Our Facebook page is always up-to-date with even more OGU
info and news for you - click the logo to head over, take a look &
give us a "like" while you're there: The Latest Info
on the Case That Started It All - Updated Oct. 2012....
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Ocean Grove United supported by a cheering crowd marches in the
2012 Ocean Grove Independence Day Parade.
NEW! Essential Readings Updated w/OGU's
Letter to Editor(s)
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CMA TO KEEP CAMERON Ocean Grove United regrets the Camp Meeting
Association’s choice of Kirk Cameron, a person who has characterized
homosexuality as “unnatural” and “destructive
to so many of the foundations of civilization,” as a featured speaker
for two Camp Meeting week events. Speakers that express marginalization
of any group of people are not appropriate in Ocean Grove. The Camp
Meeting Association is of course free to promote whatever ideals and
values it chooses, but it seems to us somewhat counterproductive to the fulfillment
of its mission to endorse prejudice and hostility toward those of its neighbors
who seek nothing more than to participate in building families, communities,
and our nation as a whole. Mr. Cameron’s pro forma statement of universal
love for everyone is insufficient and unacceptable without a retraction of the
offending comments. OGU Celebrates the 4th of July, 2011 !!! Enjoying the OGU event at SeaGraas one Friday
night in January, locals and friends from left to right: Ron Rudolph, Melora
Love, Rob Neiffer, Donna Rosamilia, George Tomczyk, and Chris Lodewyks.
Ocean Grove United’s Dinner and Fashion Show
THANKS ALL WHO PACKED "SEA GRASS" OGU NIGHT
NEWS ITEM 12/29/08: NJ Division on Civil Rights
Rules in Favor of Lesbian Couple
NEW! OGU Video Clips on YouTube
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Thank you to all the people who made the Ocean Grove United
weekend events so successful. On Friday evening we came together as a unified
community outside the doors of the Great Auditorium to protest the homophobic
and hurtful words of Kirk Cameron who was presenting a program inside. LGBT
and straight, old and young, various religions, and an array of racial and ethnic
backgrounds - what we share is a love of Ocean Grove and the diversity and acceptance
that makes it such a special place. Then we continued the celebration at a town-wide
block party with music and dancing in the street. We saw old friends and made
new ones.
On Saturday, at a luncheon hosted by OGU, members of the Garden
State Equality Youth Caucus shared their personal stories of being
bullied with several Trustees of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.
We heard how Kirk Cameron’s words and similar words from celebrities can
reverberate and encourage others to become bullies. The teens were inspirational
in their insights and in their courage to speak out.
Thanks to all who planned these events, carried signs and marched peacefully,
set up the block party, and sent words of encouragement. And special thanks
to the Neptune Police who ensured everyone’s safety, our great DJ Mick
Hale, our entertainer Judy Piserchia, Trustees of the CMA who listened with
open hearts, and the teens of the GSE Youth Caucus who spoke from their hearts.
This weekend really defined what it means to build an open community.
Harriet Bernstein and Luisa Paster, co-chairs Ocean Grove United
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We are also disappointed that, after receiving emails, letters, and petitions
signed by many local residents, the Camp Meeting Association did
not disinvite Mr. Cameron and strongly disassociate themselves from his stated
anti-gay positions. The presence of Kirk Cameron reflects badly on the town
that we all share, which has become a very diverse and harmonious community
reflecting many divergent views.
We do appreciate that a group of Trustees from the CMA met
with local LGBT representatives and personally conveyed their recent decision
to retain Mr. Cameron as a speaker. Although this incident has created an unnecessary
divisiveness in the town, it has also led to some initial exchange of viewpoints
and openness, and we look forward to further communication with the CMA
to build bridges. In the future we hope that they would vet all of
their speakers more carefully and be more sensitive to the impact that their
actions have on the larger community.
