Guadagno, Officials Unlock Wildwoods’ Beaches

WILDWOOD ─ “We can never forget,” said North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello during the Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony May 26. As kites of all shapes and sizes soared over the beach, island officials, members of GWITDA (Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority), school children, and dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, gathered on Andrews Avenue beach, adjacent to the Wildwoods Convention Center. 
“This day is the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano of Wildwood as the ceremony began. Although the ceremony “unlocks” the ocean and inaugurates the 2017 summer season, Troiano urged those in attendance to “recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice” so they could gather in peace and freedom.
“They are the real heroes,” said Troiano. Troiano also reminded the children to listen to the lifeguards. “They are the police of the beach.”
Rosenello then took the podium and acknowledged the importance of tourism in Cape May County and the Wildwoods.
“It’s been tough down here,” Rosenello said, referring to recent and past storms that have affected not only the shore’s ecology but also the local economy.
“One official in Trenton understood,” Rosenello continued. “She (Guadagno) didn’t just come down for a photo op.” Rosenello thanked Guadagno for her working with island officials and addressing the challenges created by storms such as Superstorm Sandy and Winter Storm Jonas. According to Rosenello, the state of New Jersey has awarded both North Wildwood and Wildwood a $20 million grant for continued repairs.
Commissioner and Deputy Mayor of Wildwood Crest Joyce Gould commented on how both she and Guadagno are “second in charge” in their governmental positions.
“It takes an island,” Gould added. Gould then remarked that the Crest is a new “hot spot” in the nation, according to TripAdvisor. Gould reflected on how Memorial Day was called “Decoration Day” in her youth and urged students to thank a veteran for his or her service.
Guadagno concluded the ceremony, beginning with a word of thanks and appreciation for the teachers who brought their students to the kite-flying festival.
“What a great way to kick off the summer season,” Guadagno said, remarking how the sights reminded all “what is great about America.”
Guadagno also heralds an “incredible” summer season for the Wildwoods and for the Jersey Shore. “Every hotel room pays for so much more,” Guadagno said. “We (Trenton) get $5 back.” According to Guadagno, tourism is one of the largest businesses in the state.
On a personal note, Guadagno reflected on Memorial Day. “I am a blue star mom,” she said.” Somewhere, in the sky above Austin, Texas, her son was flying his plane, serving in the United States Airforce.
“He fights for you so people can fight with me,” Guadagno concluded with a smile.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.