The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual Awards and Installation Luncheon at Wanamassa’s English Manor at 12 noon on Wed., Jan. 10, 2018. The event is open to anyone who wishes to attend and will feature open networking/socializing, a buffet luncheon and award ceremony hosted by Martin J. Arbus, Esq., a GOTCC Honorary Lifetime Member, Hall of Famer and Past-President.
The names of the 2018 honorees: are:
Community Service – The Asbury Park Rotary Club. Founded in 1919, the Asbury Rotary Club supports many facets of the local community through dedicated volunteerism and fundraising. Their efforts support many programs including scholarships, food and blood drives, lake cleanups, deserving local organizations such as Mary’s Place and the Allaire Community Farm and individuals in personal need, to name a few. They raise funds through a variety of programs including their annual January Polar Plunge and Wine Tasting Dinner.
Pillar of the Community – Sunset Farm Market and Garden Center, Sunset Avenue in Ocean. Sunset Farm Market settled on Sunset Avenue in 1967 and was the very 1st member of the GOTCC over 30 years ago and have remained a landmark in the Township of Ocean for decades. Owners Frank and Snooky Esposito have long supported the community on many levels.
Outstanding Service Organization – Camp Oakhurst, established in 1906 at 111 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst. While Camp Oakhurst is a camp that features respite programs of many kinds for children and adults with autism, physical and developmental disabilities, they offer many other programs and now operate year-round. Their vision is to be a preeminent resource and provide safe, accepting and accessible services that allow its clients to gain confidence, reach their potential and build a community of friends while enjoying all the camp has to offer.
Beautification Award – The Green Leaf Pet Resort & Hotel, 1602 Highway 35 in Ocean for improving the landscape of the Highway 35 corridor. The company, that has a facility in Millstone, took over the long-vacant Ocean Fitness Center and turned it into a stunning compound. Their facilities for pets include day care, vacation boarding, grooming and training.
The Installation of Officers will include the 2018 Executive Board slate: President – Michael Bellina of Migman Media; Vice President – John ‘Doc’ Amato of Davis Realtors; Treasurer – Daniel White, CPA of McGuckin, Shatz & White LLC and Secretary – John ‘Wes” Woodle of Edward Jones Investments of Oakhurst. New Trustees include David Kolakowski, President of Kolaco and Andrea Lane of Red Door House to Home. Trustees being re-installed include past President Rose O’Connor Myer of Shore Antique Center, Nick Gradone of Atlantic Kitchen & Bath, Audrey Koppel of Polished & Plucked and Lois White of Piccola Italia.
In addition to the award recipients, for the 30th year the GOTCC will present scholarships, including the 2nd annual Nicholas Blanda Memorial Scholarship, to deserving well-rounded high school seniors who stand out in the area of community service.
The event costs $35 to attend and includes a buffet luncheon. There will be a cash bar available. Reservations are required and can be made at www.GOTCC.org using a check or credit card (or credit/debit card). For more information please call 732.660.1888.
