2023

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Current News: 03/30/2023

A sure sign of spring!  The Miss Avalon has returned to her berth for the season!  Miss Avalon will begin fishing on Friday, April 7th. .

BEACH UPDATE: MID-APRIL START. The Borough of Avalon announced earlier this week that the much-anticipated beach replenishment project will begin on or about April 15th. The dredge "Texas," used for hydraulic replenishment of beach sand, is in need of maintenance work in New York; after the maintenance is completed it will take about five days to move the dredge to Avalon. Despite the delay the Borough hopes the project will finish around Mother's Day weekend, at which time sand pumping will shift to Stone Harbor beaches.

MEANWHILE, BEACH SWEEPS are scheduled on Saturday in both Avalon and Stone Harbor. These twice-annual volunteer efforts are important to keep our beaches clean and beautiful. Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a bucket, and wear hard soled shoes. Register for the Beach Sweep here: https://cleanoceanaction.org/aboutbeachsweeps

REMINDER: NEW TRASH & RECYCLING CARTS will be in use in both Avalon and Stone Harbor this season. Avalon will deliver new trash and recycling carts to properties between May 1st and May 15th, while Stone Harbor property owners will need to purchase their own carts. Be sure you have enough carts at your property to accommodate the trash and recycling material generated during peak occupancy of your property—especially if you are a rental property owner! See the FAQ for  Avalon   Stone Harbor

OSPREYS ARE BACK in local nests, and can be seen hunting in local waters. If you haven't seen them in person you can check them out online at the Wetlands Institute's Osprey Cam, which shows multiple live views of the osprey nest behind the Institute's building, along with other views of the marsh and back bay. View Osprey Cam

GET YOUR BEACH TAGS ONLINE!  Both Avalon and Stone Harbor season beach tags are now available for purchase online.  Order a set for your family and have them shipped to your door!  Find them here

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Beach Sweeps, Avalon and Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 1st, 9am-12:30pm. Dress for the weather, bring your own bucket, and wear hard soled shoes. Register

Annual Stone Harbor Easter Egg Hunt, Stone Harbor Firehouse, Saturday, April 1st, 12pm-12:30pm.

Easter Bunny Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, April 1st, 2nd, & 8th. Read More

Avalon Home and Land Owners Association Community Connections meeting, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 8th, 2023, 8:30am-11am.

Avalon Recreation Department Easter Egg Scramble: Ages 1-4, 8th Street Playground; Ages 5-6, 10th Street Field; Ages 7-10, 12th Street Field. Saturday, April 8th, 10am sharp.

Harbor Hop 5K Run, 1M Run, 1M Walk, Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 8th, 9am. Info & registration

Stone Harbor Job Fair, at participating businesses, Saturday, April 15th, 10am to 4pm. Stone Harbor job listings: https://stoneharborchamber.com/help-wanted

Spring Ice Cream Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, Saturday, April 15th. www.SeashoreLines.org

Avalon Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, April 22nd, 8:30am. Volunteers will meet at Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and Avalon Avenue, at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration. After the Dune Grass planting there will be a bagged light lunch outside Community Hall. Organizations and groups are encouraged to volunteer! Please call Sue Keen at 609-967-5924 or Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066, no later than April 11th, to sign-up.

Free Tree Seedlings for Cape May County homeowners, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 22nd, 8:30am-12pm. 500 native tree seedlings are available (arrive early).

Spring Into Summer Stone Harbor Market. Boats, water sports, bikes, fishing info, backyard BBQ, local breweries, live music. Water Tower Plaza, Saturday, April 29th, 10am to 4pm.

Southern NJ Coast Guard Ball, 75th Anniversary of Recruit Training in Cape May, US Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, April 29, 2023.Info and tickets here

Avalon Bulk Trash Pick Up, place items curbside May 5th through May 14th.

Garden Club of Stone Harbor Plant Sale, by Pre-Order only, pickup orders at Stone Harbor Public Works Garage, Saturday, May 13th, 9am to 4pm. Order info here

Garden Club of Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 9401 Second Avenue, Saturday, May 20th, 8am-2pm.

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

Weekly Events:

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

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

 
NEW LISTING

 

weekly News: 03/232023

Beaches at Avalon's north end remain closed, but replenishment work will begin soon.

