Avalon Borough Council President Greg Chet Johnson and Avalon Lions Charity Treasurer Linda Lutz with the beach wheelchair donated to Avalon earlier in the summer.
LIONS CLUB DONATES BEACH WHEELCHAIR TO STONE HARBOR
The Avalon Lions Club donated a beach wheelchair to the Borough of Stone Harbor at the Sept. 15 council meeting. During the summer, the club graciously made the same donation to the Avalon Borough.
The idea for the beach wheelchair donations came from Linda Lutz, the Avalon Lions Club treasurer, as a way to give back to the community and to raise awareness that the Avalon Lions Club is not just for Avalon but for all of Cape May County.
Each year, the club holds 15 fundraisers. It raised $136,000 this year for 24 charities in Cape May County. The donation of the two beach wheelchairs comes in addition to the targeted charities and represents the Avalon Lion Club’s appreciation for the continued support from the boroughs of Stone Harbor and Avalon, residents, and visitors.
ASBPA Executive Director Nicole Elko (left) with Monica Chasten (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Dr. Lenore Tedesco (The Wetlands Institute), and Jason Hearon (NJDEP).
INNOVATION LAB RECEIVES COASTAL PROJECT AWARD
The Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab received the 2026 Robert L. Wiegel Coastal Project Award at the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s National Coastal Conference Centennial Celebration on Oct. 7.
The ASBPA award recognized SMIIL for its positive and long-lasting environmental impact using coastal dredging sediments to restore eroding salt marshes and protect vulnerable communities.
The SMIIL is a partnership among The Wetlands Institute, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that aims to implement nature-based solutions to coastal restoration. Founded in 2019, the SMIIL has completed 10 projects and restored more than 110 acres of wetlands.
MARTY & LYNDA PAGLIUGHI’S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Lynda and Marty Pagliughi celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 3. The couple, originally from Vineland, met at a political barbecue in their mid-20s. Since then, they have spent 52 wonderful years together and have a son, Marty III, and a cat, Peanut.
In 1974, the couple began renting in Avalon on 7th Street & 1st Avenue across from the old Bongo Room. Three years later, they permanently moved to Avalon, staying on 7th Street.
Marty became very involved with the community and was on Avalon’s Planning Zoning Board before joining the Borough Council from 1987 to 1991. Marty became the Avalon mayor in 1991 and served until his retirement in 2023. Lynda and Marty are still actively involved in the community today.
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, they renewed their vows at St. Brendan the Navigator in front of their family and friends, followed by a Mass in dedication to them. A celebratory lunch at Avalon Links Restaurant followed.
POST 331 VISITS VINELAND VETERANS HOME, DONATES $6,000
The Vineland Veterans Memorial Home received a $6,000 donation from American Legion Post 331 during a visit by 10 post members on Nov. 10. Spence Jones, the post’s 1st vice commander, presented the check to Maria Rodriguez and Carmen Olivia for the home.
The home was established in 1898 and has been open ever since, making it the oldest continually operating home in New Jersey. The Post 331 members received a tour of the facility and commented that the day was informative and memorable.
Post 331 is proud to remember and honor our veterans and to take continued steps to support the men and women who served our country.
Tying The Knot
COHEN-CARR ENGAGEMENT
Annie Cohen and Buddy Carr celebrated their engagement over Labor Day weekend with their families at Summer Salt on the Avalon Boardwalk. Annie graduated from Amherst College and Buddy attended the University of Massachusetts. Both played varsity lacrosse and lived a mile from each other in Amherst. But it wasn’t until they both moved to Denver that the two met, and they still live there today. The couple’s connection to Avalon began with Annie’s grandparents, Polly and Buzz Savidge, who purchased their home in 1983. Since then, Avalon has become the family’s “happy place.” Annie’s parents were even married at the Avalon Yacht Club in 1987. Annie and Buddy hope to be married close to the ocean as well and are now looking at venues.