By TOM WILLIAMS

Steve Lawrence died yesterday.

One of the most versatile entertainers from an era of “night club singers” (sometimes called “crooners”) that was at its peak in the 1960s, Lawrence had retired from performing in 2019 with the onset of Alzheimer’s.

It was an entertaining period, co-existing with the growth of rock & roll, and the singers who were at the center went on to entertain for decades. They all had hit records. But there are not too many left.

Remember these guys?

Frank Sinatra – known for Love and Marriage, Strangers in the Night, New York New York and That’s Life – died in 1998 at age 82 of a heart attack.

Dean Martin – known for That’s Amore, Memories Are Made of This, Return to Me and Everybody Loves Somebody – died in 1995 at age 78 from emphysema.

Sammy Davis Jr. – known for Something’s Gotta Give, The Shelter of Your Arms and I’ve Gotta Be Me – died in 1990 at age 64 from cancer.

Andy Williams – known for Butterfly, Can’t Get Used to Losing You and It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year – died in 2012 at age 84 from cancer.

Perry Como – known for Wanted, Round and Round and Catch a Falling Star – died in 2001 at age 88 from Alzheimer’s.

Nat King Cole – known for Mona Lisa, Too Young, Unforgettable and Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer – died in 1965 at age 45 from cancer.

Vic Damone – known for My Heart Cries for You, On the Street Where You Live and An Affair to Remember – died in 2018 at age 89 from emphysema.

Tony Bennett – known for Because of You, Stranger in Paradise and I Left My Heart in San Francisco – died in 2023 at age 96 from Alzheimer’s.

Al Martino – known for Here in My Heart, I Love You More and More Every Day and Spanish Eyes – died in 2009 at age 82 from a heart attack.

Bing Crosby – known for Dear Hearts and Gentle People, Harbor Lights and White Christmas – died in 1977 at age 74 from a heart attack.

Eddie Fisher – known for I’m Walking Behind You, Oh! My Pa-Pa, I Need You Now and Dungaree Doll – died in 2010 at age 82 from complications after hip surgery.

Bobby Darin – known for Splish Splash, Dream Lover, Mack the Knife and
Beyond The Sea – died in 1973 at age 37 from congestive heart failure.

Glen Campbell – known for By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, Gentle on My Mind and Galveston – died in 2017 at age 81 from Alzheimer’s.

Bobby Rydell – known for Wild One, Swingin’ School, Volare and Wildwood Days – died in 2022 at age 79 from pneumonia.

There are some from the era who are still alive and performing or recording, with some limitations. That group includes Jack Jones (age 86), Pat Boone (89), Paul Anka (82), Johnny Mathis (88), Tom Jones (83), Neil Diamond (83) and Frankie Avalon (83).

If you have any special memories of these crooners, please feel free to pass them along in comments, below, or Facebook comments.

Frank, Dean and Sammy were generally thought to be at the top of the list. When they teamed up as The Rat Pack they became the hottest show in Las Vegas.

But Steve Lawrence was as good as it gets. He had hit records – Go Away Little Girl, I’ve Gotta Be Me, Footsteps, Pretty Blue Eyes and Portrait of My Love, among them. He received Tony nominations for his work on Broadway.

He not only had a great singing voice, but a powerful speaking voice, too. And he had great comedy timing that he displayed on The Carol Burnett Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show with Steve Allen and various other TV programs. He could also handle serious roles, in shows like Night Gallery, Police Story and Murder She Wrote. Plus films like The Blues Brothers and The Lonely Guy.

He spent a lot of his performing career touring with his wife, Eydie Gorme, a successful singer herself, who died in 2013.

He hasn’t been seen live in five years but videos of his performances and recordings can be found HERE.

Steve Lawrence was 88.

By TOM WILLIAMS

In a column six months ago, we reflected on 25 people who had died and in whose absence Ocean City just doesn’t seem quite the same.

Add George Thomas to that list (which can be found HERE).

George grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Lower Merion High School, a decade after my mother and many decades before Kobe Bryant. He joined the Marines and was stationed in California. After serving, he returned to suburban Philadelphia and created a successful plumbing supply business.

He and his wife of 64 years, Dolores, invested in real estate and, upon retirement, lived in homes in Ocean City and Florida until eventually settling permanently in their 35th Street home, across the street from the tennis courts.

Though retired, he worked regularly at the Municipal Golf Course, where he developed his strong dislike for Canadian geese.

George had lots of opinions and loved discussing them in his deep, baritone voice. He also had a quick smile, loved driving his red Mercedes and visiting the Somers Point McDonald’s daily with Dolores where Joanne and the staff made sure his coffee was hot and his apple pie warm.

Frequently he would enjoy seeing his grandchildren playing on Ocean City High School sports teams and he watched pride.

He was another of those people who, when grouped together, created the personality of Ocean City. And the city isn’t quite the same without him.

George Thomas was 87.

By TOM WILLIAMS

Ocean City has a lot to offer – award-winning beach, Boardwalk, bay, entertainment, sports, amusements. Its a little short right now on movie theaters (none) and gas stations (one) and has an abundance of banks and real state offices.

But the Ocean City people are a big part of its appeal.

Like other communities, some people have died and the town is not quite the same without them.

Here is an alphabetical list of people – some personal, some general – in whose absence Ocean City is not quite the same.

Sue Andrews

Fred Benson

Jack Boyd

Jean Campbell

Fenton Carey

Roselia Cobb

Joe Fagan

Butch Gleason

Dick Grimes

Mikenzie Helphenstine

Dixie Howell

Bill Hughes

Jody Kish

Bud Knight

Charles Krattenmaker

Nick Palermo

Don Pileggi

Eddie Rumer

Edythe T. Selvagn

Pat Shallcross

Dave Simpson

Mark Soifer

George Thomas

Tom Williams (the deli guru)

Chet Wimberg

Pete Yard

Just 25 people who have died and Ocean City is not quite the same without them.

How many of them would be on your list? Who else would you include?

By TOM WILLIAMS

Things have changed a bit for Ocean City residents and visitors recently.

Ward’s Pastry closed its doors last month. Express Pizza & Subs is for sale. Ocean City Surf Cafe and Starfish Cafe have both closed. And, while DiOrio’s Bar & Grill in Somers Point has no plans to close, Denny DiOrio – who has been active in the family business for 55 years, the last 38 as manager – is retiring this month. Ocean City residents have long since forgiven Denny for kicking the game-winning point for Mainland against the Raiders in the 1967 football game. His nephew, Mike Galante, will take over management.

Another sad closing will take place at the end of this weekend.

Since 1954, when sisters Rose Volpe and Theresa Taccarino opened Voltaco’s, it has been the go-to spot during summers and weekends in the spring and fall for visitors and residents seeking great subs and Italian food. Current owners Joe and Vicki Taccarino, and their son, Jeff, announced Voltaco’s will close Sunday following the Ocean City Fall Block Party.

The Taccarinos have indicated they may publish a cook book with all of the recipes that have brought people back to their West Avenue location again and again.

Some people you may know share their memories of Voltaco’s.

Jay Gillian, Ocean City mayor: “When I think about Voltaco’s I have great memories. When I was young and my Mom’s family from Delaware would visit, it was always a trip to Voltaco’s for subs. The smell of those subs today always takes me back to those great times.”

Rich Tolson, retired union executive: “My memory isn’t just one, but every time I walked into Voltaco’s. Seeing Mr. Taccarino as a sentry like figure and Mrs. Taccarino always smiling with a warm greeting and always remembering your name. To Joe and Vicki being the same type of gracious hosts. Joe went through school with my brother, Mike, so I have known him forever. And Jeff, who has carried on the tradition in the same welcoming manner as his grandparents. The food was always fabulous, but the family was what was warmest. I will miss their greetings. Thank you, Taccarino family.”

John Cranston, OCHS Hall of Fame athlete: “Voltaco’s was my favorite place in Ocean City for a lot of reasons.  When I lived in the town in the 1960s it was a big treat for my family to get some takeout from there.  The food was always great.  My Mom used to say ‘why should I cook Italian food when we have Voltaco’s available.’  Every year we would get our freezer order that we hoped would get us through the time they were closed. More recently, since I moved to the Philadelphia area, Voltaco’s would be a required stop when I visited Ocean City.  It was for the food, of course, but also to touch base with Ocean City the way I remembered it from my youth.  Joe Taccarino was always glad to see an old Ocean City guy and was usually full of good gossip.  And frequently I would run into some of my old friends from the city and have some fun catching up. The store and the Taccarino family will be sorely missed as they can never be replaced or duplicated.  As Ocean City changed over the years it meant a lot to me that I could always recapture the good memories and feelings simply by stopping in for a hoagie.  Although I am saddened by their closing, I wish the Taccarino family the best of everything.”

Glenn Wiesenthal, retired auto shop owner: “Have such great family memories eating around the table and having food from Voltaco’s. It was always special.”

Bill Maurer, investment manager: “I go way back with the Taccarino /Volpe families. John Taccarino and I graduated from Ocean City in 1966. John went on to be an Ocean City policeman and move out of the area (I remember he married Joy Hubmaster and I think they had triplets.) Joe was two or three years behind us and pretty much took over the business. Later his son, Jeff, started when he was only 12 and has worked there for over 30 years. Theresa Volpe was also in my class of ‘66. John and Theresa‘s moms started Voltacos – hence the name, derived from Volpe and Taccarino. Theresa moved on to California, which pretty much left Joe to carry on the family business. It is such a sad situation in Ocean City with the businesses having costs rising so high that it’s hard to make a profit and it’s very difficult to get help. The days of our old Ocean City, with many businesses having a hard time staying in business today is so sad. Voltaco’s is an iconic Ocean City family business.”

Jean Serber, retired educator: “I have good stories about the older Taccarinos and my parents ordering food for all four of us kids and our friends. It was always a special treat and has continued to be through the years.”

