Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Coming Off The Long Weekend

This Memorial Day weekend came with a bonus….better than expected weather. With the exception of some late Sunday night thunderstorms for some in Ocean County it was a pretty nice start to the summer season and one which allowed for any planned outdoor activities. Yesterday was probably the nicest day and kept visitors at the shore which of course led to the usual late Sunday traffic jams heading north. For many that’s a small price to pay for getting to walk on the beach for the first time and dip your toes in the very cool Atlantic Ocean. That always brings to mind one of my favorite “true” stories from many years ago when two young boys pointing in the direction of the ocean ask a lifeguard if that’s the Atlantic or Pacific. When the lifeguard responds with the obvious answer one boy proudly says to the other, “I told you that was the Atlantic Ocean….the Pacific is all the way down by Wildwood.”
Some things you just can’t make up.

If you’ve watched any of the NBA Playoff series between the Lakers and Nuggets you’re probably well aware of Denver’s J.R. Smith, who scored 24 points last night as the Nuggets evened the Western Conference Finals at two games apiece. The 23-year old Smith played high school basketball and football at Lakewood High School before transferring to St. Benedict’s Prep. A dynamic offensive player at times he averaged a career-high 15 points per game this season. I broadcast several of his high school games and used to say that he started shooting when he got off the bus. J.R. went right from high school to the NBA and has had his share of off-the-court issues.

He’s been dubbed “Mr. Ocean County” for his years of service and Thursday night he will be honored by the Rotary Club of Toms River at the Legend Lounge in Toms River. Jack Lamping’s list of contributions reads like a book and he was among the citizens who helped create the Ocean County Historical Society in 1950. Congratulations Jack!

The Toms River High School South Class of 1979 is looking for classmates for their 30-year Reunion Weekend from August 7-9. Members of the class are asked to reach out to reunion organizers at TRSouth1979@yahoo.com

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