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HOME TO the last skirmish of the American Revolution, the Cedar Bridge Tavern, tucked away in the Pine Barrens in Barnegat Township, is a historic treasure that offers a glimpse into the past.
Keenly aware of its historical significance, Ocean County officials embarked on a multi-year project to preserve the Cedar Bridge Tavern by first assembling a team of experts with an eye toward maintaining the historic details of the building. Once the work was completed and the building was opened to the public, visitors are given the opportunity to view a host of displays recreating the bygone era in Ocean County history.
All of this work has resulted in Ocean County receiving one of the 29th Annual New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards. This year, there are 12 other projects receiving historic preservation achievement awards, and three individuals receiving historic preservation leadership awards from Preservation New Jersey.
“The Cedar Bridge Tavern offers a unique window into the post-industrial forests of the New Jersey Pinelands,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, who is the Chairwoman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. “We have worked hand in hand with many individuals and agencies including the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in preserving this structure.
“This award recognizes everyone that participated in the preservation project,” she said.
The New Jersey Historic Preservation Award recognizes those exemplary and innovative projects and publications that contribute significantly to advancing the field of historic preservation and that promotes livable communities in New Jersey.
The award will be presented at the Annual Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony, being held in conjunction with the Preservation New Jersey’s Leadership Awards during a virtual event on Feb. 19.
“This completed restoration project now stands as a historical showpiece in the County park system,” said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn. “As one of the most accurate and authentic restorations of this type of structure in New Jersey, we are proud to accept this award for a project that allows Ocean County to leave a legacy to future generations.”
The historic tavern sits at an important 18th century crossroads of the east-west Old Springfield Road from Springfield in Burlington County to Manahawkin in then Monmouth County. It is also on the original stagecoach route from the west to the shore.
The multi-year renovation project to the circa 1816 building with an 1830’s kitchen addition took place under the direction of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, now called the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation and its Cultural and Heritage Commission.
Ocean County purchased the tavern on Dec. 27, 2007, granting the owner, Rudolph Koenig, a life estate until his passing in January 2012. The County then began the work of removing the non-historic elements from the home. Meanwhile funded in part by grants through the New Jersey Historic Trust, the County hired consultants and contractors to renovate the tavern.
“This project began under the leadership of the late Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who was instrumental in advancing the renovations and preservation,” said Haines, who is also the liaison to Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission. “His hard work and dedication to the history of our County has been rewarded. This award is truly recognition of his love for history and for the County.”
As part of the project’s preliminary work, Annabelle Radcliffe-Trenner, principal of Historic Buildings Architects, LLC, Trenton, conducted a comprehensive preservation plan for the site, designed the plans, managed the prequalification of contractors and oversaw the detailed and historically appropriate restoration work.
“I am so happy that Cedar Bridge Tavern has been recognized for the award,” said Radcliffe-Trenner. “This is a tribute to the commitment to the highest level of historical preservation and sets a standard for others to reach.”
The Cedar Bridge Tavern restoration was the result of extensive architectural and archeological research that had resulted in the tavern being placed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 8, 2013. Ocean County celebrated the completion of the restoration at a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 1, 2019.
The Cedar Bridge Tavern, located near the intersection of Routes 72 and 539 in Barnegat Township, is open to public tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OCEAN COUNTY is once again directing a portion of its share of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding to small businesses that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Small businesses are truly the heart and soul of our communities,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to tourism and business development. “The Ocean County business community has been uniquely impacted by the pandemic since tourism and hospitality represent such a high percentage of its economic activity here.
“Our businesses were hit earliest and hardest by the pandemic,” he said. “Throughout the summer months our business owners found creative ways to keep their businesses open while keeping employees and the public safe.”
In order to provide some much-needed financial relief to small businesses having a hard time paying lease payments or their monthly rent payment, Ocean County is providing up to $10 million of its CARES Act funds to help with those costs.
“I am pleased Ocean County will partner with the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) to assist Ocean County businesses with rental assistance,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Finance. “To further help our small businesses, the County will provide grants up to $30,000 to help defray the cost of rent or leases.
“This is a grant and not a loan,” Kelly said. “The grant is paid directly to the landlord.”
The program would run to the end of the year.
The NJRA’s statewide business rental assistance grant program, which began earlier this year, resulted in some Ocean County businesses requesting assistance being wait listed.
The freeholders agreed to partner with the NJRA to administer the Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program solely for Ocean County businesses in order to streamline the grant process.
The Board of Freeholders during its Oct. 21 meeting approved a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the NJRA to administer the program.
“The NJRA will provide the requisite staff and support required to implement the Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant program,” Vicari said. “They have already established the specific guidelines on eligibility criteria and will advertise through their website and social media.”
Vicari added the County will also promote the program through its website and social media and also by contacting area chambers of commerce, business associations and its municipalities.
“It’s vital to our small businesses that they know about the help available to them,” Vicari said.
Unlike other areas of the state, many Ocean County small businesses rely heavily on the 12 prime weeks of the summer season for a major part of their income even though they may be open year-round.
“Those weeks were difficult as the state kept our restaurants closed until mid-June and then allowed only outdoor dining,” Vicari said. “Indoor dining only recently resumed but with very limited capacity.
Earlier this year, Ocean County had teamed up with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and provided small business grants up to $10,000 to more than 1,000 businesses in Ocean County. There are an additional 200 businesses awaiting final grant approval.
In Ocean County there are 3,000 eateries or restaurants alone that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Steve Steiner, chairman of the Ocean County Tourism Advisory Council, recently told the Board of Freeholders that the County might see a loss of up to 30 percent of its restaurants before next summer due to the restrictions they are currently facing as a result of the pandemic.
“We need to take this action today in order to help our restaurants survive and once again flourish in the future,” Vicari said. “People don’t realize the importance our seasonal businesses have on our year-round economy providing employment opportunities, and drawing visitors to the County.
“Their economic health is the county’s economic health,” he said.
OCEAN COUNTY, NJ- “Enough is enough”, Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said following Trenton’s announcement that the state gasoline tax will jump by 9.3 cents on October 1.
“This comes just weeks after the Parkway and Turnpike toll increase go into effect,” Vicari said. “I’ve said time and again that these increases are especially unfair to Ocean County residents, who tend to commute longer distances than residents in other counties without the benefits of mass transit.”
Vicari penned a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy and local legislators demanding that the increase, which was “automatically” triggered by a shortfall in gas tax revenue, be revoked.
“The tax increase was the result of the Governor’s stay-at-home order and the decrease in vehicles on the road because of the pandemic,” Vicari said. “While I understand the reasons behind Gov. Murphy’s actions, the pandemic has already led to record unemployment and business closings. Our residents don’t need the burden of another state tax increase.”
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously opposed a 23-cent hike in the gas tax in 2016 and again came out against a 2-cent increase in 2018.
Vicari pointed to federal census statistics that show more than 108,000 Ocean County residents commute 30 minutes or more to work. More than 90,000 people travel outside of the county to reach their workplace.
Additionally, more than 82 percent of local commuters use their own private vehicle. Only 2 percent rely of public transportation.
“This is a far cry from Northern New Jersey counties that are served by numerous bus, train and light rail line,” Vicari said. “The gas tax is unfair to Ocean County residents who have no other choice than to drive to work.”
The percentage of county residents that use public transportation is only slightly higher than those employees who walk to work, which is just 1 percent of the total workforce.
Vicari also said Ocean County has yet to see any promised benefits from the earlier gas tax increases.
“We’ve seen no progress on the widening of Route 9,” Vicari said. “In fact, the state has made it clear that it has dropped any plans to widen the roadway and instead will simply ‘improve’ some intersections. Lakewood and northern Toms River Township are among the fastest growing regions in the state yet motorists are forced to use a two-lane highway that has remained basically unchanged for a century.”
Vicari also questioned the impact of the tax increase on the county’s $5 billion tourism industry.
“Our seasonal businesses have already suffered great hardships under the governor’s restrictions on indoor dining. Now people are going to have to spend more to reach the Jersey Shore, meaning they will have less money to support our local shops, restaurants and amusement parks,” Vicari said.
In his letter to the governor and legislative leaders, Vicari called for “immediate” action to override the automatic gasoline tax increase.
“These are not normal times. The tax increase was triggered by events that none of us could have foreseen,” Vicari said in the letter. “Immediate action needs to be taken to cancel this oppressive burden before it impacts our residents.”
OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – The weather is beautiful, the water is warm and Ocean County’s tourism businesses are welcoming residents and visitors alike.
“Labor Day is not the end of the summer,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who is liaison to the Ocean County Office of Business Development and Tourism. “This year more than ever the season is being extended throughout September and into October.”
Vicari said several oceanfront towns have already announced that they will keep their beaches open and guarded into September.
“Locals have long known that our beaches are the best in September, with warm clean water from Point Pleasant Beach to Holgate.”
Governor Phil Murphy’s decision to reopen restaurants as of September 4 means diners can also experience something that was lacking all summer – an indoor meal.
“Restaurants and businesses are open, the beaches are clean and the extended forecast for September looks great,” Vicari said. “Summer is still here in Ocean County.”
Vicari suggested anyone heading for a municipal beach check with the town first for updates on the status of lifeguards and whether beach badges are required.
Both Seaside Heights and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River Township will keep lifeguards and beach badge checkers on duty during September weekends past Labor Day.
Officials from both towns have said they will reevaluate their plans depending on crowd size following the holiday weekend.
Vicari said he expects many tourism businesses to remain open for the month as well.
Local realtors have already said that September rentals are higher than usual and more on par with a typical July or August.
“This is an opportunity for our Mom and Pop businesses to make up some of the money they lost to COVID-19,” he said. “An extended season benefits everyone.”
Thanks to the loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions, movie theaters and other indoor entertainment venues are also re-opening with limited capacity.
Other traditionally summer events, such as the Surf City Farmer’s Market, have already extended their season through September.
A full listing of September and October events is available at www.oceancountytourism.com. Or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tourismoceancounty.
Vicari said tourism is a $5 billion industry in Ocean County and the cog of the local economy.
“Tourism helps keep our taxes low and employs our friends and neighbors,” he said.
(Toms River) – We call it “Locals’ Summer” and you’re invited! Several beaches in Ocean County have chosen to extend their season through the month of September and, with any luck from Mother Nature, into October.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us on some level and made summer seem like it just came and went for many,” said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “The weather has been great and the water is clean so why not extend summer a little longer this year and enjoy what many of us locals call the best beach months because of the smaller crowds with slightly cooler temperatures and the ocean water typically still stays warm.”
Did you know that Ocean County has some of the highest quality, most frequented beaches and water quality in the United States? Each year the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) and its Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program (CCMP) ensures that over one thousand individual Ocean County water samples are laboratory tested for quality and clarity. Through this continuous quality control process, our residents and visitors alike can rest assured that their visits to our beaches will be safe, fun and memorable.
“There is no shortage of effort or academic capital that goes into ensuring the quality of our manicured beaches and our clear, blue waters and we want everyone to visit and enjoy all that Ocean County has to offer,” explained Peter Curatolo, Ocean County Health Department Chief of Administrative Services. “Ocean water quality in particular has been outstanding this year. Our coastal ocean beaches and waterways continue to impress and provide lasting memories for all who visit. Sun, sand, surf, boardwalks and world-class restaurants are all here for everyone to enjoy. So pack a bag and we hope to see you at the Shore!”
But the OCHD is urging residents and visitors to remember the important safety protocols when recreating at our beaches, local eating establishments and retailers.
“Ocean County has some of the best beaches in the country,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “We certainly want our residents and visitors to enjoy this beautiful resource but the pandemic isn’t over and we need everyone to do their part in mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19 virus by adhering to all the social distancing measures and by wearing a mask when appropriate.”
Regenye added that the beach can be very therapeutic and the perfect environment to mentally recharge and clear your mind. “Whether you just like to relax, do some fishing or enjoy boating activities – the summer is still here and going strong. If you do swim, make sure you find beaches that still have life guards on duty and never swim alone.”
Even though it’s later in the season, don’t forget to stay hydrated and use sun lotions with a UVA protection of 30 or higher. Sunglasses and hats are also important protection from the sun.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests these critical tips while at the beach;
Keep your blankets and chairs a good 6 feet away from your nearest neighbors.
Don’t share food, drinks, equipment, toys and supplies with people you don’t live with.
Wash your hands frequently.
Sneeze and cough into a tissue or sleeve.
Wear a face covering if social distancing isn’t feasible. (Especially if waiting in line for restrooms, food vendors, or any activity that brings people in close distance of others).
Stay home if sick.
Children under 2 should never wear a face covering.
Follow all posted and announced beach guidelines related to COVID-19 and other safety rules.
“Many Ocean County residents live here because they enjoy the ocean and beaches as do the visitors that come every summer,” Little continued. “But during the pandemic, all beachgoers must respect the safety of others as well as their own. It doesn’t matter how healthy you may feel, remember you can still transmit the COVID-19 virus when infected even when you’re asymptomatic.”
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, we invite you to come and enjoy our extended summer. Ocean County – A GREAT Place to Live, Work and Recreate!
For more information regarding the CCMP water testing program or COVID-19 guidelines please visit the OCHD website at www.ochd.org. The OCHD is also providing a general COVID-19 Information Call Hot Line for residents and clinicians to answer questions regarding the coronavirus. The number is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.
The NJDOH (NJPIES) hotline is available for questions around the clock at 1-800-222-1222 or by dialing 2-1-1. Other related sources; for medical COVID-19 questions call 1-800-962-1253 (24/7) or Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts.
Additional information can be found at:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at
OCEAN COUNTY has partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to provide $10 million in grants to small businesses in Ocean County affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are pleased to be able to provide this funding to our businesses here in Ocean County,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “Our small businesses are truly the heart and soul of our communities. I am hopeful these grants can be of some help to the business owners that have been so negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“By working with the NJEDA to administer these grants, the process will be business friendly and we will get this money dispersed in a timely manner so it will help during these very challenging times,” Vicari said. “This $10 million in grants is exclusive for Ocean County businesses, in addition to the $45 million in grant money available to all state businesses from the NJEDA.”
The grants are part of Phase 2 of the Authority’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a Memorandum of Agreement entering into the partnership on June 16.
Ocean County is providing the funds from the money received through the federal CARES Act with the intent that the NJEDA distribute them only to businesses located in Ocean County. Business owners can apply for funding at https://forms.business.nj.gov/grant-2/.
“Maximizing resources is more critical than ever as we work to support the recovery of COVID-19 impacted businesses in a manner that aligns with Governor Phil Murphy’s efforts toward achieving a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The addition of the Ocean County funds to the NJEDA’s grant program will help us to get much needed funding to vastly more Ocean County COVID-impacted businesses in a timely and efficient manner.”
The county grant program has been established for businesses and non-profits with fewer than 25 employees to apply for the grant, on a first come, first serve basis. The application is live and available at https://forms.business.nj.gov/grant-2/. Applications are due by June 30.
“The Ocean County business community faces some unique challenges related to tourism and hospitality representing such a high percentage of its economic activity,” said Vicari, who is liaison to tourism and business development. “These businesses were hit earliest and hardest by the pandemic and these grants will help to sustain them as we enter the busy summer season.
“Unlike other areas of the state, many of our businesses rely solely on the summer season so instead of 52 weeks our businesses are looking at 12 weeks,” Vicari said. “Summer tourism businesses also help to employ thousands of people from high school students to our seniors.
“This Board of Freeholders thanks President Trump and the Ocean County Congressional delegation for approving the CARES Act funding and as a result for helping these businesses with grants,” he said.
Eligibility for the grant program was recently expanded to include all types of 501(c) non-profit organizations to apply for funding under the second phase of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. This includes veterans organizations and membership-based business and industry groups. Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(7) organizations were eligible in Phase 1.
The NJEDA launched the first round of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program on April 3 with $5 million in NJEDA funds. This phase provided grants up to $5,000 to a precisely targeted subset of businesses that had been hit particularly hard by the Coronavirus outbreak. Phase 2 of the program provides grants up to $10,000 to a significantly expanded variety of businesses and nonprofits with up to 25 full-time employees, including sole proprietorships and home-based businesses, which were excluded from Phase 1. To ensure equitable access for businesses in economically disadvantaged communities, one-third of Phase 2 funding is reserved for businesses in census tracts that were eligible to be designated as Opportunity Zones.
“I want to encourage our small businesses to take advantage of this opportunity,” Vicari said. “We are working to help our small businesses that have been dramatically impacted financially by closures from the coronavirus.
“Their economic health is the county’s economic health,” Vicari said.
Vicari said tourism is a $5 billion business in Ocean County.
“It’s one of our biggest economic engines and our small businesses play an integral role in its success,” Vicari said.
WITH WEEKS to go before the official start of summer, all ocean beaches from Point Pleasant Beach south to Holgate will be open in time for the season.
Point Pleasant Beach Borough officials announced this week that the Boardwalk will reopen on May 29, and with it Jenkinson’s Beach.
The privately owned beach was the last stretch of ocean front closed to beach-goers because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Earlier, the borough had opened its public ocean beach south of Jenkinson’s.
“We are very pleased that the beaches are open for the summer, but we ask everyone to be aware of and follow the rules,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to tourism.
Every beach will require visitors to practice social distancing and remain at least six feet apart. The restriction does not apply to families, caregivers or romantic partners.
Other towns have enacted rules prohibiting certain activities on the beach.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and all Ocean County has to offer,” Vicari said. “But to ensure that the beaches remain open throughout the season, visitors and locals alike need to make adjustments for the summer of 2020.”
Some towns are still revising their beach rules and may make last-minute changes as the first day of summer approaches.
“Like our good friends in Monmouth County I ask everyone to ‘know before you go’. I urge everyone to check with the municipality you are visiting to see if any revisions have been made,” Vicari said.
A listing of all county municipal websites is available on the Ocean County Homepage at http://www.co.ocean.nj.us.
The Ocean County Health Department is also doing its part to ensure bathers have a healthy summer.
The department has begun its annual beach testing programs, which surveys ocean, bay, river and lake swimming beaches weekly throughout the season to make sure the waters are clean and safe for swimming.
“We will test every swimming beach that is open from May through Labor Day,” said Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Health Department. “Our staff is ready to respond the moment a municipality decides to allow swimming at any given beach.”
A list of municipal beaches and any restrictions in place follows
Northern Barrier Island:
Bay Head: Beaches are open with social distancing restrictions. Beach badges are required as of June 20 and can be purchased in-person or online through the Bay Head Improvement Authority. Seasonal, half-season and daily badges are available.
Brick Township: Brick Beach 1 and Windward Beach Park opened for Memorial Day weekend. All beaches will be open daily beginning June 15 and will be subject to new safety measures put in place for the ongoing pandemic crisis. Seasonal badges can be purchased by calling the Recreation Department at 732-262-1044. Only check or credit cards will be accepted. The number of daily beach badges sold will be limited and cash will be accepted for daily badges and parking permits.
Lavallette: Beaches are open for running, walking, fishing, and sitting. Strict social distancing must be practiced. The Boardwalk is open for walking and exercising.
Mantoloking: Beaches are open. Badges are required as of June 20 and are sold by mail or at the badge trailer on Downer Avenue. Seasonal badges are $75 and no cash will be accepted.
Point Pleasant Beach: The Maryland Avenue Municipal Beach is open but restrictions on parking and the number of daily badges available are in place. Seasonal badges may be purchased online. Private beach associations have also been given the option of opening and most have chosen to do so. The Boardwalk is open as of May 29 and with it access to Jenkinson’s Beach. Public and private parking lots will also re-open May 29, but only residents with placards are permitted to park on any street east of the railroad tracks. On-street parking restrictions will be lifted completely effective June 5. The inlet parking lot will be returned to normal operations effective Wednesday, May 27th. Guests must maintain a proper 6-foot distance at all times while fishing or conducting other activities.
Seaside Heights: Beaches are open from 7am to 5pm with limited entry points. A seasonal or senior beach badge will be required beginning May 23. Daily badges will not be sold on the Boardwalk. No swimming is allowed. The Boardwalk is also open but will be cleared at 11 p.m. Social distancing is required for both the beach and Boardwalk. Facemasks are encouraged and Public restrooms will be open on a limited basis. All public and private parking spaces will be reduced by 50 percent.
Seaside Park: Both the beach and boardwalk are open with social distancing required. Beach badges are required on weekends only through June 29. After that date, badges are required daily. Daily badges may be limited to prevent overcrowding. Public restrooms will be open during beach operations. The Beach Control building on the boardwalk between N and O streets will be open for in-person purchases and badge pick up. Cash will not be accepted, only checks and credit cards.
Toms River Township/Ortley Beach: The beaches and boardwalk are open with restrictions. Ortley Beach will be manned by lifeguards the weekends of June 6-7, June 13-14 and full-time commencing on June 20th. Beach badges are on sale at the Recreation Administration Office, 1810 Warren Pointe Road, Toms River, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The pre-season reduced price will be extended until June 19th. Full season beach badges are $35 at the pre-season rate and $50 after June 19th.
Long Beach Township: Beaches are open and seasonal beach badges can be purchased at The Beach Badge Shack on 68th Street, Brant Beach and at other locations listed on the township’s website. Badges are required on township beaches from June 1 to September 7.
While the decision to open or close beaches is a municipal one, Gov. Murphy has issued broad guidelines to keep beachgoers safe.
They include:
Capacity limitations decided upon by local officials. Specifically, limiting the number of beach badges sold or electronically monitoring the number of people present on a beach.
Social distancing measures of 6-feet between groups will be required, except for family members, members of the same household or couples in a romantic relationship.
No organized games, summer camps, contact sports or events such as beachfront concerts or festivals.
Rides and arcades will remain closed.
Showers and restrooms may open, but with strict cleaning standards.
Freeholder Director Vicari again asked everyone to obey the rules.
“This is a learning experience for all of us,” he said. “Please be considerate of other families on the beach.”
Vicari said despite the necessary restrictions, 2020 still has the makings of a memorable summer at the Jersey Shore.
“Working together we can make this a great summer and end the season with treasured memories of Ocean County,” he said.
TOMS RIVER – My Sister’s Jewelry Box, a small family run business in Lavallette is offering a window shopping event over the long Memorial Day weekend, while a few blocks down on Route 35 North, Martin’s Casuals, a Lavallette staple for decades is providing curb side delivery. Some of the local restaurants like the Crabs Claw Inn, Lenny’s Pizzeria and the Ohana Grill have not only been providing take out and curbside delivery during the coronavirus pandemic but are also making meals for hospital staff and emergency responders.
Small local businesses like the ones in Lavallette and throughout Ocean County are implementing creative and unique ways to continue to do business while awaiting guidance from the state on when they can reopen.
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders say it’s time to allow these businesses to open their doors again to the public as long as they are following guidelines and have implemented precautionary measures approved by the state and health experts to assure the safety of the public.
“As the summer season approaches, our small businesses need to be allowed to reopen,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who is liaison to tourism and business development. “These businesses are owned by our neighbors. They are embedded in our communities and do everything they can to make our towns a better place to live.
“They have been following all the rules and now is the time to allow them to reopen to the public to save their businesses especially as the tourism season gets underway in Ocean County,” Vicari said.
Vicari has been bringing his message to Gov. Murphy and the Governor’s staff as he urges the reopening of these small businesses during a daily conference call with the state’s 20 other counties.
“Tourism is a $4.8 billion business in Ocean County, and while some of these stores are seasonal others are open year-round,” he said. “I am sure that during the time they have been closed to patrons they have taken every step possible to be prepared for reopening under strict sanitary and social distancing guidelines.”
Vicari said that safety is the priority during this time.
“I am not suggesting anyone go against the state executive orders or participate in civil disobedience,” Vicari said. “We don’t want to see anyone’s safety compromised.”
However, Vicari said it’s now difficult to justify the continuing closure of small businesses when the aisles of box stores like Target are filled with consumers purchasing non-essential items.
“Is it fair to small businesses that one of the busiest departments in Target was the swimsuit aisles while small businesses that sell swimsuits are shuttered to the public,” Vicari asked. “We need to be fair and we can no longer justify keeping small businesses closed if they meet safety guidelines.”
Freeholder Deputy Director Gary Quinn said small business owners want to get back to one thing – running their small businesses.
Quinn said all of the freeholders have been responding to calls from small business owners that are growing more and more concerned about possibly losing their business if they can’t open soon.
“If these businesses can’t open between now and July 4th they could very well become a statistic,” Quinn said. “They won’t survive.”
“It’s probably just as safe to walk into any small business that lines Main Street as it is a big box store,” Quinn said. “These small businesses are willing to limit their number of customers, and provide safety measures for the public and their workers.”
Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines agreed.
“Our small businesses want to do the right thing,” she said.
Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, who operates a small business in Eagleswood Township, said it’s time for the state to open other small businesses. His hardware store has remained open during the pandemic as allowed by the state’s executive order.
“During the closure small businesses still have to pay rent or mortgages,” he said. “The state has been showing flexibility allowing more businesses to open. Now is the time to move forward safely allowing small businesses to open.”
Freeholder Gerry P. Little said small businesses are the heart of the economy at the Jersey Shore.
“This doesn’t affect just Ocean County though it affects everyone,” he said. “It’s time to get the local, county, state and national economy back on track. We can do it safely and within guidelines that will also protect patrons and workers.”
Vicari urged residents and visitors to patronize the small businesses located throughout the County.
“Please go to their websites order food, clothing, jewelry, gift cards or whatever you might be looking for,” he said. “You can get the merchandise with curbside delivery or by take out or other means.