Walt Tucker, prominent NASCAR analyst: “Great place, great food. Love their cheesesteaks. Awesome family. Will miss them and this iconic food establishment. Ocean City will not be the same without the Voltaco’s family and employees. Good luck.”

Dr. Jason Chew: “A few things come to mind when I think of Voltaco’s and the Taccarino family. Joe Tac is classic and the family is as good as it gets. We have known their family for many years. You always know summer is here when they take their phone off the hook. My brother worked there for years when he was younger and I still remember the smell of cheesesteaks on his clothes. Voltaco’s is the epitome of small town business. They will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Keith Hartzell, retired city councilman: “During the Soprano’s big run, I would watch the show with friends, smoking a cigar, drinking a scotch, bourbon or whiskey, with  food from Voltaco’s.  I think we produced the perfect viewing atmosphere.  When Mrs. Taccarino passed away in 2007, our Council wrote a letter to honor her. It still hangs near the front door. The Taccarinos are a class act.”

Phil Birnbaum, retired Ocean City tennis director: “Lots of ‘sub’ memories about Voltaco’s. Mainly those long summer 12-hour days working on the OC tennis courts. My only meal would be an afternoon break with a Voltaco’s treat. Delicious!”

Antwan McClellan, New Jersey Assemblyman: “My best memories of Voltaco’s is seeing my sisters working there, calling in to place an order and Mr. Taccarino recognizing my voice. Or seeing me across the crowded room and calling me up to take my cheesesteak order or grab my cheesesteak off the oven. They are a great family that cared about the community. Thank you for so many great years, great memories and the great food.”

Melissa Gleason, Chief Financial Officer for University of Kentucky athletics (and daughter of a Voltaco’s fanatic): “Voltaco’s has always been a go-to for the Gleason family from when we lived in town (before I was even born) through this past summer. My dad (Butch Gleason) always appreciated catching up with Joe when he would come in the store after we moved out of town. And we always seemed to have lots of their food in the freezer.”

Bobby Barr, City Council President: “My best Voltaco’s memory is simple – eating cheesesteaks that Mike Baldyga got for us in the old OCHS cafeteria with Big Mike, Jack Boyd, John Bruno and Tony Galante. We had so many laughs during those days. Some of the greatest memories – and subs – of my life.”

Joe Myers, OCHS Hall of Fame athlete now living in Idaho: “I was flying back to San Diego after visiting family and friends in Ocean City, guessing around 1986. I packed both an Italian and cheesesteak sub in a cooler. Voltaco’s would separate the meat and bread from the veggies with wax paper. I couldn’t help myself so I pulled the cheesesteak out to eat mid flight. Needless to say it didn’t take long before the whole plane smelled like steak and grilled onions. It was hilarious and embarrassing simultaneously. My brother-in-law, Terry Miller, coached track at Southern Regional for a time. Whenever the team bus was traveling the Garden State Parkway in close proximity to OC he would direct the driver to Voltaco’s and would treat the team. No better sub sandwich in the world.”

As you can see from this sampling, that little takeout place started in 1954 has made a difference in people’s lives and will be greatly missed.

You have until Sunday to place your final Voltaco’s order.

Tom Williams AT LARGE

Radio has changed a lot in the last four decades.

Today people can listen to personalized music on Pandora, Sirius-XM and other streaming sources in their car or right on their cellphone. Broadcast radio stations need now, more than ever, to find ways to attract listeners.

Mike Elliott would have found ways.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Elliott was general manager of The Green Group – a couple of radio stations at the end of something called the Old Turnpike in Pleasantville. You could see the building that housed the stations from the Atlantic City Expressway, until the building burned down.

In that time period, Elliott kept WOND near the top in listeners in the competitive Atlantic City radio market. He was a mid-day host in a lineup of DJs that primarily included Bob Weems, Joel Carson, Tom Lamaine and Red Karr. There was also behind-the-scenes input from people like Walt Murphy, Milt Thurlow and Jan Baker.

The WOND All-Americans, as the hosts were known, always had contests and promotions going that attracted listeners, who then stuck around for the presentation of Top 40 music. Many of you who were around then listening to the radio certainly remember MIke’s strong, baritone voice.

Elliott was the first person to hire me in a full-time position in radio, playing the hits weeknights (and Sundays) leading up to Pinky’s Corner and broadcasting high school football and basketball.

There has been no other single person in radio who has had as much an influence on my career as he did. Watching what he did and how he did it made a lasting impression.

Through the years, in addition to working as a radio host and sports broadcaster, I emceed and produced more than 100 Miss America preliminary pageants throughout South Jersey – mostly in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Mike was the inspiration for that.

One day he offered me a pair of tickets to the three-night Miss Atlantic County Pageant at Holy Spirit High School. Watching him host the proceedings was what made me want to try it myself.

