TRENTON’S CITY PAPER
COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
Trenton Pushes On. Page 3. And Orders Take-Out. Page 6.
Candle Light Lounge streams the blues, page 12; Classics Books marks 20 years, 14.
To get the latest news updates go to Communitynews.org and sign up for our free newsletter
1179 NEWARK, NJ
TWW launches online billing system
Honey Brook organic Farm c•S•a We bring our farm to your neighborhood!
Pause Deliveries Anytime!
Custom Boxes!
Celebrating Our 30th Year
PENNINGTON, NJ
CHESTERFIELD, NJ
Please visit our website honeybrookorganicfarm.com to see if we deliver to a neighborhood near you!
We Have The Answers To Your
Covid-19 Questions
T
Home Deliveries Happening Now!
renton Water Works has established a new online service that provides new ways for its customers to manage their accounts, including using additional payment methods, different ways to paid TWW bills and a payment reminder system. The online service, powered by Invoice Cloud, can be accessed by visiting www.trentonwaterworks.org and clicking the “Pay Your Bill� link. Customers can establish an ongoing account by using their e-mail address and creating a password, or they can make a one-time payment. The online system was scheduled to go live on March 30. Features include: Credit and debit card payments: Pay a TWW bill with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express credit or debit card. There is a $3.95 convenience fee to use this service, which is paid to Invoice Cloud. Online payments are limited to $500. In-person credit card payments can be made to customer service at TWW’s operations center, 333 Cortland Street in Trenton. At present, TWW can only accept cash at its City Hall payment windows, at 319 East State Street in Trenton. Autopay: Automatically pay a TWW water bill on the due date. There is a $0.95 fee for this service using ACH payments and $3.95 to use a credit card. E-check: Pay a bill with a checking or savings account for a $3.95 convenience fee. Paperless billing: Receive a TWW bill via email.
downtowner Phone:  (609) 396-1511 Fax:  (609) 844-0180 Website: communitynews.org METRO Editor Dan Aubrey
Health 411
Senior Assistant Editor Sara Hastings
Calendar Editor Christina Giannantonio
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ron Shapella
Mental Fitness  Â? Â? Â?  Â?  Â? Â?  Â?  € ‚   Â?  ƒ„„… 2Trenton Downtowner April 2020
E-mail reminders: Receive email reminders when a TWW bill is ready, when a scheduled payment is pending, and receive a confirmation after making a payment. Recurring payment: Set up a schedule to pay a fixed amount of a TWW bill balance on a specific day of the month. Pay by text: Receive text notifications about a bill on a smartphone and pay via a stored payment method. Customers without Internet access can pay their bills by phone by calling 855-667-0982 for a $3.95 convenience fee. TWW said it does not receive any portion of the convenience fees paid to Invoice Cloud. In recent months, TWW has hired additional customer service representatives, installed a new phone system, rolled out new call-center software, and expanded training to improve customer service, said Michael Walker, chief of communications and community relations for Trenton Water Works. Walker added that more enhancements are on the horizon. Trenton Water Works supplies an average of 27 million gallons of Delaware River-sourced drinking water per day to 63,000 metered customers. It services more than 200,000 people in Trenton, parts of Hamilton, Ewing, Lawrence, and Hopewell. Established more than 200 years ago, TWW operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and water-distribution system that includes a 100-million-gallon reservoir. TWW’s system has 683 miles of water mains varying in size from 4 to 48 inches in diameter, three pump stations, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers.
Production Manager Stacey Micallef (Ext. 131) Ad Traffic Coordinator Stephanie Jeronis Graphic Artist Vaughan Burton Sales Director Thomas Fritts (Ext. 110)
Co-Publishers Jamie Griswold and Tom Valeri Administrative COORDINATOR Megan Durelli Š 2020 by Community News Service, LLC. All rights reserved. Letters to the Editor: dan@princetoninfo.com The Trenton Downtowner welcomes letters to the editor of reasonable length and tone. Writers should include their name, address and phone number. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. To submit news, event listings or sports, send detailed information to: News Events
news@communitynews.org events@communitynews.org
Senior Account Executive Jennifer Steffen
7,500 copies of the Trenton Downtowner are mailed/bulk distributed in Trenton 12 times a year. Detailed sales kits available upon request. Call (609) 396-1511 Ext. 110.
Account Executives Deanna Herrington, Mark Nebbia
A Community News Service, LLC publication 15 Princess Rd., Suite K, Lawrence, NJ 08648
Administrative advertising assistant Gina Carillo
To advertise
E-mail to tfritts@communitynews.org or call (609) 396-1511, Ext. 110.
Trenton pushes on and on By Dan Aubrey
‘I
determine to push on.” That defiant statement reflects the attitude of Trenton’s longbeleaguered business and cultural leaders. It is they who have consistently demonstrated their determination to make something of the capital city despite an ongoing sea of troubles ranging from state political leaders who ignored the city while they sought higher offices to crooked and inept city officials to “I know better than thou” outside businessmen to news media that pounces on the obvious negatives and squeezes the life from the city. Yet, despite it all, Trenton residents and others who care about the city’s population and potential struggle every day to build a community. And now after attempting to recover from economic and political decisions outside of their control — such as the Great Recession of 2008 — Trenton’s business and arts leaders are being challenged beyond their wildest imaginations. And in many ways they are in the same position of the original Trentonconnected guy who, despite despairing over lost opportunities “determined to push on,” George Washington launching the Battle of Trenton. While it is old hat to mention Wash-
the state of the CITY ington and this battle, it is also something to seize. At that moment the Revolution was failing, the army was on its last legs, and the winter weather was hostile. The moment also promised certain disaster for Washington (who would
‘Just as it was beginning to feel as though Trenton was attracting the kind of investment we have so long sought, in the blink of an eye, those new businesses are now shuttered.’ probably be imprisoned or killed) and his army, if the general didn’t “push on.” Like a variety of other pushing on and determined moments in history, he and his army prevailed. Now against a backdrop of state- and city-decreed mandatory closures to prevent coronavirus exposure, national uncertainty, and a universal explosion of funding needs, Trenton leaders are attempting to face fate as demonstrated in these notes from the front
lines of this new Battle for Trenton. As longtime business community member, realtor, and Trenton Downtown Association board member Anne Labate says, “After many years into a long running period of economic growth, confidence by investors in Trenton was belatedly, but finally more and more in evidence. “Driving around, we could clearly see crews working on renovations and property upgrades — mostly for small-scale projects scattered through the neighborhood business districts. The city’s most recent auction of properties generated unprecedented interest and bidding. The majority of these investors are from our vibrant minority and immigrant communities. “In my South Trenton neighborhood in just the last few months, we welcomed a new coffee house and a new ice cream parlor and were awaiting the imminent opening of a new coffee roaster. “Just as it was beginning to feel as though Trenton was attracting the kind of investment we have so long sought, in the blink of an eye, those new businesses are now shuttered. These small entrepreneurs, who have largely bootstrapped their way thus far, will not have the deep pockets re-
Art All Nights, one of Artworks Trenton’s marquee annual events, is still on the calendar for June despite current uncertainties. quired to weather extended closures. “While State employees will continue to collect their paychecks, the money they typically spent in Trenton will be diverted to the surrounding communities where the vast majority of these employees live.” Arts organization on the front lines of enhancing the life for Trenton residents and attracting positive attention and thousands of visitors to the city have been patchworking funding to keep alive. But now it is an unclear future. See PUSHING ON, Page 4
SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS
Since 1970, the Rothman Approach to Orthopaedics has combined minimally invasive techniques, and insights from working on top athletes, to provide the most advanced orthopaedic care possible. So you can put pain behind you and be what you were.
RothmanOrtho.com/Capital | 609.573.3300
25681-03rth BWYW-CapitalHealth-Blue-Shirt-8_75x5_5.indd 1
April 2020 | Trenton Downtowner3 3/13/20 11:57 AM
PUSHING ON, continued from page 3
F
or example, Artworks Trenton — the organization that presents the highly visible and popular Art All Day — uses a City of Trenton property as its center and receives state, foundation, and corporate funding as well as individual donations. So with public projects and engagement as part of its reason for existing, how are they pressing forward? As artistic director Lauren Otis says, “While Artworks is basically closed until further notice, we have been putting up things virtually and on social media to maintain some forward momentum. We posted virtual tours of both our current exhibits in the main and community galleries, as well as slideshows of our recent Art Making Day.” Otis says that he is in touch with several members regarding the fate of future exhibition and the annual June Art All Night. “We will be able to put out some kind of online programming, such as maybe a live online drawing class and youth art making (kids are going nuts cooped up in the house),” says Otis. The Trenton resident who led the organization through another disaster — the 2018 Art All Night gang shooting — adds that Artworks has “lost $2,500 in professional development programming and other rental cancellations. Prospective sponsors don’t really want to talk about anything at this point, and say ‘let’s touch base in a month or two.’ I don’t blame them, no reason to sponsor something that may not exist. The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is the only funder we have seen which is collecting information to help arts organizations specifically, seeking to make them a part of any national or state bailouts. “Beyond that, we’re watching and waiting. We hope to open the doors to Artworks as soon as we are able to. We have no plans to cancel Art All
215•295•4402
SJ Hannah and Shadana Patterson in Passage Theatre’s ‘Dauphin Island.’ The theater was forced to postpone the remainder of its season. Night 2020, although we will be devel- couple months our greatest challenge oping a plan for postponing the event is finding the right way to engage our kids and their families so that they can until later in the year if we have to.” stay connected to us and to each othhe Trenton Music Makers are er. Our goal is to continue to offer the one of Trenton’s arts success sto- teaching and learning, knowing that ries and an oasis that grew in strength there will be a wide range among our several years ago when Trenton was families in personal bandwidth and the financially hit and the music programs availability of technology.” She says the New Jersey-based in Trenton schools were cut. TMM uses El Sistema, the Argen- Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation “has tinian program using music as a plat- offered us some great resources in form for social change: including co- distance learning best practices, and operation, academic achievement, and their help in navigating this unfamiliar terrain is extremely helpful. Our an interest in art and culture. Involving several hundred students funders at Carnegie Hall have reached from 12 Trenton schools, participants out to offer the same. The El Sistema used to meet after school for three to USA membership has met to share four days per week and take tuition- approaches, and we got some great information there as well.” free classes or play in an orchestra. Burden says she is in communicaThe program has attracted national attention, including last year’s involve- tion with the Trenton Digital Initiative ment with famed Los Angeles Philhar- and Comcast to help make sure that monic Orchestra conductor Gustavo participating students have the equipDudamel, who appeared performing ment and wifi service to continue to with Trenton students on CBS Televi- participate. Looking ahead, she says, “We are sion in January. The group uses a variety of funding, funded for the rest of the current year, including a grant from Carnegie Hall, and there’s no question of keeping and uses Westminster Presbyterian everyone fully employed. What I’m church as a base. TMM’s director, losing sleep over is what we can plan Carol Burden, says, “Over the next for 2020-’21. Our institutional funders might see changes in their portfodue to the recent volatility in the OPEN 24 HOURS lios markets, and I think it’s safe to say that individual fundraising will be significantly down because of everyone’s personal volatility. Some of our growth plans might need to be adjusted.”
T
D WE FEATURE A WASH DRY AND FOLD SERVICE FOR THOSE TOO BUSY TO DO THEIR OWN WASH. RELAX, WE’VE GOT IT HANDLED. WE HAVE THE LARGEST FACILITIES IN THE BUCKS/ MERCER AREA. THEY’RE BIG, THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU’LL LOVE THEM. BUY 10 pounds of WASH-DRY-FOLD.
GET a second 10 pounds FREE
One coupon per person. Not to be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Expires 4-30-20.
322 WEST TRENTON AVENUE, MORRISVILLE, PA 24 NORTH STATE ST., NEWTOWN, PA 65 DURHAM RD. , PENNDEL,PA 1128 SUNSET RD., BURLINGTON, NJ
$1.00 Off Any Washer One coupon per person. Not to be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Expires 4-30-20.
LAUNDRY-DEPOT.COM 322 WEST TRENTON AVENUE, MORRISVILLE, PA 19067 4Trenton Downtowner April 2020
amion Parran, managing director of Trenton’s only nonprofit professional theater, says, “Like many nonprofits arts organizations, Passage Theatre’s mission is being undermined by the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect this to have a profound effect on our fiscal health, and we are working out how to survive.” Parran says while the company complied with the State of New Jersey’s stay-at-home order and postponed the last third of its current season, it is now looking to address the aftermath. That includes problems with monies coming into the theater through season subscriptions where subscrib-
ers pre-paid for tickets. “Because we are unable to provide them the last two productions of this season, we are not yet sure how this will affect our relationship with our patrons.” Parran points to another situation. “The livelihoods of our actors, directors, designers, and teaching artists will be hit the hardest by the show and school workshop cancellations. They are paid based on services provided. Without any shows or in-school sessions, they will be left without pay. We are exploring ways to honor our commitment to the artists by paying each a percentage of their contracts.” He is also “concerned by recent news reports projecting that more than 2 million workers will apply for unemployment in the coming weeks. We expect most of our artists will be included in this figure.” Parran says in order to make goodwill payments to artists and other related administrative costs, they will be looking at a variety of ways to raise several thousand dollars to cover the potential loss of earned revenue. “Over the next several months, our board and staff will be making calls to longtime supporters to get assistance with meeting our fiscal challenges, he says. “We are encouraged by the recent data collection led by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Princeton Area Community Foundation, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and the Americans for the Arts. In the past they have served as the life-line for Passage and other nonprofits in our community.”
A
t Ellarslie, the Trenton City Museum in Cadwalader Park, board president Joan Perkes, says, “We have rescheduled the Ellarslie Open 37, our main fundraiser, unthinkable at any other time.” However, she adds, “Since the unknown of uncertain times is our new reality our board of trustees has been encouraged to look forward and to utilize this time productively — a moment of reflection and creativity — a moment of development. She says the board is remaining engaged with both artists and “our beloved community” through e-mail and social media notifications and using and updating their website to show highlights from past exhibitions, lectures, and video tours. Perkes adds, “We want to support our city — one that has been supportive of us. One of the ways to do so is to make ourselves as viable as possible. We also have an outreach program in the works and we already have pledges. Hopefully our idea can be utilized by others in the community.” Perkes concludes with a thought that is perhaps the key to the city and region’s collective future, “We look forward to working with our community neighbors to get through this difficult period.” In other words, “push on.”
