Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net

If we were to consider the Camp Meeting Association as a private group engaged in an ambitious “mission”  in Ocean Grove, and if we, for the moment, ignored some contentious issues that exist due to their unique placement in the Grove, then we have to be impressed by their successful performance in OG this past summer.

The Annual Labor Day report was only  1 1/2 hours.  It was run professionally, smoothly, and with a smile.  The quality of their team of managers was evident as they made efficient and interesting presentations to the group of about 250 people.  They talked about their many successes, while avoiding any mention of their problems. It is clear that their programming has attracted huge attention and was quite wonderful this summer.

Those of us who are part of the essentially secular population in town sometimes look on with dismay at the Christian programming that swirls around us, almost overwhelming the place on occasion, all summer long.  But it seems to me that most of the residents here are more or less understanding.

However, there are those overlapping clashes having to do with congestion during the peak season, parking problems related to CMA events, and a seeming indifference to the problems faced by residents, while the CMA pursues its “mission” with blinders on.

Some of that emerged to the surface during a brief Q and A which was held at the end of today’s meeting, presided over by Dr. Whilden and the COO Rev. John DiGiamberardino.  There were a few awkward questions, mostly coming from the direction of the OGHOA  (even though the questioners were not open in identifying themselves properly).

This is not a comprehensive summary, but there were some items that I want to share:

1.  There are no increased ground rents planned for current homeowners.
2.  There is nothing new regarding the North End negotiations.
3.  The lifeguard team is comprised of many individuals with OG backgrounds. They hired more females than males, and the guards came from over 30 colleges and universities.
4. The “operations” function is huge, and they are impressively active in mainting all the buildings and other assets belonging to the CMA. Their chief, Jeff Force, seemed particularly effective.
5.  The programs for tennis and shuffleboard have grown and have been hugely popular.
6. The HUB has expanded its merchandise and its functions, currently serving as  “information central” and as a sort of way -station for people stopping by for spiritual guidance.
7. Grove Hall has become a year round center where Christian groups meet. These groups come in buses to Grove Hall events, and the facility has 65 beds.
8. Peter Herr, finance, reported that the CMA is fiscally sound and had a “clean audit” for 2016.  Revenue and expenses match at about $5.5 million. He said that 96% of revenue comes from entertainment including the beach, land/facility income, and donations.  Expenses are 90% from 4 categories:  staff, upkeep, programs, and insurance.
9. Michael Badger put on happy face as the guy whose task is to persuade people to donate.  He loves his job. He says that donors are willing because “the programs and the staff are so good.”
10.  Who knew how busy the Ladies Auxiliary is?  It’s a well kept secret, but the LA President made a delightful presentation.  I’d like to recruit her for Blogfinger. What’s her name?   She said, “Our backsides are hurting us…”  So the Ladies are getting new Pavilion chairs and a new reputation for sensitive backsides.
11. I found out that the Auditorium ushers were founded in 1898, and that group is still alive–uh, well not exactly, but they have 174 members from ages 16 to 90+.
12. Any really obnoxious questions asked?   In brief, no.  But the relationships between the CMA, the town of Ocean Grove, Neptune Township, and the OG residents community are dicey, and we will continue exploring those topics……..stay tuned.

FRANK SINATRA with COUNT BASIE.