Ned has dated since Maude's death. In fact, after Homer puts Ned in a video dating service, he even dated Edna. Their date was arranged as a "revenge date" on Skinner, who listened to the date on speakerphone.
Marks the return of Joey Kramer of Aerosmith who was last seen in Season 3, where Edna stole Joey's drumsticks whilst seducing him.