Memories of the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Some random notes heading into what will be for me a very busy weekend:

The Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for tomorrow on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights beginning at noon. For many years this was one of my favorite days of the year which usually included spending several hours at Klee’s Bar & Grill.

No matter what I would meet my father there in the morning for a shot of Irish whiskey which I’ve never been able to acquire a taste.  However it was for OUR tradition and I miss it with him gone.

The parade actually starts at J Street in Seaside Park and heads north to Hiering Avenue which is the last block in Seaside Heights.  Assemblyman Greg McGuckin is this year’s Grand Marshall and also being saluted as Irish Woman of the Year is Louise Hammer, who passed away last summer from cancer.

Louise and her husband Sam have been co-owners of the Crab’s Claw Inn for 40 years and have been great friends of ours.  Sam along with the rest of his family and others from the Crabs Claw will be marching in her honor on Saturday knowing that Louise is smiling down on them.

Tonight I will serve as Master of Ceremonies at the retirement party for Dennis Filippone who was a teacher, coach and administrator in the Brick School District for four decades.  Tonight’s dinner will take place at the Ramada Inn of Toms River and Dennis will receive tributes from many. He’ll get something else from me.

It has been quite a season for the Manchester Township girls basketball team and the best may yet to come.  The Hawks have won the WOBM Christmas Classic, Class “B” South, Shore Conference Tournament and South Jersey Group 2 titles and Sunday will face Lincoln in the State Group 2 finals at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena.

This after ending Manasquan’s five year run as group champions last night with a 64-48 semifinal victory behind a brilliant 25 point, 12 rebound, and 6 steal effort from Leilani Correa.  Sunday’s game at Toms River North is set for 2pm.