I begin this message by thanking the several hundred people who attended our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday – and a special “thank you” goes to the many Veterans who were with us that day as well.
In addition to hearing many words of praise for our nation’s veterans and placing wreaths for the men and women who served this nation in uniform, this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony was also highlighted by a special presentation from representatives of the Quilts of Valor Foundation (South Jersey Chapter), who presented a handmade quilt to Jonathan Villada, an Army Airborne veteran who was deployed twice overseas and is currently in the Army Reserves.
What made the presentation even more special is that Jonathan has recently been working as a Class II Officer with our Police Department, and during Saturday’s ceremony we announced that he is being invited to become a full-time police officer in Sea Isle City.
It was wonderful to see the expression on Jonathan’s face when he heard the news about becoming one of our full-time officers, and we wish him good luck as he studies at the Cape May County Police Academy in 2024.
As you may have heard, during Tuesday’s City Council meeting I announced that we recently advertised for construction bids for Sea Isle City’s future Community Center, and we are looking forward to opening those bids during the second half of December.
Because this is such an important project for Sea Isle City, and because so many people are eager to see the Community Center completed, we will keep you updated as this project progresses and we get closer and closer to the day we all gather together on the Community Center’s front steps to cut a ceremonial ribbon and officially open a building that will serve the people of Sea Isle City for generations to come.
Also during this week’s City Council meeting, I announced that the Army Corps of Engineers has informed us of the timing for Sea Isle City’s upcoming Beach Replenishment Project, which is scheduled to take place in April and May of 2024.
Obviously, this is very good news for our community – and I feel that it is also very good news that the replenishment work will take place in the springtime, because it will alleviate any concerns that may arise if we encounter a winter storm during the months ahead.
As is the case with our future Community Center, we will keep you aware as our upcoming Beach Replenishment Project progresses – so please keep reading this newsletter and each of our municipal publications as these important community projects begin and come to fruition.
With the holiday season knocking at our door, I remind everyone that Sea Isle City is a perfect place to spend Thanksgiving Weekend – thanks to our annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 24, and also because of the activities and special offers that Sea Isle’s business community will offer that weekend.
It’s difficult to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here, but fortunately we all have a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays and come together as one community in the spirit of the season.
And speaking of the holidays, I am very pleased to announce that we are about to launch my annual Mayor’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive, which helps brighten the Christmas season for families in need.
To learn more about this year’s Toy and Food Drive, please see the special section in this week’s newsletter – or call Pattiann (who is everyone’s favorite “Elf”) at 609-263-4461, ext. 1245.
Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
