News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Guy Benjamin in Cruz Bay

The island’s grand old man, Guy Benjamin, is doing a book signing. The 96-year-old author has overseen a reprinting of Me and My Beloved Virgin . The St . John Source’s Lynda Lohr says Benjamin will be at the Friends of the Park store at … Read the original here: News of …

See the original post here:
News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Guy Benjamin in Cruz Bay

News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Guy Benjamin in Cruz Bay

The island’s grand old man, Guy Benjamin, is doing a book signing. The 96-year-old author has overseen a reprinting of Me and My Beloved Virgin . The St . John Source’s Lynda Lohr says Benjamin will be at the Friends of the Park store at … Read the original here: News of …

Originally posted here:
News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Guy Benjamin in Cruz Bay

News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Guy Benjamin in Cruz Bay

The island’s grand old man, Guy Benjamin, is doing a book signing. The 96-year-old author has overseen a reprinting of Me and My Beloved Virgin . The St . John Source’s Lynda Lohr says Benjamin will be at the Friends of the Park store at … Read the original here: News of …

Go here to see the original:
News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Guy Benjamin in Cruz Bay

Mayor Reina visits Holman School kindergartners

Jackson, NJ – Today was “Dogs for Dads” for Kindergartners of Mrs. Davenport’s class at the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School.    A day for kids to say thanks to dad in advance of Father’s Day, but it was also a special day for the kids and their fathers as they were treated with a special mystery guest, Jackson Township Mayor Mike Reina.   

Mayor Reina was presented with a tie made by parents and children which included stars, an American Flag, the words Mr. Mayor and of course a tree with a gypsy moth caterpiller on it, which the mayor graciously wore as he read Dr. Seuss’ The Sneetches, a story about how one scrupulous business owner tries to take advantage of unsuspecting sneetches on the beaches by selling them status symbols they didn’t need.    In the end the Sneetches realized that it didn’t matter if they had something that made them different because regardless of their differences, they can all be friends in the end.

Today’s visit was the brainchild of six year old kindergarten student Erin Stilton who thought it would be a ‘cool’ idea to ask her dad if Mayor Reina would be her special mystery guest instead of himself.   “Of course when she wanted Mr. Reina instead of me, it was a blow, but I thought it would be a wonderful experience for the kids.  Besides, who wants to hear about an old IT guy talk about the differences between megabytes and gigabytes.  I agree the mayor is a bit more interesting” said Erin’s dad Phil “I’ve been told all along that parents should get involved in education in our town and it’s an opportunity these kids might never have had otherwise.   So much has been cut from our town’s education in the past 7 years and these kids stand to miss out on opportunities that were available just a few years ago.  It’s nice to have a mayor who so freely gives back to the community and it’s an experience the children will take with them and remember as the day the mayor came to class and read to them”.

The mayor, who is used to tough crowds down at town hall handled the children just fine and mingled with the group of  first year dads whose children have just finished their first full year in Jackson’s public school system.   After reading to the children the mayor was off to meet with county officials to continue brokering a deal for the Jackson Girls Recreation Softball League to find them a permanent new home over at the county owned Patriot’s Park to give the league much needed relief.

BlueClaws game stopped due to fog in 6th

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws have announced tickets for the June 11th game against the Hagerstown Suns can be exchanged for the 1:05 pm game on June 20th against Lake County.

Lakewood’’s game on June 11th was stopped due to fog in the 6th inning, and was an official game with Lakewood winning 3-1. Because the game fell short of completion, tickets may be exchanged for the June 20th, 1:05 pm game.

That day, the BlueClaws will be hosting a Kids Expo, presented by JerseyShore.MomsLikeMe.com. The event, which begins at noon, features free laser tag thanks to Combat -
 
Sports of Manalapan, a full performance from Yosi and the Superdads, singing songs off their new CD, free inflatable rides before the start of the game, a performance from magician Mark Wurst, arcade style games in a trailer, Sesame Place and Six Flags ticket giveaways, and much more.

All tickets must be exchanged in person at the BlueClaws box office, and fans must bring their June 11th tickets in order to complete the exchange.

The Lakewood BlueClaws welcomed 425,166 fans to FirstEnergy Park during the 2008 season which upped their eight-season total to 3,595,378.  They have led the South Atlantic League in average or overall attendance in each of their eight seasons. 

Children, ages 12 and under, eat for free at every BlueClaws 2009 home game, thanks to NJ 101.5 and ShopRite.

