-4662. September 25 MS BIKE-A-THON Over 7,000 bikers raise over $3 million for the Delaware Valley MS Society. September 26 CORVETTE SHOW

October 30 DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS TRICK OR TREAT Noon to 3pm, 6th to 11th streets on Asbury Avenue at participating merchants.

At the Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace, 10am to 5pm both days. Free parking. $3 contribution benefits local charities. Children under 12 free. For more information call 1-800822-4112.

October 30 FREE HAYRIDES ON THE BOARDWALK Passengers may get on and off at 8th and 12th Streets. Free pumpkins, face painting & trick or treating. Noon to 4pm.

November 19 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY PAWS AND CLAWS GALA This event is held at the Flanders Hotel, 11th & Boardwalk. Tickets can be purchased at the shelter in advance. Cost of ticket includes dinner. 7pm. For more information call (609) 3984200 or visit www.hsocnj.org.

NOVEMBER November 6 TRAIL OF TWO CITIES – RUN/WALK Over the 9th Street Bridge from Ocean City to Somers Point. Registration 7am at the Transportation Center, 10th & Haven Avenue, Ocean City. Run/Walk 8am. For more information call (609) 525-9300. November 11 VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM 11am at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 5th & Wesley Avenue. For more information call (609) 525-9300. November 12 - 14 QUIET FESTIVAL A celebration of quiet things. For more information call (609) 525-9300. November 13 & 14 CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

November 20 EARLIER THAN THE BIRD DOWNTOWN SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA 7am to Noon. Get out earlier than the bird and jump start your holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving. Shop in your pajamas, free coffee and giveaways, early bird shopping specials! Free turkey giveaways to the best PJs! For information call (609) 398-4662. November 20 & 21 HOLIDAY CELEBRATION OF FINE CRAFTS Presented by the Jersey Shore Artisans Guild. Contribution of $3 supports area charities. 10am to 5pm both days at the Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace. Free Parking. No charge for children under 12. For info call 1-800-822-4112.

November 25 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY HARRIERS FOR HOUNDS A 5k run/walk and kids 1 mile fun run held Thanksgiving morning rain or shine. 7:30am in front of the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk. Run proceeds from registration area at the Music Pier to 23rd Street and back. The 1-mile run goes from the Music Pier to 5th Street and back. Run is entirely on the boardwalk. No dogs allowed. For more information call (609) 398-4200 or visit www.hsocnj.org. November 26 CHRISTMAS IN THE DOWNTOWN OUR MIRACLE ON ASBURY AVENUE Join the merchants and Chamber in kicking off an old-fashioned Downtown Christmas. Noon to 6pm. For information call (609) 399-1412. November 27 & 28 PHOTOS WITH SANTA 12pm to 3pm at the Music Pier. For more information call (609) 399-2629. DECEMBER December 4 CHRISTMAS PARADE Includes bands, floats and costumed characters. Santa greets children following the parade, poses for photos, gives them treats. 10:30am, 6th to 11th Streets on Asbury Avenue. For information call (609) 525-9300.

Street Rod Weekend features classic cars on display at the Sports & Civic Center, 6th Street off the Boardwalk, and on the Boardwalk. Over 350 cars exhibited. One of the largest shows in the East. Models from every year Corvettes were manufactured comprise this colorful show. Displayed on the Boardwalk from 6th to 10th streets, 11:30am to 4pm. Raindate is Sunday, October 3.

October 8 - 11 BOARDWALK & DOWNTOWN MERCHANT TABLES SALES No vendors, just Ocean City merchants. 6th to 14th Streets on the Boardwalk and on Asbury Avenue.

OCTOBER

October 9 - 11 INDIAN SUMMER WEEKEND Seafood vendors at the Music Pier from Saturday to Monday, and Boardwalk table sales. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

October 2 CITYWIDE YARD SALE Tabernacle grounds, 5th & Wesley Avenue and at homes throughout town. 8am to noon. Table sales in the downtown, 6th to 11th Streets along Asbury Avenue. Bargains galore! For information call (609) 398-4662. October 2 FALL FARMERS MARKET IN THE DOWNTOWN In the City Hall Annex parking lot, 9th & Asbury Avenue, 8am to 1pm. For more information call (609) 398-4662. October 2 & 3 BOARDWALK & DOWNTOWN MERCHANT TABLES SALES No vendors, just Ocean City merchants. 6th to 14th Streets on the Boardwalk and on Asbury Avenue.

