NEXT ISSUE AUGUST 19TH ALL DEADLINES AUGUST 7TH

NEXT ISSUEAUGUST 19TH

• SEAFOOD FESTIVAL• LABOR DAY• BACK TO SCHOOL

ALL DEADLINESAUGUST 7TH

For Ads Call732-727-0398

or732-727-1906

THESOUTH AMBOY

SAYREVILLE

Date: July 22, 2006 PRICELESS Vol. 15 Issue 10

The South Amboy Democratic Party gathered with candidates to welcome new DemocraticOrganization Chairman, Major John F. “Jack” O’Connell back from his tour of duty in Iraq.Pictured (l-r) Council candidate Joseph Connors, Mayoral candidate John T. O’Leary,Chairman O’Connell, and Council candidate Fred Henry. (Photo by Brian Stratton)

Commander Bob “Zak” Sekerak(r), of the Luke A. Lovely American Legion Post #62 of SouthAmboy (r), who is a former U.S. Navy veteran, and his son, OS2 Michael Sekerak (l) of SouthAmboy, who is stationed on the USS Lake Erie CG 70 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in the U.S.Navy, prepare to retire an American flag at the Legion’s annual flag retirement ceremony,which was held at the South Amboy Boat Ramp. (Photo by Tom Burkard)

SayrevilleBusinessman Dies

At 85By Tom Burkard

Charles “Charlie” Spezzi, 85, the well-liked and highly-respected businessmanfrom Parlin died on July 3. He was born inSouth Amboy, and resided in Parlin since1953.

He won two Purple Hearts for woundswhile serving with the U.S. Navy in WorldWar II.

Spezzi owned Spezzi’s Restaurant inParlin from 1959-96 when he retired. It wasone of the area’s most popular dining spots.He was a driver/attendant for Spezzi &Maliszewski Funeral Homes from 1977-2001. Spezzi also worked for E.I. DuPontfor 14 years. He owned Spezzi Trucking inParlin, Washington Road Superette in Parlinand also Spezzi’s Sweet Shop & Pizzeria.“Charlie” was an active member in manylocal organizations. He is survived by hiswife of 55 years, the former Gertrude Janas,his children Carmen F. Spezzi and his wifeChristine, Donna Mauro and her husbandMichael S. Sr., Darlene Spezzi and herfiancée Marc Mero, 7 grandchildren, and 4great-grandchildren. He certainly left a posi-tive mark on so many, and will be trulymissed. May God bless you, “Charlie”!

Champs Again! On June 1st, the Melrose Blackhawks of South Amboy competed in theFiremen’s Parade in Pleasantville, NY. Marching for Congers, NY Fire Dept., the corps notonly captured 1st place in the Drum & Bugle Corps competition, but was awarded the BestOverall Musical Unit Trophy. The next day, the Corps traveled to Wildwood, NJ for the NJState Elks Parade. Melrose walked away with another 1st place, capturing the Garden StateChampionship title.The Corps competed at Wildwood again on June 10th, this time in the NJ American LegionParade. The Blackhawks captured another 1st place, successfully defending its title of NJState American Legion Champion. The Corps honor guard achieved a 3rd place showingand Mary Kilcomons was awarded best appearing Drum Major.The Corps is always looking for new members. Rehearsals are held on Sunday eveningsfrom 6-9 p.m. at the Civic Center on Dolan St. in Sayreville. For more info, please call 732-721-7578 or visit the Blackhawks on line at www.melroseblackhawks.com.

SayrevillePoliceman DiesBorough of Sayreville Police Officer,

Michael Blaszas, 31 died on July 8. Heformerly resided in Parlin, and was a police-man for the past 3 years. Blaszas previouslywas co-owner of K & B Landscaping inParlin, with William Kilcomons.

Melillo Will Not RunBorough of Sayreville Republican

Councilman, John J. Melillo, who has beenon the Council since 2000 has decided not torun in November’s election, which has twoseats open. Melillo cited not having enoughtime to dedicate to the borough because ofpersonal and professional obligations.

The Republican Party chose MarionMarks as Melillo’s replacement to run withRon Green in the election. She is a lifetimeSayreville resident. Green and Marks willoppose Democrats Stanley Drwal and KathyMakowski.

Priests Elevated ToMonsignor

By Tom BurkardTwo well-respected and admired priests,

who previously served in South Amboy andSayreville, were recently elevated to theposition of Monsignor. Father Andrew L.Szaroleta, was assigned to Sacred HeartChurch in the late 1970’s through the early‘80’s, and later was Pastor of St. BernadetteChurch in Sayreville. He was then calledupon to open Immaculate Conception Schoolin Clinton Township, the first CatholicSchool in Hunterdon County.

Early in his career, in the late 1960’s,Father David I. Fulton was assigned to St.Mary’s Church, and was also a popularreligion teacher in the high school, who wasespecially appreciated by the Class of ’69.He is currently the Pastor of Our Lady ofVictories Parish in the Baptistown sectionof Kingwood. Congratulations Msgr.Szaroleta and Msgr. Fulton, and God Bless!

South AmboyReceives Grant

Mayor John T. O’Leary announced thatthe Middlesex County Board of Freeholdershas awarded a $908,250.00 Grant to the Citypermitted by the “Open Space Recreational& Farmland and Historic Preservation TrustFund”.

The funding of the shoreline stabiliza-tion is to reduce the existing undermining ofthe walkway and the need for frequent beachnourishment along the walkway.

The shoreline in this area of the Countyis exposed to easterly winds generated bypassing northeasterly type storm systemswhich create a wave climate including tidalsurges which contribute to a scarp along theshoreline.

CME Associates in consultation withthe NJDEP and Dr. Michael Bruno from theStevens Institute of Technology concludedthat a revetment system would be appropriatefor the stabilization of the shoreline. Theprocedures are also contained in the ArmyCorps of Engineers Shore Protection Manual.

The scope of work generally includesthe regrading of the existing shoreline to amaximum of 3:1 and the application of ageotextile fabric over which three layers ofaggregate armor will be applied. This treat-ment will be utilized approximately 240’north and 90’ south of the pedestrian bridge.

“This grant is but another example of theinterest and financial participation by theMiddlesex County Board of Freeholders inthe City’s Redevelopment interest. Free-holder Director David Crabiel was helpfuland instrumental in making this grant avail-able. He personally visited the site on severaloccasions to evaluate the magnitude of theproblem and was actively engaged in discus-sions to determine a solution”, said MayorJohn T. O’Leary

The City Administration and residentsof the City are most appreciative of the effortsand concerns of Director Crabiel and mem-bers of the County Board of Freeholders.

Classic Car Show &Flea Market

Independence Fire Co. #1 of SouthAmboy will present its 7th Annual Antique& Classic Car Show on Sun., Aug. 6 from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain Date Aug. 13), onBroadway, South Amboy.

Vans, race cars, 4 x 4’s & bikes arewelcome. The event features Blacktop Park-ing; No judging of vehicles; Fans Choicetrophies; Sponsor Awarded trophies; Chief’sTrophy; Mayor’s Trophy. Dash plaquespresented to the first 100 entries. Advancedentry fee is $10 per vehicle; $15 on the dayof the show. Vendors/Craft Vendors arewanted. Advanced entry-$20, Day of showentry-$25. Bud & Bud Light Mugs only $1for vehicle entrants ALL DAY, provided byThe Landmark Tavern.

The fun day for the whole family alsoincludes 50’s music by Jukebox Jimmy;Irish Dancers; Raffles (lots of prizes)! Cometaste our famous Satski’s Ribs!

2 July 22, 2006 South Amboy-Sayreville Times

SOUTH AMBOYSAYREVILLE TIMES

P.O. BOX 3027 • SOUTH AMBOY N.J. 08879Tel. 732-727-0398

email: [email protected] Burkard

Associate PublisherBrian Stratton

Feature WritersElaine Holton Scott

Teo WeberPhil Rainone

Clem SkarzynskiDr. John Misiewicz

Lenn AmbroziakSteve Schmid

Michael J. ElsonPoet Laureate

Albert Gomolka Jr.Opinions and comments in printed articles do not necessarily reflect

the opinion of The South Amboy-Sayreville Times, c. 1991.This newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in the editorial

copy or advertising beyond the cost of space occupied by error.

South Amboy hero, Major John F. “Jack” O’Connell (r) is awarded the Bronze Star from hiscommanding officer at Baghdad, Iraq. Congratulations Jack! (Photo courtesy of Maj. JohnF. O’Connell)

Talk Of The TownsBy Tom Burkard

Sayreville Emergency Squad Is 70The Sayreville Emergency Squad is

celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year.The original organization started in 1936,with a donated hearse and bread truck.

The bread truck was used as a crashtruck, and the hearse was turned into anambulance. The Squad does an outstandingjob, and if you’re interested in joining, call732-390-2923.Sayreville Girl Sang At Shea Stadium

11-year old Maggie Bera of Sayrevillerecently sang the “Star Spangled Banner” atShea Stadium prior to a Mets game before40,000 people. Congratulations!In Memoriam

Michael Kaluzny, 70, of Parlin died onMay 20. He was the former owner of ParlinDiscount Wine & Spirits, which was previ-ously Village Inn Liquors on WashingtonRd. Margaret Bullard, 82, of South Amboydied on June 14. She was a Deacon for manyyears at the First Presbyterian Church inSouth Amboy. William “Billy” O’Leary,66, formerly of South Amboy died on June15. Very popular and highly-respected, hewas Past President of Enterprise SnorkelCo., Past Exalted Ruler of BPO Elks Lodge784, South Amboy, and former Vice-Presi-dent of the Sayreville Association For BrainInjured Children. John Ryniec, 81, ofSayreville died on June 20. He worked for42 years as a research assistant in photoproducts at DuPont. Marijane O’Brien, 80,of South Amboy died on June 23. She wascourteous and well-appreciated by all whenshe was a Postal Clerk at South Amboy PostOffice for many years, and also was a formerGirl Scout leader and Past P.T.A. Secretaryfor St. Mary’s High. Donald Riley, 69, ofSouth Amboy died on June 25. He was amember for over 30 years, and Ex-Captainof Protection Engine Co., a member formore than 15 years and Past President of theSouth Amboy First Aid Squad, and Ex-Chief of Middlesex County Fire Police.Carmen Fazio, 92, of South Amboy died onJune 25. He was a research assistant atDuPont for 40 years, and a member of manycommunity organizations. Anne O’LearyNicodemus, 86, formerly of South Amboy

Pleasant Little TriviaBy Tom Burkard

1.St. Mary’s Parish Administrator in1969? a.Rev. James McConnell b.Msgr.Sullivan c.Mr. Frank

2.Served as Mayor of South Amboyfrom 1937-39? a.Harold G. Hoffmanb.Charles Mason c.Thomas Gleason

3.Vice-President of Frog Hollow Swim& Tennis Club in ’94? a.John Nappib.Mickey Gross c.Thomas Tighe

4.President of Melrose AA from 1942-47? a.Richard Standowski b.HarryAndrejewski c.Raymond Dzienciol

5.Sayreville High’s senior play in ’62?a.Down To Earth b.Summer Vacationc.Spring Fever

6.What year was the current SayrevillePublic Library completed? a.1970 b.1977c.1981

7.The previous Sayreville Public Li-brary was located on? a.Ernston Roadb.Pulawski Ave. c.Main Street

8.Sayreville War Memorial High’s Stu-dent Council President in 1970? a.KevinLynch b.Matt Anderson c.Joe Gabel

9.In 1988, this business opened inSayrewoods Shopping Center? a.Mandee’sb.Blockbuster c.D.E. Jones

10.President of South Amboy SeniorCitizens Club in ’76? a.Anna Murzakob.Mrs. John Chlebicki c.Mrs. Jospeh Jones

11.Principal of OLV School inSayreville in 1988? a.Sister M. Vianneyb.Sister Margaret Mary Smith c.Sister M.Constantina

12.South Amboy’s Board of EducationPresident in ’89? a.Eileen Ryan b.MargaretMcCarthy c.Barbara Rone

died on July 2. She was a wonderful lady,actively involved in volunteering to help theneedy. Theresa Huryk, 74, of South Amboydied on July 7. She worked for 35 years atthe South Amboy Roller Rink, and wasactive in several groups at Sacred HeartChurch. Please take a moment of silence inmemory of these fine people.

Answers1a 2c 3c 4c 5a 6a 7c 8b 9a10b 11b 12a.

South Amboy-Sayreville Times July 22, 2006 3

Business of the Month

“Funnel Cake Carnival at the Keyport IHOP. Celebrate the summer and enjoy a funnelcake like only IHOP can make.”

Keyport IHOP

Keyport IHOP is located at 106 Route36 in the Stop & Shop Plaza. Owners Cliffand Mitzy Moore have owned the Keyportand Neptune IHOP’s since December2004. The Neptune IHOP is located at2200 Route 66 in the Shop-Rite Plaza.The Moore’s have a combined 20+ yearsof IHOP experience. Before moving fromGlendale, California to purchase theserestaurants, Mitzy Moore was a managerfor IHOP’s in different California cities.Cliff Moore worked for IHOP Corpora-tion in several positions with the latestbeing at their National Headquarters lo-cated in Glendale, California in Market-ing and Operations.

The two restaurants the Moore’s pur-chased were operated by IHOP Corp. andhad plenty of opportunities to make thembetter. Immediately after taking over therestaurants the menu prices were loweredby 10% to make them more competitiveas well as making them one of the lowestpriced IHOP’s in New Jersey. Gift cardsare available that can be redeemed at anyIHOP in the country.

The Moore’s put together a combina-tion of campaigns to give back to thecommunity. In the spirit of fun, familydining, they have Annual Breakfasts withSanta and the Easter Bunny. They supportthe Keyport Firemen’s Fair by offering acoupon on their 50-50 tickets and sponsora Pancake Eating Contest on the Fridayevening of the fair. On Wednesday’sSeniors 55 and older get 50% off and on

Friday’s Kids eat Free and are entertainedby cartoon character’s from 6-7:30. Alongwith the Kid’s Eat Free and CharacterNight, one Friday a month there is a facepainter to add even more fun for the fam-ily. Tuesdays are set aside for organiza-tions to raise money. Tuesday is Commu-nity Drive Night. The restaurant donates10% of their dinner sales to local organi-zations as a fund raiser. Call 732-264-2390 for details.

There’s a lot of competition in theKeyport area. That’s why the Moore’saccept other IHOP, Diner and competi-tors coupons for similar menu items 7days a week and up to 7 days after theirexpiration. Bring your ticket stub fromthe Hazlet Metoplex or PNC Art Centerthe day of the show and get 10% off yourentrÈe. Come in on your Birthday andyour meal is FREE! “We know our guestshave a choice and we want their loyalty.That’s why we want to give them morereasons to come to us,“ says Mitzy. “Weeven have call ahead seating so guestsdon’t have to wait as long at the restau-rant, adds Moore. Cliff Moore says thatpart of their success is in always raisingthe bar, “being good makes you just good– and that’s not good enough!” We listento our guests and always work to makethings better and beat our guests expecta-tions.”

Visit the Keyport IHOP anytime, anyday – NOW OPEN 24 HOURS EVERY-DAY!

St. Mary’s Welcomes Inquirers

Music at St. Mary’sOn August 8, 2006, pianist Sr. Mary

Gomolka will perform as part of the 2006Summer Spectacular Music Series at St.Mary’s. This special dedication recital se-ries will be performed on St. Mary’s brandnew Young Chang concert grand piano,given in loving memory of Mr. Ronald J.Keegan Concert begins at 11:00 AM at St.Mary Church, 256 August St. South Amboy,NJ. Admission is free, donations graciouslyaccepted. For more information please call(732)721-0179.

South Amboy High School Tennis Coach Tony Gonsalves (center) poses with his team onthe city’s new tennis courts located on Sixth Street. The Guvs hosted Highland Park tochristen the new courts. (Photo by Brian Stratton)

St. Mary’s Parish in South Amboy isnow accepting registration for any adult(age 14 or older) who is interested in prepar-ing for Baptism, First Communion or Con-firmation. The RCIA (Rite of ChristianInitiation of Adults) begins with severalweeks of inquiry sessions. Joined by teammembers and supported by the entire parishcommunity, participants will journey throughthe scriptures and learn more about the Catho-lic faith and tradition. No prior knowledgeof the Bible is necessary. Sessions will beheld on Sunday. This will be the ONLYpreparation available for adults this year.Catholics must have celebrated all threeSacraments in order to serve as godparentsor sponsors. If you or someone you knowhas ever considered joining the CatholicChurch, or if you are a Catholic and have not

yet celebrated First Communion and/orConfirmation, RCIA is for you. Pleasecontact Susette Lucarello at (732) 525-0141to register or for further information.


Yearbook-2001-St. Mary Diocesan HighSchool

By Tom Burkard

When the St. Mary Class of 2001 re-turned for classes in September 2000,“Doesn’t Really Matter” by Janet Jacksonwas the #1 song in the nation.

Dr. Frank Ianniruberto was principal,and some of his fine staff consisted of KathiFarrell, Yaneth Sierra, Michael Gagliardi,Sister Paula Nowak, Sister Anastasia Maher,Elizabeth Pogirnicki, Robert Jones. Theyearbook was dedicated to School Nurse,Peggy Dombrowski.

Some of the fine seniors selected ran-domly included: Shannon Abel, Jade Ander-son, David Apito, Jamie Cannon, KristineCastro, Nicole Chevere, Alaina Dowd (Finelady), Susan Halmi, Amy Jones, KatelynKeegan (Great Lady), Dan Kouvas, BrentKronowski, Carolyn Krutul, Alesia Lamourt,Jamie Mackiel (Great Lady), DanielMatuszewski, Margaret McBride, TomMcTighe, Wayne Meyers, Jim Morrissey,Robert O’Buck, Brian Ostrowski, KarenPachucki, Jessica Piskaldo, Mark Przygoda,Jennifer Ringer, Colleen Runkel, SeanRusser, John Salerno Jr., Carmen Spezzi,Melanie Townsend, Megan Wnorowski,Kyle Woolf.

The President of the Student Councilwas Kevin Burns (Great guy, and currentteacher/coach at Cardinal McCarrick). Thesenior play was titled, “Our Miss Brooks.”

Who could forget the Music Ministry orthe Christmas Concert? The Campus Min-istry extended a helping hand to the commu-nity. Perhaps the biggest event of the schoolyear was the Sports Hall of Fame’s premierinduction ceremony, in which 12 of St.Mary’s finest athletes of All-Time werehonored.

Some of the many fine senior athleteswere: Douglas Boucher, Kevin Burns(Scored his 1,000th point in basketball),Craig Kierst, Kara Kurzawa, Jillian Palomo,Casey Woods, Paul Fiore, Rick Starega,Dan Kouvas, Steve Maslowski, BrianMatousek, Jim O’Kelly, Tara Peers, Col-leen Swinarski.

Some members of the Class of ’01 hadinteresting nicknames, such as Charo,Roadmap, Pooh-Bear, Bean, Dukie, Pogs,Teen, Chuckles, Moose, Cap, Blondie, LilAngel, Shorty, Crash, Professor, Pudge, Mr.Coffee, Fuzzy.

At graduation time, Janet Jackson onceagain had the top song in the land with “AllFor You.”

New Book ForSayreville Author

Sayreville author, Ruth A. (Zamorski)Manieri has recently published her secondbook, “The Mayanmar Maneuver.” Thetome is an adventure story with a twist ofsuspense, and features 316 pages of whole-some reading.

Ruth is a lifelong resident of Sayreville,and a former elementary school teacher inthe Sayreville Public School system. Lastyear, she published her first book, “Pound-ing Down-One Day At A Time.” For moreinfo and to order, go to:www.authorhouse.com; or alsowww.amazon.com.

Lady Eagles Car WashThe Cardinal McCarrick Lady Eagles

basketball team will hold a fundraiser CarWash on Sunday, July 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.at St. Mary’s Elementary School Parking Lot.

Volunteers NeededThe Sayreville Police Dept. is looking

for volunteers, both male and female, fortraining as members of the Domestic Vio-lence Response Team. The team workswith the Police Dept. under the direction ofWomen Aware, Inc.

Volunteers must attend a 40-hour train-ing session. Police checks are also doneprior to acceptance. To sign up or for anyquestions, call Anita at 732-727-1951 orJean at 732-634-8589.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER(Never known to fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of

Mt. Carmel, Fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, blessedMother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assistme in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me andshow me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary,Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humblybeseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor mein this necessity. There are none that can withstandyour power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother.Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who haverecourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place thiscause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3consecutive days. You must publish it and it will begranted to you. Thank you. -M.M.

A PRAYER FOR HEALINGLord, you invited all who are burdened to come to

You. Allow your healing hand to heal me. Touch mysoul with Your compassion for others. Touch my heartwith Your courage and infinite love for all. Touch mymind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may alwaysproclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to Youin my need. Help me to lead others to You by myexample. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me healthin body and spirit so that I may serve You with all mystrength. Touch gently this life which you have created.Amen -T.B.



Fr. Mike Krull, Pastor of Our Lady of Victories Church leads the faithful in the second annualoutdoor Corpus Christi procession on Sunday June 18. The procession, honoring Jesus inthe Blessed Sacrament is an ancient Catholic custom which has returned with greatmomentum in the Church. There were three altars set up along the way and the faithfulwalked and sang hymns, stopping at each altar for benediction and were blessed with Jesusin the Monstrance. The procession was escorted by members of the Knights of ColumbusOur Lady of Victories Council 2061. Meghan Orlowski, a Senior at Cardinal McCarrick HighSchool and Vernice and Darianne Arahan from Our Lady of Victories School were the altarservers, followed by Fr. Jack Grimes, Parochial Vicar and Fr. Joseph Lugobe, visiting priestto Our Lady of Victories from Uganda

Our Lady of Victories Corpus ChristiSunday

Our Lady of Victories celebrated Cor-pus Christi Sunday with a 12 noon Mass andan outdoor procession on June 18, 2006. Theprocession began in the church after the 12noon Mass with the Blessed Sacrament be-ing carried by our pastor, Reverend MichaelG. Krull, under a canopy manned by mem-bers of the Knights of Columbus FourthDegree.

The procession composed of the parish

priests, Rev. Krull, Rev.Jack Grimes, andRev. Joseph Lugobe, members of the Knightsof Columbus, and OLV parishioners pro-ceeded to three outdoor altars singing vari-ous hymns. At each altar Benediction washeld along with veneration of the BlessedSacrament. At the last outdoor altar a fullbenediction was held before the group pro-cessed into the church where the BlessedSacrament was placed in the tabernacle.



The Provident Bank, located in South Amboy, recently held its Summer Kickoff andCustomer Appreciation Day. Pictured is the happy staff (l-r) Jennifer Weir, Kathy “PatchesThe Clown” Nemeth, Jatinder Kaur, Ivette Garcia, Dawn Roberts, Jason Hromyak, NicoleJorgensen, and Roxanne Keegan.

St. Mary’sRummage Sale

St. Mary’s Elementary School will holda Rummage Sale on Sat., Aug. 19th from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school. Come andsearch through the treasure chest of itemsfrom your fellow parishioners. Hot dogsand refreshments will be served for a mini-mal charge. Consider donating those items(NO CLOTHING ITEMS, Please!) that aretaking up space in your attic or basement.All proceeds to benefit the parish. Itemsmay be dropped off at St. Mary’s Elemen-tary School on Second St. at the door on thefar corner of the building, next to the park-ing lot (A sign will be posted). Drop offschedule: Saturdays 5-5:30 p.m. (July 22and Aug. 5); Sundays 9 a.m. to noon (July23 and Aug. 6). Volunteers are needed forthe day of the event. For more info call RitaPriolo 732-525-2772 or Carrie DeLucca732-525-0833.

Sayreville DayCrafters AndVendors

The Sayreville Day committee is look-ing for crafters, vendors, and food vendorswho are interested in being part of SayrevilleDay. The event is scheduled to take place onSunday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. witha rain date of Oct. 1. Since the high schoolwill be under renovation, a new site is in theprocess of being selected. Any interestedparties should call 732-390-7070 or [email protected].

Military Grant For Deployed SpousesSenator Joseph F. Vitale, Assembly-

man John S. Wisniewski, and Assembly-man Joseph

Vas would like to remind members ofthe military that there are grant funds avail-able through the Department of Commu-nity Affairs for spouses of deployed mili-tary personnel in the state of New Jersey.

Now is the time of year that manyfamilies plan to take vacations or to signtheir kids up for summer camp. Unfortu-nately, families of military personnel mightfind these activities difficult to arrange.Emotional and financial hardships, as wellas increased deployments may keep theseimportant family activities from takingplace.

The Deployed Military Spouses’ As-sistance Program, provided by the Depart-ment of Community Affairs, is available tospouses of deployed military personnel inall branches of service in the state who areincome eligible. The amount of paperworkto fill out for the program is minimal andmany receive their approval and funds

within a week of completing the applica-tion.

“These funds are available for financialemergencies and crisis situations, but theyare also available to provide stress relieving,recreational activities such as camp andclasses for the families of military personal,”said Wisniewski. “It is important for us tolet people know that programs such as thisexist.”

“Families with loved ones serving ourCountry have all made many sacrifices,”said Senator Joe Vitale. “These grant fundswill ensure that the simple, but enrichingexperience of summer camp is not one moresacrifice servicemen and servicewomen’sfamilies must make. I hope many families inour community take advantage of this op-portunity and I wish for a swift and safereturn home for all those deployed”

“Since families of military personneloften face financial difficulties when seek-ing to arrange activities for their children, Iam happy that there is a program for suchfamilies in need,” Vas said. It is an excellent

program that serves the spouses of deployedmilitary personnel, and I urge eligible fami-lies to take advantage of its beneficial resources.”

For more information or for an application,contact Fawn Mutschler at the Women’s Op-portunity Center at (856) 234-6200, ext. 235.