Jersey Shore Roller Girls derby league flourishes in Jackson

 

On most week nights in Jackson, you can be sure to find local residents Chelle Be Evil, Jack and Choke and Lita Floorher hanging out at the Jackson Roller Rink.  No, this isn’t some neo punk street gang or an online gaming convention, it’s the Jersey Shore Roller Girls, a league of approximately 70 women from Ocean and Monmouth County who tirelessly practice their newly resurging sport.    When they’re not playing their matches on their Asbury Park Convention Center home field or travelling around the Atlantic coast and even Montreal, Canada, they call the Jackson Roller Roller Rink their home away from home.

Roller Derby is once again becoming very popular, thanks in part to the efforts of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (http://www.wftda.com/),  an organization of leagues throughout America that has revived and revolutionized what was once a 1970’s hollywood spectacle into a thriving and flourishing sport.    All around the country, leagues are sprouting up just like the Jersey Shore Roller Girls with the ambition to be part of the WFTDA, which is a league of three teams including the Right Coast Rollers, Murder Beach Militia, Anchor Assassins and a newbie team called Fresh Meat, affectionately referred to as the Pork Rollers.  The league also boasts a traveling all-star team, led by team captain, Jackson’s own Chelle Be Evil, aka Michelle Scamparino.

Today’s incarnation of roller derby is different than what most of us remember from our childhood.  Gone are the inclined tracks, rails and Hollywood stunts of the old days.  Today’s game is a true sport that mixes roller skating with a bit of hockey and a football mentality according to Chesty McBruiser (aka Catherine) the league’s public relations manager.    The game is played with two teams of 5 on an oval flat track where one player from each team is designated as a Jammer, trailing the pack of 4 opponents.  Their goal is to try to pass their opponents.   Each opposing player the jammer passes counts as one point.    It sounds easy, but in one of the few sports where defense and offense are played simultaneously and the opposing blockers will block, check, push and do what it takes to prevent the jammer from passing them.

Just like any other contact sport, injuries can and do happen from minor bruising to sprained ankles and even a random tooth being knocked out.   Health insurance is a requirement for anyone who might be thinking of joining the Jersey Shore Roller Girls and joining is as easy as showing up at the Jackson Roller Rink on any practice night and a willingness to play.    You don’t even need to be a good skater as the Roller Girls will assign new players to their Fresh Meat team that will teach the basics of the game and work on improving essential basic skills.   Any woman 18 years of age from the Jersey Shore region is invited to stop by any Wednesday night after 9pm to watch scrimmages and meet the teams.    Ages of the women range currently from 19 to mid 40’s.

The Roller Girls next match at the Asbury Park Convention Center takes place next Saturday, June 20th at 7PM where the undefeated Right Coast Rollers take on the winless Anchor Assassins.   “It should be an energetic match as both teams have something to prove.  The Right Coast Rollers haven’t lost a match yet and they don’t want to and the Anchor Assassins haven’t won a match yet” explained Chesty McBruiser.     Their opening game in 2009 sold out the 3,000 seat capacity convention center.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net and cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  Child tickets cost $5.    The next match is Teacher Appreciation Night, all guests are invited to bring a book and will be entered into a contest to win a prize.  The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are also a community service focused league as each game at the convention center will sponsor a charity and they can be found around the area with a table at different charitable events.

So if you’re interested in joining the Roller Girls, remember Wednesday nights at the Jackson Roller Rink. If you want to see them live and in action, visit www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net and buy tickets online for their upcoming June 20th game.

Jackson Daisy Scouts prepare park for National Trails Day ribbon cutting ceremony

Jackson, NJ – Armed with shovels, rakes and a whole lot of community spirit, the girls of Daisy Troop 110 from the Lucy N. Holman elementary school landscaped and  planted a flower garden this morning at the Bunker Hill Bogs Wildlife Recreation Area, Jackson Township’s newest park.    The park consists of over 5 miles of hiking and scenic trails along the Bunker Hill Bogs which was preserved and saved from developers through many years of hard work by the Jackson Pathfinders.   The girls were on a tight deadline today as the official ribbon cutting ceremony takes place tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a short hike through the preserve and a community cleanup project.  Mayor Mike Reina is expected to be in attendance along with members of the Pathfinders organization and other township dignitaries to celebrate National Trails Day and the official opening of the park.

Above you can see the before and after of the Kiosk flower garden at Bunker Hill Bogs.

