Don’t we have enough blues in this town already?
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net
Two meetings ago the Groaners featured a local author who told amusing stories about the Grove. On 7/24 they brought a Sixty Minute producer, a Grover who is a sort of celebrity, who came and dropped names through his talk.
There is a report of that meeting in today’s Coaster. (7/27/23). Why does every HOA meeting get printed in the Coaster? Why don’t they email the minutes to members and other gluttons of punishment? Save the news print for worthwhile news and not propaganda like the Groaners’ meetings. The Coaster “reporter” should return her journalism diploma.
Here’s Billy Ward and the Dominoes:
The HOA has evidently abandoned their mission which is:
“The mission of the OGHOA is to protect and enhance property values and the quality of life in Ocean Grove. To that end, the Association provides a gathering place and forum for members and interested residents to discuss and exchange information and ideas about issues of concern to Ocean Grove homeowners.” (OGHOA web site)
They say that they are beginning a “Notable Neighbors Series” where they plan to “highlight the achievements and backgrounds of residents of OG.”
But Blogfinger, who believes they should focus on the wide variety of serious issues which affect we-the-people of Ocean Grove, hereby announces our new “Notable Complainers Series.”
And the Camp Meeting also wants to get into the celebrity game inducing the Coastericans to do a front page story about their last Sunday service featuring a new-born preacher who was a famous baseball player Darryl Strawberry.
Adding to his allure is his history of “drug addiction, womanizing and alcoholism”
Michael Badger said that this celebrity appearance doubled their usual Sunday GA attendance. It seems that Strawberry gets paid thousands of dollars for his “good news” appearances. Who pays his fees? That crowd was encouraged to drop money in a basket.
But, as a journalist, I wonder if any of you have ever seen a front page story in a newspaper where the report is about a church service. This is very odd indeed, and separation of church and state should apply to our media.
The only time Blogfinger ever covered one of those services over 14 years was for the rare occasion where there was a news story attached such as when OG United created a media furor over certain guest preachers such as Kirk Cameron. Then we had to hear what he was saying.
Badger said that he will try to recruit another converted famous baseball player—Mariano Rivera.
So, it looks like the CMA is following the ancient practice of Madison Avenue to promote business with celebrity endorsements.
But Ocean Grove has had its share of celebrities residing and visiting here including a famous Broadway musical star who lived in our house. Because of that I plan to learn tap dancing. Also the famous Rev. Beegle lived in our house which is called the “Beegle ” House, but now should be called the Bagel House.
Other stars in the Grove include names such as Caruso and Sousa, Southside Johnny was born here and lives here. Springsteen was photographed in front of Nagles, the cast of the Sopranos came, as did Woody Allen, and many others including Grover Carl Swenson who starred in the Fantastics.
Other stars in the Grove include Ronald Naldi of the Met. Opera, Phillip Smith of the NY Philharmonic, and TV economist Jim Cramer; and also many Grovers who have worked in film and theater: stage sets, costumes, tech, musicians, special effects, etc. So celebrities are not so special around here.
So why don’t the Groaners and the CMA skip their celebrity programming and dig into the w0rk of the people.
Paul Robeson lived and worked around here. This link is about his 1925 visit—-that would be worthwhile if the HOA brought in a celebrity newsmaker like him.
Broadway cast of Gypsy: