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Current News: 6/29/2023

What a way to spend an evening!

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DOLPHINS have again been sighted in the back bay!  It's a wonderful sight to see, bringing smiles to the faces of anyone lucky enough to witness them.  Although they may appear to be playing, it's the desire for a meal that draws them into the bay.  That's a good sign that our back bays are healthy, and providing food to the dolphins.  Although spotting them in the back bay is never a sure thing, the best time to catch them is during an evening flood tide.
 
SAND PUMPING on Stone Harbor's beach continues.  Earlier this week sand was being discharged at 110th Street, with closures of beaches from 109th to 112th Streets.  Beaches that have already been replenished are quite wide!
 
SLACK TIDE BREWERY, a favorite among locals and visitors, will move to its new location at 1879 Route 9 and open its doors on Friday.  The new location has been under construction in recent months.  It's just a few minutes from Avalon, and will be a great place to sample an Avalon Amber Ale, an Angry Osprey IPA, or a Haywire Twist!
 
IT'S PEAK TURTLE TIME!  Diamondback terrapins have been crossing local roadways in large numbers this week, as they seek high ground upon which to lay eggs.  Unfortunately, vehicle strikes kill many turtles each year, despite efforts to reduce their numbers on roadways via turtle barriers.  Keep an eye out for turtles crossing the road.  If you're inclined to help a turtle across the road, take steps to ensure your own safety in traffic, and carry the turtle in the direction it was headed.
 
A HUGE JULY 4TH WEEKEND is upon us!  From concerts to a sand sculpting contest to a boat parade, and, of course, fireworks on the beach, there will be plenty of fun activities to enjoy.  See below for a list of upcoming events!
 
WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL JULY 4TH WEEKEND!  Whether you're beach walking, boating, or barbecuing, have a safe and happy time with family and friends!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursdays at Surfside—The Discoteks, Surfside Park, Thursday, June 29th, 7pm.
 
Friday Nights at Surfside Park—Patriot Summer Kickoff, balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ, trivia, dancing.  Surfside Park, Friday, June 30th, 6:30pm.
 
Inaugural Stone Harbor Sandbag Challenge, sandbag run of 31 blocks.  Register online at 31heroes.org. Saturday, July 1, 2023.
 
Hoagie Sale, Stone Harbor Fire Department, Saturday, July 1, 8am until sold out.
 
Avalon Patriotic Boat Parade, Monday, July 3rd, 6:30pm.  Starts at Avalon Yacht Club.  Watch from bayfront docks or street ends.
 
Sand Sculpting Contest, 82nd Street beach, 9am-11:30am, Tuesday, July 4th.
 
Field Day & Phillies Home Run Derby, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Saturday, July 4th, 9am.
 
Bay Atlantic Symphony Free Patriotic Concert, Avalon Community Hall, Tuesday, July 4th, 7pm.
 
July 4th Fireworks, Avalon, on the beach, dusk.  Bring a beach towel or chair!
 
July 4th Fireworks, Stone Harbor, on the beach, 9:15pm.  Bring a beach towel or chair!
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights Boat Parade, Saturday, July 15th, dusk.  Watch from any bayfront dock or street end!
 
22nd Annual Blueberry Festival, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Stone Harbor. Sunday, July 16th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

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.

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News: 6/22/2023

An evening high-tide cruise around the bay is a delightful way to spend a June evening! . 

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MARKET STATS: During the month of May, 34 new listings hit the market, down 19% from last May.  Properties sold for an average of 96% of their list price, up slightly.  For a detailed look at the market see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report: Read Report
 
BEACH REPLENISHMENT WORK had reached the 107th Street beach in Stone Harbor earlier this week, before sand pumping was paused to move the dredge "Texas" to Cape May Harbor to ride out high winds and rough seas expected mid-week.  Crews hope to return the dredge to Townsend's Inlet Friday morning to resume pumping sand onto Stone Harbor's beaches.  
 
AN EMERGENCY DREDGING PERMIT from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has been received by the Borough of Avalon for the dredging of Pennsylvania Harbor.  Shallow waters are a navigational hazard, despite being dredged just a couple of years ago.  The borough hopes to award a dredging contract at its June 28th meeting.  
 
THE GARDEN CLUB OF STONE HARBOR presents its Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens this Saturday, June 24th.  This year The Pebbles Beach House and the new Stone Harbor Lifeguard Station are on the tour, along with five private homes.  See our events list below for info on tickets. 
 
THE FEDERAL RESERVE paused its interest rate increases after inflation eased to 4% last month.  Mortgage rates leveled off around 6.4% last month, down from nearly 7% six months ago, and still well below a historical average of more than 7.7%.
 
LOVE AVALON & STONE HARBOR?  Why not make it permanent?  Whether you'd like a small getaway condo, a luxurious townhome, or a beachfront palace, we've got something for you!  If you'd like to make Avalon & Stone Harbor a permanent part of your life, call or email me today!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

The Reeds at Shelter Haven Summer Solstice 10th Anniversary Celebration, drink specials, live music, complimentary treats.  Wednesday, June 21st, 6pm to 9pm.
 
