By MADDY VITALE
The best way to get to know the community is easy. Just attend the annual Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Night.
On Wednesday, local businesses, faith-based and civic organizations, and police, fire and city officials joined residents for a free night of giveaways, gifts, food and conversation.
“Welcome Night brings the whole community together. You get to meet so many people in the community from so many different organizations and businesses,” said Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Residents perused tables from the Ocean City Free Public Library, whose volunteers were on hand to give out stress balls in the shape of pumpkins and light sticks among other treats.
Volunteers at the Ocean City Free Public Library from left, Marie Gallagher, Carol Candy and Cheri Venturi, display the fun Halloween-themed giveaways.
Other stops were at tables such as Heist Insurance Company, the Ocean City Tabernacle, the Ocean City Ecumenical Council, Sturdy Savings Bank and Jilly’s shops, among other organizations.
“Every year it gets bigger and bigger. I am so happy the Chamber does this event. Anything they can do to unite the community is what it is all about,” noted Mayor Jay Gillian as he looked at the crowd in the Sports & Civic Center at Sixth Street and Boardwalk.
Police and fire officials also had tables set up with literature and giveaways. Officers Mike Hinsley and Mike Gray chatted with Lois and Tim Hoffman, of Ocean City.
“We love Welcome Night,” Lois Hoffman said. “Everyone is so nice.”
Tim Hoffman chimed in, “The people who run this are excellent. They do such a good job every year.”
Lois and Tim Hoffman, of Ocean City, watch as Officer Mike Hinsley displays how to put on a bracelet.
City Councilmen Jody Levchuk, Terry Crowley Jr. and Tony Polcini attended the event.
“I think people make a true connection at Welcome Night. This is a must every year,” Levchuk said. “You get to meet people. We are giving away video games. It’s a nice night and a nice thing for the community.”
Crowley called the turnout “great” for the annual event.
“People come out and learn about new businesses and it helps drive tourism and keeps business dollars in Ocean City,” he noted.
Paul Fleckser, of Ocean City, stopped by to visit Tom Heist, owner of Heist Insurance Agency and employee Chrissy Tracy.
“They are my insurance company,” Fleckser said with a smile.
Heist noted that the night was a success.
For information about the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce visit oceancityvacation.com.
Ocean City Tabernacle President/CEO Pastor Jay Reimer, right, chats with Ocean City resident Curt Gronert.
Liz Katz of Jilly's shops, talks with Brad Smith, of Ocean City, about some of the merchandise.
The Ocean City Ecumenical Council displays its Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet information.
Attendees stop to browse the American Legion Post 524 table.
Residents Curt and Linda Gronert flash a smile.
