It’s been a busy December here in Sea Isle City, and I am very happy to report that our local holiday events have been delighting people all month long.
For example, on December 2, the members of the Sea Isle City Women’s Civic Club hosted their annual Holiday Luncheon, during which they donated a total of $8,000 to nearby charities; and the Historical Society hosted an Open House on December 3 inside their museum, where our town officially welcomed home “Alice,” a vintage carousel horse that graced Sea Isle City’s boardwalk prior to the infamous Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962.
Some of the other local holiday events that have taken place include the Italian-American Club’s Poinsettia and Wreath Sale, which added beautiful holiday trim to many homes; the Recreation Office’s annual Santa’s Calling Program, which thrilled nearly 70 children – thanks to our local Knights of Columbus, who “relayed” all of Santa’s phone calls from the North Pole; AARP Chapter 710’s Christmas Luncheon, which was a great deal of fun; VFW Post 1963’s yearly “Christmas Caravan” to the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, where a mountain of gifts was delivered to the home’s residents; and the VFW Auxiliary’s annual Brunch with Santa, which families always enjoy.
Another seasonal event that is very popular here in Sea Isle City is the Recreation Office’s annual Holiday Lighting Contest, which took place on December 8.
My heartfelt thanks go to each of the home and business owners who hung decorations and entered this year’s competition (and, moreover, made Sea Isle City’s holiday season even more magical).
My thanks also go to First Bank of Sea Isle City and Rocky & Fred’s Creative Design Florists for supplying the prizes for this annual event, and to the members of the Sea Isle City Garden Club for judging the contest.
To see pictures of the properties that participated in this year’s Holiday Lighting Contest, go to the “Recent Photos” section in this week’s newsletter – and be sure to notice the winning properties, including the McLeer home at 305 39th Street (first place), the Lynch home at 8604 Pleasure Avenue (second place), and the Miller home at 230 56th Street (third place).
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Obviously, the holidays are shaping up quite nicely in Sea Isle City, and I want to thank everyone who worked very hard to ensure that our community is a wonderful place to celebrate the season, including the members of Sea Isle’s local civic organizations, our municipal employees, and the many individuals and families who make this town so very special.
If you are looking for ways to brighten the Christmas season for families in need, there is still time to make a donation to our annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
As I have mentioned in the past, we have numerous drop-off locations around town – and any support we receive will be greatly appreciated!
For more information about our 2022 Toy and Food Drive, please see the special section in this week’s newsletter.
If you are looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year, the City’s Department of Community Services will host Sea Isle’s annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display on December 31 at 8 p.m. on the JFK Boulevard Beach.
Also, don’t forget that Sea Isle City is home to a variety of fabulous restaurants, which will be ready to serve you on December 31.
I recommend that you make your New Year’s Eve dinner reservations early so you can welcome 2023 in a grand style right here in your favorite seashore town.
Before I close, I want to once again thank and send my best wishes to Cape May County Commissioner Director Gerald M. Thornton, who will be retiring from public office on December 31.
In addition to his many years as a devoted public servant, Commissioner Thornton has been a beacon of good governance for all of us who had the honor to serve with him, and I wish him every happiness in the years ahead!
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the members of the Bologno-Brennan-Allegretto family, who placed a Christmas tree on the 72nd Street Beach for all to enjoy.
I am very grateful for their display of holiday goodwill, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to visit their tree. Thank you, Bolognos, Brennans and Allegrettos!
Please don’t forget that freedom isn’t free – and be sure to say “thank you for your service” whenever you see a veteran.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
