As we all know, last weekend was Presidents Weekend, and I am very happy to report that we had a wonderful few days here in Sea Isle City – and that a little snow could not put a damper on the fun that was had by all!
One of Sea Isle’s numerous Presidents Weekend highlights was the 17th Annual Mike’s Seafood Run-Walk for Autism, which attracted a huge crowd of people who gathered in support of a very good cause.
Other folks were in town to take advantage of Sea Isle’s many dining and shopping options – which is always a good reason to be here. Also, the United Methodist Church hosted a vendor’s market, which made many people happy as well. Plus, there were house parties and other festivities that rounded out Sea Isle’s Presidents Weekend very nicely.
If you have not driven through our north end in recent weeks, you may not be aware that the construction of Sea Isle’s future Dog Park is coming along very well, and the facility’s pavilions are very close to being completed. Furthermore, the park’s flagpoles, benches, and water fountains are in place – so it won’t be too long before we start planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony and officially open the gates of our new Dog Park.
If you love Sea Isle City and find the people and events that shaped our community as interesting as I do, you won’t want to miss the Historical Society’s free presentation on March 16 titled “Our Perfect Storm and Our Community’s Perfect Response” – which is all about the infamous Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 and how the people of Sea Isle City worked together to rebuild our town after the boardwalk and many homes and businesses were washed out to sea.
During this free event, which will take place inside the Library at 4800 Central Avenue, our local historians will display images and artifacts that will explain how the fateful events of March 1962 unfolded, and eyewitnesses will share their experiences as well. So, mark your calendars now so you can attend this event and be reminded what a resilient town we have.
Following the Historical Society’s presentation on March 16, don’t miss Sea Isle’s 32nd Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at 3:30 p.m. that same afternoon. The parade will run along Landis Avenue (from 83rd Street and East Landis Avenue to 63rd Street); and, as always, it will feature an array of festive revelers who will make you feel “the luck of the Irish” just for being there.
As a friendly reminder, I ask all property owners and visitors to help us keep Sea Isle City clean by utilizing rigid receptacles with lids when leaving trash and recycling on the curb for collection.
We have this rule in place because leaving trash on the curb in just a plastic bag inevitably will entice local seagulls and other critters to tear the bags open and scatter your trash all over the sidewalk and street.
I appreciate everyone’s cooperation in this endeavor – and please don’t forget that our Trash Depot is open for trash and recycling drop-offs nearly every day of the year.
If you have any questions about local trash or recycling procedures, please don’t hesitate to phone our friendly staff at the Department of Public Works at 609-263-6000 or go to the Department’s Recycling & Trash page at www.seaislecitynj.us – and please know that you have my sincerest thanks for your cooperation!
I have two “Shout Outs” this week. The first goes to Veterans Advocate Joe Griffies, a Vietnam War Army Veteran who hosts the “Welcome Home Radio Show” on Saturday afternoons. Joe and his partners on the airwaves recently celebrated their show’s 13th anniversary, and I wish them continued success for many years to come.
Congratulations and God Bless you, Joe – keep going strong, because the work you do on behalf of our nation’s veterans is invaluable!
The second “Shout Out” goes to Sea Isle City native T.J. D’Intino, who graduated today from the Army National Guard as a Private First Class. Congratulations, T.J. – we are very proud of you!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
