Times Talk
Post 331 trustees Jon Ready (left) and Tom McCullough (center) present minivan keys to Veterans Haven South assistant superintendent Donshea Joyner and VHS colleagues.
POST 331 DONATES MINIVAN TO VETERANS HOME
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.
Trustee of Post 331 Tom McCullough noted that the vehicle’s reliability was the key to the selection.
“That’s the number one priority. We bought a van that is two years old and dependable. It really warms our hearts,” he said. “The staff and our dear friends from Veterans Haven South and our post members are so proud of what we accomplished. They keep extending their gratitude for what we did for them each and every single time we see them.”
The home facilitates a Veterans Transitional Housing Program. The approximately 100 veterans enrolled are provided with essential rehabilitation to help them transition into permanent housing. Long-term psychological, social, and vocational care is provided to help in this process. The home is staffed 24/7 to help the veterans with their various needs.
Sobriety is a major goal for some of those enrolled. Residents must be drug- and alcohol-free at the time of admission and be willing to remain sober while in the program. The van will help residents get to and from important destinations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings that are essential to achieving and maintaining sobriety.
This is not the first time Post 331 has worked with Veterans Haven South. The post has made a number of donations, including an industrial-size refrigerator recently.
“Our relationship is ongoing and never-ending,” McCullough says. “We see the needs at Veterans Haven South. We wrapped our arms around them, and they are one of our [top] priorities. It’s a 100-bed home for both males and females. That’s important to us as a post. We not only have great males serving in the military, we also have a core of females that are second to none.”
Incoming Avalon Lions Club president Jim Lutz (left) and outgoing president Dan Donohue.
NEV-R-ENUF, INDEED
Jim Lutz, the founder of the Nev-R-Enuf fishing charter, returned to his former office as president of the Avalon Lions Club when the club named its new leaders for the next fiscal year.
Lutz follows the term of Dan Donohue, who stepped back. Also, Paula Trongone became the first vice president and Sue Houser became the service chairperson when the new leaders were inducted at a dinner June 19 and assumed their positions July 1.
“I was vice president and then became president in the same year,” Lutz recalls. “This helped me learn about the club and all of its activities. After that, I was elected president for a term.”
Lutz operates his Nev-R-Enuf charter out of the 14th Street marina.
“Many of my friends that I had made in Avalon, I made through my fishing association,” he says. “They were current members of the [Lions] club and convinced me it was a great organization to join.”
Charity work is the foundation of the club. The Lions host several fundraising events throughout the year, such as their annual golf outing and pancake breakfasts. None of the money the club receives leaves Cape May County.
“We live on a very prosperous island here,” Lutz says, “and across the bridge, you have one of the lowest-income areas in the state of New Jersey and some of the highest unemployment rates. We are here to try and help some of those people.”
The club works consistently with 20 charities and is always looking to collaborate with more organizations. Organizations must be within Cape May County and be a registered 501(c) organization. The club also helps build a strong sense of community in the area.
“What’s terrific about the Avalon Lions is the community connection,” says Donohue, the outgoing president. “You get to know a lot of people. We have over 90 members, so you get to know a lot of them. But then you also get to know the various folks from the 7 Mile Business Community Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the mayor, and the people of the borough board. It’s a good working relationship. And the other thing I really enjoy is getting to know our charities.”
The club currently is looking for new members.
“This is an area that continually turns over,” Lutz says, “and many of our people age out to the point where they want to be involved, but physically can’t be. So we have to continually find new people as they come in.”
The club is composed of nurses, EMTs, teachers, realtors, retirees, and people of many different backgrounds.
Their mission is simple.
“We serve,” Donohue says. “We join because we want to serve the charities that are serving our community. It’s as simple as that. There are so many needs in Cape May County that people may not be aware of outside of the coastal towns.”
For more information or to donate to the club, go to avalonlions.com.
2024 SHPOA Photo Contest Winner Jack Harrell
SHPOA PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE AUG.25
All Stone Harbor homeowners, guests, and visitors are welcome to enter the Stone Harbor Property Owners Association’s 2025 photo contest.
The rules are simple: Submit by email no more than three photos that you took in Stone Harbor to photocontest@stoneharborpoa.org with the subject 2025 SHPOA Photo Contest Entry. All photo entries must be submitted by midnight on Aug. 25.
Photos can be of anything in Stone Harbor. For example, if you have photos of the beaches, ocean, bay, gardens, birds and wildlife, people, local points of interest, or anything that stands out in the community, feel free to enter!
Photos must be in their original form and identified with the location of the photo and the photographer’s name, address, and phone number. Photos that have been digitally altered and modified beyond standard optimization are not permitted and will be automatically disqualified.
Past winners include Thomas McClintic (2021), David Hayes (2022), Becky Carfagno (2023), and Jack Harrell (2024). The top three finishers will receive gift cards: $250 for first place, $150 for second, and $100 for third.
Employees celebrate the first day of Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional on July 1, 2024.
MERGED HOSPITAL SYSTEMS MARK FIRST ANNIVERSARY
On July 1, Cape Regional Health System marked its first year since joining Cooper University Health Care. A major goal of merging the two groups was to provide and enhance access to high-quality care and specialty services for all residents of Cape May County. The Cooper team has done just that over the past year.
Some of the team’s achievements since merging include:
Forming 33 integration teams to combine the health systems.
Quickly transitioning from Cape Regional’s older computer systems to Epic, an advanced, electronic health record system.
Opened an Access Clinic to increase accessibility to specialty care providers.
Hired new physicians and expanded types of care and facilities.
Became an MD Anderson Cancer Center at a Cooper-approved location, providing patients who need radiation oncology with access to such care closer to home.
“We’ve had an extraordinary first year and have taken bold steps forward – from bringing MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper’s nationally recognized cancer care to the region to expanding specialty services and building a stronger, more integrated health care delivery system,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of the board of trustees of Cooper University Health Care.
But the Cooper team does not just care for its patients; it has also demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the team members while recognizing the great work that the staff does. Several initiatives were implemented to showcase employee achievement including Nurses Week, Hospital Week, and award programs.
“We look forward to continuing to enhance the health care experience for the people of Cape May and Atlantic counties,” said Kevin O’Dowd, JD, co-president/CEO of Cooper University Health Care. “Thank you to the Cooper team for their hard work and dedication over the past year.”
The Cooper Team has about 14,000 members, including 1,600 nurses, more than 1,000 physicians, and 600 advanced practice professionals who are all vital components of offering top-notch care in Cape May County. This is impressive, considering Cooper facilities see more than 2.4 million patients on average per year. It makes sense why Cooper was named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2025 by Forbes. The group looks forward to more success in its second year since merging.
Jill Mauger and Jim Garland (center) present a donation from the Avalon Pickleball Committee’s Christmas in July event to Avalon Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher and Sgt. Sean McNair.
PICKLEBALLERS HOLD CHRISTMAS IN JULY DONATION DRIVE
The Avalon Pickleball Committee raised $2,500 from players in its inaugural Christmas in July event. All proceeds will go toward toy drives during the holiday season. Donations were collected from pickleball players at the courts from July 11-15.
“This was the first annual Avalon Pickleball Christmas in July,” said co-organizer Jill Mauger. “At this particular time [of year], they [the charities] don’t know what toys the kids and families want, so we went for a monetary donation from the people in our pickleball community.”
Players gather every morning at the 8th Street pickleball courts in Avalon for open play. There is also a series of events held throughout the week. Such as men’s night, ladies’ night, and doubles night.
“We have a very vibrant pickleball community in Avalon,” said co-organizer Jim Garland. “We have over 2,400 members now on our message board. The people are quite generous and they did not disappoint.”
With the popularity of the sport rising and already a large, passionate community of players in Avalon, it is not surprising that there is a 10-member Avalon Pickleball Committee.
“We meet monthly,” Garland said. “Last off-season, we really had two objectives in mind: How can we advance the enjoyment of people who play pickleball? Second, to see if we could become a more active and supportive element of the community.”
The pickleball community has a great partnership with the Avalon Police Department to help with these goals. Detective Sgt. Greg Armstrong and the police force helped facilitate the Christmas in July event.
