Just wondering how many of you were shoveling snow this past winter and vowed not to complain about heat and humidity and now five months later have broken that vow. Yes we are experiencing an early summer heat wave and there’s no escaping it outside…even at the beach, although the water was beautiful over the weekend. However this is the kind of start to summer that businesses really needed because last June it rained nearly every day for the entire month.
Speaking of the beach, I spent Friday and Saturday on 2nd Avenue in Seaside Park. Several weeks ago I did a segment on the borough’s installation of pay stations for parking along the beach and boardwalk in the south end which previously had been free. You now have to pay $1.50 per hour to park near the ocean with enforcement 24 hours a day. It does lead to an interesting scenario as regular beach-goers fill side streets first and leave the pay spots for those who arrive much later which is the exact opposite of how it had been for years. When I left Friday there were only a couple of the paid spots occupied even though the beach was packed.
Went to the movies for the first time in at least a couple of months over and weekend and caught “Knight and Day” which stars Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz. No Academy Awards for this one but it’s full of action and is a decent summer movie. Cruise & Diaz are good to look at and the movie is pretty fast-paced so again it’s good if not great entertainment.
Many of New Jersey’s top senior football players will take part in tonight’s 32nd Annual North-South Classic at Kean University. A dozen recently-graduated players from the shore area are expected to suit up for the South stars including Howell quarterback Jimmy Ryan, lineman Jimmy Lawson (Manchester), Rob Cassidy (TR North), Alex Pangaro (Donovan), Mike Stuppiello (Lacey) and Matt Betz (Pt Boro) and Kyle Barnes of Point Beach.
Many of the same players will also participate in the U.S. Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic at Matawan High School on July 16th.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
If you don’t know who Steve Jobs is you certainly are aware of Apple, the company he co-founded. He serves as CEO of Apple and is on the Board of the Walt Disney Company which now owns another company he ran….Pixar Animation Studios, the brains behind the Toy Story movies.
Anyway today’s segment is not as much about him but the advice he gave five years ago when he was the commencement speaker at Stanford University.
We know of him as this ultra-successful computer and technical genius and business magnate. However he’s truly an example of someone who overcame numerous obstacles in his life starting with the fact he was adopted. Jobs would attend Reed College in Oregon but dropped out after one semester. While not officially a student he started attending classes that interested him, including calligraphy. He didn’t even have a dorm room and pretty much slept on the floor in friends’ rooms and bummed a meal wherever he could get one. He still insists that calligraphy class had a lot to do with the design of the fist Macintosh computer. Anyway Apple started pretty much in his parent’s garage but by the time he was 30 they were a $2 billion company with more than 4,000 employees. However shortly after that he got into a much publicized dispute which led to the Board of Directors firing him even though he started Apple. Jobs told the Stanford grads that firing was the single best thing that’s happened to him because it led him to starting Pixar and not only that paved the way for his return to Apple years later. His message, “sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick but don’t lose faith.”
What Jobs really believes and I do too is that we really need to find what we love and that’s true for your work and your personal life. What young people sometimes fail to realize is that your work does fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work AND the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking and don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it so keep looking until you do. I close with a few quotes from that speech. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition…they somehow already know want you truly want to become.” Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.
Anyway today’s segment is not as much about him but the advice he gave five years ago when he was the commencement speaker at Stanford University.
We know of him as this ultra-successful computer and technical genius and business magnate. However he’s truly an example of someone who overcame numerous obstacles in his life starting with the fact he was adopted. Jobs would attend Reed College in Oregon but dropped out after one semester. While not officially a student he started attending classes that interested him, including calligraphy. He didn’t even have a dorm room and pretty much slept on the floor in friends’ rooms and bummed a meal wherever he could get one. He still insists that calligraphy class had a lot to do with the design of the fist Macintosh computer. Anyway Apple started pretty much in his parent’s garage but by the time he was 30 they were a $2 billion company with more than 4,000 employees. However shortly after that he got into a much publicized dispute which led to the Board of Directors firing him even though he started Apple. Jobs told the Stanford grads that firing was the single best thing that’s happened to him because it led him to starting Pixar and not only that paved the way for his return to Apple years later. His message, “sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick but don’t lose faith.”
What Jobs really believes and I do too is that we really need to find what we love and that’s true for your work and your personal life. What young people sometimes fail to realize is that your work does fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work AND the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking and don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it so keep looking until you do. I close with a few quotes from that speech. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition…they somehow already know want you truly want to become.” Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Saying Goodbye To Toms River High School South
Six years ago when my son graduated high school it was certainly a special occasion but the impact was softened by the fact I had a younger daughter.
