I sometimes have to laugh at the bad-luck I often have. Very rarely do I write the Hometown View before coming to work each morning and usually I’m scrambling to finish it in time before its first airing. However Thursday I felt compelled to take time and carefully chose my words for a segment that would have run today on the controversy at Ocean Township High School in Monmouth County where the school principal had cancelled this fall’s production of “The Laramie Project” by the drama club.
I was going to share with you my strong opinions that the show should go on despite the feelings of the principal and superintendent that the subject matter was too controversial, objectionable to some and had the potential to divide the community. For those that don’t know the play is a documentary about the reaction to the 1998 murder of 21-year old Matthew Shepard, who was killed in Laramie, Wyoming by two men simply because he was gay.
I was going to tell you that the play is being used to teach students about prejudice and tolerance in schools across the country and more than ever we need to educate young people about respecting and tolerating our differences. I was also going to mention that those who find the subject matter objectionable don’t have to purchase a ticket and see the play…just like students don’t have to be part of what is an extracurricular activity.
I keep saying how I was going to say these things because at about the same time I was writing this Superintendent of Schools Thomas Pagano made a sudden and dramatic reversal. Not only is “The Laramie Project” back on for three nights in early November, it will be shown to the entire student body and may also be taken on the road to other towns and schools.
Pagano admitted that the reaction to the cancellation of the play was overwhelmingly against the original decision of the high school principal which he supported. Outside pressure was mounting and a school board meeting scheduled for later in the month could have turned into a circus.
Three cheers for Theatre Director Bob Angelini, who fought the decision because “The Laramie Project” is a story that should be told and shared….not censored. I bet you getting a ticket won’t be easy.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Man On A Mission
Brian Dowd is a man on a mission with his goal to educate people about cancer while at the same time helping raise money needed to continue research into a disease that kills our neighbors just about every day. Dowd is one of the lucky ones, a cancer survivor, and after meeting him you come away convinced that the Beachwood resident is truly someone who plans on making a difference.
It was just over 14 months ago that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer
which in itself is an interesting story. His daughter accidentally kicked him in the groin and later that day he noticed a lump which led him to pay a visit to the doctor. A first and second opinion confirmed that the young father indeed had testicular cancer and after surgery and radiation treatments he’s made a complete recovery. He’s also become a father again with his wife Kristy giving birth to another daughter six months ago.
The experience Brian has gone through in the last year or so brought him to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization that inspires and empowers people affected by cancer and is led by the cycling champion and testicular cancer survivor. Dowd attended the inaugural LIVESTRONG Summit last fall in Austin, Texas as a delegate from New Jersey and he came away from that trip with a goal to help inform and educate people in his community about cancer, especially young people.
Brian is captain of Team Down One and will be participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Philadelphia later this month. This fundraiser brings together hundreds of people from the northeast and features run/walk and bicycle events and Brian’s group has set a goal of raising $30,000. To that end they will hold a Dinner and Silent Auction this Saturday from 6-10PM at the Bayville Elks Lodge on Route 9. There will be some great items available, door prizes a DJ, food, fun and also valuable information as well as the Hometown Crew from 92.7 WOBM. Tickets are $30.00 and are available by calling (732) 773-8272 or you can purchase them at the door Saturday. You can also get information by visiting www.teamdownone.com. If you can’t make it Saturday I urge you to consider contacting Brian and making a donation. He will also be happy to share advice and information….like I said he’s a man on a mission with a goal to succeed.
It was just over 14 months ago that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer
which in itself is an interesting story. His daughter accidentally kicked him in the groin and later that day he noticed a lump which led him to pay a visit to the doctor. A first and second opinion confirmed that the young father indeed had testicular cancer and after surgery and radiation treatments he’s made a complete recovery. He’s also become a father again with his wife Kristy giving birth to another daughter six months ago.
The experience Brian has gone through in the last year or so brought him to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization that inspires and empowers people affected by cancer and is led by the cycling champion and testicular cancer survivor. Dowd attended the inaugural LIVESTRONG Summit last fall in Austin, Texas as a delegate from New Jersey and he came away from that trip with a goal to help inform and educate people in his community about cancer, especially young people.
