Toms River 411

Snow is a No-Show This "Winter"

2012-01-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Riverguy isn't really a big skier or anything like that, but I have to say that the extremely mild weather this winter is un-nerving me a bit. I can't remember a winter this mild....maybe there is something to this global-warming theory?

By this time last year, we had already had about 3 feet of snow...and so far this time we haven't even hit 3 inches. The forecast for February is more of the same...temps in the 40's and 50's.

While this weather is good for commuters and people who don't like winter,there are some bad economic impacts, too. We have a lot of contractors around here who do snow removal, and they're getting shut out right now...that's tough on their bottom lines. Stores that sell winter clothing or winter sports equipment have to be hurting, too.

On the plus side, we're all using less heat...that's a special blessing for people with oil burners.

Who knows...maybe this weather will bring out more "plungers" at the "Polar Bear Plunge" in Seaside Heights (Feb. 25th). Riverguy will be on the sidelines, cheering the plungers on (my plunging days are behind me). It's a great event, benefiting the Special Olympics.

Despite what the forecast says, Riverguy is going to keep his eye on the sky...mother nature might have a surprise or two in store for us before spring.

Toms River Now - Revisited

2012-01-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Some months ago Riverguy posted an item on this blog about "Toms River Now" (www.tomsrivernow.com) a web page that gathers local Twitter "tweets" (messages) in one spot.

At the time, I said:
"More and more, people just don't want to read "news" -- news is about what happened in the recent past-- but most often we want to know what is going on right NOW. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking programs have made this possible, and we're getting used to real-time information. That's why you should check out "Toms River Now, " a single web page that lists "Tweets" (Twitter messages) that contain info about Toms River, Ocean County, and the Jersey Shore. You don't have to have a Twitter account to view these messages...everything is on a regular web page."

Well, since my original post, we've had an earthquake, hurricane, and numerous other accidents, traffic jams, and more. It turns out Toms River Now is a good place to turn to when something unusual happens. In less than 20 seconds after the earth shook, tweets were coming in from all over the area. People were comparing what they felt, and within a couple of minutes, information came through about the quake magnitude and epicenter. During the hurricane, people posted warnings about downed wires and flooded streets, helping all of us avoid trouble.

So...check out Toms River Now for both the mundane and the unusual...you'll never know what you're going to find.

Downtown Toms River Looking Good for the Holidays

2011-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Downtown Toms River has the welcome mat out for the Holiday Season... First of all, the town looks great. The main streets have lighted snowflakes on the light poles along the streets, and in front of some businesses. There is a large, lighted "Peace on Earth" banner near Town Hall on Washington Street. Many of the shops and offices have decorated their windows, and the many houses in the district are decked with beautiful holiday lights.

Downtown also has some new retail stores, including Autumn Meadow Trading Company. This new shop on Washington Street (#11, not far from Capone's) features special candles. Every candle is painstakingly created in small, hand-crafted batches to ensure the highest level of quality. They have unique wooden wicks...stop in and see what it is all about.

The new Traco Theater at 316 Washington Street, next to the Cookie Cab, has movies, comedy shows, and special events. This is a great addition to Downtown...you can now enjoy a good dinner at one of the Downtown restaurants, and then take in a movie. Check for movie schedules and more at the Traco website: http://tracotheater.com/

Riverguy is going to spend some time Downtown during the Holiday Season... how about you?

Notes from The Edge

2011-11-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

Riverguy is a little confused these days...I was going about my life in my usual oblivious fashion, when I ran into my old friend, Chowder. Chowder was always one of these guys living on the edge - sometimes the exciting edge of life, sometimes the dangerous, and sometimes the crazy edge.

The first thing he says is "Hey River...got enough food, water, and money stashed in a safe place?"

"Huh?"

"Come on man, you gotta be prepared. One of these days the shit is going to hit the fan, and you have to be ready." He gazed at me and made a splattering gesture with his hands.

"What are talking about, Chowder?" I scratched my head and waiting for the next wild thing to come out of his mouth.