Tomorrow she and nearly 400 of her classmates at Toms River High School South will receive their diplomas and I have to tell you this graduation is quite a bit different because she is my youngest. I have thoroughly enjoyed going through the senior year experience with her although there have been plenty of stress-filled moments…most of which were mother-daughter events. The last couple of months have featured traditions that make High School South special, including last night’s Senior Night which was moved into the cafetorium for weather reasons. The evening is really the last chance for seniors to get together as parents donated, prepared and cooked hamburgers, hot dogs and more as students posed for pictures and signed yearbooks. There was also a slide show and a tremendous performance by a hypnotist who had everyone laughing and amazed at the same time.
While my wife and I publically talk about how great it will to be empty-nesters come late August I privately am going to miss much of what comes with being the parent of a high school child. Part of this is because both my children had such great experiences at Toms River South, a school rich in tradition in which many things have been passed on by one generation to another. Only at the home of the Indians could you find students in line seeking to have their yearbooks signed by Dave Correll, a retired history teacher who still supervises some activities at the school. He is a unique person and is largely responsible for the spirit that has filled the hallways of Toms River’s old school for decades.
So consider this my thank you to Principal Len Stanziano, the faculty and staff and everyone associated with High School South. My children are better because of your time and efforts and I now truly understand and appreciate the mystique that surrounds the school. It is a special place because of the people who like wearing maroon and white.
Tomorrow she and nearly 400 of her classmates at Toms River High School South will receive their diplomas and I have to tell you this graduation is quite a bit different because she is my youngest. I have thoroughly enjoyed going through the senior year experience with her although there have been plenty of stress-filled moments…most of which were mother-daughter events. The last couple of months have featured traditions that make High School South special, including last night’s Senior Night which was moved into the cafetorium for weather reasons. The evening is really the last chance for seniors to get together as parents donated, prepared and cooked hamburgers, hot dogs and more as students posed for pictures and signed yearbooks. There was also a slide show and a tremendous performance by a hypnotist who had everyone laughing and amazed at the same time.
While my wife and I publically talk about how great it will to be empty-nesters come late August I privately am going to miss much of what comes with being the parent of a high school child. Part of this is because both my children had such great experiences at Toms River South, a school rich in tradition in which many things have been passed on by one generation to another. Only at the home of the Indians could you find students in line seeking to have their yearbooks signed by Dave Correll, a retired history teacher who still supervises some activities at the school. He is a unique person and is largely responsible for the spirit that has filled the hallways of Toms River’s old school for decades.
So consider this my thank you to Principal Len Stanziano, the faculty and staff and everyone associated with High School South. My children are better because of your time and efforts and I now truly understand and appreciate the mystique that surrounds the school. It is a special place because of the people who like wearing maroon and white.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
10 Beach Commandments
Since summer has arrived it’s time to bring out an oldie but a goodie….the real rules of the beach. When I say “real rules” these are the ones that are not posted anywhere but probably should me. Much of this is common sense but we know there’s a genuine lack of that everywhere and the white sands are no exception. While the 2nd Avenue Beach in Seaside Park is sacred ground to me to others it’s just the place they end up and it holds no special significance. However they should live by my 10 beach commandments:
1. This is not Coney Island or Jones Beach so seek space between yourself and those nearby. It’s one thing to “love thy
neighbor”…its another to sit right on top of him.
2. Your music should be for your listening pleasure…not mine.
3. I’m an expert on the tides and plan accordingly. This does not mean
you should sit right in front of me so I can view your back up close
for six hours. Plus, the chances are you’ll get wiped out by a wave
sooner or later because you have no idea what you’re doing.
4. The beach is a family place but when your children walk over my
blanket and knock down my cup of coffee can you do more than
just smile?
5. Wear the bathing suit that fits your body. This is for both men and
women….some of you obviously don’t have mirrors in your home
or summer rental. There is a reason why half your body is hanging
out so wear a bathing suit in which you can tuck it in.
6. Don’t argue with the lifeguards…they probably know the water
conditions just a bit better than you. Plus when they do jump in and rescue you don’t tell them you’re really a good swimmer and just wanted to get a better look at the shoreline from far away.
7. That long lounge chair that looks great in your backyard really looks
lame and stupid on the beach.
8. I’ve never been able to figure out the digging thing, especially with
fathers and sons. However if you want to spend hours digging holes can you at least fill them in when you leave?
