First Night Ocean County-- A Nice Way to End the Year

Start a new Family tradition -- spend New Years's Eve day attending the FIRST NIGHT OCEAN COUNTY celebration. It takes place along the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights.

Here are the details of the event: First Night Ocean County in Seaside Heights - Tuesday, December 31, 2014. The event is sponsored by the Lakewood BlueClaws.

You will enjoy an alcohol-free, Family-oriented New Year's Eve Day celebration. Bracelets are on sale for $5.00 at the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall, and also in each participating Seaside Heights arcade beginning on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving). Enjoy a day filled with entertainment. Starting at 12 noon until 5 PM, with a Fireworks Display happening at 5 PM.

Schedule of Entertainment:
Casino Arcade – Grant Ave. & Boardwalk
Balloonist – 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Crafts – 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Face Painter – 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Give & Take Jugglers – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium Show – 2:15 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.

Coin Castle Arcade – Sumner Ave. & Boardwalk
Face Painter – 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Balloonist – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Caricature Portraits – 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lucky Leo’s Arcade – Hamilton Ave. & Boardwalk
Caricature Portraits – 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Face Painter – 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Balloonist – 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Shake Shoppe Arcade – Hancock Ave. & Boardwalk
Balloonist – 12 noon to 4:00 p.m
Caricature Portraits – 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Magic – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

See the FIREWORKS DISPLAY!!! Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on the Boardwalk (conditions permitting) For information call 732-830-3700.

Attend the Veterans Day Parade - Nov. 11th

Please come to the Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Toms River -- Tuesday, November 11th, at 9:30am. Service men and women from every generation have fought for us -- the least we can do is show up to honor their service.

Here is the announcement from the Township about the Parade:

“A Salute and Thank You” Ocean County Veterans Day Parade to be held in Toms River (Toms River) All military veterans, their family members and the community are cordially invited to attend the Ocean County Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 in downtown Toms River. The annual parade, sponsored by the Toms River Veterans Commission, will highlight veterans of all branches of the service and feature military vehicles, civic groups, local high school bands and a showcase of vintage cars. Chariot Riders of Manchester will once again be providing a horse with riding boots backwards to symbolize our fallen heroes.

The Toms River Veteran’s Commission recently held an essay contest for the Toms River Intermediate and High Schools. The essay question asked students “Why I appreciate America’s veterans?” The winners were chosen and read their essays aloud at the Council meeting on Oct. 28th. Distinguished Vietnam War veteran George Convery, who was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and received a Presidential Unit Citation for his actions in Vietnam, will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal. Convery is a graduate of Toms River High School and joined the United States Navy in 1966. He was deployed to Vietnam for 10 months serving as a machinist mate on the USS America CVA-66. He was then assigned to temporary duty with the 1st Marine Division as support personnel on a patrol boat performing search and rescue missions.

Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher is reminding everyone in Ocean County to bring family and friends out to the Veteran’s Day parade and ceremony. “Ever since I have been the Mayor, Veteran’s Day becomes more significant because so many of our residents have served, or are still serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other terrorist sites throughout the world. Because of that, I urge as many people as possible to attend the parade and support our Veterans.”

The Ocean County Veteran’s Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Toms River Shopping Center on Rt. 37, proceeding south on Main Street (Route 166) and then east onto Washington Street.

After the parade, there will be a ceremony held outside Toms River’s Town Hall at 33 Washington Street. A commemorative salute will begin at the 11th hour, at the 11th minute on the 11th day of November, which signifies the end of World War I, originally known as Armistice Day. The post-parade ceremony will feature speakers and honored guests, including a placing of the wreath on the Veteran’s monument. Following the ceremony, the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library invites all parade attendees to join them for a day of celebration and thanks to Veterans of all ages. The 11 a.m. event will feature notable local Veterans, Township Historian J. Mark Mutter, entertainment and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.

Halloween Parade on Saturday BEFORE Halloween

Things do change, but I'm still having a hard time getting used to the idea that Toms River Fire Company No.1's annual Halloween Parade will not take place on Halloween night, but rather the Saturday before Halloween -- October 25th. Ironically, every Halloween I used to complain that I'd rather be home, watching the kids trick or treat, or getting ready to go to a Halloween party. I used to mumble "why can't somebody fix this? Move the parade to another night..."

Well, you have to be careful what you wish for. Now, I worried that the parade doesn't have the same buzz or energy that it had when it was on the "real" Halloween night. I'll still go, but it is going to take a little more effort to get excited about it. I guess people that live in town will still put their chairs out on the street many hours before the parade (a time-honored tradition). And I'm sure the many groups and organizations that march in the parade will still look great...still, right now I feel like something is missing. I guess I'm a traditionalist after all.

If you want more information about the parade, visit Toms River Online's Halloween parade page.

I miss the Township's "Founder's Day" ...too.

Try Something Different - Check Out Local Art Events

The other day I (Riverguy) ran into my old friend Boomer, and I asked him how things are going, and what he's been up to lately.

He said, "River, I've been watchin' a lot of movies, doing some walks on the boardwalk, and keepin' up with family stuff on Facebook. But...to tell you the truth, I'm a little bored. Wish there was something different see and do."

I told him "Well, there are some art events coming up locally. Believe it or not, there's quite a few professional artists in town, and they're going to be showing their work at a few places coming up over the next few weeks. What don't you check out some of those events?"

"River...seriously, me? I don't know much of anything about art. Besides, I'll bet it will all just be boat pictures...seen lots of that stuff around here already."

"Boom, you'd be surprised...these local artists do all kinds of work -- all different subjects and styles of work. Paintings, photos, hand-made stuff, glass works...it really IS interesting. I'm telling you that you won't be bored. You want something new to do -- try it! Plus, you'll help out the town by support the local art community."

