2-22 EO by Community News Service

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100 and still bowling strong Owner of Slocum’s Bowling, Bar and Grille turning 100 years old this month By RebeKah Schroeder

Nothing is stopping Lew Slocum from bowling, not his age, nor his family—he is set to turn 100 on Feb. 2, and still taking to the 12 lanes at Slocum’s Bowling Center with gusto. His father, Lewis Slocum Sr., started the business back in 1939, passing the property, and his name, on. Lew Slocum’s son, “Chip” Slocum, currently runs the business, having taken over in 1984. Slocum’s Bowling Center shares the space with

Sloc’s Grille, facing the street along Pennington Road. Their sign whimsically transforms the ‘o’ in their last name into a bowling ball, and for three generations, the Slocum family has been bowling perfect games. With a building that originally served as a truck repair and automobile dealership, Chip told the Observer that when men were drafted in the first world war, his grandfather decided to put in eight lanes of bowling, as well as a small snack bar. Lew was drafted in 1942 for WWII, and after basic training, he was sent to Kelly Field, Texas, to join the 84th Depot Repair Squadron. Prior to the formation of the U.S. Army Air Forces, the

aviation-focused unit of the military was known as the U.S. Army Air Corps. With his squadron, Lew went to Africa for three months, then onto Italy at the Foggia Airfield Complex. At the air bases, Lew and his team would repair planes to go back into service. Following a year and a half of being in southern Italy, the war ended in Germany, so Lew’s team headed to Spokane, Washington. There, he joined the baseball team, reminiscing of playing the sport in his younger years. “We were practicing on the field one day, and all of a sudden those sirens and whistles start blowing, so the lieutenSee SLOCUM, Page 12

Ewing author tells the story of a free black man in America By Joe EMansKi

Notre Dame High School senior Ean Chambers, a Ewing resident, plays tough defense for the team. For more, see story on Page 16. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)

Jacob Francis, like many men who lived in Colonial America, was a farmer and a soldier. Born in Amwell in 1754, Francis served in both the Continental Army and the New Jersey Militia during the American Revolution. After the war for independence between the colonists and the British was over, he bought a farm in his hometown, married, and raised a family with his wife, Mary. But Francis’ story is different from the story of many of his contemporaries in one significant way: Francis was a

free Black man, living in a time when a great many Black people were enslaved, in New Jersey and throughout the Colonies. William L. (Larry) Kidder, a local author and historian, has recently published a book about Francis, entitled The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man: Jacob Francis 1754–1836. Kidder, a Ewing resident, is a former president of both the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and the Ewing Township Historical Preservation Society. He taught history for 40 years, including 8 years at Ewing High and 32 at The Hun School in

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Princeton. Kidder received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He served four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the U.S. Navy Research and Development Unit, Vietnam and then the destroyer USS Brownson home ported in Newport, Rhode Island. In the 1980s he was the lead researcher and writer for the creation of the Admiral Arleigh Burke National Destroyer Museum aboard the destroyer See KIDDER, Page 14

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Around town

Trenton Water Works removes 25% of lead lines Edited by Bill Sanservino

Trenton Water Works has removed 25% of lead services (lead pipes) from its water-distribution system, including at private homes, according to the utility, which serves most of Ewing Township. TWW began removal in February 2020 with an inventory of 31,791 lead services in the system. Since then, TWW used four vendors and six publicly awarded contracts to replace 8,008 lead services with safer copper lines in its system and at private homes in Trenton, Hamilton Township, Lawrence Township, and Ewing Township. TWW funds its Lead Service Line Replacement Program with state grants and loans featuring forgivable principal from the N.J. Infrastructure Bank, which enables municipalities to make critical investments in public infrastructure. To date, TWW’s LSLRP has received $50 million to fund the program’s five phases, $21.5 million of which will be forgiven by the I-Bank. TWW estimates completion of the LSLRP to cost $150 million more over six years.

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, replacing lead services at homes ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 per home. However, to participate in TWW’s LSLRP, homeowners are charged $1,000, not including a plumbing permit fee paid to their municipality. “We know that 50 to 75% of lead in drinking water comes from lead service lines,” said Mayor Trenton Gusciora, who is ultimately responsible for running the utility, which is owned by the city. “Identifying these locations and encouraging homeowners to participate in TWW’s LSLRP program is part of our overall strategy to maintain high water quality and public health.” Gusciora has made modernizing the water utility a top priority since taking office in July 2018. TWW has 63,000 metered customers and approximately 250,000 consumers in a five-municipality service area. Gusciora noted that despite the

challenges in upgrading TWW’s infrastructure, the progress in the last three years brought minimum disruption to services and greater compliance with state Department of Environmental Protection water quality standards. “We are incredibly proud of how far this program has come, especially when you compare it to similar regions in the state,” Gusciora said. “For example, TWW’s service area, which stretches across 683 square miles—has nearly double the accounts as Newark but relatively less support for lead abatement.” “Newark’s lead service program is fully supported by both the mayor and city council and has access to approximately $190 million in funding, including a $120 million loan from the Essex County Improvement Authority,” Gusciora said. He added that, “even though TWW has access to just $50 million and

‘We know that 50 to 75 % of lead in drinking water comes from lead service lines.’

faces resistance from some members of Trenton City Council to accept additional low-cost state funding, the Water Department still replaced 25% of its lead pipes and is on track to remove an additional 1,200 lead services in 2022.” TWW has been improving water safety in other ways. In December 2019, TWW launched its corrosion control project, introducing the FDAapproved food additive zinc orthophosphate to its water-treatment process to coat the inside of pipes and prevent lead particles from entering the water flowing through them. As a result, TWW’s lead levels are below the federal standard of 15 parts per billion. In fact, TWW has seen a 70% decrease in lead levels across its system since deploying the corrosion control project. TWW launched several capital projects under its six-year, $405-million capital plan announced in 2019, including replacing the media in all 24 filters at the water-filtration plant and rehabilitating its chlorine contact basins to improve disinfection. The utility is working on a project to renovate the plant’s Delaware River See AROUND TOWN, Page 4

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TOWNSHIP OF EWING COUNTY OF MERCER PUBLIC NOTICE – NOTICE OF CONTRACT AWARDS FOR 2022

Notice is hereby given that the Township of Ewing has awarded contracts without competitive bidding as professional services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i). The contracts and the resolutions authorizing them are on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Municipal Clerk. Awarded To: Maeve Cannon, Esq. of Stevens & Lee Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Attorney Awarded To: Antonio Martinez, Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Public Defender Awarded To: Bertha Scott, Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Municipal Prosecutor Awarded To: David J. Truelove, Esq. of Hill Wallack Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Labor Negotiator Awarded To: Harry Z. Haushalter, Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Attorney – Special Tax Counsel Awarded To: Alaimo Group Consulting Engineers Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Conflict Engineer Awarded To: Peter Sockler and Sockler Realty Services Group Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals Awarded To: Robert P. Esposti and Post Appraisal Group Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals Awarded To: Charles Ciolino and Garden State Appraisers and Consultants Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Conflict Appraisals Awarded To: Pamela J. Brodowski and BRB Valuation & Consulting Services Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Real Estate Appraisals Awarded To: Charles W. Latini and L & G Planning, LLC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Planner Awarded To: K. Wendell Bibbs and Remington & Vernick Engineers Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Township Engineer Awarded To: Charles P. Allen, Jr., Esq. Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Attorney/Condemnation Board Awarded To: Edward McManimon, III, Esq. of McManimon, Scotland and Baumann, LLC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Bond Counsel/Special Legal Counsel Awarded To: Edwin W. Schmierer, Esq. of Mason, Griffin & Pierson, PC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Rent Control Attorney/Special Litigation Attorney Awarded To: Warren A. Broudy of Mercadien, P.C Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Auditing Services Awarded To: Wesley Bridges, Esq. of Bridges & Snell, LLC Duration: 12 Months Nature and Type of Contract: Special Litigation Conflict Attorney Kim J. Macellaro, CMC Ewing Municipal Clerk

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4Ewing Observer | February 2022

AROUND TOWN cont. from Page 3 raw water intake to make it less susceptible to obstruction, and building two multi-million-gallon storage tanks on its Prospect Street property. Residents interested in TWW’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program can learn more by visiting twwleadprogram.com. *** In October, TWW received a nonemergency violation from the DEP for Total Trihalomethanes. The violation, which occurred from July 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021, is for TTHM or Disinfection Byproducts. DBPs form when chlorine and bromine interact with natural organic materials in water, such as in chlorinated drinking water. The standard for TTHM is 80 micrograms per liter and determined by averaging samples collected at nine sampling locations in the TWW system. One sample site exceeded the standard, indicating 82 micrograms per liter). To address this condition, TWW continuously adjusts its treatment systems while ensuring an adequate level of disinfection, following industrystandard procedures. “The water utility has taken corrective action on this matter,” said Mark Lavenberg, director of the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates TWW. “We encourage our customers and service-area residents to carefully review the notice that we

mailed, which is available on TWW’s website. (trentonwaterworks.org).” TWW increased its regular and high-velocity water-main flushing systemwide to reduce water age and maintain high water quality. TWW is also completing several infrastructure projects and is evaluating treatment performance to reduce DBP levels system-wide. In the spring, TWW will organize five virtual H2Open Community Forums to give residents in its service area an opportunity to learn more about TWW’s operations and ask water-related questions. Customers can follow TWW on Facebook or visit its website trentonwaterworks.org to get further details about these community events. Purchased by the City of Trenton in 1859, TWW is one of the oldest and largest publicly owned water systems in the United States. TWW supplies approximately 28 million gallons of water per day to a quarter-million consumers in a five-municipality service area comprised The utilty operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and waterdistribution system that consists of a 100-million-gallon reservoir, 683 miles of water mains, three pump stations, nearly 8,000 valves, 3,517 fire hydrants, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers. TWW has approximately 63,000 metered customers.

Observer bserver Ewing

we are a newsroom of your neighbors. The Observer is for local people, by local people. As such, our staff sets out to make our town a closer place by giving readers a reliable source to turn to when they want to know what’s going on in their neighborhood. As part of the community, the Ewing Observer does more than just report the news—it connects businesses with their customers, organizations with their members and neighbors with one another. EDITOR Bill Sanservino (Ext. 104) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joe Emanski, Rich Fisher, Rebekah Schroeder CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST Ilene Black, Helen Kull AD LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Stephanie Jeronis

Community News Service 9 Princess Road, Suite M Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 396-1511 News: news@communitynews.org Events: events@communitynews.org Sports: sports@communitynews.org Letters: bill@communitynews.org Website: ewingobserver.com Facebook: facebook.com/ewingobserver Twitter: twitter.com/mercerspace

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League of Women Voters seeking submissions for student award The League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township, part of the national and state League of Women Voters organization, is offering its Annual Youth Leadership Award for 2022. The LWVLT will award up to $2,000 to a student or students who exemplify civic leadership in their community. The Lawrence LWV primarily serves Lawrence, Trenton and Ewing with voter education and voter services. High school students from these three districts are eligible to be considered. The Lawrence League of Women Voters invites graduating high school seniors to highlight how they have demonstrated civic leadership in their community. The League will present one or more awards in late May 2022. Application requirements are intentionally broad and open to all high school seniors engaged in any form of civic action. Submissions are due by April 1. To be considered, email LWVofLawrence@gmail.com with either a onepage essay, a one-minute video, or any other creative work. Application form: forms.gle/VXcdAJocBVXavzg26. “We are looking forward to presenting our youth leadership award again this year. Thanks to the generosity of our members and community, we are able to award $2,000 in 2022,” said LWVLT Co-chair Katharine Schumacher. “The pandemic has put unimaginable stress on students everywhere, yet we continue to be impressed by the leadership and civic action taken by students for their communities,” “Our goal is to celebrate the youth leaders in our communities who are stepping up to lead their peers under very difficult circumstances. The League is here to support, applaud,

and promote our next generation of civic leaders. If there are members of the community who wants to support this scholarship fund, anyone can make a tax deductible contribution to the LWVLT Youth Leadership Award fund. All proceeds go directly to the students.” For online giving: lwvlt.org/donate-1.

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Ewing Township to get almost $200K for school security upgrades

Ewing Township will receive $191,033 from a bill passed last month and signed by Governor Phil Murphy appropriating a total of $5.15 million from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act to provide grants for school security projects in New Jersey school districts. The funding will be allocated to the installation of silent panic alarms to alert law enforcement during an emergency as required by Alyssa’s Law, as well as other school security upgrades. “The safety and well-being of students and educators across our state is one of our top priorities. By investing in school security, we are also investing in healthy and safe learning environments,” said Murphy. “This funding will help many schools make necessary security enhancements to their facilities.” “We share a common goal in New Jersey of ensuring our students and staff are in safe and secure learning environments,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting commissioner of education. “The funding that is being announced today is one important piece that helps New Jersey continue to achieve that goal.” Primary sponsors of the legislation include assembly members Roy Freiman, Angela V. McKnight, and Joe Danielsen and Senator Paul A. Sarlo. “Equipping our schools with panic alarms will help first responders See AROUND TOWN, Page 6

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AROUND TOWN cont. from Page 5 come to the aid of students and staff more quickly in the event of an emergency,” said Freiman, McKnight and Danielsen in a joint statement. “It’s sad that measures such as this are necessary. However, in these troubling times this is a prudent action to protect the well-being of our children.” “This is an investment in the safety of school children and educators in schools across the state,” said Senator Sarlo. “The ‘panic alarms’ provide a level of silent security that we hope is never needed but is always there. State funds will allow schools to install the system.” Some of the upgrades that funding will go towards would be for installing silent panic alarms to alert law enforcement during an emergency, as is required by Alyssa’s Law, which Murphy signed in 2019. The law was named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old former resident of Woodcliff Lake who was killed in a school shooting along with 16 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club owners Frank and Becky Gabriele, left, and Bob 2018. and Sharon Voelzke. The facility on Sullivan Way was expected to open in late January.

Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club Set to Open in Ewing

A state-of-the-art pickleball facility is coming to Ewing Township. The 26,000-sqare-foot facility at 370 Sullivan Way was expected to open in late January.

S. Broad Street Center 920 S Broad St., Trenton (609) 396-8383

East State Street Center 794 East State St., Trenton (609) 989-8143

Yardville Branch 453 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Hamilton (609) 585-4280

CYO Bromley Center 1801 East State St., Hamilton (609) 587-8100

Ewing CYO 320 Hollowbrook Dr., Ewing (609) 883-1560

*Before & After School Programs are also located at four Hamilton Township Schools: Klockner, Greenwood, Wilson, & Lalor*

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Pickleball was invented as a children’s backyard game in the 1960s and has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves two or four players hitting a ball similar to a wiffle ball over a net using solid paddles, mixing elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. The Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club (MBPC) is owned by Frank and Becky Gabriele and Bob and Sharon Voelzke, two couples from Yardley, Pennsylvania, who developed a passion for the sport and had been playing on a makeshift court in their cul-de-sac. The onset of colder weather led them to the realization that the area needed a good, indoor facility. “We visited indoor pickleball facilities across the country and were certain we could bring the best-of-thebest to Mercer and Bucks counties,” Sharon Voelzke said. “After searching the area for many months, we found the perfect location for fun and fitness with easy access for all.” MBPC will have nine indoor courts featuring Pro-Cushion floors that are easier on the joints than asphalt or concrete. Soundproofing, LED lighting, and climate control will provide a pleasant playing experience. Additional amenities at the club will include cornhole setups, a lounge, and a cafe offering light snacks. A private event space will be available for birthday parties and other special occasions. The facility also plans to offer summer camps as well as instruction for beginner to advanced pickleball players through group classes and private lessons. Members can book courts by the hour and participate in leagues, round robins, and tournaments. An automatic ball machine and practice

court will also be available. The club will provide balls and paddles and also offer pickleball-oriented merchandise for sale.

Mercer County Clerk’s Office makes donation to EASEL animal shelter

Following their annual holiday drive benefiting local charities, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello and her staff delivered a large amount of donations to both the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey and EASEL (Ewing Animal Rescue League). This year, the county clerk and her staff along with the county courthouse staff and Trenton Fire Director Kenneth Douglas all assisted in collecting toys and clothing to benefit the Children’s Home Society. The clerk’s office also collects pet food and pet supplies and monetary donations for local animal shelters. “If the public puts their trust in you to serve them, your service should extend beyond your official title,” said Sollami Covello. “Of course, this would not be possible without those generous souls and businesses who donated to help our local charities,” she said. “By collecting toys, clothing, pet food and money, we hope to the make the holidays brighter for the children and animals in need.” Both EASEL and the Trenton Animal Shelter are committed to reducing the euthanizing of homeless animals in Mercer County. They are also accepting donations and volunteers. For more information, visit EASEL’s website at easelnj.org or call the Trenton Animal Shelter at (609) 989-3254.

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New leaf pickup system unfair to residents Editor’s note: Last summer, Ewing implemented new procedures for leaf pickup. The change was reported in the June issue of the Observer, and it was also communicated by the township in a number of full-page ads run over a period of several months. Under the new rules, the township no longer scheduled periodic leaf collections and instead made them year round. Residents were prohibited from raking leaves or debris into the street for pickup, as had been allowed in the past. Leaves and grass are now required to be put in a container or in biodegradable bags at the curb. Plastic bags are not allowed. Rules were also put into place requiting that brush and tree branches to cut up and bind. Mayor Bert Steinmann said one reason for the change was that the debris from collections was flying loose and collecting in storm drains, clogging them. He also said that there were changes in environmental regulations at the state level restricting the placement of loose leaves in the street. In the following letter, township resident June Moon expresses her concerns surrounding the change. *** Ewing Township has been disingenuous to Ewing residents regarding new pickup guidelines pertaining to leaf and brush collection. The flyer that circulated and was posted in the Ewing Observer implies that loose leaves will no longer be picked up, “as per updated regulations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.” Ewing Township eliminated a valued taxpayer service unnecessarily. All the surrounding townships including the capital City of Trenton are picking up non-containerized (loose) gutter leaves. My friend, who lives in Hamilton Square, sent me an e-mail on Jan. 6 informing me that the township was on his street with the claw collecting leaves before the impending storm that was expected to arrive that evening. He asked me, “Should I send them to Ewing?” Yes, please I replied. Ewing Township approved a new ordinance in March 2021 that amends the General Ordinance of the Township wherein they state that they are updating various provisions to make it consistent with current practice and law. I’m baffled by how they consider it consistent with current practice when

research reveals that surrounding townships are complying with updated stormwater management regulations by following guidelines for non-point source pollution (N.J.A.C. 7:8) without sacrificing services. This was accomplished by a modest change in gutter leaf collection by requiring that all non-containerized leaves shall not be placed in the gutter no more than seven days prior to scheduled pickup date, and shall be no more than 10 feet from the storm drain. What’s peculiar is that brush may be placed at the curb for collection. and is picked up inconsistently but year-round. Just recently I visited the (Ewing) Department of Public Works at 136 Scotch Road, the manager, the supervisor and five other men were in the building at 1:45 p.m. It appeared they had completed their day with nothing further to do. I addressed the leaf collection issue, and I was informed by the manager that he was not consulted. They just do as they’re told. I left with bags but had the feeling that they’re embarrassed by the change. I live in the 08628-area code. It is a mature, heavily treed area. I pay $200 a week in taxes. The new ordinance has created a problem for taxpayers. You either allow leaves to blow around or face a further financial burden if you choose to hire a landscaping service to collect the leaves at a cost of ($300-$700) or risk injury by bagging many, many bags. Residents always bagged leaves, but the bulk of the leaves were always collected. I moved here in the 1970’s, the township has established a long precedent—they have collected leaves for half a century and probably more! Some basic truths: 1. Bulk loose-Leaf collection is being performed by all the surrounding townships. 2. Ewing Township Department of Public Works has plenty of manpower (45 employees) and equipment. 3. Ewing Township Department of Public Works has a huge multi-milliondollar budget. We are being stripped of more and more services. What are we supposed to do? Grin and Bear It? N0! Ewing residents: S peak up and object.