The girls, ages 5 and 6,  and their parents led by troop leader Kathleen Malmstrom,  arrived at the Bogs at 9:00 am and started clearing out their garden area, removing branches, picking weeds and turning the soil in preparation for their transformation.

They then headed to I&G Farms on Whitesville Road, just a minute from the park where Justin, an employee at the farm center helped the girls pick out flowers, plants and bushes that are both beautiful and deer resistant as the bog area is home to many dozens of white tailed deer, beavers, groundhogs, rabbits and other plant eating animals.

After picking the right flowers for the jobs, the girls headed back and got busy digging and planting their flowers, which I&G farms gave a generous discount on to the scouts. (hint: go to I&G farms and buy some flowers).   

By noon, the girls and their parents finished the garden and were ready to go home after  hard day’s work.    Their flower garden and the park is a gift to the Jackson community given by Jackson residents.   The entire park has been created through state grants and volunteer efforts by the Pathfinders, Jersey Shore Boy Scouts, Jersey Shore Girl Scouts and dozens of volunteers who have worked very hard this past winter to get the park and trails ready for tomorrow’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

The plants and landscaping supplies for this project were donated by Jackson NJ Online with the help of our friends at I&G farms who were generous to provide the scouts a discount on their materials for the project.  “When you give children the tools to give back to the community, it’s amazing how well they respond.” said Phil Stilton, an organizer of the project “These girls could have slept in today and watched cartoons, but they knew the mayor and other important people will be here tomorrow morning  and wanted to do something special for Jackson. Every one of them went home covered in dirt and mulch this morning.”    

After meeting park site manager Art Rosky over the winter and realizing the girls still needed to work on a community garden for the scout program, Mr. Stilton felt the Pathfinders and the Girl Scouts were a perfect match and introduced the two groups to each other.  Each hour of time donated on this project helps the pathfinders earn credits from the State of New Jersey to buy more trees from the Forestry Resource & Education Center.  “I’m hoping other scouts and community organizations can see what both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have done here and help make this place beautiful ” he continued, referring to the informational Kiosks built and provided earlier in the year by local Boy Scouts “There are many opportunities here at the bogs  with all sorts of environmental  projects for children to lead and I’m sure our kids can continue to deliver.”

Any other volunteer organizations who wish to help make this park beautiful by planting flower gardens, working on cleanup projects or donating materials to this effort should contact Karen Borga, chairperson for the Jackson Pathfinders at (908) 330-2579 or visit the Pathfinders online at www.jacksonpathfinders.org.   The garden still needs appropriate border material to be complete.

If you are interesting in having your daughter join the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, visit http://www.girlscoutsjs.org/ or call (800) 785-2090  to find a troop in Jackson.

Cruise Ship Destination: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Charlotte Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas and the largest city in the U.S Virgin Islands. The city is named after Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel (1650-1714), queen consort to King Christian V of Denmark. It is famous as a deep-water harbor that was once a haven for pirates and is now a famed cruise ship port of call, with about 1.5 million cruise ship passengers visiting each year.

Upon entering St. Thomas Harbor from the south, you can’t help but to notice the breathtaking peaks and ridges of the island that surround you.

The city has a lot of that historical feel to it, yet maintains it’s modern edge throughout.  St. Thomas has some of the best scenic vistas in the Caribbean.

Along the shore of Hassel Island which lies in the center of the harbor, you can see old ramparts along the waters edge, a vestige of days gone by and gives you a good sense of the old pirate days of the island.  

Cruise News Network - From docked ship, you can take many beatiful pictures of the harbor and the city, but don’t wait too long, it’s time to get off the boat and explore all that St. Thomas has to offer.    On a recent visit, the Disney Wonder was docked in the harbor and brought the size of modern cruise ships into perspective with this quaint city.

Disembarkation at St. Thomas is not too difficult especially if you’re a U.S. Citizen.

Trying to figure out what to do in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas?

There’s Fort Christian, an old Danish fort and oldest structure in the Virgin Islands, built in 1660.  Emancipation Park is another landmark in the center of town, not far from the docks.   It was named to commemorate the freedom of the slaves on the island in 1848.

Near Fort Christian, you can visit the old Lutheran Church, built in 1793 or the 99 steps which are a 300 year old set of steps still being used to climb the steep terrain of the island.

St. Thomas is home to one of the most critically acclaimed beaches, Magen’s Bay, located on the north side of the island.