732-721-9093

732-721-0137

• Money Orders• All Utility Bills

"Serving The Community Over 100 Years"

For All Your Health Care Needs

Peterson Pharmacy

Now accepting payments for gas, electric, cable & others

• Film Developing• Greeting Cards

• Money Grams• Fax

• Medical/Surgical Supplies

FREE Delivery for Senior Citizens132 North Broadway

South Amboy, NJ 08879

J.J. Harrigan & Co. IncRealtors

980 ROUTE 9, SAYREVILLE, NJMailing Address: PO Box 37, South Amboy, NJ 08879

Bus: 732-721-7500 Res: 732-721-6743Voice Mail: Ext. 12 Fax: 732-721-4095

PATRICK J. ROCK, JR.Real Estate Sales Representative

OIL TANKOIL TANKREMOVERSREMOVERS

• TANK REMOVAL • INSTALLATION• TANK TESTING • SANDFILL

• ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

ADVANCEDSITEIMPROVEMENTASI

(732)

566-0281

ObituariesAlonso, Leonel, 73, of Parlin died on

June 15.Baist, John R., 19, of Parlin died on

June 16.Baulier, Helen, 79, of Parlin died on

July 9.Bennett, Roy C. Jr., 65, of Parlin died

on June 28.Berecsky, Claire Jankowski, 53, of

South Amboy died on June 18.Blazas, Michael, 31, formerly of Parlin

died on July 8.Bouthillette, Dorothy E., 71, formerly

of Sayreville died on May 21.Bullard, Margaret E., 82, of South

Amboy died on June 14.Cieslarczyk, Sophie Mioduszewski, 90,

of South Amboy died on June 30.Colini, Michael, 60, of Parlin died on

June 14.Darroch, John A., 68, of Parlin died on

June 18.DeBarba, Bernadette A., 76, of Parlin

died on June 28.Fazio, Carmen J., 92, of South Amboy

died on June 25.Fresnedo, Domingo, 81, of South

Amboy died on June 12.Gandy, Margaret, 84, of South Amboy

died on June 1.Gozora, Mary, 86, of Morgan died on

June 18.Huryk, Theresa Mary, 74, of South

Amboy died on July 7.Kaczorowski, Helen, of South Amboy

died on June 20.Kaluzny, Michael F., 70, of Parlin died

on May 20.Kinsel, Gary, 41, formerly of Sayreville

died on June 5.Kordecki, Edwina Pawlowski, 87, for-

merly of Sayreville died on July 2.Kuchta, Sigmund M., 90, of Sayreville

died on June 13.La Monica, Mildred, 92, formerly of

Sayreville died on July 5.Lula, Josephine R., 77, of Sayreville

died on July 6.Malone, Dolores A., 68, of Parlin died

on June 13.Marchesi, Lena, 92, of Sayreville died

on July 1.Mercado, Naomi “Connie,” 70, of Parlin

died on June 16.Mourao, Carlos, 80, of Sayreville died

on June 2.Nesterwitz, Virginia, 71, of Parlin died

on June 21.Nicodemus, Anne O’Leary, 86, for-

merly of South Amboy died on July 2.O’Brien, Marijane Quinlan, 80, of South

Amboy died on June 23.O’Leary, William E. “Billy,” 66, for-

merly of South Amboy died on June 15.Peterson, Andrew M., 57, of Morgan,

died on June 10.Riley, Donald Sr., 69, of South Amboy

died on June 25.Ryniec, John J., 81, of Sayreville died

on June 20.Spezzi, Charles, 85, of Parlin died on

July 3.Sutak, Joseph J., 66, of South Amboy

died on May 26.Trella, Dorothy, L., 87, of South Amboy

died on June 28.Twardos, John “Jack” H., 54, formerly

of South Amboy died on June 13.Zubrick, Elizabeth, 88, of Parlin died

on July 4.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER(Never known to fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of

Mt. Carmel, Fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, blessedMother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assistme in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me andshow me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary,Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humblybeseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor mein this necessity. There are none that can withstandyour power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother.Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who haverecourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place thiscause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3consecutive days. You must publish it and it will begranted to you. Thank you. -M.M.


South Amboy Firefighter, Tom Kross is trying to confirm if this is a picture of a South AmboyFire House on Broadway, and if anyone knows in fact that there was a firehouse on Broadwaybefore 1924. The posters on the building to the right are for a play, Abie’s Irish Rose thatopened on May 23, 1922 at the Fulton Theater in New York, and later moved to the TheaterRepublic on Sept. 1, 1922 and ran until Oct. 1, 1927. Kross stated that, “Some are sayingthat SAFD on the building stands for San Antonio Fire Dept. My question is, why would youput posters on a building in Texas for a play in New York?” Any help or information, call TomKross at 732-727-0517.

Handwriting Champion

School SuppliesNeeded

The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St.Mary Church is in need of your assistance inproviding school supplies (notebooks, pens,pencils, crayons, book bags, etc.) to theirclients’ children before school starts. Pleaseleave all supplies in the box in the vestibuleof the church between now and Aug. 20.

John Smierzynski, a 1st Grade studentat St. Stan’s School, was honored for havingthe best handwriting in New Jersey! He wasnamed the 2006 State Handwriting Cham-pion in the National Handwriting Contestsponsored by Zaner-Bloser Educational Pub-lishers. John will go on to compete againstwinners nationwide for the title of NationalChampion, selected for each grade level,grades 1-8. A Grand National Championwill be selected from all National Champi-ons.

John, his teacher, Ms. Mary AnnUrbanik, and St. Stan’s Principal, Mrs.Harriet Samim received beautifully engravedwooden pens, a special award certificate,

and a gift certificate for Zaner-Bloser learn-ing materials at St. Stan’s End-of-YearAwards Ceremony on June 13. Presenta-tions were made by Bill Johnson of Zaner-Bloser Co.


(732) 721-1166

360 Main StreetSouth Amboy, NJ 08879

NJ License #2878

PoochieDoo

ALL BREED GROOMING

149 NO. BROADWAYSOUTH AMBOY, NJ 08879

732-525-1172

Why Do Seniors Fall?More than 30% of older adults fall every

year. Beyond pain and decreased mobilityfrom a fall, the consequences may be muchmore serious. 1 in 20 hospitalizations ofolder people is directly related to falling. Afall can cause hip fractures, broken bones,bleeding into the brain and death. The an-nual medical expense for fall-related injuriesin U.S. adults over age 65 is greater than 20billion.

There are many reasons why older peoplefall: Side effects from medications; Faintingspells; Vertigo and lightheadedness; Persis-tent pain in any part of back or leg; Impairedvision such as having cataracts; Use of seda-tives or alcohol.

Tow general plans can significantly re-duce the risk of falls: Home safety and physi-cal conditioning. HOME SAFETY MEA-SURES: Good lighting in stairwells and hall-ways; Non-slip floors and rugs; Hand-railson stairs, shower and bathtub; Non-slip foot-wear and not walking in flip-flops, slippersor stocking feet.

Physical conditioning with a structuredexercise program that includes: balance train-ing, flexibility exercises and strength train-ing to assist balance.

As always, see your Chiropractor, andan ounce of prevention is worth a pound ofcure!

St. Mary’s ConcertSeries

The 2006 Summer Spectacular MusicSeries began on July 16 with a fine perfor-mance by pianist Victoria Griswold. SouthAmboy native, Sister Mary Gomolka, pia-nist will perform in concert on Aug. 6 at 11a.m. Performances will be given on the newYoung Chang concert grand piano, given inloving memory or Mr. Ronald J. Keegan.Admission is FREE, donations graciouslyaccepted.

Fishing FlashesBy Teo “Weebles” Weber

Salt WaterThe Word

is short Flukeand plenty ofshorts butsome keepersare mixed in.You may belucky and get one ortwo keepers. A friendof mine went out one after-noon in a small boat out ofAtlantic Highlands catching twenty fish- nokeepers! There are a few big Fluke around.I heard of a few 7 & 8 lb fish that were caughtin the Reach Channel in the Bay. Localbeach fishing has changed with small one totwo lb Bluefish replacing the bigger Blues,which have moved out to the middle of theBay. They are making life miserable forthose boats chunking bunkers for big StriperBass, which are still being caught. PartyBoats, fishing in the ocean for Bluefish, aredoing excellent with both jigs and bait. Onsome days spiny Dogfish invade the chumand seem to take over requiring a move toanother area. A very few Bonito have alsobeen caught. Bottom fishing for Sea bass isok. Some Blackfish are also mixed in withLing. Ocean surf fishing is mostly bigBluefish and some big Striped Bass are stillaround.Fresh Water

Heavy rains have put a damper on justabout all fresh water action. The only thinggood about it is that Cat fishing in general ison the upswing. High water has put thecatfish population on the prowl all over. TheDelaware River has great action now forChannel Cats with the high water.


St. Mary Church recently installed a brand new sign on the right front side. The sign featuresa beautiful picture of Mary. (Photo by Tom Burkard)

Have A Nice Day!! Bon Jovi performed for huge crowds this past week at Giants Stadium.The sweltering heat and thunder storms did not prevent everyone from having a great time!!(Photo by Brian Stratton)


It’s How You PlayThe Game

By Al Gomolka Jr.Times Poet Laureate

c.2006

To cheat or to play fairOr should we even careTo win and never loseWho wants to hear the boos?Keep a little on the sideHold secrets that you hideOr life won’t be the sameIt’s how you play the gameCall a pitcher from the penTo try and save the winWhen the arm’s gone lameIt’s how you play the gameThe drive is too severeTo by the rules adhereAll bets you better hedgeMaintain that upper edgeHave aces in the holeNo matter what the roleIn life, for love, or fameIt’s how you play the gameThe goal may be unknownBut seek it on your ownTo try the best your aimIt’s how you play the game

CrabsBy Peter McIntyre

Crabs have always been part of thestory of Morgan and Morgan Creek. In Juneyou have the arrival of the ancient Horse-shoe Crab. They come up onto the beach tolay their eggs in the soft sand. They areshaped like a horseshoe, but they have a hardand thick shell with a long hard spiny tailthat propels them. They are in reality morespider than crab and they are one of the fewprehistoric life forms still around. For de-cades the ill informed youth of LawrenceHarbor and Morgan would kill the horse-shoe crab thinking they were a danger tobeach goers. What folly. The rottingcarcass was only a treat for the gulls but aterrible inconvenience to all others.

Blue claw crabs have always been a bigpart of the Morgan Creek Fishery. In the late50’s the population of crabs started to de-cline due to decades of pollution. It startedto come back in the late 70’s, ever so slowly.This was due to more stringent anti pollutionlaws and the closing of many of the indus-trial polluters along the waterways leadingto Raritan Bay. Today the blue claw crab isagain in abundance. During the 60’s expertavid fisherman and crabber’s like TommyMcIntyre would spend many hours toilingaway trying to catch enough crabs for adecent dinner. He would use the bait lineand scoop net method or the crab trap. Withthe limited crab population, he was not thatsuccessful even with his expert knowledgeand techniques. Today it is a different story.

Morgan Creek is full of crabs, eels,bluefish, and strippers. The Bay is againteeming with life. It is said that the blue clawcrab caught in Morgan Creek is sweeter thananywhere else. While some from outsidethe area may scoff at that notion there issome scientific evidence to back it up. Thelarge swamp that is the first part of the foodchain for the sea provides the crabs with theessential nutrients they need to survive.Could it be that the blue claw crab is closestto its most basic needed nutrients, in Mor-gan, and that’s what makes it so sweet? It isfood for our thoughts.

Blood Drive-Aug. 6Sacred Heart Council of Catholic

Women, in conjunction with the New JerseyBlood Services will sponsor a “Blood Drive”on Sunday, Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.in Sacred Heart School Cafeteria, located onCedar St. and Washington Ave. in SouthAmboy. Platelet machines will be availablefor those wishing to donate. An appoint-ment may be made by calling 732-721-7764.


Bill D’Amico(Photo by Tom Burkard)

Where Have You Gone, Bill D’Amico?By Tom Burkard

Bill D’Amico has led a most interestinglife, ranging from his first baseball team, tobeing a 2-sport star at Sayreville War Me-morial High School, his graduation from theNaval Academy, a highly successful 22 year-career with the U.S. Navy, and so muchmore.

As a 7-year old Billy D’Amico playedorganized baseball for the first time as amember of the Daylight Bakery team in theSouth Amboy Little Fellas League. Heproudly recalled when he was 11 years old,and pitched two perfect games. Bill said hisfavorite Daylight teammates were ScottDouglas, Steve Makwinski, and his brother,Tom. He also paid tribute to his SA All-Starteammates. “There were lots of great play-ers, such as Gary Lange, Tom Boychuk, JimKeegan and Ron Croddick,” he said.D’Amico later went on to pitch for South

Amboy Trust Company’s Babe Ruth Leaguechampions, finishing a perfect (10-0) on themound for Coach John Lange’s club.

Sandlot ball was popular back in the1960’s, and he played against older guys likethe late Steve Douglas, Johnny Kozak, JoeJaskowiak, Bruce Buckiewicz and me. Wewould play at the Scott Ave. Park Field, orGeorgette’s/Dutch Boy Tank, an open areawhere we would bat uphill towards the tank.“Playing against the older guys helped us tolearn the game a little more than we wouldhave otherwise,” he said.

At the beginning of his junior year atSayreville, “I was challenged by JohnHeffelfinger to come out and play soccerbecause I didn’t play any Fall Sports. Iwasn’t very good, but picked up the gamequickly, and as a senior, wound up being 1stTeam All-County fullback. Our team lost 1-0 to Millville in the states,” he said.

On the baseball diamond that year, hewas fabulous, finishing (5-1) with an unbe-lievable 0.42 ERA. He was selected 2ndTeam All-County. In a contest against PerthAmboy, he was one out away from a perfectgame, when the batter popped up betweenfirst and second, and both players called forit, and it dropped in between them, and helost the game 1-0 in extra innings. “Some-times the best games that you pitch don’t panout the way you expect them,” D’Amicosaid. One of the most memorable wins of hiscareer came that season over Colonia in theMiddlesex County Tournament. Bill and theBombers defeated Jeff Gross, who wasdrafted by the NY Mets.

His senior year in ’73 was even better,as he finished (7-1), allowed only 2 runs and15 hits all year, and had perhaps the lowestERA in the history of Middlesex County, anastonishing 0.26! For his stellar season, hewas selected 1st Team All-County, 3rd TeamGroup 4 All State pitcher.

At Sayreville High, he turned in an

incredible (15-4) lifetime record on varsity,which included four 1-hitters!

Mickey Kott, Colonia’s baseball coachtold him that any time he wanted a tryoutwith the New York Mets, he would arrangeit. “Once my appointment to the NavalAcademy came, I was focused on that”, saidBill. Bill chose to attend the Naval Acad-emy because “It was a sure thing, and anopportunity to get a great education withouthaving to get a lot of student loans. I wasinfluenced by Bruce Buckiewicz who wentthere 2 years prior to me. I thought thiswould be a good opportunity to have after Igraduated from the Academy.” He creditedhis mom Pauline D’Amico for teaching himdiscipline when he was growing up, and thishelped him accept and deal with the stricttraining at Annapolis. Bill said that in highschool, he and Carol Sumski were the onlyseniors that took the bus to school every day.He was also the only senior that went a fullday, when they changed to a half day sched-ule. “My mom made sure I was going to stayout of trouble,” he stated.

Bill played varsity baseball and soccerfor 2 years while at the Naval Academy. Asa soph, he was a fine (5-2) on the mound, andas a junior, he pitched the opening game ofa doubleheader against Holy Cross, and torea tricep muscle and missed the entire season.He got off to a superb (3-0) start as a senior,but had to have an emergency tonsillectomyagain missing most of the season, except forthe last couple of weeks. “I remembercoming back and getting clobbered by Catho-lic University and also Brown University,”he said.

He did have the dream of a lifetimefulfilled that season, when he pitched againstthe Baltimore Orioles at Annapolis. Theycame down each year to play the Midship-men in a fundraiser game, and Bill struck outsecond baseman, Rich Dauer. “I have avivid memory of almost having my head

taken off by an Eddie Murray line drive.That was early in his career,” said D’Amico.He also recalled that Murray played firstbase that game, Al Bumbry in the outfield,and Mark Belanger at shortstop. “BrooksRobinson sat out,” he said. “After the game,we had a big Crabfest and got to meet theplayers, and got baseballs autographed,”D’Amico said.

Following his graduation from the U.S.Naval Academy, he was a Special Officerfor 22 years with the Navy, which entailedExplosive Ordnance Disposal, and ET Div-ing & Salvage. The job was very excitingand risky, and in Bill’s words, “I dove asdeep as 800-1,200 feet in the ocean for about10 years, and it was pretty thrilling! If I hadto do it over again, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

Bill and his wife Darlene live inAsheville, NC, and his daughters Cara 22, aUniversity of Florida grad, and Andrea 21,a soon-to-be graduate of the same school aredoing very well. “Their mom raised themright while I was away all those years,” hesaid.

D’Amico was back in New Jersey for along stay since last November for the firsttime in 32 years. He was working in NJ, butaccepted a job opportunity with Sealy Corp.as their Vice President of Quality & Safetyin High Point, NC. “It was fun being backwith family and friends,” he stated.

While in NJ, he hooked up with oldhigh school friends Steve Fisher and DannyMoran, as well as his brother Tom, andhelped them coach their 10-year old LittleLeague team in Sayreville. “I had a wonder-ful time working with the good boys whowere learning to pitch, just the basics. I’vecoached Little League, Babe Ruth League,up to high school throughout my militarycareer. I even umpired briefly,” saidD’Amico.

continued on page 17


The local kings of the “Three Chord Rock ‘N’ Roll” Roger Johnson And The Hubcapsare pictured in 1959 (l-r) Daryll James, Bobby Spencer, Frankie Josnie and Roger Johnson.This was the original lineup of these Morgan, NJ rockers at Jesse Selover School, rockin’the crowd.Shortly afterwards, Daryll left for his hitch with the Army, and Roger moved over to the Fenderbass, and South Amboy guitar wizard, Mr. Eddie “Guitar” Dill took over the lead guitar duties.Check out those Strats! A ’59 and a ’58! Eat your heart out, you axe slingers! (Photo andcaption courtesy of Clem Skarzynski)

From The Local Band Archives

Bruce Played InSayreville35 Years Ago Today

By Tom BurkardIt’s hard to believe, but on July 22,

1971, the great Bruce Springsteen performedlive in Sayreville at D’Scene nightclub,which was located on Route 9 North. Head-lining on the double bill was the group, thenknown as The Bruce Springsteen Band (inits 9-10 member incarnation). Sunny Jimwas the opening act. Bruce and his Band didtwo shows that evening, one at 9 p.m. andthe late show at 11:30 p.m. Sunny Jim alsoopened the late show. This was second tripfor “The Boss” at D’Scene, as he had giggedthere on January 18, 1971 with one of hisfirst bands, Steel Mill.

Springsteen returned on July 29, 1971,for two more shows, and once again, SunnyJim opened.

Ironically, when you think about it,Springsteen performed professionally inSayreville, before Bon Jovi played his firstnote on a guitar in the Borough.

Bruce also appeared at CBA in Lincroftin ’73, and jammed with a band called“Satan’s Jury.” We’re wondering if any ofour readers were present at any ofSpringsteen’s local performances. Let usknow at: [email protected]

#1 Pop Hits On July221995-Waterfalls-TLC1985-A View To Kill-Duran Duran1970-Mama Told Me-Three Dog Night1966-Hanky Panky-Tommy James & TheShondells1950-Bewitched1941-The Hut Sut Song1939-Stairway To The Stars

#1 Country Hits OnJuly 221994-Foolish Pride-Travis Tritt1980-True Love Ways-Mickey Gilley1972-It’s Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer-Charley Pride1968-Folsom Prison Blues-Johnny Cash1953-It’s Been So Long-Webb Pierce1945-Stars And Stripes On Iwo Jima-BobWills

One Hit Wonders25 Years Ago

1981-Giving It Up For Your Love-Delbert McClinton; Together-Tierra; Don’tStop The Music-Yarborough & Peoples;Somebody’s Knockin’-Terri Gibbs; Just TheTwo Of Us-Grover Washington, Jr. WithBill Withers; What Are We Doin’ In Love-Dottie West With Kenny Rogers; Is It You-Lee Ritenour; Theme From “GreatestAmerican Hero” (Believe It Or Not)-JodeyScarbury; It’s Now Or Never-JohnSchneider.

NEW MUSICBy Phil Rainone R&R Music DJ’s 732-316-9447

The Ventures- Alive Five-0 Greatest Hits Live(Theventures.com)

By Phil Rainone

Recorded during their tour of Japan(’01-’02) and the United States (Seattle,Wa. ’02), these cool surf instrumentals spi-ral off this 2 cd set with an energetic fresh-ness!

Opening with The Ventures signaturetune “Walk Don’t Run” actually, they havelike a gazillion signature tunes, they takecommand of the stage as the elder statesmenof surf rock!

After seeing them live at Asbury Lanes(www.asburylanes.com) earlier this year,their 90 min plus set was scorchingly smoothas only The Ventures could do. Betweentheir instrumental originals and covers, check“Caravan,” “Sleepwalk,” and “Slaughter on10th Avenue” for some fiery covers- TheVentures throw in a few vocal numbers like“Secret Agent Man” that add to the magic oftheir show-solid vocals by Don.

These songs have smoky licks and arehigh-octane, dual guitar, whammy-bar rock-ers.

The bands drum pondering, guitarpickin, hand-clapping mix on “Lets Go!”resuscitated the original version into a livingand breathing memorial to surf rockinstrumentals!

They pull off a wicked instro. on WoodyGuthrie’s “House of the Rising Sun” thatcaptures the bluesy sorrow of the original

without saying a word.“Wipe Out” closes disc one, leaving

you chomping at the bit for more. Disc onehas 17, disc two 20 sings, as disc two openswith a rollicking, “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”Amazing guitar work, as the band vibes offone another! Hawaii Five-0 with out thehorns, redefines one of the bands coolest,classic songs. They pump up the intensitywith their sheer, musical muscle.

This album is not about a couple of onehit wonders. The Ventures made over 100albums since the ‘50’s. This is about a bandslegacy. The Ventures craft exquisitely puremusic, punctuated at times with raw energy.The Ventures, along with Dick Dale, DuaneEddy, Link Wray, etc. helped jump start anew wave of music that includes newerbands like The Sonny Kenn Band, and TheBrimstones, as well as Eddie Angel andothers so numerous they could fill a toilettissue roll call (use Scott’s, it’s got 1,000sheets!)

Throughout the set, The Ventures keepthe spirit and flame on instro surf guitar andgarage rock alive! This is a band that livesto play and plays to live.

This is a monster of a live album! TheVentures are still on tour and you can gettheir new album at www.theventures.com

Play to live and live to play!

ERIC CLAPTON- Deluxe Edition(Polydor)

After Cream, but before Derek & TheDominos, Clapton put out his first, of many,solo albums in 1970. The core band includedall of the future Dominos, along with Delaney& Bonnie, Leon Russel, and a “superstar”lineup! Opening with the instro. “Slunky,”the album has an organic, rootsy vibe, high-lighted by the gorgeous “Let It Rain.” There’salso the original version, “She Rides,” andthe rockin’ “After Midnight.”

Disc 2 contains the long sought, fullalbum remix by Delaney Bramlett, it’s awe-some and four additional unreleased songs,including a stunning vocal by Rita Coolidgeon “Superstar.”

Universal has generously raided the ar-chives, giving us a more focused, and funview of these reissues. You really get aninside perspective on what is took to makethese landmark albums!

Chuck Berry- Hail! Hail! Rock N’ RollSoundtrack (MCA Records)

In 1978 Keith Richards was a man on amission. He’d heard a back-handed compli-ment that one of his idols, Chuck Berry,would probably only be remembered for thetongue-in-cheek, childish nursery rhyme“My Ding-A-Ling.” With that as his HolyGrail, Richards undertook organizing a liveshow, and documentary for Chuck’s 60th

birthday. The DVD is out now, featuringsome of the best musicians of Berry’s eraand their musical alumni, Clapton, Etta Jmes,Bo Diddley, Roy Orbison, etc.

Highlight- With Berry, Clapton,Richards, etc. as the back up band, LindaRonstadt belts out a jumpin’ “Back in theUSA!”

Richards out does himself, giving ChuckBerry back his icon status. Berry’s still outtheir playing, but Jerry Lee Lewis had thelast word proclaiming, “Chuck is the king ofrock & roll- my mama said that.”

Required listening: Chuck Berry’s “TheGreat 28” Best Of

Al Green- The Belle Sessions (Capitol)On The Belle album, expanded with 3

unreleased gems, Al Green found his call-ing. A great R&B singer, he went from soulto soulful and righteous to religious. Soonafter he became a Reverend. There were nocovers, all the songs were co-written byGreen, and no middle-of-the-road songs. AlGreen gave his heart & soul to his album,creating some of the best soul-searching,joyous songs of his life, including “LovingYou,” “Dream,” and “Feels Like Summer.”The latter song captures the cool, summer-time vibe, like with you see one of yourfavorite bands, Reel Big Fish or Catch 22,on a hot summer night!

Sun & Surf Songs TriviaBy Tom Burkard

1.__ Sunshine Of Your Love a.Gerry & The Pacemakers

2.__ Sunshine On My Shoulders b.Jan & Dean

3.__ Sunny c.Cream

4.__ Surf City d.Bobby Hebb

5.__ Sunshine e.The Beach Boys

6.__ Sunshine Superman f.John Denver

7.__ Surfin’ Bird g.The Kinks

8.__ Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows h.Donovan

9.__ Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying i.The Trashmen

10._ Sunrise j.Lesley Gore

11._ Sundown k.Eric Carmen

12._ Sunflower l.Glen Campbell

13._ Surfin’ U.S.A. m.Jonathan Edwards

14._ Sunny Afternoon n.Gordon Lightfoot

Answers

1c 2f 3d 4b 5m 6h 7i 8j 9a 10k 11n 12l 13e 14g.


School Sports By Tom Burkard

South Amboy High School’s baseballsuperstar, Brian Seres was selected “Playerof the Year” by Home News Tribune. (Photoby Brian Stratton)Sayreville War Memorial High School’s

softball superstar, Jess Nicola was chosen“Player of the Year” for Middlesex County bythe Star Ledger. (Photo by Brian Stratton)_

2006 Final Local LeadersBaseball

South Amboy (24-4), #3 in the state inGroup 1, and #2 team in Middlesex County;Cardinal McCarrick (11-12); Sayreville (11-12)

Batting Average-Brian Seres, SA .640(Middlesex County Batting Champion);Jared Mundy, SA .494; Paul Chrzaszcz, EBTech (SA resident) .431; Eric Douglas,Bishop Ahr (Sayreville resident) .431; BrettRomer, CM .423; Mike DeJoy, SA .417; EdGoldmann, Sayr. .409; Mike Harris, CM.403; B. Woods, Sayr. .403; David Donner,Sayr. .394; Nick Ruszala, Sayr. .390; KyleBlum, SA .379.

Runs-Seres 35 (tied for #3 in county);Mundy 35 (tied for #3 in county); Joe Tarallo,SA 30; Paul Conlon, SA 28; Ruszala 24;Douglas 24; Harris 23; DeJoy 22; Romer 22.

Hits-Seres 56 (#1 in county); Mundy41; DeJoy 33; Joe Bartlinski, SA 32; Ruszala30; Romer 30; Bill Wanko, SA 29; Douglas28; Harris 27; Tarallo 27.

Doubles-Seres 11 (tied for #5 in county);Bartlinski 9; Douglas 9; Conlon 8; Ruszala8; DeJoy 7; Blum 7; Romer 7; Donner 7.

Triples-Chrzaszcz 6 (Tied for #1 incounty); Mundy 5; Harris 4; Donner 4; Seres3; Goldmann 3.

RBI-Mundy 31; Seres 29; Bartlinski27; Romer 26; Conlon 21; Wanko 19;Ruszala 18; DeJoy 18; Douglas 18;Goldmann 18; Brian Martinez, Sayr. 17.

Home Runs-Mundy 5; Douglas 4; Seres3; Bartlinski 3; Goldmann 3; Romer 3;Ruszala 2; Tarallo 2.

Innings Pitched-Seres 52; B.J. Mackiel,CM 49.7; Mike Rochford, Sayr. 46.3; JaredMundy, SA 40; Joe Bartlinski, SA 28.7.

Strikeouts-Seres 81; Mackiel 42;Bartlinski 40; Tom Berardi 38; Mundy 29;Joe Bongiorno, SA 29.

Wins-Seres 7; Bartlinski 6; Mundy 5;Joe Bongiorno, SA 4; Rochford 4; EricPoltrictzky, CM 3.

ERA-Jamison Ruiz, CM 0.92 (#2 incounty); Bartlinski 1.71 (#8 in county); Seres2.02; Bongiorno 2.55; Mundy 2.98;Rochford 3.17.Softball

Sayreville (21-6), #2 in MiddlesexCounty; South Amboy (11-11) CardinalMcCarrick (4-14)

Batting Average-Nicole Scarillo, SA.558 (Middlesex County Batting Champion);Jess Nicola, Sayr. .455; Sarah O’Connor,SA .441 Stephanie Zrebiec, Sayr. .398; AmyPacansky, CM .386; Brianne Septor, SA.385; Amanda Olender, Sayr. .346; AliAnderson, SA .338.

Runs-Nicola 30 (#6 in county);S.Zrebiec 28; O’Connor 25; Septor 22;

Scarillo 21.Hits-Nicola 35; S.Zrebiec 35; O’Connor

30; Scarillo 29; Olender 28.Doubles-Scarillo 8; O’Connor 7; Ander-

son 6; Nicola 5.Triples-S.Zrebiec 2.RBI-Nicola 30 (#4 in county); Scarillo

26; S.Zrebiec 25; Olender 25; O’Connor 15.Home Runs-S.Zrebiec 7 (Tied for 2nd in county);

Nicola 6 (#4 in county); Scarillo 5 (tied for#5 in county with 3 others); O’Connor 3;Pacansky 3.

Innings Pitched-Olender, Sayr. 164;Casey Jukus, SA 100.

Strikeouts-Olender 206 (#2 in county);Jukus 60.

Wins-Olender 18 (3 way-tie for #3 incounty); Jukus 6.

ERA-Olender 1.37 (#10 in county)Tennis

Sayreville (10-13); South Amboy (0-11).

GolfSayreville (8-8) Cardinal McCarrick

(6-12).Boys Track

Sayreville (5-3)Girls Track

Sayreville (5-2)

Junior, Frank Greco was the first golfer in St.Mary’s/Cardinal McCarrick history to beselected to All-Area 1st Team in the HomeNews Tribune. (Photo by Brian Stratton)

Local StarsHonored

It was a great spring sports season forathletes from South Amboy, Sayreville andCardinal McCarrick. The following localplayers were honored by the media for theirfine performances.

BaseballBrian Seres, South Amboy-2006 Home

News Tribune “Player Of The Year.”Associated Press (AP) 3rd Team All-

State-pitcher/infielder; 1st Team Star Led-ger All-Middlesex; 1st Team Star LedgerAll-Group 1

Joe Bartlinski, South Amboy, pitcher-1st Team Star Ledger All Group 1; 2ndTeam Star Ledger All-Middlesex; 2nd TeamHome News All-Area

Ed Goldmann, Sayreville, outfielder-2nd Team Star Ledger All-Middlesex; 3rdTeam Home News Tribune All-Area

Eric Douglas, Bishop Ahr (Sayrevilleresident), first baseman-2nd Team Star Led-ger All-Middlesex.

David Donner, Sayreville-3rd TeamStar Ledger All-Middlesex

Jared Mundy, South Amboy-2nd TeamStar Ledger All-Group 1; 3rd Team StarLedger All-Middlesex; 2nd Team HomeNews Tribune All-Area

SoftballJess Nicola, Sayreville-Star Ledger

“Player Of The Year” for Middlesex County;Associated Press (AP) 1st Team All-State-shortstop; 1st Team Star Ledger All-Middlesex; 1st Team Star Ledger All-Group4; 1st Team Home News Tribune All-Area;3rd Team Star Ledger All State-All Groups;

Amanda Olender, Sayreville-1st TeamStar Ledger All-Middlesex; 1st Team HomeNews Tribune All-Area; 3rd Team Star Led-ger All-Group 4

Nicole Scarillo, South Amboy-2ndTeam Home News Tribune All-Area; 3rdTeam Star Ledger All-Middlesex

Stephanie Zrebiec, Sayreville-2ndTeam Home News Tribune All-Area

Sarah O’Connor, South Amboy-3rdTeam Home News Tribune

Golf-Frank Greco, Cardinal McCarrick-1st Team Home News Tribune All-Area

Tennis-Andrew Musyoka, Sayreville(Singles)-2nd Team Home News TribuneAll-Area.

Girls Track-Lynn Mayer, Sayreville(High Jump)-1st Team Home News Tri-bune All-Area.

O’Grady RepresentsU.S.A.

Former Sayreville War Memorial HighSchool bowling star, Matt O’Grady, 19,who lives in South Amboy, recently repre-sented Team U.S.A. in the American ZoneYouth Championships in Mexico. Con-gratulations!

American LegionBaseball

South Amboy (7-5) has been gettingsome outstanding pitching from JoeBartlinski, Shane Connors, Jared Mundy,and B.J. Mackiel. Bartlinski (5-1) has had 2games in which he struck out 12 and 14batters. Connors fanned 13 in an 8-0 shutoutover North Brunswick.

Supplying the offensive punch forCoach Jim Kazanjian’s SA team is EdGoldmann, who has blasted 3 home runs,Mundy, Connors, Paul Conlon, Mike DeJoy,Billy Woods, and Joe Magnifico.

Sayreville’s Junior Legion (7-5) hasfared very well thus far, receiving plenty ofhitting from Nick Ruszala, Tom Berardi andJake Campbell.

Sayreville’s 2000 LittleLeague Champs

Scott Douglas, who coached theSayreville Little League District Champi-onship team in 2000, told us that 6 membersof that club were recently selected by theStar Ledger for All-Middlesex teams. 2ndteam picks were: Joe Bartlinski, SouthAmboy; Eric Douglas, Bishop Ahr(Sayreville resident); Ed Goldmann,Sayreville; Nicky Alberino, Monroe. 3rdteam selections were Jared Mundy, SouthAmboy and David Donner, Sayreville.

Douglas said that the Little LeagueChampions were also coached by BillConnors and Ed Goldmann. “I rememberthe District Championship game, whenBartlinski hit the game-winning home run,and Mundy pitched in relief, and won thegame,” Douglas stated. He also said that“Nicky Alberino was our great centerfielder,who moved to Monroe.”

Eagles GreatestGolfer

Cardinal McCarrick’s Frank Greco es-tablished himself as the greatest golfer in theschool’s history, by finishing in 2nd place inthe GMCT, by shooting a 73, one strokebehind the winner, Gene Yang. Greco alsobecame the first golfer at St. Mary’s/Cardi-nal McCarrick to qualify for the Tourna-ment of Champions. He had the 7th bestover par in the county in 2006 with a + 4.64.Greco was one of the county’s Top 5 golfers,and was selected to Home News Tribune’sAll-Area 1st Team.

Mayer Chosen ToFirst Team

Sayreville junior, Lynn Mayer was se-lected to Home News Tribune’s All-AreaGirls Track 1st Team in the High Jump.Mayer had an outstanding and should beeven better next year. She cleared 5-2 in theGMC’s, finishing 2nd. In a dual meet, shejumped 5-7, and won the sectionals at 5-6.In Group IV, she came in 6th in the rain,getting a 5-2.

As a youngster, his dad, Angelo was hishero. “He nurtured me in baseball, andtaught me some of the finer points of thegame,” he said. Bill has many fond memo-ries of growing up in Sayreville/SouthAmboy in the ‘60’s. He is quick to creditLes Wilson for organizing challenges in allsports against youngsters from PresidentPark, Laurel Park and South Amboy.D’Amico also said that, “Back then, youcould go out after dinner and not worryabout who’s lurking in the shadows like it isnow. It wasn’t as congested, and we’d beout playing until dark. There were always alot of physical activities, and I wouldn’tchange it for anything.”

Bill’s hobbies include Antique Resto-ration Refinishing, Gardening, playing soft-ball “Whenever I can,” coaching “When-ever I can.” “I guess you can say I’m a Do-It-Yourself or Mr. Fix-It around the house.I’ll tackle anything,” he said.

How do you hope Bill D’Amico will beremembered in South Amboy/Sayreville?

“Hopefully, I’ll be remembered for morethan just baseball. I know it was a legacy,and I was just one in a long line of greatplayers. Hopefully, they’ll see there is lifeafter baseball for Bill D’Amico. I don’tknow how you measure success, but 2 greatchildren and a great wife, a comfortablehome, so life is still good for Bill D’Amico.

I think it’s safe to say that you, Mr. BillD’Amico have been a true success in every

Bill D’Amicocontinued from page 14

phase of the game of life! You’re an All-American through and through, and youhave achieved the great American Dream ofsuccess, and happiness! Congratulations onyour fine accomplishments, and it was apleasure to reconnect with you after about40 years!


LOCAL SPORTS MEMORY MACHINEBy Tom Burkard

Glory Days InLocal Sports

T.H.E.Game

By Tom Burkard

From The Sports Archives

Circa 1962-Hoffman High School and St. Mary’s High School’s finest athletes were honoredby the City of South Amboy at a banquet at John’s Halfway House on Ridgeway Ave. &Raritan St., South Amboy. How many attendees can you name? Send your answers to:[email protected]. (Photo courtesy of Bill Schwarick)

1949-Red Bank stoppedHoffman, 6-2 in baseball. JohnKovaleski ripped a single anddouble and drove in a run, while

Billy Bouchard drilled 2 hits.1950-Sayreville soph,Charlie Kolakowski fired two

no-hitters on the season, a 4-0 victory overSt. Mary’s, and a 2-1 gem over Metuchen.1964-The Bombers mauled Metuchen, 12-4behind winning pitcher, Dennis Dzergoski.John Karlowitz crashed a 2-run homer, andJohn Wojcik laced 2 hits and had 2 RBI.

1973-Hoffman topped JFK, 4-0 in base-ball play. Ray Poulson fired a 3-hitter tonotch the win, and Joe “Moose” McCarthyblasted a solo home run. Tom Szatkowskiwent a perfect 3-for 3. 1983-St. Mary’sbaseball squad nipped Mater Dei, 6-5 in theSouth Jersey Parochial B quarter finals. JohnMurphy singled in the game-winner in thetop of the 6th. Jeff Pacansky had 2 RBI’s,and Bob Fitzpatrick won his first game ofthe season. 1997-St. Mary’s nippedKeansburg, 7-6. Tracy McCurdy blasted a2-run homer, while winning pitcher MollyMcCreary fired a 2-hitter and allowed noearned runs. Bernadette McCreary belted 2doubles and drove in a run. 2003-CardinalMcCarrick girls softball club defeated High-land Park, 4-1, behind Mallory Kirchner’s2-hitter.

Sport-BaseballYear-1981Teams-Hoffman vs. Keyport for the CentralJersey (CJ) Group 1 championship.Recap-The Guvs scored 2 runs in the 2ndinning. Pat DeJoy scored on a double steal,and Darryl Munck scored when Brian Septor,who had 2 strikes, executed a successfulsuicide squeeze for Coach Reggie Carney’sclub. Hoffman erupted for 4 more runs inthe 3rd inning, when DeJoy blasted a 2-rundouble, Tim Bloodgood, an RBI single, andMunck a sacrifice fly. Bloodgood, a soph,and Tom Mulligan had 2 hits and an RBIapiece. Munck was the winning pitcher, andupped his record to (7-1), while the teamupped its all-time school record to (22-5).M.V.P.-The entire Hoffman Governors CJGroup 1 Championship team.

1969-Sayreville Bombers’ catcher, Kenny Lyon takes a big cut at a pitch early in the season.(Photo courtesy of Jane Wortley)

Field Dedicated ToMcKeon

South Amboy native and one of the All-Time great Major League Baseball manag-ers, Jack McKeon recently had another base-ball field dedicated to him. Red Berry’sBaseball World in West Kendall, Florida,named a field in McKeon’s honor, before300 young baseball campers.

McKeon, 75 years young, showed upan hour before the dedication to sign auto-graphs and visit with the youngsters, ages 4to 13, and then stayed afterward to do moreof the same. Jack spoke to the children for20 minutes, and asked them to tell theirparents they loved them. Berry’s schoolrecently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

*Special thanks to our Florida Corre-spondent, Don Pekarsky, formerly ofSayreville for the information.

Diamond Dust1965 Sayreville Little League-K of C 2

Zagata’s 1. Tom Roberts was the winningpitcher, and Danny Hockenjos blasted ahome run for Zagata’s.

1965 Morgan Little Fellas League-Fire-men 7 Sayrewood Ford 0. Winning pitcherRalph Arden fired a 1-hitter. Jack Ust andLenny Fierro were the hitting stars.

1967 Morgan Senior League-HarborChevron 9 Oak View Nursing Home 8. Thedefending champs opened their season witha thrilling win over Oak View Nursing Home.Chris Heye notched the victory, and had lotsof help from Bruce Marcinczyk, who ripped3 hits. Bob Bruhn’s triple drove in the gamewinner.

1974 South Amboy Midget League-Mets 5 Orioles 0. Jay Letts drilled 2 hits forthe Mets.

1975 SA Little Fellas League-Rotary 9English Chevron 1. George Carroll andTom Misak stroked 3 hits apiece.

1978 SA Babe Ruth League-Mario’sSub Shop 8 Boat Club 0. Winner pitcherBrian Grover fired a 6-hitter, and first sacker,Andy Pipala went 3-for-3 with 5 stolenbases, as Mario’s clinched the league pen-nant.

Did You Know?Cardinal McCarrick High School’s

baseball coach, Frank Notaro was the starleftfielder for Woodbridge High in 1962. Ina game against Sayreville, he ripped a two-run single to break a 1-1 tie, and lead theBarrons to a 4-1 victory over the Bombers,halting their 6-game winning streak.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

1969 Flashback:Lyon Goes To DL

Sayreville catcher, Kenny Lyon showedenormous potential as a soph in 1967, whileplaying the outfield and spot-catching at St.Mary’s. He transferred to Sayreville Highin ’68, and had to sit out the season, but cameback for his senior year, in which he won thestarting catcher’s job, and got off to a red-hot start as one of the club’s top hitters andwas leading the club in RBI. On OpeningDay in a 17-5 rout over Perth Amboy St.Mary’s, he blasted a 3-run homer and 2singles, while driving in 5 runs. Unfortu-nately, Lyon sustained a broken leg in earlyMay, and was lost for the rest of the season,as the club went on to win the MiddlesexCounty Coaches Association Baseball Tour-nament championship.

His coach, the late John Wortley re-ported at the time that pro scouts had beenlooking at Lyons before the injury. Hepraised Kenny by saying, “He is a truly fineboy and a very good catcher. He really

Age Is Just A Numbercontinued from page 19

wanted to play, and I’m sorry that he couldn’tbe with us for the full season.”

It sure makes one wonder how good the1969 St. Mary’s baseball state championswould have been if Lyon continued at SMHS,and what if super outfielder Gary George,and third base wizard, Bob Gaspartich con-tinued at St. Mary’s High after graduatingfrom its Grammar School in ’65. JohnThorsen also played for Sayreville in ’69and was in the same 8th grade graduatingclass as the preceeding players. It’s a safeguess that Coach Tom Otto would have hadsome very tough roster decisions to make,but the South Jersey Parochial B StateChamps would have fared much better than(13-11).

The South-Amboy-Sayreville RotaryClub is sponsoring a bus trip to The Lake-wood BlueClaws, a Single A Affiliate of thePhiladelphia Phillies on Sunday, August 20,2006.

The FirstEnergy Baseball Park is lo-cated in Lakewood, NJ.

The cost is $40 per adult and $35 perchild. This includes a 2-way air-condi-tioned bus trip, your seats that are located in

a special section, and a voucher for a largehot dog, chips and a 20 oz. soda. Drawstringduffle bags will be given to the 1st 2,000fans.

Seats are limited – so reserve yourtickets now by calling 732-721-0400 (Cus-tom Financial Strategies). Tickets must bepaid in advance. Children under the age of16 must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a perfect night for family fun,without the hassle of driving and parking!

“Hossie,” ‘From now on you’re a Tiger fan,understand?’ Hospidor responded, “Yessir!”

In 2004, Hospidor finally had his dreamrealized, when he met his hero, Al Kaline,face-to-face at the Tigers Spring Trainingfacilities in Lakeland, FL. Bob tells thestory, “It was a cold, wet morning, and hewas by himself when I walked up to him. Ihad a ball in my hand and a pen, and like alittle kid in a candy store, I said, Mr. Kaline,would you please sign my ball. Then I said,I was born on Dec. 12, 1933, and you wereborn on Dec. 12, 1934, and that makes us oldtimers, and we love the game.” He said,“You bet we do son.” Ironically, years ago,“Hossie” resembled Kaline. “A miniatureAl Kaline,” he joked.

During his stellar career, Hospidor hashad only one major injury, when he brokehis leg on July 5, 1990 in a collision at homeplate with the bases loaded. “The throwcame and I turned, and a 6-2 guy hit me andsnapped my leg. I had a 5 1/2 inch pininserted. I went to the last game of theseason in a cast, which I wore for 90 days,and people were telling me I was finishedand would never comeback. After lots oftherapy and strengthening my leg, I wasback at second base with a nice smile in’91.”

He said his greatest moment came whenhe played left field in the Freeholders Tour-nament at Roosevelt Park, and had to run“Almost into the lake and caught a longdrive over my shoulder, and threw to theshortstop. The runner, who was at first wasrounding third at the time, and had to run allthe way back. All the people stood up andclapped. A teammate told me I should tipmy hat to the crowd, and I did.”

What is your secret to playing softballat 72 years old? “I have no hobbies otherthan hunting and fishing. It’s a competitivething.

I love the camaraderie with theballplayers, seeing them, talking and remi-niscing about old times. That to me issoftball. It’s not the art of winning all thetime, it’s the art of playing and enjoying it.People take softball too serious today, be-cause there’s a little wooden trophy with aplastic batter on it, and that’s what they’refighting for. In Piscataway, we love to win,but losing is of no consequences to us. Fun,that’s the name of the game, FUN!

Gomolka and Hospidor were teammateson at least 2 and possibly 3 different softballsquads in South Amboy. They played forRoddy’s Tavern around 1976, and BlueGrass Landscaping in ’79, and in the mid-80’s hooked up again on either Gene Lopez’Sanitary Fuel club or Tom “Chet” Wortley’sChet’s Gay 90’s team. Gomolka praised“Hossie,” When he was pitching, I neverhad to worry about winning a game. He wasthe ultimate pitcher. We were good team-mates back in those Roddy’s days.”

As a former teammate of “Albie” and“Hossie” on two of their teams, I can saythat they are both ultimate teammates. Theyare reliable, and never miss any games, giveyou 200% all the time, are team players,always cheering their club on, fun to haveon your team, and they certainly are expertsin the game of softball, and excel at theirpositions and with the bat. Albie and Hossieplay the game with the youthful exuberanceof little leaguers. I wish them continuedsuccess, and may they stay healthy, and playfor many more years!


Morgan’s Bob Hospidor (l) and former Morgan resident, Al Gomolka Jr. (r), are still playingcompetitive softball after a combined 85 years, and they really love it! (Photo by TomBurkard)

Age Is Just A Number For Gomolka And HospidorBy Tom Burkard

Former Morgan resident, and SA TimesPoet Laureate, Al Gomolka Jr. has beenplaying softball for 35 years! Wow, that’s along time, but try this one on for size-Morgan’s Bob “Hossie” Hospidor has beenplaying the game for over 50 years!

Gomolka got his start in slow pitchsoftball in 1971, in the South Amboy Men’sSenior League, when he led-off and playedshortstop for the now legendaryMechanicsville Bombers in the team’s firstgame in history. When it was discovered thathe was much more talented in the outfield, hewas moved, and became one of the greatestleft fielders, not to mention singles hitters ofAll-Time in “The Pleasant Little City.”

Hospidor embarked on his softball ca-reer in the Perth Amboy Men’s Fast PitchSoftball League, as a valuable utility playerfor one of the greatest teams in the annals ofMiddlesex County, as well as the State ofNew Jersey fast pitch softball, the MeadeStreet Aces.

When interviewing both of these livingsoftball legends, it was easy to see that theyeach had an undying love for the game,competing, the camaraderie, and of coursethe fun of being on the ballfields.

Albert “Albie” “Abe” Gomolka Jr., 55,is the Superintendent of Cheesequake StatePark. Now in his 33rd year in the State ofNew Jersey Parks system, he worked his wayup through the ranks from a seasonal (sum-mer help) employee to the top slot, where heoversees 40 employees.

Albie has played on numerous teams,and several local ones including:Mechanicsville Bombers, Roddy’s Tavern,Monaghan House, Chet’s Gay 90’s, BlueGrass Landscaping, Mechanicsville A.C.,Hideaway Lounge, Syracuse UniversityIntramurals, Sanitary Fuels, Wiley A.C.,Cheesequake Express, Cheesequake Park,Middlesex County College Alumni team, NJState Parks & Forests tournament team, IvyMortgage in the Fall, and currently Guardianin Hillsborough Men’s Slow Pitch Leaguefor Ages 18 & Up. He’s also played somefast pitch softball. At 55, Gomolka no longerruns like a deer in the outfield to rob extrabase hits, but plays a solid first base andcatcher for Guardian. He is easily the oldestplayer on the club, but has an unbelievable.793 team-leading batting average!

As player-manager for 7 years in theCheesequake League, his teams won 3 cham-pionships including two straight undefeatedseasons of (17-0) and (18-0). Always a firstclass winner, his Syracuse University intra-mural softball team won the championshipin a league with 36 teams. “Bob Costas, theworld renowned sports announcer, was oneof my teammates,” Gomolka recalled. A1969 St. Mary’s graduate, he has countlesstrophies and awards from his star-studdedcareer.

“Abe” as he is known by some for hisresemblance to Abraham Lincoln, fell inlove with sports at a very young age. Hestarted playing baseball in the Sacred HeartMidget League, then went up to the Knights

of Columbus team in the South AmboyLittle Fellas League, and later pitched forRobert E. Lee in the Morgan Little League,where he hurled two no-hitters, includingone in which he struck out 16 of 18 batters!He also starred for Oak View Nursing Homein the South Amboy Babe Ruth League from1964-66. His baseball hero has always beenEdwin “Duke” Snider, and he’s met him ona few occasions at sports memorabilia shows.Gomolka happens to possess one of thelargest sports card collections in the world!

Gomolka’s 35 years in softball hasn’talways been fun. He said that “My mostmemorable game in the South Amboy Men’sLeague was when my friend and teammate,John Kaboski suffered a heart attack, anddied on the pitcher’s mound during a gamein ’96. It was sad but memorable.”

He said his greatest softball game waswhen he was playing for Roddy’s Tavern inSouth Amboy, and made 2 diving catches inthe outfield, threw out 2 runners at home,had 5 hits and 8 RBI’s. Amazing! Gomolkasaid that “Some of the great teammates thatI remember were: Bill Masterson, JoeJaskowiak, his brother Dave Gomolka, Tom“Chet” Wortley, Henny Conroy, JackieBrennan, Bob Hospidor, Charlie Wiley, andmy best teammate, Tom Burkard. My great-est teams were Cheesequake Express andRoddy’s Tavern.”

Albie’s funniest moment in 35 yearshappened in a recent Hillsborough Men’sLeague game, when his team was gettingpounded, 18-0 by a young team of powerhitters, and he got the only 2 hits for his club.“Their coach said, ‘I’d trade any of my guysfor the old gray beard,’ stated Gomolka.Who wouldn’t? He’s only batting .793!Can you imagine?

Why is Gomolka still playing at thisage? “Simple-It’s my love of the game, plusI get a little exercise, and I enjoy having mywife and 3 sons come and cheer the old manon. Although my body has been riddled byLyme Disease, as long as I can physicallyhack it, I hope to play for the fun, and sharingof secrets and bits of wisdom of the game tomy younger teammates.”

Hospidor, now 72 years young, wasborn and raised in Perth Amboy, and movedto Morgan many years ago. As a kid, heplayed for the Washington Hall team onFayette St. Always into sports, he boxed inthe New Jersey Golden Gloves in 1953 and1954 when he was crowned champion afterwinning a decision over now-famous ref-eree, Tony Orlando, who “Hossie” calls “Agreat, great person.” The two former boxersstill maintain a close relationship after 52years. Hospidor fought under the name BobHossie, and was trained/managed by mylate brother-in-law, Richie “Dick” Shingolaof Perth Amboy.

Hospidor recalled the Meade St. Aces,“We won a lot of championships and alsotournaments at Roosevelt Park. I was the10th man. (Fast pitch did not use theshortfielder). All of our guys were greatballplayers.” He would get his chance to

play in the late innings of a blowout, and thefans loved his style of play. “I played myheart out, and everyone was calling me BigAl Kaline,” he said. He also played forGene’s Bar in Perth Amboy, and manyother clubs throughout his superb career.

“Hossie” has been pitching and play-ing second base in the Piscataway 35 &Over Slow Pitch League for 25 years, andloves it. “I play for Stringer Landscaping,and it’s the best league I’ve ever played in.It’s a family league. I pitched and won adoubleheader last week.” Amazing, huhfor a 72-year old! Don’t forget he’s facing35 year-olds.

The talented performer said that, “I’vewon about 350 games pitching in my ca-reer, and about 200 in Piscataway alone.I’ve been pitching doubleheaders for 25years.”

Also a member of the Old Bridge Physi-cal Therapy over 60 Men’s Softball team,he has competed in Old Bridge for 10 years,and has been a member of one champion-ship team. He also plays on a team calledPatriots Plaza.

“The Old Bridge guys can’t believe Ipitch and beat these younger guys inPiscataway.”

He said his best game came recentlywhen he was playing in Florida. “I playedin Clearwater this past winter, and in myfirst game, I hit a triple and double, andmade unbelievable catches on second base.I tried to prove to myself that I could equalthe guys I was playing with. The managersaid, ‘You’re my second baseman. You aregood.’ I ended up playing second base for4 months down there, and had a helluvatime,” said Hospidor. The league was calledThree Score League for 60 years old & up,and had 10-12 teams. “Hossie” poundedthe ball for a clean .400 batting average thisyear, and looks forward to returning againin ’07, this time for 5 months. “They arewonderful people, and make you feel at

home the minute you step on the field,” hesaid.

Why do you still play at 72 years old?“It’s about the only good thing I can put myheart into and do. I love every bit of it. Mygoal is to play with the Kids ‘N’ Cubs at St.Petersburg, FL, but you have to be 75, andI’m working my way towards it. They are awell-renowned team, and people come fromall over the world to watch them play. Theyonce had a rookie who was 87 years old. IfI get there at 75, maybe I can be rookie-of-the-year,” he joked.

Hospidor thinks the world of his Coachof Stringers Landscaping team, JimmyBenson, who happens to be the Police Chiefof Middlesex Borough. “He’s so concernedabout me. It’s great when he flips the ball tome before the game, and says, ‘Hoss, you’reon the mound tonight. Do good!’

Why do you love softball? “It’s thesatisfaction of driving in a couple of runs orgetting a double or triple. I only had onehome run in 50 years. I hit it at WatersStadium, when I played for Gene’s Tavern.It’s also the satisfaction of making a niceplay and having guys congratulate you andtell you good play. Also, I love to help ateam win a game.”

Bob retired in 1999 after 30 years as aSheriff’s Officer with the Middlesex CountyProbation Dept. He has been a huge DetroitTigers and Al Kaline fan since 1962, whenhe had a pass to go on the field in SpringTraining at Fort Lauderdale, FL. On thatmemorable day, he got to hangout withRocky Colavito and Tigers’ second baseman,Jake Wood, an Elizabeth, NJ guy. He alsotook a picture of Kaline, who graciouslyposed, and another shot of first baseman,Norm Cash. What’s amazing, is that at thetime, he didn’t know who they were, be-cause he was originally a Dodgers fan, untilthey went to Los Angeles, and in ’62 hedidn’t have a favorite club. Colavito told

continued on page 18


WWW.?