Ewing Township eliminated a valued taxpayer service unnecessarily.

June Moon Ewing Township

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GOODNEWS June February

The Ewing Public Schools Schools

2022 2005

Adopt-a-Survivor Program TeacherSTANDOUTS of the Year Recipients are Honored EHS Promotes College TOP AWARDS FOR EHS FOOTBALL Begins at Ewing High School and Career Readiness!

Nearly sixty years since Allied forces liberated the Nazi concentration camps, the now elderly survivors of the Holocaust are turning to a new generation to preserve their testimony about their wartime experiences for future generations. Holocaust survivors are steadily dwindling in number. Many have made it their mission to educate the world that anti-Semitism and racism easily lead to murder, and to speak about the horrors they and their families suffered. With the passing of time, it has become urgent to find a new generation to continue the survivors’ mission and tell their stories after the It was a year of success for Ewing High survivors can no longer do so. School division championship On Football, April 12,with the aAdopt-a-Survivor (AAS) and a playoff berth being earned onarea the gridiron. program was introduced to the Trenton at Ewing AndSchool. now aSix couple of stellar standouts from High Holocaust survivors were adopted the team have broken new ground and set a new by twelve Ewing High sophomores. The adopted standard for the Blue Devils football program. survivors—Moshe Gimlan, Vera Goodkin, Marion ClubZaifman— has preSinceRuth 1989, theCharles 12th Man Lewin, Lubitz, RojerTD and Jack sented the Frank “Mammy” Piscopo Memowere originally from Germany, Czechoslovakia, rial Award to the Outstanding Football Player in Poland and Belgium. Mercer County. The AAS program pairs a survivor with one or And, no Ewing High embark Schoolonfootball player more students. The students a joint journey has ever won it. with the survivor through discussions about life Until year, when electric before, during and after the this Holocaust. Participating Blue receiver/destudents will be able to Devils representwide the survivor and fensive Tyreek Rollins tell the survivor’s story with back, accuracy and feeling in the prestigious the years to come. earned In addition, each studentaward. makes a commitment to tell the in athe public Oh,survivor’s and sincestory 1998, 12th venue in the year Man 2045, TD a hundred yearspresented after the Club has liberation of Auschwitz. the Charles J. “Fuzzy” Falzone The twelve student adopters are Dave Angebranndt, Memorial Award to the counTyler Barnes, Annie Cook, Liz lineman. Dunham, Emily Everett, ty’s best Curtis Fornarotto, Vildana Jones, And, noHajric, EwingDevon High School Jen Meade, Billy O’Callaghan, Nikyta Sharma and football player has ever won it. Melysa Wilson. on page A2 Until this continued year, when bull-

dozing lineman, Jarel McEwen

Safety Townwith this impreswas presented

June 30honor. - July 11 sive “We are Contact: very proud excited for both JeanandConrad Tyreek and 609-538-9800 Jarel,” Interim Athletic x1302Director Jim Woidill stated. “For two of our football players for application

to receive such lofty awards, for the first time in program history, is a credit to their skill and the success the team had this season.” Rollins, a senior, produced 1,137 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns, eight interceptions, one defensive touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown.

Ewing High School is excited about their participation in the Opportunity Meets Innovation Challenge (OMIC) grant funded by the C.A.R.V.E.R. Foundation and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) I.D.E.A. Project (Increasing Dual Enrollment Access). The program’s goal is to help students transition their high school study skills to college level study skills and therefore be better prepared for college “rigor”. To achieve this, students will enroll in courses co-taught with a TCNJ professor “He was a special player for us all year and and an EHS teacher but with TCNJ expectations. helped our offense in being as explosive as it was,” Additionally, all students will receive additional EHS Head Football Coach Matt Dalessio said. support through tutoring. Rollins, who runs a 4.4 40-yard dash, ranked “Ultimately, the goal is to create opportunities amongst state leaders in receiving yards and for students to participate in up to four college touchdowns and has garnered Division I interest courses by their high school graduation,” Assisas he pursues college opportunities. tant Superintendent Dr. Ishibashi stated. “He’s just a crazy good athlete and a real smart According to Dr. Ishibashi, starting in January kid,” Dalessio said. “He wants the ball in his 2022, OMIC students started to participate in an The recipients of the 2005 Teacher of the Year Awards were honored at a luncheon on April 29th. Jan Fay, 2004 Mercer County hands, and when getsspeaker. it he1stdoes something OMICPrincipal afterschool preparation three Teacher of the Year, washe a guest row (L to R): Joan Zuckerman, Antheil; club Sharonin Solomon, Lore; Janfor Fay,a2004 Mercer County EHS; bridge Superintendent Ray Broach. row: Darrell special withTeacher it.” of the Year; Inetta Emery, Principal Parkway; Danielle weekMiller, summer program. Over2ndthe summer, Jackson, Principal FMS; Andreas, Antheil; Barnett, FMS; Betsy Turgeon, Parkway; Rodney Logan, Principal EHS. The blocking of Donna McEwen was keyDon to the Blue students will receive online/virtual instruction Devils prolific offense, which ended up being Monday through Thursday mornings engaging Ewing High Students Attendwith Gorbachev Presentation one of the top-scoring units in the state. TCNJ faculty and staff. It is anticipated that Whitney Lewis, EHS Freshman “On our 221 designed passing plays, he is cred- students will also attend a residential program on 18, 2005 Ms. to Chiavuzzo, Walker of Perestroika. His policies reopened churches, ited On forApril allowing 0 sacks opposingMrs. defenders,” the TCNJ campus to continue to focus on college and 30 Ewing High School freshmen joined several political prisoners, and lifted bans on Coach Dalessio stated. “He was also the player released readiness programming, leadership development Mercer County high school and college students, previously censored books. we looked to run behind when we were in need and social events. and politicians to hear a presentation given by The 20th anniversary of Perestroika was of tough yardage in the run game. He is an allThe Ewing High School Counseling Office Mikhail Gorbachev at the Sovereign Bank Arena. one of the essential themes of Gorbachev’s around dominant offensive lineman.” identified a cohort of 20 students in both grades Gorbachev was the last communist leader of the presentation. The policy’s main goal was to For McEwen, getting the news of being the 9 and 11 who are eligible for the two-year OMIC Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. During his make the Soviet economic system more efficient. recipient of the “Mammy” was a great feeling. program. Ainvolved parent and student ofOMIC term he instituted various policies including his Perestroika the transfer controlInterest from “I just had an overwhelming sense of grati- Session was held in December 2021. political policy of Glasnost and economic policy the government to the business owners. This policy tude,” he stated. “It truly felt as if all my strug“What is mostcontinued exciting about on page A2 this ‘jump start’ gles and hard work had really paid off.” to college program is that it is completely fee to budget restraints McEwen, who hopes to continue his gridiron free forDue students and their families,” Dr. IshiNO Summer School Programs career in college, and perhaps beyond, wants to bashi shared. will resume be a role GoodNews model for younger players in Ewing EHS Counselor Leena Fadel will be offered by hosted the another withcherish the September and will always his time and success on student event at EHS (Block 4). A December 15thSchools Ewing Public Bruce Martzissue Field.of the Observer virtual “kick-off” statewide student assembly is during the Summer of 2005. “I just loved the bond I created with my broth- scheduled later this month so students can coners on and off the field,” he shared. “This team, nect with other like-minded students who are school and community means so much to me, I’m also OMIC participants at other high schools. just glad I can call myself a Ewing Blue Devil!” “This is an amazing opportunity for our students to experience the rigor of college courses from the safety of their high school classroom.

Have a Happy Summer!!

continued on page 2 >>

The Ewing Public Schools continued from page 1 >>

Additionally, students will receive supports including tutoring and coaching focused on career readiness skills such as time management skills and note taking,” Director of Counseling Services Dr. Antoni added. “We are excited about this collaboration, appreciative of the support of our benefactors, and hopeful that this will be very beneficial for the students involved,” Dr. Ishbashi concluded. Congratulations to EHS 9th Grade student, Sa'Mya Williams who won a $150 Visa gift card while attending an OMIC assembly!

FMS Teams Up With Lions Club Fisher Middle School joined forces with the Pennington Lions Club to assist a student, who was born with a rare eye birth defect, receive a free intricate eye exam and glasses which will provide her optimal vision. Thank you to Mr. Michael J. Leahy, with the Pennington Lions Club, for collecting the funds and paying for her treatment.

FMS Teacher Leslie Thompson Publishes Book! At the end of 2021 Fisher Middle School teacher Ms. Thompson published an eBook and paperback book entitled “A Journey to Tooth Fairyland: Believe”. It was published through Amazon under the name of L Rae Thompson. Ms. Thompson fondly remembers reading Dr. Seuss and other children books. When she became a proud aunt she set out to read with her nephews and niece. She vividly recalls her niece losing her first tooth and feeling the sense of awe shared by her niece, Courtney. Ms. Thompson set out to find a book to help explain this incredible moment. To her great disappointment she could not find a tooth fairy book that included anyone that looked like her family. So, out of this love for her nephews and niece she decided to write a tooth fairy book that showed more diversity. Twenty-five (25) years later this is her gift to her not small babies. She hopes that anyone who enjoys a journey into their imagination believes and embraces the trip to Fairyland.

Ewing BOE Welcomes New Members Daniel Angebranndt and Nicole NW Harris At the Board reorganization meeting, Daniel Angebranndt and Nicole NW Harris were sworn into one-year terms on the Board of Education. It is the first term on the Board of Education for each of them. Mr. Angebranndt is a Tax Auditor with the New Jersey Division of Taxation, serving in various capacities and departments. He currently specializes in Sales & Use Tax and has previously focused on New Jersey Corporation Business Tax. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s of Business Administration Degree, specializing in Accounting. Both degrees were earned at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. Mr. Angebranndt is a life-long resident of Ewing Township. He attended Antheil Elementary School, Fisher Middle School and Ewing High School. He lives with his wife, Ellen, a teacher at Fisher Middle School, and their two children, Zoe and Zachary, who will eventually attend the Ewing Public Schools.

Mrs. Harris has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English from Douglass College, Rutgers University and an Ed.M. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, also from Rutgers University. She recently retired after a long career in the Ewing Schools, including serving as the principal of Parkway Elementary School since 2007. She is currently working at The College of New Jersey as a Program Assistant in Health and Wellness, overseeing the campus Religious and Spiritual Life program. Originally from Jersey City, Harris has lived in Ewing since 2004 with her husband, Napoleon, and daughter Julienn. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Angebranndt and Mrs. Harris to the Board,” Superintendent Michael Nitti stated. “We look forward to their efforts and contributions to the Board as we focus on promoting student achievement in all our schools and programs.”

The Ewing Public Schools Reorganizes for 2022

The Ewing Township Board of Education met on January 10th in the Fisher Middle School cafeteria to conduct the annual BOE reorganization meeting. School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Dennis Nettleton opened the meeting and read into the record the official results of the November BOE election. He then conducted the oath of office for returning Board members Deborah Delutis, who was elected to her second term on the Board, Lisa McConnell, who was elected to her third term on the Board and Anthony Messina, who was elected to his fourth term on the Board. The Board then conducted its election for President, which resulted in the nomination and unanimous selection of Anthony Messina, who will lead the Board in 2022. It will be Mr. Messina’s third stint as BOE President. The Board then unanimously elected Deborah Delutis as Vice President. The Board also approved its meeting calendar for 2022, which is posted to the website under the Board of Education/Ewing BoardDocs/Library/ Events, as well as several other governance and parliamentary functions. At the conclusion of the meeting, several Board members and Superintendent Michael Nitti thanked and commended outgoing Board President Lisa McConnell for her efforts in the leadership role. McConnell served in the role for the past two years. Several Board members and the superintendent noted that her tenure was a very challenging one as it coincided with the onset of the pandemic, the completion of several Referendum ’18 projects and a number of other district-wide endeavors. Each noted that it involved a tremendous amount of work, energy and sacrifice on the part of McConnell to lead the Board through these challenges, and offered praise for her dedication and commitment.

The Ewing Public Schools Parkway Welcomes Tender Smile 4 Kids Mobile Dentist Nurse Melissa and Parkway Elementary School welcomed Tender Smile 4 Kids Mobile Dentist. Twentyfive (25) students were seen and treated during the school day and there were bright smiles all around! Tender Smile prevented students from missing school and parents from missing work for a dental appointment. Tender Smile also ensured that all children, regardless insurance or income, could be seen and treated.

Parkway Spreads Holiday Cheer in a Comfy, Cozy Way

On December 23rd, Parkway staff and students enjoyed participating in the annual “Say Yay for Pajama Day” event to benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Now in its third year at Parkway, staff and students celebrate Pajama Day by wearing pajamas or comfy clothes on the day before Winter Break. The Parkway community also donates money to CHOP for research and helping sick children. This year, Parkway raised $263.30!

The Fisher Middle School Pride Club, supervised by Mrs. Bauer wrapped utensils for TASK. TASK is the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. The utensils will be used by the patrons for their lunch or dinner service. TASK serves more than 10,000 meals each week.

Senior Spotlight: Meet Shakera Patterson Princeton University Preparatory Program '22 Ewing High School National Honor Society Member Ewing High School Peer Leader Happy New Year! Do you have a goal you would like share for 2022? My goal for 2022 is to make fun memories and grow as a person during this year. I look forward to all the senior year festivities including prom and graduation. I’m excited to open my college acceptance letters in the spring. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to how much more personal growth I will experience. Who or what has impacted your life in a positive way? My Christian faith has had one of the greatest impacts on my life because it has given me purpose. My faith gave me the strength to persevere through difficult circumstances and it has become a huge part of my identity.

How do you define success? I define success as taking the opportunities that you were given and making the best out of it. Not everyone was born with a silver spoon but we have control over the paths that we take in life and it is up to us to change that in the best way that we can. What are your plans after you graduate from Ewing High School? I plan on attending a four year university, majoring in something along the pre-med track. What is your favorite quote or book? My favorite book is ‘Stolen’ by Lucy Christopher. This novel is about a girl named Gemma who was kidnapped by a guy named Ty from a British airport to a desert in Australia. Throughout her capture, readers experience Stockholm Syndrome along with Gemma.

Lore's Winter Wonderland

F MS Student Holiday Shop

This winter, the Lore School community celebrated its first ever Title I Winter Wonderland Wellness Event. Families were invited to attend the outdoor gathering and engage in activities intended to help reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Students received items such as snowflake stress balls, Play-Doh, and coloring pages, each of which could be added to an at-home Calming Kit. They also created a Breathing Buddy craft, which can be used to help calm one's breathing and focus attention. Families were invited to end the evening at the hot chocolate and snack station as well. The Winter Wonderland was held on two different evenings, to allow for greater distancing, and on the second night, it even snowed! A wonderful time was had by all.

For the past four years, the Fisher Middle School has been fortunate enough to collect unused items (such as costume jewelry, board games, hats, gloves...) to set up a holiday shop for students during the holidays so they can purchase gifts for family, friends and loves ones. All money collected is donated to a local organization and to the FMS Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) committee. This year we were able to collect a little over $2,000.00 from this event. $1,000.00 was donated to the FMS Music department, to purchase new instruments for the band students. The remaining money was donated to PBIS to purchase gift cards and prizes to recognize positive behavior by FMS students.

It is the time to register for Kindergarten!

Kindergarten Roundup will be held Spring 2022, and admittance is by appointment only. Online registration must be completed in order to receive an appointment from the Central Registration Office. Visit the Registration section of the Ewing Public Schools website: www.ewing.k12.nj.us to register TODAY!

The Ewing Public Schools February 2022 Schedule in Ewing Schools Feb 7

Elementary 2nd Marking Period Report Cards/ Genesis Parent Access FMS - 2nd Marking Period Report Cards/Genesis Parent Access

Feb 8

FMS - FPA Meeting @ 6:30pm

Feb 10

EHS - Virtual Back to School Night @ 6:30pm (2nd Semester)

Feb 12

Parkway - PTA Pancake Breakfast @ 8-10am

Feb 21

SCHOOLS CLOSED - Presidents’ Day

Feb 28

Board of Education Meeting (Antheil Auditorium) @ 7pm (Public Session @ 8pm)

Unveiling of the Renovated FMS Gymnasium On December 20th, the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the Referendum ’18 renovated and revitalized Barbara A. Brower Fisher Middle School Gymnasium was celebrated. Superintendent Michael Nitti opened the event by thanking the Ewing Community for its support of the Referendum ’18 initiative, which enabled wonderful projects like this to occur. 2021 Board President Lisa McConnell talked about the impact and legacy that Brower, who was a student, athlete, teacher, coach and principal of Fisher Middle School, had on Fisher students and the school community throughout her life. Brower was then joined by past and present members of the BOE, as well as friends and family, for “photo ops” prior to her and Board President McConnell officially cutting the ribbon on the renovated gym.

My name is Tracy Radler, and I am reaching out to thank the Ewing Public Education Foundation. I wanted to thank you for the Multicultural Monopoly Grant that you funded for the students of Ewing Township Schools. The Multicultural Monopoly Activity has proven to be an exciting vehicle for students Pre-K through 5th to explore Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Physical Education and Health! As students roll the dice to move around the gymnasium that has been turned into a giant Monopoly Board, they are using math skills, and social emotional skills. Examples of the spaces the children can land on involve word problems, puzzles, matching states and capitols, and role playing being an upstander. I have used this grant year after year, and the students say it is their favorite! They use scooters to move around the gymnasium and that adds to the excitement! Also, they love the job of being the bankers. That is a job we rotate and it is a favorite! All students are using real life skills as they enjoy learning and each other. Thank you so very much EPEF! Sincerely, Tracy Radler Fisher Middle School Health and Physical Education Teacher NJSO Unified P.E. Advisor / Coach Family Yoga Instructor tradler@ewingboe.org This grant could not be possible without the continued generosity and support through personal donations from individuals like you as well as corporate donors. Please visit us at www.epef.org for information on how to make a donation so we can continue our mission in supporting our students at Ewing Public Schools. Thank you, EPEF Trustees

2022 Ewing Township Board of Education Mr. Anthony F. Messina, President Mr. Daniel L. Angebranndt Dr. Channing C. Conway Mrs. Nicole NW Harris Ms. Lisa A. McConnell

Mrs. Deborah A. Delutis, Vice President Mrs. Jennifer L. Miller Mr. Michael S. Miller Mrs. Stephanie F. Staub