St. Aloysius seeking volunteers for 2009 Summer Carnival

The St. Aloysius & St. Monica’s summer carnival is less than one week away and are seeking individuals willing to volunteer for a variety of positions needed at the carnival.   Jobs include Game Booth Operations, Security, Parking Attendants, Nightly Cleanup and 50/50 sales.

To sign up to be a volunteer at this year’s carnival, please visit: http://www.threepencebrooke.com/volunteer_form1_6.htm

Tree ordinance shows two Mikes better than one

Mike Reina called the victory a rare triumph of David over Goliath.  However,  it was a publicly witnessed feat of two Mike’s working together for the common good of Jackson that was instrumental in this victory for our town.   While the obvious victory in this decision is the effect it will have on Jackson, in my opinion, the greater victory is how two very influential men in our town worked toward the same goal and accomplished that goal together.    So far, there has been no political grandstanding and it’s a nice change of pace for our town.  I can only hope that the two parties in our town can take this victory and realize that sometimes two actually is better than one.

In 2003, the roles were reversed.   Mike Reina was a councilman and Mike Kafton was the mayor of Jackson when the current tree ordinance was passed.    Unfortunately, through corporate greed and disregard for our community by the New Jersey Shore Builder’s Association, the ordinance seemed doomed as big money sought to bully our town into an epic legal battle that made its way to the State Supreme Court.

While there were many more instrumental players behind the scenes and away from the public eye who deserve just as much credit, we do have to credit these two opponents for a job well done.

Mike Kafton explained  “I, along with my fellow committee members, made every effort to pass legislation which would have a positive impact on our environment and subsequently on the quality of our lives. ” when he describes his time as Mayor of Jackson.

In their time together on the municipal council in different roles, two open space ordinances that kept residential development in check were passed, increases in acreage designated to parks were made and of course this tree ordinance passed.  This ordinance still needs one more legislative pass to comply with the court’s decision  in which Mike Kafton stated will be taken care of at the next town council meeting.

While serving as mayor and as a committee member one eye was always on the environment, Kafton continued “We petitioned the State to designate the Metedeconk headwaters a C-1 waterway which allowed up to a 300’ buffer along this waterway and we also petitioned the NJ Pinelands Commission to protect the Toms River corridor by providing a 600’ buffer along this waterway. Both of these bodies of water provide valuable drinking water.”

While the two Mike’s are rarely seen agreeing on many things publicly, one thing they both agree on is that an environmentally friendly Jackson is important to the future growth of our town.

Tree Removal Ordinance and how it affects homeowners

After reading the article comments today in the Asbury Park Press, it amazes me that people who are so concerned about the implications of the tree replacement ordinance never bothered to go to look up the town code on the township’s website and see what the ordinance really is.

Here are the answers to some misconceptions.

I have to pay $200 to cut down any trees on my property?
No, only trees greater than 6 inches in diameter or greater.   A six inch diamter tree is fairly large, so it rules out most sassafrass and other “weed” trees you might have on your property.   It also rules out most of those expensive decorator trees you probably planted around your house.

What about trees that pose a risk to my home?
Other areas of the township code permit the removal of trees that pose a risk to dwellings.   You will still have to obtain a permit from the township prior to removal.

Replacing trees is going to cost me a fortune!
Trees purchased through the NJ Forestry Center between Don Connor and Route 527 can be bought very cheaply.   Reforestation trees cost just a couple dollars.  Here is their catalog: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/forest/bw_2009_nursery_catalog.pdf

Builders will stop building in Jackson
This is doubtful.  Builders are greedy capitalists, just like any other business.  They will build houses in desirable communities like Jackson as long as they can turn a profit.   This ruling has indeed made Jackson a more desirable community to live in.  Builders will be forced to build responsibly and abandon their past habits of clear cutting to build houses which will in turn make new developments even more desireable.

Why should I have to pay for a certified tree expert?
You don’t have to pay.  Take a sample of the tree the Ocean County Agricultural Center on Whitesville Road in Toms River and for a very nominal fee, they will run an analysis on your sample.  You don’t need to pay a commercial service for this action.

Those were just some of the questions posed, but if you read the actual code, you will get a better understanding on how this ordinance does help our community and even contains flexible wording that will give credits to responsible commercial and residential development.

