Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • Villa Maria- Nuns’ Beach

    The stately Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house celebrates its Diamond Jubilee Year in 2012.

    As a special thank you to the community, the Sisters are opening their summer home to the public on Saturday July 21st from 11am to 1pm, and again on Wednesday, August 22nd.

    Tour the huge beach front building and manicured grounds, and catch up with the wonderful women in residence.

    Oh, and don’t go with empty pockets.  You will be “encouraged” to purchase Nuns’ Beach wear, or make a kind donation 😉

  • Beach Clean Up

    Letter from  Leslie Weinberg, representative from United by Blue:

    On Saturday, July 14, the ocean-friendly brand of apparel, United By Blue, and its retail partner, Global Pursuit (262 96th Street), are hosting a beach cleanup in Stone Harbor, NJ  from 10 am to 1 pm. 
     
     
    We are currently trying to mobilize as many volunteers as possible and I was just wondering if you would be willing to promote our cleanup on your beach blog. 
     
     
    Volunteers just need to show up with helping hands, we provide them with gloves, bags, breakfast, water, sunscreen and even a few games and giveaways. 
     
     
    United By Blue is an ocean-friendly brand of apparel that removes a pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold. Since our creation in May 2010, we’ve hosted over 80 cleanups in 18 states and picked up over 130,000 pounds of trash from oceans and waterways.
     
     
    Volunteers can sign up for the cleanup by visiting  http://www.unitedbyblue.com/cleanup/stoneharbor   They can direct questions to cleanup@unitedbyblue.com or 215-642-0693. 

  • Full Moon

    Full moon tonight.  This was my view from last night’s sunset walk along the beach.

    So many events scheduled for tomorrow: fireworks, live music, family activities, etc.  For the complete list, visit:  http://www.avalonboro.org/    and    http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/default.asp  and Stone Harbor Chamber Chatter

    See you on the beach 🙂

  • 7 Mile Beach Restaurant Week

    What a great opportunity to try a few of the new (or new to you) local restaurants!

    The event runs June 1st to June 10th.  Most island restaurants are participating with special menus and pricing.

    ANOTHER excuse not to cook 😉

  • One Week to Save

    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.

  • Year Round Residents

    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”. 

    Disclaimer: observations are based on my life experiences as both a resident, and a real estate agent. 

    While it may seem obvious to focus on the high cost of housing, the job market is also a real factor. 

    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! 

    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”.

  • May Weekends

    We are waiting for the clouds to depart and the warm air to return…

    Expecting a busy weekend- Stone Harbor is hosting the Coastal Living/Boat Show along 96th Street Saturday and Sunday.  There will be food vendors and music, too.

    AND, have you read about Saturday’s “super moon”?  The best viewing spot will be on the beach.  On Friday night, the moonrise is 6:29pm (if there are clouds on the horizon, it can be another 20 minutes to view over the ocean); and on Saturday, the moonrise is 7:45pm.

  • Island Parking

    Quarters in your car?  Yes, it’s that time of year.

    In Stone Harbor, the meters in the business district are operational as of today.  The hours are 10am to 9pm in town; and 10am to 5pm for the 95th Street lot by the beach.

    In Avalon, the day time parking in the business district along Dune Drive is limited to 2 hours starting May 15th (there are signs posted).

    Also, watch for the blinking traffic lights to change over to regular traffic signals…and “No turn on red” in effect at the 96th Street intersections.

  • What’s the Difference?

    Modest signs are located on 80th Street welcoming visitors to Avalon as they head north…and to  Stone Harbor going south.

    During a closing yesterday, we were discussing the subtle differences between the 2 communities that share a 7 mile island.

    The buyers vacationed in Avalon for many years before purchasing a condo in Stone Harbor.

    In Avalon: it’s Dune Drive and Ocean Drive, Avalon Freeze, The Fishing Pier Grill, Paper Peddler, and Avalon Coffee.

    In Stone Harbor: it’s Second Avenue and Third Avenue, Springer’s, Bud’s Market, Fred’s Tavern, and Coffee Talk.

    Thankfully, both towns have a Hoy’s and Uncle Bill’s to call their own 😉

  • Island Differences

    A few of my local sunrise pictures remind me of my sunset pictures from Hawaii.

    Before we traveled to Hawaii, I had a vision of “Hawaii” as a whole-  not understanding that the individual islands are so different and offer unique environments.

    The same can be said for the “Jersey shore”.  Cross each bridge connecting the barrier islands,  and notice the differences in architecture, commercial development, green scape, and overall vibe.   Our personal preferences determine our favorite beach community.

    And like the islands of Hawaii, there is certainly something for everyone along the New Jersey coast.  Of course, I am partial to Avalon and Stone Harbor 🙂