Dear Friends,
Seeing the annual Run for the Fallen pass through Ocean City yesterday was an important reminder of the sacrifices made by our state’s military service members. Runners are traveling the length of New Jersey through Sunday – running one mile for each of the service members who died during the global war on terror. There were 12 stops in Ocean City, including one at Veterans Memorial Park, where a memorial wall lists all the local service members who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms.
Another event Saturday – the 11th annual Walk for the Wounded – benefits Operation First Response, a nonprofit organization that provides both financial and emotional support to wounded soldiers and their families.
I have always been proud of the support the Ocean City community shows our veterans, and we are fortunate to have two active veterans organizations in town, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6650 and the American Legion Post 524.
I encourage everybody to participate in Saturday’s walk and to donate to Operation First Response. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. A ceremony honoring our military is at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.
Work to add new handicapped parking spaces is complete at three locations: one spot at Shiloh Baptist Church on Seventh Street, two additional spots at Surf Road Beach (where an ADA ramp and extended seasonal beach mats provide accessibility), and four new spaces adjacent to the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center at the Community Center.
The city team also will look to add spaces at 59th Street Beach to complement the accessible beach path there. There are many considerations in designating handicapped spots on already developed streets, but the city is committed to making our city more accessible wherever possible.
I also want to remind you of some other great weekend events. The Ocean City Healthy Living Advisory Council will hold its first
Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Ocean City Civic Center. The Ocean City Restaurant Association brings back its popular
Chili Chowder Festival noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. And the
OCNJ Half Marathon celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday. Please be aware that the Ocean City-Longport Bridge will be closed from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate the runners.
Warm regards
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
