It was a chance to mingle before business proprietors get busy in the heat of the season, but also a time to update and educate. Ocean Beach Chamber of Commerce (OBCC) hosted an informal gathering at the Ocean Beach Boat House on Saturday morning, May 6 to kick off the 2023 season. OBCC Co-President Jennifer Moritz presented literature about the Ocean Beach Village Green Revitalization Project, which will be executed in three phases. All it took was a walk to the Boathouse to notice landscapers from Neptune’s Nursery busy at work with Phase 1 in progress. There was also information about an initiative with the Ocean Beach Environmental Commission and the Seatuck Environmental Association as local establishments like Matthew’s Seafood House participate in the Half Shells for Habitat program, an oyster shell recovery project to help replenish depleted populations in the Great South Bay and other Long Island local waters.
Moritz is not only the OBCC Co-President, but a candidate in the upcoming OB Village Trustee election that is less than a month away. She was not the only candidate in the room however, Chief Ian Levine of the Ocean Beach Fire Department was also present as he is also owner/operator of the Community Garden Center. Ocean Beach Mayor Jimmy Mallott also put in an appearance. Some other friendly faces in attendance included Kevin and Erika McCarthy of K-Mac Electric with their charming puppy dog, Roberta Noeldechen Geiger of A Summer Place, Mary Ellen Dahill Kelly of Housers Bar, Scott Hirsch of The Island Mermaid , Alex of Maguire’s Bayfront Restaurant, and of course Angela Doering of Rachel’s Restaurant and Bakery who catered with good strong coffee and signature goodies. Alex, who is also a OBCC offer informed Fire Island News that Chamber of Commerce membership is now over 50 strong – a respectable number grown in only a short time.
