The weather is changing and there are signs of spring all around us here in Sea Isle City. It seems that everywhere you turn, folks are shedding their heavy coats, daffodils are in bloom, migratory birds are returning to our island, and people are beginning to open their windows to enjoy the warmer temperatures and fresh salt air.
Also, many of our local shops have been open since Presidents Weekend, and there are plenty of dining options to choose from when you’re in search of a hearty meal. Say what you like about the summertime, but the springtime can be just as enjoyable and definitely worth experiencing here at the Jersey Shore.
Another annual springtime occurrence takes place when City Council adopts Sea Isle’s annual Municipal Budget – and that took place on Tuesday morning. As you may have heard, this year’s budget requires neither a tax rate nor a water-sewer rate increase, which is great news for all local property owners!
I am also happy to report that Sea Isle City currently has the largest financial surplus that our town has ever seen. Our municipality’s strong financial standing is the result of good planning and managing our finances in a sound and responsible manner; and I am very proud of what we have accomplished over the years – financially, infrastructure-wise and for the general enjoyment of the people of Sea Isle City.
Looking ahead, I once again invite everyone to attend Sea Isle’s annual Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony, which will take place at Veterans Park on Tuesday, March 29, at 3 p.m., at which time we will unveil a new bronze plaque in honor of America’s prisoners of war and the U.S. military members who are still missing in action. That being said, I hope you can join us on National Vietnam War Veterans Day as we pay homage to the men and women who served in our military in southeast Asia during the 1960s and ’70s.
Also, please plan to be in Sea Isle City for our community’s many other spring events, including the Division of Recreation’s 2022 Easter Program at Dealy Field on Wednesday, April 4; the Environmental Commission’s Beach Cleanup on Saturday, April 9; the Italian-American Club’s Rock-and-Roll Bingo Night on April 9; and our Division of Tourism’s new Spring Fling Family Fun Day, which will be held at Excursion Park on Saturday, April 16 (the day before Easter).
The Spring Fling was developed to ensure that children who are in town during Easter weekend can meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a variety of fun activities – and I am very grateful to our Tourism employees for suggesting this newest seasonal celebration.
Looking further into the spring season, the Chamber of Commerce’s Girls Weekend will take place April 29 through May 1. Girls Weekend seems to get bigger and better every year, so why not take this opportunity to mark your calendar now so you don’t miss out on all of the great deals that await you during one of springtime’s most popular events.
This is also a good time to think about which of Sea Isle’s wonderful restaurants you will want to enjoy during Girls Weekend, because you should probably make your dining reservations early.
For a list of events and attractions taking place in Sea Isle City this spring and throughout 2022, please go to www.VISITSICNJ.com.
In closing, I would like to thank the Cape May County Road Department for clearing the litter along Sea Isle City’s causeway earlier this week. Because we live in what is often a rather windy environment, it can be extra-challenging to prevent food wrappers and other items from flying out of our hands – and out of our vehicle windows.
Due to the fact that we also live in an ecologically sensitive coastal area, we all need to do our part to put litter in its place at all times. Keeping our island free of debris is essential for the health of all of our community’s inhabitants (human, aquatic, avian and otherwise).
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
