Times Talk
Sea Isle City’s Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch will open this fall.
FISHING PIER/KAYAK LAUNCH PROJECT UPDATE
The Sea Isle City Public Fishing Pier with Kayak Launch project at Dealy Field is anticipated to be completed this fall. A preconstruction meeting was held May 6 and work began shortly after. The City received approval from the Cape May County Open Space Board and County Freeholders for funding in the amount of $935,605. City Council awarded the project on March 24 to EZ Docks Unlimited of Belford, N.J., in the amount of $975,550.
“In addition to being an ideal location for fishing and launching a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, our new pier will also be a great place to bird-watch, enjoy the sunsets, or simply sit in the shade and read a good book,” said Katherine Custer, the director of community relations. “We anticipate that this newest recreation facility will be very popular, because many people have told us that they are eager to see it completed and put into use.”
At the time this issue of Sea Isle Times went to print, the EZ Docks Unlimited crew was driving pilings during high tides for the decked areas and working on the stringers. The construction zone has been fenced off and no parking is permitted in that area. The project will include the construction of a fishing pier, a pier with a covered pavilion, a kayak/paddleboard launch facility, and decorative lighting. It will also include an ADA-accessible launch.
Once the project is completed, the public fishing pier and kayak launch will be a great spot to socially distance this fall and head out on the water.
Updates on the project are available in the City’s newsletter and online at seaislecitynj.us.
Sea Isle City Beach Patrol Chief Steele is flanked by daughter Katie (left) and wife Barbara.
CITY HONORS RENNY STEELE IN SURPRISE CEREMONY
Sea Isle City Beach Patrol Chief Renny Steele was honored for his 50 years of service as a lifeguard during a surprise ceremony in front of Beach Patrol Headquarters in August. During the ceremony, Mayor Leonard Desiderio unveiled a street sign to hang on the Promenade in front of Beach Patrol headquarters that reads “CHIEF RENNY STEELE WAY.” He also presented Steele with a key to the city.
Among those on hand for the celebration were Steele’s wife Barbara and daughter Katie along with other family members and friends; City Council members Bill Kehner and Jack Gibson; former Beach Patrol captains Bill Gallagher and Mike McHale (also a former mayor), and several lifeguards.
“Chief Steele’s five decades with the SICBP have established him as the longest-serving lifeguard in Sea Isle City history and has made him one of the most well-known city employees our community has ever had,” Desiderio said. “My congratulations go to Chief Steele on his 50th anniversary, and I wish him ongoing success as he continues to lead our beach patrol into the future.”
Steele has been at the helm of the 101-year-old SICBP for 35 of his 50 years with the organization. Growing up in Collingswood and summering in Sea Isle City as a kid, Steele’s parents encouraged him to get a summer job. He and a few friends tried out for the beach patrol and he not only became a lifeguard but was also selected to run in the lifeguard races as a runner and doubles participant. He was named captain in 1986. Today, he leads more than 95 guards, administrators and medical personnel who make up the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol.
Gritty, the popular Flyers mascot, rides through Fish Alley with one of the men in black.
FLYERS MOBILE PEP RALLY DRAWS A CROWD
The Philadelphia Flyers Caravan and the team’s renowned mascot Gritty rode through Sea Isle City on Aug. 10 to hype fans up for playoff hockey during a socially distanced “Mobile Pep Rally.” Thousands of community members lined the streets for the rally as it traveled along “Fish Alley” on Park Road from JFK Boulevard to 48th Street, then on 48th Street from Park to Central Avenue, left on Central to 36thStreet, then 36th from Central to Cini Avenues, and finally Cini back to JFK.
“The event was a huge success that delighted countless people along the 1.5-mile parade route,” said Mayor Leonard Desiderio. “My thanks go to the Philadelphia Flyers for coming to town and celebrating with our residents and visitors, and also to our municipal employees who helped make the event possible, including the members of our Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, Division of EMS, Department of Public Works – and special thanks to Bill Kehner and Christie Ostrander in our Division of Recreation for organizing the event.”
Sea Isle City has been involved with the Flyers community outreach for many years and for the past few years, thousands have enjoyed the Community Caravan that has involved games and hands-on activities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Flyers adapted their event as a Mobile Pep Rally so fans could show their support for the team going into the playoffs, with social distancing in place to ensure everyone’s safety. The event included Gritty on his tandem bike with his men in black, Flyers Alumni, the Ice Team and more. Fans of all ages had the opportunity to catch fun Flyers gear tossed into the crowds such as beach balls, bucket hats, Frisbees, kites and sunglasses.
The SICPD promotion and hiring ceremony: From left, Lt. William Mammele, Lt. James McQuillen, Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Sgt. Steven Jankowski, PTLM Theresa Rock, Sgt. Thomas Ready, Sgt. Robert Scarano Jr., Chief Thomas McQuillen, Capt. Anthony Garreffi.
HISTORIC DAY FOR THE SICPD
It was a big day for the Sea Isle City Police Department when it welcomed to its ranks Theresa Rock, the daughter of two of its retired members, and also promoted Steve Jankowski, Thomas Ready and Robert Scarano Jr. to the rank of sergeant in a ceremony Aug. 19 at City Hall.
Rock was sworn in by Mayor Leonard Desiderio with her parents, retired Captain Rosemary Milano and Patrolman Thomas Rock, standing beside her.
“It has been a privilege to know Theresa from a very young age as I worked with both of her parents,” said Chief Tom McQuillen. “I have all the faith and confidence in the world that she will do an excellent job, and she adds to our diverse group of officers that make up our Police Department. I am looking forward to working with her when she gets back from the academy.”
Rock was scheduled to enter the Cape May County Police Academy on Aug. 25 and will train and live there through January 2021. A lifelong Sea Isle resident, she attended the City’s since-closed public school and graduated from Ocean City High School in 2009.
Following Rock’s swearing in, Jankowski, Ready and Scarano received the oath from the mayor surrounded by their families. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew also was on hand to congratulate the officers and presented them with congressional proclamations. This is the first time in Sea Isle City’s history that it has promoted three of its officers at one time to sergeant.
“I am confident that all three of these officers have the ability to lead their squad, and it is nice to see their efforts rewarded,” McQuillen said. “They each possess great leadership qualities and they are the eyes and ears of the department during their 12-hour shifts.”
Winners of the 2019 Beautification Awards posed with colorful canvas awards on the Promenade.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS
You’ve put a lot of effort into making your home or business strikingly attractive, and the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission appreciates it. In fact, it has been encouraging such improvements for more than three decades, and now is accepting nominations for its 33rd annual Beautification Awards.
The application form states that nominations are “Open to properties that have shown improvement in overall appearance, lovely architecture and landscaping, etc. (new or old homes and commercial properties included).” Application forms are available at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center, City Hall, and online at www.seaislecitynj.us from the “Forms” link on the home page of the website.
All are encouraged to submit their nominations of properties that you feel best display the traits to be considered. Nominations will be accepted at the Welcome Center (300 JFK Blvd.) through Sept. 9.
Traditionally, awards have been presented on the second day of the City’s Fall Family Festival. While the coronavirus pandemic has forced the festival to be canceled, the awards will still be presented at noon Sunday, Sept. 20 at the Excursion Park bandshell. In addition to the Beautification Awards presentation, families will still be able to enjoy the Fall Family Antique Auto Show that day from 9am-1:30pm along the Promenade, as it can be held with social distancing. The annual Fall Festival Antique Auto Parade will begin at 1:30pm following the award presentations.
