AVALON SUMMER NEWS

AVALON HOLDS 911 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon held a special 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, September 11th at 12 Noon at the 11th Street ball field. Over 500 people attended the event to recognize the tenth anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 attack on America. Featured at the event was an artifact from the World Trade Center that will be part of a permanent memorial to be located in Avalon.

Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi spoke about the events in New York City, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. Avalon Police Sgt. Frank Hood spoke about the weeks he spent in New York City following the attack, while Avalon Rescue Squad Chief Kevin Scarpa discussed the squad’s role in New York two days following the attack. A special American Flag that few in Pennsylvania at the site of the September 11th memorial was donated to Avalon to fly during Sunday’s ceremony.

The Borough of Avalon successfully obtained a 12-foot section of the World Trade Center from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Avalon EMS Chief Kevin Scarpa, Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl, and Avalon Department of Public Works Senior Equipment Operator James Wolford travelled to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City earlier in the day to pick up the artifact. The artifact was being stored in Hangar 17 at the airport among other objects from the World Trade Center. It is a two foot wide box beam that weighs nearly 1,800 pounds.

The artifact will remain on display at the Avalon Rescue Squad building at 31st Street and Dune Drive until it is incorporated into the Avalon memorial. The public may view the artifact during daytime hours when the Rescue Squad building is open.

AVALON WELCOMES ARTIFACT FROM WORLD TRADE CENTER

(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon welcomed an artifact from the World Trade Center during a special ceremony held on Thursday evening, September 8th. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presided over the solemn ceremony held at the Avalon Public Safety Building at 31st Street and Dune Drive.

The Borough of Avalon successfully obtained a 12-foot section of the World Trade Center from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Avalon EMS Chief Kevin Scarpa, Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl, and Avalon Department of Public Works Senior Equipment Operator James Wolford travelled to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City earlier in the day to pick up the artifact. The artifact was being stored in Hangar 17 at the airport among other objects from the World Trade Center. It is a two foot wide box beam that weighs nearly 1,800 pounds.

The Avalon Volunteer Fire Company, Avalon Police Department, and Avalon EMS participated in the slow procession of emergency vehicles into the Borough on Thursday evening. The Avalon public safety community and many residents and visitors welcomed the piece into Avalon for the very first time. The artifact was draped in an American flag and escorted by an Avalon fire truck. Monsignor John Frey of St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Avalon provided a formal blessing, followed by comments by Mayor Pagliughi.

The artifact will be on display again on Sunday, September 11th, 2011 at 12 Noon. The Borough will hold a special remembrance ceremony at the ball field flags located at 11th Street and Dune Drive in Avalon. There is a special September 11th, 2001 memorial plaque at that location. It will be the site of a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims and their families of September 11th, along with the all of the first responders from Avalon, the state of New Jersey, and other states that responded to the attack in New York City, The Pentagon, and Pennsylvania.

The “Seven Mile Singers” will provide patriotic music during the ceremony on Sunday, September 11th. Two members of the Avalon public safety community, EMS Chief Kevin Scarpa and Police Sgt. Frank Hood, both responded to New York City following the attack ten years ago. They will offer their personal reflections on how the Borough of Avalon helped with response following the attack. At 1:00pm, the Borough and many churches in the community will participate in a nationwide tribute to the victims and heroes with church bells ringing throughout the Borough.

Port Authority places piece on Avalon truck

Avalon officials secure piece for transport from JFK Airport

Avalon World Trade Center artifact readied for transport

Artifact arrives on 30th Street in Avalon

Avalon Rescue community escorts artifact.

Folding of the flag

Mayor Pagliughi addresses the crowd.

Procession to Public Safety Building

AVALON PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL WELCOMES REAL DIAMOND TO AVALON

Avalon, NJ, September 7, 2011 --The summer season has ended, but the sizzle of the summer spills over to the fall as the Avalon Performing Arts Council (APAC) brings entertainment and dancing featuring “Real Diamond”, a Neil Diamond Tribute Band. They are back by popular demand after last year’s outstanding performance. You can expect to be amazed, dancing and singing along to four decades of incredible and unforgettable Neil Diamond songs.

Curt Di Domizio, fronts the band with a realistic Neil Diamond interpretation of Diamond hits -- “Holly Holy”, “Cracklin Rosie”, “Sweet Caroline”, “September Morn”, “America”, and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, just to name a few. Di Domizio dazzles his audiences with a spectacular performance, backed by a professional band dedicated to the recreation of the Neil Diamond experience as if Diamond was there himself.

“Real Diamond” will take place Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street at the beach. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment begins at 8:00PM. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased in advance, along with table reservations. APAC Friends are admitted free of charge.

The snack bar will be open and ice and table set-ups will be provided for those who wish to bring their own beverages or food.
For more information, call 609-967-3066 – www.avalonperformingarts.org.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council
of the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for
the Arts. The regrant is administered by the Cape May County Culture and
Heritage Commission, for the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

(Stone Harbor, NJ)—Barth Plumbing Heating Cooling, a Hutchinson Company, made a generous donation of $1,000 to American Legion Post #331 to provide air conditioning for the first time in Post history. Tom Hutchinson, President of the company, presented members with a $1,000 check to support the project and also encouraged the supplier of the equipment to provide the post with generous savings for the project.

“We want to express our sincere thanks to Tom and his company for providing thousands of dollars worth of relief to this much-needed project at the Stephen C. Ludlam Post #331 in Stone Harbor”, said Post Commander Kevin Coyle. “Since 1895, our building has been without air conditioning. Thanks to Tom’s efforts, we are able to provide comfort not only for our veterans who frequent the building, but also to seniors and the public who visit the Post on a daily basis”.

Al Carusi, past Commander of the post, alerted governments in Stone Harbor and Avalon about the need for air conditioning in the building. Both communities dedicated funding to the effort and the project was put out to bid. Barth Plumbing Heating and Cooling secured the bid and was able to convince Mitsubishi Electric to lower the price for equipment by $4,500. The company supported that effort with an additional donation of $1,000 to the project.

“We are thrilled to honor our veterans and serve the Seven Mile Island community by providing this service to the post”, said Tom Hutchinson, President of Barth. “Thanks to my father’s military service, I have been attending veterans’ dinners since I was 17 years old. We recognize how important their service is to our country, and what a tremendous asset this building is to our community. We jumped at the opportunity to help with this project”.

The air conditioning work was completed during the fall of 2010. Barth Plumbing Heating and Cooling installed a duct-less air conditioning system in several rooms inside the post, including in the general meeting room where seniors gather weekly and special events and meetings are held. Earth-friendly refrigerants are used in the new system installed at the post. The air conditioning system also serves as a backup heating system for the post.

“Ironically soon after Tom installed the air conditioning system in our building our heating boiler failed”, Carusi said. “Thankfully Tom’s system was able to provide heat through last winter. We’ll need to address the boiler heating system in our building very soon”.

Veterans from Stone Harbor and Avalon volunteer their time to provide tours of their building through the summer. Seniors gather at the building on a weekly basis, and the general meeting room is available to organizations to hold meeting and small special events.

“Thanks to the generosity of Tom Hutchinson, and the boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor we are able to keep our veterans and visitors in comfort”, Coyle said. “The days of opening the windows and hoping for a breeze are over. Now we fully expect to accommodate more visitors for tours, and more special events”.

For more information about the building, please visit www.stephencludlampost331.org.

AVALON MAYOR, GOVERNOR MEET ON AVALON BEACHFRONT

Marty Pagliughi and Chris Christie

(Avalon, NJ)—New Jersey Governor Chris Christie took time out of his schedule to meet with Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi on the 30th Street beach in Avalon Sunday afternoon. The governor was joined by New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Martin, New Jersey State Police Colonel Rick Fuentes, and other key staff from the his office.

Governor Christie flew to Cape May County Sunday afternoon to personally meet with mayors and elected officials from our county to get a first hand assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene. Following the meeting, the governor asked to join Mayor Pagliughi in Avalon for a personal look at the Avalon beachfront, which fared well during the hurricane. The meeting was held on the 30th Street beach.

“I am very appreciative for the Governor’s concern of the Avalon beachfront but of the entire state of New Jersey during this hurricane”, Pagliughi said. “The governor showed leadership and genuine interest during a time of crisis, and I am very thankful that he took time to personally see the Borough of Avalon after the big storm”.

The governor was expected to go to Atlantic County following his visit in Avalon.

AVALON RE-ENTRY UPDATE FROM OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

(Avalon, NJ 1:00pm)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi announced that Avalon residents and visitors should follow the advice of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie regarding any potential return to the Borough of Avalon following Hurricane Irene.

“I appreciate the efforts and leadership of the Governor through this state of emergency as a result of the hurricane”, Pagliughi said. “Even though the Borough of Avalon got through the storm with minimal damage to infrastructure, it’s still very difficult to drive and get to shore resorts. We highly encourage everyone who has the ability to stay in their current location for the next 24 hours to do just that, stay where you are and allow emergency crews and authorities in other parts of the state do their jobs effectively”.

The eye of Hurricane Irene passed over the Borough of Avalon Sunday at 4:15am. The Borough experienced hurricane-force winds, several inches of rain, and moderate coastal flooding on Saturday evening. However, thanks to a change of wind direction during the early morning hours, the Sunday morning high tide did not aggravate the situation in Avalon.

Governor Christie announced on Sunday during a statewide press conference that the southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway near Avalon will be reopened to vehicular traffic on Sunday. In addition, tolls will be charged on both the Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway as of Monday morning.

“Even though shore resorts like Avalon faired pretty well during the storm, anyone who has the opportunity to stay where they are for the next 18 hours or so, please do so”, Pagliughi said. “The Governor made very clear mention of flooding issues in other parts of the state and suggested that strong winds throughout the day could bring down more trees which will result in additional power outages. There are also numerous other storm and public safety issues in other parts of the state and our region that have occurred as well. Avalon will gladly welcome tourists, visitors, vacationers to the Borough well in advance of the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Thanks to the hard work by our dedicated public safety and public works teams, the Borough is being restored quickly to allow businesses to open again and for people to go to work, come to play, and enjoy the last unofficial week of summer in the Borough of Avalon”.

Avalon experienced no widespread power outages during Hurricane Irene; the full extent of power loss will be determined when residents arrive back in the community to check their properties. The Borough was fortunate to maintain many communications as well. One crew of emergency responders, including Mayor Pagliughi, manned the Avalon Emergency Operations Center during the entire storm event. Another crew of Avalon employees and volunteers operated a shelter for Avalon evacuees and other individuals in need at Cumberland Regional High School.

The Avalon Borough Hall will be closed to the public on Monday. Avalon Borough Hall employees will be at work restoring various offices. Many filing cabinets, equipment, essential documents, and technology were relocated out of Borough Hall in the event flooding was severe during the storm. There will be no court in session on Monday.

As of Sunday afternoon, Avalon Boulevard was passable into the Borough of Avalon. All stores and businesses in the Borough of Avalon were closed both Saturday and Sunday to keep visitors, employees, and business owners out of harm’s way.

“I want to thank the entire business community in Avalon for understanding the decision to call for a mandatory evacuation in our community during the summer”, Pagliughi said. “Avalon always has, and always will, put public safety first and foremost in any decision we make. I am pleased that Governor Christie today recognized the financial impact that Hurricane Irene has on shore businesses, and I’m thrilled that he plans on visiting the shore this week to show the world that New Jersey’s beaches are intact and open for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend”.

Avalon will continue to provide updates relating to Hurricane Irene on its website, www.avalonboro.org; on Avalon’s official Facebook page; on 1630AM Avalon’s emergency radio station; and on ShoreTV Channel 2 for Comcast television customers. Alerts via Avalon’s Global Connect 911 telephone system will be made, when required. Avalon has a list of contact information for many utilities and Borough officials on the “Frequently Called Numbers” link on the Borough’s website.

MAYOR THANKS LOCAL FOREIGN WORKERS FOR ASSISTANCE AT SHELTER

Many volunteered manpower, food, other services at Avalon evacuation shelter during Irene

(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi greeted Avalon evacuees and volunteers who returned to the community on Sunday afternoon at the Avalon Public Safety Facility. Pagliughi took time to thank some young adults who are working this summer in Avalon who volunteered at the shelter to provide essential services to people in need.

“These young men and women came to work in the United States from foreign countries and the last thing they expected was a major hurricane along the East Coast”, Pagliughi said. “These individuals had no place to stay and no place to go. Not only did they take advantage of the Avalon shelter but they also provided essential shelter services as volunteers. Their local employers and their families at home should be very proud of their service to community even while they are in another country”.

The Borough was expected to evacuate its residents who needed sheltering to Cumberland County College. However, that shelter quickly filled up and another shelter location was established at Cumberland Regional High School. Avalon employees and volunteers ran the shelter without any assistance from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning before assistance was provided by the American Red Cross.

“The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in Avalon”, Pagliughi said. “We deeply appreciate our Avalon employees and volunteers for their tireless efforts through the storm to make people safe and comfortable. Many local and regional businesses stepped up to provide food and services to everyone at the shelter. The response from the Avalon community has been overwhelming and humbling”.

The Borough of Avalon provided transportation to the shelter on Friday afternoon and back to Avalon on Sunday afternoon so evacuees could be reunited with friends and family.

CBS3’s Walt Hunter interviewed the volunteers who manned the Avalon shelter upon their arrival back to the Borough Sunday afternoon.

SO LONG IRENE: STORM DROPS TO TROPICAL STORM STATUS

(Avalon, NJ)—A Hurricane Warning for the Borough of Avalon has been dropped by the National Weather Service as Irene continues to move up to the New England region. Tropical storm force winds are being felt in Avalon Sunday shortly before 10:00am. The winds are gusting out of the west, which kept the 7:51am high tide event minimal in the Borough of Avalon.

For the rest of the day on Sunday, tropical storm winds are expected to diminish to 20 to 30 miles per hour under cloudy skies. It’s possible some sunshine may return to the Borough before nightfall Sunday.

The Avalon Department of Public Works continues to assess damage to Borough infrastructure. So far, damage to the Avalon beachfront has been minimal. The dune system in the north end of our community was not compromised during the storm. There is some beach erosion in the Borough of Avalon but beaches held up fairly well during this storm. The Avalon Police Department continues to monitor traffic on Avalon Boulevard and the rest of the community.

At 9:30am, Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi allowed access to the community for property owners only via Avalon Boulevard. As of this writing, tourists, visitors, and sight seers are not allowed in Avalon. Property owners are allowed to come back into Avalon.

There were no widespread power outages in Avalon during this storm event. A few power and cable lines have dropped but there are no significant power or communications issues. One power line was spotted down at 7th Street and Ocean Drive just south of the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge.

Please keep in mind that there are still some traffic advisories and traffic detours in effect throughout the state of New Jersey. These patterns are literally changing by the hour. If you are a property owner headed back to Avalon, please be aware that there may be detours in place that could change your preferred route to Avalon.

Several inches of rain fell during Hurricane Irene in Avalon but flooding problems were not of the extreme nature. Maximum wind gusts were hurricane force shortly before the eye of the storm moved over Avalon at approximately 4:15am on Sunday.

Please continue to monitor our local resources for updates, including Shore TV Channel 2 for Comcast customers; 1630AM radio in Avalon; www.avalonboro.org; and Avalon’s official Facebook page.

MESSAGE ABOUT POTENTIAL RE-ENTRY INTO AVALON 9:30am UPDATE

(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon continues to do its assessment of damage from Hurricane Irene in Avalon. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl, and Avalon Rescue Chief Kevin Scarpa completed a tour of Avalon on Sunday at 8:45am. There are a few downed wires, a few downed trees and some road debris. However, the Sunday morning high tide did not aggravate the conditions in Avalon thanks to a strong westerly wind.

The Borough of Avalon did not experience any widespread power or communication outages courtesy of Hurricane Irene. There appears to be no major structural damage to Borough facilities.

Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, as of 9:30am on Sunday, has approved re-entry into Avalon via Avalon Boulevard for Avalon property owners only. Renters, visitors, tourists, and sight seers are not permitted into Avalon at this time. Only Avalon property owners are cleared to re-enter Avalon via Avalon Boulevard.

Avalon officials will permit re-entry into the community only when it is safe and access has been approved. The Avalon Office of Emergency Management’s hotline number is (609) 967-8229. We will continue to update that phone number with access information. We will also update our website, www.avalonboro.org, Avalon’s official Facebook page, Avalon’s radio station 1630AM, and Shore TV Channel 2.

Please keep in mind that various traffic advisories are still in effect by the state of New Jersey. Updates are available on www.511nj.org.

(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon continues to do its assessment of damage from Hurricane Irene in Avalon. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl, and Avalon Rescue Chief Kevin Scarpa completed a tour of Avalon on Sunday at 8:45am. There are a few downed wires, a few downed trees and some road debris. However, the Sunday morning high tide did not aggravate the conditions in Avalon thanks to a strong westerly wind.

The Borough of Avalon did not experience any widespread power or communication outages courtesy of Hurricane Irene. There appears to be no major structural damage to Borough facilities.

Avalon officials will permit re-entry into the community only when it is safe and access has been approved. The Avalon Office of Emergency Management’s hotline number is (609) 967-8229. We will continue to update that phone number with access information. We will also update our website, www.avalonboro.org, Avalon’s official Facebook page, Avalon’s radio station 1630AM, and Shore TV Channel 2.

Please keep in mind that various traffic advisories are still in effect by the state of New Jersey. Updates are available on www.511nj.org.

New post-storm photos will be uploaded to the Borough’s website and Facebook page shortly.

(Avalon, NJ)—Even though the worst of the storm has passed, a Hurricane Warning still remains in effect for the Borough of Avalon Sunday morning. As of Sunday at 5:00am, a major change in the wind shift brings good news to Avalon. Winds are now gusting out of the west in the Borough of Avalon. The eye of the storm passed about 20 miles off the coast of Avalon earlier this morning.

The Avalon Office of Emergency Management is going to do a visible damage assessment of the community. Several inches of rain fell during the overnight hours. Hurricane-force winds also hit the community during the height of the storm.

Avalon emergency management officials are maintaining a shelter at Cumberland Regional High School. Dozens of Avalon volunteers are running the shelter.

As of 5:45am, Atlantic City Electric was reporting 106,000 power outages throughout the South Jersey area. Nearly 12,000 of those customers are in Cape May County.

The next high tide event for the Borough of Avalon will take place at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City at 7:51am.

Please continue to monitor the Borough’s website and Facebook pages for additional information and photographs later this morning. Remember, re-entry into the Borough of Avalon will only be permitted when the all clear has been issued by the Avalon Office of Emergency Management.

Atlantic City Electric has initiated its Incident Response Plan regarding the effects of Hurricane Irene. In order to limit storm damage and ensure the safety of customers and emergency service personnel, the company may need to de-energize the transmission infrastructure in flooded communities.

Atlantic City Electric is working closely with local Emergency Management and key officials to discuss the potential for shutdowns. At this time, areas under consideration include the barrier islands in Cape May County and Ocean County as these areas, already evacuated, are expected to be hard hit by the storm.

There are two primary issues that Atlantic City Electric evaluates prior to de-energizing an area, water levels and the integrity of the company’s transmission infrastructure. Should equipment need to be de-energized, service restoration will be dependent on how quickly water recedes from the affected areas.

“While we do not plan to de-energize at this time, proactively de-energizing equipment would aid our crews in restoring service as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric Region President. “By powering down these critical components, we could limit the damage to our equipment and reduce the amount of time necessary to restore service. If water reaches key electrical equipment that is energized, damage could be exponential and likely prolong restoration. The areas we’ve identified are currently under mandatory evacuations, so our hope is that customer impacts will be extremely limited,” said Maione “If this is done, restoration times after the storm should be reduced.”

The company is continuing to closely monitor the approach of Hurricane Irene. All available resources are scheduled to work extended hours and the assistance of additional personnel from other utilities and contractors has been secured. Crews will begin to assess damage and restore power as soon as conditions permit.

NIGHT FALLS ON AVALON, IRENE BRINGS FLOODING, RAIN, GUSTY WINDS

(Avalon, NJ)—Night has fallen on Avalon, New Jersey with a Hurricane Warning in effect for the Borough through Sunday.  As of 9:00pm, the Borough was experiencing tropical storm-force winds, torrential rains, and some coastal flooding.  During the high tide event on Saturday evening, there was spotty street flooding in the community with some flooded streets but no significant problems were reported. 
One electrical wire came down at 7th Street and Ocean Drive near the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge.  Many lights were on in the Borough of Avalon at 8:00pm with no major power outages.  Waves were breaking over the bulkhead on Ocean Drive heading to the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge.  Very few vehicles were parked on any streets in the community.  Access to Avalon has been completely cut off via Avalon Boulevard as a result of Hurricane Irene.
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, who also serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Borough, has been in constant contact with state and regional officials regarding the storm conditions in the community.  Earlier in the day, Pagliughi had a personal conversation with Governor Chris Christie.
Avalon has established an evacuation shelter at Cumberland Regional High School in Bridgeton.  Nearly 100 evacuees are at the shelter and many volunteers have stepped in to provide food and other comforts to the residents in the shelter.  As of this evening, evacuations are over.  Emergency management officials insist you stay at your current location.
The eye of Hurricane Irene continues to inch up the eastern seaboard of the United States.  If the storm stays on its current path, the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall will take place during the overnight hours.
The mandatory evacuation remains in place for the Borough of Avalon.  Avalon officials want visitors and residents to know that access to the Borough of Avalon will only be permitted once emergency management officials have toured the community to make sure there are no major infrastructure issues.  The worst of the storm as of Saturday at 9:00pm is still to come.
Avalon is also hosting a Philadelphia news crew.  CBS3 in Philadelphia has two reporters and camera crews hosted at the Avalon Emergency Management Center on Dune Drive.  The television crew will continue to ride out the storm with Avalon emergency management officials through the night into Sunday morning.
As of Saturday evening, a Tornado Warning was in effect for the extreme northeastern portion of Cape May County, about ten miles away from Avalon.  A Tornado Warning was in effect for a larger portion of Atlantic County.  The weather service also has several other warnings in effect.
Avalon will continue to update the public on the Borough’s official website, www.avalonboro.org and on Avalon’s official Facebook page. 
Please also continue to pay attention to local, regional and national media on this storm.

(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has continued the Hurricane Warning for the Borough of Avalon. A Flood Warning is also in effect for the Saturday high tide event which will take place at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge at 7:22pm.

Very few vehicles and people remain in the Borough of Avalon. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi toured Avalon during the 4:00pm hour and most streets were free of vehicles, and there were no pedestrians in Avalon. Rainfall is now moderate to heavy at times in Avalon, with winds now gusting to 40mph with sustained winds over 25mph.

Avalon expects to experience moderate to severe coastal flooding at time of high tide Saturday evening. A mandatory evacuation of all shore resorts in South Jersey continues, including Avalon. Rain has been widespread over the Borough of Avalon for the past nine hours.

The county of Cape May announced that all pumping stations in the Borough of Avalon are being deactivated.

Here is an official discussion of Hurricane Irene as provided by the National Weather Service:

WIND...tropical-storm-force winds will spread northward along the
mid-Atlantic coast this evening with hurricane conditions expected
tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach southern
New England late this evening with hurricane conditions expected by
Sunday morning. Winds affecting the upper floors of high-rise
buildings will be significantly stronger than those near
ground-level.

STORM SURGE...an extremely dangerous storm tide will raise water
levels by as much as 5 to 9 feet above ground level in the
Hurricane Warning area in North Carolina...including the Albemarle
and Pamlico sounds. Storm surge will raise water levels by as much
as 4 to 8 feet above ground level within the Hurricane Warning area
from the North Carolina/Virginia border northward to Cape Cod
including southern portions of the Chesapeake Bay and its
tributaries. Near the coast...the surge will be accompanied by
large...destructive...and life-threatening waves. Higher than
normal astronomical tides are occurring this weekend. Coastal and
river flooding will be highest in areas where the peak surge occurs
around the time of high tide. Storm tide and surge values are very
location-specific...and users are urged to consult products issued
by their local National Weather Service offices.

RAINFALL...Irene is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of
6 to 12 inches...with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches...from
eastern North Carolina northward through the mid-Atlantic states
into eastern New York and interior New England. These rains...
combined with heavy rains over the past few weeks...could cause
widespread flooding...life-threatening flash floods...and
significant uprooting of trees due to rain-softened grounds.

SURF...large swells generated by Irene are affecting much of the
East Coast of the United States. These swells will cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

TORNADOES...isolated tornadoes are possible along the coast of
Maryland...Delaware...and New Jersey through tonight.

(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Warning for the Borough of Avalon and all of Cape May County for Saturday afternoon and evening. High tide will take place at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City this Saturday evening at 7:22pm. Here is the official text of the Flood Warning from the National Weather Service:

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a

* Flood Warning for urban areas and small streams in...
Kent County in central Delaware...
Caroline County in eastern Maryland...
Cecil County in northeast Maryland...
Salem County in southern New Jersey...
Cumberland County in southern New Jersey...
western Gloucester County in southern New Jersey...
eastern Queen Anne's County in northeast Maryland...
eastern Talbot County in eastern Maryland...
Sussex County in southern Delaware...
New Castle County in northern Delaware...
Cape May County in southern New Jersey...

* until 815 PM EDT

* at 210 PM EDT bands of heavy showers have already deposited 1 to
3 inches of rain on portions of Delaware... adjacent Maryland and
southwest New Jersey

* an additional 1 to 4 inches is anticipated in this area by 8 PM.

* There will considerable flooding..including basement..Urban and
Small Stream flooding by nightfall. Flash flood warnings may be
issued later this afternoon for portions of this area.

A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported.
All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or is imminent. Most
flood related deaths occur in automobiles. Do not attempt to cross
water covered bridges... dips... or low water crossings. Never try to
cross a flowing stream... even a small one... on foot. To escape rising
water move up to higher ground.

Do not underestimate the power of flood waters. Only a few inches of
rapidly flowing water can quickly carry away your vehicle.

(Avalon, NJ)—Rain from Hurricane Irene has arrived in the Borough of Avalon. A steady rainfall has been in Avalon since the mid-morning hours. Winds are still relatively calm before the arrival of Hurricane Irene. A Tornado Watch has been posted by the National Weather Service for Avalon until Saturday, at 8:00pm. The service has continued a Hurricane Warning for the Borough with the arrival of storm conditions in Avalon later in the day.

Hurricane Irene made landfall along the North Carolina coastline this morning. The storm is currently moving in a North-Northeasterly direction and has picked up a little speed. Tropical storm to hurricane conditions are expected in the Borough of Avalon by Saturday evening and last through the overnight hours.

The Borough of Avalon has called for a mandatory evacuation and most of the community has left Avalon and Cape May County for higher ground. A few Avalon emergency management personnel remain in the community. Avalon Mayor and Emergency Management Coordinator Martin Pagliughi participated in a conference call with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and essential state emergency personnel to provide a first-hand assessment of the situation in Avalon. A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the entire county of Cape May.

The Avalon Department of Public Works has secured trash cans and other Borough equipment. Avalon personnel have been operating a shelter at the Cumberland Regional High School for the past 18 hours with volunteer personnel.

Various traffic advisories and new traffic configurations are in effect currently in the State of New Jersey, including a reverse-lane strategy on some South Jersey highways.

Weather conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate in Avalon through Saturday afternoon, and the overnight hours into Sunday morning. Several inches of rain, strong winds, coastal flooding and the potential for power and communication outages still exist in Avalon.

Please be advised that any potential re-entry to the Borough of Avalon for any reason will be determined by the Avalon Office of Emergency Management. The Borough will determine if the infrastructure is safe enough for a potential return. Do not assume that after the storm passes that automatic re-entry into the community, for anyone, will be permissible. Please continue to get updates on the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org, and on the Borough’s Facebook site.

Avalon will continue to update the public on 1630AM radio, on Shore TV Channel 2, and via Global Connect 911 emergency phone calls when necessary.

(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for the Borough of Avalon and surrounding communities on Saturday, August 27th, until 8:00pm due to the approach of Hurricane Irene.

Here is the text of the Tornado Watch provided by the National Weather Service:

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
Tornado Watch for portions of

Delaware
eastern Maryland
southern New Jersey
southeast Virginia
coastal waters

Effective this Saturday morning and evening from 1040 am until
800 PM EDT.

Tornadoes... thunderstorm wind gusts to 75 mph... and dangerous
lightning are possible in these areas.

The Tornado Watch area is approximately along and 45 statute
miles east and west of a line from 35 miles southwest of Norfolk
Virginia to 15 miles north of Atlantic City New Jersey. For a
complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
update (wous64 kwns wou1).

Remember... a Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

Other watch information... continue... ww 810...

Discussion... several convective bands to the north of the center of
Hurricane Irene continue to contain small rotating cells. These are
moving onshore into the Tidewater near Virginia Beach and east of
Chesapeake Bay over coastal VA and MD. A threat for a few tornadoes
will gradually shift nwd along the coast as Irene moves nnewd per
latest NHC forecast.

