Mayor's Message: Dec. 14

This is turning out to be one of the best holiday seasons in recent memory here in Sea Isle City, because the generosity and goodwill I have witnessed in recent weeks has been truly heartwarming. One example of that “holiday goodness” took place on December 1 at the Sea Isle City Women’s Civic Club’s annual Holiday Luncheon, during which the group’s members presented checks totaling $8,000 to four local charities, using money they raised throughout the past year. Other examples of holiday kindness could be found at VFW Post 1963, where that organization’s veterans and Auxiliary members have once again shown that they appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. On Friday morning, during the VFW’s annual Christmas Caravan to the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, they personally delivered a mountain of gifts to Cumberland County and showered the residents of the Veterans Home with holiday cheer and colorfully wrapped presents. Then, during the Auxiliary’s annual Brunch with Santa on Sunday morning, dozens of children and their families enjoyed a festive holiday celebration that included a delicious meal with Santa Claus – and the many gifts the children received were amazing! Another wonderful event worth mentioning took place on Saturday night, when I had the honor of driving through town on a fire engine with Saint Nick and several volunteers from the Sea Isle City Fire Department, who brought holiday cheer to local homes during their “Santa Drive-By” event. As was the case with the VFW’s Brunch with Santa, the Fire Department’s Drive-By was free of charge, and it was held simply to spread holiday cheer. These are just a few examples of the memorable events that took place in recent weeks, and I want to thank each of the individuals and local civic organizations that have made (and continue to make) the holidays so very special in Sea Isle City. I have never been prouder to be part of this community, and I am very grateful for everyone who shows goodwill and kindness to others during the holidays and throughout the year! Thank you all! And speaking of kindness, it’s not too late to donate to our annual Holiday Toy & Food Drive, which will culminate next week, when my elves and I will deliver gifts to families in need. We are accepting donations through this coming weekend, so please see the special section of this week’s newsletter for drop-off locations – and help us make the holidays brighter for those who are facing challenges during these difficult economic times. Another example of “why Sea Isle is a terrific place” can be found among the members of Boy Scout Troop 76, who are often seen at local events and regularly perform good deeds in our community. Over the decades, the members of Troop 76 have proven time and time again that they are fine young men with bright futures – and, to prove it, many of them have gone on to become Eagle Scouts (the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve). On December 1, I had the pleasure of attending the Court of Honor Ceremony for Troop 76’s newest Eagle Scout, Aaron Morton, who, after a great deal of good work, earned his Eagle Scout Badge – just as numerous presidents, Army generals, astronauts, and other great Americans have done before him. My congratulations and best wishes go to Aaron for reaching this impressive milestone, and I want to thank all of the members of Troop 76 for displaying good character and for being such fine citizens! I have several “Shout-Outs” this week, and the first goes to Moira Smith, who recently completed a two-year post as Vice President of the Cape May County Association of Realtors. Moira is known for her professionalism and community-mindedness, and I am certain she will continue to be a valued member of Sea Isle’s and Cape May County’s real estate communities moving forward. The next Shout-Out goes to Rachel Mammele, who was recently elected President of our county’s Association of Realtors. It would be a huge understatement to say that Rachel comes from a family of very well-respected real estate agents (the Iannone clan), and I am sure she will set a great example for the other realtors in our county as she serves as President of that fine organization. Congratulations, Rachel! This week’s final Shout-Out goes to local resident Ellen Byrne, Esq., who has recently been appointed Chairperson of the Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees.  As is the case with Moira and Rachel, Ellen is also very well-respected in our community, and I am certain she will make a positive impact as chairperson at ACCC. Best wishes, Ellen! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I hope you all enjoy the holiday season! Smile … You’re in Sea Isle, Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio