December is definitely our transition month.Â
Fewer hours of daylight. Cooler northwest winds. Quiet streets.Â
Yet, with the dunes blocking the wind, and a determined sun rising over the ocean…a beach walk still warms my soul.
December 8, 2011
December at the Shore
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December 7, 2011
Wildlife & Technology
 Okay- he (or she) did not cooperate with the camera, but an adorable little sea otter greeted me as I walked along the 8th Street jetty.Â
Why was I on the jetty in the pouring rain? Well, I received a tweet from a fellow beach walker in Cape May, who read a tweet from a bird watcher posting from Avalon regarding a whale sighting!Â
I was directed to the location of spouts from the humpback whale by 2 men who joined me on the jetty. They had serious binoculars and LL Bean clothing…so they had to know what they were talking about 🙂
Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore Comments closed
December 6, 2011
December?
 Another mild December day at the shore. Â
The merchants in Avalon and Stone Harbor are making it easy to shop locally. Great selections, service, and SALES!
Harbor Holiday Wrap! 12-6PM
(as posted on the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce web site)
12/10/2011 – Holiday shoppers can enjoy secret Santa specials and progressive holiday cheer while ‘wrapping up’ that shopping in downtown Stone Harbor on Saturday, December 10 when 17 exceptional shops participate in the 2nd annual ‘Harbor Holiday Wrap.’ Rediscover the joy of local shopping with a personal touch as these shops offer free gifts, refreshments and even gift wrapping from 12 Noon until 6PM. Begin on the south side of 96th St. where Trendz, Hoy’s 5 & 10, and Pete Smith’s Surf Shop serve up treats and specials from 12 Noon until 1PM. Next, from 1 – 2PM move to the south end of Third Ave for happy holiday shopping and more at Eco Alley, Rip Tide East, The Harry Hunt and Paint Studio and Gallery. Still hungry for treats and bargains? Visit the shops of the North end of Third Ave. where Onni, Paisley Christmas Shoppe, Just Bead It, and Barrie Shoes will fill your belly and your shopping bags from 2-3PM. But that’s not all; turn the corner back onto the North side of 96th St. for visits to Global Pursuit, Seashore Ace, Bellanova, Talk of the Walk and Mimi Shop and Sun Catcher (at 95th and Second Ave) from 3-4PM. All shops will Shops will remain open from Noon to 6PM. What a perfect opportunity to ‘think outside the mall!’
Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News Comments closed
December 5, 2011
Christmas in the Mountains
Back at sea level after spending a few days visiting family in North Carolina.
The mountains are really beautiful; and the air is crisp and clear.
Yet…as soon as I stepped out of the car last night, the first thing I noticed was the smell of the ocean. Ahhh…
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December 5, 2011
Dashing Through the Sand 5K
Need to work off a few Christmas cookies?Â
If you will be in Avalon NJ on Saturday, December 31st,  sign up for Dashing Through the Sand 2011 (5K fun run).
Registration opens at 8am at the Avalon Community Hall (30th and Avalon Avenue); race starts at 9am.
Proceeds benefit The Craig Kenneth Lozier Memorial Scholarship fund.
Posted in Activities, Avalon, New Jersey- News Comments closed
November 28, 2011
Benefits
Planned ahead, and brought practical walking shoes to work (yes, different from the practical shoes I WEAR to work). Knew I needed to check 2 houses and take new pictures for our rental site…so I walked there by way of the beach.Â
The 48th Street beach path pictured was my exit ramp on the “commute”!
Posted in Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate Comments closed
November 28, 2011
Market Stats
Market statistics for the past 30 days:
There were a total of 16 residential sales. The median selling price was $873,500. 9 sales in Avalon; and 7 in Stone Harbor.
There were 4 condo/townhouse sales ranging from $365,000 for an updated 2 bedroom unit on 13th Street; to $865,000 for a new construction side by side on 66th Street.
One sale was reported as a vacant lot- 100 block of 102nd Street for $1,225,000 (there was a home on the lot- sold as a tear down).
And, one multi-family sale reported: a triplex on 99th Street for $680,000.
The median price of the single family homes sold was $1,146,250. The selling prices ranged from $650,000 for a basic rancher on 13th Street; to $2,183,000 for an upside down style (built in 1989)Â on on the beach block of 75th Street.
There are an additional 37 properties sale pending in Avalon, Stone Harbor, with settlement scheduled in the near future. The list price of the pending sales range from $325,000 for a 2 bedroom condo; to $4,795,000 for an older ocean front home on a large lot. The median listing price is $1,095,000.
If you would like additional details, please contact me ann@anndelaney.com
Thank you for your interest!
Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News Comments closed
November 27, 2011
Fishing!
According to the local fishing experts…the stripers are running!Â
I originally tweeted this morning about the “fishermen”…then amended my description to include this skilled “fisherwoman”!
Results!
Fun to watch as I walked the beach before work. Another incredible day.
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November 27, 2011
Stone Harbor Christmas Parade
You know it’s a seashore Christmas parade when one of the “floats” is a decorated beach cleaning tractor 🙂
Perfect weather and a great turn out for the annual event.
Posted in Activities, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News Comments closed
Tribute
Long before super medical specialists and urgent care centers, we relied on family physicians. In Avalon, that was Dr. Rodolfo Garcia.
Dr. Garcia moved his young family to Avalon in 1962. His practice was part of his home; a simple interior door separated his work life from his home life.
Like most local residents, Dr. Garcia was a big part of my life. He cared for my sisters and me since we were babies. He knew our family medical history, because he also took care of our parents and grandparents. His kindness was genuine…and his charming accent somehow made you feel better (especially if he suggested you stay home from school!)
When I returned to his office as an adult, I loved flipping through the thick collection of index cards stapled together- my chart!Â
My sons were the 4th generation of patients.  As a mother, I had a new perspective and appreciation for Dr. Garcia’s skills and compassion.
Sadly, Dr. Garcia passed away on Thursday at the age of 86. He will be missed by his immediate family, as well as his extended family of patients.
For more information: http://hosting-10528.tributes.com/show/Rodolfo-Anthony-Garcia-Rodriguez-92903682