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Archive for the ‘Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association’ Category

How did our beach hold up during the Dec. 9, 2014 nor’easter?

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Blogfinger reports, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove opinions, Ocean Grove storm stories, Photo News, Photograph by Paul Goldfinger, tagged on December 16, 2014| 1 Comment »

South end beach in Ocean Grove after Dec. 9 2014 nor'easter. Paul Goldfinger photo

South end beach in Ocean Grove after Dec. 9 2014 nor’easter. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

CMA logo

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

On December 9, 2014, the Jersey Shore got blasted by a nor’easter which produced several inches of rain and high winds. We went down to the Ocean Grove beach and found the beach and dunes to appear a bit wasted.

Four days ago, NJTV News posted a report from Mantoloking, Bay Head, and Ortley Beach (Toms River) regarding the sand and dune losses at those beach towns.  All three had less damage to their beaches than what might have occurred if they hadn’t provided post-Sandy protections, including  a steel wall,  a rock wall with 7 ton boulders, and a huge dune respectively.

Here is a link to that article:   NJTV link

In Ocean Grove, the Camp Meeting Association has been engineering the new beachfront to provide protections from future storms, including our own steel bulkhead, new dunes, and a new strong boardwalk design. 

 

We contacted William Bailey, Director of Operations at the OGCMA, and this is his reply:

“Paul, the nor’easter caused minimal sand loss, and we anticipate that it will once again build back up.  The “sad” dune photo you posted was of the south end dune that was established in the months following the hurricane.  That dune has remained as it is now, with little change other than more sand accumulating.

“The new dune process is from the Pier towards the boardwalk pavilion or between Heck and McClintock St.   Those dunes were not affected by the nor’easter;  in fact the newly established dunes along with the sand fence recently installed collected sand as designed, thus you will note there was no sand blown on the boardwalk or roadway.

“The dune work will be on going over the next year as more sand fence is installed and then dune grass plantings in the fall of 2015.”

William H Bailey

Director of Operations

 

AL JOLSON:   (we’re sending this out to Susan and Jim of OG who themselves are soon heading for the Golden State)

 

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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association clarifies the “fuel tank remediation” situation on Main Avenue

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove in the news, tagged on November 14, 2014| 1 Comment »

OGCMA banner

On November 12, we posted an item regarding testing to be done by the DEP on Main Avenue by the toy store. We had no details at that point, however, today we heard from J.P. Gradone, the COO/Executive Director  of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. His comments are below, and we thank him for helping us get the story straight.

Here is the background link:     Link to DEP story

—PG

Email from JP Gradone dated Nov. 14, 2014:

“Let me update you and give some clarification as to the matter of the fuel tank remediation at the hardware store.  As you may be aware, over 20 years ago several fuel tanks were removed from an area in front of the hardware store.  At that time, some soil contamination was detected and a remediation plan initiated by our Environmental Consultant. 

“The additional temporary monitoring wells that will be installed on Monday, will be the next step in our process  towards the closing of this case.  Oversight of this project is being done by our Environmental Consultant who specializes in groundwater/soil remediation, and works in cooperation with the NJDEP.  Although this is a long and expensive process, the Camp Meeting is committed to bringing this to a successful end.“

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Happy July 5th! Independence Day parade, delayed one day, is a sparkling success.

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove events, Photographic Gallery: Ocean Grove, Photography by Paul Goldfinger, tagged , , on July 5, 2014| 1 Comment »

Whitefield Avenue, Ocean Grove. Independence Day parade. All photos by Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger.net ©

Whitefield Avenue, Ocean Grove. Independence Day parade. All photos by Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger.net ©  Click on photos to enlarge.

 

Even though some participants who were supposed to march on July 4 could not make it for the rain-delayed parade on July 5, a large and festive  crowd was on its feet to applaud this famous annual event.  There were all the usual suspects including almost every major Ocean Grove group. Among the participants were bag pipers, the Summer band (marching instead of sitting), the Neptune High School Scarlet Fliers which included two marching guitar players  (–reminds us of Woody Allen playing cello in the marching band in Take the Money and Run), the Days Kazoo Band which provided Sousa music that the march king would have enjoyed, politicians waving from open vehicles, and even Uncle Sam on stilts.