 Tree replacement shall be required in accordance with the standards set forth in § 10-3 Dead and fatally diseased existing trees, as determined by a certified tree expert, shall not require replacement tree planting. Existing tree replacement shall comply with at least one of the following criteria:    
 
 A.One-to-one tree replacement. For each tree six inches in DBH or greater that is removed, the applicant shall prepare a replanting scheme on other treeless areas of the property to compensate the clearing of the tree area. The replacement plan or landscape plan shall reflect a one-to-one tree replacement for each tree six inches or greater to be removed. All proposed replacement trees shall be in accordance with § 109-173A(2)(b) and submitted for review and approval prior to the issuance of a tree removal permit.  
 
 B.Tree area replacement/reforestation. For each square foot of tree area to be removed, the applicant shall prepare a reforestation scheme on other treeless open space areas of the property to compensate the clearing of the tree area. The reforestation plan shall be based on twenty-foot by twenty-foot grid. Of this number of trees, 10% shall be balled and burlaped two-inch to two-and-one-half-inch caliper, 20% shall be balled and burlaped one-and-three-fourth-inch by two inches caliper, 30% shall be bare root one-and-one-fourth-inch by one-and-one-half-inch caliper and 40% shall be bare root six-foot to 8-foot tall whips. A mixture of trees, indigenous to the area and site, shall be utilized. Proposed trees shall be planted in natural groves and may be spaced five feet to 20 feet on center. The ground shall be seeded with a meadow grass mixture approved by the Township Forester.  
 
 C.Tree cost replacement. Should the quantity of the trees to be removed be greater than the quantity of actual tree replacement as identified on the tree replacement/landscaping plan due to limited available planting area, then the outstanding balance shall be provided in accordance with the replacement tree value calculations as indicated.   
 
 (1)Replacement tree value calculations. The replacement value of all trees to be removed where replacement trees are required by this chapter shall be calculated as follows:  
 
 Trees to be Removed 
 Size/DBHReplacement Trees  
  (inches)(cost per tree)  
 greater than 6 up to 12$200  
 Greater than 12 up to 18 400  
  Greater than 18 up to 24 600  
  Greater than 24 800  
  
 (a)In cases where the tree cost requirement criteria is combined with other criteria of this subsection, the value of proposed shade, ornamental, evergreen and shrub material shall be deducted from the calculated amount for replacement trees. The value of the proposed landscape material shall be calculated based upon average local material costs for planting.  
  
 (b)The applicant will receive a one-for-one replacement tree credit should stands of 10 or more trees greater than three inches in DBH be preserved within tree removal areas.  
  
 (c)A tree escrow fund shall be established by the Township for the administration and promotion of tree and shrub planting projects on or within public properties or facilities. A separate trust account shall be established for this purpose. Appropriations from the tree escrow fund shall be authorized by the governing body and shall be used for the foregoing public purposes through the recommendation of the Township Forester, Township Engineer or Township Planner.  
  
 (d)All tree replacement requirements and/or fees as set forth in this subsection shall be approved and/or paid prior to the issuance of the tree removal permit by the Township Forester.  

What to do in NJ This weekend. May 15-16, 2009

New Jersey Ballet: Giselle Event Information The Community Theatre Date: May 16,2009 Location: 100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960 Get More Information: New Jersey Ballet: Giselle

Horseshoe Crab Day Event Information Jenkinson’s Aquarium Date: May 16,2009 Location: 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 Get More Information: Horseshoe Crab Day

Fine Art & Crafts at Verona Park Event Information Verona Park Date: May 16,2009 Location: Bloomfield Ave., Verona, NJ 07044 Get More Information: Fine Art & Crafts at Verona Park

Pathmark Mulitcultural Arts Festival Event Information Woodbridge Center Date: May 16,2009 Location: Woodbridge Center Dr., Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Get More Information: Pathmark Mulitcultural Arts Festival

Born to be Shorn Event Information Cooper Gristmill Date: May 16,2009 Location: 66 State Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930 Get More Information: Born to be Shorn

Richie HavensRichie Havens Event Information Algonquin Arts Theatre Date: May 16,2009 Location: 173 Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736 Get More Information: Richie HavensRichie Havens

McCarter Theatre Gala Benefit Event Information McCarter Threatre Date: May 16,2009 Location: 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540 Get More Information: McCarter Theatre Gala Benefit

Blast from the Past Event Information Medford Township Date: May 16,2009 Location: Main St., Medford, NJ 08055 Get More Information: Blast from the Past

A Taste Of Tango & More Event Information Montclair Art Museum Leir Hall Date: May 16,2009 Location: 3 South Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042 Get More Information: A Taste Of Tango & More

