Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers:
Although Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of the summer season when our island magically comes alive, we can’t forget to take time to honor and pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms – the true meaning of Memorial Day.
I’m especially excited about this issue of Seven Mile Times. I can’t believe how much we’ve managed to squeeze into this issue. Suffice it to say there’s tons of interesting and relevant reading for those who love the Seven Mile Beach. And no one loves the Seven Mile Beach more than Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. Marty came to the island in college and never left, thankfully. In June, he will wrap up 32 years in office. Dave Coskey takes a look at his tenure, which will certainly be recognized as the most impactful in Avalon’s history. And as Mayor Pagliughi exits, Dave Bontempo will introduce you to the candidates in what’s expected to be a close election for Stone Harbor Borough Council seats on June 6. Meanwhile, we may need your help blowing out some candles: Marybeth Treston Hagan visits with Betty Keen, who will celebrate her 100th birthday this month.
Harry Donahue guided thousands to work every morning for more than two decades as the legendary morning-drive voice at KYW Newsradio. He’s been retired for almost 10 years now and spends lots of time here on the Seven Mile Beach. Mary Byrne Lamb will help you catch up with Harry. If all of this reading is making you hungry, you’ll want to browse our Meet the Chefs section where we’ll introduce you to some of the brightest and most talented chefs on the island. Great tastes also brings a Stone Harbor legend to mind: Tridi-Jo’s Restaurant. Dave Coskey takes a look back at a business that still holds a very special place in the hearts (and taste buds) of lots of Stone Harbor visitors.
Mary Byrne Lamb visited both the Avalon and Stone Harbor libraries. She’ll tell you about everything that you should be checking out. And Dave Bontempo checked out the work of local author David Mallach. Many of his books were written right here on our beaches. In between library events, be sure to check out the Mark Kostabi art exhibit at Ocean Galleries. Mary Byrne Lamb will also introduce you to the prolific artist.
In this issue, Jon Marks examines all the racket surrounding racket sports here on the Seven Mile Beach. Regardless of what your racket is, you will enjoy Jon’s story. Kelly McCarthy puts her Stamp of Approval on the retirement of beloved Avalon postman John Yoast. Vicki Parente suggests that you might want to plan to fly to the Holy Land with Father Kelly of St. Brendan the Navigator for the trip of a lifetime. And speaking of flights, Rae Griffiths examines the aerial acrobats of the marshes in a wonderful feature from The Wetlands Institute. And finally, in our A Lifetime, A Legacy we’ll celebrate the life of Stone Harbor native Bob Taylor.
Plus, of course, there is everything else you’ve come to enjoy in every issue including our Events at a Glance, Must Haves, Financially Speaking, Smilestones, and Times Talks.
Here’s to a great 2023 season. Please enjoy and be sure to visit our local businesses and restaurants.
Sincerely,
Monica Coskey
Publisher & Editor
Seven Mile Times
mcoskey@7milepub.com