“Now more than ever our small businesses need every one of us,” he said. “We can’t forget all they do for us throughout the year whether donating to charities, providing gifts for auctions, supporting our schools and sporting events and being a big part of our volunteer emergency response teams. Now is the time to shop small and buy local.”
THE REMAINING CLOSED PARKS in Ocean County’s expansive park system will be open to the public on Friday, May 22 with restrictions to help curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
“On May 22 all of our County parks, including our off-leash dog parks, will have been reopened to the public,” said Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines, chairwoman of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “We will continue to keep restrictions in place in order to assure social distancing is maintained in our parks including capping parking at 50 percent.
“We have been gradually reopening our parks since May 2 following guidelines from the state and health experts,” Haines said. “I again want to stress these parks are being reopened for passive recreation only – walking, jogging, hiking, running and similar activities. Picnics and group activities are not allowed at this time.”
In addition, playgrounds, nature centers, and pavilions also remain closed. Swimming is currently prohibited at any of the Ocean County parks that have beaches. Based on lifeguard availability, those beaches including the one at A. Paul King County Park in Stafford Township – are expected to open later in June. No swimming signs are posted throughout the park system.
Bathroom facilities will be available at all County park sites and visitors using them must be wearing a face covering. Face coverings are strongly recommended when accessing the dog parks at Ocean County Airpark in Berkeley Township and Ocean County Park, Lakewood and all of the parks in the county system.
Haines noted that Ocean County will continue to adjust the restrictions at its parks as time goes on and at the direction of health experts and the state.
“We are pleased to be opening all of our parks so our residents can enjoy them all again,” Haines said. “Each of our parks offers unique features and a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty Ocean County has to offer.”
The last of the county’s parks to reopen on May 22 include Beaver Dam County Park, Point Pleasant, A. Paul King County Park, Stafford Township, Mantoloking Bridge County Park and Fishing Pier, and Gull Island County Park, Point Pleasant Beach.
In addition, more changes will be coming to the county’s golf courses.
Tee times will include foursomes starting Friday May 22nd at the Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis, Little Egg Harbor Township and the Ocean County Golf Course at Forge Pond, Brick Township. Tee times will still be 20 minutes apart and will require a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling the respective course’s pro shop seven days in advance or reserving on Golf Now. One foursome reservation per phone call. Credit card and debit cards will be taken for payment. There is no cash option at this time.
Atlantis’ last tee time will be 5:20 p.m. and the last cart needs to be in 15 minutes prior to sunset (posted at pro shop). The driving range at Atlantis is open and driving range golf balls will be sanitized. Every other stall will be utilized.
The Forge Pond Pro shop closes at 5 p.m. and the last cart needs to be in at 4:45 p.m. Carts are still limited to one rider per cart, excluding an individual’s immediate family member, caretakers, household members, or romantic partner. All social distancing rules are in effect and a mask must be worn to approach the counter for payment.
“Restrictions at our parks and our golf courses are in place to protect the health and safety of the patrons that are visiting us along with our staff,” Haines said. “While we understand some may feel this is nothing but an inconvenience, we are still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and must take all the steps we can to limit anyone’s exposure to this virus.”
In addition, the county in following the state’s requirements has capped parking at 50 percent. When a park’s parking lot is at capacity, park patrons should not park on streets or the grass.
“We encourage everyone to adhere to the requirements we have put in place to reopen the parks,” she said.
Parks are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Singles tennis/pickle ball is allowed at Ocean County Park, Lakewood, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood and Tip Seaman County Park, Tuckerton. Tennis is allowed at Beaver Dam County Park, Point Pleasant. There are restrictions on play.
“We encourage everyone using our parks to be mindful of themselves and their neighbors and continue to take precautions at this time including social distancing, washing your hands, wearing face masks and staying home if you are sick,” Haines said.
Ocean County closed its parks and natural lands to the public on March 31 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus and based on the mandates from President Trump and Gov. Murphy for social distancing and stay at home orders.
“We want everyone to enjoy our parks and natural lands safely,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. “The health and safety of our residents and visitors is paramount. It’s important that we continue to follow social distancing rules. We all need to remember that our actions don’t affect just us, they affect our family, they affect our health care workers, they affect our emergency responders, they affect the workers at our grocery stores.”
“We need to continue to do our part to stop the spread of this virus,” Vicari said.
Ocean County’s parks and recreation areas are patrolled by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Ocean County Security Department.
OCEAN COUNTY is ready to welcome beach-goers for the long Memorial Day weekend, but officials said social distancing measures enacted by Gov. Phil Murphy will be in place.
“All of our oceanfront towns have opened their beaches prior to the holiday, but we ask everyone to be aware of and follow the rules,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to tourism.
Every beach will require visitors to practice social distancing and remain at least six feet apart. The restriction does not apply to families, caregivers or romantic partners.
Other towns have enacted rules prohibiting certain activities on the beach, such as swimming.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and all Ocean County has to offer,” Vicari said. “But to ensure that the beaches remain open throughout the season, visitors and locals alike need to make adjustments for the summer of 2020.”
Some towns are still revising their beach rules and may make last-minute changes as the weekend gets closer.
“Like our good friends in Monmouth County I ask everyone to ‘know before you go’. I urge everyone to check with the municipality you are visiting to see if any revisions have been made,” Vicari said.
A listing of all county municipal websites is available on the Ocean County Homepage at http://www.co.ocean.nj.us.
The Ocean County Health Department is also doing its part to ensure bathers have a healthy summer.
The department has begun its annual beach testing programs, which surveys ocean, bay, river and lake swimming beaches weekly throughout the season to make sure the waters are clean and safe for swimming.
“We will test every swimming beach that is open from May through Labor Day,” said Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Health Department. “Our staff is ready to respond the moment a municipality decides to allow swimming at any given beach.”
A list of municipal beaches and any restrictions in place follows:
Northern Barrier Island:
• Bay Head: Beaches are open with social distancing restrictions. Beach badges are required as of June 20 and can be purchased in-person or online through the Bay Head Improvement Authority. Seasonal, half-season and daily badges are available. Website:http://bayheadnj.orgPhone: (732) 892-0636
• Berkeley Township and South Seaside Park: Beaches are open but strict social distancing measures are in place.
Berkeley Township website:www.berkeleytownship.orgPhone: (732) 244-7400
• Brick Township: Brick Beach 1 and Windward Beach Park will be open to swimming on Memorial Day weekend. All beaches will be open daily beginning June 15 and will be subject to new safety measures put in place for the ongoing pandemic crisis. Seasonal badges can be purchased by calling the Recreation Department at 732-262-1044. Only check or credit cards will be accepted. The number of daily beach badges sold will be limited and cash will be accepted for daily badges and parking permits. Website:http://www.twp.brick.nj.usPhone: (732) 262-1000
• Lavallette: Beaches are open for running, walking, fishing, and sitting. Strict social distancing must be practiced. The Boardwalk will open May 22 for walking and exercising. Website:http://www.lavallette.orgPhone: (732) 793-7477
• Mantoloking: Beaches are open. Badges are required as of June 20 and are sold by mail or at the badge trailer on Downer Avenue. Seasonal badges are $75 and no cash will be accepted. Website:http://www.mantoloking.orgPhone: (732) 475-6983
• Point Pleasant Beach: The Maryland Avenue Municipal Beach is open but restrictions on parking and the number of daily badges available are in place. Seasonal badges may be purchased online. Beach Associations have also been given the option of opening and most have chosen to do so. Only residents with placards are permitted to park on any street east of the railroad tracks. The boardwalk and Jenkinson’s Beach remain closed, but their status may be updated in the near future. Website:http://www.pointpleasantbeach.orgPhone: (732) 892-1118
• Seaside Heights: Beaches are open from 7am to 5pm with limited entry points. A seasonal or senior beach badge will be required beginning May 23. Daily badges will not be sold on the Boardwalk. No swimming is allowed. The Boardwalk is also open but will be cleared at 11 p.m. Social distancing is required for both the beach and Boardwalk. Face-masks are encouraged and Public restrooms will be open on a limited basis. All public and private parking spaces will be reduced by 50 percent. Website:http://www.seaside-heightsnj.orgPhone: (732) 793-9100
• Seaside Park: Both the beach and boardwalk are open with social distancing required. Beach badges are required on weekends only through June 29. After that date, badges are required daily. Daily badges may be limited to prevent overcrowding. Public restrooms will be open during beach operations. The Beach Control building on the boardwalk between N and O streets will be open for in-person purchases and badge pick up. Cash will not be accepted, only checks and credit cards. Website:www.seasideparknj.orgPhone: (732) 793-3700
• Toms River Township/Ortley Beach: The beaches and boardwalk are open with restrictions. Ortley Beach will be manned by lifeguards on Memorial Day weekend and weekends of June 6-7, June 13-14 and full-time commencing on June 20th. Beach badges are on sale at the Recreation Administration Office, 1810 Warren Point Road, Toms River, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The pre-season reduced price will be extended until June 19th. Full season beach badges are $35 at the pre-season rate and $50 after June 19th. Website:http://www.tomsrivertownship.comPhone: (732) 341-1000
Long Beach Island:
• Barnegat Light: Beaches remain open and badges are available online via the borough’s website. Website:http://www.BarnegatLight.orgPhone: (609) 494-9196
• Beach Haven: Beaches and restrooms are open. Badges are available via an app on the borough’s website or at the Centre Street badge office. Website:http://www.beachhaven-nj.govPhone: (609) 492-0111
• Harvey Cedars: Preseason beach badges may be purchased through the borough’s Website:www.harveycedars.orgPhone: (609) 361-6000
• Long Beach Township: Beaches are open and seasonal beach badges can be purchased at The Beach Badge Shack on 68th Street, Brant Beach and at other locations listed on the township’s website. Badges are required on township beaches from June 1 to September 7. Website:http://www.longbeachtownship.comPhone: (609) 361-1000
• Ship Bottom: Beach badges are for sale online and at Town Hall and are available at preseason rates through May 31. Website: http://www.shipbottom.orgPhone: (609) 494-2171
• Surf City: The borough never closed its beaches. Badges are available at Borough Hall and preseason rates are in effect through May 31. Website:www.surfcitynj.orgPhone: (609) 494-3064
While the decision to open or close beaches is a municipal one, Gov. Murphy has issued broad guidelines to keep beach-goers safe such as capacity limitations decided upon by local officials, specifically, limiting the number of beach badges sold or electronically monitoring the number of people present on a beach; social distancing measures; no large gatherings; rides and arcades will remain closed; and showers and restrooms may open, but with strict cleaning standards.
