'Point Boro Rocks' Group Is Off To A Great Start

POINT PLEASANT, NJ - Some Point Pleasant residents want you to know that the borough "rocks" in more ways than one.

"Point Boro Rocks!" is a new group inspired by the Kindness Rocks Project. The rock painting craze is also popular in Toms River and Lacey Township, said Kristin Rooney-Schwarz, one of the Facebook group'sfounders.

Schwarz and her sister Kimm Rooney-Cubley started the fledgling project earlier this year and are hoping it grows.

The premise is simple. Find a smooth, flat, palm-sized rock, wash it and dry it thoroughly. Use bright colors, with acrylic or enamel paint, or Sharpie pens and markers and you're ready to go. Paint a picture or a positive thought on the rock, then add the hastag #PointBoroRocks on the back of the rock.

Post a photo of the completed rock, share it on the group's page, then sit back and wait to see who finds it.

"The project encourages creativity through art, sharing and inspiration, with a focus on exploration, random acts of kindness and of course fun!" according to the group's Facebook page.

And you don't have to be a kid to participate.

"It can be a fun way for families and friends to spend time together," said. "Hiding and seeking rocks gets everyone out of the house and away from electronics for awhile."

But be sure to use the Facebook page to snap a photo of rocks you paint, along with hints about where to find them.

"When it's found, someone should reply that it's being rehidden or adopted or snap a photo of where it is now.

The guidelines are simple. No bullying. No vulgarity and nothing political.

"We have enough stress in our lives already and this is meant to encourage kindness and respect," the page states. "Violators will be blocked from this group. Let's keep it Kid Friendly."

Hide the rocks in plain sight, where children can find them, like playgrounds, parks outside of schools. Don't hide them where someone has to climb or crawl to get to find them.

Group members are asked to add the Facebook logo with a blue box and a white "f" or a white box with a blue "f" to the back of the rock, near the hashtag.

"Please help this group grow by telling others about it," she wrote. "The more people we have involved, the more chances there will be for someone to come across a rock. Remember, your rocks are a gift to be found by someone possibly having a bad day or someone maybe just looking for a little inspiration."

Photos: Courtesy of "Point Boro Rocks" Facebook page.