Even though at this point the summer seems to be “winding down,” there is no debating that we are having a terrific season here in Sea Isle City – and there is still a lot happening that will keep the summer fun going strong for weeks to come.
In addition to the fantastic weather we have been experiencing in recent weeks, we have also had several notable events that are worth mentioning, including our very popular Summer Basketball League, which is hosted by the City’s Division of Recreation.
Each year, the league attracts hundreds of great athletes ranging from 8-year-old boys and girls to adults, who are eager to compete in a summer tradition that has taken place for many years here in Sea Isle City.
As our annual basketball league rapidly draws to a close, I would like to thank all of the participants who competed with great enthusiasm and entertained spectators at the JFK basketball courts this summer. My thanks also go to all the members of our recreation staff who helped make this year’s league a reality.
Another event I would like to mention is this year’s National Night Out celebration at Excursion Park on August 6, which was once again hosted by our Police Department. Each year, National Night Out is a great success here in Sea Isle City, thanks in part to the many local merchants who paid for or provided the evening’s food and entertainment.
They include Cammo Dogs (hot dogs and soft drinks), Casino Pizza/LaCosta Lounge (pizza and soft drinks), the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization (bounce houses and games), La Finestra Restaurant (family photo booth) and The Ocean Drive Bar & Restaurant (face painters).
It goes without saying that we could not host such a successful National Night Out without the support of others in our community – and each of those businesses has my sincerest thanks.
Also, special thanks go to the many folks who splashed our local police officers into the National Night Out Dunk Tank, which raises funds for our annual “Mayor’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive.” This year, we raised more money for families in need than during any other National Night Out gathering in Sea Isle City, and those funds will certainly be put to good use in December.
Earlier this summer, the Sea Isle City Police Department hosted their first ever Summer Police Camp for Kids, which was also a huge success because of a tremendous amount of support from the community. We plan to bring back the summer camp in 2020 because, undeniably, the campers had an amazing time while interacting with our local officers as they enjoyed a variety of activities.
On behalf of Chief Tom McQuillen, who leads the SICPD, and Sergeant John Saltzman, who spearheaded the summer camp program, I would like to thank all of the contributors who made this year’s camp a success, including 1st Bank of Sea Isle City and Smeltzer & Son Feed and Supply, who financially supported the program.
Our thanks also go to the camp’s other sponsors: Boardwalk Casino Arcade, Cape Assist, DeNunzio’s Brick Oven Pizza and Grille, The Fudgy Wudgy Man, Heritage Surf and Sport Shop, and the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol. Thank you all.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
