Déjà vous. It seems like yesterday when I would write this column for the Ocean Club. How times flies. Richard is away so the mice get to play and write his barhopping column.
    Richard receives a special award from Santé for his incredibly balanced wine selection. CONGRATULATIONS for being a leader in the wine community and  Happy Birthday as well.  
    The best kept secret in O.C. for football is here at the Clarion.  With our new projection screens and numerous LCD TV’s, Sunday and Monday is a must for the sport enthusiasts. Don’t forget to ask to see our NFL tailgate special menu, a huge selection of items for $4.95.
    Birthday wishes to Marilyn and Frank. This past weekend along with the Corvettes, brought in Teri, Ernie and Zack. Karen stopped by for a visit and a glass of wine. Nancy and Larry had dinner and she is who I am going to when I need anything solved. Wally even weathered the storm to listen to some tunes. Welcome back Quinn.
    This summer many people placed a smile on my face: Marlene and Brie, Steve and Sylvia, Mike and Marylou, Carmel, Jackie, Kathy, Fran and Lori, Bonnie and Sonny. I visited with old friends Mike, Brian, Doug, Bunky and Scotty. Thanks for stopping by. A special thanks to the wonderful MS Trudi who is the Auntie Mame to many of us. Richard and Lisa, thanks for the kindness. Krista, Kay, Mark, Nancy, Linda, Carla, Yvonne, Bill, Donna, Debbie, Lisa, Zoe, Reggie, Aziz, John, Helmet, Paul, Katie, Renee, Gail and Laura and all the great people that work at the Clarion, thanks for making me feel so welcomed. Thanks Dr. Berger for such a great staff.
    Remember that Halloween and the Best Bash on the Beach is on Saturday the 31st. Danny Dolan and First Class will be playing, so put on your best mask and dance the night away at the Clarion. See you next spring. – Chuck

    The Ocean Club is officially ready for Halloween. The huge costume party this year is Halloween Night. It’s a great time. Come early, get a great seat and stay ‘til the $500.00 prize is bestowed on the best costume of the evening. Halloween in Ocean City is already an incredible experience; take it up a few notches and be a part of the Ocean Club crowd. I tell you no lie!
    I need to give shout-outs to the crew who did the decorations – to John, to Amanda and to Chuck. It could not have been possible without them, especially the tall guy. Also shout-outs go to Joan and Ed. Everyone asks me where all the decorations come from. Well, they are my source. Every holiday the decorations would not be spectacular if it were not for them. Aside from being wonderful friends for 20 years, they provide me with the where-with-all to make it happen. If I didn’t already love them for just being who they are, I would love them for their bag of tricks. They help make the make-believe a little more believable.
    Joan and Saul were in this weekend celebrating Dolores’ 75th birthday, although I think everyone was exaggerating her age – 55, I would believe, but no way does Dolores look or act 75, not the way she was covering the dance floor! Maybe Dolores will be down for Halloween and take the grand prize. Come on down and check it out.

    Things are always jumpin’ at the Ocean Club. My advice if you don’t want to miss out on anything is to come early and stay late.
    Both old and new friends are everywhere you turn. Eddie and Joe can see and been seen from their spot at the North Bar. Sue and Mike are also good friends who are here on the weekends, same time, same place (or places), and the Scranton Girls, well, they are so nice. I just love it when they are here.
    Special Announcement: Marsha and Chris are officially engaged. I understand they have been keeping it quiet, but when they walked in Saturday night, you could just tell something was up. No date is set for the nuptials, but as soon as this reporter hears it, I will pass it on as discretely as I can. The other exciting news to report from the Ocean Club is that General Colin Powell was here last week. Ms Trudi and your reporter had both the honor and pleasure of meeting the General and his wife. They are a gracious couple. Even though this reporter is a staunch democratic, this General would get his vote. Ms. Trudi seconds that.
    I want to give shout-outs to Chef Helmut, Chef Rob and to Chef Paul and their exceptional line crews for the great meals they put out. Every team member in both kitchens is focused on you, our guests, so your dining experience will be the best. We are all very proud of their accomplishments. They are too often the unsung heroes; and today I want to take a moment and sing their praises. Do I hear an Amen?

    Alina and Quinn are on their way to Romania for their church wedding. Since Alina’s parents could not make it for the Georgetown ceremony, they are doing it again for her side of the family. I wonder if Quinn gets a second bachelor party. I don’t think so.
    There was a packed house here for Sunfest Weekend. The town was busy, parking lots were full and I am sure everyone in town had a great time. I guess the second season is officially here… and everyone at the Ocean Club is ready. Shout outs go to our Nightclub bartenders: Brian, his beautiful wife, Ellen, Rick, Scott and Adam. If you don’t know who I am talking about, come on in and introduce yourselves. If you do, just say “Hi” when you’re here.
    Oh Yeah, start thinking about your Halloween costume. It’s on Saturday, 31st. It’s one of our biggest and best parties. I want to wish Mavis a happy birthday. She may think we forgot because she slipped out of town, but that’s not true. I promise when she comes in for her cake, we will not light all the required candles. Just know, Mavis, we are waiting for you.
    I also want to give a very special shout out to Elizabeth (Betsy). She is her Daddy’s little princess, and that makes her our princess too. I hear about the dance classes, recitals and her formal début last Christmas season in the Nutcracker Suite. Now I understand Betsy is taking up a musical instrument. Next time you are in the neighborhood, I want you to know the Ice Cream Sundae you get is on your Dad (or me). I hope to see you soon.
    And as for everyone else in town, I hope to see you all soon, as well!