To those of you not living in the towns making up the Toms River Regional School District today’s referendum is of little consequence. If passed the lion’s share of the project would allow for the construction of a 20-classroom building and the entire district would introduce full-day kindergarten beginning with the 2009 school year. The referendum also asks voters to approve construction, improvements and upgrades to several other schools in the district.
I’m 100% behind the project for a variety of reasons…I believe all-day kindergarten makes complete sense, the extra classrooms and improvements are needed and available state aid makes the timing perfect for this referendum.
However my reasoning behind taking up this issue today is not about why I’m voting “yes” but rather my disgust at how some now portray every school matter in the Toms River District. Everywhere I go outside of Toms River I hear praise for Superintendent Mike Ritacco and the Board of Education for forward and creative thinking to get things done. Just a couple of weeks ago I sat with a successful professional who went to school in another district and he said it’s that kind of “outside the box” thinking that is badly needed in his town. Instead he watches the administration and school board battle time and time again with the students the big loser.
So why is it that some oppose Ritacco on just about any and every issue raised? The same people who criticized the Ritacco Center, indoor bubble and on-hold Wellness Center as being anti-education have managed to find fault in what’s being voted on today. My favorite is the charge that the December 11th date is being used because so many seniors have gone south for the winter and won’t be able to vote “no.” Never mind this is one of the few select dates allowed by the state and now is the time to grab the money they’re offering….what percentage of voters do you really think are gone from the area before the holidays?
Having a difference of opinion is one of our rights but those that constantly seek out the negative and never acknowledge the positive are not worth the time they’ve already been given. If you want to criticize Ritacco and school board go ahead…their big boys and girls. However don’t take it out on the younger ones because they can’t tell you to take a hike.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday Thoughts
Random thoughts on a Monday just two weeks from Christmas Eve:
The winter sports season gets into high gear later this week as opening day approaches for basketball and wrestling teams. That means the 24th Annual WOBM Christmas Classic is just around the corner and the tournament tipped-off last night with the Coaches Dinner at Klee’s Bar & Grill in Seaside Heights. Coaches voted on how to rank the 16 boys and 16 girls’ teams and those results and the opening round pairings will be announced Tuesday during a breakfast at the Quality Inn of Toms River featuring players from all the schools.
Klee’s and the Quality Inn are among the two dozen sponsors vital to the success of the tournament which begins on December 22nd & 23rd at the Ritacco Center.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center is the only hospital in New Jersey entered in a national competition that could win them a $1 million MRI machine and they are asking for your vote. All you need to do is cast a vote or two for Deborah’s video at www.WINaNmRI.com from now until the end of the month. Seems like a pretty small favor to ask considering that for the past 85 years Deborah has never billed a patient.
Toms River High School South will have a new football coach next season following Sunday’s announcement by Brian Wilkinson that he will not return after a seven-year run. Wilkinson, who played his high school football at South guided teams into the state playoffs three times and won a division title in 2002. Coming off a 2-8 season he is stepping down as coach to finish work on his Masters and pursue other educational opportunities.
Brian happens to be a friend of mine and I will miss working with him as he’s one of the most cooperative coaches you’ll ever find. He and his staff worked long and hard and at times the results didn’t match the effort…just last week they held a very successful college night for shore conference players that drew some 400 athletes and 40 colleges.
How ironic is it that as the Patriots pursue perfection the only undefeated team in NFL history could at the same time go winless? With three weeks left New England is 13-0 and the Miami Dolphins are 0-13
The winter sports season gets into high gear later this week as opening day approaches for basketball and wrestling teams. That means the 24th Annual WOBM Christmas Classic is just around the corner and the tournament tipped-off last night with the Coaches Dinner at Klee’s Bar & Grill in Seaside Heights. Coaches voted on how to rank the 16 boys and 16 girls’ teams and those results and the opening round pairings will be announced Tuesday during a breakfast at the Quality Inn of Toms River featuring players from all the schools.
Klee’s and the Quality Inn are among the two dozen sponsors vital to the success of the tournament which begins on December 22nd & 23rd at the Ritacco Center.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center is the only hospital in New Jersey entered in a national competition that could win them a $1 million MRI machine and they are asking for your vote. All you need to do is cast a vote or two for Deborah’s video at www.WINaNmRI.com from now until the end of the month. Seems like a pretty small favor to ask considering that for the past 85 years Deborah has never billed a patient.
Toms River High School South will have a new football coach next season following Sunday’s announcement by Brian Wilkinson that he will not return after a seven-year run. Wilkinson, who played his high school football at South guided teams into the state playoffs three times and won a division title in 2002. Coming off a 2-8 season he is stepping down as coach to finish work on his Masters and pursue other educational opportunities.