"River -- haven't you been paying attention to what's goin' down?"

"I watch the news, if that's what you mean" I said, a little indignantly.

Chowder snorted. "So, you know all about the European Debt crisis, the possibility of global financial collapse, the Mideast about to erupt in war, and radiation from the 3 meltdowns still going on in Japan....?"

"Chowder, I know about all of that, or most of it, anyway. It's all under control. What does this have to do with water and the other stuff?"

Chowder grimaced..."When things get worse, the stores will be closed, and dudes are gonna be after your food and water. The banks are gonna close their doors so people don't rush in and get all of their money out." Chowder spun on his heels and started marching off. Probably on his way to his next crazy adventure, I thought.

He called out, without turning around... "Prepare!"

I shuddered a little, and kind of cleared my head for a few seconds, and didn't think much more about it. Ol' Chowder can get really worked up over things. Nobody's gonna steal my water...that's crazy, I thought for the second time.

An hour or so later, my phone rang. It was another friend - Tom, a guy I used to go to school with. His voice shook, and he was all excited. He told me he had gone to a Black Friday sale the other day, and stampeding people pushed him to the ground, and pulled a new blender out of his hands. He was stepped on several times, and then pinned against a display when he tried to stand up. "River...they didn't care! They trampled me for a BLENDER!" Tom kept talking, but I didn't hear the rest. I felt a little wobbly for a second, and then Chowder popped back into my mind. "Prepare!" echoed through my brain, and the ground underneath me seemed a little less solid...

Time to Get Real

2011-11-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well....a couple of months ago, Riverguy wished you a good summer -- and I hope it did turn out to be a good one for you.

Now, as we get deeper into Fall, reality is beginning to creep in. The Japanese nuclear triple meltdown didn't go away -- it just seems that way, because the news media refuses to cover it. They can get away with it, because the really bad effects from it are longer term. Riverguy isn't going to dwell on the outcome for you -- you'll need to do your own research. Let's just say it isn't pretty.

Who cares anyway, right? The collapse of the world economy is getting less coverage than the collapse of Kim Kardashian's marriage. Well, you're going to care if Greece defaults on its obligations. The effects will be felt not just at the international level, but in your own finances as well. Things could spiral out of control.

And while all of this is going on, also keep an eye on the Mideast. Storm clouds are gathering around Iran...more trouble is brewing.

By now you're probably thinking..."Riverguy, you're being a real downer. Why should I concern myself with this stuff...its out of my hands...there's nothing I can do about it, anyway." Wrong!! You can do this: 1) Get informed about what's going on. 2) Start to care what happens - if you have kids, you should give a damn about what is happening in the world 3) Demand that the news media cover the important stories -hound them on their web site's "comments" area, and visit alternative sites. 4) Hold your elected officials accountable. Make them take address the tough issues, and make your own views known.

Hey...that Kardashian thing is really something, right?

Red Light Cameras...A Blessing or a Curse?

2011-09-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Red light cameras are spreading throughout the state, so it probably won't be long before we have them in Toms River. The cameras will produce both still pictures and video of drivers that go through an intersection when a light is red. Also note that, if you make a legal right-turn on red, you'd better come to a complete stop, or you may receive a ticket.

Brick is making a lot of money off of their cameras (it is $85 for a violation captured on a red light camera). It is undoubtedly good for the municipalities to get this money, and there is some evidence that the cameras help reduce accidents at intersections with the cameras.

However...there are some drawbacks. Camera angles can be misleading, and it is possible that you could be accused unjustly. You can fight the ticket, but it will be very difficult to prove that the evidence doesn't show an infraction -- note how the burden of proof is now on you to prove your innocence. And maybe you weren't even the driver -- the camera can't see who's driving, so the car owner will get the ticket in each case. Some people also object to the "big brother" aspect of all of this...we're being watched by more and more cameras everywhere we go.

