Letter from the Editor

It’s officially summer on the Seven Mile Beach, and there’s no better time to celebrate everything that makes this island so special. From fireworks and parades to concerts and cookouts, the Fourth of July brings a wave of excitement, and our coverage of Avalon and Stone Harbor’s Independence Day celebrations starts on page 22.

On page 30, Dave Coskey sits down with Sister James Dolores for a thoughtful Q&A about Villa Maria by the Sea, its beautifully rebuilt retreat house, and the expanded spiritual programming now offered year-round. Then, Dave Bontempo introduces us to Stone Harbor’s new police chief, Christopher Palmer, on page 32. Stay safe while enjoying the shore with “Beach Safety,” a timely and informative piece by Jennifer James Davenport on page 34.

We turn to history and heroism in “The Legend of Cleon Krouse” by Dave Coskey on page 42. Krouse was Stone Harbor’s first lifeguard, a WWI pilot, and an early aviation pioneer with deep ties to the island. On page 48, Mary Byrne Lamb previews this month’s author events sponsored by the Avalon Free Public Library featuring two literary powerhouses, David Grann and Taylor Jenkins Reid. Mary’s art preview starts on page 54, highlighting Craig Alan’s imaginative works showing at Ocean Galleries over Fourth of July weekend.

Audrey Dearlove shines a light on local athlete Carmen O’Hara and her record-breaking lacrosse season in “Fast, Fierce & Fearless” on page 60. Then, turn to page 64 for “The Wetlands’ Best Friend” by Jack Byrne, a spotlight on John Kauterman and his tireless mission to clean up the marshes one bucket at a time.

If you’re entertaining this summer, don’t miss Jean Miersch’s “Nice Cream” on page 79, an herb-infused take on ice cream socials that’s perfect for sunny afternoons. Starting on page 82, our Shore Shops section is your curated guide to the island’s most stylish shopping. Discover thoughtfully chosen pieces and coastal-inspired treasures, from artisan gifts and designer apparel to gourmet treats and refined home accents.

On page 102, Celeste E. Whittaker profiles Geno Auriemma in “Once a Coach, Always a Coach,” an inspiring profile of the basketball legend and his longtime connection to Avalon. And for a bit of summer fun, flip to the back and test your local knowledge with this month’s crossword puzzle by John Bell titled “’No, I Am Your Father’ – Darth Vader” on page 128.

Thank you for picking up the July issue of Seven Mile Times and for supporting the local businesses that make this publication possible. Whether you’re here for the week or the whole season, we’re happy to share the summer with you.

Enjoy the sun, the stories, and the season ahead.

Monica Coskey
Publisher & Editor
Seven Mile Times
mcoskey@7milepub.com