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Archive for the ‘Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity’ Category

Modern OG history 2018: Ground rents, A real lawyer sends us some good information: Yowza !! (Webster says, “used to express surprise or amazement.”)

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove controversies, tagged on June 30, 2018| 1 Comment »

Modern  OG history 2018:  Ground Rents  (Re—Appeals Court ruling)

To the Editor:

Having now read the court decision, its not as interesting as I thought it might be.

Condos can’t avoid their ground lease payments.

Pathway Condos (30 Ocean Pathway) and Dardanelle Condos (40 Ocean Pathway) filed a lawsuit last year trying to avoid paying the annual ground lease to the OCGMA arguing that a provision of the NJ Condominium law did not allow condos to be on leased property.

Last year a trial court ruled against the condos. This week the NJ Appellate Court agreed and ruled that the condos have to pay the land lease to OCGMA.

Bernie the Attorney

The writer is a real attorney who writes under the name Bernie—- special to Blogfinger.

 

Editor’s Note:  So now we can stop kvetching over this, unless someone wants to take the issue of ground rents to the Supreme Court.

And the Home Groaners can stop spending the members’ money on useless lawyers.  Why don’t they make public that lawyer’s opinion about ground rents. I think it cost $7,000.00

The HOA members and the public have a right to see it, especially those who are directly concerned with this matter—eg the condo owners and the CMA.  Post it on the HOA’s useless web site  Muckandgibberish.com

Paul Goldfinger, MD, for the Blogfinger Editorial Board.

And here’s a link about ground rents by Kevin Chambers

ground rents issues

 

THE BEATLES  with a little known song, but I like it—having nothing at all to do with ground rents.

“Don’t Let Me Down”  from the Blue Album

 

 

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Ocean Grove Boardwalk replacement, 2018. An announcement from the OGCMA:

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, tagged on January 12, 2018| 3 Comments »

 

The statement below is from John DiGiamberardino, Executive Director (COO)  Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.:

“The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) is excited to announce the commencement of a greater than $ one million reconstruction project for the North End boardwalk area from McClintock Street to Seaview Avenue. The project will begin in early January, 2018, and completion is targeted for May 2018. This represents the next phase of the Camp Meeting Association’s ongoing efforts to improve our boardwalk for residents and visitors alike.

“The Camp Meeting’s goal is to match the new decking material with that of the most recent renovations to the other sections which were installed since Superstorm Sandy.

“For your safety and awareness, there are certain things you should be informed of as the project gets underway. The electricity for boardwalk lighting to the area has been turned off, and the existing sections of boardwalk will be removed. For safety reasons, the entire section under construction will be closed to the public.

“You can expect construction traffic and construction noise, with the most significant noise taking place when pilings are being driven. A number of Ocean Avenue parking spots on the east side of Ocean Avenue will be closed from public parking in order to provide a temporary walkway for pedestrians.

“Together we can look forward to a beautiful new section of boardwalk in spring 2018!   Watch our Facebook page or sign up to receive our newsletter on our website (www.oceangrove.org) for updates on the project.”

Editor’s note:  The CMA announcement on January 10 did not include these details regarding safety and construction, so we appreciate this update from Rev. John.

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Illumination Night returns on Friday, August 4, 8-10 PM.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove illumination night, tagged on August 1, 2017|

 

Illumination Night 2016. Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net. image © Click to enlarge.  

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net

Illumination Night is a traditional event that was brought back to life in 2014.  The latest version will be held  this Friday, August 4, 2017, in the evening from 8-10 pm. As before, the activities will be in Auditorium Square Park, the Hub and the Hub’s Courtyard.  (All adjacent to the Great Auditorium.)

Lights will be installed around the park and on houses and tents. The light motif is especially important this year because it reflects the Camp Meeting Association’s  theme for this summer, “Let your light shine.”

Paper bag lights are being decorated by the children of the Thornley Chapel kindergarten and students from the Riptide school.