Manage your account with Invoice Cloud Now you can manage your Trenton Water Works account online and by phone with Invoice Cloud, a provider of integrated payment solutions. You can pay your bill with a credit or debit card – Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express – for a modest $3.95 convenience fee. TWW does not receive any portion of the convenience fees paid to Invoice Cloud. Also, you can receive your bill via email, set up recurring payments, pay by ACH, or pay by text message using a stored payment method. No online access? Pay your bill by phone at 1-855-667-0982. To get started online, visit www.trentonwaterworks.org and click on the “Pay Your Bill” link. Managing your TWW account has never been easier! City of Trenton
W. Reed Gusciora, Mayor
City Council
April 2020 | Trenton Downtowner5
Tradition is a main ingredient at Porfirio’s Cafe By Ron Shapella
W
ith restaurants closed as part of the national and state quarantine and Trenton residents looking for takeout food, it’s a good time to think of what is to many a shrine to Trenton’s Italian heritage and cuisine. Porfirio’s Italian Foods, 320 Anderson Street, is still a Trenton Makes World Takes product and a staple found on family tables and in restaurants from Trenton to Atlantic City. The name is connected to John Porfirio, a post-World War immigrant from Calabrio, at the toe of Italy’s boot. He arrived in New Jersey around 1950 and worked for restaurants in Trenton and Atlantic City. In 1964 he found the opportunity to open his own Italian product business, originally at Clinton Avenue and Pearl Street in ‘the “Burg.” Rodriguez’ Deli now occupies the spot. Although opening a shop to sell what many Italians made at home was unusual — and risky — it paid off, and Porfirio’s fare was soon on family tables and local menus. After Porfirio’s death in 1968, the business moved to Anderson Street, where a way of life continues. Back then son-in-law Anthony Calabro, now, at 84, a silver-haired gentle-
man with a mellifluous voice, became the new face of the business and has been there ever since. Now mainly seen at Porfirio’s in Hamilton, Anthony easily talks history and recalls working nights at the now defunct GM plant in Ewing before working at his father-in-law’s store. He also talks about the shop’s products and continuity. “All the recipes come from him,” Anthony says of his father-in-law. He then gestures to his son, Robert Calabro. “Now it belongs to him.” Perhaps it should be “them.” While Robert, 52, runs things now, his son, Robert Jr., 22, is usually in the
DESTRIBATS CAMPBELL STAUB & SCHROTH, LLC established 1972
criminal law • municipal court law • wills & estates criminal law• personal • municipal courtlitigation law medical malpractice injury • general employment workers compensation corporate/tax law wills &• estates • medical• malpractice real Estate • real estate tax appeals • family law
personal injury • general litigation employment • workers compensation Anthony J. Destribats Bernard A. Campbell, Jr. corporate/tax law • real Estate Raymond C. Staub real estate tax appeals • family law David P. Schroth
Kimberly A. Greenberg Adam Lipps ••• Anthony J. Destribats Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015) Bernard A. Campbell, Jr. Raymond C. Staub 247 White Horse Avenue 795 Parkway Avenue, Suite A3 Hamilton, NJ 08610 Ewing, NJ 08618 David P. Schroth Phone (609) 585-2443 • www.destribatslaw.com Adam Lipps Kimberly A. Greenberg ••• Jay G. Destribats (1969-2015)
247 White Horse Ave Hamilton, NJ 08610
795 Parkway Ave, Suite A3 Ewing, NJ 08618
(609) 585-2443 • www.destribatslaw.com 6Trenton Downtowner April 2020
store with him. Left, John Porfirio with employees Robert Sr. speaks with pride about Andy, Maria, and Alma. Above, the the legacy of Porfirio’s. “I never worked for anyone else. I just showed original John Porfirio. up one day and my father put me to work.” cheese. Robert also has roots in Trenton After he got paid $20, he decided to and Hamilton. He lived in Chambers- keep weighing and now handles the burg and attended Saint Joachim’s Trenton shop. School. He also attended The College When asked about sales during the of New Jersey and received a degree quarantine, John shrugs and says he in business administration in 1991. hopes for the best and worries about His interest in politics led to him to family and business. an unsuccessful state assembly bid. Robert says the Anderson Street His interest in the community has him store — and longtime culinary fixserving on the Hamilton Township ture — will stay open so long as the Planning Board. economics dictate and that he plans Married for 25 years to Gina, a court to hang in there at Porfirio’s until he stenographer, the couple has three makes his last mortgage payment. children, Robert and two daughters. Robert Jr. has said he wants to take Talking about how the Trenton over when that happens. business operBut if there is ates, Robert says less activity in six full-time emthe Anderson Asked what Porfirio’s ployees and sevStreet store, eral part-timers there are still is famous for, ‘ravioli’ make meatballs prepared dishes is the answer without on Thursday, gnand ingredients occhi on Friday, for dinner. hesitation. lasagna, stuffed Then there shells and maniis the nearby cotti on Saturday, refrigerated and ravioli on Sunday. cases stocked with fresh pasta, grated The long standing schedule was so cheese, fresh ricotta, and meat sauce, predictable that when Robert was at marinara, and vodka sauce. TCNJ the professor — a friend and And for those able to withstand the regular costumer — would offer extra rigors of making everything from credit if students knew what day meat- scratch, there are aisles of dried pasta balls were on the menu. and canned tomatoes. Italian cookies While the area restaurant scene — and the fixings for making your own when open — is different than it had cannoli also wait. been years ago, many still have PorWhen asked what Porfirio’s is fafirio’s pasta on their menus. Yet, says, mous for, Robert says, “Ravioli” withRobert, the landscape continually out hesitation. It is a commitment he changes, and large suppliers have cut does not take lightly. He has even ininto Porfirio’s wholesale business, he corporated the word “ravioli” into his says. e-mail address. John Porforio, the original’s grandThe website has a full menu of preson and Robert’s cousin, can be found pared and wholesale food. Customers behind the counter at the Anderson can even text their orders. Street location, a store as redolent of Porfirio’s Italian Foods, 320 cheese and pasta as it is quiet for long Anderson Street. Wednesdays stretches during the week. through Sundays, call for changing Legend has it that Uncle Anthony hours, 609-393-4116. www.porfirios asked young John to come in to weigh italianmarket.com
HEALTH @capitalhealthnj
HEADLINES APRIL 2020
B I - M O N T H LY N E W S F R O M C A P I TA L H E A LT H
ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS SURGEON SPECIALIZING IN RARE BONE AND SOFT TISSUE CANCERS TO LEAD CAPITAL HEALTH’S SARCOMA AND ORTHOPAEDIC ONCOLOGY PROGRAM The Region’s Only Program for Bone and Soft Tissue Cancers DR. JOHN ABRAHAM, an internationally recognized orthopaedic oncology surgeon, now offers advanced treatment options for rare bone and soft tissue cancers at Capital Health Cancer Center. As part of Capital Health’s ongoing partnership with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Dr. Abraham, founder of the Orthopaedic Oncology Service at Rothman Orthopaedics, now offers orthopaedic oncology services at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. Dr. Abraham has 15 years of experience in dealing with bone and soft tissue sarcomas and metastatic cancer to the skeleton and has served as chief of Rothman’s Orthopaedic Oncology Service for nearly 10 years. “As we continue to expand our Cancer Center to provide care for a broader range of patients, it is exciting to partner with a specialized surgeon like Dr. Abraham,” said Dr. Cataldo Doria, medical director of Capital Health Cancer Center. “As one of the nation’s leading orthopaedic oncologists, he brings significant experience and extensive training from some of the most prestigious institutions in the country right here to our community so our patients can receive the best possible care closer to home.” Through its partnership with Rothman Orthopaedics, Capital Health now offers advanced surgical services, including limbsparing techniques and bone/joint prostheses for bone sarcoma, complete surgical removal for soft tissue sarcoma and plastic/ reconstructive options, minimally invasive prophylactic fixation (insertion of metal into the affected bone to strengthen it and prevent breaks), joint revision (replacement of joints that have failed as the result of cancer or due to significant bone loss), and fracture repair using metal pins, rods, screws, or plates to hold the damaged bone in place. In addition to his expertise in managing sarcoma, Dr. Abraham deals with metastatic cancer to the bone. Cancer that starts in the breast, prostate, lung, kidney, or other sites can often spread to the bones. This can cause pain at first, but when a tumor gets large enough it can cause debilitating breaks called pathologic fractures
and other complications. Dr. Abraham now provides a range of advanced surgical services for patients in the Mercer/Bucks County region who are living with bone and soft tissue cancer. “Cancers that start in tissue such as bone, cartilage, muscle, nerves, and fat require very specialized care,” said Dr. Abraham. “I’m excited to collaborate with the multidisciplinary team at Capital Health Cancer Center and offer the region’s only Sarcoma Oncology program to treat these rare and potentially devastating tumors.” Dr. Abraham graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and graduated with high honors from Yale School of Medicine, where he received the prestigious Nicholas Giarman Award for Cancer Research. He then returned to Harvard to complete an orthopaedic surgery residency, where he also completed his orthopaedic oncology fellowship based at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital Boston. Dr. Abraham was then elected to the faculty of the Dana Farber Cancer Center, one of the leading sarcoma centers in the world, where he served as their primary orthopaedic oncologist for five years. During this time, he was also a member of the arthroplasty service at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston, and developed significant expertise in joint replacement procedures and advanced revision procedures for failed hip and knee replacements. Dr. Abraham has also served as the director of the Jefferson Musculoskeletal Oncology Center at the Kimmel Cancer Center and was an associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Abraham has been named a “Top Doctor” in Philadelphia for 10 years and has been named as a “Best Doctor in America” by Best Doctors. Dr. Abraham sees patients in Blue Bell, PA and Newtown, PA.
To make an appointment with Dr. Abraham, please call 1.800.321.9999. To learn more about Capital Health Cancer Center, visit capitalhealth.org/cancer. Health Headlines by Capital Health | Trenton Downtowner 7
CAPITAL HEALTH BRINGS TRUSTED WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS TO BROWNS MILLS New Office Provides Comprehensive Obstetric and Gynecologic Care Beginning April 2020, Capital Health OB/GYN – Browns Mills, part of Capital Health Medical Group, will offer comprehensive women’s health services in Pemberton Township and fill an important need for patients in eastern Burlington County and nearby communities in New Jersey. The new office is located in the medical office building on the Deborah Heart and Lung Center campus at 6 Earlin Avenue, Suite 290 in Browns Mills, NJ. The Capital Health OB/GYN – Browns Mills team includes DRS. ROBERT BERK, NEIL BLUEBOND, AMY HARVEY O’KEEFFE, MARK KUHN and ANNE WALKER, experienced and board certified physicians who have been providing care to women in Lower Bucks County, PA for almost 30 years before moving to their new location. In addition to providing women with comprehensive prenatal and obstetrical services, these physicians also offer annual women’s health exams, in-office hysteroscopy, open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, cancer screenings, and minor surgical services. “Being a Regional Perinatal Center, including neonatal intensive care for most at-risk deliveries, Capital Health has a long tradition of providing the highest level of maternity and women’s health
services in central New Jersey, “ said Dr. Mark Kuhn, co-lead physician at Capital Health OB/GYN – Browns Mills. “We’re excited to become part of that tradition and bring our expertise in obstetric and gynecologic care to women in and around Browns Mills. “As a group in Bucks County, PA, we had a fantastic working relationship with Capital Health for many years, but we are thrilled to officially be part of Capital Health Medical Group,” said Dr. Robert Berk, co-lead physician at Capital Health OB/GYN − Browns Mills. “In addition to connecting our patients with a growing number of women’s health services, they also have convenient access to the other specialists and comprehensive services at Capital Health’s hospitals and outpatient facilities.” Capital Health OB/GYN – Browns Mills accepts most insurance and joins Capital Health Medical Group’s network of more than 400 physicians and other advanced care providers who offer primary, specialty, and surgical care. Call 609.896.1400 to schedule an appointment.
Who Delivers Babies at Capital Health? The following physicians and midwives deliver babies as part of Capital Health Maternity Services provided at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. From routine deliveries to highrisk needs, they work in careful coordination with our team to provide the finest family-centered care, including a full range of prenatal, obstetrical, postpartum, neonatal, and pediatric options to make sure that your new family has the greatest chance for a healthy beginning. In addition, our Regional Perinatal Center at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell includes Mercer County’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for at-risk births. There’s really only one choice for a hospital that meets all of your labor and delivery needs – Capital Health. The following offices accept most insurances. If you do not have insurance, please contact Capital Health OB/GYN – Trenton (433 Bellevue Avenue, Trenton, NJ) by calling 609.394.4111. (Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm). 8Trenton Downtowner | Health Headlines by Capital Health
CAPITAL HEALTH OB/GYN LAWRENCEVILLE | 609.896.1400 123 Franklin Corner Road, Suite 214, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 HAMILTON | 609.896.1400 1401 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 212, Hamilton, NJ 08619 LANGHORNE | 215.750.7771 | 540 North Woodbourne Road, Langhorne, PA 19047 YARDLEY | 609.896.1400 | 909 Floral Val Boulevard, Yardey, PA 19067 BORDENTOWN | 609.896.1400 163 North Route 130, Building 2, Suite C, Bordentown, NJ 08505 PHYSICIANS Sapna Balwani, MD Gwen Grant, DO Karen Leedom, MD Paul Loeb, DO
Kira Przybylko, MD Jay S. Rothberg, MD William Stanell, MD Jerrold M. Synder, DO Audrey Tashjian, MD David S. Tannenbaum, DO Traci L. Cook, DO
CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIVES Christine Beaghley, CNM Kitan Ellerson, CNM
Celina Hickson, CNM Lynn Shinn, CNM
RONALD E. BURBELLA, MD, PC
JAMES M. O’MARA, MD
2500 U.S. Highway, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 609.530.9100
1450 Parkside Avenue, Suite 20, Trenton, NJ 08638 609.530.1818
CAPITAL HEALTH SELECTED AS SITE FOR STATEWIDE VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM One of Nine in New Jersey and the Only Hospital in Mercer and Burlington County Region to Receive Grant Funding As part of a statewide effort to combat violence as a public health crisis in our community, Capital Health has been selected as the only hospital in the Mercer and Burlington County region, and one of nine in New Jersey, to be a host site for the New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (NJHVIP). The program aims to connect hospitals and medical facilities with existing community organizations that provide victim assistance and work to reduce violence. Governor Phil Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords announced the grant winners at the Mary Bethune Center in Jersey City, NJ on January 29. “Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are proven to help reduce repeat injury, and reaching victims of violence at the time of crisis is the key to their success,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “With medical treatment and recovery as a starting point, Capital Health will help victims connect with our community partners who provide the social services, counseling, and education they need to truly heal and break the cycle of violence that has become so prevalent in some neighborhoods.” Capital Health’s Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program will be managed through its level II Bristol-Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and the Capital Health Institute for Urban Care. Bristol-Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center offers advanced emergency care for severely injured patients involved in motor vehicle crashes, falls, and assaults with knives, guns, or blunt objects. Capital Health Institute for Urban Care works to advance the health and well-being of Trenton residents by growing and aligning Capital Health’s services with those of its local partner
Present at the news conference that announced grant winners were Kim Watson and Dr. Eric Schwartz from the Capital Institute for Urban Care, Marian Moore and Dr. Dominick Eboli from the BristolMyers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Michelle Ruess from the Trenton Health Team, former congresswoman Gabbie Giffords, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
organizations. Capital Health’s selection as an NJHVIP site marks an important expansion of the Institute’s mission with a holistic approach to the violence crisis. The NJHVIP program is being launched with $20 million in federal funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the largest VOCA award ever in the nation for an HVIP. These funds will support all nine NJHVIP sites for a period of 21 months. Capital Health Institute for Urban Care works with a robust network of community partners in the City of Trenton to improve medical care while overcoming the complex social determinants of health. To learn more about the Institute, visit capitalhealth.org/urbancare. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center is a Level II New Jersey statedesignated Trauma Center. One of only 10 designated trauma centers in New Jersey, it is the regional referral center for severely injured patients in Mercer County and adjacent parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Burlington, and Middlesex counties as well as nearby areas of Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/trauma.
