Six Months After Sandy, Ocean City Salutes 4 'Amazing Women'

On a sunny May day with Ocean City preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors for its annual Spring Block Party, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce paused Wednesday to recognize four women for their volunteer efforts in helping Ocean City return to normal after Superstorm Sandy.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without the women in this room, and I can't overstate that," said Drew Fasy, the chairperson of OCNJ CARE, the volunteer group that coordinated relief efforts in the aftermath of the October 2012 hurricane. "It was amazing to see."

The Chamber honored:

• Dottie Cianci: Coordinator of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Community Food Cupboard, which served thousands of hot meals that provided a lifeline for many displaced residents.
• Karin Gleason: The yoga teacher, mom and local business owner was instrumental in all aspects of the relief effort from providing hot meals, to seeking out non-English-speaking residents in need, to helping displaced residents find shelter.
• Maria Marinelli: The former Ocean City Board of Realtors president and RE/MAX agent was vital to the effort to find temporary and long-term housing.
• Kathy Sykes: The Ocean City High School administrative assistant and president of the Ocean City High School Support Staff Association helped lead the effort to find housing for displaced residents and assisted in many other volunteer efforts.

The recognition for the four women was part of the Chamber's annual Salute to Working Women. The event took place at a May 1 luncheon at the Ocean City Yacht Club — six months and two days after the record flooding of Sandy damaged homes and businesses throughout the island.

Within days of the storm, the four women joined a massive volunteer effort to take care of displaced residents and help them return to their homes and businesses.

Local, county, state and federal officials each paid tribute to the four women and to others who worked tirelessly in the recovery effort.

Barbara Brown (Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce), Elaine Wilson (Ocean City Ecumenical Council), Laurie Howey (City of Ocean City) and Barbara Deaney (Ocean City Ecumenical Council) received special mention, as did Caitlin Greene (Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce), Sarah Lee (St. Peter's and OCNJ CARE), Shawnda McGinnis (Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce) and Rose Savastano (Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce).

Chamber Executive Director Michele Gillian also received special recognition for playing a vital role in coordinating efforts.

The event featured a slide show with a Bon Jovi's "Who Says You Can't Go Home" providing the soundtrack. The keynote speaker was radio professional Heather DeLuca (SoJo 104.9-FM).

The event was the first to be held at the Ocean City Yacht Club since it was rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy — representing a fitting theme of renewal for Ocean City.