Illumination Night has become a community event.  Neighbors come with the kids and meet friends. It has been a happy occasion of the sort that Ocean Grove needs more of.  Blogfinger has been impressed with the numbers of young families and children who enjoy being out for this  night-time gala occasion.

However, last year there was concern on Blogfinger as to whether this event would evolve into a secular or a religious event. In 2016 there was a sermon and some Christian music.

This year there will be live music  and there will be catered food such as hot sandwiches for sale.  Other town eateries may participate. There will also be displays by the OG Candy Shop, the Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce.

Lynda Kusick, the Hub Manager, is setting up the event.

Here are some related links:

Link to the July 2014 first  modern-day Illumination Night in Ocean Grove. There was no repeat in 2015.

2014 Illumination Night

Link to the 2016 edition.  There is a nice photo gallery to enjoy here.

2016 Illumination Night and gallery

Link to a video in Ocean Grove:

Festival of lights

 

SINEAD LOHAN  “Sailing By”

 

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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association files a civil law suit against the Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Society (Jersey Shore Arts Center)

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove controversies, tagged on May 16, 2017| 7 Comments »

Today Blogfinger received an email from Rev. John DiGiamberadino, the Executive Director/COO of the OGCMA.  He sent us a press release regarding a law suit being brought against the Jersey Shore Arts Center. He says,  “The Camp Meeting tries to resolve long-standing dispute with Jersey Shore Arts Center:”

The press release is posted below.

This is the second news story where the JSAC is embroiled in a law suit. The first has to do with a discrimination charge brought against the JSAC  by the Q Spot.

May 1, 2017 – The Ocean Grove Camp Association (OGCMA) has filed a civil law suit seeking to resolve a long-standing dispute with the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC). The goal of the suit is to consummate a ground lease for the property. This is an effort that has been ongoing for approximately 18 years, following the return of the property to the OGCMA by the Neptune Board of Education:

 

“The OGCMA appreciates the many contributions the JSAC has made and continues to make in our shared community,” says John DiGiamberardino, COO.  “The Camp Meeting has been extremely reasonable and respectful in trying to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable. The JSAC lack of response has been disappointing and frustrating given that all property in Ocean Grove is subject to land lease agreements.

“The OGCMA has no desire to involve itself in the ongoing operations of the JSAC or any of its programs. Rather, our intentions are simple and straightforward. In order to meet our fiduciary responsibilities, we must finally bring this issue to closure. 

“In conclusion we stand ready and available to meet with the JSAC at any time to discuss this matter of mutual importance.”

 

 

 

 

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Letter to the Editor: Regarding the ground rent dispute—-CMA vs. condo owners

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove controversies, Ocean Grove issues, tagged on April 11, 2017| 9 Comments »

Re:  Dispute regarding ground rents for condo owners.   The item below this sentence appeared recently  in the Wassup? section of Blogfinger.net:

Condominium associations lose their suit regarding ground rents.  The two condo units are on Ocean Pathway.  The ruling allows the Camp Meeting to change ground rent charges according to the sale price of the unit.

Here are links to two of our three Blogfinger February, 2017 posts  about this subject. This court ruling can have major implications regarding the condo market in OG.  The lawyer for the condo owners has recommended an appeal.

Blogfinger article Feb. 17, 2017 on ground rents

History of ground rents in OG

 

To the Editor:

I am Gorton Wood and  I live at 40 Ocean Pathway;  I am one of the litigants in the ground rent lawsuit.

In 2007 when I purchased my 1,090 square foot condo (two bedrooms and one bath,) I was given a ground rent spreadsheet schedule by OGCMA. It was titled “New Condo/Townhouse Ground Rent.” It covered a period of 12 years. The first three years I paid 1% of the sale price of my condo or $475.00 per year. The second three years it went to 1.5% of my sales price or $712.50 per year. The third three years it went to 2% of my sales price or $950.00 per year. The final three years it grew to 2.5% of my sales price or 1,187.50 per year. Then beginning year 13 and going on forever [hold your hat], it was going to be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which could be 3%, 4%, 5% annually, who knows. I could end up having to pay an annual ground rent of $3,000 or more annually.

