County plans free flu shots for kids and parents

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Department of Health will offer free flu shots for children from six months to 18 on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 2-6 p.m. at the Department of Health Building located at 6 Moore Road, Cape May Court House. As the weather gets colder and thoughts turn to football, fall festivals and the holidays, it is also a good time to start thinking about getting an annual flu shot. Vaccinations will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Freeholder Gerald Thornton said there is plenty of flu vaccine and that additional clinics will be scheduled. Each year in the United States, more than 20,000 children and tens of thousands of adults are hospitalized due to complications of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children between six months and five years of age get a flu shot every year. “Children at the highest risk of influenza complications, those under six months of age, are not eligible to receive a flu shot, which is why it is so important for parents and those caring for these young infants to get their flu shot,” said county health officer Keith Thomas. The CDC also recommends flu shots for persons with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma and diabetes. Return to Story Index

OCEAN CITY – A pancake breakfast will be hosted by the mission committee at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The church is located at the corner of Central Avenue and Eighth Street, just one street from the annual fall block party on Asbury Avenue. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee prepared by our expert chefs. Tickets are available at the door for $5 adults and $3 children. Proceeds will benefit the many local, national and international Missions of St. Peter’s. Return to Story Index

OCEAN CITY – As part of the Southern District of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC), the Ocean City Colony Club joins with other district clubs to plan for their Federation Day of Service, held on National Make-A-Difference Day, Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Vineland Women’s Club. NJSFWC members from 300 Federated clubs will be gathering in each of the organization’s eight districts to collect items for four different types of specialty kits. These kits will be distributed to domestic abuse shelters to aid victims and their families. This project is part of the NJSFWC Special State Project on domestic violence. Kits prepared by the Colony Club of Ocean City will be given to shelters located within Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland County. Residents of Ocean City and the local community are asked to join with the woman’s club by donating articles necessary to complete these kits. Donations of new items are needed to prepare these kits. Such as: women’s pajama bottoms (L–XL), T-shirts (L– XL), underwear (L–XL), $5 pre paid phone cards, sock with treads, small pad of paper and pen/pencils, toiletry bags with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, comb/brush, shampoos (large size), conditioner (large size), lotion (large size), Items for children include: Playdough, white paper and crayons, bubbles with wand, juice boxes, sponge, small stuffed animal, single service snack (no candy), birthday party items such as themed or colored tablecloths, themed or colored napkins, themed or colored plates, cake mix, frosting, candles, small gifts for children (i.e., puzzle, cards, game). Through the kindness of the Ocean City Public Library, items may be brought to the Ocean City Public Library, Oct. 1-15. Donations may be placed in the receptacle marked domestic violence. For information about the Federation Day of Service, contact the Colony Club of Ocean City at 398-2560 or to learn more about the NJSFWC, visit www.njsfwc.org or call 732-249-5474 or 5485. Return to Story Index

TUCKAHOE – The National Weather Service, Mount Holly office, in cooperation with the Upper Township Office of Emergency Management, is holding a Skywarn training class on Monday, Oct. 15 at the Upper Township Community Center, 1790 Route 50, in Tuckahoe. The class is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Skywarn is a nationwide National Weather Service (NWS) program of volunteer weather spotters who report hazardous weather to local NWS offices. Skywarn volunteers are trained to NWS personnel to recognize features associated with rapidly developing, mature and dissipating thunderstorms which cause hazardous weather. Skywarn spotters also provide reports of heavy snow, heavy rain and flooding. These spotters provide ground truth observation information on the atmosphere that the NWS meteorologists use along with information from radar, satellites and various reporting stations to provide better forecast and warnings in their coverage area. While the Skywarn program is ideally suited for amateur radio operators, it is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is keenly interested in weather and who has a focused interest in helping their community. To register, call 889-8017 or e-mail capemaycountyskywarn@comcast.net. Return to Story Index

TUCKAHOE - The Station House and the Greater Tuckahoe Area Merchants’ Association have announced their partnership in presenting their popular Town Dance on Friday, Oct. 26. All net proceeds will benefit the James and Martha Owens Scholarship Fund, which contributes financial aid to local high school students. The dance will be held at the Station House, which is located at the corner of Reading and Railroad avenues, just across the street from the historic Tuckahoe Train Station. Hours are from 7-11 p.m., and those attending must be at least 21 years of age with proper identification. Tickets are $20 per person, and are available from members of the Greater Tuckahoe Area Merchants’ Association, or by calling 628-2372 and leaving a message indicating the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Admission includes food, beer, wine, soft drinks door prizes, and entertainment hosted by Mike Pelligrino. Music will feature a great mix of oldies and dance classics. More information about the dance is available at www.tuckahoenj.com. For more information about The Station House, visit www.stationhousetuckahoe.com.Return to Story Index

OCEAN CITY – Part of a nationwide effort to find a cure for the devastating neuromuscular disease known as ALS, more than 1,700 people on 70 different teams walked the boards, the ultimate effort to epitomize the ALS Association’s motto, “Help for today, hope for tomorrow.” En masse, the colorfully T-shirted teams covered the Boardwalk. On a bright, sunny Saturday morning, the local effort to Walk to d’Feet ALS raised more than $200,000. “It was wonderful, we were really pleased to be able to raise so much money,” said Kris Stanwood. “It was amazing. A lot of people have been touched by ALS, many we don’t even know about. We had beautiful weather; it was a very nice day to take a walk.” Stanwood walked with “Gene’s Machine,” a group 150 strong, part of a family reunion tribute to Stanwood’s late brother, Gene Wollter. The teams included pictures of placards with “in honor of,” for those still living, and as in Gene’s case, “in memory of,” for those who lost the battle. “Gene was only 58 when he was diagnosed, he still had a lot of living to do,” said Stanwood. The Ocean City resident said her brother loved visiting the shore. “We decided to participate in this event, but make it more of a tribute to Gene by having a family reunion to go with it,” she said. “We had family from up and down the East coast and as far away as California. “We all came to Ocean City to do the walk, but also because Ocean City has so many fond memories for Gene,” she added. “It was sad for us, but we had a lot of laughs and shared a lot of happy moments and good times. We all remember the good times and we had fun reliving them.” Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive wasting away of certain nerve cells of the brain and spinal column called motor neurons. The motor neurons control the voluntary muscles, which are the muscles that allow movement. ALS is a progressive, disabling, fatal disease. The course of the disease is different for everyone and some people live with ALS for many years. Walking, speaking, eating, swallowing, breathing, and other basic functions become more difficult with time. These problems can lead to injury, illness, and other complications. “Most people die within three to five years,” said Stanwood. “Gene was diagnosed in 2002 and he passed away in 2006. Little by little, as their muscles waste away, people are confined first to a wheel chair and then to a hospital bed. Many patients die from the complications. They get pneumonia, or an infection. Gene died from an infection in his leg. He had a difficult time getting rid of it. In the end, he did not want to go back to the hospital and he died from septic poisoning.” In the United States and most other parts of the world, one to two people per 100,000 develop ALS each year. Men are affected slightly more often than women. Although ALS may occur at any age, it is most common in middle-aged and older adults. The cause of ALS is unknown. Stanwood said that her brother was a typical victim of the disease. Over a period of months or years, ALS causes increasing muscle weakness, inability to control movement, and problems with speaking, swallowing, and breathing. “It started with his limbs, his arms and legs,” she said. “He had a very difficult time at first, accepting the disease. But my brother had a wonderful sense of humor and he made us laugh. We were able to joke with him as we were caring for him, which made the whole process a lot easier on all of us.” The first sign of ALS is usually slight weakness in one leg, one hand, the face, or the tongue. Other problems may include increasing clumsiness and difficulty performing tasks that require precise movements of the fingers and hands. Frequent muscle twitching may occur. The weakness slowly spreads to the arms and legs over a period of months or years. As the nerves continue to waste away and decrease in number, the muscle cells that would normally be stimulated by those nerves also start to waste away and the muscles weaken. “It was gratifying to be a part of an event like this,” said Stanwood. “When you look around, and you see the people in wheelchairs, the people walking, the support, it’s amazing. There were 70 teams. That means at least 70 people who were being honored or memorialized. We have a story, how we dealt with it, who Gene was. Everyone has a story to tell.” Stanwood said the most difficult part of dealing with the disease is knowing that the patient’s brain remains unaffected as their body deteriorates. “Toward the end, Gene could not move at all, but he was very aware of what was happening,” she said. “If he had an itch, he couldn’t move. He had to be fed. We did anything we could to minimize his discomfort. The mind stays perfect throughout this. The person affected has an understanding of what is happening and is helpless to do anything. There is such a feeling of helplessness. Gene had to depend on someone to do everything for him. “He was so gracious, so appreciative, and it wasn’t easy,” she added. “He didn’t want to accept help, but he knew that he had to. My sisters and I cared for him. My sister-in-law had to keep working, that’s the only way that they would have health insurance.” The silver lining, said Stanwood, was the affect that the experience had on her family. “If there is any good to come from such an experience, I guess you could say a blessing in disguise, it’s the way our family came together,” she said. “We rallied around Gene. We got very close as a family. It was such a bonding experience for us. He died surrounded by lots of love, the way it should be. It was a real family effort to get him through this disease.” Stanwood said she could see the effect that the walk had on those still alive, as they watched in their wheelchairs. “The director of the ALS Association from Philadelphia was here, and as he thanked everyone for supporting the effort, he noted that this event was such a positive for those suffering,” she said. “It lifted their spirits. You could see it. We had our bonding, and we’re stronger now because of it. We could see some of the families that are still going through the process.” Gene’s death taught them all a lesson, Stanwood said. “Initially, Gene was very discouraged,” she said. “But we had so many people helping, from his church, the family, his friends all chipped in. He had the opportunity to realize how loved he was, and that made a big difference. He realized how respected he was, how much people cared. Most of us don’t have that opportunity. Because we’re not in those circumstances, we don’t have the chance to experience that. “My husband learned a lot from Gene,” said Stanwood. “At his service, he said something so meaningful. He said that Gene taught him how to live like a man, and he taught him how to die like a man. So many people learned how to die with dignity because of Gene, how to deal with the worst of circumstances with a positive attitude. He was a very brave man.” Return to Story Index

Ann Richardson can be e-mailed at annrichardson@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

OCEAN CITY – Thousands of bubbles will float from the Boardwalk to the blue on Friday, Oct. 5 when the city kicks-off its annual Indian Summer weekend celebration. Machines will churn out an impressive array of bubbles in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, starting 11 a.m. Youngster will be given kits so they can add to the quiet explosions. A magic moment among the bubbles will occur when onlookers gather to sing Ocean City’s Bubble Blast Off Song to the familiar tune of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” They will be accompanied by Elvis performer Ted Prior on guitar. Centerpiece of the Indian Summer Weekend is the city’s mile long block party featuring over 400 crafters on Saturday, Oct. 6. The block party, set from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., extends from Fifth to 14th streets on Asbury Avenue. There will be food, entertainment, free pony rides for children, a new car show and more. There will be a seafood center at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Oct. 6-8, boardwalk table sales, Oct. 5-8 and downtown merchants will hold a sidewalk sale on Sunday, Oct. 7 following the block party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Asbury Avenue. The Ocean City Tabernacle will present renowned organist, Diane Bish, in a recital on its manual Allen Renaissance Organ at 7 p.m. on block party night, Oct. 6 in its auditorium, Sixth and Wesley Avenue. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the night of the show, stop at the Tabernacle or call 399-1915. For information on Indian Summer weekend events, call the public relations office at 525-9300. Return to Story Index

MARGATE—The Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center will be the hub for seniors this Sunday, Oct. 7 as they host the Senior Expo 2007. The free event will provide information, health screenings, entertainment and opportunities to try an exercise class, dancing, and use the JCC facilities for the day. The activities are geared for seniors, those who have a senior in their life or care for a senior, and those who are considering retirement. On the schedule are self-defense classes, aqua aerobics, Tai Chi, gentle yoga, posture alignment, estate planning, diabetes education, computer classes, seniorcize, home care options, financial services, understanding the power of attorney, bingo, cards, line dancing and senior speed dating—and even that does not cover all the bases for the Senior Expo. The event is presented by AtlantiCare, the Atlantic City Regional Mainland Chamber of Commerce, and the JCC. “We’re pleased to partner with the JCC and AtlantiCare for this event,” said Joe Kelly president of the chamber of commerce. “There are so many services for seniors and their families in Atlantic County. Through this event we are increasing awareness by bringing the programs, services, agencies and professional right to the seniors. “We are living longer. Seniors have more opportunities and changing needs. Seniors have more disposable income for travel, entertainment and personal care,” said Lisa Brown, the expo co-chair. “Seniors invest and the seniors market is a growing population. “They want information and services that will extend and improve the quality of their lives. They also want to enjoy life and the Senior Expo will focus on these life areas and more.” The exhibitors, more than 70 of them will be offering information on a variety of services at the expo including life, health, and long-term care insurance, finances, housing, legal services, transportation, senior services, adult daycare, entertainment and travel—all geared to seniors and their families along with those looking at possible retirement down the road. The Heart Institute at ARMC will provide free blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings. The AtlantiCare Life Center will provide free body mass index screenings. ARMC’s RNS Digital Mobile Mammography van will offer screening mammograms to those who pre-register. Information on women’s health and wellness as well as hospice and post acute care will be available. AtlantiCare experts including the Joint Institute will be there to share information and lead lectures. The extensive list of exhibitors is proof that Atlantic County has a great deal to offer seniors whether retired, considering retirement, along with those who care for a senior. Shuttle bus transportation will be provided courtesy of the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services to and from the expo. For those traveling from the Mainland area, a shuttle will bring seniors from the Value City parking lot at the Shore Mall to the JCC. There is also parking available on the streets near the JCC located at 501 N. Jerome Ave. in Margate. The Senior Expo 2007 runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for a complete shuttle schedule in the Senior Expo ad in this week’s Current. Admission is free. For additional information call (609) 822-1167 or see www.jccatlantic.org. Return to Story Index

