What’s Happening in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City has made a remarkable comeback from Hurricane Sandy. The boardwalk and downtown are in good shape and we were able to accommodate 8,000 visitors during our New Year’s Eve First Night Celebration.
Thanks to the tireless work of OCNJCARE, our super volunteer organization, its community partners and the City, this basic recovery was made possible. These groups continue to provide assistance to those who need help and will do so until the job is completed.
It is very important that we get the word out to our visitors that we are open and ready to accommodate them now and for the upcoming season. Our Tourism industry revenues help keep the City tax base in check and also contribute substantially to the State’s Treasury and tax base.
We have already held a press conference with area media explaining that Ocean City is prepared to accommodate visitors. We asked folks at First Night to spread the word that Ocean City is open when they returned home. Now we are asking you.
There is still a perception among many throughout our marketing area that the entire Jersey Shore is devastated. When you talk to out of town friends, let them know that we are in business. Email your friends. If you are on face book or any other social media, post it on your page. If you tweet, by all means tweet it. If you are in business include this information in your advertisements and correspondence, in your telephone conversations etc. Word of mouth is one of the most effective methods of communication. Please pass the word.
Also keep in mind that in February, the Army Corps of Engineers will be back for their regular visit to dredge our beaches and replace sand to upgrade our beaches.
Please remember that if you would like to assist OCNJCARE in its on-going efforts you may send a check to OCNJCARE, Po Box 807, Ocean City, N.J. 08226 or drop it off at Ocean City Home Bank, 10th and Asbury Ave.(Feb.1) The Ocean City High School’s annual pasta dinner will be held Feb. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the School’s Cafeteria, 6th and Atlantic Ave. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. Take outs will be available starting 4:30 p.m.
Live entertainment will be provided by OCHS instrumental groups including the Jazz Band and Jazz Rock. Advance tickets are available from Band members or call (609) 399-1290 ext. 1248. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit Band Boosters Senior Scholarships.
(Feb. 6) Ocean City will host a citywide blood drive on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocean City Civic Center, 6th and Boardwalk. All residents, groups and business are invited to donate. To be eligible to donate individuals must be 17 years of age, in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the past 65 days. Type O blood donors are especially needed.
Appointments for the blood drive are preferred but not required. To make an appointment please contact City Offices at (609) 525-9365 or sign up at the City Hall Reception Area, 2nd Floor, Mon.-Fri., 8:45 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Sign ups will also be taken on line at www.redcrossblood.org and enter code 0221272. For more information and eligibility requirements please call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
(Feb. 8) The 12th Annual Charles Knox Memorial Scholarship Foundation Benefit will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Flanders Hotel Banquet Center, 11th and Boardwalk. The event will star comedians Joe Matarese and Chris Rich.
Charles Knox Jr. was a local high school student who passed away in 1998 at the age of 16. His dad, a Philadelphia police officer, was killed in the line of duty in 1992. Charlie was 9 at the time. As he grew, Charlie enjoyed hockey, music and computers. He was a bright, compassionate individual who always found time to help others. Charlie exemplified goodwill. This scholarship is made in his memory and is awarded annually to students in financial need and the desire to pursue a higher education.
Ways you can help: Donate a certificate or items for Silent Auction, attend Benefit or donate money. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, dancing and show. For reservations, information or to donate call Arlene’s on Asbury (609)399-3639.
(Feb. 9) The Annual Children’s Tea will be held at the Ocean City Historical Museum, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 17th and Simpson Ave. This year’s theme is “Life in the Sand.” There will also be music by Leslie Clark. Members can buy tickets now for $4 per person. Tickets available to public. Best to order in advance. Call (609)399-1801 or stop at Museum.
Get tickets now! Enjoy this Valentine’s program by Michael Hartman’s Ocean City Theatre Company. The show is called I Love N.Y., a cabaret of Broadway Love Songs. Celebrate love with some of the most enchanting, unforgettable, melodies ever to grace the stage. Professional performers will provide an entertaining, intimate cabaret of favorites from the “Great White Way,” Feb. 16, with 8 p.m. Show; 7 p.m. Dessert Reception at the Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave., OCHS. Tickets purchased before 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 are $18 after that $20. Call (609) 525-9300.
The Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave. continues its free film series 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library Lecture Hall. Films include Jan. 28, The Age of Innocence; Feb. 11, Roxanne; Feb. 25, The Color of Money. For information on the Library’s many free events, call (609) 399-2434 or access www.oceancitylibrary.org.
Invitation -Join Ocean City’s own Andrew Hink for the debut performance of his new album “Lindenwold” on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in Lecture Room N110 of the Library. A graduate of the University of the Arts, the album highlights his life in college commuting between the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia. A talented pianist and composer, Hink has performed extensively in Ocean City at five First Night programs, with the Youth Opera Company, Ocean City Repertory Theater and Greater Ocean City Theatre Company.