On two occasions I went to the OGCMA and demanded to have someone explain  who cooked this up (Jack Green—I learned from another source) and  when did they cook this up?  No one would speak to me. Then in 2014 I wrote out my ground rent check and sent a message to the OGCMA saying that when they gave me a meeting I would bring my check. They never responded. In 2015 I did they same thing and again they refused to grant me a meeting. Then I received a letter from their law firm in Freehold saying if I did not pay immediately, they would prosecute me.

I am willing to go to any length, even alone, to have this situation corrected. I don’t believe any of the owners, myself included, expect to not pay ground rent, but for God’s sake make it fair. I actually wrote the OGCMA and their law firm a letter saying I was confident I could get every owner at 40 Ocean Pathway and 30 Ocean Pathway to agree to $200.00 a year. They wrote back basically telling me to take a hike.

GORTON WOOD

Ocean Grove, NJ, April 10, 2017

The writer is a resident of a condominium at #40 Ocean Pathway.

 

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“Illumination Night” : A new Ocean Grove tradition?

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove events, Ocean Grove history, Ocean Grove Topics, tagged on July 23, 2016| 1 Comment »

Illumination Night. Auditorium Square Park. 7/22/16. Paul Goldfinger photos ©. Click any photo to enlarge.

Illumination Night. Auditorium Square Park. 7/22/16. Paul Goldfinger photos ©. Click to enlarge.

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

Last night we had an Illumination Night celebration in Ocean Grove at Auditorium Square Park.  It was a festive occasion, with live music, food, conversation, and lights all over.

Unlike the 2014 first modern edition, this was larger —attended by about 200 people.  The event was sponsored by the Camp Meeting Association and implemented by the Hub management. It had been publicized by a Facebook campaign through the CMA.

It was a pleasant warm evening, and people were sitting about, eating and listening to music, or they were milling about socializing.  There were quite a few children present. The theme of illumination was evident, and it seemed like a good time was had by most.

At one point, a sermon was delivered. This had not been advertised as a religious event.

When we helped Debby Cuddhy promote the first modern revival of Illumination Night  (8/4/14)  we wrote about the history of the event and its potential value as a community tradition of the sort that would offer a cozy  get-together among OG neighbors.  Deb produced such a happening at the Hub in 2014.

It was hoped that Illumination Night would join other traditional town-wide events that would appeal to everyone who lives here including the Fish and Chips dinner, July 4 parade, People’s Garden Tour, Woman’s Club projects, Auxiliary Bazaar, Town picnic, Ice Cream social, etc.  The goal was to strengthen community bonds.

Our  2014 article on the subject spoke about a “festival of lights” and the idea  that this would be a secular event to reflect the historic feel of the original 19th century versions, and Deb succeeded with that theme in 2014.  Yesterday’s  edition seems to have changed that vision somewhat.

Here is a 2014 link which reviews that history:

Illumination Night: A festival of lights in Ocean Grove.

 

THE PUPPINI SISTERS:   Christmas in July.   Turn on the music and then go to the photos.

 

ILLUMINATION NIGHT GALLERY  click on one and then follow the arrows.  Then click the X at the upper left corner to get back home.

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Around town with Jean: at the Ocean Grove Ladies’ Auxiliary Bazaar

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove events, tagged on July 22, 2016|

Girls in summer clothes, looking for more summer clothes at the Bargain Basement. Photo by Jean Bredin, Blogfinger staff. ©

Girls in summer clothes, looking for more summer clothes at the Bargain Basement. Photo by Jean Bredin, Blogfinger staff. ©

BARBRA STREISAND:

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Bridgefest begins Friday morning. Watch for congestion downtown, especially near the Great Auditorium.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove events, tagged on June 24, 2016| 3 Comments »

Setting up on Friday morning. Auditorium Square Park, Ocean Grove. 6/24/16. Paul Goldfinger photo ©.

Setting up on Friday morning. Auditorium Square Park, Ocean Grove. 6/24/16. Paul Goldfinger photo ©. Click to enlarge.

