Bayonne Elizabeth Newark New York: BENNY
Growing up in the 732, or the shore as non-locals call it, is a privilege. It is something we pride ourselves on because there is nothing better than being a local. Our parents and our parents' parents grew up here, and everyone knows everyone. There is nothing better than knowing how far back our roots go, and how your family has contributed to the creation of such a beautiful area.
The term BENNY has been here for generations. As kids, we learned the acronym young and stuck it to many people as an adjective. It created a stigma of people who came as weekenders or the people who had a summer house "down the shore." Because for the 732 kids, we only know this place as home. However, every summer we watch our home transform, and this is why we hate it.
1. Traffic. If you live on or off of Route 34, you need to give yourself at least an hour to get home once you get off the parkway. There is nothing worse than coming back from work and sitting in the weekender traffic, knowing you are hopeless. And don't forget there's always that one person with non-NJ license plates speeding down the shoulder...we don't like you.
2. Trash. There is no reason why you can't take your beer bottles and put them in the trash, or throw them out at home. Kids that work the beach get paid to preserve it, not pick up after you.
3. Language. There is no need to cuss on the beach, especially in front of little kids on the boardwalk, to impress your friends. Be considerate to the people around you.
4. Parking. Stop blocking in our drive ways!!!! I know parking is tough in the summer, but every local knows to get to the beach early. Please just do the same. There is nothing worse than coming home from a long day at work and noticing an unknown car blocking you in.
5. Lines. The ice cream line that two weeks ago did not exist is now out the door. Your favorite restaurant now takes 45 minutes to get a table. Your favorite bagel place that never has lines in the morning, now you have to call in 30 minutes prior to pick up if you want to eat at a decent hour.
6. Crowds on the boardwalk. You want to go for a nice run on the boardwalk? Well I hope you are getting up at 7 a.m. because otherwise you will not be able to run! There is nothing worse than people staring at you, in your way, and yet refraining to move from your line of running.
7. Appreciation. Growing up in an area this beautiful, we know to appreciate what we have. Locals think about how to preserve our amazing home. However, many people take so many of these things for granted. There is no appreciation for the history behind the towns or the upkeep to preserve it.
