Whether you call it a hurricane, super-storm or another name, Hurricane Sandy blasted New Jersey. Everybody from Cape May to Highpoint felt her effects and everybody has their story. There are stories of survival, heroism, sadness, happy endings and unfortunately stories of scams, thievery and people taking advantage of the storm victims.
My wife, daughter and I drove through Union Beach, NJ, one of the hardest hit communities, on Tuesday to check on the house of a friend's parents. A few streets were blocked by emergency and rescue personnel. Other streets were blocked by debris. At the risk of using a cliche, the town looked like a war zone. House after house were destroyed, severely damaged, flooded, reduced to ruble or simply gone. It was very hard to look but at the same time I was fascinated at the level of destruction from wind and water.
Some people were clearing out their house of items ruined, others were cleaning up the debris in their yard, others were assessing the damage and others were just walking around in disbelief. I felt as if everybody thought I was driving through just to gawk at them, and believe me, I know the feeling; I went through a flood several years ago and the level of damage was nothing compared to this storm but people drove around to gawk and I did not like it. But we were not there to gawk but to check on a house.
We finally got to the house. I parked and opened the door and the first thing I noticed was the stench of home heating oil. As I stepped out of my truck I realized the street was covered in mud, wet sand and oil. It had to be about an inch thick and still slowly flowing back toward the bay.
At first glance the house seemed to be sound so I walked around the corner (the house is on a corner lot) then saw the side yard was still flooded. I also noticed the above ground pool was collapsed. What I didn't notice right then was that the pool had moved about 10 feet and slammed into the fence from the force of the storm surge. I walked back around and that's when I noticed the oil tank lying on it's side on the ground.
My wife called her friend and told her what we saw. The following Saturday her friend, her husband and her parents were going to be at the house trying to salvage what they could so we all decided to go and help. This time driving through the town, every house we passed had a mountain of the owners possessions piled at the curb. There were beds, dressers, tables, bags of clothing and other items piled high.
When we got to the house there were structural engineers surveying the houses in the area and we noticed 3 of them had red stickers on them; 'Deemed Uninhabitable'.It was a very sad sight.
We helped them salvage as much as we could fit in the trucks. Then turned our attention to the half full oil tank. It took a couple of times but we got it upright. We then had to brace it due to one of the legs breaking.
As we were walking around the first floor of the house, I got a sense of how high the water was. On top of the counter and range were puddles of water and sand and debris. They estimated about 7 feet of water on the first floor of the house.
After we were done I couldn't help but think how good it will feel to go home, take a shower and sit in my chair and relax with a beer. Then I thought about all the people who lost everything and won't be able to relax for quite some time. I wish I could do more for them and other people. If we all do just a little to help somebody, it will go a long way.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Fall Ball Palyoffs
Today were the play off games for the Clinic Division. Since there were only four teams(1 from Hazlet, 1 from Marlboro and 2 from Aberdeen/Matawan) all the teams made it. We wound up being the 3rd seed so we played at 11 AM. We played the Belles team from Aberdeen/Matawan.
We started off strong and had 8 runs in the first 2 innings. The Belles came back strong in the third and scored 4 runs. That would turn out to be the only runs they scored. We won in the 5th inning under the mercy rule.
All our girls played great. They all had at least one hit and scored a run. We even had our 2nd double play of the year!! At the risk of bragging, I would like to say the Baileigh, my daughter, had the game wining RBI single!!
Our next game, the Championship game, is this Sunday. Wish us luck!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Thompson Park Day
Yesterday, My wife, daughter and I went to Thompson Park day. Thompson Park is the Monmouth County park in Lincroft, NJ where I do most of my kayak fishing.We have also been to the off leash dog area and rode our bikes on the paved trails. Although I have been to the park numerous times, there is so much of the park I never knew existed.
I was expecting a small exhibit with a few things for kids. I was blown away by what they offered. There were 2 inflatable slides, one for bigger kids and one for little kids. There were a couple of rides, a video game trailer, face painting, pumpkin painting, scarecrow building contest (although i thought the $15 fee was a little high) and a small mini golf set up.
If you got hungry walking around with the kids, there were many food vendors selling the usual carnival fare; cotton candy, pretzels, sausage sandwiches, cheese fries etc. And the prices weren't too bad.
Marlu lake, the park lake, was a little too far to walk to so they provided a shuttle bus for anyone wanting to go canoeing. We jumped aboard and took the ride. I fully expected to pay, as they rent canoes for an hourly rate. When we got to the lake I found out it was free. My nephew was with us and I knew that he wanted to go and wasn't sure about my daughter, but at the last second she said yes. They handed us each a life vest and paddle, loaded us into the canoe and off we went. As I have been out on the water many time in my kayak, it was a different experience in a canoe. Although we had a blast canoeing the lake, I do prefer a kayak. But, my daughter really enjoyed it so purchasing a canoe down the road will always be an option.
After we took the shuttle back to the main area, we did the corn maze. I must admit, this wasn't one of the better corn mazes I have done. It was geared more toward younger kids, not 71/2 year olds. once finished with the corn maze we had to pick up the pumpkins my daughter and nephew painted. Then it was time to call it a day.
We all had a great time and were glad we went. I forgot my camera and I was looking forward to taking lot of pictures while walking around. It looks like I will have another chance next year as we decided to make it a tradition and go every year. My only regret, that we didn't start this new tradition a few years ago.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Softball
Our 2012 HYAL Fall Ball season is winding down. We only have a few games left. I must say, as much as I enjoyed coaching a team, I also like being an assistant coach. It gives me more time to focus on Baileigh as well as coach the other girls.
I have noticed improvements with every girl. They are getting hits and making great plays in the field. In fact, in our game Friday night we had a double play! The bases were loaded a pop up was hit to our pitcher and she caught it! Meanwhile, the girl on third crossed the plate and the girl on second was on third. I was coaching from the third base side so I started yelling to Anna, the pitcher, to 'throw the ball to third'. She did and Jenna, third base girl, caught the ball but didn't do anything. I had to yell to her to 'step on the base', which she did.
After the inning, Jenna asks me 'Did I get that girl out?' I replied, 'Yes! It was a double play!' She said, 'oh'. Then headed to the dugout. LOL
We still need to work on a few things but all in all they are doing great! I am proud of all the girls, especially Baileigh! She is getting better every game and she always tells me how much she loves softball. I hope she keeps playing.
I have noticed improvements with every girl. They are getting hits and making great plays in the field. In fact, in our game Friday night we had a double play! The bases were loaded a pop up was hit to our pitcher and she caught it! Meanwhile, the girl on third crossed the plate and the girl on second was on third. I was coaching from the third base side so I started yelling to Anna, the pitcher, to 'throw the ball to third'. She did and Jenna, third base girl, caught the ball but didn't do anything. I had to yell to her to 'step on the base', which she did.
After the inning, Jenna asks me 'Did I get that girl out?' I replied, 'Yes! It was a double play!' She said, 'oh'. Then headed to the dugout. LOL
We still need to work on a few things but all in all they are doing great! I am proud of all the girls, especially Baileigh! She is getting better every game and she always tells me how much she loves softball. I hope she keeps playing.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
HYAL Fall Ball
After having about 5 or more sign ups, we finally have enough girls to have a 2012 HYAL Fall Ball season. I was looking forward to coaching the clinic division another year as we do not feel Baileigh is ready to move up to the next level just yet. I even told the Commissioner I wanted to coach clinic again with Baileigh.
I got an e-mail from the commissioner last week stating that I am going to coach a minors team. Minors is the next level up from clinic. The clinic is more about teaching and helping the girls. The coach pitches and the team playing the field are allowed to have up to 3 coaches in the field to help with the plays. A lot of the girls never played softball before and do not know even the basics. Baileigh knows how to play and is actually a pretty good player. We just felt she needed at least one more season in clinic to work on catching.
After discussing it with Beth, we wanted Baileigh in clinic so I notified the Commissioner. Well, She is in clinic but there is only one team (we play Matawan, Aberdeen and Marlboro) and they already have a coach so I miss out on being the coach. I offered to be assistant coach. I would rather be an assistant coach in clinic rather than head coach in majors when Baileigh is not ready.
I'm still looking forward to the season.
I got an e-mail from the commissioner last week stating that I am going to coach a minors team. Minors is the next level up from clinic. The clinic is more about teaching and helping the girls. The coach pitches and the team playing the field are allowed to have up to 3 coaches in the field to help with the plays. A lot of the girls never played softball before and do not know even the basics. Baileigh knows how to play and is actually a pretty good player. We just felt she needed at least one more season in clinic to work on catching.
After discussing it with Beth, we wanted Baileigh in clinic so I notified the Commissioner. Well, She is in clinic but there is only one team (we play Matawan, Aberdeen and Marlboro) and they already have a coach so I miss out on being the coach. I offered to be assistant coach. I would rather be an assistant coach in clinic rather than head coach in majors when Baileigh is not ready.
I'm still looking forward to the season.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
2012 HYAL Softball Season Ends
On Father's Day we had the 2012 HYAL All Star game. There were 4 teams and each team had to pick 6 players (5 and 1 alternate). Two combined teams played the other two combined teams. Before the game all the coaches got together and we decided to just play all 12 girls the whole.
Things didn't start too good for our team. My daughter, Baileigh, got a base hit and ran to first to beat the throw and collided with the girl playing first. During the season we used a training first base, which is basically two bases together. The white side for the fielder and the orange side for the runner. For the All Star Game we were using a regular base. When the two girls collided, Baileigh got knocked off her feet, hit the ground so hard her helmet came flying off. When she got up she made sure she touched the base which didn't matter because she was safe!
We had to have another girl run for Baileigh cause she had the wind knocked out of her and had to sit for a little bit. But the next inning she was back in the game!!
Baileigh did great as did all the girls. We didn't keep track of outs or the score so all the girls could play and hit. I don't totally agree with the way we did it but they all had fun.
After the game, we had the All Star medal presentation right on the field. The girls were excited because most of them didn't know they were getting medals for being All Stars. I didn't know either.
After the game and medals we went down to the snack bar area and there was a DJ and grill set up as well as other All Star games and play off games. At 12:30 it was time for the Girls Clinic medal presentation. The DJ handed the mic to each coach and we announced our girls as they each got their medal in front of the whole crowd. All the girls were excited to get their medal especially in front of everybody.
Of course while there I signed up to coach Fall Ball...if they have it this year. Last year there were not enough girls to get the clinic going so hopefully we'll have enough this time.
All in all it was a great day and Baileigh had fun, although a bit sore.
Things didn't start too good for our team. My daughter, Baileigh, got a base hit and ran to first to beat the throw and collided with the girl playing first. During the season we used a training first base, which is basically two bases together. The white side for the fielder and the orange side for the runner. For the All Star Game we were using a regular base. When the two girls collided, Baileigh got knocked off her feet, hit the ground so hard her helmet came flying off. When she got up she made sure she touched the base which didn't matter because she was safe!
We had to have another girl run for Baileigh cause she had the wind knocked out of her and had to sit for a little bit. But the next inning she was back in the game!!
Baileigh did great as did all the girls. We didn't keep track of outs or the score so all the girls could play and hit. I don't totally agree with the way we did it but they all had fun.
After the game, we had the All Star medal presentation right on the field. The girls were excited because most of them didn't know they were getting medals for being All Stars. I didn't know either.
After the game and medals we went down to the snack bar area and there was a DJ and grill set up as well as other All Star games and play off games. At 12:30 it was time for the Girls Clinic medal presentation. The DJ handed the mic to each coach and we announced our girls as they each got their medal in front of the whole crowd. All the girls were excited to get their medal especially in front of everybody.
Of course while there I signed up to coach Fall Ball...if they have it this year. Last year there were not enough girls to get the clinic going so hopefully we'll have enough this time.
All in all it was a great day and Baileigh had fun, although a bit sore.
Monday, June 11, 2012
HYAL Softball
The 2012 season of HYAL softball is coming to an end. We are having an end of season day on Father's Day along with medal handouts and the All Star Game. I am proud to say that Baileigh made the All Star team! She has improved so much since last year.
About half way through the season I decided not to coach anymore. It is tough with girls ranging in age from 7 to 9. Every game and practice, my assistant coach (who also happens to be my wife) and I spend so much time telling the girls 'off the fence', 'pay attention', 'don't throw dirt'. And every time we have to it takes time away from coaching.
We also had a couple of girls who never played softball and knew nothing about it. So it a was big challenge to coach the girls who have played almost their whole life and girls who never played at the same time. I think we did a good job. And I must say, it was a good feeling to see a girl getting good hits and making some plays in the field when the first game she ran to third, instead of first on a hit because she didn't know. I have seen a lot of improvement from ALL the girls.
As I sit here getting ready for the end of season celebration and the All Star game, I know that when fall ball starts in a few weeks or so, I'll be signing up to coach.
About half way through the season I decided not to coach anymore. It is tough with girls ranging in age from 7 to 9. Every game and practice, my assistant coach (who also happens to be my wife) and I spend so much time telling the girls 'off the fence', 'pay attention', 'don't throw dirt'. And every time we have to it takes time away from coaching.
We also had a couple of girls who never played softball and knew nothing about it. So it a was big challenge to coach the girls who have played almost their whole life and girls who never played at the same time. I think we did a good job. And I must say, it was a good feeling to see a girl getting good hits and making some plays in the field when the first game she ran to third, instead of first on a hit because she didn't know. I have seen a lot of improvement from ALL the girls.
As I sit here getting ready for the end of season celebration and the All Star game, I know that when fall ball starts in a few weeks or so, I'll be signing up to coach.
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