It’s easy for people to appreciate life at the Jersey Shore during the summer months because playing in the sunshine and frolicking in the surf are popular activities that appeal to all age groups. Many folks also look forward to the slower pace of the spring and fall seasons, which feature great sunsets and milder temperatures.
However, when it comes to the winter months, people often shun the idea of being at the shore. In fact, one of the most common questions we tend to hear is, “What do you do during the winter in Sea Isle City?”
As it turns out, the answer to that question is a simple one: “Plenty!” One reason Sea Isle is a wonderful year-round community is because we have so many lively civic organizations, each of which brings something unique to the proverbial table.
Take a look at our longest-standing non-profit group, the Sea Isle City Women’s Civic Club. Formed over 100 years ago, the Women’s Civic Club has made a positive impact on our community in a variety of ways. For example, prior to the formation of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, the Women’s’ Civic Club took it upon themselves to distribute first aid supplies to beachgoers – and they also hosted Sea Isle’s first Baby Parade in 1916.
Today, they meet each week to play bridge and other games inside the Community Lodge and they host an annual Card Party that raises money for several charities. If you enjoy playing table-top games and you’d like to spend time with a group of good-hearted ladies (and gentlemen, too), keep in mind that the Women’s Civic Club is always eager to welcome new members.
Another active group that we are very proud of here in Sea Isle City is VFW Post 1963, which is located at the foot of the Sea Isle Bridge. In addition to being home to many veterans who served our nation with honor, Post 1963 also has a wonderful Auxiliary organization that is open to parents, spouses, siblings and children of veterans with foreign military service.
Throughout each year, the members of Post 1963 honor us with their presence during our annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, support charitable causes, and host a wonderful “Brunch with Santa” for local children at Christmastime. Simply put, I can’t imagine life in Sea Isle City without our friends at VFW Post 1963.
I would also like to mention AARP Chapter 710, which is one of the most active and friendly AARP chapters in South Jersey – not to mention one of the largest, with over 170 enthusiastic members. For a so-called group of “retired persons,” the ladies and gentlemen of Chapter 710 are busier than many working people I know.
In addition to staying aware of important issues that affect senior citizens, this group also enjoys attending special events, taking trips together, and gathering for meetings that often include delicious meals.
Furthermore, they manage to help others in need as well. Last year, Chapter 710 donated $3,100 to nearby food pantries, and they also supported Beacon Animal Rescue, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and other worthy causes. Simply put, AARP Chapter 710 is a wonderful group of individuals who know how to have a good time and positively impact others, and we are very proud of them!
I could go on and on about our local organizations, because each one is unique and worth mentioning – and they are valued members of our community. Among them are our Beachcomber Guides, the Beautification Committee, local Boy and Girl Scout Troops, the Catholic Daughters, the Chamber of Commerce, the Commodore Club, Democrat and Republican Clubs, the Garden Club, the Historical Society, the Italian-American Club, the Knights of Columbus, Sea Isle Cats, Inc., the Shade Tree Committee, the Sea Isle City Taxpayers Association, the newly-formed Single Ladies Club, the Townsends Inlet Yacht Club, Town Watch/Town Pride, Sea Isle’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City.
Without a doubt, we have many terrific clubs and organizations that make life in Sea Isle City worth experiencing, no matter what the season. To learn more about the various groups that call Sea Isle City home, please go to our municipal website at www.seaislecitynj.us and click the “Clubs and Organizations” link on the bottom of the home page.
And, if that doesn’t answer the question of what there is to do in the winter, come and experience Sea Isle City for yourself during the months ahead. You might be surprised by what you find.
On a current issue that is in the national news, the federal government shutdown has impacted our local Coast Guard Community, and to help affected individuals and families get through the period of time they’re without paychecks, I have started a Mayor’s Food Drive to provide for those in need. The first delivery of food supplies was made last week.
Anyone wishing to donate personal and non-perishable food items may bring them to the second floor of City Hall. For more information about the food drive, please contact the Mayor’s office at 609-263-4461, ext. 1245.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