Ocean Grove. July 5, 2014 © Blogfinger photo

Ocean Grove. July 5, 2014 © Blogfinger photo

There were so many young families with kids diving for candy. I got hit in the head with a few Tootsie rolls, and even OG historian Ted Bell took a shot at me from his car.   We came across Frank Panepento from Batavia, New York who was visiting his sister Rosalind.  Frank, who can’t read a note, was marching up and down Whitefield Avenue, providing his own solo parade,  playing patriotic music on his trumpet while waiting for the parade to start.

We met Mark and Flo Meier who were on their Main Avenue porch celebrating Flo’s birthday.

Flo and Mark Meier. Main Avenue. Blogfinger photo ©

Flo and Mark Meier. Main Avenue. Blogfinger photo ©

Like Uncle Sam, she was born on the 4th of July. I was running around with Carl Hoffman of Mt. Tabor Way trying to get some good photos, along with so many others who were taking pictures. Almost instantly many of those photos were posted on Facebook.   The crowd on Main Avenue, as usual, was huge, and one had to be impressed by the shear joy of it all—the music, the cheers, the colors and the excitement.

What a great holiday this year starting with the opening of our new boardwalk and now this parade.  The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting must be congratulated for its huge effort in helping to bring the town together after Sandy, with fighting for Federal help in rebuilding the people’s boardwalk and finally for sponsoring this wonderfully happy July 5th parade—the epitome of  life in  an American small town.

Blogfinger photo ©

Whitfield and Main.   Blogfinger photo ©

 

 

Sweets were flying all around., and this trio was ready. Blogfinger photo ©

Sweets were flying all around,  and this trio was ready. Blogfinger photo ©

 

Blogfinger photo ©

OGU.    Blogfinger photo ©

 

A pretty patriot Blogfinger photo ©

A pretty girl  is like a melody.  The Shoreline Dance Academy.  Blogfinger photo ©

 

Neptune HS band's guitar section.

Neptune HS band’s guitar section. Did Sousa ever have a guitar in his band?   Who knows?  Blogfinger photo ©

SOUSA  “The Gladiator March”

 

Excitement on Main Avenue. Blogfinger photo ©

Excitement on Main Avenue. Blogfinger photo ©

 

Ocean Grove Great Auditorium choir looking for an echo. ©

Ocean Grove Great Auditorium choir looking for an echo. ©

—Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting considers taking control of the former Neptune High School, currently operating under the name of Jersey Shore Arts Center.

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove controversies, tagged on July 3, 2014| 1 Comment »

Image from the Jersey Shore Arts Center web site.

Image from the Jersey Shore Arts Center web site. No date given.

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

We learned last week that a letter had been sent from a CMA lawyer to Herb Herbst who runs the Arts Center under the auspices of the Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Society, a non profit group which was established in1997. (It should not be confused with the Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Commission which is a watchdog committee that is part of the Neptune Township efforts to maintain our historic designation in the town of Ocean Grove.)

Evidently the original 19th century deal between the CMA and the Neptune Board of Education had a revert clause that would allow the property to be returned to the CMA if the usage was not for public education. The CMA supposedly is now asserting that the Arts Center is not fulfilling that purpose and they are interested in obtaining the land and premises back under their control.

However, we have not seen the wording of the agreement, and it appears that the definition of “education” is at the heart of the dispute.

Herb Herbst refused to talk to Blogfinger on the grounds that the situation was “too delicate,” but he did give a quote to the Coaster that the CMA has “overstepped their bounds.”

According to the Arts Center lawyer, who did speak to Blogfinger, this situation now consists merely of an exchange of letters, and no lawsuits have been filed. We have seen none of the letters.

The CMA trustees have asked for the opportunity to tour the Arts Center, and Mr. Weber told us that Mr. Herbst was fine with that.

We contacted the CMA, but no information has been forthcoming.

 

Here is a timeline:

 

1. 1897:  The CMA offers a leasehold agreement to the Neptune Twp. Board of Ed. to make use of the property for education.