OCEAN CITY - Two teams from the Anglesea Surf Anglers claimed first and second places in the 40th annual Ocean City Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 22, and two of their members took top honors for individual achievements. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC) and the city's department of recreation, drew 30 six-member fishing teams and 60 individuals. Despite a persistent fog that lasted into the late morning, the men and women who competed caught several hundred fish, most of them small blues. Bill Daley, OCFC president and tournament chairman, said he was pleased this year by the number of local families and businesses that sent teams. One family team of six people, headed by Joyce and Ray McNeely of Ocean City and Haddonfield, actually placed fourth in the contest. Another family team was headed by Dan McCloskey, of Ocean City and Newtown, Pa. Water's Edge Environmental, 1259 Asbury Ave., had two teams in the surf. Daley also thanked the many local businesses that donated funds and prizes for the event. The Anglesea Surf Anglers' A and B teams scored 1,422.75 and 969.75 points respectively. The points are based on the total inches of the fish they caught. The South Jersey Surf Casters, with 907 points, was third. Another member of the Anglesea team, John Harper, of Gibbstown, won a trophy for most fish caught, and Phil Fitzpatrick, of the Ocean City Beach Buggy Association, took home a trophy for the largest fish, a 21.75-inch bluefish. In the women's division, Lynda Greaves, of Petersburg, won for the most fish, and Jean Moore, of Folsom, Pa., received a trophy for her largest fish, a 15.5-inch blue. Greaves also placed first as an individual angler, with 217 points. Dominic Latella, of Haddon Township, was second with 190 points, and J.C. Hinkle, of Philadelphia, was third with 145. In the youth division, first place went to Michael Sorgentoni, of Cherry Hill, who is a member of Anglesea. Frankie Rodriguez, a member of Northeast Anglers from Philadelphia, was second, and Erma resident Jimmy Jones, of the South Jersey Surfcasters, was third. In addition to Daley, the OCFC tournament committee members are Margaret Feil, of Ocean View, and Bob Becher, of Egg Harbor Township. Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest incorporated, continuously operated fishing club in the nation. For more information, contact Bill Daley at 398-5625. Return to Story Index

MAYS LANDING – Stephen French, 55, of Ocean City was sentenced to 16 years in state prison on Thursday, Sept. 27 on charges related to the death of Richard “Ricci” Branca, 17, of Egg Harbor Township. In August French pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated manslaughter, assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury and driving while intoxicated. It was at that time that French admitted he was driving home from a bar on Longport Boulevard on July 14, 2006 where he drank at least 10 glasses of wine prior to getting behind the wheel. When French went to turn onto Ocean Drive on his way home, he struck three bicyclists traveling on the shoulder of the road. French admitted to leaving the scene of the accident that killed Branca and injured Robert A. Powers and Ryan Mulloy, also of Egg Harbor Township. French acknowledged that his blood alcohol level was .339 percent at the time that it was taken at a local hospital shortly after the crash. The sentence was rendered by Judge Bernard E. DeLury. French must serve at least nine years and three months of his sentence -- 85 percent of the sentence imposed on the aggravated manslaughter charge—before becoming eligible for parole, Chief Assistant Prosecutor James P. McClain said in a release from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Powers and Mulloy were in the courtroom on Thursday along with Sherry and Richard Branca, Ricci’s parents. Sherry Branca said she felt a small bit of closure as she heard the handcuffs click on French. Still it was and continues to be a hard day for her family which has to deal with the loss every day. “This has left a hole in my heart. “I miss seeing his big heart,” she said of her son in a phone interview. “He just wanted to enjoy himself in Ocean City. “If I didn’t have the love and support of my friends and Ricci’s friends I don’t know how I could get through the days.” She said Powers and Mulloy both struggled to get out the words when delivering their statements at the sentencing being overcome with emotion. Now that the court case has concluded, Branca is trying to organize Ricci’s Law with a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Dallas. The measure, which is still in the draft stages, would mandate that first-time DWI offenders have high-tech devices installed in their cars that would prevent them from starting their car if they have been drinking. It would also allow a person’s entire driving record to be used in court cases .Return to Story Index

To the Editor: Although Flip Flops are currently the city’s Logo, this should not mean our council members are constantly flip flopping on their voting and decisions. It is fiscally crazy for the council to consider canceling an order for ipe hardwood and unacceptable to introduce a resolution preventing the current or future use of ipe hardwood on the boardwalk. How can some members of council say “cut our losses” and “we made a bad decision” when they are talking about our tax dollars? They need to rely on experts in the field. Such as our own city engineer, George Savastano, director of planning and engineering who has researched this product for over 10 years. George deserves the respect of the council and citizens whether or not they agree or disagree with his findings. No more disparaging remarks towards this man. Where does the responsibility lie? How is it that council is hearing a very small percentage of taxpayers, if in fact these self proclaimed activists are property owners here in Ocean City? What about the approximate 6,000 registered voters who may want the ipe hardwood? Has anyone conducted a poll? The Flanders has, but that’s another letter, or do we just get to look foolish in all the newspapers with the constant letters and comments all the way up to the Philadelphia area and beyond? Is this irresponsible representation? Yes, absolutely, but this behavior has come to be expected with some of this council. They choose to win at all costs and at the tax payer’s expense. It seems that anything the mayor or administration is for, then some or most of council is against. From ipe hardwood, to trash collection, to firemen, to overdevelopment, and don’t forget it’s almost time for the city budget, will this just mean more embarrassing newspaper articles. You’re making me crazy. Return to Story Index

Eileen Friedman Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – City officials will go on a trip this week to see sites where black locust lumber is in use. Councilman Keith Hartzell said the trip is part of an attempt to find an alternative to ipe that looks good and can be used on the Boardwalk in the future. Officials from Wildwood, which is also looking to redeck portions of its Boardwalk, will also make the trip. But the fight continues over the use of ipe this year. City council last week approved a resolution requesting Mayor Sal Perillo negotiate the return of ipe hardwood that would be used to redeck the Boardwalk. Council members and local environmentalists have been calling for the cancellation of the ipe contract since it was passed in July. The body also passed a resolution stating that the present city council will no longer purchase tropical hardwood for use in Ocean City. It is not clear whether the non-binding resolutions will have any real effect this year. The mayor repeated last week that the city intends to go forward with its current redecking plans. Ocean City plans to use 43,000 square feet of Forest Stewardship Council-certified ipe to deck the Boardwalk between Ninth and 10th Streets before next summer. The cost of the contract is $1.2 million. Friends of the Rainforest, a local environmental group, has claimed that recycled plastic boards or black locust wood can do the job just as well. Rhonda VanWingerden, one of the group’s organizers, said plastic or black locust is cheaper too- approximately $500,000 less per block. VanWingerden said the city’s website also urges citizens to recycle, noting that recycled plastic lumber uses 672 recycled milk jugs to make the product, and that the mayor’s insistence on using ipe is hypocritical. Perillo highlighted the city’s commitment to the environment, claiming it was unparalleled in the history of Ocean City. The mayor said his administration has signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, begun moving its diesel fleet to bio-diesel, purchased hybrids, and begun one of the largest solar projects in South Jersey. Perillo also initiated a new environmental commission. That commission voted unanimously against the use of ipe on the Boardwalk, however. The mayor said the city would be responsible for unknown damages if it cancelled the ipe contract now. A letter from the Louis Grasmick Lumber Company represents that the city would be held liable for at least the $1.2 million. He also challenged the cost estimates provided by Friends of the Rainforest. “It has been represented that plastic is $500,000 less a block,” Perillo said. “The city engineer has advised me that the assumptions built into the estimate were wrong. It would still be more expensive than hardwood.” The city’s business organizations are for the use of ipe hardwood. Some residents said they feared taxes would rise if the city cancelled the contract. A $1.2 million penalty would be 1.5 cents on the tax rate next year. “Nobody ran saying vote me in, I’m going to pay twice for a project and raise your taxes,” said resident George Bauer. Councilman Scott Ping said that the city should suspend litigation with homeowners on Surf Road, developers at Second Street and Bay Avenue, Johnson’s on Asbury Avenue and never threatened eminent domain if cost was a true concern. “We seem to have selective concerns about taxes,” Ping said. Councilman Jack Thomas said the city should also consider native peoples affected by lumber companies in Brazil. “Whether it’s certified or not, I don’t know how you go into the rainforest with indigenous people and leave it behind without running their homes and their environment,” Thomas said. “We’re no longer talking about a product; we’re talking about how we can ruin people’s lives.” Councilman Jody Alessandrine said the administration could negotiate with Louis Grasmick Lumber and reach a settlement for less than $1.2 million. He said the move would be worth it. “This is an issue that is never going to die,” he said, “just like those trees that it takes 200 years to grow.” By some estimates, the city will have to replace around 20 blocks of Boardwalk over the next 10 years. The mayor has committed to installing plastic or black locust on five-foot spans on the Boardwalk and putting up signage identifying the areas. Black locust has already been laid down on 12th and 20th Streets. Some environmentalists said the black locust used should have been rejected. Tim Keating, executive director of Rainforest Relief, said he has investigated black locust use for Boardwalks for four years. He said he wants to see a fair test of black locust in Ocean City. “Some of it is pretty sorry looking and should have been rejected,” he said. Return to Story Index

Columb Higgins can be e-mailed at chiggins@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

OCEAN CITY – The planning board is scheduled to take up a council proposal for downtown zoning that would allow for two dwelling units on some of the smallest lots in the central business zone. Council last week voted 4-2 to approve the legislation on first reading. Councilmen Greg Johnson and Roy Wagner voted against. Councilman Scott Ping said development in the downtown has been stalled for 15 months as the administration and city council write new zoning. “We cannot have a de facto moratorium in our downtown indefinitely, especially when it has been put on the back burner,” he said. “This ordinance meets the criteria of all concerned.” Council’s zoning moves away from recommendations by Mayor Sal Perillo and the planning board that residential units should be limited on 30 foot wide lots. It would allow for two units of 1,600 square feet on the 30-wide lots. A single 2,300 square foot unit would also be permitted. The zoning would not change the minimum store sizes, 1,400 square feet, or other commercial requirements. “This ordinance is born somewhat out of frustration,” Perillo said. “Fifteen months after we’ve begun we still do not have a zoning ordinance for the downtown business district.” But the mayor said council’s proposal would ignore the advice of the planning board, the city planner, outside architects and the Taylor Design Group. Specifically, it would increase the amount of residential and lower parking requirements. Council’s zoning ordinance would require just one parking space for a two-bedroom, 1,600 square foot unit. “This is being proposed in the downtown where parking is most precious,” Perillo said. “Our objective should be to maintain and foster the viability of the downtown. Once we lose the downtown it will be lost forever.” Councilman Jack Thomas said the city has consistently had zoning that requires one parking space less than the total number of bedrooms. He said the two-bedroom, 1,600 square foot units meet that rule of thumb. “I can’t think of anything better than to have a group of citizens living downtown,” he said. “It will help the stores flourish during the summer and survive during the winter.” The added residential units also provide the economic model for stores to redevelop, councilman said. “The owners need an economic engine downtown in order to have the cash flow to redevelop,” Thomas said. City business administrator Jim Rutala said Ocean City is moving quickly to hire a planner with a $50,000 smart growth grant, which will craft zoning in the central business district. He said a recommendation to hire a planner will come forward at council’s first meeting in October. The planning board is scheduled to meet today, Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in city hall. The planning board will discuss council’s zoning ordinance at that time. Return to Story Index

Columb Higgins can be e-mailed at chiggins@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

OCEAN CITY – The city postponed voting on a $1.4 million bond to purchase garbage trucks as it continues to press waste management companies for a better deal on trash collection. City business administrator Jim Rutala asked council to table the bond ordinance while the city waits for more bids to come in. He said he would provide council with the final bids on trash collection in the coming weeks. “We need to weight the cost of the contract against the cost of providing this service ourselves,” he said. The city proposed spending $1.4 million to purchase seven garbage trucks in August as part of an effort to pressure companies to make more competitive bids. Waste Management, the city’s current trash hauler, bid $720,000 to provide the service next year. That’s up almost $400,000 from last year. “The bids were substantially higher than expected, 50 to 70 percent more,” Rutala said. After investigating the purchase of garbage trucks, however, the bids have come down. Rutala said Waste Management has shaved $100,000 off annually as a result of the city looking at doing its own trash collection. He said it’s the city’s intent to actually lower solid waste collection costs in 2008. Ocean City paid $2.5 million in 2006 for trash collection and county tipping fees. Councilmen Jody Alessandrine and Jack Thomas voted against tabling the bond ordinance. Both councilmen said they were against providing trash collection with city workers. “This is essentially endorsing a policy resulting in more full-time employees,” Alessandrine said. “It’s essentially a bluff if you don’t think you want to go through with it.” Thomas said the long term cost to the city, including maintenance, gas, benefits for workers and other variable expenses would not benefit Ocean City. A majority of council voted to wait and see whether the city could save money doing the job on its own. Councilman Keith Hartzell said it is worth it to at least investigate the possibility. “Even if there is a slight possibility of us saving money if we do this ourselves, I’d like to keep that open,” he said. Return to Story Index

Columb Higgins can be e-mailed at chiggins@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

