Sandra is a VP staffing executive with over 28 years’ experience in the insurance and healthcare industries as as well as a licensed insurance producer.

Sandra's personal connection to the "bygone" era is deeply rooted in a fascination with past architectural styles that extends beyond Ocean City, New Jersey, to include various historical and regional wonders. The intricate details, craftsmanship, and unique character of historical homes and buildings are a source of inspiration and a window into the past. From the ornate Victorian homes in Ocean City’s historic district to the Art Deco skyscrapers in bustling cities and the simplicity of mid-century modern residences, each style tells a story of human creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage.

As a permanent resident of Ocean City, historic buildings hold profound significance for Sandra, evoking admiration for the town’s rich heritage. She views these architectural gems as living testaments to the perseverance and community spirit that have shaped Ocean City. Walking through its streets reveals a tapestry of stories, from Victorian-era homes to old hotels and quaint boardwalk shops, all contributing to the town’s unique character.

For Sandra, Ocean City is more than just buildings; it is a living entity infused with timelessness and authenticity. She views preserving these structures as crucial to maintaining the town’s essence, character, and historical continuity. Ensuring their protection is a commitment to safeguarding Ocean City's cultural heritage for future generations, enriching the present and honoring the past."

Nancy Ferguson Notaro has a deep love for old homes, having lived in them all her life. Her current residence, The Audra JoJean, was built in 1926, and after over 40 years of restoration, she knows it intimately. Nancy is passionate about preserving Ocean City's heritage as a Christian seaside resort and its charming cottage architecture.

She moved to Ocean City in 1982 to work at The Flanders Hotel, living in The Larchmont dormitory. After three summers, she settled on 11th Street and has lived there ever since. A nod to her farming roots in Western Pennsylvania, she enjoys curb-gardening. Nancy has been a Wedding Coordinator and Social Director at The Flanders, a downtown bookstore owner, worked at The Tabernacle office, and has substitute taught at Ocean City High School. For 25 years, she has run her tuxedo rental business, "At Your Service" Formalwear.

Nancy looks forward to collaborating with the Board to raise awareness of the resort's unique and historical character, helping others preserve their older homes and appreciate what lies between the ocean and the bay.

Bill Merritt is a retired tech company CEO with a deep passion for old homes, while Karen Mileti Merritt, Craft Show Director, is a retired hospital administrator who shares that passion. Together, they have restored over a dozen old homes, including stone houses on the Gettysburg battlefield and a long-vacant seaside bungalow in Ocean City.

Their connection to Ocean City began in the 1970s, with frequent day trips, vacations, and eventually, their beach wedding. The couple considers Ocean City a treasure, so after retiring in 2021, they decided to set deeper roots, moving to the island for six months each year.

Not content with a typical retirement, they quickly became involved in preserving the island’s history. They were concerned about the steady development erasing much of Ocean City's historic charm. Being passionate about old homes, they committed to raising awareness and appreciation for the island’s older homes and historic culture. Their mission is clear: by fostering awareness and appreciation, they hope to inspire love for these historic treasures, leading to their preservation.

Bill and Karen are now dedicated to ensuring Ocean City’s unique character and history are protected for future generations to enjoy.

A lifelong admirer of Ocean City’s historic homes, she shares a treasured photo of herself testing out her new bike in the backyard of her family’s bungalow on 14th Street. Her parents purchased the house in 1972 for what now feels like an astonishing seventeen thousand dollars. The bungalow still stands, and she is proud to own it today, finally able to ride her bike far beyond the backyard where that first photo was taken.

She is a third-generation Ocean City resident. Her grandparents, the Mazzeo family, owned a restaurant and market on Asbury Avenue in the 1920s and 1930s, and her parents, the Pionegro family, were active members of the community from the 1950s until their passing in 2008 and 2010. Her lifelong love for the island and its history inspired her to serve on the Ocean City Historic Preservation Commission as well as the Ocean City Arts Center Board. She is especially proud that the OC Arts Center logo she designed in the early 1990s remains in use today.

Her nostalgia for old Ocean City is woven from decades of memories, from photographing historic buildings as a teenager to growing up in a family rooted in local businesses. She is honored to help preserve Ocean City’s history and to encourage future generations to value and protect it.

Richard Barth is the President of the Robertson Foundation (RF), which invests in medical research, the environment, and education to better humanity. Before joining RF in 2022, Richard served as CEO of KIPP for 17 years, leading its growth from 35 to 270 public charter schools, expanding the student body from 7,000 to 113,000, and increasing alumni from 200 to 40,000.

Richard’s career also includes seven years at Edison Schools and six years on the founding team at Teach For America. He holds a BA in American History from Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude, and has been recognized as an Aspen Institute-New Schools Fellow, Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2014), and Harvard University’s Chief Marshal (2014).

Richard has spent his summers in Ocean City since birth. His grandparents owned a home on Corinthian Avenue, which remains in the family. In 1974, his parents purchased a house on East Atlantic for their five children. Richard and his wife Wendy bought 608 Wesley in 2020, enjoying life in the Historic District with their four children, ages 16 to 24. After moving in, Richard launched the Facebook page "Ocean City Old Home Lovers," connecting with others who appreciate the charm of Ocean City's older homes.

Sne Avichal, a coastal South Jersey native, grew up in an Edwardian home in Ventnor's Historic St. Leonard's Tract.

A registered architect by trade, Sne has practiced in DC, Colorado, and 20 years in Manhattan. Sne has remained connected to his love for mid-Atlantic beach and porch culture, regularly coming back to his childhood home throughout the year, which only recently was demolished by out-of-town developers.

In June 2020, Sne became the latest in a 125-year tradition of innkeepers at Scarborough Inn in Ocean City. In 2021, he spearheaded a major renovation aimed at meeting the needs of contemporary travelers while preserving the inn's historic charm and connection to the city’s storied past.

Sne views the inn, especially its iconic wraparound porch, as a social hub where guests and neighbors can connect. He also leverages the inn's status as Ocean City's oldest hotel to spark interest in the town's architectural history, blending his passion for design with a deep respect for the area’s heritage.

Alan is a retired Associate Vice President of Statistics and Quantitative Sciences at a large pharmaceutical company and a lifelong visitor to Ocean City. His family's connection to the island dates back to 1911 when his great-grandparents bought a house on Wesley Avenue.

Unfortunately, that house was demolished in the early 1990s to make way for a duplex. This loss ignited Alan's passion for preserving the history and charm of Ocean City’s older homes. Now a full-time resident, he is dedicated to ensuring that these historic homes are protected for future generations to enjoy.

Friends of OCNJ History & Culture is pleased to announce the election of Marie Crawford to its Board of Directors. Marie joins the group in advancing the organization’s mission through education, advocacy, and community celebration.

Marie brings extensive experience in education, real estate valuation, and hands-on sustainability work. Her volunteerism spans Friends Schools, Warm Up America, and Plant Ambler. She has managed a home-farm, raised and bred poultry, and led public programs on sustainability, organic gardening, and the role of poultry in biodynamic systems.

Marie and her husband Rich moved full-time to Ocean City in 2021, restoring a Craftsman cottage on Pelham Place. They also maintain a lovingly tended two-yard-wide garden across the street, a delightful quirk of Ocean City zoning that turns an alley into a charming pocket landscape.

“I met Marie and Rich during the filming of our documentary The Enigmatic Lane,” said Bill Merritt, President of Friends. “Marie’s enthusiasm for historic homes and her commitment to Ocean City’s future were immediately clear.”