Day One of BKM 2005 (Part 1 of 1, as it turns out)

The flight was fine, and Kevin met me at the gate, as he had taken the earlier flight, and though he was not paying, he got the aisle bulkhead seat. I was offered a middle seat in the back, but my right knee said no.

The bus from LaGuardia to Manhattan was $12 and left immediately after we got on. Twenty minutes later, we were at Grand Central Station, and we walked the eight or so blocks to the Affinia 50 hotel.

Peter, the brother with the smallest pecker, and Michael met us there, and we had lunch at some Irish bar named Doherty’s. There were a bunch of suits drinking and playing Golden Tee. We had lunch and noticed that they ban smoking in bars in New York. We decided that was a good idea.

By that time, we figured it was time to take the 6 train to Grand Central, and then on to the 7 west to Shea…only 17,count ‘em (we did) 17 stops.

It was Duffle Bag night, and we took advantage of that fact to hit the MBNA stands for a Mets blanket and t-shirt. Perfect for prizes at the 2006 GGO.

Cubs lost. Here’s the story:

NEW YORK -- Nomar Garciaparra was back at shortstop, and Kerry Wood and Scott Williamson were both healthy enough to pitch, but the trio couldn't help the Chicago Cubs get back on track.

Mike Cameron and Cliff Floyd each drove in two runs in an ugly six-run second inning to lift the New York Mets to a 9-5 victory Friday night over the Cubs, who have lost five of their last six games.

Garciaparra started at short, his first game since April 20, when he ruptured a tendon in his groin. He went 0-for-4, grounding out to pitcher Tom Glavine in the second, flying out to left in the fourth, grounding out to Glavine again in the sixth and grounding out to short in the eighth.

"From my standpoint, I would've rather had a better result, but I'm glad to be out there," Garciaparra said. "Now I know how I feel, and I'll try to help as best as I can."

Wood (right shoulder) on Friday was activated from the disabled list along with Williamson (right elbow). Wood started the sixth, his first relief appearance after 174 consecutive starts. He got Cliff Floyd to pop up, walked David Wright, then retired Mike Piazza and Chris Woodward. Williamson pitched the seventh, struck out two and gave up a single in his Cubs debut.

"Everything felt good, and I put up a zero, so that's not ever bad. I'll take it every time," Wood said.

He worked out of the stretch in his relief appearance. It's by design.

"The more I get out there, I'm probably going to be out there with men on base, and you make most of your important pitches out of the stretch," he said. "The more I can throw out of the stretch, the better it'll be."

Wood may have started the inning but he didn't start the game. It was weird. "It's different," he said. "Obviously, you're not starting the game, you're coming in in the middle. You still warm up, get loose and try to get guys out."

And if Cubs manager Dusty Baker needs him on Saturday?

"If the phone rings and they ask for me, I'll be ready," Wood said.

Derrek Lee belted his career-high 33rd home run with one out in the eighth and Aramis Ramirez led off the second with his 28th, both off Glavine (8-9), who picked up the win.

But there weren't any positives for the Cubs in the New York second. Cubs starter Rich Hill (0-1) walked Piazza and Woodward to start the inning, and Piazza scored on Miguel Cairo's single. Glavine reached on a fielder's choice as second baseman Todd Walker threw home trying to get Woodward, but the throw was off the mark and the run scored.

Jose Reyes was safe on an infield single hit at Garciaparra, who turned to throw to third, but Ramirez signaled for the shortstop to throw somewhere else, and Reyes was safe.

Cameron followed with a two-run single and, one out later, Floyd drove in a pair with a single to make it 7-1.

"I was going to throw to third," Garciaparra said of Reyes' hit. "Ramy, he pointed. He was playing in, in case they bunted, and I had to make an adjustment. I knew I couldn't go to second, and I took a shot over there. It was one of those balls in no-man's land. I took a shot at first."

Baker was upset at the sloppy defense.

"You're not going to get Reyes on that ball," Baker said. "That's judgement. You don't have a whole lot of time to make up your mind."

"It was a bad inning," Baker said. "It started bad and ended up worse."

"You have those innings," Garciaparra said.

Hill was pulled, giving up seven runs on seven hits and two walks over 1 1/3 innings, his shortest start. The rookie lefty struck out one.

2005 GGO Recap

Pleasantly warm sun and cool lake breezes were the highlights of what was possibly the most comfortable weather in the history of the Greg Gross Open. Nine golfers in two groups teed off last Saturday morning at Peter N. Jans Golf Course, a longtime home of the GGO.

In a tournament that has seen exciting play through the years, this year’s GGO featured a furious back nine comeback from a player in the lead group, so furious that it was not discovered until the Awards Ceremony that there was a tie. As you are aware, when golfers tie after eighteen, playoff holes are played. If the playoff holes end in a tie, the golfers in the playoff are disqualified for wasting time.