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Bridgefest. Paul Goldfinger photo ©. 6/24/16

Bridgefest. Paul Goldfinger photo ©. 6/24/16

Bridgefest was already creating traffic jams and crowds on Friday morning near the Great Auditorium. I drove by and met gridlock; fortunately it was temporary.    Parking was  becoming difficult.   This two day beach event will be held on Friday and Saturday, 6/24 and 6/25.

Over at the Auditorium Square Park many booths were set up or in the process,  selling souvenirs  and offering inspiration.

ART GARFUNKEL

 

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Faces at the 34th Annual OG Craft Show—the best at the shore.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove events, Photograph by Paul Goldfinger, Photographic Gallery: New Jersey, Photographic Gallery: Ocean Grove, Photographs by Blogfinger, Photography at The Jersey Shore, Photography Ocean Grove photo news, Photography: Faces at the Shore, Photography: Ocean Grove portraits, tagged , on June 18, 2016|

Bring your dog to the show---34th Annual Craft Show in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. All photographs by Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net ©

Bring your dog to the show—34th Annual Craft Show in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. All photographs by Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net © Click all images to enlarge.

This year the craft show was sold out, with over 300 crafters, the largest number ever, happily showing their wares on Ocean Pathway.  The Camp Meeting Association was fortunate to have picture-perfect weather, and the aisles were wider than for the flea market, making it a more pleasant and less congested  experience for strollers, shoppers, and even for photographers.

For the second year, Alison and Mark Mitchell, two tenters, were organizing the event.  They were buzzing around the venue in their bright green shirts making sure that all was well and that no phony-baloneys were lurking about such as anyone importing Chinese-made stuff.

Alison and Mark were on the scene at 5:30 with the traffic crew, bringing them hot coffee and donuts. Crafters received 30 minutes to unload their displays.  We caught up with the dynamic duo  at 10:00 am, as they flitted around the show looking to plug leaks, fix cracks and calm nerves.

Alison Mitchell organized the show with husband Mark. This mother of 3 lives in an OG tent, and she was totally calm amidst the event. ©

Alison Mitchell organized the show with husband Mark. This mother of 3 lives in an OG tent and she was totally calm amidst the tumult.  Mark has been coming to the Grove all his life, and Alison said that they are doing this volunteer job because they “love the Grove..” ©

Only  home crafters were admitted to the show and all of those exhibitors had to be vetted by Mark and Alison.  They had to submit photographs of themselves busy in their workshops.  One artist who worked with steel had the burns on his arms to prove his credentials.

Since all of you are familiar with scenes of craft shows on the Pathway, we concentrated on portraits of some of the artists.

This lovely crafter was demonstrating her collapsible hula-hoop Blogfinger.net ©l

This lovely crafter was demonstrating her collapsible hula-hoop. Her technique was poetry-in-motion, to say the least. Blogfinger.net ©  6/18/16

Contemplative amidst the clatter. © Blogfinger.net

Contemplative amidst the clatter. © Blogfinger.net  6/18/16

Color scheming in turquoise. © Blogfinger.net 6/19/16

Color scheming in turquoise. A Miami vice design?  © Blogfinger.net 6/18/16

The Hoffman sisters from Atlantic Highlands were selling "vintage china with a new purpose." Nancy, (L to R), Cindy, Penny and Sally. © Blogfinger.net.

The Hofman sisters from Atlantic Highlands were selling “Vintage china with a new purpose.” Nancy, (L to R), Cindy, Penny and Sally. TeaTimeTiers@aol.com.© Eileen bought one for her garden.    Blogfinger.net. 6/18/16.

Pretty in blue. © 6/18/16. Blogfinger.net

Pretty in blue. Love the models.  © 6/18/16. Blogfinger.net

LOUIS PRIMA:

 

 

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July 4 parade—don’t miss it. Sponsored by the Camp Meeting Association

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, tagged on June 15, 2016|

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July 4, 2015. Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

July 4, 2015. Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

 

July 4, 2015. Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo. ©

July 4, 2015. Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo. ©

Reminder: This is a longer parade and begins at Stockton Avenue. Heads north on Whitfield, east on Main Avenue to Central Avenue, down Ocean Pathway to Ocean Avenue.

