Celebrations for the end of summer

This is one of my busiest times of the year with the start of the football season just around the corner.

Despite that I managed to take Monday and Tuesday off and spent them on the North Avenue beach in Seaside Park. While I was a bit distracted by work emails and messages I did enjoy two spectacular days on the beach, even if they might have been last two for the summer depending on what kind of weather we have for the upcoming holiday weekend.

Belated congratulations to Anthony Schifilliti on the opening of his fourth Nino’s Coal Fired Pizza Restaurant with the newest in the back of the Ocean County Mall next to Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse. The restaurant opened for business yesterday after hosting a private grand opening Monday night for family, friends, even yours truly.

Anthony and his wife Lisa held the ribbon which Toms River Mayor Tom Kelleher cut to mark the opening of Nino’s second Toms River location with others in Brick and Oakhurst. Among those in attendance were several members of the state-champion Toms River Little League All-Stars including Anthony and Lisa’s12-year old son Joseph.

Special thanks to Maria, Juan and Marco from the River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar in Brick. The Williams Family celebrated my wife’s retirement and daughter’s college graduation there on Saturday although my son still believes it was all for his 29th birthday which was yesterday. Anyway the people at River Rock were fabulous and as the saying goes, a good time was had by all.

After consultation with my agent I have decided to return for a third season as the public address announcer for the Monmouth University football team. The negotiations fell apart on several occasions but when Monmouth Assistant Athletic Director Greg Viscomi told me they would throw in a new polo shirt I gave in.

The Hawks open their 2014 season Saturday at 1pm against Delaware State at Kessler Field and I will be behind the microphone. Hear the game on Saturday at 1 p.m. on 1160 and 1310 WOBM AM and online on ShoreSportsNetwork.com with your mobile device.

Yes they still make movies without violence, graphic language and sex; you just have to search harder to find them. The Hundred-Foot Journey starring Helen Mirren is worth the cost of admission if you like cute stories even if the outcome is somewhat predictable.