9. Place disposable diapers in a bag and then throw them in the garbage.
10. If these rules don’t meet with your approval then please spend your
next beach day at Coney Island or Jones Beach…you’ll be right at home.
1. This is not Coney Island or Jones Beach so seek space between yourself and those nearby. It’s one thing to “love thy
neighbor”…its another to sit right on top of him.
2. Your music should be for your listening pleasure…not mine.
3. I’m an expert on the tides and plan accordingly. This does not mean
you should sit right in front of me so I can view your back up close
for six hours. Plus, the chances are you’ll get wiped out by a wave
sooner or later because you have no idea what you’re doing.
4. The beach is a family place but when your children walk over my
blanket and knock down my cup of coffee can you do more than
just smile?
5. Wear the bathing suit that fits your body. This is for both men and
women….some of you obviously don’t have mirrors in your home
or summer rental. There is a reason why half your body is hanging
out so wear a bathing suit in which you can tuck it in.
6. Don’t argue with the lifeguards…they probably know the water
conditions just a bit better than you. Plus when they do jump in and rescue you don’t tell them you’re really a good swimmer and just wanted to get a better look at the shoreline from far away.
7. That long lounge chair that looks great in your backyard really looks
lame and stupid on the beach.
8. I’ve never been able to figure out the digging thing, especially with
fathers and sons. However if you want to spend hours digging holes can you at least fill them in when you leave?
9. Place disposable diapers in a bag and then throw them in the garbage.
10. If these rules don’t meet with your approval then please spend your
next beach day at Coney Island or Jones Beach…you’ll be right at home.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, June 18 & Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Summer Solstice arrives this morning which means today is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. It’s also the start of what is the final week of school for most and considering the expected temperatures and the fact that many schools don’t have air conditioning the final day can’t come soon enough.
Of course if not for the snow-filled winter we had schools would have finished up last week and summer vacation would have already started. It looks like those schools with outside graduations this week will be dealing with plenty of heat and the possibility of thunderstorms which sort of comes with the territory.
Those attending Central Regional High School’s graduation on Friday night will notice something new when they step onto Joseph J. Boyd Memorial Field.
After more than 40 years the original bleachers have finally been replaced and the graduation ceremony will mark their official unveiling. The old ones were worn, weathered and frankly in sad shape and after several years school officials were finally able to replace them. It’s not easy to do things in these tough financial times but this was something that needed to be done and Superintendent Tommy Parliapanedes should be congratulated for leading the effort.
Well at least I went to the game the Mets won. The latest edition of the Subway Series saw the Yankees win 2-of-3 this weekend but I was in the Bronx Friday when the Mets prevailed. It was actually the first Mets-Yankees game I’ve watched in person and I was surprised to find that rooting for the visiting team
was not all that intimidating. The Subway Series is not nearly as hostile now as it was when the teams first started playing because so many of the visiting fans make their way into the ballpark. As a Mets fan its much worse rooting for them in Philadelphia where you can expect to be hazed and hated.
For the first time in franchise history the Lakewood BlueClaws have qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The defending South Atlantic League Champions are the Northern Division first-half champions after beating Kannapolis Sunday at FirstEnergy Park. 18-year old Jonathan Singleton belted two home runs and drove in five runs as the BlueClaws end the first half with a 42-28 record.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Southern Regional High School will have to replace its longtime athletic director while the Shore Conference is losing one of its most respected leaders and the individual responsible for putting together the football schedule for the state’s largest conference. Those are not three people but one as Kim DeGraw-Cole reportedly was hired this week as an assistant director at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
DeGraw-Cole’s resignation as the Southern AD was accepted on Tuesday and she’ll begin her new job with the NJSIAA in early August as the replacement for Carol Parson, who retires later this summer. DeGraw-Cole has been at Southern since 1976 and became the school’s athletic director in 1984. She told me earlier this month that the position with the NJSIAA is one she felt was perfect for her at this time in her career. She is expected to spend much of her time working on women’s sports, including soccer, field hockey and tennis.
Southern has also named a new boys basketball coach to replace Jeff Reilly, who stepped down last month. Eric Fierro, who has been the freshman coach, was named head coach of the Rams. Fierro takes over a team that won the Class A South title this past winter.
Many of the shore’s top senior baseball players will be in action Monday night at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood. The Monmouth-Ocean Senior All Star Game is scheduled for 7pm at the home of the BlueClaws.
Speaking of the BlueClaws they are closing in on clinching a playoff spot as the first half of the South Atlantic League schedule comes to an end. Lakewood has a one-game lead on Hickory in the Northern Division standings with the first half of the season to end Sunday. If the BlueClaws maintain that advantage then they secure a playoff spot in September which is the route they took last year when they won the SAL Championship.
It appears the final official weekend of spring is going to be very summer-like and I’m really looking forward to spending the day at the beach tomorrow. Tonight I’m going to make my first trip to the new Yankee Stadium to see the Mets and Yankees with my son, daughter and brother.
The Summer Solstice arrives this morning which means today is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. It’s also the start of what is the final week of school for most and considering the expected temperatures and the fact that many schools don’t have air conditioning the final day can’t come soon enough.
Of course if not for the snow-filled winter we had schools would have finished up last week and summer vacation would have already started. It looks like those schools with outside graduations this week will be dealing with plenty of heat and the possibility of thunderstorms which sort of comes with the territory.
Those attending Central Regional High School’s graduation on Friday night will notice something new when they step onto Joseph J. Boyd Memorial Field.
After more than 40 years the original bleachers have finally been replaced and the graduation ceremony will mark their official unveiling. The old ones were worn, weathered and frankly in sad shape and after several years school officials were finally able to replace them. It’s not easy to do things in these tough financial times but this was something that needed to be done and Superintendent Tommy Parliapanedes should be congratulated for leading the effort.
Well at least I went to the game the Mets won. The latest edition of the Subway Series saw the Yankees win 2-of-3 this weekend but I was in the Bronx Friday when the Mets prevailed. It was actually the first Mets-Yankees game I’ve watched in person and I was surprised to find that rooting for the visiting team
was not all that intimidating. The Subway Series is not nearly as hostile now as it was when the teams first started playing because so many of the visiting fans make their way into the ballpark. As a Mets fan its much worse rooting for them in Philadelphia where you can expect to be hazed and hated.
For the first time in franchise history the Lakewood BlueClaws have qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The defending South Atlantic League Champions are the Northern Division first-half champions after beating Kannapolis Sunday at FirstEnergy Park. 18-year old Jonathan Singleton belted two home runs and drove in five runs as the BlueClaws end the first half with a 42-28 record.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Southern Regional High School will have to replace its longtime athletic director while the Shore Conference is losing one of its most respected leaders and the individual responsible for putting together the football schedule for the state’s largest conference. Those are not three people but one as Kim DeGraw-Cole reportedly was hired this week as an assistant director at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
DeGraw-Cole’s resignation as the Southern AD was accepted on Tuesday and she’ll begin her new job with the NJSIAA in early August as the replacement for Carol Parson, who retires later this summer. DeGraw-Cole has been at Southern since 1976 and became the school’s athletic director in 1984. She told me earlier this month that the position with the NJSIAA is one she felt was perfect for her at this time in her career. She is expected to spend much of her time working on women’s sports, including soccer, field hockey and tennis.
Southern has also named a new boys basketball coach to replace Jeff Reilly, who stepped down last month. Eric Fierro, who has been the freshman coach, was named head coach of the Rams. Fierro takes over a team that won the Class A South title this past winter.
Many of the shore’s top senior baseball players will be in action Monday night at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood. The Monmouth-Ocean Senior All Star Game is scheduled for 7pm at the home of the BlueClaws.
Speaking of the BlueClaws they are closing in on clinching a playoff spot as the first half of the South Atlantic League schedule comes to an end. Lakewood has a one-game lead on Hickory in the Northern Division standings with the first half of the season to end Sunday. If the BlueClaws maintain that advantage then they secure a playoff spot in September which is the route they took last year when they won the SAL Championship.
It appears the final official weekend of spring is going to be very summer-like and I’m really looking forward to spending the day at the beach tomorrow. Tonight I’m going to make my first trip to the new Yankee Stadium to see the Mets and Yankees with my son, daughter and brother.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16 & Thursday, June 17
Thursday, June 17
There ability for people to fight the aging process has become an obsession and a billion dollar industry today and includes everything from vitamins and supplements to elective surgery. Much of that is designed to make you look but not necessarily feel any younger then what you actually are.
Experts tell you that there are many sensible and healthy ways to deal with getting older including picking up a new hobby, going back to school and taking a class or two, connecting with old friends and many others.
I think Wednesday I discovered another way…hang out from time to time with younger people.
