 A unique perspective of the Wetlands Institute– from the calm tidal basins on the south side of Stone Harbor Boulevard.Â
I was able to kayak through this area yesterday, and even spotted an osprey diving in the bay for breakfast. Might have been one of the “Real Ospreys of New Jersey” ?? For more information on the programs/events at the Wetlands:  http://wetlandsinstitute.org/   and to view their special osprey cam: http://wetlandsinstitute.org/education/osprey-camera/
Early morning high tide = opportunity to kayak in the bay before work.
A low mist covered the marsh, and the calm water reflected the sky and homes…very pretty.
Had to keep moving to out run the gnats – the downside of the still air 😉 Worth it to start my day with nice views, exercise, and quick swim!
Excuse the car analogy:Â Â Just because the speedometer CAN go up to 150mph, doesn’t mean it SHOULD.
A thermostat for air-conditioning, and the temperature control dial in the refrigerator follow the same guidelines.
2 common scenarios when tenants arrive to their rental property:
1) The house is warm, so they turn the A/C down to 60 degrees. This method does not work more effectively than setting it at a reasonable 72 degrees.  In fact, if left to run at this setting, ice will form on the condenser, and the unit will completely shut down.
2) The refrigerator door is propped open early Saturday while the departing tenants remove their items, and then again when the cleaners are there to wipe it out. The new tenant arrives with their (warm) food, and then adds even more items after grocery shopping. It doesn’t feel cold enough in the refrigerator, so they turn the dial all the way up.  We receive a call that the refrigerator is warm, but the freezer is cold. Unfortunately, by turning the dial UP, the coils freeze over and stop working. The solution is to turn the dial back to a medium setting and leave the door shut for a few hours. This does not sound logical when explained to a tenant, but an appliance repair man will make the exact same call.  And it works.
I am proud to support the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund.
Brendan’s Fund is a wonderful, local organization actively providing assistance to pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Schedule of events in August: Crab Cake Day at Sylvester’s 8/15; Artist and Friends Art Show at the Avalon Yacht Club 8/16; Pizza at Circle Pizza 8/17; Pancakes at the Fishing Pier Grill 8/18; Skate Jam at 29th park 8/19; Movie Night 8/19; and 21st Annual Surf Memorial & Homecoming Party 8/20.
For more information:Â www.brendansfund.org
I estimate that only 1/3 of our rental property owners provide beach tags for their tenants; and the number of tags varies based on the owner’s own personal use.
If a tenant has rented homes in prior years with beach tags included, they are disappointed to find no tags at the current rental.  I understand their perspective- they paid a substantial rental fee, and are surprised by an additional expense when they arrive.Â
As a local resident and taxpayer, I purchase at least 6 tags every summer to help off set the town’s cost to maintain and guard the beaches. I consider this a “user fee”. If my family didn’t go to the beach, tags wouldn’t be needed (but of course, we do!)
The revenue generated by beach tag sales is used specifically for the care of municipal beaches. Therefore, it makes sense for all who enjoy the beach to chip in.
Price reduced!
169 31st Street, Avalon, NJ
Charming beach cottage features 3 bedrooms (plus bonus sleeping area in the attic/loft), 2 baths, central air, gas heat, main living area and a separate den, updated kitchen, hardwood floors, detached garage, outside shower, and nice yard. Ideally located east of Dune Drive for convenient beach access. Walk to downtown shops and restaurants, too!
$749,000 furnished. 50′ X 110′ lot in a residential neighborhood.
For additional information:Â ann@anndelaney.com
Thank you for your interest!
Crazy weather this afternoon.Â
Heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. Borough of Avalon emergency vehicles running back and forth along Dune Drive (2 fire calls so far). Power surges…
Waiting for the water to recede so that I can leave the office (that’s not my car, thankfully- mine is high and dry, but the roads are not). Every time I think it’s looking clear, another heavy downpour arrives.
TK Charities will host a Youth Run/Bike race on Saturday, July 30th.  Ages 7- 15. $25 race fee (benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Race starts at 7:30am. Avalon Community Hall- 30th and the beach.
http://timkerrcharities.org/beachclassic.htm
“Street police” volunteers needed along Avalon Avenue from 9th through 30th Streets during the closed course bike race (7:30am to 8am). If you are available to help, please let me know your preferred street location.
Thanks!
The only positive aspect of a west wind in the summer- a calm ocean for kayaking.
I don’t mind a few waves as I head out- nice, cooling splash or two as long as I am paddling directly into the wave. The return to shore is more of a worry.
I try to judge the series of waves and wait for a lull to quickly paddle to the water’s edge. This morning, a couple was sitting in the shallow water in their beach chairs…and had to witness my awkward dis-mount! I’m sure it was good for a laugh 😉
Unfortunately, it won’t be much of a beach day until the wind shifts back to a south or east breeze. The black flies were already out in force early this morning. In the meantime…stay cool!
Property Taxes
There is a note on my calendar to pay 3rd quarter property taxes on August 1st. Â
Due to delays with the state, municipal 2011/2012 tax bills have not been mailed. An article in yesterday’s paper mentioned an automatic 25 day grace period (and the the hardship it causes local government waiting for cash flow).
Avalon and Stone Harbor property owners should look for their municipal tax bill in the coming weeks.
P.S.  Our tax bill arrived yesterday; and the grace period for payment is extended to September 9th.