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Current News: 7/27/2023

Seagulls glide above the bay just after sunset.

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EVERYBODY HAS A FAVORITE ROUTE to the shore.  Do you prefer major highways, or back roads?  The Philadelphia Inquirer has done a fun article headlined "The Race to the Shore" with the aim of determining the fastest route from Philadelphia to Ocean City.  Highways, back roads, bicycle, or public transportation...which is the winner?  Read the article to find out: http://www.inquirer.com/how-to-philly/inq2/ocean-city-nj-expressway-parkway-train-bike-manco-pizza-20230718.html?
 
SLOW DOWN, IT'S SUMMERTIME!  While we all like to save time getting to the island (see the article above!), or while travelling on the island, it's a good idea to slow down just a bit and make it a safer trip—for everyone.  We've all seen it—that car trying to beat the light, or passing in a place that's not safe, or going a little too fast with pedestrians and bicycles around.  Slow down for your fellow visitors—much like we all do for turtles—and make the summer safer for everyone!
 
GOTTA DO IT: PIERS AND DOCKS!  Just seeing the water brings a feeling of peace and relaxation.  Here are several great spots to visit and enjoy an ocean or bay view—and probably a refreshing breeze, too!
 
Avalon:
8th Street Fishing Pier (at the bay)
5th Avenue Dock at 20th Street
6th Avenue Dock at 22nd Street
30th Street Pier (at the beach)
33rd Street Pier (at the bay)
37th Street Dock (at the bay)
Avalon Bay Park Marina (bayfront pier at 53rd Street)
 
Stone Harbor: 
81st Street Municipal Marina (bay views with covered gazebo)
83rd Street Fishing Pier (at the bay)
88th Street Pier & Gazebo (at the beach)
95th Street Pier (at the beach)
101st Street Pier & Gazebo (at the beach)
114th Street at the bay (fishing and sunset views)
 
Avalon Manor:
Middle Township Fishing Pier (at the end of Old Avalon Boulevard)
 
OSPREYS can be seen all over area waterways now, their population having made a stunning comeback over the past few decades.  Ospreys return to the same nests year after year, where they raise their young until they're old enough to fledge.  If you'd like to get a close-up view of an osprey nest, check out the Wetland's Institute's Osprey Cam.  It's a live view of an actual osprey nest, and you can see them tend to their nest and come and go throughout the day.  There's also a great FAQ on the page, too: http://wetlandsinstitute.org/education/osprey-camera-2/
 
WHAT'S THE BEST FIT for you and your family?  Looking for a bayfront home in Stone Harbor?  There are seven available.  Looking for a beachblock home in Avalon?  Let's talk about the four that are currently available.  How about a condominium?  Did you know they are available beginning just over $500,000 (for a one bedroom) and just over $1,000,000 for a four bedroom?  Whatever your needs and budget, we can find the perfect place for you!  Call or email me with your requirements and we'll get things started!
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Santa’s Stone Harbor Vacation, throughout the business district, through July 28th.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: Gypsy, Fleetwood Mac Tribute, July 27th, 7pm.
 
Descendants the Musical, Avalon Elementary School, Friday, July 28th, 6:30pm.
 
Speakers at Surfside: Mike McGrath (Garden Guru), Monday, July 31, 7pm.
 
Avalon National Night Out, 29th Street & Avalon Avenue, Tuesday, August 1st, 6pm.
 
Stone Harbor National Night Out, Water Tower Plaza, Tuesday, August 1st, 6pm.
 
Avalon Beach Movie, Sing 2, Tuesday, August 1, dusk.
 
Thursdays at Surfside: 40 North, August 3rd, 7pm.
 
Stone Harbor Beach Patrol Life Saving Station Open House, rescue demonstration, light refreshments, Friday, August 4th, 8am-9am.
 
Friday Nights at Surfside Park: Mickey’s Magical Showcase, August 4th, 6:30pm.
 
Green Fair, Stone Harbor Water Tower Plaza, Monday, August 7th, 6pm.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: Pure Jerry, Water Tower parking lot, August 8th, 7pm.
 
