Oceanside chamber selects citizen of the year

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has chosen 18-year Phys. Ed teacher and local business manager Joe Bonin Jr. as its Citizen of the Year.

A School No. 3 sports coach in soccer, basketball and baseball, Bonin has mentored dozens of his students over the years, oftentimes giving them their first opportunity for employment at J. Paul’s Terrace Café, the local family-run restaurant and sports bar he co-manages with his brother, Bryan.

Founded by Bonin’s parents, Joe and Lorraine, in 1982, J Paul’s has organized and run many fundraisers to help those in need around the community, and has supported organizations such as the PTA, Kiwanis and Oceanside Community Service.

Bonin has also sponsored local sports organizations and contributed to local fundraisers, all told, raising more than $100,000 to support veterans, research into illnesses and to help fight the rise in opioid abuse. Additionally, at School No. 3, Bonin helped raise an additional $100,00 for the American Heart Association through his annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser.

Bonin lives in Oceanside with his wife Danielle and their two children Kylie and Joey. Bonin will be honored at the chamber’s New Year Cocktail Reception at Kombert Caterers on Feb. 8.

For reservations and more information visit the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or www.OceansideChamber.org, or call (516) 763-9177.