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Community Shows Love With Food Drive

Generosity of a community, people lending support, donating food to those who are struggling because they are out of work or can’t make ends meet, is what Ocean City is about, explained Gloria Votta, chairwoman of Community Services for the Ocean City Board of Realtors. “The people in the community are amazingly generous,” Votta said in an interview Saturday. “There is one man who wishes to remain anonymous who gives us $800 for coats for kids each year. People are just really giving.” The Ocean City Board of Realtors (OCBOR) kicked off its 2021 Community Service Projects Saturday, with the “Food Is Love, Share Some Love,” winter food drive for those in need.

O.C. Police Protect President, Vice President on Inauguration Day

Ocean City police officers who assisted with security for the Inauguration Day of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala D. Harris called the experience incredible, memorable and the highest honor they could hope for. A dozen officers from the department were selected by Police Chief Jay Prettyman to go down to Washington, D.C., for the historic event Wednesday. One of the officers went in his capacity as a member of the National Guard. They arrived Monday, were trained, deputized and sent on their assignment, which was near the White House, where they were to protect the motorcade holding President Biden and Vice President Harris.

HSOC Joins in “Stand Pup” Comedy Night

The Humane Society of Ocean City is joining shelters from the Tri-State area for a night of zany animal and people fun with Stand Pup Comedy Night on Zoom. The event on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. features comedians such as Fred Stroller of Seinfeld and a host of adoptable cats and dogs. Tickets for the show are $20 and $10 of every ticket sale will go to the shelter of one’s choice, including HSOC. Details follow on how to buy tickets.

O.C. Police Assist in Biden Inauguration Security

Members of the Ocean City Police Department went down to Washington, D.C., in perhaps the greatest call of duty – to assist in security for the Inauguration Day of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala D. Harris. "We’re proud to participate in securing the capital,” Police Chief Jay Prettyman said Wednesday. “It’s something we've had the pleasure to do, side by side with patrols from across the country, for the past four elections. It’s a memorable experience for our team and an important service to the nation.”

Ocean City Celebrates MLK Day

Ocean City church and community leaders didn’t allow the COVID-19 crisis to prevent them from observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to celebrate his message of peace and love. “Today, we celebrate the legacy, the work, the life of a man whose life was fueled by his faith in his creator, a man, who profoundly changed the consciousness and character of America,” Ocean City Tabernacle Director of Youth Ministry Jonathan Gonzales said on stage at the Tabernacle. “Did you know legacy is not what we do for ourselves; legacy is what we do for the next generation?” Although Ocean City's King Day celebration was not stopped by the pandemic, the ceremony was conducted virtually at the Tabernacle to protect the participants from COVID-19. Gonzalez called upon those who watched the virtual ceremony to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Ocean City Tourism Campaign Gets Rolling

There may be a chill in the air, but the Ocean City Tourism Development Commission is reminding visitors that spring is around the corner and now is the time to book that family vacation. During the commission’s remote meeting this week, officials noted that the marketing campaign is getting into full swing with billboards, mailings and contest giveaways on social media platforms. And while officials emphasized that there is a lot unknown about what 2021’s summer season will look like, they are hoping the COVID-19 vaccine will be more readily available, and life will return to normal, or at least closer to it than the summer of 2020.

Ocean City Unveils Tentative Lineup of Family-Friendly Special Events

Miles of shoreline, the Boardwalk, shops and eateries continue to attract visitors to Ocean City – even during the pandemic. And a lineup of special family-friendly events for 2021 will serve as another major attraction, as long as the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't force their cancellation.

Ready, Set: Reserve a Spot at Ocean City’s Aquatic and Fitness...

Reserving a spot at the pool, gym, or ensuring a place in a favorite exercise class are now all just a few clicks away with Ocean City’s new online portal for members of the Aquatic & Fitness Center. The complex is a centerpiece of the community, where people go to unwind, work out, and focus on health. It is located in the Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave. And up until the COVID-19 pandemic, it was buzzing with activity. But for the months that it was closed before September, city officials worked together to create an easier way for members to select a time to get on their favorite treadmill, swim those laps and take those classes.

Library’s Outdoor Reading Program Takes Off

Ocean City Free Public Library (OCFPL) staff members searched for ways to entertain, educate and enlighten their patrons, despite having to limit hours and cancel all in-house programs due to the pandemic. When they chose a program for families to enjoy outside, keeping reading at the forefront, called StoryWalk, they hoped, but weren’t certain, it would be a success, explained OCFPL Director Karen Mahar. Fast forward a few months and StoryWalk, which began in October, is hugely popular among children and adults. The reading program, held on various days and times each month, allows for social distancing and brings patrons together, safely outside at Lake Memorial Park, 407 Wesley Ave.

Library Board of Trustees Reorganizes, New Museum Director Discussed

The Ocean City Free Public Library (OCFPL) Board of Trustees reorganized during a virtual meeting Monday. A new trustee member will be named this week and a new director of the Historical Museum was hired. Board of Trustees member Brian Broadley was on the nominating committee for the officers to the board. He named the selections. Jennifer Shirk remains as president of the board, Fred Marcell continues as vice president and Connie Pritchard stays on as treasurer. Lauren Cowden replaces Ron Denney as board secretary.