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O.C. PTA Gets Lucky, Raises $18,000 for Schools

The Ocean City Parent Teacher Association decided to create some excitement with a fundraiser. Instead of a commonplace event, members on the fundraising committee decided to do it up – and oh, they did. The PTA hosted “A Night in Monte Carlo” event April 6 at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City, 4487 Venicean Road, to a packed crowd of 200. There was dancing, fancy appetizers and a bit of casino-style gaming. In all, the PTA raised more than $18,000 at the event. Proceeds will help fund improvements to Ocean City’s Primary and Intermediate Schools' playground equipment, enhancements to the Intermediate School’s STEM Program and field trips for students in grades kindergarten through eighth.

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier Marks 90th Season

When entering Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, where rides and amusements have delighted families for generations on the Ocean City Boardwalk, one may feel as if they've stepped into a time warp. And for the throngs of visitors who keep coming back to the amusement park that boasts one of the largest Ferris wheels on the East Coast at 144 feet high, nostalgia is a good thing. This was the first weekend that Wonderland Pier was open for business for the season. The park, which was founded in 1929, will be open during the week as well after Memorial Day. A formal celebration marking the 90th anniversary will be held this summer.

Mr. Mature America 2019 Crowned

Jack Merritt, 69, of West Grove, Pa., took home the crown of Mr. Mature America 2019. The consultant, who has a vacation home in Ocean City, is a private pilot. He strummed and sang with a bit of help from the audience at the Ocean City Music Pier to Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.”

OCEF Awards $14,000 in School Grants

The Ocean City Education Foundation (OCEF) awarded $14,000 in mini-grants to smiling teachers in the district during a reception and ceremony Friday morning at the primary school. Comfy furniture for first-graders, a television camera for technology classes, a button maker for a merchandising class, class trips for children in special education classes geared toward building social skills, French food supplies, and headphones for Spanish classes were just some of the awards. “We just love giving these grants out,” said Tricia Ciliberto, president of the independent foundation. “We want to keep giving for years to come.”

Baia Restaurant Demolition Leaves One Less Eatery in Area

Demolition crews began knocking down the former Baia Restaurant, 998 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, and at this point, city officials say they aren’t sure what will become of the property. “The owner, GMH Restaurant Holdings LLC, took out a demolition permit and yesterday they began demolition,” said Planning and Zoning Board Administrator Jayne Meischker. She said at this time there are no applications before either the planning or zoning boards for a new restaurant or other business at that site.

Teens Warned of Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol at After-Prom Forum

Teens and parents gathered in the Ocean City High School library Tuesday night to listen to speakers talk about the risks of drinking and drugs and watch an emotional short film about teens reflecting on their friend’s death of an overdose. The presentation, which was also in Upper Township at the Middle School on Monday night, was a joint event between the OCHS After Prom Committee and the Upper Township/Ocean City Municipal Alliance Committee. Audience members viewed the short film, “If They Had Known,” by teens who reflected on what they wish they had known about the dangers of the party culture.

Tradewinds Motel Checks-out

The Tradewinds Motel boasted that its convenient location, just a five minute jaunt to the Ocean City Boardwalk, casual rooms and inviting pool were some of the reasons guests should explore this laid back alternative to pricier accommodations. On Monday, the thought of staying at the 1950s-looking era motel at 600 E. Ninth Street, were just a memory, as demolition was underway to turn the building that was pet friendly and touted its mini fridges and free Wi-Fi, into rubble. “A demo permit was issued today, and they are working on it,” confirmed Ocean City Construction Officer Neil Byrne Monday...

O.C. Happenings: Doo Dah Parade, Egg Hunt and Mr. Mature Pageant

Barbara Eden will be grand marshal for the 2019 Doo Dah Parade in Ocean City on Saturday (April 13) and return that night to emcee the Mr. Mature America Pageant. Eden is one of America’s most endearing and enduring stars. Her iconic “I Dream of Jeannie” television series launched in 1965 and became an instant hit. The network series ran for five seasons (139 episodes) and has been airing on cable and in syndication for more than five decades. Her recently published memoir, “Jeannie Out of the Bottle,” became a New York Times bestseller. The autobiography chronicle’s Eden’s colorful life and remarkable Hollywood career. Her talent and charm will be a perfect fit for Ocean City’s pageant, which mixes self-deprecating humor with nostalgia and talent in a tribute to men ages 55 and older...

“Girls” Have Lots of Fun in O.C.

Dede Rothman and two of her close friends stopped to take a break in between shopping on a sunny and mild Saturday in Ocean City on Girls Weekend. Rothman, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Beth Chadwick, of Lancaster, Pa., and Keirsten Kassel, of Carlisle, Pa., have been friends since high school. They do not let life, or miles, get in the way of their excursions to the Jersey Shore. They stay with a friend who has a home in Ocean City and make a long and unforgettable weekend around the featured event. Girls Weekend translates into discounts on boutique-style clothing, jewelry, shoes and more, as well as special offers at eateries.

Styling at Ocean City’s Girls Weekend Fashion Show

They strutted, they sashayed, and they certainly sizzled. It may not have been a Paris fashion show featuring the latest haute couture, but Ocean City’s best put on its version with a lot of the glitz and glamour. Combining laughs with “oohs and aahs” and applause, Ocean City’s fashion show at Glazed Over Studios, 704 Asbury Ave., had business owners, residents and even City Council members sporting snazzy threads. The fashion show served as a grand kickoff to the Girls Weekend celebration that is expected to bring scores of visitors and residents to the downtown shops and eateries, where they will be treated to discounts on merchandise and dining.