Gov. Chris Christie in front of Tina’s on Main Avenue in Ocean Grove. All photos by Paul Goldfinger. 6/10/16 © Blogfinger.net
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
During the FEMA struggle, the Governor never showed up to lend visible support for the people of Ocean Grove, but, in the end, as was pointed out to me by a Grover today, all ended well, and he was in the Grove on July 3, 2014 to help celebrate the opening of the boardwalk.
But today, the Guv made an appearance on Main Avenue to promote tourism at the Shore, and in particular, to give a shot in the arm to the merchants in the Grove. He arrived at noon and was greeted by a crowd of about 100 people, most of whom seemed to be journalists, photographers, merchants, businessmen, and local big shots, with a moderate dose of tourists, curious Grovers, and local officials.
Shaking many hands on Main Avenue. 6/10/16 © Blogfinger.net
The Guv shares a laugh with two Grovers. 6/10/16. Blogfinger.net
The Governor wore his Rutgers shirt, as he did when he last was here two years ago. He was jovial as he shook hands, kissed babies, hugged a few folks, and chatted with many, wishing all a happy and prosperous summer. It was a cheerful event on a beautiful June Friday.
Gov. Christie brought his team with him including a security detail and PR staff. He ducked in and out of shops, but he declined an ice cream at Nagles saying it was “too early for that.” One person called out “Hello Mr. President.” He replied something like, “It could happen.” Someone else called him “Mr. Vice President.” and he replied, “Are you trying to get me into trouble?”
Irene von Seydewitz of Manchester/Whiting was visiting the Grove for the INSPIRE 414 conference in Grove Hall and the Tabernacle, but she found herself posing with the Guv in front of Nagles. © 6/10/16 Blogfinger.net
The photographers were all over the situation, and a crowd of them, many videographers, followed the Guv as he made his way slowly from Tina’s eastward to Nagle’s. The lighting was bright and contrasty, making good photos difficult. But he posed for tons of pictures with a wide variety of people. His next stop was to be Asbury Park. Before he concluded his tour of town, folks were saying that the visit was already being reported on local TV news.
They couldn’t get enough of Chris Christie, even while he was inside Nagle’s. 6/10/16 Blogfinger.net ©
LEON REDBONE:
I too was out of town that day but would have loved to see him. He deserves credit for restoring the Shore as quickly as it came back. I can only imagine if he hadn’t been elected where we would be.
He’s a Fair Weather Friend. He was M.I.A. after the storm, but showed up for the photo-op grand re-opening.
Fair weather friend. He was M.I.A. during the struggles, but came for the photo op re-opening, of course.
Nice coverage of Gov Christie’s visit to Ocean Grove!
I was out of town today, but was able to enjoy the event reading your article and photographs.