AVALON -The Avalon Planning and Zoning Board announced new procedures for applications that go before the board for approval via press release Oct. 8.

The release states the following:

“We believe that the changes are very beneficial to the public because they streamline the process and help prevent extra work from being done to make the process go more smoothly, and more quickly”, said Avalon Planning and Zoning Board Secretary Paul Short, Sr.

The changes that have been made the application forms include:

Third-grader Stephen Rice, 8, rides in to school as students cheer and hold supportive signs early morning Oct. 8. Photos by Leslie Truluck.

AVALON - Wednesday, Oct. 8, is "National Walk or Ride Your Bike to School Day," which is held every October to promote health and fitness among students and faculty at schools across the nation, including Avalon Elementary School.

Physical Education teacher Patti Fottrell said this is the third consecutive year Avalon has participated.

Students cheered and held up encouraging signs as others peddled and strode to the "finish line" outside the school early in the morning.

The Avalon Lions Club is holding a beef and beer fundraiser this weekend to raise money for Volunteers In
Medicine, a local organization that provides medical care for Cape May County residents who are uninsured or are in need.

The Avalon Lions Club event will be taking place this Sunday, October 12, from 4-7 p.m. at the Windrift. Tickets cost $20.00
and will be available at the door. Guests will be able to enjoy watching the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles
and the San Francisco 49ers during the beef and beer fundraiser.

Avalon’s annual Seafood Fest to cele-brate Indian Summer takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, this, its 20th year.

But what do you really know about In-dian Summer?

You most likely know that it's a short period of especially hospitable weather. If it's any sooner, it's simply called summer, and if it's later, well, it's just a warm day in November.

A recent performance by the Bay Atlantic Symphony that took place in Avalon will be included on a new compact disc that will be offered as part of a radio station donor premium.

Bay Atlantic Symphony Maestro Jed Gaylin announced that a portion of the symphony’s concert in Avalon on Saturday, Aug. 24 will be included on a CD to be released by radio station WWFM, New Jersey’s classical music station.

AVALON –– Nearby beachgoers and Avalon Public Works employees tried to save a whale that beached itself by attempting to push it back into the water near 23rd Street at about 1 p.m. Oct. 1.

The marine mammal thrashed in the water for hours before it was pronounced dead at about 3 p.m. Public Works used heavy machinery to pull the marine mammal from out of the water.

Scientist from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine came to Avalon to examine the whale in the Avalon Public Works yard here Oct. 2

AVALON –– Residents at the north end of the borough may hear some new noises in the neighborhood soon.

A project on the 13th Street water tank begins Monday, Sept. 29, with some phases more noisy than others, to improve efficiency and extend the life of the structure by 12 to 15 years.

Work involves removing all interior and exterior paint from the steel surfaces by sandblasting then applying three coats of paint on the interior and exterior.

The West Point Cadet Catholic Choir will perform in Avalon at Maris Stella Church, Sept. 20-21.
The choir is a fellowship where any cadet can celebrate musical liturgy, learn something about music and Catholic musical tradition, enjoy the company of friends, and serve as an ambassador for the Most Holy Trinity Parish at West Point to other parishes.
Guided by Meredith Baker, a classically trained and outstanding musical director, the choir supports weekly mass at West Point and engages in many social, teambuilding, and service events.

Author Jerry Zolten and the late Ira Tucker at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductions

Music aficionados take note: The Dixie Hummingbirds are coming to the Avalon Elementary School for a concert on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The most revered singing group in the African-American Gospel tradition, the Dixie Hummingbirds are one of the few groups that span the evolution of that genre from 1928 to the present. It is safe to say that every form of American music had its birth in Dixie Hummingbirds’ style.

AVALON -- The Avalon Beach Patrol announced on Sept. 4 that it will continue to have guarded beaches through Sept. 7.

Most beaches in the borough will remain unguarded through September, but Avalon lifeguards will generally be guarding beaches at 28th Street and 78th Street through Sept. 7.

Other select beaches may also be guarded during this week as well. Call the beach patrol at (609) 967-7587 for latest information.

Beaches will be unguarded in Avalon starting Sept. 8.