Point Pleasant News

The Lord's Prayer Forbidden by Court Injunction at Council Meetings

2011-02-16T18:07:00.000-08:00

The law suit against Point Pleasant Beach, instigated by the ACLU, made waves at Fox News. It was reported as "No Spin News" on Bill O'Reilly's The Factor. ACLU Sues New Jersey Town Over Pre-Meeting Prayer is the title of a short article appearing at the Fox News website. An injunction was issued to prohibit recitation of the Lord's Prayer at borough council meetings.

An Analysis of Health Care Costs and Proposed Remedies

2011-01-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

The Kaiser website has an informative article which breaks down health care costs in the United States. Also included is a section detailing the factors which are driving up the cost of health care. Once you are aware of costs and causes for their increases cost containment proposals can be made and analyzed. This article is an excellent place to start when searching for solutions to America's health care conundrum.

Conspicuously missing from the analysis is tort driven costs. They are hard to quantify because their expression takes the form of excessive diagnostic testing. Still some effort needs to be made to estimate the cost of practicing defensive medicine and the high cost to physicians of liability insurance.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

From one of my favorite scriptural passages:

Isaiah 9:6 (New International Version, ©2010)

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

It is a message of hope and comfort; the quintessential meaning of Christmas.

Daniel B. Wallace's The Birth of Jesus Christ supplies historic details about events related to the birth of Christ.

Ocean First Bank Locations

2010-11-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ocean First Bank has three branch locations in Point Pleasant. Each has a distinct phone extension. They are at:

3100 St Hwy No 88 Road
Point Pleasant NJ 08742
1 (888) OCEAN33 ext 5600

701 Arnold Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach NJ 08742
1 (888) OCEAN33 ext 4200

2400 Bridge Avenue
Point Pleasant NJ 08742
1 (888) OCEAN33 ext 4300

Compromising a Negotiating Position

2010-10-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

The previous blog entry took notice of Point Pleasant mayoral candidate Schroeder's comments that borough employees need to trust that the "council is dealing straight and fair with them" and that his "opponents have completely lost that trust." He also said that the jobs of borough employees should not be jeopardized.

The remarks could unnecessarily limit the town's negotiating options with municipal employee unions. Schroeder makes an unsubstantiated allegation about trust. He does not cite specifics which would lead a reasonable person to conclude that inappropriate actions led to an issue involving trust and fairness. If Schroeder has knowledge of specifics he should have mentioned them. If not he should not have said anything. What he did was put forth a negative descriptor of town officials which compromises their negotiating effectiveness. That's a serious act on the part of someone who aspires to lead the town and empowers unions at the expense of the town.

In addition Schroeder needlessly gave away a valued bargaining chip by ruling out in advance any adverse action directed at borough employee jobs. Why do that without a quid pro quo? Maintaining maximum flexibility in advance of concessions from the other side is a basic bargaining concept.

Mayoral Candidate Schroeder on the Cap and Borough Employees

2010-10-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

The previous blog entry noted the views of Councilwoman Rogers on how the deal with the 2 percent cap limit. Those view were detailed in the Ocean Star article Mayoral candidates share ideas for staying under 2-percent cap, Rogers' opponent, Mr. Schroeder, responded by indicating he would look into shared services "including the court and the planning and building departments." His specifics also included restructuring permit application fees "to make our planning and building department self-sufficient.” He added that court fines also could be increased.

Schroeder ruled out jeopardizing borough employees’ jobs. Then, in what appeared to be a swipe at his opponent, Schroeder said

.... the employees have to trust that council is dealing straight and fair with them. Categorically, I can tell you we have that trust and our opponents have completely lost that trust. Real financial responsibility avoids gimmicks and corrects past mismanagement. Real financial responsibility is the now and the future of what Point Pleasant needs. There is no right way to do the wrong thing.

To which Councilwoman Rogers responded:

I find Mr. Schroeder’s opinions about me just that — his opinions — and not those of borough personnel or taxpayers. I have their respect and trust. I believe Mr. Schroeder was an ineffective councilman and mayor who increased property taxes 68 percent, cut sweetheart deals for the PBA and municipal unions off the backs of taxpayers, and did it all behind closed doors.