We're being asked to trade some privacy and a bit of our protection under the law, in exchange for improved safety. Over time, we'll find out if this turns out to be a blessing....or a curse.

Epic Battles This Fall

2011-08-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's almost that time again...big battles shaping up for the fall. Democrats vs. Republicans? Tea Party vs. Progressives? NOPE... NY Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles!!

The North / South dividing line for the fanbase of the teams cuts right through the Toms River area, so we have a volatile mix of fans dispersed through our neighborhoods. The epic rivalry cuts through our area like a knife, dividing neighbor against neighbor, and sometimes even husband and wife. Riverguy can't even imagine living in a household where the spouses are in opposite camps when these teams play. Ouch!

The first contest is Week 3 of the season (9/25), with the game in Philly. The loser of this game will get a chance at revenge in Week 11 (11/20), when the Eagles travel up to face the Giants at the New Meadowlands stadium.

This year the Eagles might look better on paper, but you can throw out the records when these teams clash...it is a grudge match and anything can happen.

The area sports bars will be jumping for the games. One thing...when you're sitting near a fan from the other team, sure, give 'em a little good-natured trash talk, but let's behave better than the Democrats and Republicans!

Believe it Or Not: Downtown TR Brings Excitement

2011-07-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

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.

A Divided Public Can Still Fly the Flag

2011-07-03T13:37:00.001-07:00

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!

Why We Need to Have a Great Summer

2011-06-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hey...everybody should have an enjoyable summer during the normal course of things...that's why we live want to live along the coast -- to make the most of the beach and the ocean. This year Riverguy senses a little more urgency in most people's desire to enjoy themselves.

I think this is because a lot of us have had our head in the sand (no pun intended). I noticed a growing trend in people: they don't want to know about anything serious. They don't want to hear about the latest economic woes. Fukishima? Where was that again (reminder -- triple nuke meltdown in Japan; even the news media is glossing over it). Debt crisis? Real estate still tanked? Unemployment? Looming double-dip recession? You get the picture.

So...back to the urgency to enjoy....Most of us don't want to go around burdened with the weight of the world, but somewhere in the back of our minds, we still know things are not going so well. So the natural urge to go out and have some fun, to distract ourselves, to not focus on the world's problems. That is what helps keep us in balance.

Here's Riverguy's take on it: Go out, have the fun you crave...have the best summer you possible can. But...we will have to eventually catch up with what's going on, and face our problems. We need to especially pay attention in the fall, when it comes time to vote. Hold your elected officials accountable. Be prepared for hard times, but continue to hope for the best.

Have a great summer!

Memorial Day Parade -- Why Don't More People Show Up?

2011-05-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Time is passing quickly, and the American Legion - Memorial Day Parade is coming up already...Monday, May 30th. The parade kicks off at 9:30 am. It launches from the Office Lounge parking lot, and proceeds down Main Street, and then turns on to Washington Street.

Now, honestly, this isn't the biggest or best parade you'll see, but in my mind, this, along with the Veteran's Day Parade, is the most important of the year.

The parade has plenty of bands, fire trucks, old cars, and more. However,the big feature is, of course, the military vets, police, and fireman that march in the parade. These are the men and women who sacrificed their time, energy, and well-being so that we can enjoy a safe, free life.

And on Memorial Day we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of them are in their final resting places in Europe and Asia, and some were never accounted for.

Day in and day out, we go about our business -- freely, happily, in an land of plenty. And we can do so because of the courageous people that have served for us and have kept us free. PLEASE SHOW UP AT THE PARADE -- SET ASIDE ONE HOUR TO HONOR THOSE THAT HAVE MADE YOUR GOOD LIFE POSSIBLE. At least that's my view...you may feel differently, and that's ok...you are FREE to do so.

In Defense of Bennies, Shoobies & Such

2011-05-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Ok...I can almost hear the chant starting now..."Bennies Go Home." Yes, it's almost that time of year again, when we "welcome" visitors from all over the tri-state area. We hate the extra traffic, the crowds, and sometimes even the looks, attitudes, and clothing of the people coming here. By mid-July, we've all lost our patience, and we can't wait to get our towns and beaches back!

Of course it's cool to be proud to be a local, but should we really tell our seasonal visitors to turn around and go back up the Parkway? First and foremost, we need their tourist dollars. Many of the businesses around here would go under if we didn't have the summer influx of visitors. And that's especially true now, with the economy being so weak. Like it or not, we need the Bennies here to keep the money flowing into our pockets.

Also, be honest....even though we complain about them, isn't it kind of fun to see all of the interesting characters that hit the beaches and boardwalk? Just sit on a bench on the Seaside boardwalk for awhile, and you'll have a great time people-watching. Remember, these "Bennies" come here because they like what we have...the beaches, the bars, the food, the boardwalk. And like it or not, they are part of what makes the whole thing work.

Atomic Dreams

2011-04-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

Riverguy is in a bad state of mind about what's going on in Japan. It is basically now confirmed that the nuclear reactors there are impossible to control, and that radiation will be spewing into the air and water for...well, who knows how long. Even though the talking heads on TV continue to tell us that we have nothing to worry about, I'm worried.

I come from the generation that grew up with atomic energy. I remember the fear that we had as "Cold War" kids -- there would be a nuclear exchange between "us" and "them" -- and radiation would spread around the globe and eventually snuff out all life. We even practiced for such events; air raid drills, "duck and cover" drills, and stockpiling canned goods in basements all over America. Farmers were taught how to grow food even with nuclear fallout poisoning the soil.

And yet...we learned to conquer our fear of the atom, and dream of a time when we'd harness it for unlimited energy. Our technological society and growing population needed abundant power, and the nuclear plants could deliver. It was like magic -- swirling atoms giving us the power to reach for an incredible dream of unlimited advancement. And now...suddenly, the old dreams are coming back...fallout...don't drink the milk...it has radiation...keep the doors and windows closed...and now, I know that it's not just a dream, but a nightmare.

A Wave of Petty Crimes

2011-03-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

I guess the bad economy has now pushed people into committing small crimes to get by. Have you noticed that, in the last couple of weeks we've had a bunch of thefts? $3K stolen from WaWa, gas station robberies, vinyl siding stolen, even a couple of kegs of beer heisted from a local bar/restaurant.

It's distressing, but not really surprising. Every time the economy gets bad, these sorts of crimes seem to escalate. The police can't do too much to stop it...a lot of these are "crimes of opportunity," where somebody sees something that's easy to swipe and goes for it.

The real fix for this (beyond teaching people basic values -- but that's another story) is to get this economy going again. Let's get people employed.....give 'em a paycheck so that they can dig out of debt and pay their bills. A good thing we can all do to help is to support our local businesses. Instead of buying online, go to a local store and buy what you need. Money going into our local economy will stimulate jobs, create tax revenue, and take some of the pressure off people that are living on the edge.

Below 40? Anybody Home?

2011-03-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ok...this is an "age-related" post, so for some disclosure...Riverguy is older than 40.

Now, here goes: Riverguy is worried about the future. Look at what's going on: war and unrest in the Mid-East; natural disaster and reactor meltdowns in a perfect toxic storm...and the likelihood of hyper-inflation, double-dip recession, and potential financial collapse.

The sad truth is that the future is looking dim for young people growing up in this country. Their good times are about to crash and burn. And what it their reaction? Are they marching in the streets (NO..ironically that's left to the "old people" of the Tea Party). Are they politically active? Forget it...the truth is....they don't know what's happening, because they aren't paying attention. They're spending their time watching Comedy Central, Jersey Shore, playing video games, texting their friends etc.

When I go to the gym to run on the treadmill (which has a TV screen), I notice I'm the only one watching the news. I see all the younger members watching all of the mass-market fluff TV. Yeah kids, news is "boring" -- but important.

Wake up and smell the coffee....pay attention! What you don't know, can hurt you. Your future is at stake...its time for you to realize what's going on, and take part in trying to fix it. After all, for us older folks, our best years are behind us....for you under-40 people, the quality of your lives is in serious jeopardy!

Nuke Plant in Our Backyard - Should We Worry?

2011-03-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Riverguy can't help but think about Oyster Creek, in light of the continuing nuclear crisis now happening in Japan. Our local plant is the oldest in the country, and many folks think that fact alone is cause for worry. And here we sit, a scant 8 to 10 miles away.

I know we need to power and the jobs that the plant brings, but this would be a great time to take a second look at the safety issues of the plant. The problems in Japan will heighten public awareness, and that is a good thing. We need to hold plant officials and workers to a high degree of accountability, since our homes and very lives depend on the safe operation of the plant.

Remember some years ago when the iodine pills were passed out? I imagine most of us have lost them by now, or even if we have them, they're probably expired by now and wouldn't work anyway. Its time to once again look at our "emergency kits." Do you have one? Riverguy only know one or two people that do. This is foolish. Think about it -- with the weather patterns becoming more extreme, the continuing threat of terrorism, and god-forbid a problem at the plant -- we really should have some supplies on standby.

So...Riverguy is going to worry a little bit about all of this, and gather some emergency items. Better to be prepared. How about you?

Toms River Now

2011-03-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

More and more, people just don't want to read "news" -- news is about what happened in the recent past-- but most often we want to know what is going on right NOW. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking programs have made this possible, and we're getting used to real-time information.

That's why you should check out "Toms River Now, " a single web page that lists "Tweets" (Twitter messages) that contain info about Toms River, Ocean County, and the Jersey Shore. You don't have to have a Twitter account to view these messages...everything is on a regular web page: Toms River Now.

You never know what you're going to find. You see messages about current traffic tie-ups, accidents, weather, jobs, real estate, personal snippets. Note that you may see some foul language -- whatever Twitter allows can be shown here. The Jersey Shore messages are especially snarky and sexy, because many of them are about MTV's "Jersey Shore" show. So...yes, you will see some junk messages, or messages that don't make sense, but will also see the occasional post of something happening at the moment that is important. And it is fun to see what is on people's mind, even when its not ready for prime-time.

SuperMarket Thoughts....

2011-03-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Once a week, Riverguy and RiverLady go to do our grocery shopping at Stop and Shop on Rt. 37. Now, I'm not writing this as a commercial for S & S, but I do want to mention something that I see as a real positive there. Every time we go in, we see the same folks working there...at the bakery, the deli, the fish counter, meats, check out, customer service...etc. A lot of them have worked there for many years. Over time you get to know them, and if you are a regular customer, they get to know you. It feels good to be helped by someone you've come to know and trust. This is what helps make up a community -- knowing and trusting who you are dealing with as you go about your daily life.

Daily life has changed drastically for many of us --- we relate to each other more often by tweets, texts, and Facebook posts. In this age of instant electronic communication, its worth remembering that face-to-face interaction adds positive value, both in ways you can measure, and in some ways that you can't.

Spring Returns Soon - and So Do the Potholes

2011-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed how bad the potholes are already this year? Looks like the rough winter has set us up for a really bad spring for potholes. Riverguy has seen a bunch of them around town, and the "patch patrols" won't be get to them for a while yet. Once the ground really starts to thaw, we're going to see a lot more potholes. Not only that...they're going to be really big...I mean some real tank traps that can rip up the front end of you car.

Drivers are going to be swerving all over the road, trying to avoid them...as if driving isn't already an adventure around here.

People need to get proactive and let each other know about potholes they see...especially those "tank traps" that can cost you thousands of dollars to get fixed. If you have a chance, you can even report the potholes using the Facebook Group called "NJ Potholes are Out of Control." Maybe by keeping our eyes out for each other we can ride out the pothole season without too much trouble.

A Year Later....

2011-02-19T09:52:00.001-08:00

Riverguy has returned to this blog after a full year hiatus. With all kinds of other social media demanding my time, I've let the blogging lapse. Well, I intend to get going with the blog again...we'll see how I do!

The last post -- from January 2010, was about the Jersey Shore. And here we are, a year later, and the JS crew is bigger than ever. Some folks like it, and others can't stand it. Enough said.

Looking forward, there is something interesting on the horizon coming up in Toms River. The usual "Founders Day" (which takes place every June) is going away this year, and a Food Festival will take its place. This festival will happen on May 14th. Not too many details are available yet, but its hard to go wrong with a food fest...it is almost certain to be a success. Riverguy will have fun there sampling various foods, but I will also miss Founders Day. I know...it was a bit stodgy, and not super-exciting, but it did remind us of our history, and also allowed non-profit groups to give out information about their programs. I hope they still have a corner for some of these groups, and maybe have the historical society showcase a bit of local history. Its good to know about the past...and sometimes its fun, too (well, a little bit, anyway....)

Jersey Shore is Over - Now What?

2010-01-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the first season of MTV' "Jersey Shore" is over...what will life be like for our area in the wake of this show?

No doubt about it...we're going to feel a big impact this coming summer. Every would be "Guido" withing 500 miles is already making plans to descend on Seaside. It will be great for those renting out houses, and the bars and restaurants will be packed... but once again Riverguy has to wonder if families are going to be crowded out, and maybe even a bit scared to set foot in Seaside. They'll fear seeing fights, excessive drinking and lewd behavior...and they'll be right...all of that is going to be there in special excess this season.

Now you could argue that we shouldn't worry about a drop in family visitors...but the thing is, family visits to the beach and boardwalk are what hold things in some kind of balance....otherwise you have an around-the-clock spring-break atmosphere that will eventually crash and burn. Too much publicity about fights and raunchy behavior will spur a backlash by the locals, including the cops, and things will get real ugly. It will no longer be fun for anyone..."guidos" included.

Here's the key....with a little luck, we can survive the coming season.... but Riverguy is hoping that "Jersey Shore, Season 2" will take place in another town, before things are permanently knocked out of balance, and the average person can't feel comfortable going to Seaside.

MTV's "Jersey Shore" Starts Dec. 3rd

2009-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

MTV is launching a new show called "Jersey Shore" - showing life in Seaside for a group of young people this past summer.. The trailer they've had on for it talks about "fist pumping" "hating" and the overall behavior of "guidos." Surely this is a new low for MTV...at the expense of the image of our area.

Now, Riverguy is not into "political correctness" -- but use of the term "guidos" is in poor taste, at the very least. Some Italian-American groups have already been complaining about it, with sufficient cause. Couldn't MTV have just called them "dudes" "peeps" or some other more generic term?

Part of the irony, of course, is that the main "characters" in this show are not from the Jersey Shore at all....they're bennies (or shoobees...how's that for our own name-calling?) from NY or North Jersey. Of course, people from other parts of the country won't realize this...the shore's image is going to suffer yet again.

Perhaps the silver lining is that, in this screwed-up society, there is no such thing as bad publicity...the show might actually increase next summer's influx of bennies...er...tourists....and the dollars they bring with them.

Tea-Baggers Coming to Toms River

2009-09-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Ready or not, national issues will take center stage very soon in Toms River. The "Tea Party Express" will stage a rally at Rally on September 11th (6pm), at Town Hall (courtyard), 33 Washington Street. Here is a statement from the rally flyer: "From August 28th to September 12th, the Tea Party Express bus tour will cross the country hosting tea party rallies across America. We’re speaking out against the out-of-control tax-and-spend policies of Congress."

Riverguy isn't smart enough to know if these people are on to something, but maybe we can all agree that it is healthy to see people speaking out to voice their opinions. Let's hope that things remain civil and all viewpoints can be heard.

One thing for sure: it isn't going to be dull. These folks are determined to be noticed, and I wouldn't be surprised to see national media covering the event - especially since the Toms River stop falls on September 11th. The added significance of the 9-11 anniversary will be sure to stir extra passions. It's going to be interesting to see how the rally transpires...