October 9 FALL BLOCK PARTY Over 400 crafters, food vendors, music and more. 9am to 5pm from 5th to 14th streets on Asbury Avenue and the Tabernacle grounds. For more information call (609) 525-9300. October 9 BRUCE VANTINE’S CHORALE IN CONCERT Professional touring choir with brass ensemble; classical and contemporary repertoire. Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th & Wesley Avenue at 7pm. Tickets $15 ($13 in advance). For more information call (609) 399-1915 or visit www. octabernacle.org. October 16 JUNIOR MISS OCEAN CITY PAGEANT

Scholarship pageant for girls ages 12 to 15. Must live, attend Ocean City Schools or have a parent property owner in Ocean City. 7pm at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and Boardwalk. Tickets are $10 at the Music Pier Box Office. Registration: June 5th to September 17th. For information call (609) 525-9304. October 20 OCEAN CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS – SOUTH JERSEY GHOST RESEARCH The program will focus on the efforts of a local ghost hunting organization. South Jersey Ghost Research will present some of their findings, including EVPS, photos, videos and more. Admission is free. For information call (609) 399-2434 or visit www.oceancitylibrary.org. October 23 & 24 FREE HAYRIDES ON THE BOARDWALK Passengers may get on and off at 8th and 12th Streets. Free pumpkins, face painting & trick or treating. 12noon – 4pm. October 28 HALLOWEEN PARADE Online registration only at http://www.ochp. blogspot.com. There will be no in-person registration. 7:15pm on Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th streets. For more information call 1-800813-5580.

The annual Ocean City Airport Festival, 26th & Bay Avenue, features a unique ground display and an Aerobatic Air Show.

We probably pray more for surf than for snow, but we work with whatever comes our way in Ocean City. December 4 NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP Spend the day in New York City. Bus leaves the Ocean City Transportation Center, 10th & Haven Avenue at 8am. Departs New York City 6pm. $30 is transportation only. Register at the City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Avenue, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. For information call (609) 525-9304. December 4 & 5 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Every weekend at a different restaurant downtown. 8:30am to 11:30am. For more information call (609) 398-4662. December 4 & 5 TRAIN SHOW Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace. Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. For more information call (609) 525-9300. December 4 & 5 FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES Noon to 3pm in front of City Hall, 9th & Asbury Avenue. December 4 & 5 PHOTOS WITH SANTA 12pm to 3pm at the Music Pier. For more infor-

mation call (609) 399-2629. December 11 HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY SANTA PAWS Visitors are welcome to bring their pets to have their pictures taken with Santa. 10am to 2pm at the Red Barn Building, 1 Shelter Road. HSOC merchandise is available for sale. Cost of pictures is $10.00. For more information call (609) 398-4200 or visit www. hsocnj.org. December 11 & 12 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Every weekend at a different restaurant downtown. 8:30am to 11:30am. For more information call (609) 398-4662. December 11 & 12 FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES Noon to 3pm in front of City Hall, 9th & Asbury Avenue. December 11 & 12 PHOTOS WITH SANTA 12pm to 3pm at the Music Pier. For more information call (609) 399-2629. December 18 & 19 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Every weekend at a different restaurant downtown. 8:30am to 11:30am. For more information call (609) 398-4662. December 18 & 19 FREE HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES Noon to 3pm in front of City Hall, 9th & Asbury Avenue. December 18 & 19 PHOTOS WITH SANTA 12pm to 3pm at the Music Pier. For more information call (609) 399-2629. December 18 & 19 FIRST NIGHT NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION A complete schedule of entertainment leading up to fireworks at midnight. For more information call (609) 525-9300. JANUARY 2011 January 1 5K BOARDWALK RUN 1 pm. For information call (609) 525-9300. January 1 FIRST DAY AT THE BEACH Featuring Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year. 2pm at the Music Pier,

Summer is right around the corner when the annual Doo Dah Parade rolls through town. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind event. Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

the sea. All are welcome. For more information call (609) 525-9300.

January 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA Tremendous bargains all day along Asbury Avenue. Happy New Year!

EASTER FASHION PROMENADE Come dressed in your Easters best to stroll in our Fashion Promenade and meet the Easter Bunny. For information call (609) 525-9300.

SPRING 2011 APRIL, DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

DOO DAH PARADE Say goodbye to tax season with this comedy parade complete with over 500 basset hounds. For info call (609) 525-9300.