Brian happens to be a friend of mine and I will miss working with him as he’s one of the most cooperative coaches you’ll ever find. He and his staff worked long and hard and at times the results didn’t match the effort…just last week they held a very successful college night for shore conference players that drew some 400 athletes and 40 colleges.
How ironic is it that as the Patriots pursue perfection the only undefeated team in NFL history could at the same time go winless? With three weeks left New England is 13-0 and the Miami Dolphins are 0-13
Friday, December 7, 2007
Holiday Fun
As my kids and I continue to celebrate the holiday season, I'll be taking them on the Santa train at Allaire State Park this weekend. This is a tradition for us now. Santa actually gets on the train and sits with each child long enough to hear a wish and take a picture. The train ride lasts about 10 or 15 minutes, and if you don't have tickets in advance and you get there early enough, you can usually score a couple of tickets if you're willing to wait a train ride or two. Or, you can just watch the train and your kids can greet Santa before or after each train ride.
I'm in the process of planning some cool stuff to do with the boys on winter break, which I'll share with you soon. Please feel free to share with me your ideas for that long, long winter break! It's a challenging time for some of us, as we look to keep the kids occupied in the cold, frosty weather until they can go back to school after New Year's!
I'm in the process of planning some cool stuff to do with the boys on winter break, which I'll share with you soon. Please feel free to share with me your ideas for that long, long winter break! It's a challenging time for some of us, as we look to keep the kids occupied in the cold, frosty weather until they can go back to school after New Year's!
5 Star Dinner
I don’t usually make the “A list” when it comes to invitations to fancy events so I would like to share with you the menu for a luncheon I attended Thursday.
The Hors d’ Oeuvres included Amish Pretzel Crusted mini Crab cakes, Dim Sum Pork, Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna and a Sushi Station. Entrees were
Grilled Petit Filet Mignon Oscar, Crispy Seared Salmon with Risotto Cakes and White Truffle Oil, Oven Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with Prosciutto
And an Eastern Shore Seafood Sachet which included a Rock Lobster Claw,
Shrimp, Sea Scallop and King Crab with Fennel. The desserts sounded so good I refused to even go in the room where they were displayed over fear that I would not be able to pass. Let me add that the presentation of everything was simply marvelous and the taste matched that.
By now you obviously want to know where this fine dining experience took place. That would be the Jackson Center of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School which hosted a Salute the Media Luncheon Reception as a way to thank the local media for their positive coverage of the school district. And I forgot to mention this gourmet lunch was prepared by students from the Culinary Arts Program from the Brick center, one of six located throughout the county. Before eating we got a tour of the Jackson center in which we saw cabinet making, students learning how to service cars and some doing collision repair….we were then entertained by some wonderful singers from the Performing Arts Academy which is another part of the Vocational Technical Schools.
All in all it was very impressive…a description that describes the entire program which prepares students for jobs in over 30 different fields.
Thursday was a perfect example of why it’s so tough to not gain weight over the holidays. I somehow landed an invitation to the Holiday Celebration at OceanFirst Bank at their main branch on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. I managed to pass on what looked like a wonderful array of food but did take part in wine tasting. The question I was most asked was, “what are you doing here?” which again proves I’m not an “A list” invite.
After leaving there I spent some time with my father at Saint Barnabas Assisted Living’s Holiday reception for families in Lakewood. A very nice event and a good way to end a busy but fulfilling day.
The Hors d’ Oeuvres included Amish Pretzel Crusted mini Crab cakes, Dim Sum Pork, Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna and a Sushi Station. Entrees were
Grilled Petit Filet Mignon Oscar, Crispy Seared Salmon with Risotto Cakes and White Truffle Oil, Oven Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with Prosciutto
And an Eastern Shore Seafood Sachet which included a Rock Lobster Claw,
Shrimp, Sea Scallop and King Crab with Fennel. The desserts sounded so good I refused to even go in the room where they were displayed over fear that I would not be able to pass. Let me add that the presentation of everything was simply marvelous and the taste matched that.
By now you obviously want to know where this fine dining experience took place. That would be the Jackson Center of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School which hosted a Salute the Media Luncheon Reception as a way to thank the local media for their positive coverage of the school district. And I forgot to mention this gourmet lunch was prepared by students from the Culinary Arts Program from the Brick center, one of six located throughout the county. Before eating we got a tour of the Jackson center in which we saw cabinet making, students learning how to service cars and some doing collision repair….we were then entertained by some wonderful singers from the Performing Arts Academy which is another part of the Vocational Technical Schools.
All in all it was very impressive…a description that describes the entire program which prepares students for jobs in over 30 different fields.
