Consolidation and mergers….it’s a clear sign of the times. In just the last couple of days OceanFirst Bank announces it will merge with Central Jersey Bank with OceanFirst to become an even bigger banking force in the shore area. Most of their 23 branches are in Ocean County while 12 of Central Jersey’s 13 branches are in Monmouth County. Then comes news Meridian Health is going forward with plans to merge with Southern Ocean Health System in Manahawkin. Meridian already owns Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune. And at the same time struggling high-end toy retailer FAO Schwartz has been bought and bailed out by Toys R Us. Like I said….a sign of the times.
The Monmouth University baseball team opens play tonight in the NCAA Division 1 Championships against the University of Mississippi, the #8 ranked team in the nation. The Hawks, who won the Northeast Conference Championship last week are in Oxford, Mississippi for the game against the Rebels. The 64-team tournament opens at 16 sites around the country with Monmouth and Ole Miss being joined by Missouri and Western Kentucky. Junior Brad Brach will start tonight for Monmouth with another junior Ryan Buch to pitch tomorrow in the double-elimination tournament.
The Jackson Memorial High School Athletic Department will hold their Spring Sports Awards Night on Monday at 6:30pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The evening will include the induction of Greg Archer into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. A 1971 graduate, Archer was a standout in both basketball and baseball, earning 4 varsity letters in each sport. He led the basketball team to a division title as a senior where he was a 2nd team All-Shore selection. In the spring he was named the Ocean County Coaches Baseball Player of the Year. After playing basketball and tennis at-then Glassboro State College, Archer returned to Jackson Memorial as a teacher and coach until retiring five years ago.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Back To The Locker Room
Returning to my roots a bit today I pass along some local sports news:
Jackson Memorial and CBA advanced to the championship game of the Shore Conference Baseball Tournament with semifinal wins yesterday.
The top-seeded Jaguars beat St. Rose 5-1 behind the pitching of Pete Kelich and a two-run homer from Brandon Adams. Meanwhile second-seeded CBA ousted Toms River North 4-1 to set up the championship showdown with Jackson next Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park. The Mariners still have quite a bit to play for as they host Cherokee tomorrow in the South Jersey Group 4 finals. Point Pleasant Beach will also aim for a state sectional baseball crown when they visit Brearly Friday.
The softball teams from Toms River East and Central have reached state sectional finals after collecting victories Wednesday. Freshman Corey Schwartz drove in four runs and Lyndsey PeQueen tossed a 5-hitter as the Raiders blanked Cherokee 8-0 to move into the South Jersey Group 4 title game at top-seed Williamstown tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile Central’s
Katelyn Pepper allowed just one hit as the Golden Eagles beat Kingsway 4-1
and will now host Delsea tomorrow in the South Jersey Group 3 final.
Rumson-Fair Haven won the team title at the Shore Conference Girls Golf Championship at Fort Monmouth but Ocean County golfers took the top three individual spots. Toms River North’s Sung Song shot an 87 to win the title by three shots over Kelsi Kavanagh of Point Boro and Manchester’s Alex Pomar.
Onto the tennis courts where Toms River North edged Toms River South to win the Ocean County Boys Tournament for the third straight year. The Mariners got individual titles from Connor Lisco at first singles and the second doubles team of Nick Thistle and Matt Haimowitz.
A couple of high school football coaching vacancies were filled this week. Longtime Point Pleasant Beach wrestling Coach Steve Sasse will now double as the Garnett Gulls football coach as well. At Holmdel Frank Papalia is promoted from assistant to head coach where he replaces Andy Carlstrom, who was one of several non-tenured teachers laid off. Papalia previously coached at Central Regional, his alma mater.
Jackson Memorial and CBA advanced to the championship game of the Shore Conference Baseball Tournament with semifinal wins yesterday.
The top-seeded Jaguars beat St. Rose 5-1 behind the pitching of Pete Kelich and a two-run homer from Brandon Adams. Meanwhile second-seeded CBA ousted Toms River North 4-1 to set up the championship showdown with Jackson next Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park. The Mariners still have quite a bit to play for as they host Cherokee tomorrow in the South Jersey Group 4 finals. Point Pleasant Beach will also aim for a state sectional baseball crown when they visit Brearly Friday.
