OCEAN CITY
Lifestyle
Waves of Generosity
D
uring its busy season, Ocean City becomes the second largest city in Maryland. As many as 250,000 people call it ‘home’ during their vacation. But the year-round population is only around 7,000 people. Many of them are families who built the resort, while others are former vacationers who are finally able to live their dream of moving to the beach. Add the relative distance from O.C. and the rest of the state, and you’ll find there’s a small-town attitude among the ‘full-timers.’ People know each other and believe that supporting their neighbors and giving back to their community is important. With that attitude, it’s no wonder that it seems there are as many charity events as there are seagulls hovering over the beach! And they support as many different causes as there are designs in a t-shirt shop! Spas host ‘pamper yourself ’ days to raise money for medical research; car and motorcycle clubs turn their donations over to the USO and therapeutic riding programs; chili cookoffs award bragging rights for both professional and amateur chefs while supporting hospice and kids’ athletic teams. One group recycles old cell phones and
gives the proceeds to Special Olympics. Time share and realty companies donate condos so families with critically ill children can enjoy a vacation. Sponsored dog walks and horseback rides on Assateague help humane societies take care of the needs of the animals in the area. The Poor Girls Open is a ladies only billfish release tournament benefiting breast cancer research typically hosted in Mid-August. There are also added entry levels for tuna and dolphin. This tournament was started by Capt. Steve Harman as a way for local waitresses and bartenders to have an affordable and fun competition while raising money for a very important cause. The tournament continues to grow with over 100 boats entering. Participation is not limited only to anglers as there are silent auctions, 50/50 tickets, T-shirts for sale, and other fun events helping to raise money for breast cancer research. In the past 3 years alone, the Poor Girls Open has raised over $100,000 that was donated to the American Cancer Society. For more info log onto www.bahiamarina. com/tournament/poor-girls-open.cfm
OCEAN CITY DOG-FRIENDLY AREAS & TIME FRAMES Beach & Boardwalk Leashed pets are permitted on the beach or boardwalk from October 1 through April 31. Clean up laws strictly enforced. Dog Playground* Located in Little Salisbury Park at 94th Street; Open Daily from Dawn until Dusk, yearround, weather permitting. Separate Small Dog and Large Dog Areas *Passes are required and are available on an annual or weekly basis from the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department. All dogs are required to have both a current dog license and current rabies vaccination; Must be supervised at all times by an adult at least 18 yrs old. For more information, visit www.ococean.com/dogplayground.html or call 410-250-0125
| OCEAN CITY 2014
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