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.

The Local Artist Community -- Do You Know They Exist?

Toms River has an active and growing community of working professional artists -- in fact, they are called the Toms River Artist Community (TRAC). Never heard of 'em? Well, chances are you will be seeing and hearing from them very soon. I know some of you are probably saying "Ok Riverguy, but I don't know anything about art...why should I care?" You should care because towns are measured in part by the cultural aspects of their areas...by the interesting things to see and do. And that's were the money goes. Towns that have an active art community usually also develop good music venues, bars, cafes, restaurants, antique shops, breweries, etc.

Why not try something different? You can always do the same old things, but why not expand your horizons? AND...think about it...You don't know anything about art because this area hasn't given you very many chances to SEE any. That is changing.

Here are some of the events coming up, including:

"Art in the Park" - this event will take place at Huddy Park, Downtown Toms River, on Saturday August 28th, from 11am to 4pm. There will be visual artists, crafters, jewelry makers, poets, AND music from the Creeptones... and a handful of other musical groups. See art demonstrations, browse works by local artists (a lot of work will be for sale), or just take in the music.

"Artists Garden" - this is an outdoor art area set up at the Old Time Antique & Collectibles Faire, Saturday, August 31st, 9am to 4pm. The event is held in and around the Ocean County Parking Garage. Artists and crafters will be set up outside of the garage on the lawn. Be sure to also visit the antiques flea market, food truck, and much more.

"TRAC Library Show" - the Artists of the Community will show their works in the top floor of the Ocean County Library, Toms River, for the entire month of September.

"Arts, Crafts, Music, and Harvest Fest" - this is a street festival organized by the Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District...the same folks that bring you Chili Fest, the Ice Cream Fest, Cruisin' Downtown vintage car shows, etc. This Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 11:30am - 5pm, on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River.

So, start out by attending the "Art in the Park" event on August 28th. You'll have a good time and you may also find that you are a fan of the "arts" after all!

Fanatical Phone Users -- Stop the Madness!

Ok, so the new smartphones are really great. They keep us connected, up-to-date, in touch with family and friends, and they help us navigate, buy, take photos....on and on. But you know things are going too far when:

1) Business people are remarking how job candidates keep using their phone (barely ever looking up) during a JOB INTERVIEW!

2) People are getting into car accidents because they are texting while driving. It is really common -- travel on any road in Toms River and you'll see cars barely stopping in time at traffic lights or drifting out of their lanes because the driver is looking down at their phone.

3) I've been bumped into numerous times on sidewalks and in stores because people are walking forward without watching where they are going...their eyes are on the latest Facebook update...

4) In experiments conducted across the country, most people could not successfully stay off their phone for a 24-hour period without getting nervous, freaking out, or demanding their phone back almost right away.

5) People are showing signs that they are un-interested, and are UNABLE, to carry on a person-to-person conversation. Ironically, kids growing up in a world where social sharing means EVERYTHING can only share when electronically connected. Actually talking to someone is "so last century."

All of this is something to think about (I'm assuming we all know still know how to think..LOL).

Maybe we should all put the phone down once in a while (especially when driving, please!). The latest text or update will still be there for us a half-hour from now. There used to be an old phrase that said "take time to smell the roses." It meant don't get so caught up in something (in this case, the phone) that you miss the world around you. The sun, trees, sky, and other people around you can be pretty interesting sometimes, too.

"Buy Local" is More Than Just a Slogan

“Buy Local” Movement Benefits You, and the Community Buying goods and services locally has always been a good idea, but it is especially important now after Sandy devastated our area. Many businesses have been hit hard, and purchasing from our local businesses will help them recover.

Buying locally has a number of advantages:

1) First and foremost, it keeps our friends and neighbors working.

2) Dollars spent locally circulate in the community and stimulate growth and opportunities for more businesses to open.

3) Buying local helps build the community’s tax base and boosts charitable giving. Business owners are making an investment in the town, and many “give back” in order to help the whole area prosper. Business owners typically order goods from other local businesses, creating a “trickle-down” effect of dollars flowing.

4) Local stores are more likely to carry locally produced foods and products. This gives a boost to local agriculture and trades.

5) Products produced locally are often “greener,” because they don’t require as many fossil fuels to reach you.

Many times you will see the “Buy Local” sentiment expressed as “support Mom and Pop stores.” Business owners are also your friends and neighbors, and by buying from them, you support their whole family as well.

The Chambers of Commerce in our area support the “Buy Local” movement, encouraging residents to patronize area businesses. After Sandy, Toms River Online, the local community web site, launched “Support the Shore” – an effort to simply remind everyone that supporting local businesses needs to be part of the shore restoration effort. The idea is that we must re-build houses and buildings, but also help businesses get back on their feet. See www.supporttheshore.com for more information.