A New Jersey BT get-together has been suggested. A summer barbecue would be fun. Anyone interested?

how about including New Yorkers?

David,

You got my attention, sure I would love to have one. Live in south Jersey, used to live up north Jersey many years ago, so know the state well. Sure, we can include N.Y.'ers too! I would be willing to have it at my house. Big yard, nice in-ground swimming pool. (heated, of course)!
Just not the last two weeks of August, I will be in Bonaire at that time! Debbie

Patty and I will be happy to attend.... Ribs sounds great, let us know what to bring besides our appetites. ;-)

Carl and Patty

David, it sounds good! My wife and I would be more than happy to attend. I can bring a nice tray of chicken marinated in Peruvian spices (as long as there is a nice, hot grill available). If not, we can bring a dessert. Most weekends in the summer should be alright, except the last week of July, my wife and I will be away. Coach Izzy

I'm game and could host if the date works. I have a fairly big yard with swing set for the kids. My deck is not too huge by my neighborhood's standard, but the table seats 7 adults at once and we have a grill. I'm 10-15 minutes due west of Newark Airport, just off 78.

We could do it either the last weekend of June or first weekend of July, as my daughter starts GS camp in July, I'm backpacking in NH one weekend & my husband is going diving in NC another, plus we bought a family pass to Dutch Springs this year and plan to camp over a few Saturday nights.

Sue

Debbie, what a generous offer!!! I feel a little guilty because we HAVENT EVEN BEEN TO BONAIRE YET! LOL But... since it was MY thread that started this whole thing.... (it WAS my thread, wasnt it???)

A BBQ sounds WONDERFUL. And a heated pool?? If the date works, we will be happy to come and bring whatever you need (sound like beer will be at least one of the things needed, no?) Unfortunately between my husband and I we have 4 teenagers and our only "free" weekends are June 18th, July 16th, and July 30th (we leave for Bonaire on Aug 11) so if its one of those weekends, count us in. I'll stay posted.

-Bonnie (and Steven... he's the one hanging on to me in the water photo)

We are in Freehold, sort of dead center in the state, half way between NY and Philly. We could host but no pool or hot tub, and more than willing to go South (or North}. As for a time, we are just figuring out our summer plans, alot of which revolve around getting my daughter to a debate program in Maine in July, then to camp in the Keys.

As for non-Jerseyites, there may be some folks in PA who'd want to come also.

Debbie, pardon my geographic ignorance, but where is Atco?

-David

Of the dates mentioned as good and/or not good above, we can't do the last weekend in June (driving my daughter to Maine). We're planning to be on vacation from then through the July 4th weekend, and the holiday weekend may not be the best as I assume alot of folks have plans. The weekend of July 16th looks particularly good. Waiting to find out when visiting day at camp is but it won't be then. I work one weekend in 4 which limits things for us as well. I see that the 16th doesn't work for Sue though.

- David

David,

Atco is about 20 minutes from Cherry Hill and about 30 minutes from Philly and about 45 minutes from Atlantic City. I used all the major towns by me to give you an idea of where in south Jersey we are. Hope that helps.

Sounds great! It would be great to hear about Bonaire before we get there. Debbie, you sure you want to do this????

Debbie,

I think your pool clearly wins out over my swingset!

What direction from these towns.

or as Jerseyians say: "Hey, what exit?"

Not sure if Sat or Sun works better for people. In my experience, Sun is often better, but that adds the hassle of home from the shore traffic in the summer. (Sat, 7/16 is out for me, but Sun, 7/17 is OK).

So...7/17 at Debbie's?

-David

Oh yea...wait until we leave THEN have a NJ BT BBQ...... Yep, yep.....LOL See you all on Bonaire we leave the 21st!

Liz

We're in. Let us know what to bring. Just not mid August. Sorry, Bonaire wins out over New Jersey

the 17th of july sounds good to me as does any weekend except july 4th. i could bring desert.just let us know when and where.

Wheeee! Had a lot of errands to do this morning and logged on to see it looks like July 17th it is! I checked my calendar as well and I can do that date too! So, we are officially on for a New Jersey BT BBQ at my place! Super! I will get in touch with everyone in the near future to arrange who wants to bring what. Bonnie, what a great way to get to know about Bonaire than at a BT get together! Hey, everyone should bring their favorite photos of Bonaire to share with everyone, and I am sure we all have pictures!
Anyone from N.Y. or Pa. is certainly welcome to join in as well.

I live in Atco, which is 20 minutes south of Cherry Hill, 45 minutes north of Atlantic City and if you were traveling down the NJ Turnpike, you would take exit 4. I can give everyone much more detailed directions as the time grows closer. It all depends where you are coming from, so I will make more accurate directions depending on what town you are traveling from.

Looking forward to a great time!

Debbie, it sounds great! We have the date saved. Thanks for extending your hospitality. Maybe we can start listing the things we can bring so you dont have to incur the expense for hosting the gathering.

Any suggestions??

PS- Should there be a rain date just in case??