Introducing Capital Healthy Living An In-Home Program for Independent Seniors
From award-winning health care to reliable non-medical services and referrals, Capital Healthy Living is a comprehensive program of on-demand at-home care, developed to provide independent seniors throughout Mercer, Bucks and Burlington counties precisely the kind of customized, personalized assistance they want. When they want it, the way they want it. To learn more – and to find out how you can become a part of Capital Healthy Living – contact us at 609-537-7087 or HealthyLiving@CapitalHealth.org. CapitalHealth.org/CapitalHealthyLiving
Health Headlines by Capital Health | Trenton Downtowner 9
Neighbors, -19 D I V O C t u o b Concerns a y n a m e v a h 19) s u r i v a n y o e r h o t (C t a h w ring e d n o w s n a d n a s e v Americ l e s them t c e t o r p o sick can do t g n i t t e g m fro s e i l i m . a s f s r e i n l l i the f o d prea s e h t t n e v and pre
d that provider an re a c h lt a , he us as your g, planning u place in ugh trainin o y ro h st T u s. tr si e ri th is health c nnsylvania alth values es during th DC), the Pe Capital He n t (C o a n d d th o e v ti w n lo o e r n v you Pre n organize to let you k ontrol and to you and maintain a C l re il a se w c a e e fe I’m writing w is sa ), D r vide lth (NJDOH Centers fo ady to pro ent of Hea tions of the m a rt d we stand re a n p e e m D m y e o ing the rec e New Jers til further and follow evolves. rictions un OH) and th n st D o re A ti r (P a o h tu it lt si is a v d ng, ent nt of He as the curr ugh, sneezi implemente s o d e c v e r, Departme a e e h n v r e e u (f w o , s 9 m meeting y of COVID-1 ike sympto l alerts), or approach to old or flu-l the spread c t e n v e a CDC trave v h re in u p o d y d e If n r for st . a li s) s ts il n (a ta ctivity are provide for de ur patie a c s o 9 h u t lt ir -1 c v a a e te ID n h V ro r ro p O u To lth.org/co -19, call yo with high C capitalhea ry in places n for COVID o to ti is a h ig l e st v notice (visit e a v in ent tr d or under athing), rec ADOH e confirme n o y trouble bre n a .gov), the P c h d it . w (c g t c te in si ta st b n 2-1222 or te te in co C we at 1-800-22 r appropria isit the CD have been v e fo in d se tl e a o n le e H p h re , -19 rovide Healt s to be sc bout COVID e NJDOH nce, and p a a th e id ll v instruction u a a g c h r r y e o a ff ), s not oncerns, o ions you m id19.nj.gov common c se resource neral quest ebsite (cov e st w o th H m g n O ss si D u J re , For any ge d other the N y ad nfold ALTH. The h.pa.gov), Health and tinues to u lt l E n a a o -H e it c p A (h n a -P o C te 7 ti t 7 si a tu web ine at 1-8 providers a 9. As the si Health Hotl health care t COVID-1 s u w o o b ll a a n o o ls the PADOH ti a forma ents. ailable but VID-19 p-to-date in —with pati rmation av nts for CO st e o fo ti m in a t p d the most u n e d e d e rr e st ne st cu e care at We have te where it is ou the mo fe to receiv ry disease. nd energy sa a to only gets y s a e in ir a m sp ti m ir re re e ith t it devote th patients w ssured tha facilities to can be rea lth care for a u e o y H l d a n it a p , Ca of caution itals, we at abundance n a Like all hosp f o t u o guidelines under CDC ns. our locatio Sincerely,
ACHE he, PhD, F Al Maghaze CEO President & alth Capital He
t equipmen e iv t c e t o ians, nate pr the physic hes to do m is o w fr n u io o t y a y. Thank rganiz 94.6090. our priorit , or your o .3 is w 9 o y 0 t n 6 k fe ll a u a s o c one y . Your lease ry time, p If you, any ital Health a p in a d C r t o a a r t ff ex line sta during this and front s e e y lo p nurses, em
10Trenton Downtowner | Health Headlines by Capital Health
Trenton writers remembered: Helen Jackson Lee Editor’s Note: In 1990 the late poet and Trenton High School writing instructor Doc Long, teachers and poets, and I worked together to create an anthology of writing from the Trenton and the region. One of the writers selected was the late Trenton writer Helen Jackson Lee (born in 1908 and died circa 1990), whose autobiography “Nigger in the Window” was published by Doubleday in 1978. This is the excerpt that the writer approved for us to print in our publication, “Voice Central.” I reprint it here to remind Trenton readers of the city’s literary heritage and to encourage them to purchase the book or find it in the library. I also selected it because it deals with a problem plaguing Trenton and American cities at the time: racism. In the excerpt that follows, the writer tells about becoming a writer. — Dan Aubrey
N
ow, if God would only grant me the wish of my heart and give me a job. While the children were in school, I searched for work. I went into insurance, real estate, and finance offices, banks, and department and five-ad-dime stores. What did I see? A sea of hostile white faces. Wherever I went it was always the same — whites sat behind the desks, the typewriters, the cash registers. Sometimes I stood outside looking though the plate-glass windows fronting street-floor offices. As I watched white girls and women operating business machines, the sounds were like siren voices calling me to come in and work. But I couldn’t get past the front desk. Where were all my dark-skinned brothers and sisters? They were in there somewhere, but they were pushing the brooms, washing the windows, carrying out the trash, hanging up garments on store racks, moving in and out of side doors with packages, and attending public washrooms. There were no black clerks to take my insurance premiums. If I had any money to save, it would have been a white teller who recorded it. And curiously enough, I had never seen a black garbage collector or street cleaner in Trenton. My first job came about unexpectedly. It was in late November when the lone black relief investigator in the Trenton welfare department suggested that I talk with the manager of the employment office located in the back of the Stacy-Trenton Hotel. He had spoken to this man about the kind of work I was looking for. I was glad the manager knew beforehand what kind of job I wanted, because on my previous trips to the employment office I had been badly
