AVALON BOROUGH HALL, FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2009
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Borough Hall and the Avalon Free Public Library are both closed today, Monday, March 2nd, 2009.
The decision was made to close both facilities due to bad driving conditions associated with the snowstorm on Sunday and Monday, March 1st and 2nd.
All streets in Avalon have been plowed by the Avalon Department of Public Works. Avalon received about five inches of snow from the storm as of daybreak, Monday, with another inch or two expected before the storm completely pulls away from the Cape May County region.
WORK BEGINS ON OCEAN DRIVE IN AVALON; DUNE DRIVE WORK ALSO PLANNED
(Avalon, NJ)—Major street work on a portion of Ocean Drive in Avalon is getting underway this week. The county of Cape May issued a ‘Notice to Proceed” on February 13th, 2009. The general contractor for this project is South State, Inc. of Bridgeton, New Jersey.
Work is being done on Ocean Drive from 14th Street to 29th Street. A stormwater improvement project in that area has been completed. The work will now consist of roadway resurfacing with five inches of asphalt, and will include replacing damaged concrete curbing, gutters, and sidewalks. Construction work will be conducted from 7:00am until 3:30pm daily. The scheduled completion date is June 11, 2009; however, the contractor intends to conduct paving operations in April, which will help meet the goal of getting the entire project done before Memorial Day weekend.
Ocean Drive will only be closed to motorists while the paving portion of the operation is underway. There is a variable electronic message sign posted on Avalon Boulevard, at the entrance to Avalon, alerting motorists about the construction project.
The borough of Avalon also plans a similar construction project along the southbound lane of Dune Drive, from 12th to 19th streets. The construction period for that work will overlap with the resurfacing of Ocean Drive, with the Dune Drive project also being wrapped up prior to the Memorial Day weekend. The work that will be done on Dune Drive involves new gutters, curbing, and roadway resurfacing with five inches of asphalt. It will result in a much smoother ride, and better drainage during weather events.
Traffic control will be coordinated between both project for safe and easy passage for motorists.
AVALON PARTICIPATES IN CELL PHONES FOR SOLIDERS EFFORT
Kevin-Scarpa-with-Cell-Phones-for-Soldiers-box
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon is joining the effort to get support the brave men and women in the United States military by providing a “Cell Phones for Soldiers” drop off location at the Avalon Public Safety Building, on Dune Drive between 30th and 31st Streets, in Avalon.
“Cell Phones for Soldiers is a collection drive for used, unwanted cell phones”, said Avalon EMS Director Kevin Scarpa. “There are no locations south of Ocean City for residents to drop off their cell phones to be used by our troops. Our mayor, Marty Pagliughi, wanted to make sure Avalon was part of this effort to show our support for our troops, and their families”
A collection box for the unused cell phones has been placed in the lobby of the new Avalon Public Safety Building. Anyone can visit the lobby and place cell phones in the collection box; they will be delivered to the “Cell Phones for Soldiers” organization.
More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas and are away from their families. “Cell Phones for Soldiers” collected unused cell phones that will help keep troops connected with their families. The goal is to collect over 50,000 cell phones this year.
“Over the past few years, we have been amazed by the generosity of others. But we have also seen the need to support our troops continue”, says Brittany Bergquist, the co-founder of the “Cell Phones for Soldiers” effort. “It is easy for Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, and providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas”.
“Cell Phones for Soldiers” was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays “Cell Phones for Soldiers” for each phone—enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.
ADVISORY: AVALON TO DISCUSS SPRING FILL AT MARCH 4TH COUNCIL MEETING
(Avalon, NJ) - Avalon residents and officials are expected to be briefed on a beach fill project for the borough’s north end that will take place during Spring, 2009.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is spearheading this project. It is anticipated that north end beaches will have sand trucked in, and placed on a five to eight block section of the north end beach. Specific times, dates, location, and amount of sand will be discussed during the March 4th council meeting, which begins at 7pm at Avalon Borough Hall.
It is anticipated that Keith Watson and Monica Chasten will represent the Army Corps during this meeting and will brief the mayor and borough council on specifics regarding this beach fill. The project will further enhance the beaches in the north end of town for property protection, and for a bigger recreational beach during the upcoming 2009 summer season.
Avalon Free Public Library Receives 5 Stars
Avalon- the Avalon Free Public Library (AFPL) is pleased to announce we have been listed as one of the country’s top libraries by Library Journal. Published on February 15, the LJ Index 2009 rated a total of 7,115 public libraries from across the nation. The survey was based on 2006 data reported by local libraries to their state library agencies and compiled by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The journal editors looked at four per capita output indicators: visits, circulation, program attendance, and public Internet computer use. The libraries were scored in relation to other peer libraries based on total operating expenditures rather than community population. The top libraries in each category were then assigned five, four, or three stars.
