Smilestones
SURPRISE! FIRE DEPARTMENT’S MASCOT A DALMATIAN
The Sea Isle City Fire Department has welcomed an adorable new unofficial member to its team. Rookie, a 3-month-old Dalmatian puppy owned by firefighter Ron Taylor, has quickly become the department’s beloved mascot while carrying on a tradition that dates back more than a century.
Although he’s still young, Rookie already rides along with firefighters during emergency calls and has become a familiar face around town. He can often be spotted visiting local favorites, including the Sea Isle City Dog Park at 700 Landis Ave., where he enjoys meeting residents and visitors alike.
Rookie has also gained a loyal following after appearing on the “Dogs of Sea Isle” Facebook page and Instagram account. Visitors who stop by the fire station with their dogs are often greeted with a treat and the opportunity to have their four-legged friend featured on the department’s social media pages.
Congratulations Class of 2026
RYAN DAVENPORT CREST MEMORIAL SCHOOL
Ryan Davenport graduated from Crest Memorial School, where he completed elementary and middle school. Ryan earned honors in every marking period of his elementary school career. He was captain of the varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball teams, where he received MVP honors. Ryan received many community awards including the Mayor’s Award, the Anglesea Irish Society Award and the Douglas Raucci Award. During the summer months, you can find him on the basketball court, working for his dad, and spending time with his friends. Ryan is the son of Patrick and Jennifer Davenport of Wildwood Crest. His mom is the associate editor for Seven Mile Publishing. This fall, Ryan will attend Wildwood Catholic Academy.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio presents the "Best of Show" trophy to John Rossi, of Jenkintown, Pa., flanked by (from left) John Trotman, Tish Thompson, and Jim Ambro in front of the award-winning 1964 Ford Galaxie at the Skimmer Antique Auto Show on June 21.
Steve and Susan Hartmann, of Aston, Pa., pose with the mayor with their Mayor's Choice award-winning 1967 Corvette.
’64 CORVETTE, ’67 GALAXIE WIN SKIMMER ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW AWARDS
The Skimmer Antique Auto Show returned to Sea Isle City’s oceanfront Promenade on June 21, drawing 95 classic vehicles and hundreds of spectators for one of the city’s most anticipated summer traditions.
The show featured a collection of vintage automobiles from a variety of makes and models. Following the judging, Mayor Leonard Desiderio presented two special awards. The Mayor’s Choice Award went to Steve and Susan Hartmann, of Aston, Pa., and Sea Isle City, for their Rally Red 1967 Chevrolet Corvette. Best of Show went to John Rossi of Jenkintown, Pa., for his immaculate black 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible with a maroon interior.
The celebration concluded with the annual Skimmer Antique Auto Parade as the classic cars cruised along the Promenade before making their way through town. The next Antique Auto Show and Parade will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, during Fall Family Festival Weekend.
The first annual McCann Family Women’s Basketball Tournament winning team, “Ball Don’t Lie,” is shown from left: Kate Herlihy, Sarah White, Maddie Barber, Mia Stock, Cam Gregory, and Haley Selmer.
‘BALL DON’T LIE’ WINS McCANN FAMILY WOMEN’S HOOPS TOURNEY
Sea Isle City’s Division of Recreation introduced a new summer tradition on July 11 with the inaugural McCann Family Women’s Basketball Tournament at the JFK Boulevard basketball courts.
The Recreation Department selected the McCann family as the tournament’s namesake because generations of McCanns grew up playing basketball on the very courts where the event was held. Members of the family have also participated in the Braca Family Women’s Basketball Tournament for the past two years. When Recreation officials approached the McCanns about naming the tournament after their family, they were honored by the recognition.
The McCann family embraced the opportunity to participate by entering a team in the tournament, with six of the squad’s 10 players carrying the McCann name.
Four teams competed throughout the day, with “Ball Don’t Lie” capturing the championship. The winning team received a cash prize from the McCann family, Playa Bowls gift cards, and McCann Family Tournament Champion T-shirts.
Diaper Derby winners, from left: Todd Smith, Joseph Magrann and Josephine Stout with their parents.
DIAPER DERBY HIGHLIGHTS SARA THE TURTLE FESTIVAL
The Sara the Turtle Festival filled Excursion Park with entertainment, games, crafts, educational exhibits, and activities for all ages on June 29.
One of the most anticipated events was the annual Diaper Derby baby crawling contest, where the young participants raced across the finish line to the delight of cheering family members and spectators.
This year’s champion was 11-month-old Todd Smith. Second place went to 1-year-old Joseph Magrann, and 1-year-old Josephine Stout earned third place.
