Times Talk
Mayor Len Desiderio, City Council members Mary Tighe, Mike Jargowsky and Bill Kehner, and Katherine Custer celebrate the grand opening of the new community center.
COMMUNITY CENTER OPENING DRAWS HUNDREDS
Several hundred people gathered in Sea Isle City on Saturday, March 28 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the 44,000-square-foot Community Center, a project officials say will serve as a cornerstone of civic life for years to come.
Before cutting the ribbon, Mayor Len Desiderio hailed the facility as “the eighth wonder of Sea Isle City” and described it as the envy of all of Cape May County. Once inside, local students Connor Capone, Vincent Farina, Rachel Grace, Gavin Oliver, Landon Oliver, and Liza Pellini helped open the facility by performing “ceremonial first layups” into the gymnasium’s six basketball nets.
The project officially moved forward after Sea Isle City Council awarded a $21,093,000 construction contract on Feb. 27, 2024, to Ernest Bock & Sons. Groundbreaking followed in May 2024, launching the multiphase build.
Designed by Henry Hengchua, the ADA-compliant facility is supported by more than 500 foundation pilings and a steel frame. Built above an enclosed parking structure, it features such amenities as an NBA regulation-size basketball court, an elevated walking and running track, a community meeting room, conference space, arts and crafts space, business and safety offices, a golf simulator, a multisport game room, and an exterior patio.
Membership cards will be required for everyone (age 18 and older) who wants to utilize this facility. There is no cost to property owners or year-round residents. Non-property owners and non-year-round residents can sign up for membership with fees associated. For more information, go to visitsicnj.com/community-center.
Patrick Rosenello being sworn in to Cape May County Commissioners Office with his wife Michelle and son Peyton alongside.
ROSENELLO NAMED TO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Former North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello was recently appointed to serve on the Cape May County Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of commissioner Melanie Collette. He will serve the remainder of Collette’s term, which expires Dec. 31. He was sworn in on April 14 by former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Donohue.
“Stepping into the commissioner role at this point in my career is both an honor and a natural progression,” Rosenello said. “I’ve spent many years working at the local level, and this opportunity allows me to bring that experience to a broader stage, helping shape policy and priorities that impact the entire county.”
Rosenello departs the North Wildwood governing body after more than 22 years of service. First elected to City Council in 2004, he served for a decade alongside Mayor Aldo Palombo and Mayor William Henfey. In 2014, he was elected as the city’s 17th mayor, a position he held through the end of 2025. He returned to City Council in January 2026.
As a young boy, Rosenello moved to North Wildwood from Levittown, Pa. He attended Wildwood Catholic High School and graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1995. He began his career in public service as a legislative aide to U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly and later served as communications director for state Sen. Nick Asselta. Prior to his election to City Council, Rosenello also served on the North Wildwood School Board.
“The biggest difference from my time as mayor is the scope,” he said. “As mayor, my focus was on the day-to-day needs of one community. As a commissioner, the perspective widens, balancing the interests of multiple municipalities while addressing countywide infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.”
In addition to his service on the governing body, Rosenello has contributed to the community through numerous organizations, including the Greater Wildwood Little League Board of Directors, Wildwood Catholic Advisory Council, Naval Air Station Wildwood, Cape May County Bridge Commission, Cape May County Open Space Board, and the North Wildwood Joint Planning Board.
Looking ahead, Rosenello said he is eager to begin working with his new colleagues. “What I’m most looking forward to is the collaboration,” he said. “The Board of Commissioners has a strong foundation of experience, and I’m eager to work alongside my colleagues to build consensus and move initiatives forward that benefit all of Cape May County.”
COUNCIL MEETINGS NOW BEING LIVESTREAMED
To enhance transparency and continue its longstanding commitment to public engagement, the City of Sea Isle is now livestreaming all City Council meetings. The first livestream took place on Tuesday, April 28. The new initiative provides the public with a convenient way to stay informed about local government proceedings from anywhere.
The livestreaming service is hosted on YouTube, allowing users to watch meetings in real time without needing an account or login credentials. In addition to live broadcasts, recorded versions of each meeting are available shortly after they conclude, offering flexibility for those unable to tune in live.
“My first hope once council meetings begin livestreaming is for increased transparency,” said Councilman Ian Ciseck. “Providing livestreaming will ensure that the public has the chance to stay informed about decisions occurring in their town. Secondly, I hope livestreaming fosters more community engagement. The goal is for citizens to become more actively engaged, building a stronger, more cohesive relationship between citizens and their local government.”