A total of 256 libraries received star ratings. In New Jersey, 6 libraries received star rating: Bernardsville Public Library – 5 Stars, Avalon Free Public Library – 5 Stars, Mercer County Library – 5 Stars, Princeton Public Library – 4 Stars, Cranbury Public Library – 3 Stars, Somerset County Library - 3 Stars. AFPL’s Director, Norman Gluckman, credits the ground work done by his predecessor, Margo Locke, as a contributing factor to this success. “When I arrived in August of 2006, I found a staff committed to customer service, a well-developed strategic plan, and a community that was enthusiastic about its library. Since then, and with support and guidance from the library board, we have built on this foundation. Our staff has received extensive training and is empowered to address our patrons’ needs. A broad range of programming has been introduced, as well as new library resources. Our efforts to reach out to non-resident homeowners through Library by Mail and our E-Newsletter have been well received.” Gluckman further said, “The success of all these 3 efforts is best exemplified by the growth of our circulation. In the 2006 library report that served as the basis for our 5 Star rating, our circulation was about 80,000. At the end of 2008, the library had circulated over 138,000 items. Clearly, we are doing something right.” Further Information about the survey can be found at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6629180.html.
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.
AVALON POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES 2008 ACTIVITY REPORT
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department issued its report for 2008, and it shows improvements in many specific areas. The report details police activity, and updates on how the department was able to be more efficient, and save money.
“I’m very pleased with the statistics released by Avalon’s Police Department”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Our police department continues to make great strides in many areas under the leadership of Police Chief David Dean. The new figures clearly show that Avalon is one of the safest, proactive communities in the entire state of New Jersey”.
Dean notes in the 2008 police report that there were no vehicular or boating accidents that resulted in the loss of life. There were no deaths as a result of criminal actions. The prevailing speed limit in Avalon continued to be rationally enforced, and the addition of radar-activated speed display signs contributed to an overall safe driving and pedestrian environment. Avalon also continued to utilize a state grant to fund a DWI Task Force Patrol that was fielded during high-traffic periods through the summer months.
The number of overall traffic stops, and DWI-related arrests, both increased substantially in Avalon during 2008. In 2008, Avalon officers effected traffic stops on 2,352 cars; in 2007, 1,624 stops were reported (note: traffic stops do not necessarily equate to summonses being issued). There were 40 fewer traffic accidents in 2008, and injuries from traffic accidents dropped from 28 in 2007, to just eight in 2008.
The Avalon Police Department also used a bike officer team that educates the public on safe bicycling practices in Avalon. A brochure was developed jointly by the Avalon Police Department and the Avalon Home and Landowners Association for this purpose. Avalon officers stepped up enforcement of ordinance violations regarding bicycle usage into the evening hours and began issuing summonses. Avalon also experienced a 21% drop in bicycle thefts from 2007, to 2008.
Avalon also enacted a new curfew for young adults during the latter part of the summer. “The enforcement of the curfew appeared to have an almost immediate effect on thefts and criminal mischief in general in Avalon”, Dean said.
Noise violations in 2008 rose by only 14 calls over the previous year; criminal mischief violations dropped by 53% from 109 incidents in 2007, to just 58 in 2008. The curfew in Avalon applies to anyone under the age of 18; it reads:
“It shall be unlawful for any juvenile to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, park in a car or other vehicle, be on a bicycle or other form of transportation, or play in, remain in, or be upon a Public Place within the territorial limits of the Borough between the hours of midnight and 6:00am Sunday through Saturday”
Some other notes from the 2008 police year in Avalon:
*Downloadable application forms were added to the borough’s website, www.avalonboro.org; there were also additions to the website that included public safety information during storms and hurricanes.
*The department purchased and installed a system called “NCIC Green” that prevents the need for printing out large volumes of messages from the state and national crime information computer centers.
*Avalon police also moved into the new public safety building in November, 2008. Several state of the art systems, such as “Live Scan” computerized fingerprinting have worked well. A new video surveillance system for building and prisoner security, along with an update 911 system, have been major improvements.
*Avalon’s police vehicles now have a ‘new’ look with a return to the “black and white” patrol cars; officers are pleased with the change, and the cars are much more easily identified by the public
AVALON POLICE HOLDING BEEF AND BEER FOR POLICE UNITY TOUR 2009
(Avalon, NJ)—Locals are invited to a major beef and beer event being held in Avalon to support the efforts of two members of the Avalon Police Department who are participating in this year’s “Police Unity Tour 2009”. Sergeant William McDevitt and Detective Craig Smith will both ride bicycles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. to honor police officers who have lost t heir lives in the line of duty.
The beef and beer to support this effort will be held Saturday, March 14th, from 6-10pm at Bobby Dee’s Rock ‘n Chair Restaurant, located at 2409 Dune Drive in Avalon, NJ. Tickets cost $20, and can be purchased at the Rock ‘n Chair, or by calling Sgt. McDevitt or Det. Smith at the Avalon Police Department, (609) 967-3411. This year’s event will include a DJ, door prizes, and plenty of fun throughout the evening.
The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of the police officers who have died n the line of duty and raise monetary support for, and awareness of, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C. The Police Unity tour will also, from time to time, assist organizations in matters dealing with families, co-workers, and friends of law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty.
