Times Talk
Fran Richardson and Jackie Bradley
LONGTIME SCHOOL SECRETARIES RETIRE
The Avalon Stone Harbor Schools is bidding a fond farewell to two friendly faces this summer: secretaries Jackie Bradley and Fran Richardson, who worked in the Avalon office and greeted students, parents and staff throughout the school year.
Richardson was involved with the school for more than 20 years, starting with having her three sons, Chris, Tim and Pat graduate from the school. Starting as a substitute teacher while her twins were in eighth grade, she first went full-time as a classroom aide, then as an administrative assistant to superintendent Stacey Tracy, who also retired this year.
“The highlight of my time here has been the introduction of the PreK program by Stacey Tracy four years ago,” Richardson said. “Watching and being with the little ones, especially at lunchtime, has brought joy and much laughter, not only to me but the entire school.”
Bradley, who left the office after 18 years, said: “My favorite part of the job is the people I have met, the good friends I have made, and the opportunity to be a part of the lives of so many children over the years, if only as a minor player.”
And minor players, they were not! Parents needing to pick up a student, file paperwork, register incoming students and more, first crossed the threshold of Bradley and Richardson! They were the face of the front door, and always a friendly greeting.
Bradley has some sage advice for the incoming office staff: “Enjoy every day you get to work at this school, and appreciate the uniqueness of the towns, the professionalism of those you work with, and the kindness of the many people you will meet during your time at Avalon Elementary School.”
So now that they’re retired, what do these two friends plan to do with their free time?
“My husband and I would like to travel when possible, and go out West to be with our five grandchildren,” Richardson said. “But first I will finally tackle my garage after saying I’m going to do it every year.”
“Do the things I’ve put on hold,” said Bradley. “Spend time with the family, continue my volunteer work with breast cancer survivors, work on my writing, visit with friends, take in Broadway shows again, and read the hundreds of books I promised myself I would someday. That should keep me busy for the next 20-plus years.”
AVALON SWEARS IN TWO NEW POLICE OFFICERS
Daniel Featherer and Joseph Stoltenberg were sworn in as Avalon police officers by Mayor Martin Pagliughi at the July 14
Borough Council meeting. After they were sworn in, they received their badges from Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher.
Featherer began his career as a special officer in Sea Isle City, and recently completed the police academy in January with the highest overall score in his class. He also scored at the top of his class in the physical fitness test.
Stoltenberg got his start in 2017 as a special officer for the Avalon Police Department. He graduated from the police academy in April, ranking first in his class for the highest overall combined average in firearms, physical fitness, academics, and vehicle operations.
“I take great pride ensuring the most qualified applicants are selected to serve the citizens of Avalon and represent the Avalon Police Department,” Christopher said. “Dan Featherer and Joe Stoltenberg are both outstanding individuals with stellar character who will make Avalon proud.”
In other police news, both the Avalon and Stone Harbor departments announced a recent upgrade in the body camera system officers wear, featuring updated technology. Both departments began using body-worn cameras (BWCs) in 2017. In November 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy enacted legislation mandating all sworn uniformed state, county and municipal patrol law enforcement to be equipped with BWCs. To aid with the purchase, the state attorney general’s office announced the Body-Worn Camera Grant Program. The Avalon Police Department will now utilize COPTRAX Body Worn Camera System, and Stone Harbor will be using WatchGuard V300.
“BWCs have served as an invaluable tool to document evidence, take statements, and investigate internal affairs complaints,” said Stone Harbor Police Chief Thomas Schutta. “Upgrading to a newer technology will further enhance the service provided by our department.”
Post 331 Commander Tom McCullough Opening remarks at the Post’s 75th and Building’s 126th Anniversary Celebration.
LEGION CELEBRATES TWO ANNIVERSARIES
On Aug. 7, Stone Harbor’s Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post 331 celebrated both the 126th anniversary of its building and the 75th anniversary of the post’s charter. The post was established in 1946 by World War I and II veterans, and was named in honor of PFC Ludlam of Stone Harbor, who was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism during World War II. Today, the post has more than 200 members who either live or vacation in Avalon or Stone Harbor.
Following a welcome by Post Commander Tom McCullough, and the singing of the national anthem by member Bob Rullo, congratulatory remarks were given by Avalon Borough Council president Barbara Juzaitis and Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour. The post was presented with a Cape May County Commissioners certificate of appreciation by director Thomas Thornton and commissioner Jeffrey Pierson. Community members Craig Otton and Josee Rich were presented with the American Legion Appreciation Coin; the Otton family donated an informational stanchion marking the building’s historical significance. Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed refreshments and guided tours of the building and museum.
“It was a great day for the post to celebrate such significant milestones, and to welcome visitors to the building for a great day of recognition and remembrance,” said Post trustee Jon Ready.
For membership and event information for the American Legion Post 331, go to stephencludlampost331.org.
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is home to a variety of new species including Gertoode the red kangaroo as part of a fundraising campaign hosted by the Cape May County Zoological Society to build new habitats for kangaroos, emus and Toco Toucans.
FALL AT THE CAPE MAY COUNTY PARK & ZOO
Have a wild time and be sure to explore this world-renowned Park and Zoo for a full day of family fun. The Cape May County Park & Zoo features more than 500 animals representing over 200 different species with up-close viewing. Be sure to travel through the World of Birds Aviary, the Reptile House, the Arc in the Park Gift Shop and more! Jump on the carousel, hop around two great playground areas, or get a bird’s eye view with the Tree to Tree Adventure Park featuring an aerial adventure course with zip lines, nets, Tarzan swings and obstacles for all ages and ability!
What’s new at the zoo? A lot! This zoo is always up to something, and this summer welcomed a variety of new species and habitats. Capybara pups were born June 15 and are the cutest! What are their names? We’ll find out as the zoo is hosting a naming contest and will announce the winning male and female names in early fall.
The Cape May County Zoological Society is currently in the midst of a Habitat Fundraising Campaign to build two new exhibits to house Red Kangaroos, Emus, and Toco Toucans. And some of these animals are already here, awaiting their new digs! Be sure to meet Delta and Echo the new emus, and three female kangaroos: Proodence, Gertroode, and Roothie! Donations are still being accepted at capemayzoosociety.org to finish the project.
Plus, the zoo has a great schedule of special events through the fall including Night Walks, Yoga, Snow Leopard Day, Trunk or Treat, and the popular Boo at the Zoo! Check the website for news and announcements, and a full schedule of events.
A rendering of the new Stone Harbor Beach Patrol building, expected to be operational by Summer 2022.
STONE HARBOR GETTING NEW BEACH PATROL BUILDING
After years of discussion, Stone Harbor Borough Council awarded a contract for the construction of a new beach patrol building at its July 20 meeting. The contract for $2.8 million, not including demolition, was awarded to Aliano Brothers of Vineland.
“After thorough discussion and planning, the Borough is excited for the construction of a new and improved Beach Patrol Headquarters,” Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour said. “The new building will provide the much-needed increased storage and workspace for our beach patrol. The upgraded facility is long overdue and will enable our beach patrol to continue their top-notch beach protection in a reliable and sound new headquarters.”
Discussions began on the need for a new building in 2018, with an original estimate of $4.2 million. Since then, the estimate was scaled back but remains adequate to fulfill organizational needs. New construction includes a two-story building, extensive storage and office space, and an upper-level crow’s nest for a wide-range view of the beach.
“The current building is more than 60 years old and has a number of structural issues,” Beach Patrol Captain Sandy Bosacco said. “We’re looking forward to opening an enhanced facility in 2022 that will provide an effective layout, storage, and spacing to further improve the patrol’s services.”
Construction is set to begin in early September and the building will be operational in time for next summer. For progress updates, and more information, go to shnj.org.
MASKS AGAIN REQUIRED IN ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS
As cases for the Delta variant of COVID-19 continue to grow, a number of mask mandates have been put in place throughout Cape May County. As of Aug. 9, Avalon and Stone Harbor released updated mandates requiring masks in all public buildings. The mandate is for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
The Borough of Avalon reinstated the mandate, requiring visitors to all public buildings including Borough Hall, Public Works, Community Hall (except when participating in fitness activities), and the Public Safety Complex. In addition, masks are now again required for all public meetings including Council, Planning/Zoning Board, and further public gatherings.
“The masks are precautionary and necessary due to the sharp increase in the number of residential cases of coronavirus during the late summer months,” said Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We all remain hopeful that this is a temporary situation. We will continue to rely on guidance from the CDC and the Cape May Department of Health for any decisions that become necessary.”
The Borough of Stone Harbor also reinstated the mandate requiring the use of masks for all visitors to any public buildings, including Borough Hall, Public Works, Recreational Buildings, Stone Harbor Fire Department, Stone Harbor Police Department, and the Beach Patrol Building. Employees will also be required to wear masks while working within these buildings, when 6 feet of social distancing is not possible.
“The Borough of Stone Harbor is following the recommendation by the State of New Jersey that protective masks be worn indoors,” Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour said. “Per the CDC’s data site, Cape May County is currently classified as a high transmission area, so the mask requirement in public buildings, regardless of vaccination status, is a precautionary measure that protects our constituents and employees. We will continue to monitor this situation and will follow the recommendations by the State of New Jersey and the CDC.”
As COVID cases continue to rise through the end of summer and into fall, updates will be posted to any regulations and mandates at both avalonboro.net and shnj.org.
