Category: Life at the Shore
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Voting in New Jersey
New Jersey offers the convenience of voting by mail. It was a necessity at the beginning of the pandemic, and because I checked the box to continue, I receive an official ballot for every election.
It’s especially practical for residents with children (or grandchildren) in the public schools. Teacher Convention Week coincides with election day, and has always been a popular time for family travel. Because the livelihood for many of us is connected to tourism, a summer break is often not practical.
When our sons were young, I would arrange for an absentee ballot if we had a November trip planned. The automatic mailer saves that step.
I will drop off my completed ballot this week to the secure election box. Done!
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Flooding Facts
During an average day, it’s hard to picture our streets and sidewalks under water. Yet there are sections of our seven mile island vulnerable to heavy rains and tidal flooding. When emergency management sounds the siren, and reminds us to “move vehicles and personal property to higher ground”- do most owners know what to do?
Ironically, the areas closer to the ocean are typically high and dry. The bay side (Ocean Drive/ Third Avenue) is more likely to flood. And for some reason, the business district in both towns can get pretty soggy, too.
When I am working with buyers, I point out the low areas as we look at property. I know I have discouraged a few sales over the years by describing the effects of a typical winter storm,  but I don’t want a new owner to be caught off guard. If they still choose to purchase in that neighborhood, the buyer will at least know where to move their car when they hear the flood warning!
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Ophelia’s visit to Seven Mile Beach
Overall, the storm wasn’t as bad as expected.
The winds were brutal late Friday and overnight through Saturday morning. The biggest concern was the amount of outdoor items still in place and not yet secured for the winter.
Thankfully, the flooding was on the minor to moderate level. The heavy rain arrived prior to high tide, so there was time for that water to drain!
Tidal flooding from the bay side of the island covered streets in the usual low lying areas.
The ocean was wild, especially in the inlet between Avalon and Sea Isle City. The spring/summer Avalon and Stone Harbor beach fill definitely provided protection for our dunes and beaches.
I posted pictures on Twitter (https://twitter.com/AnnDelaneyBeach) from my storm chasing yesterday.
And we were back to our routine of a long beach walk before work this morning. All good!
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Signs of Fall
The sparrows were late arrivals again this year. The sight of the small birds lining the electric wires is a sure sign of the changing season. They feast on the bayberries in the dunes, dive bomb into the nearby swimming pools for a drink of water, and then leave a colorful mess on the sidewalks and cars below! Ah, the charm of beach living 😉
I’ve also noticed Goldenrod starting to bloom. These colorful plants are located in the dunes, the bird sanctuary, and along the nature trail to Stone Harbor Point- and attract the migrating Monarch butterflies!
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Expanding Our Reach
Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty will be opening a new office in Sea Isle City in early fall.
The location will be 33 42nd Street, Sea Isle City.
