Smilestones
Rough start for Fr. Kelly on his way to bless the sea with the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol.
ST. BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR PARISH CELEBRATES WEDDING OF THE SEA
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Aug. 15, and the Wedding of the Sea. For the second year in a row, the surf was a little rougher than might be ideal, but thanks to the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol, everything came off perfectly. The outdoor Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption was a huge success. This year the Mass and Wedding of the Sea were dedicated to the memory of Deacon Bill Lauth, who always spearheaded this celebration but who now shares heavenly glory with the Lord. It was an awesome day for the parish and the church. Thanks to Father William Kelly for making this event happen for the second year in a row and for braving the rough seas for a second year.
ANNUAL FISHING WITH THE MAYOR
Avery, 5, watches as Mayor Martin Pagliughi unhooks the first catch of the day at the annual Fishing with the Mayor event on Aug. 8 at the Avalon Fishing Pier.
NATURE TALK DRAWS BIG CROWD
An overflow crowd of more than 75 environmentally inspired people spilled out over the sidewalk and into the street Aug. 24 to attend a presentation by renowned naturalist and author Pat Sutton. For the third nature talk of the season presented by the Avalon Environmental Commission and the Avalon Library, Sutton spoke of the Avalon Pollinator Habitat located in Armacost Park at 71st Street and Ocean Drive while directing attendees on a walk through Avalon’s pollinator gardens. Fall is the perfect time to visit the gardens and watch the amazing migration habits of the monarch butterfly.
SHEERAN PROMOTED TO FIRE DEPT. CAPTAIN IN VA.
Stone Harbor native Michael Sheeran recently was promoted to captain of the Arlington County (Va.) Fire Department.
Sheeran, the son of Greg and Beth Sheeran of Cape May Court House, grew up on Seven Mile Beach and graduated from Middle Township High School. He started his career as a volunteer at the Stone Harbor Fire Department when he was 16. After eight years, Sheeran was hired in Arlington. He attended the department’s Fire Training Academy, then began his professional career in one of Arlington County Fire Department’s nine stations.
During his 11 years with the department, Sheeran became a permanent engine driver, a paramedic, and a lieutenant before he set his sights on becoming captain. After a two-part promotional exam and 23 years of hard work, Sheeran has finally accomplished his goal.
Congratulations to Captain Sheeran as he celebrates his promotion with his two children, Tyler and Sara, as well as his parents Greg and Beth Sheeran of Cape May Court House.
LOOK WHAT THE STORK BROUGHT!
LUKE STEPHEN O’DONNELL
Luke Stephen O’Donnell was born June 16 to Emily and Mike O’Donnell of Mountville, Pa. Emily is the camp supervisor of the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children in Avalon. Born at the Women and Babies Hospital in Lancaster, Pa., Luke weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 20½ inches. His grandparents include Stephen and Rosanne Mulhern of West Grove, Pa., and John and Cindy O’Donnell of Red Lion, Pa. Emily is a fifth-grade teacher in the Penn Manor School District in addition to her post with the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home. Mike is the athletic director of the Ephrata Area School District. Their 4-year-old son, Jack, is very excited to have a little brother. Emily and Mike are looking forward to watching their two sons enjoy Avalon just as much as they do.
