July 2018 Happenings in the Toms River Area

Summer is in full swing and here are some great area events to enjoy... ----------------------------------------------- FUN EVENTS COMING UP SOON The 2018 Toms River Shakespeare Festival presents William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind..." Schedule: Huddy Park: July 19-22 (Thursday - Saturday 7PM. Sunday at 3PM) FREE.. Bring your lawn chair. The mission of the Toms River Shakespeare Festival is to bring the works of William Shakespeare (and other great classics) to the banks of the Toms River. For more info, contact Toms River Shakespeare Festival: Email: lori.k.garrabrant@gmail.com Website: www.trshakespeare.org/ -------------------

Summer in the Street This old-time street festival happens Saturday, July 21, Noon to 6PM on Washington Street, Downtown Toms River. Stroll the street and enjoy crafters, vendors, kids’ rides, a beer garden, and live entertainment. Children can enter the "Kid's Zone" where they can play free games and activities. There’s Summer fun to be had for the entire family. Admittance is free. Parking is free in the Downtown area the day of the festival. The event is RAIN or SHINE. -------------------

Wooden Boat Festival The Toms River Seaport Society hosts this annual nautical-themed event in Huddy Park, Downtown Toms Rvier. See beautiful antique wooden boats in the water around the park. Nautical arts & crafts and other items will be displayed throughout the park’s walkways. The event takes place on the same day as Summer in the Street...Saturday, July 21. The Wooden Boat Festival runs from 9AM to 3PM, and is free to attend. Rain or Shine. ------------------

EXIT 82 Presents: The Drowsy Chaperone - July 6 - 29 2018 - Playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at the Exit 82 Studio Theater at 73 Main Street in Toms River. Visit https://www.exit82theatre.com for more information. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. ------------------

Dirty Heads Concert - Sunday July 22, 7:30 PM · Seaside Heights, NJ · Seaside Heights, New Jersey Dirty Heads perform at The Classic American Boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ on the beach stage. Free admission if you recycle any empty Monster Energy can. One admission per can. Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by parent or guardian. ------------------

The TOMS RIVER FARMERS MARKET continues each Wednesday, from 11am to 5pm on The Ocean County Parking Garage Lawn along Hadley Ave. Convenient FREE parking is available in the Parking Garage. NJ Jersey Fresh farmers feature fruits & vegetables, baked goods, pickles & olives, Italian specialties, herbs & spices, candy & nuts, NJ wine, homemade soaps, homemade guacamole, coffee, and much more! The first Wednesday of each month celebrates specific Jersey Fresh Fruit and vegetables. For more info, contact Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District: 732-341-8738 -----------------

TAKE NOTE: The “Downtown Trolley” is now operating in Toms River! The NEW trolley is making its rounds throughout Downtown this summer. The trolley is FREE and runs Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm -- AND Saturday & Sunday from 10am-8pm. It will travel a continuous loop throughout the downtown district. The driver can be contacted via a hands free device at any to time to find the trolley’s location - call 609-846-4064. See the Trolley Route.

Spring 2017 Events

Spring Greetings from Toms River Online... After the long winter, you're probably anxious to start enjoying the improving weather. Below, we'll let you know about some upcoming Spring Events, as well as some resources to help you with Spring yard clean-up and other chores. 

FUN SPRING EVENTS COMING UP SOON The Spring event season kicks off during the month of May. First up is the Toms River Food Fest on Saturday, May 6th. This is a full day of food and fun on Washington Street, Downtown Toms River, from 11am to 8pm. They'll be food trucks, vendors, live music, kid's activities and more. Later in May, the 28th Annual NJ State Chili and Salsa Cookoff happens along Washington Street in Downtown Toms River. The event is Saturday May 20th, from 11am to 5pm. Chili tasting, musical entertainment, and vendors make it a very fun day.

The Toms River Farmers Market returns beginning Wednesday, May 24th at a NEW LOCATION:  The Farmers' Market is NOW located at the Ocean County Parking Garage Lawn, 28-46 Hadley Ave. The Market takes place every Wednesday throughout the Spring, Summer, and early Fall - 11am to 5pm. There is convenient Free Parking in The Ocean County Parking Garage.  See our full events listing. In addition to Events, see our Things to Do page that provides additional ideas for places to visit and fun activities you can find in our area.

SPRING RESOURCES - HIGHLIGHTS FOR SPRING First...have you registered your child for SUMMER CAMP? Programs are filling up fast. Use our Summer Camp directories to get information and to register for local camps. Directories: Toms River Online Summer Camps  &  Bricktown Online Summer Camps  Our Landscaping & Lawn Care Directories will help you find the perfect company to clean up and maintain your property: Toms River Online Landscaping  &  Bricktown Online Landscaping. Swimming pools and spas always need a lot of maintenance, and our Pools and Spas Directories will point you in the right direction for assistance in opening and caring for your pool: Toms River Pools & Spas  & Bricktown Pools & Spas. See more Seasonal Resources. View our full Business Directories to find all kinds of local businesses. Toms River Online Business Directory  &  Bricktown Online Business Directory.

Spring is Here - Time to Get Your Home - and Yourself - In Shape

Spring kind of came on fast this year....after a mild Winter, we now need to switch gears into an early Spring. I don't know about you, but the seasonal change-over this time of year is really tough. There seems to be lots of things that need attention and not enough time to deal with them. The yard, the deck, the house...all seem to have some degree of Winter damage. My waistline, too!

In order to help you get these tasks done, Toms River Online has put together a "Springtime Resources" page. The page has a list of many the directories of local businesses that will do work around your house and property, so that you can get make your Spring cleaning and fixing get done faster and easier.

Oh...and for that Winter "spare tire" around your middle...I recommend checking out the directory of "Gyms and Fitness Clubs"...you'll be happy if you get a handle on this now, since after spring.... comes summer days at the beach. Make sure you're in good enough shape to put your swimsuit on.

Over the Bridge - Fun Events Soon in Seaside Heights

Spring in Seaside Heights brings some fun events...

Here's a quick overview:

Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday March 12, 2016, 12:00pm, On the Boulevard, Seaside Heights. This is a fun-filled Irish parade with bands, bagpipers, floats, and marchers, and a street celebration where everyone is Irish! Local bars and restaurants will be open (green beer!).

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Palm Sunday Egg Hunt - March 20, 2015, Start time 1:00 pm Search for Easter eggs on the beach in Seaside Heights! Girls and boys up to ten years of age can participate in the Palm Sunday Egg Hunt. Follow the signs to the “Age Groups” to uncover the hidden eggs…up to 15,000 eggs! You will earn prizes, like FREE ride tickets, skeeball games and food and it’s all FREE and open to kids up to age ten. There will also be a challenger area for kids with special needs.

Age groups report to:

0-2 > Hancock Avenue 3-4 > Blaine Avenue 5-6 > Sumner Avenue 7-8 > Hamilton Avenue 9-10 > Lincoln Avenue

Special Needs – Kearney Avenue

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Annual Easter Promenade - March 27, 2016, Starting time: 10:00AM

This is the time to show off your Easter finery! Registration for the event begins at 10AM on the Boardwalk and Webster Avenue. Flowers (Carnations) will be passed out on the Boardwalk and Webster Avenue by Seaside Heights Mayor and Council (while supplies last). Prizes and Contests for the best dressed! Family entertainment will happen after the best dressed contest.

Coming Up: Valentine's Day -- and the Polar Bear Plunge

This post-holiday time is tough...all of the excitement has died down, and we're left with...winter. For most of us (skiers aside), it is a long wait until spring. Fortunately, we do have a couple of interesting things coming up this month.

First of all, Valentine's day (Feb. 14th) falls on a Sunday this year, so there's lots of opportunity to do something fun with your special person. Note that if you're going to need a florist, jeweler, or a good restaurant for the occasion, Toms River Online has business directories for each. You can start on our main Business page.

Once the glow of Valentine's Day fades, we have the Polar Bear Plunge happening on February 20st in Seaside Heights. This wild and crazy event benefits the Special Olympics. More than 5,000 typically attend, and the crowd seems to get bigger every year.

In case you are ready to jump in the water...here are some important dates for you to know: February 16th- All teams must be registered by midnight. February 16th- Online Registration Closes. All team members must be registered with their team by midnight. Team members will not be able to register with their team the day of the event. February 20th- On-Site Registration will be $125 the day of the Plunge. Registration begins at 9am with the Plunge scheduled for 1pm.

Have a great rest-of-February...spring is right around the corner (sort of)...

Christmas in Downtown Toms River

There are some fun events coming up for the Holiday Season in Downtown Toms River.

First of all, be sure to go the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, next to Town Hall, on Friday, December 4th. The event runs from 6pm to 8:30, with music, story-telling, characters, lighting the tree, and an appearance by Santa Claus!

