Here are a few words we have all been looking forward to hearing: “The Townsends Inlet Bridge is open!”
Of course, the re-opening of the T.I. Bridge to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic is great news for everyone in Sea Isle City as well as our friends in Avalon, and now we once again have the option of quickly traveling over the inlet whenever we head to points south.
During a discussion with County Engineer Bob Church on July 30, I was informed that the bridge is expected to remain open for the foreseeable future – and that’s the best news of all. I would like to thank everyone for their patience while the bridge was being repaired and remind you to drive safely no matter what route you’re taking.
This week, the Sea Isle City Police Department hosted their first-ever Summer Camp for Kids, which is turning out to be quite a success. The one-week program allows participants to interact with our local officers in a variety of different settings, and from all reports the kids are having a great time. My congratulations for a job well done go to Sgt. John Saltzman for spearheading this event – and for helping remind children that our police officers are always there when we need them.
And speaking of the SICPD, I hope you can join us on Tuesday, August 6, at Excursion Park, where our local police officers will host this year’s National Night Out festivities.
National Night Out always proves to be a fantastic evening in Sea Isle City, thanks to the many people who do their part to make the event a success, including our first responders – police, fire, ambulance and beach patrol – and the many local merchants who generously sponsor the event’s activities, including the live music, bounce house, face painters, photo booth, games and other attractions.
I will also be there to man the National Night Out Dunk Tank, which raises funds for our annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. So, bring your entire family to Excursion Park at 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening, and then stay for our free National Night Out Movie, “Incredibles 2,” which begins at dusk.
As you may recall, last September I hosted Sea Isle City’s first public Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony, which attracted nearly 80 couples who had a special connection with Sea Isle City. Since last year’s ceremony was such a success, we decided to make it an annual event.
So, if you and your spouse would like to join us on September 7 to renew your wedding vows, please see the special section in this newsletter to learn how you can register for this free gathering. You can also go to www.VISITSICNJ.com and click on the calendar listing for this event to find the Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony’s registration form.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Sea Isle City’s wonderful Beachcomber Guides, who offer family-friendly eco-tours on the beach on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the summer season.
For more than a quarter century, our Beachcombers have volunteered their time to educate and entertain countless children of all ages, and we should all be very grateful for their efforts. Thank you, Beachcomber Guides.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