2. 1898 :  Neptune High School is built on the property at Main and Main.

3. 1980:  Neptune High School closes its doors. Building progressively decays  into the 1990’s.

4. 1994:  The idea of turning the building into an arts center was developed by Herb Herbst with the help of State Sen. Joe Palaia. The Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Commission was formed to implement the arts project and they knew that the building had to be used for education. Herbst told Blogfinger in 2009 that he was aware of the revert clause.  The Board of Ed. turned the property over to the Arts Center founders.

According to Herbst, the group received its non-profit tax exempt status by partnering for one month with the OG Fishing Club. He said that certain Ocean Grove organizations refused to help him. He credits the Chamber of Commerce and the Camp Meeting Association with being supportive.

Herbst is the President and CEO of the arts center. There is a board of trustees and a lady’s auxiliary.

5.  Over the years a great deal of money was raised along with the sweat equity provided by many volunteer workers. The building was in terrible condition in 1994, but it has now been restored, adding millions of dollars to its value.

The JSAC is busy offering crafts, art classes, dance lessons, shows, concerts and a soon to be opened culinary school.

 

Meanwhile, there are a number of fascinating and unique aspects to this story, not the least of which is the question of why the Camp Meeting Association is now reaching for this property. Speculation has already begun, but let’s see what emerges.

 

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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Announces $2,377,329.00 FEMA Grant

Posted in Blogfinger News, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove in the news, tagged on May 10, 2014| 6 Comments »

Great Auditorium sign before Sandy hit Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

Great Auditorium sign before Sandy hit Ocean Grove. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

Today, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association received word from Congressman Chris Smith’s office that the CMA has been awarded a $2,377,329.00 grant by FEMA toward the reconstruction of our boardwalk. It appears that these funds are primarily for the Phase 1 project involving the Middle Beach which stretches from the beach office by Embury, north to the Boardwalk Pavilion.

Officials of the CMA will meet with FEMA next week to discuss the exact parameters of this grant.

Dale Whilden, President of the CMA, said tonight that this announcement represents Congressional approval of the funding and that it is one of a number of final steps that have to be taken in this process.

Dr. Whilden said, in a statement tonight, that “we are grateful for the ongoing assistance and advocacy of Congressman Chris Smith, Governor Chris Christie, Mark Ferzan (Exec. Director of the Governor’s  Office of Recovery and Rebuilding,) Ocean Grove’s state legislators State Sen. Jennifer Beck, Assemblywomen Caroline Casagrande and Mary Pat Angelini, Neptune Township Committeepersons specifically Mayors Randy Bishop and Eric Houghtaling, as well as Neptune Township official Mike Bascom, Rich Cuttrell and Vito Gadaleta.”

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Thank you to CMA  President Dale Whilden for allowing Blogfinger to post this happy announcement ahead of other media.  Rep. Chris Smith is obviously helping us to achieve our reconstruction goals here in Ocean Grove, but maybe he can find an opportunity to come to the Grove, visit the construction site, and meet some of our citizens.

The same for the Governor who has yet to go down to the ocean and see our construction site.  He will probably be in town for the Law Enforcement  Memorial on May 20.  Perhaps he will take the time to walk down to the beachfront in view of all the visits he has made to nearby  beach towns which were hit by Sandy, as we were. —-PG

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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Celebrates its Fundraising Success

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove events, tagged , , , on November 4, 2013| 2 Comments »

Youth Temple. Ocean Grove, NJ. Nov. 3, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

Youth Temple. Ocean Grove, NJ. Nov. 3, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

The Together Campaign was 
celebrating today at the Youth Temple in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
 The Campaign, sponsored by the OGCMA, had reached a goal of 
$1.5 million, and a large crowd assembled for cake, coffee and 
congratulations all around.

Everyone who played a key roll in the 
effort was thanked by top officials of the CMA. Once again Ralph 
delCampo and Bill Bailey reported on the current state of the Sandy
 recovery.  Ralph told the audience that the $1.5 million would
 only cover 25% of the costs of rebuilding the boardwalk. He
 repeated the promise that the Middle Beach boardwalk would be 
completed by Memorial Day, “one way or another.” He explained that 
there were a number of funding options available if FEMA doesn’t
 work out, but the CMA team is still hopeful that FEMA will come 
through.  However, whether the current appeal to FEMA is
 accepted or rejected, Ralph wants “clarity” so that we can move in
 ernest down another road if needed.

