CENTER OF ATTENTION

Eagles five-time Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce was back in town June 29, for his second annual summer charity bartending event at the Ocean Drive. The day began with SIC’s own Angelo Cataldi broadcasting live on 94 WIP from Paddy’s Green, which is just about a mile from his shore home in the south end of town.

As I sit down to write today, I’d like to acknowledge that this day is special for two reasons: First, I met my wife Dee, 43 years ago while down the shore. Second, it’s Flag Day, a celebration of the American flag that President Woodrow Wilson established on June 14, 1916.

If you are lucky enough to spend your vacation time in Sea Isle this August, you will love every minute! The beaches are perfect and so is the water temperature. There’s no better way to cool off from this hot summer sun than to jump into our beautiful ocean. The nights are hot as well, so if you are heading out on the town you will want to wear something loose without any heavy fabrics.

I sometimes wonder if warm-climate areas enjoy summertime as much as we do, or if it’s extra special here just because, as Shakespeare put it, “. . . summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” I think that’s it. We know the days are numbered, so we pack it all in while we can, making the most of every spectacular summer day and night.

While dining out in Sea Isle City, indulging in fresh seafood is always a must! But did you know that Carmen’s Seafood Restaurant also dishes out delectable desserts nightly made by Carmen and Ruthy Conti’s daughter, Carrie Foulke?

Landis Avenue was looking pretty lonely after the Hurricane of ’44. This photo was taken in September 1944. If you look closely, you’ll see that’s a Landis Avenue street sign that survived the storm. And that’s Mike Monichetti Sr. surveying the damage in the background.

August is here, and that means hot and sticky summer days are as well. When things are heating up all over town, it’s nice to hit the beach where you can sit your chair in the water, listen to the waves hit the shore, and catch up on a good book. There have been so many outstanding thrillers lately that it was hard to choose just a few. Each one of these is super chilling and will certainly cool you down!

August has arrived, and that means the hot weather is here to stay a while longer. We’ve shopped around some of the best stores on the island and found some great items and ways to beat the heat. Here is our list of must-haves that will keep you cool all through the month of August.

VFW AUXILIARY TO HELP RESTORE CIVIL WAR CEMETERY

When the VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary found out the grounds at Bethel Union Civil War Cemetery in Erma, N.J., had fallen into disrepair, it sprang into action by “adopting” the cemetery.

On July 6, the skies opened up, rain was pouring down in buckets, and the Dealy Field Basketball Courts were not playable. A 5:30pm practice had been scheduled for the Shooting Stars, a new basketball program run by the Sea Isle City Recreation Department that is giving children and young adults with special needs a chance to shine.

This summer, as a returning member of the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, Eric Greensmith needed to complete a series of physical tasks to become requalified to work as a lifeguard here. These tasks are required of all returning lifeguards.

With its white sandy beaches, top-notch dining destinations and a vibrant nightlife scene, Sea Isle City is a premier vacation spot for so many! While all the above make Sea Isle City amazing, its small-business community is also a reason so many people just love to visit year-round.

It’s a typical summer evening in Sea Isle City’s Fish Alley. The orange sun is just beginning to set over the back bays and The Dock at Mike’s Seafood is packed with families huddled around tables, eagerly anticipating their seafood favorites.

August 2
National Night Out
6-8pm, Excursion Park, vistsicnj.com

Bring the whole family to celebrate National Night Out, the annual event designed to encourage the public to interact with members of the fire and police departments, ambulance corps and beach patrol. The night features a mix of food, fun and educational activities.

Great start to the 2022 lifeguard competition season for the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol with first- and second-place finishes in their first two competitions. The SICBP placed second in the July 8 Cape May County Championships and then claimed the team title July 17 in the Tri-Resorts Championships, a staple on the lifeguard racing circuit for more than 70 years.

The life and legacy of Leonard J. Desiderio, “Mr. D,” could be made into a movie.

Exterior shot: Daytime. 1938. Ten-year-old Leonard is selling American flags in a cemetery in Newark, and will take the money home to his parents, Anthony and Jennie (Baratta) Desiderio.

For two rowing cousins and a surf dash/paddleboard stalwart, the Hall is calling.

Rowers Gerry Lederer and Tom Montgomery join paddleboard and surf-dash star Lauren McHale as recently named 2022 inductees for the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol Alumni Hall of Fame.