Brian is captain of Team Down One and will be participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Philadelphia later this month. This fundraiser brings together hundreds of people from the northeast and features run/walk and bicycle events and Brian’s group has set a goal of raising $30,000. To that end they will hold a Dinner and Silent Auction this Saturday from 6-10PM at the Bayville Elks Lodge on Route 9. There will be some great items available, door prizes a DJ, food, fun and also valuable information as well as the Hometown Crew from 92.7 WOBM. Tickets are $30.00 and are available by calling (732) 773-8272 or you can purchase them at the door Saturday. You can also get information by visiting www.teamdownone.com. If you can’t make it Saturday I urge you to consider contacting Brian and making a donation. He will also be happy to share advice and information….like I said he’s a man on a mission with a goal to succeed.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Bonds Hits 756
Everyone seems to have an opinion on Barry Bonds, who Tuesday night took ownership of what might be the most significant career record in all of professional sports. Bonds slugged his 756th home run to move past Hank Aaron, who had jumped over Babe Ruth before hitting his final homer 31 summers ago.
While Hammerin’ Hank’s accomplishments were celebrated and applauded Bonds has achieved baseball immortality in a cloud of controversy over his alleged use of performance-enhancing substances. The 43-year old 7-time MVP has put up incredible numbers, most of them coming at a point when skills begin to decline. As his body grew so did speculation that Bonds was being helped by steroids and while there won’t be an asterisk next to his records, they are tainted by the court of public opinion.
Well the Yanks are coming and show no signs of letting up. Now 20-7 since the All-Star break they’ve have moved to within 5 games of first-place Boston in the American League East. It was not all that long ago that the Red Sox owned a 15-game lead in the division.
The Lakewood BlueClaws may be on the road but Saturday FirstEnergy Park will be home to an event with far greater impact than a baseball game. The BlueClaws will partner with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Saturday from 7am-2pm. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh over 110 pounds and be in general good health. Blood supplies are low during the summer months in the shore area so people are encouraged to donate. There will be refreshments and giveaways throughout the day and you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or going to the web site…www.pleasegiveblood.org.
Congratulations to the Lacey Lightning Travel Baseball Team, who recently took part in an “Around the Horn” competition in Cooperstown, New York and took 2nd place among 97 teams from around the country.
Jackson Liberty High School begins football practice today and there is certainly excitement as the program gets ready for its first season of varsity
games. More than 100 golfers took part in a fundraising event for the program Tuesday at Woodlake Country Club and I served as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner. Coach Tim Osborne’s Lions open the season on September 7th at home against Bridgeton and while they won’t have any seniors don’t be surprised if Liberty wins its share of games playing an independent schedule.
While Hammerin’ Hank’s accomplishments were celebrated and applauded Bonds has achieved baseball immortality in a cloud of controversy over his alleged use of performance-enhancing substances. The 43-year old 7-time MVP has put up incredible numbers, most of them coming at a point when skills begin to decline. As his body grew so did speculation that Bonds was being helped by steroids and while there won’t be an asterisk next to his records, they are tainted by the court of public opinion.
Well the Yanks are coming and show no signs of letting up. Now 20-7 since the All-Star break they’ve have moved to within 5 games of first-place Boston in the American League East. It was not all that long ago that the Red Sox owned a 15-game lead in the division.
The Lakewood BlueClaws may be on the road but Saturday FirstEnergy Park will be home to an event with far greater impact than a baseball game. The BlueClaws will partner with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Saturday from 7am-2pm. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh over 110 pounds and be in general good health. Blood supplies are low during the summer months in the shore area so people are encouraged to donate. There will be refreshments and giveaways throughout the day and you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or going to the web site…www.pleasegiveblood.org.
Congratulations to the Lacey Lightning Travel Baseball Team, who recently took part in an “Around the Horn” competition in Cooperstown, New York and took 2nd place among 97 teams from around the country.
