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This Weeks News 6/30/2022

Mac Groce has a knack for capturing beautiful Avalon moments--and for making family memories! Make sure you do the same this holiday weekend!
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER! BOAT RIDES & FISHING TRIPS! What better way to enjoy the beauty of our island than by cruising island waters! Try your hand fishing aboard the MISS AVALON, or take an evening sunset cruise and look for dolphins! Try a private fishing charter with Captain Jim Lutz of NEV-R-ENUF SPORTFISHING. If a private cruise around island waterways suits your fancy, reach out to Captain Doug Hopkins at PURSUIT OF HOPPINESS CHARTERS. Whatever vessel you choose you're sure to have an experience to remember!
 
MARKET STATS: Sales have continued to be strong, though they've slowed; inventory has increased slightly but remains tight. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report below.
 

 
VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT  |  DOWNLOAD/PRINT PDF
   
BEACH REPAIRS in Stone Harbor mean Stone Harbor Point and the 123rd Street parking lot will be closed to pedestrians and all vehicles now through Friday, July 1st. Public Works crews will be repairing storm damage incurred at the Point. The Point will remain completely closed to all pedestrians and vehicles through July 8th. A large portion of the 123rd Street lot will be open temporarily from July 2nd-4th, for parking and pedestrian access to the beach only (The Point will remain closed.) The parking lot will be completely closed again July 5th-8th so that repair work can resume.
 
PUBLIC HEARINGS on the subject of offshore wind farms will be held by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, on July 14th, 20th, and 26th. A 45-day public comment period is open now through August 8th. This NBC10 Philadelphia report has details on wind farm developments along the Atlantic cost, as well as links to the BOEM Virtual Hearing, here:

THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN OFFSHORE WIND FARMS
 
NOTICE TO MARINERS! IntraCoastal Waterway marker #384 has been damaged behind Avalon, and its piling is partially submerged, putting boaters at risk, according to a report from SeaTow Cape May. The marker is in the "football field" area near Paddy's Hole. Other sources have reported that several collisions with the submerged piling have already occurred, so boaters should use caution until the obstruction is removed.
 
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! It's shaping up to be a great three-day weekend! There's good weather in the forecast, and there are plenty of activities on the calendar (see below for more!). Monday evening top it off with huge fireworks shows on the beach in both Avalon & Stone Harbor!

 

This Weeks News 6/23/2022

Ospreys are perched on their familiar nesting locations in the back bay areas surrounding Avalon and Stone Harbor. Ospreys usually return to the same nests each year, and hunt fish for food, returning to their nests with their daily catches.
 
BEACH SAFETY: An unusually high number of water rescues have occurred along the South Jersey beaches since the summer season got underway a few weeks ago, and a few have, ended tragically. Officials in beach towns have reminded beachgoers to only swim at guarded beaches when lifeguards are present, and to be aware of potential rip currents, which the Avalon Beach Patrol says account for 80% of all ocean rescues in the US. The graphic below describes rip currents, and how to deal with them.


 
THOSE FISHING in New Jersey waters, or landing their catch in New Jersey, are required to register with New Jersey's free Saltwater Recreational Registry. No fishing license is required in NJ, but registration is, for anglers age 16 and over. The registry is a way to collect recreational fishing data to help assess and protect fish stocks, and set rules to ensure long term sustainability of fish stocks. For more information, or to register, visit: NJ SALTWATER RECREATIONAL REGISTRY PROGRAM. Those fishing for Atlantic tuna, billfish, swordfish, and sharks must also obtain the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit from the NOAA Fisheries website. For more information visit: ATLANTIC HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES PERMIT SHOP.
 
PARADE OF PLANETS! A rare planetary alignment will occur in the early morning hours of June 24th, with Mercury, Venus, Uranus, the moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn all in a row for easy viewing. The best viewing time is expected to be from 3:30am to 4:45am the morning of June 24th. You'll need clear skies, of course, and an unobstructed view to the east helps--exactly what we have in Avalon & Stone Harbor. Take your telescope, binoculars, and camera!


