The Raritan River Region has learned how to cope with inclement weather. Who ever picked the date of Sunday, March 14, 2010, must have felt that we needed a little polish for our weather coping skills. The Garden State, on Saturday, March 13, 2010 was visited with one of the fiercest nor' easters on record. In a winter of record snow falls, March 13, 2010 saw hurricane force winds and torrential rain. Dawn on Sunday, March 14, 2010 was not greeted by sunshine. It was greeted with left over winds, flooded roads, endless detours and power outages due to fallen trees. And even some hail and thunder thrown in for good measure.

So what to do? Eat!!

Intrepid Region members met at Old Country Buffet on Route 22 in Watchung. As intense as the weather was, so was the feasting for our all-you-can-eat-breakfast. An omelet station, sunnyside and scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, bacon, pancakes, waffles - the list seemed endless. Also endless was a litany of morning beverages.

Although the food was very good and the price was right, there star of the show was a bit different. Delighting region members and others alike, four month old Veronica Manna made her debut. This precious bundle of charm effortlessly brought all activity to a stand still. Veronica certainly has her mother's good looks, and mixes them with her dad's poise. She is one lucky little girl, who has parents that totally appreciate her. Best of luck to Joe and Michele. Veronica is indeed a million dollar baby.

The cast of characters (other than star attraction, Veronica) reads like a who's who list in the Raritan River Region. Ralph Messina, Bob Rankin, Jay Raskin, Joe Puleo, Ray Koziol, Andrew Monahan, Rosemary Spicuzza, Tony D'Agostino, Lynn D'Agostino, Bob Crimmins, John Quattrocci, Pat Quatrocci, Rich Nalavany, Marion Nalavany, Grace Gluck, Bob Gluck, Bob Losco, Ann Losco, Bernie Cooney, Pat Caruso, Mary Caruso, and Aunt Dora.

A wonderful time was had by all, in spite some inclement weather.