Spring Arts & Crafts Festival Event Information Star of the Sea Parish Hall Date: May 16,2009 Location: Washington & Lafayette Sts., Cape May, NJ 08204 Get More Information: Spring Arts & Crafts Festival

Everything Jersey City Festival Event Information Central Ave. Date: May 16,2009 Location: Central Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307 Get More Information: Everything Jersey City Festival

Beginning Birding Event Information Duke Farms Date: May 16,2009 Location: 80 Route 206 South, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Get More Information: Beginning Birding

Fire Control Tower No. 23 Opening Ceremony Event Information Sunset Blvd. near Sunset Beach Date: May 16,2009 Location: Sunset Boulevard, Cape May, NJ 08204 Get More Information: Fire Control Tower No. 23 Opening Ceremony

Adult Workshop: Plaster Casting Event Information Grounds For Sculpture Date: May 16,2009 Location: 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619 Get More Information: Adult Workshop: Plaster Casting

Tots on Tour! Event Information Grounds For Sculpture Date: May 16,2009 Location: 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619 Get More Information: Tots on Tour!

Historic Metel Crafts: Beginners Blacksmithing Event Information Historic Speedwell Date: May 16,2009 Location: 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 Get More Information: Historic Metel Crafts: Beginners Blacksmithing

Mayfest Event Information Historic Smithville – Village Greene Date: May 16,2009 Location: Rt. 9 & Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ 08205 Get More Information: Mayfest

The Lindbergh Kidnapping Event Information Tulipwood Date: May 16,2009 Location: 1165 Hamilton St., Somerset, NJ 08873 Get More Information: The Lindbergh Kidnapping

New Egypt Day Event Information Oakford Lake Park Date: May 16,2009 Location: Lakeview Drive, New Egypt, NJ 08533 Get More Information: New Egypt Day

Pirates Day with Captain Kidd Event Information 26th St. Date: May 16,2009 Location: 26th St., North Wildwood, NJ 08260 Get More Information: Pirates Day with Captain Kidd

Bike MS ‘Coast the Coast’ Event Information Monmouth University Date: May 16,2009 Location: 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Get More Information: Bike MS ‘Coast the Coast’

Woodbridge Street Fair and Craft Show Event Information Downtown Woodbridge Date: May 16,2009 Location: Downtown Woodbridge, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Get More Information: Woodbridge Street Fair and Craft Show

Basking Ridge Charter Day Streetfair & Festival Event Information Downtown Basking Ridge Date: May 16,2009 Location: East Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Get More Information: Basking Ridge Charter Day Streetfair & Festival

American Heart Association HeartWalk Event Information Sports & Civic Center Date: May 16,2009 Location: 6th & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226 Get More Information: American Heart Association HeartWalk

NJ Safe Boating Class Event Information Minmar Marine Date: May 16,2009 Location: 14 Old Sea Isle City Blvd, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243 Get More Information: NJ Safe Boating Class

Great Cape May Footrace 2009 Event Information 30th Annual 5K and 10K run. Race through the beautiful historic district & beachfront of Cape May. Enjoy a flat, fast course with chances to win cash prizes. Fee required to enter. Date: May 16,2009 Location: Beach Ave in Cape May, front of Convention hall Get More Information: Great Cape May Footrace 2009

