By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Each year, Sea Isle City’s homeowners and businesses compete for a coveted award that is far more important than actors and actresses winning the Academy Awards.
Well, that might be stretching the truth a bit.
But there is no doubt that plenty of local pride and prestige will be on the line during the 36th Annual Beautification Awards overseen by Sea Isle’s Environmental Commission.
Local properties that have shown improvement in overall appearance, display attractive architecture and landscaping, or have maintained an eye-catching exterior will be considered for the honor.
Five judges will be making the rounds Wednesday, Sept. 6, to look at the homes and businesses that have been nominated for the awards. Eight winners will be selected. They will be announced Sunday, Sept. 17, during a noontime ceremony on the Promenade at JFK Boulevard during Sea Isle’s Fall Family Festival.
The deadline for property nominations to the Environmental Commission is Wednesday morning, Sept. 6. Forms are available at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center, 300 JFK Boulevard, in the lobby of City Hall, 233 JFK Boulevard, or online at www.seaislecitynj.us (on the “Environment Commission” page).
The contest is open to residential and commercial properties that have shown improvement in overall appearance and/or maintained attractive architecture and landscaping, according to the rules.
Dudley McGinty, who chairs the awards committee for the Environmental Commission, said the judges will consider an array of properties – old and new – that bring beauty to their neighborhoods.
“You can look at a house that has professional landscaping, and no doubt they deserve to win. But on the other hand, someone may have an older house that looks nice, and you know all of the work they’ve put in,” McGinty said.
This will be the second year that the Environmental Commission will present a special award called the Endless Beauty Award. The award recognizes a property that still looks as attractive as it did 20 years ago or more.
The inaugural winners of the Endless Beauty Award were Charles and Joanne Bernier for their single-family home overlooking the beach at 7313 Pleasure Avenue.
“Their place looks just like it did when they won in 1998. They’ve really kept it up,” McGinty said of the Berniers previously winning a beautification award.
The Beautification Awards first began in 1988. Over the years, there have been some repeat winners, but the judges do their best to select new properties to recognize as many homes and businesses in town as possible.
“We try not to give it to the same people,” said Annette Lombardo, chairwoman of the Environmental Commission. “Some years, you don’t have that many (nominees). Some years, you have quite a few.”
Lombardo explained that the judges use a rating system from 1 to 5 to rank the beauty of homes and businesses. She said it is obvious that many owners in town put a lot of effort into sprucing up or maintaining their property.
“They’re very proud of them. Some have some unique ideas. Others are well-maintained and manicured. They want to make Sea Isle look nice.”
Residents and visitors may nominate a property they feel is deserving of the honor. Property owners may even nominate their own homes or businesses.
Winners will receive a Beautification Awards plaque handmade by a local artist and a $30 gift certificate from Sea Grove Nursery in Ocean View.
For more information about Sea Isle City’s 2023 Beautification Awards, call event organizer Dudley McGinty at (609) 263-3537.