Jackson Liberty High School begins football practice today and there is certainly excitement as the program gets ready for its first season of varsity
games. More than 100 golfers took part in a fundraising event for the program Tuesday at Woodlake Country Club and I served as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner. Coach Tim Osborne’s Lions open the season on September 7th at home against Bridgeton and while they won’t have any seniors don’t be surprised if Liberty wins its share of games playing an independent schedule.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Another World Series Championship For Toms River?
Nine years after Toms River East won the Little League World Series another Toms River team might be on the verge of bringing a World Series title back to the area. The Toms River Lightening went a perfect 4-0 in pool play at the Babe Ruth Softball 16-and-under World Series in Eagle Pass, Texas after winning twice on Monday.
The Lightning beat Lodi, California 2-0 in the morning as Keri-Lynn Tricinelli pitched a one-hitter and also drove in a run. Last night Rachel Purporo flirted with a perfect game before settling for a one-hitter in a
7-0 victory over Southern Plains, Colorado. Purporo helped her own cause with a two-run double and Holly Luciano added a two-run triple.
Made up of some of the top young high school players from the area, the Lightning now move into the double elimination phase of the tournament, which will be reduced from ten to six teams. As the top-seed in the National Division they don’t play again until Wednesday night when in all likelihood they will play a team they’ve already beaten. Toms River is the only undefeated team and with a day off they appear to be in great position to win the Babe Ruth title, a year after they also made it to the World Series.
We are certainly in the dog days of summer with plenty of heat and humidity. Many athletes and teams have begun fall sports practice and everyone involved needs to take a common sense approach in conditions like this. Parents need to make sure their children are drinking plenty of water well in advance of heading to the practice field and use good judgment if they think the heat is too much. Coaches, especially those working with young athletes, also need to realize that missing a practice session or two is not going to spoil the upcoming season. If you have doubts whether it’s safe to be on the field it’s certainly better to err on the side of caution.
The Lightning beat Lodi, California 2-0 in the morning as Keri-Lynn Tricinelli pitched a one-hitter and also drove in a run. Last night Rachel Purporo flirted with a perfect game before settling for a one-hitter in a
7-0 victory over Southern Plains, Colorado. Purporo helped her own cause with a two-run double and Holly Luciano added a two-run triple.
Made up of some of the top young high school players from the area, the Lightning now move into the double elimination phase of the tournament, which will be reduced from ten to six teams. As the top-seed in the National Division they don’t play again until Wednesday night when in all likelihood they will play a team they’ve already beaten. Toms River is the only undefeated team and with a day off they appear to be in great position to win the Babe Ruth title, a year after they also made it to the World Series.
We are certainly in the dog days of summer with plenty of heat and humidity. Many athletes and teams have begun fall sports practice and everyone involved needs to take a common sense approach in conditions like this. Parents need to make sure their children are drinking plenty of water well in advance of heading to the practice field and use good judgment if they think the heat is too much. Coaches, especially those working with young athletes, also need to realize that missing a practice session or two is not going to spoil the upcoming season. If you have doubts whether it’s safe to be on the field it’s certainly better to err on the side of caution.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Headin' South
We spent this weekend visiting friends in Chesterfield, Virginia which is about 30 miles from Richmond and a good example of what’s happening in many southern states. They moved into a relatively new development around five years ago and purchased a home for about half of what you would pay in most of Ocean County. While there wasn’t much around them there were big plans for the area and those plans have become a reality.
As people from the northeast kept moving the area continued to grow and they now have shopping malls and centers filled with just about every retail outlet and restaurant you’ve ever heard of. Of course it’s meant changes to the infrastructure of that area and roadways are being expanded to keep up while new schools are opening as well. Just like what happened here in the 70’s and 80’s longtime local residents are not all thrilled with the invaders from the north as they now have to deal with issues like traffic which is quite new to them.