Also of interest is the new Downtown Shops @53 Main Street. These boutique shops offer a "mini-mall" shopping experience in the heart of Downtown Toms River. Why not buy some unique, hand-crafted gifts this Holiday Season? Find out more information about the Shops. Some Special Events will happen at the Shops during the Holiday Season, including an Arts and Music Day, from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, December 19th.

On Saturday, December 12th, the Toms River Artist Community will have an Art Opening and Holiday Celebration at the beautiful new Event Venue, "One Flight Up" -- which is located at 73 Main St., Toms River, above the MeanBean restaurant (corner of Main & Washington Sts). Stop in between noon and 4pm to see a display of local art and jewelry for sale.

We wish you a fun and happy Holiday Season!

Farmers Market - You Can't Beat Jersey Fresh

It seems like everyone is on a health kick these days, but many people complain that most diets don't seem to work, or that it really tough to get hold of the really good stuff you should eat.

Well, it turns out that we have a place in Toms River where we can stock-up on foods that are good for you -- the weekly FARMERS MARKET in Downtown Toms River. It takes place every Wednesday, (until November 18th) 11am to 5pm, in the lot on the corner of West Water Street and Irons.

Everything is JERSEY FRESH from local vendors. Select from fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, organic, gluten-free, 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.... enter the free raffle to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce featuring the fruit and vegetable of the month.

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

Local "Event Season" Begins in May

After a long, very cold winter, we are finally able to get out and about, and there's going to lots going on this weekend....

Jersey Shore Music Festival - May 15 through the 17th - in Seaside Heights The Jersey Shore Festival is a free admission music and arts festival that kicks off the summer festival season and proves that summer really does start sooner at the Jersey Shore. With performances by over 250 artists from around the world, the Jersey Shore Festival is the premier emerging artist festival in New Jersey! See the Schedule of activities for this event.

Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, Saturday, May 16th 26th Annual Chili & Salsa Cook-Off, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Washington St., Downtown Toms River. International chili Society - sanctioned State competition. Live music, food, vendors, crafters and rides! Free admission. For more info: 732-341-8738

Farmer's Market - Downtown Toms River Every Wednesday from May 20 - November 18, and a Thanksgiving Market Monday, November 23. Times: May - October 11am to 5pm; November: 11am to 4pm. Market located on corner of West Water St. & Irons, Downtown Toms River. Info: 732-341-8738.

Ocean Fun Day - Saturday, May 16, Seaside Park / Island Beach State Park. Sponsored by NJNG. Exhibits, classes, nature tours and children's activities. Call 732-872-1300, Ext. 19 for more information.

Some Great Events Coming Up in Seaside Heights

If you want to venture "over the bridge" -- there's a few happenings in Seaside Heights that may brighten things up a bit after such a long, tough winter.

Here's a quick look:

Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade, Saturday March 7, 2015, 12:00pm, On the Boulevard, Seaside Heights. This is a fun-filled Irish parade with bands, bagpipers, floats, and marchers, and a street celebration where everyone is Irish! Local bars and restaurants will be open (green beer!).

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Palm Sunday Egg Hunt - March 29, 2015, Start time 1:00 pm Search for Easter eggs on the beach in Seaside Heights! Girls and boys up to ten years of age can participate in the Palm Sunday Egg Hunt. Follow the signs to the “Age Groups” to uncover the hidden eggs…up to 15,000 eggs! You will earn prizes, like FREE ride tickets, skeeball games and food and it’s all FREE and open to kids up to age ten. There will also be a challenger area for kids with special needs.

Age groups report to:

0-2 > Hancock Avenue 3-4 > Blaine Avenue 5-6 > Sumner Avenue 7-8 > Hamilton Avenue 9-10 > Lincoln Avenue

Special Needs – Kearney Avenue

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Annual Easter Promenade

This is the time to show off your Easter finery! Registration for the event begins at 10AM on the Boardwalk and Webster Avenue. Flowers (Carnations) will be passed out on the Boardwalk and Webster Avenue by Seaside Heights Mayor and Council (while supplies last). Prizes and Contests for the best dressed! Family entertainment will happen after the best dressed contest.

April 5, 2015, Starting time: 10:00AM

Next Up: Valentine's Day, and the Polar Bear Plunge

This post-holiday time is tough...all of the excitement has died down, and we're left with...winter. For most of us (skiers aside), it is a long wait until spring. Fortunately, we do have a couple of interesting things coming up next month.

