Times Talk
2020 Veterans Beach Tag featuring U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Crescenz
VETERANS BEACH TAG SALUTES MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Crescenz posthumously receiving the Medal of Honor, Sea Isle City issued its 2020 veterans beach tag featuring an image of the 19-year-old war hero and his medal.
“We are proud to call Corporal Crescenz one of our own, and we felt it was very important to honor his memory in this way,” said Mayor Leonard Desiderio. “Our hearts go out to the entire Crescenz family and all of Michael’s friends as we remember the 50th anniversary of his distinguished honor.”
A Philadelphia native, Michael Crescenz grew up spending his summers in Sea Isle City. He entered the Vietnam War in September 1968, serving as a rifleman in Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment. He was mortally wounded by enemy gunfire in November 1968, but his brave actions allowed his unit to complete the mission. On April 7, 1970, President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to the Crescenz family during a ceremony at the White House.
Sea Isle City offers a complimentary veterans beach tag to all U.S. military veterans who live in or visit Sea Isle City each summer, allowing them to enjoy the beaches without paying any beach fees. To receive a complimentary veterans beach tag, each veteran must present his or her DD214 Discharge Papers and one other form of identification at the beach tag office within the Welcome Center at 300 JFK Blvd. Any veteran who has served and was honorably discharged with at least 90 days’ active duty, or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability, is qualified to receive a veterans beach tag. Qualifying veterans must be present at the time of request. Veterans beach tags are not transferable.
For more information, go to visitsicnj.com.
Sea Isle City’s construction official and floodplain manager Neil Byrne.
CITY OFFICIAL NAMED LOCAL FLOODPLAIN MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Neil Byrne, who serves as Sea Isle City’s construction official and certified floodplain manager, was named the Local Floodplain Manager of the Year by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
“Over the years, Neil has done an excellent job helping us improve our floodplain standards, which in turn has helped us maintain our impressive status with FEMA’s Community Rating System and our enviable flood insurance discounts,” said Mayor Leonard Desiderio. “Congratulations, Neil … please keep up the good work.”
Byrne was hired as Sea Isle City’s construction official in October 2008. At that time, he was also named the floodplain manager. He was instrumental in the partnership involving the City of Sea Isle, the New Jersey Coastal Coalition and the OceanFirst Foundation for the pilot program of the streaming of an emergency camera system to alert residents and visitors when Central Avenue is flooding.
In 2017, Byrne was honored as the Building Inspector of the Year by the New Jersey Building Official Association. He also helped Sea Isle City be recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for reaching Class 3 status in the agency’s Community Rating System in 2018.
New welcome sign installed on Sea Isle Boulevard.
NEW SIGN IS A WELCOME CHANGE
Visitors entering Sea Isle City from Sea Isle Boulevard might notice a new sign on the causeway. The sign was installed in early June and features a blue-and-gold color scheme.
The old sign was removed for the causeway elevation project, and it was then that officials noticed it was in bad shape. Mayor Leonard Desiderio wanted to replace the sign with a new look, but there are still a few of the old designs throughout town; one is near the Townsends Inlet Bridge and the other at border of Sea Isle and Strathmere.
Desiderio, his wife Carmela, and Community Services Director Katherine Custer worked on the design for the new sign. They reviewed numerous samples, wording, fonts and colors before narrowing down to the final product.
2020 ‘Save the Turtles’ T-shirt design.
2020 ‘SAVE THE TURTLES’ SHIRTS FOR SALE
Sea Isle City’s Environmental Commission is now selling the 2020 version of the “Save the Turtles” T-shirts on weekends in front of Community Lodge. Shirts are available for purchase with either short or long sleeves on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm.
The Environmental Commission has been selling “Save the Turtle” shirts for more than 30 years. It is one of the Environmental Commission’s fundraisers throughout the year to help subsidize projects and the Sea Isle City terrapin rescue that is spearheaded by Susan and Steve Ahern, who are also members of the commission.
Diamondback terrapins nest between mid-May and July. Drivers are reminded to always be on the lookout for diamondback terrapins as they cross Sea Isle City’s roadways in search of nesting spots. If you encounter one trying to cross the street, use caution and help guide her in the direction she is headed. It is recommended that you do not stand over top of the turtles, so you do not scare them. If you see an injured turtle, please call Susan or Steve Ahern, of Sea Isle Terrapin Rescue, at 609-263-7358.
Vendors and shoppers practice safety measures at the Sea Isle City Farmers Market.
WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET OPENS
The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization kicked off its summer Farmers Market on June 23 under COVID-19 restrictions. Held every Tuesday through Sept. 1 at Excursion Park, the Farmers Market features nearly 30 vendors offering fresh and local produce and homemade crafts.
“It was awesome and interesting to see all of the new faces at our first week of the Farmers Market,” said Chamber President Brian Heritage. “After being quarantined for a few months, I think everyone was excited to be out and be able to shop the Farmers Market. We look forward to seeing everyone every Tuesday morning this summer!”
Whether you are looking for fresh Jersey tomatoes, organic blueberries or homemade jams, guacamole and fresh-squeezed lemonade, the Sea Isle City Farmers Market has a little bit of something for everyone.
All vendors are equipped with a mask, sanitizing stations for both the employees and customers, and vendor tents are spread 6 feet apart. Additionally, all customers entering the market are required to wear a mask. The entrance to the market is on Pleasure Avenue near the bandshell at Excursion Park, and all customers must follow the directional arrows while shopping the market prior to exiting at Pleasure Avenue.
Stop by and enjoy fresh local produce, homemade craft items and more on Tuesdays from 8am-1pm at Excursion Park, located at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue.
For a full list of vendors and COVID-19 restrictions, go to seaislechamber.com.
SAVE OUR CHURCH UPDATE
The Committee to save the historic St. Joseph Church building received the attached letter the week of June 21. It is waiting for the Canon lawyers to give their interpretation but to the lay, it appears to be good news to some degree. According to the letter, the Church recognizes that the committee has a legitimate appeal that was filed in time and the appeal has been accepted for examination. Needless to say, the committee members are very hopeful. Keep them in your prayers and don’t forget to visit their website, saveourhistoricstjosephschurch.org, they still need your support in saving this wonderful historical church.