Freeholder Director Vicari again asked everyone to obey the rules.
“This is a learning experience for all of us,” he said. “Please be considerate of other families on the beach.”
Vicari said despite the necessary restrictions, 2020 still has the makings of a memorable summer at the Jersey Shore.
“Working together we can make this a great summer and end the season with treasured memories of Ocean County,” he said.
“We have been gradually opening up our parks,” said Freeholder Virginia E. Haines. “Well, this weekend, starting on Friday morning at 6 a.m. all of our parks will be open.”
That includes all off-leash dog parks at Robert J. Miller Air Park in Berkeley and Ocean County Park in Lakewood, Haines said, noting that it’s one of the most frequent questions she has been asked since the county parks system began a staggered reopening of its parks earlier this month.
“People wanted to know when they could go to the dog parks,” Haines said, who is chairwoman of the county Department of Parks and Recreation. “Well, they will be open starting Friday. So that should make everyone happy.”
Restrooms at all parks will also be open Friday, although visitors centers and pavilions will remain closed. Capacity would also be limited by closing half their parking lots, Haines said.
The county Division of Public Information also said in a statement that the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk would remain closed to the public this weekend. The Shore borough is rare in that most of its beachfront is privately owned.
The Maryland Avenue Municipal Beach will be open but restrictions on parking and the number of daily badges available has been set. Private beach associations have also been given the option of opening and most have chosen to do so, the statement said.
“Only (Point Beach) residents with placards are permitted to park on any street east of the railroad tracks,” the statement said. “The boardwalk and Jenkinson’s Beach remained closed, but their status may be updated in the near future.”
Seaside Heights will be open its beachfront from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with limited entry points. A seasonal or senior beach badge will be required effective Saturday. Daily badges will not be sold on the boardwalk and swimming will not be allowed. The famous Seaside Heights boardwalk will be open itself, but its rides and arcades will be closed and the boardwalk will be cleared at 11 p.m., the statement said.
Social distancing will be enforced for both the beach and boardwalk. Face masks are also encouraged and public restrooms will be open on a limited basis. Capacity at all public and private parking lots will be reduced by 50 percent, the statement said.
Long Beach Island’s six municipalities all plan to open their beaches to the public this weekend, according to the statement.
“This is a learning experience for all of us,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who asked that the public make an extra effort to be considerate to one another and be sure to practice social distancing.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy said with temperatures expected to be in the 60s at the Shore this weekend, and with all the bars closed, authorities were not expecting to see the kind of crowds that lined Belmar’s boardwalk last Saturday to purchase beach badges. The temperature last Saturday was nearly 80 degrees.
“Otherwise, we might be a little more nervous,” Mastronardy said.
Tourism in Ocean County is a $5 billion annual industry and county officials have not been as apprehensive about the fate of the region’s economy since the summer of 2013. The unofficial start of that season came seven months after Superstorm Sandy all but obliterated many of its coastal resorts and much of the Shore remained in shambles
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Crowds arrive to buy beach badges in Belmar
Nevertheless, Haines expressed optimism that the summer season could be saved.
“I’m sure within the next few weeks, as all of us have said here on the board (Wednesday), that more and more of our businesses will be opening, especially our restaurants,” Haines said during her public remarks at the weekly freeholder meeting. “As I’ve said many times, I’m tired of my own cooking and I really would like to go out to eat. But, I certainly do understand why we had to close our businesses, our restaurants … to get rid of this pandemic that we’re all facing across the United States.”
Haines said she prays every day that the rate of new COVID-19 infections will abate.
“Our numbers are showing” a decrease, Haines said. “And I just ask all of our residents of Ocean County just to be safe and healthy, and please wear your mask and do the social distancing.”
Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com
The Normandy Beach Christmas tree at sunset, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
What began as a small “Charlie Brown” tree with solar lights planted onto the beach has now grown into a Christmas tradition for the community of Normandy Beach and beyond.
Sue Buzzi placed the Christmas tree on the beach at 2nd Avenue in 2012, following Hurricane Sandy, as a sign of hope for the neighborhood which had been decimated.
“It was really desolate,” said Jack Buzzi. “It was destroyed, everything.”
The following year, Sue put a bigger tree on the beach, and soon thereafter, they had help from the Nolan and Lill families.
A clam shell decorated for the Normandy Beach Christmas tree, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
The Nolan family provides the power for the lights, and Rick Lill drills the holes in the clam shells, which serve as decorate-your-own ornaments. The shells are now harder to come by since the beach replenishment, said Jack, so they now get some of their clam shells from commercial fishermen, and Rick painted over some of the ornaments from years past so they can be reused.
This year, Jack had to build a planter to hold the Christmas tree. They used to bury it in the sand, but now there are walkways in place with wooden fencing aimed at keeping beach-goers off the newly planted dune grass. The large, white planter was placed on the walkway near a bench, giving visitors a chance to sit and enjoy the tree.
Some people write just a message on the shell they decorate. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
While many people write a simple “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” on their shell, others get a little more creative and draw beach-themed artwork. Some memorialize lost loved ones, like Alphy and Dot Norman, who spent 50 years at Normandy Beach.
“There’s a lot of shells on here to remember somebody,” said Jack.
The families check on the supplies at the tree regularly to ensure there are enough shells, the markers haven’t run out of ink, and there are plenty of zip ties to secure the ornaments to the tree.
“In the beginning, we just had a tree,” said Jack. “But now about 800 people come here.”
Scroll below for images of this year’s Normandy Beach Christmas tree.
Other people get a little more artistic with designs. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Directions and materials are supplied: just grab a shell, decorate, and secure tightly to the tree. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
The Normandy Beach Christmas tree at sunset, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Some shells serve as a memorial to those who have passed on. (Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Technology has swept the tourism marketing industry, with an ever-evolving selection of strategies and tools that promise to harness and deliver the exact tourists we desire. Enticing travelers to visit our destination is the ultimate goal, and greatest challenge, of all tourism marketing agencies and attractions. Today we have more options, more media platforms, more ways to convey a message than ever before. “Demographic targeting” has leaped to the most precise, laser-focused methods imaginable and exciting new tools have emerged to proactively engage and persuade consumers.
Many tourism destinations enlist advanced methods to promote their area with digital media, featuring commercials and/or banner ads on websites and mobile devices, enlisting hyper-focused targeting methods. Virtual tours online are also very popular. This allows web searchers to “walk” through locations, stroll downtowns, and interact and navigate scenic landscapes from their own computer while shopping their next getaway.
But going back to basics, there are still “Old-fashioned” venues which allow us to present our destinations directly, face-to-face with prospective travelers, and they remain relevant today. That is, with the use of updated twists.