So why are people moving in droves to communities that may not have even been on the map a decade ago? Real estate prices are certainly a big reason
although they are on the rise. Generally the cost of living is less…our friends pay under $2000 in property taxes and auto insurance is less than half of what they were paying in New Jersey. Weather is obviously a factor
with shorter winters and longer summers…although where we were this weekend was 2 ½ hours away from the ocean which my daughter said is way too far.
There is no doubt a southern migration taking place and it’s similar to what’s led to our growth in Ocean County for the last 30-40 years. However instead of people moving from New York and North Jersey to our area they are heading to Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida and they are doing so in large numbers. That’s fine for now but it’s just a matter of time until people in those states seek out areas which are less costly and congested….how does Alaska sound?
As people from the northeast kept moving the area continued to grow and they now have shopping malls and centers filled with just about every retail outlet and restaurant you’ve ever heard of. Of course it’s meant changes to the infrastructure of that area and roadways are being expanded to keep up while new schools are opening as well. Just like what happened here in the 70’s and 80’s longtime local residents are not all thrilled with the invaders from the north as they now have to deal with issues like traffic which is quite new to them.
So why are people moving in droves to communities that may not have even been on the map a decade ago? Real estate prices are certainly a big reason
although they are on the rise. Generally the cost of living is less…our friends pay under $2000 in property taxes and auto insurance is less than half of what they were paying in New Jersey. Weather is obviously a factor
with shorter winters and longer summers…although where we were this weekend was 2 ½ hours away from the ocean which my daughter said is way too far.
There is no doubt a southern migration taking place and it’s similar to what’s led to our growth in Ocean County for the last 30-40 years. However instead of people moving from New York and North Jersey to our area they are heading to Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida and they are doing so in large numbers. That’s fine for now but it’s just a matter of time until people in those states seek out areas which are less costly and congested….how does Alaska sound?
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Thursday This 'n That
Random notes and thoughts to pass along today:
I have to admit to being infatuated with “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel. It’s pretty much 24/7 stuff on sharks all week long and some of the shows and features are fascinating. What gets me the most are the biologists, scientists and others who are working to not only preserve sharks but also change the public’s image they intentionally attack humans.
Many of them have been bitten and even seriously injured but have returned to the ocean in their study of them.
If you can make sure and try and catch the show on the 1916 shark attacks at the Jersey Shore which started in Beach Haven and moved north to Matawan.
This is truly a good time to be a Rutgers football fan…that is unless you need tickets. The school announced Wednesday there will be no single-game tickets available for public sale to any of the Scarlet Knights eight home games this season. Coming off an 11-2 season and bowl game victory there is now a waiting list of close to 6,000 for season tickets and only those on that list will get to purchase single-game tickets. The Red and White open the season at home on August 30th against Buffalo and tomorrow they begin practice. Rutgers fans are invited to the annual Kickoff Celebration on Sunday from 5-7pm in front of Rutgers Stadium. The free event is open to the public and there will be games and amusements and players will be available to meet fans and sign autographs.
Monmouth University not only won the Northeast Conference Football championship last season but they led the league with a 2.92 grade point average among their football players. 44 Monmouth student-athletes had a 3.0 or better GPA and 16 were named to the Dean’s List. Those numbers are a credit to coach Kevin Callahan, his staff and the entire Hawks program.
Lakewood BlueClaws fans are invited to dress up as their favorite superhero for Saturday night’s game against Kannapolis. The BlueClaws front office staff will dress as their favorites and fans are invited and encouraged to wear capes, masks and costumes and there will even be a contest for the best dressed fan. I would expect General Manager Geoff Brown to come dressed as Superman although some have suggested Mighty Mouse.
I have to admit to being infatuated with “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel. It’s pretty much 24/7 stuff on sharks all week long and some of the shows and features are fascinating. What gets me the most are the biologists, scientists and others who are working to not only preserve sharks but also change the public’s image they intentionally attack humans.
Many of them have been bitten and even seriously injured but have returned to the ocean in their study of them.
If you can make sure and try and catch the show on the 1916 shark attacks at the Jersey Shore which started in Beach Haven and moved north to Matawan.
This is truly a good time to be a Rutgers football fan…that is unless you need tickets. The school announced Wednesday there will be no single-game tickets available for public sale to any of the Scarlet Knights eight home games this season. Coming off an 11-2 season and bowl game victory there is now a waiting list of close to 6,000 for season tickets and only those on that list will get to purchase single-game tickets. The Red and White open the season at home on August 30th against Buffalo and tomorrow they begin practice. Rutgers fans are invited to the annual Kickoff Celebration on Sunday from 5-7pm in front of Rutgers Stadium. The free event is open to the public and there will be games and amusements and players will be available to meet fans and sign autographs.
Monmouth University not only won the Northeast Conference Football championship last season but they led the league with a 2.92 grade point average among their football players. 44 Monmouth student-athletes had a 3.0 or better GPA and 16 were named to the Dean’s List. Those numbers are a credit to coach Kevin Callahan, his staff and the entire Hawks program.
Lakewood BlueClaws fans are invited to dress up as their favorite superhero for Saturday night’s game against Kannapolis. The BlueClaws front office staff will dress as their favorites and fans are invited and encouraged to wear capes, masks and costumes and there will even be a contest for the best dressed fan. I would expect General Manager Geoff Brown to come dressed as Superman although some have suggested Mighty Mouse.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Traveling Tips
With the school year only about a month away many of us will be taking vacations in August, which is one of the biggest travel months of the year. A lot of people will be taking to the road via car, SUV, van and even RV. With that in mind I’m passing along some advice from professional truck drivers on how to best travel the highways, deal with traffic and even cut down on your gas costs.
· Always inspect your vehicle before leaving on a trip. Check your
tires, wipers and fluids and have your radiator and cooling system
serviced and your oil changed if needed.
· Leave early so you won’t be in a panic about arriving late and
expect delays for a variety of reasons. Know your limitations
and don’t drive when you’re tired or not feeling well.
· When sharing the road with large trucks be aware of their blind
spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then
they can’t see you.
· Expect the unexpected and look about a quarter-mile ahead for a
safe path. Always leave yourself an “out.”
· Pull off the road to use your cell phone in a designated parking area.
· Signal ahead of time when you’re looking to change lanes. If a
truck is changing lanes give it the space to do so as it is often trying
to avoid another vehicle.
· Remember that trucks are larger and heavier and take longer to
come to a complete stop so don’t cut quickly in front of them.
· On entrance ramps remember that highway traffic has the right of
way. Maintain proper speed and smoothly merge into traffic.
· Understand that big trucks can’t always stop to assist you but will
likely use their radios to contact police if they see you’re in trouble.
· To save fuel, take direct routes, minimize side trips and keep a
steady speed. Of course if your car is tuned up and the tires are
properly inflated that will also help.
Happy Traveling!
· Always inspect your vehicle before leaving on a trip. Check your
tires, wipers and fluids and have your radiator and cooling system
serviced and your oil changed if needed.
· Leave early so you won’t be in a panic about arriving late and
expect delays for a variety of reasons. Know your limitations
and don’t drive when you’re tired or not feeling well.
· When sharing the road with large trucks be aware of their blind
spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then
they can’t see you.
· Expect the unexpected and look about a quarter-mile ahead for a
safe path. Always leave yourself an “out.”
· Pull off the road to use your cell phone in a designated parking area.
· Signal ahead of time when you’re looking to change lanes. If a
truck is changing lanes give it the space to do so as it is often trying
to avoid another vehicle.
· Remember that trucks are larger and heavier and take longer to
come to a complete stop so don’t cut quickly in front of them.
· On entrance ramps remember that highway traffic has the right of
way. Maintain proper speed and smoothly merge into traffic.
· Understand that big trucks can’t always stop to assist you but will
likely use their radios to contact police if they see you’re in trouble.
· To save fuel, take direct routes, minimize side trips and keep a
steady speed. Of course if your car is tuned up and the tires are
properly inflated that will also help.
Happy Traveling!
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