By Maddy Vitale
She is someone who is always there to help out another person, someone who can be relied on to make a difference. But she is often behind the scenes, not wanting to take credit for the work that is done.
That is Carol Heenan, as people described her at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City Thursday night, when nearly 200 well-wishers came out to honor her as she received the John Kemenosh Memorial Award during a Republican Club event for her service to the party.
Kemenosh was a former Ocean City councilman who passed away in 2015, but worked for the city’s Republican Party for years.
“Carol is the epitome of John Kemenosh,” said Republican Club President Gary Jessel in an interview at the beginning of the ceremony. “John was always there to help out. He worked hard. But he was always behind the scenes and always getting results. Carol is also like that.”
Dignitaries, friends and family enjoyed a night of celebration, dancing, and dining and they were all there to recognize Heenan, whom Jessel said had to be coaxed into accepting the award out of sheer humbleness.
“When we went to Carol and said we wanted to honor her she said, ‘No way,’” Jessel said with a laugh. “That is her humble way.”
For Heenan, the night, especially the turnout, was unbelievable.
“I am just overwhelmed by my friends and family who have attended tonight,” she said with a wide smile while seated at the table by her husband, Erik Wakabayashi.
During a ceremony, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian, Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholder E. Marie Hayes presented Heenan with honors.
Gillian noted that Heenan deserved the award for her dedicated service to the community and the Republican Party.
Thornton and Hayes said Heenan works hard for her party.
Hayes became emotional when she spoke of the help Heenan has given her over the years during her runs for office. Hayes told Heenan that she was there for her every step of the way, knocking on doors and getting the message out to vote.
Then Heenan read a few words, stressing that she wasn’t much for long speeches. She took out a piece of paper and addressed the audience.
“John Kemenosh was my mentor and a very dear friend,” Heenan said. “I’m sure he would be pleased by tonight’s event. This award is as much John’s as it is mine.”
She continued, “No one could ever do what John did for the Republican Party. He never tired and was a relentless warrior for the party.”
Heenan told the crowd of friends, family and fellow Republicans that words could not express her appreciation for everyone who was in attendance.
“Many others have worked equally as hard and I would like to accept this award on behalf of the community volunteers who gave countless hours of their time to the Republican organization and community,” she said.
Seated at a table next to the podium was the Kemenosh family.
John Kemenosh’s daughter, Bettiann Kemenosh, said in an interview that she was very pleased that Heenan was receiving the award.
“My father mentored Carol,” she said. “He did a lot of work for the Republican Club. Carol does, too. I’m so proud of her.”
Violet Rixey, a past president of the Republican Women of Cape May County, said she has always admired Heenan for her dedication to the Republican Party.
“Carol is very welcoming, committed and always has a smile,” Rixey said. “She is a professional, a good businesswoman and has a big heart.”
Heenan, a longtime member of the Cape GOP, has spent most of her time helping the community and the Republican Party since moving to Ocean City from Drexel Hill, Pa., more than 40 years ago.
While the award was created a few years ago, it is not given out yearly. The mayor brought up the idea that Heenan should receive the award this year, Jessel noted.
When the announcement about Heenan’s award was made late last month, Gillian said Heenan will continue the legacy left behind by Kemenosh.