Consumer Travel Shows, Food and Beverage Expos, large festivals and industry trade shows, give marketers the chance to meet consumers directly, competing aggressively in a live environment while prospects decide where they will book their next vacation. These venues are highly energized and urgently competitive. There is pressure to immediately capture the prospect’s interest in the moment they arrive at your booth. But how do you stand out in an Expo Center amidst dozens of onsite dream vacation options?
Visuals are key. Images that grab attention and prompt vacation shoppers to imagine themselves enjoying your destination. This “Experiential Marketing” is strategic and powerful. To maximize the impact, one particular tool offers a fully immersive adventure with sight, sound and the feeling of motion. This is the 360 degree, virtual reality video and it will transport prospective travelers to view and even engage with a location of choice. With a headset device (called an “oculus”) the viewer will safely experience the sights and sounds of the landscape, recreational activities, entertainment, scenery, even thrilling, high-speed attractions, through an incredibly life-like, simulated video. With 360-degree views, participants are immersed in an alternate reality that transports them for just a few minutes. This preview can be quite a tease, compelling the prospective traveler to want more and hopefully converting them to a booked vacation at your venue.
While having the opportunity to use this state-of-the-art marketing tool, Ocean County’s Dept. of Tourism found great success enticing families and various prospective travelers to consider the Jersey Shore for their next great vacation. At the annual Hunting Fishing and Camping Show in Montreal Canada, OC tourism introduced a high-quality 360 degree Virtual Reality Video to the consumers who visited their tourism booth. The excitement, the pure delight of those who experienced this oculus journey was evidence that this Experiential Marketing technique is highly effective and drives tremendous energy and interest toward the featured destination. Expense is considerable, but the investment is wise. As technology moves us forward, those who are at the forefront of capabilities will undoubtedly see results in their highly competitive tourism
market. For Ocean County, tourism is a $4.7 Billion economic engine and generates tens of thousands of jobs each year. Driving more visitors to our region is a high priority. Keeping up with the latest technology may be key to the future of tourism at the Jersey Shore.
MANAHAWKIN — The newest way to wow potential tourists about Ocean County is to immerse them in a 360-degree virtual reality tour.
They’re splashed in the wash of the surf; they’re leaning over the boat, hauling in a catch; swooshing down the waterslide; feeling the thrilling stomach drop of a roller coaster ride.
Wearing an “oculus” headset, people at travel trade shows are drawn in by virtual reality video to “Escape the Ordinary” and come to Ocean County.
Two-minute VR videos were produced by Oak Leaf Media for an Ocean County Tourism Department campaign, among other state-of-the-art commercials the locally based company has done.
Virtual reality was recently shown to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at its May meeting celebrating National Tourism and Small Business Week. The meeting was held at The Mainland at Holiday Inn, Manahawkin.
The virtual reality experience is so intense that Dana Lancellotti, county director of tourism, brings a special chair to tourism expos for viewers to sit while they’re wearing the headset. That’s particularly for the roller coaster pinnacle.
“When you’re in it, you feel it’s real,” she said of the visual masterpiece. “In Montreal, one woman took the headset off and said, ‘I feel like I’ve been on vacation for two minutes, it was so wonderful.’”
By the way, Lancellotti told chamber members, the promotional video on the Ocean County Tourism YouTube page “belongs to all of you. If anybody wants to get an oculus and have a copy of this and have it at your location, or use it for marketing purposes… contact us.”
Brendan Walsh, Oak Leaf Media director and senior editor, talked about the new technology with anyone who wanted to don a headset after the meeting. The Oak Leaf professionals had traveled to the Sundance Film Festival, where they got inspiration and information on VR.
“My partners and I went to Sundance last year … we went to every part of the festival we could get to, just to see what was new and hip, and I found it super-immersive. I really loved it,” Walsh said.
Meanwhile, Lancellotti, division director of Ocean County Business Development & Tourism, had been considering VR as a way to elevate the marketing materials for trade shows and expos.
Virtual reality became a reality with state grant money when the county partnered with Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the Long Beach Island Region Destination Marketing Organization.
“We liked it at Sundance, Dana mentioned it, and I said, ‘This is something we can do; I know we can do it,” the Oak Leaf Media director summed up.
“We had to break a couple barriers. We were so used to shooting two-dimensional, traditional camera commercials.”
They used new cameras specific to the process, including the Insta 360, which looks like a robot with its half-dozen lenses that film and stitch the images together.
“It’s very new software for editing, but once we got a handle on how it works, it was very cool,” Walsh said. “And now we have the capability, and we’re going to be doing more.
“It’s definitely a niche. Not everybody has a headset, but you can view VR on your phone now. So YouTube videos that are uploaded, you can use your phone just like the VR headset.”
Not every debut video at the chamber meeting was in 3D. Attendees also viewed a stellar Thrive in 105 video created by Oak Leaf Media as part of the Just Beneath the Surface video series.
Southern Ocean County Campground celebrates growing nationwide program that helps active military families get a well-deserved vacation
Camping is a family tradition that fits with almost all vacation budgets. Allowing families of all sizes to enjoy time away, it is also the perfect fit for active military families that may need to plan vacations on shorter notice. Though camping can be an economical option, families still need to invest in equipment or the higher cost of renting a cabin or Recreational Vehicle which is often not practical for military families.
Baker’s Acres Campground, located in Little Egg Harbor at the Jersey Shore as well as other participating parks throughout the U.S., have the opportunity to support our active military families by participating in the Tents for Troops program. Tents for Troops “T4T” was founded in 2008 by Charlie Curry, manager of Toutle River RV Resort in Washington. By 2016, over 300 campgrounds in 47 states became active. The participating campgrounds are encouraged to provide 2 sites for up to two nights, for free, for active military and their immediate family. The families are required to make advanced reservations and provide ID upon check-in. Baker’s Acres got involved when their manager, Monica Baker-Frazer read an article about the newly created program in an industry newsletter. Their campground currently provides active military campers up to two sites for up to two nights, for free. They can upgrade from a basic tent site to a water and electric site upon check-in and if there is availability, by only paying the difference between the two site types approximately $4 per night. They do not offer the program during holiday weekends, unless there is same-day availability. Every campground that is part of Tents for Troops offers different options. It is the responsibility of the camper to check into the restrictions.
The program hit a milestone this past year as it secured Thor Industries as a sponsor placing donated RVs throughout the country, to offer military families another lodging option. As the first campground in New Jersey and one of the first on the East Coast to offer the program, Baker’s Acres was contacted this past winter by the founder to be part of the expansion by receiving one of the RVs. The RV, a brand new KZ Sportsman, from the fleet donated by Thor, has already arrived and has been set up on a permanent site. Jack & Maureen Baker, owners of Baker’s Acres, took the RV on as a personal project. They, along with sons John and Jason Baker, landscaped the site, added calming features such as a miniature “Old Barney” lighthouse and, of course, the American flag. The RV is 28 feet long and includes sleeping accommodations for 6-8, a bathroom, kitchenette, flat-screen TV and radio. The vehicle is currently in the process of being outfitted through donations from both T4T and the generous seasonal campers of Baker’s Acres. T4T has already sent pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, DVDs, and so much more. All the comforts, so families will just need to bring minimal supplies.
To learn more about Tents for Troops, please visit www.tentsfortroops.org or contact Monica Frazer at Baker’s Acres (609) 296-2664 monica@bakersacres.com For more information regarding Baker’s Acres Campground contact directly at (609) 296-2664; (800) 648-2227 www.bakersacres.com or to learn more on vacationing in the Long Beach Island Region contact Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce (609) 494 7211 www.visitLBIregion.com
LIKE A BAD PENNY, or in this case two pennies, another hike in the state’s gasoline tax could soon be burdening local motorists, thanks to Trenton lawmakers.
“Here we go again,” said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little. “This Board of Freeholders will vehemently oppose an additional increase in the gasoline tax, as we did two years ago when Trenton hiked the tax by 23 cents per gallon.”
With revenue from that original increase falling short of predictions, state leaders are now floating the idea of another tax hike of two or more cents per gallon.
Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to Tourism, voiced concern that the higher tax could impact the number of visitors driving to Ocean County and the Jersey Shore.
“We are doing all we can to attract visitors, while an increase in the gas tax threatens to keep people away,” Vicari said.
Vicari said Ocean County has yet to see any promised benefits from the earlier gas tax increase.
“We’ve seen no progress on the widening of Route 9,” Vicari said. “The Route 166 project in Toms River continues to drag on with no end in sight. When the state finally decided to rebuild the Mathis Bridge they simply replaced the drawbridge with another drawbridge instead of building a higher span that wouldn’t delay traffic.”
