August 2025
Letter from the Editor
August has arrived, bringing with it the golden glow of late summer and a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the moment. As Zac Brown Band so perfectly puts it on this month’s cover, “Only worry in the world ... the tide gonna reach my chair.” It’s a sentiment that fits just right this time of year, when the pace softens and the simple joys of 7 Mile life take center stage.
‘Breathtaking’: The Awe-Inspiring Homes on the 2025 Cape Regional House Tour
It’s a vibe. Contemporary. Bold. Serene.
Uncluttered spaces seamlessly coalesce around a secret courtyard oasis and stream toward bay views. Long hallways that spill into large rooms quieted with natural tones, refined with onyx accents, soothe in the way that makes you want to linger over a morning coffee, sink into sumptuous sunset seating, bask in the natural wonder of this beautiful island.
Waves of Memories: Catching Up with Some of Avalon’s South Jersey Lifeguard Champions
The South Jersey Lifeguard Championships date back a century to 1924, with continuous competitions since 1944. Avalon is hosting the event this month, so we thought it would be interesting to catch up with some of the legends who make up Avalon’s rich legacy in South Jersey lifeguarding.
Three Times a Lady: For the First Time, The Commodores at the 3 Local Yacht Clubs Are All Women
For the first time in history, three women are the commodores at the same time at the yacht clubs in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle City.
The commodore is the principal flag officer at the clubs and is responsible for things like presiding over meetings, providing leadership and management, overseeing club activities, representing the club, and dealing with membership.
Events at a Glance
Kids ages 5-12 are invited to join Avalon Mayor John McCorristin for a morning of fishing. There are only 25 spots available, so registration is recommended. Register online at avalonrecreation.recdesk.com.
Lions Club Golf Outing Raises Nearly $66,000
The Avalon Lions Club hosted its annual Golf Classic on June 11 at the Union League National Golf Club in Cape May Court House. The event raised more than $65,000 for several different Cape May County charities including the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.
Weekly Events in Avalon & Stone Harbor
Shop locally among the variety of vendors during Stone Harbor’s Weekly Farmers Market. Whether you are looking for coffee, fresh baked goods, fresh produce, or seafood, the Stone Harbor Farmers Market has it all!
Must Haves: Keeping Cool
The August sun can be intense, heating up the whole island. Hopefully you can spend your days relaxing on the beach with the ocean breeze and the waves to cool you off. We searched the best area stores to find ways to help keep you cool all month long.
Fresh Impressions: Elena Bond Looks Forward to Her New Exhibition at Ocean Galleries
A young girl, growing up in Russia. The child of a military doctor and classical pianist. Raised in a family full of artists, she travels a lot, lives in Germany for a while and moves frequently throughout the Soviet Union.
‘What’s Going On In Here?’ How Avalon Market Became a Movie Set After Hours
Back in June, late-night shoppers figured they were in luck when they saw the lights were still on at Avalon Market, but the beloved local landmark wasn’t actually open for business – it was making its debut as a film location.
Talking Books: Authors Jo Piazza and Dr. Doug Tallamy Set for August Appearances in Avalon
The Avalon Library’s Summer Spotlight Series continues to shine brightly this summer with two more renowned authors coming to Avalon on the heels of blockbuster appearances by Taylor Jenkins Reid and David Grann in July.
Lifeguard Teams Hit Midseason in High Gear
One beach patrol seeks a sequel. The other is an anchor to the South Jersey Lifeguard Circuit.
By different means, the Avalon and Stone Harbor Beach Patrols hit midseason form in top stride.
A ‘Boutique Steakhouse’ ... And Then Some: La Porteña Is Opened by the Owners of Quahogs Seafood Shack
Chef Lucas Manteca and his wife Deanna Ebner have run several popular restaurants in Stone Harbor, including the the popular Quahog’s Seafood Shack in Stone Harbor that opened in 2008. The pair recently opened La Porteña, a “boutique steakhouse.”
Sparking Interest: The Collective Spirit of Environmental Education
What inspired you to teach environmental education? The answer to this question is as varied as the people answering it.
For me, the answer is simple. I teach environmental education for a chance to observe the spark – the spark you see on a person’s face when you know they have made a genuine connection to their environment
Outdoor Entertaining: A Toast to the Jersey Tomato
There really is nothing like a Jersey tomato, and August is certainly garden tomato time here on the island. After a couple months of tending and waiting, the bounty this year is impressive, so I think a fun happy hour that puts tomatoes front and center is in order.
Times Talk
Residents of Veterans Haven South are getting around a bit easier these days thanks to American Legion Post 331, based in Stone Harbor.
The post used donations from Cape May County residents and businesses to purchase a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, a seven-passenger van that is assisting the veterans in traveling to and from work, medical appointments, and other destinations as needed.
Smilestones
Dozens of boats filled with festive folks lined up in the bay at the Avalon Yacht Club at 2:45pm on the Fourth of July for the annual Avalon Boat Parade. The theme was simple and fitting: patriotic. Thus, the vessels and the people they were carrying were decked out in Americana.
Down The Shore: A Poem by Jill Mascioli
Jill Mascioli is among the fourth generation of her family that has been spending at least one month every summer in Avalon. When Jill’s sister Sarah got engaged to her fiancé, Matt, Jill wrote a celebratory poem to put on some napkins at their engagement party in Avalon. The poem was well-received and something we thought we’d share with our readers as well.
Casual Chic
Make room in your closet for the pieces that define your summer. The Anguilla dress in Zinnia Burst is just that. Hand-printed using traditional block-printing techniques, each dress is one of a kind, with subtle variations that make it truly special. For cooler evenings, layer on the Kut from the Kloth Fraser Jacket.
Guys Night Out
Whether you’re catching a Phillies game or grabbing drinks at a local club, this outfit is your ultimate go-to for effortless men’s style. Let’s start with the shirt: This Rhythm short-sleeve button-down is a staple for warm weather.