Smilestones - Spring 2024
D’INTINO GRADUATES TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
T.J. D’Intino, of Sea Isle City, graduated One Station Unit Training (OSUT) on Feb. 22 at the Army’s Fort Moore post in Georgia. OSUT combines basic combat training with advanced individual training. D’Intino is now a Private First Class and will begin his next stage of training. His Gold Phase of training will begin the first weekend of April at his duty station. D’Intino hopes to attend college in the fall and is currently working on sending his applications to various schools.
Look What the Stork Brought
JOSHUA GEORGE GORECKE
Joshua George Gorecke was born Jan. 26 to parents Zach and Joanna Gorecke. Joshua arrived weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measuring 21½ inches. He has a big sister, Paisley. Joshua’s mother is a client manager for 7 Mile Publishing and his father is an assistant prosecutor. His grandparents are Al and Chris Heston, of Marmora, and Eric and Julia Gorecke, of Ocean View.
CORINNE RHOADES BUTLER
Corinne Rhoades Butler was born Nov. 15, 2023, to parents Meaghan Rhodes and Matt Butler, of Washington Township. At birth, she weighed 6 pounds and measured 18 inches. Her mother is a graphic designer for 7 Mile Publishing and her father is a paralegal for Sklar Law. Corinne’s grandparents are Bob and Janet Butler, of Stratford, and Paul Rhoades, of Jefferson Township.
KIEZSLEYS CELEBRATE THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Steve and Rosanne Kiezsley, who have owned a summer home in Sea Isle City since 1984, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They also have a home in Churchville, Pa., but love coming down here for summers with the family, which now includes their four grown children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Members of the Catholic Daughters after completing their annual Easter Basket Drive on March 15 (front row, from left): Carole McCullough, Chickie Flora, Bette Keller, Barbara Rice, Gerrie Crudele; (back row, from left): Mary Jane Whinney, Joann Gallagher, Judy McGeoch, Peggy McDermott, Kay Higginbotham.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS SHARE EASTER CHEER
For the fourth straight year, members of the Catholic Daughters, Court Our Lady of Mercy, have hosted an Easter Basket Drive. During the drive, chocolate bunnies, seasonal candies and toys, puzzle books, and other gifts were collected from parishioners at St. Joseph Church.
The Catholic Daughters stuffed nearly 100 baskets full of goodies and wrapped them up in ribbons to distribute to people who may not have someone with them during the Easter season.
Sixty baskets were given to The Branches Outreach Center in Rio Grande, which provides safe environments for elderly, disabled, and homeless people in need. Thirty baskets went to the Covenant House in Atlantic City, which helps young people experiencing homelessness and victims of human trafficking. The last 18 baskets were sent to homebound parishioners.
This outreach project from the Catholic Daughters is done to give everyone joy at Eastertime. It was first started during COVID, and the members hope to continue it into the future.
CAPONE FAMILY HAS ANOTHER EQUESTRIAN STAR
Following in the footsteps of her older sister Lily, 13-year-old Sea Isle City resident Regan Capone is making quite a name for herself in the equestrian world.
Regan has been making waves with Tia Marie, a Welsh pony-thoroughbred mix. A student at Ocean City Intermediate School, she and Tia Marie have qualified for the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pony Finals scheduled for Aug. 6-11 at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
They are coming off a 2023 season in which they placed second nationally for the USEF’s Children’s Hunter Ponies Horse of the Year; first in the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Children’s Hunter Ponies Small/Medium Division for the New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey zone; and became the overall reserve champion at the HITS-on-the-Hudson Horse Show’s Pony Finals in Saugerties, N.Y.
Regan says her favorite event is jumping and she just loves “being with her ponies and at the barn.”
Sea Isle Times readers might already be familiar with Regan from her fundraising efforts. She has been responsible for nearly $60,000 of donations that benefit the Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism, the Love of Linda Cancer Fund, and the Cape Regional Foundation.
Regan has been riding horses since she was just 2 years old. At the age of 5, she began equestrian training at Pembrook Farm in Eldora, where she helps care for the horses. Her two trainers, Eleanor Robinson and Chrissy Covarrubias, have helped her become a force to be reckoned with in competitions today.
“She’s extremely dedicated, it’s just all about the ponies all the time and has such a strong competitive nature,” Covarrubias said. “We are extremely proud of all her achievements and look forward to her continued success because this is just the tip of the iceberg for her. I mean, she’s already qualified for 2024, has a full calendar of events, and we have a lot more goals to reach.”
The winners of AARP Chapter 710’s 2024 “Best Dressed Irish” contest (from left): Joan Boyle, Joe Bellucci, and Patricia and Bud Smith, of Marmora.
AARP CHAPTER 710 CELEBREATES SAINT PATRICK’S DAY WITH ANNUAL LUNCHEON
On March 14, the members of AARP Chapter 710, based in Sea Isle City, came together for their annual Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon. Nearly 70 individuals filled the venue, relishing in the festive atmosphere and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Highlighting the event was the eagerly awaited “Best Dressed Irish” contest. This year’s winners showcased their creativity and Irish flair, capturing the hearts of their fellow attendees. Taking the title of “Best Dressed Lady” was Joan Boyle of Sea Isle City, whose ensemble, featuring a striking large green hat and coordinated accessories, made her an unmistakable standout in the crowd. Meanwhile, Joe Bellucci of Ocean View claimed the honor of “Best Dressed Gentleman” with his imaginative attire, which included an Irish-inspired Viking helmet, a leprechaun’s beard, and a flashing shamrock necklace. The award for “Best Dressed Couple” went to Patricia and Bud Smith of Marmora, whose ensemble was adorned with eye-catching accessories, including a green-plaid hat illuminated with green lights on Mr. Smith and a charming shamrock headband on Mrs. Smith.