Folks who only get to enjoy Sea Isle City during the summer months may often wonder just what people do at the shore after Labor Day. As anyone who lives in Sea Isle City year-round can tell you, our off-season is filled with options for those who like to “keep busy” and be entertained — and this autumn has certainly been no exception.
Considering the many year-round civic organizations and social groups that gather in Sea Isle City as well as the numerous recreation activities and calendar listings that delight our residents, there is a lot to be said about what happens here between September and May.
So far this month, we have had several events that are worth mentioning. One example is our Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 at Veterans Park, where hundreds of patriots gathered under bright and sunny skies to honor our nation’s service members.
On that day, we remembered two local World War II veterans who passed away in 2018, Bill Johnson and Len Bonnitt. Also, representatives from the South Jersey Quilts of Honor presented beautiful, handmade quilts to local veterans Dennis Felsing, Sr. (USMC), Austin Gleeson (USMC), Jim Gibbons (USN) and John Orlowski (USAF).
My thanks go to everyone who attended this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony – including the skilled quilters who pay homage to our local veterans each year – and also to every veteran who served our nation with honor. Thank you all for helping preserve our nation’s democracy!
On Monday, Chief Tom McQuillen and other members of the Sea Isle City Police Department hosted a “Coffee with Cops” meet-and-greet at Acme Market on Landis Avenue, where our officers spoke with residents and visitors over coffee and light refreshments.
My thanks go to everyone who stopped by to chat with our police officers – and to Acme Market for always being a fine community partner.
And speaking of Chief McQuillen, I am happy to report that his initiative to install electronic flood warning signs throughout town is on the path to fruition. I feel the new signs, which will alert people of rising waters in flood-prone areas, will be a tremendous asset to our community, and I am currently working to secure Federal, State and County funding to help defer the cost of this important project. When the new signs are installed, we will let you know where they are located and how they will help our residents and visitors during flood events.
Last weekend, the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization hosted another very successful Autumn Girls Weekend, during which shoppers and diners enjoyed discounts and special offers throughout town.
Ladies, if you missed this year’s Girls Weekend, be sure to be here in 2019 for Spring Girls Weekend – and bring your sisters, mothers and friends.
Since Thanksgiving is the official kick-off of the holiday season, I hope you can be in Sea Isle City on Friday and Saturday for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Extravaganza.
Though every aspect of the Holiday Extravaganza is worth mentioning – including the free ice-skating and Friday night’s Holiday Parade – my favorite part of the weekend is the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday night at 6:30, when Santa Claus will flip a switch and illuminate Sea Isle’s Christmas Tree at Excursion Park.
Then, after the excitement of the Extravaganza comes to an end, the Cape May County Chiefs of Police will host their annual Holiday Dash on Saturday night in support of my 2018 Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
So, why not plan on spending the entire Thanksgiving weekend with us, and start the holiday season in style?
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to our community’s newest Eagle Scout, Joseph Verdad, Jr. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 76, Joseph worked diligently to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, which was made official during his Court of Honor ceremony on November 1. Congratulations Joseph.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
