Big Stink Leaves Something to Think About

On Friday, January 4th, a mysterious invisible cloud of smelly air engulfed much of Toms River. We would find out later that the smelly air travelled over 5 NJ counties.

Riverguy first noticed it as a burning, petroleum smell. It was subtle at first in the house, but when I opened the door the stench was so strong the the air was practically unbreathable. As time passed, more of it seeped into the house....and I began to wonder....what if this stuff is toxic? What if it just keeps getting stronger? After all, once is fully permeated the house, there would be nowhere else to go. I seriously considered jumping in the car to see if I could get out of the path of the smell.

Riverguy's wife called the police, and they said they knew about it (actually they we getting inundated with calls), but they didn't know what is was. Nothing was mentioned on local radio (at least that I could find).

In this age of terrorism, weren't we supposed to get some instructions about what to do? Stay put? Evacuate? Listen to a radio station for updates? What happened to all of our preparedness? Lots of money has been spent on Homeland security. We should have been informed quickly and clearly -- but instead we were all left guessing.

Also....how about tracking down the source? The wind direction and data on call reports should allow this to be pinpointed. Aren't there supposed to be air monitors in place?

How about lingering health effects on people? On animals? Sure, I'm probably over-reacting, but we'll never know if they don't find the source of the cloud, and the substance involved.

We deserve better.

To Spend Big Bucks...or Not?

There is an important Toms River School District Referendum on Dec. 11th -- you will be asked to vote on a $10 million dollar (local share) program to construct a new Kindergarten building, as well as additions and improvements to other local schools.

This referendum is coming up (too) fast...doesn't leave much time for discussion. And big money is involved. Riverguy is leaning toward voting "No" to send a message that we are not happy with these things being pushed through quickly -- and under the radar.

Maybe if the kids coming out of our schools could find Canada on a map, I'd have more confidence that our money is being well-spent.

In any event, to see an explanation of the referendum and the allocation of funds -- copy this link into your browser: http://www.trschools.com/referendum/pdf/referendum_information.pdf

Crime Increasing in Our Area

We've been very fortunate in our area for quite some time...compared to most parts of New Jersey, and the rest of the country for that matter, very been very safe in our parks, streets, and shopping centers. Lately, however, we've had a murder in Berkeley, gunshots in Brick Plaza, and a jogger attacked in Toms River.

More public awareness and outcry is needed to focus attention on the problem and find solutions -- before these isolated incidents become a trend. Most of the crime seems to be related to gangs -- either real ones or, more likely, regular kids acting out with a gang mentality. Whether more cooperation is needed between the police and school system, or Police need more resources, Riverguy is not smart enough to know. But I do think awareness of the problem -- early on -- is the first step toward solving it.

Wellness Center Switched to Kindergarten...Ok, But...

Riverguy is a little puzzled....changes seem to be made around here quickly, and seemingly under the radar. A good case in point is the Wellness Center that was going to be built on the grounds of Toms River Intermediate East. Not too many people seemed to know about it, or understand how it came about. Just as awareness was growing, we suddenly learn that the plan has changed. A new building for a Kindergarten will be built on the site instead. Now, this seems to make more sense, and I'm not condemning the idea (actually I'm prone to praise it), but once again we had a fast action that didn't allow much discussion in the community. Now I know planning meetings do occur, and the more astute of you are thinking..."well, these other folks are sloppy citizens, and just need to pay more attention, and get to the meetings." Ok....but let's be real a minute. People are busy, distracted, and yes, a bit lazy. But the movers and shakers in the community owe it to all of us to announce and publicize the meetings and discussions of pending important decisions in a bigger way -- and well in advance. The public, collectively, does have a lot of common sense, and should be allowed to fully weigh in on things going on around town. Getting some public consensus will also dispel that feeling of things happening "under the radar."

Toms River Farmers Market - Why Wouldn't You?

The Toms River Farmers Market is held from noon to 6pm every Wednesday (starting this past Wed.) through Oct. 24th. It is in Huddy Park, and you can park your car right there in the Robbins Parkway lot.
Now, your mother always told us to eat our vegetables, but very few us do. Why not do yourself a favor and get some farm-fresh vegetables at the Market? They even have organically grown fruits and vegetables, if you want to get the best health benefits. Additional vendors have honey, pasta, nuts, and much more.
With the stuff that's good for you conveniently right around the corner -- why wouldn't you go?

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!