Mike Elliott, who died recently at age 82, was only in this area for a small part of his 50 plus years in broadcasting. He started in Massachusetts and worked in Atlanta, California, Washington D.C. and Chicago before landing in Wisconsin. He spent most of the final decades of his career in Wisconsin and was eventually inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

He did spend a year or two in Texas where he realized a life-long dream, serving as a play-by-play voice for the Houston Astros.

Sometimes you are fortunate enough to work with somebody who influences you without actually trying and whose ideas and approaches are inspiring.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who felt that way about Mike Elliott.

From all across the country, these members of the next generation (quarantined at home and with a little help from their parents) pay tribute to those on the front line of the CoronaVirus.

Tom Williams AT LARGE:

It’s been nearly eight years since these flashbacks began appearing here. An attempt is made regularly to spend at least one week remembering the places we all used to visit that are no longer there.

Probably the biggest absences recently are J.C. Penney and Sears in the Hamilton Mall, leaving Macy’s as the only anchor store at the mall, which was recently sold. And the casinos in Atlantic City have changed a bit with Ocean Resort and Hard Rock moving in and Showboat and the shuttered Plaza leaving the casino business.

But the thing that is not there anymore which causes the most frustration in Ocean City is Wiesenthal’s Auto Service.

The car care business, run by Don and Glenn Wiesenthal, was forced to close because its landlord sold the property. Eventually, a Republic Bank will open at Ninth Street and West Avenue, encompassing not only the lot where the Wiesenthals repaired cars and the Legendary Al signed autographs and posed for selfies, but also the Sunoco lot on its west side.

Don and Glenn not only had put together a talented crew of mechanics to repair and maintain your vehicle, but the two brothers seemed to know everybody in town. Their shop, which their father had formerly operated as a gas station for many decades, was also a social center for residents.

There once were a dozen gas stations on Ninth Street in Ocean City. Soon there will be a dozen banks in town and only one gas station.

Currently, gas is being pumped at the old Wiesenthal location but it is the definition of a rip-off. Republic Bank is waiting for clearance to move in and start building its bank, probably in the fall. But whoever is running those temporary gas pumps is charging around 30 cents per gallon more than nearby gas stations. It would make good sense to drive to Sunoco at 34^th Street or hop over the bridge to Wawa in Somers Point to fill up instead of giving in to those inflated rates on Ninth Street.       

On Route 9 in Somers Point, the former Schooner’s – later an Asian buffet – is now an auto parts store and the original Wawa across the road is a paint store.

Ocean City seafood lovers remember Plantation kitchen at 4^th & Atlantic; Spence’s Seafood at 10^th & Asbury; and Campbell’s Seafood on 32^nd Street, with a snack bar on the beach just behind Monihan Real Estate.

On the Boardwalk there was Flanders Beach Grille, the unique Village Theatre, Tom Perkins’ Sea Shanty and Copper Kettle Fudge Shop, where you could watch them make the fudge right in the window.

There was Zaberer’s Restaurant in McKee City and Ed Zaberer’s in North Wildwood; the legendary Somers Point area clubs, from Tony Marts, to Bayshores to the Dunes till dawn and even Mothers. And there was The Charcoal Pit in Linwood, where celebrities like James Fitzpatrick and Carl Price both frequently enjoyed a burger and a shake. 

In Atlantic City there was Blatt’s, Garwood Mills and the Million Dollar Pier. Ames Department Store was located in Cape May Court House. There were the many nightclubs in Wildwood – Penalty Box, Emerald Room, Oasis, Rainbow Room, Riptide and Surf Club. Also gone are the traffic lights on the Garden State Parkway.

How about Carson’s Triangle restaurant in Atlantic City; Mike Trench’s Neptune Inn; Angelo’s Barbershop; Teddy’s West End Lounge; Brigantine’s Seahorse Pier; and the Rum Point Pub.

Among out of area memories there was the once the outstanding Echelon Mall. Chubby’s in Camden, which closed in 1995 after 61 years, was a great place to eat. It was named after the boxer who opened it and once had live entertainment, including great singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Eddie Fisher and Patti Page.

Do you remember the Clover stores, a spinoff of Strawbridge & Clothier; Herman’s World of Sporting Goods; the Robert Hall clothing stores; Lit Brothers and Gimbels in Philadelphia; Willow Grove Park; Aquarama; and The Troc, a former Philly burlesque house where Abbott & Costello once played.

There was Jamesway in the New Road Shopping Center; Grants and Roy Rogers in Somers Point; Boston Pizza and IHOP in Northfield; Perkins in Somers Point; Rugby Inn in Northfield; Point Bowling Lanes in Somers Point; and CenterPoint Deli, Tilton Road, Northfield.

In Ocean City, who could forget Chris’ Seafood Restaurant, on the bay at 9^th Street, and their PT boats – The Flying Saucer, Flying Cloud, Wild Goose and Flying Pony; Hogate’s, right next door; the Dairy Queen at 34^th Street; The Roundup on 9^th Street, a drive-in restaurant with the waitresses on roller skates; or Mark’s News, where the laye Jody Kish, and his father Joe, was right there to bring the world into focus.