Councilwoman Rogers Addresses the 2 Percent Cap Problem

2010-10-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Eric Colvin wrote the article Mayoral candidates share ideas for staying under 2-percent cap, which appears in the Point Pleasant News section of The Ocean Star, a publication of the Star News Group. Councilwoman Rogers, one of the two mayoral candidates, provided specific answers. She spoke of "options to drastically lower garbage pickup and recycling expenses” and a pledge to require that appointed professionals "take a 20-percent, hourly-fee reduction, along with tiered billing." Her explanation that: “The pain of the budget must include a shared sacrifice, and not off the backs of taxpayers — they have had enough,” was in keeping with the mood of the electorate and the reality of New Jersey's excessive taxation.

Reliable Home Remodeling Services in the Local Area

2010-10-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

Walter A. Miller Remodelers is based in Brick and has had prior successful projects completed in Point Pleasant. The office phone number is 732-458-8530. Residential home remodeling is a service which the company provides and included within this parameter are:

* Additions and extensions
* Designing and building projects
* Kitchen and bath
* Basement finishing
* Value engineering
* Architectural planning and design

Their specialized divisions include:

* Roofing
* Siding
* Windows and doors
* Paint
* Finish and custom millwork
* Porches, decks and patios

In addition clients have access to online files and communication. This is a well run business and one that operates with integrity.

Alice in Wonderland at the Community Park

2010-09-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

There is a free showing of the movie Alice in Wonderland at the Community Park on Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant. This will take place on Friday evening, October 22nd between 7 and 9 PM. You are advised to bring a chair and blankets.

Website Text Ads

2010-08-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Text Link Ads offers the possibility of making money off your website through text ads. Money can be routed through PayPal.

Bedrock Obama Care Assumptions Proven Wrong

2010-07-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

The health care legislation passed since Obama became president was made possible based on assumptions about costs which now have been proven erroneous. The Coming Obamacare Deficits tells the story. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) made cost assessments that aided the passing of Obama Care. But in May of this year, following the bill's passage, the CBO found unaccounted for discretionary spending valued at $115 billion. At that point the CBO director reversed the prior message and expressed the view that rising health costs would greatly pressure federal budgets during the coming decades. And then on June 25th anticipated Medicare cuts were cancelled thus consigning to oblivion basic cost saving measures upon which Obama Care was established.

Also in the same article was the disturbing revelation that health inflation was more than double the inflation rate at 3.4 percent last year. Worse yet cost increases experienced by Medicare and Medicaid were up 8.6 percent and 9.9 percent respectively.

Charter Boats in the Pt. Pleasant Area

2010-06-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's time for boating and fishing. If you're looking for a charter boat and unfamiliar with available options this might help. In addition to addresses and phone numbers there are links at the site bringing you to the websites of the different boats. Get the details and tailor a boat to fit your needs.

A Press Release Service

2010-05-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jackson Online has offered a free press release service to local businesses, organizations and individuals. The stated purpose is to "encourage business growth opportunities in light of the nation’s current bleak economic situation." Here is the helpful link.

A Municipal Information Site

2010-04-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

The website Muni Net Guide has information of interest from a municipal perspective. News not generally featured elsewhere can be gleaned. There is also useful topical information.

A New Advance in Beach Water Testing

2010-03-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Science Daily posted an article of particular interest to shore communities. Faster Method to Detect Bacterial Contamination in Coastal Waters Developed is the title of the article. From the site:

ScienceDaily (2010-03-03) -- Currently, beachgoers are informed about water quality conditions based on results from the previous day's sample. Scientists must collect samples in the field, then return to a lab to culture them for analysis -- a process that takes a minimum of 24 hours. Now, engineers have sped up the process of analyzing bacterial concentrations to under one hour, through the development of a new in-field, rapid detection method.

This means that water testing will be a much more accurate indicator. Beaches that are closed based on a sample from the previous day might have swimmable water and of course the opposite could be true. In the field test results are now possible using field portable equipment. The icing on the cake would be that this system is also cheaper.

A Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Dance next Saturday

2010-02-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 27th, between 6 and 10 PM, the Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce will hold a 2010 Leadership Awards and Installation Dinner and Dance at the Crystal Point, Rt. 70 and River Road in Point Pleasant, NJ 08742. The fee is $75.

The Point Pleasant Boro Chamber of Commerce is located at 2810 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742. Their phone number is: 732-295-8850.