Greetings All,

My hubby just told me I didn't give the correct directions from the main cities that I am close to, so here goes the right ones, we are 20 minutes East of Cherry Hill, 30 minute East of Phila., 40 minutes West of Atlantic City and I did have the correct Exit 4 off the turnpike.

Bonnie, sure, we can start a list. I just got home from work, will work on this tomorrow. Debbie

We can bring salad, since Patty's the vegetarian, and some veggie burgers (blech! -carl), with lots of Jersey fresh tomatoes from Mom's garden. Mmmmm..... and corn on the cob?????

Carl

I think we all should bring something to drink, so I'll bring some beer. You can't have a cookout without beer! And I can bring some homemade coleslaw.. and anything else we need. What else do we need??

So Liz, we have to do our own NJ-BBQ here, eh? We have to get someone to bring us Jersey Tomatoes, sweet corn & salt-water taffy....(can't figure out how to get Kohr's custard here). ;-)

Debbie,

Thanks for taking on hosting this! Janet and I will bring ribs. We're looking forward to meeting everyone.

-David

Hi all:

O.K. Let the fun begin! The list begins now.
So far, we have David bringing ribs, Bonnie with homemade cole slaw and some beer, Carl and Patty with a salad and some veggie burgers and some garden tomatoes with corn on the cob! Coach Izzy with either a chicken or a dessert dish. Karen with a dessert. Great Start! I can make potatoe salad and make up some burgers and doggies and rolls for all. I will contribute a case of Coors light and I have a fully stocked wet bar downstairs for those who would want to make themselves a "special" drink. I will supply all the condiments/paper items as well. So, what is missing? Let's see, maybe some baked beans, pasta salad, soda, chips. If I have time, I can make this chicken with wine sause that is really good. Anyone have any other items they want to add to the list, feel free. The one thing that if everyone could bring their own chair as I think I may only have about a dozen at present. I have lots of tables and room outside for a big gathering, so no problem there. Let's hope for a sunny day, but in case of rain, we will just have to move it inside as I think it will too hard to get everyone back together again. This is just a start of getting it together. Feel free to jump in anytime.

Debbie, it sounds great. What time should we be expected??

Maybe we should all bring what we like to drink, and instead of you supplying beer, why not just supply the ice. And instead of me bringing beer, I will bring coleslaw and dessert (and whatever we will be drinking). How does that sound??

I dont want to take control.. I just dont want you to incur an unfair share of the expenses. :-)

i marked it on our calender! we're going to turn it into a mini vacation and head to atlantic city sunday night. anyone care to join us?

We would like to come too. We're from north Jersey. Debbie, I'll send you an email. Sue

Sue, Got your email. Great! Would love to have you guys come too. I sent you an email back.
Anyone else from Jersey that wants to come, just jump in. Debbie

P.S. I do have a pool about 21x40 so bring a bathing suit to all who are coming if you care to cool off. I will have it a balmy 82 degrees, just like Bonaire! Deb

Liz: Good luck on your move tomorrow! You and Ed are sooo lucky to be finally able to do it!

If anyone is going through Jamacia, could they buy me Jamacia's Blue Mountain Coffee, coffee not the beans? I will pay for it. Contact me first please. Thanks. Sue

Wow. I haven't been on the boards in awhile, but this sounds like a good time and I'm fairly close to Atco. I'll let you know, ASAP if me and my wife can make it.

Hi Robert!

You sure are close to me, about 15 minutes! So cool to know there are fellow NJ BT'rs here in this state! Hope you can make it. Debbie

Let's hope that the weather warms up before then! Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! I'll may bring my wetsuit just in case! LOL

Debbie and all those planning to get together: Anything new on the NJ BBQ plans??

Yes I believe we shall need some directions, although for a good barbeque you can just follow your nose....

Shall we just email you privately?

Carl

Hi All!

I guess it is getting closer, isn't it? I will have to get my act together and send out some directions/menus to all of you. Look for it soon! I will post an announcement of all that on this thread, then send out private email with all the directions, menus, etc. If there is anyone else interested in attending let me know. You can email as well if you want. Thanks, I guess we should get a head count for sure.

Debbie

Thanks, Debbie! Let us know where you send you our email addresses. Can't wait!

Bonnie,

That would help to post my email. It is debbie@bonairevilla.com for those who want to email and confirm coming, what they are bringing etc. Debbie

Hi Everyone:

If everyone could email me with their email address and what they are bringing to the NJ B/T BBQ that would be great! Then I can put it all together and send out a email to all attending at once with directions and menu. Also Note: Kids are welcome here too! My son, Brandon is 10 and should be here. Daughter will be participating in a ASA softball tourney, but will be home a little later in the day. She is 17. I am also seeing about putting up a volley-ball net, crochet set, of course the pool is available for all those who care to take a dip and most important, good food and great company! Look forward to hearing from all of you!

