 I have mixed feelings about Labor Day. I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island…but am sad to see the restaurants and businesses close. The weather through September and October is a wonderful a bonus to the summer- and the fall weekends are very active with special events. Take advantage of the “quiet season” at the shore!Â
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  Close to 900 athletes participated this morning in the annual Island Run! Thank you to all of the volunteers and racers for making this a successful charity event.  For complete race results: http://www.lin-mark.com/
Perfect weather to wrap up our Labor Day weekend…I’m looking forward to my beach day tomorrow!
The swallows know it’s Labor Day weekend. They have started their September ritual: lining up along the electrical wires, swarming the bayberry trees along the dunes, and dive bombing the area swimming pools. If you park your car below one of their favorite high wires, you will be rewarded with purple stains from the recycled bayberries!
I don’t have any insider information regarding the recent beach closings in Avalon- because the Borough of Avalon has been completely upfront with the community and local media.
The cautious beach cleaning approach, and the willingness to share the details immediately with the residents/visitors were brave moves on the part of Borough officials. It certainly created negative publicity for the town, but it was absolutely the right thing to do.
 The Stone Harbor Lion’s Club Annual 10K, 5K, and 2 Mile Fun Walk was held this morning. I was hot just standing there cheering for the runners…can’t imagine actually participating :)  A crowd favorite- the young men and women of the United States Coast Guard.
Call or e-mail me if you can help, and include a shirt size, too.  You are welcome to request a location- and we will get back to you with a specific street assignment.  Call 609-967-7950  or ann@anndelaney.com
Thanks! Your participation is appreciated by the local charities that benefit from this event (Lion’s Club of Avalon , Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund).
 Browse the sales along 96th Street and the surrounding business district all day today (until at least 7pm).
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  While walking by the Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house yesterday, I watched the nuns loading up their cars – leaving to go back to school! A few walked down to the beach for a final look at the ocean. The retreat house stays active through the fall, including hosting their major fundraiser: The Nun’s Beach Surfing Contest/Dinner on September 6th.Â
For more information, contact Sister James Dolores, IHM at (609) 368-3621
 Your deck furniture, that is! A September tropical storm brings the added concern of outdoor flying objects. Glass top tables should be turned upside down, umbrellas removed and tied shut, and chairs moved inside or secured in a corner. Move decorative wreaths and potted plants from exposed areas, and place your trash cans in the outside shower.
Storm Preparations
It was a beautiful day today- the ocean was warm and not too rough, plus a comfortable sea breeze. The rain is just starting (9:30pm), and the winds will pick up by mid-morning Saturday. By Sunday, the sun and calmer weather will return.
P.S. The Nun’s Beach Surf contest (111th Street) is postponed until Sunday. Of course, the surfers are excited about the storm! Â