I begin this message with information about an upcoming Town Hall Meeting that I hope as many people as possible will attend. On Saturday, December 4, the public is invited to gather at 10 a.m. inside the Community Lodge (next to the Welcome Center), where the City’s Administration will give a presentation on Sea Isle City’s future Community Center.
At that time, we will display updated blueprints, answer questions from the public, and explain how the facility will be used for many decades to come. So, please mark your calendars now, and plan to be with us on December 4.
This weekend is Girls Weekend in Sea Isle City, which means there will be discounts and special offers at participating businesses throughout our community. Sponsored and organized by Sea Isle City’s Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, Girls Weekend is the perfect opportunity for ladies (and even fellas) to enjoy all that our local businesses have to offer – so get ready to eat, shop and play in Sea Isle City on November 19, 20 and 21 during Girls Weekend.
Every year, it is very easy to see that the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Sea Isle City – and if you are searching for a variety of enjoyable holiday events, you don’t have to look far.
As I mentioned in my last newsletter message, the season will kick off on Friday, November 26, with our 2021 Holiday Parade followed by a wonderful Tree Lighting Ceremony with Saint Nick at Excursion Park.
Then, the holiday fun will continue with Pet Photo-Ops with Santa at VFW Post 1963 on December 4, the Recreation Office’s Santa’s Calling Program on December 8, a Catholic Daughters Holiday Wine Sampling Fundraiser on December 11, the VFW’s Brunch with Santa on December 12, and a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display on December 31.
Along the way, don’t miss the Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop Small” event during Thanksgiving Weekend, the Italian-American Club’s Poinsettia & Wreath Sale, and the Recreation Office’s Holiday Lighting Contest.
As I indicated earlier, the Spirit of Christmas is always alive and well in our community – and that is perfectly evident each year by the wonderful response we see during our Mayor’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
This year will be our 29th annual Toy and Food Drive, and I want to thank everyone who has supported this worthwhile event in the past – and I hope you will continue to support our efforts this year.
The drive kicks off Thanksgiving Weekend, and anyone who wants to show kindness to families in need can drop off new toys and nonperishable food items at City Hall or one of our other collection locations around town.
And speaking of showing kindness during the holidays, the members of VFW Post 1963’s Auxiliary are collecting gifts for the residents of the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, and they will personally deliver those donated items to the retired veterans in early December. To learn how you can support this worthy cause, see the special section in this newsletter, or phone Post 1963 Auxiliary President Patti Lloyd at 609-330-3307.
This week, I have two “Shout Outs” to share. The first goes to Neil Byrne, Sea Isle City’s Construction Official and Floodplain Manager, who was recently honored by the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Managers. The NJAFM presented Neil with an “Excellence in CRS” Award for his efforts to maintain Sea Isle City’s fine standing in FEMA’s Community Rating System.
Congratulations, Neil – and thank you for all you do to help keep our flood insurance premiums low!
The next “Shout Out” goes to City Solicitor Paul J. Baldini, Esq., who recently received the Cape May County Bar Association’s 2021 Daniel J. O’Hern Award, which is presented each year to an attorney who displays outstanding character and professionalism. Paul does a fine job utilizing his legal skills on behalf of the people of our community – and I am very grateful for all of his efforts.
Congratulations, Counselor Baldini!
Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