 
WEEKLY EVENTS:
 
Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
 
Family Fun Nights, 96th Street Shuffleboard Courts, character meet & greets, face painting, music. Monday nights through July 24th, 5:30pm to 6:15pm.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series.
 
Crafty Wednesdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
 
Dune Walks, guided by the Wetlands Institute, every Wednesday, 48th Street beach path, 9:30pm.
 
LEGO Thursdays, Avalon Free Public Library, 10am.
 
Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm.
 
Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue.

News: 7/20/2023 A perfect summer sunset!  The red glow of the evening sun backlights the Wetland's Insitute's docks.  MARKET STATS: During the month of June, 31 new listings hit the market (down 24% from a year ago) while 17 properties were placed under contract (down 6% from a year ago.)  For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report:  http://marketminute.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf   SAND PUMPING on Stone Harbor beaches has concluded!  Pipes on the beach will be removed, a process that was expected to be completed Wednesday.  The parking lot at 123rd Street will be closed for several days for the demobilization of equipment.  After several months of beach replenishment work, it's time to enjoy the new, wide beaches in Avalon and Stone Harbor!   THE SUMMER BUCKET LIST: It's that time of year—think about the things you want to try, or don't want to miss this summer.  Make your list and start enjoying them!  Whether it's a sunrise walk on the beach, a visit to a new restaurant with friends, or teaching your grandchildren how to fish, the time is now!   THE STANLEY CUP, professional hockey's famous trophy, made visits to Sea Isle City and Avalon this week.  John Stevens, who was an assistant coach when the Las Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanely Cup nine years ago, brought the Cup to his home in Sea Isle earlier this week.  The next day, Seven Mile Times reported that Kate Boettinger, director of hockey administration for the Knights, brought the cup to Avalon, for a blessing by Monsignor Quinn.  Stanley Cup winners are allowed to bring the Cup to destinations of their choice for promotional visits.    RISING ABOVE IT ALL!  The new luxury townhomes and condominiums at 29th & Dune are taking shape—and rising above it all!  Brand new, luxury amenities, east of Dune Drive, and views of Avalon that are just not available anywhere else!  Want to take a look?  I'll be there Saturday, July 22nd from 10am to 12 noon—stop by and see what it's all about!  Prefer to see these units at another time?  Call or email me to schedule a time!   UPCOMING EVENTS LEGO Thursday, Avalon Free Public Library, Thursday, July 20th, 10am.   Thursdays at Surfside: Frontiers, Journey Tribute, Surfside Park, Thursday, July 20th 7pm.   Friday Nights at Surfside Park: Christmas in July, balloon art, face painting, DJ, dancing, Surfside Park, Friday, July 21st, 6:30pm.   Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower parking lot, Sunday, July 23rd, 8am-12 noon.   Symphony at Surfside: Bay Atlantic Symphony.  Surfside Park, Sunday, July 23rd, 7pm.   Santa’s Stone Harbor Vacation, throughout Stone Harbor’s Business District, Monday-Thursday, July 24th to 28th.   Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series, Bigfoot (70s, 80s, 90s rock & soul), Water Tower Parking Lot, Tuesday, Jul 25th, 7pm.   Beach Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  30th Street beach, Tuesday, July 25th, dusk.   Weekly Events:    Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.   Family Fun Nights, 96th Street Shuffle Board Courts, character meet & greets, face painting, music. Monday nights, June 26th through July 24th, 5:30pm to 6:15pm.   Tuesdays at the Tower, Stone Harbor summer concert series, beginning July 11th.  Tuesday Beach Movies:   Bring your beach chairs and blankets to 30th Street beach for a movie every Tuesday night through the summer. In the event of inclement weather, beach movie       Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm, beginning June 29th.    Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue.

News: 7/12/2023

A Sunday evening thunderstorm gave way to an incredible double rainbow! 
The calm, post-storm bay water even reflected a portion of the rainbow's arc!

