Jerry Bonner, left, of American Legion Post 524, and VFW Post 6650 Commander Mike Morrissey salute during the Chair of Honor ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City and Kerri J Photography)
Dear Friends,
We held a dedication ceremony this morning for a POW/MIA Chair of Honor in the entrance to the Ocean City Community Center. The chair will be a permanent reminder of those who served in the military but have not returned home to us. It was heartwarming to see such an overwhelming turnout for the event. Our veterans have faithfully served our country and community, so I’m proud to see so many people show their support in return. The Community Center is the perfect location for the POW/MIA Chair of Honor, because these service members will always be remembered in our community.
I watched as more than 100 veterans were honored at the American Legion on Wednesday with a Vietnam veteran lapel pin during a ceremony that marked the 50th anniversary of the war. I’m humbled to be in the presence of these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
City Council yesterday approved an increase to our contract for trash and recycling pickup. A city ordinance that limits the size of trash and recycling containers has not changed. But the cans that people use keep getting bigger. The temporary measure will give us time to figure out a plan that works best for all homeowners. In the meantime, the contractor will continue to service containers up to 64 gallons.
Verizon Wireless asked the city for permission to place COWs (Cell on Wheels) somewhere in the vicinity of 14th Street and 36th Street through the summer. We will assist Verizon in placing these temporary mobile antennas while looking for permanent locations. Reliable cellphone service is vital to public safety and has become an expectation for all our residents and guests.
City representatives participated in a hearing Wednesday with our state lawmakers about the issues New Jersey towns have experienced with teen behavior. It was a productive discussion, and I look forward to seeing what assistance our friends in the state government can provide. State legislation could help give our police the tools they need to hold teens accountable for their actions.
Our jitney service will begin its daily routes on June 21. The service runs 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. We’ve installed small signs at all the jitney stops along the route. The Jitney Surfer app shows riders exactly where jitneys are located at all times, so it’s easy to know how long to wait. I want to encourage everybody to spread the word about this convenient service.
Deputy Chief Charlie Bowman retired this week after a career of more than 38 years with the Ocean City Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Bowman served the department in virtually every capacity as he rose through the ranks from firefighter to captain to deputy chief. Like all of his fellow firefighters, Bowman came to work every day prepared to risk his life to protect our community. But Charlie and his family (Jen, Caroline, Katie and Kelsea) given back to the community in many ways beyond his service to the OCFD. Please join me in honoring and thanking Charlie for his outstanding service to the city.
Ocean City High School held its commencement ceremony on Thursday, and I want to congratulate all of the members of the Class of 2024. You can watch video of the graduation online or on Comcast Channel 97 (OCTV) at 7:30 p.m. tonight, 9:30 a.m. Saturday or 8:30 p.m. Monday.
Our Health, Fitness and Wellness Expo is 8 a.m. to noon tomorrow (June 15) at the Ocean City Music Pier. The annual Juneteenth celebration will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow (June 15) on Haven Avenue between 7th Street and 8th Street. The Ocean City Arts Center will present master storyteller Karen “Queen Nur” Abdul-Malik in an early celebration of Juneteenth at the Ocean City Public Library at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Finally, I want to wish my dad a Happy Father’s Day, and I hope all fathers get a chance to enjoy the day with family and friends.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