To access the livestream, viewers can visit the City’s official website at seaislecitynj.us and click the “City YouTube (Live Stream)” link located near the top of the homepage. Users may also navigate to the City’s YouTube channel via the link at the bottom of the homepage and select the “Live” tab. Once the meeting begins at 10am, the stream will automatically start, though viewers should expect a brief delay of approximately 10 to 15 seconds.
Recordings of each meeting will be posted within about an hour after adjournment and can be accessed under the “Live” tab, organized from newest to oldest.
Parents of Army Lt. Nate Cossaboon of the 180th Engineers in Somalia, Michelle and Steve Cossaboon, unveiled a framed tribute honoring this year’s VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary “Adopt-a-Troop” recipients.
POST AUXILIARY ‘ADOPTS’ U.S. PLATOON IN SOMALIA
The VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary continued its tradition of supporting active-duty service members by hosting its annual “Adopt-a-Troop” program on April 18, selecting the 180th Engineers stationed in Somalia, East Africa, as this year’s recipient.
A highlight of the event was a livestreamed video conference, during which Auxiliary members connected directly with the soldiers. The discussion offered insight into daily life overseas, with troops answering questions about everything from their meals to their interactions with local Somali communities, while carefully avoiding sensitive details.
“It was totally amazing to connect with the Platoon in Somalia,” said Auxiliary president Peggy Moore. “It was almost instant, no lag time. It was the first time we were able to meet the platoon members, learn where they were from and their job in Somalia. There were many questions from auxiliary and family members. We really got a great picture of how their day is.”
This year’s honorees share a strong tie to Sea Isle City. Lt. Nate Cossaboon, a member of the 180th Engineers, is a local resident whose family has a longstanding involvement with Post 1963. During the ceremony, his parents unveiled a framed tribute to the unit, now displayed at the post, with a matching piece presented to the Cossaboon family.
“I think the platoon men are very honored to have us recognize them, send good wishes, and let them know they are valued,” said Moore. “We try to adopt a new troop every year. Someone with connections to Sea Isle and our Post 1963. Every troop is different in what we can send them and how we honor them. One constant is their platoon picture displayed in the Post for the year.
“I hope that this program continues to go forward and continues to honor our active service members and their families! It is most rewarding to have the service members family join us during this special ceremony.”
To support the initiative, the Auxiliary organized a fundraiser that included T-shirt sales. Each soldier will receive two shirts, along with financial support equivalent to two months of Starlink internet service, helping them stay connected with loved ones during deployment.
With the largest auxiliary in New Jersey, Post 1963 remains a leader in veteran and military support initiatives year-round.
BEACH REPLENISHMENT SET FOR JUNE
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District has announced a major beach replenishment project for Sea Isle City and Strathmere, with work expected to restore and strengthen the shoreline and dune system ahead of future coastal storms.
The USACE recently awarded a $21.6 million contract to Norfolk Dredging Company of Chesapeake, Va., for periodic nourishment of the Great Egg Harbor Inlet to Townsends Inlet dune and the upcoming June beach-fill project. The Army Corps expedited preconstruction steps under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works’ “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” initiative.
The replenishment work is scheduled to start around the first of June and is expected to be completed by the end of June, dependent on sea conditions. Mobilization of some equipment will take place prior to Memorial Day weekend.
“I know the timing of the work is not convenient, but this project is vital,” said Mayor Leonard Desiderio. “With only a handful of contractors in the entire country able to perform a project like this, we must take the work when it becomes available.
“Our beaches are not just our primary tourist attraction; they are our first line of defense against coastal storms, and the long-term protection of our homes, businesses, and infrastructure is our top priority. We will work closely with the Army Corps and the state to ensure the work is done efficiently and with as much respect to our residents and visitors as possible.”
The project will involve dredging, pumping, and placing approximately 1.86 million cubic yards of sand from two designated borrow areas; one located off Corson’s Inlet and another about three miles offshore of Sea Isle City.
Approximately 1,381,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed in the Strathmere section of Upper Township, stretching from north of Seaview Avenue to the intersection of Landis Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, covering about 5,168 feet of shoreline. In Sea Isle City, approximately 479,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed between 29th and 30th streets south to between 54th and 55th streets, approximately 6,771 feet.
During the project, no more than a thousand feet of beach will be closed at any point in time, and the area of closure will move as the project progresses.
This is an Army Corps of Engineers project that’s being funded 50% by the federal government, 37.5% by the state, and 12.5% by Sea Isle City.
