MediaWize

Some of you may have read about the Ocean City Housing Authority executive director pleading guilty to using federal funds for personal use. While the city has no oversight of Ocean City Housing Authority finances or personnel, the residents of Pecks Beach Village and Bay View Manor are an important part of our community. I’m disappointed to learn of this alleged crime, and I believe it’s important for the Housing Authority to move forward with a new executive director and new financial oversight of this federally funded housing program. When the residents of Pecks Beach Village were displaced by Superstorm Sandy and the efforts to restore their homes stalled, the city had to step in to help them. Then as now, I believe these citizens deserve better. I’m confident the current Housing Authority has the leadership to get the job done...

Most 5-year-old boys will probably spend their days on the beach building sandcastles, flying a kite or playing ball. Brian Heritage, the son of legendary Sea Isle City surf shop owner Dan Heritage, was already riding a surfboard when he was just 5. A treasured black-and-white photo showing him surfing in Sea Isle in 1967 proves it. “I grew up as a second-generation water baby, literally,” Heritage recalled of his family’s ties to the surfing industry. Glancing fondly at the old photo, he noted, “That was the first surfboard ever made for me.”

Letter carriers across the country, in partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, will be collecting food for families in need on Saturday, May 13. In Ocean City, carriers ask that residents collect and bag non-perishable food items, then place them by their mailboxes for pickup on Saturday. All food will be donated to the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Food Cupboard. Please do not include items that have expired or are in glass containers...

With double-digit increases in both reading and math, Ocean City High School (OCHS) students scored an average 1131 out of 1600 on the newly-redesigned SAT, besting the state average of 1075 by 56 points. This score places OCHS at the top of all public schools in Region 7, which includes Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties. According to school officials, not only did student scores increase, but participation was also up with 63% of OCHS students taking the SAT as opposed to the statewide average of 51%...

The executive director of the Ocean City, New Jersey, Housing Authority (OCHA) today admitted embezzling federal funds received by authority from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced...

On Saturday people from all over came to the Ocean City Block Party to purchase crafts, sample the wares from local restaurants, and enjoy the spring like weather. Several non-profit organizations took the opportunity to raise money to help the community. One such organization, the Colony Club of Ocean City, part of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, raised money through the sale of blue and silver pinwheels to support the Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey organization, which is the state project of the Federation. This organization is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through education. Education may take place in hospitals, through home visits, preschools, and group sessions. Training is also provided for those working with preschoolers and young people.

The Ocean City School District is proud to announce that one of its own, primary school teacher Randall Kohr, was chosen as winner of the 2017 Emerging Leader award by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Mr. Kohr will be honored in June at the ISTE 2017 Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas. “Randall Kohr is one of the most talented technology teachers in the teaching profession," said Dr. Kathleen Taylor, the district’s superintendent. “As a computer science teacher, he uses best practices in technology education to establish a dynamic learning environment for his Kindergarten through third grade students. Best of all, Randy has all of his students engaged in designing and creating innovative projects using digital tools and resources to demonstrate what they know and can do.”

The Ocean City School District’s Afterschool Drama Club for Students in 2nd through 5th grades concluded on Friday with the presentation of the Fifth-Grade Showcase. Previous shows were held for the third graders (March 27-31), fourth grade (February 6-10), and second grade, (January 9-13). These events help encourage participation in the arts through theatre games, musical theatre, improvisational activities, basic stage direction, imagination activities, skits and much more. The events encouraged participation by students with no previous experience as well as those who are young “veterans” of the stage...

Attendees enjoyed traditional Mexican fare and each others’ company at the home of Artistic Director Michael Hartman. The event was as much of a celebration of OCTC’s decade of providing high quality theatre to the Jersey Shore as it was a fundraiser. In addition to celebrating the past, the Fiesta also kicked off the organization’s highly anticipated summer season...

I’m sad to report on the passing of two citizens who were dedicated to the service of their country and community. Joe Somerville and Don Doll died last week, and I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to all of their family and friends. Joe served two years in U.S. Army and led a successful business career before retiring to Ocean City. He was an officer and long-time member of Fairness in Taxes, a former chairman of Ocean City’s Utility Advisory Commission, a citizen representative on the city’s Floodplain Management Committee, and a member of the former Economic Advisory Council. Somerville was never afraid to speak his mind and did not always agree with city officials. But his loyalties were always with Ocean City and with his fellow citizens...