So, as Bob Lumicao stormed through the back nine in the group of five duffers, and Scott Gillman held off the lead group and to an assumed outright victory, golfers gathered at the UBAA Tap and ordered Collossal burgers. Once the cards were tabulated, however, it was found that Lumicao and Gillman had tied, thus forcing a three hole playoff on the corner Golden Tee. After the golfers tied the first two holes, Stan Kitzinger, defending champion, began rubbing his hands as he knew, as 3rd place finisher, the crown would fall back into his hands with another tied hole.Gillman then took control on the third playoff hole, and the crown was his.

There were no rookies this year, but Lumicao did win the AGA title, besting the Tournament Director, who did birdie the lengthy par 3 8th hole.

1st Scott Gillman
2nd Bob Lumicao
3rd Stan Kitzinger
4th Jim Rose
5th Frank Murtha
6th Craig Lederer
7th Greg Kelly
8th Kevin Kelly
9th James Slater

James Slater, who now lives closest to PNJGC since his recent move to Wilmette, wore the Pink Visor with pride, taking it off only after asking “Do I still need to be wearing this?” It was a victory indeed for Slater, who anticipated not finishing ther GGO after coming to the course without balls or clubs. He did buy $.50 slightly experienced balls and left the course with some to spare.

It was agreed that the GGO would rotate between Peter N. Jans Golf Course in Evanston and Anets Golf Course, which is currently being renovated by the Northbrook Park District.

We thank everyone who stayed for attending, and hope you mark your calendar for

July 29, 2006*
*tentative

Dad's Guest Book

July 5, 2005
Dear Kellys: John Donne said that "every man's death diminishes me." And I feel diminished to learn of Ed's death. What a good and decent, caring and generous man! The OLPH and Notre Dame communities are all saddened to discover "for whom the bell tolls". FITZ
John Fitzgerald (San Francisco, CA ) fitz@stanthonysf.org

I am the youngest of the Bill Kelly clan in Arlington HTS. Some of my fondest memories growing up were spent at the Kelly's in Glenview. Back yard cookouts, ping pong in the basement and Uncle Ed's infectious laugh. He had a way of making my Dad laugh till tears rolled down his face. To my cousins, I am so sorry for your loss, but he will be remembered for the man he was and the love he felt for his family. God bless all of you. Tim Kelly Nephew, Tulsa OK
Timothy Kelly (Tulsa, OK ) tim@csiofok.com

I was so very sorry to hear about Mr. Kelly's death... I know it's been a long battle, and having been through a very similar fight with my Dad makes the news of his loss all the more poignant. I have many fond memories of family get togethers when we were kids ... long ago, but it doesn't really feel like more than a few months. As my brother said, that Campion contingent in heaven is getting pretty large ... they'll be running the joint before too long. Please know that you are in all our thoughts.
Pat Casey (Chicago, IL )

To Dorothy, to my cousins and their families, and to My Uncle Ed's dear friends, I remember most Uncle Ed's smile and laughter. He brought it with him and offered it to everyone each time the Kelly's got together for Kelly Korned Beef with Papa and Nana Kelly. I enjoyed how Ed would exchange stories and jokes with my Dad and My Uncle Bob (Ed's brothers) and his sister, My Aunt Maurita. I am so grateful for the courage and love he gave my Dad and Lorraine when my Dad faced surgery and his last years. He has been joyously welcomed in heavan by Christ and those who have gone before. With sympathies, Roger (nephew of Ed) & family
Roger Kelly (Chicago, IL )

July 4, 2005
Bob Kelly is my father’s youngest brother. My Uncle Bob. I remember him so fondly. He was a rock during some critical times in our lives. He gave me an emergency loan when I started my second semester of college. He was there when my Dad has scary surgery. To his family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Yet now we have another Saint Kelly above to watch over us.
Diane Kelly (Tucson, AZ ) k-kelly@timdarby.net

The Kelly Family, How strong the bond has been between the Campion alumni over the past 59 years. May we all meet again in the eternal reward. Our prayers are with you at this time. Bob Bush "46"
Bob Bush (Battle Creek, MI ) Bushprue@aol.com

Dorothy: Sandra and I are so happy that we stopped in to see Ed a week ago when we were in Glenview. I think we all knew it was a "goodbye" visit, but it was the least we could do for a great guy. I know he will be missed by so many friends around the country. Paul Fullmer
Paul Fullmer (Galena, IL )

To the Kelly family, We are very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our families spent many happy times together, albeit many years ago. I will never forget a very "unique" boat ride when the Kellys' visited our vacation cottage in Michigan one year. Only a Naval Commander could operate a pontoon boat like that. The Campion '46 reunion in Heaven is becoming well attended. With sympathies, Dennis (son of Jack) & Denise Casey & family
Dennis Casey (Orland Park, IL )

Going to miss the Band-aid and Kelly Korn beef. He is my good one and have fun with. He loved me as a joker and Warm Welcome.
Danny Kelly (Cleveland, OH )

July 3, 2005
We've lost a good man and a dear friend. He is the embodiment of all that is a good Catholic man.
Phil St. Aubin (Glenview, IL )

Dear Kelly Family, Uncle Ed really loved life and did his best to live it to the fullest. He loved to get together with his family; Wife, Sons, Daughter, Grandkids, Nieces, Nephews, Brothers, Sister and In-Laws. He always had a warm smile and a story to offer. I learned much from him. May he and the rest of the family gone before him hopefuly share in the joy and the love of Christ eternally. Memory Eternal Uncle Ed!
Edward Kelly (Cleveland, OH ) Ekelly082@aol.com

I will always remember Kel. we lived across the hall from one another at Campion. He was one of the nicest men I have ever known.
Jack Halloran (Minneapolis, MN )

All will miss you, Ed, and your "quiet" comments and humor. Keep a watchful eye on all your loved ones here until our joyful homecoming. And, by the way, put in a good word for the Irish out this year!!!
Frank Murtha (Glenview, IL )

Edward J. Kelly 1928 - 2005

Though he attended White Sox games with his uncle, Mayor Edward J. Kelly, he never seemed to mind that his children are Cubs fans.