Does this look familiar to you? It should, because it is located within The SA Times circulationarea. Please be specific, and send the exact name and location to: [email protected].

Last Month’sWinners

The correct answer to last month’sWWW.? photo contest was the South AmboyKnights of Columbus Council #426, locatedon Stevens Ave. & Fourth St., South Amboy.Congratulations to the following winners:Estelle Pluskota, Erin Senape, JohnAvagliano, Mary Agnes Morris, MaryannLawton, Mary Ann Matarangolo, Jim Heim,Mary Lou DeBlis, Betty Silvaney, MelissaMcCleery, Jim Phillips. Congratulations!

*Late entry with the correct answer forthe May contest was Jim Heim, who identi-fied the South Amboy Train Station.

Ambrose Light Answer

LETTERS

Dear Tom,Although I’ve moved around a lot, it is

always nice to revisit “home” through yourpublication. I’ve sent you a picture of the1952 Hoffman High School Shore Confer-ence champions for your peruse. Enclosedis my check for next years’ subscription.

Keep up the good work!Bob Saunders(Formerly of South Amboy)North Carolina

Tom,Keep up the good work! I enjoy reading

your paper and all the news about SouthAmboy. My sister sends me the paper everytime it comes out. Also, so glad you reportall the good and happy things that goes onand not like some other papers with all thenegative, you get enough of that on TV andin other papers. I may be living here inTexas, which I like very much, but my firstlove and true home is still South Amboy.

Take care until later,Jim Heim(Formerly of South Amboy)Texas

Dear Mr. Burkard,Your last paper featured an article on

Ron Kukulski, a grade school classmate ofmine. It was nice to read about someone Ihad not seen or heard of for a long time!Great article! I always enjoy your paper!

Ruth A. (Zamorski) ManieriSayreville

Dear Editor/Publisher Tom Burkard,The South Amboy-Sayreville Times is

the BEST local newspaper for printing in-teresting and edifying articles concerningthe activities within the “Pleasant LittleCity.” Your desire to publish interestingstories of the citizens of South Amboy andSayreville is commendable and very muchappreciated by this subscriber.

Bill “Biff” McKeon(Formerly of South Amboy and

Sayreville)IndianaEditor’s Note: “Biff” suggested an

interesting story on one of his former neigh-bors/teammates, and we have added thisperson to our future feature story/interviewlist, which seems to be endless right now.Have patience “Biff,” I will do it.

Members of the South Amboy Fire Dept. including the Color Guard recently attended theDiocese of Metuchen Fire Fighters Mass at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. FireDepartment members that were also on the planning committee were also present. TheMass was presided over by Bishop Paul Bootkoski, and was attended by firefighters fromMiddlesex, Hunterdon, and Warren counties.Pictured (l-r) Teddy Huff, Richie Cuesta, Michael Geraltowski, Bob O’Connor, Bishop PaulBootkoski, Jamie Norek, Chris Norek, Frank “Inky” Norek.

Top Gun WasRaised In Sayreville

Commander Richard T. Creange, 42was raised in the Melrose section ofSayreville, and went on to become one ofthe top fighter pilots in the world. Hisaccomplishments are many, including be-ing awarded medals for the Gulf War andalso serving as part of the Joint Chiefs ofStaff in Washington, DC. CommanderCreange attended Sacred Heart School, andhis family moved to Toms River before hebegan high school.

While attending Penn State University,he trained in the Naval Reserve OfficersTraining Corps on a full scholarship. Hegraduated in 1981, and left for flight schoolin Pensacola, FL.

Creange became a Naval Flight Officerin ’83, and began flying the F-14 Tomcatlater that year. He completed deploymentsin the Mediterranean and Caribbean on theUSS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which sup-ported multinational forces in Lebanon.

In 1986, he was selected to attend NavyFighter Weapons School, better known asthe legendary Top Gun, in California. Whiledeployed aboard the USS John F. Kennedyin the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, heflew 33 missions over Iraq during Opera-tion Desert Shield, later to be known asOperation Desert Storm. For his perfectperformance, he was awarded the NavyCommendation Medal and Air Medal.Creange then attended the US Air ForceWar College in Alabama, and joined theUSS America in supporting NATO and UNforces in Bosnia, Somalia and Iraq. He alsoserved on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Wash-ington, DC from 1995-1998, in the spotreserved for officers with knowledge of theF-14. During this time he spoke throughoutthe world about U.S. military presence inforeign countries.

Following his stint with the Joint Chiefsof Staff, he was assigned to the Strike Weap-ons and Tactics School, Atlantic in Oceana,where he was commander from 1999 untilearly 2006. He is expecting to report for a9-month tour aboard the USS Nimitz out ofSan Diego.

Commander Creange’s parents live insouthern NJ, and his grandfather, WalterFabiszewski resides in Sayreville. Con-gratulations, Commander Creange and fam-ily!

Historian, Jim Phillips responded toBetty Silvaney’s question last month as towhether the lighthouse in our bay was everknown as Ambrose Light: “The lighthousein Raritan Bay is the “Great Beds Light-house.” The lighthouse sits at the entranceto 2 rivers, the Raritan, and the Arthur Kill.The Ambrose Light is the marker at theentrance to lower New York Bay. The lightis built on a “Texas Tower,” similar to the oilrigs in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Phillips felt the “Question Photo inWWW.? is too easy, why didn’t you askyour readers where was the original K of Cbuilding?” Does anyone out there, know?Jim would also like to know the answer to a$10 million dollar question that we’ve beentrying to find out for about 10 years now,

“What was the nickname of the originalSouth Amboy High School?” If anyone

knows, please drop us a line [email protected]. It really is a burningquestion, that many local “historians” aredying to find an answer to.

DuPont PicnicThe DuPont 25-Year Service Club will

hold its Annual Picnic on Sat., July 29 atBurke’s Park, Washington Rd., Parlin from12 noon to 5 p.m. For more info, call Stellaat 732-257-1875.

Neumann TossedNo-Hitter

1945-Hoffman’s star hurler, RudyNeumann, fired an outstanding no-hitter, asthe Purple & Gold blasted Rumson, 7-0 towin the Shore Conference championship.Neumann fanned 8 and received plenty ofhitting support from catcher, George Munck,who went 3-for-4, and Jack Lanning con-tributed 2 hits.


Long, Long Ago

St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1961, leaves the school (Which was located on the site ofthe current Cardinal McCarrick HS), and heads to St. Mary’s Church for its graduationceremony. Do you know anyone of the ’61 grads pictured here?

FS Theresa Niestempski (2nd from right) isshown at her promotion ceremony to PettyOfficer Second Class in the USCG.

Coast GuardPromotes

On June 30th. 2006 Food Service Spe-cialist (FS) Theresa Niestempski, USCGwas promoted to Petty Officer Second Classin Baltimore, Maryland. While in Balti-more, FS2 Niestempski attended school atBolling Air Force Base in Washington DC.Here she earned her Master Certified FoodService Executive certification.†Niestempski is stationed aboard theUSCGC Oak homeported in Charleston,South Carolina. Petty Officer Niestempskiis a 2003 graduate of South Amboy HighSchool Congratulations Petty OfficerNiestempski

B.S.By Elaine Scott

Once upon a time, long ago, when milk-men wearing white uniforms still walkedthe earth, there was no such thing as aGoogle Search Engine. People had livedtheir entire lives without ever having to signin; log out; upgrade or download. No onehad ever heard of a hard drive, screen saver,disk memory, or anti-virus software. In thatfar distant past, all viruses had been treatedby family doctors, a mouse always had 4legs and a tail, and a Firewall was the soleconcern of the Fire Department.

Before the dawning of the Hi-Tech Age,people had survived quite happily in whatwill be simply referred to here as the B.S.Age, Before Spell Check. In that time, longsince passed, there were books, called, dic-tionaries. These books, now, rapidly be-coming as extinct as the mimeograph ma-chine, had come in different sizes, rangingfrom big, heavy ones to small, pocket-sizedones. In order to check the correct spellingof a word, a dictionary had been necessary,and every home had one, or should have hadone if they hadn’t.

There were also other important booksin this B.S. Age, which had come in a seriesfrom A to Z. They were reference books andcontained information on everyone and ev-erything. These books were especiallyneeded for doing school reports, but, alas,only the privileged and “upper crust” fami-lies had owned them. For all of us childrengrowing up in South Amboy, then, thatmeant our families either had none or if theyhad, the books were “antiques” and justabout useless. So, a trip to the Library wasnecessary each and every time a report hadto be done.

Stemming from the Latin word, liberlibri, for “book,” the Library was located onthe top floor of the bank building on thecorner of Augusta Street and No. Broadway.In this B.S. time, when the Latin languagewas being called the “dead language” bythose who didn’t want to struggle to learn it,the South Amboy Library was run, ruled,and regulated by Sadie Pope Dowdell. Ac-tually, everyone had known that she, her-self, was the Library and to visit it was toenter into Sadie’s domain.

Gathering up our past due Nancy Drewbooks, Nancy Newcomb, Rosanne Cross,and I would begin the long walk fromMechanicsville to the Library. We hadnever taken the bus “downtown,” as weneeded our precious coins to pay the 2 centper diem late fees. Besides, since Red theBus Driver’s bus was always late, we hadknown for a fact that we’d get there faster bywalking, and we had never been provenwrong.

Sadie, somehow, had always known wewere coming, even before we had finishedplodding up the staircase. While almostgreedily eyeing the books we held in ourhands, she’d begin to “shuussh” us as wecrossed her threshold. Then, with her well-worn hands, she’d take the well-worn cardsfrom their well-worn slots in the back of thewell-worn books and begin to slowly calcu-late, then, recalculate the dreaded late fees.Then, and only then, after we had paid Sadieher due, were we allowed to touch Sadie’sencyclopedias. Except for her “shuusshing,”we had done our research in enforced si-lence under the watchful eye of the mostfeared and respected person in town.

In recalling those days, I believe thiswhite-haired, diminutive woman’s heart hadonly rested when all the books had beenreturned to their proper places on the oldwooden shelves, lining the old walls of theold Library. I will always remember SadiePope Dowdell as she was then, a prim andproper lady who had the power to subdue thebiggest, toughest, roughest, and wildest ofyoung men of South Amboy, Melrose andSayreville into meek obedience with justone “shuussh.”

Kids of today have the world at theirfingertips with access to the internet. Witha few keystrokes, in the comfort of their ownhomes, knowledge on every subject getseasily displayed upon their computers’screens. By using a word processing pro-gram and its Spell Check tool, they can typetheir reports, then, print them, without everhaving to open a book, or even having to usean eraser.

For those of us who had grown up yearsago, writing a report for school was far moreinvolved and far more memorable. In ourhalf-hearted “quest for knowledge,” we hadmade lifetime memories...memories whichincluded our laughter after having beatenRed the Bus Driver to town; feeling the joyof hearing our feet echo upon the Librarystairs because we had finally made it to ourdestination; sharing silent and not so silentgiggles in the Library each time Sadie turnedher back; and hearing her non-stop “shuussh”until the Library door closed behind us, aswe began our long journey home again.

(Elaine “Holton” Scott may be reachedat [email protected].)

Local Author Wins Top HonorsLove is in the air, and many singles in

South Amboy andSayreville may soon beplanning their weddings.In addition to the actualwedding ceremony,there’s so much more toconsider. Many factorsgo into planning the re-ception that will introducethe newly-minted married

to their immediate world. Suddenly, theworld of fine food, fashion and finance takethe front burner, as does making choicesabout music, transportation, and weddingvenues. It can often become overwhelming.But help is on the way.

Lea Bayers Rapp’s latest award-win-ning book, The Complete Book of JewishWeddings is now available as a trade paper-back. Published in hardcover by Citadel/Kensington Publishing Company in New

York, and originally titled Mazel Tov! TheComplete Book of Jewish Weddings, thebook has reaped national and regional awardsand excellent reviews nationwide. Lea ispleased that the book’s publisher has put outthis new edition.

The book takes thereader from announcingtheir engagementthrough planning theirhoneymoon. This indis-pensable guide is filledwith practical advicefrom experts, fun quiz-

zes, consumer information, a timeline, truestories of brides and grooms and much more.

The Complete Book of Jewish Wed-dings by Lea Bayers Rapp (Citadel Press/Kensington, 274 pages, $14.95, ISBN num-ber: 0-8065-2693-9) is available by requestat bookstores, and through online publish-ers.

Rita’s Italian Ice has teamed up with Alex’sLemonade to help fight childhood cancer.Rita’s Parlin was on hand at the fireworks atKennedy Park. They accepted donationsand gave samples of their Lemon Ice nowknown as Alex’s Lemonade. $1.00 donationsto help this cause are being accepted atRita’s Parlin through the end of thismonth.Pictured at the Lemonade stand (l-r)Nikki, Carissa and Samantha. (Photo byBrian Stratton)


Former South Amboy resident, Carol SurmanMasterson (r), flashes a beautiful smile ather huge 60th birthday celebration. Carol’shusband, Bill Masterson (l), shares in themomentous occasion which was held at theSayreville American Legion Hall. (Photocourtesy of Al Gomolka Jr.)

50th Wedding AnniversaryBill and Eleanor Munck of South Amboyrecently celebrated their 50th WeddingAnniversary. A Mass in their honor wascelebrated at St. Lawrence Church, LaurenceHarbor with all their children, grandchildren,family and friends. A reception followed atthe Ye Cottage Inn, Keyport.

72nd Wedding AnniversaryTom and Muriel Scully of South Amboycelebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversaryon June 20th. Tom met Muriel Hartman ofSayreville, while attending St. Mary’s HighSchool. They are graduates of the class of1934, and married on June 20, 1934 at St.Mary’s Church. Msgr. Griffin performed thewedding ceremony. Muriel’s father, FrankHartman, was the third Mayor of Sayreville,and also served as a Councilman. Tom wasthe owner of Six Corner Amoco ServiceStation in Keyport for 35 years prior to hisretirement. He is also a member of St.Mary’s/Cardinal McCarrick High School’s firstHall-Of-Fame class.The happy couple had 3 children, 8grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.Congratulations to two wonderful people,and may God Bless!

