To Spend Big Bucks...or Not?

There is an important Toms River School District Referendum on Dec. 11th -- you will be asked to vote on a $10 million dollar (local share) program to construct a new Kindergarten building, as well as additions and improvements to other local schools.

This referendum is coming up (too) fast...doesn't leave much time for discussion. And big money is involved. Riverguy is leaning toward voting "No" to send a message that we are not happy with these things being pushed through quickly -- and under the radar.

Maybe if the kids coming out of our schools could find Canada on a map, I'd have more confidence that our money is being well-spent.

In any event, to see an explanation of the referendum and the allocation of funds -- copy this link into your browser: http://www.trschools.com/referendum/pdf/referendum_information.pdf

Crime Increasing in Our Area

We've been very fortunate in our area for quite some time...compared to most parts of New Jersey, and the rest of the country for that matter, very been very safe in our parks, streets, and shopping centers. Lately, however, we've had a murder in Berkeley, gunshots in Brick Plaza, and a jogger attacked in Toms River.

More public awareness and outcry is needed to focus attention on the problem and find solutions -- before these isolated incidents become a trend. Most of the crime seems to be related to gangs -- either real ones or, more likely, regular kids acting out with a gang mentality. Whether more cooperation is needed between the police and school system, or Police need more resources, Riverguy is not smart enough to know. But I do think awareness of the problem -- early on -- is the first step toward solving it.

Wellness Center Switched to Kindergarten...Ok, But...

Riverguy is a little puzzled....changes seem to be made around here quickly, and seemingly under the radar. A good case in point is the Wellness Center that was going to be built on the grounds of Toms River Intermediate East. Not too many people seemed to know about it, or understand how it came about. Just as awareness was growing, we suddenly learn that the plan has changed. A new building for a Kindergarten will be built on the site instead. Now, this seems to make more sense, and I'm not condemning the idea (actually I'm prone to praise it), but once again we had a fast action that didn't allow much discussion in the community. Now I know planning meetings do occur, and the more astute of you are thinking..."well, these other folks are sloppy citizens, and just need to pay more attention, and get to the meetings." Ok....but let's be real a minute. People are busy, distracted, and yes, a bit lazy. But the movers and shakers in the community owe it to all of us to announce and publicize the meetings and discussions of pending important decisions in a bigger way -- and well in advance. The public, collectively, does have a lot of common sense, and should be allowed to fully weigh in on things going on around town. Getting some public consensus will also dispel that feeling of things happening "under the radar."

Toms River Farmers Market - Why Wouldn't You?

The Toms River Farmers Market is held from noon to 6pm every Wednesday (starting this past Wed.) through Oct. 24th. It is in Huddy Park, and you can park your car right there in the Robbins Parkway lot.
Now, your mother always told us to eat our vegetables, but very few us do. Why not do yourself a favor and get some farm-fresh vegetables at the Market? They even have organically grown fruits and vegetables, if you want to get the best health benefits. Additional vendors have honey, pasta, nuts, and much more.
With the stuff that's good for you conveniently right around the corner -- why wouldn't you go?

It's More than a 3-Day Weekend

Well, we're coming up on another Memorial Day weekend....and everyone is thinking "long weekend" or "goin' to the beach" or "going shopping." But we should also take some time to think about the true meaning of Memorial Day, which is " is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service." Hey...we live a good life... all of that going to the beach, and shopping, etc. is possible because thousands of our countrymen died so that we could have that kind of freedom.
One of the best ways to celebrate Memorial Day is by going to a parade. There is a good one in downtown Toms River (Monday, 9:30 am, Main St.), as well as a handful of others in the area. Check Toms River Online's "Events" section for more details.
Give it a shot....it is fun, and it won't take much time out of your long weekend. And you'll feel good about having gone -- because you will have shown that you care about your country and the people who have sacrificed for you.
Be sure to give extra applause to the World War II vets that will march-- they are getting up there in age, and need to get your thanks now!

Give Downtown Toms River a Try

It seems to me that people around here are much too apathetic about our downtown...ok, it doesn't have a lot of stores to browse in right now, but guess what...if we showed a bit more interest in patronizing the businesses that are down there, more would follow. And consider this...how many areas in this country would love to have a downtown where you can walk around safely, that has so much history, and has so much potential?
Ok...I can hear you now..."there's no place to park." Not so. Check the parking map on Toms River Online, or check out the parking information on the downtown site (www.downtowntomsriver.com/bid/parking.htm). It's just not a good excuse anymore.
And consider all the great events coming up....Chili Fest, Crusin', Founders Day, Ice Cream, the Farmer's Market...etc...you'll miss out if you don't have downtown Toms River on your radar screen.
And when you attend the events, take a few minutes to check out the restaurants, galleries, and other businesses down there...you CAN have fun in downtown Toms River....prove it to yourself!