WOOFIN’ PAWS PET FASHION SHOW Dress your pets in their Easter best. For more information call (609) 525-9300. EASTER IN THE DOWNTOWN Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Free Photos with the Easter Bunny in a lifeguard stand, candy and prize-filled eggs for kids, Eggstra Special Savings all along the Avenue. 6th to 11th streets along Asbury Avenue. For information call (609) 398-4662. THE GREAT EGG HUNT 100,000 eggs, 5,000 with prizes, five grand prize bikes and other grand prizes in each age group. For info call (609) 525-9300. EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE A traditional non-denominational service by

5TH ANNUAL END-TO-END FAMILY BIKE TOUR A family-oriented bike tour from 58th Street and Central Avenue. Eight miles spanning the length of Ocean City wrapping around the northern tip of the island and finishing at the Bayside Center. For info call (609) 525-9300. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION At Bayside Center, 520 Bay Avenue. Entertainment, environmental exhibits, refreshments and more. Call (609) 525-9285.

It’s always a great day in Ocean City.

e would sit on the beach all day and blow bubbles - The Ladies at The Butterfly Boutique

f I weren’t so busy I’d be fishing, crabbing, clamming or hunting. - Bogy, artist/teacher

’d be playing on the water... windsurfing, surfing, or wakeboarding with my family. - Eric Weeks, EZ Memories Photography

would grab a book and head to the beach and sit by the water’s edge all day. - Sand in my shoes

G I J S

o for a ride on our boat. - Jody & Ger at Mallon’s

’d spend an afternoon reading on the beach. - Kathi, life time Jersey Shore girl. oin my customers on the water having fun. - Don at Baycats

oaking up a lot of hot sun, playing with my kids in the soft Ocean City beach sand, and swimming in the ocean all day long. - Atlantis Inn Mommy “I’d take advantage of so many places to go to with my family. First, I’d take a bike ride on the Boardwalk. Then go to the 8th Street playground (let the kids run wild for a while). Eat lunch at Angelo’s, then off to the rides! I enjoy the rides as much as the kids. Alex and I like the helicopter ride at Gillian’s.” Mary Bayham

If I Weren’t So Busy I’d...

f I weren’t so busy I’d love to be out on the water fishing. If waves were big maybe I would be out surfing. Or if the fishing is quiet and there were no waves I would be riding on an ATV with the family. - Andrew Yoa

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his is such a crazy question because we look at Ocean City in such a different way than those who come to visit. I’ve attempted to take days off while staying in town, but it never seems to amount to a day off. There’s a guilty feeling that sets in when lying on the beach or going to a nice dinner when I know that I should be in one of our stores. But, if I could clone myself and actually enjoy a real day off in Ocean City I would eat some brunch at Augie’s, ride the waterslides at Gillian’s, bake on the beach, dinner with my family at pop-pop’s house, rides at Playland, treat ourselves to some Jilly’s Ice Cream and end it all with a major pinch to wake me from this sweet dream (or beautiful nightmare)! - Jody, Jilly’s

f I weren’t so busy I’d go away in a quiet corner and renew my energy and positive spirit so that I could continue to go forth and serve the wonderful people with whom I come in contact with each and every day. Peggy Ann, Osborne’s Inn

’d pretend I was on vacation and go on the Boardwalk, eat somewhere I’d never eaten before, and I’d chill out on the beach with a book and people watch. - Cheryl Huber ’d spend the day on the beach and work on my tan. - Joe Tac

’d be on the beach with the four generations of my family. We love Ocean City and are truly blessed to be here! - Carol Kearney, Gingham Whale

’d fly kites on the beach, put my toes in the ocean, juggle and yo-yo, dress up like a pirate...oh wait I do that everyday anyway! Living the dream in Ocean City. - Doug Jewell, the kite guy

’d shop on Asbury Avenue and get some great summer clothes, accessories, and eat in the best restaurants in town. Oh, and of course, I’d read a few more great books. - Nancy and Roz at Sun Rose Words and Music asy! Be on a golf course. - Drew Pessano

f I weren’t so busy I’d... have time to think about it and answer this question. - Paul Francis

would start at Wards for some donuts and apple fritters. Then rent a surrey to go for a bike ride on the Boardwalk. While on the Boards we’d stop for a game of mini golf and arcade games. Then onto the Downtown to take in an event or do some shopping and have lunch. After time spent sitting on the beach and frolicking in the ocean, we would stop for pizza, hit the rides, ride the go karts and stop off for ice-cream - after playing skeeball. The day would conclude with a stroll on the 57th Street beach. - Ocean City Marcia

For the locals, summertime is crunchtime and there’s little time off. But if they could get away, just for a moment, here’s what they would do...

f I weren’t so busy I’d recreate my childhood memories of Ocean City for my daughter. We would start out with a surrey ride on the Boardwalk, dinging the little bell just for the fun of it. Afterwards, we would pack up all of our beach gear and spend our carefree day by the ocean, jumping the waves, chasing seagulls and burying daddy in the sand. In the evening we’d go on a few rides at the amusement park and play some skeeball before filling our tummies with ice cream, funnel cake and caramel popcorn. - Diana, Sindia Restaurant

