2013:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

July 25, 2013

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FLOOD INSURANCE DISCOUNTS: Avalon residents will soon receive 25 percent discounts on flood insurance premiums as a result of Borough efforts to obtain a "Class 5" community rating. Currently, Avalon is a "Class 6" community receiving  20 percent discounts on flood insurance premiums. FEMA is expected to certify the Borough's new Class 5 status shortly, with the increased discounts to follow. Avalon property owners currently enjoy more than $850,000 in annual savings on flood insurance premiums; the new rating will result in over $1,000,000 in savings.
 
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET remains active-take a look at the list of recently sold properties below! If you're ready to buy or sell, please call me!
 
STONE HARBOR BEACH REPLENISHMENT is expected to be completed about July 31st, with 800,000 cubic yards of new sand having been placed on the borough's beaches. The project also includes related dune work; dune grass planting will follow in the late fall.
 
FOUR CHINESE ALLIGATORS have arrived at the Cape May County Zoo. The endangered alligators range in size from three to five feet, and came from an alligator farm in Florida. The new additions enhance the Cape May County Zoo's impressive list of animals on display. 
 
WINE LOVERS will want to visit www.CapeMayWineries.com for a list of Cape May County vineyards, including links to each vineyard's website. According to CapeMayWineries.com, the site allows visitors to spend less time planning their visit to local wineries, and more time enjoying them.
 
MARSH GRASS in the back bay area still has its vibrant green color typical of the early summer. As the summer heat continues, the green grass will eventually become less vibrant, before taking on a golden shade in the fall. Meanwhile, the bright greens of summer make for colorful views across the wetlands.
 

The Wetlands Institute is surrounded by vibrant green marsh grass on a bright July day.
 
WHAT'S ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST? An afternoon of fishing? A walk on the beach with your grandkids? Or, perhaps you'd like to catch one of the events listed below? Make sure to set aside time for these special activities-summer goes by quickly!

July 18, 2013

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61 PROPERTIES ARE UNDER CONTRACT in the local market, with asking prices ranging from $169,900 to $3,950,000. Sixty-one families are eagerly anticipating a new place at the shore to call their very own! How about you - ready to get involved? Contact me to begin your search for the perfect shore property!
 
"NICE AND WIDE!" Visitors who saw Stone Harbor's newly replenished beach for the first time had great things to say about it, commenting that the new beach is "nice and wide, with a gentle slope." The beachfill project began at Stone Harbor Point and has been progressing northward, with work expected to be complete by the end of July.
 
OCEAN WATER TEMPERATURES are returning to normal after a period of cooler than normal temperatures. Offshore winds had moved warm surface water out to sea, and cooler water had taken its place due to upwelling. After a long stretch of surf temperatures in the low 60s, the surf temperature is finally approaching 70 degrees again, about normal for this time of year.
 

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS return to Wildwood with 4 games and 4 clinics from August 7-10. Earlier this summer, one of the stars of the team filmed a video in 11 towns including Avalon and Stone Harbor to help NJ's "Stronger than the Storm" campaign. Watch and share the video below and SAVE $5 off each ticket to a game with the code "STRONGER." Mention it at the Convention Center Box Office or enter the code at Ticketmaster.com.

    
THE CAPE MAY COUNTY ZOO is a treasure right in our own back yard. This year the zoo has two new snow leopard cubs on display for viewers. The cubs were born this past spring. Among other zoo regulars are zebras, peacocks, lions, alligators, birds, snakes, and dozens more. Admission to the zoo is free, although a donation is very much appreciated.
 
14 MILLION VEHICLES have crossed the Delaware Bay aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry since it began operating in 1964. If you've never made the 17-mile crossing, with your car or as a pedestrian, it's worth it! During your ride you're likely to see dolphins, sailboats, cargo ships, Cape May Lighthouse, and maybe even a beautiful sunset! 

July 10, 2013

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WHAT A WEEKEND! With the 4th falling on a Thursday, most Island visitors were here for a four-day summer weekend. Restaurants and shops reported good crowds, while beachgoers enjoyed warm sunshine and cool seabreezes. Special events on the 4th were capped with amazing fireworks displays in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.
 
TOUR THE STONE HARBOR BIRD SANCTUARY! Take a walk through the famous Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary for an up-close look at this fascinating ecosystem. Tours begin at the Holly Path on Second Avenue and 112th Street, every Saturday and Sunday starting at 10:00 am, July thru Labor Day. The Sanctuary offers a glimpse of what the entire Island was like before it was developed.
   

AFTER A BRIEF WARM UP, surf temperatures have dropped to around 60 degrees, from the 70s just a couple weeks ago. Steady southwest breezes have pushed warm surface water offshore, and it's been replaced by cooler sub-surface water. A steady seabreeze is needed to move that warm surface water back to shore to raise surf temperatures again. Pictured Right: The golden sun of early evening lights up the Ocean Drive Bridge over Great Channel.

    
GOIN' UP! Interest rates have increased roughly half a point in recent weeks, before dropping slightly. Rising rates have been anticipated for some time. If you're contemplating a refinance or purchase, act now to secure your low-rate financing for the next 30 years. For the names of reliable lenders, or to begin your search for a shore property, please call or email me!
 
COMIN' DOWN! Those who use the Garden State Parkway are probably used to seeing the dormant Beesley's Point Bridge as they cross over Great Egg Harbor Bay while entering or leaving Cape May County. Crews have been preparing to demolish the Beesley's Point Bridge beginning this week. The bridge has been idle since 2004 when structural problems forced its closure. Plans to repair and reopen the bridge were discussed for years, but the huge expense was always an issue, and demolition was deemed the best option. One of the parallel Parkway bridges will be replaced with a new one shortly.
 
HAVE AN OLD ISLAND PHOTO? Please share! We get lots of comments about photos, especially the old ones! If you have a vintage Island photo to share, please send it to me - it just might make it into our newsletter!

EVENTS ALL SUMMER! Each week I list "Upcoming Events" for you (see below). For a more comprehensive list of events throughout the summer, visit the Local Events page of my website.