BOROUGH OF AVALON LAUNCHES ITS OWN FACEBOOK WEBSITE STARTING JULY 1ST 2009
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon has launched its own Facebook sight just in time for the Summer of 2009. The site became active on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009. Any Facebook user can find Avalon, New Jersey simply by typing in the phrase "Avalon, New Jersey".
"It's just another way to tell the world what Avalon has to offer not only for summer vacation, but year ‘round," said Avalon Public Information Officer Scott Wahl. "Millions of people around the world are on Facebook, and we're happy to put Avalon in front of people who want to vacation, or even live, in Avalon."
The new Avalon Facebook page is set up as a "business" page where people can visit and get up to date information about the Borough. The Facebook page consists of more tourism and special events information; Avalon's official website, www.avalonboro.org, will continue to present government, community, and tourism information.
Some of the features on the new Avalon Facebook page include:
*Information about free concerts on Friday nights at the Veterans' Plaza
*Information about free beach concerts Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the 30th Street Beach
*Avalon trolley information, including the route and hours of operation
*Avalon beach information, including details of the latest Avalon beach fill
*Weather forecast and live radar for Avalon
*Dozens of photographs of beaches, concerts, and special events
*Links to Avalon organizations, including the Avalon Free Public Library and the litany of special events that the library offers all year long
Fans of the Avalon Facebook page can engage in discussion about special events and anything else taking place in Avalon. "This is a great way to interact with the people who visit our community," Wahl said. "We hope that people tell a friend about this page, and share their good stories about their vacation in Avalon. Tourism experts will tell you that people discover vacation destinations on the internet, and Facebook is a great way to showcase Avalon while being interactive at the same time."
Facebook is the second most-trafficked PHP site in the world, running thousands of databases. Facebook was founded in 2004, and currently has over 200 million active users who have returned to the website in the past 30 days.
New Jersey's Top Ten Beaches Appointed Rip Current Outreach Ambassadors
(Sandy Hook, NJ)…..The beaches named best in New Jersey by voters in the 2009 NJ Top Ten Beach Survey (njtoptenbeaches.org) have taken on a new assignment as Ambassador Communities for Rip Current Awareness and agreed to actively participate throughout the summer in the recently updated public education campaign created by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/NJ Sea Grant (NJMSC/NJSG). All of the winning 2009 NJ Top Ten Beach towns and municipalities took part in the original rip current outreach campaign launched by NJMSC/NJSG 5 years ago and have committed to expanding their efforts to educate the beach going public about rip currents and promote safer swimming practices at the Jersey Shore this summer.
In 2004, NJMSC/NJSG created a comprehensive rip current awareness campaign for New Jersey which included designing, producing and distributing thousands of metal signs in English and subsequently in Spanish, warning swimmers about the danger of rip currents and illustrating what to do if caught in one. The signs were posted at high-traffic beach access and bathing points in essentially every shore community along the New Jersey coast. Thousands of rip current awareness brochures were also printed and distributed at municipal buildings, beach badge check-points and other strategic locations from Sandy Hook to Cape May. The initial project was a multi-partnership effort of NJMSC/NJSG, Stevens Institute of Technology, the NJDEP, NJDOT, NJ Travel and Tourism, NOAA-NWS and the NJ State Police OEM.
NJMSC/NJSG has since adapted its project to be more compatible with one developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS) which is now embraced by Sea Grant and other programs nationwide as well as regional and state agencies and associations. The effort focuses on helping beachgoers learn how to "Break the Grip of the Rip". By using the same signs, posters, brochures, podcasts, videos and web technologies the national campaign is meant to provide a uniform, cohesive message and means of educating everyone about rip currents and their potential danger.
Timed to coincide with the upcoming busy July 4th weekend, each of the towns named as favorites in the 2009 NJ Top Ten Beach survey received complimentary metal rip current awareness signs, laminated stickers and a supply of revised rip current awareness brochures that can be distributed at municipal offices, borough halls, badge sales offices and beach checkpoints throughout the summer season to educate visitors to their beaches about the potential danger of rip currents. The materials reflect the transition from the original rip current outreach materials to those being used nationwide by NOAA, The National Weather Service, the National Sea Grant Program and other organizations. The newly appointed Rip Current Awareness Ambassador Communities are urging others up and down the New Jersey coastline to become more involved in the effort by placing or replacing rip current signs on their beaches and distributing brochures throughout the summer season.