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tay on the beach from sunrise to sunset. - Marybeth, Prep’s Pizzeria & Dairy Bar

rish and I would spend more time on the beach and Boardwalk with our grandchildren. That’s what OC is all about. And we’d explore all the shops on Asbury Avenue. - Tom and Trish, Ideal Hair Styling & Barber Shop

’d spend my day walking the beach and Boardwalk with my family and taking in the sweet smells and sounds of summertime in Ocean City. - Laurie, blessed to be living and working in Ocean City all year round!

f I weren’t so busy I’d be fishing on a boat in the back bay... or perhaps taking my nieces, Taylor and Lauren, to the rides on the Boardwalk…or shopping downtown… or sailing... or just laying on the beach soaking up the rays! - Shawnda McGinnis, Marketing Director, Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce

’d spend a lot more time reading on the beach! - Jim Rutala, Ocean City Business Administrator

would be sitting on my deck with my wife enjoying a ‘97 cab with a beautiful summer sunset and a fine cigar! Doesn’t get much better than that. - Chuck, Mack & Manco Pizza

f I weren’t so busy I’d start my day by taking a walk on the beach. From there I’d get my bicycle and ride to Brown’s Donuts at 3rd Street and wait in line for my donuts. Then I’d ride my bike to burn off the donuts. I’d spend the rest of the day at the beach building sandcastles, sunbathing and body surfing. For lunch? Nothing’s better then a slice of Mack & Manco’s pizza! After my fun in the sun on the beach, I’d head home to shower, followed by a moonlight stroll and dinner on the boardwalk. And to top it all off, Johnson’s Popcorn and ice cream. - Rose, Clean Sweep Services

f I weren’t so busy I’d be sailing the back bays of Ocean City. - John Ball, Laura’s Fudge Shop

f I weren’t so busy I’d start my day with an early ride on a jetski in the back bays, then I would go fishing by the Ocean City Inlet. I would end my day grilling my catch and enjoying the sunset by the bay with my husband and two little girls. - Maira Middleton, Bayview Marina, Ocean City

“If I weren’t so busy, I’d be sailing the back bays of Ocean City,” John Ball, Laura’s Fudge.

And now... the only guide you’ll ever need for

Where to Eat, Shop, Stay and Play in America’s Greatest Family Resort

Above, Claudia Bordo, third from left, with her daughter, sisters, grandchildren, niece and mom. Below, Claudia and her family and friends celebrate a perfect day on the Ocean City beach.

So Much to Love

The annual trek to Ocean City... what ’s not to love? By Claudia Bordo

very summer, my family rents a beachfront house. All year I anxiously await this joyous week. My family is large and loud - you know the type. While sometimes it does get hectic, it’s always a lot of fun. The first one up in the house is always my mom Rae, she’s 86 and makes a perfect cup of coffee. She gets her current needlepoint project from Scrim Discovery and takes a seat out on the big deck. One by one the family wakes and trickles out with sleep still in their eyes and coffee mugs in hand. Plans are made, conversations flow. If you’re early enough, you’ll catch a glorious sunrise. It’s a must for me… After coffee chat I like to shop at the unique stores on Asbury Avenue or go for a bike ride with my guy. The land is flat and easy and the bike path along Haven Avenue is full of beautifully-tended gardens with fountains and flags. It even has a bird sanctuary! It’s big sky, warm breezes and friendly people... AND exercise. I’ll stop by Mallon’s for some sticky buns on my way back to the house. Once home, there’s usually a favorite lunch being prepared; plenty of Bennie rolls and fresh cold cuts from Boyar’s with locally

grown tomatoes. Everything tastes better at the Shore. After the clean up, it beach time. Moving a large group is like herding sheep. Takes time. After hours of sunning, digging and swimming, we all head back... to the most amazing aroma permeating the entire house. It’s Mom’s crabs and spaghetti! Oh rapture! This meal is a serious crowd pleaser. Extremely messy and extremely delicious. At night, the walk on the Boards is always

special, with suntanned faces, laughter and music everywhere. We go for the “Trifecta,” which consists of ice cream from George’s candies, funnel cake from Jilly’s and Shriver’s salt water taffy. In our happy delirium we all stagger home. When everyone is tucked in bed I like to sit on the deck and stargaze or stroll along the beach in the moonlight. In Ocean City, there is so much to love! Claudia Bordo, when she’s not stargazing in Ocean City, lives and writes in Philadelphia.