First of all, Valentine's day (Feb. 14th) falls on a Saturday this year, so there's lots of opportunity to do something fun with your special person. Note that if you're going to need a florist, jeweler, or a good restaurant for the occasion, Toms River Online has business directories for each. You can start on our main Business page.

Once the glow of Valentine's Day fades, we have the Polar Bear Plunge happening on February 21st in Seaside Heights. This wild and crazy event benefits the Special Olympics. More than 5,000 typically attend, and the crowd seems to get bigger every year.

In case you are ready to jump in the water...here are some important dates for you to know: February 15th- All teams must be registered by midnight. February 20th- Online Registration Closes. All team members must be registered with their team by midnight. Team members will not be able to register with their team the day of the event. February 21st- On-Site Registration will be $125 the day of the Plunge. Registration begins at 9am with the Plunge scheduled for 1pm.

Have a great February...spring is right around the corner (sort of)...

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.

First Night Ocean County - Family-Friendly New Years Celebration

At one time, First Night Ocean County took place in Downtown Toms River. For the last handful of years, it happens in Seaside Heights, as a Boardwalk event. This event is perfect for those who don't want an alcohol-centered celebration. This is a New Year's festivity that allows you to include the kids.

Here are the details of the event: First Night Ocean County in Seaside Heights - Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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 and begin a lasting family tradition. 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 PM
Crafts - 12 Noon to 4:00 PM
Face Painter - 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Give & Take Jugglers - 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM
Jenkinson's Aquarium Show - 2:15 PM & 3:45 PM

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

Lucky Leo's Arcade - Hamilton Ave. & Boardwalk Caricature Portraits - 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Face Painter - 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Balloonist - 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Shake Shoppe Arcade - Hancock Ave. & Boardwalk Balloonist - 12 Noon to 4:00 PM Caricature Portraits - 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Magic - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
*Schedule is subject to change*

QUESTIONS? Call (732) 854-8000 (The Seaside Heights Business Improvement District)

Thanksgiving Getting Lost in Holiday Crush

Riverguy has always liked Thanksgiving. As a kid, we made Thanksgiving decorations for our school classroom, and for our house and yard. Images of turkeys, Indians, corn, and feasts where seen in stores and homes. And the holiday itself -- a cozy family fall dinner, with no presents required. Just togetherness, and thankfulness.

Today it seems like we rush right by Thanksgiving. As soon as Halloween is over, stores break out the Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. Some stores (which shall go un-named) had Christmas decorations out BEFORE Halloween!

Toms River Online's Facebook page has just shared a post about Santa arriving already (Nov 7th!) at the Ocean County Mall. Most people commenting are expressing the thought that this is way too early. Some of them are just not ready to start holiday shopping, but others agree with Riverguy -- Thanksgiving is getting passed-by, and we shouldn't do it. One person summed it up this way: "Way to early!! I don't understand what the rush is?!? The children are still indulging in their candy and talking about Halloween!! No matter what, I wouldn't bring my children to see him (Santa) until after Thanksgiving."

Not only that...let's not deprive our kids of the opportunity to learn about the history of Thanksgiving, why it is important, and the spirit of thankfulness that embodies the day. Shouldn't we preserve at least one day a year to get together with family, and to think about all the things we have to be thankful for?

Fall Fest to Have a bit of Everything

Riverguy likes the Fall...the crisp air, football, and Fall festivals. In fact, there are almost too many fall fests to choose from.

One of the best around is the upcoming "Arts, Crafts, Music and Harvest Fest" in Downtown Toms River on Saturday, October 19th, from 11:30am to 5pm. Everything will be set up on Washington Street. In addition to all of the things you normally see at a Fall fest, local artists, crafters, and musicians will add to the mix.

You'll be able to enjoy a "street party" atmosphere as the "XL Jazz Band" & "Sounds of the Street" perform on-stage. If you are thirsty, the is a Beer Garden to tame it. Street Performers and stilt-walkers will add to the fun. And, if you think you'll miss the big college football game going on that day, think again... several large TV sets will be stationed at the fest so that you can keep up with the gridiron action.

Kids' activities will include Inflatables & Rides, Pumpkin decorating, a Haystack maze, Sand Art ... and more. There will be Fun Contests: Create-A-Scarecrow contest... Homemade Fall Dessert Cookoff contest, and a Apple Cider Donut Eating Contest.