The softball teams from Toms River East and Central have reached state sectional finals after collecting victories Wednesday. Freshman Corey Schwartz drove in four runs and Lyndsey PeQueen tossed a 5-hitter as the Raiders blanked Cherokee 8-0 to move into the South Jersey Group 4 title game at top-seed Williamstown tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile Central’s
Katelyn Pepper allowed just one hit as the Golden Eagles beat Kingsway 4-1
and will now host Delsea tomorrow in the South Jersey Group 3 final.
Rumson-Fair Haven won the team title at the Shore Conference Girls Golf Championship at Fort Monmouth but Ocean County golfers took the top three individual spots. Toms River North’s Sung Song shot an 87 to win the title by three shots over Kelsi Kavanagh of Point Boro and Manchester’s Alex Pomar.
Onto the tennis courts where Toms River North edged Toms River South to win the Ocean County Boys Tournament for the third straight year. The Mariners got individual titles from Connor Lisco at first singles and the second doubles team of Nick Thistle and Matt Haimowitz.
A couple of high school football coaching vacancies were filled this week. Longtime Point Pleasant Beach wrestling Coach Steve Sasse will now double as the Garnett Gulls football coach as well. At Holmdel Frank Papalia is promoted from assistant to head coach where he replaces Andy Carlstrom, who was one of several non-tenured teachers laid off. Papalia previously coached at Central Regional, his alma mater.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Where Have You Gone Manners & Respect?
Simon and Garfunkel once asked in a song, “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio”? I ask today, “Where have you gone manners and respect”? It’s a question that should be posed to a younger generation that far too often shows little or no respect for their elders. Case in point, my 80 plus year-old mother is walking on a sidewalk when she approaches a group of teen-agers who are hanging out. They have done nothing wrong but are taking up the entire walkway as my mother approaches. Simple etiquette would be for the group to move to allow the older person (or any person for that matter) to continue walking on the sidewalk. However they don’t consider moving and expect my mother to walk around them which she does with complete disdain.
I would like to believe if that were many years ago and I was among the teenagers gathered we would have automatically moved and let an elder walk through. I would also like to believe my children would do the same but many teens today have little or no respect for those who have been around longer than they have. It’s not just with actions like I just described but also how they speak. I was reminded yesterday by someone in my age group how we always addressed an elder with Mr. or Mrs. or Miss….whatever was appropriate. Even though I am in my 50’s there are still those who I refer to in that manner even when they insist I call them by their first name. It’s a sign of respect that was commonplace but seems to have been lost in our very informal society. This is not a life or death issue but rather more one I would describe as right and wrong. Young people should automatically have a certain amount of respect for their elders, especially if those people hold authority positions like a teacher or police officer. Yet today more and more young people not only disrespect authority figures but have no fear over any ramifications.
So who is to blame for this growing trend? It has to fall on the shoulders of parents who too often have not instilled respect in their children at a young age as a given, not an option. Maybe if they did my mother would have been able to continue walking on the sidewalk instead of around a group that probably never even gave a thought to moving.
I would like to believe if that were many years ago and I was among the teenagers gathered we would have automatically moved and let an elder walk through. I would also like to believe my children would do the same but many teens today have little or no respect for those who have been around longer than they have. It’s not just with actions like I just described but also how they speak. I was reminded yesterday by someone in my age group how we always addressed an elder with Mr. or Mrs. or Miss….whatever was appropriate. Even though I am in my 50’s there are still those who I refer to in that manner even when they insist I call them by their first name. It’s a sign of respect that was commonplace but seems to have been lost in our very informal society. This is not a life or death issue but rather more one I would describe as right and wrong. Young people should automatically have a certain amount of respect for their elders, especially if those people hold authority positions like a teacher or police officer. Yet today more and more young people not only disrespect authority figures but have no fear over any ramifications.
So who is to blame for this growing trend? It has to fall on the shoulders of parents who too often have not instilled respect in their children at a young age as a given, not an option. Maybe if they did my mother would have been able to continue walking on the sidewalk instead of around a group that probably never even gave a thought to moving.