Bill Bailey was ecstatic in reporting 
that, after one year, every single bit of the old boardwalk was now
 gone. All that remains is to build a new beachfront.

Mayor Eric Houghtaling of Neptune Township celebrates with coffee and cake a moment before a Together lady nearly knocks him over. Blogfinger action photos. ©

Mayor Eric Houghtaling of Neptune Township celebrates with coffee and cake a moment before a Together lady nearly knocks him over. Blogfinger action photos. ©

A number of prominent politicians were
 present including Neptune Committeemen Dr. Michael Brantley, Mayor
 Eric Houghtaling, and Randy Bishop. State Senator Jennifer Beck was 
back with her winning smile. None of the politicians got to speak, 
but they did hear Ralph praise them for their exceptional help in
 our quest for funding.  He also mentioned Assemblywomen
 Caroline Casagrande and Mary Pat Angelini, Congressman Chris Smith
 and Governor Chris Christie.

State Senator Jennifer Beck takes a break from Trenton to show her support in the Grove. The guy behind her is stealing her cake. Blogfinger action photos ©

State Senator Jennifer Beck takes a break from Trenton to show her support in the Grove. The guy behind her is stealing her cake. Blogfinger action photos ©

Rev. David
 Cotton, the Co-Chair of the Together Campaign and a member of the 
CMA Board of Trustees, indicated that they would appreciate more
 contributions to keep the cash momentum going.

As for the cake, it 
was very good–chocolate or vanilla,  a symbol that the OGCMA
 was keeping its options open.

There were no alcohol, dancing or
 smoking, but there were hymns and prayers including a reading from 
the Old Testament by OGU Co-Chair Luisa Paster.  A few members 
of the audience got to tell the group about how special the town of 
Ocean Grove is.

Clearly, the CMA of 2013 is looking
 for love in all the right places.

“THANKS A MILLION”  by Louis Armstrong and his orchestra.   Album: “There Goes My Attraction—-original recordings 1935-1939

“You made a
 million dreams come true

and so I’m saying thanks a million to you”

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Latest News About the Rebuilding Project in Ocean Grove, N.J. —based on an interview with Ralph delCampo of the OGCMA, on August 26, 2013.

Posted in Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy memories, Music from the Broadway stage., Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, Ocean Grove portraits, tagged , on August 27, 2013| 4 Comments »

..and the walls came tumbling down. Auditorium roof pieces on Nov. 3, 2012. All photos © by Paul Goldfinger

“..and the walls came tumbling down.” Auditorium roof pieces on Nov. 3, 2012. All photos © by Paul Goldfinger. Left click all our photos.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

FEMA–REGULAR FUNDING SECTOR: The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has submitted their second appeal to FEMA. Ralph delCampo, interim COO, OGCMA, told Blogfinger that his team has been working with “just about every elected official at multiple levels of government” including Neptune Township, NJ State legislature, Governor’s office, our Representative in Congress—Chris Smith, and our Senator Menendez. He also specifically mentioned Assemblywomen Angelini and Casagrande along with our State Senator Jennifer Beck.

We should have a response about our appeal around Thanksgiving time.

Mr. delCampo says, “We are trying to address every avenue we can and to leave no stone unturned.”

Based upon advice from consultants experienced with FEMA and Katrina, the CMA has been advised to request an oral presentation to FEMA in Washington, D.C. The CMA contacted them, and “FEMA agreed to a face to face.”

That should happen in October or November. Among the consultants who are helping is Ocean Grover Eileen Kean. Mr. delCampo says that she has “a lot of connections to a variety of government agencies.”

Nov 3, 2012. Many volunteers showed up. PG photo ©

Nov 3, 2012. Many volunteers showed up. PG photo ©

FEMA SPECIAL FUNDING SECTOR: It turns out that there is a separate funding section within FEMA that handles grants. A few weeks ago, three officials from that group visited Ocean Grove and met with CMA. The officials were given a tour and a presentation of the CMA re-design plans for the ocean front including bulkheads, boardwalk, sand replenishment, pier reconstruction and dunes. Mr. delCampo said that the visitors were “very helpful and interested.”

