Times Talk
The new Avalon Borough Council (from left): Jamie McDermott, Sam Wierman, Barbara Juzaitis, John McCorristin and Mari Coskey.
BOROUGH OF AVALON COUNCIL REORGANIZES
Barbara Juzaitis is the new president of the Avalon Borough Council and Sam Wierman its vice president, as voted unanimously at the council’s annual reorganization meeting July 2.
Also at the meeting, Mayor Martin Pagliughi swore in council members John McCorristin, Mari Coskey, and Jamie McDermott for four-year terms. McCorristin was re-elected, and Coskey and McDermott begin their first terms. They replaced retired members Dr. Nancy Hudanich and James Deever, who were honored at the June 23 meeting with proclamations for their years of service.
Committee assignments were also approved, with Wierman continuing his tenure for the Planning and Zoning Board, and McCorristin keeping his position on the board of directors for the Avalon Free Public Library. Juzaitis joins McCorristin on the Budget, Finance & Technology committee. Coskey will sit on the Insurance, Recreation and the Economic Development committees, and also serve as liaison to the Avalon Chamber of Commerce. McDermott will sit on the Public Safety, Public Works and Utilities, and Human Resources committees.
“It is my honor to swear in these members to council for four-year terms,” Pagliughi said. “Borough Council consists of five members with diverse backgrounds, and a goal to continue the team approach to government. I am confident that their skills and dedication will benefit this community for many years to come.”
The Borough Council meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month with a work session beginning at 4pm and the council meeting following. For a full list of committee assignments, meeting agendas and minutes, and more information, go to avalonboro.net.
Trident Marine Piling begins the emergency dredging project on Pennsylvania Harbor.
PENNSYLVANIA HARBOR GETS EMERGENCY DREDGING
The Avalon Borough Council unanimously approved a contract for an emergency dredging project for the westerly limits of Pennsylvania Harbor during its July 14 meeting. The contract with Trident Marine Piling of Longport totals $158,750 and includes the removal of hard sand dredge materials.
The dredge material will be mechanically removed and offloaded to a truck that will take the material to a state-approved location. At project completion, an estimated 1,150 cubic yards of material will have been removed, creating a safer navigation channel. The project, similar to a maintenance dredging of Princeton Harbor in the spring, began the week of July 19.
“Boating is a key aspect to the recreational lifestyle in Avalon, and safety must be maintained for our residents and vacationers,” said Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “I’m appreciative of the quick responses from federal and state agencies, and for receiving a favorable bid from a qualified contractor. We look forward to restoring a safe navigation channel in the Harbor.”
For progress information on the project, go to avalonboro.net.
5 FROM SHFD COMPLETE OPEN-WATER RESCUE COURSE
Five firefighters from the Stone Harbor Fire Department successfully completed a three-day course in open-water rescue in early July.
Raymond Conover, Peter Conlin, Robert McClure Jr., Joshua Otton and Eric Staeger each received 24 hours of training provided by the North Wildwood Fire Department on July 7, 9 and 10. The first day, participants worked on awareness. The second and third days were spent on operations: first in a pool, then in the ocean. The firefighters were taught how to enter the water and rescue people in distress while keeping the responder safe in the water.
The fire department is the primary agency to respond to surf rescues when the lifeguards are not on duty. This training enhances the department’s ability to provide that service.
“As a community with a primary focus on our beach and bay, it’s important that our firefighters become certified in open-water rescue,” said Stone Harbor Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour. “Each year, more and more residents and visitors venture into the open water with WaveRunners, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, etc. Safety is of utmost importance, and we need to be prepared so that our firefighters are capable of open-water rescue, if needed.”
This course provided one of the most difficult training sessions in which these firefighters have participated. They were required to pass a swim test in order to proceed to the operations portion of the course. While the SHFD provides in-house training on water and surf rescues, this open-water rescue course was much more extensive in its education of the responders.
“I am very happy that our members attended this course,” said Stone Harbor Fire Chief Roger Stanford. “Surf rescues are a dangerous response, and the victims need to be rescued quickly to avoid a tragedy. The firefighters take these responses seriously, and the department has increased our training and equipment to help us in providing this service.
“We currently use a fire boat, WaveRunner, rescue boards, and trained swimmers to help with the operation. We also have an automatic response with the Avalon Fire Department for all surf rescues in Stone Harbor and Avalon in order to have the most resources available for a positive outcome with these rescues.”
Since the fire department hired its first group of paid firefighters back in December 2020, the goal was to get them trained in open-water rescue. The training of this group of firefighters is the first step in that plan, with the rest of the paid firefighters expected to participate in the same training next year.
ISLAND POLICE PARTICIPATE IN TORCH RUN
Members of the Avalon and Stone Harbor police departments recently joined other Cape May County police officers participating in the annual Torch Run. The run is held throughout New Jersey, as law enforcement officers traditionally carry the “Flame of Hope” through the state to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games Opening Ceremony.
Patrolman Joe Stoltenberg and Class 1 Special Officer Alexis Hagner, who also serves as an administrative assistant, represented the Avalon Police Department in the Torch Run this year.
“I am extremely proud of the Avalon Police Department officers and civilian staff who volunteer for the Torch Run, and raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics,” said Avalon Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher. “In addition to this run, our officers also volunteer to participate at the award ceremony, handing out medals to athletes. It is an honor to work in this profession with people that care about others, and want to support the mission of the Special Olympics, standing as positive influences for the athletes during their endeavors and accomplishments.”
SHPD has participated in the Torch Run every year since 1991, with Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour being one of the original officers to join for Cape May County. This year’s participants included Police Chief Thomas Schutta, Sgt. Matt Sokorai, Officers Keith Santini and Daniel Gomez, and Special Law Enforcement Officers Nick McLaren and Tim Meineke.
“It is our pleasure to be partnered with law enforcement officers from around Cape May County and the state, to support the Torch Run and the New Jersey Special Olympics,” Schutta said. “For the past decade, Sgt. Sokorai has organized a contingent of our full-time and part-time officers to run annually, and we are extremely proud of his efforts to further the department’s assistance over the last 30 years to such a worthy cause.”
This year, more than 3,000 officers participated in the run, carrying the flame more than 750 miles. Due to COVID-19, a virtual dance party was held in place of the opening ceremony. For more information on the New Jersey Special Olympics program, go to sonj.org.
The AC Jitney service will be available here through the end of summer.
JITNEY SERVICE RETURNS
On July 9, the boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor welcomed the return of the AC Jitney transportation service along the island. The service runs Thursday through Sunday, 6pm-2am through the end of the summer.
“The Jitney service is an important aspect to public safety through both communities,” said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “The return of the service will provide a safe and convenient transportation route between the two towns, and we are thrilled to partner with Stone Harbor and the Jitney Association for the summer.”
The Jitneys, comprised of independent contractors, operate on a fixed route through Avalon and Stone Harbor, using the organization’s fleet of eco-friendly, 13-passenger vans. The service originated in Atlantic City and has expanded through local shore communities.
“The best way to show our appreciation for the Jitneys is to use the service, and support the drivers this summer,” said Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour. “The Jitneys have a proven record of being a valuable asset to safe transportation between Stone Harbor and Avalon which allows our visitors to enjoy activities, special events, and businesses in our sister communities.”
Be sure to download the Jitney Surfer app that provides real-time locations, important information, and the option to purchase tickets on your phone. The service will run through the balance of the summer, with a $3 fare per ride. For more information, go to jitneyac.com.
CVAC members Ted Nulty, Rev. Deb Moore and Johnnie Walker receive donation from Father Jim Betz, the Post 331 chaplain, and Post Commander Tom McCullough.
LEGION POST 331 MAKES DONATION TO ASSIST COUNTY VETS
The American Legion Post 331 of Stone Harbor presented a check for $3,000 to the Citizens/Veterans Advisory Committee on July 7. The donation was made in support of the organization’s continuing efforts to assist homeless veterans and other veterans in need within Cape May County.
CVAC was created in 2013 with a mission to promote awareness of veterans’ needs, and to identify proper resources for referrals that support these needs to enhance the lives of our veterans. The initial focus of the organization included three key issues concerning veterans of all ages in Cape May County: homelessness, transportation, and benefits.
“The unique thing about the Citizens/Veterans Advisory Committee is that it is a focal point for coordinating support to our local veterans in need,” said Legion historian Art Faint. “The Legion works to support many organizations throughout the county that mirror our mission to assist veterans.”
The Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post #331 is a volunteer organization of current and former military personnel with an objective to support those who served in the armed forces. Through a variety of annual fundraisers, the Post has donated to veteran and local organizations. Go to stephencludlampost331.org for more information or to become a member.
One of seven platforms installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
PLATFORMS INSTALLED TO COLLECT COASTAL DATA
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partners have installed seven platforms throughout local island waterways for coastal monitoring. The project is being conducted as part of the Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab (SMIIL), an initiative created to advance and improve dredging and marsh restoration techniques throughout the coastal waterways of New Jersey.
Each platform includes data-collection instruments that will help researchers study waterways, shallow tidal flats and wetlands, and monitor recent dredging and marsh restoration projects.
The Army Corps’ Philadelphia District maintains the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway and continues in an effort to utilize cleaned dredging material to help ecosystems and build coastal resiliency. The SMIIL was launched in 2019 with the Corps, the USACE Engineering Research & Development Center, the state, and The Wetlands Institute, and has since conducted eight dredging and marsh restoration projects. Benefits of the project include creating habitats for wading bird colonies, providing nesting sites for beach nesting birds, enhancing marsh resilience through elevation enhancement, restoring unvegetated mud flats to marsh habitat, and creating sandy marsh edge protection features.
“The Wetlands Institute is pleased to work side by side with federal and state partners to help advance the critical research and testing being done here,” said Dr. Lenore Tedesco, the institute’s executive director. “Serving as the field station for SMIIL research programs is bringing a significant investment and resources to our area to help mitigate the effects of sea-level rise and the impacts to area marshes.”
Boaters, kayakers, and others utilizing local waterways should steer clear of the new platforms to avoid disrupting data collection and research efforts. Go to wetlandsinstitute.org/SMIIL for more information.
Denise Jackson’s oil painting, “New Day,” won the APAC’s Best in Show award.
APAC’S VIRTUAL ART SHOW A WINNER
The Avalon Performing Arts Council is hosting its annual Art Show & Sale for 2021, with the return of the virtual display that was launched in 2020 due to COVID. The virtual art show features original art from more than 30 local artists in categories of oil and acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, and photography.
The show is juried and this year was judged by Amie Potsic, the CEO and principal curator of Amie Potsic Art Advisory, LLC. The virtual show went live on July 15, with the winners in each category posted. Visitors to the site can click on each individual piece of art, and connect directly with the artist for purchase.
“APAC is excited to launch our second Juried Virtual Art Show and Sale, featuring 31 local artists and their original works of art,” said Ramona Sanabria. “The virtual show is unique in that it gives art enthusiasts from any location the ability to connect directly with our artists and work with them for purchase and customized orders. While we hope to return to in-person for 2022, we are happy with the success of the virtual version and a successful showcase of talented artists.”
The 2021 Best in Show winner was “New Day” by Denise Jackson, which also won in the oil painting category. The other winners: Linette Childs’ “Glisten” (acrylic on paper); Peter Ehlinger’s “Feather Profusion” (watercolor); Maggi Collins’ “Quiet Formation” (mixed media); Bruce Murray’s “Boxer Bill” (photography).
The show will be on display with pieces available for purchase through Sept. 30 at avalonperformingarts.org.
Susan DiGiaimo and Christine Miske with a litter collection basket station, the brainchild of the National Junior Honor Society of Avalon Stone Harbor Schools.
LITTER COLLECTION BASKETS ARE HONOR SOCIETY PROJECT
Beach visitors will see a new addition to a few of the entrances this summer, with the installation of litter collection baskets at 30th Street in Avalon and Stone Harbor Point. The basket stations were the idea of members from the National Junior Honor Society of Avalon Stone Harbor Schools.
With full support of both boroughs and funds raised by the NJHS, the baskets were installed in mid-July by the Avalon and Stone Harbor Departments of Public Works. Beachgoers are encouraged during their day at the beach to borrow a basket and take a walk to collect litter and return the basket to the station, disposing of trash and recyclables in the appropriate containers. The stations are installed on streets with trash and recycling that are monitored in the offseason as well, and will be maintained by the NJHS and schools.
“The NJHS was excited to launch this project, and adapt it for both towns,” said Mari Coskey, a member of the Avalon Borough Council and staff adviser for the Avalon Stone Harbor Schools NJHS. “This project ticked all the boxes we were hoping for – community involvement, beach preservation, and opportunity for service.”
Eighth-graders of the Avalon Elementary School are invited to apply to become members of the NJHS by meeting scholastic requirements and submitting an application highlighting commitment to service, leadership, citizenship, and character development. The most qualified candidates are selected by a committee and new members are installed each year. The 2020-21 members of the NJHS included Luke Francis, Fiona Gale, Abigail Henrich, Hannah Murtaugh, Sophia Nemeth, Avaclaire Scales, and Neysha Vazquez.
The NJHS works on a number of projects every year. These have included snack sales, toy drives and more, resulting in donations to local organizations. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the society had to think outside the box (and inside the basket) for something more focused on outdoor community involvement.
Go to avalonstoneharborschools.org for more information.
