It’s very clear that there are many good-hearted people in Sea Isle City. On the heels of a very successful 2017 Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, we can look to Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism as proof. This year’s Run/Walk netted $135,000 for autism charities on February 19 – which is amazing! Obviously, it takes a great deal of work to organize such a successful fundraiser, which attracted nearly 1000 runners, 2100 walkers and countless other people who donated their time to ensure that this popular event went smoothly. I commend Mike and Jeannie Monichetti for not only raising money that will help many boys and girls with special needs, but also for shining a much-needed light on a challenging condition that affects 1 in 88 children and their families. Well done Mike and Jeannie!
And speaking of good work being performed in this community, my hat is off to the numerous residents of Sea Isle City who volunteer their time at nearby Holy Redeemer Food Banks. Earlier this week, I spoke with Harry Thornborough, a director at Holy Redeemer, about a Golf Tournament on September 22 that will benefit that organization. Knowing how many families the Holy Redeemer Food Banks help each year, I hope you will be able to attend the golf tournament or support Holy Redeemer in any way you can. For more information, please phone 855-994-8698.
While we are talking about fundraisers, I have one more to mention (knowing that most of you are probably bombarded with requests for donations but nonetheless show your generosity whenever you can). As I mentioned earlier, I have recently been sporting a beard as a way to spark conversations about a fundraiser for Shriners Hospitals for Children, which takes place on Friday, March 10, at Kix-McNutleys on 63rd Street. This event will offer a buffet dinner, live music by The Chatterband, gifts, prizes and plenty of fun – so I hope you can join us. In case you are not aware, the non-profit Shriners Hospitals treat children with orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries and other conditions – regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. For more information, please phone 609-263-6341 or email kixmcnutleys@gmail.com.
In other news, pet owners are reminded that the City Clerk’s Office will host a Free Rabies Clinic for cats and dogs on Saturday, March 4, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., in the former Public School building on Park Road. For more info about this event, please phone the City Clerk’s Office at 263-4461, ext. 1216.
Please join us on March 11 for this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which runs along Landis Avenue from 83rd to 63rd Street beginning at 3:30 p.m. Then, when the parade culminates at 63rd Street, everyone is invited to continue the fun at this year’s Irish Celebration at Kix-McNutleys. –Don’t forget to wear something green!
I know the calendar says it’s still winter – but what about this amazingly mild weather we’ve been having!? Before we know it, spring will be here and we will be on the verge of another fantastic summer in Sea Isle City. In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying every moment of the off-season regardless of the temperatures.
Don’t forget to change your clocks on March 12 for Daylight Savings Time. There’s only two-and-a-half weeks until the Vernal Equinox and the arrival of spring!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
