Painted Rocks Inspire in Sea Isle

By MADDY VITALE Whether going out for a walk, jog or taking the pooch out for some exercise, there might be some things that catch your eye along your route around the perimeter of Excursion Park and near the steps to the Promenade. In the midst of a pandemic, people have stay-at-home orders to help quell the spread of COVID-19. With closures throughout Sea Isle City, including the beach, the Promenade and the playgrounds, just like similar coronavirus-related closures in other municipalities across the state, people may be looking for signs of hope, peace and inspiration. In Sea Isle, all they have to do is look at colorfully painted rocks placed along the pavers to the steps leading to the Promenade and the city's oceanfront pavilion. The rocks hold messages, hand-painted by people such as Jane Piazza, a local woman who is instrumental in the group Sea Isle City Rocks. Some messages amid COVID-19 remind people to stay safe. “Air Hugs,” “Hope,” “Wash Your Hands,” and “In This Together” are some inspirational messages. Piazza paints rocks and places them around the community. Jane Piazza shares special messages with anyone who comes across one of her painted rocks. (Photo credit Sea Isle City Rocks Facebook page) In a post on Easter Sunday, she wrote, “I rocked this mornin. Sic. Lysol sprayed and virus-free.” The goal, according to the Facebook site, is about painting rocks and hiding them as a random act of kindness. “If you find a Sea Isle Rock post a picture of where you found it on our Facebook page. You can keep it, hide it for someone else to find or paint your own and hide it! This group is about community, kindness and fun!” the site says. With quarantine restrictions during the pandemic, people are going out for exercise and essentials, but maintaining social distance of six feet between them and strangers for safety, the idea of rocks with messages of hope please some of the group’s members. Heidi Dragun discovered two rocks. One said, “Wash Your Hands, 2020 SIC Rocks,” and the other had an Easter egg design with polka dots. Dragun posted her gratitude on Sea Isle City Rocks: “Found this yesterday and it made my day!!! Happy Easter!!!” In one post, Piazza showcased some of her artfully crafted rocks. This is what people posted about them: Valerie McKim: “Thank you Jane.” Paula Ambrose: “They are just adorable.” Megan Phelan Dewan: “They are adorable! You are going to make some people’s days when they find them! Love all the bunny ones!” Debbie Brown said it simply: “Thank you.” For more information about Sea Isle City Rocks visit them at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1841647489419095/ The rocks are colorfully crafted to look more like Easter eggs in celebration of the holiday. (Photo courtesy Sea Isle City Rocks Facebook page)