We received a letter from “Locked Up?” (see below)
“Fair or unfair, right or wrong Ocean Grove has a basic PR problem. Whether or not it has anything to do with lack of recovery funds, I have no idea, but I feel it must be taken into consideration.
“My friends think that Ocean Grove is a very restrictive place with lots of Blue Laws and you are even required to go to church.
Even locally, there are plenty who believe Ocean Grove is that weird, quirky place.
“No matter what facts are presented in the appeals and they should have no bearing on the decisions, it does give one pause. Perhaps some sort of real PR campaign needs to be started, not just locally but region wide. Change the public perception and the town may find more allies in the fight.”
Editor’s Note: It seems that “Locked Up?” is concerned because there are many people “out there” who don’t “get” Ocean Grove. They often are mis-informed about the facts regarding our town. Of course, for those of us who live here, this is not news. Even the media often is confused about the realities of the Grove. Most of the mistakes revolve around the Camp Meeting Association. Some people still think that only Methodists live here and that the OGCMA still runs the town.
The main mistake that is made is to misunderstand the demographics and dynamics of this most unique and yes, even quirky, small town. The Grove is steadily becoming a destination place and gets more and more crowded each summer. Do we want everyone to find out about us?
But “Locked Up?” seems to think that if only those with such misconceptions could be straightened out with a PR campaign, we just might sway FEMA and others to pay for our boardwalk. Personally, I doubt that more PR about the Grove would be welcomed by those of us who love this town. Maybe we want to just keep it to ourselves. And as for FEMA, they don’t seem to care what the public thinks anyhow.
—Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger
PINK MARTINI “Hang on Little Tomato”
I have interviewed quite a few Grovers for my series on the Beersheba winners, and I always ask them why they moved here. Most of the time they describe a “love at first sight” reaction.
I get a kick out of seeing how first-time visitors react happily when experiencing this uniquely wonderful town—whether they come to the Great Auditorium shows, view the architecture, visit the ocean, or walk downtown—talking to Grovers along the way.
It is an old fashioned nostalgic feeling that has been lost in many places, even in small towns which have evolved into suburbia. Our visitors often say, “I’d like to live here.” The 21st century Ocean Grove is getting more popular without needing a PR campaign.
Although I occasionally hear people say disparaging things abut OG like about how it used to be restrictive to Jewish or black people, I usually hear great comments. Almost every time I am in a different town in NJ and say I am from here, the person says, ” Oh! I LOVE Ocean Grove!” I’ve never heard that when I lived anywhere else-Brielle, Princeton, Fair Haven, Chicago, upstate NY… It’s a nice feeling. 🙂
Ocean City (NJ, natch) it’s a dry town and they seen to have no problem promoting themselves, including one of the largest beach soccer tournaments on the eastern seaboard.
Cape May manages to blend a historic district and Victorian charm with modern amenities and attractions.
Our alcohol policy, historic district and architecture defines us in a positive way, just need to get the word out.
Visit http://derelictbuildings.net to see the latest on derelict homes in OG. It’s a website sponsored by a committee of the Homeowners’ Assn.
Don’t Change: “Locked Up” is simply requesting that OG find ways to educate outsiders about the true nature of our town–i.e. to clear up misconceptions. She is not asking for change–only accuracy. —Paul
Abbott: You can find what you are seeking by contacting the Homeowners Assoc. OGHOA.org
It depends on the person: to some people Ocean Grove would look restrictive: one town, just one square mile, with no alcohol and people there deciding to live in stricter Godly ways. For such people, there are many more places to go where they would have a better time.
I’m saying don’t worry about it; never change, you are like a diamond in the ruff, and to some people, there are so few places like this.
Some people want to change everything. OG is one little square mile; doesn’t want to change, ok so why bother one little square mile? They’re not bothering anyone, they are just living their life the way they want to, just like you are.
It’s not my personal misconception. Even some locals still refer to us as Ocean Grave. Yes, the town is diverse, but it seems most of the time Ocean Grove is mentioned in the press, it is negative. Blogfinger publishes stories about how the local papers got it all wrong. Even the few positive stories don’t get it entirely right.
While a bit off topic, is it possible give us an update on where the Grove is with derelict structures? Is progress being made? I
Thank you.
Well Locked Up you might be surprised but there are many Roman Catholics in the Grove. I am sure O.G. was mostly Methodist years ago until almost all the Blue laws were abolished in 1978.
The town is becoming a little crowded due to lack of code enforcement and interest in condo’s for revenue,that’s a battle that will come to a head soon.