BEACH REPLENISHMENT WORK has not yet begun in Avalon & Stone Harbor, but is expected to start in the next several weeks.  The much-anticipated project will add several hundred thousand cubic yards of sand to Avalon & Stone Harbor beaches, leveling and widening them.  Look for a significant update on the project in the coming weeks!

BYE-BYE, WINTER! The official arrival of spring brings with it the excitement and anticipation of a new season at the shore! Warm weather, lazy days on the beach, an afternoon of fishing, drinks on the deck with friends, gorgeous sunsets—they're all on their way!

DOLPHINS ARE BACK! A pod of dolphins was spotted in Townsend's Inlet last week, and ospreys have been seen returning to local nests. As both daily temperatures and local waters gradually warm up look for more signs of spring to come.

PIPING PLOVERS ON THE BEACH: The first piping plovers have returned to local beaches for annual nesting. Piping plovers are endangered and should not be approached or touched; dogs should be kept leashed and well away from them. Stone Harbor has closed its beaches to vehicular traffic, effective immediately, in order to protect the birds during their nesting season.

WIND-FARM DISCUSSIONS were held last week in Ocean City and Wildwood. Large crowds at both forums were mostly against the continuation of offshore work, and listened intently as a variety of officials and experts spoke. Opposition to offshore wind farm work has intensified as numerous whales have died along the east coast, including nine in New Jersey, since December. Early Tuesday morning eight dolphins beached in Sea Isle City, and at least two of them died, while the Marine Mammal Stranding Center was working to save the rest. At the time of this writing there is no information on what caused the dolphins to beach or if it is related in any way to offshore work.

REMINDER: NEW TRASH COLLECTION CARTS will be used in both Avalon and Stone Harbor this year, beginning in May. Avalon will supply one large (95-gallon) trash cart and one large (95-gallon) recycling cart per property. (Homeowners may add additional carts.) Stone Harbor is requiring each homeowner to purchase their new trash and recycling carts, and various sizes are allowed. Be sure you have enough carts at your property to accomodate the trash and recycling material generated during peak occupancy of your property—especially if you are a rental property owner! See the FAQ for each town for more information:

Avalon Trash Cart FAQ: https://avalonboro.net/avalon-2023-trash-and-recycling-program-frequently-asked-questions-are-here/ 2023-trash-and-recycling-program-frequently-asked-questions

Stone Harbor Trash Cart FAQ: details-of-new-trash-and-recycling-receptacles-required-by-may-1st-2023/ 

GET YOUR BEACH TAGS ONLINE!  Both Avalon and Stone Harbor season beach tags are now available for purchase online.  Order a set for your family and have them shipped to your door!  Find them here

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Avalon History Museum Lecture: Uncovering the Hidden History of the Diving Horses. 39th Street Tennis Building, Saturday, March 25th, 1pm.

Beach Sweeps, Avalon and Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 1st, 9am-12:30pm. Dress for the weather, bring your own bucket, and wear hard soled shoes. Register at www.CleanOceanAction.org

Annual Stone Harbor Easter Egg Hunt, Stone Harbor Firehouse, Saturday, April 1st, 12pm-12:30pm.

Easter Bunny Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, April 1st, 2nd, & 8th. www.SeashoreLines.org

Avalon Home and Land Owners Association Community Connections meeting, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 8th, 2023, 8:30am-11am.

Avalon Recreation Department Easter Egg Scramble: Ages 1-4, 8th Street Playground; Ages 5-6, 10th Street Field; Ages 7-10, 12th Street Field. Saturday, April 8th, 10am sharp.

Harbor Hop 5K Run, 1M Run, 1M Walk, Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 8th, 9am. Info & registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/StoneHarbor/HarborHop

Stone Harbor Job Fair, at participating businesses, Saturday, April 15th, 10am to 4pm. Stone Harbor job listings: https://stoneharborchamber.com/help-wanted

Spring Ice Cream Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, Saturday, April 15th. www.SeashoreLines.org

Avalon Dune Grass Planting, Saturday, April 22nd, 8:30am. Volunteers will meet at Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and Avalon Avenue, at 8:30am for a brief planting demonstration. After the Dune Grass planting there will be a bagged light lunch outside Community Hall. Organizations and groups are encouraged to volunteer! Please call Sue Keen at 609-967-5924 or Chuck McDonnell at 609-967-3066, no later than April 11th, to sign-up.

Free Tree Seedlings for Cape May County homeowners, Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 22nd, 8:30am-12pm. 500 native tree seedlings are available (arrive early).