Rubber Ducky Race & Family Fun Day Event Information Benefiting Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County Date: May 16,2009 Location: Mirror Lake in Medford Lakes, NJ 08055 Get More Information: Rubber Ducky Race & Family Fun Day Bring The Kids and Walk WITH US!! Event Information Let’s MOVE Together Date: May 17,2009 Location: Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, South Amboy, NJ Get More Information: Bring The Kids and Walk WITH US!! New Jersey Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Event Information The Community Theatre Date: May 17,2009 Location: 100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960 Get More Information: New Jersey Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Lilac Party Event Information Willowwood Arboretum Date: May 17,2009 Location: 300 Longview Rd., Far Hills, NJ 07931 Get More Information: Lilac Party Outdoor Adventure Expo Event Information Turkey Swamp Park Date: May 17,2009 Location: 200 Georgia Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728 Get More Information: Outdoor Adventure Expo Schola Celebrates Galileo with ‘Space, Light and Discovery’ Program Event Information St. Paul Lutheran Church Date: May 17,2009 Location: 440 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07303 Get More Information: Schola Celebrates Galileo with ‘Space, Light and Discovery’ Program Cape May Music Festival Event Information Congress Hall Date: May 17,2009 Location: 251 Beach Dr., Cape May, NJ 08204 Get More Information: Cape May Music Festival 3rd Annual Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival Event Information Tuckerton Seaport Date: May 17,2009 Location: 120 W. Main St., Tuckerton, NJ 08087 Get More Information: 3rd Annual Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival Blacksmith’s Hammer-In Event Information Historic Speedwell Date: May 17,2009 Location: 333 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 Get More Information: Blacksmith’s Hammer-In Secrets of Pinelands Plants Event Information Historic Whitesbog Village Date: May 17,2009 Location: 120 Whites Bogs Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 Get More Information: Secrets of Pinelands Plants Millburn Classic Car Show Event Information Downtown Millburn Date: May 17,2009 Location: Millburn Ave., Millburn, NJ 07928 Get More Information: Millburn Classic Car Show Highland Park Street Fair and Craft Show Event Information Downtown Highland Park Date: May 17,2009 Location: Downtown Highland Park, Highland Park, NJ 08904 Get More Information: Highland Park Street Fair and Craft Show Upper Saddle River Antique Car Show & Flea Market Event Information Pearson Education Date: May 17,2009 Location: 1 Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 Get More Information: Upper Saddle River Antique Car Show & Flea Market Juilliard at SOPAC: ETA 3 Event Information South Orange Performing Arts Center Date: May 17,2009 Location: 1 Trenchard Place, South Orange, NJ 07079 Get More Information: Juilliard at SOPAC: ETA 3 Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival Event Information Tuckerton Seaport Date: May 17,2009 Location: 120 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087 Get More Information: Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival Ocean City Triathlon/Duathlon Event Information Aquatic & Fitness Center Date: May 17,2009 Location: 1785 Simpson Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226 Get More Information: Ocean City Triathlon/Duathlon Hasbrouck Heights Street Festival Event Information Antiques, Crafts, Collectibles and Specialty Food Vendors Date: May 17,2009 Location: On the Boulevard Between Kipp Avenue and Raymond Street Get More Information: Hasbrouck Heights Street Festival Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair Event Information Antiques, Crafts, Collectibles Date: May 17,2009 Location: Kipp Avenue and Raymond Street – On the Boulevard Get More Information: Hasbrouck Heights Street Fair Clean Ocean Action’s 2009 Family Beach Ball Event Information Join us for Clean Ocean Action’s Family Beach Ball celebrating 25 years of Ocean Advocacy Date: May 17,2009 Location: Ship Ahoy Beach Club 800 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ Get More Information: Clean Ocean Action’s 2009 Family Beach Ball

Forest Resource Education Center gets bad press about road

In an article  in the Jackson Times today, there was a complaint about the condition of the roads leading into the NJ Forest Resource Education Center from East Veteran’s Highway and Don Connor Blvd. 

The roads have been a mess, yes, but they are normally well maintained.  The primary reason for the condition of the access roads was because of this year’s snowfall.  When the snow was plowed, the road suffered minor inconsistencies and bumps which formed puddles which were only made worse by vehicles driving through in the ensuing spring melt and rainy season. 

A forestry center has confirmed that this was a problem and the road has recently been regraded.  The state is aware of the problem and has plans on upgrading the Don Connor entrance this year and have already begun to cut down trees and mark out locations for the widened new road.  The Don Connor entrance is not in great condition and should be avoided if your vehicle doesn’t have clearance.     After visiting the park this morning, I can verify first hand that the East Veteran’s Highway entrance has indeed been regraded since my last visit.

The bumps the article refers to are intentional speed bumps which keep parkgoers honest about adhering to the 10 MPH speed limit that exists throughout.

Construction projects take time.  They take even longer when the state is involved, but the employees at the center and the state are aware of the problem and do all they can to preserve this natural park.

The project is a State project and has been confirmed as necessary even after the Corzine cuts to parks and services.      The park does provide great recreational opportunities and is truly one of Jackon’s hidden gems.   Along miles of walking trails, you can see dozens of bird species, rodent speicies, deer, turtles, fish, beaves and more.    To say that the state does not provide recreational opportunities is a desservice to all that is done at this park.