OCEAN CITY – For most of us, making a cake from scratch is a pretty big undertaking. Culinary amateurs, we beat a couple of eggs, add the requisite oil and mix it with a dry blend of flour, baking powder and couple of other things, scoop it in a pan and hope for the best. If we mess it up, we can always fix it, and besides, the family member celebrating a birthday won’t mind a glitch here and there, right? Then there are the bakers, those among us whose talents allow them to deal with ingredients in pounds and ounces, not cups and tablespoons. Gifted in the kitchen, they have what it takes; knowledge, an endless supply of patience and boundless confidence. How else could you promise a bride a perfect cake on her wedding day? “This is not work for me; it’s my love,” Jennifer Bowman said. “What could be better than decorating cakes? I love it. It takes hours, but it’s a labor of love for me. It’s a dream come true to be doing this at this stage in my life. “I love meeting with the brides, listening to their ideas,” Bowman added. The celebrated “Mom with a Mixer” rejoices when she sees the look of delight on the bride’s face when the cake is complete. Bowman, married to Department Chief Charlie Bowman of the Ocean City Fire Department, owned her own bakery at the age of 23. She started her career at Johnson’s Popcorn. Bowman always loved baking, but nearly missed her calling. “After I graduated, I went away to school, I did what I was supposed to do, but I hated it,” she said. “I studied business but I didn’t like the whole college thing. I came home and went to the culinary school at ACC. I loved the food industry.” Bowman comes from a long line of culinary experts. Ancestors on her father’s side owned a tea room; her mother’s side boasts bakers. “It’s in my blood,” she said. After graduating with a culinary degree, she landed an internship at the Flander’s Banquet Center. “I was an assistant to the pastry chef,” she said. Later, she moved into the position of cold foods manager. “I lived in the girls’ dorm; it was so neat. I love that hotel,” she said. Eventually, Bowman saved $8,000, money earmarked for a car. Turns out she had a higher calling. “I kept driving past this bakery at 14th Street,” she said. “It had always been a bakery, but I wasn’t open any more. There was this older lady there and I stopped to talk to her.” The chance meeting was “meant to be.” A career was launched. At 23, Bowman sealed the deal for her own business. There would be no new car for a while. “I was so thrilled,” she said. “I rented it with all the equipment for $9,000. The lady helped me, and her boyfriend came in and taught me everything he knew. He was 90 years old and knew all these really neat German recipes. They were a little down in the dumps when I met them, but opening the bakery turned it all around. I relit their energy; they were incredible people, so enthusiastic.” Bowman’s bakery business took off, an instant success. “I had a great four year run,” said Bowman. She worked night and day, seven days a week through the busy summer months. She went into it for the experience, rationalizing that the investment would cost less than a year of college, yet offer more hands-on experience. “It was a tough way to live, but I learned a lot,” said Bowman. In the meantime, she married Charlie and life took a different turn. “I just couldn’t keep it up, it was too much work,” she said. When Mike Coffey, the chef at the Ocean City Yacht Club was diagnosed with ALS, she stepped in to help him as a wedding consultant. “I did that for seven years, and I loved it,” she said. “Working with the brides was fun. I made the cakes and left them there, it was easy.” When the first of her three girls, Caroline, now 11 arrived, it was time to invest in motherhood. The addition of Katie, 4, and Kelsey, 2, has kept her quite busy, but not too busy to start building a steady wedding cake business. “Making wedding cakes is perfect for me,” she said. Bowman’s most recent wedding masterpiece was a beautiful German chocolate groom’s cake, delivered to the Flander’s for Stephanie Reese and Matt Goldman. “It’s not as big as a regular wedding cake, it’s a southern tradition,” said Bowman. “A groom’s cake pertains to the interests of the groom. Matt likes to golf, so the cake was decorated with golf balls and bags and a golf emblem. I’ve done hundreds of cakes, but only four groom’s cakes.” Mingling with guests at Reese’s wedding reception Bowman the baker was called upon for a quick cake consultation. She left and quickly returned, causing guests to inquire about the delivery process for wedding cakes. “Its nerve wracking until you get it to the facility,” she said. Believe it or not, the average wedding cake is upwards of 50 pounds. “You have to get underneath it, very carefully,” she explained. “In all the years I’ve been doing this I’ve only had one disaster. I put a cake in the car, and I was coming across 14th Street and someone ran a stop sign and I had to slam on my brakes. It was a disaster but it could be fixed.” Bowman covers mistakes with decorations such as shells and flowers. “You can hide a lot of things, there are a lot of little tricks,” she said. “It’s overwhelming, but most mistakes are fixable.” Wedding cakes take a lot of preparation. “I bake the cake on Thursday for a Saturday wedding, and let it cool,” she said. “I ice it on Friday and decorate it on Saturday.” Bowman uses the industrial strength kitchen in St. Peter’s United Methodist Church to bake her delicious concoctions. “I use a 20-quart mixer,” she said. A typical cake requires five pounds of sugar, six pounds of cake flour, and two dozen eggs. The icing consists of five pounds of shortening, 13 pounds of powdered sugar and two pounds of butter. Wedding cakes take two hours to cook. So how do you bake a cake that large and not have a big, soggy hole in the center that won’t cook? “Good question,” said Bowman. “You take a number 10 can, a coffee can, and put it in the center of the cake. The center is hollow. That way it bakes evenly. The standard cake is 18 inches. When you cut a wedding cake, you pretty much go around in a circle along the edge.” Bowman enjoys making children’s birthday cakes as well. “I made a basketball cake for Justin Price, it was two-tiered and awesome,” she said. “I’ve made a waterslide and I’ve decorated cakes with Polly Pockets. I can do almost anything. It’s a lot of fun.” Bowman said the oldest of her girls has expressed an interest in baking. “It’s in her blood too, she likes doing the cakes for her friends,” she said. Bowman said she is open to whatever comes her way. “I love making cakes, it’s all word of mouth right now and I’m busy,” she said. “I’m busy with my children, too so this works for me. I’m so thrilled that I have accomplished what I have. I opened a bakery at 23, are you kidding me? My reputation is good. I’m very happy. Some women search their whole lives and never find what makes them happy. I’m always looking, and I know the right thing will come along. I’m enjoying being a mom,” she said. Return to Story Index

Ann Richardson can be e-mailed at annrichardson@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

With city council unanimously giving their blessing to a proposed expansion of the Ocean City Free Public Library, the 17th Street facility could become the ultimate in one-stop shopping for young and old alike. The hallmark complex, comprising the aquatic and fitness center, the cultural arts center, the historical museum and the library will not only grow in size and stature, it will add another component. The county sponsored senior center will join the facility, which will be remodeled and expanded to create three new additions, including a state-of-the-art lecture hall and coffee bar and meeting, storage and office space. “We’re really excited about the whole concept,” said John Flood, chairman of the library board. “There are a bunch of great things that could happen here. We’re going to bring this building together, by incorporating the senior center, we’ll being the community together. There will be opportunities for the youngest members of our community to our oldest citizens. It will allow us to make the best possible use of the facility. It’s cross-utilization at its best.” Flood presented the concept to council last week. “Ultimately, council has to approve anything we come up with,” he said. “There are four stages to the project, concept, design, funding and implementation. Right now we’re working on the concept.” Flood said the plan dates to 2003. The library board hired a consultant, Library Development Solutions of Princeton Junction. “We knew we needed more space, so we asked them to make an assessment of our needs,” he said. “They interviewed our staff and board members, and we did six focus groups with patrons. We wanted to find out what people liked and what they didn’t like. The great thing about the assessment is that the library is doing a good job. We found out that people really like what we have to offer, everybody loves the library and wants more of it.” The assessment said the library needs 17,000 additional square feet. The board considered a satellite location downtown, including the ground where the soon-to-be torn down Ocean City Hall annex sits or some alternative satellite location. “Nothing panned out,” said Flood. The board moved to hire an architect to design an addition to the current facility. Garrison Associates won out over a dozen competitors. Garrison designed the new $40 million Ocean City High School. “He has an extensive background in libraries,” said Flood. Many possibilities were considered, including moving certain entities out of the building altogether. Ultimately they moved toward a plan that minimizes disruption while making the best possible use of new and existing space. Garrison’s concept includes an 11,000 square foot, two-story addition to the library off the back northeast corner of the building at 17th Street and Haven Avenue and a 6,800 square foot addition for seniors, who would enjoy a dining hall, activity rooms and a kitchen. “The seniors would get the space which now includes two racquet ball courts in the fitness center,” said Flood. “They would get the entire first floor of that area and the fitness center will get the second floor. That would give the senior center a nice big area right in our building.” Across the front, another 5,400 square foot addition would create a “mall-like” effect within the building, Flood said. The new entrance plaza would wrap around the front of the structure at ground level and unify the building. “You could go from one end to the other without going outside,” said Flood. “There would be an easily accessible coffee bar in that area and lots of computers. It would be very welcoming and relaxing. The museum and art center would stay put. A lot of people say that the library is their community living room. A lot of citizens who moved offshore still come back.” Naturally, bringing the senior center in and adding additional space to the facility will create a substantial need for additional parking. “There is a big grassy plot that the city owns on 17th Street; we would vacate the street for one half of a block, closing it to traffic,” Flood said. “We would make it all a parking lot. We could connect the two sides and make on big parking lot. That would give us 65 more spaces.” The benefits, said Flood, are incredible. “There will be a big room in the senior center that they don’t use all the time,” he said. “That room would be available for other uses, like meetings and programs when the seniors aren’t using it.” The Headley Room in the library seats 100 people. Council chambers in Ocean City Hall hosts 80 people. Then there is the Bayside Center, which is considerably smaller and the public works building. “On the other end, you have the Tabernacle, the Music Pier and the auditorium at Ocean City High School, they’re all very big,” said Flood. “There’s nothing that’s kind of in the middle. We would like to construct a lecture hall, similar to what you would find at a college. We have world-class authors in this library and it would be nice to offer them something worthy. We could have small theater groups from the cultural arts center. We’d have a good sound system in there and the possibilities would be endless. “We’re really thinking once it’s built, new uses would pop up once people see how useful it could be,” said Flood. The aquatic and fitness center was built in the early 1970s through the efforts of the Mazzitelli family and former congressman and Ambassador, William J. Hughes, among others. “There was a combination of private and public funding behind that,” said Flood. When the ceiling collapsed at the old Wesley Avenue school, city officials moved the cultural arts center, which was then located at the former school house, out before tearing the building down and moving the library from its Sixth Street and Ocean Avenue location- a part of the old Ocean City High School - to the existing facility. “They created this addition for the library and the cultural arts center,” said Flood. “At that time, it was a huge expansion and it was much needed. It looks like what we are doing now is a natural progression of what was started a long time ago. “It makes a lot better use of the facility, particularly bringing in the senior center,” Flood said. “With it down at 33rd Street, the seniors are isolated. I think if they were in this building, they’d like the coffee bar and they might be more apt to use the pool, take a class, go to the museum or use the library. The same thing with the children, it would be like a Border’s and we’d have lots of computers. We’d have an atrium with lots of seats and newspapers. “Everybody’s talking about shared services,” added Flood. “This plan allows us to make the best possible use of this building. This building would be a neat testament to that. Everyone is very excited.” Return to Story Index

Ann Richardson can be e-mailed at annrichardson@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

To the Editor: I am tired of people apologizing to city officials and city council for questioning their conduct in the boardwalk redecking project. The facts are: 1) Both the administration and council ignored the 1997 council resolution to consider all alternatives before again using tropical hardwood. 2) During the ten ensuing years there was no serious effort by the city to consider alternatives before again recommending tropical hardwood. 3) Contrary to the mayor’s unsupported assertion that there were six open forums to discuss the issue, both council and city officials ignored repeated requests from the public to hold an open workshop where alternatives could be discussed. 4) The mayor ignored the unanimous conclusion of his appointed environmental commission not to use tropical hardwood, and the administration and council ignored and obstructed attempts by the public to present evidence of viable alternatives not considered and of deficiencies in the city’s analysis in spite of the city engineer’s admission that there was no time emergency for redecking. 5) Council approved the use of tropical hardwood, and then shortly thereafter reversed itself on the grounds of “new information” which was new only because of a failure to inquire and a failure of the administration to put forth this information all of which was readily available. 6) Having admitted this failure of responsibility, rather than directing the administration to cancel the purchase order, it asked it “please” to do so, a request that the mayor has ignored. 7) The mayor has clothed his refusal to accede to this request in a series of unsupported scare scenarios about massive legal costs to taxpayers. The above facts clearly evidence derelictions of responsibility and duty by council, the mayor and members of his administration. Rather than approaching these lapses contritely, we should be incensed at this mistreatment by elected officials and their appointees. If the mayor were indeed the CEO of IBM, to which he continuously equates himself, he would be fired. Return to Story Index

Jack McCarron Ocean City

To the Editor: While I sat in the city council meeting last Thursday, I was amazed at the number of local citizens who walked up to the mike and expressed their fear of property tax increases if the city rescinded the controversial ipe contract. Most of them talked of penalties of “one point two million dollars plus damages.” This misperception echoes statements the mayor and his staff have been making for months, and dutifully repeated in your weekend edition. One of your letter-to-the-editor contributors recently pointed out, however, that the ipe would be sold to someone else if we didn’t use it. This is a basic principle of contract law (mitigation of damages). It’s truly amazing that no one working for the city, including the two lawyers usually in attendance at city council meetings, ever thought to mention it. I guess they thought everybody knew. I have never heard anyone on either side of this argument say that the supplier (Grasmick) shouldn’t be treated fairly. If the city rescinds the contract, Grasmick is entitled to the full contract price of $1.2 million, but, by law, the city will receive a credit from reselling the wood. It’s conceivable that sold in smaller lots, it could bring an amount equal to or higher than $1.2 million. We have to infer from their silence that the administration considers the ipe has zero value if it’s not used here. I find that totally implausible. Not only would the resale bring the damages down, there is credible data from the anti-ipe crowd that use of either alternative decking material, plastic or black locust, would bring more savings. The refusal of the administration to realistically pursue a settlement with Grasmick keeps us from knowing what the final cost will be. I urge the four city council members who have repeatedly asked the mayor to rescind the contract to inform the mayor, in writing, that they wont approve payment to for ipe here in Ocean City. This seems to be the only way at this point to resolve the argument, find out what the final price tag will be and get this dispute behind us. I think this mayor has done some good things since he took office. If he didn’t have to re-fight this battle every week he could do some more. At this point the ipe still hasn’t arrived at the suppliers. The administration admits that time isn’t critical in redecking the one block section. But the sooner this divisive dispute is ended, the less we’ll pay as taxpayers. Return to Story Index