We had a luxury suite for last night’s BlueClaws game at FirstEnergy Park and because of late developments the make up of who would be attending the game changed. I was sort of in charge and ordered the food and drink for the evening and ended up as the official host when our boss could not attend. There were a few people at least in my ballpark when it came to age but as the night and game wore on it was those in their 20’s who stayed and kind of dominated the conversation. What struck me was that their focus on life in general is very much different from what happens when a group of contemporaries get together. Being in my 50’s when I’m with people my age the talk is usually about children, careers, health, money, retirement for some and the issues of the day. Well hang with those half your age and it’s quite a bit different. They are still children, their careers are just starting, they have little or no health concerns, as long as they have enough money for that night then things are cool, retirement is a lifetime away and the issues of the day are more gossip then reality.
They are also much more comfortable around their elders then my generation was when we were in our 20’s. They still respect them but its different then thirty or so years ago. Most importantly though I’ve noticed that younger people laugh a lot….and make you laugh as well. Experts tell us that laughing is a good thing but it’s often difficult to find things to laugh about. Hang with younger people for a while and they’ll make you feel good…at least for a while. Then you wake up the next day and realize you’re still old…that’s when you try the methods that cost money.
Wednesday, June 16
When people pass along information about the achievements of others I try and pass them on to you and that’s what I’m doing this morning:
This past weekend more than 2,300 athletes participated in the Special Olympics New Jersey 2010 Summer Games at The College of New Jersey and about 300 of them were from Ocean County. Toms River’s Jimmy Kelly won three gold medals and one silver in swimming while Colleen Kroeper of Beachwood claimed three silver medals in the pool. In track and field, Aaron Cassidy won a gold in the 1500 and took home silver medals in the 800 and relay. Meanwhile the Toms River Softball Team won a silver medal with big contributions from Cole Bendian, Amy Clayton, Chris Syrsdale and Tyler Leahman. Those four all play for the Challenger Division in the Toms River East Little League.
The New Jersey State Amateur Golf Championships were held last week at the Montclair Country Club and Stephen Ellis of the Toms River Country Club finished 7th. Ellis shot a four-round total of 292, which was eight shots behind the winner. Ironically the 1989 Toms River High School South graduate did not play golf in high school but was a standout tennis player. He took up golf after that and last year tied the Toms River Country Club course record with a round of 65…reportedly the last player to shoot such a low round was Sam Snead.
Toms River’s Jeff Frazier is certainly giving the Detroit Tigers reason to bring him up from the minor leagues sooner than later. Frazier might be the hottest player in the International League and is now batting .289 for the Tigers Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. The 27-year old former Toms River South and Rutgers standout is hitting .366 over his last ten games and for the season has 22 doubles, 13 home runs and 41 RBI’s. Younger brother Todd, after a terrible start, is starting to heat up for the Triple-A Louisville Bats.
The Reds prospect is batting .306 over his last ten games to boost his season average to .214.
There ability for people to fight the aging process has become an obsession and a billion dollar industry today and includes everything from vitamins and supplements to elective surgery. Much of that is designed to make you look but not necessarily feel any younger then what you actually are.
Experts tell you that there are many sensible and healthy ways to deal with getting older including picking up a new hobby, going back to school and taking a class or two, connecting with old friends and many others.
I think Wednesday I discovered another way…hang out from time to time with younger people.
We had a luxury suite for last night’s BlueClaws game at FirstEnergy Park and because of late developments the make up of who would be attending the game changed. I was sort of in charge and ordered the food and drink for the evening and ended up as the official host when our boss could not attend. There were a few people at least in my ballpark when it came to age but as the night and game wore on it was those in their 20’s who stayed and kind of dominated the conversation. What struck me was that their focus on life in general is very much different from what happens when a group of contemporaries get together. Being in my 50’s when I’m with people my age the talk is usually about children, careers, health, money, retirement for some and the issues of the day. Well hang with those half your age and it’s quite a bit different. They are still children, their careers are just starting, they have little or no health concerns, as long as they have enough money for that night then things are cool, retirement is a lifetime away and the issues of the day are more gossip then reality.
They are also much more comfortable around their elders then my generation was when we were in our 20’s. They still respect them but its different then thirty or so years ago. Most importantly though I’ve noticed that younger people laugh a lot….and make you laugh as well. Experts tell us that laughing is a good thing but it’s often difficult to find things to laugh about. Hang with younger people for a while and they’ll make you feel good…at least for a while. Then you wake up the next day and realize you’re still old…that’s when you try the methods that cost money.
