Take THAT!, Sandy, Beaches Open with Snip of Scissors

STONE HARBOR — The New Jersey shore opened for business May 24. Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters, with members of borough council flanking her, sliced through the huge blue ribbon that proclaimed, “New Jersey Stronger Than The Storm.” Overhead, the sun broke through the clouds, and blue skies covered the happy occasion.
Legions of residents north and south held that ribbon as far as could be seen.
School children from Stone Harbor Elementary waved American flags as they wiggled their toes in the sands that soon will be warmed by the summer sun.
A huge American flag fluttered in the breeze over a Stone Harbor fire truck.
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AVALON — Avalon business owners, school children, elected officials, residents and visitors all participated in a “Stronger than the Storm” event designed to kick off the summer season in Avalon and to show support for other beach communities in the State of New Jersey who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The event was held Friday morning, May 24th, with a one-mile long ribbon held by participants on the Avalon beachfront.
“This event was an important way to show support for the Christie administration’s efforts to get the word out that the entire Jersey Shore is open for business”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “In Avalon, beaches are replenished, all businesses are open, the boardwalk is in great shape and we are anxious to showcase our community to families who want to enjoy a shore vacation”.
The “Stronger than the Storm” initiative was created by the Christie administration as a way to showcase the Jersey Shore’s restoration following “Sandy”, which impacted shore resorts in late October, 2012. Several beach towns, including Avalon, held “Stronger than the Storm” events on the beaches Friday morning to remind visitors that the shore is “open for business” and their favorite beaches, businesses, and attractions are ready to welcome families this summer.
The Avalon Chamber of Commerce and the 7 Mile Business and Community Association coordinated the event on the Avalon beach. Business owners and their employees wore shirts and other attire reflective of their businesses; students from the Avalon Elementary School also participated in the event and held up portions of the ribbon to show support for students in other beach communities along the Jersey Shore.
The “Stronger than the Storm” event was the first major event in Avalon for Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, May 25th an antique show will be held inside the Avalon Community Hall at 30th Street and the beach. On Sunday, the annual Matthew Mullin Memorial 5K beach run/walk will be held on the Avalon beachfront. And on Monday, Avalon holds its traditional Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony along Dune Drive in Avalon. United States Army Colonel Dr. Kenneth Graf, who re-enlisted in the Army two years after the September 11th attack on America at the age of 59, will be the keynote speaker during the ceremony.