One topic that is being discussed around many kitchen tables in Sea Isle City is “what type of recreation facility the former public school on Park Road should become.” As I mentioned in my last Mayor’s Message, we held a successful Town Hall Meeting on June 29, during which many residents and property owners expressed their opinions about the future of that facility.
There was also a questionnaire created for that meeting, which allowed audience members to further express their feelings. Afterwards, that same questionnaire was accessible via Sea Isle City’s municipal website so those who were not able to attend our gathering on June 29 would also be able to share their thoughts.
We asked everyone to return their completed questionnaires to City Hall by July 19 so we can tally all the data and continue the conversation about the Park Road facility during the July 23 City Council meeting. We want everyone’s input about this important topic so we can step into the future as one community with confidence and excitement for what’s to come.
Last week, the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol turned 100 and many events were held to commemorate that special occasion, including a Surf Boat Parade along the Promenade featuring lifeguard boats from many neighboring municipalities, a Centennial Ceremony in front of Beach Patrol Headquarters, as well as a “Row Out” ceremony, hosted by SICBP Alumni, and a “Paddle Out Memorial Service,” hosted by our current lifeguards – both of which honored all of the deceased members of the SICBP.
There was also a special historical presentation in the library that focused on our Beach Patrol’s 100-year existence, and free guided tours of the Beach Patrol Headquarters. Even the Sea Isle City Historical Museum got into the act by creating a comprehensive display of beach patrol memorabilia and artifacts, which will be available for viewing throughout the summer season.
My thanks go to everyone who helped plan and organize all of the Beach Patrol’s 100th Anniversary events, including our current lifeguards, the members of the SICBP Alumni Association, the volunteers at Sea Isle City’s Historical Society, and our 100th Anniversary Planning Committee, which consisted of Police Chief Tom McQuillen, Director of Community Services Kathy Custer, SICBP Chief Renny Steele, Tourism Representative Diane Merson, SICBP Alumni Association President John McCann, and retired SICBP Captains Mike McHale and Tom McCann. Well done all!
I hope you were able to join us on Tuesday night during Sea Isle City’s 2019 Baby Parade, which is hosted each year by the City’s Division of Tourism. This was one of our best Baby Parades in recent memory – thanks to the many youngsters who appeared in costumes, walked along in fancy outfits, waved from floats, and charmed the panel of independent judges, who had the difficult task of choosing the event’s winners. My thanks go to all the families who participated in the parade, the tourism officials who planned and organized the event, and to our community volunteers who helped make the parade a success.
Even though July is already half over, the good times are just getting started here in Sea Isle City. As you no doubt are aware, Sea Isle’s weekly summer event schedule is in full swing, including our Family Dance Parties, Movies Under the Stars and other attractions. So far, I have heard nothing but good reports about what’s been happening at Excursion Park this season, and we are very excited about the entertainment that’s still headed our way.
Several years ago, we made the decision to only book “tribute bands” for our Saturday Night Headliner Concerts, and if you haven’t yet learned about our 2019 musical line-up, allow me to briefly highlight what we have planned.
To date, bands emulating Journey, Heart and Ozzy Osborne have already rocked the Band Shell this summer. But, don’t worry if you missed any of those shows, because there are many other great acts that are waiting in the wings.
Motown fans won’t want to miss this Saturday’s Motor City Review, which will be followed by a Rat Pack Tribute on July 27, Countdown To Ecstasy (Steely Dan tribute) on August 3, Real Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute) on August 10, a performance by The Glimmer Twins (Rolling Stones tribute) on August 17, the one and only Jesse Garron (aka: Elvis Presley) on August 24, and the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on August 31.
Not only do these shows promise to be amazing – but they are also free. So, grab a folding chair or beach blanket and head to Excursion Park each Saturday night this summer for a variety of great music.
For more information about the events that are happening at the Band Shell and elsewhere in Sea Isle City throughout the year, please go to our visitor’s website, www.VISITSICNJ.com or speak with any one of our friendly representatives at the City’s Welcome Center on JFK Boulevard.
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
