Dear Friends,

Our weather has not climbed above freezing for almost a week, and we’re finally expecting some warmer temperatures this weekend. That’s good news, but we also expect to see water flowing from burst pipes as they begin to thaw.

Please check on your homes and neighboring properties. If you don’t have access to turn off the main water valve, we ask that you call the non-emergency police number at 609-399-9111. Our dispatchers will be ready to send Fire Department or other city team members to help shut down water lines as quickly as possible. If we work together, we can help limit any potential damage.

I want to thank everybody who participated in our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony last Saturday and congratulate Community Service Award winners Rev. Paul Jerkins, Cathy DiMarco and the Ocean City Food Cupboard (in memory of Regina Ralston), along with student essay winners Jane Heng, Grace Kane, Ava Clevenger and Darrien Mayo. I’m always glad to see so many people take time out of their weekend to attend this important event.

I also want to thank City Council for approving a new name for the airport at the Jan. 9 meeting. We’re all looking forward to seeing the “Leon and Elizabeth Grisbaum Municipal Airport of Ocean City, New Jersey” take shape. Of course, we also have to thank Mr. Grisbaum for his generous donation of $3 million toward the project.

At yesterday’s Council meeting, our city solicitor reported on a favorable court ruling related to our acquisition of open space at 16^th Street. We will not be required to pay any significant amount more than what has already been deposited with the court. This is an important step in what has been a long legal process. We continue to look forward to cleaning up the property this spring and working with a professional planner on creating a public space that can be enjoyed by everybody in Ocean City.

Ocean City lost six important members of our community recently. Mark Crego, Michael Monihan, Joe Randazzo, Ginny Berwick, Mark McCulley and Pete Davis passed away. Each of these citizens were an important part of our community. 

Anybody who didn’t know Mark would probably know his work. He was a sign maker and the owner of MC Signs in Ocean City. From the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the causeway, to Sesame Place in Philadelphia to various parks in Florida, Mark’s signs were fun, bold and distinctive. They will be part of his lasting legacy. Mark was also scout master with the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Ocean City Exchange Club, among other community organizations.

Michael was the second-generation owner and president of Monihan Realty. He was an Ocean City High School graduate, Ocean City Beach Patrol alum, past president of the Ocean City Board of Realtors, Ocean City High School crew team founder, and member of the Ocean City Yacht and Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club, among other community organizations. Services are on Tuesday morning.

Joe was a former “mayor” … of the 34^th Street neighborhood. He was born in Sicily, came to the U.S. as a 20-year-old, and owned and operated Randazzo’s Pizza in Ocean City for 35 years. It was a staple of the 34^th Street business district. Services are on Saturday morning.

Ginny owned and operated Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge with her brother, Hank Glaser. She started her career as a biology lab scientist and later joined the family businesses. In addition to helping run one of our Boardwalk’s iconic businesses, Ginny was a generous benefactor of many Ocean City organizations, including the Ocean City Pops.

Mark McCulley was a 28-year veteran and former deputy chief of the Ocean City Fire Department, and Pete Davis and his family are tireless supporters of various special needs programs in Ocean City.

Please join me and Michele in paying tribute to these citizens and in extending condolences to their families and friends.

A month like this, when we’ve seen so much loss, is a good reminder to reach out to all our loved ones and cherish the time we have together on this Earth.

The Ocean City Board of Realtors is holding its annual winter food drive to benefit the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard. Donations of non-perishable food items and/or grocery store gift cards can be dropped off at the board offices at 405 22^nd Street from now through Feb. 28. Please help out if you get a chance.

Finally, I want to congratulate the Thomas F. Blake Council of the Knights of Columbus, which will celebrate its 100^th anniversary at a special Mass and reception on Sunday. The local council has always remained true to its mission of “in service to one, in service to all”

I hope you all have a great weekend, and “Go Birds”!

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor