AVALON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS RESCUE TRAINING
The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department hosted a two-day training session on Saturday and Sunday, March 12th and 13th. Volunteers from the Avalon, Goshen, and Ocean View fire departments received classroom and field instruction on the proper techniques used to extract passengers from motor vehicles. Proper “Jaws of Life” skills were taught during this class. Here are photographs from the field exercise that took place in the 29th Street parking lot in Avalon on Sunday, March 13th.
AVALON TO PRESENT BEST-EVER FREE BEACH MOVIE SERIES IN 2011
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will present free beach movies throughout the summer of 2011. The “Big Beach Movies” will be held on Tuesday evenings at 8:45pm on the 30th Street beach. The movies are free, and open to the general public. The Avalon Free Public Library is a co-sponsor of the “Big Beach Movie” series.
“This is the best lineup of free beach movies that Avalon has presented to date”, said Avalon Department of Recreation Supervisor Brian Juzaitis. “The free beach movies draw several hundred adults and children every week during the summer, and we expect the crowds to be even bigger thanks to a great selection of family-oriented films that are part of our 2011 lineup”.
The movies are shown on a large movie screen at the beach at sunset. In the event of rain or high winds, the movies are shown inside at the Avalon Community Hall.
Here is the lineup for the 2011 “Big Beach Movie” series in Avalon:
June 28th—“How to Train Your Dragon”
July 5th—“Despicable Me”
July 12th—“The Karate Kid”
July 19th—“Shrek Forever After”
July 26th—“Megamind”
August 2nd—“Yogi Bear”
August 9th—“Clash of the Titans”
August 16th—“Iron Man 2”
August 23rd—“Gnomeo and Juliet”
For more information, please call the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066 or visit www.avalonboro.org.
SPRING AGAIN: AVALON TO HOLD DUNE GRASS PLANTING EVENT APRIL 30TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will once again hold a spring dune grass planting event on Saturday, April 30th, 2011. Volunteers are being sought to assist with the project. The general public is invited to participate in this fun, environmentally-friendly project in Avalon that will enhance Avalon’s dune system.
Volunteers can report to the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach at 8:30am, where donuts and coffee will be served. A brief demonstration on how to plant dune grass will be presented. Specially-designed tolls for planting the dune grass will be provided to volunteers, who will be transported to the planting sites by the Borough. A complimentary lunch will be served at Noon at Avalon Community Hall. If there is still more dune grass planting that needs to be conducted, planting will resume after lunch for those who can continue to participate.
In the event of rain, the dune grass planting event will be held Sunday, May 1st, at 8:30am.
For more information on how you can volunteer, please call Sue Keen in the mayor’s office at (609) 967-5924.
AVALON TO HOST ELECTRIC CHARGING STATION FOR VEHICLES Station to be first of its kind at the Jersey Shore, promotes clean energy
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon is moving forward with plans to host an electronic vehicle charging station. The new charging station will promote clean energy and is expected to be installed before the start of the 2011 summer tourism season.
“Avalon is proud to once again be on the cutting edge of new technology that promotes a greener environment”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Electric vehicles are enjoying an exponential growth throughout the country. The Borough is pleased to bring this charging station to the Jersey Shore. The project is currently going out to bid, and we anticipate a high level of interest in bringing this innovative, clean technology to Avalon”.
The bid specifications for this project call for the new electronic charging station to be located in front of the Avalon Public Safety Building at 30th street and Dune Drive in Avalon. The successful vendor will install and maintain the charging station at no cost to the Borough. In return, the Borough will receive a small percentage of the proceeds generated by the charging station.
The owner of an electric vehicle will be able to pull up to charging station and use a special smart card or a credit card that will unlock and activate the service. The owner of the vehicle pays for the power that is used and is sent a text or email notification when the service is completed, or intterrupted for some reason. “Many owners of electric vehicles who visit a shore resort do not have the ability to recharge their vehicles ‘on the road’ to continue their trip”, Pagliughi said. “This electronic vehicle charging station gives people another great reason to visit Avalon and enjoy our community while their vehicle is being recharged”.
Recent independent studies show that within nine years, electric vehicles and related “green” vehicles will account for a total of one third of the world’s entire vehicle fleet. Within four years, there will be nearly one million electric vehicles on the roads in North America alone. Major automobile manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan are actively marketing their new plug-in vehicles to the American motoring public.
“The time has come for this technology, and Avalon is now the first community in Cape May County to be bidding for the installation of an electric vehicle charging station”, Pagliughi said. “This is a no-risk, high reward opportunity for the Borough, and again shows Avalon is taking the lead with an environmental initiative in the region. I believe a private-public partnership that comes at no cost to taxpayers is the best approach for an electric vehicle charging station”.
The Borough of Avalon has been on the forefront of major environmental initiatives in recent years. The Borough has developed and implemented a Dune Vegetation Plan and Community Forestry Plan. Avalon’s Green Team has attracted thousands of visitors to its two highly successful Green Fairs. The Avalon Department of Public Works installed special turtle fencing along Avalon Boulevard on the entrance to town, and has conducted numerous water conservation efforts in the community. The Borough is currently conducting a scientific water conservation program on three traffic islands on Dune Drive in the residential district. In 2011, the Borough is also seeking long-term beach nourishment solutions.
AVALON RECREATION TO HOST ANNUAL BASKETBALL BANQUET
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Department of Recreation will host its annual basketball banquet on Wednesday, March 16th, 2011. The banquet will be held at the Avalon Community Hall, and begins at 6:00pm.
“This is a great way to show thanks for everyone associated with the winter basketball programs in Avalon”, said Avalon Recreation Department Director Dave Haberle.
The annual basketball banquet is for players, coaches, family and friends of the following programs: 3rd and 4th grade girls, 3rd and 4th grade boys, 5th and 6th grade boys, and 7th and 8th grade teams. Guests will be provided with food, soft drinks, and dessert.
If you have any questions, please call the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066.
AHLOA TO HOST ‘COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS’ IN AVALON APRIL 9TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Home and Land Owners Association (AHLOA) will host its 4nd Annual “Community Connections” event at the Avalon Community Hall, 30th and the Beach in Avalon, on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00-Noon.
“We are very excited to bring the entire Avalon community together for this important event”, said Community Connections Committee Chairperson, Sue Ellenberg. “Last year’s event was a big success with several hundred people in attendance. Residents and summer visitors from Avalon told us that they were very appreciative for all of the public information that was provided during our ‘Community Connections’ event”.
The entire event is free, and designed to provide information to the Avalon community about different organizations, events, charitable work, and activities in Avalon. To optimize the quieter listening environment, the “Hot Topics” presentation will be presented first from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. However, dozens of local organizations will have display tables during the “Community Connections” event and have representatives and materials available for the public 11:00 am to noon.
One of the highlights of the event is the “Hot Topics” presentation where topics of mass appeal are presented by experts in their respective fields. Some of the “Hot Topics” that will be presented this year include:
* Tax Revaluation\ with Jeff Hesley & Jim Craft
* 2011 Beach Replenishment Project
* Avalon Green Team Projects and Programs
Also during this year’s “Community Connections”, visitors are being encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to food banks located in Cape May County. “We believe this is very important this year to help our friends and neighbors during a time of need”, Ellenberg said. “The county’s unemployment rate has increased this year, and we know Avalon residents will want to step up and help locals who could use a little extra assistance this year”.
Attendees will also be encouraged to bring their unwanted cell phones to “Community Connections”. The Borough of Avalon has kicked off a local “Cell Phones for Soldiers” effort that collects cell phones that are no longer needed. This effort allows members of the United States military to communicate with their families while they are overseas. The donation box is located in the AHLOA table at the entrance of the Community Hall.
AHLOA is a non-profit community organization with a mission to enhance the environmental, economic and social values of the residency in the Borough of Avalon. To accomplish this, the Association regularly consults with the membership and Borough Officials to advocate programs that improve the quality of life in the community. In a sense, AHLOA is the “eyes and ears of the community” while most of Avalon’s home owners are out of town. The AHLOA Community Connections event, its Annual Meeting, the newsletter, website (www.ahloa.com), and meetings are methods the Association uses to communicate information to its 1800 members.
Receive the latest Avalon information for the upcoming summer season at the AHLOA Community Connections, April 9, 2011 from 10:00-Noon, in the Avalon Community Hall.
Bay-Atlantic Symphony signs contract to bring Symphony By The Sea to Avalon for Fifth Season!
Avalon – The Bay-Atlantic Symphony, the Borough of Avalon, and the Avalon Free Public Library have signed the contracts to bring Symphony By The Sea to Avalon for its fifth season. Jed Gaylin, Music Director for the symphony, met with Avalon Library board president, Jacquie Ewing and Avalon Mayor, Marty Pagliughi, to finalize details for the summer season.
The orchestra will be performing the first of two concerts, Over Here, Over There, on Saturday, July 16 at 7 p.m. with selections by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Antonin Dvorak. The Saturday, August 27 performance, Sun, Splash, and Waves, will feature music by Felix Mendelssohn with guest violinist, Kai Gleustein performing Violin Concerto in E Minor, opus 64.
Tickets are free of charge and available to the general public at the library two weeks prior to each performance. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. At this time, we are unable to reserve tickets.
The Avalon Library received 5 stars in Library Journal’s national rating of public libraries for the third time since 2009, based on statistical performance data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library website at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
AVALON POLICE DEPARTMENT MAKES DONATION TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Items donated were recovered during 2010 police investigation
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department recently made a donation of more than $3300 worth of household merchandise that was recovered during a police investigation during April, 2010. The items were donated to Habitat for Humanity, Cape May County, per the request of Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi.
“We appreciate the opportunity to help this great organization that provides homes for people in Cape May County who truly need it”, Pagliughi said. “Thanks to the hard work and diligence of the Avalon Police Department and the generosity of the vendors involved we are able to make a home more comfortable for a local family”.
The household items that were donated include a velour sofa, a six-drawer dresser, three night stands, a Dyson vacuum cleaner, and a waterbed frame and mattress. The items came from two vendors, Overstock.com and The Waterbed Doctor.
On April 27th, 2010 Avalon Police arrested a 39 year old Sea Isle City man on charges that he swindled more than $45,000 worth of merchandise through the unauthorized use of a credit card that belonged to an elderly Avalon resident. The suspect purchased the household items along with a holiday vacation, veterinary care, automobile insurance, and other items. Avalon Police contacted all of the vendors, and both Overstock.com and The Waterbed Doctor encouraged the Borough to donate the items to a worthwhile charitable organization.
“We thank Mayor Pagliughi and the vendors for making this donation to Habitat for Humanity possible”, said Avalon Police Chief David Dean. “We continue to encourage everyone in our community to check their bank and credit card statements so they do not become a victim of identity theft or fraud”.
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of consciousness and action. Habitat invites people from all walks of life to work together in partnership to help build houses with families in need. Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses around the world, providing some 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Milliard Fuller along with his wife Linda.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity, Cape May County, please visit www.habitatcapemay.com.
MAYOR PRESENTS 2011 AVALON BUDGET TO BOROUGH COUNCIL
2011 spending plan results in no increase in Avalon’s tax levy; infrastructure improvements planned
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi has presented his proposed 2011 municipal budget to the Avalon Borough Council and Council is expected to introduce the budget at their Wednesday, February 9th council meeting. The 2011 spending plan does not call for an increase in the municipal tax levy. The spending plan supports minimal but important infrastructure improvements in the community on a pay as you go basis. The spending plan will continue to deliver essential services important to the health and welfare of Avalon citizens.
“Thanks to careful, long-term planning we are able to present a budget that does not require us to increase the amount of money to be collected from property taxes”, Pagliughi said. “In the current climate of fiscal restraints, Avalon is still able to draft a spending plan that remains balanced, funds essential services, improves the quality of life, and includes long-term financial planning”.
In 2010, the Borough’s municipal tax levy was $17,089,000. In 2011, the municipal tax levy remains unchanged. However, the 2011 combined library and municipal tax rate will increase in Avalon to .237 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The reason for the increase is the recent property reassessment that resulted in an approximate $1.6 billion decline in the ratable base.
The Borough took a very proactive step by conducting its own property reassessment. The Avalon Borough Council Finance Committee, consisting of council members Chuck Covington and Dr. Nancy Hudanich, consulted with the county tax assessor’s office and Avalon’s tax assessor who noted that most property values had fallen well below their assessed value. The reassessment reflects the regional and national real estate trends and results in a very fair and equitable tax rate based on the most recent and accurate property values.
The proposed 2011 municipal budget in Avalon totals $27,294,925, which includes the $3.9 million reimbursement for a previous beach fill. By state statute, the final budget number must include funding that Avalon received during the summer of 2010 that was a reimbursement from the State of New Jersey for a beach fill project. State statute requires that the reimbursement be taken as “Miscellaneous Revenue” and be offset in the next budget by a ‘like’ appropriation. The Borough’s payment for the beach fill is offset by the receipt of the $3.9 million check, resulting in no impact to the Avalon taxpayer.
The 2011 budget also includes a $1.245 million transfer from the Avalon Free Public Library to the Borough’s current fund. State law mandates that a library’s excess surplus funds must be returned to a municipality and be applied to the tax levy. “I want to thank the trustees and director of the Avalon Free Public Library for doing a great job in our community”, Pagliughi said. “It’s no wonder why the library has earned a five-star rating each of the past three years”.
In 2010, Avalon financed $495,000 worth of capital expenses that were paid for without incurring future debt. In 2011, Avalon will finance $620,000 in road improvements without borrowing money. Last year, Avalon saved taxpayers $350,000 on a water tank rehabilitation project by securing a near zero interest loan for the project.
Some other capital projects include the reconstruction of a portion of the Borough’s boardwalk, the completion of the 39th Street water tank rehabilitation project, and the implementation of various energy-efficient upgrades at Borough facilities. These energy-efficient upgrades are totally financed with grant dollars sought and obtained by the Borough.
In 2011 Avalon anticipates receiving a major hydraulic beach fill project for the north end of Avalon. Approximately 270,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed on the north end beaches at very little expense to taxpayers courtesy of a partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Avalon’s cost share of this project will be approximately $150,000. “For the second consecutive year, Avalon will receive a very large beach fill while saving taxpayers millions of dollars”, Pagliughi said. “In addition, the budget calls for exploring long term solutions to sand loss on north end beaches, including sand back passing and a groin study”.
The 2011 water and sewer budget totals $5.9 million, which also represents a zero-percent increase. It is important to note that the Cape May County Municipal Utility Authority’s service charge represents nearly half of Avalon’s water and sewer budget. The beach utility fund budget totals $1.356 million; an additional $40,000 increase in revenue is expected courtesy of a one dollar increase on the cost of seasonal beach tags in Avalon.
“I am very pleased to be able to present a lean, responsible budget to council while also completing important infrastructure projects and maintaining expected level of services”, Pagliughi said. “Thanks to a working relationship with a council that watches every penny we spend, Avalon will continue to offer one of the lowest municipal tax rates in New Jersey while keeping us on solid ground for the financial challenges that will come each and every year”.
AVALON TO HOST MEETING TO DISCUSS 2011 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES Landscapers, professionals invited to learn about proactive initiatives in the Borough
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon and the Avalon Environmental Commission will be holding a meeting to
update landscapers and select professionals on various proactive environmental initiatives that are ongoing in the community. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 16th, at 4:30pm at Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon.
“We are very pleased to host this meeting to provide information on very important environmental programs that are ongoing in Avalon”, said Dr. Brian Reynolds, Chairman of the Avalon Environmental Commission. “This is an excellent opportunity for professional landscapers, demolition contractors, and pool installers to learn more about the progressive initiatives in Avalon, along with the various rules and regulations that protect and enhance the environmental vitality of our community”.
The Lomax Consulting Group of Cape May Court House, NJ will participate in the meeting, along with Avalon Zoning Officer Jeffrey Hesley and Dean Marcolongo, special counsel to the Borough of Avalon. The panel will present updates on two major initiatives in the Borough, the Dune Vegetation Management Plan and the Community Forestry Plan. Both initiatives have drawn high praise from the environmental community and attention from other communities along the East Coast. Both plans preserve, protect, and enhance the environmental quality and aesthetics in the Borough of Avalon.
Professionals who do business in Avalon will be able to learn about important ordinance changes and how they apply to their trade. There will be ample discussion about these ordinance changes, and the opportunity to ask direct questions about the regulations. Professionals will also learn about new work opportunities that will exist in the Borough and how they will be regulated.
“Avalon has applied science to these two major environmental initiatives and this meeting will provide valuable insight and guidance to landscapers and residents”, said Avalon Business Administrator Andrew Bednarek. “We encourage everyone who has an interest in Avalon’s environmental leadership to learn about both plans, and ask any questions they may have”.
Professionals who plan on attending the meeting should enter the Avalon Borough Hall through the rear entrance on the west side of the building, next to 32nd Street. An agenda for the meeting is attached.
AVALON TO RECEIVE MAJOR FUNDING FOR STREET PROJECT
Borough successfully obtains nearly $200,000 in state grants to rehabilitate portion of 34th Street
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will receive $195,000 in state funding to reconstruct 34th Street between Ocean Drive and Dune Drive. Borough officials received confirmation of the funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.
“This grant is good news for Avalon”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “The Borough will get a new street at no expense to taxpayers. This construction project will not only result in a smooth driving surface on 34th Street but will also include an underground drain system that will allow groundwater to drain from the curb lawn area during a period of high groundwater”.
The reconstruction of this deteriorated section of roadway will greatly improve this access route to the Borough’s public beach, to the public bulkhead along the bay, and to the southern end of the business district at 33rd Street and Dune Drive. The project will provide significant improvements to pedestrian and vehicular safety in this area as damaged pavement, sidewalks, driveway aprons, and curb will be replaced. The improvements will also include the installation of handicapped ramps and crosswalks, both designed to enhance public safety.
Avalon is receiving the grant from the highly competitive Local Aid Program administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The department received 677 applications for grant funding for the fiscal year 2011 municipal aid grants. Only seven grants were offered in Cape May County, including the grant awarded to Avalon.
“I want to thank Governor Chris Christie for recognizing that New Jersey’s municipalities can use help with maintaining and improving their infrastructure”, Pagliughi said. “The Borough will continue to work with the Christie administration on grant funding opportunities like this one that help to alleviate the local tax burden”.
This street project will likely be conducted during the Fall, 2011.
AMERICAN LEGION POST #331 TO HOST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY
(Avalon, NJ)—Veterans from the Seven Mile Island will be hosting a big St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 12th, 2011. The party is being presented by American Legion Post #331 in Stone Harbor at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club from 6:00-10:00pm.
“This will be a great way for veterans and the public to get together and celebrate one of the most popular holidays in the Spring”, said Kevin Coyle, Commander of American Legion Post #331. “We invite all of our friends and neighbors from Avalon, Stone Harbor and other communities for a fun night of food and music”.
The St. Patrick’s Day party will feature an Irish-fare buffet, Irish music, and beverages. Tickets are $25 and available at the door, or by calling Ray Parzych at (609) 967-5147. The Stone Harbor Yacht club is located at 9001 Sunset Drive in Stone Harbor.
The American Legion is a fraternal organization dedicated to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, to perpetuate patriotism, and to foster traditional American values. Legion men and women remember, and we help others to remember, the sacrifices that have been made to keep America free.
The Stephen C. Ludlam Post is located in Stone Harbor at 117th Street and Second Avenue. Throughout the year, the public is invited to visit the post and meet veterans from Avalon and Stone Harbor. The post supports many local activities, including Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day events in both communities.
GRILLO FAMILY PRESENTS DONATION TO AVALON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
AVALON RECEIVES MAJOR DONATION FROM ANNE GRILLO
(Wilmington, DE)—The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department received a generous donation from Ann Grillo and her family. The check totals $4,500 was presented to Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, who also serves as a Lieutenant with the fire company.
“I cannot express how much this generous donation means not only to the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department, but to the entire Borough”, Pagliughi said. “Ann Grillo and her family have been major supporters of the department and this donation will go a long way in improving the public safety provided to our community”.
The donation was made possible by the annual golf outing the Grillo family hosts every year in honor of Joseph N. Grillo, a longtime Avalon resident who spent many years with his family in the Borough after purchasing a house on 31st Street in 1976. The Grillos became very active members of the Avalon community. The golf tournament was started as a way to continue giving back to the Borough while honoring Joseph Grillo’s legacy.
The 9th Annual Joseph N. Grillo Golf Outing will be held on Saturday, August 13th 2011 at the Avalon Golf Club on Route 9 in Swainton, New Jersey. The tournament begins at 1:00pm and includes golf and dinner. The cost for golf and dinner is $95 per person; checks can be sent to the Joseph N. Grillo Memorial Fund, PO Box 7418, Wilmington, Delaware 19803. Questions may be directed to George Gioffre by calling (302) 740-5311.
MORE SNOW COMING TO AVALON LATE THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY
(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has posted a Winter Weather Advisory for the Borough of Avalon from Thursday evening, January 20th at 7:00pm until Friday morning, January 21st, at 7:00am. The advisory calls for a potential snowfall of two to four inches.
A storm will move in from the west on Thursday evening after sundown, bringing clouds and light snow to the region. The snow will continue during the overnight hours into early Friday morning. Following the storm, there will be very windy conditions in Avalon with winds gusting out of the northwest at 20-30mph during the daytime on Friday. Sunny, cold weather moves into our region for the weekend before another winter storm arrives early next week. That storm could bring some rain and snow to our region. There are no coastal flooding concerns associated with tonight’s winter storm.
Snow plow operations may be needed in Avalon. In an effort to assist the Avalon Department of Public works, please park your vehicle in your garage or driveway to allow snow plowing to occur, if needed. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Please be advised that slippery road conditions and reduced visibility will be part of this storm event especially during the overnight hours.
Here is the text of the Winter Weather Advisory, posted by the National Weather Service on Thursday:
... Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 7 PM this evening to
7 am EST Friday...
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Winter
Weather Advisory for snow... which is in effect from 7 PM this
evening to 7 am EST Friday.
* Precipitation type: snow.
* Accumulations: two to three inches. Highest near metropolitan Philadelphia
and southern New Jersey.
* Timing: beginning after 7 PM and lasting for about 12 hours.
* Impacts: slippery Road conditions and reduced visibilities.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow... sleet... or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities... and use caution while
driving.
AVALON TO HOST 2011 BIG BAND SERIES AT COMMUNITY HALL
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon has announced an exciting lineup of Big Band dances throughout the year. The Big Band dances will be held on the second or third Saturday evenings each month at the Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and the beach in Avalon.
“The Big Band dances are a great way for the community and our visitors to get together and enjoy a fun night of music and dancing”, said Avalon Recreation Department Director Dave Haberle. “Big Band music is truly a genre that transcends all generations, and we open our doors to everyone who appreciates a fun, affordable night out”.
The 2011 Big Band Dance Series in Avalon features many of the best Big Band/Dance Bands from the greater Delaware Valley area. Doors open at the Avalon Community Hall at 8:00pm, and live music begins at 8:30pm. Tickets are $7.50 at the door, and BYOB reservations are appreciated.
Here is the 2011 Big Band Dance Series lineup in Avalon:
February 12.....................John Clark Dance Band
March 12...................................ack Melton Band
April 9...........................Kathleen D'Angela & Co.
May 14......................The Bill Newman Orchestra
June 11.................................Fred Hall Orchestra
July 9..........................Tony Deluca & The Paisans
August 13........................................Walt Wagner
September 10..................Kathleen D’Angela & Co.
October 15..................The Bill Newman Orchestra
November 12.....................John Clark Dance Band
December 10..................... Kathleen D’Angela &Co.
AVALON CONTRIBUTES TO REWARD TO CATCH SUSPECT IN POLICE OFFICER’S SLAYING Other municipalities in Cape May County also asked to assist
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi and the Avalon Police Department have announced a $1,000 contribution to the reward fund designed to gather information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual who killed a Lakewood, New Jersey police officer on Friday, January 14th.
Lakewood Police Officer Christopher Matlosz, 27, was shot to death execution style during a routine interview of a pedestrian in a residential neighborhood in his community. Matlosz was a member of the Lakewood Police Department for less than five years. He was reportedly shot three times while sitting in his police car.
“New Jersey’s law enforcement community has suffered a major tragedy this weekend”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “It is very important for all communities in the state to contribute to a special reward fund that leads to the arrest and conviction of the coward who took Officer Matlosz’s life for no reason”.
The State Policemen’s Benevolent Association announced a reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. On Friday night, the reward fund exceeded $40,000.
“I’m asking all 16 Cape May County communities to contribute to the reward fund so this individual is removed from the streets and taken into custody”, Pagliughi said. “This individual poses a threat to the public and police officers throughout South Jersey until he is captured. Cape May County communities can show support for this effort by pledging a contribution to this reward fund. It could have been one of our own”.
Various media reports suggest there is a person of interest who is being sought in connection with Officer Matlosz’s slaying. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has called this “a terrible tragedy” and says the sate’s thoughts and prayers go to Officer Matlosz’s family and the entire New Jersey law enforcement community.
The Avalon Police Department is pledging it support to this effort. “The law enforcement community in the state of New Jersey is one big family”, said Avalon Police Chief David Dean. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own, and we pledge full support to any effort that will result in the immediate apprehension of the individual who’s responsible for killing Officer Matlosz”.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR AVALON, STORM WARNING FOR MAINLAND
Snowfall totals expected to be lower in Avalon, higher on the mainland
(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has posted a Winter Weather Advisory for the Borough of Avalon through Wednesday at 10:00am for the potential of one to three inches of snow. A Winter Storm Warning is posted for mainland Cape May County and mainland South Jersey for the potential of four to six inches of snow from this new winter storm. Both weather advisories remain in effect until Wednesday at 10:00am.
The storm has brought significant snowfall to southern states and is now making a trek up the Atlantic seaboard.
Forecasters now believe there will be enough cold air in place to make this mainly a snow event for most of South Jersey, except for the immediate coastline. Light snowfall is expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon with an inch of snow possible during the afternoon hours. The precipitation will change to rain for a short time Tuesday evening, before snow resumes Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning. The storm will end as snow showers during the morning commute on Wednesday. Following the storm on Wednesday, strong winds out of the west will gust to nearly 40mph.
Coastal communities including Avalon are right on the snow-rain line. If colder air moves in place this evening, we could see more snowfall. If warmer air stays in Avalon overnight, the snowfall amounts on Wednesday morning could be lower.
This storm is expected to produce slippery driving conditions especially during the evening hours Tuesday and the morning commute on Wednesday morning. The Avalon Office of Emergency Management will continue to track this storm and alert the public if the forecast changes.
Here are some tips to keep in mind during this storm event:
-When possible, please park your vehicle inside your garage or in your driveway. This will permit more effective snowplow operations to occur by the Avalon Department of Public Works if plowing is needed.
-If you have any emergency, please dial 911. If you have a non-emergency but need assistance, call the Avalon Police Department at (609) 967-3411.
-Avalon will continue to update weather conditions on the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org; on ShoreTV Channel 2 for Comcast television customers; and on 1630AM, Avalon’s emergency radio station.
Here is the official text of the Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service:
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 2 PM this
afternoon to 10 am EST Wednesday.
* Precipitation type: snow. Some mixing with rain is possible
for a time tonight.
* Accumulations: 1 to 4 inches.
* Timing: snow will overspread the area late this afternoon or
early this evening... then continue through Wednesday morning.
The snow may mix with or change to a period of rain before
changing back to all snow late tonight. The snow will fall
heavy at times overnight... then taper off to scattered snow
showers or flurries during Wednesday morning.
* Impacts: snow will stick to untreated roadways... however if
rain occurs conditions will be wet to slushy. Snowfall rates
of will cause the visibility to drop to one-half mile for a
period of time overnight and early Wednesday morning. Driving
will become hazardous. This evenings commute could be slippery
however the Wednesday morning commute could be very hazardous.
* Winds: are expected to increase from the northwest and turn
gusty after the snowfall... with areas of blowing and drifting
snow occurring Wednesday especially where more snow
accumulates.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow or mixed
precipitation will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities. If you need to travel...
use extra caution especially on side roads and while crossing
bridges and other elevated surfaces. Remember... bridges tend to
ice up before the roadway does.
AVALON TO RECONSTRUCT SECTION OF BOARDWALK THIS WINTER
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Department of Public Works will reconstruct a section of the Borough’s boardwalk this
winter. The initial reconstruction phase will begin during the week of January 10th, 2011.
The Borough will tear down and rebuild a section of the Avalon boardwalk from 22nd to 24th streets. All of the walkway
planks and railings will be removed, and replaced. This section of the Avalon boardwalk will be closed to the public
for safety reasons until the project is completed. There will be some heavy equipment and construction materials in the
vicinity of the boardwalk reconstruction project.
“We will definitely have this section of the Avalon boardwalk reconstructed in time for the warmer weather”, said
Avalon Public Works Director Bill Macomber. “The completion schedule is dependent on favorable weather
conditions. We continue to save money by doing this project in-house, and I think residents and visitors will be pleased
with the new section of boardwalk”.
The Avalon Department of Public Works recently rebuilt a section of the boardwalk in front of Community Hall, the
playground, and the parking lot.
If there are favorable weather conditions this winter, it is possible another block of boardwalk between 21st and
22nd streets will also be reconstructed. This additional block would result in the Avalon Department of Public Works
complete reconstruction of the Avalon boardwalk from 32nd Street north to 21st Street.
AVALON SENDS AMBULANCE, PERSONNEL TO ASSIST WITH PUBLIC SAFETY IN NEW YORK CITY
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon volunteered to help New York City handle a large volume of ambulance calls resulting from a blizzard that dropped two feet of snow on the city. Avalon Rescue Squad EMTs Jonathan Schwartz and Seth Schoenfeld volunteered to drive an Avalon ambulance to New York City to help with numerous rescue calls in the nation’s largest city.
“Avalon is honored to help our friends in New York City with the emergency calls after the snowstorm”, said Avalon EMS Chief Kevin Scarpa. “Avalon Rescue went to New York City on September 13th, 2001 to assist our emergency rescue partners. We are glad to volunteer in their time of need this week”.
Media reports out of New York City indicate that there were over 1,000 rescue calls backlogged in New York City as a result of the snow storm. Some ambulances in the city became stuck in the snow. Response times have also been delayed due to the heavy volume of snow still on the city’s streets. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expressed his concern about the response time to these emergency calls. One report indicated that 100 ambulances in New York City were literally stuck in the snow; that totals one fifth of the entire fleet of ambulances in New York City.
New Jersey was asked to send EMS “Strike Teams” to New York City to provide mutual aid for the New York City responders. Cape May County Emergency Management Director Frank McCall asked for squads to participate, and Avalon agreed Monday evening. “When the call comes in for help from a neighboring community, we answer that call”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We are available to help our friends in New York anytime, during a time of need”.
Avalon’s ambulance and personnel left for New York City Tuesday, December 28th at 5:00am to work a 9:00am-9:00pm shift. A New York City paramedic was going to ride with the Avalon ambulance to handle rescue calls. Early Tuesday afternoon, the Avalon ambulance was in Manhattan, but being diverted into Brooklyn.
Scarpa said Cape May County rescue teams from Avalon and Upper Township agreed to help New York City with its emergency rescue needs during this snow emergency.
Avalon Blizzard Photos December 27, 2010
The Borough of Avalon received nearly 20 inches of snow during the blizzard during Christmas weekend, 2010. Here are some "day after" photos taken on December 27th by Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl.
WASTE MANAGEMENT TO COLLECT TRASH IN ZONES ONE AND TWO ON TUESDAY
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Department of Public Works announced that trash collection by Waste Management
will resume on Tuesday, December 28th. There was no trash pickup for Section 1 in Avalon on Monday due
to the weekend blizzard.
According to Bill Macomber, Director of the Avalon Department of Public Works, Waste Management will
collect trash in both Section 1 and Section 2 on Tuesday. Section 1 is the inlet to 22nd Street, inclusive and
Section 2 is 23rd Street to 41st Street, inclusive. Section 3, from 42nd Street to the North side of 80th Street, will
have its trash picked up on Wednesday.
The Avalon Department of Public Works reminds residents that very windy conditions will persist in
Avalon through Tuesday. Please make sure that trash can lids are very secure. It’s always a good idea
to put your home address on both trash cans and trash can lids in the event they become airborne during
windy conditions and blow down your street.
If you have any questions regarding trash or recycling collection in Avalon, please call the Avalon Department
of Public Works at (609) 967-7697 between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm, weekdays. For more
information, please visit the Borough’s website that contains public works information, http://avalonboro.org/publicwks.htm
STORM LEAVES, DROPS NEARLY TWO FEET OF SNOW ON AVALON
(Avalon, NJ)—The National Weather Service has dropped the Blizzard Warning for the Borough of Avalon,
but has maintained a Wind Advisory through the day and into the early evening hours on Monday,
December 27th. The Wind Advisory means that strong, gusty winds out of the northwest will prevail throughout
the day and into the evening hours at 25-35mph, with gusts to 50mph. There will be blowing snow and the
potential for snow drifts as a result of this windy weather.