= = previous news = =
You may be aware that the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association
is hosting Kirk Cameron presenting a program called "Love Worth Fighting
For, a Marriage Event" on Friday, July 27, 2012 at the Great Auditorium
in Ocean Grove. Mr. Cameron will additionally be the inspirational speaker for
the Sunday Auditorium service on Sunday, July 29, kicking off Camp Meeting Week.
You may remember Kirk Cameron as the star of a former TV show, "Growing
Pains". He also recently appeared on the Piers Morgan TV show spouting
anti-gay remarks. We are asking everyone who supports the concepts that all
love is sacred and that the Camp Meeting Association should
not be featuring any individuals in their programs that single out gay relationships
as being "less than" or that gays and lesbians are "unnatural"
to e-mail and/or send letters to the CMA President. PLEASE SEND AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE
Dr. Dale Whilden, President
Camp Meeting Association
54 Pitman Ave, PO Box 258
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
The points you may want to include are as follows:
• Mr. Cameron recently said on National Television (Piers
Morgan Show) that homosexuality is “unnatural”, and that same-sex
marriage is “detrimental and destructive to so many of the foundations
of civilization By hiring him the CMA is affirming this position.
His homophobic views denigrate gays and lesbians, very many of whom live in
Ocean Grove. His program is also an insult to the many Ocean Grove residents
who support the diversity of our town.
• The Camp Meeting should be interested in pulling the
community together, not in creating divisiveness.
• We are requesting that the Camp Meeting Association
cancel Mr. Cameron's appearance and bring an individual who fosters equality
and diversity and whose definition of love is inclusive.
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Judge Rules Camp Meeting violated Couple's Civil Rights!
Read the ACLU press release here
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See our EVENTS page for info on what's Upcoming for
2012!
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OGU just had a great (and sold out!,) Hanukkah Brunch at The
Starving Artist in OG! Just as last year, the guys (S.A.'s
Arnold & David,) served up a fantastic selection & everyone of OGU's
friends & family left quite Happy & not the least bit Hungry!
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OGU's Block Party, on Sat. Aug 6th was a real BLAST!
Great food, friends and Dancing, Dancing, Dancing into
the nitetime! A GREAT time was had by all - of all ages!
Ocean Grove United hosted a town-wide SUMMER
BLOCK PARTY on Saturday, August 6 for over 150 residents
of OG and friends of OGU. Check out the entry
on Blogfinger here.
DJ Mick Hale, who has entertained us at Garden State
Equality events and “Swell” in Asbury
Park, provided the music (and Light Show!) for much dancing in the street,
which lasted well into the nite.
It was truly an evening of much fun, food, laughter and lotsa dancin' to the
fabulous music.
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More than 30 marchers joined Ocean Grove United in the OG 4th of July
Parade. New this year was the addition of a flower-filled float proclaiming,
“Flowers and People are Beautiful in Ocean Grove” and we had the
flowers and photos to prove it. Harris Whitley, who recently moved to Ocean
Grove, came up with the theme and designed the float. At his direction, members
of OGU helped to build the float. Interspersed among the thousands of flowers
were photos of locals and more than a few of their four-footed friends. Marchers
carried American flags, tambourines and flower placards with more photos of
friends and neighbors. HRC Equality flags were prominent from start to finish
along with the signature colors of Ocean Grove United.
Caption: Harris Whitley, after putting the finishing
touches on his creation.
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Ocean Grove United Hosts Benefit Dinner
The spirit of Ocean Grove came shining through last Friday at a benefit dinner
for the victims of the Ocean Grove fire in March, the Ocean Grove Fire Department
who battled the blaze, and the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross
which supported and aided the victims. Ocean Grove United organized the event
at Seagrass and solicited donations with the assistance of the Ocean Grove Chamber
of Commerce. About 80 people attended and bid generously on many beautiful and
valuable gifts, highlighted by a handmade quilt from Angie Butler, two art prints
from Norma Tolliver of The Galleria, hand-knit scarves from Susan Taylor, a
rolling cooler full of beach items donated by Francis Asbury Manor, and numerous
gift certificates and baskets from restaurants, inns, and shops in Ocean Grove
and beyond. More than $3000 was raised as the community gathered for an evening
of fun and delicious food prepared by chef Janine. Joan Caputo, Chair of Ocean
Grove United commented on the positive atmosphere, "Ocean Grove brings
out the best in all of us. How fortunate we are to live in such a giving community."