Also gone from Ocean City are Brannen & Konschack Dodge/Plymouth at 10^th & Asbury, Bob Mengel Studebaker, Germantown Boys Club 15^th & Bay, Berger Lumber at 11^th, Reiss Lumber at 7^th, Powell & Van Gilder at 13^th Street and Young’s Record Store, across from City Hall.

And what about Howlett’s Hardware in Absecon and House and Garden in Northfield?

There was Johnson’s Ice Cream, on the Boardwalk below 5^th Street. People from some generations still expect to find a sour ball candy at the bottom of their ice cream cones. Veasey’s Roller Skating Rink was at St. James and Atlantic. And don’t forget Prep’s Pizza at 34^th Street and Pop’s Sub Shop near 6^th & Asbury.

On the Boardwalk you could find Simms Restaurant at Moorlyn Terrace, Jack George’s Dog House, The College Grill and Morrow’s Nut House.

The Wesley Avenue School is now a park and the Central Avenue School is the Ocean City Police Station. WSLT Radio, which no longer exists, was on Asbury near 10^th. The license was transferred to WIBG, which operates it at 1020 on the AM radio dial instead of the original 1520.

On Asbury Avenue there was Ordille’s Pharmacy with its big fountain at 7^th Street; Mabel’s, between 6^th & 7^th Streets, with penny candy and large sandwiches; Ernie’s Barber Shop, with Ernie Phillips controlling the clippers; plus Dixon’s and Kabat’s, two mens shops that were across the street from each other, and, less than a block away, Leon’s Mens Shop.

And, of course, the great sandwiches and interesting conversations at the famous Tom’s Deli on Asbury between 10th and 11th Streets.

If you have some Things That Aren’t There Anymore to add, send them on because it is a subject that will be dealt with again.

Tom Williams AT LARGE:

There is little doubt that people riding bicycles is a good thing on a couple levels.

It is good for the people on the bikes because they are getting exercise and lots of fresh air. And it is good for the environment because those bikers are not driving cars, which contribute to the serious problems of climate change.

Some communities set aside entire areas as bike paths, where cars are not permitted. Most others create bicycle lanes, usually between auto lanes and parked cars. And almost every Boardwalk has a bike lane.

Bicycles are good things and the overwhelming majority of the people riding them are careful and cooperative. But there are some problems – and some misunderstandings.

For example, some bike riders think that, like pedestrians, they have the right of way in crossing lanes. They think that cars are required, by law, to stop and let them cross.

They are wrong.

Drivers are required to stop for people on foot who have entered a crossing lane or stepped off a curb on a street corner. They are not required to stop for those on bicycles (unless the rider steps off the bike and walks beside it). In fact, bike riders are also required to stop for pedestrians preparing to cross an intersection.

Those riding bicycles should also generally ride in single file. That is the way bike lanes are set up, wide enough for one rider. Too often you see two bike riders side by side and taking up half of the auto lane.

The State of New Jersey has safety tips for bicycle riders.

“Obey all traffic laws. In New Jersey, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Ride on the right. Obey all traffic signals. Ride with traffic. Wear an approved bicycle helmet. Make sure the helmet fits properly. Ride within your abilities. Avoid busy streets, whenever possible. Ride a properly sized bicycle.

“Do not attempt stunts or tricks. Do not ride with more people on the bike than it is designed to accommodate. Do not hitch rides by holding on to moving vehicles. Do not weave in and out of traffic or between cars. Do not carry loads unless equipped with proper baskets or panniers. Do not ride against traffic. Do not ride on the sidewalk. Do not ride at night without lights.”

The South Jersey shore is overcrowded at this time of year. That alone creates more traffic hazards. It also brings thousands more people who want to take advantage of the good weather, the fresh seaside air and the opportunity to get some beneficial exercise on their bicycles. Not all of these bikers are like Jack Neall or George McNally – careful, law-abiding cyclists.

Remember that, although riding your bike is good for you and the environment, you should approach your ride as though you are driving your car. Every traffic law that applies to a motor vehicle also applies to those on bicycles.

And, while you’re driving your car during these busy summer months, don’t expect everybody on a bike to properly follow the rules.

Watch out for that bicycle!

Tom Williams AT LARGE:

Miss America is back on NBC-TV. That is a good thing.

The pageant will be held at the Mohegan Sun Casino-Hotel in Connecticut six days before Christmas. That is not such a good thing.

As most of you know, The Miss America Pageant started in Atlantic City as a swim suit contest in September designed to attract visitors and extend the summer season. With the exception of a few years in Las Vegas, most of its 97 competitions have been in Atlantic City.

There was a time when the pageant TV audience competed with other live specials like the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards for the top ratings of the year.

No more.

Viewers have totaled less than 10 million every year since 2004. Last year the audience was estimated at between four and five million. Almost 35 million watched in 1985, its largest audience.

That proves that the pageant does not hold the important position among the public that it did in its prime. So what. With millions of viewers it can still be a positive experience that impacts the lives of the young women who compete. It needs to be run for that reason, not as a vehicle for those in charge to earn high salaries and further their careers.