Edward J. Kelly, of Glenview died Thursday at this home. He was 77. Though he shared the family’s love of politics, he directed his energies towards public service through volunteering. Through St. John Fisher Church in Beverly, he worked with the Holy Name Society. Once he moved to Glenview in 1968 following the sale of Kelly Kornbeef, Kelly delivered for Meals on Wheels, and spent numerous holidays and weekends on behalf of the Little Brothers of the Poor, visiting the elderly and shut-ins on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, taking them to luncheons or to the organization’s summer cottages in Rochelle. He was the Head Usher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview.

Mr. Kelly also worked tirelessly on behalf of the mentally retarded, working with the Association of Retarded Citizens, and served for a time as the president of the Lincoln Parents’ Association, which advocated for the parents of residents of the state-run Lincoln Developmental Center.

Following his wife Barbara’s death in 1997, Kelly joined the Volunteers of Helping Hands of Glenview, which provides transportation to seniors and people with disabilities, mostly for medical appointments. His efforts led to his being named Volunteer of the Year in 1999 in Glenview.

After his graduation from Campion Jesuit High School and the University of Notre Dame, he served in the United States Navy and Reserves until retirement at the rank of Commander. He also taught and served as an administrator for the Gabriel Richard Institute, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help people develop practical leadership skills.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Marguerite (Bill) Fobes, Michael (Susan Balciulis), the late Timothy, Martha (James) Rose, Laura (Remo) Zanocco, Kevin (Annmarie), Peter (Janice), Gregory (Tania), and thirteen grandchildren. Visitation at N H Scott & Hebblethwaite Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Rd, Glenview from 4 until 8, Tuesday. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview at 10 Wednesday followed by internment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.

From the Chicago Tribune:
Although he firmly had a place in the business world, his heart was devoted to helping others. "I know that his family's background in politics--his uncle was Mayor Edward J. Kelly- -and his faith played a big part in his volunteering his time, and he also was always one to tell people to take care of their neighbors just as much as themselves," said his youngest son, Gregory. Mr. Kelly, 77, retired vice president of factory operations for General Bandages Inc. in Morton Grove, died of cancer Thursday, June 30, in his Glenview home.

What We Did on Our Summer Vacation

The wife and I stayed at the Renaissance Aruba for our honeymoon, and a had a fun time. We did not find Natalee Hollaway, but I am sure she is, as the LHPDW said, she was sold into white slavery.

Anyway, it was not a Five Star Resort, but was real nice and perfect for those who leave their pretentiousness at the door. Checking in and out was no problem, and a brief island blackout was handled real well.We stayed at the Ocean Suites, which are simply large rooms, with a separate bedroom. The rooms were nice, nothing ridiculously different, and had a refrigerator, freezer, wet bar, and microwave. Our refrigerator was dialed way down, but no big deal.True, the hotel is next to the Marketplace, an assortment of shops and yes, a Wendy’s and Sbarro, but they didn’t ruin my trip. In fact, it made for a real quick, cheap meal.

The private island is nice, but the beach has a breakwater which cuts way down the number of waves that come in. Yes, planes do fly low over the beach, but only the most picky find that a bother. The flamingos and lots of lizards were fun to watch.We stuck mostly to the pool area, with lots of friendly people and a convenient bar nearby.The biggest highlight on Aruba was the absence of “island time,” the often interminable wait for basic things at meals and at the bar. Didn't happen ONCE!

We also checked out the Seaport Casino, which reminded me of riverboat casinos back home. The waiters were beyond attentive, and the tourists there were fun, as were most of the dealers. One drawback was that the locals who played there seemed to be there more out of desperation than just some fun. I noticed less of that at the Crystal Casino up the street.

We ate at LG Smith’s restaurant at the main Renaissance, and it was typical upscale steakhouse. The Gaucho was derided as a tourist trap by some snobby types we met, but we enjoyed it. After all, we were tourists. The dining highlight, and possibly the overall highlight of the trip was the Flying Fishbone restaurant. It is a $19 cab ride each way, but the food and atmosphere were top notch, especially for romantics. The tables are literally on the beach, with some feet getting wet. The food was great, with the steamed mussels and crème brulee highlights. It doesn’t hurt that the staff there were some of the most beautiful and attentive women I have ever seen. Iguana Joe’s offers good sandwiches and colorful boozy drinks.

We Got Married

What more can you say?