The planetary alignment as seen at 4:10am on 24 June 2022 © NASA/ESA/ESO/Space Telescope Science Institute/IAU Minor Planet Center/Fabien Chereau/Noctua Software.
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER! Back by popular demand, we'll feature a Get Out On The Water idea each week for the next several weeks, exploring both popular and unusual ways to experience our ocean and bay waters. Look for our first of many ideas next week!
 
JULY 4TH WEEKEND will be filled with all kinds of activities, including concerts, a boat parade, a Home Run Derby, and of course, huge fireworks shows in both Avalon and Stone Harbor. The fireworks displays take place on the evening of the 4th at 8:45pm on the 30th Street beach (Avalon) and 9pm on the 96th Street beach (Stone Harbor). The fireworks shows are visible up and down the beach, and from many other locations on the island. For the rest of the weekend events, see our Upcoming Events list below!

 

This Weeks News 6/16/2022

The recognizable cupola atop the Wetlands Institute is backlight as the sun sinks in the sky earlier this month.
 
MORE TURTLES are crossing local roadways as we enter egg-laying season. Keep an eye out for them and slow down to avoid them if at all possible. If you stop to help a turtle cross the road, please move it in the direction it was originally headed, and take all necessary steps to ensure your own safety on the road. Ted Greenberg of NBC10 Philadelphia recently aired this piece about turtles, and the Wetlands Institute's "Turtle Patrol":

TURTLE PATROL AT JERSEY SHORE WANTS DRIVERS TO WATCH OUT FOR TERRAPINS
 
REMINDER: BRING REUSABLE BAGS with you for use while here on vacation. A recently passed state law prohibits the use of single use plastics in most cases, so bringing a supply of reusable bags with you is important. Rental property tip: if you own a rental property, it's a nice idea to have some reusable bags available for your tenants; they can be kept in a drawer or closet.
 
STONE HARBOR recently reminded homeowners about irrigation restrictions. An odd/even system is in effect for lawns and plant beds. This graphic has the details:
 

 
AVALON WATER & SEWER PAYMENTS will be collected by the Borough of Avalon beginning July 1st. Payments can be mailed to the borough at 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202, or placed in a drop box at Borough Hall. Those wishing to set up direct debit payments for future bills can do so here:

AVALON NOW OFFERS DIRECT DEBIT AND ONLINE PAYMENTS FOR WATER AND SEWER BILLS
 
EVER WONDERED what it's like to operate the Cape May-Lewes Ferry across the Delaware Bay each day? If you're on Instagram, check out this "Day in the Life" video. Shot aboard the ferry by various members of the crew, the series of clips shows on board operations from the crew's perspective:

DAY IN THE LIFE ABOARD THE CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY (INSTAGRAM)
 
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

 

This Weeks News 6/9/2022

"Avalon Gold!" said Mac Groce, who captured this beautiful Avalon sunset shot. We couldn't agree more, Mac! Thanks for sharing!
 
STONE HARBOR'S BEACH PATROL BUILDING is progressing, and a temporary certificate of occupancy is expected in mid-June. Material delays have slowed progress. 
 

The Stone Harbor Beach Patrol building is nearing completion. This February photo shows construction in progress. In the background is the Pebbles Guest House, currently undergoing renovation.
 
RESTAURANT WEEK in Cape May takes place now through June 12th. More than twenty restaurants are participating with a variety of special menu items. Find info here: CAPE MAY RESTAURANT WEEK.
  
Wildwood Restaurant Week takes place June 12th through 16th, with several dozen restaurants participating. Check them out here: WILDWOOD'S RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION.
 
Of course, there's no need to leave Seven Mile Island to find great restaurants! From cheeseburgers to caviar, our huge variety of local restaurants will satisfy any palate! 
 