OGU Dinner at SeaGrass Hits the Spot
Put more than 50 people together with a fabulous menu and two tasting wines
for each course and you have a guaranteed good time. That was the formula used
one Friday evening when OGU hosted its 3rd annual “Beat the January Blahs”
dinner at SeaGrass restaurant in Ocean Grove.
Our wine expert was David Cohen of Goucho Exports, a new distributor of Argentinean
wines. David spoke with diners at each table to introduce them to the various
offerings, starting with a bubbly Extra Brut Del Fin Del Mundo, Pinot Noir –Chardonnay,
served with delicious meats and cheeses from Cheese on Main.
From there, we tasted a Joffre e Hijas Grand Bonarda, Obra Prima Malbec, Sasone
Chardonnay, Bagual Malbec, and a Del Fin Del Mundo Pino Noir. With water in
between, we cleared our palates and enjoyed each new wine.
As always, the atmosphere at SeaGrass was warm and inviting and everyone enjoyed
the delicious food along with the opportunity to get out of the house and spend
an evening with old and new friends.
Ocean Grove United will be sponsoring additional events through the winter months,
so stay tuned.
Joan Caputo, Chair
Ocean Grove United
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Recent OGU happenings. . .
In collaboration with Jersey Shore Q Spot,
OGU invited the public on September 25 to an evening of documentary
films exploring the transgender world. Sam Feder, daughter of OGU
member Jane Tainow Feder, and her co-producer Jules Rosskam showed four clips
from their recent feature-length award winning documentaries as well as a taste
of their current film project with working title “Transfeminism”.
The evening was presented as a fundraiser, because, as Jane comments, “Film
production is expensive and grants are drying up. I believe the work Feder and
Rosskam have produced is insightful, unique, and moves us humans a bit closer
to understanding, acceptance, and equality for all.” To further that end,
Bob Bowne, an Ocean Grove resident and photographer, donated for raffle a framed
copy of his beautiful photo of the recently demolished Baronet Theater in Asbury
Park. For more information about the film, or to make a donation to support
production, see the website at www.transfemthemovie.com
1. Jane Tainow Feder, Sam Feder, Bob Bowne and Jules Rosskam,
pictured with Bob's photo
2. Photographer Bob Bowne, Joan Caputo (chair of OGU); and MaryAnn Buchanan
(chair of Jersey Shore Q-Spot.)
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Tea and Fashion with OGU at the Lillagaard Tea Room
Surrounded by Victorian charm, supporters of Ocean Grove United
enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea at the Lillagaard Tea Room on
Sunday, April 25. Beautifully decorated trays contained a savory selection of
finger sandwiches, sweet treats and fresh fruits. Although it was a dreary afternoon
outside, the atmosphere in the tea room was warm and welcoming.
Along with the locals, there was a group of women from towns outside of Ocean
Grove. Dressed in fancy Victorian hats, they sipped their tea, munched on goodies
and had a wonderful time.
To enhance the event and further support local businesses, there were fashion
accessories from Seasons on Main Avenue available for sale.
In addition, participants brought bags of food items that will be donated to
the Monmouth County Food Bank.
If you have never attended an afternoon tea at the Lillagaard,
you are missing a very enjoyable experience.