Jackson parents warns Mayor of suspicious character at the Jackson Jungle

Mayor Mike Reina,

We are writing you after an incident that occurred this morning at the Jackson Jungle at the Justice Complex.  My husband, Scott Rauch took our son to the park to play for awhile.  When he arrived there there were two cars and no one around at the park.  They were playing at the park for about 10 minutes.  My husband noticed that a person who was walking came to their car and then left.  He and our son went over to the tower part of the park and Michael went to go down the tower, when my husband noticed a man at the bottom.  The man asked if they wanted him to get out of the way, and after my husband gave him a few choice words he got out so Michael could go down the tower.  The man then went right back into the tower. 

Scott and our son left the park and went right to the police station to report the incident and gave a description of the man and his black jeep.  The police sent a car/officer there but the man had left already.

As you can imagine this incident is quite disturbing to us.  It is hard to comprehend why a grown man would find himself almost hiding in a area frequented by children. 

While keeping a close eye our children is always the first priority, we are compelled to make you aware of this situation and to request that the Jackson Jungle be evaluated in the area of visibility for the protection of our children.  Our family helped raise money for the park, took part in the actual building of the park and have been blessed with such a nice facility.  However, after this incident one cannot overlook the potential hazard with having such hidden areas in a park.  If you have ever been there, the tower is quite dark inside.  We would really like to see the tower and any other hidden areas modified for the  protection of the children of Jackson.

We thank-you for your attention to this matter.  You are welcome to contact us and we would appreciate a follow-up to your findings.  Also, is there a way to place a warning at the park about this incident.  I believe a posting to parents at the park would be prudent.

Respectfully,
Scott and Donna Rauch

Jackson Snow Day in Pictures

As promised while I was out running my errands today, I snapped some pictures around town. 

Day off for the town council?

It’s a snow day and Jackson and it looks like I’m not the only one taking the day off to frolic in the snow.   Apparently Councilwoman Bobbie Rivere didn’t get the memo.  Today is a snow day!     I was hoping to get a picture of some of the council members having a snowball fight, but it looks like they called out too today.   Before any political extremists decide to use this picture and say “ZOMG OMG! THEY AREN’T WORKING TODAY! MY TAX DOLLARS ARE WASTED”, just relax and take your Xanax, wait 20 minutes and think about it first.

Jackson Residents begin digging out
All around town every one’s digging themselves out.  It took me about  three hours to dig our house out, but that includes my unplanned trip to County Line Hardware after the tire on my snow blower came off the rim.   I knew it needed air, but I was just too lazy to fill it.  This resident on Jackson Mills has the right idea, lawnmower snow plow!

 

Township Plowing the Way

Township plow trucks were out in full force.  The roads major roads were pretty clean at 9am considering how much snow we got. I was hoping to see some Mr. Plow trucks, but for yet another year of my life I need to come to grips with the Simpsons not being real.

Beware of stupid and crazy people

Here we see a crazy person, probably NOT from Jackson, because we’re all nice people in this town, passing me doing about 45 on the right at the intersection of Route 527 and Jackson Mills Road.   Keep an eye out for stupid drivers.  They’re out there today and you don’t have to look that far.

Jackson Jungle

Jackson Jungle is not exactly the best choice for children to enjoy their day off, well I guess kids are all home playing Xbox and Wii anyway.  Do they even know it snowed?

The Toms River

Yep, that’s a shot of the Toms River.. in Jackson.    The river passes through Jackson and this vista can be accessed from the road in the NJ State Forestry center on Route 527.

Toms River Again

If you look the opposite way from the picture above, this is the other wonderful view you get.  There’s some nice hiking trails along the river here, so when the snow melts and it gets warmer, just remember treadmills are for hamsters. Go out and explore Jackson.

Muhahaha Kids.  School should be open tomorrow

Well, I can’t make any promises but school maintenance workers are busy clearing sidewalks, salting and doing their best to open schools for tomorrow.  We’ll find out soon enough if the kids will be able to squeeze another day out of this storm or we get to send them off in the morning.

Snowy Road

This is the road leading out of the State Forestry center.  Kinda neat I guess.

Neither Rain Nor Sleet or Snow….


Yes, the United States Postal Services comes through for us again.

Mark Seda’s Road to Nowhere


One road that definitely won’t see any snow plows this week is Mark Seda’s road to nowhere.  How can we forget our former mayor and his ambitious plan to link Butterfly Road to Johnson Park, ignoring DEP regulations and plowing through a protected wildlife area so the Jackson Day exit traffic won’t be so bad in the future.  While most of the road has vanished and been reclaimed by nature, the dilapidated gate at the entrance serves as a reminder of the good old days.