Superior Court Decision Rendered on Mayor Barrella's Recall

2010-01-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

Superior Court Judge Joseph Foster in Toms River enabled a recall process of Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Vincent Barrella to proceed. It is now possible, although by no means assured, that a general election in November will determine Mayor Barrella's fate. A related story appears online and is titled Recall of Point Pleasant Beach mayor may apear on general election ballot. The article quotes Barrella as labeling the decision as "grossly erroneous" and this appears in it:

"I know the difficulty in having an appellate court overturn a case that’s couched in factual terms, but in this case, this judge simply paid no attention to the new statute, relying entirely on prior law that has been overturned," said Barrella.

Boro Council Meeting on January 19th

2010-01-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

There is a meeting of the Boro Council scheduled for this coming Tuesday, the 19th of January. Council members and the Mayor will be in attendance. The meeting takes place in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 2233 Bridge Avenue in the Borough of Point Pleasant and begins at 7 PM. You can view the agenda by downloading from this site.

Positively Penguins at Jenkinson's Aquarium

2010-01-06T02:10:00.000-08:00

Do you want to learn more about penguins? Would your child? Take in Positively Penguins at Jenkinson's Aquarium on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant on Saturday, January 9th between 11 AM and 3:30 PM. You'll hear penguin facts and fables. Call 732-899-1659 for more information.

Peggy Cadigan Appointed to NJ Library Position

2009-12-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

The December 24th edition of the Community Reporter contains a report on page A10 that Peggy Cadigan of Point Pleasant Beach has been appointed to be associate state librarian for Innovation and Outreach Strategies by the New Jersey State Library. Her duties include providing presentations on the future of libraries. She also has the responsibility to explore ways to enhance services of the State Library.

Online Business Information Source

2009-12-17T06:38:00.000-08:00

The State of New Jersey has a web page which serves as a search engine for business information. This includes data about corporations and other business entities and trade name and trade/service marks.

Breakfast and a Movie at the Pt. Pleasant Beach Library

2009-12-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

At the Point Pleasant Beach Library on December 19th there will be entertainment for children in the 3 to 9 age group. It is on Saturday and starts at 10:15 AM. There will be a breakfast and also the movie The Polar Express will be shown. The telephone number of the library is 732-892-4575.

Beach Badges for Christmas

2009-12-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

Buying beach badges for Christmas? It seems like a strange idea but it is a possibility in some towns. Shore towns get early start on holiday beach badge sales is the title of an online NJ.com article noting that in New Jersey there are at least ten beach communities which have begun selling badges for the 2010 summer season during the Christmas shopping season of 2009. The badges come with holiday tags (outlines of Christmas trees) attached. The nation's largest plastic tag manufacturer, Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity Center Inc., is credited with this innovative idea.

The tags are sold at a discount during the preseason. When the standard badges are made available in 2010, the holiday badges can be swapped for them. It looks like a good idea for the manufacturer, the towns and the purchasers of the badges.

Toddler Make & Take at the Boardwalk

2009-12-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, December 9th, between 9:30 and 10:30 AM Toddler Make & Take, an entertainment event for children, takes place at the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach. Marine life, crafts, stories and animals. For more information call: 732-899-1659.

New Comfortable Train Cars on Monday

2009-11-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

The online article Cushy new train cars coming to Bay Head, reports that local passengers may now have the benefit of riding more comfortable train cars as of Monday, the 23rd of November. The train runs on the Bay Head to Hoboken route. It departs Bay Head at 5:28 AM and returns at 5:10 PM.

Boro Council Meeting on Nov. 17th

2009-11-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

There will be a Point Pleasant Boro Council meeting in the main meeting room of Borough Hall, 2233 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, New Jersey starting 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 17th.

A Public Meeting at Borough Hall

2009-11-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

On Monday, November 9, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. the Point Pleasant Borough Council Recreation Committee holds a public meeting at Borough Hall, 2233 Bridge Avenue. The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting. Possible uses, including use restriction, of the new Riverfront Park on River Road, will be discussed.

Fresca Ristorante

2009-11-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Fresca Ristorante at 210 Ocean Ave. in Point Pleasant Beach offers Italian cuisine. It is open Wednesday through Sunday but is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Sunday through Friday, between 3 and 6 PM, three course dinners going for $16.00 are served.

Karaoke at The Ark on Wednesdays

2009-10-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays are Karaoke nights at The Ark. Performances start at 10 PM. Also on this night you can get five old bay or garlic crabs for $13.95.

