Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Villa Maria by the Sea, Stone Harbor

    villamaria.jpg  This is one our beautiful landmarks on the island.  A huge beach front parcel used as a summer retreat house for the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.   I have fond memories of this property- my aunt was an IHM sister and spent time here each summer on retreat, and for a few years, as Mother Superior.

    I am fortunate to live near this grand estate built 71 years ago.  It’s the only beach side street lined with practical small cars (many with Immaculata stickers)…no BMW’s on this block! 

    Villa Maria is supported by private donors- with a major fund raiser each September. The Nun’s Beach Surfing Contest/ Dinner is a true community event, and great fun.  Or, stop by the “garage shop” on 111th and Second Avenue for a wide selection of “Nun’s Beach” wear. 

    As an aside, because I walk along the beach in this area, I have been mistaken for one of the nuns.  Maybe it’s the short hair and my Irish heritage…or it’s time to update my walking attire  :)  

  • The Sequel- What Were They Thinking?

    Even bigger, and better than the 1st parking on the sidewalk story (see Sunday’s post)…this time starring a Hummer:

    img263.jpg    Unbelievable…..

  • Father’s Day at the Shore

    surfers.jpg  I couldn’t zoom in close enough, but the picture is a father and his 2 young sons out surfing this morning…a true seashore Father’s Day activity!

    Happy Father’s Day  🙂

  • What Were They Thinking?

    parking.jpg Yes, that’s a car on the sidewalk in front of a house…

    I have owned rental properties, and of course, handled summer rentals for over 25 years on the island- so I do my best to defend that aspect of life at the shore.

    But this car parked on the sidewalk in front of a rental property is a prime example of why neighboring home owners are often frustrated with the summer rentals.  The block is not congested, and street parking is available- so not sure why the tenant took great effort to position the car this way???

  • Gully

    gully.jpg A timeless favorite play area.  Not as common due to beach cleaning machines that level the surface.  Mother Nature’s solar heated pools (with some warmth added by the kids).

  • Something for Everyone

    sunocean.jpg  Real estate- in the right location- is a solid long term investment.  Unlike stocks and bonds- a home offers tangible benefits.  And now there are more afordable options than ever!  In Avalon and Stone Harbor, single family cottages are available as low as $525,000; and condominiums start at $325,000.

    So, when a buyer is hesitant to move forward- I’m confused.  If a seashore home is within your means- why wait?   In my 25+ years of selling real estate, I’ve never had a buyer tell me they regretted their purchase.  In fact, most come back to me in 5 or 10 years to do it again  🙂

    P.S. Picture taken this morning as I walked along the beach- keeping pace with a dolphin just beyond the 1st break of waves- with a cool breeze off the water. The winds are steady from the south east- a perfect day…

  • Ah Ha or Ha Ha Moments

    Oprah may have her “ah ha” moments, but the little “ha ha” moments are what make my day.  Here’s 2 from this morning:

    beacham.jpg  I notice this on Sunday mornings- families who stake out their spot on the beach and leave their things there over-night.  Don’t they worry about high tide?  The beach cleaners manage to maneuver around the items…and their Saturday castles are still intact. 

    http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080608

    This is an article from today’s Philadelphia Inquirer about the boundary lines between North and South Jersey.  It’s funny because the criteria is so true. 

    If an area has allegiance to Philadephia (Eagles, Tastykakes, and scrapple!) – it’s South Jersey; if there is a New York base- it’s North Jersey.  And we consider the whole “Central Jersey” classification a veiled attempt by North Jersey towns to work their way in to our part of the state! 

    Read my post from June 7, 2007 for more “local” thoughts  🙂

  • Come On Down!

    lifeguards.jpg  Escape the heat this weekend, and enjoy the cool sea breeze at the shore!  Today was my 1st full “beach day”, including a long walk to the Windrift for lunch on the upper deck.  Perfect… 

  • Tour of Homes

    2 oppportunities to walk through special homes along the Seven Mile Beach:

    This Saturday, 6/7, the Garden Club of Stone Harbor- Annual Home Tour (609) 368-5692 for tickets.

    Next Saturday, 6/14, The Historical Society Tour- contact the Avalon Museum (609) 967-0090 for tickets.

  • Islandman Triathlon

    Tim and Midge Kerr are once again hosting the Avalon Islandman Triathlon on Sunday, June 29th.  This is a sanctioned, closed course event and volunteers are needed to prevent vehicles and/or pedestrians from passing through First Avenue and Avalon Avenue during the bike race. 

    The riders make 3 passes on First Avenue and Avalon Avenue- and coverage is needed on all blocks from 28th Street north to 10th Street.  The kid’s race starts at 9:30am- with the bike portion on Avalon Avenue only.
    This will be a commitment of 2.5 hours- starting at 7:30am that morning.    T-shirts for the volunteers will be available in advance of the race.  Additional instructions will also be provided .
    The triathlon is an exciting event for the community- with proceeds donated to local charities/organizations.  For more information about the race:  www.lin-mark.com  or
    If you are able to help, please let me know your street preference and T-shirt size.
    Thanks…looking forward to seeing you at the race!Â