I begin this message with a word of thanks to local Yoga Instructor Teri O’Conner, who hosts several free yoga classes in Sea Isle City each year simply to spread good cheer and help raise donations for worthy causes – and this summer was no exception.
On Labor Day Monday, Teri welcomed dozens of individuals to the JFK Boulevard Beach for her annual “Pose for Peace” yoga session, and by the time the class was over, more than $1200 was raised for the Epilepsy Foundation. My thanks go to Teri and everyone who made this year’s Pose for Peace event a success – and for reminding everyone what “community” is all about.
I hope you were able to attend our Fall Family Festival last weekend, because it really was a terrific two-day event.
On Saturday, countless families enjoyed the free activities at Excursion Park, had lunch at the festival’s Food Court, and strolled along the Promenade, where over 150 vendors sold crafts, artwork, clothing, specialty foods and other popular merchandise.
Then, on Sunday, the 21st annual Gerard Desiderio Antique Auto Show brought 64 classic vehicles to the Promenade – much to the delight of the many car enthusiasts who marveled at the variety of cars and trucks that were on display.
My thanks go to the City’s Tourism Office for once again organizing and hosting this popular festival, to Jim and Karen Ambro for hosting Sunday’s Auto Show, and to each of the vendors, entertainers and merchants who made this event a success.
I also want to congratulate the two winners of Sunday’s auto show: Perry Rogers, of Collegeville, Pa., whose beautiful 1957 DeSoto Fire Dome Sportsman four-door sedan received the Mayor’s Choice Award; and Bert Bifulco, of Pittsgrove, N.J., who drove home with the Best of Show Award in his amazing 1936 Ford ¾-ton pick-up truck.
Each September, we look forward to the New Jersey Run for the Fallen passing through Sea Isle City on the way to the Garden State’s Gold Star Family Monument, which is located at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel.
During this noteworthy event, active-duty military members will run the entire route from Cape May to Central New Jersey, occasionally stopping at “Hero Markers” to honor a fallen warrior who hails from our state.
This year, the NJRFTF will be in Sea Isle City on Thursday afternoon, September 26, beginning at approximately 2:00 p.m. – and I encourage as many of you as possible to take a few minutes out of your busy day to be on hand when the runners stop to pay tribute at each of Sea Isle’s five “Hero Markers.”
To learn the locations and the approximate times the runners will be stopping at each Hero Marker, please see the special section in this week’s newsletter, or go to www.njrftf.org for more details.
And speaking of supporting our nation’s warriors, I remind everyone that the members of VFW Post 1963’s Auxiliary will host their annual POW-MIA Remembrance Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 20, on Post 1963’s front lawn.
There will be a solemn gathering in honor of the many Americans who served as prisoners of war over the years – and all of our service members who are still Missing in Action. As is the case with the Run for the Fallen, I hope that the people of Sea Isle City will take the time to attend this important event.
If you’re a Phillies fan and you’re looking for something fun to do on Friday night, come to Excursion Park for the Recreation Office’s Phillies Watch Party, which begins at 6:30 p.m.
During this event, spectators can enjoy free giveaways while watching the Phils play the New York Mets on Excursion Park’s big screen – all from the comfort of their favorite folding chair or beach blanket.
For more information, please phone the Rec Office at 609-263-0050 – and don’t’ forget to wear your favorite Phillies cap or jersey!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