The SICCCR presented its 2026 Scholarship Awards (from left): Mayor Desiderio, Clancy Larkin, Mary Tighe, Jordyn Wooton, Meggan Haig, Ava Ryan, Marissa Jones, Bill Kehner, Peyton Laricks, Will Kutschera, Clare Capone, Lauren Weinstein and Antonella DiAntonio.
SICCCR PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Each year, the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization presents select graduating high school seniors with a scholarship award. This year’s recipients were recognized during the City’s Community Day on May 9. This year’s winners were Clare Capone, Antonella DiAntonio, Ava Ryan, Peyton Laricks, Jordyn Wootton, Marissa Jones, and Will Kutschera.
Here are where those students are headed: Capone, Monmouth University; DiAntonio, University of Delaware; Ryan, Penn State University; Laricks, Fairfield University; Wootton, University of Mississippi; Kutschera, Stockton University; Jones, American Airlines Cadet Academy.
"It’s a privilege to recognize these talented students with our scholarship award,” said Chamber president Brian Heritage. "We have no doubt they’ll carry their success forward and continue to make Sea Isle City proud.”
The Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization founded the scholarship award more than 30 years ago to encourage students to attend college and return home to help with the town’s revitalization. Each student must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in their first semester and will receive $500 upon receipt of their transcripts from the first semester.
Mayor Desiderio presented the "Do the Right Thing" Awards. From left, Maggie Sgalio, Ron Taylor, Mary Tighe, Katherine Custer, Alex Iannone, Mayor Desiderio, Mike Jargowsky, Bill Kehner, Rachel Grace, The Romano Family and James McGowan.
Mayor Desiderio presented the Beach Tag Art Contest Award winners with framed tags of their designs. From left, Mayor Desiderio, Michael Marchio, Sonia Bonita and Genevieve Conte.
Liz Pane, Mayor Desiderio and members of City Council during the check presentation to members of the VFW Post 1963.
2026 COMMUNITY DAY FESTIVITIES & AWARDS
Sea Isle City hosted its annual Community Day on Saturday, May 9 at a new venue: the Community Center. The event brought residents and visitors together for a morning filled with community spirit, civic engagement, and family-friendly activities throughout town.
The day kicked off with the annual city-wide yard sale, hosted by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization, which drew bargain hunters to neighborhoods across the city beginning at 7am. City Council also held its scheduled Saturday meeting and the police department hosted its annual bicycle auction.
From 10am-noon, the Community Center was buzzing with informational tables hosted by nearly 20 local civic organizations and community groups. Families and visitors enjoyed walking around to the different community displays, interactive activities like face painting, and opportunities to connect with neighbors ahead of the busy summer season. Outside the Community Center, free bulk paper shredding sponsored by First Bank of Sea Isle City was available for residents.
During the Community Day event, Mayor Len Desiderio presented several community awards recognizing individuals and organizations for their service and contributions to the city. The awards ceremony highlighted the importance of volunteerism and community involvement in helping make Sea Isle City a vibrant place to live and visit.
Beach-tag design awards were presented to the winners of this year’s contest. The seasonal tag was designed by Owen Thomas Kates, depicting the “Smile! You’re in Sea Isle” water tower. Sonia Bonita’s design was selected for the Holiday Beach Tags, Genevieve Conte’s “Lucky Duck” was selected as the St. Patrick’s Day beach tag and Michael Marchio designed the Veterans beach tag.
Mayor Desiderio also presented eight “Do the Right Thing” awards to this year’s recipients: Rachel Grace, the Romano Family, Alex Iannone, James McGowan, Bill Murphy, Maggie Sgalio, Ron Taylor, and Katherine Custer. Mayor Desiderio created these awards to recognize members of the community for their good deeds to others.
In addition to the “Do the Right Thing Awards,” Liz Pane of 1st Bank of Sea Isle City presented a $2,000 Community Partnership Award to the VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary for its service to others.
Fran Dolan of the Overbrook Bicycling Association presented the Sea Isle City Police Department with a plaque recognizing its dedication in helping cyclists safely cross the bridge into Sea Isle City for more than 50 years.
The Chamber of Commerce also presented its annual scholarship awards to seven graduating high school seniors. In his role as Cape May County Board of County Commissioners Director, Desiderio also presented City Council with a $12,500 grant that will be used for two upcoming drone shows this summer in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Community Day continues to serve as an annual tradition celebrating the organizations, volunteers and residents who contribute to the strength and spirit of the Sea Isle City community.
