Seven MILE – 6-28-2006

Although July 4 is celebrated as America’s official split from Britain’s rule and the beginning of the American Revolution, the actual series of events took longer than a single day.
The original resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776, and called for the Continental Congress to declare the United States free from British rule.
Three days later a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson was appointed to prepare an appropriate writing for the occasion.
Congress adopted the document that we know as the Declaration of Independence on July 4, although the resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration was actually approved two days earlier.
All of this had occurred with some of the delegates to the Congress not even present. New York, for example, didn’t vote on the resolution until July 9.
Not a single signature was appended to the Declaration on July 4.
Most of the fifty-six names were in place by early August, however one signer, Thomas McKean, didn’t actually sign the Declaration until 1781.
Nevertheless, July 4 was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.
Only four American holidays are still celebrated on their proper calendar days: Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s and Independence Day.
Of all the secular holidays, the Fourth of July is the only one whose celebration date resists change.
This year July 4 falls on Tuesday. Have a safe and festive holiday.
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Stone Harbor’s celebrations on July 4 take place on the recreation field at 81st Street and Second Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. with the candy scramble. Then there will be foot races for all ages, followed by Slow Bike races.
The Phillies Home Run Derby is at 10:30 a.m. with registration one hour before.
The Decorated Bike and Stroller Contest is at 11:45 a.m. Be sure to register for this event between 9 and 10 a.m.
The Sand Sculpting Contest begins at 10 a.m. on the beach, with judging at 11:30 a.m. Register one hour before.
The Concert and Fireworks, sponsored by the Stone Harbor Fire Company, will take place at dusk.
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Avalon’s Fourth of July Family Fun Fest begins on June 30 with a concert by the John Walters Band at Veterans’ Plaza at 7 p.m.
On July 1, there is the Antique Show at Community Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Snake Brothers Beach Concert from noon to 3 p.m.
At 6 p.m. there will be a decorated family parade beginning at Community Hall and ending at Veterans’ Plaza where the Cole Brothers Concert starts at 7 p.m.
On July 2 the Islandman Triathalon begins at 7:30 a.m. at Community Hall. Pick up your entrants’ packet at the firehouse on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.
Music will fill the air all day with concerts and at 6 p.m. there will be a Family Festival Beach Luau. Tickets are $20.
The fireworks are Sunday night at 9:15 p.m. from a barge located 1/4 mile east of the fishing pier.
Gather on the beach for this spectacular display.
On Monday enjoy a movie, “Zathura,” on the beach, at 9 p.m.
On the Fourth of July there are swimming races at the Windrift, 80th Street, at 10 a.m., a beach concert at 30th Street at noon, and field races at the Eighth Street playground at 2 p.m.
At 3 p.m. the Boat Parade begins just north of Avalon Point Marina. “Gin & Tonic” is the lead boat.
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The Avalon Free Public Library is hosting a summer series Wednesday evenings at 7 p. m. Tonight’s program will feature the very entertaining Bill Harley, musician, storyteller, author, and NPR commentator
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On June 10 the Stone Harbor ROA held their Spring General Membership Meeting.
Property owners met and heard from their new Chief of Police, William Toland, and Mayor Suzanne Walters informed them on the State of the Borough.
In addition, there were two outstanding and very informative presentations.
Councilwoman Anne Wannen provided facts on the proposed recreation center.
Councilman Julian Miraglia brought everyone up to date on the efforts of the Natural Resources Committee and Bob Bartke, chairman of the Bird Sanctuary Committee, presented a specific plan for the restoration of the Bird Sanctuary.
These presentations and the supporting facts are now available on the borough’s website: www.stone-harbor.nj.us Look for the information on the first page under “What’s New/Recent Additions.”
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The Stone Harbor Fire Company will hold their Hoagie Sale on July 1 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Firehouse, 96th street and Second Avenue.
The hoagies are great and cost only $5. Proceeds support the Fireworks Display.
Come out early as they sell out before noon.
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Stone Harbor Family Fun Night happens every Monday at 7 p.m. in the Firehouse parking lot on 96th Street.
On July 3, magician Tom McDonnell will perform.
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Congratulations to the Stone Harbor Elementary School Class of 2006: Brandon Hand, Emily Hand, Daniel Hoy, Blair Roche, Max Sorenson, and Clayton White.
The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce Award for “Highest Academic Achievement” went to Max Sorensen.
The Senior Citizen Award for “Positive Growth and Performance” went to Clayton White.
The American Legion Stephen C. Ludlam Post 331 Award for “Best All Around” went to Daniel Hoy.
The Rotary Club Leadership and Community Service Award for “Service Above Self” went to Emily Hand and Brandon Hand.
The President’s Education Awards went to Max Sorensen, Clayton White, and Daniel Hoy.
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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. Sunday Worship service all year long.
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 are open to everyone. They begin at 5 p.m. during July and August.
Come as you are. Bring a chair or blanket and join this special worship experience.
In the event of rain the service will be held at the church, 95th Street and Third Avenue.
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Stone Harbor Elementary School will offer two computer classes this summer for members of the Stone Harbor Community.
Courses will be taught by Paul Dal Santo, the Technology Coordinator for the School.
Courses assume a basic understanding of how to use a computer. Class size is limited to eight.
Contact the school at 368-4413 ext. 26 or pick up a form in the school office to register.
Classes are as follows:
Introduction to Computer Operation and Software: The course runs July 10 to 13 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
In Basic Word Processing using Microsoft’s Word, learn to create a variety of documents.
This course July 31 to Aug. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
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“Thursdays on the Lawn” returns Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. beginning July 6 through Aug. 10.
On July 6, Jim Bannach of BLT will perform.
Bring a chair or blanket to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 95th Street and Third Avenue. Presentations are held outside on the front lawn.
Provisions have been made for inclement weather in the Parish Hall.
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Many of the young people who are here as seasonal workers cannot find an affordable place to stay.
Do you have a spare room that you are willing to rent to one of the young people working here for the summer?
Call Marti or Jim at the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce and let them know, 368-6101.
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Benjamin Gauthier, an educational musician from Kalamazoo, Michigan, travels and writes songs that teach through music.
Gauthier will be writing and performing music created for “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales” on July 6 at 2:30 p.m. in the Stone Harbor Recreation Center, 82nd Street.
Call 368-6809 for more information.
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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. On Friday the show runs from 2 to 6 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on 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 to 9 p.m. on July 8 and from 1 to 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.
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The Stone Harbor Women’s Civic Club will hold “Tea by the Sea” on July 16 at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $12 available by calling Amy Giulian at 368- 8347.
Michele Pollard Partick, author of “A Child’s Introduction to Tea,” will present some tea and etiquette tips.
Recommended ages are four to 100+. All are welcome. Proceeds benefit Project Oceanfront to renovate the Clubhouse.
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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, and Aug. 2 and 9 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. At 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Pre-registration is required. For more information call 368-5885 or 717-964-1870.
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Sea Isle City Recreation Department and Advance Test Review have teamed up again to present SAT/PSAT preparation camps this summer.
Read the details in Sea Isle City News Notes.
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The Tidepool Museum Shop at the Wetlands Institute is now selling Federal Duck Stamps.
Check out the details in Middle Twonship News Notes.
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This week’s regularly scheduled boards and councils:
Tonight: Avalon Council meets at 7:30 p.m.
June 26: Stone Harbor Planning Board meets at 7 p.m.
Stone Harbor Council will meet on Wednesday, July 5 at 4:40 p.m. due to the Fourth of July holiday.