Together we CAN make a difference!

[Al Alven]

Hey everyone,

One week ago today (right around this time, in fact), I logged on to the Doo Wop Preservation League website and was absolutely thrilled to see the new, bright pink tab announcing the inception of this message board. As is probably evident by now, I love the Wildwoods and I feel very passionately about participating in and promoting the preservation movement that (I assume) drew us all to this Internet locale in the first place.

I also simply relish the opportunity to discuss, share stories and continuously learn about the Wildwoods with others who share my ardent interest. In just seven short days, I have already “met” some great people here, and established a number of friendships through posting and subsequent private message and e-mail conversations. I sincerely hope that I one day get the opportunity to meet all of you in person, so that our friendships can grow beyond the relative restrictions of this forum.

To those I have not yet had the opportunity to introduce myself to, I will surely be in touch soon. At this time, however, I just want to reiterate what a unique and wonderful opportunity we all have to make a difference in the Wildwoods through the use of this message board. One thing that can never be underestimated is the collective power of people uniting for the sake of a common goal.

I believe that we are all doing a small part in the name of the Wildwoods and Doo Wop preservation when we merely register for this board. The potential for that first small step to eventually translate into something truly special, however, is within all of us, both as individuals and as members of a large, functioning unit.

Let us truly make a difference. Let us be the driving force that alters the unfortunate winds of change that have swept over the Wildwoods in recent years. Let us be the preservationists and Wildwood loyalists who stand up those who want to (even if indirectly or unintentionally) destroy the very fabric and the very culture and the very history of the small resort island that we all believe in and hold so dear.

Every time someone posts an idea, a possible solution or even a far-flung thought about a preservation option, we get one step closer to achieving our goal. Every time someone does or says something that draws more attention (regardless of scale) to the current plight of the Wildwoods, another bulldozer is halted in its tracks. Every time we do or say something that demonstrates how much we care, someone, somewhere takes notice… and we all win.

Every effort, both large and small, makes a huge difference in the long run.

The Wildwoods, though currently embattled in its most challenging era, are in good hands with those who care. And, as I continue to learn daily, there are so many who fall into that category.

Together, we can do it.

We can.

And we will.

Yours in the spirit of Doo Wop,

Al Alven
Philadelphia, PA

[DooWopper]

A vey good post. I think we should continue to brainstorm ideas that can one day be presented as a possible solution to help slow the "forces of evil" in the wildwoods. I cannot imagine Wildwood being anything else than what it is, or was a bout 3 years ago. Even though we only go there for less than a week once a year it is like going home every time. The wildwoods have such a unique "feel" The surrey rides in the morning and the walks on the bike path in the early evening are somthing that cannot be found anywere else. Seeing the warm colors of the many unique neon signs on all the unique hotles and motels is a fantastic sight. The "small town feel" of the Wildwoods almost makes you feel like you know everyone around you. I shudder to think that that may all be gone and the only people who will ever enjoy the beutiful long beaches and the sunsets over the lake are a bunch of rich condo owners. No more motels, lights, happy families enjoying there rare trips to the beach, just cookie-cuuter clones with no character. I am confident that through the DWPL that will never happen. I look foward to future conversacions about ideas to help Wildwood keep it's wonderful past and create a bright future.

[FlyinGN]

Al is a wordsmith.. Very good Al:)

[Al Alven]

Thanks, guys.

I sincerely hope that the above post did not come across as preachy or anything like that, because that was not its intention. Rather, it was merely meant to be an encouraging message and an expression of how optimistic I am about the “difference making” potential that we have here.

I am so encouraged by the early growth of this board. In just over a week now, we are already up to 16 members, and I really feel that the word is getting out. Please encourage your friends, family members and anyone else you know who is passionate about the Wildwoods to join us.

Heck, even if you know someone who has never even heard of the Wildwoods before, try to persuade him/her to stop by for a visit. The more general dialogue we can produce, the better. Our collective passion will lead to increased interest, and that will lead to a more enjoyable overall experience and the formulation of more potential solutions to the problems the Wildwoods face.

As DooWopper noted, the Wildwoods are a unique American institution and a “second home” to many of us. I know that it pains you to see the resort ripped apart at the core as much as it pains me. But, through the preservation efforts of those who truly care, we can alter the current direction of change and help protect/restore the history and the spirit of the island.

Over the coming days, weeks and months, I will do my best to brainstorm and present as many solutions – both viable and “unconventional” – as possible.

Once again, I encourage everyone to do the same...

[Doowopper]

Maybe we should have a "sticky" thread created. (Stays at top of page always) In that thread we could list different ideas on what could one day be presented to the DWPL or any other organization to help save Wildwood. This way once the board grows we won't loose any good idea threads due to new topics being created and forcing it beyond page 1. Thats what many forums do with important topics to keep them visible and used more often.

[Al Alven]

Good point, Doowopper.

I'll ask Mike D about the possibility of exercising the "sticky" option for future threads of the nature you mentioned.

[mig]

I've been thinking WWC locals don't realize that Doo Wop is our cultural heritage as well. I noticed this on a website in Hawaii. They have to file a Cultural Impact statement when they try to demolish places important to them.

www.kohanaiki.org/legal.html

Yeah, Al we just have to make more noise. This summer we will.

Mig