Times Talk
From left, Chief Anthony Garreffi Jr., Sgt. Michael Mol, Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Lt. Shawn Lesniewski, Capt. Steven Conte, and Lt. James McQuillen during the promotion ceremony at City Hall.
TWO SICPD OFFICERS PROMOTED
Members of the Sea Isle City Police Department as well as officers from surrounding towns and former officers within the department filled the City’s Municipal Court room on June 2, when Patrolman Michael Mol was promoted to sergeant, and Sgt. Shawn Lesniewski was promoted to lieutenant. Mayor Leonard Desiderio and Police Chief Anthony Garreffi Jr. led the ceremony, which also was attended the officers’ families and friends.
“I am extremely proud of our police department, and I’m honored to be their leader,” said Garreffi. “My deepest appreciation goes to all law enforcement officers for their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to protecting and serving our communities. I, especially, express my gratitude to the men and women of the Sea Isle Police Department. All too often, we fail to realize and recognize the value of our police officers who brave the odds daily and ensure the public’s safety and wellbeing.”
Mol began his career as a seasonal officer in Sea Isle in 2004. He graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy in 2009 and was hired full time upon graduation. In addition to his role with the SICPD, Mol is also a Firearms and Radar Instructor for Cape May County.
Lesniewski began his law enforcement career after graduating from the Cape May County Police Academy in 2011 and was hired full time by the Sea Isle City Police Department upon graduation. He served as a detective from 2014 to 2017 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2019. In 2023, he completed the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program. That same year, he was honored with the SICPD Officer of the Year award in recognition of his life-saving actions and meritorious service. Notably, in 2020, Lesniewski assisted in delivering the first baby born in Sea Isle City since the 1970s. He also serves the County of Cape May as a physical trainer, drill instructor, emergency vehicle operations Instructor, and field training officer.
Peyton Laricks alongside her father Dustin addressing the participants who showed up to support the Peyton's Promise 5K.
PEYTON’S PROMISE 5K RAISES MORE THAN $50K
The Laricks family hosted its annual Peyton’s Promise 5K fundraiser on the Promenade in Sea Isle City on Saturday, June 7, and close to 400 participants supported the cause.
Peyton Laricks was born March 31, 2008, with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a life-threatening birth defect that affects the development of vital organs such as the lungs, diaphragm, and abdomen. After receiving nearly three months of life-saving support at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Peyton made it to her home in Sea Isle City on June 27 that year.
The Laricks family has been giving back ever since.
“When she was born, we made the decision to do what we could to raise money for medical research for other CDH babies,” said Peyton’s father Dustin, the owner of Laricks Real Estate. “And because she was born at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we decided all our funds would go to research there at CHOP.
“It’s very important that it’s held here in Sea Isle because we live here year-round. Peyton was born here in Sea Isle. It’s very, very touching to see all the support we get. Not only from our participants, but from donors who donate to it.”
Jay von Czoernig, the owner of von C Brewing Co. in Norristown, Pa., is a donor who participates in the event every year.
“I’m good friends with the Laricks family. I've known Dusty for 30-something years,” he said. “You know, I was there Day One when they were in the hospital. Seeing [Peyton] run the thing, I get totally emotional. I get choked up talking about it now.”
This year’s event raised more than $50,000 for CHOP and CDH research.
SICCCR President Brian Heritage (left) and board member Terese Jones-Anders (right) present the 2025 scholarship awards to Kathryn Novak...
...and to Aubrey Pinter.
TWO OCHS GRADS AWARDED SICCCR SCHOLARSHIPS
The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization presented its 2025 scholarship awards during a parade through town on June 10. This year’s two recipients are Aubrey Pinter and Kathryn Novak. Both graduated from Ocean City High School this June.
Pinter will attend Monmouth University, where she plans to major in psychology. Novak is set to attend Penn State University and plans to major in bio behavioral health.
"We’re proud to recognize these outstanding students during our annual scholarship parade," said Chamber president Brian Heritage. "We’re confident they’ll continue to make Sea Isle City proud in all they do moving forward."
The Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization founded the scholarship award more than 25 years ago to encourage students to attend college and return home and bring revitalization back to town. Each student must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in their first semester and will receive $500 upon receipt of their transcript from the first semester.
The 2025 winning entry for the seasonal beach tag.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2026 BEACH TAG ART CONTEST
Sea Isle City’s 2026 Beach Tag Art Contest is officially open, and all youngsters up to age 17 are invited to take part in this fun and creative tradition. Four winning designs will be selected to appear on Sea Isle City’s 2026 beach tags, one for each of the following categories: Seasonal, Winter Holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, and Veterans.
