As Memorial Day weekend approaches, we are thrilled to kick off another season of sunshine, celebrations, and stories on the island we all love.

There has been much discussion since news spread this winter that the Union League of Philadelphia was acquiring the Whitebrier/Motorboat Club property in Avalon.

This is not the post-career speaking tour William Neill envisioned.

The Rio Grande native and Middle Township High School graduate once expected to serve in the Marine Corps “until they threw me out.” That would have yielded a multi-decade career and lofty rank, perhaps even general, based on his rapid promotion rate.

Get ready for beach season with must-have essentials from your favorite local stores – ideal for sunny skies and ocean breezes. From linen scarves and eye-catching tote bags to flag sweaters, coastal-inspired serveware, and trendy accessories, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion.

Attention, art enthusiasts and avid readers: You don’t want to miss Avalon’s Art & Authors on Dune. Stroll Dune Drive to explore fine art in various mediums and meet local authors signing their books. Sponsored by the Avalon Chamber of Commerce and Avalon Free Public Library, this creative event is sure to inspire.

When you’re living on island time, cooking can feel like a chore, so why not follow the ocean breeze to a local favorite instead? After a day spent soaking up the sun and sea, treating yourself to a delicious meal out is the ultimate way to relax. Great food, scenic views, and no cleanup, that’s what vacation is all about!

You probably don’t recognize his picture, but his name should be familiar. The old U.S. Life Saving Service and Coast Guard station at the southern end of the island has been home to Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post #331 since its inception in 1948. Growing up in Stone Harbor, chances are he might even have run up and down the steps of the old lookout tower as a child.

Of the many incredible resources that this island offers, our libraries are two of the rarest gems. Not simply beautiful buildings where you can pick up a beach read (though they’re good for that, too!), the Avalon and Stone Harbor libraries provide fun, interactive, engaging, and entertaining programs for the whole family … all summer long. Read on for some of the highlights of the Summer of 2025.

American Legion Post 331 (Stone Harbor/Avalon) and the Borough of Avalon will present a Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, May 26.

Marty Pagliughi awaits his first full summer embracing a magical phrase: “Whatever you want.”

Avalon’s beloved and iconic former mayor dabbled in this new life for a little more than half the summer of 2024. Now, for the first time in about 50 years, Pagliughi can live by the spirit of that phrase, all the time.

Avalon and Stone Harbor have always been communities of transformation – shaped by tides, time, and the people who call them home. This summer, the Avalon Historical Society takes a meaningful step to honor that legacy with the launch of the Avalon Historical Marker Program.

Join us on Monday mornings for family-friendly fun, hosted by the Library and History Center! Each week features a new interactive activity – from animal shows to magic and dance parties. Visit the library or avalonfreelibrary.org for details.

Frank Vaul, Ken Biddick, and Bob Ross won’t sweat ballot-box results June 10. All are assured a place in the next Stone Harbor Council because the three candidates seek three positions in the primary elections. All will be officially confirmed for office in November.

With smooth edges and brilliant color, glass sculptures have the unique ability to freeze time, to capture color in motion, to mold power into fluidity.

The first and only job application Mr. Aldo Palmieri ever filled out is what kick-started his lifelong teaching career at Avalon Middle School. Palmieri, or “Mr. P” as he’s more commonly known, is an English and history teacher of 42 years at Avalon who announced that he will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Lifeguarding began more than 130 years ago when Atlantic City established the first beach patrol … anywhere. Although numerous books have been written about individual patrols, it has only recently become possible to find a comprehensive, authoritative source covering every South Jersey patrol, from Brigantine to Cape May Point.

They bark. They hang out in large flocks on short orange legs by the water in the summer heat. And when they lift and swirl as a flock, they are a spectacle that can take your breath away.

Memorial Day weekend marks more than just a three-day break – it’s the unofficial start of summer, a time to gather with friends and family, fire up the grill, and honor those who served in our nation’s military.

Avalon’s three incumbent Borough Council members – Mari Coskey, Jamie McDermott, and Chet Johnson – were all re-elected in the May 13 municipal election.

The Avalon Garden Club and the Environmental Commission celebrated Arbor Day with a tree planting on Friday, April 25. This year’s addition was a London plane tree, planted on the 35th Street Dune Drive island.