The past seven days have been quite eventful. Last Friday, I learned that Sea Isle’s 2017 Visitors Guide had arrived from the printer – and it looks great! This year’s guide is once again filled with information that will prove useful to residents and visitors alike, and I’m certain it will put a smile on your face as you peruse through it. Extra copies of the Visitors Guide are available at The Sea Isle City Welcome Center, where you’ll also find the employees of Sea Isle’s Division of Tourism, who worked diligently to organize, layout and create the Visitors Guide.
On Sunday, I had the pleasure of being at the starting line of the 19th Annual Ocean Drive Marathon, a large charity fundraiser benefitting a variety of worthy organizations. As you may know, in earlier years the “ODM” traditionally began in the City of Cape May and ended on Sea Isle’s Promenade. This year, however, the race’s organizers wanted to create an “out-and-back” course, so it was decided that the ODM would begin and end in Sea Isle City. I’d like to thank lead organizer Ed DePalma and all of the volunteers who hosted this year’s ODM, which brought many people to Sea Isle City and raised much-needed money for Volunteers in Medicine of South Jersey, The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and other good causes. My thanks also go to the members of Sea Isle City’s Department of Public Works and Police Department, who also ensured that the event was a success!
On Tuesday, City Council adopted Sea Isle’s 2017 Municipal Budget, which totals $23,989,377.62. I am grateful that our Council members were able to swiftly pass the budget, which will allow the City’s Administration to provide all of the services that our residents and visitors expect – ranging from infrastructure improvements and weekly trash collections to free summer concerts and having well-trained lifeguards on our beaches.
In other news, earlier this year City Council asked the Administration to form a subcommittee of residents, who will share ideas and suggestions regarding the future Community Center at the former public school building on Park Road. The subcommittee has been formed and its members will soon begin to work with the Administration and Garrison Architects as we develop a conceptual plan for that facility. We will keep you informed as this project evolves.
Looking ahead, the Sea Isle City Division of Recreation will host their annual Easter Program for children (up to age 11) on Wednesday, April 5, at 5:00 p.m. at Dealy Field. This yearly event features egg hunts, visits with the Easter Bunny and other fun activities. For more information about the Easter Program, please phone the Recreation Office at 263-0050. For details about all other events taking place in Sea Isle City this year, please check-out our new Visitors Guide or go to www.VISITSICNJ.com.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