Islandman Triathlon, run, swim, bike, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 24th.  Sign up
 
Garden Club of Stone Harbor Tour of Homes and Gardens, Saturday, June 24th, 12:30pm to 4pm.  Tickets are $40 per person and are available at the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Suncatcher, Nesting, Shorely Chic Boutique, Diller & Fisher, or by contacting Robin Stiles at 203-232-9874 or Email Robin .
 
17th Annual Grassy Sound Flounder Tournament, Grassy Sound Marina, June 24th.
 
Symphony at Surfside, Bay Atlantic Symphony performs at Surfside Park, 29th & Avalon Avenue, Sunday, June 25th, 7pm.
 
Beach Movie—“Minions: The Rise of Gru,” 30th Street beach, Tuesday, June 27th, dusk.
 
Thursdays at Surfside—The Discoteks, Surfside Park, Thursday, June 29th, 7pm.
 
Friday Nights at Surfside Park—Patriot Summer Kickoff, balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ, trivia, dancing.  Surfside Park, Friday, June 30th, 6:30pm.
 
Inaugural Stone Harbor Sandbag Challenge, sandbag run of 31 blocks.  Register online.
Saturday, July 1, 2023.
 
Hoagie Sale, Stone Harbor Fire Department, Saturday, July 1, 8am until sold out.
 
Field Day & Phillies Home Run Derby, Stone Harbor Recreation Field, Saturday, July 4th, 9am.
 
July 4th Fireworks, on the beach in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.  Details to follow.
 
Stone Harbor Festival of Lights Boat Parade, Saturday, July 15th, dusk.  
 
22nd Annual Blueberry Festival, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Stone Harbor. Sunday, July 16th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
 

Weekly Events:   

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.

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.

 

Current News: 6/15/2023

Beach replenishment work continues in Stone Harbor. 
Crews are making good progress, and quickly moving southward.   

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SAND PUMPING on Stone Harbor's beaches continues, with rolling beach closures in the area of activity.  The job is moving quickly—at midweek work was taking place in the 98th Street to 101st Street area.  The borough has also cautioned that intermittent closures of the 123rd Street parking lot will occur as various equipment is mobilized.  As work proceeds southward the newly opened beaches are noticeably wider than before!
 
A BOAT STRUCK the Townsend's Inlet Bridge last week, while navigating the inlet at night.  The bridge was temporarily closed to marine and automobile traffic while it was inspected for damage, then soon reopened.  The vessel suffered serious damage and made it to Avalon Yacht Club under its own power, where it was temporarily moored, but soon sunk at the dock.  Sea Tow responded to the incident, and with the help of Northstar Marine, refloated the vessel and towed it to Avalon Marine Center so it could be hauled out of the water.  Just a few weeks ago Sea Tow and Northstar Marine recovered a sailboat that sunk after striking the jetty at Cape May Inlet.
 
THANKS, MAYOR PAGLIUGHI!  After 32 years as Avalon's mayor, Martin Pagliughi will step down next month, when he will be replaced by current Avalon Councilman John McCorristin.  Avalon Borough Hall will close for one hour at noon on Thursday, June 15th, so that borough employees can thank Mayor Pagliughi for his service to the borough.  
 
GET OUT ON THE WATER: LIGHTHOUSE CRUISE!  The well-known Cape May Whale Watcher is offering a special on-the-water experience: a cruise to nine area lighthouses!  Departing Saturdays from Cape May Harbor, the cruise offers rare views of lighthouses such as Brandywine Shoal, Fourteen Foot Shoal, and Ship John Shoal in the Delaware Bay, the Inner and Outer Breakwater Lights in Delaware, and of course, the famous Cape May Lighthouse.  Enjoy a narrated history of each lighthouse as you cruise the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean!  Visit the site for tickets.
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY TOURISM spending totaled more than $7 billion in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, according to a report delivered by Diane Wieland, Director of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.  Visitors to Cape May County topped 11 million—more than the population of the entire state.  
 
CONCERNED ABOUT OFFSHORE WINDMILLS?  Cape May County Commissioners passed a resolution opposing Danish company Orsted's Ocean Wind I and Ocean Wind II projects.  The resolution cited recent deaths and strandings of marine mammals and potential negative effects on tourism, among other reasons.  The county has set up multiple signs directing viewers to a new Cape Wind website featuring numerous links and articles.  Visit the site 

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Stone Harbor Beach Fit Expo, 82nd Street Recreation Building & Field, Saturday, June 17th, 7am-12 noon.
 
Avalon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 17th, 8am-11am.  Call Jim Lutz for more information: 609-254-2763.
 
Father’s Day Pizza Express, Cape May Seashore Lines Richland Station, Saturday, June 17th, 12 noon & 2:15pm.  Read More
 
Avalon Beach Patrol Solstice Row and Paddle (inter-squad training race).  Watch from the bayfront between 23rd and 38th Streets.  Tuesday, June 20th, 6:30pm.
 
The Reeds at Shelter Haven Summer Solstice 10th Anniversary Celebration, drink specials, live music, complimentary treats.  Wednesday, June 21st, 6pm to 9pm.
 