Raises Funds for OG Fire Department and Shore Red Cross
It seemed that spring had already arrived as the models from the Emporium on
Main Avenue in Ocean Grove paraded through the dining room in their light linen
suits, with colorful jewelry and extravagant straw hats. The children were decked
out in swimming gear and even the dog (a stuffed one, of course) was sporting
a spring sweater. This was the scene at Bia restaurant in the Majestic Hotel
on Friday, March 26, as Ocean Grove United continued its series of events to
support local businesses in the winter season. About 60 Ocean Grove friends
and neighbors gathered to enjoy an elegant dinner, indulge in decadent chocolate
cake, and make contributions to the Ocean Grove Fire Department and the Jersey
Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross, in honor of their heroic efforts in
the recent Ocean Grove fire. Two Rivers Theater Company in Red Bank also donated
two tickets to their next production, which were raffled to benefit Ocean Grove
Beautification Committee. Non-perishable food was collected to be donated to
the Monmouth Ocean Food Bank. OGU’s next event will be a Sunday afternoon
tea at the Lillagaard Tea Room on April 25 at 1:00 pm.
OGU in Trenton
The Struggle for Marriage Equality - By Kim Byham 2/14/2010
In December and January the New Jersey State Legislature considered and ultimately
rejected marriage equality. Members of the Ocean Grove United Board were active
participants in the energetic but unsuccessful lobbying effort in support of
the proposed legislation, which effort was organized by Garden State Equality.
The OGU members joined hundreds of others from all parts of New Jersey at the
state capitol complex. There were rallies at the capitol portico, televised
on numerous New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia stations; hearings and legislative
sessions on subjects other than marriage equality, where the presence of scores
of blue Garden State Equality T-shirts emblazoned with “Equality! The
American Dream” was hoped to be influential; one-on-one conversations
with legislators; and then there was the six-hour Senate Judiciary Committee
hearing and the debate and vote on the Senate floor.
The chief litigants in the Ocean Grove Pavilion controversy and OGU Board members,
Harriet Bernstein and Luisa Paster, were introduced at one of the rallies by
Steven Goldstein and spoke to the crowd. Kim Byham, Joan Caputo and Diane Davis
were also present at most of the sessions and actively participated.
Although unsuccessful, the effort in Trenton did provide abundant opportunities
for networking and sharing the story about what has happened in Ocean Grove.
It was also a lesson in how legislation is made, even if it is not finally enacted.
An amendment was added to the original legislation at the behest of Mercer County
Republican Senator Bill Baroni which would have provided that even had marriage
equality been approved, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association could have
permitted opposite-sex only marriages in the Boardwalk Pavilion. The bill’s
original sponsor, Loretta Weinberg, Bergen County Senator and Governor Corzine’s
running mate last year, agreed to this, obviously in return for Baroni’s
vote, though it apparently did not persuade any other Republicans to vote for
the bill.
No OGU people testified at the committee hearing but those selected by Garden
State Equality were excellent spokespeople about a variety of shortfalls in
the current Civil Union legislation. Interestingly, the tactic used by most
of the marriage equality opponents was that civil unions are fine, that it simply
a question of the public becoming familiar with the law. The spokesman for the
New Jersey Roman Catholic dioceses said that his church supports civil unions
and wants to see them strengthened – a reversal of its position when that
law was originally proposed.
The most surprising thing that happened during the floor debate was the speech
of Ocean Grove’s Senator, Sean Kean. Senator Kean began by talking about
how many gay and lesbian folks there were in his district – “the
gayest district in the state” – and how “they” had contributed
greatly to the renewal of Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. He even said that he
had his victory party at a “gay-owned restaurant in Ocean Grove.”
Then the tone of his remarks turned from loopy to dark when he gave a few platitudes
about traditional marriage and announced he would proudly vote “No.”
While this turn surprised some listeners, those who knew the Senator were not
surprised, though no one was able to discern a clear logic underlying the speech.
It has led many in his district to pay attention to his representation of them,
many for the first time.
The defeat by the Senate is not the end of marriage equality in New Jersey.
It will happen, it is merely a question of when. Garden State Equality, in conjunction
with Lambda Legal Defense, announced immediately after the defeat in Trenton
that they will return to the courts which, it is hoped, will recognize the inherent
inequality of civil unions.