Aviation... tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with extreme
turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots.

(Avalon, NJ)—A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Borough of Avalon for a major storm event in our community Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th. Hurricane Irene is on a path to bring clouds, heavy rain, hurricane-force winds, flooding, and other issues throughout the weekend. A mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for the Borough of Avalon and all of Cape May County. In addition, President Obama has ordered an emergency declaration for the state of New Jersey.

The National Weather Service reports that Hurricane Irene made landfall this morning on the coast of North Carolina. The storm is moving in a North-Northeasterly direction at 15 miles per hour. Irene is expected to be a category one hurricane and bring significant weather issues to the Borough of Avalon.

The worst of the storm is expected to be during the evening hours Saturday, overnight into Sunday morning, and early Sunday afternoon. By Sunday afternoon, the storm is expected to be in the New England states. The eye of the storm has broken apart somewhat, and there is a slight weakening in the storm. However, Irene continues to be a dangerous threat to the Borough of Avalon and the entire New Jersey coastline.

Avalon expects to experience sustained winds of 55-65mph with gusts approaching 80 miles per hour during this storm event. Several inches of rain are expected which will aggravate street and infrastructure flooding. Strong winds will likely result in downed trees, some loss of power, and possible loss of communications.

High tide at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will take place at 7:22pm on Saturday, and again at 7:51am on Sunday. The National Weather Service has also posted a flood watch for our region.

Avalon Emergency Management officials and volunteers continue to staff Avalon’s emergency shelter, now located at Cumberland Regional High School. If you know of someone who lives close to the shelter and would like to volunteer at the shelter, assistance would be greatly appreciated, even if it’s only for a few hours. Arrive at the shelter and ask for Paul Short, Code Enforcement Officer for the Borough of Avalon.

Anyone still remaining in Avalon is ordered to leave immediately. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly during this storm event. Do not put yourself, or emergency responders, in harm’s way during this hurricane. No one is being allowed to enter Avalon for any reason. The window of opportunity to prepare your home, business, boat, or property has closed

Many residents, visitors, and business owners are asking when it will be possible to gain access to Avalon after Hurricane Irene passes. That will not be determined by current weather conditions; that decision will be made by the Avalon Office of Emergency Management. Public notification on a possible return to Avalon will be made on the Borough’s website at www.avalonboro.org, the Borough’s official Facebook page, ShoreTV Channel 2 (which is available on the Borough’s website), on 1630AM radio station, via Global Connect reverse 911 calls, and through traditional media outlets. Please do not assume after the storm when the weather clears that immediate access to the community will be available.

If you have an emergency in Avalon Borough, please call 911. If you have a question and you would like to speak with the Avalon Police Department, please call dispatch at (609) 967-3411. Please understand that the volume of telephone calls has been very heavy for the past few days.

All services and operations in the Borough of Avalon have been suspended until further notice.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey to supplement the state and local response efforts in the area due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irene beginning on August 26, 2011, and continuing.

The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the entire state.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.

William L. Vogel has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service continues the Hurricane Warning for the Borough of Avalon and surrounding communities. On Friday evening the storm will continue to move over the Carolinas and head for coastal Virginia. The storm is expected to impact Avalon late in the day on Saturday through part of the day on Sunday. Heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding are still expected from this storm.

Access to Avalon is now prohibited. The Avalon Department of Emergency Management continues to have a mandatory evacuation order in place. No vehicles will be permitted in the Borough of Avalon until further notice; any remaining people who leave Avalon will not be allowed back for any reason. The Borough still strongly encourages anyone remaining in our community to begin driving out of Avalon and the county of Cape May immediately. Weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly starting on Saturday.

Avalon was notified Friday afternoon that the Red Cross evacuation shelter changed. Instead of being at the Cumberland County College in Millville, Avalon’s evacuation shelter is located at the Cumberland Regional High School in Bridgeton. Avalon staff and personnel are assisting with the shelter operations.

The Borough of Avalon will continue to update residents about the storm on the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org; on Avalon’s official Facebook page; on 1630AM, Avalon’s emergency radio system; and on Shore TV Channel 2, for Comcast television customers. If you receive a phone call from the Avalon Office of Emergency Management via Global Connect/911, please listen to the entire message.

Here are a few updates on Hurricane Irene compiled from various sources:

-Eastbound traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway is being detoured and turned around at the Pleasantville Toll Plaza and prevented from entering Atlantic City. All Atlantic City casinos are closed.

-Motorists who are driving to a safe haven or to a shelter can get updated information by dialing 511 on their cellular phones, or going online at www.511nj.com.

-According to county officials, Atlantic City Electric reports that electricity service will remain on in Cape May County as long as conditions permit. If you see damage to electrical poles or you would like to report an outage, call Atlantic City Electric’s customer call center at 1-800-833-7476. South Jersey Gas will keep gas service on in Cape May County. Sewer plants will remain open; however, pumping stations on barrier islands may be closed on Saturday evening.

-The gasoline station on the Garden State Parkway at mile marker 18 is now closed until further notice. Many gasoline stations in Cape May County have no more gasoline left to sell.

-County officials report that shelters located at the Woodbine Developmental Center and Rowan University are at capacity; a shelter has opened at the Poland Spring Arena at the Ritacco Center in Toms River.

Storm to pass very close to New Jersey coastline as a major hurricane

(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Office of Emergency Management continues to order any individuals remaining in Avalon to evacuate from the community before nightfall. A state of emergency exists in New Jersey courtesy of the approaching Hurricane Irene. The opportunity to evacuate barrier islands including Avalon is very narrow. Avalon is ordering all individuals to evacuate and leave the Borough of Avalon before nightfall Friday. Access to get back into Avalon will be permitted only after Avalon officials determine that the community is safe and the infrastructure is sound.

A new Friday, 5:00pm forecast issued by the National Weather Service shows Hurricane Irene will pass very close to the Avalon coastline during the early morning hours on Sunday. Tropical storm and hurricane conditions will exist in Avalon on Saturday evening and last through part of the day on Sunday. The storm is still very large and dangerous and will threaten the entire New Jersey coastline.

Here are some news and updates from our area and around the state relating to Hurricane Irene:

-Hurricane Irene continues to bring a Hurricane Warning to Avalon and surrounding communities. Hurricane conditions are expected at the Jersey Shore Saturday night into Sunday with wind gusts approaching 90 miles per hour, several inches of rain, and severe coastal flooding.

-Cape May County announced that the Crest Haven Nursing and rehabilitation center evacuated most of its 167 residents throughout the day on Friday. They were released to other centers in the South Jersey region.

-There are new traffic patterns to report in New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Irene. Starting Friday at 6:00pm, the reverse lane strategy will be in effect on South Jersey highways Routes 347 and 47. All traffic will be diverted northbound. Beginning Friday at 8:00pm, the Garden State Parkway southbound lanes from Exit 98 to Exit 0 in Cape May will be closed to the public. The southbound lanes will be used by emergency vehicles only.

-The Borough of Avalon has a new evacuation shelter. The American Red Cross informed Avalon officials Friday afternoon that the shelter at Cumberland County College in Millville was full; a new shelter for Avalon evacuees has been established at the Cumberland Regional High School in Bridgeton. The address for the school is 90 Silver Lake Road in Bridgeton, New Jersey…about 46 miles away from Avalon.

-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that New Jersey Transit has suspended its rail, light rail, bus, and Access Link Paratransit services starting on Saturday, August 26th.

-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has ordered the closing of all casinos in Atlantic City as of Friday, 8:00pm.

Following is a formal press release from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

West Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie this morning announced additional measures being taken
to prepare for Hurricane Irene and aid New Jerseyans in shore evacuations. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. this
evening, contraflow will be in effect on Route 72, running for 28 miles to Route 70, closing all lanes to
eastbound travel and utilizing all lanes of traffic for use in moving traffic westward . The measure is the
latest action to aid residents in evacuating Long Beach Island in Ocean County.

In addition, Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offices in Atlantic, Cumberland, Monmouth, Ocean and
Salem counties will close beginning at 4:00 p.m. today until further notice. To aid New Jerseyans whose
licenses will expire at the end of the month, the MVC will also provide an extension until September 10th
for renewals on expired drivers licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations and inspections effective
September 1. Authorization was previously provided for MVC office closures in Cape May county.

Governor Christie has called on people to leave voluntarily and, in order to support coastal evacuations,
has authorized several measures that will make evacuation easier.

Yesterday, the Governor ordered a temporary suspension of tolls on all parts of the Garden State Parkway
south of the Raritan River and the Atlantic City Expressway beginning at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Governor
Christie also announced that Routes 47 and 347 in Cape May County will be closed to eastbound traffic and
that the use of all lanes of traffic will move westward beginning Friday evening at 6:00 pm. As part of this
process, all ramps will be tightly controlled and additional personnel will be used to ensure safety.

The announcement reiterates the Governor’s strong call from yesterday, urging all residents and visitors
to the New Jersey barrier islands and shore areas to leave for safer locations. Following a briefing at the
Regional Operations Intelligence Center, Governor Christie signed a Declaration of a State of Emergency
for New Jersey and called on people already at the shore to begin to leave immediately and advised anyone
who has shore rentals or was planning to go to the shore this weekend not to go. It is important residents
and visitors heed the advice and direction being given by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
(OEM). In order to conduct an orderly evacuation of the coastline and barrier islands, residents and visitors
should begin evacuating today if they have not already done so.

The state OEM is continuing to coordinate with every county as they mobilize preparations at the county
and local level. Any request for assistance must come through from the local to the county up through the
state OEM in order to ensure there is a real-time, coordinate response.

This is a statement issued by the Cape May County Communications Office

Tourism: most frequently asked questions and answers

Due to the mandatory evacuation of Cape May County, all beaches, attractions and events are closed until
further notice.

