Letter from the Editor

I’ve often mentioned here how much I love the summer on the Seven Mile Beach. As much as I do, the holiday season ranks a very close second. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been here to experience it. It’s just a magical time here on the island. If you haven’t done so already, please plan to spend some time during the holiday season here in Avalon and Stone Harbor. And when you do, there’s no better guide for where to go and what to do than this issue of the Seven Mile Times. It offers by far the most comprehensive listing of all the activities planned in both towns from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Aside from being a good reference, this issue is also filled with great reading: First, in keeping with the spirit of the season, Philadelphia hockey guru Al Morganti visits with some Flyers alumni and tells us how they plan to spend at least part of their holidays here on the Seven Mile Beach. And speaking of holiday plans, Vicky Parente has put together an awesome television listing of all of your holiday favorites. That way you can plan to catch all of your most beloved movies and TV specials, and maybe even add some to your list. Do you still have some names left on your shopping list? Well, be sure to check our “Must Haves” – there’s lots of really cool and unique gift ideas.

Be careful, all these holiday activities can make you hungry. Jennifer Davenport will give you some great dining suggestions – from breakfast to late nights, casual to fine dining. But maybe you plan on doing some home cooking. Then be sure to check out our Here’s The Dish feature with Dana Iannelli and her recipe for Dutch apple pie. Dana, from Shorebreak Cafe and Bakery in Sea Isle City, was a finalist on a baking competition on the Food Network. Her creations are amazing. If you haven’t visited Shorebreak Café yet, be sure to put it on your to-do list.

Danny Lopriore tackles what was the big story on the island in October: The Association of Pickleball Professionals announced that its North American tour in 2023 will make a stop in Avalon – somewhere between Chicago and New York. Seriously! The spotlight of the pickleball world will be right here on the Seven Mile Beach. Danny will tell you all about it.

In our Legacy feature, Marybeth Treston Hagan explores the life well-lived by Rose Wells. Rose was a true treasure of the Seven Mile Beach. And as we reminisce, can you believe that there used to be a concrete plant here on the Seven Mile Beach? There was, and Dave Coskey will tell you about the Avalon Ready Mix plant. Finally, Jon Marks will explore the very special side of Steve Harbaugh. You know him as a talented developer, but he’s also incredibly caring when it comes to giving back to the community, and back in September he even rescued a lost paddleboarder. We think he’s a hero.

It’s been an amazing year and that can only happen with you – our loyal readers and our incredible advertisers who make all of this possible. So please enjoy the holidays here on the Seven Mile Beach. Be sure to visit our local businesses, shops and restaurants that all appreciate your support – summer and winter. And on behalf of our staff here at Seven Mile Publishing and all of our very talented writers, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, a healthy and prosperous New Year – and happiest of holiday seasons.

Thank you so much for your support. We’re already working on our first issue for 2023. In the meantime, be sure to like us on Facebook and we’ll keep you up to speed all year long.

Monica Coskey
Publisher & Editor
Seven Mile Times
mcoskey@7milepub.com