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STONE HARBOR'S BEACH REPLENISHMENT is nearing completion; this week crews were working in the 121st Street area, and still moving southward.  Newly replenished beaches are noticeably wider that they were before, and being enjoyed by many!  Dredge pipes still span much of the beach, but sand berms at intervals provide a way to cross over the pipe.  
 
AVALON'S EMERGENCY DREDGING of Princeton Harbor will be completed by the end of July, according to a release by the Borough.  According to the release, a hard sandy material has collected in Princeton Harbor, near the end of 21st Street, and the shallow area is a hazard to navigation.  1,800 cubic yards of the material will be removed and transported via barge, deepening the navigable area of the channel to 4 feet.  The work is expected to occur from July 24th through July 27th. 
 
THE 96TH STREET BRIDGE will be closed during overnight hours this week for more repair work.  Traffic will be detoured from 10pm to 6am every night through Thursday night (and into Friday morning.)  Those entering or exiting the island during those times should use the Great Channel Bridge, the Avalon Boulevard Bridge, or the Townsend's Inlet Bridge.
 
JOHN MCCORRISTON was sworn in last week as Avalon's new mayor.  A longtime member of council, McCorriston was elected to a four-year term as mayor during the May, 2023 municipal election.  Former Marty Pagliughi had announced he was stepping down as mayor after holding the position for 32 years.  Also sworn in last week were councilmembers Barbara Juzaitis and Sam Weirman.
 
"GOOD MORNING AMERICA" aired a segment on Cape May as part of their "Dive Into Summer" series.  The fun piece highlights Cape May's beaches, Victorian architecture, and the famous Cape May Lighthouse.  Watch it here
 
GOTTA DO IT: GO FISHING!  From beautiful sights, time spent with family or friends, to fighting "the big one," a fishing trip is always memorable.  There are lots of ways to experience good fishing in our local waters.  Here are just a few:
 
Miss Avalon: Ocean & bay fishing with the Miss Avalon and Avalon Lady.  Daily Trips: Read More
Captain Jim Lutz: Ocean &bay charters available aboard any of three boats, 25' to 30': Read More
OverUnder Sport Fishing: Ocean & bay charters available aboard three boats, 48' to  55':  Read More

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Yacht Club of Stone Harbor Blood Drive, 9001 Sunset Drive, Thursday, July 13th, 8am to 1pm.
 
LEGO Thursday, Avalon Free Public Library, Thursday, July 13th, 10am.
 
Thursdays at Surfside—‘80’s Revolution.  Surfside Park, Thursday, July 13th, 7pm.
 
Thursdays on the Lawn: Marnie & Nate.  St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue, Thursday, July 13th, 7:30pm.
 
Turtle Fest: Touch tank, basking station, turtle arts & crafts, feedings, and more! Wetlands Institute, Friday, July 14th, 10am to 4pm.
 
Friday Nights at Surfside: balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ. Surfside Park, Friday, July 14th, 6:30pm.
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights Boat Parade, Saturday, July 15th, dusk.  Watch from any bayfront dock or street end!
 
Festival of Lights Viewing Party & Food Trucks.  Municipal Marina Lot (81st Street & the bay), Saturday, July 15th, 7pm-10pm.  Food Trucks, Wine & Beer Garden.  (No coolers allowed.)
 
Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market, Water Tower Plaza, Sunday, July 16th, 8am.
 
22nd Annual Blueberry Festival, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Stone Harbor. Sunday, July 16th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower: The Quinn Brothers. Tuesday, July 18th, 7pm.
 
Beach Movie--Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.  30th Street & the beach, Tuesday, July 18th, dusk.
 
Symphony at Surfside: Bay Atlantic Symphony.  Surfside Park, Sunday, July 23rd, 7pm.
 

Weekly Events:   

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.
 
Family Fun Nights, 96th Street Shuffle Board Courts, character meet & greets, face painting, music. Monday nights, June 26th through July 24th, 5:30pm to 6:15pm.
 
Tuesdays at the Tower, Stone Harbor summer concert series, beginning July 11th.   
 
Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm, beginning June 29th. 
 
Thursdays on the Lawn, free weekly concerts, 7pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 95th Street & Third Avenue.