The Coaster

By RICHARD VIRGILIO

I saw a few of the “Save Deal Lake” signs floating in Deal Lake this summer. The irony was Debbie Downer worthy.

I am beyond thrilled with the dialogue that has begun regarding the lack of action being taken to address the sorry state of the lake.

Deal Lake is sad. And I love the lake. I would love for Truman to be able to swim in the lake. It could be the second most spectacular body of water in our area.

“I hear stories about when residents water-skied on the lake and gazed into it and saw painted turtles swimming,” stated Brian Mullins, interim president, Friends of Deal Lake. “With help from the community, the lake can get back to its original grandeur.”

The moment property values of homes on the lake are negatively impacted – which will be very shortly – because no one wants to live near the lake, we will see outrage. Action will be taken by the most lazy, passive and jaded. But we can’t let it get to that.

“Deal Lake is a color green you can’t even find in an expanded box of crayons, stated Dane Hall. “If Deal Lake was a public park, and all the trees and grass were brown and dying, you can bet people would be pissed at the park’s commissioners.”

What’s especially egregious is the choice of inaction Asbury Park officials have taken.

“Asbury Park has not paid dues to the commission in two years despite having storm drains which flow directly into the lake,” said Brian Mullins, interim president, Friends of Deal Lake.

“Asbury Park is holding the lake hostage. They could move this along faster.”

Asbury Park politicos seem too busy alienating visitors with horrid parking meters.

There is some – some – positive news. And it’s up to us to help.

“Senator Kean wants to appropriate $470,000 for Deal Lake,” said Brian. “He needs the community’s support.”

And Saturday, September 27, Wanamassa residents, Mark Fleming and Eileen Chapman, are organizing a decorated watercraft competition and parade and benefit for everyone to attend, to help fund aerating fountains for Deal Lake.

“The fountains will help prevent weed growth,” Brian said. “It’s great to see more people getting involved. We need more.”

Please email Mark Fleming for more info about the boat parade: DealLakeEvents@Yahoo.com. Reach out to Senator Kean to express your support of our lake. And become a friend: FriendsofDealLake.com.

If you don’t help, don’t complain. Let’s make this happen.

Briefly: See you at the legendary Trinity Church Thrift Sale preview party this Friday evening. The ‘80s themed event gives you a first chance at everything. Collector Kevin Kelly tells me he and others are selling items previously featured at flootie-tootie stores on Cookman Avenue for “pennies on the dollar.” Party on: 7 to 9 p.m. Public sale: Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.

And Cheers to Billy and Patsy Resnick of Asbury Park for another fantastic annual Labor Day event. The synchronized swimming performance by the Dishettes was fantastic.

“Bill and Patsy open their home and their hearts to so many,” said Dishette, Gary Kilmer. “To make them feel appreciated, the Dishettes’ performance is worth every hot-glued rhinestone.” Richard@TheBPlot.com

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Published every Thursday.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am and is filed under Arts & Entertainment, Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.