There are numerous people I want to congratulate in today’s newsletter message.
To begin with, I want to say how happy I was to gather in front of City Hall with other members of our community on August 13 to honor Ava Edwards, of Horsham, Pa., and Sea Isle City, who recently won a gold medal in the 400-meter race during the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games in Houston, Texas, where Ava proved that she is the fastest 10-year-old girl in America.
On that same day, we honored Ava’s 9-year-old brother, Andres, who also competed in this year’s Junior Olympics, where he successfully achieved two personal best records.
It was a pleasure to meet Ava and Andres and congratulate them in-person for their displays of athletic prowess, and I wish them all the best as they continue on their paths in life – both on and off the running track.
Next, I want to congratulate Mickey and Dave Coskey, of Seven Mile Publishing, and Chris Oney, from Sea Isle City’s Division of Tourism, who oversee Sea Isle’s marketing and advertising efforts.
Earlier this year, Sea Isle City received a coveted Telly Award for our town’s 2021 marketing commercial, which features a variety of video images cleverly displayed on a spinning postcard rack.
Telly Awards were created to honor video and television productions on all platforms, and this year over 12,000 entries for a Telly were submitted from around the world – so receiving this accolade is quite a big deal!
My thanks go to Chris, Dave and Mickey for all of their hard work.
By the way, if you haven’t seen our award-winning commercial on the various digital platforms we utilize, please look for it on the homepage of our Visitors Website, www.VISITSICNJ.com.
I am also very happy to congratulate Sea Isle City native Arianna DiAntonio, who won the 2022 Little Miss Ocean City Pageant on Friday evening.
Arianna, who is a student in the Ocean City School District, received her crown from her big sister, Antonella, who has been the reigning Little Miss Ocean City since 2019. I am sure their parents, Angelina and Anthony, their grandmother Angel Dalrymple, and all of their loved ones are very proud of Arianna and Antonella – just as we all are!
Also, special “centennial” congratulations go to the members of the Townsend Inlet Yacht Club, who marked their 100th Anniversary on Saturday night with a festive celebration, during which I was happy to present the group with a Mayor’s Proclamation.
Originally called the Townsend Inlet Motor Boat Club, the T.I. Yacht Club is a very popular organization that hosts a variety of events each year – and their members are always gracious and welcoming.
My best wishes go to Commodore Jerry Grdinich and his fellow officers, the organization’s Board of Governors, and all of the members of the Townsend Inlet Yacht Club. Here’s to your next 100 years!
Unfortunately, following all of those congratulations and good wishes, I will be ending this newsletter message on a somber note. No doubt you have heard about the tragic death of Norman Inferrera, the 16-year-old lifeguard with the Cape May Beach Patrol who passed away last week after sustaining injuries when his rowboat overturned in the surf.
I hope everyone who reads this message will remember Norman’s family in their prayers and also keep the members of the Cape May Beach Patrol – and all of the lifeguards who protect New Jersey’s shoreline – in your hearts.
This terrible accident has sent a shock wave throughout the Garden State’s lifeguard community, and your prayers and kind thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Also, today marks the 29th anniversary of the death of Officer Michael P. Cullinane, who died in the line of duty here in Sea Isle City in 1992.
I was honored to gather with the members of the Sea Isle City Police Department during Michael’s annual memorial service today on Landis Avenue at 26th Street, and I hope you will also keep Mickey’s family in your prayers on this sad anniversary.
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
