It’s that magical time of year again … when lights twinkle, carols play, and our towns transform into something truly special. From Avalon’s tree lighting to Stone Harbor’s parade, the holidays on Seven Mile Beach are filled with joy, tradition, and community spirit.

When the last slice of pumpkin pie disappears and the football game fades into background noise, the spirit of the season comes to life in the Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor. You won’t want to miss one minute of the fun over Thanksgiving weekend on Seven Mile Beach.

The Five Man Electrical Band, a Canadian rock group, had a Top 10 hit in 1971 with a novelty song called “Signs.” It was written by the band’s frontman while he was driving back to Los Angeles from Canada. He was struck by the number of “signs, signs, everywhere a sign” along his journey.

There are not many times a person who is beloved can pass away, and after the initial shock and grief, the passing is met with a knowing smile.

In 1946, Stone Harbor’s 96th Street looked strikingly different from the bustling thoroughfare it is today. A nearly empty business district, a gas station prominent on the Third Avenue corner, cars parked in the middle of the street (yes, the middle). And so much empty space.

It’s time to kick off the holiday season in Avalon! Join the 7 Mile Business Community Association for a magical stroll down Dune Drive and enjoy 40+ free activities for the whole family. From live music and character appearances to face painting, crafts, and more—there’s something for everyone to enjoy!!

Don’t miss one of Avalon’s most family-favorite tradition! With 40+ free activities including character meet & greets, face painters, balloon artists, and holiday themed activities, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. This incredible event is sponsored by the 7 Mile Business Community Association.

The 14th annual Barefoot Ball, held Sept. 6 at ICONA Windrift, had a record-setting year, raising more than $450,000 for the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children. The milestone was achieved through generous sponsorships, donations, and proceeds from the evening’s live and silent auctions.

Marilyn Hahle savors a mutual 7 Mile love affair.

The Riverton native, who made Stone Harbor her home 54 years ago, has gained a high-profile recognition of gratitude.

Expect the 2025-26 winter weather to be pretty similar to last winter’s. However, there’s enough support in the forecast to give snow lovers hope this season.

It’s that magical time of year again when lights twinkle, carols play, and the hunt for the perfect gift begins. The lists might be long, but the good news is our local shops are bursting with unique finds that make giving almost as fun as receiving. So, grab a cup of eggnog, turn up the holiday playlist, and let’s get shopping.

You may not recognize his face; after all, he moved to Florida more than 30 years ago, but you definitely know his name: Jack Erkert, THE Jack from Jack’s Place. Jack spent 52 years living here on Seven Mile Beach.

In every great career, hindsight reveals a breakout.

It’s the time period later viewed as the omen, the blazing trumpet, and the fireworks that signaled something special.

Matt Wolf is in that breakout mold now.

“Our dad would have been very proud of us.”

That’s how Fenton Groff III described the efforts of the Groff family on Oct. 25 when eight members from as far away as Maine, joined more than 50 other volunteers in Avalon’s annual fall dune grass planting effort.

It’s been a battle since the first inhabitants arrived on Seven Mile Beach more than 200 years ago: The struggle to stabilize our beaches against Mother Nature’s fiercest efforts to move or, in some cases, remove them.

It was an evening of prestigious awards and silly superlatives at the Avalon Yacht Club’s 2025 Family Night dinner, celebrating the end of summer and the conclusion of this year’s AYC Junior Sailing Program.

The Wetlands Institute is a research, conservation, and education facility that was intentionally built at the coastal interface to serve our mission best. In 1969, when The Wetlands Institute was founded, and in 1972, when our facility was built, sea level rise was not yet a recognized effect.

Greetings, friends! While we’ve been savoring these crisp, sun-kissed beach days on the island, the holiday season is urgently tapping at our door. Time to start planning some holiday entertaining.

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

This Christmas photo, complete with tinsel and electric tree lights, will take us back 77 years to the year 1948. This is the home of John and Ella Meany located on Ocean Drive (called Third Avenue at that time), two houses from 23rd Street. John Meany was a borough commissioner and the grandfather of the youngster, here smiling from ear to ear.