SEVEN MILE – 6-21-2006

Summer began today at 8:26 a.m.
In the United States and the rest of the northern hemisphere, the first day of the summer season is the day of the year when the sun is farthest north.
This day is known as the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
The length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a maximum for the year, there will be about 14 1/2 hours of daylight today.
Get out and enjoy it, but don’t forget your sunblock!
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Mrs. Ione Pope called and asked me to thank all of her friends and neighbors who joined with her to celebrate her 93rd birthday earlier this month.
“I don’t know how a 93-year-old lady could have had a better time,” she said.
Mrs. Pope is “most grateful for everything that everyone did to make the day special.”
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The Seven Mile Beach Democratic Club will meet Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Drive.
Guest speaker will be Harry DeButts, Director of Public Works and Utilities and Emergency Manager for Borough of Avalon.
His topic will be, “An Historic Overview of the Avalon Dune Restoration Project.”
The meeting is open to residents of Avalon and Stone Harbor regardless of political affiliation.
For information call 368-6679.
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On Sunday the Avalon Performing Arts Council will hold its 19th annual Art Show and Sale at Community Hall, located at 30th Street and Avalon Avenue.
The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
62 artists will be represented, and over $3,600 will be awarded in prizes.
Doree Loschiavo of Philadelphia will give a watercolor demonstration at 1 p.m., and a print, donated by Fury Feraco of Fishing Creek, will be offered for raffle.
Plan on riding the Avalon/Stone Harbor Trolley to and from Community Hall noon to 10 p.m.
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The guest speaker at the June 26 meeting of the Women’s Civic Club of Avalon will be Arlette de Monseau Michaelis of South Dennis.
The public is invited to join them at 12:30 p.m. in the Avalon Community Hall to hear her speak about her book “Beyond the Ouija Board,” which is based upon her experiences as a young girl in Nazi occupied Belgium during World War II.
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New Jersey’s Methodist Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar has appointed Reverend Vena Murphy as the new pastor of The First United Methodist Church of Avalon.
Rev. Murphy brings a wealth of experience that includes 20 years of ministry and an education that includes a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Divinity from Palmer Seminary.
She is a Certified Spiritual Director of Tree of Life and an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Murphy begins to serve the Avalon Church, Dune Drive at 34th Street on July 1, and every Sunday at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
Avalon’s current pastor, Rev. Ray Schmeling, moves to a new assignment as the pastor of Weymouth United Methodist Church.
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Excitement is building for Antique and Art Week in Stone Harbor.
The Stone Harbor Women’s Civic Club’s 57th annual Antique Show and their third annual Art Show are being combined into one big event.
The Antique Show is July 7, 8, and 9, Friday from 2 – 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Stone Harbor Elementary School, 93rd Street and Third Avenue.
The Art Show takes place at the Women’s Civic Club Building, 96th Street and First Avenue from 4 – 9 p.m. on July 8 and from 1 – 5 p.m. on July 9.
In addition, the Civic Club has worked with three local galleries in town to extend the festivities and sponsor artists at each of their galleries.
Trendz, 209 96th St., will have a showing on July 7 and 8.
Peter McPhee Fine Arts, 9416 Second Ave. will have a showing on July 8, and William Ris Gallery, 9400 Second Ave., on July 13 and 14.
It will be a fun-filled week.
***
“Thursdays On The Lawn” returns Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m., July 6 through Aug. 10.
Bring a chair or blanket and a friend to enjoy free musical entertainment by local musicians on the front lawn of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 95th Street and Third Avenue.
Provisions have been made for inclement weather in the Parish Hall.
The performers this year are as follows: July 6, Jim Bannach of BLT; July 13, Andy Prescott; July 20, Derrick Mc Queen; July 27, Bob Campanell; Aug. 3, Snake Brothers; Aug. 10, Jim Bannach of BLT.
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The Cape May County Library, in an endeavor to encourage children to read, is offering a Summer Independent Reading Club, “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales.”
Read all the details in On Deck magazine inside and online at www.CapeMayCountyHerald.com.
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The First United Methodist Church of Avalon is adding a new Worship Service for the summer months.
The new service will start at 8:30 a.m. beginning on July 2.
The 8:30 a.m. casual service features a shorter format, a more casual atmosphere, more parking, and less traffic.
The Church also offers a 10 a.m. traditional Sunday Worship service all year long featuring the inspiring music of the Chancel and Bell Choirs and ministry to children.
Both services include great hymns of the faith, scripture reading, prayer, the pastor’s message, and a monthly service of Holy Communion.
The church is located on Dune Drive at 34th Street in Avalon.
All are welcome!
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Saturday worship at the beach will take place again this year at the 101st Street Pavilion.
The services by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church begin at 5 p.m., during July and August. Open to everyone.
Come as you are. Come direct from the beach. Bring a chair or blanket and join this special worship experience surrounded by God’s beauty.
In the event of rain the service will be held at the church, 95th Street and Third Avenue.
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Avalon Kids’ Summer Cooking School for ages eight to 12 will be held at the Avalon Senior Citizens Center, 3100 Dune Drive, on Wednesdays, July 12 and 26, Aug. 2 and 9, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Each class will be repeated from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Students will take a culinary journey through Mexico, Italy, regional America, and make several types of pizzas.
Working in teams, students will prepare a complete meal, including an entrée, appetizer and/or side dish, dessert and beverage.
Recipes prepared will be eaten in class.
Registration form with fee must be received at 275 15th Street by 5 p.m. Monday before the class.
For more information call 368-5885 or 717-964-1870.
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Spot, the very friendly puppy from Eric Hill’s books, will be making visits to the Cape May County Library.
Children of all ages are invited to have fun with Spot and enjoy stories and handouts along with take-home activities.
Spot will visit the Stone Harbor Public Library, 9508 Second Ave. on July 13 at 2 p.m.
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The Stone Harbor Women’s Civic Club will return to their newly renovated building, 96th between First Avenue and the beach, on July 18 at 9:30 a.m. for their monthly meeting.
The program for this month is “How to Restart a Heart.”
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There is always something happening at the Avalon Senior Center at 31st Street and Dune Drive.
Activities include: Cooking Class, by reservation, July 17, at 1 p.m.; Open Art Workshop, Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.; Spanish classes every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.; Bridge every Tuesday at 7 p.m.; Intermediate Bridge on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., and a new Friday beginner class will start on July 14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Call Theresa Montgomery at 967-7002 to sign up for the new class.
Book Club meets on July 11 to discuss “The Last Report of Miracles at Little No Horse” by Louise Erdrich.
Mah-Jongg classes are scheduled for June 26, July 10 and 24.
Please call Sue Keen at 967-5924 to register and for details on their complete program.
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This week’s regularly scheduled boards and councils: tonight, Avalon School Board meets at 7 p.m.
June 26, Stone Harbor Planning Board meets at 7 p.m.