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. ©
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 ©
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”