Southern NJ Coast Guard Ball, 75th Anniversary of Recruit Training in Cape May, US Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, April 29, 2023. Info and tickets here: https://coastguardcommunity.org/events/southern-new-jersey-coast-guard-ball/

Avalon Bulk Trash Pick Up, place items curbside May 5th through May 14th.

Garden Club of Stone Harbor Plant Sale, by Pre-Order only, pickup orders at Stone Harbor Public Works Garage, Saturday, May 13th, 9am to 4pm. Order info here: https://gardenclubofstoneharbor.org/plant-sale/

Garden Club of Stone Harbor Community Yard Sale, 9401 Second Avenue, Saturday, May 20th, 8am-2pm.

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

Weekly Events:

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

 

weekly News: 03/16/2023

Spring flowers will soon be blooming on the island!  Need to order some?  See the events list below for details on the Garden Club of Stone Harbor Plant Sale!

AVALON MAYOR MARTIN PAGLIUGHI has announced that he will not seek re-election as Avalon's mayor, after having served in the postion for 32 years, according to a Cape May County Herald article.  Having been elected to the position in 1991, many Avalon residents, homeowners, and visitors don't remember a time when Pagliughi wasn't the mayor.  Avalon's next election is slated for May 9th, 2023. 
 
"ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY..."  The song conjurs up images of a leisurely drive down the coast, with beautiful shore scenes greeting you at every turn.  An article from OnlyInYourState.com highlights a few of those scenes, with a focus on Grassy Sound, behind North Wildwood.  Check out the article: Read More
 
ARE YOU STILL HUMMING "On The Way To Cape May" after reading the headline above?  If you are, perhaps you need to listen to the original tune!  Take three minutes to brighten your day! Read More
 
IT'S "SHIVER WEEKEND!"  The Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge and related events occur this weekend.  Even if you're not up for a chilly dip in the surf—which is around 40 degrees at this time of year!--perhaps you'll be up for watching the action on the beach.  See below for details!

GET YOUR BEACH TAGS ONLINE!  Both Avalon and Stone Harbor season beach tags are now available for purchase online.  Order a set for your family and have them shipped to your door!  Find them here

 

weekly News: 03/09/2023

Villa Maria is taking shape at 111th Street in Stone Harbor.  The new retreat is smaller than the old structure, but has modern features the old building lacked.

IT'S SHOP-A-HOLICS WEEKEND in Avalon & Stone Harbor!  Shop designers and deals at over 35 participating businesses in Avalon and Stone Harbor.  For an interactive map of participating stores click here: www.visitavalonnj.com/shopaholics 
 
THE REEDS AT SHELTER HAVEN was listed among the 14 Best New Jersey Staycations by thedigestonline.com.  Ristorante Luciano also earned a mention in the article.  Other nearby "bests" include the Virginia Hotel, Congress Hall, and the Southern Mansion, all of Cape May.
 
SUNDAY MORNING WATER RESCUE: Stone Harbor and Avalon Fire Departments responded to a water rescue this past Sunday, along with North Wildwood and Wildwood Fire Departments.  Two kayakers were reported in distress and were located by two firefighters aboard Stone Harbor's fireboat about a half-mile off Stone Harbor Point.   One kayak had capsized, and one was filling with water.  Stone Harbor's fireboat transported the victims to the beach, then to two ambulances waiting at the 123rd Street parking lot. 
 
THREE WIND FARM sessions will be hosted locally in the next two weeks for anyone concerned or wanting to learn more about the ongoing projects.  All sessions are free and open to the public.  See my Upcoming Events list below for details on each session.

STONE HARBOR BEACH TAGS are available for purchase at Borough Hall.  Season tags are $32 per tag, through May 31st.  Avalon tags are available online at http://jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/currentbeachtagsbadges

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Shop-A-Holics Weekend, Seven Mile Beach Shopping Districts, Thursday-Sunday, March 9-12.  For an interactive map Read More
 
Stone Harbor Bulk Trash Pick Up, Monday, March 13th.  Place items curbside up to 72 hours prior to pick up.  (No construction debris, hazardous waste, carpeting, brush/yard debris, concrete, bricks, or cinderblocks.) 
 
