Dear Friends,
The N.J. Department of Health issued guidance this week for trick-or-treating, and Ocean City is planning for a safe and healthy holiday. Trick-or-treating hours will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Our Community Services Department is working to make free door hangers available to identify homes that will put out treats. This system will make it easier for trick-or-treaters to find participating homes, and it will limit interactions with homes not participating.
Please visit www.ocnj.us/halloween for further details and recommendations on protecting the health of everybody who will participate this year.
Representatives of Ørsted will host three virtual open houses this month to update anybody interested in learning more about a New Jersey offshore wind energy project that is currently in the planning stages. The videoconferences will be held 1 p.m. Oct. 21, 6 p.m. Oct. 22, and 10 a.m. Oct. 24. All are invited to attend the free sessions by registering in advance at www.OceanWind.com.
I’m sad to report that Ocean City lost one of its finest public servants this week. Frank McCall, who served as City Council president among many other public offices and positions, passed away at age 73. Frank was a true gentleman. He cared for Ocean City, and that is reflected in his many contributions to the community.
I also want you to join me in mourning the loss of former Ocean City firefighter Anthony Migliaccio. In addition to serving the Fire Department for 25 years, Tony was a local surfer, fisherman, tradesman, birder, biker and jack-of-all-trades, who even worked on amusement rides. He will be missed by many in town.
I hope you will join Michele and me in extending our deepest condolences to Frank’s wife, Beverly, to Tony’s wife, Linda, and to all of their many friends and family.
The lights on the Route 52 causeway bridges have been pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we will temporarily change them to mark National Faith and Blue Weekend from Oct. 9 to Oct. 12. The weekend is an initiative that builds bridges and breaks down biases through activities and outreach among law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve. Local churches and the Ocean City Police Department are taking this opportunity to reaffirm their commitments to our community and its leaders.
I want to encourage you all to participate in this weekend’s virtual Fall Block Party. The live event is always a vital part of the season for our local merchants, so I hope you can take the time to shop local and help them out.
Links to online sales and specials are available at www.oceancityvacation.com/blog/blockparty , and boardwalk and downtown merchants also will be holding outdoor table sales throughout the entire holiday weekend.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