THE US COAST GUARD is always standing by to assist boaters in distress, but this past week was an especially busy one for local Coast Guard crews. In the past several days crews assisted a small vessel in distress; received a call about a 12-foot great white shark a mile off the Sea Isle beach; responded to assist a 26-foot vessel taking on water in Delaware Bay; and responded to a vessel with a fouled anchor and taking on water near Hereford Inlet in 6-8 foot seas. Good weather or bad, Coast Guard vessels, helicopters, and their crews are ready!
 
TURTLE TIME! It's egg laying season for local diamondback terrapins, and they're often seen crossing local roadways, seeking high ground. Protective turtle barriers along many roadways help prevent turtles from meeting their demise on the asphalt, but keep an eye open and slow down when they're crossing. If you're inclined to help the turtle cross the road, move it in the direction it was originally travelling, and please, take all necessary steps to ensure your own safety on the roadway.
 
THIRTY-YEAR MORTGAGE RATES fell to an average of 5.1% for the week ending May 26, from 5.3% two weeks earlier. (Source: Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac) If you're planning a property purchase the recent rate dip may be a good time to lock in your mortgage rate.
 
NEED TO ESCAPE TO THE BEACH? Whether you need a week's vacation, or you want to make it permanent, call or email me!
 
PLEASE FORWARD this newsletter to a friend, neighbor, or coworker that loves Avalon & Stone Harbor! To subscribe, send an email to RANDY@RANDYLEISER.COM. Your email will not be shared or sold.

 

This Weeks News 6/2/2022

The island was blessed with three days of sunny, dry weather--perfect conditions to kick off the summer season! Scott Zimmerman captured this beautiful view of Sunday evening's sunset at 68th Street & the bay!
 
WHAT A WEEKEND! It was warm (but not hot!), sunny, and dry all weekend! Stores and restaurants saw good crowds, while the weather was perfect for walking, jogging, bicycling, boating, or relaxing on the beach! On Monday both Avalon and Stone Harbor took time to remember those that have sacrificed everything for our freedom, with ceremonies and parades in each town.
 
AFTER A PAUSE for the holiday weekend Avalon's sand backpassing project resumed. A week-long stretch of bad weather in May delayed the project timeline; officials hope to conclude the work on north-end beaches in a couple of weeks. Beaches remain open except in areas marked by signage in the immediate work area.
 
A CALL TO "ARMS": Adjustable rate mortgages have become more popular after recent rate increases pushed up fixed rates by a couple of percentage points. Many ARMs have an initial fixed rate period of 3, 5, 7, or 10 years, after which the rate adjusts at set increments. During the initial fixed period, however, the rate is typically lower than traditional 15- and 30-year fixed rates. ARMs can be a good choice since most mortgages are not held to their full 15- or 30-year maturity; it's also a great option for those who intend to pay down their mortgage quickly after closing (or pay it off entirely.)
 
THE BEACH BOYS will be "Surfin' USA" in Wildwood on August 27th, as they bring their classic beach & surf tunes to the Wildwood Convention Center. Tickets are available from $55 and up. If you prefer your music right on the beach, the Wildwood Barefoot Country Music Festival brings more than 40 country music artists to Wildwood's beach June 16th through 19th. Tickets are available from $39 and up.
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY'S TOURISM REVENUE reached $6.6 billion in 2021, up from $5.4 billion during 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing. The 2021 figure is close to 2019's record figure of $6.9 billion, according to County Tourism Director Diane Wieland, who spoke at a recent conference. Most officials are hopeful that 2022 will equal, if not surpass, 2021.
 
AVALON WATER & SEWER PAYMENTS will be collected by the Avalon Tax Collector's Office beginning July 1st. Mail-in payments can be sent to Borough of Avalon, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202. Two drop boxes are available at Avalon Borough Hall if you want to drop off your payment. Online Banking Payments will post automatically to the account number that you entered in your online banking system, but customers should update their system to name the Borough of Avalon as the payee, and include the borough's address (shown above) in the payee profile.
 
THE STONE HARBOR FARMERS MARKET is back, every Sunday at 8:30am, in the Water Tower Parking lot on 95th Street. Find local produce, treats, crafts, and more!