“We sat down with Greg in advance of the event and told him what we had in mind,” Garland said. “He was very enthusiastic and supportive of the idea.”
Lasting relationships and friendships are part of what makes the pickleball community so special in Avalon.
“You have so many friends,” Mauger said. “Even after the season is over, you’re still in touch with these people. Off the court and on the court, there is such a camaraderie of just enjoying each other playing the sport.”
The Avalon Pickleball community looks forward to doing more charitable work in the future.
AHLOA president Tony Newshel
FAULK TO ASSUME AHLOA PRESIDENCY
Warren Faulk, the incoming president of the Avalon Home and Land Owners Association, already has a good grasp on the group’s core values and history of the AHLOA.
“The AHLOA is a long-term organization that was founded in 1961,” he said. “It’s been around for quite a while and it is an honor to serve as president.”
Members of the association will officially approve the new board Aug. 9 at the annual meeting. Faulk and the new board members will start their positions on Sept. 1.
“Officially, we have a nominating committee,” said current AHLOA president Tony Newshel. “A group of the board members solicits, searches, and presents, to the rest of our board, recommendations for new trustees and officers. We present that as a recommended list to our membership. Hopefully, come August 9, the AHLOA members will rubber stamp the recommendations and everyone will move into their new roles.”
Newshel will fill a new role himself.
“The board created a position called Immediate Past President,” he said. “So I’ll actually be rejoining the board as a helper and adviser to the rest of the new officers.”
Newshel has simple advice for Faulk and all of the new board members.
“Always keep Avalon at the forefront of all your thinking,” he said. “Be as welcoming as possible to other members. We measure our success by the degree of our membership. Always be on the lookout for folks willing to join and become active.”
Faulk, an AHLOA member since 2001, notes “There is a very talented group of officers and trustees. Whether it be the public or private sector, finance, education … there are so many people with great experience. Getting the opportunity to work with them and hear their ideas has been the best part of it.”
AHLOA’S annual meeting is Aug. 9 from 9-10am at the Avalon Community Hall. Doors open at 8:30am for a light breakfast. All are welcome to attend to hear Mayor John Corristin’s State of the Borough Address, a Q&A with Business Administrator Scott Wahl and Police Chief Jeff Christopher, and participate in the election of new AHLOA board members.
Jimmy and the Parrots delight the crowd with Margaritaville songs at Avalon’s Summer Solstice Festival.
SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL: MARGARITAVILLE IN AVALON
The day of the year with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night was celebrated when the second annual Summer Solstice Festival was held June 21 at Surfside Park.
The renowned Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Jimmy and the Parrots, provided live music at the event, which ran from 5-9pm. Kids loved the face painters and balloon artists, and they could even get magical tinsel in their hair done by East Coast Fairy Hair, among other activities. Of course, there were food and drink vendors, with Slack Tides and other adult beverages available.
The event was hosted by the Avalon Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Spring into Summer initiative. The organization is already planning its third annual festival next June.
Mayor Carney (left) and Joe Clark
CLARK NAMED SH BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Stone Harbor named Joe Clark its new business administrator on July 14, and in addition to being well-qualified, he is all ears when it comes to approaching his duties.
Clark is an attorney by trade but does have prior experience in local government. In Howell Township, he was the town solicitor for five years before becoming the administrator there as well.
“First, I want to keep my fingers on the pulse of the community,” Clark said. “Municipal leaders are all focused on constituent services. I want to listen first; I’m not thinking that I know more than other people.”
Clark already has an understanding of what makes the Stone Harbor community so special.
“There’s a history to it,” he said. “There are reasons people have come here over the years, and still come here. Everyone appreciates Stone Harbor’s unique character as a community, and they want to preserve it and make it even better.”
Mayor Tim Carney, who appointed Clark, uses a business metaphor to explain just how important of a role he has within the town.
“The best way to think of it is that the governing body, the six council members and mayor, is the CEO and Board of Stone Harbor,” Carney said. “The chief operating officer would be the business administrator. He is responsible for the overall operation of the borough. Everything really falls under him.”
The mayor is excited about the experience Clark with bring with him to the role.
