Sit-Fit Seniors is a popular class to keep in shape. (Photo courtesy Sea Isle Recreation Facebook page)
By MADDY VITALE
There is no "taking it easy" in Sea Isle City when it comes to activities, organizations and clubs that residents and visitors can join to get in shape or just stay active, healthy and happy.
The city Recreation Office offers a host of activities to keep excitement, fun and enjoyment going even in the dead of winter.
“There’s always something fun to do in Sea Isle City, no matter what time of year. Even though the winter tends to be quieter than our other seasons, there are numerous recreation activities that keep people very busy,” Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said.
Custer, who is also the director of the Department of Community Services and oversees recreation, added, “We encourage everyone – young and old alike – to shake the winter blues and enjoy the many options we offer during the months ahead.”
Sit-Fit Seniors is a popular class to keep in shape. (Photo courtesy Sea Isle Recreation Facebook page)
All of the following activities take place at the former school building at 4501 Park Road during the off-season:
- Open Gym, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During Open Gym folks can shoot hoops, walk laps around the basketball court and play volleyball.
- Indoor “pick-up” pickleball (the city supplies the pickleball and volleyball nets)
- Pickleball Lessons: People can register for private and group pickleball lessons (for a fee) by calling 609-425-9293. The lessons take place in the gym.
- Sit-Fit Seniors classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday at 2:45 p.m. (free).
- Chair Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. (free).
- Co-Ed pick-up Volleyball on Thursdays at 7 p.m. (free)
- Men’s Pick-up Basketball on Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (free)
- Men’s “Over 40” Basketball on Saturdays 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. (free)
In addition to activities at the recreation center, there are also exciting and fun after-school programs planned in 2020, Custer noted, adding that the plans are still being finalized.
And for people who don’t already know, there are recreation events that take place at the Welcome Center Community Lodge located at 300 JFK Boulevard, Custer said.
- Total Body Fitness Classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. ($5 per class of 10 classes for $40).
“These classes are a terrific workout,” Custer pointed out. “Our instructor, Elayne Anderson, does a great job keeping her students engaged – and in tip-top shape.”
For the yogis out there, yoga classes are offered by instructor Teri O’Connor from NJ Beach Yoga.
- Teri O’Connor’s classes are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. ($10 per class).
“We are very fortunate to have Teri O’Connor, from NJ Beach Yoga, leading our yoga classes,” Custer said. “Teri is an amazing instructor.”
The gym is open for basketball games and other recreation.
In addition to activities to get in shape and have fun while doing it, there are also organizations and groups in Sea Isle that keep members busy through the offseason, Custer said.
“We have two very active scout troops that meet in Sea Isle City during the off-season – and they are valued members of our community,” she said.
- Boy Scout & Cub Scout Troop 76
Robert Day, Scout Master
609-425-8108
Meetings: Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
Former school, 4501 Park Road
Jason Connelly, Cub Master
609-374-0267
Meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sea Isle City United Methodist Church, 4102 Central Ave.
- Girl Scout Troop 41012 (Brownies & Juniors)
Shannon Romano and Kathy Wilkin, co-leaders
609-385-7920
Meetings: Every Other Friday, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Autumn to Spring
Community Lodge, 300 JFK Blvd.
“In addition to our many recreation activities, Sea Isle City is also home to numerous civic clubs and organizations that meet during this time of year as well,” Custer said.
She continued, “From Sea Isle City’s Garden Club and Women’s Civic Club to VFW Post 1963 and AARP Chapter 710, there are many friendly people in our community who enjoy socializing and sharing good times with other. There truly is something for everyone in Sea Isle City”
For more information about events and activities in Sea Isle City, people may call the Recreation Office at 609-263-0050. For more information on civic groups and organizations people may visit the city’s municipal website, www.seaislecitynj.us
Recreation staff get into the holiday spirit, from left, Carol Pittaluga, Christie Ostrander, Nicole Holt, Steph Garreffi and Bill Kehner. (Photo courtesy Christie Ostrander)
