By Maddy Vitale
Some may be surprised to learn that Sea Isle City’s beauty extends beyond the ocean and the beaches.
The natural splendor is evident in the elaborate displays of gardens, flowers, trees, and shrubbery on city properties, committee members said about judging the 31
st Annual Beautification Awards.
Selecting the finest properties in the community, with so many to choose from, was no easy task, members said.
In the end, eight homeowners among more than 30 entries in the contest, won the coveted title and went away with a hand-painted plaque for the 2018 Beautification Awards. Awards were handed out during the Fall Family Festival on Sept. 15 at Excursion Park.
Here are the winners of the 2018 Beautification Awards.
The winners are as follows:
- 4302 Central Ave. - Robert and Lisa Vallaster
- 4610 Central Ave. - Carr Family
- 4615 Park Road - Pasceri Family
- 6001 Central Ave. - The McGrath-Ryan Families
- 7312 Central Ave. - Robert and Lisa Powell
- 7408 Central Ave. - The Rice Family
- 3582 82nd Street - Sam Pond
- 8705 Pleasure Ave. - Thomas Santilli
“It was hard this year. It really was, because there were so many beautiful properties. There are a lot of people in town who take pride in their homes,” said Environmental Commission Chairperson Annette Lombardo, one of four judges this year. “Even if people had stones and not grass, there were window boxes.”
Local properties that have shown improvement in overall appearance, display attractive architecture and landscaping, or have maintained an eye-catching appearance were considered. Residents and visitors could nominate a property he or she felt was deserved of the honor. Property owners could even nominate their own homes or businesses.
“We noticed a lot of newer homes lifted and remodeled,” Lombardo said. “We noticed more homes had lawns and shrubbery. Trees make a big difference to the environment and the look of the property. Last year we saw a few, but this year we saw a bit more homes with trees.”
Landscaping really impressed the judges.
One home in particular, was a much older home than the other winners, but very well cared for, she said.
“It is an old house and the owners really maintain it,” Lombardo said. “They have large trees and really take care of the property.”
Sea Isle Public Information Officer and Director of the Department of Community Services Katherine Custer said of the awards, “Sea Isle City’s Beautification Awards are a wonderful – and a much appreciated – way to shine a spotlight on our local property owners who help ensure that our town is attractive and pleasing to the eye."
She added, “Dudley McGinty and the other members of the awards committee painstakingly examine all of the entries and carefully consider each property on its merits, and the winning property owners are always very happy to receive their awards. The Beautification Awards serve as a reminder of what a great community we have.”
Like Custer, Lombardo credited Beautification Committee organizer, McGinty, who couldn’t be reached prior to press time, for another successful year of judging the properties. He has been involved with the Beautification Committee since 1992.
For more information about this and other events in Sea Isle City, visit www.visitsicnj.com.
New and old homes won the contest.
This house has beautiful landscaping.
This is the Carr family residence.
This home belongs to Robert and Lisa Vallaster.
The Rice family owns this home at 7408 Central Ave.
This is the Pond residence.
