As I have said many times before, we have a wonderful community that we can all be proud of – and it is the people of Sea Isle City who make this the amazing town that it is.
A fine example of this is our local VFW. Earlier this spring, the members of VFW Post 1963’s Auxiliary hosted their annual “Adopt-a-Troop” program, during which they gathered donated gift cards and printed custom tee-shirts for the crew of the USS Emory S. Land, which is a submarine tender ship based in Guam.
I was extremely honored to be present at the VFW on April 7 while a live video conversation was taking place between the members of the VFW and Seaman E-3 Hugh Wilson, who is stationed on board the Emory S. Land in Guam.
Seaman Wilson is the son of Henry and Maureen Wilson, who are familiar faces at Post 1963 – and it was such a pleasure to see them smile when their son’s image appeared on the video screen.
I want to thank and acknowledge Post 1963’s Auxiliary for the hard work they perform in support of our nation’s veterans and active-duty military. Thank you, Auxiliary members!
Another local group we can all be proud of is Boy Scouts Troop 76. Earlier this month, the scouts visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
What an amazing experience that must have been for our scouts, who were accompanied by VFW Post Commander Mark Lloyd and Post 1963 Auxiliary President Patti Lloyd.
From all accounts, during the ceremony the scouts displayed the respect and dignity that all of our fallen heroes deserve, and I am very grateful that they did such a fine job representing our community. Well done, Troop 76 – you give us great hope for the future!
In other news, our Tourism Office’s 2023 Reference Guide is back from the printers – and it is loaded with great info that everyone can use, including details about our events, beaches, summer programs, and much more.
Each year, we mail a copy of the guide to all property owners (at the mailing address that’s listed with our tax office). However, if you need additional copies of our Reference Guide, you can find them at the Welcome Center and elsewhere around town.
I remind everyone that the Environmental Commission’s 2023 Beach Clean-Up was postponed until this weekend, and it will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Volunteers are needed for this important event – and since Saturday is Earth Day, it will be a wonderful way to show Mother Nature that you care.
I also hope you can attend the Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Girls Weekend on April 21-23.
Additionally, please mark your calendars now for Sea Isle’s annual Community Day on Saturday, May 6, which will feature a municipal bicycle auction, a City Council meeting, a free document shredding event, an award ceremony, and a meet-and-greet inside the Community Lodge, where there will be face painters and giveaways for children.
Adults can speak with city officials, get info about local civic organizations, and learn ways to reduce flood insurance premiums. So, please save the date and plan to be here for Community Day on May 6.
This week’s “Shout-Out” goes to Steve and Debbie Murphy, who I recently had the pleasure of meeting. The Murphys are local homeowners who are big fans of Sea Isle City – and they are the type of people who light up any room they enter. Thank you for your kind words, Steve and Debbie!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