treated by the white receptionist. I turned a pleading look toward the manager. never got to see the manager. “May I confide in you?” I asked as “We’ve nothing for your people,” the receptionist had informed me, “ex- seductively as I could. “Of course.” He left his desk and cept domestic work. You can sleep in.” When I said I wanted office work, she stood by my side. “I’m really not a typist. I just tell peoexclaimed, “Office work!” as if I had ple that. Would you like to know what applied for admission to Paradise. Wouldn’t you know it, I thought, as I I really do best?” “Tell me,” his eyes were eager. I walked into the employment office to hesitated and he said, “go on, please.” see the manager. “You have to have an appointment,” I opened my mouth, then closed it. “I don’t know whether I can trust the nasty talking receptionist said you or not.” when I told her I “You can turst wanted to speak me. Go on, tell with the manager. I went into insurance, me.” Although I was real estate, and finance “You’re so getting angry, I kind,” I sighed. tried to be civil offices, banks, and “Still, I’m not and explained sure.” who sent me and department and five“For God’s that an appointad-dime stores. What sake, tell me.” ment really wasn’t Here goes, I necessary. did I see? A sea of hostile thought. I decid“Well, he’s busy ed to gamble on white faces. and you’ll have to sweet talk. Win wait.” or lose. “Isn’t that the “All right,” I said. “The truth is, I man I want to see?” I asked, looking toward an open door of an office AM A WRITER!” My words acted like magic. The where a man sat with feet on the desk, reading a newspaper. I started toward manager’s eyes widened in astonishment. Before he could speak I went on the office. “You can’t do that,” the woman about how I sat up late at night while my children slept and wrote poetry, cried. plays, and stories. The more I talked, “Yes, I can,” I shouted. “Hey, what’s going on? The man the more fascinated the man appeared. called out as he came to the office I told him of my brief newspaper cadoor. His face was an angry red. When I explained to him who I was and who had sent me, he turned to the receptionist and said, “Couldn’t you see she was different?” He invited me into his office. As I followed him I pondered the way he said “different.” I supposed he meant it as a compliment, but it annoyed me when white people consider halfway decently clothed black people as being different. “I’m sorry our girl was rude to you,” he apologized. I wondered if he wasn’t just as contemptible, but in a smoother way. I didn’t trust white people, even when they were nice to me. “I understand you’re looking for office work. If you can pass the typing test I’m going to give you, I can place you on one of our WPA projects.” Thoughts of how I flunked the federal test made me uneasy, and I was upset over my encounter with the receptionist. Still I had a lot to gain by taking the test. It was plain copy, but I could hardly read the words because my mind was racing ahead of my fingers. Suppose I failed? I had no formal business training. How stupid of me to try to become a clerical worker. The copy seemed endless, and when I glanced at the strikeovers I winced. Goodbye office job. Then an idea struck me. A white man, I thought, was easier to influence than a white woman. And men are men, Mama said. So why can’t I sweettalk this man like I used to sweet-talk Daddy? Abruptly I stopped typing and
reer, of a story I had published (I never mentioned I got paid only five dollars), of my plans to write a Gothic novel, of winning a letter-writing contest conducted by a large Philadelphia daily newspaper (omitting that five-dollar prize too). Although I knew I had him hooked, I was surprised at the admiration in his voice when he finally spoke. “Just think — you’re a writer. That’s what I always wanted to be.” “You will be if you keep trying,” I assured him, trying to keep from laughing. The manager snatched the sheet of paper from the typewriter, crumpled it up, and tossed it into a wastebasket. He returned to his desk, sat down, and started filling out a form. I held my breath. “I’m assigning you to the WPA Writer’s Project,” he said. “It’s located in the Post Office Building on East State Street. Report there next Monday. You’ll work Monday through Thursday, nine to five. Your salary will be $85 per month. “And my title?” “Writer, of course.” “Thank you, sir — a lot.” As I passed the receptionist’s desk on my way out, I couldn’t help but swish my can. I felt like telling her to kiss my ass, but that would have ruined the image of being different. On Monday, December 2, 1940, I reported for work. From “Nigger in the Window,” Helen Jackson Lee, Doubleday, 1978.
Call for Lunch and a Tour! 609-371-7007
1150 Washington Boulevard, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 located across from Foxmoor Shopping Center www.rosehillassistedliving.com
DePaul Healthcare
April 2020 | Trenton Downtowner11
Trenton streams the blues By Richard J. Skelly
C
andlelight Lounge owner E.C. Bradley has been slowly transforming his Passaic Street tavern into a cultural and culinary destination. He is also changing the way the name is printed from Candlelight to Candle Light. Known for its Saturday jazz matinees, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and its Thursday Blues Night, the Candle Light is reacting to the current season of closed clubs and theater by singing the blues online — as evidenced by its streaming of Philadelphia singer Suzanne Cloud live at the beloved Trenton jazz spot. “We are attempting to maintain the Candle Light tradition of live jazz by all means during this COVID-19 shutdown period that appears is going to bankrupt everyone,” says Bradley via safe social distancing — aka email. “Our regular scheduled musicians can’t work either, but most are willing to participate in efforts to live stream plus have the segment continue to post for 30 days of access.” Bradley says there are two sites posting the stream: frsprod.com at $5 per show or Candle Light Events Jazz Family, or just The Candle Light, on patreon.com, $20 for a monthly subscription. Following that first presentation in late March, Bradley says that the production highlighted Cloud, the venue, and the “support of musicians who have played here many times, including Aaron Graves on piano, Craig McIver on drums, and Lee Smith on bass.” Bradley says that because of the COVID-19 closings that the Candle Light has been ordered to shut down and “almost every musician has had events canceled.” He adds that he hopes people who are shut in “will have access to live jazz/blues through streaming and help support the musicians who play without a live audience (so important
to the music vibe) but are willing to try anything that can provide sustaining income.” (See behind the scenes sidebar on page 13). Livestreaming is a new twist in the operations run by Trenton native Bradley, a retired construction company owner who was involved in many building projects around Trenton. Originally contacted to talk about the Blues Night, Bradley says, “Blues is more enlightening, blues is more fun, and there’s a comradeship that evolves out of playing with folks. I love jazz, but sometimes in jazz there’s a