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
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
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
(Hometown View returns on Tuesday, May 26)
While it won’t be nearly as nice this Memorial Day as it was last year hopefully the weekend will provide a major jumpstart to the summer season at the Jersey Shore. This appears to be a year when nobody really knows what to expect as far as tourism is concerned. Will the shaky economy mean more people will stay close to home and visit our beaches instead of going to places far away? Or will that same economy result in people simply staying home and not heading anywhere? Nobody seems to know although some real estate agents fear it could be a miserable summer for rentals which would have major ramifications on a lot of businesses. Those who rent for a week or more spend money in many different places and spread dollars around. However if it’s a summer filled with day-trippers it means they’ll not only wait for a nice day to make a trip but probably will do all they can to limit their spending.
If past form holds up though this should be a very good weekend for many
businesses and merchants. In many cases Memorial Day is the biggest weekend of the year as out-of-towners flock to beach towns, boardwalks and amusement areas. This year does bring a bit of a bonus…the longest possible summer. Memorial Day is as early as it can be and Labor Day is as late as possible so there are 16 weekends during the season. Here’s hoping most of them are filled with sunshine and visitors because we could sure use plenty of both.
On a somewhat related note. While this weekend is mostly dominated by good things like the beach, barbeques and the like we should pause for a moment to think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice which allows us to have a good time. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving our nation and they should not be forgotten.
While it won’t be nearly as nice this Memorial Day as it was last year hopefully the weekend will provide a major jumpstart to the summer season at the Jersey Shore. This appears to be a year when nobody really knows what to expect as far as tourism is concerned. Will the shaky economy mean more people will stay close to home and visit our beaches instead of going to places far away? Or will that same economy result in people simply staying home and not heading anywhere? Nobody seems to know although some real estate agents fear it could be a miserable summer for rentals which would have major ramifications on a lot of businesses. Those who rent for a week or more spend money in many different places and spread dollars around. However if it’s a summer filled with day-trippers it means they’ll not only wait for a nice day to make a trip but probably will do all they can to limit their spending.
If past form holds up though this should be a very good weekend for many
businesses and merchants. In many cases Memorial Day is the biggest weekend of the year as out-of-towners flock to beach towns, boardwalks and amusement areas. This year does bring a bit of a bonus…the longest possible summer. Memorial Day is as early as it can be and Labor Day is as late as possible so there are 16 weekends during the season. Here’s hoping most of them are filled with sunshine and visitors because we could sure use plenty of both.
On a somewhat related note. While this weekend is mostly dominated by good things like the beach, barbeques and the like we should pause for a moment to think of those who made the ultimate sacrifice which allows us to have a good time. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving our nation and they should not be forgotten.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A Little Bit Of This & That
A little of this and a little of that on a Thursday morning and let’s start with my brilliant prediction that Kris Allen would win American Idol. It simply comes down to knowing who voters across the country are likely to favor
and I nailed this one….adult women carried Kris to victory. Of course if past history is correct the future might be brighter for runner-up Adam Lambert as winning does not guarantee a long successful career.
Last week I spoke with an expert on oil pricing and he told me that he thought the price of gasoline at the pumps was close to where it would max out…at least for this year. Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service in Wall said its possible prices will even decrease over the summer and predictions of $3.00 per gallon prices are simply unfounded. The average price of gas at the shore is $2.19 per gallon which is quite a bit lower than the $3.66 we were paying at this time a year ago.
What baseball fans sometimes forget is that the season is a long one and just about all teams will go through peaks and valleys. Take for example the Yankees and Mets. A little more than a week ago Yankee fans were down in the dumps over their team which was under .500 and looking very lethargic. Alex Rodriguez returns to the lineup and all of a sudden the Yanks have won 8 in-a-row and look like a different team. The Mets meanwhile were riding high as a 7-game winning streak moved them into first place in the NL East. But injuries and poor play have them losing 4 straight and now their fans are seeking psychiatric help. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
The semifinals of the Shore Conference Baseball Tournament are set with top-seeded Jackson Memorial to face St. Rose and #2 seed C.B.A. to face Toms River North next week. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd at FirstEnergy Park, the home of the Lakewood BlueClaws.
I finally got to watch the season-finale of “24” last night and I did not like the ending at all….so many loose ends. But of course I’ll be back next season to see how Jack Bauer manages to get out of this mess.
and I nailed this one….adult women carried Kris to victory. Of course if past history is correct the future might be brighter for runner-up Adam Lambert as winning does not guarantee a long successful career.