For questions or information, please contact: Superintendent’s Office 609-538-9800 ext. 1102 Email: thullings@ewingboe.org Website: www.ewing.k12.nj.us

February 2022 | Good News11

MERCER COUNTY AND UCEDC OFFER

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The Crisis Relief Loan Program is designed to provide broad access to much-needed working capital. The program features a quick turnaround (after completing the application requirements), no collateral requirements, no pre-payment penalties, and no processing or application fees. Eligibility Requirements Include: Businesses operating at least two years and with a credit score of 660 and up are eligible to apply for up to $15,000 Businesses operating prior to 3/21/20 but less than two years, or with a credit score between 630-659 are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 No loan or credit card charge–offs within 3 years

To start the process, please fill out our Loan Pre-Qual Form on the webpage below or speak to one of our loan officers at 908-527-1166. TO LEARN MORE AND APPLY VISIT: WWW.UCEDC.COM/CRISISRELIEFLOANS OR SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR PHONE'S CAMERA WWW.UCEDC.COM | 75 CHESTNUT ST, CRANFORD, NJ 07016 | 908-527-1166

12Ewing Observer | February 2022

Lew Slucum, center, turns 100 this month. He is pictured with his grandson, Danny (left), and son, Chip (right). SLOCUM continued from Page 1 ant says to one of the fellas there on the team, ‘take my jeep and go up and see what happened.’ He came speeding back and he says ‘Japan just surrendered,’” Lew says. “That was the end of that.” But it was not the end of his career, because back in Italy, his father had written him a letter asking if his son, now newly-discharged from the service, was interested in the business. The answer was simple. “I wrote back and told him ‘yes, if he could hold on, I’d like to try it,’” Lew says. “I’d go in the morning and clean up, which took about four hours in those days.” Then, he would help get business started until the second shift, come home for rest and then make the journey back the next morning, seven days a week. For two years, Lew worked for his father, and when the latter retired, Lew went from renting the property to purchasing it from his dad. Lew settled down with “a very wonderful wife” and had children—two daughters and Chip, as well as another daughter from a previous marriage. In 1955, the successor and son installed four more lanes, then bought the bar next store to it. Lewis Sr. passed away the same year. Not only did he receive the business from his father, but Lew was given his gun for trap shooting—a hobby long-enjoyed by the family. “I was trap shooting up until a few years ago. My father was the state champion trap shooter five times, and actually, my mother was state champion once for women in 1930,” Lew says. “[My father] was very good. He was one of the best in the east at the time.” In 1956, Lew officially attached the bar to the bowling center, running it all for several decades afterwards. He has since handed down the busi-

ness to Chip, but comes over from his house right next to the location, where he was “born and raised.” Putting his own spin on the center, Chip added a small restaurant in 2000 called Sloc’s Grille. The decision to open an area specifically for food is an extension of the similar work his father did with the bar, and although it was added on a whim, the inclusion of an eatery has continued building upon the Slocum legacy. Customers have the ability to freely walk through the connected space from one part to the other with ease, meaning that waitresses can serve patrons who wish to dine either at the bowling alley itself or the restaurant. “It’s all one business really, now,” Chip says. “Each time we did something, we got a little busier, but because of inflation over the years, it always never seemed to make what it should.” “But we’re ‘people’ people. We like dealing with people, and that’s the way we were all brought up,” he continued. Sloc’s Grille offers catering too, extending their services to events with platters, party trays and even buffets available at a price per person. “For a small place, we do a lot of catering,” Chip says. “That’s what’s keeping us going.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chip employed about 12 people. With the national climate surrounding the workplace, that number has been cut in half, making it difficult for him to find new staff. “It’s a tough business. It’s seven days a week, it’s (difficult) getting help, and you’re working a lot of hours. It’s almost impossible to keep up, for one person to do,” Chip says. Coming from a family that works together, now including his youngest son, Danny, Chip says that this path always felt right for him—even from a young age. “That’s what I grew up around, so it

SIX09 ARTS > FOOD > CULTURE

thesix09.com | FEBRUARY 2022

Let’s Get Cozy

Valentine’s Day activities to warm hearts and souls. Page 2. The best cheesesteaks? They might be in New Jersey. Introducing Donkey’s, page 7.

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from the cover Seasons of love By RebeKaH SCHrOeDer

Learn the love languages of New Jersey with this guide to food, events, retail opportunities, and romantic giveaways throughout the state. From decadent chocolate-covered strawberries to a perfect wintery scenery, there are options for anyone looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether doing so with partners, friends, or family.

Food

Serving up French fine dining at the Grounds For Sculpture, Rat’s Restaurant’s romantic experience for this Valentine’s Day is an à la carte menu with featured wine and dinner specials. Guests at Rat’s Restaurant can dine on options for the holiday such as duck confit en croûte, oysters rockefeller refaire, squid ink crab pasta, a 16-ounce veal porterhouse, and for dessert, a sacher torte. Because Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year when Rat’s is usually closed, the restaurant will be open solely for dinner on Feb. 14. Sasha Peatman is not only an assistant general manager at Rat’s Restaurant, but a master sommelier. Subject to the day, she will be curating featured wine pairings to accompany the specials. “I wanted to open some really nice bottles that you normally wouldn’t be able to have by the glass, just for this

special weekend,” she said. “We have eight outside tables that are covered by a glass awning and have heat lamps installed in the ceiling, so we actually still are offering outdoor dining to guests that are not comfortable with sitting inside,” Peatman said. “It is obviously still a little bit chilly out there, but you’re very well-protected, and all of those outside tables are around our pond and have a view of the Monet’s Bridge, so the ambience out there is still very lovely.” Rat’s Restaurant, 16 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Saturday through Monday, February 12 through 14, 4 to 9 p.m. www.ratsrestaurant.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Employees wear masks, customers are not required to wear face masks if fully vaccinated, and outdoor seating is available. *** Hopewell Valley Vineyards is hosting a private, ticket-only event with midday meal favorites like imported and local cheeses, wine, brick oven breakfast pizzas, roasted potatoes, meats, and other enticing fare. “Our brunch menu is very extensive,” said Violetta Neri, who owns the vineyard alongside husband Sergio Neri, the winemaker and chef. “It’s really amazingly customized to us. Our chef and winemaker being ItalSee VALENTINES, Page 4

SIX09

EDITOR Jamie Griswold ARTS EDITOR Dan Aubrey FOOD & DINING COLUMNIST Joe Emanski AD LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Stacey Micallef SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Steﬀen (Ext. 113)

We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe. So if you’ve put off any medical care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.

CO-PUBLISHER Jamie Griswold

CO-PUBLISHER Tom Valeri

MANAGING EDITOR, METRO DIVISION Sara Hastings ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Thomas Fritts

PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacey Micallef DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL INITIATIVES Joe Emanski

2SIX09 | February 2022

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VALENTINES, continued from Page 2

ian, he makes ricotta pancakes and a berry sauce for [them] from scratch.” The brunch also comes with mimosas and bellinis using a prosecco-style wine. Violetta Neri says that in the past, this menu for private events has been very well-received. Personally, she recommends their thin-crust nutella pizza that “comes [out] piping hot out of the oven” with the chocolate-hazelnut spread and powdered white sugar. Violetta Neri is also hoping to have their chocolate port wine ready by the day of the event. In a similarly sweet fashion, Hopewell Valley Vineyards will be selling chocolate-covered wine

bottles as gifts in white, red and rosé flavors. Hopewell Valley Vineyards, 46 Yard Road, Pennington. Sunday, Feburary 13, 11 a.m. $32.00 each plus gratuity ($38.40) and tax. Reserve by February 9 at 609-737-4465 or www.hopewellvalleyvineyards.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Hopewell Valley Vineyards follows state mandates that are subject to change. Anyone is permitted to wear masks according to their comfort level. *** With elevated American cuisine and a seasonal flair, The Meeting House will have an à la carte menu, as well as featured specials, available for Valentine’s Day. The Meeting

House would typically be closed on Mondays, but due to the holiday, the restaurant will be open exclusively for dinner. Owner Amar Gautam said that guests can now make their reservations online. The Meeting House, 277 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. Monday, February 14, 4:30 to 9 p.m. www.meetinghouseprinceton.com. COVID-19 Protocols: The Meeting House follows local Princeton mandates that are subject to change. *** K’s Events and Decorations specializes in packages that combine food and flair for customers at home. Customizable for a private date night between two, multiple couples com-

From left: The Pavilion at Rat’s set for a past Valentine’s Day; heart-shaped pizza from Brother’s; and a fruit and chocolate bouquet from Carella’s.

ing together, or a celebration with friends, Antonia James, the owner, brings along a picnic setting and a three-course dinner provided by Under the Moon Cafe Catering. “It’s not limited to one couple,” James said. “You get a discount if you add more couples to the ticket…[or you could] grab a couple of girlfriends and do it as a Galentine’s night.” Supplying pillows, benches, candles, centerpieces, and “the whole nine yards,” James ensures that pairs

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or groups can have enjoyable, elevated meals even from the comfort of their own homes. If there is not enough space available for the picnic setup, James and her team can adapt to place the spread on a dining room table. The options for the dinner consist of salmon, short ribs, or a vegetarian choice, as well as dessert. Now inside of a new location at Dragonfly Farms, K’s Events and Decorations also has balloon and floral arrangements available for additional purchase. K’s Events and Decorations, 966 Kuser Road, Hamilton (inside Dragonfly Farms). Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $300 for two people; $100 for each additional person. www. kseventdecorations.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Mask, gloves, and sanitizer required for staff. Customers are not required to wear masks. *** For the romantic who is truly cheesy at heart, Brother’s Pizza will be selling heart-shaped pizzas all the way through Valentine’s Day for an estimated price of $18.95, plus toppings. Pre-ordering is recommended and can be done either online or over the phone. Brother’s Pizza, 871 Route 33, Hamilton. Valentine’s Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Regular hours: Open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 609-586-2707 or www.brothers

pizza33.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Employees are encouraged to wear masks according to their comfort level or if not vaccinated, customers not required to wear masks.

Events

Last Christmas might be a figment of the past, but sleigh rides and the like are still in season at the Mercer County Park Commission’s Howell Living Histor y Farm, giving couples and families multiple ways to cruise around “the farm’s wintery landscape.” Couples can choose a two-seater sleigh or a horse-drawn carriage, while families can ride a

bobsled or a hay wagon. “Imagine it’s February of 1890, and you look out the window to see your Valentine pull up the driveway in a sleigh pulled by two horses,” administrator Kevin Watson said of either the “one-of-a-kind date” or the “family fun” options. Watson, who recommends arriving early, said that the rides run from 10:30 to to 3 and are first come, first served. Children are encouraged to make Valentine’s Day cards as part of a crafting program from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “for a small materials fee.” Soup will be available at the farmhouse, warmed by the stovetop on a chilly February day.

Howell Farm’s Kevin Watson enjoys a sleigh ride with his fiancee, left, and Emery Frick and Tom Donnelly of Piscataway show their handmade Victorian valentines at Morven.

Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville. OldFashioned Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Febraury 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www. howellfarm.org. COVID-19 Protocols: Masks required to be carried by customers and worn when unable to social distance from others. *** See VALENTINES, Page 6

February 2022 | SIX095

VALENTINES, continued from Page 5

Using pressed flowers from Morven Museum & Garden’s gardens, attendees can make Victorian-style Valentines with Morven’s curator of education and public programs, Debi Lampert-Rudman. Before the workshop, there will be a visit to the museum included. Materials and instructions will be provided. No previous experience is required, and spaces are limited. Ticket price also includes “take home” refreshments and admission. “Morven is the home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton, and his wife, Annis Boudinot Stockton, one of the first female published poets in America,” Lampert-Rudman said. Years later, it became New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion. During the Victorian Era, LampertRudman continues, a lush greenhouse was a sign of affluence. The flowers are not blooming at this time of year, but the Victorian Valentine’s program is “an homage” to the gardens of that era. “It’s been a very successful [event] for several years and our last in-person pressed flower workshop was just this past November,” Lampert-Rudman said. Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. Victorian Pressed Flower Valentine Workshop, Saturday, February 5, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $45 per general admission ticket ($35 for members). www.morven.org. COVID-19 Protocols: Masks required, vaccinations preferable. Attendees will be seated in the same groups or ‘pods’ as those they registered with or individually, all socially distanced at least six feet from other tables in a large room. *** Harkening back to an era of The Great Gatsby and jazz music, Bordentown Walking Tours and the Downtown Bordentown Association are co-sponsoring a historic journey across town with an insightful look at Bordentown’s speakeasies. “Building on the success of our Revolutionary Pub Crawl over Independence Day weekend last summer, we are again looking forward

6SIX09 | February 2022

to a fun, informative and entertaining pub crawl featuring four great establishments in beautiful, historic, and walkable downtown Bordentown City,” said Mark Neurohr-Pierpaoli, the founder of Bordentown Walking Tours. The tour also includes “a bite to eat” at every stop over the course of four hours. While the tour guides telling stories of Prohibition and the Roaring 20s in Bordentown will be in costume, guests are also “encouraged” to wear their best gangster or flapper attire. Patrons must be 21 or older with proof of ID. Roaring 20s Pub Crawl, Old Town Pub, 135 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown. Saturday, February 12, noon to 4 p.m. $75 per ticket (includes four drink tickets and food). Guests (21+ only) can reserve their tickets online. www.oldtown.pub. COVID-19 Protocols: The event will follow all current guidelines. Indoor requirements vary by establishment. Neurohr-Pierpaoli said that when together outdoors as a group, masks and social distancing are encouraged, but not required.

Retail

Boasting “the widest selection of chocolates in Mercer County,” Carella’s Chocolates and Gifts, a womanrun, family-owned chocolatier offers trays of assorted chocolates in flavors that customers can pick and choose from to fill out their boxes. Carella’s also has chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit bouquets with Valentine’s Day designs, and chocolate-covered wine bottles. Owner Connie Dalton said that customers can bring in any wine, spirits, or soda for the process. Carella’s then puts a food safe bag around the plastic or glass to ensure that the chocolate never touches the bottle. “We dip it in our kettle, and it’s real high quality chocolate,” she continued. “We usually do dark chocolate, because that’s the best paired with wine.” The dipped bottles sell for $28, the same price as the chocolate-covered strawberries. The bouquets range in price depending on the order, which can include both their signature chocolates, chocolate-covered fruits and

an assortment of fresh fruits. Carella’s Chocolates & Gifts, 2503 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ThursdayFriday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. www.carellaschocolates.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Masks appreciated, staff vaccinated and boosted. *** For those with an insatiable sweet tooth, David Bradley Chocolatier is selling heart cocoa bombs, as well as heart smash boxes, for Valentine’s Day. The boxes come in two dimensions, a large size and a ‘cupcake’ size for younger choc-a-holics. Along with the purchase, customers are given a wooden mallet to break the surface. “Inside, there’s a couple pretzels, nonpareils, and little beads that come tumbling out when you smash it with that hammer,” Chris Hicks, David Bradley Chocolatier’s owner, said. “Of course, no matter what I do, you can’t get away from the chocolate-covered fruit,” she continued. “Strawberries are still the number one seller.” David Bradley Chocolatier, 92 North Main Street, Windsor. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. www.dbchocolate.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Employees wear masks, customers are not required to wear face masks. Sanitizer available and plastic shields up in the store. Samples are currently being handed out by employees instead of having customers reach in themselves. To ensure safety, David Bradley also has a paging system in place if the store becomes too crowded so that customers can wait in their cars until buzzed to come inside.

Romantic Getaways

For a breath of fresh air, guests at Hotel LBI can “escape” to a suite — one that has both discounted rates for staying longer and a full kitchen. “Hotel LBI is open year-round and is a perfect place to escape for that much-needed staycation,” said Liz Santoro, area director of sales for Hotel LBI. “[It’s] a short drive and centrally located between NYC, Philly and AC. It is the perfect place

Accommodations at Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom, left, and the Colonial Inn in Historic Smithville.

to unwind.” To kick off their relaxation, Santoro added that guests can choose from relaxing at the indoor pool and hot tub, sipping a cocktail by the fire, and experiencing fine dining, all in close proximity to Long Beach Island. Winter Escape is applicable to new reservations only and cannot be combined with any other offers. Hotel LBI, 350 West 8th Street, Ship Bottom. 20 percent off winter rates when you stay two nights or more (Offer Code: WINTER) through March 31. www.hotellbi.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Masks recommended, areas of high contact and public spaces sanitized frequently. *** Historic Smithville is known as a shopping village priding itself on oldfashioned charms, and The Colonial Inn is no different. As part of two current promotions, guests can stay two nights and get another for half price from Sunday to Thursday. If guests want to stay longer, the Four Seasons Weekday Getaway lets them pay for three nights and receive the third at 50 percent off the weekday price. Likewise, they can pay for four nights and receive the fourth night completely free from Sunday to Thursday. Weekday deals must be requested upon making a reservation, with advance reservations encouraged. “All the 60+ shops are open, all the restaurants are open in the village, so it’s still a great time to come,” said Taylor Walsh, The Colonial Inn’s marketing manager. Walsh said that The Colonial Inn’s Valentine’s Day packages can include indulgences such as roses and champagne, strawberries and wine, and cheese from Magnifico’s Say Cheese. The Colonial Inn Bed & Breakfast in Historic Smithville, 615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville. www.colonialinnsmithville.com. COVID-19 Protocols: Masks not required when checking in, no-contact check-in available, rooms cleaned frequently.

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A new cheesesteak joint gives something to chew on By Dan Aubrey

The ongoing regional argument about who makes the best cheese steak — in and out of Philadelphia — got a new twist in 2015. That’s when a world-famous food critic weighed in and delivered a decisive one-two shot into the guts of self-proclaimed Delaware Valley cheesesteak connoisseurs by giving a greasy thumbs up to a steak joint not only off the road less traveled but outside of Philadelphia. With that anointed cheesesteak maker just opening a new shop close enough to the U.S. 1 region, now is the time for area food adventurers to make a trip, get a quick bite out, and join the debate. The food critic was the late New Jersey-native and host of the popular cable television show “No Reservations,” Anthony Bourdain. The show featured former New York City celebrity chef globe-gobbling with no reservations about eating local delicacies — including concoctions stirred up with maggots, testicles, and animal eyes. The program attracted a large audience up to the host’s suicide in 2018. But in 2015 he and the show’s producers decided to put the focus on the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area. Since Philadelphia and cheesesteaks are akin to the connection between London and fish and chips, it was clear that the show’s menu needed to include a highly visible test taste and that Bourdain would have to face the ensuing fire from legions of cheesesteak fans. But first, let’s put the delicacy in perspective. “A cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sauteed rib-eye beef and melted cheese,” posts Visit Philadelphia, the official city visitors’ port for regional info. Its writer — agreeing with numerous others (including this one) — readily says the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz — a glowing, mild-tasting processed cheese sauce developed by Kraft foods in the 1950s. But American and provolone are acceptable substitutions. South Philadelphia hot dog vendor Pat Oliveri is credited with the creation in 1930. A Thomas Edison of caloric intake, Oliveri cooked up the idea of putting grilled beef on a hotdog roll and giving it to taxi driver client. The driver in turn had a mouthful to say about the concoction and drivers, and their clients soon headed to Oliveri’s corner — where he spiced up the menu by adding cheese. Oliveri and his co-partner brother eventually opened the shop on the

