Big Time Bad Behavior

The beginning of the school year brings changes that effect just about all of us whether or not we have school-aged children. If we do then of course it’s often constant chaos, especially if they are involved in athletics and extra curricular activities. You try and juggle schedules which often leave dinner as an after-thought and make you at times nothing more than a glorified chauffeur.

Those who don’t have kids in school have to very aware that traffic patterns tend to be quite different especially just before and after the school bell rings. There’s also the matter of school busses, which if you get behind can make even a short trip take a lot longer. And of course all drivers need to
be especially careful in neighborhoods where children walk to and from school as often they are not looking so we better be.

There’s a downside to the era of big time football at Rutgers University and it apparently reared its ugly head last Friday when the Scarlet Knights hosted Navy. Reports say that some fans in student sections were less than hospitable in their treatment of Navy players, mocking them at times and even cheering when one was injured. The Middies did not react and when
the chants got a bit offensive their band would just play “Anchors Away” to drown out the students, who probably had a couple of cocktails before the nationally televised night game. You might say that heckling the opponent is part of the game but keep in mind those attending the Naval Academy (like those at the other service academies) owe this country a military commitment after graduation and many put their lives on the line overseas. They deserve to be treated with respect and admiration. Word is that Rutgers officials sent a letter of apology to Navy for the fan behavior.

On what would have been his 90th birthday, the Yogi Berra Museum at Montclair State University will celebrate the life of beloved Yankee Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto with a special remembrance program on Tuesday, September 25th at 1pm. The two-hour event is open to the public and will include personal stories from a number of people with longtime associations with the “Scooter.” Tickets are $20 with proceeds benefiting the St. Joseph’s School of the Blind and the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. For reservations and information call (973) 655-2378.