Smilestones
Look What the Stork Brought
ELOISE JOSEPHINE CUSTER
Eloise Josephine Custer was born Oct. 14, 2024, to Marissa and Christopher Custer, of Sewell, N.J., weighing 7 pounds,12 ounces. Eloise’s grandparents are Lisa and Mike Whaley, of Lindenwold; Bud Custer, of Wildwood Crest; and her beloved “Gigi” Dot Custer, who is smiling down from heaven. She is also much loved by her “Great Mom-Mom” Fran Custer, of Sea Isle City, Uncle Ron & Auntie Kathy Custer, of Sea Isle City, and many other family and friends in New Jersey, Wisconsin and elsewhere who look forward to spending time with this happy little girl. Eloise’s first visit to the beach took place on Easter Sunday on Sea Isle City’s 48th Street beach – and her parents plan to make that one of many visits she makes to the shore in the years to come.
OZZIE HENDEE
Ozzie Hendee was born March 5 at Shore Medical Center to Grace Adelizzi and Weston Hendee of Cape May Court House. He weighed 9 pounds and measured 21 inches long. He joins big sisters Irie and Rue, who are so in love with their baby brother. Grace is the owner of Izzi & Lu in Avalon and Sea Isle City, and Weston is the owner of Harbor Awnings.
FINN SULLIVAN ATTENDS DISNEY DREAMERS ACADEMY
Finn Sullivan, the son of 7 Mile Publishing & Creative designer Kim Brooks and Shawn Sullivan, recently attended the 18th annual Disney Dreamers Academy in Orlando, Fla. Finn was chosen from among thousands of applicants from across the country. The Academy builds a cohort of 100 students, #Be100, and the high school students win an all-expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World to attend an empowering mentorship program.
While there, Finn was interviewed on 6abc and attended classes that were geared toward his personal career goal of becoming a music educator who works for inclusive opportunities for all types of learners.
One of the highlights of his experience was being on a float in the Magic Kingdom parade and hearing celebrities, entertainers, and business executives speak about how to achieve great things. It was a magical experience for Finn, who graduates from Collingswood High School this June.
The Catholic Daughters from St. Joseph Church with some of the Easter goodies they delivered: (front, from left) Grace Stango, Peg McDermott, Bette Keller, Barbara Cummins, Denise McGinley, Chick Flora, and Trish Renz; (back, from left) Betty Ann Brittingham, Cathy Fagan, Barbara Rice, Carole McCullough, Mary Jane Whinney, and Barbara Doring.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS DELIVER EASTER CHEER
Members of the Catholic Daughters Court Our Lady of Mercy #1655 of St. Joseph Church brought Easter cheer to those in need through their fifth annual Easter Basket Drive. With the support of generous parishioners, more than 100 baskets were assembled with candy, toys, snacks, and other thoughtful items.
The Catholic Daughters wrapped the baskets in cellophane, tied them with colorful ribbon, and included a heartfelt note: “Some Bunny Loves You!”
Baskets brought smiles and the spirit of Easter to homebound members of St. Joseph Church, the Covenant House in Atlantic City, and Branches Outreach Center in Rio Grande. The Covenant House serves young people facing homelessness and human trafficking. At Branches Outreach Center, individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and other hardships can access resources and support in a welcoming environment.
BEDNAREK WINS GREEN THUMB AWARD
During the Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25, Mayor Desiderio presented Senior Public Works Repairer Nick Bednarek with the 3rd Annual Green Thumb Award on behalf of the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission and the Sea Isle City Shade Tree Committee. Bednarek, who has been an employee since 2012, was honored for his efforts in planting flowers, trees, and shrubs that beautify Sea Isle City’s community. He also serves as the City's recycling coordinator.
SCHOOL DISTRICT RAISES $10,000 FOR EAGLES AUTISM FOUNDATION
Upper Township Schools hosted a spirited spring pep rally on April 10 to celebrate a remarkable achievement: raising $10,000 for the Eagles Autism Foundation through the Swoop’s Schools program. The event featured a special visit from Swoop, the Philadelphia Eagles mascot, and the Eagles cheerleaders, who helped energize the crowd and recognize the school community’s efforts.
This initiative was led by Sea Isle City’s Krista Iannone, a second-grade teacher in the district who worked with Ryan Hammond, the executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, and Makayla Brant, the peer-to-peer coordinator. Funds were raised through a staff kickball game, several dress-down days, coin drives, and many generous donations from families within the community. The McMahon Agency donated pom-poms for the kids to use during the pep rally.
Upper Township proudly became the first school district to participate in the program, uniting students, staff, and the community in support of autism awareness and research.
