Smilestones
THAT’S THE SPIRIT, SCOTT!
One of our writers, Scott Cronick, was honored with the prestigious Spirit of Hospitality Award on May 8 at the 25th annual Atlantic City Host Awards. The event celebrates the hospitality professionals who help to make Atlantic City one of top travel destinations in the country each year. Cronick was acknowledged before a crowd of more than 1,500 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for all he has done for the region and his tireless efforts as a journalist, entrepreneur and community activist. It’s a well-deserved honor for someone we’re proud to call him one of our own – he writes for both the Sea Isle Times and Seven Mile Times.
PLAY WITH JACK FOUNDATION FASHION SHOW
The Play with Jack Foundation hosted its annual fashion show on April 27 at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, and it was another successful event for the charity. The foundation honors the memory of Avalon resident and Middle Township High School graduate Jack Cremin, who lost his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2001 at age 43. It is dedicated to helping defray the expenses incurred by families dealing with cancer.
ARBOR DAY IN AVALON
Mayor John McCorristin helps to dedicate a white oak on the Dune Drive traffic island between 48th and 49th Street as part of Avalon’s Arbor Day celebration on April 27. The event was presented by the Borough of Avalon in conjunction with the Avalon Garden Club and the Avalon Environmental Commission.
LOOK WHAT THE STORK BROUGHT!
NAOMI DIANE WIERMAN
Naomi Diane Wierman was born Jan. 16 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Naomi’s parents are Sam and Elissa Wierman, of Avalon. Her grandparents are Dr. Thomas Hanak and Diane Hanak, of Wynnewood, Pa., Samuel Wierman of Stone Harbor, and Elizabeth Bozzelli, of Cape May Court House. Naomi joins siblings Penny and Sammy, who are so happy to have a new baby sister. The family is excited to add another year-round resident to the island, and Naomi cannot wait for some summer beach days with her family.
THE PERFECT FIELD TRIP DESTINATION
This is a common sight on the Seven Mile Beach in May and June. More and more schools are planning field trips to The Wetlands Institute, often followed by a visit to one of the few remaining maritime forests on the East Coast. Located in Avalon’s high dunes, schools regularly come from as far as North Jersey and suburban Philadelphia to experience for just a few hours what we are fortunate enough to have access to every day. If you haven’t already, you should plan your own family visits. The Wetlands Institute is a treasure in our backyard that should not be missed. And Avalon’s maritime forest has self-guided tours through dune paths that will show you another side of our amazing island. No school bus required.
TOUCHING MEMORIAL
The Arbor Day celebration at the Stone Harbor Elementary School took on a very special tone this year: It was a celebration honoring the memory of Alanna Smallwood, a math teacher and school counselor for 23 years at the Avalon and Stone Harbor Elementary Schools. Mrs. Smallwood, who was 47, lost a battle with leukemia in December. The children dedicated a tree with a special bench under it in honor of the beloved teacher. She will be remembered by all those who came in touch with her for her kindness and positive spirit. A similar bench also will be dedicated in her memory at Avalon Elementary School.
END OF AN ERA
So that’s a wrap. On April 30, Avalon postal carrier Greg White, shown here with Mayor John McCorristin, called it a career -- after 30 years of faithful service to the USPS and the Avalon community. We heard from lots of folks after our story on Greg ran in the spring issue of Seven Mile Times. We hope that Greg realizes just how much he will be missed by the customers on his route. If you didn’t see the story, you can always go into our archives on our website (7milepub.com) and read all about him. From everyone here at Seven Mile Times, thanks for your always-timely home delivery of our publication and we wish you a great retirement and lots of good fishing!
‘ANNIE JR.’ A DRAMA CLUB TRIUMPH
This spring, the Avalon/Stone Harbor School Drama Club’s presented “Annie Jr.” It was standing room only in the Avalon School gymnasium and the kids put on an incredible show. Cast members included (front, from left): Brynn Cunningham as Miss Hannigan and Blake Barnoski as July; and (back from left): Cora Dougherty, Olivia Roberts, Liliya Herdelin, Kiera Cunningham, Ashley Riano, Evania Sakoulas, and Julia Butler.