Islandman Triathlon, run, swim, bike, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 24th.  Sign up
 
Garden Club of Stone Harbor Tour of Homes and Gardens, Saturday, June 24th, 12:30pm to 4pm.  Tickets are $40 per person.
 
Symphony at Surfside, Bay Atlantic Symphony performs at Surfside Park, 29th & Avalon Avenue, Sunday, June 25th, 7pm.
 
Beach Movie—“Minions: The Rise of Gru,” 30th Street beach, Tuesday, June 27th, dusk.
 
Thursdays at Surfside—The Discoteks, Surfside Park, Thursday, June 29th, 7pm.
 
Friday Nights at Surfside Park—Patriot Summer Kickoff, balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ, trivia, dancing.  Surfside Park, Friday, June 30th, 6:30pm.
 
July 4th Fireworks, on the beach in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.  Details to follow.

Weekly Events:   

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.

Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series, beginning July 11th.   

Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm, beginning June 29th. 

News: 06/8/2023

"Cheddar," a French bulldog, stops to enjoy the sunset over the bay at 68th Street.  8-month-old Cheddar belongs to Amy & Brian Ross.  Thanks to Bob Ross for sharing the photo with us!  

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BEACH UPDATE: After delays for maintenance and weather conditions, the dredge "Texas" is now back in Townsend's Inlet to pump sand for Stone Harbor's beach replenishment. A relay pump is also in position to help push the sand & water mix through the long length of pipe needed to deposit it onto Stone Harbor's beaches. Work on the beach will begin at the north end (80th Street) and proceed southward. Sections of beach will be closed in the immediate area of the work for safety reasons, and will reopen as work proceeds south. The benefit, of course, is a large, beautiful beach for summer enjoyment, which also provides critical protection to the island during storm events.

WILDFIRE RISK in New Jersey is high, thanks to recent dry and windy conditions. In the past week multiple wildfires have been burning in the central portion of the state, but strong winds carried acrid smoke into parts of Cape May County. Officials are urging caution when it comes to discarding cigarette butts, as vegetation is dry throughout the state, and embers from carelessly discarded cigarettes could easily start a fire.

TURTLE TIME: It's prime egg laying season for diamondback terrapins, who seek high ground upon which to lay eggs, often leading them to cross local roads and highways. Keep an eye out for them so you can avoid them while driving. If you are inclined to help a turtle across the road, please take steps to ensure your own safety in traffic, and then carry the turtle across the road in the direct it was headed.

GAS GRILLS & SUMMER go hand in hand, but it's also a good time to remember a few key safety tips. Grills of any type should always be used at least several feet from any home, shed, fence, or shrubbery. Otherwise, melted siding or a fire could result. Also, propane tanks, and therefore propane grills, should never be used on decks; unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air, and leaking propane settles toward the ground, and can easily enter an open window or door. Propane grills must always be used at ground level for safety. Rental property owner tip: Have a spare propane tank on hand for tenants vacationing in your home. Not only does it save them the hassle of running out of gas with a grill full of half-cooked burgers, it saves you the expense and hassle of replacing the tank mid-season.

JITNEY SERVICE is back in Avalon and Stone Harbor this year. Jitneys will run every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 2am; fares are $3 per trip. Save the hassle of driving and finding parking; simply flag down a jitney and ride to your destination

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Avalon Garden Club 39th Annual Flower Show, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 10th, 10am to 3pm. Design & horticultural exhibits, raffle baskets, free admission. Read More

Stone Harbor Beach Fit Expo, 82nd Street Recreation Building & Field, Saturday, June 17th, 7am-12 noon.

Avalon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 17th, 8am-11am. Call Jim Lutz for more information: 609-254-2763.

Father’s Day Pizza Express, Cape May Seashore Lines Richland Station, Saturday, June 17th, 12 noon & 2:15pm. Read More

Islandman Triathlon, run, swim, bike, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, June 24th. Sign up at

Garden Club of Stone Harbor Tour of Homes and Gardens, Saturday, June 24th, 12:30pm to 4pm. Tickets are $40 per person.

Symphony at Surfside, Bay Atlantic Symphony performs at Surfside Park, 29th & Avalon Avenue, Sunday, June 25th, 7pm.

Beach Movie—“Minions: The Rise of Gru,” 30th Street beach, Tuesday, June 27th, dusk.

Thursdays at Surfside—The Discoteks, Surfside Park, Thursday, June 29th, 7pm.

Friday Nights at Surfside Park—Patriot Summer Kickoff, balloon art, face painting, tattoos, DJ, trivia, dancing. Surfside Park, Friday, June 30th, 6:30pm.

July 4th Fireworks, on the beach in both Avalon and Stone Harbor. Details to follow.

Weekly Events:   

Stone Harbor Farmers Market, under the Water Tower, Sundays, 8am to 12:30pm.

Tuesdays at the Tower, summer concert series, beginning July 11th.   

Thursdays at Surfside, weekly concerts at Surfside Park, Avalon, Thursdays, 7pm, beginning June 29th.