Donkey’s cheesesteak has been touted as a regional favorite, but it lacks the traditional presentation on a long, crusty roll.

corner of 9th Street and Passyunk Donkey’s Place on Haddon Street in Avenue, the site of the now well- Camden. Donkey is the late Leon Lucas. He known Philadelphia stop, Pat’s King of was a lightweight boxer who repreSteaks. In true Philadelphia fashion, a com- sented the U.S. in the 1928 Olympics. petitor opened Geno’s Steaks across His nickname is connected to a punch the street and ignited the long-stand- that was likened to a donkey’s kick. Lucas purchased the place in 1943, ing argument regarding the better gave it its lively name, and added cheesesteak. Although cheesesteaks have cheesesteaks with his own special become as plentiful as hot dogs or hot sauce to the menu. Eventually the reputation of Donpretzels in Philadelphia and around the region, the who-serves-the-best- key cheesesteaks gained steam, and in 1998 then-Philand-why arguadelphia mayor ment has only Ed Rendell got a intensified. Although taste of the CamNow cheesden competition esteak aficionacheesesteaks have and asked Donkey dos often argue become as plentiful to come to Philatheir preferdelphia. He didn’t ence for a paras hot dogs or bite. ticular vendor Donkey’s is a with the same hot pretzels in family operation. fervor used for After Leon, the bar sports teams Philadelphia and was run by Donand political parties — even to around the region, the key’s son, Robert Lee Lucas, and the point where who-serves-the-best- now by his son, Joe a server at a Lucas. noted Philadeland-why argument Robert had phia restaurant moved to Medford, advised ignoring has only intensified. where the family the cheesesteak opened a Donkey’s on the menu outpost several and heading to a small place several blocks away. She years ago. Now back to 2015’s game-changing also noted — rightfully — that Pat’s visit. and Geno’s were for tourists. A quick review of newspaper Bourdain’s entry into the cheese steak dispute was like tossing two reports show that Bourdain was out splashes of fresh grease on the an about in the area and even sighted in the Pinelands. already sizzling controversy. But, as we know, the show stopper The first was that he didn’t venture into Philadelphia — a place he was his stop at Donkey’s. And since dubbed the cheesesteak capital of the cheesesteaks are the only sandwich on the menu, it was clear why Bouruniverse. The second was that his sweet dain was there. As the Camden-area Courierhot spot was on a road less traveled:

Post newspaper reports, Bourdain “stopped by Donkey’s Place in Camden in late January for not one, but two of its special cheesesteaks, featuring candy caramelized onions and a poppy-seeded Kaiser roll.” But in the “Parts Unknown: New Jersey” broadcast segment, available for viewing on YouTube, one can watch the historic account unfold. Bourdain sits at the bar. Lucas places the sandwich before him. And Bourdain intones the following narrative: “It’s round. It’s got steak, spices, browned onions, and real American cheese — such as it is. And it is sublime.” Bourdain then tastes, gazes at the chef, and says, “Man, this should be a national landmark right away. This sandwich is unbelievably good.” One can only imagine the chefs at Pat’s, Geno’s, Jim’s (my go to place), and Tony Luke’s eating their hearts out — with wiz — as a Camden joint gets international attention for Philadelphia’s phenomenon. With Donkey’s Place opening its third location in Mt. Holly — about a 35-minute ride from Hoagie Haven in Princeton — I decided to do some taste testing for myself. As noted, I’m a fan of Jim’s Steaks on South Street in Philadelphia and use that as a standard. Here’s some quick taste-making background. According to former Philly Voice and current New York City-based food writer Allie Miller, Jim’s takes a spot with Pat’s and Geno’s as one of “big three” Philly cheesesteak places. But more importantly, as Miller reports, “Jim’s recipe is slightly different from the others. Their menu states that they use top round black Angus beef for their meat. Also, Jim’s tends to be more partial to Cheez Whiz over other dairy options.” It’s also served on soft submarine roll that absorbs the juices and flavor but maintains its body for easy lifting. And while it doesn’t have the street scene that Pat’s and Geno’s have, Jim’s has gotten Philadelphia Magazine’s nod for best cheesesteak in the city and the recipient of four Best in Philly awards. So with a tuned palate, I took a trip to Camden to get a taste of Donkey’s real deal before heading to its new digs in Mt. Holly. Donkey’s Haddon Avenue place is in the northern section of the city and is easy to access from the area where Routes 30, 130, and 38 meet. A few minutes’ ride up Kaighn Avenue and a left hand turn onto Haddon gets you there. There is parking on the street and See DONKEY’S, Page 8

February 2022 | SIX097

Top Ranked for Quality and Safety.

DONKEY’S, continued from Page 7

rwjbh.org/hamilton

in a lot for Donkey’s patrons. And while urban decay is nibbling at the area, people coming and going seem lively and upbeat. A quick few steps later I’m in the tavern and sucking up the scent and sound of onions sizzling, the lively banter of workers and patrons sitting at the modest sized bar, and the anticipation of the waiting customers gazing at the cooks over the grills behind the bar. My sense that the march of time had somehow missed Donkey’s was supported by the observations of a Philadelphia Inquirer writer who called it “a bit of Camden in amber” and “maybe a shrine” where the only major change “is that while it looks like a bar (circa 1943) and feels like a bar, it is really more a cheesesteakery these days, the Lucas family’s magnificent version of the sandwich having triumphed over the booze (especially since the place now closes at 6 p.m., though an adjoining take-out window cranks out the steaks until midnight).” The writer also then went onto the building’s pedigree: a Prohibitionera speakeasy serving Jewish clientele and later the watering hole for shipyard workers, RCA assemblers, Campbell Soup-makers, and hospital workers. Since my plan is to test taste the Camden and Mt. Holly sandwiches to see if there is any difference, I

8SIX09 | February 2022

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Donkey’s original location in Camden has an old-timey vibe.

order, pay ($11 per steak), joined the wait line, and pass time by looking at the rack of Donkey’s Place T-shirts. There’s “A Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” printed over a donkey holding a sprig over its backside or “Fuck Long Rolls” (the bar’s declaration of independence from the expected long submarine roll). I also watch as Lucas prepares his magic with the standard recipe, described by the Inquirer reporter as “a block of thin-sliced ribeye folded on the grill, poked at with the corner of a spatula to loosen the texture — but never chopped. The hot, chopped red pepper relish is from K&Z, the Camden pickle maker. The rolls are, yes, round, their tops set on the sizzling steaks to breathe their steam and give them character. They are the same oversize poppy-seed kaisers, baked to Donkey’s specs by Del Buono’s Bakery in Haddon Heights, just as they have been since opening day. Finally, there are the sweet onions. They were delivered in a little red wagon years ago by a vendor who lived two blocks away. Now it is his son who delivers them. They are ordinary onions. But they become special on the grill, mounded up and around the steaks for close to an hour, sucking up the beefy juice, seasoned with secret seasoning (garlic? paprika?), furrowed and

The Donkey’s takeout window now open in Mt. Holly serves an equally good sandwich to its sister shop in Camden with a very different vibe.

Trenton. The place stays close to the basics and provides a comforting youget-what-you-expect sandwich.

YEARS

of chewy meat, American or Provolone cheese, sweet fried onions, and a roll from Italian Peoples Bakery in

YEARS

plowed until they are as tender and took it to another level. I immediately turned my attention caramelized as the onions in French to the Mt. Holly version and again onion soup.” After hearing my garbled name checked its appearance, scent, heft, and order called, I step forward and and taste and happily found that it was have one of the staff members give up to the standard of the original — me a friendly slap on my shoulder, a but with even sweeter onions. Since one sandwich was too much cheery good afternoon in my ear, and a bag with a noticeably weighty sand- to eat at one sitting, I had the opportunity to revisit the cheesesteaks over wich put into my hand. In a few minutes I am on my 20-mile the next day and was more impressed trek to Mt. Holly — with the scent of with each bite. However, as good as it was (and is), steak and onions filling the car. Since I had once lived in Mt. Holly, I was not convinced it was the best I didn’t think I would have trouble cheesesteak in the region — or even finding the 37 Washington Street a cheesesteak to begin with. That’s because the Donkey’s verDonkey’s shop, especially since it is one of the town’s major roads. But I sion goes against the basic form perfected on the streets of Philawas wrong. After driving around the block delphia — a recipe that calls for the and trying to make sense of the simple arrangement of steak, onions, GPS directions, I finally figure out and cheese on a basic long roll. It’s a that Donkey’s was in the parking lot simple formula that challenges cheesbehind the façade of Washington esteak chefs to excel and find their own special mojo to make the taste Street buildings. That is just one of the striking dif- buds sing. It’s even a point Bourdain alluded ferences between the Camden and Mt. Holly Donkey’s. Another is that to when he told a reporter he was while the old city place is marinated used to a cheesesteak served on a by decades of onion fumes and bar long roll. Donkey’s round talk, the new one is a roll version, on frill-free take-out only the other hand, is window-counter of With a tuned palate, I more like a roast the sort one finds on beef sandwich the boardwalk. The took a trip to Camden with a Philadelolder place is run by phia accent and an older gang that to get a taste of attitude. It’s a has eaten too much Donkey’s real deal thing in a league of of its own fare and its own. needs to see some before heading to its But why take sunlight, the other my word for it? by a team of slim and new digs in Mt. Holly. A short trip will perky young people. bring you into the And the Camden place has a community vibe, while the long rolling argument that continues new one is surrounded by empty cars. to feed our area’s fascination with The contrasts made me wonder if cheesesteaks. Donkey’s Place, 37 Washington the sandwich would be different too — and perhaps generate an argument Street, Mt. Holly. Open seven days a about which Donkey’s cheesesteak week. donkeysplacedownto.wixsite. com/mountholly. was the best and most authentic. However, those needing a quick After several minutes of waiting in the great outdoors, my order cheesesteak break can find several was ready and I was heading home great places in the region. Here’s just to taste test — and resisting the fra- a few: Meatheadz on Brunswick Pike in grance and the temptation to stop the Lawrenceville. In the former Stewcar and dig into the bag. When I got home, I headed directly art’s Root Beer stop, it made big to the kitchen, put the steaks on the food news in July, 2019, when it was table, got out a notebook, and dove in. rated No. 1 by an aficionado with 295 The first thing I noticed when I regional cheesesteaks under his belt. Pete’s Steak House. With its roots lifted the sandwich from the Camden bag was that the wax paper was moist in Chambersburg’s fabled Italian reswith juice. Then I unfolded the wrap- taurant culture, the tasty tradition per and, like Bourdain, was struck by endures on Whitehorse Avenue in the look of the sandwich — a substan- Hamilton. Gaetano’s on Route 33 in Hamiltial mound of steaming meat, onions, and cheese under an equally substan- ton is part of a chain that has a winning mixture of a hefty layer of thinly tial poppy-seed dome. After taking a deep whiff of the sliced meat, an equally hefty sesame sweet scent of onion and spices, I seed roll especially made for them by carefully lifted the sandwich, studied DeLuca’s Bakery in Riverside, sweet it, and found that while the roll was fried onions, and, although it comes moistened by onion and meat it was with American cheese, the opportuhard enough to keep the sandwich nity to request Cheez Whiz. While the “Where size matters” slogan may set together but invitingly soft. Then there was the bite and the the eyes rolling, it is more than hype: immediately realization of what all the The small sandwich is 12 inches long. And, finally, Hoagie Haven on fuss was about. Donkey’s met the best of what I had previously experienced, Nassau Street in Princeton keeps it but its spices, bread, and secret sauce simple with a respectable layering