NEW JERSEY SOURCES OF FUNDING: The Governor’s office has referred the CMA to the State Department of Transportation which has grants of $200,000-$400,000 that we can apply for. That is being looked into.

TOGETHER FUND: So far this effort has brought in $1.265 million.

Volunteers came from all over.

Volunteers came from all over. © PG photo

GETTING READY FOR CONSTRUCTION: A parallel effort is going on in order to be “ready to go” when financing appears. The CMA met last week with their construction engineering firm in order to revisit the estimates and obtain bids for the Boardwalk. “We want to be proactive,” he said.

WORK PRIORITIES:

1. Middle Beach

2. Area north of Sea View Avenue

3. Rebuild the Fishing Pier (“This has always been part of our plan.”)

–A decision will not be made vis a vis the Fishing Club “until

there is clarity” regarding related issues.

4. Redevelop the North End

EXTEND THE FISHING PIER FURTHER? The CMA may get some “outside funding” to go another 30 feet, but we need some more engineering assessment of pilings out there. Maybe the pier can get over the water soon.

BEACH REPLENISHMENT by the Army Corps of Engineers. They are now in Manasquan and will head north. They should reach this area some time in autumn. The last time the beach was replenished was 2001, and the A.C.E. has engineering plans to use in order to get us back to pre-Sandy levels

AUDITORIUM: The new roof materials will be ordered shortly, and the roof should be done by year end.

Nov 3, 2012. A ray of hope: the first fisherman returns to the OG beach. PG photo ©

Nov 3, 2012. A ray of hope: the first fisherman returns to the OG beach. PG photo ©

Here is a link to another photo of the resolute fisherman, above.   Fisherman photo

From the Broadway show “Mame”

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Ralph delCampo to leave his position as OGCMA interim Chief Operating Officer on Nov. 6.

Posted in Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, tagged , on August 27, 2013|

Nov. 3, 2013. Ralph del Campo (left) and Bill Bailey organize disaster volunteers in the Tabernacle. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

Nov. 3, 2012. Ralph del Campo (right) and Bill Bailey organize disaster volunteers in the Tabernacle. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

August 27, 2013. Ocean Grove, N.J.    By Paul Goldfinger, Editor  @Blogfinger

Ralph delCampo had just retired from his job as a pharmaceutical industry executive early in 2012. He was going to embark on a sabbatical to figure out what he would do next, but after only two months of that, he agreed to replace Scott Hoffman and become the interim Chief Operating Officer of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.  He had been on the Board for a few years, and it seemed that running the CMA programs would be right up his alley.  After all, in his career, he was in charge of large operations including supervising corporate programs in multiple countries at the same time.

But when Sandy hit in October, 2012, he found himself faced with a huge challenge.  He has remained at his post longer than he ever expected and he has had to learn how to deal with large government agencies, especially FEMA.  But he has been quite comfortable in supervising the CMA response to the Sandy devastation including working with consultants, planning construction projects, coming up with technological solutions to structural challenges, dealing with elected officials and starting a fund raising campaign.  He and his colleagues have faced many challenges including planning for a future where another large storm will not destroy our homes and facilities.

His official departure date is November 6, 2013, but Ralph lives full time in the Grove, and he will continue to be on the Board of the CMA and on the Executive Committee. He said, “I’ll stay involved.”

The search for the new COO continues, but the field has been narrowed, and a replacement may be announced soon.

Everybody around here calls him Ralph, and his good humor and people skills have certainly come in handy as he pursues financing and reconstruction at the beachfront while supervising the vast programming activities of the CMA.

He also will be one of the individuals who will run the annual Labor Day CMA Public Meeting which will be held in the Youth Temple on Monday, September 2, 2013  at 9:00 am.  The agenda for that meeting is complicated, but Ralph is determined to move things along so that everyone can get to their holiday activities.  There will be the usual opportunity for Q and A at the end.

