Less than a week removed from Veterans Day, Ocean City’s two leading veterans organizations were honored Wednesday night for their outstanding leadership and service to their fellow citizens.
The men and women of American Legion Morvay-Miley Post 524, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ferguson-Foglio Post 6650 were the 2017 co-recipients of the Citizens of the Year Award of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The presentations, along with numerous other honors and recognitions, were bestowed at a sold-out dinner at the Flanders Hotel.
Chamber President Carol Heenan, 1
st Vice President Dave Allegretto and Michele Gillian, Executive Director of the organization made the awards the climax the evening’s events.
American Legion Post 524 encompasses a wide range of programs that benefit veterans, active service members and their families, as well as the general local population. Veteran Rest and Relaxation, Coffee Express, Honor Flight, Run for the Fallen, Walk for the Wounded are a few of the special events and services Post 524, its Women’s Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion sponsor and/or take part in.
The VFW Post has been an integral part of the city since its inception in 1946. By a group of local returning World War II vets to the area. The Post’s top priority is to help fellow combat veterans and their families. Fortunately, their membership consists of a large number of dedicated men and women committed to doing just that.
In addition, the Post is involved in many local organizations and events. Operation First Responder, the Michael Strange Foundation, the New Jersey Run for the Fallen, the Buddy Baldwin Memorial Scholarship are just a few examples. Ocean City’s Legion Post 6650 also sponsors and/or supports the Boy Scouts, Ocean City Little League, the Sunshine Foundation, OC Historical Society, Ocean City Theatre Company, among others. The Post is also a member of the Chamber.
Both the American Legion and the VFW were presented with plaques from the Chamber, Pieces of the Walk and Proclamations from Mayor Jay Gillian, Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Frank LoBiondo, and Joint Legislative Commendations from Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblymen Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak and Bruce Land.
Among the other awards given on Wednesday were:
The
Business Renovation/Improvement Award, an award that is granted to a business that has taken an existing building and made physical and internal renovations to significantly improve its condition, was presented to Manco & Manco, Ocean City Coffee Company and Plaay Fitnessand Yoga.
Ocean City Library for their new landscaping and signage, Sunrise Café for their new outdoor seating area, and the City of Ocean City for the new 34
th Street Christmas decorations was awarded the
Outstanding Landscaping/Signage Award.
McMahon Agency received the
Business New Construction Award for their new flagship building on 9
th Street.
The
Outstanding New Business Award was presented to Liberty Escape RoomOcean City, Cubzero Rolled Ice Cream, Peace of Wood, and Rock Tackle.
This year’s
Outstanding Civic, Community, Non-Profit Organization Award was presented to U.S. Life Saving Station 30 chaired by John Loeper.
Bohemian Mama received the
Outstanding Use of Technology Award for their online shopping. Additionally, the Chamber and OC Tourism was recognized for the new OCNJ app.
The
Outstanding Service to the Community Award was presented to Sun Rose Words and Music. Owners Rosalyn Lifshin and Nancy Miller have volunteered for numerous organizations, boards and events throughout the island.
Special Awards were presented for milestone anniversaries. These businesses include: Island Beach Gear – 10th Anniversary, Polish Water Ice – 20th Anniversary, La Fontana – 20th Anniversary, Albert G. Juliano Builders, LLC – 25th Anniversary, The Crab Trap – 50th Anniversary, Monihan Realty – 70th Anniversary, Ocean City Halloween Parade – 70th Anniversary, Circle Liquors – 75th Anniversary, and The Chatterbox - 80th Anniversary.
