Bouncing around on the first day of July:

The announcement had been expected for weeks but it was still disappointing to hear that the minor league baseball season was cancelled with the Lakewood BlueClaws and Trenton Thunder among the 160 teams that have been shut down over fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president and CEO of the minor leagues estimates that at least half of those teams will need some form of financial assistance if they are to return in 2021 as nearly all income comes from ticket revenue, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising.

This was to be the 20th season for the BlueClaws with many promotions planned around that.  Team President Joe Ricciutti said they are already working on 2021 and will celebrate their 20th season and 20th anniversary all together.  Those who had ticket packages for this season are asked to be patient as team representatives will be contacting people beginning today to review options.

Christian Brothers Academy will need to fill two openings in their athletic department with the departure of Athletic Director and swim coach Vito Chiaravalloti who is leaving at the end of this month for a job with Stryker, a medical supply company.  The 39-year old, who was a standout athlete and 1999 CBA graduate, has worked for the school in Lincroft since 2008 and served as AD for the past six years.

Two years ago I did a segment in which I highlighted “Always Supporting Our Military”, a 501(c)3 organization that assembles packages that are mailed to military members overseas.  The group is made up of retired volunteers who would meet each week at the home of director Barbara Youmans to fill packages with food, snacks, toiletries and more.

During this pandemic they have not been able to meet but Youmans by herself has still been packing and sending 15 boxes every week which is even more important because many PX’s (or post exchanges) are closed worldwide.  However the Toms River-based organization has not been able to fundraise and they could really use some help.

The postage alone costs nearly $20 a box.  If you would like to make a donation you can call Barbara at 908-278-9561 and for more visit “Always Supporting Our Military” on Facebook.

 

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