Thursday was a perfect example of why it’s so tough to not gain weight over the holidays. I somehow landed an invitation to the Holiday Celebration at OceanFirst Bank at their main branch on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. I managed to pass on what looked like a wonderful array of food but did take part in wine tasting. The question I was most asked was, “what are you doing here?” which again proves I’m not an “A list” invite.
After leaving there I spent some time with my father at Saint Barnabas Assisted Living’s Holiday reception for families in Lakewood. A very nice event and a good way to end a busy but fulfilling day.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Ocean County Stormwatch
The first signs of winter have certainly appeared over the past few days and they mean different things to different people. For some the first snow flurries immediately put them in the holiday spirit while it’s a sure sign that ski season has arrived. Others fall into a depression knowing that weeks of cold weather are coming and summer is a long way off….I guess I would fall into that category. However for the purpose of today’s segment what snow and cold weather means to us at the radio station is that Stormwatch season is here. That is our program in which we get the word out to you when schools and other activities are closed, postponed or delayed due to bad weather.
For the past couple of years we have been implementing a computer-based program and each year we tell you that the day is coming in which you will not be able to get information to our listeners without access to the internet. To help with the transition we worked with groups and organizations during this period who did not have computers or anyone who could handle this task.
However that period is over and starting now the only way you can
be part of Stormwatch is via the computer and our websites.
All schools, groups and organizations regardless of their size must be registered in our Stormwatch to get their closing and cancellations announced on the radio and posted on our website. That is one of the beauties of this hole thing….you do not have to wait to call in during a certain period and the information can be viewed any time of the day and night. Of course we will still make the announcements on the air like we’ve done since WOBM began broadcasting on March 1, 1968. However knowing that you have busy lifestyles the information is also there for you to see when you need it.
WOBM’s Stormwatch program is FREE and open to all groups and organizations. However you must register in advance and it only takes five minutes to fill out the application which you can do on line by visiting wobm.com and finding the Stormwatch section. Should you have problems call Joyce during normal business hours at (732) 269-0927. For those organizations that can’t access a computer we suggest a phone chain as the best way to communicate with one another.
Change can be hard to accept and deal with but in this case we’re making them as a way to serve the majority of our listeners.
For the past couple of years we have been implementing a computer-based program and each year we tell you that the day is coming in which you will not be able to get information to our listeners without access to the internet. To help with the transition we worked with groups and organizations during this period who did not have computers or anyone who could handle this task.
However that period is over and starting now the only way you can
be part of Stormwatch is via the computer and our websites.
All schools, groups and organizations regardless of their size must be registered in our Stormwatch to get their closing and cancellations announced on the radio and posted on our website. That is one of the beauties of this hole thing….you do not have to wait to call in during a certain period and the information can be viewed any time of the day and night. Of course we will still make the announcements on the air like we’ve done since WOBM began broadcasting on March 1, 1968. However knowing that you have busy lifestyles the information is also there for you to see when you need it.
WOBM’s Stormwatch program is FREE and open to all groups and organizations. However you must register in advance and it only takes five minutes to fill out the application which you can do on line by visiting wobm.com and finding the Stormwatch section. Should you have problems call Joyce during normal business hours at (732) 269-0927. For those organizations that can’t access a computer we suggest a phone chain as the best way to communicate with one another.
Change can be hard to accept and deal with but in this case we’re making them as a way to serve the majority of our listeners.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Be Kind To The Coach
There is no question that being a coach on any level is more demanding now than ever before and you would not be exaggerating to say it nearly killed John Murphy. The 59-year old does appear to be recovering nicely from a heart attack he suffered just hours after being reinstated as the girl’s basketball coach at Barnegat High School Monday night. That action came following a week in which Murphy was criticized by some parents and players during a Board of Education meeting, resigned under pressure the next day and finally at a special meeting was reinstated after receiving overwhelming support from a large crowd in attendance.
However the stress of the entire affair proved too much for Murphy who was rushed to Community Medical Center early Tuesday morning after suffering a massive heart attack. After having a stent implanted he is doing well enough that he told a school official later in the day he can’t wait to get back on the court. Here’s hoping that happens sooner than later.
Obviously the stress and pressures that go with being a coach don’t always result in things as bad as this…or do they? Just because you don’t see the outward signs doesn’t mean they are not there because coaching today is challenging and can have negative effects on the entire family. Parental pressure has gotten way out of hand as far too many think their son or daughter is the next great college, Olympic or professional athlete. In the old days there might have been some second guessing from the stands but today parents think nothing of openly criticizing coaches and even complaining to the media. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to bite my tongue while listening to some overbearing parent tell me what a lousy coach their child has. However I now get a sense of satisfaction when I tell that parent the target of their lack of affection just happens to be a friend of mine. Then I watch them twist and shake and respond with something like “well it’s not like there a bad person but I just question their decision making.”
