On Thursday, May 2nd American Legion Post 331 of Stone Harbor completed Phase 2 of its property upgrade under a grant from the Home Depot Foundation. Phase 1, also under a Home Depot Foundation grant, provided needed improvements to the legion building’s interior, which included ceiling, lighting, flooring, insulation, and interior painting upgrades. Phase 2, focused on an exterior upgrade, was devoted to the beautification and improved functionality of the Post’s property. This phase consisted of the installation of pavers around the building’s exterior.

This included a paver platform where patriotic ceremonies can be conducted, a fire pit for burning unserviceable American Flags during the annual Flag Day ceremony, a walkway behind the building by the parking lot, a walkway from the side entrance to the Second Avenue sidewalk, and a walkway in front of the building’s lifesaving station murals. Additionally, a wall with a planter was constructed behind the flag pole area in the side yard which will contain emblems of the six services whose veterans make up the American Legion. Paverstone, LLC of the Quikrete Concrete Company did a tremendous job in laying the pavers for this project.

Post Commander Tom McCullough of Avalon coordinated the Home Depot Foundation grant process with three Home Depot managers and along with other post members facilitated the layout and site preparation for the installation of the pavers.

The final portion of Phase 2, to be completed later this summer, will be the replacement of the building’s handicap ramp with more durable material by Skip Holtzapfel Builders, Inc. The materials also will be provided under the Home Depot Foundation grant. With these upgrades, Post 331, “The Jewel of Seven Mile Island”, will be both a historic and beautiful location at Stone Harbor, New Jersey’s southern end. Future plans include obtaining a grant from State Senator Michael Testa’s office for the replacement of the building’s windows to meet historical specifications.