Mac McCarthy Ocean City

• 16-34 group to meet The 16-34 Community Association meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 1:30 p.m. in the Headley Room at the Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. The group meets once a month to discuss the important issues facing Ocean City, especially in the areas of planning and zoning. All are welcome at attend.
• Blessing of the animals The third annual blessing of the animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Church, Second Street and Atlantic Avenue, in Ocean City Thursday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. at Culliney Hall parking lot behind the church. Pets of all species and religious affiliation are welcome. Contact the rectory at 399-4776 with any questions.
• FIT meeting set Fairness in Taxes will hold its monthly board meeting on Friday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. in the Headley Room at the Ocean City Library.
• Fire safety discussion On Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Historical Museum, Paul Anselm will be discussing fire safety and the Ocean City fire of Oct. 11, 1927.
• 4th Ward meeting Councilman Roy Wagner will host a 4th Ward meeting Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Social Hall, 40th Street and Central Avenue. Open meeting format for any questions or comments. Ample parking. All are welcome. Call 399-4429 for more information. Return to Story Index

STRATHMERE – Things were hoping for a late September evening. On Friday, at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Ocean Drive, usually pretty quiet once the lifeguards leave town, parking was at a premium, and there was a line out the door at La Fontana Del Mare. It was opera night. Ocean City-based singer and teacher Nancy Fox presented an evening of opera and popular music at the restaurant, along with three other singers, Ward Saxton, Kenneth Young and Teresa Bonilla, who is one of Fox’s students. She had presented the program at the restaurant several times in the past, but said she is working with owner Fausto Berardi to make it a regular offering. There is another event planned for his other restaurant La Fontana in Margate, on Friday, Fox said. The next one in Strathmere will likely take place in the end of October before the restaurant closes down for the year, Berardi said. He said the turnout for the most recent event was great, fueled mostly by word of mouth, and that many of his customers have requested the more opera in the future. “We’re going to try to make it on a regular basis, like maybe once a month,” he said. Most of the singers Fox uses in the program are seasoned professionals, she said, of all ages, although she sometimes brings her students into the program as well. In Bonilla’s case, the 15-year-old is ready to perform professionally, but needs more confidence in front of an audience. “She sings great, but she’s still painfully shy,” Fox said. The venue gives her a chance to practice singing to an audience in a venue where a single missed note or other mistake won’t be fatal, as Fox puts it. “People in restaurants are more forgiving.” The informal atmosphere can be an obstacle as well, she acknowledged. She said the Strathmere diners appreciated the music, but several just happened that evening, and others were not sure about talking or eating during the performances. Sometimes, conversations made the roaming singer difficult to hear. Fox said she is still trying to work out the best way to handle the program, especially considering the two seatings. Fox said the Opera By the Sea group she put together for the performances will typically use different singers for different performances. The hardest part so far, she said, is finding a piano player with opera experience who is able to follow the entire repertoire. On Friday, arias included pieces in French German, and several in Italian, as well as performances from popular musicals. Fox studied opera and voice in German, and came to Ocean City in the late 1960s to sing with the Ocean City Pops. She has lived in town since 1973, she said. Return to Story Index

• Markilyn Warlow, 21, of Ocean City, was arrested Sept. 21 for driving while intoxicated after being involved with a motor vehicle accident. The arresting officer was Ptl. James Sampson.
• Jason Bretz, 31, of Ocean City, and Joseph Spivey, 20, of Margate, were arrested Sept. 21 for the possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arresting officer was Ptl. John Vogt.
• Carrie Regler, 25, of Ocean City, was arrested Sept. 22 for the obstruction of the administration of law for interfering with the Ocean City Fire Department as they were rendering first aid to another victim. The arresting officer was Ptl. John Vogt.
• Mark Hawkins, 43, of Pleasantville, was arrested Sept. 24 for multiple active contempt of court warrants out of Absecon, Egg Harbor Township and the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department. The arresting officer was Ptl. Robert Reichanek.
• Christopher Davis, 20, of Egg Harbor Township, was arrested Sept. 24 for active contempt of court warrants out of Upper and Dennis Townships. The arresting officer was Ptl. Robert Reichanek.
• Elizabeth Pickett-Vagnoni, 51, of Somers Point, was arrested Sept. 24 for an active contempt of court warrant out of Atlantic County. The arresting officer was Ptl. John Vogt.
• Sara Stevenson, 29, of Cape May, was arrested Sept. 25 for an active warrant. The arresting officer was Sgt. Brian Trostle.
• Anthony Cinaglia, 48, of Ocean City, was arrested Sept. 25 for an active contempt of court warrant out of Stone Harbor, Estell Manor, Ocean City and Woodstown. The arresting officer was Ptl. Michael Gray.
• Robert Armstrong, 22, of Ocean City, was arrested Sept. 26 for active contempt of court warrants out of Buena Boro and Mullica Township. The arresting officer was Ptl. Patrick Walsh.
• Jennifer Dalponte, 30, of Ocean City, was arrested Sept. 26 for an active warrant for harassment out of Woolrich Township. The arresting officer was Ptl. Dave Rowland.
• Cynthia Arantes, 30, of Belleville, was arrested Sept. 28 for driving while suspended and an active warrant for no motor vehicle insurance out of Union Township. The arresting officer was Ptl. Karl Ruf.
• Marion Dale, 30 of Ocean City, was arrested Sept. 30 for active warrants out of the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department and the Ocean City Police Department. The arresting officer was Ptl. Karl Ruf.OC Return to Story Index

OCEAN CITY – Police said a homeowner interrupted a burglary in his home last week and was then threatened with a knife. The homeowner was not injured and there are no known suspects at this time. The incident occurred on the 400 block of Second Street in the early morning hours of Sept. 29. The burglar was inside the home when the resident walked in on him. The suspect threatened the homeowner and then searched the residence. Police said the burglar fled the area with the homeowner’s cell phone, eye glasses and some money. Members of the Cape May County Sheriff’s K-9 unit responded to the scene and attempted to locate the suspect but were unable to. The county prosecutor’s office also responded to process the scene and recover evidence. If anyone has any information about the case, please call Ocean City police at 399-9111. Return to Story Index

To the Editor: At the Sept. 27 council meeting, Messrs. Ping and Alessandrine questioned the public’s and administration’s commitment to reducing the taxpayers’ burden in unnecessary litigation and legal expenses. In responding to public comment that the taxpayers will bare the financial burden of rescinding the order for ipe wood, Councilman Ping chastised the city “leadership” for wasting tens of thousands of tax dollars in zoning related issues. While I agree with Mr. Ping that we taxpayers have born the brunt of legal expenses arising out of ill-conceived notions of what is legal and effective zoning, I disagree with his convenient characterization that our “leadership” is responsible for these failures. Clearly Mr. Ping intended his reference to leadership to be construed as referring to the mayor. While I have no desire to defend Mr. Perillo’s actions during his first year in office, Mr. Ping and council have bragging rights to the “leadership” that conceived, adopted and fueled the East Surf Road zoning ordinance 06-22 which changed the setbacks on my block in response to my previously obtained permits which completely conformed to all existing zoning regulations. I was shocked when Alessandrine chimed in to also blame the mayor for taxpayer losses in zoning litigations without bothering to clarify that he was the sponsor and motivating force behind 06-22 and the year long litigation over the validity of my permits and whether my house “ruins” the character of the street. Alessandrine testified about his leadership to give the public 06-22 on July 25 during the four-day trial on this matter. Alessandrine testified under oath that he was the sponsor and motivating force behind 06-22. His testimony about his leadership to thwart my ability to build under my permits is further substantiated by e-mail after e-mail, uncovered during this litigation, from Alessandrine to various city officials and my neighbor, Jill Rogers. From his testimony and steadfast support of Ms. Rogers’ quest to force me to build my house at least two feet behind hers, we need never doubt who led the taxpayers on this crusade. To support Alessandrine’s “leadership” on this important zoning, every councilman voted for 06-22 during first and second reading. Ordinance 06-22 was introduced and enacted within one month under Alessandrine’s leadership. No one else has been able to surpass his record on rapidly enacting new zoning. Ordinance 06-22 did not pass in a vacuum. Council was repeatedly advised that the claimed purpose of the ordinance was a thinly veiled disguise for private, not public interests. My wife and I, along with many other residents, advised council why this zoning was a recipe for disaster. These concerns certainly reached council as evidenced by an Aug. 1, 2006 e-mail, in which Mr. Ping advised his fellow councilmen that any claims that 06-22 was spot zoning was simply a “scare tactic” and that council should “reassure these constituents that we have the ability and the right to change the setbacks in 06-22.” Alessandrine replied via e-mail to Ping that he too was receiving calls from constituents concerned about spot zoning. Alessandrine said these constituents were wrong and only knew one side of the story. He further stated that “it’s really difficult for most to comprehend the big picture.” We all understand the “big picture” now. When convenient, deflect criticism to the other side of table; in this case, back onto the public and mayor. The problem with this tactic is that some of us have the documentation to refute council’s attempt to rewrite history. Council shouldn’t mislead the public about its historical leading role in this prolonged litigation over my permits and the uniformity of 06-22. We should make sure that Mr. Ping and Alessandrine, along with the rest of council, own up to their leadership and the perils it has wrought upon the taxpayers. As evident by their actions on the ipe wood order, council is willing to rescind ordinances when it later concludes it has made a mistake. Since no council member ever suggested rescinding 06-22; nor restoring my permits without the need for this expensive litigation; nor accepting my offer to build at 17 feet even though my permits allowed me to build at 13 feet, we should not allow council to shed itself of its role in leading the charge for 06-22. Return to Story Index

Marshall Schmeizer Ocean City

To the Editor: The mayor has stated numerous times that he does not accept recycled plastic lumber as an environmentally friendly product, in part because he thinks it’s made with oil. First of all, the plastic used in recycled plastic lumber (RPL) is not a petroleum product. More importantly, structural plastic lumber is made from recycled plastic, not new raw materials. There are numerous environmental benefits from using recycled plastic lumber. A common milk jug is made from HDPE plastic, the same type of plastic that recycled lumber is made from. It takes 672 of milk jugs to make one 2½x8x12 foot piece of structural plastic lumber. Or 90 milk jugs for every square foot of boardwalk. By using recycled plastic lumber in just the one block area between Ninth and 10 streets the city would be keeping the equivalent of 3,888,000 milk jugs out of our landfills. It is pretty silly for anyone to claim that recycled plastic lumber is not more environmentally friendly than cutting down 100 year old rain forest trees. Here in Ocean City, one of the city's environmental missions is to increase the amount we recycle. The following is taken directly from the Ocean City website:

Why should I recycle? Recycle for the environment *Save trees! Recycling paper that can be made into new products will reduce the number of trees that need to be cut down. *Saving trees helps to reduce greenhouse gases and in turn will help combat global warming. *Save energy! Recyclables are a renewable and available resource. Using recyclables for manufacturing decreases energy used for logging and mining to acquire virgin resources. *Save space! Land is becoming a precious commodity in southern New Jersey, so reducing the amount of materials we put into our landfill prolongs its useful life.

It is clear that the benefits of recycling are known, but what is the point of all this sorting and separating if Ocean City’s own mayor does not believe in purchasing products made from the materials we are recycling? In addition to the known benefits of recycling, there are state and federal initiatives, in the form of executive orders that mandate the use of recycled materials including plastic lumber over the purchase of virgin or raw materials. It only makes sense to follow the leadership that the state and federal government is taking, to do otherwise seems ridiculous. In addition, the manufacturing process of RPL is environmentally friendly. The following is a statement from one structural grade plastic lumber manufacturer: “Our entire process is environmentally friendly. We are keeping millions of pounds of material out of landfills each year. No toxic by-products or noxious fumes are associated with the production of our material. There is also no waste in the process.” We are living in a society where there are eight billion pounds of plastic containers manufactured annually in the U.S. alone. When you consider that this plastic does not biodegrade and remains in our ecosystems permanently, we are looking at an incredibly high volume of accumulated plastic trash. Using recycled plastic lumber is one way to utilize this waste; if plastic is going to be around forever, we may as well make use of it by creating aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound projects from it. And while dimensional wood is usually trashed or land-filled when damaged beyond reuse, plastic lumber is readily recyclable. Given the fact that recycled plastic lumber makes use of plastic material already in our waste stream, is made through an environmentally friendly manufacturing process, reduces solid waste destined for landfills, reduces global deforestation, and adds additional revenues to the economy through the processing of recycled plastic materials, it is clearly an environmentally and economically friendly material. Return to Story Index

Rhonda VanWingerden Ocean City

Wow, what a spectacular weekend. Let’s hope this sunshine lasts through the upcoming block party. Speaking of sunshine, we had the delightful opportunity to watch one of our favorite young adults, Stephanie Reese, tie the knot and enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Flanders, Diane’s baby got married and I’m a tad sad that these young people are growing up. Flat screen TV’s are all the rage, but what do you do about installation? Call Gleason’s. They’ll have a new look just in time for the block party. Check out the renovations! Shirley Vallee is a multi-talented woman, this extraordinary horticulturists tells us how to best take care of a fall garden, how to best stage a home for resale and sizes up the traffic for local real estate open houses. Swim Again Pools will soon morph into The Ski Connection, and they have Uggs. If you want them, better get them now. Hillary wants to give each baby born in America $5,000. See why this leading socialist is way off base. To top that, Rep. John Dingell wants to impose a 50-cent global warming tax. I got hate mail for my global warming stance, but I warned you this was the reason behind the hoax. “Inconvenient Youth – How the Left is Brainwashing our Children” should be a must read for all parents. It’s downright scary. What’s up with the stock market? We’ll check in with Jeff and John Shirk of Fortress Financial. There’s lots of good stuff about the real estate market too, we’ll see what Berger Realty’s Matt Bader, Monihan’s Ken Cooper and RE/MAX of Ocean City’s Gloria Votta and Ellen Reilly are up to. Lots more on the blog.