Wednesday, June 16
When people pass along information about the achievements of others I try and pass them on to you and that’s what I’m doing this morning:
This past weekend more than 2,300 athletes participated in the Special Olympics New Jersey 2010 Summer Games at The College of New Jersey and about 300 of them were from Ocean County. Toms River’s Jimmy Kelly won three gold medals and one silver in swimming while Colleen Kroeper of Beachwood claimed three silver medals in the pool. In track and field, Aaron Cassidy won a gold in the 1500 and took home silver medals in the 800 and relay. Meanwhile the Toms River Softball Team won a silver medal with big contributions from Cole Bendian, Amy Clayton, Chris Syrsdale and Tyler Leahman. Those four all play for the Challenger Division in the Toms River East Little League.
The New Jersey State Amateur Golf Championships were held last week at the Montclair Country Club and Stephen Ellis of the Toms River Country Club finished 7th. Ellis shot a four-round total of 292, which was eight shots behind the winner. Ironically the 1989 Toms River High School South graduate did not play golf in high school but was a standout tennis player. He took up golf after that and last year tied the Toms River Country Club course record with a round of 65…reportedly the last player to shoot such a low round was Sam Snead.
Toms River’s Jeff Frazier is certainly giving the Detroit Tigers reason to bring him up from the minor leagues sooner than later. Frazier might be the hottest player in the International League and is now batting .289 for the Tigers Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. The 27-year old former Toms River South and Rutgers standout is hitting .366 over his last ten games and for the season has 22 doubles, 13 home runs and 41 RBI’s. Younger brother Todd, after a terrible start, is starting to heat up for the Triple-A Louisville Bats.
The Reds prospect is batting .306 over his last ten games to boost his season average to .214.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Happy Graduation X 5000
The first of Ocean County’s 18 high school graduation ceremonies took place last night as Monsignor Donovan’s 228 members of the Class of 2010 received their diplomas. Over the next two weeks more than 5000 young men and women from all over the county will join them as high school graduates, a significant milestone which marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. More than just “pomp and circumstance” this is a time that should be enjoyed and celebrated by the graduates and their families. With the exception of final exams these last days of school for most seniors are filled with activities and traditions from yearbook signings to graduation practices in preparation for the big day. I’ll have more to say on the subject in days ahead as my daughter is in that group of more than
5000 so we’re experiencing the same feelings many of you are.
Most of the time I talk about the Lakewood BlueClaws it’s about the impact they make in the community. However this morning let me mention that the defending South Atlantic League Champions are close to securing a playoff spot at the end of the season. The league is broken down into two 70-game seasons and the BlueClaws have a one-game lead on Hickory in the Northern Division standings with just six games left in the first half. Lakewood opened a home stand last night by rallying for a dramatic victory over Lexington. Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the 9th, Anthony Hewitt tied the game with a leadoff home run and then later in the inning Jiwan James sent Claws fans home happy with a game-winning two-run blast. The BlueClaws are home all this with the first half of the season ending on Fathers Day.
It certainly has been a great spring for Toms River South senior Andrew McGee, who won all 12 of his decisions and pitched the Indians to the Class A South, Ocean County Tournament and Shore Conference Tournament Championships. The Monmouth University-bound lefty capped his season by being named the Asbury Park Press Player-of-the-Year but he’s not done yet. McGee allowed just one hit over three innings and combined with three others to pitch Jersey Shore to a 7-1 victory over Delaware North in the first game of the prestigious Carpenter Cup Tournament at FDR Park in Philadelphia.
5000 so we’re experiencing the same feelings many of you are.
Most of the time I talk about the Lakewood BlueClaws it’s about the impact they make in the community. However this morning let me mention that the defending South Atlantic League Champions are close to securing a playoff spot at the end of the season. The league is broken down into two 70-game seasons and the BlueClaws have a one-game lead on Hickory in the Northern Division standings with just six games left in the first half. Lakewood opened a home stand last night by rallying for a dramatic victory over Lexington. Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the 9th, Anthony Hewitt tied the game with a leadoff home run and then later in the inning Jiwan James sent Claws fans home happy with a game-winning two-run blast. The BlueClaws are home all this with the first half of the season ending on Fathers Day.
It certainly has been a great spring for Toms River South senior Andrew McGee, who won all 12 of his decisions and pitched the Indians to the Class A South, Ocean County Tournament and Shore Conference Tournament Championships. The Monmouth University-bound lefty capped his season by being named the Asbury Park Press Player-of-the-Year but he’s not done yet. McGee allowed just one hit over three innings and combined with three others to pitch Jersey Shore to a 7-1 victory over Delaware North in the first game of the prestigious Carpenter Cup Tournament at FDR Park in Philadelphia.
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