Smilestones
LIONS PRESENT DONATION TO DILLER HOME
The Avalon Lions Club held its annual end-of-summer cookout at the Charles P. Covington Pavilion of the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children on Wednesday, Aug. 27. During the evening, Lions president Jim Lutz presented Diller Home president Doug Heun with a donation of $20,000, the proceeds from the Lions’ annual Charity Golf Classic.
“The Avalon Lions Club supports dozens of charities throughout Cape May County, donating over $125,000 a year, and the Diller Home is a favorite,” said Lutz. “We have been partners for nearly 25 years and like a family, couldn’t be prouder.”
The Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children operates for eight weeks every summer from mid-June through mid-August and provides an all-expenses-paid week of summer camp for blind and visually impaired children. With the support of community organizations like the Avalon Lions Club, thousands of campers have enjoyed the feeling of sand between their toes and the waves crashing on their legs, as well as the sound of the ocean, since 1972.
SHPOA PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
The Stone Harbor Property Owners Association announced the winners of its 10th Annual Amateur Photo Contest during its fall membership meeting in September.
First place was awarded to Haley Meyer, with Joan Brown placing second and Patrick Serfass third.
This year’s contest drew more than 100 entries, which were narrowed down to 12 finalists by an independent jury. Community members then cast more than 400 votes to determine the top three winners.
Past contest winners include Thomas McClintic (2021), David Hayes (2022), Becky Carfagno (2023), and Jack Harrell (2024).
The top three finishers received gift cards in recognition of their work: $250 for first place, $150 for second, and $100 for third.
LOOK WHAT THE STORK BROUGHT!
REESE BOWIE MINUTO
Reese Bowie Minuto was born Aug. 24 in Voorhees to first-time parents Callie and Scott Minuto, of Medford. Reese was 7 pounds, 3 ounces upon arrival. Callie is a physical education teacher at Burlington County Institute of Technology in Medford and Scott is a special-education teacher at Seneca High School in Tabernacle. Reese’s proud grandparents are Russ and Janice Minuto, of Voorhees, and Doug and Tracee Darroch, of Shamong. (Doug is the copy editor for 7 Mile Publishing.) Reese’s middle name, by the way, is a tribute to David Bowie, who made a lasting impression on Callie when her parents attended his concert at the Spectrum in 1990, three weeks before Callie was born. In a reference to Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel,” Callie says, “We called Reese ‘Baby Bowie’ throughout my pregnancy since we didn’t know if she was a boy or a girl.”
Tying The Knot
ADELIZZI-HENDEE WEDDING
Grace Adelizzi and Weston Hendee, who own the Izzi & Lu boutiques in Avalon and Sea Isle City, were married Oct. 11 on the 101st Street beach in Stone Harbor. The couple, who live in Cape May Court House, exchanged vows surrounded by their children: flower girls Irie, 5, and Rue, 3, as well as Ozzie (8 months). The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Union League Whitebrier. Following their big day, the family celebrated with a visit to the Outer Banks.