As I have said earlier, Sea Isle City has been bustling with activity this summer – and folks seem to be enjoying themselves everywhere I turn. In addition to countless people enjoying our town’s beaches, businesses, recreation programs, and numerous entertainment options, there have also been a variety of special events happening that have also attracted many participants. For example, during this past weekend, the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol hosted a very well-attended One-Mile Ocean Swim competition and VFW Post 1963’s Auxiliary hosted their annual Dollar Dog Day fundraiser for veterans and active duty military members, which also attracted a lot of people.

My congratulations go to our local lifeguards for hosting another exciting swimming race – and for competing admirably in local lifeguard competitions this summer. Also, my best wishes and thanks go to Post 1963’s Auxiliary for all of the good work they perform throughout the year!

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of cutting ceremonial ribbons at two local businesses that I am certain will have great success this summer and well into the future. On Tuesday afternoon, Councilman Kehner and I stopped-by Azzurra Pizzeria-Ristorante at 5012 Landis Avenue, where we met the members of the Deserio family (not to be confused with the Desiderio family). Frank Deserio, his wife Ernie, and his sons, Joe and Lenny, are the new owners of Azzurra’s – and from all reports, people truly love their food!

After our visit to Azzurra’s, we went directly to The Point, which is the name of the new tiki bar located on the site of the old Springfield Inn at 43rd Street and Pleasure Avenue. When we arrived at The Point, we were greeted by owner Ed Bonsignore and his friendly crew of employees, who made us feel right at home.

I want to officially welcome The Point and the new Azzurra Pizzeria to our Sea Isle City family, and I once again encourage everyone to shop – and dine – locally whenever you get the chance!

Looking ahead, the Dave Farina Men’s Basketball Tournament takes place on Saturday at the JFK Boulevard Basketball Courts. This competition is the second of three new basketball tournaments being hosted by the City’s Division of Recreation this summer – and I am certain that each will attract teams of enthusiastic players for many years to come. My thanks go to Dave Farina and his family for donating $500 for the first place winner of this weekend’s event, and I encourage everyone to come-on-out and enjoy the games on Saturday morning and afternoon!

It may seem that September is far-off in the future, but I ask everyone to mark their calendars now for a very special dedication ceremony we have planned at 10:00 AM on September 17 – because we all know how quickly the summer season passes by. As you may recall, September 17 is National POW-MIA Recognition Day, and this year we will be installing and dedicating a permanent “Chair of Honor” monument for the members of our nation’s military who served as Prisoners of War or who never returned home after the battle was over. More information about the dedication ceremony will be made public as September 17 approaches, but in the meantime please plan to be with us as we acknowledge this year’s POW-MIA Recognition Day in a very special way.

This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the men and women who work for Sea Isle City’s Department of Public Works. As you probably are aware, we have a dedicated team of city employees who quietly work behind the scenes – and often on the front curb of your Sea Isle City home – who collect trash and recycling, maintain our town’s clean appearance, ensure that we have an abundance of fresh water available for our residents and visitors, and keep our community operating smoothly in a variety of other ways. So, the next time you see someone collecting the trash or driving-by in a white pick-up truck with our city logo on the doors, please acknowledge the hard work they perform with a simple wave of the hand or a kind word of thanks!

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!

Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio