Times Talk
Mike Matt and Anne Oberg of AHLOA display the organization’s Bike Safety pamphlet at AHLOA Community Connections.
AHLOA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The Avalon Home and Land Owners Association will hold its 11th annual Community Connections event on Saturday, April 14 starting at 9:30am. Attendees have the unique opportunity to connect with local clubs and organizations and learn about important updates from Cape May County.
The event will begin with refreshments and the opportunity to gather information from a number of informational tables hosted by local organizations, followed by Hot Topic Talks starting at 10am. This year’s event will feature two presenters: Capt. Eric Gleason, Commander of the USCG Air Wing at the Atlantic City Airport, and Jeffrey Sutherland, Cape May County’s Chief Prosecutor. Gleason will speak about the Coast Guard’s search and rescue operations, and Sutherland will review major crime issues in the county.
Following the presentations, participants can return to browse the organization tables representing St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, the Avalon Garden Club, the Avalon History Center, the Avalon Police Department and more.
“It started out small and has grown each year to become a major community event,” AHLOA President Jack Keenan says of Community Connections. “This year promises to be better than ever with our two notable speakers and the broad range of civic groups and government representatives present.”
AHLOA has launched a dedicated Facebook initiative in an effort to be the “voice of Avalon homeowners,” featuring posts of town news, announcements, special events and scenic images. In addition, the organization plans to continue its partnership with the Borough of Avalon and the Avalon Police Department in its effort to distribute important bicycle safety information. For more information follow AHLOA on Facebook at facebook.com/ahloanj.
Instructor Allen Nordt displays a waterways map during a Boating Safety class.
BOATING SAFETY CLASSES SCHEDULED
Boating Safety courses will be held this spring throughout Cape May County. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 83, serving Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor and the Wildwoods, will offer courses from April to August to prepare first-time boaters with all the tools they need before hitting the water. The 8-hour course includes test time as mandated by the NJ State Police Marine Division; classes will take place from 8am-4:30pm and cost $45 (unless otherwise noted).
The course will be taught on April 14, June 2 and July 21 at the Lighthouse Point Marina, Wildwood; April 28 at the Island Marine Center, Ocean View; and May 12, June 30 and Aug. 4 at Pier 47 Marina, Wildwood. In Avalon, the class will be held June 16 and includes lunch at the Avalon Yacht Club. The cost for this class is $60. Proceeds benefit the ongoing missions of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 83.
Participants in the course will each receive the 2018 course book and handouts, exam and submission of student information to the state data records, and a boating safety certificate. In New Jersey, boating safety certificates are mailed to students and remain valid for a lifetime. If a replacement is needed, certificates are available at no cost from the state.
Topics to be covered include: introduction to boating, boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating, navigation, boating problems, trailering, storing and protection, and hunting and fishing, water-skiing and river boating. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the class. Boating Safety is a required course for all vessel operators and personal-watercraft operators in New Jersey.
For more information or to register for an upcoming course, call or email Allen Nordt at 609-463-9692 or abscgaux83@hotmail.com.
Newly sworn-in officers of the Avalon Police Department: (front, from left) Matt Sykes, John Roscoe, Jeff Christopher, Will Robinson; (back) Christopher Nazha and James Savini.
NEW CHIEF AMONG PROMOTED AVALON POLICE
A standing-room only crowd attended the Avalon Borough Council meeting Jan. 24 as Mayor Martin Pagliughi administered the oaths of office to a new chief, captain, two sergeants and two patrolmen with the Avalon Police Department.
Jeffrey Christopher was named the chief of police and Sgt. John Roscoe was promoted to captain. Christopher replaces longtime Chief William McCormick, who retired after 31 years with the Avalon Police Department. Patrolmen Matthew Sykes and William Robinson III were promoted to sergeant and James Savini and Christopher Nazha were hired as full-time officers.
“This is a very proud day for the Avalon Police Department and the entire borough,” Pagliughi said. “It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of the department and our extremely talented individuals who work hard every day to make Avalon a safe and enjoyable community. And, we also welcome two new officers to the ranks of what I consider to be among the best police departments in the entire state of New Jersey.”
Hired as a full-time officer in 2000, Christopher graduated from Gloucester County College with an associate degree in law enforcement. He excelled during his time at the Cape May County Residential Police Academy, ranking No. 1 in his class and earning the Director’s Award. During his time in patrol, he became a certified drug-recognition expert. In 2005, he was selected to join the Cape May County SWAT team, with which he served for five years. He was promoted to sergeant in 2011 and captain of the Avalon Police Department in 2014. He and his wife, Suzanne, reside in Upper Township with their three sons, Tommy, Jason and Danny.
Roscoe was hired as a seasonal officer in 1992 after graduating from Penn State. He served as a dispatcher and attended the academy before being hired full time in 1996. He served as a patrolman and was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2011, then again in 2013 to administrative sergeant. He helped the Avalon Police Department with its reaccreditation process during his role as administrative sergeant. He and his wife, Renee, reside in Middle Township with their two sons, Kyle and Ryan.
Sykes began his career with the Avalon Police Department in 2007 and previously served as a detective. Robinson joined the department in March 2011 and served as a patrolman. Savini and Nazha each served as a seasonal officer for the borough before being hired full time.
The Avalon Police Department now has a full staff and is planning to host its popular Bicycle Auction on May 12 at noon at the Avalon Public Works Building. For more information, go to avalonpolice.org.
Sgt. Bartolone, Sgt. Hartzell, and Sgt. Sokorai of the Stone Harbor Police Department.
SHPD PROMOTES 3 OFFICERS
The Stone Harbor Police Department filled its supervisory vacancies when three officers were promoted during the Borough Council meeting on Jan. 16. Borough Clerk Suzanne Stanford administered the oath of office to
Sgt. Matthew Sokorai, Sgt. Joseph Bartolone and Sgt. David Hartzell, with families and friends on hand.
“In 2017, we not only experienced the transition of leadership in the department following the retirement of Chief Reynolds, but two other supervisors retired as well along with a patrol officer that left to go to another department,” said Chief Thomas Schutta. “Naturally, the loss of four officers in one year not only left a void in personnel but supervision as well, so I am happy to report that we are now fully staffed. I told our officers last January that I needed each one of them to step up in their own way and play a role in moving the department forward together. I am pleased to say the officers got the job done, and as of today we have three new officers being sworn in and promoted.”
Sokorai began as a Special Law Enforcement Officer II in 2005 and was hired as a full-time officer in Stone Harbor in 2006. He became acting patrol sergeant in 2017 before he was promoted to patrol sergeant. He holds a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. His duties as the patrol sergeant include patrol supervision, domestic violence report review, field training, physical fitness instructor and community relations.
Hartzell began his law-enforcement career as an officer with the Chesilhurst Police Department in 2000. He was hired as a full-time officer with Stone Harbor in 2001 and worked in the detective division from 2012-17. He served as acting patrol sergeant before being promoted to patrol sergeant. Hartzell is a graduate of Stockton University and will now oversee patrol supervision, DUI reports and motor-vehicle crash reports.
Bartolone, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, was hired as a SLEO II with the Stone Harbor Police Department in 2009 and became a full-time officer in 2011. He was assigned to the detective division in 2017 and will now serve as a patrol sergeant. His duties include patrol supervision, accreditation management, uniform crime reports, radar instruction, field training, and more.
The Stone Harbor Police Department is composed of 17 full-time sworn officers, one administrative assistant and one clerk. Approximately 16 additional officers are hired to serve during the summer season.
For more information on SHPD, go to shnj.org.
GET YOUR 2018 BEACH TAGS
Seasonal beach tags for Stone Harbor and Avalon are now on sale at preseason rates. Tags purchased before May 31 cost $23. The tags are reciprocal between the boroughs.
Both boroughs provide visitors the opportunity to purchase preseason tags at several locations as well as smartphone via a smartphone app Viply (this option comes with a convenience fee of $2.03 per tag). The prices remain $23 through May 31 and then go to $28.
Avalon’s tag, designed by Avalon Elementary School sixth-grader Aiden Foxx, features a beautiful sunrise over the ocean as the focal point and is surrounded by a red-and-white life preserver. Tags can be purchased through the Borough Tax office before May 11 via cash or check. Mail orders will also be accepted by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check, to be received before May 11. A receipt will be provided to be used to exchange for the 2018 tag. The beach tag booth at Avalon Community Hall will be open on weekends beginning March 31 and will open daily starting April 28. The
Avalon Chamber of Commerce, located at 2989 Ocean Drive, will also sell the 2018 seasonal beach tag and accepts credit cards as well as cash or check.
Stone Harbor’s 2018 seasonal beach tag honors its unique birding community and features an American oystercatcher in the forefront with an orange sunset behind it. In 2017, Wetlands Institute researchers discovered more than 30 pairs of American oystercatchers nesting on five marsh islands near Seven Mile Beach, and the borough decided it would be the perfect scene for its 2018 tag.
Tags are available for purchase at Borough Hall, located at 9508 Second Ave., and at the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce on 96th Street. Individuals may also purchase tags via the mail by downloading the order form from shnj.org. The form must be received by May 31 to purchase the tags at the preseason rate of $23. The tags will be held under your name at the beach tag office in the Beach Patrol Building at 95th street and the beach. The office will open in May.