Last week I spoke with an expert on oil pricing and he told me that he thought the price of gasoline at the pumps was close to where it would max out…at least for this year. Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service in Wall said its possible prices will even decrease over the summer and predictions of $3.00 per gallon prices are simply unfounded. The average price of gas at the shore is $2.19 per gallon which is quite a bit lower than the $3.66 we were paying at this time a year ago.
What baseball fans sometimes forget is that the season is a long one and just about all teams will go through peaks and valleys. Take for example the Yankees and Mets. A little more than a week ago Yankee fans were down in the dumps over their team which was under .500 and looking very lethargic. Alex Rodriguez returns to the lineup and all of a sudden the Yanks have won 8 in-a-row and look like a different team. The Mets meanwhile were riding high as a 7-game winning streak moved them into first place in the NL East. But injuries and poor play have them losing 4 straight and now their fans are seeking psychiatric help. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
The semifinals of the Shore Conference Baseball Tournament are set with top-seeded Jackson Memorial to face St. Rose and #2 seed C.B.A. to face Toms River North next week. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd at FirstEnergy Park, the home of the Lakewood BlueClaws.
I finally got to watch the season-finale of “24” last night and I did not like the ending at all….so many loose ends. But of course I’ll be back next season to see how Jack Bauer manages to get out of this mess.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Kris or Adam?
Odds makers have installed Adam Lambert as the 1-3 favorite to be named the next “American Idol” tonight and if you wanted to make a wager on Kris Allen to win you would get odds of 3-1. This of course would be in places where gambling is legal, like Las Vegas and London and if were in either place I’d drop a couple of bucks on Allen to win in an upset.
For those of you who do not watch “Idol” the two finalists are as different as night and day (borrowing a line from the Patty Duke Show). Lambert is a
26-year old from Hollywood, California who has jet black hair and at times is pretty much over the top in appearance. No question he is a terrific singer
but to some he’s a bit dark and eerie, although he’s a favorite of young girls.
Allen is a 23-year old from Conway, Arizona who is more the kind of guy a mother would want her daughter to bring home. He was not expected to be in the final group but his ability to not only sing but play the piano and guitar has impressed many over the final stretch of this five-month competition.
I’m one who really only watched “American Idol” in the past during the early audition portion because I found it to be amusing. Once it got down to the serious singers I did not pay much attention but for some reason have joined the millions who pretty much devote two nights a week to the show especially in April & May. I have not nor will I ever cast a vote by phone or text message but if I did I would vote for Kris…he’s just more likeable.
However here is why I think he will be the surprise winner later tonight. While everyone assumes its teen-age girls who watch and vote I think it’s more likely their mothers who will decide the winner and moms like Kris more, including my wife who has touted him from the beginning. Plus I’ve got to figure in the more conservative mid-west Adam will not play well…too much weirdness.
So in an upset I’m going with Kris Allen which based on my past predictions is good news for those who like Adam…I don’t get these right too often. Here is one thing I can guarantee….judge Paula Abdul will cry no matter who wins and proclaim the greatest Idol ever. That one you can take to the bank.
For those of you who do not watch “Idol” the two finalists are as different as night and day (borrowing a line from the Patty Duke Show). Lambert is a
26-year old from Hollywood, California who has jet black hair and at times is pretty much over the top in appearance. No question he is a terrific singer
but to some he’s a bit dark and eerie, although he’s a favorite of young girls.
Allen is a 23-year old from Conway, Arizona who is more the kind of guy a mother would want her daughter to bring home. He was not expected to be in the final group but his ability to not only sing but play the piano and guitar has impressed many over the final stretch of this five-month competition.
I’m one who really only watched “American Idol” in the past during the early audition portion because I found it to be amusing. Once it got down to the serious singers I did not pay much attention but for some reason have joined the millions who pretty much devote two nights a week to the show especially in April & May. I have not nor will I ever cast a vote by phone or text message but if I did I would vote for Kris…he’s just more likeable.
However here is why I think he will be the surprise winner later tonight. While everyone assumes its teen-age girls who watch and vote I think it’s more likely their mothers who will decide the winner and moms like Kris more, including my wife who has touted him from the beginning. Plus I’ve got to figure in the more conservative mid-west Adam will not play well…too much weirdness.
So in an upset I’m going with Kris Allen which based on my past predictions is good news for those who like Adam…I don’t get these right too often. Here is one thing I can guarantee….judge Paula Abdul will cry no matter who wins and proclaim the greatest Idol ever. That one you can take to the bank.
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