Friday, December 28, 2012

The New Normal

Everywhere Riverguy goes, I hear people talking about "the new normal." The sad thing is, it is never in reference to anything good. Flooding? That's the new normal. High winds? The new normal. The government going broke, and taking us down with it? Yup, the new normal.

But Riverguy has noticed something else. There is an explosion of compassion going on. Things are bad for many people, and their neighbors are waking up, and taking action.

People are sending things to our area from all parts of the country to help us recover from Hurricane Sandy. Truckloads, in fact. Organizations of all types, and sometimes even individuals, at their own expense. Even people with little to give are giving what they can. Sometimes the most humble are the most generous of all.

There was a news story the other day about a little girl whose dog was stolen (on Christmas Eve, no less). A lady saw a man in the park selling a dog, had a bad feeling about it, and bought the dog for $220 to get it away from the man. She took it to a vet, where they found that the dog was "chipped." Long story short, the dog was reunited with the little girl. The lady that spent $220 to intervene sure had a strong desire to help, to make things right. She put her time and money on the line.

Today, I went over to look at the destruction in Seaside Heights. I guess I looked a little forlorn as I looked at all the sand where the boardwalk used to be. A young girl approached me and asked if I lived around here. She was from a church group that was coming to town to help remove debris and help in other ways, for free.

It occurs to me that something has changed all right...more trouble seems to be coming our way, and at the same time, people are stepping up to help each other, maybe much more so than in the past.

The new normal now includes people working togther to help, whatever else the new normal brings.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Old School Info Sources Shine During Sandy

Riverguy is a web guy...but I have to admit that during the ordeal of Hurricane Sandy, something unexpected happened.

I thought I'd be in good shape to find out what was happening as the storm approached. After all, I have a new smartphone with the 4g network, wifi, texting, emailing, and talk. I'd also be in the know through my laptop with cable internet access. Or cable TV news would keep me on top of things.

Well...you guessed it. When the storm hit, texting failed. Emailing failed, and calls wouldn't go through. And no news updates -- the web was silent. Basically, the expensive smartphone became a brick. Not to worry, I thought, as I went to turn on my laptop. Just about then -- a slight boom somewhere outside, and the laptop and TV went dark.

Riverguy was cut off from the world.

And then...it dawned on me. Didn't I have one of those old battery powered radios somewhere? I grabbed my flashlight and scoured the house and I found it. I turned it on, and found that the local radio stations were up and running, and keeping people informed through the long night of the storm. In truth, at that point no one knew too much, because we were all riding it out together. Only afterward would be know the true extent of the storm, and who had fared ok, and who didn't. But hearing the radio announcers and music (yes, music during the storm) gave me a comforting feeling of normalcy.

The next day dawned, and I had little hope of getting any real overview of what I had just been a part of. I knew the smartphone was probably going to be down for a few days, and the cable internet and TV for even longer. The first day after the storm was spent taking stock, helping neighbors and then falling into an early, uneasy night's sleep.

I woke the next morning to the sound of a familiar "floomp" sound outside....could it be? Yes, the NEWSPAPER had been delivered (yes, Riverguy still gets a paper!). I couldn't believe it. A day after the storm, and here it was -- complete with all of the shocking photos that told the tale of the storm.

I put the paper down and did some more clean-up outside. The next thing I knew, I heard another familiar sound...the engine of a small truck..you've got to be kidding?! Yup -- the MAIL was being delivered! I don't know how the driver even got around all of the downed wires, trees, and other debris -- but they did.

So, there you have it. I don't know how else to say it....when the chips were down, all of the expensive electronics failed miserably, while the radio, newspaper, and mail continued to work. All "old school" sources of information that have around forever. The whole thing has left me scatching my head a bit, and wondering...should we take a few steps back from our fascination with the latest gadgets?

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Halloween is a Great Time in Toms River

The 75th Annual Halloween Parade (brought to you by Fire Company #1) takes place on Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31st at 7pm. Billed as the second-largest Halloween Parade in the country, it is a must-see events for anyone who loves this time of year.

Note that Trick-or-Treating takes place on the afternoon and night prior to the Parade - Tuesday, October 30th. This year there is a "rain date" for the Parade -- Thursday, November 1st.

To see much more information, including Parade Divisions and Parade Rules, see the Toms River Online Halloween Page.

Remember to keep an eye on Downtown BEFORE the Parade. The Kiwanis Club of Toms River sponsors a "Halloween Window Painting Contest." Students from Toms River High School South paint the windows of businesses throughout the town during the week prior to the parade. There are usually about 80 paintings or so, and all of them are interesting, and a good percentage are absolutely excellent and very scary.

Also, a few days before the Parade, you'll see groups of chairs appearing along the Parade route. This is the time-honored tradition of excited spectators claiming their spaces for the upcoming event. It is kind of fun to ride through town to see all the decorations and the lines of chairs up and down Main Street.

Halloween in Toms River is the best you can find anywhere...Riverguy wishes you a fun, scary, and exciting Halloween!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Downtown Toms River Goes the Extra Mile with New Event

Downtown Toms River gives us many opportunities throughout the year to enjoy ourselves. After all, they have the Chili Fest, the Ice Cream Fest, Crusin' vintage cars, the Farmers Market, and more. Just when you think they couldn't jam on more thing onto their event schedule, they come up with a new one -- HarvestFest.

HarvestFest takes place on Saturday, October 20,2012 along Washington St., between Main St. andHooper Ave., Downtown Toms River The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. Admission and parking are both free.

HarvestFest will feature the following:
-Music by the band Tidal Wave
-Inflatable Rides for kids
-Haystack Maze
-Pumpkin Decorating
-Street Performers
-A potpourri of Street Vendors
-Food Vendors
-Apple Cider Donut Eating Contests
-Scarecrow Decorating Contest
-Fall Dessert Contest
-Beer Garden (produced by Fire Co. #1)
-Big Screen TVs with college football games (produced by XFINITY / Comcast)
(Details on both the Scarecrow Decorating and Fall Desert contests can be found at downtowntomsriver.com)

Hey, to Riverguy, it sounds like this is a great way to celebrate Fall. After giving us a full spring and summer event schedule, Downtown has come up with a sure winner. See you at the beer garden!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Gilford Park - Another View

There has been a lot of discussion lately about Gilford Park, and most of it has not been positive. A recent crime in that section of Toms River has started some people grumbling. People are painting a picture of Gilford park as a collection of run-down shacks, full of questionable people.

Riverguy can only tell you about his own experience. I take long bike rides, and I ride through Gilford Park quite a bit. Yes, many of the streets have small bungalows, but most of them are fixed up quite nice. A few here and there are rundown, but you'll also see some newer and larger homes of some of the lots now, as some of the old houses are replaced. The smaller places are affordable starter houses for new families.

Some of the houses look kind of cozy -- yards with nautical decorations, small ponds, and features to dress the places up a bit. Some have fireplaces. One house I pass in particular has beautifully trimmed shrubs, a large in-ground pool, small poolhouse, and nice cars in the driveway. I always think to myself that it would be a nice place to live...if I were lucky.

People I pass by on my travels always seem friendly. They say hi and are ready to pass a kind word or two.

I know there are people out there who may have a different perceptions and experiences in the area, but I can only tell you what I've found.

Hang in there, Gilford Park. Riverguy sends his regards.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Red Light Cameras - 'Round and 'Round We Go

News item: "State transportation officials Tuesday slammed the brakes on using red-light cameras in 21 towns to issue summonses to drivers until they can determine whether drivers are being given enough yellow-light time." (Asbury Park Press)

This latest chapter in the red light camera saga is sure to give opponents much more ammunition to get the whole program scrapped -- but don't look for that to happen. Most likely they will check all of the yellow-light times at locations across the state, and then resume the program. Refunds for those who were wrongfully ticketed? That is not impossible, but highly unlikely.

Any way you cut it, we are in a bad situation. Driver behavior is getting worse, so safety concerns are valid. But the automated cameras bring a "big brother" aspect, and there are too many variables to make the ticketing 100 percent accurate. The camera shows an offending car, but not who is driving.

Riverguy thinks that the cameras should be used in conjunction with live enforcement. Let the camera send a signal (a live image?) to an officer in a chase car, who can pull over the car that triggered the camera. That way, the correct driver gets any summons that's issued. And, the officer can listen to the driver's side of the story -- and cut a little slack if there is a good reason to do so. Or give a summons and a lecture...whatever is needed. The bottom line? Let's put a little human judgment, and personal interaction back into the situation, instead of relying on automated systems.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Scary Local Roadways

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. 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.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Spring is in the Air...Now What?

So, the weather is improving, even if it back-tracks on some days, and we're all starting to look ahead to getting out doors more, enjoying our yards, decks, and patios.

The trouble is, spring put some hurdles in our way before we can get to the fun stuff. First, the trees and flowers blooming bring out our allergies, which can really slow you down. Our homes and yards need maintenance and cleaning before we can settle down and enjoy them. Maybe your deck needs waterproofing, or a fence needs painting, or the garage finally needs to be cleaned out once and for all.

Our bodies also need some maintenace. A winter of sitting around, and over-eating over the holidays has added a few pounds to most of us. So, a workout plan and diet may be in order.

All of this has me asking...When do we get to the fun part? Can't I cut down on some of these spring projects and chores?

In that spirit, 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 your house and property into shape, so that you can get on with the serious business of spring fun.

As for the workout program... I recommend checking out our directory of "Gyms and Fitness Clubs"...remember that after spring comes summer days at the beach. Are you going to be ready to put that swimsuit on?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Combating Rising Gas Prices

Anyone who drives a car is keenly aware that gasoline prices have been rising quickly over the last few weeks. Prices in Toms River are not as bad as in most of the rest of the state, but that's not much consolation when you're handing over more cash for your gas.

All of the experts seem to agree -- prices are going to keep rising. There's more demand overseas, and also a ton on tension in the Mideast. On top of that, we'll also see the usual price manipulation that clobbers us every spring and summer.

So...what can we do?

First of all, know your prices. Sometimes there's a big difference between different gas stations. Be sure you get the best price! Toms River Online has a link to a handy list of prices at area stations, so you can compare at a glance. Go to our Home page, and click on the blue gas nozzle on the right-hand side of the page: Toms River Online Home page.

Another thing you can do to cut your consumption of gas is to go to events closer to home this spring and summer. Downtown Toms River has some great events... just to mention a few: Arts & Music/Food Fest, Chili and Salsa Fest, Ice Cream Fest, Crusin' Downtown (vintage cars)..etc! Find out more about Downtown events.

As for the bigger picture... consider getting a smaller, fuel-efficient car (the Chevy Sonic is a good new choice). Also let your elected representatives know your views...there are options that they can enact (reduce gas taxes, more drilling, release oil from national reserves, provide incentives for purchasing smaller vehicles...ETC!).

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Snow is a No-Show This "Winter"

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.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Toms River Now - Revisited

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.