Smilestones
From left: NNDCC instructor Steve Kosloski, MTHS principal Dr. Sharon Rementer, Post 331 Commander Heather Runyon, Post 331 historian Bob Rullo, Middle Township Public Schools superintendent Stephanie DeRose.
POST 331 DONATES $3,000 TO MTHS NAVAL CADET PROGRAM
American Legion Post 331 made a surprise donation of $3,000 to Middle Township High School’s Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program during the cadets’ annual Military Ball on April 24 at the ICONA Windrift. The donation will be used to support existing and new initiatives for the cadets. Multiple awards also were presented to cadets for outstanding work. The event was attended by 35 cadets, their families, and nine members of Post 331. The cadets look forward to seeing the positive impact this donation will have on the program now and in the future. This event was a huge success in building an even stronger sense of community between the school’s Naval Cadets program and the American Legion.
STUDENTS BRING LOCAL HISTORY TO LIFE
Fourth grade students from Avalon Stone Harbor Schools presented their version of a wax museum at the Avalon History Center on May 1, showcasing the results of months of research and preparation. After visiting the museum in the fall, students worked alongside the History Center staff and their teachers to study important people and artifacts from Avalon’s history. The students transformed into historical figures and shared facts about who they were as guests walking through the experience were able to “meet” notable people of the past. This interactive experience gave students the opportunity to learn about their local history in a fun and engaging way while celebrating the history of the community.
ZOO WELCOMES CAPYBARA PUPS
Buttercup and Goomba, capybaras at Cape May County Zoo, welcomed two new pups on April 14. This comes just six months after Buttercup’s last litter of two. Adult females typically have one litter a year. Newborn pups weigh 2-3 pounds and walk within hours of being born!
You will be able to see Buttercup and her pups from the capybara habitat bridge. However, they will be off-habitat often to not be overwhelmed by the crowds. You will be able to visit Budette, Marigold, Goomba, and five older pups daily.
NEW FACE IN MAYOR’S OFFICE
Let’s welcome Eryn Chobert to the Borough of Avalon! Chobert, shown here with Mayor John McCorristin, is the mayor’s new executive assistant following the retirement of longtime assistant Sue Keen in June.
SIXTH GRADERS COMPLETE L.E.A.D. TRAINING
Avalon Elementary’s sixth grade class graduated from the Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.) program on May 11.
L.E.A.D. leads classroom programs to teach children about the dangers of drug use, bullying, and other dangerous behavior nationwide. The program is currently in its 11th year, and by using Botvin LifeSkills Training techniques, has proved to lower alcohol use by 60%, tobacco use by 87%, and violence and bullying by 50%. The program also aims to establish positive relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
After a year of classroom discussions led by the Avalon Police Department, the entire class received their certificates of completion for the L.E.A.D. program.