A tale of two neighbors Writing for a newspaper has been an interesting undertaking, some days better than others, but always rewarding. How lucky am I to have met so many wonderful people. From all walks of life they’ve shared their joys and sorrows, good times and bad. Over the years, as I’ve told their stories, many have become treasured friends, one of the most gratifying aspects of my craft. The paths of two such friends – one living in a Goldcoast beachfront and the other in the heart of the Gardens – spin different yarns but share a common theme so aptly illustrating the city’s zoning debacle. We’ve used knee-jerk reactions and a wildly swinging pendulum, not common sense or a steady hand, to guide our cherished neighborhoods. The resulting confusion and chaos has lead to a gold rush and the loss of year-round residents, a glut of unsold homes and a slew of expensive lawsuits. The “Tale of Two Friends” begins with Shirley and Joe Vallee, who own an adorable beachfront cottage at 2011 Wesley Ave. A serendipitous meeting with Shirley began with my business blog. Soft-spoken, warm and gracious, she became a regular contributor. Meanwhile, I learned she was the talented horticulturalist whose beautifully blooming beachfront garden is the talk of the Boardwalk, admired by all who pass. I featured her home and flowering splendor in the Gazette this summer. So spectacular is her garden, that she was recently awarded, for the second time, a beautification award from the city. The Vallees’ cottage was built in the early half of the last century, and the sign hanging over the garden, “Cead Mile Failt,” meaning one hundred thousand welcomes, says it all. The cottage is a home, full of love and family memories. It oozes charm. Yet in this “bigger and better” world, the 2000 block of Wesley does not. A mix of monstrous homes and duplexes, there are but a few older homes; otherwise, it’s opulence at any cost. The style runs the gamut, a troubling mix of European influence that seems oddly out of place at the Jersey Shore. “It looks like the United Nations,” said Shirley. “It happened one at a time, like a thief in the night. They’re nice people. It’s hard to say anything. I try to keep the spirit for the block, the way it used to be. So many people tell me how glad they are that we are still here. They love that we represent what Ocean City used to be.” The block is part of a larger island-wide trend that goes beyond humongous homes. Some of these buildings were built as gold-plated trophies, full of imported tile and marble - the best of everything - but devoid of family life and memories. Occupied only on occasion, the owners do not become part of the fabric of the community like the families that they replaced; they don’t go out to dinner, walk the Boardwalk or shop downtown. “The sad thing is that they build these big houses and leave,” she said. “We never see them. Ocean City is very sad to me. We’re dangerously approaching that point where the memories are gone.” It all began with the townhouse style duplex on the corner of 20th Street, which city officials allowed to be built much closer to the Boardwalk than neighboring homes. “I don’t understand how it ever got approved,” said Shirley. “Joe and I went to the meetings. We said the neighborhood was changing. In letting them do that, they allowed them to destroy not just our block, but a major part of the beachfront. These houses are big enough for five families. “Some people say that all this development increases the value of my home. I take the opposite view,” she added. “Maybe the value of my ground is increased, but who cares when the character of the neighborhood is destroyed? People say I should be happy. Why, because I live next door to a stucco wall? It’s been a noisy and dirty summer. There are concrete chunks and pieces of stucco in my windows and my garden. “I’ve been here almost 40 years,” she said. “A lot of people don’t want to tear down what they have. I have a hard time understanding all this.” The duplex set a precedent, allowing the neighbor - between the corner and Vallee - to divide and conquer for a rear setback. With large pillars, aches and railings, the Spanish style mansion to the north of the cottage looks oddly like a cruise ship from the inside of the Vallees’ home. “I understand that they have the right to build, but how big does it have to be?” Shirley questioned. “It’s the shore; it should be relaxing and casual. We go to the beach. What more do you need?” The Vallees politely spoke up as the zoning board allowed the neighbor to build the mansion. “The block is changed forever,” said Shirley. “Zoning is very inconsistent. The word is out. A lot of people are very unhappy. We’re getting a bad name. This block is an anomaly. Every house is different, inconsistent with one another. The beachfront should have a flow, something in common.” While the mansions took over the Goldcoast, Marshall Schmeizer and Lisa Hartman were planning for their new home at 318 East Surf Road. Their cottage was smaller, never intended to be a year round home. The Schmeizers wanted to become year-round residents, raise their two sons; create memories. For years, we’ve lamented the loss of families, children in our school system. You would think city officials would welcome the Schmeizers, grease the skids and make the redevelopment process easy so they could become a coveted part of the community’s fabric. You would think. While the city allowed the travesty in the 2000 block to happen, they chose East Surf Road to take out their overdevelopment frustration. While no thought or consideration was given to the Vallees by their mansion-building neighbor that was not the case with the Schmeizers. They carefully built their home to suit their needs, while at the same time, recognizing the charm and character of the neighborhood. The Schmeizers were limited by restrictive Gardens zoning. Laws prohibited them from building an attached garage with front-facing doors. They were forced to turn the garage sideways, but installed big windows so it blends in with the streetscape. Complicating their situation, Marshall was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Realizing his mobility could be limited, they redesigned the home. A first floor bedroom and bath became a must. The house sits on a slab at ground level to make it easier for Marshall to navigate. He wanted a big back yard so he could watch his boys play. They kept the neighbors directly to the east in mind. The master bedroom is tucked into the roof over the garage, with a porch that fits in nicely with the façade. While it does protrude closer to the street, it blends. Only the front of the garage protrudes. The Schmeizers were issued a building permit in August 2006. They planned to demolish the bungalow and start constructing their dream home after Labor Day. They were ready. The next door neighbors were ready too – to stop them. The entire neighborhood and city government were mobilized after they went door to door with scare tactics and petitions claiming the Schmeizers’ new home would block their light, air and space. The fastest zoning ordinance in the history of the city unanimously passed council, and the permit was rescinded. In the worst example of spot zoning ever, the front setback on just the one side of the street on one block went from 12 feet to 22 feet, making half the block non-conforming. The Schmeizers’ setback was to be 13 feet. They offered to move the house back to 17 feet, a fair compromise, but were flatly rejected. A new council and mayor were sworn in to office in July. With a pledge to stop overdevelopment, the Schmeizers’ house became the shining example. Long story short, with their life savings on the line, the Schmeizers fought back, sued the city and were granted a permit and allowed to build with the idea that the court case would move forward and they could be forced to comply with the new zoning laws. The Schmeizers’ home was finished in April. They went to court this summer and now await a judge’s decision. If they lose the battle, they could be forced to cut off the front half of their garage and a large portion of the master bedroom and porch. How neighborly. I was horrified at the shameful reaction of the neighbors. Just a few doors down from my family’s home, I was embarrassed for the neighborhood. I found Lisa and Marshall to be kind-hearted people and felt an instant kinship. They’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars defending their homestead and now they sit in limbo, awaiting Judge Valerie Armstrong’s decision. It’s not just the Schmeizers paying hefty legal fees, its costing taxpayers a small fortune to fight this battle, brought on by one unhappy neighbor. I took Shirley over to see the Schmeizers’ home. “Why would anyone complain about that house? The neighbors should come take a look at my house,” she said. “That house is beautiful; it fits the character of the neighborhood. For the city to allow what has happened to us and give those poor people trouble is not fair.” Waiting to see whether they will be cut off at the neck or the knees, the Schmeizers feel the Vallees’ pain. “It’s inconceivable,” said Lisa. “These are big boxes of opulence. You hear so much about overdevelopment. They come after us but allow this? If people are upset, this is what they should be talking about. Here we are trying to build a nice year round home. If anyone has a right to be upset about overdevelopment, it would be the Vallees. You look at the beautiful gardens and then you look at what’s around them. They let them get completely shadowed, and complain about my house?” “Some days I get physically sick over what has happened to Ocean City. The town has to wake up, but it’s almost too late already,” said Shirley. Shirley’s garden will continue to thrive, but if we don’t get this zoning conundrum straightened out, will Ocean City? Return to Story Index

Ann Richardson can be e-mailed at annrichardson@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 250, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

A large crowd was on hand when the Ocean City Historical Museum held its annual luncheon at the Flanders. Lillian Korista entertained at the grand piano in the upper lobby as guests arrived and were greeted by Alexandra Ford, Carol Rieder and Dennis Lynn when they picked up their place cards. Museum president Fred Miller and wife, Susan, were tending to last minute details in the dining room where I caught up with Dot Turner, Margaret Schock, Jean Bell and Noel Wirth setting out silent auction items. Margaret told me she was at the Tabernacle grounds at 7 a.m. Saturday to set up for the museum craft fair and stayed till it closed at 3 p.m. Joyce and Jim Brooks were excited when they told about their son, Pete, catching a 14-foot, 460-pound marlin in Puerto Rico. I joked with Roy Gillian about losing his job playing the piano. Since Roy was the featured speaker this year, Fred didn't think he should entertain before lunch too. Wonder Bear posed for pictures and cut up with guests in the lobby along with his co-workers at Wonderland, Ann Landolfi, Melissa Carr, Steve Daughten, Mike Clearkin, Brian O'Connell and Josh Gillian, all sporting navy blue Wonderland golf shirts and tan slacks. My neighbor of 43 years, Freddie Andrea, introduced me to her friend, Bobbi Svihla, then Freddie told me about our neighbors Della and Cork Ostein's home being struck by lightning Monday. Rocky and Roberta Gannon were on hand for the luncheon again this year and Rocky, who claims to be the oldest living Eagle Scout in Ocean City, spoke recently at the museum on the 100th anniversary of scouting. Rita Fulginiti drove up from Court House for the luncheon, but had to get back to work to officiate at a wedding in her office later in the afternoon. Rita said she marries at least three couples every week. B.J. Schaubel was camera shy when I snapped a picture of her friends, Mary and Warren Hughes, Marge and Bob Roth and Carol and Wes Evans, who are looking forward to a trip to Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. Immaculata class of 1960 college friends, Anita DeSantis, Marie DeVries, Ellen McDonnell, Kathy Murphy and Terry Willis got together for a reunion at the luncheon. Ellen recalled working in the plate room at the Flanders during summer vacations. Alice and Bill Crockford's cornstalks are ready to be picked for Halloween. When I admired Tyra Payant's beautiful crocheted sweater she told me she got it at Talese's Town Shop, a popular boutique on Asbury Avenue in the sixties. Fred Miller served as emcee and introduced many guests at the luncheon with glowing remarks about each one. I enjoyed lunch chatting with Ralph Bakley, Nick Asselta, Mickey and Bill Bender, Tammy and Chet DeFelice, Pat and Roy Gillian and Susan and Fred Miller. Bright colored roses in a glass vase compliments of Linda and Mark Videtto at the Spinning Wheel served as centerpieces on the tables and a picture postcard of Gillian's Fun Deck at Plymouth Place and the Boardwalk was on the cover of the programs. Mary Ann and Steve Gring awarded door prizes during lunch and when Roy Gillian won a Wonder Bear he traded it in for a Litterer's gift certificate. Gretchen Bingham and this columnist were delighted when we won Wonder Bears and Bill Woods Wonder Bear bobble head doll was going to his granddaughter, Eva. I caught up with Gazette advertising manager Lenore Brady having lunch with Gail and Bob Blevin, Mark Soifer, Lorraine and John Hansen, Mike Dattilo and Bill Hollingsworth. Phyllis Hoover, Joan and Ed Wismer and Doris Coates-Ollis were pleased to hear my Pops luncheon article was in the Gazette. Mac MacEwan lucked out and was the only man at a table with nine lovely ladies including Peggy Lloyd and Lillian Korista while Jim Steelman dined with Jean Jacobson and Sylva Bertini. While Wilma and Dan Murray miss their morning coffee at Oves since they closed, they now meet their friends at the 4th Street Caf. I joked with Scott Halliday and Bill Elliott about their table in the back of the room. Tom Heist admitted he was a last minute fill in at our Stainton Society photo shoot Tuesday. Jay Gillian thanked his father for his love, guidance and leadership throughout his and his brothers' lives when he introduced Roy, keynote speaker at the luncheon. John Kavchok handled the slide presentation while Roy recounted the Gillian dynasty on the Boardwalk starting shortly after he was born in 1929. There were slides of Roy as a toddler then in the 1932 and 1933 baby parades. While Roy's parents ran the carousal at Fun Deck adding new rides each year, Roy started a band in 1947. Roy was drafted in 1951 during the Korean War, served in Austria doing office work by day and playing at the officers' club at night. Upon his return home Roy's dad asked if he was going to be a musician or go into the amusement business and Roy has always been happy with his choice. In 1957 Roy and his older brother, Bob, took over Fun Deck and in 1964 under a lease-purchase agreement with Howard Stainton, Roy began work on the construction of Wonderland and never looked back. Roy was never afraid to take chances and they always turned out well except for Christmas in Wonderland and the ice rink. Roy had a career in politics serving as an Ocean City commissioner, Cape May County freeholder and Ocean City mayor. In 1987 Roy and his sons built the water park on the Fun Deck property. The Gillian family has been entertaining folks on the Boardwalk for 77 years and Roy's grandson, Josh Gillian, is already active in the business so Roy figures they should surpass 100 years and more. I joked with Sally Huff about being Tom Waldman's secretary back in the sixties and now she's back working for the city again. I chatted with Ginny and Carl Scheetz, Shirley and Larry Deming and Mary and Bob Mohr about biking and skateboarding on the Boardwalk. Joann DelVescio was glad to hear my column on her toast would be in the Gazette. I enjoyed seeing Elsie Terry who I'd been missing on the Boardwalk all summer. I caught up with Fred Miller in the lobby thanking everyone for supporting the museum and Fred introduced me to Peg Jester, who taught with Fred at Pennsauken High School. Return to Story Index

• Pastoral care workshop Shore Memorial Hospital Pastoral Care Services continues its series of pastoral care workshops on Friday, Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the hospital’s chapel. “Life Review: A Tool for Ministering to the Elderly and Dying,” will feature speakers Lauree Fogelman, MSW, LSW, medical social worker and Rev. Gloria Gay, chaplain at Holy Redeemer Hospice. The next and final workshop in the series, “Ethical Will: Voice of the Heart” will take place on Dec. 7. Workshops are open to all clergy, professional and lay spiritual care givers, institutional pastoral volunteers, Eucharistic ministers, Stephen ministers and parish nurses. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to Shore Memorial’s volunteer office at 653-3543. Contact Rev. Carmen Wong at 653-3478 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Golf outing offered The Upper Township Pastors’ Fellowship is sponsoring a golf outing at the Heritage Links Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. The cost for nine holes of golf, food, beverages and prizes is $40 walking, $50 with a cart and $25 for persons 16 and under. Food will be served at 3:30 p.m. and non-golfers may join in for $5. Persons are encouraged to register ahead of time by calling Pastor Doug Baitinger at 390-3248. Walk-ins will be allowed. If you or your business would like to sponsor a hole, the cost is $100. Checks should be made payable to “Upper Township Pastors Fellowship.” The main purpose of the event is fun and fellowship but any proceeds will be divided between the Hope Pregnancy Center and the Upper Township Food Pantry. Return to Story Index
• Book club meeting As part of the on-going “fun-raising” activities at St. John Lutheran Church in Ocean City, the St. John Book Club meets the second Monday of every month to discuss books with a spiritual flavor. The next meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 8 to discuss "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. The meeting will be held in the church, located at 1001 Central Ave., starting at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join, so please spread the word. For more information, contact the church office at 399-0798 or stjohnoc@aol.com or visit www.stjohnlutheranoc.org. Return to Story Index
• Support group A support group for those grieving the death of a loved one will begin Oct. 8 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, Second Street and Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City. The group will meet for eight weeks and will use the book “Understanding Grief” as a guide. Anyone who has lost a loved one, a spouse, family member or friend is welcome to attend. To register, please call the parish office at 399-4776. Return to Story Index
• Fall rummage sale Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will hold its annual fall rummage sale on Friday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Clothing, shoes, handbags, linens and books will be offered for sale. Donations for the sale may be dropped off on Oct. 8-10 between 9 a.m. and noon. White goods or furniture are not being accepted for the sale. Return to Story Index
• Puppeteers presentation "The Rich Man and Lazarus" will be presented by the Messiah Puppeteers on Sunday Oct. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Messiah Lutheran Church is conducting services at the VFW Hall, at the base of the bridge on Kennedy Boulevard in Sea Isle City. Return to Story Index
• Oyster, ham or chicken dinner The 49th annual oyster, ham or chicken dinner will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 10th Street and Central Avenue, Ocean City, on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 15-16 from 4-7 p.m. Takeouts will be available. Your choice of low-salt ham, certified oysters or fried chicken will be served. In addition, there will be gourmet coleslaw, baked potatoes, peas, rolls and beverages. Homemade cakes are always featured. The price of each dinner will be $11 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the church office weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are also available from various members of the St. John’s congregation. Proceeds from the dinner benefit Volunteers in Medicine, Court Appointed Special Advocates and the St. John Lutheran Youth Organization. A Christmas bazaar will be held during the dinners. Call 399-0798 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Ocean Myst Aromatics demonstration The Church of the Resurrection in Marmora is sponsoring an Ocean Myst Aromatics demonstration on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in the church extension. Ocean Myst Aromatics sells aroma crystals, reed diffusers, scented soaps and other fragrant products. Door prizes will be awarded. Return to Story Index
• Church bazaar Wesley United Methodist Church, 400 Route 610, Petersburg will hold a church bazaar Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring handmade crafts and homemade apple pies by members of the Genesis Circle. Light lunch with hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches on the menu. Raffle table and baked goods table also, along with pumpkin painting for the young at heart. Soups from local eateries will be on sale. Independent crafters may rent eight-foot space for $20. Call Jackie at 628-2098 for more information. Bazaar is the group’s major fundraiser. Proceeds support mission projects. Return to Story Index
• Dancing with the pros The Church of the Resurrection in Marmora is sponsoring a night of “Dancing with the Pros” on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Hall on Route 9 in Marmora. If you have ever wanted to learn ballroom dancing then this is the place to be. Instruction will be offered from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person or $20 per couple. Food will also be available to purchase. Call Sue at 624-8994 or e-mail fundraising@thechurchoftheresurrection.org for more information. Return to Story Index
• Holiday fair set Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will host a holiday fair on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 2998 Bay Ave. in Ocean City. Featured items will be jewelry, baked goods, crafts, something old/something new, plants, books, and a silent auction. The event is a major fundraiser for the church and all are welcome to come out and support Holy Trinity. Call 399-1019 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Shore Points invites public Pastor Dan Barr and Shore Points Presbyterian invite the public to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday worship service with a special time of fellowship and refreshments immediately afterward. The church meets in the VFW Post of Marmora, 15 Lyndhurst Road, behind the Ocean City Home Bank on Roosevelt Boulevard. The worship style is traditional, with the Scriptures preached from the historic Reformed perspective. Shore Points is a member congregation of the New Jersey Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America. Return to Story Index
• Study on Book of Revelation Trinity United Methodist Church, 20 N. Shore Road, in Marmora presents a study on the Book of Revelation led by Pastor Richard Black on Tuesdays beginning at 6:30 p.m. along with praise and worship. Call 390-3248 for more information. Return to Story Index

• Community education classes Ocean City’s Community Education fall classes are here. The Ocean City public schools, are offering educational courses to the community at Ocean City High School. Register now for Creative Writing, Photography, Introduction to Birding, Line Dancing, Basket Weaving, Saltwater Fly Tying, Boat Smart, Intro to Computers 1 and 2, e-Bay, Qigong (Chi Kung), How to Select the Perfect Pet, Recycling, Bridge, Cooking and many more. Register early to avoid disappointment. Class sizes are limited. For a complete listing of classes and descriptions or for more information and to register, call 399-1290, ext. 1376. Return to Story Index
• October exhibit The Ocean City Arts Center’s October exhibit features oils and watercolors by Anton Tutra. The October exhibit, titled “Manhattan,” will showcase works inspired by subjects representative of his native Albania, Italy, France and New York. Tutra left Albania in 1991 during the political unrest and settled in Italy where he became the representative of Albanian art. He now resides in Somers Point with his family. A special “meet the artist reception” will be held Friday, Oct. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Ocean City Arts Center gallery, 1735 Simpson Ave., second floor. The exhibit runs through Oct. 31. Both the exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public! Call 399-7628 or visit www.oceancityartscenter.org for more information. Return to Story Index
• Children’s dance program The Ocean City Arts Center offers a new “Intro to Dance” program for home schoolers on Fridays from 2:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for 8-12 years olds. The program is taught in six week sessions and is designed to fulfill NJCCS requirements. Students will learn jazz, rhythmic studies/timing, ballet, anatomy for the dancer, tap/musical theatre, swing, dance composition, modern, lyrical, improvisational, elements of dance and more. Program is taught by New Jersey certified vocational dance instructor, Elaine Chaffin. Each six week session costs $75 for OCAC members and $85 for non-members. Call 399-7628 to register; space is limited. Return to Story Index
• Havana Libre fundraiser Shore Memorial Health Foundation’s Leaders Alliance is hosting its first annual gala “Havana Libre” on Friday, Oct. 12 from 7-11 p.m. at Linwood Country Club. Enjoy an evening of Latin dancing, a dinner buffet and live music by Melanie Rice Entertainment all while raising funds and awareness for the Shore Memorial Hospital Pediatric Inpatient Program affiliated with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP.) The event also features a silent auction and jewelry extravaganza sponsored by Serago Roberts Jewelers of Northfield. Tickets are $125 per person for Leaders Alliance members and $150 per person for non-members. Ticket and auction proceeds benefit the Shore Memorial Hospital Pediatric Inpatient Program affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP.) Call 653-3918 for tickets and reservations. Return to Story Index
• Pumpkin painting party The Ocean City Arts Center pumpkin painting party will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per pumpkin or three for $12 and includes decorating supplies and paint. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Call 399-7628 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Upper football family BBQ The Upper Township Football Association will host a family BBQ at Caldwell Park on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 4-8 p.m. during their home game against Dennis Township. The event will be catered by Wayne Shelton’s Cookin’ Commandos BBQ Squad. Choice of BBQ chicken, hamburger or pulled pork. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the football program. Volunteers are also needed to help with the event. For more information and tickets orders, contact Kris Gabor by sending an e-mail to utfa@comcast.net. Return to Story Index
• Wresting booster fundraiser The Ocean City High School Wrestling Booster Club will hosts its annual beef and beer fundraise on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 6-10 p.m. at LaCosta Lounge in Sea Isle. Call Dan Pettit at 390-2094 or Shelli Jackson at 390-7557 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Paper shredding days Recycle your old documents and confidential files safely and securely and come to one of the Cape May County Municipal Utility Authority’s mobile paper shredding events. Residents and businesses can bring all types of paper. Standard size staples and paper clips are ok, but please no large binders, plastic covers or laminated paper. Residents are asked to bring no more than six bags or six boxes of paper. The paper shredding events are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at the CMCMUA landfill complex on Route 610, Dennisville-Petersburg Road in Woodbine. Another event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at the CMCMUA transfer station on Shunpike Road, Route 620 in Burleigh, Middle Township. Return to Story Index
• Smoky Mountains show trip The Upper Township Senior Center presents a Smoky Mountains show trip Nov. 11. Cost is $589 per person, double occupancy. Trip is seven days and six nights and includes motorcoach transportation, meals, tour of the Smoky Mountains, shows, Dollywood, gaming and more. It is also the Festival of Lights on Nov. 11, millions of lights from Gatlinburg to Dollywood. Call Kay at 390-3267 or 486-6484 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Radio City bus trip Hop on the bus with the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce and be the first to see the “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City in New York City on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The bus will leave from the Ocean City Transportation Center, Ninth Street and West Avenue, at 7 a.m. The show will take place at 2 p.m. Attendees leave New York City at 6 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person and include transportation and first mezzanine level seats. Door prizes will be given out on the way up and there will be goodie bags for everyone. Seats are limited. For reservations or more information, call 399-1412. Return to Story Index
• White Christmas dinner theater Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” a Dutch apple dinner theater in Lancaster, Pa., performed as a matinee show along with a luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 22. The cost is $60 for the bus trip, show and lunch. Call Kay at 390-3267 or e-mail kaytee52@comcast.net for more information. Return to Story Index
• Riverboat vacation The Madonna Maria Council in Sea Isle is planning a St. Lawrence Seaway River Motor-Coach combo eight-day tour Oct. 7-14 in 2008. One all-inclusive price covers riverboat cruise, port excursions and land tours. This riverboat, the “Canadian Express,” has only 32 staterooms. We will be limited to the number of rooms that will be given to the group. Call Joe Maty at 263-2742 or Anne Koch at 263-8737 for more information. Transportation will be provided to and from Sea Isle at no additional cost. Return to Story Index
• Mothers’ Club seeks members Are you looking for a playgroup for your child ages 0-5? Then join the Mothers’ Club of Upper Township/Ocean City. Playgroups are always forming, meet other moms, get involved in the community and lots of events for you and your children. Check out the Web site at www.mothersclub.8m.net or call Pam Leypoldt at 545-0362 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Calling all artists Rental space is available to exhibit and sell your work at the Ocean City Fine Arts League on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City. Volunteers are also needed for summer months at this non-profit organization. Call 391-0812 for more information. Return to Story Index
• String band seeks players The Cape May County String Band is looking for banjo, drum and saxophone player. Call George at 886-7400 for more information. Return to Story Index
• Foster grandparents needed The Woodbine chapter of the AARP has joined with the Woodbine Developmental Center’s institutional volunteer services to provide foster grandparent services to the elementary school children in the Head Start program. Volunteers are Elaine Carmichael, Marie Martell and Helen Wakefield and volunteer services coordinator, Sheila Harris. If you would like to volunteer as a foster grandparent, contact Sheila Harris at 861-2164. If you would like to become a member of the Woodbine chapter of the AARP, contact Julia Hankerson at 861-2400. Return to Story Index

Sidney is a big, handsome guy Sidney is a very handsome guy who has been at Beacon for a long time. He likes other dogs and loves kids but is pretty big, so kids over age 7 would be best for him. He really should not be in a home with cats. Sidney has a couple of medical problems. He has trouble swallowing his food. The staff at Beacon will help with whatever medical treatment he needs at his new home. Sidney loves people and gets along with most dogs. He loves to go for walks and play in the yard. He runs around and just wants you to join in too. He used to be in a foster home and he did great. His foster mom said he was a great dog, but she moved and couldn't take him with her. He is a really cool dog, and he loves to just lay around and get petted. Sidney is a large adult male coonhound mix. He is up to date with routine shots, already house trained and has been altered. To learn more about all the pets available through Beacon Animal Rescue call 390-7946, e-mail beaconanimalrescue@hotmail.com, visit www.petfinder.com using this quick link to the local shelter, http://beacon.LGAL.org or visit beaconanimalrescue.tripod.com. Beacon also has outside cats that need homes. Please inquire and help save their lives. Beacon Animal Rescue is located at 701 Butter Road, in Upper Township. Hours are Mondays from 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., closed Fridays, Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Beacon gladly accepts any monetary donations to help care for the animals. Beacon also has a registry on www.homedepot.com and at Pet Pros, in Somers Point, where you can purchase something the shelter is in need of. Volunteers are always needed, welcome and appreciated.

Obedience training is available at Beacon on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Beacon is also now offering dog showcases. All dogs are shown as they train, play and interact with people and other dogs. It’s a great way to "shop" for your new best friend. On Oct. 6, there will be a Fall Festival at Beacon featuring characters from Star Wars.

