Whether you believe that the season officially changed on March 1 or at the equinox on March 19, spring is here at last!
In addition to the weather getting warmer, migrating birds returning, and daffodils blooming, the spring is also a wonderful time to be in Sea Isle City for many other reasons – and I hope you get to spend plenty of time here before the summer season arrives.
During the past couple of weeks, several events have taken place that I am happy to mention. For starters, our friends at AARP Chapter 710 hosted their annual Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon on March 14, which is when they also held their yearly “Best Dressed Irish” contest.
My congratulations go to the winners of that enjoyable competition: Best Dressed Lady Joan Boyle, Best Dressed Gentleman Joe Bellucci, and Best Dressed Couple Patricia and Bud Smith.
Then, on March 15, I had the honor of attending the 100th birthday celebration of Irene Bukowski, a longtime Sea Isle City homeowner who is well known in many local circles, including among Sea Isle’s Beachcomber Tour Guides, the Catholic Daughters of Saint Joseph Church, our local Sit-Fit-Seniors, and elsewhere in town.
It was a pleasure to see Irene at her birthday party and present her with a Mayor’s Proclamation that declared last week as “Irene Bukowski Week” in Sea Isle City.
Congratulations on becoming a centenarian, Irene – you are an inspiration to us all!
The recent Saint Patrick’s Day weekend was wonderful for several different reasons – including the fact that we had some amazing weather!
However, in addition to many folks celebrating that much-loved Irish holiday while wearing green clothing and shamrock-cover accessories, many people were also in Sea Isle City to attend the “Our Perfect Storm” presentation on March 16, which outlined the events surrounding the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 (a terrible nor’easter that devastated ours and other communities).
Not only was the presentation very interesting and informative, it also reminded everyone of the content of character that existed then (and still exists today) in the people of Sea Isle City, as was evident by how our town responded to the storm and rebuilt Sea Isle City very quickly.
It was a great pleasure to see so many familiar faces in attendance on March 16, and my thanks go to the members of the Sea Isle City Historical Society for hosting that important event – in particular Caitlin and Pat Haffert.
As you no doubt have heard, Sea Isle City is undergoing a very important beach replenishment project that will add much-needed sand along our downtown and south end beaches.
As I mentioned in my annual State of the City Address on March 12, during this project our beaches will receive even more sand than was initially planned, because the federal government is funding an additional $5 million for Sea Isle’s portion of this project, which will result in an additional amount of sand that would cover fifty NFL football fields, 4-feet deep.
It was also fortunate that Sea Isle City was scheduled to receive sand toward the end of this multi-city beach replenishment effort; therefore, there will be less concern about off-season storms negatively impacting this project.
In the meantime, please know that I appreciate everyone’s patience, because some of our beaches will be temporarily closed during the replenishment process – however, we anticipate that all of the work will be completed prior to the 2024 summer season.
Looking ahead, I hope you will be able to join us during Sea Isle’s annual Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on March 29 at Veterans Park.
I realize that March 29 is Good Friday, which is often a travel day for people coming to Sea Isle City to celebrate Easter Weekend; however, I hope as many people as possible will join us as we honor the men and women who served in the Vietnam War.
The United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War ended more than 50 years ago, but the effects of that war will continue for those who served; and it’s only fitting that we take the time to show those veterans that Sea Isle City loves and cares about them.
Another event I want to mention is taking place on Wednesday, April 17, when the Sea Isle City Police Department will host a “Cookies with Cops” gathering inside the Sea Isle City branch of the Cape May County Library.
This family-friendly event is the latest of the SICPD’s outreach programs, and I am sure our officers hope to see many children and their parents in attendance.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the employees of Sea Isle City’s Division of Recreation, who have been working hard to develop new events and programs this year.
Our municipal employees always strive to supply our residents, property owners and visitors with the services and activities that make Sea Isle City stand out, and I am very grateful for the work that has taken place in our Recreation Office over the years – and during the recent months. Thank you, Team Rec!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
