Voices From The Readers – October 28, 2016

Voices From The Readers – October 28, 2016
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Too Late To File?

Editor:

Seems the new candidate for the Ocean City Council may have a problem with timeliness. The incumbent team announced its slate in January of this year. It took almost 10 months for him to announce as a candidate.

At the Aug. 30 Mayor and Council meeting, he proposed as Tourism Advisory Vice Chairman, that the council approve $25,000 for OC Bikefest, scheduled for Sept. 15-18, two weeks before the event. He gave an impassioned plea for this last minute funding.

The council wisely resisted his plea for a proven profit-maker, but at the last moment approved $10,000 of Ocean City money for this profit making event. Wise business people are an asset to our OC community but their input should at least be timely.

Joe Moran

Ocean City

Gala Recognizes Many Supporters

Editor:

On Sunday, Oct. 23, the greater Ocean City area gathered to honor George Vincent “Buddy” Trala, as he was presented with the 6th Annual Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award. A sell-out crowd turned out to honor Buddy in the Crystal Ballroom of the Clarion Fontainebleau Resort, for his many years of quiet philanthropic service to the community. Buddy is best known for his popular restaurant Sunset Grille. He has previously been recognized for his work with Believe in Tomorrow and Casey Cares. The beneficiaries of this event were Diakonia, The Rebecca and Leighton Moore Child and Adolescent outpatient unit at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Atlantic General Hospital and Temple Bat Yam. Over $80,000 will be distributed to the charitable organizations involved.

This award, was originally established to honor Hal Glick, an Ocean City business leader, for his vision, character and quiet philanthropy to the community. While Hal was the first recipient in 2010, the award has since been expanded to recognize others who have distinguished themselves for their sustained community service and charitable contributions. In 2015 Hal lost his courageous struggle with cancer. This award is his legacy to the community. Since its establishment, almost $500,000 has been raised for 15 local non-profits and our community hospitals.

The nominating committee included community representatives and past award honorees. We would like to acknowledge and thank them. They were Mayor Rick Meehan, Council Secretary Mary Knight, Reese Cropper III, Chris Glick, Dr. Leonard Berger, Kari Berger, Leighton Moore, Madlyn Carder, Billy Carder, Jack Burbage and Buck Mann. The event would not be possible without our organizing committee who dedicated months of work to this effort. They are Dean Geracimos, Dr. Leonard Berger, Tammy Patrick of AGH, Rebecca Moore, Chris Glick, Jack Burbage, and Steve Cohen. Special thanks to Dr. Berger and the excellent staff at the Clarion for hosting the event.  Ocean City’s favorite emcee David Rothner, better known as “Bulldog” from 98.1 Irie radio, and Erich “Mancow” Muller made the entire evening so much fun. Musical entertainment was provided by Wes Davis and Lima Bean Riot.

Our appreciation to all of the sponsors, and in particular, the Diamond, Platinum and Gold Sponsors: Ocean County Landfill Corporation, Sunset Grille, Dr. Leonard and Kari Berger, Guerrieri Family Foundation, Insurance Management Group, Jack Burbage Foundation, Leighton & Rebecca Moore, Sysco Eastern Shore MD, Tito’s Vodka, Breakthru Beverage, Casey Construction Group LLC, and Esham Partnership.

The actual Distinguished Service award was presented to Buddy by last year’s honoree Jack Burbage in a moving tribute. Our gratitude to everyone who came out to recognize and support Buddy Trala. He is truly deserving of this award. We are looking forward to next year’s event, and the search for future worthy recipients.

Jeff Thaler

Warren Rosenfeld

(The writers are co-chairmen of the Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award Committee.)

 

Editor:

On behalf of the Downtown Association, I would like to thank motorists who participated in our Drive in Disguise. The decorated vehicles were amazing. Such imagination and attention to detail. Some of the categories were very inventive. A lot of time and effort went into the decorations. This event has grown over the years to draw in Boardwalk visitors. The addition of Trunk or Treat added to the fun. DJ Bigler kept the excitement level high.

The city events team helped immeasurably. We are indebted to their involvement. We also are indebted to Special Event Productions, Inc. for the car decorations awards.

A special thanks to the businesses that were involved: Dolle’s, Dough Rollers, Ayers Creek Adventures, The Kite Loft, The Original Greene Turtle, Pickles, Trimper’s Haunted House and Captain’s Table. These businesses have stepped up to the plate each year.

The Downtown Association is happy to contribute to the City’s efforts to make the Halloween weekend the success it can be. We look forward to the continuing growth of this event.

Nancy Howard

Ocean City

(The writer is the event coordinator.)