LEADBELLY

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OCEAN GROVE CAMP MEETING ASSOCIATION DECIDES TO APPLY FOR SECOND FEMA APPEAL

Posted in Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, October storm in Ocean Grove, tagged on July 6, 2013| 2 Comments »

Ocean Grove beachfront. October 30, 8:30 a.m. By Paul Goldfinger © left click for full view

Ocean Grove beachfront. October 30, 8:30 a.m. By Paul Goldfinger © left click for full view

MiddlelBeach. Ocean Grove, NJ June, 2013. Blogfinger photo ©

Middle Beach. Ocean Grove, NJ June, 2013. Blogfinger photo ©

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

Friday, June 5, 2013. 12:30 p.m. — We have learned from the OGCMA interim Administrator, Ralph delCampo, that the CMA will apply for the second FEMA appeal. This decision was made after careful consideration and discussion with government agency consultants who have “strongly advised” the CMA to pursue this strategy.

Evidently, there is a “considerable likelihood” of success this time around because of FEMA’s procedures which are expected to be different with this second appeal. The original denial and that of the first appeal were based on a focused regulatory approach to the Ocean Grove application. But this time, it is expected that FEMA will view the situation with a “more holistic ” assessment that will look at the “bigger picture. ”

Our elected officials in Neptune, Trenton and Washington will be asked to support the second appeal by trying again to explain the importance of our beachfront in providing public works including municipal and emergency services. In addition, the Ocean Grove boardwalk has been legally recognized as a public thoroughfare for the benefit of everyone, and it is hoped that these officials will be able to explain the situation to FEMA.

Unlike the last two go rounds, this time, the CMA will be able to apply for other sources of grants, such as from the State of New Jersey. The FEMA appeal will take about sixty days to prepare and be submitted. After that the CMA can apply for other grant sources. It is expected that the FEMA appeal will require about three months for their consideration, so a decision of approval of funds from them can be expected about end November.

Once the CMA receives funding, they will start reconstruction work at the Middle Beach. After that, they will turn their attention to the North End and the pier.

Mr. delCampo is enthused about the work of the TOGETHER fundraising campaign. “We are so pleased,” he said. So far they have raised $784,000. Of that, $93,000 is designated for the Auditorium roof, $106,000 for the beachfront and $8,000 for Thornley Chapel. The rest is “unrestricted, undesignated” money—paid and pledged.

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OGCMA Press Release. July 5, 2013

Posted in Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, tagged , on March 3, 2013|

After receiving advice from experts in the field, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA), which has twice been denied FEMA funding because of its non-profit status, has announced that it will file a third appeal with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) to obtain funding for boardwalk and beach reconstruction in Ocean Grove, NJ.

The announcement was made just as the community’s “Together” Campaign surpassed its half-way goal to rebuild and repair Ocean Grove’s boardwalk/beachfront and the Great Auditorium, both severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy; and finance long-needed architectural/ structural repairs and improvements to restore historic Thornley Chapel.

“Ocean Grove is the only community on the entire Jersey Shore that has not received FEMA funding, and we believe that the right decision will still be made and funding will ultimately be obtained from FEMA, said OGCMA Interim COO Ralph Del Campo.  “As we have stated in the past, OGCMA operates and maintains the beach in Neptune Township and provides the same related municipal services on behalf of Neptune that every other shore community does: life-saving emergency benefits including lifeguards; complete public beach access; and a public thoroughfare that supports emergency services and enables connections to other communities.”

OGCMA President Dr. Dale C. Whilden said: “In 1908, the State of New Jersey declared the boardwalk in Ocean Grove to be a public thoroughfare, and it is also part of the interconnectivity of the economic engine of the Jersey Shore.  The boardwalk is an absolutely critical asset to the viability of the Ocean Grove business community and our community residents.”

Faced with the financial challenges of rebuilding, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association launched its “Together Campaign” on April 6, 2013 with a fund-raising goal of $1.5 million. Together Campaign Committee Chair Rev. David Cotton noted that even with the achievement of the capital campaign goals, federal or state funds will be required to complete the restoration.