The Avalon Department of Public Works has been working around the clock to plow and salt local streets and
sidewalks. This effort continues through the day on Monday. Please continue to park your vehicles in garages
and driveways to allow for better snow removal efforts.
The Borough of Avalon received just over 20 inches of snowfall during this blizzard, according to the National
Weather Service. Dennis Township received the most snow during this storm, 26.5 inches.
Avalon’s Borough Hall is closed on Monday, December 27th. The Avalon Free Public Library is also closed on
Monday, December 27th.
If you have any emergency, please dial 911. If you have a non-emergency and need assistance from the Avalon
Police Department, the main number is (609) 967-3411. If you would like to email a question in to Borough
government, please use the “Avalon Feedback” button on the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org. On that
website you will also find emergency contact information for all of the utilities that serve Avalon, including
Verizon, New Jersey American Water Company, Atlantic City Electric, South Jersey Gas, and Comcast.
If further updates are needed, please listen to Avalon’s 1630AM emergency radio station; Comcast television
customers can also tune to ShoreTV Channel 2 for updated information.
AVALON TAX OFFICE TO MAIL OUT PRELIMINARY VALUE NOTICES
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Tax Assessor’s Office announced that preliminary value notices are being mailed on Monday, December 27th. The value notices will arrive during the last week of December, and will reflect new property values in
Avalon resulting from a recent property reassessment.
Avalon Tax Assessor Jeffrey Hesley and his office have analyzed all of the property transactions in Avalon over the past year and have conducted an in-house reassessment. The in-house assessment results in considerable savings to the Borough of Avalon.
The new property values will be on the books for the 2011 year. By statute, new property assessments must be filed no later than January 20th, 2011. Avalon residents will receive a final value notice no later than February 1st, 2011. The deadline to file an appeal with the Cape May County Board of Taxation will be May 1st, 2011.
This will be the third adjustment in property assessments in Avalon over the past ten years. Any property owner who would like to discuss the new assessment with the Avalon Tax Assessor’s Office may do so by calling (609) 967-5900, ext. 7777 no later than January 12th, 2011 to arrange an appointment.
AVALON STUDENT HONORED FOR 2011 BEACH TAG DESIGN
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin L. Pagliughi honored Avalon resident Cara Heenan with coming up with the winning design for the 2011 beach tags that will be sold in Avalon. Miss Heenan is a seventh grade student at the Avalon Elementary School. Her artwork was picked from 54 submissions to be the official artwork for the 2011 beach tags.
“I’m very proud of Cara’s design for the 2011 beach tags”, Mayor Pagliughi said. “This is a fun way to have our local students involved in community projects, and I congratulate Cara and her parents, Sue and Brian Heenan, on this accomplishment”.
This is the 13th consecutive year that the Borough and the school have sponsored the Avalon Beach Tag Art Contest.
Mayor Pagliughi attended a special awards ceremony at the school on Wednesday, December 22nd and presented Cara with a commemorative plaque and the very first beach tag (number 000001) of the 2011 season.
The 2011 beach tags will go on sale starting weekends on April 16th at the beach tag booth located next to the Avalon Community Hall, located at 30th Street and the beach. Tags will be required for all beach goers ages 12 years and older between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm from May 28th through September 5th, 2011. Beach tags may be purchased daily from May 1st through September 5th at the booth or beginning the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend from beach tag inspectors. Seasonal beach tags purchased on or before May 31st will cost $21; tags purchased after that date will cost
$26. Weekly beach tags cost $12 and daily tags, $6. Reciprocity of beach tags is observed between Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Photo: Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presents a special plaque to Cara Heenan at the Avalon Elementary School
before the school play, “The Nutcracker Suite: A Mini-Musical”.
Cara-Heenan-with-her-plaque
2011-Avalon-Beach-Tag-by-Cara-Heenan
Avalon-Elementary-School-students-play.
AVALON MAYOR HOLDS FOLLOW UP MEETING WITH VERIZON REGARDING OUTAGE
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi hosted a follow-up meeting with Verizon officials on Monday, December 20th to discuss a telephone outage that affected hundreds of residences and businesses on the Seven Mile Island during October 28th-November 8th, 2010.
“This outage is not only about an inconvenience to our community, it’s really about a critical public safety issue”, Pagliughi said. “Avalon experienced a Verizon landline telephone outage without notification or even acknowledgement from Verizon that could have been much worse. It is my intent to make sure that public safety is never compromised as a result of equipment failure or negligence by one of the utilities that is provides a service in our community”.
Pagliughi hosted a meeting that involved officials from both Avalon and Stone Harbor at the Avalon Borough Hall to learn more about a remediation plan by Verizon. On November 8th, Verizon officials came to Avalon at Pagliughi’s request to investigate the telephone outage. Elected officials were at both meetings and were joined by New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Nick Asselta, along with Verizon New Jersey’s Vice President of External Affairs, Sam Delgado and other Verizon representatives.
During the second meeting on December 20th, Verizon confirmed that the intermittent phone outage in Avalon and Stone Harbor was caused by a failed technology card located in central New Jersey. The card was supposed to send
an alarm to Verizon’s engineers to alert them to intermittent failures with telephone service that resulted in dropped
calls and one party not being able to hear the other party during a call. Verizon officials announced during the
meeting that their technicians were not aware of a community-wide problem because an alarm on that card never sounded.
“It was very troubling to me that in an era of mass telecommunications and putting men on the moon that Verizon
could not be aware of a big problem in Avalon and Stone Harbor while dozens of complaints were coming into
their representatives”, Pagliughi said. “We had many residents tell us that when they contacted Verizon to complain about the lack of telephone service that their complaint was the first one from Avalon”.
Emergency management officials from Avalon and Stone Harbor attended both meetings, emphasizing their need
to be alerted in the event telephone service fails. Cape May County Emergency Management Director Frank McCall
also reiterated Avalon’s position that this lack of telephone service could have resulted in major public safety
issues in the event of a coastal storm or another similar emergency.
As a result of the meeting called by Pagliughi, Verizon has committed to a remediation plan that addresses several public safety concerns for both Avalon and Stone Harbor. This plan includes:
--A total replacement of the technology card that failed during the telephone outage. The card will be replaced by
technicians sometime during January, 2011 with no anticipated interruption of telephone service.
--Verizon will draft a plan that will result in greater recognition of a community-wide problem along with proper
notification of emergency management authorities in the affected region.
--A special practice “drill” will be conducted involving county and municipal emergency management officials that
will test Verizon’s new contingency plan to notify a community when a phone outage occurs.
--Verizon will arrange a field trip during the first quarter of 2011 so local officials can talk with staff at a local field
office to discuss communication efforts between the utility and local emergency management officials.
“As a result of the outage that affected Avalon and Stone Harbor, a new emergency plan relating to future Verizon
telephone outages will be drafted that will benefit all 21 counties in the state of New Jersey”, Pagliughi said. “Public safety is always our top priority. It’s time for utilities that make a lucrative business in our communities to have a greater level of accountability for the services they are paid to provide”.
David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower are coming to the Avalon Library! Lecture and Book Signing- Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m.
Avalon- the Avalon Free Public Library is pleased to announce NY Times best-selling authors, David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, will speak here on Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Avalon Elementary School auditorium. The Eisenhowers will be discussing their book, Going Home to Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961-1969. Written by David with assistance from Julie, the book was published earlier this year and describes David’s life with his grandfather, Dwight (Ike) D. Eisenhower, on the family farm in Gettysburg, PA, after his presidency ended in 1961. A Q&A and book signing will follow.
In 1986, David and Julie were the first husband and wife to have their books listed as NY Times non-fiction bestsellers at the same time. David’s book, Eisenhower at War, 1943-1945 was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in history in 1987. He is currently the director of the Institute for Public Service at the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. Julie is a trustee for many organizations and causes, including the Richard Nixon Foundation, the Nixon Center, and Eisenhower Medical Center.
The July lecture is part of the Avalon Library’s Summer Author Series for 2011. No tickets are required and the event is open to the public. Seating will be on a first-come-first served basis beginning at 6 p.m. The Avalon Library received 5 stars in Library Journal’s national rating of public libraries for the third time since 2009, based on statistical performance data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library website at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
AVALON TO CONDUCT EXPERIMENTAL WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Program to be the first of its kind along the Jersey Shore
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will embark on an experimental program designed to show the effectiveness of three different irrigation technologies. This program will help determine the best way to reduce water use and costs associated with the irrigation of Borough property. This program will be the first of its kind along the Jersey Shore, and involve in-kind services provided by private companies.
“We are very excited to bring this experimental test to Avalon”, said Jim Collins, Chairman of the Avalon Green Team. “The Borough of Avalon is very proactive in environmental and conservation efforts, and this project will help determine the best way to provide irrigation while at the same time reducing costs, and reducing the use of water”.
During the December 8th council meeting, Collins discussed a plan with the Avalon Borough Council that will result in three different irrigation technologies that will be used on three very similar traffic islands located along Dune Drive between 39th Street and 43rd Street. One island will use the current sprinkler head system; a second island will be fitted with an under the soil drip irrigation system; the third traffic island will be fitted with a smart, weather-sensitive controller and advanced technology sprinkler heads. Each of the three traffic islands will be covered with new sod, and water use will be carefully monitored and recorded through the spring and summer of 2011.
The Borough of Avalon has received generous participation from private companies who will finance a majority of this project. John Deere Company will provide the equipment that will be used, while local landscaping companies will provide the labor and expertise needed for installation. The Avalon Department of Public Works assist with project and provide constant monitoring of the traffic islands to determine which system works the best, and uses the least amount of water.
“The New Jersey Irrigation Association is very interested in Avalon’s test project, and other organizations are also looking upon this environmentally-conscious project favorably”, Collins said. “For a very minimal investment, the Borough is able to conduct a real time water use experiment in Avalon under real weather conditions. This should result in long-term water use savings and water conservation for the Borough for many years to come”.
The New Jersey American Water Company is the water provider for the Borough of Avalon. The company estimates that one percent of the Borough’s total water use is related to the irrigation of public fields, recreational fields, and traffic islands.
AVALON MOVES FORWARD WITH ENERGY-SAVING INITIATIVES
Borough to receive $50,000 in various funding to help conserve energy
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon has applied for $50,000 in grant funding to finance various upgrades in Borough buildings that will result in energy conservation and reduced energy costs. A presentation on the initiative was made before the Avalon Borough Council during its meeting on Wednesday evening, December 8th.
“Avalon continues to be a community leader when it comes to environmental responsibility and energy conservation”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “This effort by the Borough and the Avalon Green Team to secure the grant funding means that Avalon will continue to lead by example by using energy more efficiently while saving taxpayers’ dollars for many years to come”.
Avalon is making an application through the State of New Jersey’s Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program. The program affords local communities the opportunity to secure up to a total of $50,000 worth of various energy efficiency upgrades that are implemented at zero cost to the municipality. The program makes $20,000 available to New Jersey communities. Avalon will pair this effort with the New Jersey Clean Energy Program’s “Direct Install” initiative. Together, Avalon will receive $50,000 worth of various energy conservation upgrades in Borough buildings at zero cost to the taxpayer.
Borough officials have held several meetings regarding these opportunities that are available to many communities throughout the state. There are seven companies who are approved by the state to conduct this type of work under the state’s program. Avalon will be using Hutchinson Mechanical Services as the contractor for the project.
Avalon recently completed an energy audit that identified areas of potential improvement in various Borough buildings. Avalon’s volunteer Green Team has prioritized the list of improvements into immediate, short term, and long term payback and benefit to the community. Many of the short term improvements will be financed with this grant funding. The improvements may include but are not limited to thermostats, exit signs, incandescent lighting, occupancy sensors and other energy conservation initiatives. Much of the work will be done during the first two months of 2011.
“The Borough has held two very successful Green Fairs that promote environmental and energy responsibility”, said Avalon Council President Dick Dean. “Avalon is proud to make these improvements at Borough facilities to use energy more wisely. And coming soon, Mayor Pagliughi and council will have news about another ‘green’ initiative that will be the first of its kind at the Jersey Shore”.
AVALON EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon honored seven employees for their service to the community. The employees
were presented with certificates of recognition by Avalon Council President Richard Dean.
The seven employees who were honored during the presentation were:
30 years of service: David Haberle, Department of Recreation Director; Ruth Thraen, police records
25 years of service: Patricia Haigh, public works department; Benjamin Gery, Police Detective
10 years of service: Paul Nazarok, Emergency medical services
5 years of service: Brian Juzaitis, department of recreation; David Glassord, police officer
Pictured (left to right): Ruth Thraen, Patricia Haigh, Council President Richard Dean, Brian Juzaitis, David Haberle
LIMITED NUMBER OF AVALON HOLIDAY BEACH TAGS STILL AVAILABLE
(Avalon, NJ)—A limited number of special holiday beach tags are still available for purchase in advance of the 2011 beach season in Avalon. Hundreds of tags were sold during Avalon’s “Festive Friday” event on Friday, November 26th. Some seasonal beach tags still remain on sale at the Avalon Tax Collector’s office inside Avalon Borough Hall.
The special holiday beach tags will cost $20 which includes a decorative box for gift-giving. The beach tags will be “seasonal” tags that can be used during the entire 2011 beach season in Avalon. As a convenience for the public, these tags do not have to be turned in for the new 2011 beach tags; they can be used as actual beach tags next year.
A limited number of beach tags will be available this holiday season, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Cash and checks will be accepted as payment. The Borough will not accept requests via mail or telephone due to the limited number of holiday beach tags that will be available.
Borough Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:15am-4:15pm, except holidays. The holiday beach tags are made by the Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training, and Opportunity Center, Inc.
Avalon Lions Club, Inc celebrates Charter Night
On November 18th , the Avalon Lions Club, Inc celebrated the eighth anniversary of the signing of their Lion’s charter. 77 people including 13 of the original charter members attended the
Annual Charter Night Dinner, which was held at the Windrift Hotel and Restaurant. The Avalon Lion’s Club membership has grown steadily over the years and with 102 members is now the largest club in the district.
The Avalon Lions Club, Inc. is a member of the Lions Clubs International, which was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones. In 1973 in honor of Melvin Jones, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award was established. During Charter Night, the Avalon Lions Club, Inc. presented the fellowship award to Muriel Smith. The fellowship award is the foundation’s highest honor and represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion and concern for the less fortunate. This award honors Muriel and places her in a select group within the Lions Club.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Joanne Carrocino, President & CEO of Cape Regional Medical Center. Ms. Carrocino told the group about the changes that had occurred in the last year as well as the future plans for the medical center. The Lions Club presented her with Service Achievement Award and a donation to the medical center.
Additionally, James Heisler, Lions District Governor, presented Amodeo (Sam) Beddia with the Membership Excellence Pin. This award acknowledges Sam’s efforts in bringing in 15 new members.
Events such as Charter Night are paid for by the individual members of the Avalon Lions Club, Inc.
AVALON POLICE PARTICIPATE IN “OVER THE LIMIT, UNDER ARREST”
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department announced that it will participate in a state-wide crackdown designed to remove impaired and intoxicated drivers from the road. Avalon Police Chief David Dean announced that Avalon will participate in the “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign that runs during the holiday season, December 6th, 2010 through January 2, 2011.
“Driving while intoxicated is a serious issue 12 months out of the year”, Chief Dean said. “The Avalon Police Department wants to make sure residents and visitors have a safe holiday driving season, and we are pleased to partner with our police friends throughout the state in this effort”.
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety requested Avalon’s participation in this program. The Avalon Police Department also participated in the effort during the 2009 holiday season.
Impaired driving continues to be one of the crimes most often committed in the United States. Statistics show that someone is killed every 30 minutes in the United States by a drunk or impaired driver. Approximately 18,000 people are killed during impaired driving accidents in the United States each year; 250,000 people are injured during these types of accidents. Nearly 97 percent of all Americans view impaired driving as a threat to their community.
The “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” program involves no warnings given to impaired or intoxicated drivers. Anyone charged with a DUI offense in the State of New Jersey faces penalties that may include a combination of fines, license suspensions, jail time, and points added to the driver’s motor vehicle record. The legal blood alcohol limit in the state of New Jersey is .08 percent.
The Avalon Police Department reminds residents and visitors how easy it is to avoid a drunk driving arrest:
--Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
--Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
--If you are impaired, call a sober friend or family member to get home safely
--Wear a seat belt while in your car; it is your best defense against an impaired driver
--If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call the Avalon Police Department at (609) 967-3411
The “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” program was launched nationwide in 1999 and involves public safety organizations in all 50 states.
LEGENDARY RADIO HOST PINKY KRAVITZ HOSTS AVALON
Legendary WOND-AM radio host Pinky Kravitz spent a half hour discussing the Borough of Avalon during a live radio show at The Borgata in Atlantic City on Monday, November 22nd. Kravitz discussed the Borough of Avalon and various special events during the live, half hour segment at the food court at the Borgata. Kravitz (seated right) was joined by Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl (far left) and Jacquie Ewing of the 7 Mile Business and Community Association (seated middle).
AHLOA, AVALON LIONS HOST BREAKFAST FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Home and Land Owners Association joined the Avalon Lions Club with hosting a breakfast for Avalon Borough employees on Tuesday, November 23rd, at the Avalon Community Hall.
Both organizations wanted to thank the Borough employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Members of AHLOA and the Avalon Lions Club made pancakes, breakfast meats, and fruit bowls and served them up to members of the Borough’s work force who were in attendance.
The Borough of Avalon would like to thank AHLOA and the Avalon Lions Club for their generosity and thoughtfulness during this holiday season.
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PHOTOS FROM AVALON'S TREE LIGHTING/FESTIVE FRIDAY
Avalon hosted the huge Festive Friday celebration sponsored by the 7 Mile Business and Community Association in downtown Avalon on Friday, November 26th. Hundreds of families came to the event and participated in more than 40 free activities. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi hosted the tree lighting ceremony at Avalon's Veterans Plaza with more than 500 people in attendance. Please visit Veterans Plaza to see Avalon's holiday tree
PBS SPROUT TO FEATURE AVALON LIFEGUARD SEGMENT NOVEMBER 26TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will be getting some nationwide television coverage on Friday, November 26th on the PBS Sprout network. Avalon will be featured on the “Sunny Side Up” morning show program between 9:00am-Noon. PBS Sprout came to Avalon this summer to shoot a piece with the Avalon Beach Patrol called “Chica’s Day at the Beach”; the segment promotes beach safety and education. The video production was conducted on Friday, July 30th, at Avalon’s 58th Street beach, and also at Avalon’s Bay Park Marina.
The video segment includes various actors from “Sprout” along with popular children’s character “Chica”, a small chicken. Chica and the “Sprout” characters spent the day interacting with members of the Avalon Beach Patrol to educate children on the various duties conducted by lifeguards along with safety tips for a fun day at the beach.
Producers of the “Sprout” program chose veteran Avalon lifeguard Shane McGrath to interact with Chica and other cast members of the program. Shane memorized various lines for his parts in the video shoot, and talked about how lifeguards make a day at the beach safe for children, and their parents. Other members of the Avalon Beach Patrol also participated in the production. They will be shown running on the beach for exercise, swimming into the surf, and rowing an Avalon Beach Patrol boat through the waves, simulating a water rescue. At the conclusion of the shoot, Shane was also offered the prestigious “Good Egg” award from Chica, and cast member Dennisha.
The video shoot was conducted by Philadelphia-based Center City Film & Video. In Avalon, “Sprout” can be seen on channel 128 on the Comcast cable system, and on channel 295 on DirectTV.
For more information about PBS’s 24-hour preschool channel “Sprout”, visit their website at www.sproutonline.com.
UPDATE: AVALON COMMUNITY HALL TO REOPEN ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Department of Recreation announced today that the Avalon Community Hall will reopen to the public on Sunday, November 21st. The gymnasium floor at Community Hall has been refinished, resulting in the hall to be temporarily closed until the work is completed.
The Avalon Community Hall will reopen to a full slate of activities. On Friday, November 26th, Community Hall will host a Zumba Fundraiser event. On Saturday, December 4th, the Miss Avalon Scholarship Pageant will also be held
inside the building.
For more information, please call the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066 or visit www.avalonboro.org.
AVALON TO PRESENT “FESTIVE FRIDAY”, TREE LIGHTING ON NOVEMBER 26TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The spirit of the holiday season comes alive in Avalon on Friday, November 26th as the Borough holds a community-wide “Festive Friday” event during the day, and Avalon’s most popular family event, the annual Tree Lighting ceremony, later in the evening.
The Borough of Avalon and the 7MBCA have developed more than 40 activities throughout the day that will lead up to the Avalon Tree Lighting ceremony, which begins at 5:00pm at Veterans Plaza, located at 21st Street and Dune Drive in Avalon. Mayor Pagliughi and Santa will light the Avalon holiday tree, and children will have their photographs taken with Santa at the plaza. All of the photos will be available for free downloading and printing from the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org.
The Avalon Tree Lighting ceremony will also feature plenty of live music. The Atlantic Brass Band will play from 4:00-5:00pm at the plaza, followed by the Special Occasion Barbershop Quartet. There will also be a face painter, balloon artist, magician, and trackless train to entertain the children. The United States Marine Corps will be on hand to collect toys for “Toys for Tots”, and the Avalon Lions Club will be selling special glow in the dark necklaces for the children.
For the second consecutive year, the Borough will be selling the very popular holiday beach tags for the 2011 beach season. The tags will be on sale at the Avalon Rescue Squad at 31st Street and Dune Drive from 11:00am-4:00pm, and at Veterans Plaza from 4:00-7:00pm. The beach tags cost $20, and a decorative box is included. There is a limited supply of the holiday beach tags, and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis with cash and checks accepted for payment. If there are any tags available after the Tree Lighting, they will be on sale at the Avalon Tax Collector’s Office, located inside Avalon Borough Hall, weekdays from 8:15am-4:15pm.
The 7MBCA’s “Festive Friday” event is coordinated with the cooperation of the Avalon Department of Recreation. Activities and events begin at 11:00am in Avalon’s business district and include music, activities, recreation, hospitality, and more. All of the activities are posted on Avalon’s official website, www.avalonboro.org. In the event of inclement weather, many of the events will be moved to Avalon Community Hall. The special events for “Festive Friday” will be along Dune Drive between 20th and 33td streets, and along 21st Street.
The special events for “Festive Friday” include a Philadelphia 76ers moon bounce, letters to Santa station, character drawings, holiday crafts, face painters, ice sculpture, all sports game, holiday hair braiding, pictures with Frosty, Mrs. Claus story time, balloon clown, pet photos with Santa, and much more. Additionally, there will be a free trolley service offered from Noon-6:00pm.
Dozens of Avalon businesses will be holding holiday specials, freebies, and other offers during the Thanksgiving weekend event. You can find out more information by visiting the official “Indulge in Avalon” website at www.indulgeinavalon.com
AVALON TO OFFER SPECIAL HOLIDAY BEACH TAGS NOVEMBER 26TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will once again offer special holiday beach tags. The tags will go on sale starting Friday, November 26th, during the Borough’s “Festive Friday” celebration that precedes the Borough’s annual tree lighting event.
The special holiday beach tags will cost $20 which includes a decorative box for gift-giving. The beach tags will be “seasonal” tags that can be used during the entire 2011 beach season in Avalon. As a convenience for the public, these tags do not have to be turned in for the new 2011 beach tags; they can be used as actual beach tags next year.
The holiday beach tags will be on sale at the Avalon Rescue Squad located between 30th and 31st streets along Dune Drive in Avalon. Agnes Kelly, the supervisor of Avalon’s beach tag program, will be selling the tags at the rescue squad between the hours of 11:00am-4:00pm on Friday, November 26th. The tags will also be on sale next to Veterans Plaza at the Avalon Tree Lighting Celebration later in the day, from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
A limited number of beach tags will be available this holiday season, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Cash and checks will be accepted as payment. The Borough will not accept requests via mail or telephone due to the limited number of holiday beach tags that will be available.
In the event the special holiday beach tags are not sold out on November 26th, tags will be on sale at the Avalon Tax Collector’s office located inside Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, while quantities exist. Borough Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:15am-4:15pm, except holidays.
The holiday beach tags are made by the Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training, and Opportunity Center, Inc.
OVERNIGHT CLOSURE OF PARKWAY RAMP NOVEMBER 18TH-19TH
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon officials have been informed that there will be an overnight closure of the southbound Garden State Parkway exit ramp at Exit 13, the Avalon exit. The closure of the southbound parkway exit ramp will begin on Thursday,
November 18th, at 11:00pm and conclude on Friday, November 19th, at 5:00am.
Vehicles wishing to use this exit will be detoured south to Exit 11, at Crest Haven Road in Middle Township. A variable message board has been put on the parkway to alert motorists of this closure.
The announcement to close Exit 13 for six hours was made by Churchill Consulting Engineers who is doing some guiderail work on the southern portion of the parkway. Guiderail work will be done on the actual exit during this closure.
AVALON CELEBRATES VETERANS DAY (WITH PHOTOS)
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi and the Borough of Avalon hosted a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Plaza, located on Dune Drive in Avalon on Thursday, November 11th. Members of the Avalon Borough Council and Avalon Business Administrator Andrew Bednarek also attended the event to express appreciation to all veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our country. The 7 Mile Singers provided patriotic music. Avalon wishes to thank American Legion Post #331, Post Commander Al Carusi, and the dozens of veterans who participated in the ceremony.
UPDATE: TOWNSEND’S INLET BRIDGE TO REOPEN THIS WEEKEND
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon officials learned Wednesday evening that the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge that connects Avalon and Sea Isle City will reopen this weekend. Cape May County Engineer Dale Foster reports that the bridge is expected to reopen to vehicular traffic Saturday, November 13th, at approximately 4:00pm.
The bridge was closed during the week of October 4th for a major project involving the replacement of deteriorated bridge railings and the cleaning and painting of other railings on the bridge. The Townsend’s Inlet Bridge project is part of a Cape May County Bridge Painting program that costs $4.3 million and is financed by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Railing work on the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge was conducted by Allied Painting, Inc. of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
AVALON TO HONOR VETERANS ON NOVEMBER 11TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will honor military veterans during a special Veteran’s Day ceremony to be held on Thursday, November 11th, 2010 at 11:00am. The ceremony will take place at Avalon’s Veterans Plaza, located at 21st Street and Dune Drive.
“Veteran’s Day is always a very special day in Avalon”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We are proud to honor the men and women who served our country on their special day. We cannot thank our veterans enough for the sacrifices that they have made, and their honorable commitment to making the United States the best country in the world”.
Mayor Pagliughi will preside over the Veteran’s Day ceremony, and will deliver a special message in behalf of the Borough. The presentation will also include remarks by Al Carusi, Commander of American Legion Post #331. Larry Kenney will play bagpipes, and a presentation of wreaths will be made by both American Legion Post #331, and by the Avalon Elementary School. A rifle salute will be included in the program.
The American Legion Post #331 will be holding an open house at the post, beginning at 12:30pm.
The post is located at 117th Street and Second Avenue in Stone Harbor.
AVALON TO CONDUCT PROPERTY REASSESSMENT
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough is conducting a property reassessment of all residential and commercial properties. The new assessments will be in effect for the 2011 tax bills in Avalon.
“Avalon is taking this proactive approach to respond to the nationwide trend in declining property values”, Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi said. “We did not wait for the county to order a reassessment. We approached the Cape May County Board of Taxation and the New Jersey Division of Taxation for authorization of the reassessment so our property owners can pay a fair amount of taxes on their properties at true market value”.
This will be the third adjustment in property assessments in the past ten years in Avalon. In 2001, a Borough-wide revaluation was held that largely increased the value of properties. In 2005, another in-house reassessment was conducted. The latest property reassessment in Avalon will also be conducted in-house, which will result in considerable savings to the Borough and will continue to keep property assessments current in the community.
“The Borough currently has a ratable base that exceeds $8 billion”, said Avalon Councilmember Chuck Covington, a member of Avalon’s Finance Committee. “We owe it to our property owners to establish a fair and equitable value for their properties as dictated by current trends in the real estate market that have affected communities nationwide”.
The Avalon Tax Assessor’s Office continues to carefully evaluate all of the properties in Avalon in preparation for this reassessment. All of Avalon’s property transactions that have occurred over the past year are being analyzed to help develop new assessments for the community. Preliminary property value notices will be mailed out in early December, 2010; by statute, new property assessments must be filed no later than January 20, 2011. Avalon property owners will receive a final value notice no later than February 1, 2011. The deadline to file an official appeal with the Cape May County Board of Taxation is May 1, 2011.
“When property values go up, the tax rate typically goes down”, said Avalon Councilmember Dr. Nancy Hudanich, also a member of the Avalon Finance Committee. “In this case, many properties will experience a decline in value which means the municipal tax rate will increase. That does not mean everyone will be paying more in actual municipal taxes. Some will pay more, some will pay less, and some will pay about the same. Residents also need to be aware of other taxes—including county taxes and school taxes—that have a large impact on the actual tax bill they receive”.
The current overall tax rate in the Borough of Avalon (including county and school taxes) is $0.409; the current municipal tax rate in Avalon is $0.193. Over the past ten years, Avalon has been successful in saving millions of dollars through obtaining grants and agreements involving beach nourishment, road construction, energy conservation, and various infrastructure improvements. The Borough also recently completed an energy audit that will result in savings for many years to come.
“Avalon residents enjoy a very high level of municipal services”, Pagliughi said. “With the continued assistance and leadership from the Avalon Borough Council and administrator, we will present a 2011 municipal budget that maintains the level of these services in our community. We will carefully examine the new assessments, and we will continue to pursue opportunities that may lessen the property tax burden on our homeowners.”
AVALON PRESENTS CHECK TO LOCAL VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
(Cape May Court House, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presented the Cape May County chapter of Volunteers in Medicine with a donation of $2,500 during event held at the chapter building on Route 9 in Cape May Court House Wednesday morning, October 20th.
“The Borough of Avalon is deeply appreciative of the outstanding health care provided to county residents by Volunteers in Medicine”, Pagliughi said. “VIM’s tireless efforts provide a high level of health care services for local residents who cannot afford traditional medical coverage. This is Avalon’s way of thanking the health care professionals for giving back to Avalon and to the rest of Cape May County”.
Since its inception in 2002, Volunteers in Medicine has cared for over 3,000 patients with more than 15,000 patient visits. VIM accepts patients who live or work in Cape May County who have no medical insurance, and meet New Jersey Charity Care guidelines. The clinic is largely staffed with volunteers. VIM’s annual “Thanksgathering” event will be held on Friday, October 22nd at the Grand Hotel in Cape May. Dr. Thomas Dierkes, D.O. and Will and Janice Morey will be the honorees of the event.
“Avalon encourages every municipality in Cape May County to support Volunteers in Medicine”, Pagliughi said. “The Borough has been making this donation for many years since VIM helps residents from every community in our county, including Avalon. I’d be happy to show other municipal leaders how they can make donations to VIM in order to provide health care services”.
For more information on Volunteers in Medicine, please visit www.vimcmc.org.
Pictured: Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presents the check to Richard Papperman,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Volunteers in Medicine.
AVALON SENIOR CENTER PRESENTS NEW GUEST CHEF
The Avalon Senior Center hosted Chef Jeffrey Schwartz on Monday, October 18th. Jeffrey is the chef/owner of Red Sky Café on Route 9 in Seaville. Jeff will be presenting cooking classes to Avalon seniors during the offseason. If you would like more information on the cooking classes, please contact Sue Keen at (609) 967-5924.
Avalon Free Public Library Receives 5 More Stars!
Avalon - The Avalon Free Public Library (AFPL) has been listed for the third time since 2009 as one of the country’s top libraries by Library Journal (LJ). In the October 1st edition of Library Journal, the LJ Index of Public Library Service rated AFPL as 5 Stars on the basis of statistical performance data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 2008.
Two hundred fifty-eight libraries out of a total of 7,407 received 3, 4 and 5 star ratings. In addition to the Avalon Library, the New Jersey star rating recipients include Mercer County Library (in Lawrenceville) and Bernardsville Public Library, each with 5 stars, Princeton Public Library and Ocean County Public Library with 4 stars and Summerset County Library (in Bridgewater) with 3 stars.
The LJ Index of Public Library Services reviews four per capita output measures that indicate public service- circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. Information about the survey can be found at http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/articlereview/886935-457/americas_star_libraries_2010_top-rated.html.csp.
“We are pleased to be recognized as a five-star library for a third time. Such recognition is something we never actively sought, but rather is an unintended consequence of the effort by the staff, library trustees, the borough, and community to provide first class library services to Avalon taxpayers. In the Age of Google and 24/7 news channels, there are those who claim that libraries are dinosaurs and should be permitted to become extinct, freeing up valuable tax dollars. However, libraries like Avalon are proving every day that they are vital to their communities by providing services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich”, said Norman Gluckman, library director.
The Avalon Library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library Web site at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
UPDATE: DUNE GRASS FERTILIZATION SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 21ST
The Borough of Avalon learned that the annual fertilization of the dune grass is scheduled for this Thursday morning, October 21st. Here is the original press release explaining the program:
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon residents should not be alarmed if they see an airplane buzzing the beachfront between October 20th and 24th. The airplane will be dropping non-toxic, pellet-form fertilizer on Avalon’s dune grass from 8th through 80th streets.
