Dear Friends,
Ocean City was very fortunate with Tropical Storm Elsa. Even though the center of the system passed very close to Ocean City, the storm moved quickly overnight and left no damage. But events like that are always a good reminder about the importance of being prepared. Everybody can learn more about flood safety and precautions here, and I encourage you to sign up for our emergency notifications here: www.ocnj.us/alerts.
We also survived an exceptionally busy Fourth of July weekend. It was exciting to see everybody having fun, and I want to thank everybody for their patience and understanding with so many people in town.
The city team has finished clearing the old car dealership lot next to the Ocean City Community Center. We have acquired this city block to be preserved as open space and will hold a town hall meeting this fall to solicit ideas for how best to use the space. But in the meantime, I want to let you know that the lot will be available for overflow residential parking. Non-commercial vehicles are welcome to park there.
John Abarno, a close friend of mine, lost his father this week. Jerry Abarno was a kind and generous soul and a great role model. Mr. Abarno made his home in Ocean City for more than five decades, and I’m glad to know he’s now joining his loving wife of 54 years in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with John, Patty, Gina, Darren and their entire family at this time.
I also want to extend my condolences to the family of Marty Vanderslice, who passed away this week. Mrs. Vanderslice, her husband, Harry, their eight children, 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren are well-known and well-loved in the community. Our Little League fields are named for Mr. Vanderslice. He and his wife were always committed to helping the youth in our town.
The Ocean City Pops will perform two “Grand Reopening” concerts on Sunday evening at the Ocean City Music Pier. If you were not able to make it to their free outdoor concert last weekend, this is a great chance to hear what they’re all about. Get your tickets at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
Registration is still open for any boat or home owners who would like to participate in Night in Venice this year. Visit www.ocnj.us/niv to sign up. Tickets are also now on sale for a special Night in Venice viewing area at the Bayside Center. The area will offer DJ entertainment, food vendors with proceeds benefiting Junior Raider football and cheerleading programs, and a great spot to watch the fireworks.
I hope you all have a safe and fun weekend.
Warm regards, Mayor Jay A. Gillian