Adoptathon sponsors needed  The support of area businesses/individuals is needed for the Make-A-Difference-Adopt-A-Pet Adoptathon set for Saturday, Oct. 27, National Make A Difference Day. A $50 donation will put your business name or message on the event T-shirt. Area shelters/rescues registered for the event are Beacon Animal Rescue, Cape-Atlantic Citizens Altering The Strays (C.A.T.S.), Life Improvement For Cats & Kittens (L.I.C.K.), Animal Network, Animal Outreach, Animal Welfare, Cape May County Animal Shelter, Penny Angels Beagle Rescue, Seashore K-9 Adoptions, Thrifty Kitty, and Meadows Spirit Cat Rescue. In 2006, 3,589 dogs and cats were euthanized in Cape May and Atlantic County shelters. Many would have been wonderful pets if given the gift of a caring home. The adoptathon is being held to ask the public to make a difference in the life of a homeless pet by adopting on this day. Anyone adopting from a participating shelter or rescue on this day will receive a free event T-shirt. To sponsor or for more information please contact C.A.T.S. at 425-0058, or e-mail wehelpcats@msn.com. Return to Story Index

Born in Middle Township, deejay Mark Hunter landed his first part-time broadcasting job at age 19. Since then, he has worked at several radio stations including WAYV-FM, BOSS 97, KOOL 98.3-FM, and 106.3 The Shore. He currently hosts the Coast Morning Show on 98.7 The Coast, WCZT-FM. Mark is also responsible for music programming for WCZT and WSJQ, Q-107. He lives in Ocean City, and enjoys news, classic animation, pop culture and sports.

There is something wonderfully romantic about radio—it’s intimate but anonymous at the same time, with real-time communication coming in over an invisible signal. Why do you enjoy working behind a microphone?

I fell in love with the magic of radio when I was about 10. I heard a disc jockey out of Philadelphia named Terry Young. What I heard sounded like a party on the radio, and that’s when I decided I wanted to try it. Today I realize that, when I’m joking around and laughing over the radio, I’m part of our listeners’ lives in some small way. I enjoy putting smiles on people’s faces.

Is it weird to be a local celebrity who isn’t really recognizable?

I don’t really think of myself as a celebrity, but what is weird is having people recognize me through my voice.

Radio announcers often wander the country, working at tiny stations in out-of-the-way places before ending up in a major market. Did you follow this time-honored tradition, and what was it like?

I've worked mostly in South Jersey, because it’s home to me. It’s where I was born and grew up. But I did also work in Asbury Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Ocean City, Maryland. But I keep coming back!

What is the best thing about working at Coastal Broadcasting?

Hey, I don’t have a real job! Sure, the hours can be long (we don’t just work four hours a day, there is a lot of work behind the scenes), but I’m doing something I love, with great co-workers. Plus I love music, and we have three different stations, so everything is playing in the halls, from Elvis to Kanye West.

You’ve lived in both places, so which do you prefer—Ocean City, New Jersey, or Ocean City, Maryland? Tell the truth!

Ocean City, Maryland, was okay, but different from here. Yeah, it becomes a ghost town in the winter too, but the majority of their summer visitors are from Baltimore, DC and central and western Pennsylvania, and the area reflects that. Here, we have the Philly and New York influence that I grew up with, so I prefer here. Plus, we have better hoagies and pizza!

Good answer. What do you think of shock jocks like Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, that whole crowd?

The shock jocks have their funny moments, but there’s also a lot of negativity that goes with that style. I like to joke around on the air, but it’s all presented positively. I’m not there to embarrass or ridicule anyone over the air. There’s enough that’s negative in our world, I don’t need to contribute to it. We’re just there to have fun, and put a smile on someone’s face.

What song is playing in your head right now?

“Umbrella,” by Rhianna.

Who are the indispensable people in your life, and why?

Family and really close friends. They know who they are, and they know why they are!

What day of your life, or time of life, would you like to relive?

The years in middle and high school. You know what they say: “If I knew then what I know now…” I think I would have been a little less shy and had a little more confidence in myself.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

That I’m not always happy, but I usually am when I get to be on the radio! Return to Story Index

Marjorie Preston can be e-mailed at marjorie.preston@catamaranmedia.com or you can comment on this story by calling 624-8900, ext. 246, or visiting www.shorenewstoday.com and clicking on the Speak Out link.

This Weekend’s OCHS Football Preview

By TOM WILLIAMS Staff Writer

 Mainland (3-1) at Ocean City (1-3)

Date: Friday, Oct. 5

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Place: Carey Stadium, 5^th Street & the Boardwalk

Coaches: Ocean City’s Mark Impagliazzo is 4-10 in his second season as head coach, including a 7-6 loss last year. Mainland’s Bob Coffey, his school’s all-time winningest coach, is 137-77 in his 22^nd season. He is 11^th in wins among active South Jersey coaches and 5^th in CAL history. Coffey is 11-10 against the Raiders.

Mainland Update: The Mustangs are ranked No. 13 in South Jersey and share first place in the CAL’s American Conference. Their only loss was their opener to No. 1 ranked Holy Spirit. Sophomore quarterback Brent Caprio (6-3, 212) has thrown for nearly 400 yards and five TDs. He has been intercepted just twice. The leading receivers are juniors Kyle Davis (6-2, 177) and Troy Brennan (5-10, 176). Junior running back Ron Moody (5-11, 186) has gained nearly 300 yards rushing, tops in the American Conference. Sophomore kicker Mark Slotoroff (5-9, 172) has made 17 of 19 extra point attempts. Senior end Max Trotman (6-4, 232) and linebacker Chris Cottrell (6-0, 207) are key defensive players. The line is anchored by senior Vince Nistico (6-2, 254).

OCHS Injury Update: Senior tight end Mark Andrews (shoulder) is out for the season. Junior running back Joe Bonato (knee-back) is questionable. Junior running back George Poteat (knee) is questionable.

What’s At Stake: Who cares? When Ocean City plays Mainland it is a big game for both teams. This year, Mainland needs the win to stay in first place in the American Conference and among the leaders in Group 4. The Raiders need the win to get back into the Group 3 playoff picture.

Home field advantage?: Since the two schools resumed playing in 1993, Ocean City has a 6-4 edge in games played in Linwood and Mainland is ahead, 5-3, in games at Carey Stadium.

History: Mainland leads Ocean City, 20-16, in the all-time football series between the schools, including wins four of the last five seasons.

Impagliazzo on Mainland: “Their defense is very good, especially against the run. They distribute the ball very evenly on offense. You have to play very disciplined defense against them.”

Live Radio: The game will be broadcast live starting at 6:45 on 94.3 WILW-FM.

Online Broadcast: The broadcast can be heard online through OceanCitySports.com.

Next Week: Ocean City hosts Millville for an Oct. 12 game. Mainland hosts Atlantic City that same night.

Ocean City 4-Game Leaders

RUSHING (Attempts-Yards)

7-Vinnie Djukanovic   43-247

41-Steel Nugent           32-168

5-George Poteat           33-143

28-Joe Bonato 28-125

PASSING (Att-Comp, Yards, TD/Int)

7-Vinnie Djukanovic   62-26   316      5/7

RECEIVING (Catches-Yards)

12-Chris Harris            14-210

6-Tim Nickas   11-145

TACKLES (Solo-Assist-Total)

41-Steel Nugent           18-18-36

59-Colin Norton          10-22-32

31-Ryan Impagliazzo   12-19-31

56-Shamus DuRoss     5-18-23

55-Chris Mann 10-8-18 Return to Story Index

OCHS ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

Rafael Duarte (freshman-Richard Stockton soccer) and Pat Tolomeo (sophomore-Richard Stockton soccer) have dominated the field for the Ospreys. Duarte has 12 goals, three of them game-winners, plus an assist. Tolomeo, a Rutgers transfer, has three goals and a team-high eight assists and was recently named New Jersey Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week. His assist total is tied for the NJAC lead. In addition, Felipe Duarte (sophomore-Richard Stockton soccer) has scored one goal, a game-winner against Centenary. Rafael, who has been Rookie of the Week twice already this season, leads the New Jersey Athletic Conference in goals. Stockton will host Manhattanville on Saturday afternoon…  

Gwen Hunter (William & Mary field hockey) has started all 11 games for the Tribe. She has a 6-5 record and a 1.70 goals-against average. Hunter was recently named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week. William & Mary will host Drexel on Friday and Hofstra on Sunday...

Kyle Crego (senior-Kean soccer) has two shutouts and a 4-4 record in his nine starts in goal for the Cougars. He has a 1.75 goals-against average. Kean will host Albright on Wednesday and North Carolina Wesleyan on Sunday...

Rachel Cheafsky (senior-Rowan field hockey) has scored six goals, tops on the team, and added one assist. She scored two goals in a 5-4 loss to Ursinus. The Profs will play at Eastern University on Saturday...

Antwaine Campo (senior-Bridgewater football) made 10 tackles, including four solos, in a 38-31 loss to Hampden-Sydney, the first loss by the Eagles this year. Campo, who missed his junior year with an injury, has an interception and 27 tackles as a starting linebacker. Bridgewater is off this weekend and will host Guilford on Oct. 13...

Laura O’Shea (sophomore-Richard Stockton soccer) and Courtney Dougherty (sophomore-Richard Stockton soccer) have led the Ospreys to an 8-2-1 record. O’Shea has four goals and a team-high three assists. Dougherty has scored three goals. Stockton will host William Paterson on Saturday...

Jason Dugan (sophomore-Rowan soccer) and Randy Kohr (freshman-Rowan soccer) have each played in all 10 games for the Profs and each has scored a goal. Dugan’s was a game-winner against Lincoln University. Rowan will host Wilmington College on Monday...

Kevin McCarthy (freshman-Hobart soccer) has scored two goals and an assist for the Statesmen who are 7-1-1 No. 22 in NCAA Division III and No. 3 in the Northeast. McCarthy was selected Rookie of the Week in the Liberty League recently. Hobart will host Rensselaer on Friday... Return to Story Index

(Additional information about former OCHS athletes may be available at Tom Williams’ online blog – ShoreNewsToday.com/sports. Any links or information about other former Raiders can be emailed through the blog)

Sometimes you’re extra glad to see your rival come along. Ocean City High School’s football team knows it will be the underdog Friday night when the Mainland Mustangs come to Carey Stadium. But, after losing to Oakcrest for the first time since 1993, they do not have to worry about being down emotionally. “We are always up for this game,” said OCHS coach Mark Impagliazzo. “No matter who has the better record, both teams are always ready to play. Our kids are frustrated. They are contributing to their own losses and they know it. But they will be ready to play Mainland.” Last Friday, Oakcrest scored 20 points in the first quarter and then came up with three interceptions in the fourth quarter to hold off the Raiders, 28-14. It ended an 11-game winning streak that Ocean City had enjoyed over the Falcons. Mainland, on the other hand, comes into this Friday’s game with a 3-1 record and three straight wins since an opening game loss to No. 1 ranked Holy Spirit. One of the big differences in the Mustangs is their wide-open offense. “They used to be a team that just ran the wing-T, like the rest of us,” said Impagliazzo. “They were one of the first to make the switch to the shotgun and the wide-open approach. What makes them tough is they run the option off it very well. It’s tough to defend.” Oakcrest ran about half of its plays from the shotgun, getting 181 yards passing from sophomore quarterback Craig James, 159 of those yards in the first quarter. He hit Todd Dorn on a 50-yard score and Gary Wilson for a 72-yarder. And Ray Larry ran for a TD from 27 yards out. “That pass to Wilson was an almost perfect pass play,” said Impagliazzo. “There wasn’t much you could do about that. The others we could have handled better.” Ocean City came back and scored with six seconds left in the first half, completing a 59-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Vinnie Djukanovic to Chris Harris. “That worried us,” said Oakcrest’s second-year coach Scott Parker. “There is a big difference going in ahead 20-0 and 20-7. And Harris is a tough guy to handle. He is big, has good hands and he can run with the ball. He reminds me a lot of (former Absegami All-South Jersey receiver) Mark Schenauer. Harris goes after the ball as good as anybody.” Parker coached Schenauer at Gami before accepting the head coaching job at Oakcrest. Ocean City scored again in the third quarter on a 12-yard pass from Djukanovic to Harris, one play after the two combined on a 31-yard pass play. But, in the fourth quarter, Oakcrest picked off three passes, the first one returned 39 yards by Larry for the touchdown that gave the Falcons the cushion they needed. “Ray is a big-time player,” said Parker. “He’s got a dislocated shoulder and wears a harness. If he were three inches taller and 20 pounds heavier he could play football anywhere.” Ocean City played more than three quarters of the game without junior running back George Poteat, who injured his knee after his fourth carry. And the Raiders were already without Joe Bonato, who had injured his back in the Egg Harbor Township game. “It’s a test of our depth,” said Impagliazzo. This Friday the test will get more serious when the Mustangs roll into town. But, as Impagliazzo says, the Raiders will be ready. EXTRA POINTS: Djukanovic’s 139 yards passing was his best…Steel Nugent and Colin Norton each made 11 tackles, Nugent getting eight solos. He now has more than 100 tackles in his 14-game career…for Oakcrest, Keenan Bell made 12 tackles, including seven solos. More information about OCHS football, including same-day results of games and complete stats, is available online at www.OceanCitySports.com. Return to Story Index

