Smilestones
From left: Allyson Bailey, Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland; Sal Emma, Squadron 331 member; and Col. Walter Nall and William Lobach, Veterans Haven South.
SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION SQUADRON DONATES $6,000
The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 331 donated $6,000 in support of local organizations this year. Each receiving a gift of $1,000 were Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44, Veterans Haven South Winslow, Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland, Volunteers in Medicine at Cape May Court House, the Citizens/Veterans Advisory Committee of Cape May County, and NJ Detachment Commanders Project.
With the help of its parent organization, American Legion Post 331, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 331 holds fundraising events throughout the year and receives generous donations from the community with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of veterans in South Jersey.
John Kauterman’s winning entry to the Avalon History Center Photo contest, titled: Osprey Carries Striper.
KAUTERMAN’S PHOTO WINS BEST IN SHOW
John Kauterman’s entry, “Osprey Carrying Striper,” won Best in Show in the Avalon History Center’s 15th annual photo contest, held in June. Amateur photographers were able to submit up to four photographs for a $10 entrance fee. There were almost 100 entries in the 2018 contest. This year’s submission categories were Portrait and Personality, Nature, Scenic, Avalon, and Children’s, which gives kids 12 and under the chance to be creative and submit a photo. Participants submitted beautiful photos of the ocean, wildlife and sunsets, and Kauterman’s action shot of the bird in midair took home the top prize. The entire collection of entries has been on display at the Avalon History Center throughout the month of June.
SOTIRE SETS RECORDS
Avalon summer resident Bonnie Sotire recently set records in six swimming events during the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic in May. She competed in the 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard breaststroke and 100-yard breaststroke.
A competitive swimmer from the age of 9, Sotire has been competing every other year in the South Carolina Senior Sports Classic since 2004 when it’s a qualifier for the National Senior Games. She trains year-round and especially loves swimming in the back bays of Avalon. This year, she chose to kick it up a notch and train by swimming up to 3,000 yards three times a week in March, April and early May.
“I swam as a kid and set several high school records, so setting new records for the state was exciting,” Sotire said. “I am hoping to reset them next year!”
She plans to compete in those six events at the nationals next June in Albuquerque, N.M.
Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour and Council members Ray Parzych, Josee Rich, Karen Lane, Mantura Gallagher, Joan Kramar and Charles Krafczek pose with representatives from the police, fire and beach patrol teams at the Stone Harbor survivor challenge during the beach-opening ceremony.
SH BEACH PATROL WINS ‘SURVIVOR’ CHALLENGE
The Stone Harbor Beach Patrol won the inaugural Survivor Stone Harbor competition May 26 at the borough’s 2018 beach-opening event.
A crowd of beachgoers cheered on the public-safety competitors as the teams completed a series of challenges, including a clam dig, ring toss, and water relay. The race was close between the fire department and beach patrol, but the beach patrol finished the relay first and was able to plant its American flag at the top of the sand pile, claiming victory over the fire and police departments.
As the winners, the beach patrol helped Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour complete the annual tradition of unlocking the Stone Harbor beaches for the season. Team Beach Patrol, or “Team White,” included Captain Sandy Bossacco, Kurt Kircher, Tricia Stump and Lindsey Pane. As the beach’s protectors, the beach patrol has unlocked the beach in previous years and was happy to keep the tradition alive in 2018.
“It was an enjoyable experience to participate in a friendly competition with the police and fire department,” Bosacco said, “and a great way to kick off the start of a safe summer.”