How is Campus Security in Ocean County?

After the events of the past week, it's only natural to wonder..."could it happen here?" The easy answer is yes, , of course it could, a deranged person can always find a way to bring havoc down on the rest of us. But this is a bit of a cop-out....don't we at least owe it to ourselves to re-double our security efforts, especially in the age of terrorism?
Recently, I had to deliver an item to a building on a local campus. I'm not a student, and am not "typical student-age" -- so when I pulled up to entrance of the campus, I expected the guard in the guardhouse (at least there was someone there!) to stop me and ask who I was, and what business I had on campus. Quite to the contrary -- the guy just waved me on -- and was actually annoyed that I stopped (I interrupted his cell phone conversation). I thought to myself "good thing I'm not a mad bomber...this is too easy."
So...I think the security folks at the colleges, the mall, and the nuclear plant should take recent events as a signal to review all of their procedures. Maybe they are, but we in the general public should keep reminding them...just to be sure!

Competitive Edge -- or Not?

Whenever anything new in terms of public facilities is built around here, there is a sharp division amoungst the townsfolk. One group asks about where the money came from to build, and whether it should it have been spent. Others point out the benefits, either in educational value, or recognition for the town, or revenues gained.

The "Bubble" - the new indoor athletic complex, and the Ritacco center are two high-profile additions that generate this kind of controversy. Now we also see that money is needed to save the Planetarium.

It seems to me that the root of the problem -- political considerations aside -- is that on the one hand we have a large portion of our community that consists of retired folks, and they are conservative by nature. Living on fixed incomes, they are understandably reluctant to see tax money spent extravagantly.

The younger portion of the community views expenditures in facilities and programs as an investment in their children. It is a competitive world, and our children -- and the working community itself -- has to compete in the marketplace. And yet there has to be a limit to what a community can reasonably provide.

So the question is....can some middle ground be found? Shouldn't we be careful with public monies, make everything and everyone along the way accountable....but also be open to providing our community, and our children with the tools and experiences needed to more forward? Can we gain a competitive edge for our community -- or not?

Toms River Roadways are Scary

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that driving around Toms River has gotten especially scary lately. It could be that people have spring fever, but more likely it is that we've all become a bit frantic as traffic begins to increase.
Older drivers tend to slow down, and to become extra careful, perhaps further bogging down the flow of traffic. Younger drivers react by weaving in and out of traffic, and blowing the doors off someone that they think is going too slow.
And don't even get me started on people that are driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on a cell phone held to the ear.
There is only one cure to this toxic mix -- common sense.
Older drivers need to keep up with the normal traffic flow....going excessively slow will only increase the chance of an impatient younger driver swerving around you and creating a hazard. And can I add -- ever so gently -- that you get regular eye and hearing checks. No one wants to take your freedom to drive away, so you need to make sure that you're ready for the road.
Younger drivers need to realize that Rt. 37 isn't a drag strip -- think about the tragic deaths of of the kids in Neptune recently. And I know that many young drivers are actually good drivers, and tailgating or cutting in and out of traffic doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but what is does is cut down on everyone's margin of error. What happens if another car next to yours makes a sudden lane change just when you do? Believe me, you don't what the legal, insurance, and money hassles that come with an accident.
As for cell phones...get a hands-free kit or bluetooth so that you can at least have both hands available for driving.

The Clock is Ticking on River Fest

Maybe someone out there knows the answer....maybe I just haven't heard...will there be a River Fest this year? There is a lot to consider, I know. It's a big undertaking, and a lot of things will need to be organized if the Fest is going to happen, and be successful. I'm guessing that the pros and cons are being considered heavily right now, but let's face it... the clock is ticking. People from out of the area are already calling around town, checking Toms River Online, and looking to find out if the event is on.

Political considerations aside, logistics will start to come into play. To have the Fest, the town will need to mobilize. Parts of the business community will want to jump on board, and they need notice.

I hope a decision is made soon. And that somebody lets me know. After all, this is Toms River 411....and we'd like to be the first one to announce it.