I was extremely happy to see that the new Jim Iannone Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch at Dealy Field has received a great deal of use since it was officially opened to the public on May 1.
During the past six months, countless people have enjoyed the pier in a variety of ways, including fishing for dinner, launching their kayaks, and taking in the beautiful views from the facility’s covered observation pavilion -- and that is exactly what we anticipated would happen when we started making plans to build the pier several years ago.
Since it first opened, we have heard a stream of positive comments from residents and visitors about the new Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch -- and, as it turns out, it has also caught the attention of the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers.
We recently learned that the NJSME will be presenting an award to Sea Isle City’s municipal engineer, Andy Previti, who designed the pier.
The award presentation will take place during the League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City later this month; however, before then I want to express my thanks and congratulations to Mr. Previti not only for winning the award, but also for all of the hard work he has performed on behalf of the people of Sea Isle City for more than 40 years.
Congratulations, Andy, and thank you for all you do.
I hope you were able to attend the Division of Recreation’s annual Halloween Parade on October 22, because it was terrific!
In addition to an eye-catching array of musicians and strolling entertainers, I was also very impressed by the variety of parade participants who cruised by on floats, waved from golf carts, and cheerfully strolled along the parade route on foot.
My thanks go to all of the families, individuals and members of local organizations who donned costumes and made this year’s Halloween Parade a success.
To keep the Halloween fun going strong this year, the Recreation Office also hosted a hilarious Pet Costume Contest, which lasted for several weeks, and a very well-attended Trunk-or-Treat event on Halloween night, which brought together more than two dozen vehicles and attracted approximately 150 trick-or-treaters.
A big “thank you” goes to the folks who entered their pets in the costume competition, and to all of the Trunk-or-Treat participants who showed their community spirit by decorating their cars and giving out Halloween candy from their tailgates. Thank you all!
Looking ahead, our 2021 Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on November 11 at Veterans Park, where I hope you will join us as we honor the men and women who helped preserve the democracy we all cherish by serving in our nation’s military.
I realize that many people work during the day on Thursdays or simply may not be in town on November 11, which is understandable.
However, if you are unable to attend our annual ceremony, I ask that you recognize Veterans Day by keeping all of our nation’s veterans in your prayers (especially those who are struggling after returning home from battle); and, if you see a veteran, be sure to say hello and thank him or her for their service.
After all, our veterans are the main reason we remain a free nation.
I once again I want to remind everyone that Sea Isle City is the perfect place to enjoy Thanksgiving Weekend.
In addition to the Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop Small” event, which will feature a variety of special deals and discounts at local retailers and eateries all weekend long, you can also enjoy our annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus on Friday night, November 26.
So, please mark your calendars now and get ready to kick off the holiday season in grand style during Thanksgiving Weekend.
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night, because Daylight Saving Time ends early on Sunday morning, November 7.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the Graham family, local homeowners who told me that they very much enjoy Sea Isle City and reading this newsletter. Thank you, Grahams!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