“The Beach Tag Art Contest is a great way to keep our residents and visitors involved in our community – especially young people who have the option to submit their designs,” said Mayor Len Desiderio. “It’s a fun event, and each year we receive a variety of terrific entries; but unfortunately, we can only choose four designs. We recognize that it can take a great amount of time and effort to create the designs – and we appreciate every entry we receive.”
Each participant may choose one category and submit one original design using no more than four colors. To enter, artwork must be created on the official contest template and submitted along with a completed entry form and signed waiver. These materials are available on the city’s website at seaislecitynj.us under Departments/Beach Tag, as well as in the lobby of City Hall and at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center. Entries will also be accepted by mail to the Tax Collector’s Office at 233 JFK Blvd., Sea Isle City, NJ 08243.
All submissions must be received by Monday, Sept. 1. The winners will be announced at the Sept. 24 City Council meeting.
“All the kids who participate are winners in our eyes, however the people of Sea Isle City are the biggest winners, because everyone gets to enjoy the wonderful designs that appear on our beach tags,” Desiderio said. “We receive a lot of positive feedback from the public. People really seem to enjoy the designs of our tags each year.”
A progress photo of the electronic sign installation taken on June 11.
ELECTRONIC ROAD SIGN BEING INSTALLED
Work began on the installation of an electronic sign at the intersection of JFK Boulevard and Central Avenue in mid-June. The Sea Isle City Council approved the resolution in March and purchased the $65,150 sign through Numeritex Displays.
“As you may have heard, we have been planning to install a new electronic sign at the corner of JFK Boulevard and Central Avenue, which will offer pertinent information that everyone can find useful,” Mayor Len Desiderio wrote in the City’s May 29 online newsletter.
“The installation of the new sign is expected to take place during the weeks ahead; and, once installed, it will display event information as well as some important reminders that will help people make the most of their time in Sea Isle City. So please be on the lookout for the new sign – and the timely info it will be sharing.”
The sign measures 6-by-9 feet and will be mounted on an 8-foot-tall base, making it easy for motorists to spot at its location. It has a weatherproof design and comes with a five-year warranty.
The City will be able to relay messages including notices for the weekly summer events, beach tag reminders, and special events throughout the season. It is double-sided so it can be viewed whether you are entering or leaving town.
VFW Auxiliary Department of New Jersey President Denise Beckler and VFW Auxiliary Department of New Jersey Chief of Staff Barbara Wiener pose with the newly installed officers of VFW Post 1963: Auxiliary Secretary Marty Ryan, Senior Vice President Ellen Myers, President Peggy Moore, Junior Vice President Sue Lomax, Treasurer Ruth Brown, Guard Brian Moran, Patriotic Instructor Maryanne Hamilton, Conductor Terry Moore, Trustee Tom Delozier, Trustee Gail Willard, and Assistant Guard Diane McCool.
VFW POST 1963 AUXILIARY INSTALLS OFFICERS
The VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary installed new officers during a ceremony on May 12. New Jersey Auxiliary Department President Denise Beckler led the ceremony and installed the officers with some returning to their previously elected roles, and others were chosen to serve as officers for the first time.
Post 1963’s officers include President Peggy Moore, Senior Vice President Ellen Myers, Junior Vice President Sue Lomax, Treasurer Ruth Brown, Secretary Marty Ryan, Guard Brian Moran, Assistant Guard Diane McCool, Patriotic Instructor Maryanne Hamilton, Conductor Terry Moore, Trustee Tom Delozier, Trustee Gail Williard, Trustee Barbara Haines, Historian Karen Haugh, and Chaplain Bonnie Bakely.
“Our organization and our outreach programs depend not only on the elected officers who lead our group, but all of our members who contribute to our organization on a daily basis,” said Moore. “The more we have grown, the more our outreach programs have become established, including our commitment to New Jersey Veterans Home in Vineland, local schools and to the town of Sea Isle City. We recently also adopted the ‘comfort room’ at the Sea Isle City Police station, where we will continually supply children’s books and other supplies that will help families who need to take temporary respite in that space.”
Sea Isle City’s VFW Auxiliary is the largest and most active VFW Auxiliary in New Jersey, boasting 798 members.
To learn more about Post 1963, go to vfwauxiliary1963.com.
