If you were in town on May 6, I hope you were able to participate in one or more of our annual Community Day activities.
Thanks to a morning that was highlighted by beautiful weather and wonderful people, this year’s Community Day certainly was one to remember.
During the free shredding event, which was sponsored by First Bank of Sea Isle City, many people were able to safely destroy unwanted documents.
During the bicycle auction, families went home with new bikes that they purchased for very low prices. And, inside and outside of the Community Lodge, the public was able to speak with local civic organizations, law enforcement officials, and representatives from our County and Municipal government, which allowed people to learn more about Sea Isle City and all it has to offer.
Also on Community Day, we distributed awards to people who truly deserve recognition. For example, First Bank of Sea Isle City presented their 2023 “Community Partnership Award” (and a check for $2,000) to the Sea Isle City Volunteer Fire Department, the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission gave Public Works employee Anthony D’Antonio a “Green Thumb Award” to thank him for keeping our public gardens green and beautiful.
I gave “Do the Right Thing” awards to eight residents who continually give back to the community.
This year’s Do The Right Thing recipients were VFW Post 1963 Commander Mark Lloyd, who served our nation honorably in uniform and always ensures that the VFW is there when our community needs them; VFW Auxiliary President Patti Lloyd, who has worked tirelessly to support our nation’s veterans and active-duty military members; Marie Peltier, who is an active member of Sea Isle City’s Historical Society, Italian-American Club, Beachcomber Guides and Saint Joseph Church; Yoga Instructor Teri O’Connor, who donates her time each summer to host free Full Moon Yoga and “Pose for Peace” classes on the beach, which raise funds for charity; Mary Shields, who enthusiastically helps run our “Shooting Stars” summer basketball clinics for young people with special needs; and three local students who always have smiles on their faces and are often seen “doing the right thing” wherever they go: Maggie Dunner, Marie Mulholland, and Gavin Oliver – each of whom gives me great hope for the future.
In addition to the Community Day award recipients I just mentioned, we also honored the winners of last year’s Beach Tag Art Contest, which resulted in four wonderfully creative designs for our 2023 beach tags.
The young artists that we honored on May 6 were Emelyn Costello, who designed this year’s popular Winter/Holiday beach tag; Kevin Andrews, whose Saint Patrick’s beach tag made everyone feel the “Luck of the Irish;” Mason Corey, who created our 2023 Veterans Beach Tag, which graciously thanked our veterans for their service; and Claire Konrad, whose colorful “surfer” beach tag will be putting smiles on faces all summer long.
Because last year’s Beach Tag Art Contest was such a success, we decided to host it again this year, so that we will have more wonderful designs on next year’s beach tags.
This event is organized by our CFO, Jen McIver, and it is open to any youngster who wants to participate. If you have a child who would like to enter this year’s art competition, please see the special section in this week’s newsletter.
The 2023 summer season is almost upon us, and with it comes a few annual reminders. First, if you are a dog owner, please remember that dogs are not permitted on the beach during this time of year – so if you want to walk “Fido” on the sand, you will have to wait until autumn to do so.
Also, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, beach tags are required for all beachgoers (age 12 and older) on all of Sea Isle City’s beaches, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lastly, parking fees are required whenever you park in a numbered parking space – so please keep that in mind whenever you park your vehicle.
As is our custom here in Sea Isle City, we always remember that “freedom isn’t free” – and that there is no better way to begin the summer season than by honoring the men and women of our nation’s military who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Therefore, I invite everyone to attend our annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 29, at Veterans Park. During this year’s ceremony, our guest of honor will be Joe Crescenz, the brother of Corporal Michael Crescenz, who was the only Philadelphian to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.
While Joe is in Sea Isle City, not only will he be joining us at the podium on Memorial Day, he will also be co-hosting a book signing event on May 30 with the author of “No Greater Love,” a book that was written about Michael Crescenz, who was killed in action in 1968 after heroically saving many of the men in his unit during a perilous battle in Vietnam.
So, I hope you can be with us during our Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29 – and during the book signing on May 30 at the Sea Isle City Library, where you can meet Joe and learn about a true American hero.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Suzanne & Gregory Reynolds, who are two examples of why Sea Isle City is a wonderful community. Thank you for your kindness, Suzanne and Gregory!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