"Wait a minute -- what does lookin' at art work have to do with supporting the town?"

"Boomer -- here's what happens....once you get some active art groups in town, the next thing you know you get some coffee houses, then galleries, which then brings antique shops. Once you've got places with people coming into town, then more restaurants come in to feed those people. Then maybe a brew pub opens up. Guess what? Now you've got LOTS of stuff to do."

"Ok...well, maybe. So...what are these shows coming up?"

I then proceeded to tell him about the following:

ART IN THE PARK -- an outdoor art show in Huddy Park, Saturday August 23rd, from 11am to 5pm. They'll be live music there, too.

OLDE TIME ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES FAIRE, Saturday, August 30th, 10am to 4pm. Art, antiques, music. Rain or Shine.

HARVEST ARTS FESTIVAL -- Street festival on Washington Street, Downtown Toms River -- Saturday October 18th, 11:30am to 5pm. Art, music, beer garden, scarecrow contest, games, and much more.

So...Riverguy and Boomer are going to these events...how about you?

Farmers Market - Better Health is Calling

With so much emphasis these days on health care and health insurance, you might be wondering where to start to deal with it all. Here is an easy way to benefit yourself - stay healthy so your health care needs are minimal. And one of the best ways to boost your health is to each more FRESH produce and other foods. Your mother always told you to eat more vegetables. Guess what? She was right.

Right here in Toms River we have a place where you can stock-up on foods that are good for you. Simply get over to the Downtown Toms River Farmers Market. It takes place every Wednesday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Located at the southeast corner of Irons & W. Water Street (across from the Post Office), the Market has been open this year from May 21st, and will continue through the summer and fall - until November 24, 2014.

Everything is JERSEY FRESH from local vendors. Select from fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, organic, gluten-free, plants, herbs, fresh baked goods, honey, chowders, raviolis, crab cakes, cheeses, pickles, Polish food delights, nuts and candy...and more!

The FIRST Wednesday of the month brings has an event that makes the Market even more fun.... you can enter a free raffle to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce featuring the "Fruit and Vegetable of the Month."

Here are featured items for the upcoming months:
•July – Blueberries & Sweet Corn
•Aug. – Peaches & Tomatoes
•Sept. – Plums & Eggplants
•Oct. – Apples & Pumpkins

If you've driven by the Market in May and early June and didn't see very many stands, don't let it stop you from visiting now. The harvest is really just starting to come in, and each week you'll see more stands and more goods available.

So...better health is calling...are you going to "answer?"

For more information on the Farmers Market, call Downtown Toms River at 732-341-8738.

Spring is Coming...Believe it or Not

Wow, what a winter. As I write this, we experiencing one of those rare warm days that occasionally crop up, so it got me thinking about the big transition that will be coming up very soon. We're going to need to do lots of fix-ups to our homes and yards after this rough winter before we can start enjoying our decks, patios, and backyards.

Spring itself will put some bumps in our way before we can get out and have some fun. If you are like me, the flowers blooming and tree pollen brings out some nasty allergies, which can really put a damper on your early spring. Yards must be cleaned-up and maintained before we can fully enjoy them. In my case, my deck desperately needs waterproofing. Maybe you have a fence that needs painting, or you have so much clutter in the garage that you need help getting it cleaned out.

Our homes and yards are one thing -- how about the toll that the long winter has taken on our bodies and our spirits? After a winter of sitting around on the couch, and over-eating over the holidays, we are carrying around more than a couple of added pounds. I'm determined to get my diet under control and get going on a fitness regimen.

All of this has me wondering...what can help get some of this stuff taken care of, so that I'll be able to enjoy spring? Is there a way to get these chores and projects done faster?

In order to help kick-start your spring, Toms River Online has put together a "Springtime Resources" page. The page has a list of many the directories of local businesses that can help get you complete those tasks around your house and property, so that you can get out there to experience some spring fun.

As for the fitness program... I recommend checking out the directory of "Gyms and Fitness Clubs"...you'll be happy if you get started now, since after spring.... comes summer days at the beach. Will you be in shape to put your swimsuit on?

Local Economy - The Story Remains the Same

In January 2009, Riverguy noted the following in this same Toms River 411 blog: "here in Toms River we usually are somewhat insulated from some worst things going on in society, but the bad economic "big picture" has shown up on our doorstep. Many small businesspeople in the area are really hurting..." Well, I'm sorry to say that it appears -- four years later -- that little has changed (in terms of improvement) on the local economic front. In fact, Sandy has struck in the interim, and both ordinary citizens and small business owners are more hard-pressed than ever. The economic fallout from Sandy will be with us for years.

Just look around -- there are lots of empty store-fronts both Downtown and in most of the strip-malls throughout the area.

Also in the post from four years ago, Riverguy noted that, if the economy continued to worsen, we'd also be subject to more crime. I'm hearing all of the time that violent crime is down all over the country -- and even if this is true for our area, it seems that the number of scams and thefts have jumped up, as well as drug use throughout Ocean County.

So...what the average person do?

The story remains the same there, too. Work hard. Vote wisely - elect officials who understand the economic plight of the ordinary person, and will work to fix it. Cast a skeptical eye on the news...news (and even weather!) have become full of "entertainment" and hype. Support your local businesses, especially the Mom and Pop places. Support the Downtown - a vibrant downtown is essential for our area to recover. It is the seat of government, and the historical and cultural center of our area. Malls and shopping centers are great, but Downtown is where professionals, shops, restaurants, and fun events all come together. Spending some time (and $$) there helps us all.