Weather conditions will determine which day of the week the actual fertilization will occur. On one of those days, the airplane will appear at approximately 9:30am and will make five fly-overs of the dunes at 20 to 30 minute intervals. This process will last about two, to two and a half hours.
Fertilization of Avalon’s dune grass is absolutely necessary if it is to survive, and fall applications have been recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture. Aerial fertilization has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration office in Millville, New Jersey and will be given final authorization by the FAA Flight Standards office in Philadelphia the morning the flight is to be made.
AVALON TO REPAVE PARKING LOT, RECONSTRUCT PORTION OF 28TH STREET
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Borough Council has awarded a contract that will result in a parking lot being repaved, and a portion of 28th Street being reconstructed. Both projects are expected to conclude before the end of the year.
The Borough received five bids for the construction project. Lexa Concrete offered the lowest bid at $142, 386 and was awarded the contract for the work. A “notice to proceed” for the construction project should come in the next several days, and the entire project must be completed within 60 days of the start date.
The parking lot located just south of Avalon Community Hall will be repaired and repaved during this project. The lot will be closed during this construction process; two larger lots located just to the north of Community Hall will remain open.
The portion of 28th Street between Avalon Avenue and 1st Avenue will be reconstructed during this project. The existing asphalt, gravel base course, and the underlying sand will all be removed to allow for a new gravel base course, asphalt base course, and asphalt surface. The new road will also meet design standards for cross slope.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation will pay up to $140,000 for the cost of reconstructing 28th Street, which includes inspection and materials.
AVALON CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN WITH PARTY, TRICK OR TREATING
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will celebrate Halloween all weekend long with special events on Saturday and Sunday, October 30th and 31st.
On Saturday, October 30th, the Avalon Department of Recreation will be holding a special Halloween Party for children at the Avalon Community Hall, located at 30th Street and the beach. The event runs from 1:00-3:00pm and includes the following events:
*1:15—2:00pm—Costume Contest (newborns up to and including 4th grade)
*2:00-2:45pm—Sara O’Brien and the Honey Babes perform
*2:45-3:00pm—Breaking of the piñata
Refreshments will also be served during the event. The party is free, and open to the public. For more information, contact the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066.
On Sunday, October 31st, trick or treating will be held in Avalon between the hours of 5:00-8:00pm. The Avalon Police Department reminds all motorists to exercise extra caution during trick or treating.
Avalon Fire Department presents rescue demonstration to pre-school children
The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department along with Avalon EMS spent the day on Wednesday, October 13th, 2010 educating children from Miss Mary’s pre-school on fire safety. Children learned about the hazards of playing with matches and lighters, along with other valuable information. Firemen also demonstrated how high they may have to go while fighting a fire by dropping a rubber ball while high up in the air. They also demonstrated how powerful a water hose can be during another demonstration.
2nd ANNUAL AVALON ZUMBA FEST FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 9-11amTO BENEFIT HAITI
Work off the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie on Friday, November 26, 2010 and join the party!
Zumba instructors Alison Meredith, Kim Elisano, and other dance professionals from Miracles Fitness donate their time and talent to lead the 2-hour 2nd Annual Zumba Fest to raise funds for Cape May County Village, Bord de Mer, Haiti. The Fest begins at 9am, at Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and Avalon Avenue, same site as last year and the instructors’ spirited summer classes. Zumba is a popular Latin-based aerobic dance exercise in which participants can easily follow the moves of the instructors to get a dynamic work-out!
The $20 fee covers 9-11am but participants can feel free to come and go as they please. Checks are accepted. Make payable to: OLA/Social Justice. For additional information contact Avalon Recreation: 609-967-3066.
Over four years ago, a group of local residents raised funds to build a new 15-house village on Haiti’s northern coast. Today, they continue to provide for the well-being of villagers by feeding, educating, and providing long-term economic relief. Fundraisers are held throughout the year and the group finds that every little bit adds up to making a big difference.
AVALON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PRESENT SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Biggest post season event in Avalon October 9th and 10th
(Avalon, NJ)—The biggest post-season event in Avalon every year will take place the weekend of October 9th and 10th as the Avalon Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Seafood Festival. This year’s festival will be held in the parking lot just north of the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach in Avalon both days between 11:00am-5:00pm. The seafood festival is free and open to the public.
There will be dozens of food vendors, retail vendors, and crafters at the Seafood Festival. Live music will be provided by one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular bands, the Snake Brothers. The Joanne Reagan Dancers will also perform during the festival, and “Jerry the Stiltwalker” will be on hand to entertain the children.
A major part of the Seafood Festival is the popular chowder contest on Sunday. Everyone who attends the festival can pay a small fee and sample some of the best chowder offered in South Jersey during a friendly competition to be decided by the public.
“The Avalon Chamber of Commerce is proud to present this big event in our community”, said John Allison, the president of the chamber. “This is all about local businesses, civic groups, and volunteers getting together for a fun, family-oriented event that brings big crowds to Avalon”.
The Avalon Chamber of Commerce recently launched a brand new website at www.avalonbeach.com. There is plenty of information about local businesses and local events on the website, which attracts over one million visits per year. The new website allows chamber members to update information about their own businesses and update special offers seamlessly. The chamber has also developed Avalon’s first-ever smart phone application that will showcase the Avalon business community and special events that make Avalon a premiere vacation destination.
For more information on the Avalon Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival, visit the website or call (609) 967-3936. The chamber building is located on Ocean Drive right at the main entrance to Avalon, and is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am-3:00pm.
AVALON BOCCE TOURNAMENT POSTPONED THIS WEEKEND
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon’s popular bocce tournament has been postponed due to this week’s wet weather. The bocce court located on 39th Street in Avalon has been deemed unplayable due to the generous amount of rain that has fallen during the last week of September. The tournament is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, and is typically held on the first Sunday of October, at 12 Noon.
No makeup date has been announced.
AVALON RESCUE TEAM SHARES KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING WITH STONE HARBOR
Avalon visits neighboring community to discuss water rescue training and equipment
(Avalon, NJ)—Members of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department went to Stone Harbor on Thursday, September 23rd to show members of that community the advanced life saving equipment and training that can save lives, especially during a water rescue.
“We welcomed the opportunity to meet with our peers in Stone Harbor to showcase Avalon’s rescue equipment and share the latest water rescue training techniques”, said Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ed Dean. “Everyone in the public safety community shares information and training all of the time to serve our communities better, and this was an excellent way to help our friends in Stone Harbor”.
More than a dozen volunteers from the Avalon Fire Department went to the Stone Harbor Fire Department on Thursday, September 23rd. Avalon firemen brought a rescue wave runner to the discussion in Stone Harbor; Avalon currently has two rescue wave runners, along with two fireboats. The wave runners and fireboats can be used in the event of a boat fire or a boating accident. They can also be deployed to help fight a structure fire next to the bay, inlet, or ocean. The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department has developed a comprehensive water rescue program to serve the community, and serves as a model for other beach communities in the State of New Jersey.
The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department provided the Stone Harbor Fire Department with a demonstration on how the wave runner can be effectively used during a water rescue. Avalon firemen participated in a training exercise on the 95th Street beach in Stone Harbor to provide an example of how the rescue wave runners can be deployed.
On July 28th, 2010 15 members of the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department received two full days of water rescue training from the National Water Safety Congress. Volunteers were trained during a classroom setting, and a field exercise on the Avalon’s 37th Street beach. “Having the equipment is important, but not as important as acquiring the proper training to make a safe and effective water rescue”, Dean said. “We were honored to be welcomed to Stone Harbor to share our equipment and knowledge with our friends in the Stone Harbor Fire Department”.
Photos: Attached are photographs taken during the training exercise and discussion at the Stone Harbor Fire Department, and on Stone Harbor’s 95th Street beach.
AVALON HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HOLD MUSEUM DINNER
TOWNSENDS INLET BRIDGE TO CLOSE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON OCTOBER 6TH
The following is a press release issued by the county of Cape May regarding a bridge closure.
Cape May Court House - The Ocean Drive (CR 619) Bridge over Townsends Inlet is scheduled to be closed to vehicular traffic on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 for a period of approximately three weeks (weather permitting). The closing of the bridge is necessitated by construction to replace deteriorated bridge railings and to clean and paint the entire bridge railing system
This project, part of the $4,303,440 Cape May County Bridge Painting Program, was approved by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders on March 16, 2010 and is funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The work at the Bridge is being performed by Allied Painting, Inc. of Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Since August, Allied Painting has been constructing a containment system under the Townsends Inlet Bridge. The containment system prevents the existing paint system, cleaning materials and the new paint system materials from entering into the environment – particularly the air and water. Cleaning and painting of the structural steel is expected to begin next month and be completed by early summer 2011
The other bridge in the Cape May County Bridge Painting Program is the Ocean Drive (CR 619) over Grassy Sound. Allied Painting is expected to complete the cleaning and painting of the steel surfaces by the end of this year
For additional information about the CMC Bridge Painting Program contact the Cape May County Public Works Department at (609) 465-1035 or by email at countyengineer@co.cape-may.nj.us.
TREK WOMEN BREAST CANCER AWARENESS RIDE IN AVALON OCTOBER 9TH
The 1st Annual Ann Ossichak Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Ride will be held on Saturday, October 9th, at 10:00am in Avalon. The event is sponsored by Hollywood Bicycle Center, located on Dune Drive in Avalon. The ride will feature two distances, and there will be gifts and prizes associated with the event. You can enter to win a pair of matching his and hers 2011 Fuji Avalon bicycles. Click here for more information, or visit www.hollywoodbikeshop.com. click here for more information
AVALON GREEN TEAM PRESENTS 2ND GREEN FAIR OCTOBER 9TH Over 30 vendors/exhibitors to present eco-friendly products and services
(Avalon, NJ)--Avalon’s first Green Fair drew nearly two dozen vendors and exhibitors, and over 1,000 people attended. The 2010 Green Fair is going to be even bigger, and better.
The Avalon Green Team, the Borough’s all-volunteer group that encourages environmental responsibility and innovative ‘green’ energy concepts, is hosting the 2nd Annual Avalon Green Fair on Saturday, October 9th, from 10:00am-3:00pm inside the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach in Avalon. The fair is free, and open to the public.
“This year’s Green Fair will include even more exhibitors and vendors”, said Jim Collins, the chairman of the Avalon Green Team. “We will have over 30 different tables set up and residents will have a tremendous opportunity to learn how they can be environmentally responsible, and save money while doing so”.
The Green Fair is sponsored by Barth Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, a Hutchinson company. Barth representatives will be on hand to discuss ways homeowners in Avalon can use new technology to heat and cool their homes. “We are very excited to welcome Barth as a prime sponsor of this year’s Green Fair”, Collins said. “Barth, along with all of our other vendors, will be able to discuss in great detail how easy it is to implement new cost-effective technology”.
There are four focus areas of interests at the Green Fair: Solar energy, energy audits, smart landscaping, and geothermal energy. Many of the exhibitors selected for the Green Fair will be able to discuss these topics and provide information and pamphlets to attendees.