Confessions Of A South Amboy HalfCourt Basketball PlayerPART 7 – The Agony and Ecstasy ofHalf Court Basketball

I know it sounds overly dramatic incor-porating the word “agony” in the title of thisarticle, but I think it applies here, becauseinherent in the half court game of basketballthere was definitely a seed of destructionplaguing any player. Of course, high schoolbasketball was full court basketball, and oneday playing for our high school team was allthat we lived for.

The bad habit that I’m talking about inthe half court game that was, most defi-nitely, a major vice in the full court game,was the slowed down reaction moving fromoffense to defense.

The bread and butter of the full courtgame is the fast break, and the bread andbutter of the fast a break is the outlet pass anda quick move down court to the far basket.However, in half court basketball there is no“fast break” not ever. The ball is actually“dead” after a turnover, or a defensive re-bound, and after a made shot, everythingstops, guarding and start playing defense atthe same basket.

On a good full court basketball team,those same transitional situations are thetimes when the offense actually starts, andan offensive player has to quickly change toa defensive position. After losing posses-sion of the ball, he, or she, has to retreat tothe far basket, stop the progress of the fastbreak, and assume his or her defensive re-sponsibilities in a big hurry, and teams thatare slow in this transition will probablyspend the bulk of the game watching theopposing team score lay up after lay up onrepeated fast break situations.

Overcoming that split-second of relax-ation learned in the half court game was theagony of the half-court basketball player.

But oh the ecstasy.The thrill of bouncing your basketball

on the sidewalk on your way up the “thetank”, of dribbling through the leafy streetsup in “maxfield”, passing Tommy Jancola’shouse, Corky Baranowski’s street, Gus Pott’shouse, Freddie Farrell’s, the Paczkowski’sthe Kaboski’s, the Stramback’s new houseand then turning the corner to see who wasalready there playing.

And even if it was only one other personyou could still play one on one, or you couldshot fouls, or play “Horse”, or play “longsand shorts” waiting until the courts filled upand the games would begin.

However, there is another and strangeform of ecstasy that lasts until this very day.Strange because it becomes more evident

and more pleasurable the further in years weget from our own playing days at the tankthat form of ecstasy is the ability to love andunderstand and appreciate the beauty ofchildren at play.

The cultivation of this form of ecstasyhad nothing to do with playing the game, butwas taught to us by the sainted people whosehouses bordered the tank, but who neveronce came out and complained about thelevel of enthusiastic noise we created, or theassault on the English language we perpe-trated in pursuit of “court” justice from ourfellow cagers

I’m sure Mr. Zack or Mr. Cesare or Mr.Charmello across the street grew a little tiredat times of the constant activity in theirneighborhood from the throngs of players,many of whom didn’t even live in that area.But not once was there an argument orcontentious situation involving the ball play-ers and the neighborhood people.

Their patience and understanding andwillingness to let us be kids have enabled usto share that same gift with children in ourown neighborhoods today.

I, myself, look at the boys and girls onmy block playing on those ubiquitous, storebout, molded plastic, forward leaning, drive-way basketball set ups, and even thoughthey sometimes play into the later hours ofthe night and there is some lightweight curs-ing and they get a little rowdy, I think of theexample taught to us by those wonderfulpeople who lived by the tank and the onlynegative feeling I allow myself towardsthose kids now is the envy I feel that I’m notplaying with them.

And I remember again and appreciatethe blessing it was to have those days inSouth Amboy up the tank.

The Ghost

Edward “Jake” Defort

Local Author Cited for Excellence inJournalism

Edward “Jake” Defort, a former editorof the South Amboy Citizen and a formercity councilman, has recently earned twonational and oneregional awardfor outstandingj o u r n a l i s t i cachievement.

Defort wontwo nationalawards from theNewsletter &Electronic Pub-lishers Associa-tion at its annualmeeting June 6at The May-flower Hotel inWashington ,D.C. Nomi-nated twice inthe same cat-egory, Defortwon NEPA’sFirst Placeaward in theBest Spot/Ex-clusive NewsStory for “CaseClosed,” thestory of a three-year investiga-tion into themurder of aWisconsin funeral director and his intern.After the trail for the killer went cold, abreak in an unrelated case heated up the trailand investigators were sure they found theirkiller. As police closed in, the suspectedkiller took his own life. As shocking as themurders were, so was the identity of thekiller — a priest who served in the commu-nity where the funeral home was located.

Defort, who was recently named pub-lisher and editorial director for Kates-

Boylston Publications, a division of UCG,also won an NEPA Honorable Mention for“Survivor Louisiana,” which detailed the

impact of HurricaneKatrina on severalfuneral homes in theNew Orleans area.

NEPA, locatedin Arlington, Va., iscomprised of nearly600 corporate mem-bers that publishmore than 3,000business publica-tions. Its awards rec-ognize outstandingjournalistic achieve-ments.

The AmericanSociety of BusinessPublication Editors(ASBPE) alsoawarded Defort a re-gional award for a36-page special sec-tion published in theNovember 2005 is-sue of American Fu-neral Director maga-zine that focused onthe effects of Hurri-cane Katrina on fu-neral service in theGulf Coast. He

shared this award with collegues Jen Kiernan,editor; and Allison Sullivan, art director.

According to ASBPE, its awards rec-ognize excellence in business and profes-sional magazines and newsletters. Awardswere presented from a field of more than2,600 entries.

Defort is also contributing to Funeralsof the Famous Volume 5, which will bepublished this fall.

South Amboy-Sayreville Times July 22, 2006 23Home Town Hero The Buzz On Broadway

Memorable Memorial Day. Our Veter-ans are outstanding. The weather was per-fect. The parade was great. The barbecuewas awesome. And what about those Patri-otic Pooches! Congratulations to everyonewho made Memorial Day such a success.Special thanks to the SAMS Volunteerswho flipped burgers and served hot dogs toover 1,000 folks.

Put People and Products on the Street.Special events always attract large numbersof people. Some experts say special eventpatrons are prospects who will come backanother time to buy products and services.Older and possibly, wiser merchants look atspecial events a little differently. Theyknow a crowd of folks come to town. Expe-rience tells them many, preferably all, thestores and restaurants must put products onthe street so people can see what’s available.That way, even if people don’t buy on theday of the event, they will see the variety ofmerchandise and services and if they seethings they like, they’ll come back to shopanother time.

Make Every Day Flag Day. The Starsand Stripes are flying on Broadway thanksto Mayor O’Leary, SAMS and the sponsorswho are dedicating flags to their loved ones,colleagues and our community. Half of theBroadway lamp posts have flags as of thiswriting but donations of $50 and more arestill coming into the SAMS office at 110North Broadway. Everyone has someonewho would be proud to have a flag dedicatedin their name. Call 732-721-0958 today orcome into the SAMS office to sponsor aflag.

Have A Second Look. Last month wetold you about the new SAMS Visual Mer-chandising program. The results are start-ing to show. Cathy Schwartz, the SAMSPresident, deserves all the praise that’s be-ing heaped on our new Summer Fun win-dow. In a few days, four Broadway volun-teers - Bake ‘N More, Amboy NationalBank, Daisy’s Nails and Jules Restaurant -will be reviewing recommendations for

brightening their windows and displays fromIola Harper the visual merchandising con-sultant. Let’s see what happens!

Job Opportunities. Our restaurants arelooking for experienced staff or for thosewho want to become part of the hospitalityindustry. There could be a job for you onBroadway if you are a chef, a prep cook, aserver or you want to learn on the job. Bringyour resume to any of our restaurants.They’re waiting for you.

Thanks For Sprucing Up. Some of theBroadway properties were looking a littletired. So, Bill Garnett, our Chief CodeEnforcement Officer, sent notices to abouttwo dozen property owners asking them tofix up and clean up. Jimmy’s Diner,Monticello CafÈ, James Vail and E&G Ex-terminators got out their paint brushes, tookdown hand drawn signs and tidied up rightaway. Others, like the owner of the buildingthat houses New Life Books & Bibles andAce Shoe Repair and Cathy and Peter atDelio’s Pizza are giving their properties afresh new look. Many more of our neigh-bors are fixing up their homes and stores tokeep downtown looking like hometown. Aspecial thank you to everyone.

Major John F. O’Connell, of SouthAmboy, New Jersey was presented theBronze Star Medal by Major General KurtCichowski, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strat-egy, Plans & Assessment; MultinationalForce – Iraq in a ceremony at the UnitedStates Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded bythe President of the United States to a servicemember who, while serving in any capacityin or with the Armed Forces of the UnitedStates, distinguishes himself or herself byheroic or meritorious achievement or servicein connection with military operations againstan armed enemy; or while engaged in mili-tary operations involving conflict with anopposing armed force.

Major O’Connell, a former Naval Avia-tor, Top Gun graduate and combat veteran ofthe 1991 Gulf War, flew thirty missionsduring Desert Storm in the F-14 Tomcat. Heis currently a member of the New Jersey AirNational Guard assigned as the Deputy StaffJudge Advocate to the 108th Air RefuelingWing. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, heserved as a strategist and legal advisor withthe Multinational Force – Iraq commandedby Army General George W. Casey. Theaward citation and justification accompany-ing the award cited Major O’Connell’s prepa-ration of critical legal assessments and policyguidance on strategic plans, Iraqi Constitu-tional Law and Coalition authorities in Iraqfor Multi-National Force-Iraq, the UnitedStates Department of State, the United StatesDepartment of Defense and the Governmentof Iraq.

Most notably, Major O’Connell led thedevelopment of the strategy for NationalUnity in Iraq. Over the course of severalmonths, he led a senior-level joint, com-bined and interagency planning group thatintegrated the efforts of Multi-NationalForce-Iraq, the United States Mission-Iraqand the Government of Iraq to bridge sectar-ian divisions and to advance diversity, inclu-siveness and the rule of law in Iraq. As adirect result of Major O’Connell’s masteryof the complex political, social, economic,cultural and legal issues in Iraq and hispersonal commitment to this endeavor, theframework has been established for the Gov-ernment of Iraq to implement a program ofnational unity that will allow all Iraqis, re-gardless of religion, sect or ethnicity, towork towards a shared future in an atmo-sphere of peace and stability.

Major O’Connell’s assessment of themultifaceted military, political and legal as-pects of using indigenous tribal securityforces in counterinsurgency operations in-fluenced Multi-National Force-Iraq’s deci-sion to create the “Desert Protectors” inWestern Anbar Province. Acting on MajorO’Connell’s strategic assessment, Multi-National Force-Iraq created and employedthe “Desert Protectors” at a critical juncturein the campaign to defeat the al Qaeda net-work in Iraq in the western Euphrates RiverValley with great success. His assessmentcontributed to one of the most innovativetechniques in the counterinsurgency fight in

Iraq to date. Major O’Connell’s contribu-tion to developing the legal construct forsecurity responsibilities and cooperationbetween Coalition Forces, Iraqi civil au-thorities and Iraqi Security Forces at thenational, provincial and local levels wascrucial to the development of Multi-Na-tional Force-Iraq’s transition strategy in Iraq.Major O’Connell was instrumental in de-veloping numerous key strategic analysesfor the Commanding General that shapedthe Coalition’s strategic direction in Iraq.He offered important insights that ultimatelyled to critical decisions on detainee releaseand reintegration issues, the comprehensiveamnesty program and the development ofrule of law initiatives within the Iraqi secu-rity ministries and the Ministry of Justice.Major O’Connell was also responsible forfostering an understanding of Coalition strat-egy in Iraq at the highest levels within theUnited States Government.

Major O’Connell, a former Chief ofStaff to Senate President Richard J. Codey,completed a second consecutive one-yeartour deployed overseas in support of theGlobal War on Terrorism. He is on militaryleave from his current positions as In-houseCounsel to the New Jersey Turnpike Au-thority and Executive Director of the SouthAmboy Redevelopment Agency.

Can you identify the person in this photo?She is wearing a Red Cross Uniform thatreads South Amboy Chapter. If you haveany information please email us [email protected]

Stars & Stripes OnBroadway

Thanks to the generosity of many people,businesses, community groups, the City ofSouth Amboy and especially, the PublicWorks Dept., the Stars & Stripes are flyingfrom every lamp pole on Broadway.

The South Amboy Main Street programis a special way to honor someone. Everyday, a prospective sponsor calls the SAMSoffice at 732-721-0958 to find out how todonate a flag. Often, the donor wants todedicate their flag to a neighbor, a friend orto the memory of a loved one. Here are thehonorees and sponsors as of July 3, 2006:

Honorees-Our Armed Forces, Veterans& Allies; Baby James Ramo Nagler; MajorRichard Casper, 101st Airborne, Iraq; Inloving memory of John Joseph Daly-Youwill always be in our thoughts and prayers;Robert T. Kenny; Dominick and JohnLaRocco; The People of South Amboy; TheSkwiat Family; Those who made the ulti-mate sacrifice.

Sponsors-Amboy National Bank;Connie & Alex Anderson; Georgeanne &Tony Biancarosa; Sarah Z. Daly; AviDuvdevani; Bob Heiser; Thomas Kenny;Landmark Tavern; Mara and David Morse;Martini’s Restaurant; Mid Jersey MedicalSupplies; Polo Engineering, Inc.; Cathy &Ken Schwartz; Debby Skwiat; South AmboyBusiness Association; South Amboy MainStreet.

Drop into the SAMS office at 110 NorthBroadway or call 732-721-0958 to sponsor aflag today.


Documents

NEXT ISSUE AUGUST 19TH ALL DEADLINES AUGUST 7TH