Memorial Garden and New Turtle Habitat to be Unveiled April 27

SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City Historical Society members are looking forward to April 27, when they will officially welcome visitors into their updated Memorial Garden, located behind the Sea Isle City Historical Museum, which is inside the Sea Isle City Library at 4800 Central Avenue.
Initially opened in 2012, the Memorial Garden has recently been undergoing a transformation.  A large portion of the beautification effort is being completed by Life Scout Cameron Day, a member of Boy Scout Troop 76, who is striving to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.  Cameron’s Eagle Scout project includes adding new plants and helping install a new water feature in the garden – all the while working in harmony with the City’s Department of Public Works.  The young scout is also helping create two “turtle islands,” mounds of sand that will serve as nesting habitats for Diamondback Terrapin Turtles.
In recent months, Public Works employees have also been improving the library’s overall landscape. The City’s plan, which includes removing unwanted black pines, planting new trees, installing an irrigation system and new sod, and adding freshly-poured sidewalks on the property’s perimeter, is expected to be completed this spring.
According to Historical Society President Mike McHale, the entire beautification project has been a fine team effort.
“The Historical Society and the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission have contributed funds for the garden’s new water feature,” said Mr. McHale. “Cameron has also done his own fundraising.”
“We were very happy to learn that Cameron wanted to make our Memorial Garden the focus of his Eagle Scout Project,” added the Historical Society President.  “We are also grateful for the work being performed by the City’s Department of Public Works.  Many contributors are making this project a reality, and we look forward to unveiling the final product.”
The public is invited to attend a special ceremony at 12:30 p.m., April 27, in the updated Memorial Garden.  During the ceremony, the garden will be dedicated in honor of former Historical Society President Mike Stafford and his late wife, Marie. Also at that time, Mayor Leonard Desiderio will unveil a new street sign that reads “Mike and Marie Stafford Way,” positioned near the facility’s Park Road entrance. Afterwards, there will be an Open House inside the Historical Museum, where refreshments will be served. (Please Note: The original date announced for this event was April 29; however, that date was changed to April 27 due to a scheduling conflict). 
For more information about the April 27 ceremony in the Memorial Garden – or to learn how you can join the Sea Isle City Historical Society – please phone 609-263-2992.  To learn more about Sea Isle City’s Historical Museum, visit www.seaislemuseum.com.