The B Plot: The best of 2008
Posted on: 12/31/2008
By RICHARD VIRGILIO
Recapping the 2008, the biggest downer this year - by far - that I have been hearing about was Metro Homes not continuing construction of the Esperanza, after announcing in December of 2007 that the project was temporarily on hold.
The biggest overall joy expressed was the makeover and re-launch of our boardwalk and all the great new businesses. I frequently hear, "Next summer is going to be fantastic" (or amazing or spectacular, basically insert any effusive adjective into the quote).
A few, more personal, thoughts from residents and friends of Asbury Park about the greatest moments of 2008.
Sonja O'Brien:
The Fourth of July is a vision that still burns bright in my memory. Sitting on the beach watching the dazzling fireworks light up the Fifth Avenue beach and boardwalk area, revealing hundreds of smiling faces basking in the glow of how great our little jewel-by-the sea has become. Truly magical.
Bob Egan:
Hmm... best of 2008, for me, was... finally seeing the top of the former Howard Johnson's open and have a cabaret in town. It's been a vision of mine for almost five years. Also, having lunch on Dec. 4, 60 degrees, on the boardwalk, and saying ‘hello' to Bruce Springsteen. An "Asbury Park Moment."
Marjorie Conn:
Seeing a police officer showing compassion for all living things brought joy to my heart. I was walking on the beach in Asbury Park early one morning and I saw an officer putting something in a cage and asked what it was. He had just rescued an injured seagull and was taking the gull to be cared for at a wildlife rescue facility.
Kathy Ragauckas:
The best was seeing fireworks while it was snowing during December's First Saturday downtown.
Jennifer Quandt:
Walking on the beach and spending time at the Beach Bar, in 80 degree weather, one weekend in October. It was wonderful - we used one of the photos from that weekend for our Christmas card this year.
Jeffrey Haveson:
I have had an amazing opportunity to meet the most eclectic mix of great people. People that I would not have had the opportunity to meet had I been anywhere else. For that, I am forever grateful.
To say 2008 has had its bumps is an understatement, however if we focus on the positive, remain energized and passionate, together - as the community we all love - we can make 2009 a great year. Our city is used to climbing steep hills. Yes, it does get exhausting, however now is not the time to be a victim. Let's take a fresh look at everything here and keep it moving. We will come out of this bigger, better and stronger. I know it.
Best wishes in 2009. Tons of hugs and good energy to you in the New Year.
