Based on reports from local business people, Memorial Day weekend was a huge success. Owners and visitors filled the island, spent money in shops and restaurants, and enjoyed beautiful beach weather.
The “regulars” were back on the beach with me this morning!
Surfers enjoying the waves, and warm ocean temperatures.Â
A decent sea breeze as I walked along the water this morning. Looks like a perfect beach day.
Save me some room on the sand…looking forward to my beach time later today after work 🙂
I enjoyed a quiet beach walk early this morning.
The reality of Memorial Day Weekend set in as I made my way to the office.Â
The hot spots? Wawa, Avalon Coffee, Kohler’s Bakery, and Comcast (the line was already around the block!)
Great weather and large crowds = happy shore business owners . Welcome summer 2012 🙂
A bit of a breeze off of the ocean…otherwise very still and HUMID! Should make for a great beach day.
A steady flow of tenants and property owners arriving on the island. Expecting a busy work weekend!
FYI- full season beach tags are discounted for just one more week.
Purchase on or before May 31st, and pay $21 per tag. As of June 1st, the tags will cost $26 each.
Tags are reciprocal between Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Revenue from the sale of beach tags is used to off set the cost of maintaining and guarding our beautiful beaches.  It’s a great bargain for a full summer of beach access.
Beach tag booths are open daily: 30th and Avalon Avenue in Avalon; and 95th Street and the beach in Stone Harbor.
A light drizzle for my morning walk. Glad I didn’t wimp out when I heard rain on the skylight, because it was mostly clear by the time I returned home.
Without the distraction of bright sunshine, I was better able to see a few dolphins; and watch an osprey masterfully dive for his breakfast and carry his catch as he flew over the beach.
There were yard sales on almost every block in Avalon today (an annual event). So, I’m wondering…is it mainly neighbors buying each other’s “stuff”??
By the way, left over items can be placed at the curb for bulk trash pick up on Monday.
Downtown Stone Harbor was equally as busy. Shoppers complied with the summer tradition of walking around with ice cream cones.
I had several appointments today (yeah!) and was unable to stop by Kohler’s Bakery until later this afternoon. They were sold out of cream donuts… so, it will be sticky buns (with nuts of course) for tomorrow’s breakfast 😉
Great to see the island return to life.
This view made me smile as I walked along the beach last evening. It was a bright spot after a few days of rainy weather.
The sun has returned today- with a comfortable, dry breeze.Â
On tap for this weekend: Avalon Yard Sale (owners throughout the town will be participating), flower (and hoagie) sales to benefit both the Avalon Fire Department and Stone Harbor Garden Club. More restaurants and shops opening for the season this weekend, too. Hey, did I mention Kohler’s Bakery will be open Saturday and Sunday?? Taking extra long walks in anticipation of a cream donut 😉
Down The Shore author Jen Miller posted an article last week on NewsWorks, New Jersey: Declining Barrier Island Population. An interesting read that hits “close to home”.Â
Disclaimer: observations are based on my life experiences as both a resident, and a real estate agent.Â
While it may seem obvious to focus on the high cost of housing, the job market is also a real factor.Â
Think about the people you know living on the island year round: they are most likely local business owners, real estate agents…or retired. The need for other professions is limited.
When I attended Avalon Elementary in the late 1960s/early 1970s, our family was considered small with just 4 children. It was not unusual to see 6 or more siblings in the school.  And, one family even contributed 10 kids to the cause!Â
Those “kids” left the area for higher education, and moved to a location best suited for their career.  In recent years,  families (who stayed or moved here) have fewer children to attend the elementary schools.
As Jen concluded in the article, the barrier island schools and governments have no choice but to face the changing demographic. Shared services is a realistic solution…especially for communities occupying the same island of “sand”.
