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There are plenty of reasons why people would want to head downtown in Ocean City on the biggest shopping day of the year. Consider the array of boutiques that appeal to all tastes and many restaurants offering discounts. But there is also a lot more to enjoy in “America’s Greatest Family Resort" over the holidays, according to the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce. Chamber officials note that when it comes to holiday shopping and memories, big box retailers and malls just don’t compare to Ocean City's festive small-town charms. Ocean City’s Christmas in the Downtown -- “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” -- runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Black Friday. Downtown shop keepers and restaurant owners will be open late.

Holidays are a time for gift-giving, good cheer and parties. The Ocean City Police Department is wishing everyone health and happiness, but with a few reminders about safety during the busy season. The tips are designed to help people when they are heading out to do that last-minute shopping or traveling to friends and family. They also warn of porch pirates, other thefts and phone scams.

Roy Gillian has dedicated his life to Ocean City. He followed in his father’s footsteps in the amusement park business and created the iconic Gillian’s Wonderland Pier at Sixth Street and the Boardwalk. And throughout his lifetime he has served on many boards and organizations. So, for his 90th birthday, which was on Nov. 25, his son, Mayor Jay Gillian, City Council and the administration thought they should do a little something for him. Council passed a resolution at its meeting Tuesday night naming Nov. 25, 2019, as "Roy Gillian Day."

The Ocean City Free Public Library is not just a library. It is an entertainment and learning center, offering one-stop shopping for patrons with all of its activities, lectures, books and audio books – and it is going to get better. A renovation project for the second floor has been planned for a while. However, it will take longer than originally thought because library officials are waiting for state funding to help with the cost. Specifically, the building improvements will consist of an expansion of the young adults section, new furnishings, brighter lighting and more quiet space for study time as well as “maker space” for do-it-yourself types of projects.

"Earlier than the Bird" mania drew throngs of pajama-clad holiday shoppers to downtown Ocean City on Saturday morning. The annual tradition calls for shoppers to roll out of bed early to catch the best bargains. People dressed in pajamas, robes and bedroom slippers add to the fun.

Here is even more evidence of the popularity of living at the Jersey Shore: People are holding onto their homes to the point that there is a shortage of inventory for realtors to sell. It has turned into a seller’s market. Newly released figures show that total home sales were down in October compared to last year at this time throughout the region. BHHS Fox & Roach President Joan Docktor said, "Total home sales were down in October compared to last year at this time because we are not meeting the demand for homes to buy. With this climate, it is a good time to sell your home.”

When the temperatures dip, the first thing most of us do is shut the windows, dress in warm clothes and make sure the snow shovels are at the ready. But what about getting your home ready? That’s right, making sure that when sitting snugly inside, with the heat cranked up, the air that is blowing through the vents is clean. It’s time to call Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning in Marmora. The family-owned company specializes in air purification systems, duct cleaning, humidifiers and dehumidifiers so that the air you breath in – inside – is as clean as it should be. Brian Broadley, owner of Broadley’s calls it a flu shot for your home. “We promote a healthy home and a healthy home needs the proper air quality, temperature and humidity levels,” he said. One of his biggest suggestions for homeowners is a product called the REME HALO Whole Home In-duct Air Purifier, an air purifying system that Broadley’s experts will install into your existing HVAC system...

A transformation of the Ninth Street corridor in Ocean City has been going on for a few years. The newest addition, a real estate office building for Keller Williams, promises to serve as a commercial centerpiece in the main entryway into town. Gone are the eyesores -- the blighted sites of former gas stations. Over the last couple of years much has changed along the busy gateway, giving visitors and residents some vibrant new options to see.

The Heckmans weren’t going to let a forecast of rains and flooding stop them from taking a planned road trip to Ocean City on Sunday. The Reading, Pa., family strolled the Boardwalk, stopped in an arcade, bought some candies at Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and checked out the waves and rough surf. “We had this trip planned for two weeks,” said dad, Ian Heckman. Heckman and his wife, Dennise, brought their daughter, Autumn, down to the resort to celebrate her 18th birthday. Autumn was joined by brother, Takoda, and her boyfriend, Donny Snyder, not to mention the two family dogs, Dixie and T-Bone.

Ocean City officials, under Mayor Jay Gillian, have improved the infrastructure to reduce flooding and drainage problems on the low-lying barrier island existing for decades. Although there has been an aggressive approach to mitigate flooding throughout the town, there is still more that needs to be done, explained Ocean City Flooding Committee members during a public informational session at the library Saturday afternoon. Some issues discussed at the forum included why Ocean City floods, how it can be mitigated and what could city officials and residents do in partnership to fight the problem.