Debbie,

Will send you an email, but is this going to be more of an afternoon, evening or all day affair?

sue

Sue, It is definitely an all day affair! Come anytime after 9:00 am and stay as long as you want. So glad you are able to come. Debbie

Hello Gang!

Finally got my act together and have directions to my place for all. I will send them all to the above people who posted by email and if I don't have your email address, I will send it through BT and you should still get them. Anyone else want to join in our very first Annual NJ BT BBQ, please feel free to come and join the fun! You don't have to live in Jersey to attend, if you want to join in from N.Y. or Pa. please feel free to do so. Love to have ya! So, look for the directions, they are coming your way! Looking forward to this event. And remember if you can, please bring a lawn chair and your favorite picture(s) of Bonaire to share with all. See you all soon! Oh yeah, bring your bathing suits too, if you care to take a dip in the pool. Debbie

Hi Again!

Some of you wanted a list of what people are bringing so here is what I have right now.

David and Janet - Ribs
Karen and Charles - dessert
Carl and Patty - regular salad and corn on the cob and some veggie burgers
Bonnie and Steven - homemade cole slaw
Sue Goodman - Snack items and some soda
Coach Izzy - either a chicken dish or dessert
Debbie and Gregg - Lots of homemade burgers, hot dogs, rolls, potatoe salad, all paper items, cups, condiments, lettuce and tomatoes and a huge tray of wings for all! Yummy!

This is what I know people who emailed me with what they were bringing so far. There are some others that have not let me know what they are bringing, so for the others who have not signed up yet, check the list and see what you would like to add/change. You are not required to bring anything, you can just show up and join in the fun!

The party will be rain or shine, gang!
Time: 10 am till ???
Date - February 17th

Bring a lawn chair and whatever you want to bring. I posted a list of who is bringing what a few posts above and I have sent directions to all who posted above, so anyone else who would like to come, please email me or post here and I will be happy to send directions as well. Remember, we have a pool too! I will see about setting up a volley ball net and crochet set too. There is a trampoline as well. Anyone in South Jersey, Jersey or surrounding areas, please feel free to come! See you there. Debbie

Debbie Maybe people should bring their ski gear and snowshoes instead of Bathing suits..February 17 ???LOL

LOL Freddie! O.k. My mind has been thinking of too many things lately. Date: JULY 17TH. Sorry for the typo. Thanks Freddie.

Have Fun everyone!!!

I'm curious. Do any of you know one another or are we all meeting for the first time??

Hi Bonnie,

We are meeting one another for the first time in person! Really cool, too, as I feel I already know some from BT postings and all. I have met some BT folks already and consider them good friends and hopefully we will be able to get a tradition started with this NJ BT BBQ every year!
Thanks, Frank for a wonderful idea!

Debbie we met briefly the past 2 Februarys in Bonaire & our boys were in Sea & Discover together one day this year...

That's right, Sue, I totally forgot! I hadn't had my second cup of tea when I posted that. Hard to focus before that time. I did tell Brandon, my son, that you would be bringing your son, Michael, so they can hang out together! Just got done having a new well put in here and my mind is too clogged with all the procedures for that the last few days! I just checked all the posts above to make sure if I had met anyone else! LOL Are you going in February again next year? We will be on Bonaire the last three weeks of February and I am sure Brandon will hook up with Miss Caren sometime during that time too.

we will be there for 8 nights - we have switched to Belmar this year (from Plaza), but Michael will return to Christie at AquaKids.

we're coming down AA via SJU, but returning home CUR/MIA/EWR so we don't lose that last day of diving.

Sue

we don't know anyone yet.

Hi Karen,

Not a problem! You will soon, very soon. Looking forward to this get together and meeting all of you. Everyone I have met from BT has always been great and I enjoy the opportunity to meet more all the time! I was flying down to Bonaire and there was this lady from BT (lurker only) and she asked me if I was "Debbie, from BT"? Freaked me out a little as I did not know her, but she recognized me from my profile and we had a great time talking about BT and Bonaire! You just never know, someone may recognize you too! Now, you do have to put a picture in your profile, though.

the reason there is no picture in my profile is a severe case of computer ineptitude.

Karen, I am the same way! LOL My hubby had to put my picture in my profile for me! Wish I could help you with that. Maybe someone here will chime in and help you out with that or I am sure that someone who will be at our BBQ will be able to explain it so you will be able to do so and maybe I can learn a little computer know how too!

Karen if you want I can try to use my moderator magic and put a photo in your profile for you...send me the photo if you want..
scubahb@optonline.net

Bad news! My husband just found out yesterday that he has to go to Miami on business on Sunday (leaving from Newark), so depending on his travel times, we may not be able to make the BBQ! (sad sad sad). I'll keep you posted.

Hi Bonnie,

Hope it works out for you guys and you can come!
I just got all the shopping done for the party. Got some Corona beer, Mike's hard lemonade, a really cool beer called Tequiza or something like that, making brownies right now, got all the stuff for potatoe salad, pasta salad and lots of other stuff. Even if hubby can't make it, you can still come of course! Thanks for the update. Debbie