This includes the Cape May County Park and Zoo and the Cape May County Museum and all Libraries that
are part of the Cape May County Library system.

All visitors, second homeowners as well as residents are mandated to evacuate immediately. Those
planning a day trip to the area will not be allowed into Cape May County effective 6 p.m. today. If you
have plans to travel to Cape May County post Hurricane Irene, please call your place of lodging or related
business in advance to find out if they are in operation. The projected affects from the storm include loss of
electricity, flooding, blocked roads or worse that could impact travel to Cape May County and surrounding
area.

Frequently asked storm questions for visitors:

Can I get a refund for my lodging deposit if I cancel?

According to the State of New Jersey Consumer Affairs Office, the individual refund policy for each
business is put in place by business owners. Please read the refund policy listed on your confirmation and
or receipt to know your rights. The phone number for the State Office of Consumer Affairs is 973- 504-
6200. This also applies to any pre-paid gate fees or tickets to special events. Contact that business to find
out refunds or rescheduling.

Are the hotels, motels, B & Bs, campgrounds, restaurants or bars open?

Due to the mandatory evacuation order, do not expect that you can access any Cape May County town or
business establishment.

Is the Cape May- Lewes Ferry running?

All scheduled ferry crossings have been cancelled until August 29, or until further notice. www.cmlf.com

Do I have to leave today?

Yes, the mandatory evacuation is for your safety. All indications are that this storm will severely impact
this area. All first responders will be busy with storm related activities and will not be able to rescue those
who did not follow the mandated evacuation order. We ask that you heed that warning and do not put any
additional stress on our first responders.

Can I dock my boat at a Cape May County marina?

All Marinas are closed until further notice.

Where can I get gas?

Gas stations on the barrier islands are closed with extremely limited fuel options on the mainland
communities.

The following is a formal statement from South Jersey Gas in advance of Hurricane Irene

FOLSOM, NJ – With Hurricane Irene on track to affect our area this weekend, South Jersey Gas wants to
provide customers with several preparedness tips to ensure your safety before, during and after the storm:

• Check your yard for loose materials that could be blown around by strong winds. Place all lawn
furniture, hoses, garden ornaments, etc, inside your house or garage. These loose items, if blown around,
could damage your natural gas meter.
• It is not necessary to turn off gas service. If you are not required to evacuate your home or business,
your natural gas service should operate safely throughout the storm.

If required to evacuate your home or business:

• Do not turn off your gas supply at the main meter. That valve should be turned on or off by emergency
utility personnel only.
• If you choose to do so, you may turn off gas to individual appliances at the supply valve near each unit.
Locate the turnoff valve for each of your gas appliances and familiarize yourself with its operation before a
storm occurs.

Note: If, due to communication problems, you are not able to contact South Jersey Gas, call 911 for
assistance.

• Immediately call South Jersey Gas if you smell natural gas (odor of rotten eggs) or see a broken gas line
by calling the gas leak hotline at 1-800-582-7060.
• Immediately evacuate to another location if you smell a strong odor of natural gas inside the home or
building. Ventilate the area by opening windows or leaving a door open. Call the gas company from
a telephone outside of the home or building. Additionally do not light any matches, turn on any light
switches, or use the telephone in the area where the strong odor exists. Any of these actions could ignite gas
that may have accumulated.
• If you turned off gas to an appliance and have any difficulty relighting the pilot light, call your plumber,
qualified appliance service contractor, or South Jersey Gas for assistance.
• If your home was flooded, call a licensed plumber or a gas appliance technician to inspect your

appliances prior to requesting a service reconnection.
• Before removing fallen trees, always call 811 to get a markout for the location of underground utility
lines. Gas, electric, telephone, water, sewer and cable lines may be entangled in the root system of the fallen
trees. It’s the law in New Jersey and the call and the location service are free.

• In cases of outages due to damaged lines, our primary responsibility is to make the affected area safe.
After the area has been made safe, service to the affected customers will be restored as soon as possible.
• Refrain from calling South Jersey Gas during these times, unless you have an emergency such as a smell
of gas. That way, we may respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.

(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has continued a Hurricane Warning for the Borough of Avalon for
approaching Hurricane Irene. The latest forecast puts the eye of the storm less than 20 miles off the coast of Avalon.
The service now predicts wind gusts of 100mph Saturday night into Sunday morning. Avalon expects torrential rains,
hurricane-force winds, severe coastal flooding, and the loss of power, communications and essential services.

The Borough of Avalon remains under a mandatory evacuation order from the Avalon Office of Emergency
Management. All residents, visitors, homeowners, business employees must be out of Avalon no later than 6:00pm
on Friday, August 26th. No one will be allowed entry into Avalon as of nightfall Friday evening. There is no timeline
for a return for anyone in the Borough of Avalon. Emergency management officials will only permit re-entry to the
community when it is safe to do so. Everyone is expected to leave the Borough of Avalon today.

You must evacuate now. It is time to secure your belongings and leave the Borough of Avalon. Please secure all
objects outside of your home that may become airborne. Please take an evacuation kit with you that include medical
records, prescription drugs, food, water, important financial documents and any other comforts of home. If you have
an offshore home out of Cape May County, please go there or to a friend or family member’s home outside of the
county. If you have no place to go, The Borough of Avalon has an evacuation shelter established for Avalon residents
at the Cumberland County College off Route 55 in Millvillle. If you need assistance getting out of Avalon and to our
shelter, please call the Avalon Police Department at (609) 967-3411.

If you evacuate with pets, make sure your pet has adequate food, medicine, identification, a leash or a cage. Please
bring a blanket or favorite toy for your pet as well. Pets are accepted with their owners at the Cumberland County
College shelter for Avalon residents.

HURRICANE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FOR AVALON

The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for Avalon and other coastal areas in New Jersey.  Hurricane Irene is expected to pass over the Borough of Avalon Saturday night into Sunday morning.  Hurricane-force winds, several inches to a foot of rain, severe coastal flooding, a significant storm surge and other problems are expected from this storm.

Avalon is under a mandatory evacuation for all residents, non-residents, visitors, and second homeowners.  The Avalon Office of Emergency Management is ordering everyone to leave Avalon by this evening.  Once you leave Avalon, you will not be permitted to come back to our community until it is safe. 

Please do not consider staying in Avalon for this storm event.  It is very likely that travel will be impossible, electricity and communications will not exist.  You are putting your own life, and the lives of emergency responders, in peril by not leaving.  This is a mandatory evacuation order, and everyone in Avalon is expected to leave the community by Friday evening.

Please prepare for an extended travel time to get to your destination.  Hundreds of thousands of people are leaving the New Jersey coastline today to head to higher ground.  Make sure your vehicle is fueled up for your trip.  All local gas stations are reporting long lines to get gas; a few gas stations in our county have run out of fuel.  Local tolls in South Jersey have been suspended to speed up travel.

Before you leave, please sure your property.  Bring in any loose objects from outside, including trash cans, umbrellas, and patio furniture.  Bring along any important documents including bank information, insurance company contact information, tax records, and anything you deem necessary for an extended absence from your home.  If you have pets, please be sure you have identification of your pets, food, medications, leashes, and cages. 

The Borough of Avalon has an official shelter for Avalon residents at the Cumberland County College located just off Route 55 in Millville.  If you absolutely have no safe haven for this evacuation, use the college.  If you have transportation, drive to the college.  If you have no means to get to the college, please call the Avalon Police Department at 967-3411.  A bus will be leaving for the college Friday afternoon.

Here is the official text of the Hurricane Warning for Avalon provided by the National Weather Service:

... DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE REGION SATURDAY AND SUNDAY...

.NEW INFORMATION... A TROPICAL STORM WATCH, A HURRICANE WARNING, A TROPICAL STORM WARNING, AND A HURRICANE WATCH HAVE NOW BEEN ISSUED.

.AREAS AFFECTED... THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN NEW JERSEY... EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA... DELAWARE... AND THE MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE. THIS STATEMENT ALSO APPLIES TO COASTAL AREAS FROM SANDY HOOK NEW JERSEY TO FENWICK ISLAND DELAWARE INCLUDING ALL OF THE DELAWARE BAY.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS... A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... NEW CASTLE... KENT... INLAND SUSSEX... DELAWARE BEACHES... WESTERN MONMOUTH... EASTERN MONMOUTH... SALEM... GLOUCESTER... CAMDEN... NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON... OCEAN... CUMBERLAND... ATLANTIC... CAPE MAY... ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY... COASTAL ATLANTIC... COASTAL OCEAN... SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON... DELAWARE AND PHILADELPHIA.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS... A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE COASTAL WATERS AND DELAWARE BAY.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... CECIL... KENT MD... QUEEN ANNES... TALBOT... CAROLINE... MERCER... CHESTER... MONTGOMERY AND BUCKS.

A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... MIDDLESEX.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... MORRIS... SOMERSET.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED AREAS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE NEXT 36 HOURS SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED AREAS.

ALL PERSONS IN THE WARNING AREAS SHOULD ALREADY HAVE PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED AREAS.

ALL PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREAS SHOULD REVIEW THEIR PREPAREDNESS PLAN AND BE READY TO IMPLEMENT IT SHOULD A WARNING BE ISSUED FOR THEIR AREA.

IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS... BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL CYCLONE EVENTS.

A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF PHILADELPHIA QUAD STATE REGION. PLEASE LISTEN CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR AREA.

.STORM INFORMATION... AT 5 AM EDT... THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 29.3N... LONGITUDE 77.2W. THIS WAS ABOUT 710 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF ATLANTIC CITY NJ. STORM MOTION WAS NORTH OR 360 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 110 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW... A TROPICAL STORM WATCH AND A HURRICANE WARNING, A TROPICAL STORM WARNING, A HURRICANE WATCH HAVE NOW BEEN ISSUED. A MORE DETAILED STATEMENT WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH OR WARNING... NOW IS THE TIME TO INITIATE PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR HURRICANE DISASTER PLAN SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.