Plenty of freebies will be available during the Green Fair. When you enter Community Hall, be sure to visit the registration table. The first 1,000 visitors will be given a free, earth-friendly Avalon tote bag with an Avalon “Greener by a Mile” sticker. You will also receive a floor guide of where to find specific vendors and topics that you are interested in. On the back of the guide is a very brief survey that takes less than 60 seconds to complete. When you return that survey, you are instantly entered to win one of many great prizes that are donated by the vendors at the Green Fair; you do not have to be present at the conclusion of the Green Fair to win.
The Borough of Avalon will have a table at the 2010 Avalon Green Fair. Stop by the table and learn more about Avalon’s extensive environmental initiatives, including trash pickup/recycling, the ‘odd/even’ outdoor water use program, and Avalon’s brand new energy audit. The audit shows how the Borough can save energy and water at various public buildings and recreation fields while saving money at the same time. The Borough has already begun the process of implementing some of the energy-saving ideas outlined in the energy audit.
A brand new addition to the Avalon Green Fair will be a special video presentation. The video will continuously loop every 20 minutes on a large screen television and will include interviews conducted by Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl on the four focus areas of the Green Fair. Take a break and sit down to learn more about geothermal energy, solar energy, smart landscaping, energy audits, and Avalon’s own energy audit. Guests include Avalon Green Team Chairman Jim Collins; Tom Hutchinson from Barth Plumbing, Heating and Cooling; Harley Shuler from Mercury Solar; Don Powell from Powell Energy and Solar; and John McNulty from Bayshore Landscaping. You can also preview the videos on the front page of the Borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org.
The Avalon Green Fair is one of two exciting events on October 9th. The Avalon Chamber of Commerce’s popular Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 9th-10th in the parking lot located just north of Community Hall. There will be plenty of food, crafts, vendors, live music, and fun for the entire family.
CHECK PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF AVALON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RAFFLE
Jean and Jeffrey Malick of Avalon were presented with a $10,000 check for winning the “Friend in Need” raffle to benefit the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department. The Malicks were presented with the check by Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi (left) and Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ed Dean (right). The big raffle drawing was held on September 7th at The Princeton. Other big cash prizes were also awarded at the event. The Avalon Volunteer Fire Department thanks everyone who supported this fundraising effort.
WHAT’S NEWS—UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE BOROUGH OF AVALON
The Avalon Lions Club will be holding a beef and beer fundraiser on Sunday, October 3rd, at the Windrift in Avalon, 80th Street and the beach. The beef and beer event will be held from 4:00-7:00pm during the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins football game. Tickets for the beef and beer are $20 and are available from any Avalon Lions Club member, or at the door.
The Avalon Green Team presents the 2010 Avalon Green Fair on Saturday, October 9th, from 10:00am-3:00pm inside the Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and the beach in Avalon. More than 30 vendors and exhibitors will be in attendance showcasing eco-friendly, cost-saving products and services. There will be free eco-friendly tote bags and stickers for the first 1,000 visitors to the Green Fair, which is sponsored by Barth Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. The Green Fair is free, and open to the public. For more information, visit www.avalonboro.org.
The Avalon Chamber of Commerce presents its popular Seafood Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th from 11:00am-5:00pm each day. The festival will include dozens of vendors featuring delicious food, crafts, homemade items, and more. There will be live performances from the Snake Brothers, Joanne Regan Dancers, and Jerry the Stiltwalker. The Seafood Festival will be held outside on the parking lot immediately north of the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach in Avalon. Free admission. For more information, contact the Avalon Chamber of Commerce at (609) 967-3936.
Avalon’s Community Hall will host a big band dance featuring the Fred Hall Orchestra on Saturday, October 16th, at 8:00pm. Tickets are $7.50, and the event is a BYOB affair. The music and dancing starts at 8:30pm. For more information, call the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066.
The Borough of Avalon will conduct a dune grass fertilization project in late October. A small airplane will be dropping non-toxic pellet-form fertilizer on the Avalon beachfront between 8th and 80th streets. The fertilization will occur sometime between October 20th-24th, weather permitting. On one of those dates, the plane will make five fly-overs of the dunes at 20-30 minute intervals. The process will last two and a half hours.
The Avalon Department of Recreation will be hosting a children’s Halloween Party at the Avalon Community Hall. The party will be held at 1:00pm and will include many fun Halloween activities for children. For more information, please call the Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066.
Free CPR & AED Training
The Avalon Rescue Squad is offering FREE CPR & AED training open to the public. This one-night class is about three-hours long.
This training is geared towards individuals with minimal or no experience and will train the student to perform CPR and utilize a defibrillator (AED) in advance of First Responders. It is recommended for persons who work in or frequent locations where Public Access Defibrillators have been placed.
This course includes the 2006 GUIDELINES for CPR and Defibrillation.
This is not a “Healthcare Provider” level certification.
Target audience: Any interested persons.
DATES: (2) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2010, or THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Location: Avalon Fire House, 2nd Floor (elevator available) 31st & Dune Drive
Tuition: Free
Accreditation: American Heart Assn. HEARTSAVER® AED
Registration: Required, call 368-5288 to sign up.
AVALON TO CONDUCT DUNE GRASS FERTILIZATION IN OCTOBER
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon residents should not be alarmed if they see an airplane buzzing the beachfront between October 20th and 24th. The airplane will be dropping non-toxic, pellet-form fertilizer on Avalon’s dune grass from 8th through 80th streets.
Weather conditions will determine which day of the week the actual fertilization will occur. On one of those days, the airplane will appear at approximately 9:30am and will make five fly-overs of the dunes at 20 to 30 minute intervals. This process will last about two, to two and a half hours.
Fertilization of Avalon’s dune grass is absolutely necessary if it is to survive, and fall applications have been recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture. Aerial fertilization has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration office in Millville, New Jersey and will be given final authorization by the FAA Flight Standards office in Philadelphia the morning the flight is to be made.
FIREFIGHTERS FROM AROUND THE STATE TRAIN IN AVALON
(Avalon, NJ)—Firefighters from the State of New Jersey were in Avalon on Thursday, September 16th to
get valuable training during the 133rd New Jersey State Firemen’s Association convention, which is being
held in Wildwood.
A home that is scheduled to be torn down in the beach block of 13th Street was used all day to give the paid
and volunteer firefighters valuable training in various firefighting skills. Firemen from the Avalon
Volunteer Fire Company, various Cape May County fire departments, and others from the state came to
Avalon to learn how to properly break into a home to make a rescue, cut a hole in a roof, and enter a
burning home through a second floor window during a fire.
“Avalon is very proud to host such a valuable and important exercise that benefits firefighters around the
state”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, who is also a lieutenant with the Avalon Volunteer Fire
Company. “Training exercises like the one held Thursday in Avalon can help a firefighter save a life while
ensuring his or her own safety at the same time”.
This is the third year that a training exercise was held in Cape May County as part of the annual firefighters’
convention. Nearly three dozen firefighters attending the training session in Avalon; a similar training
session was also held in Lower Township. Various organizations helped with the training sessions,
including the Cape May County Fire Chiefs Association, the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, and the
“Everyone Goes Home” program.
The home that was used for the training exercise is scheduled to be demolished. Mayor Pagliughi was able
to make arrangements for the demolition to be delayed so the firefighters could use a real house for
training.
AHLOA’S ANNUAL MEETING ATTRACTS LARGE CROWD TO COMMUNITY HALL
The Avalon Home and Land Owner’s Association held its annual meeting on Saturday, August 14th, at the Avalon Community Hall. Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presented his “State of the Borough” address, with this power point presentation. More than 250 people visited the event and were able to ask Mayor Pagliughi questions about Borough initiatives and regulations.
AHLOA President Michael Matt
Cape May County Emergency Management Coordinator Frank McCall
Mayor council large crowd for AHLOA
AVALON POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN “OPERATION TAKE BACK NEW JERSEY”
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department will participate in a statewide program designed to safely remove unwanted and expired prescription drugs from the community. “Operation Take Back New Jersey” will be held on Saturday, September 25th, from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive, in Avalon.
“The goal of this program is to afford residents the opportunity to safely discard unwanted prescription drugs from their homes”, said Avalon Police Chief David Dean. “Residents will be able to drop off their unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications for safe and proper disposal, with no questions asked. The Avalon Police Department is proud to participate in this program, and encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity”.
“Operation Take Back New Jersey” will be conducted under a grant provided by the United States Department of Justice, and by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This safe, voluntary disposal program will help prevent prescription medications from falling into the hands of minors or making their way into the illicit market in local communities.
Dozens of police departments throughout the state of New Jersey will participate in this program. “Many residents have unwanted or expired prescriptions inside their homes”, Chief Dean said. “This is an excellent opportunity to eliminate these drugs from your home while at the same time preventing these drugs from getting into the hands of people who should not have them”.
Several New Jersey county prescription drug abuse task forces and focus groups have recognized the need for efficient, secure and environmentally sound methods to collect and dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medicine. According to the most recent studies (Monitoring the Future, University of Michigan) between 1997 and 2007, treatment admissions for prescription painkillers increased 400 percent. In addition, between 2004 and 2008, the number of visits to hospital emergency department involving the non-medical use of narcotic painkillers increased 111 percent.
For more information about this program, contact the Avalon Police Department at (609) 967-3411.
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon is moving forward with plans to host an electronic vehicle charging station. The new charging station will promote clean energy and is expected to be installed before the start of the 2011 summer tourism season.
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon volunteered to help New York City handle a large volume of ambulance calls resulting from a blizzard that dropped two feet of snow on the city. Avalon Rescue Squad EMTs Jonathan Schwartz and Seth Schoenfeld volunteered to drive an Avalon ambulance to New York City to help with numerous rescue calls in the nation’s largest city.
New Jersey was asked to send EMS “Strike Teams” to New York City to provide mutual aid for the New York City responders. Cape May County Emergency Management Director Frank McCall asked for squads to participate, and Avalon agreed Monday evening. “When the call comes in for help from a neighboring community, we answer that call”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We are available to help our friends in New York anytime, during a time of need”.
Avalon- the Avalon Free Public Library is pleased to announce NY Times best-selling authors, David and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, will speak here on Wednesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Avalon Elementary School auditorium. The Eisenhowers will be discussing their book, Going Home to Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961-1969. Written by David with assistance from Julie, the book was published earlier this year and describes David’s life with his grandfather, Dwight (Ike) D. Eisenhower, on the family farm in Gettysburg, PA, after his presidency ended in 1961. A Q&A and book signing will follow.
On November 18th , the Avalon Lions Club, Inc celebrated the eighth anniversary of the signing of their Lion’s charter. 77 people including 13 of the original charter members attended the
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department announced that it will participate in a state-wide crackdown designed to remove impaired and intoxicated drivers from the road. Avalon Police Chief David Dean announced that Avalon will participate in the “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign that runs during the holiday season, December 6th, 2010 through January 2, 2011.
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon will be getting some nationwide television coverage on Friday, November 26th on the PBS Sprout network. Avalon will be featured on the “Sunny Side Up” morning show program between 9:00am-Noon. PBS Sprout came to Avalon this summer to shoot a piece with the Avalon Beach Patrol called “Chica’s Day at the Beach”; the segment promotes beach safety and education. The video production was conducted on Friday, July 30th, at Avalon’s 58th Street beach, and also at Avalon’s Bay Park Marina.
