As you can imagine, we constantly receive a variety of questions related to COVID-19 – however the most common questions have to do with the reopening of local businesses and the cancellation of community events.
Earlier this week, Governor Murphy announced “Stage 2” of his reopening plan.
Due to the issuance of Stage 2, starting on June 15 non-essential retail businesses will be permitted to open their doors to customers and restaurants will be allowed to offer outside dining (both with limited capacity).
Additionally, hair salons and barber shops are scheduled to reopen beginning June 22; however, we are still waiting to learn when gyms and fitness centers can reopen – which we hope will be very soon.
I know these are extraordinarily difficult times, and folks are suffering not only directly from the impact of the coronavirus, but also from the stress and financial hardships brought upon so many of our citizens.
There are also many negative social aspects related to COVID-19 that have left people feeling discouraged and forgotten, including some students who will not be able to participate in traditional graduation ceremonies and other time-honored gatherings that celebrate their achievements.
With that in mind, Peggy Dunner, a local parent, suggested that we show support for our graduates by offering them some fanfare – so, we decided to do just that!
Thanks to Peggy’s suggestion, on Wednesday, June 17, at 1:00 p.m., we will begin driving through Sea Isle City with a fire engine and other city vehicles and briefly stop in front of the homes of any graduate who is signed-up for our special “Graduation Parade.” For more information or to learn how you can add a graduate’s address to the list of properties we will include in our parade, please see the special section of this newsletter.
No doubt, you are aware that we had to cancel many of our spring activities this year. Regretfully, we must also cancel a number of other events that are on the horizon.
For example, due to the extremely large crowds that are always in attendance, we are canceling all of the activities on Saturday of Skimmer Festival Weekend, including the food court on JFK Boulevard, the free amusement rides and family activities at Excursion Park, and the Seaside Vendors Market along the Promenade.
We still, however, plan to host our Skimmer Antique Auto Show on Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day) because we can spread-out the show’s vintage cars and trucks in a way that will allow spectators to practice social distancing.
Even though we are cancelling this year’s Skimmer Festival Seaside Vendors Market, we still wanted to offer everyone an enjoyable shopping experience during that same weekend.
So, we decided to shine a spotlight on all of Sea Isle City’s businesses by hosting a “Skimmer Sidewalk Sale” throughout town on June 20, which will give local business owners the opportunity to place merchandise, literature and other offerings on tables and racks in front of their establishments (without blocking the sidewalk), and allow them to welcome customers indoors where permissible.
So, plan on being in Sea Isle City for this year’s “not typical but certainly enjoyable” Skimmer Weekend on June 20 & 21 – and let’s shop locally.
Before closing, I would like to thank our Chamber of Commerce for all of their efforts – especially during these difficult times. On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of joining several Chamber members as they visited the homes of their 2020 scholarship recipients.
My congratulations go to each scholarship winner: Abigail Craige, Emily Pasceri, and Georgia Sullivan.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the business owners who paid for public service announcements that reminded people to practice social distancing via banner plane over our beaches and bays during Memorial Day weekend.
Those businesses included 1st Bank of Sea Isle City, Farina & Boeshe Real Estate, KIX Package Goods, Laricks Real Estate, Mike’s Seafood, The Ocean Drive Bar & Restaurant, Paul J. Baldini Law Office, and Uncle Oogie’s Pizzeria.
As always, please stay safe, stay well, remain optimistic, and remember that we are all one Sea Isle City and together we will be stronger than ever!
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
