Back On The Job

Good to be back this morning after missing most of last week due to arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in my right knee. Dr. Greg Foos performed the procedure on Tuesday and I spent the next few days on the couch keeping the knee iced and getting plenty of rest.
It’s still quite sore and stiff but I’m told that’s not unexpected. Special thanks to my friends at Community Medical Center for helping me out with a last-minute EKG and most importantly to my wife Jane, who took three days off from work and was a great nurse and cook while I recovered at home.

Some 600 people participated Sunday in the Steven Sprague Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Toms River High School East and organizers say about $13,000 was raised for a scholarship fund that’s been established for his 7-month old daughter Abigail. The 28-year old Sprague was killed while working on the New Jersey Turnpike last month and Sunday’s event was put together by the East Girls Cross Country team whose members include his sister Taylor Madden. Most of Sprague’s family is connected to the Toms River School District, including his wife Nikki who teaches at the Citta School and all were greatly appreciative of those who supported Sunday’s event.

Tis’ the season for holiday events many of which are organized to benefit those in need. Richie’s Repair Center’s 3rd Annual Christmas Toy Drive and Holiday Party will take place on Friday, December 5th from 6pm to midnight at the Pine Beach Fire House. Admission is $25 per person plus an unwrapped new toy and the evening will feature food, drink and live music by Superband. Most importantly it will support Beachwood/Pine Beach Local PBA 253 and their efforts to help local families in need during the holiday season. For information and tickets you can call Richie Engelhardt at (732) 341-2829.

Joe Finn and Irish music went together like peanut butter and jelly…you couldn’t imagine one without the other. The Jersey Shore lost a beloved entertainer over the weekend when the 66-year old Avon resident died months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Finn spent most of his adult life playing Irish music and singing and was a fixture at the Crab’s Claw Inn in Lavallette in recent years. He leaves behind 8 children, 18 grandchildren and a countless number of friends and fans.