Reviewing stand at Embury and Ocean Avenues.

SOUSA’S WASHINGTON POST MARCH:  From the movie “Desperately Seeking Sousa.”

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New COO named for OG Camp Meeting Association

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove controversies, tagged , on April 10, 2016| 1 Comment »

Pastor John Digiamberardino, the new COO of OGCMA. Internet photo.

Pastor John Digiamberardino, the new COO of OGCMA. Internet photo.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

Considering how long it took to find J.P. Gradone, it comes as a shock that the CMA has already replaced him, especially since Gradone resigned less than one month ago.

We have received word from a reliable Blogfinger source that the current Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in OG has already signed a contract yesterday to become the new COO starting in June.

He is Pastor John Digiamberardino.   Pastor John, as he is understandably called, had been the Pastor at St. Paul’s UMC in Brick for 10 years before being named to the spot in OG three years ago.  He also has been a CMA trustee since 2011 and is currently program chair.  The new COO is married and has 2 children; he works as an Uber driver in town.   It is said that he likes music and sports.

Since we know nothing about the inner workings of the CMA, and since we know nothing about why Gradone left, we will have to wait for more information regarding what changes might occur with the new COO.

As we have pointed out in the past, the CMA has its central religious mission, but it also has important ties to the secular community of Ocean Grove as with the North End Redevelopment Plan and the reconstruction of the North End boardwalk which has lately hit some snags.

Then there is the delicate matter of their relationship with the gay community in town.

So, with that in mind, we are reporting on this significant appointment and keeping our eyes open as to its implications for all of us who live in the Grove.

 

 

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North End Boardwalk cost over-runs

Posted in North End Redevelopment, Ocean Grove boardwalk, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove North End Redevelopment Plan, tagged on April 9, 2016| 9 Comments »

This is the boardwalk in August, 2015 in front of the White Whale. No one knew that the piles and sand underneath would be unable to support the new boardwalk. Blogfinger photo. ©

This is the boardwalk in August, 2015 in front of the White Whale. No one knew that the piles and sand underneath would be unable to support the new boardwalk. Blogfinger photo. ©

The original cost of the North End boardwalk reconstruction was to be $622,739.00 to Bird Construction.  On March 14, the Township committee adopted a resolution  (change order #1)  which authorized an additional $72,942.58. Note that this project was supposed to be completed in March.

The problem is that flood waters from Sandy ran under the White Whale and washed out the sand and damaged the concrete piers which were supposed to support the new North End boardwalk under the asphalt at that northern location.

So now new piles are needed, and a new increase in cost ($55,000 for change order#2) brings the total cost up to $811,534.20.  Some of that funding is being provided by the CMA.  The latter change will be voted on at the April 11 Committee meeting

We thank Citizen Reporter R. S. for contributing to this report.

–Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.

 

DORIS DAY and DANNY THOMAS:

 

 

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OG Camp Meeting Association announces the resignation of JP Gradone, COO.

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, tagged , , on March 14, 2016| 7 Comments »

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JP Gradone resigns. 2013 Blogfinger photo.

JP Gradone resigns. 2013 Blogfinger photo.

This announcement was received today by Blogfinger.  It was addressed to “all concerned”  No other information is available.  If any of our readers have opinions or facts about this matter, please comment below:

 

From Dale Whilden, President of the CMA:

“This is to inform you of a recent change in the staffing of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. Mr. JP Gradone has recently resigned as the COO/Executive Director of the Camp Meeting Association. Should you have questions that would normally have been addressed by Mr. Gradone, please contact Sharyn at the Camp Meeting office who will direct your call to the appropriate person.”

 

Here is a link to our coverage of Gradone’s arrival in OG:

http://blogfinger.net/2013/12/11/new-chief-operating-officer-at-cma-moves-in-and-gets-to-work-on-beach-repenishment/

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