FOR THOSE NEARBY, REVIEW YOUR HURRICANE DISASTER PLAN AND BECOME READY TO ACT IF A WATCH OR A WARNING IS LATER ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACTIVELY LISTEN FOR FORTHCOMING INFORMATION FROM YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

MARINERS ARE URGED TO MAKE ALL NECESSARY PREPARATIONS TO RETURN TO PORT... SEEK SAFE HARBOR... AND SECURE THEIR CRAFT. NOW IS THE TIME TO INITIATE PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN FOR TROPICAL SYSTEMS. MONITOR WEATHER BROADCASTS FOR CHANGES TO THE LATEST FORECAST AND LISTEN FOR FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS

(Avalon, NJ)—Hurricane Irene is moving closer to the United States mainland Thursday morning. The storm has taken a turn towards the Florida coastline and is still forecast to be a significant hurricane for the outer banks of North Carolina. Tropical storm to hurricane conditions are in Avalon’s forecast Saturday night through the day on Sunday.

Here is the latest advisory posted by the National Weather Service for all of Cape May County, including Avalon:

423 AM EDT THU AUG 25 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHERN DELAWARE...CENTRAL
NEW JERSEY...NORTHERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING. SOME THUNDERSTORMS COULD BECOME SEVERE WITH LOCALLY
STRONG WINDS AND ALSO BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HEAVY RAIN.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

HURRICANE IRENE ALONG WITH A POTENTIAL STALLED FRONT IN THE
VICINITY WILL BRING PERIODS OF STRONG WINDS AND VERY HEAVY RAIN
LATER SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. THE THREAT OF THIS IS INCREASING. SINCE
TIDES ARE ASTRONOMICALLY HIGH, THE PRESENCE OF IRENE MAY CAUSE
MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING DURING HIGH TIDE ESPECIALLY SUNDAY.
ALSO, A MODERATE OR HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS IS ANTICIPATED
STARTING LATER FRIDAY AND LASTING THROUGH SUNDAY.

There is expected to be moderate coastal flooding during high tide this weekend. High tide at the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City:

Saturday: 7:04am, and again at 7:22pm Sunday: 7:51am, and again at 8:08pm

The Borough of Avalon has cancelled all Borough-sponsored special events for the weekend, including the Bay-Atlantic Symphony concert scheduled for Saturday night, beach concerts, the Veterans Plaza concert, and a swim event on Sunday. Avalon is also advising potential weekend visitors to stay at home in the comfort and safety of their own dwellings until the storm passes. Visitors already in Avalon who have a checkout scheduled for Saturday are being asked to consider checking out on Friday to avoid bad weather conditions and potential traffic gridlock.

The Avalon Office of Emergency Management continues to track this storm and will continue to provide information to locals and visitors in Avalon about what to expect from Hurricane Irene. Please continue to monitor traditional local media outlets. Avalon will continue to provide information on:

Shore TV Channel 2 for Comcast cable television customers
1630AM, Avalon’s own emergency management radio station
Avalon’s official website, www.avalonboro.org
The official Facebook page for the Borough of Avalon, NJ
Global Connect, Avalon’s own “Reverse 911” emergency telephone system
Various electric message signs throughout the community

It is likely that storm advisories and warnings will be issued by the National Weather Service and by the National Hurricane Center during the next 48 hours. If you receive a phone call from the Avalon Office of Emergency Management, please listen to the entire message for Avalon-specific storm information.

(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon is preparing for very bad weather from Hurricane Irene over the weekend. All Borough-sponsored special events from Friday through Sunday are cancelled in Avalon, and weekend visitors are being advised to stay away from the beachfront community during the height of the storm on Saturday and Sunday.

“Public safety is our number one priority in Avalon”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi who also serves as the community’s emergency management coordinator. “There could be major problems involving transportation, communication, public safety, and even service from utilities during and after the storm event. Right now, we are asking our non-residents already in Avalon to consider going home by Friday, and our potential weekend visitors to remain safe in their own communities and come see us after the storm passes”.

Hurricane Irene is expected to bring hurricane-force winds, significant rainfall, and some coastal flooding to the Borough of Avalon. It is possible that utility service, including electric service, could be interrupted during the weekend. If the storm continues on its current path, it is likely that access to the beaches could be suspended. The Borough of Avalon has cancelled all of its Borough-sponsored events during the weekend, including beach concerts and the popular Bay-Atlantic Symphony concert presented by the Avalon Free Public Library.

The Avalon Office of Emergency Management has a Red Cross evacuation shelter in Cumberland County prepared in the event an evacuation is ordered. The Borough has a team of first responders who will remain in the community during the storm event, and a second team of responders who will assist at the shelter if an evacuation is necessary. Any decision involving a voluntary or mandatory relocation will be made before Thursday evening.

“We are advising any visitors who have a check out planned for Saturday to consider leaving town a day early”, Pagliughi said. “If an evacuation is ordered it may be near impossible to leave during the day on Saturday and reach your destination before Irene brings very bad weather to the Mid Atlantic region of the United States”.

Borough officials say residents and visitors should be making their final preparations for the storm during the next 24 hours. A simple emergency kit should be assembled that includes a battery-operated radio, water, important documents, medications, a working flashlight, and food provisions. Pet owners are encouraged to make sure they have a sufficient supply of food, medications, a blanket, leashes or cages, and identification for their animals should an evacuation be implemented.

The Borough of Avalon will continue to update residents and visitors through its emergency radio station, 163oAm; on ShoreTV Channel 2 for Comcast customers; on the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org, and on the Borough’s officials Facebook page. Avalon will implement the free Global Connect reverse 911 telephone system in the event additional or immediate information needs to be distributed.

The Avalon Police Department and Avalon Rescue Squad will reach out personally to special needs residents in the community. The police department asks anyone who needs information to call the dispatch number at (609) 967-3411; if there’s an emergency, please call 911. The Avalon Department of Public Works is asking people not to put any trash out for collection as of Saturday morning, August 27th due to the probability of strong winds. Trash may be put out for collection as of Monday, August 29th.

Here are some other storm-related tips from the Avalon Office of Emergency Management:

*Please begin discussions in your home about a potential evacuation location shall a voluntary or mandatory evacuation order be given. Consider a safe location with family or friends away from the coastline.

*Make sure you have an adequate supply of food and medications for your family members, along with your pets. If an evacuation order is given, you may be away from your home for a few days.

*Identify important documents in your home that you may need to take with you if you are ordered to relocate. Documents may include financial statements, bank records, etc.


*Please identify objects on your patio, deck, and yard that may be subject to high winds. Objects include patio furniture, umbrellas, and barbecue grills.

*Make sure that your vehicles have an adequate supply of fuel in the event an evacuation order is given.

“Please remember that if an evacuation order is given, we expect you to evacuate”, Pagliughi said. “If you make the decision to evacuate when the storm is close to Avalon, it may be too late. Evacuation orders are given for one reason, and that’s to ensure the safety of you and your family”.

EARTHQUAKE SHAKES AVALON, ENTIRE EAST COAST

(Avalon, NJ)—A 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook the entire northeast coast of the United States on Tuesday,

August 23^rd around 2:00pm.  The earthquake was centered in Virginia and resulted in a tremor that was felt for about ten seconds in Avalon and surrounding South Jersey areas.

According to various news reports, the earthquake was felts in many metropolitan areas of the United States including Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City.  For a short time, some cellular phone service was interrupted as a result of the quake

For technical information about today’s earthquake that was felt along the East Coast, please visit this website from the United States Geological Survey:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0005ild.php#details

THINK PINK WEEKEND ARRIVES IN AVALON AUGUST 13-14TH

If it’s August it must be time for Think Pink Weekend on Seven Mile Island. This will be the fourth annual Think Pink weekend to be held Saturday and Sunday August 13th and 14th to raise awareness to the signs of breast cancer and funds to find a cure.

Cape May County’s local Birds for Boobs Team of 60 Mile Walkers are raising funds to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in Philadelphia benefiting Susan G Komen for the Cure. Since its inception in 2007, the team has raised nearly $250,000 with a goal to raise $1,000,000 to aid in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer.

This year the walk brings even more meaning to our team as one of our own was recently diagnosed with breast cancer -Invasive Ductal Carsinoma. Thanks to her own diligence in personal exams/screening as a result of being well informed and knowledgeable about breast cancer and her own body, Stephanie MacLeod found a lump this past spring while applying body lotion – something we all do every day. Immediately Stephanie followed with a medical exam and came away with this diagnosis. To make matters worse, it had spread to her lymph nodes.

At the young age of 31 and a wife and mother of two boys age 2 and 4, Stephanie has undergone multiple surgeries. Right Mastectomy has been completed, chemo port was put in and Steph finds herself starting 16 weeks of aggressive chemo followed by radiation. This will be followed by removal of left breast and reconstruction of both.

Stephanie has no family history of breast cancer and is a healthy 31 year old woman with no “warning or signs” of what was to come. Because Stephanie is an informed, educated woman, she will be one of the survivors we walk for each year.

Stephanie shares “I am scared to death. I have 2 little boys 2 and 4 and I worry every second that all this trust that I am putting into my Doctors is going to make me be able to someday meet their children.” Avalon’s Think Pink weekend this year is dedicated to Stephanie and her survival instinct. We must continue to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for this disease – for all of the Stephanie’s of our county, your neighborhood and the world.

Over the past four years your local Birds for Boob’s team has been one of the largest teams participating in the Philadelphia Three Day Walk and has been one of the highest producing teams as well. The money is raised through many locally held fund raising events throughout the year. In preparation for this year’s walk the team has held a March Beef n’ Beer at the Bellevue Tavern, a Wine tasting event this June at Natali Vineyards, Santa’s Breakfast at a local fire hall this past December, and an outing to Atlantic City’s Boogie Nights. Many team members hold their own bake sales as well yard sales in addition to soliciting family, friends and local businesses to raise their required $2300 to walk each year.