To be honest that’s part of being a fan and we all do that. However no coach….from volunteers working with 5-year old soccer players to high school coaches deserves to be vilified like some parents do today. For pennies an hour that man or woman often gives everything they have to try and get the best out of your child and team. Sure they make mistakes but so do you so why not just give them a break.
However the stress of the entire affair proved too much for Murphy who was rushed to Community Medical Center early Tuesday morning after suffering a massive heart attack. After having a stent implanted he is doing well enough that he told a school official later in the day he can’t wait to get back on the court. Here’s hoping that happens sooner than later.
Obviously the stress and pressures that go with being a coach don’t always result in things as bad as this…or do they? Just because you don’t see the outward signs doesn’t mean they are not there because coaching today is challenging and can have negative effects on the entire family. Parental pressure has gotten way out of hand as far too many think their son or daughter is the next great college, Olympic or professional athlete. In the old days there might have been some second guessing from the stands but today parents think nothing of openly criticizing coaches and even complaining to the media. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to bite my tongue while listening to some overbearing parent tell me what a lousy coach their child has. However I now get a sense of satisfaction when I tell that parent the target of their lack of affection just happens to be a friend of mine. Then I watch them twist and shake and respond with something like “well it’s not like there a bad person but I just question their decision making.”
To be honest that’s part of being a fan and we all do that. However no coach….from volunteers working with 5-year old soccer players to high school coaches deserves to be vilified like some parents do today. For pennies an hour that man or woman often gives everything they have to try and get the best out of your child and team. Sure they make mistakes but so do you so why not just give them a break.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Back From A Long Weekend
Some random thoughts and notes after a weekend in which I broadcast three high school football championship games and then took Monday off to clean my garage. And you thought your life was exciting:
You can debate what the true meaning of Christmas should be all you want and I’m not here to start that religion versus commercialization argument.
However what you can’t debate is that all children should be able to open a present or two and for that reason holiday toy, clothing and food drives need and deserve your support if you are in position to do so. My personal favorite is “Kevin’s Kids” and no I am not the Kevin whose name is attached to this wonderful program. That would be Kevin Burger, an administrator in the Manchester Township School District, who is the founder and along with his wife Peggy the heart and soul of a holiday drive in its 25th year.
This is the final week that they are accepting donations for this year’s campaign in which the goal is to make sure Santa Claus visits all the children of Manchester by providing toys, clothing and even food. At this time they are asking for monetary donations which can be dropped off at any Manchester Public School or mailed to the Middle School on Ridgeway Road. Checks should be made out to the Manchester Middle School with “Kevin’s Kids” in the memo section.
This Saturday Santa’s elves, made up largely of staff members of the school district will head to local stores to shop and fill the wish lists of local children and then Sunday a wrapping party will take place which is a true example of organized chaos and one of the most moving examples you will ever see that it is better to give than receive.
For more information on Kevin’s Kids you can call (732) 350-5900.
Belated congratulations to Toms River North, Howell and Asbury Park for winning state high school football championships this past weekend. What’s truly noteworthy is that none of the three were that highly-regarded in the beginning of the season yet they managed to win Shore Conference division titles along with state sectional crowns. The North Mariners finished a perfect 12-0 and were the only undefeated team at the shore.
You can debate what the true meaning of Christmas should be all you want and I’m not here to start that religion versus commercialization argument.
However what you can’t debate is that all children should be able to open a present or two and for that reason holiday toy, clothing and food drives need and deserve your support if you are in position to do so. My personal favorite is “Kevin’s Kids” and no I am not the Kevin whose name is attached to this wonderful program. That would be Kevin Burger, an administrator in the Manchester Township School District, who is the founder and along with his wife Peggy the heart and soul of a holiday drive in its 25th year.
This is the final week that they are accepting donations for this year’s campaign in which the goal is to make sure Santa Claus visits all the children of Manchester by providing toys, clothing and even food. At this time they are asking for monetary donations which can be dropped off at any Manchester Public School or mailed to the Middle School on Ridgeway Road. Checks should be made out to the Manchester Middle School with “Kevin’s Kids” in the memo section.
This Saturday Santa’s elves, made up largely of staff members of the school district will head to local stores to shop and fill the wish lists of local children and then Sunday a wrapping party will take place which is a true example of organized chaos and one of the most moving examples you will ever see that it is better to give than receive.
For more information on Kevin’s Kids you can call (732) 350-5900.
Belated congratulations to Toms River North, Howell and Asbury Park for winning state high school football championships this past weekend. What’s truly noteworthy is that none of the three were that highly-regarded in the beginning of the season yet they managed to win Shore Conference division titles along with state sectional crowns. The North Mariners finished a perfect 12-0 and were the only undefeated team at the shore.
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