Is it just me, or does it seem like this summer is just flying by? Slow down just a little because we have lots of informative and entertaining reading here in the Times. So, sit back and dig your feet into the sand and relax.

National Night Out is designed to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement. Enjoy complimentary snacks and giveaways as well as a variety of free activities while the Stone Harbor and Avalon police departments each host a variety of interactive law enforcement and safety displays.

“House tour day is one of my favorite summer days,” says my sister-in-law, Lynn, part of my crew of family and friends who have turned the Cape Regional Designer House Tour into a summer tradition.

August is the hottest month here on Seven Mile Beach, but what better way to beat the heat than with some good old-fashioned retail therapy? Now is the time to refresh your summer wardrobe with a new flowy maxi dress, bright beachy bikini, or a cozy sweatshirt to represent your favorite place on earth: Right here in Avalon and Stone Harbor, of course!

You will not believe what just happened to me. Tonight, my best friend Chris and I drove from Nashville to Atlanta for a HARDY concert. We’re huge fans. While I’m in line, I met one of my biggest fans, a guy named Griffin, who said he was looking forward to the day when I would open for a guy like HARDY. Griffin told me how proud he was of me and my journey and that he had visions of me performing on a big stage one day.

Every Sunday through Labor Day weekend, join the community for the Stone Harbor Farmers Market. Come support the local businesses selling fresh seafood, produce and more!

Beautiful blue skies and sunshine set the scene for the 14th annual Avalon Lions Club Charity Golf Classic, held June 25 in support of the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children among other Cape May County charities. More than 100 golfers enjoyed the daylong event featuring a barbecue lunch, golf, dinner at the Avalon Links Restaurant and both a live and silent auction. The event raised more than $25,000.

It’s hard to believe that another August is here again. The summer always seem to go by so fast. This is the month when temperatures usually get to their highest of the year, and even when you are on our island with the ocean breeze, the heat can still get to you. Our best recommendation is to find a nice spot on the beach by the water, head out on the boat for day trips, or spend time in your pool if you’re lucky enough to have one.

For centuries, impressionist paintings have captivated art lovers all over the world. With soft brushstrokes and ethereal images, the style was designed to evoke feelings of peace, contentment, and joy.

With a thoroughly modern approach, artist Elena Bond adds a jolt of invigorating energy to everything we love about impressionism.

Summer is flying by and Labor Day weekend will be here before we know it, but there is still plenty of time to check out some of the businesses and services new to our area. Whether you take a new beach yoga class or maybe need some help with physical therapy, these new businesses have you covered. Make sure you also stop by for a stack of pancakes and check out the renovations at an iconic Avalon breakfast spot. We caught up with local businesses for all the business buzz this month.

Avalon considers the impact of a torch passing, while Stone Harbor basks in tradition. Those perspectives marked the Seven Mile beach patrols as the new season began in July.

Here’s an overview of each unit.

In the fall of 2021, as a coastal storm with gusts upward of 60 mph was rearing its ugly head, Brian Stuart was a tad uneasy. Though the president of D.L. Miner Construction & Property Management in Avalon was fully confident with his firm’s capabilities, he couldn’t help but think about the 1909 structure up on stilts at the corner of First Avenue and 94th Street in Stone Harbor.

So, if you think there is magic in the sand at the beaches of Avalon, you might find the proof on something called the Stanley Cup.

Yes, the Stanley Cup.

Imagine being a little girl writing her name in the sand on an Avalon beach a short while ago. Now, imagine it’s 2023, and instead of writing your name on the beach, you are bringing the Stanley Cup to Avalon – and your name is engraved on the Cup.

Imagine you’re biting into tender, sweet lobster claw and knuckle meat, and as the luscious warm butter drips over the hot toasted bun, you could almost swear you’re in the state of Maine savoring a scrumptious lobster roll. But in reality, you’re in South Jersey at one of the popular locations of Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls.

Readers recognize Fred Dunbar as the lively voice behind this publication’s “Financially Speaking” column since the early 1990s. His clients know him as the knowledgeable force behind the financial planning company Common Cents Planning in Glen Mills, Pa.

Not all paddle references involve water.

Prepare for the treat of professional paddle ball, aka platform tennis, Aug. 12 and 13 in downtown Stone Harbor.

The ProFlight Platform Tennis Tournament unfolds at the 96th Street paddle courts Aug. 12 at 4pm and Aug. 13 at 10am.

The country’s best players lift a unique sport to art form right in the heart of Seven Mile Beach.

Just as the pro tennis world completes its grand slam season with the U.S. Open in New York next month, Avalon will be the venue for the fasting-growing sport in the nation when it hosts the Association of Pickleball Players SunMED New Jersey Open tour event Sept. 6-10.

It’s official. In the wake of Martin Pagliughi’s decision to leave his office after 32 years, Avalon has a new mayor.

On July 3, Pagliughi swore in longtime Councilman John McCorristin as mayor. The outgoing mayor’s wife, Lynda, presented the new mayor’s wife, Lisa, with congratulatory roses.

As we prepare for the final weeks of the summer season, we went to Tiger Lily for help putting together a Casual Chic look perfect for these hot August days. First, we found this beautiful floral dress from Love the Label. This classic mini shift dress features a ruffle hem, and pleated short sleeves, adding to the summer fun while also keeping you cool. The fun floral pattern makes for a perfect statement piece.

Where does the time go? It’s hard to believe we are welcoming August already, and if you’ve been waiting for the right time to conquer some Summer 2023 entertaining, now is the time.

When it comes to hosting gatherings, the pressure of the elaborate preparations and guests dressed in their summer best can often seem daunting, so let’s take the pressure off.