What's Happening 5/4/16
The 42nd annual Martin Z. Mollusk Day will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7 on the Beach adjacent to the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. We have moved the event to a Saturday so that children of school age will be able to attend.
Martin Z. Mollusk was first escorted to the beach on a pizza pie plate by me, Mark Soifer, his spiritual advisor and personal chef in 1974. Mayor B. Thomas Waldman and Commissioner Marilyn Moore jeopardized their reputations by attending the ceremony.
On that historic day, a legend was established. It was that if Martin saw his shadow on the sand, summer would come a week early, much to the joy of bathers and business interests. Martin did see his shadow. And sure enough, summer did arrive early. It has every year since, except for 1987, when Martin saw a partial shadow and the season arrived 3½ days ahead of time.
Martin is no longer conveyed to the beach on a pizza pie plate (although pizza crust is one of his favorite snacks). Over the years, two elaborate thrones have been constructed for the crustacean, the first by Mrs. Joan Maguire and most recently, one by Ray Esterlund. Both are legendary throne designers who donated their services because of their admiration for the celebrated weather prognosticator.
An inspirational ceremony is planned featuring the world’s only Wind Chimes Band; Dr. Frankenstein and Nurse Perfect, who will check the crab’s vital signs before he is permitted to creep; Arrgh the Air Circus Pirate, who will provide security; and Shelley the Mermaid, aka Suzanne Muldowney, who will sing “Some Enchanted Morning” before Martin heads for the “Circle of Truth” and attempts to see his shadow.
The late Daniel Bready, who for years brought Big Momma Llama to the ceremony to authenticate Martin’s Shadow, will be remembered and honored. His family will accept a plaque of appreciation for Dan’s valuable contributions and support of Martin Z. Mollusk Day.
All children who attend the ceremony will be invited to the beach to receive a miniature shell replica of Martin. For information, call the Big Crab, (609) 399-6111.
ATTN LOCAL CHARITIES: Any charity that would like to apply for funds from the Miss Night In Venice Pageant Committee should mail the request to the Miss Night In Venice Pageant Committee, PO Box 433, Ocean City, NJ 08226. Enclose name, phone number, brochures if available and other pertinent information about the charity. Requests must be received by May 14. Organizations that have received funds in the past are eligible to apply again.
(May 5) A free lecture on SEASIDE GARDENING with native and hardy vegetation will be presented by the Environmental Commission, 6:30 p.m. in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave. Pat Sutton, a renowned ornithologist and naturalist, will lead the lecture. For information, call (609) 399-2434, x5222.
(May 6- 31) The Ocean City Fine Arts League show “SKY” opens at its downtown gallery, 608 Asbury Ave. The sky in its many moods and motions will be depicted in the entries. Many paintings will be for sale. Call (609) 814-0308 for details.
(May 2-31) The Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave., is presenting BOARDWALK CATS, the work of Sarah Mooney-Tronco. The artist was inspired to create the series after observing cats that live under the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The paintings show cats living their lives like humans. A “Meet the Artist Reception” will be held May 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entrance is free. Call (609) 399-7628 for information.
(May 6-7 and May 13-14) BOARDWALK AND DOWNTOWN TABLE SALES (no vendors) at stores 6th to 14th St. on the Boardwalk and Asbury Ave.)
(May 6) FREE CONCERT: The Great American Song Book featuring the Music of Johnny Mandel by the Mary Lou Newnam Quintet, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall of the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave. For information on this concert and the many free attractions and classes offered by the Library, contact Julie (609) 399-2434 x 5222.
(May 7) A DAY WITHOUT SHOES: This is a barefoot 5K Run/1 Mile Walk beginning on the 23rd St. Beach sponsored by the Ocean City High School Key Club. It brings awareness to children’s health and education. For each participant, TOMS will be donating a pair of shoes to a child in need. Registration begins 7 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. Fee includes tee shirt and post race refreshments. Details on Google form http://goo.gl/forms/0tpHVIKwIM.
(May 13) A NIGHT OF ROCK’N ROLL, an Oldies concert at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace at 7 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the American Legion the program features “The Brooklyn Bridge” plus 45 RPM, Billy and the Essentials, and the Soul Survivors. Reserved seating tickets are $39 at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice. or call (609) 399-6111 or at the door.
(May 14) The Ocean City Post Office is conducting a FOOD DRIVE for the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Food Cupboard. Residents are requested to put out non-perishable food items by their mailboxes to be picked up by their postman. Some items requested include cans of fruit, meat, tuna, juice, canned ravioli, Spaghetti O’s, peanut butter and jelly, laundry and dish detergent and personal items, i.e. Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
(May 14) THE SPRING BLOCK PARTY, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 5th to 14th Sts. on Asbury Ave. Over 350 crafters, food vendors, music, pony rides for the children and more. For information call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
(May 15) CAPE BANK JAZZ @ THE POINT: There will be two separate concerts as part of the South Jersey Jazz Society’s Cape Jazz Festival. The Atlantic City Jazz Band will perform at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave. from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Jazz Big Band Salute to Frank Sinatra will be featured at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For tickets visit www.southjerseyjazz.org or call (609) 233-1820.
