Smilestones
Luke Petrini and Brian “Hank” Ruxton
MEETING THE ‘HANK’ BEHIND THE SAUCE A WISH COME TRUE
One year for his birthday, Luke Petrini – a seventh grader and son of Edward and Elizabeth Petrini – received a bottle of Hank Sauce from his grandparents, Tom and Geri McCann. The McCann family has strong ties to Sea Isle City, and at the time Hank Sauce was a newer small business in the area that the McCanns wanted to support. Luke loved the sauce and the story behind it, and it became a tradition to receive a new bottle each year.
Over time, Luke began asking if he might one day meet the man behind the sauce. His grandparents took him to Hank Sauce Restaurant in Sea Isle, where he met founder Brian “Hank” Ruxton, and the two got to discuss their favorite flavors. Ruxton was impressed with Luke’s enthusiasm and how much he knew about his product.
“He was incredibly knowledgeable about the sauces; it was awesome,” Ruxton said. “Hank Sauce is going into its 15th year, and to see how much enjoyment it can still bring people after all these years was meaningful.”
Luke’s story is a reminder of how traditions can inspire bigger dreams, and how a hometown connection can make those moments even more special.
McCANN NAMED VINELAND INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Thomas P. McCann, a longtime educator with deep ties to Sea Isle City and Vineland, was recently appointed interim superintendent of the Vineland Public School District in March.
McCann has dedicated nearly five decades to public education in South Jersey. He began his career as a substitute teacher before teaching marketing education in Cape May and Salem counties. In 1982, he became assistant principal at Fairfield Intermediate School, launching a long career in educational leadership.
He later served as assistant principal and principal of Landis Intermediate School, and principal of Vineland High School South. In 2012, he was named executive principal, overseeing both high school campuses and the district’s alternative school until retiring in 2018.
Following retirement, McCann continued in interim roles, including positions at Atlantic County Institute of Technology and Pleasantville. He holds degrees from Temple, Rowan, and the University of Pennsylvania.
He is also a published author who has written books related to his time with the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, including “Lifeguarding in Sea Isle City since 1882” and “The Guards.”
Winners were presented with plaques from the event hosts during the awards ceremony. From left, Michael Jargowsky; Jim McGowan; Torri Bucci, Layla Mitchell, Riley Reich, Alex Iannone and Ron Custer.
BISHOP MCHUGH’S MITCHELL WINS SPELLING BEE
“Thorax” was the winning word when the Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph Church hosted its annual spelling bee for local eighth-grade students on Feb. 26.
Fifteen students from the Dennis Township School District and Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School competed in the event at the St. Joseph Parish Life Center, where family members and friends gathered to cheer on the contestants and celebrated afterward with a pizza party.
First place went to Layla Mitchell, 14, of Ocean View, a student at Bishop McHugh who received a $250 cash prize. Second place and a $150 prize went to Tori Bucci, 13, of Ocean View, representing Dennis Township School District. Third place went to Riley Reich, 14, of Seaville, a Bishop McHugh student who received $100. They each also received a commemorative plaque.
Mitchell and Bucci will advance to the Knights of Columbus Diocesan Spelling Bee on March 22 in Camden. State competition is scheduled for April.
For more information on the Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph Church, contact the Grand Knight by phone (215-327-8179) or email cwhinney@hotmail.com.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Gerrie Crudele, winners Joan Boyle and Joe Bellucci, Kathy Racz, and Pattiann Ponichtera at the AARP St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon.
AARP CHAPTER HOLDS ST. PADDY’S DAY LUNCHEON
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Sea Isle City’s AARP Chapter 710 hosted a festive luncheon on March 12, welcoming 65 members for an afternoon of food, fun, and Irish spirit. Guests were encouraged to wear their best Irish-themed attire for a chance to win a $25 cash prize.
This year’s “Best Dressed Irish Lady and Gentleman” honors went to Joan Boyle of Sea Isle City and Joe Bellucci of Ocean View, whose festive outfits impressed fellow attendees. Each winner received a $25 cash prize in recognition of their holiday spirit and creativity.
AARP Chapter 710 meets on the second Thursday of each month from fall through spring at the Sea Isle City Community Center. Meetings provide members with opportunities to socialize, play games, hear from guest speakers, and learn valuable information. New members are always welcome.
