Admittedly, I was never a big fan of the Grateful Dead. Despite that, it’s hard here not to quote them: “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”

Carl Mattia wanted to salute a few veterans several years back.

He wound up creating a borough landmark.

Generations of visitors to the Jersey Shore have always enjoyed a feeling of being comfortable once they return: that things will be exactly as they remember them. Chances are that Bill Williams fell into that category.

For Avalon native Chris Davies, this is the year of the long shot, and maybe one for the ages.

Stone Harbor was his childhood playground. Now it’s his professional domain.

Nothing says “Welcome Home” like the friendly greeting of a tail-wagging dog. So, then it should be no surprise that not one, but two lovable pooches often greet customers at Complete Interiors, a store dedicated to creating beautiful, stylish, welcoming homes.

In a time when closures are the new normal, the Avalon Free Public Library took a proactive step over the spring to start moving early-summer programming online. The AFPL is working to identify the best ways to connect with the community this summer, both online and on-site. Visit the library’s website for regular updates on new programs and services being offered.

Congrats! Class of 2020

To say that COVID-19 has been devastating to our country and the rest of the world is an understatement. The past few months have been difficult to navigate for everyone, but most especially for the health-care workers and first responders who risk their lives every day to save ours.

The Avalon Stone Harbor Schools recently launched a “7 Mile Shells of Strength” campaign to support the local business community amid COVID-19. Librarian Kelly McCorristin reached out to parents and the Parent Teacher Connection with a template for a seashell, asking students to color them and drop them off.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and although things are a little different this year, business continues as new stores have decided to set up shot at Seven Mile Beach. Now, more than ever, supporting small and local businesses is important as they try to bounce back from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We caught up with Alicia Eger, who is bringing a pop-up shop to Avalon this summer! Stay tuned to the Business Buzz feature for all latest buzz in the business community.

The Avalon Borough Council unanimously approved the 2020 municipal budget during its meeting on April 8. The new budget was presented with no tax increase, the elimination of the last general obligation serial bond, and finances necessary for capital improvement projects needed throughout the town.