was there, all the big names were either here or there or BT’s Lounge,” he says. The Candle Light Lounge also has its share of names, and its walls are adorned with photos of the prominent and not-so-prominent musicians who have played there, including two Trenton-born music celebrities: the late trombonist-vocalist Clifford Adams, once part of Kool and the Gang, and internationally known pianist Orrin Evans. Speaking about his own love of music, Bradley said he had never wanted to become a professional musician. “I enjoyed playing, and it was a hobby, like guys play golf. For me, it Livestreaming is a new was fun, it kept me out of trouble, and twist in the Candle Light I needed an outlet when I was raising young kids.” Lounge’s operations, Bradley was raised in Trenton, attended Trenton public schools, studrun by Trenton native ied carpentry as a union trainee at E.C. Bradley, a retired Mercer County Vo-Tech, and eventually got a college degree in 1977 from construction company the University of Minnesota. owner. He returned to Trenton, where he was the eighth out of ten siblings, to help care for his ailing mother, Naomi, a cleaning woman who looked after stuffy flavor and you cannot fit in real many of the old synagogues in the city. easy, so it becomes a little disheartening. There’s a brotherhood in jazz too, ack in Trenton, he rejoined the but it’s a different kind of teamwork.” local carpenters union — by then Bradley plays tenor saxophone and mostly free of members with backhas done so since he was in seventh wards racial attitudes — and worked grade in Trenton public schools. He a variety of construction projects in sits in a lot on Thursday nights with a veteran drummer and vocalist and Trenton, Harrisburg, and New York. Then, when he was about to retire, keyboardist and various other musihis accountant tipped him off that the cians. “It’s been my passion and my plea- Candle Light Lounge was up for sale. sure,” says Bradley, “I play the tenor, That was 14 years ago. “I needed something to do in my the alto, and soprano.” When he talks about his playing retirement, and it was ideal for me bepast, Bradley also talks about Tren- cause they had been doing jazz here since 1967, and they did R&B and ton’s past music scene. “Back in the 1970s I played at Fan- blues here as well,” he says. After some experimentation, he tasy Lounge on Chambers Street. I was in a band in front of Billy Paul one says the winning formula was onenight. At that time, Fantasy was the part jazz programming on Saturday place to go for good music and a lot of afternoon and one-part buffet, somethe bigshots were there. James Brown thing he learned from the legendary
12Trenton Downtowner April 2020
B
At left, Candle Light Lounge owner E.C. Bradley outside the Passaic Street venue. Above, musicians perform at one of its regular live events. Trenton soul-food restaurateur Speckled Red. “Speckled Red had a way with people and food,” Bradley says. “He would feed them, advise them, employ them, and at the end of the shift he would help folks out who needed something to eat. So we thought we would incorporate some of that attitude about putting food out and letting our customers come in and eat. We gave them the same advice Speckled Red did: ‘Wait ‘til the show is over then you can come in and enjoy the food, too.’ It was mainly folks who were hungry. We prefer not to refrigerate food if we can, and it leaves us room to prepare more and get ready for the next event. My wife (Valarie) is such a fantastic cook and the people enjoy her food.” Bradley says the blues night’s successful startup was assisted by so some of the region’s strongest area musicians. “We’ve had Joe Zuccarello, John Bushnell, Michael Ray from Kool and the Gang, [and his band in New Orleans, the Cosmic Krewe], he would come in and play a couple of songs and get something to eat.” He also credited Dave Orban from the Hamilton-based Mojo Gypsies. “He gives blues night a true variety and he tends to bring in lots of his other friends.” With a $5 cover charge, the Blues Night and buffet was catching on with some saying it was the best nightclub value anywhere in New Jersey. But for the time being, jazz and blues lovers will have to be content to look for the Candle Light’s very significant themed productions: “Live From Trenton, New Jersey.” Candle Light Lounge, 24 Passaic Street. www.jazztrenton.com. 609- 695-9612.
Putting the blues online Editor’s Note: So just how did the Candle Light Lounge in Trenton’s first live stream happen? We asked its technical consultant, Hamilton-based video producer and president of Front Row Productions audio and video service provider Robert Bullington for a behind-the-camera peek. Here is what he told us:
T
his is my second time making some kind of a recording at the Candle Light. I produce a radio program for MCCC’s HD2/Streaming jazz station ( JazzOn2.org ). It’s the every fifth Sunday at 8 p.m. and called “Jazz Discoveries.” I made an audio recording for my last show of (jazz saxophonist) Lynn Riley and World Mix at the Candlelight. Suzanne Cloud and I are old friends. Years ago, I helped her with a re-release of a CD and recorded a few new tracks, including this rendition of Wrap your Troubles in Dreams: www. youtube.com/watch?v=LwVK_KC2cl0 When I saw that Suzanne was playing at the Candlelight, I thought it would be wonderful for my March show and got her permission to make an audio recording. When it was becoming apparent that the club could be shut down, Suzanne asked about the feasibility of a livestream.
I honestly don’t remember who proposed it first, but I know I soon set off on the path to research the feasibility of making a livestream payper-view. Suzanne included her friend Michael Ricci of allaboutjazz.com and jazznearyou.com. He made modifications to his website to help promote live-streamed events. He worked actively with me to plan the execution of this livestream, served as a test listener, and promoted it for us himself. I shared the idea with Trenton podcating genius Frank Sasso, and he went nuts. He recorded a special edition with three of his podcasting hosts and an out-of-state guest (crazy title, I know. This crew pushes the envelope at times): www.trentonwaves.com/podcast Suzanne, [Candle Light owner] EC, and I were in alignment that the goal of this should be to support the musicians and EC’s shuttered club in the
near-term and possibly build a sustainable (aka paid) model for the future. I felt it was necessary to produce at a level that would differentiate this livestream from the plethora of mobile device camera, Facebook, and amateur livestreams flooding social media. So I threw my best gear and a lot of testing and planning into this. The setup: Two state-of-the-art motorized pan/tilt/zoom cameras (a.k.a. robocams) with a remote joystick controller; a portable video production switcher; a multitrack recorder with two ambient mics on the stage and a direct mix from the house amplifier; and lots of little accessories to tie the above together. I implemented a “paywall,” charging $5 for a “ticket” that entitled the purchaser to watch the livestream in
Jazz musician Suzanne Cloud, left, and Robert Bullington of Front Row Productions helped collaborate on Candle Light’s first livestream. real time and the on-demand version for 30 days afterward. The results were modest but encouraging. Frank and I are going to continue to aggressively market this for the next 30 days to generate as much revenue for the club and musicians as we can and thus prove that this is a viable model worth repeating. — Robert Bullington Learn more about Bullington and Front Row Productions in a U.S. 1 interview at princetoninfo.com/musicfestival-offers-front-row-seats-at-home.
Be Counted!
