Even though most of our 2020 Fall Family Festival activities were cancelled, there were still a variety of events to attend last weekend, starting with the POW-MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at VFW Post 1963 on Friday evening.
That ceremony, which incorporated social distancing and mask wearing for everyone’s safety, reminded those of us in attendance of the importance of remembering our nation’s military members who spent time in foreign prisons and those who never returned home from war.
As I said to the patriotic group of spectators that was gathered on the VFW’s front lawn on Friday night, every family who sends a loved one into battle deserves to know the true fate of that warrior and to have them return home to American soil when the fighting is done.
With that in mind, I ask everyone to continually pray for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform – past and present – because they are and always have been our first line of defense.
On Saturday, in lieu of our annual Fall Family Festival Seaside Market along the Promenade, many local businesses participated in our Fall Festival Sidewalk Sale, which brought a lot of people to town and was a great opportunity to shop local in Sea Isle City.
My thanks go to all of the retailers who participated in the sidewalk sale and to all of the shoppers who helped support our local business community.
Sunday morning began with our 2020 Fall Family Festival Antique Auto Show along the Promenade, which featured 44 vintage cars and trucks.
I was very pleased to see the wide variety of beautiful vehicles gathered for this event, and I am extremely grateful to all of the vehicle owners for being with us on that beautiful autumn day.
My congratulations go to Theodore Gooding, of Galloway Township, and his fantastic burgundy 1936 Buick 40-Series sedan with suicide doors, which won the “Best in Show” trophy; and Howard Barth, of Wildwood Crest, and his eye-catching black 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible, which received the “Mayor’s Choice” trophy.
Also on Sunday, the members of Sea Isle City’s Environmental Commission distributed their 2020 Beautification Awards to eight local property owners who have continually maintained or recently improved the appearance of their homes or businesses.
My congratulations and thanks go to all of the winners – and every property owner in Sea Isle City who continually makes this community more beautiful!
Please see the “Recent Photos” section of this newsletter to view images of the award ceremony and see which properties were honored.
As we are all aware, November 3 is Election Day and there are many discussions taking place regarding the way our votes will be counted this year due to COVID-19.
I know some folks are upset and concerned that “mail-in ballots” are our main option during the upcoming election, but I hope that the changes that are taking place this year will not dissuade anyone from casting their vote, because countless American lives have been lost so each of us can safely voice our opinions and freely cast our votes in favor of our favorite candidates.
So, please be sure to vote.
Also, I recently spoke with Cape May County Clerk Rita Marie Fulginiti, who informed me that there will be a ballot drop-box in place outside the Sea Isle City Library at 4800 Central Avenue prior to the election, which will make voting that much easier.
If you need additional information about the upcoming election or the voting process, please refer to the County Clerk’s homepage on the Cape May County website, www.capemaycountynj.gov.
I hope everyone is enjoying the amazing autumn weather we have been experiencing and the colorful sunsets.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