Flood Insurance Seminar, Stone Harbor Borough Hall, March 14th, 6pm, and via Zoom.  Register for Zoom Register
 
Wind Farm Public Information Session, hosted by Len Desiderio and Jay Gillian. Ocean City Tabernacle, Wednesday, March 15th, 6pm.  Register
 
Hearing on Offshore Wind, hosted by Congressman Jeff Van Drew.  Wildwoods Convention Center, Thursday, March 16th, 2pm.  
 
Pre-Shiver Party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 17th, 6pm.  
 
Kegs & Eggs, Fred’s Tavern, 96th Street, Saturday, March 18th, 9am.  
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge, 95th Street beach, Saturday, March 18th, 11:30am.   Registration for Pre-Shiver Party, Polar Plunge and Kegs & Eggs: Read More  
 
Wind Farm Discussion, Zoom presentation, hosted by Cape May County Democrats.  Monday, March 20th, 7pm.  Register
 
Beach Sweeps, Avalon and Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 1st, 9am-12:30pm.  Dress for the weather, bring your own bucket, and wear hard soled shoes.  Register  
 
Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Stone Harbor Firehouse, Saturday, April 1st, 12pm-12:30pm. 
 
Easter Bunny Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, April 1st, 2nd, & 8th. Read More  
 
Stone Harbor Job Fair, at participating businesses, Saturday, April 15th, 10am to 4pm.  Stone Harbor job listings: Read More  
 
Spring Ice Cream Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, Saturday, April 15th. Read More
 
Avalon Bulk Trash Pick Up, place items curbside May 5th through May 14th.  

Weekly Events:

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

 

Weekly News 3/2/2023

LESS THAN THREE MONTHS to Memorial Day Weekend!  Despite the grey skies and chilly temperatures most of us have been experiencing lately, we're just a few months from kicking off our summer season—something that brings a smile to all our faces.   
   
BEACH SWEEPS ARE BACK, returning to both Avalon and Stone Harbor on Saturday, April 1st.  Volunteers are needed to help clean beaches in each town, removing trash and debris, helping to keep them beautiful.  Dress for the weather, bring your own bucket, and wear hard-soled shoes. To volunteer, please register for the beach sweep at www.CleanOceanAction.org. 
 
NEW IRRIGATION RULES in Stone Harbor prohibit the watering of grass, trees, and landscape beds between the curb and sidewalk using installed sprinklers.  These areas may only be watered using drip or trickle irrigation systems.   The ordinance was approved last April and went into effect January 1st.

AVALON BEACH TAGS can be purchased online!  As in years past, Avalon has partnered with Jersey Cape Tags to make beach tags available for online purchase and shipping right to your door!  Purchase

 
SPRING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE should be on your mind!  Don't wait--schedule your spring maintenance now, and beat the rush.  Call your landscaper for flowers or shrubs; schedule your plumber to turn on your outside water lines; set up a powerwashing (or softwashing) of your siding; have your painter refinish your front door, trim, or other surfaces.   
 
NEED A CONTRACTOR?  From pools to patios, doors to decks, and flowers to fences, I'm happy to recommend contractors or service providers.  Need one?  Call or email me!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Weekly Events:

Atlantic City Boat Show, March 1-5.  www.acboatshow.com  
 
Shop-A-Holics Weekend, Seven Mile Beach Shopping Districts, Thursday-Sunday, March 9-12. 
 
Pre-Shiver Party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 17th, 6pm.  
 
Kegs & Eggs, Fred’s Tavern, 96th Street, Saturday, March 18th, 9am.  
 
Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge, 95th Street beach, Saturday, March 18th, 11:30am.   Registration for Pre-Shiver Party, Polar Plunge and Kegs & Eggs: http://www.active.com/stone-harbor-nj/water-sports/swimming/stone-harbor-shiver-polar-plunge-2023?int=72-3-A1  
 
Beach Sweeps, Avalon and Stone Harbor, Saturday, April 1st, 9am-12:30pm.  Dress for the weather, bring your own bucket, and wear hard soled shoes.  Register at www.CleanOceanAction.org   
 
Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Stone Harbor Firehouse, Saturday, April 1st, 12pm-12:30pm. 
 
Easter Bunny Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, April 1st, 2nd, & 8th. www.SeashoreLines.org  
 
Stone Harbor Job Fair, at participating businesses, Saturday, April 15th, 10am to 4pm.  Stone Harbor job listings: http://stoneharborchamber.com/help-wanted  
 
Spring Ice Cream Express, Cape May Seashore Lines, Saturday, April 15th. www.SeashoreLines.org  

Weekly Events:

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