When everyone is counted our communities receive the funding for emergency services, roads, homes, schools, health care, education, jobs, programs for seniors, families, food assistance, and more. For more information visit:
census.gov
Paid for by Mercer County Chosen Board of Freeholders
April 2020 | Trenton Downtowner13
Classics Books turns a new page Also on those trips were Maywar’s father, who taught sociology at a uring the current quarantine Michigan community college, and while the Trenton community their mother, a social worker. Both is housebound, it’s not only parents were book fiends. Maywar time to pick up a book but time to cel- said in one interview that his dad read ebrate the 20th anniversary of Tren- 85 in the past year. Maywar says he primed himself for ton’s only bookstore: Classics Books. Classics Books came to Trenton being involved with a store by chance. from New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 2005 He earned his bachelor’s degree in after being successfully recruited by English and sociology from Kalamathe Trenton Downtown Association zoo College (Class of 1989) and then as part of an effort to bring new retail had a fine time working at this and that in various parts of the country businesses into the city.. Owner and operator Eric Maywar — while preparing submissions to graduwho also serves as a City of Trenton ate schools of writing. He was accepteconomic development specialist — ed at Western Michigan University, calls his establishment “a community where he studied under Stu Dybeck hub, a supporter of all-things Trenton, and earned a master’s degree in fine a supporter of kids who want to read, arts. But one of his stopovers on the way had changed independent auhis life’s directhors, knitters, tion. Scrabble playLifelong book lover “I met my wife ers, poets, and at South Street in Eric Maywar began by book-lovers of all Philadelphia,” he stripes.” selling books from his says. The place Sauntering to was Tower Rea different drumbasement. Now he has cords. “I couldn’t mer, the used operated Classics Books live without her, book store is so I moved out more than just for 20 years. here, to Trenton.” selling and buyHe then worked ing. Its commuin a series of cornity programs have distributed 45,000 free books to porate jobs until an Episcopal minister Trenton kids. The store has published he knew gave him his library when he anthologies featuring noted regional was leaving town. Maywar says he donated many writers, hosts regular readings and books to a church for a sale and then workshops, and is board game central — with news of games posted on so- began selling others at flea markets. As he was selling, he was also buying cial media. In Community News Service inter- and ended up with a basement full of views, Maywar says his interest start- books. “We’d have friends over,” he says. ed in his home state of Michigan during trips to Ann Arbor. “My brother “They’d play Scrabble, drink wine, get and I made the rounds of used book drunk, and buy books.” It was a small step from basement stores. There were 25 book stores in a square mile. We went to the original to bookstore. Before making the leap, Borders. My brother and I were in though, Maywar did a little market research. He felt that “there was no use heaven.” He says he doesn’t recall at what even trying in Princeton,” home then age his book obsession began, but it to several bookshops. He then cast his eye toward New is just one of those things that was alHope, where he estimated demand ways there. and potential revenue by counting
By Dan Aubrey
D
FELTUS INSURANCE SERVICES BETH FELTUS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SPECIALIST Specializing Small 50 Employees Licensed in NJ ·inNY · PABusinesses · KY · TN · of OH2 ·- WV · GA · LA · IN Phone (609) 393-1556 • Fax Email Beth@BethFeltus.com (609) 393-1556 O. (877) (609)393-0996 233-4113• C. (609) 498 7900 F. 104 Jackson St., Trenton, NJ 08611 Email Beth@BethFeltus.com www.bethfeltus.com www.BETHFELTUS.com 14Trenton Downtowner April 2020
people coming out of a bookstore with bags. Knowing that the average used book store customer spends $7 per visit, he multiplied the shoppers by that figure and came up with a rough estimate of revenue. “This is what we can expect,” he recalls. “We can make this happen. This will be great. My wife and I — we didn’t have any kids yet — we’ll hang out.” Then he and his wife, Donna Maywar, who had worked at Covance but is now assistant director for equity compliance at Princeton University, started a family, and he lost his bookstore partner. “It was just me and friends who would work for books — but it’s not as hard as you think to find people who will work for books.”
N
Eric Maywar’s Classics Books on West Lafayette Street celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. worst flood in 50 years in April, 2005. He never re-opened in the tourist town. Still, dry or not, he was not sure of how well his new location would pan out. “I hadn’t done any market research in Trenton,” he says. “There wasn’t a bookstore, but I didn’t know if there shouldn’t be a bookstore, or if there was a need.” He says he found Trenton better than New Hope. “In New Hope, if someone falls in love with your shop, he lives in New York, and you don’t see him for a year. In Trenton I have state workers within six blocks. If you win a friend here, he’s here all the time. Lunchtime is effortless.” In September, 2012, the store moved to its present location at 4 Lafayette Street, where Maywar planned to hold a number of commemorative activities that, at press time, are in limbo because to the State of New Jersey’s coronavirus-related quarantine orders, bans on public gatherings, and other measures affecting businesses. More details will follow. And since future hours may be affected by the current bans, call first.
ew Hope wasn’t quite as good a location for a used book store as he had thought. “It’s great in the summer,” he says, “but the rest of the year, tumbleweeds go through.” And there was another problem, a bigger problem: “Don’t build in a flood plain,” he says. His store was flooded twice in one year. “We had notice. We saved all the books,” he says, “but we lost business. It took a year for business to come back.” Then through another chance, the Trenton Downtown Association reClassics Books and Gifts, 4 cruited him for its retail incubator on West Lafayette Street. 609-394-8400. Warren Street near the then active book_cellar@mindspring.com. www. Marriott hotel. He opened there the week before New Hope suffered its classicsusedbooks.com.
AT YOUR SERVICE
JR
VASQUE
Z
tREE SERVicE
tREE REmoval, tRimming and stump gRinding.
FREE EstimatEs! 609-203-7821
Advertise for $49 a month. For more information, call 609-396-1511 ext. 110.
For all your pest control needs!
Professional inspection services for Termites, Radon, and Mold.
$10 OFF Any Service with this ad
609.393.0606
PESTBLASTER.COM
Share
a Little
Local Love
E
ven in a time of so many unknowns, there is one thing we all know in our hearts. When this is over, we will all be stronger for it. What we see, in such abundance, is people reaching out to do what they can for others in clear, selfless and compassionate ways. We see this more so than at any other time, and we have seen some tough times in Trenton.
many of whom rely almost entirely on revenue from restaurants and farmers’ markets to survive. Please do what you can to support our local farmers, purchasing food directly from the farm as well as from farmers’ markets when they are open.
So the next time someone says to you that we will never be the same, remind yourself that we will never be as wasteful again, we will never take simple things like a concert in the park for granted again, and most of all, we may never be as united in a common goal as we are today. There is no question that the coronavirus has had the most immediate financial impact on small businesses, such as restaurants and independent shops. They need our support more than ever. This also includes local farmers,
There are few things as essential to the health of our community than the availability of fresh food. As such, and in compliance with Governor Murphy’s executive order 107 (regarding retail businesses that provide essential goods and services during the coronavirus shutdown), we are still preparing for the May 7th opening of the 2020 Capital City Farmers’ Market.
Stay Strong. Stay Connected. We are asking every member of our community to frequently check the new local business directory on our website at trentondowntown.com/support-local for up-to-date information. If you are a local business, we are here to help get your messages out. Please send us your listing at info@trenton-downtown.com and we will add you to the directory.
NEVER MISS A BEAT!
.com
Hey Mercer County! #LoveLocal for Trenton Let the world know you are proud to support Trenton and its businesses by posting photos on social media of your friends, colleagues and/ or yourself wearing or using local merchandise or ordering take-out and delivery from your favorite local restaurants and shops. Remember to tag that business and TDA when you post. And add the hashtag #lovelocal to be entered into our special campaign giveaways. You’ll find more information and a link to downloadable LoveLocal images on our website at trenton-downtown.com/ support-local. And don’t forget to follow us on social media and share a little love: Facebook.com/ trentondowntownassociation Instagram.com/downtowntrenton.com
Thank you to our sponsors!
Sign up for our Weekly E-Blast for event listings and more. www.destinationtrenton.com
April 2020 | Trenton Downtowner15
Choose a car color.
Get extra green. Refinance your car or shop for a new one
No payments for 90 days* Get an auto loan with no payments for 90 days*—that’s 3 months of extra green in your pocket—whether you drive away in a new car or refinance the one you have. Plus, you’ll get competitive rates with flexible terms up to 84 months, and qualified buyers have the option of $0 down.
Visit us at gocunj.com to apply online today.
* Valid on new and used auto loans. Each auto loan closed during this promotion period will make no payments for 90 days. Accepting the terms of “no payment for 90 days offer” will extend the maturity of your loan for at least 90 days but less than 110 days. If accepting the delayed first payment, you will not be eligible for any other skipping/delaying of your payment during 2020. Interest will accrue during this period. Payments made through payroll deduction or automatic payment will be deposited into your account for the time you are skipping/delaying your payment. Refinances from existing CU of NJ loans do not qualify. All loans are subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions may apply. This offer can be discontinued at any time.
Federally insured by NCUA. | Equal Opportunity Lender.
16Trenton Downtowner April 2020