We sold-out our fabulous dinner event at Sea Grass on January 15th, and just
added another night there for April!!!... Many thanks to Janine & Kim for
a great menu & all of you who joined us & brought items for the Monmouth
FoodBank. Watch our Events page for more upcoming chances to
support OG businesses. We'll soon update you on our crushing Marriage Equality
loss in Trenton with OGU's take on it, as well as State Senator Sean Kean's
patronizing "speech" before his "no" vote - despite his
own district's diverse LGBT makeup... stay tuned... please also take a look
at some Essential Reading (re: recent Ocean Grove-related issues.)
For now the link is added to the left "menu," as we work to "streamline"
and update the website a bit... hang in there!
Today the NJ Division on Civil Rights has endorsed the validity of a complaint
filed against the Camp Meeting Association by Harriet Bernstein and Luisa Paster,
an Ocean Grove lesbian couple who were denied use of the boardwalk pavilion
for their civil union ceremony in the spring of 2007.
Ocean Grove United appreciates that the DCR has viewed the
issue in the same way that we do and has confirmed that the pavilion is not
religious in nature but a public accommodation and therefore subject to the
NJ Law Against Discrimination. We note that this decision should in no way be
considered a precedent for requiring any religious group to endorse, perform,
or participate in civil unions, only that a public accommodation must be open
for equal use by all, regardless of sexual orientation. We now look forward
to the Camp Meeting Association lifting its ban on the use of the pavilion and
allowing both marriage and civil union ceremonies to take place there on an
equal basis.
Ocean Grove United would like to thank the entire community
of Ocean Grove, the Human Rights Campaign, Garden State Equality, and the American
Civil Liberties Union for their strong support and encouragement during this
campaign. The unexpected results of this painful incident have been a renewed
sense of community and energy in Ocean Grove, evidenced by the flying of hundreds
of equality flags, and the participation in OGU sponsored fund
raising events, porch parties, and special events in support of local businesses.
Ocean Grove United has also been happy to work with the Camp
Meeting Association on events such as a memorial program for Dr. George Fey
Stoll and the 4th of July parade, and with the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce
on local events.
As stated here on our web page, Ocean Grove United is a group
of Ocean Grove residents and business owners committed to guaranteeing the civil
rights of all members of the community, and to promoting the participation of
all toward the enhancement of Ocean Grove as a diverse and harmonious community.
from "Labor Day Camp Meeting Sit-In 2007"
For more footage on YouTube>Click
Here!
NJ Division of Civil Rights Complainants Interviewed on NPR
Later that day, the Pavilion controversy was discussed again during NPR's 'Talk
of the Nation' segment: Listen
Here.
Who
Needs A Pavilion Anyway?
OGU supporters Rev. Julie Parker, Harriet Bernstein, Luisa Paster, Rev.
Bill Crawford, Jan Moore, Emily Sonnessa and Rev. David Parker at the pavilion.
The Boardwalk Pavilion Controversy
The Ocean Grove boardwalk pavilion has been used as
a public space for decades. Bands play there. Children skateboard through it.
Tourists enjoy the shade. It's even been used for debates and Civil War re-enactments.
Yet this widely-used open space is now closed to same-sex couples wishing to
hold civil union ceremonies there.
The group making this determination is the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association
(OGCMA), a Methodist organization that owns all of the property in Ocean Grove.
The organization maintains that its discretion to disallow civil unions within
Methodist churches extends to the boardwalk pavilion in Ocean Grove. In other
words, the OGCMA considers the public pavilion part of its church.
The OGCMA's decision is in direct defiance of recent New Jersey state legislation
and a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling recognizing same-sex couples and granting
legal status to civil unions. Further, given the multiple civic and religious
uses of the pavilion, the space is considered a place of public accommodation
under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. In accordance with the law,
same-sex couples are entitled to use the pavilion for civil union ceremonies.
A group of concerned Ocean Grove citizens — both gay and straight —
have formed Ocean Grove United, in light of these events, to ensure the civil
rights of all members of the Ocean Grove community.
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