Editor’s Note: As a final tribute to our dear friend and colleague, we are running one last column from Big Daddy Graham. This is from Spring 2021. Please enjoy his wit and wisdom one final time. Here’s Big Daddy’s last call in the Sea Isle Times.

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH MARKS 10 YEARS IN NEW BUILDING

St. Joseph’s Parish is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its new building! Built next door to the previous church building, it was completed and opened in December 2011.

The Yacht Club of Sea Isle City has a longstanding tradition of summer sailing and continues to open this opportunity to the public through the summer. For years, this prestigious sailing club has opened lessons to the public for week-long lessons for all ages and skill level.

I should have known very quickly that Ed Gudonis, aka Big Daddy Graham, was like no other person I would ever encounter in my seven decades on this planet. He gave all of us at WIP ample warning.

We take time this issue to remember the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 – 60 years ago this March. Thanks to the late Bob Penrose’s family for allowing us to utilize his photography. Bob Sr. was a lifelong visitor to Cape May County and a pioneer in documenting local history.

If you are an avid reader, I suggest joining a book club – or even a few! Book clubs have changed with the times. There are still ones that meet in person every so often to discuss the latest selection. But now there are clubs that meet virtually, and even social media groups you can join. I tend to select the same types of genres over and over.

What’s up with the local bridges, besides toll hikes?

The March implementation of fare increases on five Cape May County bridges is an appropriate time for Sea Isle City visitors and second homeowners to obtain a big-picture overview from the Cape May County Bridge Commission.

Here’s The Dish is a regular feature in the Sea Isle Times where we take you into the kitchens of some of the best restaurants in Sea Isle City and Strathmere.

Spring is here, which means summer is right around the corner. I can’t be the only one counting the days until the warmer weather and sunshine.

“Every recipe has a story,” Dana Iannelli says, “so when you’re baking it’s like a trip down memory lane.”

One particular recipe story of Iannelli’s was played out in public.

As I write this, the markets are closed to commemorate Presidents Day, a federal holiday. Hopefully you have taken a deep breath and not panicked. Since the beginning of the year, the S&P 500 is down 8.8%, closing in on correction territory.

Imagine playing a ferocious game of up-close tennis, smacking a Wiffle ball with a solid-faced paddle while standing on pingpong table.

Spring has arrived and everything feels new again! The grass is greener, flowers are blooming, it’s time to put the boat back in the water, and soon the sun will be warming the sand beneath your feet.

Save these dates for April and May.

Returning Sea Isle City summer residents gain something more than traditional greetings at the Welcome Center this spring.

They receive welcome news.

Since it’s been 60 years since the Great Storm of ’62 – that’s where this Days Gone By will take us.

Dear Readers:

Welcome back! So, we all survived winter’s snow and ice, and spring is finally here. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the first day that it’s warm enough to pack up my beach chair and dig my toes back into the sand.

Check out these Events at a Glance for April and May!

Schedule of local Easter services.

PAULA DOLL RETIRES AS SEA ISLE CITY CFO

Sea Isle City’s chief financial officer, Paula Doll, retired after 12 years of service. As CFO since 2010, Doll handled all of Sea Isle City’s finances, overseeing accounts payable and receiving as well as beach tag revenue.