NJ Government Receipts Fall Short of Expectations

2009-10-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

N.J. revenue is 3 percent below $6.14B projected budget is an NJ.com news story revealing that revenue receipts for the New Jersey state government were about 3 percent less than anticipated for the quarter spanning the months July, August and September. Since the state constitution requires balanced annual budgets adjustments must be made. That likely translates into budget cuts. The political significance of budget problems is heightened in this gubenatorial election season where Democratic Governor Corzine is running against Republican challenger Chris Christie.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

2009-10-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is scheduled to take place between 8 and 10 AM on Sunday, the 18th of October in Point Pleasant Beach. Registration occurs at 8 AM. For more information call: 732-914-1000.

Needleworker's Flea Market on Saturday

2009-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Needleworker's Flea Market is held this Saturday, October 10th at Kolbe Hall, St. Peter's Church, 407 Atlantic Ave. and Route 35 North in Point Pleasant Beach from 9 AM - 3 PM. Jersey Shore Quilters of St.Peter's Church present the event. For more information call 732-899-7326.

Eating and Entertainment at The Ark

2009-10-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

The group Psycho Daisy performs today at The Ark located at 401 Rt. 35 North in Pt. Pleasant Beach, 732-295-1122. The Ark features a free buffet, Monday through Friday, from 4-6 PM. There is a lot going on at The Ark Pub & Eatery.

Merchants Win the JSBL Crown

2009-09-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

A sports article in the September 24th edition of the Community Reporter titled Point Pleasant team wins another JSBL title told of the Merchants, a local baseball team, winning their 22nd championship in the Jersey Shore Baseball League. They took the first two games of the best of three series against Colts Neck by scores of 3-2 and 9-4. The games were played at the Wall Municipal Complex. Art Rooney managed the team and finshed his 30th season in doing so. The team has won 847 games during his reign as manager. During the season the Merchants had the league's best record 28-3 and they also won the American Division with a 21-3 record.

A Memory Walk

2009-09-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

The annual Memory Walk will take place on Saturday, September 26th at Little Silver Park in Pt. Pleasant Beach. It starts at 9AM and is sponsored by the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. To get additional information click here or call 732-933-2617.

Fun Aboard the Erin Elizabeth

2009-09-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

Erin Elizabeth Charters offers fishing and fun aboard the Erin Elizabeth. Mark Whitney is the captain of the 30' Pursuit Offshore which can cruise at 24 knots. A variety of options span business, family and instructional charters and sightseeing, fireworks and sunset cruises. For price breakdowns click here.

Fishing includes fluke, bluefish and striped bass. With a drop in temperature during the coming months, fishing will focus on PM striped bass. Daily runs will continue until December.

Erin Elizabeth Charters can be reached at cell phone number 732-600-0596 or telephone number 732-892-2709. Communication through email is also an option.

Fortunately I was able to get information directly from the captain. His quick and direct responses were appreciated. That bodes well for those considering a cruise aboard his vessel. Attention to your needs will enhance the pleasure of the trip.

A Parade, Tube Race and Arts and Crafts

2009-09-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, September 20th the Point Pleasant Lions Club is sponsoring two events. There is an arts and crafts show at the boardwalk running from 10 AM to 5 PM. There is also a parade and then a race ("Hey Rube Get a Tube"). The parade starts at 1 PM (Arnold Ave. and Ocean Ave.) and then the Ocean Tube race commences at 2:30. For information on any of the events call 732-892-1089.

Oktoberfest and the Festival of the Sea

2009-09-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oktoberfest, Point Pleasant Elks version, at 820 Arnold Ave. will take place this Saturday, the 19th of September from 9 AM - 9 PM. There will be food, drinks and entertainment. For more information call 732-892-9843.

Also on Saturday the 32nd Annual “Festival of the Sea,” is ready to go at downtown, Arnold Avenue between 10 AM - 7 PM. Look forward to arts and crafts, food, entertainment and games kids play. The Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce is the sponsor. Call 1-888-772-3862 for information.

The Antique and Classic Boat Show

2009-09-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

The 27th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show will take place between 8 AM and 5 PM in Point Pleasant (Johnson Bros. Boat Yard, Bay Ave.). There will be about 50 to 60 boats in a competition. Marine vendors and artists along with a flea market will be there. Food too. For information call 732-295-2072.