“This guy’s got a great resumé,” Carney said. “He’s really great with people. He’s a great listener. He’s a great delegate. He’s really good on the personnel side.”
Stone Harbor will be a bit of a change of pace for Clark as he is coming over from a larger inland community.
“Stone Harbor is a really quaint, cozy, charming town,” Carney said. “I believe it is one of the best towns on the East Coast. It is a jewel on the East Coast. You have to be sensitive to that. People are very loyal down here. I think Joe will do a good job of understanding that.”
The historic marker placed at 29th Street and the beach honors the Avalon Theatre at the location where the pier stood for more than five decades.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR AVALON HISTORIC MARKERS
Through its Historic Markers Program, the Avalon Historical Society enables you to honor unforgettable memories of Avalon that you cherish. The program provides an opportunity to permanently preserve a person, place, or event that holds a special place in your heart and is part of Avalon’s rich history.
The first three markers were dedicated this past June, honoring the Avalon Pier (at 29th Street), the Avalon Swing Bridge, and Avalon pioneer William Tozour Jr.
The Historical Society is now accepting nominations for the plaque to be dedicated in 2026. Anyone can make a nomination; however, all nominations must include the following to be considered: the name of the nominee – representing a person, place, or event dating back to Avalon’s incorporation in 1892; a brief paragraph not exceeding 100 words explaining why the nominee should be considered for a marker, using your 100 words to persuade the selection committee why your nominee deserves a marker; and the nominator’s name, address, email, and phone number.
Nominations can be submitted in person at the Avalon Chamber of Commerce located at 30th and Ocean Drive in Avalon or via mail to Avalon Historical Markers, PO Box 134, Avalon, NJ 08202. The deadline for all nominations is Aug. 20, 2025. All nominees, including those nominated last year but not chosen, will be listed on a ballot sent to a respected panel of voters comprising Avalon Historical Society members, Avalon’s governing body, and longtime Avalon residents. Once a nominee is accepted for voting, it remains on the ballot indefinitely unless replaced.
“We often hear from folks talk about the things that they miss from Avalon’s past,” said Bob Penrose, president of the Avalon Historical Society. “Now we have a way to permanently memorialize those places, events, and people.”
Future plans include a dedicated website accessible via QR codes on each marker, featuring enriching background history and photographs to enhance the experience. The Historical Society’s Historical Marker program is fully supported by contributions, including a generous initial donation from the Avalon Women’s Civic Club. The Avalon Historical Society is a nonprofit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible. Individual and corporate contributions may be mailed to Avalon Historical Society, 215 39th St., Avalon, NJ 08202.
“We’re excited to see the nominees for year two,” added Penrose. “We all love to reminisce, and the ballot for historic markers offers a magical trip back in time for everyone.”
The complete list of 2026 nominees is expected to be announced during Labor Day weekend, with the selections revealed during Avalon’s Thanksgiving holiday festivities.
ZOGAS PRINTS HONOR 9/11 HEROES
With the anniversary of the tragic September 11 attacks coming up this September, the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department has relaunched the sale of limited-edition prints of Avalon’s 9/11 Memorial watercolor painting by Doris Zogas.
Zogas started painting seriously while vacationing in Stone Harbor in 1978. After retiring as a teacher, she devoted her time to developing a series of limited edition prints of local Avalon and Stone Harbor landmarks. She was also a signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society and a member of the Berks Art Alliance. Her works have been represented in juried, individual and invitational shows in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Her work can still be viewed at Ocean Galleries in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
She was originally commissioned to make the painting and prints to honor the first responder firefighters, police, and EMTs who gave their lives on 9/11. Her specialty was the watercolor medium. Although she passed away in 2016, her artwork is still being used, as 53 of the original 120 prints she made for the Avalon Fire Department remain for sale. Each print is complete with a copy of the painting, Zogas’ signature, and an individual number.
Prints can be purchased through the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department by calling 609-967-4411. The original watercolor was won in a raffle by Stone Harbor fireman Kevin Gallagher, who then donated the painting back to the Department.
In addition to the prints, the borough honored 9/11 victims back in 2012 by building a memorial at 21st Street that still stands today. Funds raised through the sale of the prints are used for the needs and operations of the fire department.