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mvitale

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Ocean City’s Summer Rec Programs Offer Array of Activities

When looking for activities for kids, the Ocean City Recreation Department has an array of camps, sports and programs to fill the entire summer calendar. Sign-ups begin May 1.

Easter Fashions Flourish on Ocean City Boardwalk

Sure, there were flowing floral dresses, tailored pastel-colored suits, plenty of bonnets and even a few fedoras. Oh, and there was an abundance of adorable when it came to the attire on infants and primary school-aged kids on Easter Sunday in Ocean City. The Easter Fashion Stroll, a longstanding tradition in the family-friendly resort, gives contestants a place to make some fashion statements.

Ocean City Boardwalk Hopping on Easter Weekend

If it weren't for plenty of headbands complete with bunny ears, colorful plastic eggs filled with toys and candies, and an Easter bunny or two, a casual observer might have thought Saturday was a bustling summer day on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Throngs of visitors and residents alike took to the boards to enjoy the official Ocean City kickoff to what is predicted to be a busy spring season.

Chorus Seeks Singers For Performance With O.C. Pops

A chorus will join the Ocean City Pops on July 6 for a performance at the Ocean City Music Pier of Beethoven’s "Choral" Symphony No. 9. And singers are still needed to complete the 40-member chorus to complement the O.C. Pops. Rehearsals for the chorus are scheduled for every Thursday in June from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Eighth and Central Ave. in Ocean City.  A choral score will be provided along with online rehearsal aids, according to choral director Richard Stanislaw. “The mainstay of this group is the Angelus Chorus and we have not sung since the pandemic began,” Stanislaw said in an interview with OCNJDaily.com Friday. “We are looking forward to performing with the O.C. Pops.” The show will be at 7:30 p.m. and Stanislaw said that O.C. Pops maestro Vince Lee will act as the conductor of the chorus as well. “There will be 10 singers on a part. They will stand on risers beside the orchestra so that Vince can conduct them from where he stands,” Stanislaw explained. “It is a dynamic work between the chorus and the orchestra.” Currently, there are 22 singers selected. Stanislaw noted that Lee has given instructions on how he would like the chorus to prepare for the performance...

New Book Holders to Enhance “StoryWalk” Experience

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Ocean City Free Public Library (OCFPL) looked into ways for people to enjoy outdoors. Then OCFPL Children’s Librarian Taimi Kelley brought the idea of StoryWalk to Library Director Karen Mahar. StoryWalk, which began in October 2020, is a reading program at Lake Memorial Park, 407 Wesley Ave. Families stroll along the park and read the books spread out on temporary holders along the path. Mahar announced during an OCFPL Board of Trustees meeting Monday that the library ordered 20 aluminum holders that are angled for ease of reading, as well as being able to handle inclement weather.

OCTC to Highlight Young Talents With Camps, Shows

The Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) offers many ways for young talents to hone, develop or just try out musical theater. From summer camps to Jr. Company auditions for productions to the Show Choir, students from elementary school to high school will enjoy singing, dancing and acting. Details follow for what parents and kids need to know about the camps and shows and how to join.

Ocean City’s Doo Dah Parade Unleashes Zany Time

They strutted. They hummed, or rather howled, a tune. Some wore zany costumes. Others looked simply demure in their colorful bonnets. All of them seemed to command attention in the downtown and Boardwalk in Ocean City on Saturday. After all, there were 300 of them. Basset hounds and their owners took part in the annual Doo Dah parade. They paraded through Ocean City’s downtown before heading up to the Boardwalk where they were greeted by many spectators. The annual event, in its 35th year, continues to entertain, amuse and delight people of all ages. It is the city’s season-opener to a long list of events and activities scheduled throughout the spring and summer.

Raptors Returning to Ocean City to Chase Gulls

When it comes to choosing a vacation spot, it isn’t only the family-friendly environment, Boardwalk, beaches and downtown shopping, that attracts visitors to Ocean City. What the city lacks also adds to its allure – gulls. Since 2019, the city has contracted with a bird abatement company to use raptors to chase away pesky gulls. And since then, visitors have been enjoying their vacations a bit more. People are able to enjoy Boardwalk treats, lounge on the beaches and not have to worry about gulls swooping down to snatch a meal. And the company that is helping to make those vacations even better is East Coast Falcons. The city renewed the contract for the Lodi, N.J.-based business. “We’re happy to bring back East Coast Falcons,” Mayor Jay Gillian said of the bird abatement program Wednesday. “The program has been successful and effective, and it will always be important to keep our boardwalk and beaches safe for all the families that enjoy them.” The company will be paid $1,993 per day, with the annual amount of its contract estimated at $250,000, according to a City Council resolution that authorized the company’s hiring for 2022 at a Council meeting last month. City spokesman Doug Bergen said the program will run on weekends in the spring, continue daily through the heart of the summer season, and extend into the fall on weekends. The exact schedule is yet to be determined...

Easter Egg Hunt in The Gardens

On Saturday, April 16, rain or shine, the Ocean City Gardens Civic Association will host an Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and under. The egg hunt will start at 10 a.m. at the North Street Park. Children will divided into groups and different sections of the park according to age (0-3 years, 4 and 5 years, 6 and 7 years and 8 to 10 years). Bring your own basket!

High School Students Become “Best Buddies”

Eight years ago, parents of students enrolled in the Life Skills class at Ocean City High School went to educators and asked for more opportunities for their children of differing abilities to become involved in the school community. Parents asked and quickly got the attention of Matt Carey, then the director of Special Education. He, along with special education teacher Lisa O’Neill, launched the Best Buddies Club. And since then, under the current leadership of Patty Kelly, who acts as the club’s advisor, students have participated in a multitude of activities from basketball games to field trips, and all with their “Best Buddies.”