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.