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Also Buying Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Old Postcards, Paper Ephemera, Pottery, Prints, Paintings, Old Toys, Coins, Stamps, Etc. Appraisals Available. Downsizing/Moving? Call Us! Larry Feldman (609)658-5213 LarryFeldman51@gmail.com

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classified HELP WANTED CDL-OTR DRIVERS WANTED: Imarich ventures limited liability company is seeking to employ dependable and efficient OTR CDL truck drivers with great physical and mental stamina and able to withstand long hours on the road. Must be organized, pay attention to detail and comfortable working independently. Should have a clean driving record with at least two years experience. Call 609-6472293 email: p.nyamah@ imarichventures.com Looking for a parttime/full time job that provides meaningful work and competitive compensation? Consider a position in a State Farm Agent’s office. Successful State Farm Agent Shilpa Rathi, Bordentown is seeking a qualified professional to join their winning team for the role of Office Assistant - State Farm Agent Team Member. We seek an energetic professional interested in helping our business grow through valuebased conversations and remarkable customer experience. If you are a motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, then this is your opportunity for a rewarding career with excellent income and growth potential. Call 609400-5958 or email shilpa@ shilparathi.org for more information. Rose Hill Assisted Living is hiring a P/T cook. 10:30-6:30 p.m. Alternate weekends. Must have serve safe certificate or willingness to obtain one. 609-371-7007. Rose Hill Assisted Living is hiring F/T Wait Staff (7-3 p.m.) & P/T dietary aide 3:30-6:30 p.m. Some Weekends Required. Food service experience a plus. 609-371-7007. Rose Hill Assisted Living is

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Lew Slocum, left, bowls a game during 1946. At right, Slocum is pictured in his U.S. Army uniform. He served during World War II. just seemed normal to me to work six, seven days a week. That’s the way it is now, that’s the family business,” he says. Lew says he wants to “do as little as possible” for his birthday, but Slocum’s has events in store, with plans to offer one-dollar specials on bowling games and draft beers. It is all to celebrate the man himself, who never shows his age, just his high spirits. He lives alone, cooking and taking care of his needs as independently as possible. “My father’s in very good shape,” Chip says. “He’s very active.” Now, the family owns four houses in addition to the business. Lew says he looks forward to bowling on Tuesdays every week, but he acknowledges that the sport has changed over the years, both generally and aesthetically. “It’s an entirely different game now,” he says. “The conditions are different. We had wood lanes, in our day, and now they have synthetic lanes that they put on top of the lanes and use that instead of the wood lanes.” Players at Slocum’s Bowling Center can rent shoes for $5 a pair, then bowl for anywhere from $3 for college students on weekdays, to $4 for seniors and all other ages, with the prices changing according to the time of day or day of the week. A full schedule on their website dictates when bowling is open or reserved for specific groups and leagues, all to ensure that there is enough space during their hours of operation. Slocum’s Bowling Center has several leagues including ladies, men’s, junior, daytime and various other teams. Their reemergence, as well as successes, surprised Chip. “[Leagues] came back strong after the pandemic. I didn’t think they would, but they definitely came back to being normal. I have at least two leagues a day other than Sunday, and some days I have three. We’re quite

busy right now,” he says. Tournaments are still going strong, too, and Slocum’s Bowling Center’s Thanksgiving Eve Mini-Marathon completely sold out last year. There is usually a Hangover Tournament on New Year’s Day as well, but it was canceled due to concerns surrounding COVID. Chip says that unfortunately, about 16 bowlers backed out due to fear or exposure. “I’ve been running a tournament since 1984, three every year, and they’ve been sold out since then. It’s tougher because the other bowling centers in the area are closing down, so it’s tough getting bowlers to bowl in the tournaments because they’re getting less and less bowlers,” Chip says. Besides the leagues and tournaments, Slocum’s also offers children’s birthday parties at group rates. They have a Pro Shop for any specific needs pertaining to bowling balls, such as resurfacing and installing finger grips. For Lew, seeing the success and longevity of the business is a pleasure. “It means a lot to me. I worked hard at it. I worked seven days a week at it, just as Chip’s doing now, and Chip’s done an excellent job,” he says. “We have quite a piece of property now that we’re very proud of.” About where the business goes next, though, Lew is leaving that decision up to his son. When asked about the enduring benefits of working alongside his family, Chip recalls a memory from childhood that has stuck with him. “It makes it so much better. That’s why we’re into this. We love dealing with people,” he says. “Years ago, we closed on Thanksgiving. People came into the bar, they had nowhere to go. My mother would cook a turkey for them, a Thanksgiving meal, and then she’d go over and serve it to them at the bar, so that’s the way I was brought up.” “As a little kid, I remember that,” Chip says. “I guess it’s in me now.”

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KIDDER continued from Page 1 museum ship USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts. He has also been a volunteer at the Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell’s Pleasant Valley for more than 30 years. The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man is his sixth book. Kidder will give a Zoom-based presentation based on his book on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Those interested in attending virtually can register at tinyurl.com/francisJacob. In addition to the virtual online presentation, the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library will also livestream the talk in the library. To reserve a seat at the Hopewell Branch, call (609) 737-2610 or email hopeprogs@ mcl.org. Kidder first came across the story of Jacob Francis when he was researching his book on the history of the Hunterdon Brigade of the New Jersey Militia during the American Revolution. Francis served in both the Continental Army and the Hunterdon militia during the Revolution, but it wasn’t until 1832, when he applied for a veteran’s pension, that his story took shape in a form that could be discovered by a historian almost two centuries later. “In order to apply for the pension, he had to prove that he had served for at least two years in a combination of the Continental Army and the New Jersey Militia,” Kidder says. “And he served in both—he was a Continental before he served in the militia.” Francis gave a statement of service

Ewing resident William (Larry) Kidder with horses Jack and Chester at Howell Living History Farm, where he has been a volunteer for more than 30 years. to a Hunterdon County judge, and the judge recorded it. In discovering this document, Kidder found that Francis had done more in his statement than merely account for his time in the military. He told many other details of his life story as well. “He was an exceptional human being,” Kidder says. “And in addition, he was a free Black man, and I wanted to find stories of free Black men.” Kidder says one reason that he wrote the book was because he wanted to learn about — and relate — some of the history of the free Black population during the

late 18th and early 19th century. “He was a free Black man, and I wanted to find out what that meant for his life: what obstacles did he have as a free Black man that a free White man didn’t have? In some ways, he was in a situation where he was neither white nor enslaved. What kind of systemic racism did he have to deal with? That was one of the questions I wanted to answer,” Kidder says. Kidder says that in those days, if a White person ran across Francis, they would automatically assume he was enslaved, unless he could prove

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otherwise. For decades, New Jersey law required free Black persons to carry a government pass indicating that they were free. In the Black community around Francis during his lifetime, there were both enslaved and free people. Early in his life, there were more enslaved than free. By the time of his death in 1836, there were still enslaved people in his community, Kidder says, but the ratio of free and enslaved had reversed. “He was a survivor. He was a tough guy, and I mean tough in the sense that he hung in and wasn’t discouraged by things,” Kidder says. “He was actually a very friendly person, and people commented on that, but he wasn’t going to give in. He was going to keep striving through whatever obstacles were put in his path. He demonstrated that very strongly as a soldier in the Continental Army.” Francis fought in the Battle of Trenton. He had already been in the army for 14 months at that point, as a member of a Massachusetts regiment. He had lived through the siege of Boston and the New York campaign and was battle tested. “The army had lost so many men, to disease and desertion and combat fatalities, prisoners of war — there were so many ways the Continental Army had been depleted, and Jacob was still there,” Kidder says. After the Revolution, he married Mary, an enslaved woman. Her owner sold her to Francis on their wedding day, after which he freed her. They had nine children.

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