October 29, 2012. Iconic storm photo by Grover Bob Bowné. Special to Blogfinger. 2012.
2023. April: We have been describing the current opening of the new pier, but if you read (or re-read) this July 30 2022 dedication post, you will find some useful perspective to help appreciate this year’s big event.
Below is a link to the Bowné. photograph above:
The Dedication of the New Pier. CMA event. July 30, 2022. 6 pm
As seen from the pier 2 minutes before the event began. Blogfinger photo. 7/30/22. Click all photos to enlarge.
She walked onto the pier, looked around and left, heading for Bradley Beach. This event was not for everyone. Paul Goldfinger photo from the OG pier. 7/30/22
Some Grovers waiting for the show to start. They said that they were looking forward to the new pier; construction to begin in September. Paul Goldfinger 7/30/22
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net
A large stage was set up on the beach, facing the pier. A crowd had assembled, but I only saw two persons I knew.
Many of the folks were coming off the beach at 5-6 pm. Most of those who were staying for the dedication were sitting or standing on the pier or on the boardwalk. Hardly anyone was in front of the stage.
The sound system was good, but the picture on stage of the new pier was a blob—I was on the pier and could not see any details. We’ll have to wait for a press release of the new design.
After Michael Badger delivered a pier prayer/blessing, the best part of the show was a presentation by the chief engineer Peter Avakian. He spoke quickly in construction lingo, so I suspect that most of the crowd could not follow much of what he said.
I have some of his quotes below, and the most impressive words of the evening were his when he promised that no future storm could knock down the new pier and that the pier will be bigger, better, taller and longer.
He said that the pier would “extend 500 feet into the ocean–250 feet longer than the original.” The decking will be 6 feet higher at the end; 5 feet higher than waves could be. (??)
The piles will be impressive–up to 60 feet long and driven 20 feet into the sand. The pile caps will be made of cast iron, and there will be “extensions” at the end of the pier which would provide a “pavilion area” where someone could get out of the sun and there will be a place where lifeguards can survey the ocean and beach areas for safety.
When he was done, many people left including myself. We were told that food trucks were waiting on the Pathway.
Congratulations are in order for this happy dedication, but there were plenty of self-congratulations on stage.
A new pier will make most Grovers and visitors happy. It’s been 10 years! No wonder there were plenty of smiles among those in attendance. It is truly a time for a blessing:
As Tevye said in Fiddler on the Roof: “A blessing on your head, mazel tov, mazel tov.”
So, the Christian rockers not withstanding, this event deserves a hora:
…Oh Gee.
It seems to me that any land, private or public, which is a “public thoroughfare” or is used for the public. (such as the Municipal Building property). and especially if it receives public funding or assistance (such as the boardwalk and,I believe, the beach in OG) should follow the usual rules of separation of church and state. For example, you can’t put up a menorah or a cross in the Municipal Building parking lot.
You may recall, in 1980, the CMA lost governance in Ocean Grove because they had violated the church vs state mandates.
And the same was true in 1925 when the new Borough of Ocean Grove was shut down because they allowed some “blue laws” to remain.
Almost all of the land in Ocean Grove is owned by the OGCMA. Thus privately owned. Neptune Township cannot control religious activities on privately owned land.
Why doesn’t Neptune Township do anything about this? If any other religious group was trying to put their own religious slant on public events, people would go nuts.
If someone goes to what looks like a general information site at https://www.oceangrove.org/calendar they will see a long list of religious events, furthering the perception that it IS a religious town.
I just read the previous comment… my point exactly.
Whatever “Praisefeat” thing they have going on to commemorate the new cross-design pier just ruined my nice family afternoon at the beach. Not sure why they need a stage and 2 Christian rock bands playing terrible songs on one of the best days of the summer. Please find me ONE person who knows or enjoys any of these songs. Just one.
I am a long-time member of this community and homeowner near Main Beach who loves Jesus more than anyone but this is taking it too far.
There was a very nice Muslim family stationed in front of me who was also enjoying a nice day at the beach. I could only imagine the reaction if it were the other way around.
Are they now hoping to bring more programming to the Main Beach? We don’t need it.