Ocean City High School senior Chris Harris caught two touchdown passes last Friday night at Oakcrest. The Raiders lost that game but Harris, with four TD catches this season, took over the Cape-Atlantic League lead in passing touchdowns. In addition, Harris increased his career total in receiving yards to 471, moving into the Top 10 in OCHS history. He moved past former tight end George Karayiannis. Harris is now 124 yards behind No. 9 David Miller and needs 167 more yards to move into the No. 8 spot, ahead of A.J. Harris, his brother. “I’m facing a lot of double teams, sometimes even triple teams,” said Harris. “That takes away some options and makes things tougher. But we can do different things in the four-receiver sets that make it tougher for them to double up.” Harris is 6-foot-3 and weighs 198 pounds. He is a strong rebounder in basketball, which serves him well when the pass is thrown high. He has good speed, good hands and, at a NIKE camp this summer, was the strongest receiver in camp. Oakcrest coach Scott Parker compares him to Mark Schenauer, the All-South Jersey wide receiver from Absegami, now at Delaware. Egg Harbor Township coach Tony DeRosa thought Harris and quarterback Vinnie Djukanovic were two very dangerous weapons. “Vinnie is great,” said Harris. “He is getting better each week. (Last year’s quarterback) Adam Lauer did a great job. He is a terrific athlete. But Vinnie has more experience at quarterback. Adam could really throw the ball long. He fired some deep bombs. Vinnie throws it much harder.” “Chris is a great weapon,” said Ocean City coach Mark Impagliazzo. “We know we need to get him the ball as often as possible. We’re trying some new things all the time. But the other teams know about him, too. They work hard to keep him under control.” What is Chris’ biggest goal? “Right now,” he asked. “To beat Mainland. If we win any game, we want to win this one.” Return to Story Index

What a great finish to baseball’s regular season. The Mets collapsed and the Phillies took advantage. The Rockies qualified with a win Monday night in the 13th inning. The Yankees came from way back in late May to win a wild card and almost overtake the Red Sox. The playoffs, that start this week, should be something, And, of course, having the Phillies involved will make it even more exciting to local sports fans. But there is one part of all this that has always been puzzling. Why do fans boo? When sports editor Brian Cunniff heard that question, the native Philadelphian quickly said, “You obviously never lived in South Philly”. Fans from Philly are known around the country for the amount of booing they do and the many situations in which they employ it. A lot of them are proud of that image. And they are, by no means, the only ones. Right in the middle of one of the most exciting final baseball weekends in a long time, fans were booing. They should be energized about their team and excited about their playoff possibilities. Yet, when Adam Eaton came off the mound on Saturday, they booed him loudly. Did he pitch well? Not really. But, without Eaton’s 10 wins this year, Phillies fans would be using those rally towels to dry their hands in the guest bathroom. The fans were also selective in their booing. They did not shower them down on Ryan Howard when his two bad plays at first base changed the game. Less than 24 hours later, Tom Glavine got the same treatment in Shea Stadium. This is a future Hall of Famer whose 13-8 record was the best on the Mets’ staff. It gets you wondering. What is the true purpose of “boo”? Does it mean they are upset and frustrated, so they decided to make an animal-like sound? Is it because they believe the person they are booing is a bad person? Does any serious baseball fan really believe that Adam Eaton, Tom Glavine, Mitch Williams – even Bill Buckner – didn’t want to make the right pitch or pick up that ground ball. They just made a mistake, or a couple mistakes. They probably felt worse than the fans. Fans frequently boo players from visiting teams. That decision usually has a reverse effect. With the possible exception of Burt Hooton, most players thrive on hearing the boos on the road and shutting them up with a big play. This has been a great season for Phillies fans and there may be more to come. Lets hope they keep waving their towels, cheering like mad and having such a great time that they forget to boo.

One final word about the Phillies. The team’s longtime vice president of public relations, Larry Shenk, will retire after this season. His first year was 1964, which was a season of disappointment for the Phillies. It is great that he is going out with a championship team. Larry Shenk is one of the true professionals in his field. He joins Paul Owens and Harry Kalas as the three finest individuals I’ve ever met in the Phillies organization. Return to Story Index

Wendy Nickles became the 13th Ocean City High School coach to collect 200 career wins in a single sport Monday when her Raiders defeated Hammonton, 5-0. The win improved Nickles record to 200-112. “It’s a great feeling,” said Nickles, who coached from 1976-85 before retiring. She un-retired in 2001 after the retirement of Phil Birnbaum, for whom she had been an assistant. “We’ve had a lot of great players through the years. But, right now, we’ve got a lot of important matches coming up and are more focused on them.” OCHS was scheduled to begin play in the NJSIAA Group 3 Tournament Tuesday afternoon against Barnegat. The Raiders were seeded third in South Jersey Group 3 and, if they won that match, they are likely to travel to Seneca on Thursday. Seneca is the defending South Jersey champion in Group 3 and the team that eliminated the Raiders from last year’s tournament. “They (Seneca) lost four starters from last year,” said Nickles, “and so did we. But I think we are a lot better team than we were a year ago.” Looming down the road in Group 3 is undefeated Moorestown, ranked No. 1 in all of South Jersey. Moorestown played in the Central Jersey tournament last year but was moved back to South Jersey this year. “They are really tough,” said Nickles. “We just hope to get there, to get a chance to play against a team like Moorestown.” If they do play it would be on Oct. 12. In addition to the team competition in the NJSIAA Tournament, Ocean City’s first doubles team of senior Kim Baker and junior Carrie Jaquett will play in the NJSIAA Doubles Tournament. Baker and Jaquett will open on Saturday afternoon against Perri Jacobs and Virginia Tong of Livingston at Veteran’s Park in Hamilton. If they win that match, on Sunday they will face Linda Hong and Lisa Yan of Holmdel, considered one of the eight best doubles teams in the state. “This will be at a whole different level,” Baker said about the state doubles competition. “We did OK in the tournaments down here but this will be really tough playing top teams from all over the state.” Baker and Jaquett, who were 8-0 entering last week’s tournament, advanced to the second round in both the Cape-Atlantic League and South Jersey Coaches competitions. The second doubles team of Megan Haas and Kylie Haymaker also advanced to the second round in each competition. And so did No. 3 singles player Emily Kornberg. “We did pretty well as a team in those tournaments,” said Baker, “but we’re all excited about the (Group 3) tournament.” In 2006, Baker was 14-6 playing doubles with Sarah Cheafsky, who graduated. She and Jaquett entered this week 10-2. Including her 1-1 record as a sophomore, Baker has an impressive 25-9 career doubles record. Why has this year’s doubles team been so successful? “Carrie and I play well together,” Baker said. “We are both good at the net and the baseline. She does some things differently than Sarah did but we have played a lot together and we really feel comfortable with each other. The doubles teams have been a big part of our team success this year and we want that to continue.” In addition to their NJSIAA schedule, the Ocean City girls will host two tough opponents, two teams that beat them 3-2 the first time around – Egg Harbor Township on Friday and Mainland on Tuesday. Return to Story Index

Ocean City’s girls cross country team came into this week undefeated and ranked No. 9 in South Jersey by the Courier-Post. Millville was also undefeated and ranked No. 14. Unless one of them stubs its toe in the meantime, when they meet on Tuesday afternoon in Millville it should determine the American Conference championship of the Cape-Atlantic League. Millville has junior Lindsey Bertulis and senior Alyssa Barrow, both first team, all-conference last season, leading the way. Throw in junior twins Brooke and Britney Kott and you’ve got a pretty impressive foursome. “The twins didn’t run last year,” said OCHS coach Trish Henry, “and they really make a difference. It is tough to evaluate them through their dual meets because we haven’t run on the same courses. But their times have been a little better than ours in the weekend events. “Our girls are going to need their best effort. We would love to break up their one-two finish but, even if we don’t do that, we’ll need to bring our pack in right behind them. If Millville finishes one-two-three, we lose.” Henry is very pleased with what her team has accomplished so far. “We’ve gotten what we expected from Kelsey (Greene), Anna (Ceniccola) and Hillary (Morris),” she said. “They have run well and consistently and they have given us the leadership we need. “Ashleigh Dinan has done a great job for a freshman. All this is new to her. She was at Bishop McHugh last year and now she’s running successfully against some of the top high school runners in South Jersey. And Shannon Greene, Kelsey’s younger sister, she’s a sophomore and she has really helped, as well.” Ocean City was scheduled to run at Hammonton on Tuesday in a tri-meet that included Absegami. On Saturday, the Raiders will go to Holmdel Park, site of the NJSIAA state championship meets and the Meet of Champions, to run in the Shore Coaches Invitational. “It’s good competition,” said Henry, “and it gives us a chance to run the course and become familiar with it. Many of our girls have never run there and it is much different from the courses down here.” Last week the OCHS girls improved to 6-0 by defeating Oakcrest, 17-39, on their home course. Kelsey Greene led the way, followed by Ceniccola, Morris and Dinan as the Raiders swept the first four positions. Shannon Greene finished seventh. Return to Story Index

ERMA – The Ocean City High School girls soccer team overcame a very early deficit to post its sixth victory in nine matches Monday afternoon. The Raiders surrendered a goal in the first minute of play but erupted for seven unanswered tallies to post a 7-1 victory over Lower Cape May. The win moved Ocean City to 6-2-1 overall, 6-1 in Cape-Atlantic American Conference play with some important games on the horizon. Ocean City is scheduled to take on Hammonton Wednesday before an important non-league tilt with Williamstown Saturday. Next week, the Raiders play Tuesday at Mainland, the only team to beat the Raiders in conference play so far this season, before going against talented non-league foes Shawnee and Cherry Hill East on consecutive days at the end of the week. “We’ve got a busy week,” Raider coach Bill Pesda said. “That’s four straight games against ranked teams” in South Jersey according to the Courier-Post. Lower’s Kate Shipley scored only 18 seconds into Monday’s match, but Ocean City responded with a pair of goals later in the half to take a 2-1 edge at the interval before exploding for five second-half goals. Six different players scored for Ocean City. Sage Boettcher scored her first two varsity goals and Becky Canderan, Liz Ker, Caitlin Harney, Tara Mousaw and Bridget Donaln also scored. Pesda has been pleased by the team’s play of late, especially since it now faces a daunting part of the schedule. “In terms of assessing where we are so far, the team’s been better than I thought we’d be at this point,” Pesda said. “The results might not be showing it but I still feel we can be better than last year. But last year’s senior class, what that might have lacked in pure soccer skill or technical ability, they doubled that with heart and leadership and that’s what made them the best senior class we’ve had since I’ve been here. That’s what we’re trying to get better at now. “Of the kids that returned, just about everyone is in a new role, except for maybe (sweeper) Melissa Terwilliger, but she’s also a captain for the first time, though, too.” Terwilliger, Ker (team-best eight goals), Mousaw and Canderan have been the leaders on the field, but contributions have been coming from all angles. Newcomers such as sophomores Morgan Torres and Carly DiGiovanni and freshman Jill Baltz, plus a pair of seniors who didn’t play varsity last year, Harney and Jessica Thornton, have been solid. “Caitlin Harney has really given us an athletic spark this year and she’s probably the player I’m most proud to watch,” Pesda said, “because she put in three hard years for us at the freshmen and JV level and now she’s earned a starting spot.” Ocean City’s depth doesn’t stop in the field. At goalkeeper, Keeley Peltz, Kathleen Kleva and Julie Burnell have all been good enough to earn varsity time. “We’re blessed to have so many good goalkeepers in our program,” Pesda said. Pesda said the team is hoping for another berth in the South Jersey Coaches’ Association Tournament. The Raiders went into this week ranked 17th in the coaches’ poll. The top 16 teams are selected for the tournament. Return to Story Index

For Ocean City coach Mike Pellegrino, Monday afternoon’s 2-0 win over Lower Cape May continued the progress of his team toward its goals. The same might be said for Lower coach Dennis Elia. “Before the game started I think some of our kids were in awe,” said the second-year Lower Cape May coach. “We tried to tell them that Ocean City puts on its shoes one at a time, just like we do. But talk only goes so far. It was when they had played 10 minutes or so on the field with them that they began to realize that Ocean City is very good, but we can play with them.” The Raiders scored twice in the first half – Kevin Curran beat LCMR goalie Andrew Wampler off a cross from Josh Marciano and then, with less than 30 seconds left, John Granese came off the post and buried the ball into the back of the net off a toe-poke from Neal Melchionni. “We’re playing to just get through the games right now,” said Pellegrino. “We’re not really coming out to pepper anybody. We’re playing possession ball. We’re working hard on defense. Nothing extraordinary – we’re not flashy. Things are just starting to come together.” The win was No. 10 this season for the undefeated Raiders, No. 198 for Pellegrino in his 11th season and stretched their unbeaten streak in the Cape-Atlantic League’s American Conference to 63 games since losing to Oakcrest in October of 2002. They have Rancocas Valley coming to Ocean City next Wednesday in a mid-season battle for the No. 1 ranking in South Jersey and the Coaches Tournament right behind that. “These kids are smart,” said Pellegrino. “I don’t think they’re really looking ahead. They know that you can’t do that with our schedule. And, besides, the game with Rancocas Valley doesn’t mean that much. The winner will be No. 1 right after the game but we could play again in the Coaches Tournament or somebody else could step up and beat one of us. I try not to pay much attention to rankings in the middle of the season.” Lower Cape May dropped to 3-7, losing twice to Oakcrest last week within three days. “I’m very happy with the way we played today,” said Elia. “They needed to step up and I think they did. Our defense played well and when we had a few mental letdowns, Ocean City took advantage, like they always do. We could have done a better job getting the ball to our forwards, but a defense like they play can break you down.” Lower will host Vineland on Wednesday afternoon and, on Friday, will play a rematch with Middle Township. Middle beat the Tigers, 2-1, in their first meeting and came into the week with an 8-1 record, losing only to Ocean City. Playing the Raiders is great, but Middle is something else. “We love for the kids to play teams like Ocean City,” Elia said. “We’ll get them again in a couple weeks down at our place. But Middle is a different level of excitement to our kids. They really get up for Middle and (Wildwood) Catholic. Those are our rivals.” Lower will visit Wildwood Catholic at noon on Oct. 13. “But today was a great effort,” Elia added. “Ocean City is something special. They have so many weapons they can hit you with, so much depth. We love playing them. If you don’t want to play against the best, then you shouldn’t be out there. I was happy with what the kids did today.” The Raiders go to Hammonton on Wednesday, then take a long weekend before hosting Mainland on Tuesday. After that, it’s Rancocas Valley and the Coaches Tournament. “We’re very pleased,” said Pellegrino. “We’re still working on the defense. There are some first-year starters back there and they’re working very hard to understand what we need from them. But this team is coming along very well. We’re pleased with their continued progress.” Return to Story Index

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