The Think Pink weekend is the last Team Event leading to the walk. The team has planned a weekend of activities that will be fun, inspiring and uplifting. All for a cause that has touched far too many lives.

The weekend opens at 8AM on Saturday August 13th with the Inspirational Walk celebrating the many survivors as well as honoring those who have lost their fight with this disease. The walk is a 3 mile loop beginning at Avalon’s Community Hall at 30th and Avalon Avenue. The donation is $15 per walker with the first 50 participants receiving a complimentary water bottle. Registration will be day of event from 7AM to 8AM or on line at http://www.birdsforboobs.org/ or by calling 609-602-7044.

On Sunday August 14th the team “puts on their pink” and hosts the Think Pink Patio Party at The Golden Inn Patio and Sea Glass Restaurant from 1pm to 4:00pm. The day will be filled with many activities to enjoy – informal modeling featuring fashions and discounts for guests from local shops Tiger Lily, The Preppy Palm and Closet Boutique; psychic card reading by Edith of Under the Sun of Stone Harbor; and the very best silent auction loaded with outstanding values compliments of our many local businesses from the island and county. Ticket price is $20 which includes all this plus a full lunch. Tickets can be purchased by calling 609-465-8421; 609-602-7044 or go to http://www.BirdsForBoobs.org/ or HollyCRennie@hotmail.com. If available tickets will be sold at the door.

If you cannot attend these events but would like to donate to this worthy cause, go on line at http://www.birdsforboobs.org/


FACTS ABOUT THE THREE DAY WALKS AND SUSAN G KOMEN

Every 8 minutes a person is diagnosed with breast cancer - Every 69 seconds a woman dies from breast cancer

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Participants commit to raise at least $2,300 and spend several months training to prepare for the event. They devote the entire three-day weekend to the cause.

(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Department of Emergency Management announced that cooling centers are available to anyone in the public who wishes to escape the heat and humidity during the current heat wave. This heat wave is expected to bring daytime temperatures into the mid 90s and a heat index approaching 110 degrees.

The following locations are available to anyone in the public who needs to escape the heat for an air conditioned building:

Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and the beach in Avalon, call (609) 967-3066

Avalon Free Public Library, 235 32nd Street, call (609) 967-7155

Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive, call 967-8200

Avalon Public Safety Building/EMS Headquarters, 3000 Dune Drive, call 967-3411 or 368-5288

The hot weather will be worse during the daytime hours on Friday and Saturday, July 22nd and 23rd. You are reminded to limit your outdoor activities and stay hydrated. Please check on elderly neighbors and friends, and keep your pet in a cool environment with plenty of water.

The Avalon Lions Charities Foundation Inc held the drawing for the 1st Annual 50/50 Cash Elimination Raffle at their annual Pancake Breakfast on June 18, 2011. The winners of the $15,000.00 in prize money are below:

Prize Winner Amount
1st Bud & Eileen Stein $10,000.00
2nd Nancy Dunleavy $2,000.00
3rd Holly Rennie $500.00
Chris Harvey $500.00
Kindle/Woodrow $500.00
Michael Quinn $500.00
Robert Bertrand $500.00
Jane Weaver $500.00
Total Prize Money $15,000.00
The Avalon Lions Charities Foundation, Inc would like to thank all who participated in the raffle and extend our congratulations to the winners.

AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF
DANGEROUSLY HOT TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR. THE COMBINATION OF HOT
TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION
IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE LIKELY. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS, STAY
IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM, STAY OUT OF THE SUN, AND CHECK UP ON
RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS. KEEP YOUR PETS IN A COOL LOCATION WITH
PLENTY OF WATER AVAILABLE.

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN
POSSIBLE, RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES FOR THE EARLY MORNING
OR LATE EVENING HOURS. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT
EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING
CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

TO REDUCE YOUR RISK WHEN WORKING OUTDOORS, THE OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT
REST BREAKS IN A SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENT. ANYONE
OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION.
HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY, CALL 9 1 1.

The following summer a flyer was circulated announcing auditions, and to everyone’s surprise, hundreds of children appeared! No one was turned away; each child was given a part in the show. This tradition continues today with over 100 children from the South Jersey area ranging in age from 6 to 16 all being cast to perform on stage.

Avalon Players fondest hope is to continue to provide the youth of South Jersey with an introductory vehicle to the theatre arts. Our love for the theatre is fostered by those who have participated in, learned from, and experienced the feeling of accomplishment and self-satisfaction at the end of each summer’s production.

This year we will be performing Guys and Dolls Jr. on August 4th, 5th and 6th at 7:00 pm and August 7th at 5:00 pm. at the Avalon Elementary School. All tickets are general admission and can be purchased in advance at The Elementary School on August 1st between 6-8pm for $7 or at the door for $8.

(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon hosted a water rescue training class on the 37th Street beachfront on Wednesday, June 22nd. The class involved 12 members of the Avalon Beach Patrol and eight members of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department.

The class was offered in Avalon for the second consecutive summer by the National Water Safety Congress. The class began with classroom training followed by field training exercises on the Avalon beachfront. The goal is to provide Avalon rescue personnel with proper instruction and training for water rescues that involve the use of a personal watercraft. As a result, all 20 participants in the class are now certified for personal watercraft rescues.

The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department has two personal water craft that can be used for ocean and bay rescues. This summer, the Avalon Beach Patrol also acquired a personal watercraft for its rescue operations. Personal water craft are used in the event of a boating accident or to rescue a distressed swimmer when lifeguards are not present.

The National Water Safety Congress is one of three organizations in the United States that provides this type of water rescue training. To learn more about the Congress, visit their website at www.watersafetycongress.org.

Nanette Noone's Girl's Weekend

AVALON WELCOMES BAY-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY FOR HUGE INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT ON JULY 3rd

World-renowned orchestra, fireworks part of holiday celebration in Avalon

AVALON, NJ—Avalon is making final preparations for what is expected to be the biggest celebration of America’s birthday at the Jersey Shore. The world-renowned Bay-Atlantic Symphony will be presenting a festive concert on Sunday, July 3^rd, at 7:00 p.m., inside the Avalon Community Hall, 30^th Street and the beach. After the concert, Avalon will present one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state of New Jersey at approximately 9:00 p.m.  The concert and fireworks are free and open to the public.

“This Independence Day weekend in Avalon will truly be a celebration of America,” said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We are honored to have the Bay-Atlantic Symphony call Avalon its summer home, and the Borough is excited to present an evening filled with outstanding music and family activities.”

The Bay-Atlantic Symphony will begin its fifth summer of Avalon performances on July 3^rd with a presentation entitled “A New Birth of Freedom.” Conducted by Music Director Jed Gaylin, the concert will be an all-American patriotic celebration of our country. Major General John Stoner, United States Army (retired), will be the guest conductor for a rendition of Stars and Stripes Forever, while Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi will appear as a guest narrator.

The program will include The Star Spangled Banner,  Richard Rodgers’ “Oklahoma” Medley, Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story” Medley, and Aaron Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait (with Mayor Pagliughi as narrator)—as well as John Philip Sousa’s Washington Post March and Stars and Stripes Forever, and the Bay-Atlantic Symphony’s roaring rendition of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

The July 3^rd concert, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Borough of Avalon, the Avalon Department of Recreation, and Sturdy Savings Bank. Seating will be done on a first come, first served basis. Patriotic music that accompanies the fireworks display will be simulcast on radio station WCZT 98.7, the Coast.

Avalon will welcome the Bay-Atlantic Symphony for two additional concerts presented by the Avalon Free Public Library. On Saturday, July 16^th, the symphony presents “Over Here, Over There.” On Saturday, August 27^th, the Symphony presents “Sun, Splash, and Waves” featuring the world-renowned violinist Kai Gleusteen as guest soloist. These performances will be held inside the Avalon Elementary School, 235 32nd St., at 7:00 p.m. both evenings.

The July 3^rd performance by the Bay-Atlantic Symphony and fireworks display culminates the “Avalon Family Fun Festival” which takes place from June 30th to July 4^th.  The festival begins with an Avalon String Band Mummers parade and concert on June 30th at 6:00 p.m.  The festival also includes a triathlon, concerts on the beach, and a special boat parade on July 4^th.

Jed Gaylin, entering his 15^th season as Music Director of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, is also the Principal Conductor of the Cape May Music Festival. He has been the Music Director of the Johns Hopkins Symphony Orchestra since 1993 and, since 2007, the Principal Guest Conductor of the National Film and Radio Philharmonic in Beijing, China.

A sought-after guest conductor, he has led orchestras including the Sibiu Philharmonic of Romania—where he served as Principal Guest Conductor, Shanghai (China) Conservatory Orchestra, Bucharest (Romania) Radio Orchestra, Academia del Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona, Spain), Lodz and Pomorska (Poland) Philharmonics, Gnessin Institute Orchestra and Moscow (Russia) Chamber Symphony, Orquesta Sinfonica de Guanajuato (Mexico), Orvieto (Italy) Festival Orchestra, and the Naples (Florida) Philharmonic. He also maintains a close association with Baltimore’s Opera Vivente and Johns Hopkins University, where he has served as Music Director of the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra since 1993.

The Symphony’s first commercial label recording, of She Comes to Shore--concerto for improvised piano and orchestra by the contemporary Hong Kong-born, Canadian-based composer and pianist Lee Pui Ming, was recorded last August and is available on the Innova label, distributed by Naxos.

The Symphony will open its 2011-12 season with “I Hear a Symphony—A Celebration of the Music of Motown”—a gala symphonic tribute to the singers and groups that created the Motown Sound—on Sunday, September 25, at 3 p.m., at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, in Atlantic City.

For more information on the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, please call their office at (856) 451-1169, visit the Symphony’s website at www.bayatlanticsymphony.org, or visit them on Facebook. For additional details about the Avalon Family Fun Festival, visit Avalon’s official website, www.avalonboro.org.

AVALON RESCUE HOSTS BOATING SAFETY CLASS

(Avalon, NJ)—Nearly 20 Avalon municipal employees and volunteers successfully completed a boating safety class on Wednesday, June 15th. The class was held at the Avalon Public Safety Building and conducted by the United States
Coast Guard Auxiliary #82 from Cape May, New Jersey.

“We were very excited to provide this tremendous learning opportunity for essential Avalon personnel who may be needed
to assist with a water rescue”, said Avalon Rescue Chief Kevin Scarpa. “The Avalon class involved police, fire, rescue, lifeguard, public works, and recreation personnel. When an emergency occurs on the water, we need to be properly trained and ready”.

The class was conducted by Flotilla Commander Richard Weiss. Upon successful completion of the eight hour course, participants will be able to operate a boat in New Jersey waters.

The public is encouraged to participate in boating safety classes offered by the auxiliary. Classes are offered during
four upcoming Saturdays in the summer of 2011 on the following dates: June 25th, July 9th, July 30th, and August 13th.
They are held at the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May. The course lasts eight hours, and lunch
is provided. There is a $45 registration fee.

For additional information, please call (609) 898-0442 or visit http://a050802.uscgaux.info/. 

Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi cut the ribbon on the new Toppings of Avalon on Saturday, June 11th. Toppings of Avalon is located at 2166 Dune Drive. Mayor Pagliughi was joined by owner Bonnie Offit at the ribbon cutting event.

The Borough of Avalon (the “Borough”) in Cape May County, New Jersey is seeking comments to a DRAFT Request for Qualifications and Proposals (the “RFQ/RFP”) regarding proposed partnership agreements for the Operation and Management of the Borough’s Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Systems. 

Comments and/or suggestions to the RFQ/RFP are due no later than the close of business on July 8, 2011.  All parties are also encouraged to provide a list of those due diligence items relating to the Systems that should be made available to potential respondents to the RFQ/RFP. Comments and/or suggestions will not be shared with other respondents.  Once incorporated, the RFQ/RFP will be formally issued.

All comments and/or suggestions to the RFQ/RFP, as well as due diligence requests, must be submitted electronically to the Borough’s Special Counsel, Joseph P. Baumann, Jr. at jbaumann@mandslaw.com and Erin K. Law ekl@mandslaw.com. 

Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi conducted the swearing in of new Avalon Probationary Patrolman Samuel Hoffman. The event took place at the Avalon Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, June 8th. The Avalon Police Department welcomes Sam to the police force!

AVALON OFFERS TESTIMONY AT NJDEP BEACH ACCESS MEETING IN LONG BEACH TWP.

(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi submitted formal testimony during the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s final public hearing on beach access regulations in the state of New Jersey.  The meeting was held on Thursday evening, June 2^nd in Long Beach Township.  Mayor Pagliughi’s comments were delivered by Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl.

“This public hearing provided the Borough of Avalon with an excellent opportunity to support the NJDEP’s efforts in engaging local communities relating to beach access regulations”, Pagliughi said.  “This is a step in the right direction and a major policy improvement compared to past practices enacted by former Governor Jon Corzine and his former commissioner Lisa Jackson”.

The NJDEP’s new policy would provide opportunities to local beach communities like Avalon to draft their own beach access plans.  Previously, the state had imposed a blanket approach with rules and regulations for every beach community.  Avalon successfully challenged these regulations in court resulting in a new beach access policy for the state of New Jersey.

“The one size, fits all approach to beach access did not work”, Pagliughi said.  “Under the previous administration, the state attempted to address issues involving private beaches and parking restrictions in North Jersey while these issues generally do not exist in South Jersey.  The old rules would not give a local beach community the ability to close access to a beach in the interest of public safety.  That’s irresponsible, flawed policy.  I applaud the NJDEP under the leadership of Governor Christie for a more common sense approach to beach access issues”.

During the public hearing, the Borough of Avalon agreed with sportsmen’s groups who are frustrated to find signs indicating private beaches in the northern part of New Jersey.  “Avalon strongly believes that no public money should be spent to restore a private beach where access is restricted”, Pagliughi said.  “You will not find ‘private beach’ signs in Avalon or in many other South Jersey beach communities.  We encourage special interest groups who are paid to create controversy to actually read and understand the state’s proposed regulations”.

“Avalon has four miles of beachfront with access at virtually every block”, Pagliughi said.   “We are one of the few beach communities in this part of the state with no parking meters and no paid parking lots.  We provide a 900 space parking lot next to the beach at 30^th Street, along with ample restrooms at the beachfront.  The former rules imposed conditions on state aid for shore protection which were unreasonable and impossible to implement.  We applaud the department for now proposing rules that are in keeping with the court’s decision while respecting the basic principles of public access”.

In the Wednesday, June 1st, 2011 edition of the Press of Atlantic City, Avalon’s innovative emergency management plan was the subject of the daily editorial. Please click here to read the editorial from the Press of Atlantic City website.

Join the Avalon Community in giving our fantastic Director of Recreation, Dave Haberle, a send off into retirement that he will long remember! The party is on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at 7:00 PM at the Avalon Community Hall on 30th Street and the beach.

Dave has been overseeing the Avalon Recreation Department's extensive programming for 31 years. We're proud of all that he's accomplished and the Rockin' to Retirement Dance Party will be our tribute to him. The great musical sounds will be provided by Dave Haberle and Remedy.

Tickets at $20 per person can be purchased in advance and table reservations made at the Avalon Community Hall. Food and ice will be provided; just bring along your favorite beverage.

Call 609-967-3066 for additional information.

(Avalon, NJ)—Longtime Avalon Department of Recreation Director Dave Haberle came to Avalon in April, 1980 and immediately realized that he was hired by a Borough filled with community pride and activities for year-‘round children and summer visitors. Over the past 31 years, Haberle formed many friendships, helped countless organizations, and saw the number of activities, sports programs, concerts, and special events grow over the past three decades making Avalon one of the premiere family destinations along the entire East Coast of the United States.

After a long career at the helm of the Avalon Department of Recreation, Haberle has decided to retire. His last day will be May 31st, 2011.

“The people of the town have been fantastic”, Haberle said. “It’s truly an honor to know people for 31 years. Friendships develop when you have such a long-standing relationship with people in the community. I may not live in Avalon, but the people of Avalon are so wonderful, I call Avalon my home”.

Haberle decided to retire from Avalon for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, retirement will allow Haberle to spend more time with his wife, family, and grandchildren. “I’ve had Thursdays and Sundays off forever, and now with two days in a row off, or more, I can spend time with my family and get more work done around the house, and spend time at our second home in the Poconos”.

Haberle became aware of the full time recreation opportunity in Avalon after he graduated college from Penn State University with a degree in recreation/parks administration. He subscribed to a recreation bulletin that was mailed twice a month. More than 120 people applied for the position as recreation director in Avalon, and Haberle was hired on April 28th, 1980. Since then, the Avalon Department of Recreation has grown with new facilities, many free special events, sports camps offered by professionals in their field, and free concerts for locals and visitors throughout the summer.

“The steady, effective leadership of Avalon mayor and council through the years has enabled the recreation department to grow and offer many activities in the Borough”, Haberle said. “There has always been plenty of support for the department of recreation. Mayor and council have made sure that funds have been available to enhance and improve the programs and facilities in the Borough. Avalon continues to be very friendly and helpful to all of the organizations and non-profit groups in our community”.

Haberle notes that there have been many additions and improvements to recreation facilities during his tenure as director. Some of those improvements have been the addition of the 39th Street tennis courts, skate park, basketball courts, and playgrounds. The Bay Park Marina also came under the jurisdiction of the Avalon Department of Recreation. There have also been many new recreational activities added through the years. Many of them evolved thanks to input from the community.

“One day, a gentlemen asked me if I ever heard of the game ‘Pickle Ball’”, Haberle said. “We gave it a try and taped some lines down for one court. Since then, Pickle Ball has taken on a life of its own. Every Tuesday and Thursday we have 20 to 30 people show up to play”.

Haberle says that finding activities and events for a community like Avalon is always a moving target. “You always have to explore trends in the recreation community”, he said. “In recent years, fitness activities have really evolved with the popularity of Zumba, pilates, and yoga. They continue to be very popular. We have the groundwork in place to continue and improve the activities in Avalon thanks to an incredible staff. The community organizations, the Avalon Free Public Library, the business groups…they all succeed in making Avalon a great place to live and vacation. We have families plan their Avalon vacations around the various sports camps that are offered throughout the summer. That’s very rewarding”.

“What makes it even better is many of the activities, concerts, and events offered in Avalon are free”, he continued. “You have a wonderful natural resource with the beach. You cannot compete with it, but you can include it. Proof of that is our popular beach movie series throughout the summer. On any given night, Avalon will have hundreds of families on the beach to see a free movie. Some show up early with a pizza and make an evening of it”.

Haberle insists that he will not be a stranger to the Borough of Avalon. In fact, after his retirement he will stay very busy assisting the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Foundation in Avalon by helping with special events and publicity. He says he may consider substitute teaching during the fall and winter, and he will become a member of many Avalon community organizations include the Avalon Lions Club, Avalon Garden Club, Avalon Civic Club, and Avalon Seniors, just to name a few.

“I’d like to not only thank Avalon Mayor Marty Pagliughi and the Avalon Borough Council for their continued support of the recreation department, but also the dozens of Borough employees as well”, Haberle said. “They are my friends, and we all work together for one common goal: Make Avalon a premiere spot to live, own a home, and vacation for many years to come”.