Do Your Volleyball Skills Need a Spring Cleaning?

It happens to me every spring. As winter starts to loosen its grip and my neighbor’s tulips sneak a peek, I start the countdown to the first day of beach volleyball. It should be noted that as this itch begins I’m still playing on various indoor leagues - but it makes no difference, I’ve started to yearn sand. Unfortunately, my delirium isn’t acute enough to ignore the obvious: I am not ready.

When you are one of two players covering a sand court under a July sun, you better be willing to run, dive, pass dead-on, and never give up. But as a libero playing with five other players on the court, I have to admit that before I hit the sand my skills need a little spring cleaning.

Thankfully, there are a few camps available in the New Jersey area that can polish up my game – and yours.

Bob Bertucci Camps (www.bobbertucci.com)

• Day Camps: offered in 3 9 a.m.-5 p.m. days. 2 Sessions in the area available: June 29-July1, 2009 in Medford, NJ; July 6-8 in Brodheadsville, PA. Bertucci also offer a team camp.
• Kutztown University Weekender. June 5-7, 2009 @ Kutztown, PA. Accommodation and food provided

Pat Powers Clinics (www.vbclinics.com)

• June 27-28, 2009 Long Island, NY
• Nov 21-22, 2009 Cherry Hill, NJ (ok, this date is after beach season, but what the heck.)

Rebels Volleyball Clinics (www.geocities.com/livingstonvb99)

• A series of five Sunday clinics starting on Sunday, April 5, 2009 to be held at Oak Knoll School in Summit, NJ. Participants do not need to commit to the entire series to attend.

Know of any others? Please share.

(Photo Credit: inottawa on Flickr)

A Beautiful Blond is Looking for a Home

I was forwarded an email from this little girl's foster home. If she doesn't tug at your heartstrings, nothing will. Do you know anyone looking for a puppy? Spring is the best time to enjoy a puppy.

---- Original Email ----

Our latest foster puppy. She is so sweet. She will be up for adoption this week. I am e-mailing everyone to take a look and ask them to e-mail this around in case anyone is looking for a puppy. She was found tied to a tree with red ants crawling all over her. She is very healthy, bright eyed and loving considering what she has been through. Have anyone interested get in touch with me/ P.S. She is only 15 lbs. right now. The photos are deceiving. She will reach between 30 and 40 lbs. which is a mid sized dog. She is extremely loveable and likes nothing better than to cuddle. She gets along great with my two dogs AND my cat. (Doesn't really care about the cat one way or another - which is good). She is smart (already sitting for treats, her meals and her toys). She is a very pretty blonde baby girl with nice markings. Sleeps through the night in her crate without a peep. I think she will make a wonderful pet for a lucky family.

Five Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing a New Yoga Studio

Client: Studio Fitness, a yoga and Pilates studio in Warren, New Jersey
Deliverable: A three-minute script to be used on social media sites

Hi. My name is Jenn. And today’s Yoga Instructional is brought to you compliments of Studio Fitness in Warren, New Jersey. Today’s instructional – 5 Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing a New Yoga Studio.

Whether you are new to yoga or not, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

• First: Stay away from large gyms and health clubs.
  Yoga is about achieving a mind-body connection. Unfortunately, gyms and health clubs aren’t the best place to find it. They definitely focus on the body but only offer yoga as an added class. Also, remember that their primary clients are those using the gym equipment. If ever there is a conflict of space or class schedule, they will likely please them first.
• Second: Make sure you understand the pricing - both upfront and monthly fees.
  Ask about any initiation fees? Also, if you miss classes, can you make them up at no additional cost? If they offer more than yoga, determine if the additional equipment offsets the price. Yes, the club might have a pool but will you use it? Why pay for it if you won’t.
• Third: It may sound simple but, do you like the atmosphere?
  For example, are the floors clean? Remember, yoga is practiced in bare feet so take a moment and look around. Will you be comfortable lying on their floor?
  Ask about the instructors. Are they dedicated to their discipline? If you can, talk to one. Does she only teach yoga? Be wary if she also teaches cardio-boxing or step-aerobics. Can you hear other classes in progress? Really, you don’t want to hear techno-music or barbells dropping in the next room.
• Fourth: Opt for small, convenient classes.
  Though yoga can be practiced in large classes, small ones are ideal - especially if you are a beginner. You should be able to expect personal attention from your instructor. Make sure you take a good look at the class schedule. Are there enough classes during the times you need? Is there a good variety of classes? If making up missed classes is available, are there any restrictions?
• Last – and in one simple sentence - Definitely don’t sign anything if you are required to commit for a year or more.

We hope these quick tips were useful to you. If you have any questions or want to add a tip, feel free to visit us at: www.studiofitness.net.

Park Improvements Continue Across City - An Excerpt

Excerpt from published article appearing in “Rahway Progress”:

In keeping with a commitment to improve Rahway's image through the renovation of parks, streets and sidewalks, the administration, along with Rahway residents and the business community, continues to implement various programs designed to fulfill that goal.

One of the cornerstones of Mayor James Kennedy's program is the recently appointed Aesthetics Committee. The Committee's purpose is to develop renovation programs and increase awareness of property beautification and maintenance, and it consists of local residents, business owners and government representatives.

As one of its first steps, the Committee, accompanied by Kennedy, toured Rahway in an attempt to rate various public and private properties and to determine which could serve as examples of well-maintained property. As a result the Committee conducted its first annual Beautification Contest.

Homes and private properties with exceptional floral displays and designs, as well as overall quality landscaping and maintenance were nominated by residents and business owners. The winners, as judged by the Aesthetics Committee and the Mayor’s Office, will be eligible for a variety of gifts and prizes from local nurseries and garden centers. The judging will take place in mid-August.