The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey's marine and coastal environment. NJMSC/NJSG meets its mission through its innovative research, education and outreach programs. For more information about the NJMSC/NJSG Rip Current Initiative, visit: http://www.njmsc.org/Sea_Grant/RipCurrent.html
AVALON POLICE CHARGE TWO MEN WITH SHOPLIFTING AT LOCAL BUSINESS
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department has announced the arrests of two men on charges that they shoplifted merchandise from a local business on May 29th, 2009.
The men are identified as 28 year old Joseph Trexler, who lives in Gibbstown New Jersey; and 31 year old George Trexler, who also lives in Gibbstown. The two men are brothers.
On the evening of Friday, May 29th at approximately 8:12pm, the incident occurred at a local business called "Hodge Podge", located at 2389 Ocean Drive, in Avalon. A surveillance video captured two men pulling up to Hodge Podge in a dark colored, four-door pickup truck. The two men allegedly removed several items from the store without paying for them, including:
*Two Spro Bucktail (white)
*Two Spro Bucktail (bunker)
*Taylor made dock steps
*One Igloo cooler
The owner of the store reported the items missing the following day, on May 30th. Then on Sunday, June 20th, one man who was identified on the store surveillance tape returned to the Hodge Podge at 6:20am to purchase merchandise from the business. Police were dispatched to the scene, and identified the man who purchased items at the store as George Trexler.
Trexler and his brother, Joseph, have been charged with Shoplifting, and Conspiracy. All of the items taken from the Hodge Podge during the incident have been returned.
Both George and Joseph Trexler have a future court date to face both charges.
SUMMARY FROM OUTGOING COUNCIL PRESIDENT DAVID ELLENBERG
Avalon Council President Dave Ellenberg presented his year-end summary
remarks during the June 24th, 2009 Avalon Council meeting. Ellenberg
remains a member of Borough Council; on July 1st, 2009 Councilman Chuck
Covington becomes the new president of the Avalon Borough Council. 2009 Summary Comments DBE Council.doc Council Summary 2009.doc
AVALON PREPARES FOR 34TH ANNUAL BOAT PARADE ON SATURDAY, JULY 4TH
(Avalon, NJ)—The Borough of Avalon is making final preparations for the 34th annual boat parade that will take place during the late afternoon hours on Saturday, July 4th, 2009.
This year's boat parade is expected to include dozens of boats of all shapes and sizes. The parade is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm. Boats will gather just north of the Avalon Point Marina at 4:15pm for the lineup and organization of the parade. The boats will follow the lead boat designated by the Borough and move in a north to south direction from Cornell Harbor, to Pennsylvania Harbor, and then to Princeton Harbor. Many of the boats will have patriotic themes, and the boat parade is expected to last about one hour.
This year, boaters who want to participate in the parade are being asked to pre-register their vessel. There is no cost to participate in the parade. Registration information is being accepted at the Avalon Community Hall through the morning of July 4th; it takes only a few minutes to register.
The Avalon Police Department will take a proactive approach to the parade, its participants, and spectators this year. In the past there have been some incidents involving water balloons and other objects tossed at, or from, the boats in the parade. The police department will patrol the parade both on the water and along the streets that border its route. The department intends to identify any individuals and residences that launch any objects at the boats, or otherwise unlawfully interfere with the parade.
The boat parade is part of Avalon's Family Fun Festival that runs from June 30th through July 5th. It includes a beach movie, live music on the beach at 30th Street, and the best fireworks at the shore on Saturday, July 4th.
AVALON WELCOMES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FOR VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS IN JUNE
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon will welcome the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary at the end of June, and again in July, to conduct vessel safety checks.
Norman Fehr, the Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examinations for Flotilla 053-04-09 of West Chester, Pennsylvania approached Avalon about conducting the safety checks. The auxiliary will be in Avalon on June 26th and 27th, and again on July 24th and 25th. The safety checks will be conducted at the Avalon Bay Park Marina.
These safety checks will be conducted with the cooperation of the Avalon Police Department. These checks will be completely voluntary, and no enforcement action will take place. The goal of the safety checks is to promote safe water activity.
AVALON TROLLEY SERVICE READY TO BEGIN SERVICE ON FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND
(Avalon, NJ)—If you're looking for another way to get around Avalon this summer, take the trolley! Avalon's trolley service will begin on Friday, July 3rd and continue through September 6th.
The Borough of Avalon, along with Avalon's Free Public Library, are partners in this trolley service. The service will once again be provided by the Great American Trolley Company. Local businesses have also contributed to trolley effort in Avalon for the Summer of 2009.
This summer, the trolley service will operate in Avalon daily from 4:00pm until 11:00pm. The trolley route will be on Dune Drive in Avalon, and will also take riders past the Avalon Free Public Library. The trolley ride will be free for anyone who wants to visit a Borough facility, which includes the Avalon Free Public Library, Avalon Borough Hall, Avalon History Center, Avalon Community Center, and Avalon ball fields. Free tickets are available at these facilities for a return trip home.
The regular fare remains at one dollar for a one way trip. Trolley drivers may be called so riders can inform them of where they want to be picked up along the route. The two phone numbers to call are (609) 846-4062, and (609) 846-4065.
AVALON NORTH END BEACH FILL PROJECT CONCLUDES; NEW BEACH IN NORTH END
(Avalon, NJ)—A major beach replenishment project in Avalon's north end concluded on Thursday, June 18th. The new beach fill results in both a protective and recreational beach for residents and visitors.
"We are happy to report that there were no significant problems associated with this beach fill project," said Avalon Engineer Thomas Thornton of Hatch Mott MacDonald. "This beach fill was successful, and all truck deliveries will end today (June 18th). By the end of the day Friday all cleanup will have been completed and all heavy equipment associated with the project have been removed."
Avalon conducted a two-part beach fill project that began on April 15th, and concluded on June 18th. The first phase of the beach fill was done by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which trucked in 140,000 tons of fresh sand to the beachfront between 9th Street and 18th Street. The second phase was conducted by the Borough itself, resulting in approximately 56,000 tons of additional sand that was placed on the beaches between 10th Street and 16th Street.
The new beach in the north end of Avalon has been graded to provide a "user friendly" beach. Sand was trucked in to Avalon four days a week on a schedule of Monday through Thursday. No additional beach fills are planned this summer in Avalon.
"We really appreciate the community being very tolerant, and supportive, of this beach project," Thornton said. "No one ever wants trucks and heavy equipment coming into their town for a two-month period. The good news is the project is a major success, and residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the new beachfront for the summer. And, Avalon's north end now has a first line of defense as we enter hurricane season and anticipate the upcoming fall storm season."
All beach paths are being reopened now that the project has concluded.
AVALON MAYOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM JERSEY SHORE PARTNERSHIP
(Sandy Hook, NJ)—Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi received the prestigious "Elected Leadership Award" from the Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation during the organization's 2009 Summer Celebration in Sandy Hook, NJ on Monday, June 8th.
"I am very grateful to the Jersey Shore Partnership for extending this award," Pagliughi said. "This award is truly for the entire community of Avalon. Avalon includes thousands of people who genuinely understand, and care about, the beaches and dunes in our Borough, and beyond."
The Jersey Shore Partnership Foundation hosted its 13th annual dinner celebration in Sandy Hook that included several hundred elected and appointed officials from seashore communities along the entire New Jersey coastline. The Jersey Shore Partnership Inc., is a public/private, non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to shore protection, beach restoration, tourism, economic development, and quality of life issues in New Jersey's coastal counties. Shore municipalities, businesses, educational institutions, environmental groups and individuals have joined in The Partnership's advocacy efforts.
The Partnership's lobbying efforts were instrumental in the New Jersey Legislature adopting a dedicated Shore Protection Fund, the first such legislation to be passed in the nation. The $25 million fund has attracted a $2 federal investment for every $1 of New Jersey's investment, providing the financial resources to replenish and restore seriously eroded beaches.
In late April, Pagliughi hosted a town meeting at the Avalon Community Center to lobby support from local elected officials and tourism leaders to fight Governor Jon Corzine's plan to cut millions of dollars out of the Shore Protection Fund in order to balance the new state budget. Additionally, Avalon also successfully sued the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection over its own flawed State Aid Agreement as it related to public access rules and regulations.
Pagliughi and his wife, Lynda, both serve on the Board of Directors for the Jersey Shore Partnership.
ADVISORY: DECISION EXPECTED WEDNESDAY NIGHT ON 5109 DUNE DRIVE PROPERTY
(Avalon, NJ)—Avalon Borough Council President Dave Ellenberg announced that a vote is expected this Wednesday night, June 10th, regarding a house/pool issue on a property located at 5109 Dune Drive. There will also be discussion during the meeting regarding liquor licenses in the Borough of Avalon.
Avalon's council meeting will be held Wednesday, June 10th, at 7pm at Borough Hall.
AVALON POLICE WARN RESIDENTS ABOUT DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITATIONS
(Avalon, NJ)—The Avalon Police Department is currently investigating a suspicious fund incident involving door to door solicitation of an individual claiming to raise money for a nearby sports team. The department would like to remind residents and visitors that any person selling items in this manner is first required to obtain a permit and license issues by the Borough. This process is designed to deter less reputable organizations from operating in the Borough and to help ensure our community is not being misled by people promising products or services they have no intention of providing.
To make certain your summer is not marred by becoming a victim of an unfortunate incident, please remember to secure all personal property, including your home, automobile and bicycle with quality locks.
Please report any suspicious activity to the Avalon Police Department at (609) 967-3411. You can also leave a message on the new Avalon Police Tip Line at (609) 967-3770
2009 AVALON BEACHFILL FACT SHEET—UPDATED JUNE 4, 2009
The Borough of Avalon is conducting a beach fill in the northern end of the community that will reinforce a beach fill that occurred in June/July, 2008. The new sand has not been dredged onto the beach like last year; instead, the sand has been trucked in to Avalon. The United States Army Corps of Engineers is the lead agency in this beach fill project in Avalon which concluded on Thursday, June 4th. The Borough is conducting a secondary beach fill from June 8th-June 18th. Here are some facts about the beach fill. Please keep checking Avalon's official website, www.avalonboro.org, for updates on this beach fill project.
WHERE: This beach fill is between 9th and 18th Streets in Avalon, the same exact project area of the early summer beach fill in 2008. For the Borough-sponsored beach fill project that will take eight working days (Monday through Thursday, June 8th through the 18th), the beach fill will take place between 10th and 16th Streets.
START DATE: This beach fill started on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009.
COMPLETION DATE: The project conducted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers concluded on Thursday, June 4th 2009. However, the Borough will reinforce this project with the same exact type of beach fill from Monday, June 8th-Thursday, June 18th.
GOAL: The goal of this beach fill is to widen the beach in the project area to an initial average beach width of 150 feet, then sloping to meet the ocean floor at a 1:12 slope.
CONTRACT: A contract was awarded to Fuller Environmental, who is using local contractor Albrecht & Heun as the supplier of the beach fill material.
VOLUME: 103,000 cubic yards of sand were trucked into Avalon during the federal beach fill project; that amounts to 140,000 tons of sand. An additional 48,000 tons of sand will be trucked in to Avalon during the final eight days of the local portion of the project.
DELIVERY POINTS: Sand will continue to be delivered to the beach access spots at 10th, 12th, and 15th streets.
DELIVERY RATE: An estimated 4,000 tons of sand will be delivered during each working day of the project.
TRUCK ROUTE: Trucks will take Avalon Boulevard to 30th Street, and proceed to Avalon Avenue. The trucks will be making a left turn on Avalon Avenue to 10th, 12th, or 15th streets.
WORKING HOURS: The project will be done four days a week, Monday through Thursday. No work is expected to be done on Saturdays or Sundays. The hours of operation are between 7:00am and 5:00pm. As of Friday, June 19th, all work is expected to be completed, all beach access ramps will be open in the project area.
SAND QUALITY: The sand that is being delivered to the Avalon beachfront is similar to the existing sand already on the beach. There are specific guidelines for the sand that will be brought to the Avalon beachfront.
SAFETY: There have been no problems or safety issues reported during this beach fill project.
Avalon Rescue Squad to offer 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 the "Healthcare Provider" level certification.
