Near Stokes statue we met Grace–a new Grover. Paul Goldfinger photos. Blogfinger.net © Click on all photos to enlarge. 8/17/21. Ocean Grove, NJ.
Can you do this? Grace does. Paul Goldfinger photo. 2021
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net
This re- post by special request.
Ocean Grove, August 17, 2021: We were over by the Stokes statue admiring the way the big guy is the monarch of all he surveys. We finished photographing his shiny posterior plaque when we were distracted by a young woman who was upside down on the grass.
We went over as she went from one position to another while Stokes seemed not to notice. But he and his Camp Meeting followers encouraged physical activities at their campground and he probably would have admired Grace’s exercises as she kept up the tradition in the shadow of the Great Auditorium.
Grace had been traveling most recently to Costa Rica before moving to the Grove a few months ago. She is 26 years old and a specialist in yoga, reiki, healing and meditation. She would like to promote her business in the Grove.
Grace says that she loves the Grove because it’s ” a quiet getaway and community.” She also wants to explore the lifestyles in Asbury Park.
We’ve met a few new Grovers lately in their twenties and thirties, and undoubtedly they want to visit the new A. Park along with their Ocean Grove experiences. Also there are transients/renters/guests who differ from the ways of the past.
Ocean Grove has an appeal that attracts new residents, and for most it has little to do with the religious life here. Undoubtedly the demographics in this unique town will change, and the entrenched narrow-minded presences here should take notice. A new generation is coming. Let’s call them, “The OG underground.”
I asked her permission to photograph, and she readily agreed after asking me , “What’s it for?”
I said, “Blogfinger” and she replied, “OK.”
2016:
Here’s a welcome song for Grace—–from West Side Story. It’s Sarah Vaughan
Don’t call them underground as they are just normal folk .