Local Film Company Thrives in Bad Economy

2009-03-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

As a follow up to my last blog entry "Bad Economy Hits Home" I thought I would write about some positive news on the economic front. We have all heard before that in time of adversity, invention is born. Well, I thought that I would talk about a local company that is actually thriving in this economic times by reinventing itself into a leaner and more value added group.

I spoke with David McLeavy - Director with Aurora Coast Productions. They specialize in 35mm and HD video productions; Catering to TV Commercial, Corporate Video and feature film markets, all of which I assumed would be dead or severally cutting back during these times. The fact is that many have cut back, however with careful overhead control and value added service, Aurora Coast has made it a science in ferreting out the clients, their needs and working within budgets. Their business is booming reports David. "Profits per project are not as high as they used to be, but we chose not to compromise our creativity and still provide that "Hollywood" look that are clients really like.

I have watched these guys grow through the years and must admit that I too am a bit impressed. "One of the biggest problems facing many companies is overhead. There are many places that money robbing expenses hide" adds David. We went through all of the items line by line, from power and telecommunications to software and cameras. The only thing we refused to do was fire people." He added. "The result was a leaner more streamlined company that was able to be more effective in creating the content that our clients wanted. In other words, we took the economic situation out there as lemons and made lemonade from it." David concluded.

Bad Economy Hits Home

2009-01-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

Well, 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...these are our friends and neighbors, and Riverguy is going to try to buy as much as he can locally from our area merchants...rather than online or from a large company.

I would also say to local businesses....give us a helping hand, if possible, by providing discounts or lower prices where you can. For example, it is amazing how many restaurants around here still have the same prices on entrees (or higher) that they did a couple of years ago during the "boom" time. It is still hard for two people to go to a good sit-down dinner and come away with a bill and tip of under $50. Please provide a few more less expensive entrees for those of us who want to come to your place for dinner, but have a limited budget in these tough times.

Also, it seems to me that as things worsen, the crime rate is going up. We're likely to see more robberies, scams, and muggings. The "good" people are going to have to learn to watch out for each other. Check up on older neighbors...they are especially vulnerable. Let's help each other get through this trying time!!

Chairs Along Halloween Parade Route Removed

2008-10-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

It is a time-honored tradition in Toms River....people claiming a spot along Main Street days before the parade, by placing chairs, benches, even a sofa, along the route. This year the authorities have seen fit to remove them, only allowing chairs to be put along the street after noon of the day before the parade.

Riverguy understands that yes, when the wind blows, some of the chairs can become a hazard, and yes, the sidewalk can get a little squeezed. However, in my view, the chair phenomenon actually creates a "buzz" for the parade...people driving through the town see the chairs and get a sense of the keen anticipation that people have for the parade. People talk about seeing Main Street, fully lined with chairs, many days before the event. The speak of it with some degree of amazement.

Like it or not, "chair placing" has become a part of the parade ritual, and we'd better be careful about diminishing it. Riverguy hears people complaining all the time that holidays and events "aren't what they used to be" and "the fun is going out of things" etc.For the sake of tradition, and just plain fun, can't we for once resist the urge to "regulate" an event?

Pedestrian Law a Menace to All

2008-08-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

In New Jersey, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This well-intentioned law needs to be repealed. People on foot should take responsibility for looking both ways and crossing when the way is clear. To expect 4,000 pound vehicles to stop every time someone steps off the curve is ridiculous.

The end result of this law has been that pedestrians routinely walk into crosswalks without even looking. They've been empowered by the law to do so, and they've developed an "attitude" along with it. You can see this in downtown Toms River on any busy weekday. Vehicles passing the library or the corner of Robbins & Washington have to jam on their breaks as people move right into the path of oncoming vehicles without even looking. These walkways have a cone in the center of the street. This is supposed to signify a right-of-way for the pedestrian, but all it does is create a traffic hazard. The walker is in jeopardy of getting run over, and the vehicle may get hit from behind because of the sudden stop. Let's use some common sense. Get rid of the cone AND the law...let pedestrians pay attention to traffic, look both ways, and cross when the way is clear.