Avalon and Stone Harbor also continue to offer free military beach tags for veterans. In Stone Harbor, veterans of the United States Armed Forces who provide a copy of their DD 214 form or a county-issued military ID will be issued a specific veteran beach tag, available at Borough Hall and the Beach Tag Headquarters in May. Veterans are encouraged to call Borough Hall to check on the availability of the tags. In Avalon, active duty military members and their immediate families may enjoy the beach without a beach tag.
Beach tags are required for everyone 12 and older using the beach from May 28 to Sept. 3. The fees are: preseason (purchased on or before May 31) $23; season tag (effective June 1) $28; weekly (Saturday through Saturday) $12; and daily $6.
Go to avalonboro.net or shnj.org for more information.
Erin Brown, Shannon Nagle and Chris Pidgeon, library staff members, are thrilled by the many entries received from the “Love Your Library” campaign, currently displayed on the porch at the library.
LOTS OF LOVE FOR AVALON LIBRARY CAMPAIGN
The Avalon Free Public Library launched a new winter/spring campaign titled “Love Your Library,” encouraging visitors and patrons to post what they love most about the library. This unique campaign allows for patrons to give feedback on the items, services and apps that they utilize the most. It also is a fun way for the community to get involved with this great resource during the slower winter season.
The “Love Your Library” campaign started on Valentine’s Day and is scheduled to end April 14, which coincides with National Library Week. Since the launch of the campaign, patrons have posted feedback via social media and on the dedicated board posted on the porch of the library. Along with the staffing, many resources have been named including Story Time, the children’s room, OverDrive and the library’s overall extensive collection, both physical and online. Participants are automatically entered into a weekly drawing of prizes and giveaways including best-selling novels, movies, gift cards, branded items and more.
“We’re overwhelmed and grateful for the feedback we’ve received from our Love Your Library campaign. We initiated this program to show appreciation for our incredible patrons and hadn’t anticipated we would get such an amazing response,” says AFPL Director Erin Brown. “We look forward to connecting with more patrons throughout the next month and implementing services and programs in response to their feedback.”
In addition to the “Love Your Library” campaign, the AFPL also announced the start of the 2018 Summer Reading Program “Libraries Rock!” which will begin on May 25. Readers of all ages are invited to participate by logging books and attending fun programs through Aug. 10. Participants will be eligible for giveaways and prizes each week. For more information, go to avalonfreelibrary.org.
So, tell us … Do you love your library? Head to facebook.com/avalonfreelibrary and let us know why! #CheckItOut
Stone Harbor Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour, Recreation Director Miranda Duca and Dr. Michael Nillas pose in front of a Wellness Campaign banner.
STONE HARBOR EXPANDS MAYORS WELLNESS CAMPAIGN
Stone Harbor kicked off its third Mayors Wellness Campaign on Feb. 1 with more than 75 participants. The eight-week program, an initiative of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, encourages members within the community to join Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour for fun activities, lectures and more.
“I am very proud of the Stone Harbor Mayors Wellness Campaign,” Davies-Dunhour said. “It is well-organized, informative, inclusive and fun!
I must thank Miranda [Duca, recreation director and campaign organizer] for all her hard work. She is the definition of a team player. The best part of leading this campaign is sharing my love and passion for fitness, wellness and exercise. This is indeed in my bailiwick! I have been a fitness instructor for over 20 years and have been involved in a personal fitness program for over 30 years. I know firsthand the mental, emotional and physical benefits of exercise and healthy living.”
Each week, participants engaged in active-living activities such as Walk with the Mayor Mondays, and new activities for this year including coed volleyball, women’s basketball, and yoga for students and faculty of Stone Harbor Elementary School. Local fitness studios encouraged participants as well by offering free fitness-class passes or visits.
“The addition of yoga with the K-4th graders was so fun,” said Davies-Dunhour. “The school is such a vital part of our community and I really wanted to include them in this year’s campaign. Wellness is a lifelong commitment, so sharing the lifestyle with children is important. Amy Sue [Smith] from Sol Luna Yoga did a fantastic job engaging the kids in a way they would embrace and enjoy. The kids loved barking in Downward-Facing Dog, mooing and meowing in cat/cow pose and balancing on one leg like herons. At times, all 92 kids were quiet as they focused on breathing. It was truly amazing.”
On Think Health Thursdays, participants were given educational lectures and demonstrations in partnership with the Cape Regional Health System. Various speakers from Cape Regional covered topics such as diet myths and metabolism facts and helped to give participants the tools and resources to continue the journey to a healthier lifestyle after the campaign ended.
“Each of our lectures has been educational in speaking about specific ailments or diseases, and in turn, courses of action that are available to us locally through Cape Regional Health System,” said Duca. “If a participant hasn’t personally suffered from one of the conditions featured, chances are a friend or family member has. Education is power. We are so grateful to our local partners for supporting this campaign.”
Fred’s Tavern, Sax at The Reeds at Shelter Haven and the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor also joined the campaign efforts by offering healthy-menu specials for the duration of the 8-week campaign, with the nutritional content displayed and calorie count listed.
The program’s finale was scheduled for March 29 at Harbor Square Theatre, with mortality as the topic of discussion led by guest speaker Madeline Giordano-Bauer (RN, BSN, Nurse Liaison for Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice), followed by a showing of “The Bucket List” starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, to make light of the serious yet necessary conversation confronted in the lecture.
“It’s an unnerving journey to process, but with the help of the 5 Wishes booklets we’ll be handing out, Madeline will guide our participants toward structuring important conversations with loved ones about their care and course of treatment in the event of unexpected illness or simply aging with dignity,” Duca said. “Our goal is to open up dialogue and give clarity to an otherwise taboo topic. After the educational part is over, we get to have some laughs [during the movie].”
Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity helped with renovations and repairs of the Diller Blind Home.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WORKS ON DILLER VACATION HOME
Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity of Cape May County worked diligently on March 6 and 8 to get the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children ready for its 2018 season. Over the course of two days, the Habitat for Humanity volunteers put in 175 man-hours of labor. They assisted with yard maintenance, replacement of roof insulation, painting, and basic cleaning and repairs.
A volunteer rakes the playground area to prepare for the 2018 camp season.
“Early this spring, our local Habitat chapter came to us for the first time with an offer,” said Fred Fynan, Avalon Lions Club Volunteer and handyman. “They wanted to assist with our 2018 Capital Construction Projects. This stroke of good luck coincided with the award of grant money for improvements in energy efficiency. Using volunteer labor, along with community donation of materials, multiplied the effect of those precious donated dollars. We are now expecting to see a significant reduction in our carbon footprint, along with an even better experience for the campers. It was truly a pleasure to work with them, we can’t thank them enough.”
Paul Greer, a member of the Avalon Lions Club and a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, initiated the cooperative project. In realizing that Habitat for Humanity is an annual beneficiary of a substantial contribution from the Avalon Lions Charities Foundation, one of the major supporters of the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children, the contribution of labor and skills was Habitat’s way of giving back. The volunteers focused on safety, teamwork and having fun while accomplishing repairs and renovations. In addition to its many other tasks, the team replaced a large double-entry door set along with the ceilings in the kitchen, pantry and laundry rooms (880 square feet in all).
The 2018 camp season starts on June 16 and runs through Aug. 11. Blind and visually impaired children ages 7-15 will have the opportunity to engage in fun activities throughout the summer including trips to the beach, the Cape May County Zoo, Morey’s Pier and more while making lifelong friendships. The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children has been providing an all-expense paid week of camp to the blind and visually impaired since 1972.
For more information about the home, go to dillerblindhome.org.
Matt Wolf and Jacob Enright participating in the doubles row event during one of its competitive races of the 2017 season.
AVALON BEACH PATROL IS HIRING
The Avalon Beach Patrol is seeking ocean lifeguards and beach tag inspectors for the upcoming 2018 season. Interviews and employment meetings for beach tag inspectors are scheduled for May 12 at 10:30am at the David J. Kerr Jr. Building, located at 32nd Street and the beach. Lifeguard tryouts are scheduled for June 2 at 10am, when candidates are to report to the Kerr Building with a doctor’s note certifying that they are capable of safely performing the lifeguard test, as well as working papers if under 18.
“We are looking forward to this upcoming season,” said Captain Murray Wolf. “The tryout consists of a three-quarter-mile ocean swim and a half-mile run and surf dash followed by an interview. Anyone who is unable to make the initial tryout should contact us for an alternate date.”
Lieutenants and returning guards will teach the rookie class CPR, first aid and all the skills necessary to do the job. In addition to keeping Avalon’s beachgoers safe, guards participate in the competitive South Jersey Lifeguard Race Circuit includes such as swimming, rowing, running, run/swims, surf dashes, and paddle boarding.
The Avalon Beach Patrol is composed of approximately 90 lifeguards and 50 beach taggers under the leadership of Wolf, who has been a lifeguard for more than 60 years and has led the patrol since 1967. The ABP hosts the David J. Kerr Memorial Race each July and competes in various races throughout its season.
Applications and more information for lifeguards and beach tag inspectors can be found online at avalonboro.net/about-avalon/avalon-beaches/.
