Protests, home runs and volunteering

This past weekend was filled with protests, memorials, debates, unifying church services and more as our nation comes to grips with the reality there are serious racial issues, especially when it comes to relationships with police in metropolitan and urban areas.

While in some ways it’s a step in the right direction that we recognize this, talk needs to be replaced with action sooner than later because the clock is ticking. What makes us a civilized society is the overwhelming majority of us follow the laws and rules especially when it comes to dealing with each other.  In addition we value human life and don’t take it for granted.  We need to keep that in mind and move forward.  Easier said than done it seems!

On the lighter side baseball’s Home Run Derby is tonight in San Diego and many eyes will be on Toms River’s Todd Frazier as he tries to defend the title he won last year in Cincinnati.  The White Sox slugger will go head-to-head with Colorado’s Carlos Gonzalez in the first round of the 8-player competition.

Frazier, who homered twice over the weekend, has 25 for the season which is tied for second in the major leagues.  His older brother Charlie will once again serve as his pitcher in tonight’s derby.

You are likely aware that John Bon Jovi’s second Soul Kitchen is now open in Toms River and located on Hooper Avenue in Silverton.  A non-profit community restaurant that serves paying customers and those in-need, the Toms River location is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. and offers a Sunday Brunch from 11:30 a.m. -2 p.m.  while being closed on Monday & Tuesday.

I’m proud to say my wife Jane and her good friend Dawn Sullivan are among volunteers who work there and the two recently earned their official tee-shirts that come after working five shifts.  Many are likely confused about the concept but one thing is for sure: Jane says the food is delicious.  For details visit jbjsoulkitchen.org