Miss America was established by volunteers and, except for some office staff and a few professionals to produce the show, was run by volunteers for most of its existence. But Former director Sam Haskell’s firm was contracted to receive $500,000 per year and ex-pageant president Art McMaster earned between $200,000 and $250,000 a year during his 10 years.

It seems like control of the pageant has reverted to individuals who have little concern about the history of the event and who spent very little time, before making major decisions, talking with its greatest source of information – the state and local directors around the country who have dedicated years of their lives as volunteers.

There needs to be more people on the pageant’s Board of Directors like Barbara Moore, who has local ties, a knowledge of pageant history and who has actually produced a couple of preliminary pageants herself.

Since the current Miss America leadership seems determined to go where the dollar takes them, its a shame that people from the Atlantic City area can’t do what they did in 1921 – start from scratch with a new pageant, drawing on the experience and dedication of the volunteers from around the country and owned by local residents. Dave Talarico, grandson of William Schoppy – an important supporter of the pageant when it began – suggests the Green Bay Packers solution.

Green Bay Packers Inc., has been a publicly owned, nonprofit corporation since 1923. One of the more remarkable business stories in American history, the Green Bay Packers organization has been kept viable by its shareholders — its unselfish fans. Even more incredible, the Packers have survived and thrived during the current era, permeated by free agency and the NFL salary cap.

Fans have supported the team financially through five stock sales: 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997 and 2011. Today, 361,169 people (representing 5,009,562 shares) are owners of the iconic franchise.

There is no concern that the Packers could be leaving Green Bay, the smallest city in America with a professional sports franchise, in search of a presidential suite in Connecticut.

With the proper management, Miss America has a better chance of surviving in Atlantic City than elsewhere. Could the Sundance Film Festival be as popular in St. Louis? Should they think about taking the Mardi Gras to Pittsburgh? How about Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in Oklahoma City? These events are connected to their locations and Miss America has that connection with Atlantic City.

Almost everyone reading this has some Miss America connection. A daughter, niece or sister might have competed in a local pageant. Maybe a wife or neighbor has volunteered as a hostess during the week. Or possibly you just attend the pageant or the Boardwalk parade regularly.

There are a few things that could be done to improve TV ratings. For example, virtually nobody knows the women competing for the title.

Why not offer the three preliminary competition nights on a network or via a live stream? Hometown stations of the women competing could also air them. It would give potential final night viewers a chance to get to know these women and possibly find a few they like. That would increase the chances of them tuning in for the finals.

The pageant tried to accomplish this on cable in Las Vegas with a series of programs designed like reality shows. But they were awful. Do what you do best – produce the preliminaries for television.

Then there are the scholarships.

The Miss America Pageant is the only major pageant competition that awards college scholarships. They continue to claim they are the largest scholarship program for women in the country. In reality, the NCAA surpassed the pageant in annual scholarships by a large margin more than a decade ago. But, so what. Being second is no disgrace.

Thousands of women, including many who have remained in the public eye, have benefited greatly from their participation in the program. It is not for everybody but, if pageant competition appeals to you, this program at its best can virtually change your life.

A lot of people in this area still resent the way the pageant left Atlantic City and the hole it has left in their year. Hundreds and hundreds of volunteers – like Ocean City’s Jean Serber and Upper Township’s Sandi Rinck – made the pageant what it was. It will never be that again. Many mistakes have been made along the way. But the Miss America Pageant still can play a positive role in our society.

On December 19 (ironically the same day that Miss Universe will televise its finals from South Korea) a new Miss America will be crowned. The two shows will probably not be on live TV at the same time because of the 13-hour time difference. But it is a weird coincidence.

The Miss America Pageant is not what it once was and it will never be that again. But if there is no way to turn it over to people who understand what it means and why it should be in Atlantic City, maybe there is a way to re-create it under local control.

Or, they could just wait for the current direction of the pageant to cause its demise (because it will) and just begin again.

Tom Williams AT LARGE:

Last month, members of the Ocean City High School Class of 1966 got together for their 50-year reunion. The class includes people who now live all over the area – in fact, all over the country. Here is an update on some of them.

Larry Allegretto: Enjoys being the bar manager for Stoneybrook Country Club and own a boat rental business in Sarasota, FL.  His daughter teaches school in Winchester, KY.  His son, Nickolas, lives in Silverthorne CO and is product manager for a mining company. He has four grandchildren.

Michaele Anderson Mason: Lives on a 54-acre farm in the Knoxville, TN area with her husband, Darwin.  An avid gardener, she is always planting something.

David Andrew: Lives in San Diego with wife, Barbara. They’ve been married 31 years.  They have five sons and one daughter who have provided 14 grandchildren.  They are both retired and are active in the church.

Dan Beyel: Co-owner of Boulevard Super Liquors and retired Cape May County Freeholder. He and wife, Cheryl, have three children.

Bob Blevin: Married to Gail for 40 years. Both are retired from the City of Ocean City. Daughter Melissa lives in Somers Point.  Son, Christopher is married with two children and lives in Parker, CO, just outside of Denver.

