Smilestones
POLAR BEAR’S YOUNG HELPER
The Polar Bear expresses its appreciation to fundraiser Regan Capone.
Regan Capone, a 10-year-old from Sea Isle City, found a way to participate in the “Around the World in 80 Days” fundraising campaign that became this year’s alternative to the annual Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism due to the pandemic.
The Ocean City Intermediate School student posted a video on social media to make her followers aware of the event, in which a virtual Polar Bear went around the world at a rate of one mile for every $10 donated. The event benefits special-services schools, autism support groups, and families of special-needs children.
Along with her parents, Melissa and Kevin Capone, Regan filmed a 50-second clip explaining the “Around the World in 80 Days” campaign and where to donate online.
Taking things one step further, Regan sent the video to U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s office. He responded by donating a tour of the White House, the Library of Congress or the Supreme Court and a private lunch with him to be auctioned off.
Offering auction chances for $10, Regan helped raise $2,000 for the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism. Abby Powell won the drawing on Feb. 14, which would have been the day of the Run/Walk.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS KEEPS UP GOOD WORK
Grand Knight Ed McFadden presents donation to Bishop McHugh principal Tom McGuire.
The pandemic did not keep the Knights of Columbus Madonna Maria Council #3560 of St. Joseph Church from performing good deeds over the past year.
The group donated $11,800 to service organizations and schools in the region. Beneficiaries of the donations included Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School ($7,500), New Jersey Right to Life ($500), Wildwood Catholic Academy ($300), Hope Pregnancy Center ($500), Holy Redeemer Food Bank ($500), Guadalupe Family Services ($500), Good Counsel of New Jersey ($500), Family Promise of Cape May County ($500), Covenant House ($500), and Atlantic City Rescue Mission ($500).
In addition to their recent donations, the council also helped with parish improvements by purchasing and operating a fogging machine that disinfects their church after each Mass. Many of the members volunteered their time to clean the church.
Throughout the year, the council hosts special events for local students, works with nursing-home residents, supports the Special Olympics, and hosts an ice-cream social and Christmas luncheon for the homebound, retired veterans, and people with special needs. The group also distributes scholarships to local high school students, and honors local teachers, first responders, senior citizens, and others during the Madonna Maria Council’s Community Service Awards Ceremony.
TYING THE KNOT
MINA, COSKEY PLAN WEDDING
Stephen Coskey and Christine Mina became engaged on Nov. 25 while on a walk in their Northern Liberties neighborhood in Philadelphia. Christine is the daughter of Joe and Andrea Mina, of King of Prussia, Pa., and Stephen is the son of Dave and Monica Coskey, of Avalon. Christine, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, is a senior manager of digital media for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center. Stephen, a graduate of Villanova University, is the director of activation and corporate partnerships for the Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center. Stephen and Christine first met while working together in 2014. The couple are planning for a wedding in the fall of 2022.
CITY DELIVERS DONATIONS TO ANIMAL SHELTER
Sea Isle City’s Division of Recreation recently delivered donated items to the Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center. The donation drive was held in conjunction with Sea Isle’s virtual Santa Paws Pet Costume Contest in December.
Community members entered the social media contest by uploading a photo of their pet dressed up in their holiday attire to the SIC Recreation Facebook page. First place went to Moose the black lab, dressed up like Buddy the Elf. The runner-up was Lord Remmington, a black-and-white cat dressed in a festive red-and-green sweater. Third place went to Scamp and Samantha, two pups who also were dressed in festive sweaters.
Items collected for the shelter throughout December included dog food, cat treats, blankets, litter boxes and more.
“This is the second time we partnered with the County Animal Shelter for a donation drive – and we were extremely happy to do so,” said Christie Ostrander, assistant to the director of Sea Isle City’s Department of Community Services/Division of Recreation. “The people of our community once again opened their hearts and gave to this worthy cause – it is a beautiful thing.”
Ostrander delivered the items to shelter director Judy Davies-Dunhour, vet tech Katie Eckel, and manager Leslie Riedel.
“We are always in need of canned cat food, dog treats for training, and cleaning products, such as paper towels, dish detergent, and disinfectant wipes,” said Davies-Dunhour. “Anyone with questions can phone the shelter seven days a week, 365 days a year, and a staff member will help you.”
The phone number is 609-465-8923. All of the animals that are up for adoption at the shelter can be viewed at petfinder.com. All adoptions are being handled by appointment.
The Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center is located at 110 Shelter Road in Cape May Court House. For more information about the shelter, go to capemaycountynj.gov.
ANNE & DAN ORGAN’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Anne and Dan Organ, of Sea Isle City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the weekend of Nov. 7 with family and friends. The celebration began by spending Saturday on the beach and continued through Sunday when they attended Mass and went to brunch at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City.
The Organs were married Nov. 7, 1970 at the Good Shepherd Church in Southwest Philadelphia. While living in Philadelphia, the couple decided to build a house in Sea Isle City to spend their summers at the shore with family and friends. Religion and education are very important to the Organ family and are a big part of their lives.
Anne and Dan have seven children, 19 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. While spending their time in Sea Isle City, their children all have had summer jobs and the couple has made many friends through organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Zoning Board, VFW Golf League, and the Yacht Club. Anne also belongs to the Environmental Committee at St. Joseph Church, is a volunteer at the Sea Isle City Historical Museum, and a representative for the Town Watch.
The couple retired in 2006 in Sea Isle City and have spent their time traveling all around the country. The Organs have made many memories in Philadelphia and Sea Isle City, and they hope to continue doing so for many years to come.
CHRISTMAS TREE ON BEACH A SEA ISLE SENSATION
Over the holiday season, Sea Isle City residents Nicholas and Shannon Giordano and their children brought joy to so many families by displaying a fresh-cut Douglas fir Christmas tree on the 44th Street beach, firmly mounted in the sand. Throughout social media, photos were shared of the tree and of the countless people adding to it.
After seeing all the additional ornaments, decorations, and handwritten messages on seashells, the family decided to keep the tree on the beach and decorate it for Valentine’s Day.
“People started making posts on social media as soon as we decorated the tree for Valentine’s Day,” said Shannon Giordano. “We love seeing people enjoy the tree; and, as long as it lasts, we will add decorations for St. Patrick’s Day and keep going forward.”
Upon removing the Christmas-season decorations, the Giordanos carefully salvaged any items they could to hopefully display on another tree next December. The tree still remains on the beach today and has been decorated for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.
The Giordanos with their beach Christmas/Valentine’s Day tree: Mom Shannon and dad Nicholas with Gracelynn, Vincenzo and Giovanni.
