The OCNJ Local

In this series, the Local Guys step inside the heart of Ocean City, the Community Center. The Center of The Community series will bring you behind the scenes of the organizations that make this community thrive. In each episode, we sit down with key members from the diverse groups housed within the Community Center, from arts and culture to recreation, wellness, and beyond. Through in-depth interviews, we explore their missions, stories, and the impact they have on residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a longtime local or just discovering the center’s many resources, this series connects you with the place and the people helping to shape Ocean City’s vibrant community.

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Join us in this episode as we sit down with Caitlin Quirk, the dynamic President of the Downtown Merchants Association in Ocean City, New Jersey. Caitlin shares her inspiring entrepreneurship journey and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the Downtown merchants have in store to keep Ocean City’s downtown bustling.

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In this episode, the Local Guys sit down with Dan Kelchner, the Director of Community Services for Ocean City, New Jersey, to explore the heartbeat of this vibrant coastal town. From organizing community events and recreational programs to addressing the needs of residents and visitors, we uncover the strategies and passion that drive community engagement in "America's Greatest Family Resort." Whether you're a native, a local, a frequent visitor, or simply curious about what makes Ocean City such a special place, this episode offers inspiring insights and a behind-the-scenes look at the work that keeps the community thriving.

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On May 30, 1969, two 19-year-old college students, Susan Davis and Elizabeth Perry, set out for home after a relaxing Memorial Day weekend in Ocean City, New Jersey. What should have been a simple drive north along the Garden State Parkway turned into a haunting mystery that remains unsolved to this day. This episode dives into the history, investigation, and ongoing mystery surrounding one of New Jersey’s most infamous unsolved crimes. If you’re captivated by true crime and the pursuit of answers, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Join the local guys as they sit down with the author of The Garden State Parkway Murders, Christian Barth, and revisit the Garden State Parkway murders, exploring the details of the crime and the suspects—including notorious names like Ted Bundy.

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In this captivating episode, local guys Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy dive deep into the recent surge of drone activity over New Jersey that's left residents puzzled and officials on high alert. Are these flights harmless recreational users, or do they signal something more mysterious? Joining the podcast is a very special guest—whose video sent the story viral. Get ready for exclusive insights, firsthand accounts, and an exploration of what this could mean for safety and our skies. 

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Ocean City's iconic Gillian's Wonderland Pier may soon transform into a luxury hotel, sparking both excitement and concern among residents and visitors. In this episode, we explore the proposed "ICONA in Wonderland" – a $135-$155 million project led by developer and ICONA Resorts Chariman and CEO, Eustace Mita. Join local guys Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy as they sit down with Eustace Mita to discuss the balance between tradition and progress. Whether you’re a local or a longtime visitor, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

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The proposed plans for the Wonderland property have been revealed, and as anticipated, they include a luxury hotel. This redevelopment would require the city council to rezone the property. One local group, Save Wonderland, is leading the charge to prevent this from happening. However, Save Wonderland's mission is not what you think. In this episode, local guys Drew Fasy and Dominick Dougherty sit down with members of Save Wonderland and Friends of OCNJ History & Culture to discuss the potential pitfalls of rezoning/redevelopment and what it means to "Save Wonderland."

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In this episode, we dive into the New Jersey Governor’s Executive Order 100 and its ripple effect across Cape May County. Executive Order 100, part of New Jersey's efforts to combat climate change and protect natural resources, brings significant environmental and regulatory changes. We explore how this executive order impacts our local economy, businesses, and residents, especially in key industries like tourism and real estate. Assemblyman Antwon McClellan joins the local guys to unpack the goals of EO 100 and what it means for the future of Ocean City and Cape May County.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the mysterious shipwreck of the Sindia, a steel-hulled, four-masted ship that ran aground off the coast of Ocean City, New Jersey, on a stormy night in 1901. The ship was laden with valuable cargo, including silk, porcelain, and rumors of hidden treasures—some say even gold and opium. Local guys Drew Fasy and Dominick Dougherty discuss the truths and myths surrounding Ocean City’s most famous shipwrecks

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