As I have said in the past, the people of Sea Isle City are known for their generosity and support for worthy causes. One of those causes is the Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism, which is hosted by Mike and Jeannie Monichetti each winter.I am told that this year’s Run-Walk for Autism on February 16 was the Monichetti’s most successful fundraiser to date, with thousands of walkers and runners in attendance – including Governor Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, who participated in the event’s 5K Run.My heartfelt congratulations go to Mike and Jeannie for hosting their twelfth successful Run-Walk for Autism, and my sincerest thanks go to Governor Murphy and his wife for taking the time to come to Sea Isle City for this important event, which raises money for autism charities and, perhaps more importantly, raises awareness for a disorder that effects countless individuals.During this time of year, our Administration focuses on a variety of important efforts, including municipal projects that strengthen our infrastructure and beautify our community. For example, roadwork and utility upgrades are currently happening at various locations around town, and we are making great progress with phase one of our Promenade Lighting Project, during which beautiful new light posts are being installed along our famous oceanfront pathway.We are also about to begin work on a project that will add new light posts to several of our business districts – an endeavor that will require some sidewalks and pedestrian areas to be disturbed during installation but will ultimately add charm and ambiance to those locations.
These and other efforts are outlined in the “Project Updates” section of this newsletter, so please take a look and see all that we are doing to make everyone’s “Sea Isle City experience” even better.If you are a proverbial bargain hunter, then you will want to attend the second annual Flea-By-The-Sea shopping event this weekend at Beachwood at the Dunes in Townsends Inlet, where more than a dozen local retailers will sell an array of merchandise at deeply-discounted prices.Last year’s Flea-By-The-Sea was a huge success, and this year’s gathering is expected to be even better. So, if you’re looking for great deals on quality merchandise, go to 8600 Landis Avenue on Friday and Saturday, February 28 and 29.This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the men and women of Sea Isle City’s Department of Public Works. Our DPW employees quietly work behind the scenes to ensure that our events and activities are successful, and they also collect our trash, help keep our town beautiful, ensure that we have high-quality drinking water, plow our snow (when we have it) and show up at a moment’s notice when things need to be repaired. My thanks go to each member of our Department of Public Works for all they do throughout the year!Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio