 The 12th Annual Nun’s Beach Surfing Contest (postponed from yesterday) is underway. This all day family event is held adjacent to the Villa Maria on 111th Street. The sisters will be on site to sell the popular “Nun’s Beach” wear, too.
Good news- no major damage or beach erosion from Hanna. And today, a return to the typically beautiful September weather.Â
 The weather forecasts were correct- Hanna just arrived to say hello (4pm Saturday afternoon). I guess it’s time to close the office…although no easy way to run to my car and into my house without getting soaked 🙂
  Early morning walk along the beach- the sun was out and the humidity level high. The ocean looked stormy- but not unusually rough.
 The ocean turns a steel gray color during a storm (and for most of the winter months)- by tomorrow, the sparkling blue color should return.
The island is busy- people are out shopping, riding bikes, etc. It’s dreary and there is some light rain.  High tide is at 1:30pm- well before the heavy rain is expected- good news for flood prone areas. We need the rain after a picture perfect summer, so we will endure Hanna!
 What do the locals do to prepare for Tropical Storm Hanna?  We secure our deck furniture (and help out a few summer neighbors who can’t make it down), put away our trash cans, and then go to the beach!Â
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
 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.
 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.
September at the Shore
If you are dreaming of a vacation home in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know. I will be happy to send you a link of options for sale from the Multiple Listing Service. Or visit our web site, and search the MLS directly: www.powerplayrealty.com
Upcoming Local Events- The Wing & Water Festival 9/20- 9/21:  http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/
and Irish Festival in North Wildwood 9/18- 9/21:  http://www.paddyswell.com/irishweekend.html/
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