The campaign, which enjoys wide community support, has raised donations totaling $784,263 as of July 1st, including $576,481 in unrestricted gifts; $93,116 for the Great Auditorium repairs; $105,854 for the beachfront; and $8,812 for Thornley Chapel.  For more information about the Together Campaign, visit www.togetherog.com.

 

OGCMA has continued to receive strong support from all local, state and federal officials, including Neptune Committeeman Randy Bishop, Neptune Township Mayor Eric Houghtaling, NJ State Senator Jennifer Beck, US Senator Robert Menendez, US Congressman Chris Smith, and Governor Chris Christie.

“We believe that at the end of this lengthy and frustrating appeal process, FEMA will understand the critical challenges and needs we face, and ultimately make the right decision to fund the boardwalk/beach reconstruction,”  said OGCMA President Dr. Dale C. Whilden.

President Whilden added: “Hundreds of individual volunteers, community groups, religious organizations, businesses and other supporters stepped forward to enable OGCMA to open our beachfront this season.   Now that we’re half-way through the summer, we expect FEMA to reconsider its previous decisions.”

 

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OGCMA Announces a New Fund Raising Campaign

Posted in Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, tagged , , on February 23, 2013| 1 Comment »

Great Auditorium hurricane rear roof damage (other areas were damaged as well). Paul Goldfinger photo

Great Auditorium hurricane rear roof damage (other roof areas were damaged as well). Paul Goldfinger photo

In a card mailing from the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a “campaign to restore the OG boardwalk, Great Auditorium roof and Thornley Chapel” is announced for “early in 2013.”

More information will be forthcoming, but the announcement is directed  to “all friends of Ocean Grove.”

Of special significance is the clarification regarding earmarks.  The card said, “Your gift to the campaign can be specifically designated to, and solely used for, any one of the three projects.”  The project is described as a “major effort,” and  the theme is that “together we can succeed.”

This announcement does not actually call for “capital gifts” at this time.  It is basically a “heads up.”

If you have any questions, contact Karen Adams at 732 775 0035, ext. 114.   —-Paul Goldfinger

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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association remains fully committed to the restoration of the boardwalk and beachfront despite FEMA’s initial rejection of funding.

Posted in Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, tagged on February 8, 2013| 4 Comments »

CMA logo

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CMA   (Ocean Grove, NJ – February 8, 2013) :

As a result of Hurricane Sandy, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) applied for FEMA Public Assistance to enable the repair of damages and restore the boardwalk and beachfront.

OGCMA provided FEMA with relevant information regarding the role the boardwalk plays as an emergency facility that supports Ocean Grove’s ability to protect the health and safety of its community and visitors.  As the only access point to the beachfront, the boardwalk has been relied upon to act as the systematic lifeline of Ocean Grove.

On February 6, OGCMA was informed that although the organization is eligible for FEMA assistance as a non-profit, the boardwalk facility is ineligible because FEMA considers it a recreational facility.  As per FEMA policy, recreational facilities owned by non-profits are not eligible to receive FEMA Public Assistance. OGCMA officials expressed disappointment in the initial decision by FEMA, particularly since FEMA had provided funding for the beachfront restoration after the 1992 nor’easter.

Despite the determination that the boardwalk is a recreational facility, OGCMA is planning an appeal to FEMA, and also investigating available assistance through other federal and state resources.  Supplemental disaster recovery grant programs are offered through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and US Small Business Administration.

OGCMA President, Dr. Dale C. Whilden stated: “The OGCMA remains focused upon the restoration of its boardwalk and beachfront in a timely manner.  As the only access point to a beachfront which hosts over a quarter of a million visitors annually, the boardwalk is vital to the assurance of public safety. Ocean Grove’s responsibility to protect the general public matches that of every other shore community in New Jersey.  We are currently planning an appeal to FEMA regarding the determination, and are committed to finding ways to expedite the recovery process.”

OGCMA is focused on meeting all recovery needs within the community and continues to work for the beachfront to be open and functional on Memorial Day of this year (details regarding this process are covered in OGCMA’s January 11, 2013 update).  In spite of FEMA’s determination, OCGMA is on track to implement a comprehensive beach and boardwalk restoration plan once funding is procured.

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