Marilyn Creighton Buck: Retired this year, has four sons and eight grandchildren. 

Barbara Butler D’Ottavi: Married to Jim. She’s a retired teacher living in Marmora.  They have two daughters and three granddaughters.

Joe Carew: Married to Carol, they have two children. They live in Egg Harbor Township where they work at and own Windward Sports Marketing.

Larain Cassidy Betts: Graduated from Brandywine College, married 48 years with three children and eight grandchildren.

Bob Darby: Retired in 2014 after 38 years practicing law in Los Angeles.  In May 2015 he and his wife, Wendy, moved to Orcas Island WA.

Rosemary DelCorio Bonner: Lives in Upper Township and is happily married to Doug, who designed and built the OCHS letters that now stand behind the high school. They have one daughter Carrie, and two grandchildren. Volunteers for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, met President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Roselynn, stayed overnight on the battleship USS NJ, then went to mass the next day with Pope Francis, and our Newfoundland dog “Steel,” won an award at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show.

Cindy Dimon Hendrick: Lives in Poway, CA, a suburb of San Diego.  Kristin, my older daughter, is an artist who lives on Long Island.  Merissa, the younger one, lives in San Diego and teaches Special Ed in elementary school.  Ken Ferrier: Retired from Verizon after 32 years. Still working at Kline Construction Safety as a flagman. Married 45 years to Alice, they have four children and seven grandchildren; Served four years in the USMC, including two tours in Viet Nam.

Bertha Field: Retired from AtlantiCare Medical Center in 2012 after 41 years working as a lab tech. Volunteers with Auxiliary 18 for Ranch Hope for Boys non-profit Christian School and home for wayward youth. Graduated from Baldwin-Wallace (OH) College.

Ed Fugee: His grandson is currently performing in the National Tour of “The Sound of Music”.

Mary Gardner: Studied art at the Art Students League, Parsons School of Design and School of Visual Arts. Moved to the Hamptons in the 90s continuing to paint and exhibit. Worked for the Bridgehampton Museum before moving to Hendersonville NC in 2013. Currently semi-retired. Her son, Murt, is a teacher and lives in Charlotte NC with his wife Frannie. You can see her art online at ArtByGardner.com.

Peggy Gleeson Tamamian: Became a beautician right out of high school and worked in that capacity for over 20 years. Then received a CAN and is currently a private nurse for the elderly. Has three children and one grandson. Her youngest daughter just married a man with a son and a daughter so she now has two new grandsons and a granddaughter.

William F. Goetz: Is an emergency physician, specializing in disaster medicine, emergency medical services and evidence-based medicine. Most of his career in ERs at Bellevue and Columbia Presbyterian in NYC. Was director of medical field operations at Woodstock II. Handled 7,000 patients in five days. Married 25 years to June, a Wall Street analyst. Both are now retired more than 20 years and live in Fort Lauderdale FL. They have two sons who are both senior IT/marketing/operations specialists.

Ron Goodman: Married to Mary, they have three children and seven grandchildren, He’s retired from Verizon after 31 years and now works part time at Twisted Dune Golf Club.

Bob Gray: Lives in Ocean City and has been married to Marilyn for 37 years. Retired from the U.S. Coast Guard/U.S. Coast Guard Reserve as Lieutenant Commander serving over 38 years. Also retired from the Ocean City Board of Education as a Media Specialist and Computer Technician after 39 years. Son graduated from Virginia Tech and is working as a Civil Engineer.

Ginny Haug Gifford: Married to Ron for 49 years, they have two children and three granddaughters. They are both retired and live in Ocean City.

Lea Hetrick Larson: Retired, she and Andy, her husband, have one son and one daughter with three grandchildren. Her favorite activity is being a member of the “Jersey Girls of Smith Mountain Lake.” There are 70 members.

Chris Hilferty Nash: Married to Michael – four children (3 in NJ, 1 in FL), eight grandchildren.  Retired from teaching then took a training position with Ticketmaster and concert planning at the Electric Factory..

Kathy Holland Major: She and husband, George, have two kids and four grandkids. Retired to Williamsburg, VA in 2011.  They summer seven weeks in Ocean City every year and spend a few months in Naples, FL in the winter.

Rick Howell: Retired with wife, Gail, to Isle of Palms, SC. They have four children and five grandchildren. He was a PE teacher at Williamstown, NJ for 27 years and was the basketball coached for seven seasons. Owned and managed Rainbow Gymnastics in Sewell for 10 years.

Al Jeter: Married for 25 years to Carol Ann, retired RN in Montgomery TX. Have eight children, 17 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Bill Jones: Retired in 2011 as a partner in a CPA firm. Has one daughter, one son and three grandchildren. Significant other for 13 years is Elziane.

Andy Klain: Married to Margie, OCHS Class of ’67. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. He was a carpenter/builder and retired after 25 years with Atlantic County Schools. She retired from AAA. They live in Corbin City.

