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!