A Five Mile Run this Saturday

2009-09-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 19th the Point Pleasant Lions Club is sponsoring a five mile run. Registration takes place at 7:00 AM and the race is scheduled for 9:00 AM. The meeting will take place at the corner of Arnold and Baltimore Avenues. For more information call 732-892-1089.

The Offshore Power Boat Race

2009-09-12T17:40:00.001-07:00

The Offshore Power Boat Race will take place on Sunday, September 13th. The first race starts at 12 Noon and the second at 1:30 PM. Right after the races the Winners Circle will be at Manasquan River Club, 217 Riverside Dr. Brick, NJ 08724.

The Point Lobster Co.

2009-09-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Point Lobster Co. is now located at 1 St. Louis Avenue in Point Pleasant (at the corner of Channel and St. Louis). It sells fresh fish, lobsters, clams, scallops and crabs. The phone number is 732-892-1718.

No Recall Election this November

2009-09-10T03:39:00.000-07:00

The Asbury Park Press reported that Superior Court Judge Joseph L. Foster ruled against an effort to hold a recall election in November involving current Pt. Pleasant Beach Mayor Vincent Barrella. Too much time was said to have passed in an article online titled Judge rules no recall election possible until 2010, Point Beach clerk exceeded authority. The recall attempt was based on a petition. Foster ruled that by invalidating some signatures and removing others after the filing of the petition Borough Clerk Maryann Ellsworth exceeded her authority. The earliest possible recall election would be November 2010.

Labor Day Festivites

2009-09-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 7th of September a Festival of the Atlantic Concert Finale will take place at 7:30 PM at the beach. The stage is situated at the northern end of the boardwalk near the Manasquan Inlet. There also will be a fireworks display following the concert.

A Scenic View from the Boardwalk

2009-08-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

The boardwalk in Pt Pleasant Beach is bordered at its northern most point by the Manasquan Inlet. There are benches where people can relax and view a site that includes many boats navigating the inlet on their way to the ocean or returning from the ocean to their destination. Party boats and fishing boats are numbered among the many boats seen gliding past a nearby jetty. The beach, boardwalk, ocean, inlet, shops and nature's beauty combine to make this area a welcome place for visitors.

St. Martha's Men's Prayer Group

2009-08-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

There is a Men's Prayer Group at St. Martha Church, 3800 Herbertsville Road, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742. It takes place on Fridays after the 8:00 AM mass. The focus is scripture readings and how they relate to our lives. More information is available by calling 732-206-0053 or 732-295-9085.

The Cindy Sea III

2009-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Cindy Sea III is a charter fishing boat. Dave Clapp is the Captain and 732-684-5870 is the phone number. Information about the different types of fishing trips is available at this link. There are also fireworks and sunset cruises and even a burial at sea.

The boat has a satellite radio, VHS-TV and an underwater camera providing a view of the seaworld below.

A Lunch in Honor of Rev. Jerry Marchand

2009-08-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Knights of Columbus are going to honor Rev. Jerry Marchand with a lunch. The occasion is the 55th anniversary of his priesthood. This will occur after the noon mass at The Church of Saint Martha located at 3800 Herbertsville Road, Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742-5499. Invitations are extended to all. The church phone number is 732-295-3630.

Joe Leone's Catering & Italian Specialties

2009-08-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Joe Leone's Catering & Italian Specialties features Italian cuisine, Italian breads, catering and gift baskets. A listing of Daily Specials is available showing the specials, prices and dates. Joseph Leone Introna is the owner and he is also a chef. His culinary personal touch can be experienced at: 400 Route 35 South, Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742. The phone number is: 732-701-0001

A Soccer Kick Off Party

2009-08-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Point Pleasant Soccer Association will hold their annual kick off party on Saturday, the 29th of August from 2-6 PM. It will take place at the Community Park on Bridge Avenue. There is no admission fee and there will be entertainment along with food and games. Questions can be directed to EJ Leahy, III, Vice-President of the Point Pleasant Soccer Association. The phone number is 732-779-5700.

Showing of Gran Torino

2009-08-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

The movie Gran Torino will be shown at the Point Pleasant Borough Library on Thursday, August 27th at 6:30 PM. It's the story about a tough old man named Walt Kowalski and his prize 1973 Gran Torino. But you do not need an appreciation for older car models to see the movie. The story involves Walt's efforts to protect a family against neighborhood gangs. You are advised to register for this if you are interested and bring your own dinner. Dessert will be served.