Riverguy has to just put it out there....Downtown Toms River is doing a lot to add to the quality of life around here. Some genuinely fun and exciting events have been going on in town. Riverguy has lived other places, and believe me, you won't find a small town anywhere that tries to provide as much to do and enjoy as our own Downtown Toms River.
Don't believe me? Let's see...what has gone on lately? Here is what comes to mind: the Chili and Salsa Fest, Arts and Music Fest, the NJ State Ice Cream Festival, Crusin' Downtown vintage car nights, "Wednesdays on Washington" free concerts, and the Farmers Market (Huddy Park, every Wed.). Also add the free concerts on the lawn by the library, the Food Fest (a Chamber of Commerce event), and the Wooden Boat fest (brought to us via the Seaport Society)-- and you have a great mix of all kinds of fun things to enjoy.
This fall, you'll see a new event Downtown: Harvest Fest. It will feature a scarecrow contest, food, entertainment, and more. You shouldn't miss it!
If you want to stay informed about all the the happenings in Toms River, check the Downtown Toms River website (www.downtowntomsriver.com) -- and also follow them on Facebook. Another good source of information for the whole Toms River area is Toms River Online (www.tomsriveronline.com). They also have a Facebook page.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
A Divided Public Can Still Fly the Flag
Riverguy was riding around Toms River today, and he noticed that only about 20 percent of the houses had American flags flying for the 4th of July holiday. It may even have been less. That means at least 80 percent of the homes didn't have a flag.
Think back to the time right after the 9/11 attacks...those percentages were reversed. Flags were flying everywhere -- we were hurting, but we were standing strong and proud to be American.
What has happened over the last 10 years? Lots of course... and the various wars, contentious elections, and economic downturns have really hurt our relationship with each other. The public seems polarized, angry, and dug in to their political positions.
Riverguy isn't telling anyone that they're right or wrong -- we've arrived at our opinions and beliefs through bitter experience, and we claim the right to try to convince others. But...even when we're bitterly divided, can't be still show pride in being American? The flag is a symbol of our freedom, our right to confront each other (peacefully, let's hope), to express ourselves, to push for what we believe. Let's show pride in our country, our town, our way of doing things...even in our right to argue with one another....fly the flag!
Think back to the time right after the 9/11 attacks...those percentages were reversed. Flags were flying everywhere -- we were hurting, but we were standing strong and proud to be American.
What has happened over the last 10 years? Lots of course... and the various wars, contentious elections, and economic downturns have really hurt our relationship with each other. The public seems polarized, angry, and dug in to their political positions.
Riverguy isn't telling anyone that they're right or wrong -- we've arrived at our opinions and beliefs through bitter experience, and we claim the right to try to convince others. But...even when we're bitterly divided, can't be still show pride in being American? The flag is a symbol of our freedom, our right to confront each other (peacefully, let's hope), to express ourselves, to push for what we believe. Let's show pride in our country, our town, our way of doing things...even in our right to argue with one another....fly the flag!
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