In 1997, the Police Unity Tour was started by Patrick Montuore, of the Florham Park, NJ Police Department. It is a non-profit organization that started with one chapter with a few members; now, it includes seven chapters with over 750 members. Police officers apply to become members of a local chapter and pledge to raise $1600 per rider in order to bike from their respective locations to Washington, D.C. The southern New Jersey chapter is Chapter 2, and the ride takes place over three to four days. The chapters meet at the Jefferson Memorial before riding together to Judiciary Square where the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is located.
To date, the Police Unity Tour has raised over $4.2 million in support of the memorial.
YARD SALE TIME: AVALON COMMUNITY YARD SALE SCHEDULED FOR MAY 9TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon turns into a mecca for yard sale enthusiasts on Saturday, May 9th. Borough officials announced that Avalon’s 14th Annual Community-Wide Yard Sale will take place on that date from 9:00am until 3:00pm. The yard sale will be held rain or shine.
Last year, over 125 participants were part of the yard sale. That number is expected to grow this year as the event gets more participation, and visitors looking for bargains, each year. The yard sale event is sponsored by the Avalon Garden Club; proceeds from a $10 authorization fee (which entitles homeowners to hold a yard sale) go towards various beautification projects in Avalon.
Avalon property owners may obtain an application to participate in the community-wide yard sale at the Avalon Chamber of Commerce, or at any bank or real estate agency in Avalon. The completed form and the $10 fee should be taken to the Avalon Chamber of Commerce Information Center to obtain a yard sale poster.
Beginning at 8:00am on the day of the sale, yard sale buffs may stop by the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach to obtain a listing of the addresses of yard sale participants and a map of Avalon. Posters will be displayed in the yards of yard sale participants.
At the conclusion of the yard sale, Avalon residents may place any unsold or unwanted items at the curb no later than7:00am on Monday, May 11th 2009 for the borough’s semi-annual bulk trash pickup.
AVALON SCHEDULES DUNE GRASS PLANTING ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH
(Avalon, NJ)—One of Avalon’s biggest community events of the year will take place on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 as volunteers participate in a dune grass planting event. This year, 12,000 dune grass stolons will be planted on Avalon’s dunes.
Each year, dozens of Avalon residents and volunteers from all segments of the community pick up special tools and plant dune grass. Civic organizations, school students, and even summer visitors come to Avalon to help plant the dune grass stolons. This year, volunteers will be meeting at the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach at 8:30am for complimentary coffee and donuts. A brief presentation will be given on how to properly plant the dune grass. Avalon borough vehicles will take volunteers to their planting sites at 9:00am for the actual dune grass planting.
Volunteers will be invited back to Community Hall for a free lunch, and planting will resume at 1:00pm, if necessary. If an afternoon planting session is needed, it will end no later than 3:00pm. In the event of rain, planting will be postponed until the following day, Sunday, April 26th.
If your organization would like to participate in this year’s dune grass planting event, please call Sue Keen at 967-5924 or Dave Haberle at 967-3066 no later than April 10th. Please provide the number of volunteers in your group when you contact the borough.
AVALON TO DEBUT NEW AUDIO SYSTEM AT COUNCIL MEETING ROOM
(Avalon, NJ)—Starting in February, it will be much easier to hear what’s going on during meetings held in
the Avalon meeting and court room inside Avalon’s borough hall.
A brand new, state of the art sound and recording system has been installed inside the meeting room and
will be used during all council, court, and planning/zoning board meetings. The new sound system will
make it much easier for participants and attendees to listen to various speakers, and discussion.
New microphones and speakers are part of the new sound system package. In addition, Avalon will now
record the meetings onto its server and, when needed, onto audio compact discs. This will be a much more
cost-effective way to preserve the meetings, and make it much easier to recover specific information
that is given.
Additionally, the new system includes six “assisted listening devices” that were paid for by the Avalon
Rescue Squad. These devices will allow those with hearing difficulties to more easily hear spoken
words during these various hearings and meetings. Wireless microphones are also part of the new
system for larger-scale presentations, and a lapel mike will be used for presenters who need to move
around the meeting room.
The new public address system inside the meeting/court room will be available for all meetings that
are held by the borough, or other organizations that use the facility.
AVALON RECOGNIZES CINDI DANDRIDGE FOR TEN YEARS OF SENIOR CLASSES
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presented a special proclamation to Cindi Dandridge to
celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Sit and Be Fit” program, presented by the Avalon Department
of Recreation.
“Avalon is very fortunate to have Cindi teaching these classes to our seniors, three days a week”,
Pagliughi said. “The Sit and Be Fit class started with only three seniors in attendance. Today, it’s
one of the most popular recreation programs in our community”.
Dandridge is an employee of the Avalon Recreation Center, and began the “Sit and Be Fit” program on
February 1st, 1999. The program has grown tremendously through the years, with three dozen people
attending the class in the winter, and over 60 people attending the class in the summer. The “Sit and Be
Fit” program allows seniors to get exercise for muscle and bones while in a sitting position. The class is
offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Avalon Recreation Center.
“Cindi has an exceptional way of teaching, and her ability to coach seniors through every step has them
looking forward to her class each week”, Pagliughi said.
Seniors were treated to a special luncheon to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Sit and Be Fit”
program following the presentation of the mayor’s proclamation on Friday, January 30th, 2009.