Jim Lavis: A retired OBGYN, he taught OBGYN at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and at Oklahoma State University. In “retirement” has started a business providing in-home elder care. Has three children. His oldest daughter is Vice-President of a public relations firm in Lancaster, PA and has given him an eight-year-old granddaughter. His son is a Cape May Tech graduate and his younger daughter is a senior at Stockton majoring in elementary education.

Meredith Martindale Gehrke: Living seven months in Boynton Beach, FL and five months in Ocean City. Son just moved to Connecticut from New Orleans, which means they can see him and his family more often.

Bill Maurer: Financial Advisor with the “Maurer Financial Group” for the last 44 years. Married to Brenda for 44 years. Two children and six grandchildren with one more on the way.

Alice May: Taught in Upper Township for a few decades. Still lives in Tuckahoe. Has one daughter and two grandsons. Her passion is gardening.

Barbara Mayer Johnson: Received a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Central Florida in 1971.  Identical twin sons were born in 1972.  Received a Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ann Arbor in 1987. Retired from teaching in 2009.  Has lived in Brighton, MI for 40 years with husband, Gerry.

Linda Migliaccio Madara: She and husband, Lewis, have two children and three grandchildren. They are both retired and are able to travel frequently.

Candace Morgan Moleff: Lives in Estell Manor. Has two grandchildren and enjoys quilting and trail riding.

Melodie Morrison Perri: Retired in 2011 from teaching at the Ocean City Primary School.  Her teaching career spanned 33 years. Summers are now spent working in the 53-year old family business, The Forum Motel.  One daughter and one son are both living in Los Angeles.

Artie Palermo: Has five children and four grandchildren. Resides in Vero Beach, FL as a realtor with Kolbe Williams.

Ruth Pangburn: Was married to Francis Corcoran for 42 years. Raised two children and have seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. She has lived in Tuckahoe for the last 33 years. Still working, driving a school bus.

Linda Paul Worth: Married to Tony for 44 years – met at the Anchorage in Somers Point on her 23rd birthday.   Lived in Anaheim CA since 1980. She worked as a legal secretary for many years before retiring in 2008; Tony is a retired optometrist.  They have a 32-year-old daughter in LA.

Scott Ping: Owner of Boyar’s Food Markets for 30 years. Councilman at Large in Ocean City for eight years. Member of the Ocean City Planning Board for three years. Worked with the Ocean City High School After Prom for 10 years. Attended Penn State University. Has six children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Bonnie Richards-Ryan: Retired from the FAA after 37 years of service. My two dogs are my babies, Nicky and Maddy – both are Malteses.

Shirley Robinson Herbert: She and husband, Ron have four children. For the first 24 years or so she was a stay at home mom who was involved in numerous sports and youth activities in Deptford Township. They had 15 grandchildren, though two of them died. After her children all reached their teens, she spent 23 years in the court system.

Jane Rossi Hackney: Retired two years ago from Partners Healthcare after 16 years. Was a Billing Coordinator. Enjoys gardening and working on her genealogy. Has two children, seven grandchildren and will be a great-grandmother around the end of January.

Rich Russell: Still a Judge at OC Municipal Court after 36 years. His wife, Effie, is an English Professor at ACCC.  Son is an Associate English Prof at ACCC.  Daughter is a music mixing engineer living in Brooklyn.

Caroline Shaw Vliet: Still living in Marmora.  Raised my son, a Captain in OC Fire Department for 15 years. Have two grandchildren. She has been office manager for FBK-CPAs in Marmora for 30 years.

Sue Stethers White: Son Jonathan working and living in NYC, daughter Kelly is working and living in Rhode Island.

John Stuempfig: Retired to Big Pine Key in Florida.  Two sons, both married, two grandsons and another grandchild on the way.

Rev. Rina Terry: Has two sons and a daughter, who is a doctor. Two grandchildren. Has had a distinguished career in the church.

Helene Tolson: Attended New England School of Art. Still working as a paralegal. Has one stepdaughter, two stepsons, six grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way. Has lived in eight states and visited Canada and traveled almost all of Europe.

Pam Whittaker Wright: Married 42 years.  Living in Virginia since September 2009.  Oldest son, Jeffrey, has three children.  Middle son, Chris and his wife are expecting a baby girl.  Youngest son, Andrew is married and all three sons are living within a 45-minute drive.  She volunteers at local schools and has time to do gardening and biking and reading.

Bob Young: Married to Taimi 48 years in September. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. Both are both retired teachers for 12 years. Taimi taught mainly kindergarten at Upper Township for 34 years, Bob taught elementary physical education for 34 years in Ocean City.

Special thanks to Helene Tolson for her efforts in gathering information about her class.

While the Class of 1966 was in high school, a president was assassinated, Beatlemania came to the USA and the battle for civil rights intensified. The conflict in Viet Nam also continued and, after graduation, many of them served in the military.

In the last five decades, as you can see, these people made significant contributions to society and helped make the world a better place. That is what most graduating classes set out to do and this group succeeded.