The higher tax is also a burden on local residents, he added. “We’ve said it time and time again, these increases in the gas tax are especially unfair to Ocean County residents, who have some of the longest commuting distances in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari.
Vicari pointed to federal census statistics that show more than 108,000 Ocean County residents commute 30 minutes or more to work. More than 90,000 people travel outside of the county to reach their workplace.
Additionally, more than 82 percent of local commuters use their own private vehicle. Only 2 percent rely of public transportation.
“This is a far cry from Northern New Jersey Counties that are served by numerous bus, train and light rail line,” Vicari said. “The gas tax is unfair to Ocean County residents who have no other choice than to drive to work.” The percentage of county residents that use public transportation is only slightly higher than those employees who walk to work, which is just 1 percent of the total workforce.
“Ocean County drivers already pay the most in gasoline and tolls because they have the longest commutes in the state,” Vicari said. “This latest proposal will only add to their burden.”
The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association has announced it will once again be sponsoring its Junior Mates Program this summer in Beach Haven, NJ. Interested teenagers are welcome.
The BHCFA is a group of fishing captains from the Beach Haven area who have banded together to further the sport of recreational fishing while also assisting in a variety of local worthwhile causes. The Junior Mates Program is a series of classes designed to teach youngsters many of the techniques and ideas related to fishing while also preparing them to serve as mates on fishing boats.
Most of the classes are on Thursday evenings at the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven and feature mostly hands-on learning. Classes will begin on Thursday, June 28, with a last class on Thursday, August 16 followed the next day with a Junior Mate fishing tournament.
The classes begin at 7pm and include a variety of topics including knot tying, bait preparation, fish cleaning, first aid, and other subjects. One of the highlights will be a two-night session where the teenagers will take the New Jersey Boater Safety Class and earn their official boat operator’s license.
Class signup is for teenagers who are 13 years of age and over by August 1 of this year. Most of the students remain in the program for several years as normally it takes three seasons of training to become achieve Charter Boat Mate Certification.
There is a cost of $25 to register for the program along with a cost for the US Coast Guard approved drug testing program including the “pre-employment” test.
Complete information can be obtained at www.BHCFA.net, or by calling either Captain John Lewis at 609-670-5980 or Captain Jimmy Zavacky at 609-915-2498.
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County saw its tourism dollars grow 1.8 percent in 2017 bringing the amount tourism injects into the local economy to $4.76 billion.
“I am happy to see our numbers continue to increase when it comes to tourism in Ocean County,” said Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to tourism and business development. “We always say Ocean County is the best vacation spot offering premier boardwalks, beaches, amusement parks, and recreational activities that collectively draw hundreds of thousands of people annually to our shores.
“These numbers provided by the state of New Jersey confirm what we have been saying,” Vicari said. “This almost 2 percent increase is what helps out our mom and pop businesses, our high school and college students and a host of other businesses and individuals. Tourism means jobs and it helps our economy.”
Vicari noted Ocean County continues to see an increase in tourism industry sales.
“That is good news for Ocean County,” Vicari said.
Vicari noted the positive trend is especially important since the County had growing concerns about potential damages to tourism as a result of Superstorm Sandy, which hit its coast on Oct. 29, 2012.
“We are happy that tourism is stronger than ever,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little said. “This is a true testimony to the business communities and owners of hotels and rental properties in working to keep Ocean County the premier destination spot it has always been.”
Vicari said people choose Ocean County to vacation because it is affordable and family friendly.
“You can come to Ocean County and pick and choose from the many activities that are going on or you can find that quiet spot and just take it easy and relax,” Vicari said. “We have something for everyone.”
A report issued by the state Division of Travel and Tourism recently released the tourism numbers for the state.
Ocean County continues to account for more than 10 percent of all tourism dollars generated in the state.
“Ocean County’s tourism dollars have increased by almost 10 percent over the last three years,” Vicari said. “These dollars support our local economy year round and for our residents, this means a stronger economic outlook, employment and a more stable tax base.”
According to the State, on average, spending from 310 travelers, supports one New Jersey job and, one out of every 14.5 workers in New Jersey is supported by tourism.
In addition, $1,515 in tax revenue per household in New Jersey was supported by tourism in 2017.
“Tourism is an economic engine in Ocean County,” Vicari said. “Its success is a collaborative effort of marketing strategies, working with the state, working with Chambers of Commerce all getting the word out on all the great things that make Ocean County a great vacation spot.”
According to the State, the tourism sector generated $38.7 billion of state Gross Domestic Product in 2017, representing 6.7 percent of the entire state economy. The tourism industry statewide accounted for $45.4 billion in economic impact – an increase of more than 2.9 percent over the previous year.
“Every tourism dollar recirculates seven times,” Vicari said.
Including indirect and induced impacts, tourism in New Jersey generated $10.5 billion in government revenues last year, including $4.8 billion in state and local tax revenues, according to the State.
In Ocean County, lodging brought in $1.47 billion, food and beverage sales totaled $1.16 billion and almost $1 billion in retail sales.
“Ocean County has a lot to offer,” Vicari said. “We want people to come back year after year and we make every effort to keep Ocean County inviting and welcoming.”
A celebration for all those who are planning to celebrate, over 70 Southern Ocean County Chamber members hosted 566 attendees at the April 22 party planning tour which spanned Long Beach Island
SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. – April 23, 2018 – – Decision makers and attendees arrived from across the country to be part of Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Wedding Road Show and Party Planning Tour this past Sunday. The event has been the cornerstone of marketing the Long Beach Island region as a destination for weddings and milestone occasions since its inception in 2008. The highest pre-registration rate in the event history led to the largest amount guests in attendance, 180 checked in Decision Makers with 386 in their entourage. The total number of 566 people met, toured and did business directly with chamber members in the course of the six hour event.
Decision makers came from across the state from cities such as Hoboken, Morristown, West Caldwell, Cherry Hill, and Riverside. Cities out of state were well represented with attendees coming from Yardley and Easton Pennsylvania, Port Jervis, Staten Island, Brooklyn and NYC, Washington DC, Granby CT, Wilmington, DE, Providence, RI , Youngsville NC, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL to name a few. All decision makers were able to participate to win the Grand Prize, which consisted of an overnight package for a luxury stay at The Mainland, Broadway tickets to Summer, Chowderfest tickets and champagne. The Prize winner will be announced on the Southern Ocean Chamber and LBI Wedding Road Show social platforms before Friday April 27 2018.
Photo Courtesy Southern Ocean County Chamber Wedding Road Show & Party Planning Tour 2018
Ocean County, NJ – Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari has spent decades advocating the vibrant fishing industry which thrives on Ocean County’s aqua-cultural landscape.
“From the Barnegat Bay to the lakes and of course the Atlantic Coastline, fishing is a premier recreational and commercial sport in our region.” Vicari states, ” Clamming, crabbing, bay fishing, surf fishing and deep sea fishing are all much-loved past-times which offer many months of pleasure and economic benefits to our historic maritime destination.”
For the latest update on the current fishing activities in Ocean County waters, see the latest fishing report from the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association:
Cooler weather has come to Beach Haven, and the striped bass are beginning to show up. The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are ready to troll spoons and fish live bunker on a “snag and drop” basis. These bass are good sized already with 20-pounders and even a 40-pounder or two coming across the gunnels.
In addition to the stripers, the black sea bass season re-opens on October 22, and that should be a true bonanza if recent catch and release results are any indication. These sea bass are big and in good numbers on structure and artificial reefs within a short trek of the inlet. The daily bag limit for black sea bass is 15 fish, and limit catches are a distinct possibility. These fish make great eating and freeze very well.
At this time the BHCFA captains are finding a great deal of life in the ocean within a couple of miles of shore. There are large schools of bunker along with lots of bird play working over feeding schools of bluefish and false albacore. These false albacore, or little tunny, make poor table fare but they fight very well for their size with 5-8 pound fish common. There have also been some spottings of whales.
To see about getting in on some of this fishing or just to learn more about the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association, go to www.BHCFA.net.
Fishing report and photos provided by Jim Hutchinson Sr. and the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association
Supported in part by a grant from the NJ State Department, Division of Travel & Tourism
Ocean County, NJ – The fishing action off Long Beach Island for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association continues to be a wide mix of fish from the inshore structure and artificial reefs along with some good action on false albacores, bonita, and some bluefish.
Captain Carl Sheppard of the “Star Fish” is counting the days until the black sea bass season re-opens in New Jersey on October 22. He figures the sea bass will be thick along with some trigger fish for some topnotch bottom fishing. Until then he plans on fishing for blues and tautog and getting out to the offshore waters for some pelagics. He terms the current fishing “good” and expects it to improve, especially when the big stripers arrive in another week or so.
