Dear Friends,
I want to encourage you all to attend our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, which will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at the Ocean City Music Pier. One of the highlights is always the recitation of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by the Rev. Gregory Johnson. The event will be followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon in the Music Pier solarium.
We also will recognize the volunteerism of three citizens with our Martin Luther King Community Services Awards.
OCNJ CARE volunteer and benefactor Bill McGinnity, the Rev. Drena Garrett of St. James AME Church, and Greater Ocean City Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Hartman have always given much of their time and energy to help others in our community.
The Jan. 17 presentation will include much more on each of these exemplary citizens.
Please join me in recognizing the participation of the Colony Club of Ocean City in the Wreaths Across America program last month. Club members – along with members of the Exchange Club of Ocean City and the American Legion Post 524 – donated thousands of dollars to sponsor 195 wreaths that were placed on graves at the Gerald M. Thornton Veterans Cemetery of Cape May County.
Wreaths Across America includes thousands of ceremonies in all 50 states each December.
“The Colony Club was pleased to again have the opportunity to join a grateful nation in saying ‘thank you’ to our veterans,” Committee Chair Cathy Solarski said.
I want to thank all of our residents for their patience and understanding during the two snowstorms this week.
The clearing of 14 inches of snow from all of our roadways provided a challenge, but our Public Works team worked around the clock and was up to the task. It was a job well-done.
I’m sad to report news of the passing of Pat Lavin last week. Pat was an OCBP lifeguard, a local carpenter, church member, youth sports coach and scout leader who was known throughout town for his good nature and ever-present smile. Michele and I would like to extend our condolences to the Lavin and Wisham families and to the many friends of Pat. Visitation and services are tomorrow morning at Coastal Christian Church, and more information is available
here.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