Cell Phones, Cars, and Hands-free Talking

2008-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know about everybody else, but I'm still seeing tons of drivers around Toms River talking with cell phones up to their ears. With hands-free kits and bluetooth (those funny bug-like ear inserts), there's really no excuse to still hold the phone up to your ear. The law has changed but people's habits haven't.

What's worse, I've actually seen people slunk down in their seats while talking on the phone, presumably so the rest of us (including the police, of course) won't notice. Trouble is, this only makes it more likely that they're going to rear-end someone or run a red light.

Maybe it seems like a small thing to be complaining about, but not when you think about the possible consequences. We're seeing more collisions, cars running off of the road, and vehicles hitting pedestrians. Sure, there are many causes for accidents, but I'd bet that people talking on cell phones and texting while they're driving (yikes!) accounts for a significant percentage of them.

I think the only way to really change the situation is for all of us to stop our friends and family from doing it. When you get in a car and the driver puts the phone up to his ear to make a call, say "Don't you have a hands-free kit?" If they say they don't, tell them they should have one because it makes talking on the phone easier, and safer (and of course, legal). A little negative feedback can go a long way.

Increase in Parkway Tolls a Big Blow to TR

2008-02-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

What is going on here? A few years ago people were talking about removing tolls from the Parkway altogether, and now NJ residents -- and Ocean County / Toms River commuters in particular -- will get slammed with an incredible increase in Parkway tolls. Granted, something has to be done about the state debt, but this is the wrong remedy.

Big tools will make commuting from Toms River to NY or North Jersey too costly. We'll find good, hardworking local people having to move back North in order to be able to afford to get to their jobs.

And what about tourism? Will day-tripping North Jersey folks continue to come down here in droves? The average person is already paying more for food, rent, heat, etc. High tolls could just be the last straw. Seaside Heights will no doubt feel an impact. Our area could go into its own recession -- say what you want about the "bennies" -- but they are sure important to our local businesses. Let's not discourage them from coming down by picking their pockets at the toll booths.

Riverguy would rather see spending cuts, and if necessary, an increase in the state sales tax. If there has to be economic pain, let's do it so that everyone has to share the burden -- and areas like ours won't get singled-out.

Big Stink Leaves Something to Think About

2008-01-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 4th, a mysterious invisible cloud of smelly air engulfed much of Toms River. We would find out later that the smelly air travelled over 5 NJ counties.

Riverguy first noticed it as a burning, petroleum smell. It was subtle at first in the house, but when I opened the door the stench was so strong the the air was practically unbreathable. As time passed, more of it seeped into the house....and I began to wonder....what if this stuff is toxic? What if it just keeps getting stronger? After all, once is fully permeated the house, there would be nowhere else to go. I seriously considered jumping in the car to see if I could get out of the path of the smell.

Riverguy's wife called the police, and they said they knew about it (actually they we getting inundated with calls), but they didn't know what is was. Nothing was mentioned on local radio (at least that I could find).

In this age of terrorism, weren't we supposed to get some instructions about what to do? Stay put? Evacuate? Listen to a radio station for updates? What happened to all of our preparedness? Lots of money has been spent on Homeland security. We should have been informed quickly and clearly -- but instead we were all left guessing.

Also....how about tracking down the source? The wind direction and data on call reports should allow this to be pinpointed. Aren't there supposed to be air monitors in place?

How about lingering health effects on people? On animals? Sure, I'm probably over-reacting, but we'll never know if they don't find the source of the cloud, and the substance involved.

We deserve better.

To Spend Big Bucks...or Not?

2007-11-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

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

2007-10-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-09-27T06:27:00.001-07:00

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?

2007-06-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

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

2007-05-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-04-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-03-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

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.