2017:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

 
This Weeks News 8/31/2017

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"HOBO" FLOOD SENSORS were placed at 15 strategic locations in Avalon to collect data during flood events. Many will not be visible but will be monitored by Stockton University for a year or more. Data collected will help to plan future mitigation efforts in Avalon and other barrier islands.
 
ALL THE WAY TO MEXICO from Cape May County? Monarch butterflies make the annual migration--proven by monarch butterfly tagging records. A monarch tagged at The Wetlands Institute in 2015 was one of a dozen found at the El Rosario Sanctuary in Michoacan, Mexico in 2016. The monarchs were tagged as part of the New Jersey Audubon Society's Monarch Monitoring Project, which reports that most monarchs in the sanctuary cannot be inspected, so each tagged monarch found likely represents many more. So far, a total of 70 tagged monarchs have been reported there. Tagging efforts will begin again on September 1st.
 

A lone kayaker tours Avalon's Bayfront on a summer afternoon.
 
$1,110,634 IN PRIZE MONEY was collected by the crew of Goin' In Deep after the boat landed both a 680-pound blue marlin and a 184-pound tuna during the annual MidAtlantic fishing tournament. A total of $3.24 million in prize money was paid out to all prize winning crews, setting a tournament record. 145 boats participated in the tournament.
 
AIRFEST RETURNS! Missed "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" in Atlantic City last week? Then check out "Airfest" this weekend at the Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Wildwood. Several WWII vintage bombers will arrive Friday afternoon (September 1st) about 2pm and will be available for walk through tours each day through Monday, September 4th. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children, and include admission to the NASW Museum. Want to go the extra mile? Take a half-hour flight on a B-17 or B-24 for $450, or get a half-hour of "stick time" in a P-51 Mustang for $2,200! For info visit U.S. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum or call (609) 886-8787. No reservations are needed for walk through tours.  To reserve flight times visit The Collings Foundation or call (800) 568-8924.
 
MOTORCARS IN CAPE MAY! Take a ride aboard a railroad "motorcar" from Cape May Station, through the marsh toward the Cape May Canal Swing Bridge this weekend! The low slung, open air motorcars were originally used to transport railroad crews, but make for an enjoyable ride. Trips will depart every hour from 10am to 3pm Saturday & Sunday, September 2nd & 3rd. See Cape May, its wildlife, and its railroad history from a unique perspective! Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more info visit United Railroad Historical Society of NJ.

This Weeks News 8/24/2017

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EVERYONE WAS LOOKING UP! Monday afternoon nearly everyone who was outside was wearing a pair of eclipse glasses and looking up! From the beach to the shopping districts to private decks, everybody took a break from what they were doing in order to get a look at the solar eclipse. Clouds moved in and out, but generally Cape May County had a great view!


Monday's solar eclipse could be seen from Cape May County!
 
BEACH SAND varies from island to island along the New Jersey coast. Ever wonder why? It's a mix of factors, including geology, weather & wave action, and even beach replenishment projects. For a look at how these factors can affect the make up of beach sand, see this article:

Why Sand Doesn't Always Look The Same In New Jersey
 
THE MIDATLANTIC Fishing Tournament is underway this week, as boats from as far away as Florida and Texas compete with other anglers out of Canyon Club Marina in Cape May. This year 151 boats are chasing a total purse of $3,147,120. So far a number of white marlin have been caught and released, and a lesser number of blue marlin have been caught and released.
 
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS SHORE TOUR: Several 76ers will make appearances at the teams 2017 Summer Shore Tour this weekend. In addition to stops in Ocean City and Diamond Beach, number 1 draft pick Markelle Fultz and teammate Robert Covington will be at the Stone Harbor Recreation Center at 82nd Street from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday, August 26th, where they will sign autographs and interact with fans. Admission is free, or fans can purchase $20 or $25 all access passes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sixers Youth Foundation.
 
MOTORCARS IN CAPE MAY! The Cape May Seashore Lines will be running motorcar excursions in Cape May over Labor Day Weekend. The motorcars will depart from Cape May station on the hour from 10am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday, September 2nd and 3rd. The ride will traverse historic tracks that once carried steam powered passenger trains into Cape May on a regular basis. The rails travel through lesser-known portions of Cape May, and provide a unique perspective on the wildlife, wetlands, and history of Cape May County. The motorcars will stop at the railroad swing bridge that crosses the Cape May Canal, before returning to Cape May Station. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, and will be available for purchase on the station platform beginning at 9:30am.

 
This Weeks News 8/17/2017

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MARKET STATS: The median sale price during the month of July was $969,000, up versus last July. The average number of "days on market" decreased slightly to 198, while the number of active listings is down 21% compared to last year. Strong demand and reduced inventory continue to drive the market. For more market stats, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report:

July 2017 Long & Foster Market Minute Report

See the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report for July market stats.
 
TRICK SHOTS=HAPPY FACES! THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS return to Wildwood again this year, where they'll play four games and host daily clinics through Saturday, August 19th. Fans of all ages will be smiling at both the Globetrotters' stunning basketball talent and their ability to entertain a crowd. Kicking off this year's appearance, Globetrotter Bull Bullard made an incredible shot--from a helicopter, 210 feet in the air! Order Your Game Or Clinic Tickets
 

Globetrotter Bull Bullard sinks a basket from a helicopter!
 
AVALON ANCHORAGE MEMORIES: More than 400 photographs taken at Avalon Anchorage decades ago are on display at the Avalon History Center. The photographs depict local fisherman young and old, displaying their catches upon returning to Avalon Anchorage after fishing trips. The photos were displayed for years at Avalon Anchorage. Thanks to extensive restoration by Seven Mile Times, they can be seen again for the first time in more than 30 years. Stop by the Avalon History Center from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday.
 
FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SHELLS: Those who comb the beaches find all kinds of interesting shells, plus other forms of sea life. This interesting article from NJ.com describes "11 Fascinating Facts About Shells and Other Things" you find on the beach.

NJ.com: 11 Fascinating Facts About Shells And Other Things You Find On N.J. Beaches
 
CATCH THE ECLIPSE ON MONDAY! In our area about three quarters of the sun will be blocked by the moon for around a half hour Monday afternoon. If we have clear skies, we'll have a great view--but don't look at the sun, even partially obscured, with unprotected eyes. Sunglasses don't offer enough protection--only approved solar viewing glasses or filters should be used.

Eclipse 2017 | NASA: Everything You Need To Know About The Eclipse (And More)

This Weeks News 8/10/2017

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THE AVALON HOME AND LAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION'S annual meeting will take place Saturday, August 12th, at Avalon Community Hall. Mayor Martin Pagliughi will review the "State of the Borough" and County Engineer Dale Foster will address "County Projects in Avalon." Both will take questions after their talks. All are welcome; refreshments will be served at 9:30am, and the meeting will begin at 10am.
 

Sailors furl their sails on the way back to the dock, as daylight gives way to evening.
 
"DOLPHIN WHISPERER" Nik Pattantyus has become well known for his dolphin videos, filmed while on his paddleboard just off Seven Mile Beach. Philly.com recently ran a great story on Nik and his videos...
 
From A Paddleboard, This Man Has Become Stone Harbor's 'Dolphin Whisperer'
 
HOUSE PORTRAITS by Lisa Cunningham...What a great way to permanently capture your seashore memories! Imagine displaying your pride & joy either at your home or office...check out Lisa Cunningham Fine Art for details.


Lisa Cunningham's House Portraits capture the essence of your shore home!
 
SEA ISLE BEACHCOMBER TOURS: Volunteer guides lead beachcomber tours each week on Sea Isle City's beaches. On each tour participants scour the beach for shells and other items, which are identified by the tour guide. The tour costs only $1 for adults or children, and leave from Sea Isle's 29th Street Promenade at 10am every Tuesday, and every Thursday from the Pavilion at Townsend's Inlet Waterfront Park, through August 31st. Simply check in with the tour guide before departure.
 
FOX ON THE BEACH! While your combing Sea Isle's beach, be on the lookout for a fox that's been spotted several times. Officials have attempted to trap the fox in order to relocate it to Atlantic County, but thus far have been unsuccessful. 
 
PLANNING AHEAD! There's plenty of summer fun remaining but it's never too early to line up some events on Seven Mile Island for September and October. Mark your calendars now: 22nd Annual Nun's Beach Surf Contest, 111th Street beach, 7am Saturday, September 16th; 6th Annual Savor September Festival, 96th Street, Saturday, September 23rd; Avalon Seafood Festival, 30th Street & the beach, Saturday & Sunday, October 7th & 8th. 
 
258 PROPERTIES have sold in the local market since the first of the year; 85 more are currently under contract. Why not join the fun and purchase your very own beach home? Call me and I'll help you find the perfect shore retreat for your needs!

This Weeks News 8/3/2017

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STONE HARBOR'S "FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS" Boat Parade returns this Saturday. Boats of all shapes and sizes will be decorated with lights and will parade along Stone Harbor's bayfront from 8pm to 10pm. Between the lights, on board music, and dancing crew members it's quite a sight! If you don't have a bayfront home to watch from, the parade can be viewed from the 83rd Street pier, the 81st Street Municipal Marina, or any bayfront street end. If you're travelling into or out of Stone Harbor that evening, beware that the 96th Street Bridge will open several times before, during, and after the parade to allow boat traffic to pass through. To avoid delays, use Avalon Boulevard or North Wildwood Boulevard.
 
KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY this month as two "don't miss" events take place. From August 11th to August 14th, the annual Perseid meteor shower occurs in the northeastern sky during overnight hours. Views of the meteors are expected to be limited this year by the moon's bright light. Even in good viewing areas away from light pollution, observers may only see around 10-20 meteors per hour, down from as many as 60 per hour during peak viewing conditions in other years. The month's big event occurs several days later on August 21st when we'll experience a solar eclipse. A swath of the country will experience "totality," but in our area the sun will be about 75% obscured. On, Monday, August 14th at 7:30pm the South Jersey Astronomy Club will hold a talk at the Avalon Library discussing the upcoming eclipse.
 
CHECK YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST! It's August! Don't let the summer slip away without taking some time for your "Summer Bucket List!" Watch a sunrise on the beach; take your grandchild fishing; rent a Waverunner; try a new restaurant; play miniature golf with the family. Whatever is on your list, set aside the time and do it!
 

Smooth sailing! Two Hobie cats sail along the beach on a beautiful summer day!
 
SEE AVALON & STONE HARBOR from a unique perspective in this 5 minute aerial video!

  RIDE ALONG AND LOOK FOR YOUR HOUSE OR YOUR FAVORITE BEACH! (YOUTUBE).
 
HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE has guided mariners along the South Jersey coast since the late 19th century, and it still shines brightly today. On Monday, August 7th, you can tour it for free as part of National Lighthouse Day. Get a glimpse of what life was like for a lightkeeper over one hundred years ago. On the grounds surrounding the lighthouse you'll find beautiful gardens and flowers. The lighthouse is open 9am to 4:15pm, with a ceremony to take place at 11am.

  MORE INFORMATION - HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE
 
HOW ABOUT MAKING IT PERMANENT? If you love Avalon & Stone Harbor, why not make it permanent? If you're ready for your own shore retreat, call or email me today! Whether you're looking for rental income, a small getaway, or a large waterfront home, I'll help you find the perfect place!