Traditions. That is what we are loving right now. Thanksgiving! Family! Turkey! Avalon! Thanks to the hard work of the retail stores and restaurants around Avalon, what was once a quiet weekend at the shore has become anything but.

“My dear partner, when what’s left of you gets around to what’s left to be gotten,” says Phil Davis, “what’s left to be gotten won’t be worth getting, whatever it is you’ve got left.”

When the sun shines or glares on Seven Mile Beach, many of us slip on sunglasses for com-fort and eye protection. Exposure to sun-induced ultraviolet light can cause serious eye damage. Even on overcast days, the sun’s powerful rays can pass through clouds and haze.

Some of the best holiday gifts are memories. Like May-to-Clay, the touchdown pass that brought the Super Bowl to Stone Harbor in 2018.

Or at least the victory celebration.

Festive Friday Activities

A gray cloud did indeed have a silver lining for Avalon resident Bill Yoh, as a very sad time for his family turned out to be the impetus for the writing of his first book, “Our Way: The Life Story of Spike Yoh,” published earlier this year and available at Amazon and other booksellers.

Clint Bunting achieved an unlikely feat over the last five years: He upgraded Stone Harbor.

While Seven Mile Beach is rich in its own history, a historical treasure trove of buildings sits in its offshore backyard. Members of the public will once again be privy to exploring these local gems during the Historic Dennisville Christmas House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 15.

avalonstoneharborschools.org

This Thanksgiving weekend, there is 100 percent chance of snow in Stone Harbor. Join the Borough of Stone Harbor and the Chamber of Commerce as 96th Street transforms into “Pine Tree Harbor” for the weekend.

Raymond W. Parzych and Robert J. Levins, running unopposed, officially were elected to serve Stone Harbor Borough Council on Nov. 6. Parzych ran to retain his current seat on council; he received 336 votes.

December 2018 Calendar

Coastal New Jersey is a remarkable place. Spectacular beaches, vast expansive tidal marshes, and the wonderful communities that have been nurtured here.

Fall Events 2018

The Borough of Avalon won the 2018 Mayor’s Cup bocce tournament with an 11-9 victory over Middle Township in the final round on Saturday, Sept. 29. Team Avalon was led by Mayor Martin Pagliughi and included Miriam Kauterman, Doris Fox and Chuck McDonnell.

Generally for this issue, I like to add some holiday cheer for all and to keep everything uplifting. It doesn’t always work since every once in a while, something happens in life that is unexpected.