Some random notes and thoughts to start out the week:
You would not know it from today’s weather but we are less than two weeks away from Memorial Day weekend and there are signs everywhere that the summer season is just around the corner. Among them…the blinking lights are off in beach towns and Stewart’s Drive-In is open at the intersection of
Route 37 and Fischer Boulevard in Toms River. There is no better sign that summer is on its way then Stewart’s being open with waiters in their black and white uniforms serving root beer, hot dogs and more.
When he was a senior pitcher at Central Regional High School Rich Bishop helped the Golden Eagles win the Ocean County Baseball Tournament in 1973. Now 35 years later he’s the coach at Brick Memorial and the Mustangs stunned #2 ranked Jackson Memorial 6-5 Sunday to advance to Tuesday’s OCT Semifinals where Bishop will face his alma mater at FirstEnergy Park. Central beat four-time defending champion Toms River East 4-2 Sunday and will meet Brick Memorial at 4:30 tomorrow followed by the evening semifinal in which top-ranked Toms River North will face Toms River South for the third time this season. The Mariners earned their spot with a 2-0 win over Southern Sunday as Matt Mancini threw a two-hitter while on Saturday the Indians routed Barnegat 12-1 as Ryan Kapp slugged three home runs.
If you want honesty ask a third grader. I found that out Friday when I participated in the Forked River Elementary School’s 3rd annual Career Day.
After speaking to four classes of third-graders I was drained as they don’t pull any punches and very often speak their mind. As to what I found were their most popular career choices…..for the boys professional athletes and police officers while the girls chose Veterinarians, artists and dancers. Not one picked radio personality which shows they may be young….but they are not stupid.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Mother's Day
We have created days and so-called holidays for just about everyone and every profession and of course I say this during a week in which we show our appreciation for Nurses and Teachers among others. Not to take anything away from them but the day that really counts this week is Mother’s Day which is of course Sunday. Of all the days noted on the calendar as being somewhat special this is the one which is truly worthy of celebrating and acknowledging.
Think about it….when you were a young child you used to make a card in school and maybe even a special gift which you gave to Mom with a big smile on your face. Then as you got older it was time to scrape up a few bucks and buy flowers or something else….usually Dad had to help out because you didn’t have enough money. Then you got married and had both a Mother and Mother-In-Law and before long children came along which took the day to a different level.
I consider myself lucky in that I have a Mom who I’m not only close too but consider a friend every bit has much as a mother. A truly amazing woman who still walks to work five days a week, loves to talk sports as much as anything else and believe it or not has been blessed with great health in that she’s never even had a headache in her life. Not only that but nobody could have a better relationship with their Mother-In-Law like I do so having both in my life is a true daily double.
Every bit as lucky on this day are my children who have a truly fantastic mother and I know they realize it but of course when you are young you might take that for granted. My wife without question has been the backbone of our family and like in many families has two careers….one in education and one at home. Both are full-time jobs and one marvels at how she and other Moms get all the work done. But they do which is why Mother’s Day is so special and deserving of a spot on the calendar and a place in our hearts.
Think about it….when you were a young child you used to make a card in school and maybe even a special gift which you gave to Mom with a big smile on your face. Then as you got older it was time to scrape up a few bucks and buy flowers or something else….usually Dad had to help out because you didn’t have enough money. Then you got married and had both a Mother and Mother-In-Law and before long children came along which took the day to a different level.
I consider myself lucky in that I have a Mom who I’m not only close too but consider a friend every bit has much as a mother. A truly amazing woman who still walks to work five days a week, loves to talk sports as much as anything else and believe it or not has been blessed with great health in that she’s never even had a headache in her life. Not only that but nobody could have a better relationship with their Mother-In-Law like I do so having both in my life is a true daily double.
Every bit as lucky on this day are my children who have a truly fantastic mother and I know they realize it but of course when you are young you might take that for granted. My wife without question has been the backbone of our family and like in many families has two careers….one in education and one at home. Both are full-time jobs and one marvels at how she and other Moms get all the work done. But they do which is why Mother’s Day is so special and deserving of a spot on the calendar and a place in our hearts.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
FATE's New Jersey Bar Challenge
There’s no doubt that awareness of autism has increased greatly over the years and that’s both a good and bad thing. The good news is we are detecting and diagnosing signs of autism earlier which is very important and parents have more resources then ever when it comes to getting answers and help. The bad news is the high percentage of children stricken with the disorder and 1 out of every 150 children born today is on the autism spectrum.
The Foundation for Autism Training and Education or FATE is made up of parents, family members, friends, teachers and others committed to improving the lives of children with autism and their families. They have organized the 2008 New Jersey Bar Challenge in which many of the areas top bars and restaurants will be participating to raise money for children with autism while at the same time battling for bragging rights and prizes.
The competition begins May 31st and runs to July 12th with the establishments doing whatever they can to raise money. Among those who have already come on board are Caffrey’s Tavern, Mulligan’s, The Patio Bar, Hemingway’s, The Ark, Shark Fin Inn, The Idle Hour, Used to Be’s , The Broadway Grill and Connolly Station. They and hopefully others will be competing for prizes like a golf foursome to Due Process, $2000 in Visa gift cards and special seats to a Yankees or Mets game. Of course that’s secondary to raising money for children with autism.
Any bar or restaurant interested in the New Jersey Bar Challenge can get information and register at njbarchallenge.com.
Sounds like a great way to help out a good cause and have some fun doing it.
The Foundation for Autism Training and Education or FATE is made up of parents, family members, friends, teachers and others committed to improving the lives of children with autism and their families. They have organized the 2008 New Jersey Bar Challenge in which many of the areas top bars and restaurants will be participating to raise money for children with autism while at the same time battling for bragging rights and prizes.
The competition begins May 31st and runs to July 12th with the establishments doing whatever they can to raise money. Among those who have already come on board are Caffrey’s Tavern, Mulligan’s, The Patio Bar, Hemingway’s, The Ark, Shark Fin Inn, The Idle Hour, Used to Be’s , The Broadway Grill and Connolly Station. They and hopefully others will be competing for prizes like a golf foursome to Due Process, $2000 in Visa gift cards and special seats to a Yankees or Mets game. Of course that’s secondary to raising money for children with autism.
Any bar or restaurant interested in the New Jersey Bar Challenge can get information and register at njbarchallenge.com.
Sounds like a great way to help out a good cause and have some fun doing it.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Championship High School Sports
Now that I do a daily sports show I rarely mention local sports during this segment but I’m going to mention a few things this morning. Not getting to see as many high school baseball games as I used to I decided to attend Tuesday night’s game between Toms River East and Toms River South at Ken Frank Stadium and I’m glad I did.
The Indians eked out a 1-0 victory behind the pitching of Tyler Gebler and three of the best catches you’ll ever see in the same game. Two of them were made by Rutgers-bound outfielder Ryan Kapp, including one in which he went over the centerfield wall and used all of his 6’4 height and leaping ability to take away a home run. Kapp then made another terrific catch in the 7th and sandwiched in between was a diving catch in the gap by right fielder Joe Patterson. Those plays combined with Gebler’s four-hitter gave South just their second victory over East in their last 16 meetings. The great thing about sports is when you go to a game you never know what you’re going to see and last night I got to witness something special and it was free.
Barnegat High School earned a share of the “Class B South” championship with a 5-3 victory over Lakewood Tuesday with Brian Calabria’s two-run homer in the 5th inning the big hit. The Bengals, in just their third year of varsity baseball, share the division title with Central Regional, who under first-year coach John Scran made a complete turnaround from last season when they won just four games.
“Class A South” champion Toms River North ripped Central 12-4 yesterday as Steve Nyisztor had one of those unforgettable days an athlete dreams of.
The junior second baseman hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, homer)
and drove in six runs for the Mariners, who improved to 15-2. The shore’s #1 ranked team, North is the top seed in the Ocean County Tournament which gets underway Saturday.
For those who have not tuned in I talk sports every weekday from 3-6pm
on The Locker Room with Kevin Williams which airs on 1160 WOBM AM as well as Fox Sports 1310. Among my guests today will be record-setting softball pitcher Brittany O’Donnell of Red Bank Catholic.
The Indians eked out a 1-0 victory behind the pitching of Tyler Gebler and three of the best catches you’ll ever see in the same game. Two of them were made by Rutgers-bound outfielder Ryan Kapp, including one in which he went over the centerfield wall and used all of his 6’4 height and leaping ability to take away a home run. Kapp then made another terrific catch in the 7th and sandwiched in between was a diving catch in the gap by right fielder Joe Patterson. Those plays combined with Gebler’s four-hitter gave South just their second victory over East in their last 16 meetings. The great thing about sports is when you go to a game you never know what you’re going to see and last night I got to witness something special and it was free.
Barnegat High School earned a share of the “Class B South” championship with a 5-3 victory over Lakewood Tuesday with Brian Calabria’s two-run homer in the 5th inning the big hit. The Bengals, in just their third year of varsity baseball, share the division title with Central Regional, who under first-year coach John Scran made a complete turnaround from last season when they won just four games.
“Class A South” champion Toms River North ripped Central 12-4 yesterday as Steve Nyisztor had one of those unforgettable days an athlete dreams of.
The junior second baseman hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, homer)
and drove in six runs for the Mariners, who improved to 15-2. The shore’s #1 ranked team, North is the top seed in the Ocean County Tournament which gets underway Saturday.
For those who have not tuned in I talk sports every weekday from 3-6pm
on The Locker Room with Kevin Williams which airs on 1160 WOBM AM as well as Fox Sports 1310. Among my guests today will be record-setting softball pitcher Brittany O’Donnell of Red Bank Catholic.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Former WOBM Personality Does Good
Frank Brady’s name and voice would be familiar to many WOBM listeners from the 70’s and 80’s as his promoted his Beachcomber Salon in South Toms River by telling women they could look beautiful with his distinct Philadelphia accent. Frank has been in business for 40 years and remains very active in the community, serving as chairperson of the Ocean County Vocational School Foundation and he’s for many years made free wigs for cancer patients. However what he and his staff do for victims of domestic violence is something truly worthy of mentioning and saluting…which is what I’m doing today.
Providence House opened its doors in Toms River in 1990 and shortly after that Brady offered his services to the safe house for women and children who have been abused. His stylists and staff have performed countless numbers of free haircuts and colorings to these women who can certainly use anything to improve their self-esteem. This also includes children, especially during times like back-to-school and even proms and special occasions. Mary Pettrow of Providence House told me Brady’s long-term commitment to their organization has been nothing short of overwhelming.
The Beachcomber Salon is taking their generosity to a new level this year
by hosting a makeover party for about 40 women and children which will include food, giveaways and pictures which will be placed into decorated frames. And while Brady and his salon may have been the first to give their time and efforts others are now following and offering free services which is what he was hoping for all along.
Nice job Frank…you’ve started something really “beautiful.”
Providence House opened its doors in Toms River in 1990 and shortly after that Brady offered his services to the safe house for women and children who have been abused. His stylists and staff have performed countless numbers of free haircuts and colorings to these women who can certainly use anything to improve their self-esteem. This also includes children, especially during times like back-to-school and even proms and special occasions. Mary Pettrow of Providence House told me Brady’s long-term commitment to their organization has been nothing short of overwhelming.
The Beachcomber Salon is taking their generosity to a new level this year
by hosting a makeover party for about 40 women and children which will include food, giveaways and pictures which will be placed into decorated frames. And while Brady and his salon may have been the first to give their time and efforts others are now following and offering free services which is what he was hoping for all along.
Nice job Frank…you’ve started something really “beautiful.”
Monday, May 5, 2008
Random Notes
Random notes and items on the first Monday of May:
One of the highlights of the annual cocktail reception to support the Toms River Student Loan Fund is when a student representative from each of the three high schools is asked to talk about their education and experiences.
The trio of gentlemen who spoke Friday night were not only great ambassadors for their schools and families but three who will no doubt go on to great success. Keith Marschner of Toms River East is headed to Cornell University, Andriy Kuzmov of High School North will be attending the School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University and Patrick Park of High School South is Princeton-bound. By the way Patrick is the third of three Park’s who have done quite well at South. Two of the brothers were Valedictorians and one had to settle for being Salutatorian.
Former first assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Terry Farley and Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 were honored during the event as were the 2007 Teachers of the Year from the school district.
Jim Dowd is one of the oldest current players in the NHL and on Christmas Day he’ll celebrate his 40th birthday. However if the Philadelphia Flyers keep winning Christmas will come early for the Brick Township native and current Point Pleasant resident who is seeking his second Stanley Cup. Dowd’s Flyers will play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals beginning this week and are two steps away from capturing the Cup for the first time since 1975. Dowd helped the New Jersey Devils win their first Cup in 1995.
Today is Cinco de Mayo which many in the United States think is Mexico’s Independence Day, which is in fact September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico which commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces over French forces in 1862 and it seems the day is celebrated more in the United States where like with St. Patrick’s Day it’s become a big one for food, music and of course beverages.
Today also would have been Manny Viggiano’s 80th birthday which would have been a great reason for his family to celebrate. Unfortunately cancer took my father-in-law before this milestone birthday but today when many are toasting Cinco de Mayo they are also hoisting one for you Manny…one of the all-time greats.
One of the highlights of the annual cocktail reception to support the Toms River Student Loan Fund is when a student representative from each of the three high schools is asked to talk about their education and experiences.
The trio of gentlemen who spoke Friday night were not only great ambassadors for their schools and families but three who will no doubt go on to great success. Keith Marschner of Toms River East is headed to Cornell University, Andriy Kuzmov of High School North will be attending the School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University and Patrick Park of High School South is Princeton-bound. By the way Patrick is the third of three Park’s who have done quite well at South. Two of the brothers were Valedictorians and one had to settle for being Salutatorian.
Former first assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Terry Farley and Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 were honored during the event as were the 2007 Teachers of the Year from the school district.
Jim Dowd is one of the oldest current players in the NHL and on Christmas Day he’ll celebrate his 40th birthday. However if the Philadelphia Flyers keep winning Christmas will come early for the Brick Township native and current Point Pleasant resident who is seeking his second Stanley Cup. Dowd’s Flyers will play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals beginning this week and are two steps away from capturing the Cup for the first time since 1975. Dowd helped the New Jersey Devils win their first Cup in 1995.
Today is Cinco de Mayo which many in the United States think is Mexico’s Independence Day, which is in fact September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico which commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces over French forces in 1862 and it seems the day is celebrated more in the United States where like with St. Patrick’s Day it’s become a big one for food, music and of course beverages.
Today also would have been Manny Viggiano’s 80th birthday which would have been a great reason for his family to celebrate. Unfortunately cancer took my father-in-law before this milestone birthday but today when many are toasting Cinco de Mayo they are also hoisting one for you Manny…one of the all-time greats.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Szalkowski Fund
Dave Szalkowski is an 18-year veteran of the Seaside Heights Police Department who has risen to the level of Captain and has certainly earned the respect of his fellow officers. The father of two is known as a mentor and teacher to the younger members of the department but beginning Monday they won’t have much face-to-face contact with Captain Szalkowski. That’s because he and his wife will be leaving for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where they will reside while the 44-year old awaits a double lung transplant.
Szalkowski has been stricken with scleroderma; an autoimmune disease which leads to hardening of the skin and in his case has forced him to use oxygen 24 hours a day. Organ transplant centers closer to home could not help and upon the advice of his doctors he sought out the University of Pittsburgh which has accepted him as a candidate for a lung transplant. Because he needs to be in close proximity to the hospital Szalkowski and his wife Elayne will live in an apartment in Pittsburgh and wait for the call that will give him hope…ironically only after someone else has died.
Szalkowski will continue to handle police administrative duties and schedules for as long as possible thanks to a laptop, fax machine and cell phone while in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile his 14-year old son and 11-year old daughter will remain back here so their schedules can remain as normal as possible. Berkeley Township Detective Jimmy Smit and his wife will help take care of the children because that’s what best friends do.
And to that end many of Szalkowski’s friends and co-workers will gather tomorrow night for a fundraiser at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill on the boardwalk. The event runs from 5-10pm with food and music by Frankie and the Burn with all proceeds to help with the living expenses they will incur while in Pittsburgh. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door and if you can’t go but would like to help you can mail a check made out to
“The Szalkowski Fund” and send it to the Seaside Heights Police Department. In the ultimate role reversal it’s time for others to be around when a cop needs them!
Szalkowski has been stricken with scleroderma; an autoimmune disease which leads to hardening of the skin and in his case has forced him to use oxygen 24 hours a day. Organ transplant centers closer to home could not help and upon the advice of his doctors he sought out the University of Pittsburgh which has accepted him as a candidate for a lung transplant. Because he needs to be in close proximity to the hospital Szalkowski and his wife Elayne will live in an apartment in Pittsburgh and wait for the call that will give him hope…ironically only after someone else has died.
Szalkowski will continue to handle police administrative duties and schedules for as long as possible thanks to a laptop, fax machine and cell phone while in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile his 14-year old son and 11-year old daughter will remain back here so their schedules can remain as normal as possible. Berkeley Township Detective Jimmy Smit and his wife will help take care of the children because that’s what best friends do.
And to that end many of Szalkowski’s friends and co-workers will gather tomorrow night for a fundraiser at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill on the boardwalk. The event runs from 5-10pm with food and music by Frankie and the Burn with all proceeds to help with the living expenses they will incur while in Pittsburgh. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door and if you can’t go but would like to help you can mail a check made out to
“The Szalkowski Fund” and send it to the Seaside Heights Police Department. In the ultimate role reversal it’s time for others to be around when a cop needs them!
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