Baseball Season Starts

The Lakewood BlueClaws season and home opener was typical in that it was played on a cool if not cold evening where hot chocolate certainly out sold Italian Ices and hats and gloves were more appropriate than shorts and tee shirts. What was different was the BlueClaws won, something that had not done before in their 11-year history as they shutout the Kannapolis Intimidators 2-0. There was the pomp and circumstances that goes with Opening Night and while it was chilly it did not seem to bother the diehards who treat the opener like a holiday. It was nice to watch the interaction between fans and BlueClaws staff, especially the ushers who greeted fans like old friends which I guess in some case they have become over the years. Kids were scrambling to get autographs of players who one day may join the three dozen former BlueClaws who have made it to the major leagues.
All in all a night of fun and promise which is what opening day is supposed to be.

Have to admit that I was surprised to learn that Paul Brush is re-entering the world of politics in his home town of Toms River. Brush announced Thursday that he will run in the Democratic primary this June as he seeks the party nomination for Mayor of Ocean County’s largest town. He previously served as Mayor from 2004-2007 and during his tenure championed the cause of changing the name of the Township from Dover to Toms River. Along with the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce that effort was successful and Brush would have the distinction of being the last mayor in Dover history and the first in Toms River.
Barring any surprises Brush would face off with current mayor Thomas Kelaher in November it what would certainly be a high-profile race.

The Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey are holding their 11th Annual Caring Classic Golf Outing on Monday, May 9th at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. The organization is a vital one and each month more than 1,000 volunteers give of their time to help elderly neighbors remain independent. Fundraising helps toward training, insurance and background checks for all the volunteers who perform tasks from driving to doctor appointments to food shopping while easing the burdens of family Caregivers. I will emcee the Awards program after dinner and for information on the golf outing you can call (732) 849-2719. Senator Robert Singer is the Honorary Chairperson of this year’s event.