Captain Lindsay Fuller of the “June Bug” has been catching a good number of false albacore on light tackle. He says these feisty fish provide all the action any angler could want on light tackle. He is also looking for bonita. He too is looking forward to striped bass season and is keeping his fingers crossed for some cooler weather to cool the water off.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.
Fishing Report and photos courtesy of Jim Hutchinson Sr. for the Beach Haven Charter Boat Fishing Association.
Supported in part by a grant from the NJ Dept of State, Division of Travel & Tourism
Ocean County Freeholder Director, Joseph H. Vicari, serves up chowder during the annual “Chowderfest” on Long Beach Island.
Ocean County, NJ- With the closing of Summer, the locals delight in the transition of bustling Summer traffic to bountiful Fall activities. The air is cooler, the pace is quicker and Festivals and Events are in full force. “Fall is the best time to explore Ocean County.” Says Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, Liaison to Tourism, which is the county’s number one industry. “Nothing really stops after Labor Day. In fact, the amount of events and the variety of attractions are greater than any other time of year.”
Ocean County boasts gorgeous coastal pleasures. From the beaches to the Barnegat Bay, crowds flock to the water every Summer. In the Fall, however, the aquaculture here is still energized. With our diverse fishing activities, boats are still chartered, fishing excursions continue and seafood festivals abound. “Point Pleasant Beach will enjoy its 40th year of the ‘Festival of the Sea‘ on Saturday September 16th”, notes Freeholder Vicari, “And on September 30th and October 1st, thousands will gather for the 29th annual, much-loved ‘Chowderfest‘ weekend in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island.”
Beyond the sea, there are more Food Trucks and Fire Pits to keep you warm at Laurita Winery, ‘Oktoberfest’ on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights September 30th and the ‘Food Truck Wind up and Craft Beer Festival’ at First Energy Park on September 30th, as well as so much more. Another traditional favorite is the ‘Decoy and Gunning Show’ which will present for its 35th year at Tip Seaman County Park and Tuckerton Seaport on Sept 23 and 24th.
As for the Season of Spooks – ‘Six Flags’ Fright Fest’, ‘Nightmare on Gravity Hill‘ and ‘Scary Rotten Farms‘ are among the favorite frightful attractions which open in September for the Halloween Season.
“Halloween Frights and Fall Farm Fun add to many attractions in Ocean County from now to Oct 31st”, Freeholder Director Vicari adds. “Along with great Jersey Fresh produce, You-Pick berry farms and of course pumpkin patches… what a wonderful time for family memories in Ocean County.”
Many more events and attractions can be found at www.OceanCountyTourism.com.
Ocean County, NJ – Although the weather was not very cooperative the last two weeks of the summer in Beach Haven and the New Jersey summer flounder season which closed September 5, the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association made the most of it when they could. The fluke catches just seemed to get better and better with some very nice catches of fish going into the fish boxes.
At this point, the captains are keeping one eye on what problems Hurricane Irma might bring to the East Coast while keeping their fingers crossed for the folks in Florida who live along the coastlines.
Captain John Lewis of the “Insatiable” summed up the last portion of his summer fishing activities. “August gave us great fishing inshore with lots of fish coming over the rail and keeper fluke along with black sea bass, bluefish, squid and mackerel on every trip.” Captain John notes that he plans to be active in pushing government officials to provide more fishing opportunities as far as the seasons go and urges other captains and anglers to do the same.
For the next few weeks Captain John says he will be fishing for porgies, bluefish, and bonito inshore while looking for sharks, tuna and mahi offshore. He also has plans to continue his busy schedule of boat deliveries up and down the entire Atlantic seaboard.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.
Photo: NJ Maritime Museum on Long Beach Island, Ocean County
OCEAN COUNTY’S businesses and attractions are ready for the final long weekend of the summer, even if Mother Nature doesn’t fully cooperate, Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said.
“What better way to say goodbye to the summer than by spending an enjoyable weekend in Ocean County,” Vicari said.
While forecasters are calling for some rain showers later Saturday into early Sunday, Vicari said families will still find plenty to do.
“Ocean County is a destination that includes entertainment, history, educational activities and playful venues that will keep the dark clouds from disrupting your fun,” Vicari said.
For instance, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, features oceanfront dining, arcades, a fun house and the spectacular Jenkinson’s Aquarium with its abundant sea life, penguins, tropical birds and more, providing an enriching indoor experience that is open all year long.
In Seaside Heights, indoor arcades are plentiful, and so are the restaurants and bars, both on the boardwalk and on the Boulevard. Many of these venues offer live entertainment depending on the day of the week and the time.
There are also many museums around Ocean County to satisfy the history buffs. Two of the largest are the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum in Tuckerton, and the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven.
As for the unusual, check out Insectropolis in Toms River. This unique ‘bugseum’ is home to thousands of insects to keep your kids dazzled and engaged when outdoor conditions are not the best.
For those who love nature and wildlife, Ocean County is an eco-tourism wonderland with classes and programs for adults and children available at many of county parks.
“Cattus Island’s Cooper Environmental Center and the Jakes Branch Nature Center are both outstanding choices rain or shine,” Vicari said.
Summer is slated to return in full force by Monday when temperatures climb into the mid-80s under sunny skies.
“Sounds like a perfect day to hit the beach and the boardwalks,” Vicari said.
Vicari also reminded visitors and locals alike that the tourism doesn’t end with Labor Day.
“Check our website www.oceancountytourism.com for a full slate of events scheduled throughout the Fall, he said.
Ocean County, NJ – Daydreaming about Summer at the beach may fill our minds with images of sandcastles, lifeguard chairs, boardwalks and ice cream cones. We reminisce with the sounds of happy children taunting the ocean waves and seagulls soaring over the coastline. As one of our favorite past times, beach-going can truly be a soulful experience.
“Beaches and boardwalks are the backbone of our county’s tourism industry”, says Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, the liaison to Tourism for Ocean County, NJ. “We are the only county in the country with the name ‘Ocean’ and we are proud of our coastal heritage. But the unexpected adventures beyond our beaches are what makes this a truly exciting and unique tourism destination!”
At the heart of the New Jersey Shore, there are many more adventures and attractions that will delight and surprise typical sunbathers and surfers. Just steps off the Point Pleasant Beach, Jenkinson’s Aquarium features sharks, sea lions, penguins and other exotic sea life, as well as playful tropical birds and even monkeys. With a short drive to the Metedeconk River in Brick, families can set sail with the Jersey Shore Pirates on the Sea Gypsy II for a children’s treasure hunt! Just 30 minutes away in Jackson at Six Flags Great Adventure, animal lovers will marvel at elephants, giraffs, lions and bears while riding the Off Road Safari tour. After some adrenaline rushing rollercoaster and amusement rides, it is only a 10-minute drive to Laurita Winery, nestled in the peaceful farm country of Plumsted Township. Laurita features festivals and family events all year long, making it a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy a variety of landscapes …and some wine tasting… during their visit.
Down in Southern Ocean County, Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum offers children of all ages a look at our Jersey Shore history, with rich engaging exhibits and fun-filled events like the Pirates and Privateers Festival which takes place every June. On Long Beach Island visitors can round out their Ocean County experience, indulging in local fresh seafood and home-grown culinary delights while tantalizing their toes on more of our fabulous, sugar-sand, Jersey Shore beaches.
Ahhh yes, Summer in Ocean County, NJ is a perfect escape from the ordinary. To explore more, visit www.OceanCountyTourism.com.
Northern Barrier Island:
Long Beach Island:
Technology has swept the tourism marketing industry, with an ever-evolving selection of strategies and tools that promise to harness and deliver the exact tourists we desire. Enticing travelers to visit our destination is the ultimate goal, and greatest challenge, of all tourism marketing agencies and attractions. Today we have more options, more media platforms, more ways to convey a message than ever before. “Demographic targeting” has leaped to the most precise, laser-focused methods imaginable and exciting new tools have emerged to proactively engage and persuade consumers.
booth. The excitement, the pure delight of those who experienced this oculus journey was evidence that this Experiential Marketing technique is highly effective and drives tremendous energy and interest toward the featured destination. Expense is considerable, but the investment is wise. As technology moves us forward, those who are at the forefront of capabilities will undoubtedly see results in their highly competitive tourism
The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association has announced it will once again be sponsoring its Junior Mates Program this summer in Beach Haven, NJ. Interested teenagers are welcome.
A celebration for all those who are planning to celebrate, over 70 Southern Ocean County Chamber members hosted 566 attendees at the April 22 party planning tour which spanned Long Beach Island
