It’s officially summer on the Seven Mile Beach, and there’s no better time to celebrate everything that makes this island so special. From fireworks and parades to concerts and cookouts, the Fourth of July brings a wave of excitement, and our coverage of Avalon and Stone Harbor’s Independence Day celebrations starts on page 22.

There’s an old saying: “The things that we do in our lives outlast our mortality.” Those words could easily have been written about Cleon Krouse. Yet, the exploits of this remarkable summer visitor to Stone Harbor have largely faded from memory since his passing.

Two superstar authors will touch down in Avalon when historical nonfiction author David Grann appears at Community Hall on July 21 and uber-popular novelist Taylor Jenkins Reid appears at Surfside Park on July 28. While their bestsellers are in different genres, both authors are considered masters of their craft, beloved by readers, and coveted by the film and TV industry.

When you are able to spend time on our beautiful island, even if it’s just for the weekend, you are one of the lucky ones. Seven Mile Beach is home to the most beautiful beaches and parks, delicious restaurants, and many unique stores where you will find anything and everything you need for your beach house, your closet, the perfect gift, and so much more!

As iconic a site in Stone Harbor as the water tower on 96th Street, the Villa Maria Retreat House has stood on 111th Street since 1937.

None of us likes change; it’s human nature. We tend to feel comfortable when things remain the same. Sadly, however, it became clear in 2019 that time had passed our old friend by.

Summer is finally here and with the new season comes new guests, and you probably need some new essentials for entertaining. Our area stores have everything you need to keep the party going, and so much more. Here are some things we decided you just can’t live without this summer.

The annual Fourth of July celebration at Stone Harbor Recreation is jam-packed with fun activities! Unless otherwise noted, the following activities will be held at the Stone Harbor Recreation Athletic field on 82nd Street, and registration will take place at the Recreation Center, as well.

Dive into the American Revolutionary War times with John Ryan of Historic Cold Spring Village as he brings the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet to life with fascinating stories and insights. Don’t miss this chance to explore a pivotal moment from the Revolutionary War that took place off the coast of Cape May! Perfect for history buffs and curious minds alike, this event offers a unique look at a lesser known yet significant battle.

New businesses and celebrations are heating up this summer in Avalon and Stone Harbor. The Local Beanz, a new sister-owned boutique with a coffee shop twist, will be open from 7am to 7pm daily.

It’s logical, in retrospect, that Christopher Palmer would become Stone Harbor’s police chief.

Decades of leadership, mentoring, and high-profile roles had long nudged him up the administrative ladder. His journey spanned the ranks of police recruit, patrol sergeant, and captain, flanked by multiple decorations.

Whimsical, yet complex. Buoyant, yet deep. Colorful, yet spare. The paintings of renowned American artist Craig Alan hover in the exquisite balance of these contradictions and will be on brilliant display at Ocean Galleries’ exclusive Craig Alan Exhibition over the July 4th weekend in Stone Harbor.

Middle Township senior Carmen O’Hara capped off her high school athletic career with a lacrosse season that won’t soon be forgotten. A dual-sport athlete and team captain, Carmen made her mark on both the lacrosse and soccer fields.

The wetlands are looking cleaner as of late thanks to one devoted local and his impactful nonprofit.

Avalon’s John Kauterman is a one-man commercial trash-removal service, clearing garbage out of South Jersey’s wetlands for years. He has been a dedicated champion of change in the community, scouring the back bays of the shore from Long Beach Island to Cape May.

Geno Auriemma, the all-time winningest college basketball coach in NCAA Division I history – men or women – grew up outside of Philadelphia with dreams of becoming a professional baseball player for his hometown team.

Platform tennis has racquet fans and casual observers bouncing off the walls.

For most outdoor racquet sports like tennis and pickleball, the field of play ends with the walls surrounding the court. For platform tennis players, playing off the wall is just the beginning.

Every time that I hear that song, “Only the Good Die Young,” my mind snaps to one name, one face – Dave Kerr. I do however, take exception with one line: “… it’s better to laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints ’cause sinners are much more fun.” And as proof, I offer David James Kerr III.

Stone Harbor’s weekly farmers market is back for the season and bursting with new energy. Shop locally around the variety of vendors. Whether you are looking for coffee, fresh baked goods, fresh produce, or seafood, the Stone Harbor Farmers Market has it all!

Campers, their families, alumni, and community members gathered on Saturday, May 31, to celebrate the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children’s annual Community Open House.

For the past several years, The Wetlands Institute (TWI), working with our partners at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have been pioneering innovative approaches to building coastal resilience using dredged sediments derived from maintenance dredging of New Jersey’s Intracoastal Waterway.

How did you spend your last day of school? Well, maybe you didn’t go to school at the beach. The graduating eighth graders completed a traditional ritual on June 17 that included breakfast at Uncle Bill’s followed by a cap toss on the beach and a quick plunge, in their graduation gowns, while the kids from the lower grades cheered them on.