Category Archives: Columns
Hey Jude! Sharing A Slice Of America With Friends From Overseas
By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist
How do I love thee, Pennsauken… let me count the ways. And here’s how it goes:
Andrew’s and my dear friends, Jude and George Inglis from the lovely town of Hull in Yorkshire, England, came to visit us for three weeks in September. And whenever and wherever we went along our local Pennsauken route, folks knew of their visit and would smile and welcome them to America, ask how they liked it here… and then told them about other wonderful local places to see and visit… Aunt Charlotte’s, McFarlan’s Market, Bobby Ray’s, Adobos, Cafe Bella Vita, The Blue Monkey… etc., etc. And, when we visited those places, they were welcomed with open arms there too.
Meadowbrook Memories
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Today is one of those fondly nostalgic yet undeniably somber days. After the Labor Day weekend, Meadowbrook Swim Club, which has been part of the Pennsauken community for 51 years, will be locking the gate and closing for good. For many kids living in and around the Pennsbrook part of town, myself and my siblings included, Meadowbrook Swim Club was a home away from home during the summertime. And while it’s sad to come to the realization that there may not be a place for Meadowbrook Swim Club in today’s hyper-active, activity-filled, always-online world, there are a lot of fond memories that rise to the surface.
The Father of Labor Day And His Pennsauken Monument
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
In Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, N.J. there stands two monuments to Peter J. McGuire. The older of the two marks the resting place of the man and his family, but includes the inscription “Labor Omnia Vincit,” labor conquers all. When this monument was erected in 1906, any truth in that motto was largely due to the life’s work of the man so honored, and to a handful of his close colleagues in the labor movement.
Knowing Why There’s No Sun In The Sky…
By Bob Wagner, AAP Columnist
The constant march of thunderstorm clouds crossing the Delaware River, lightning flashing, thunder rolling, etc., is interesting, for a week. This weather pattern usually coincides with June graduations. Every year, for as long as I can remember, seats were set up inside school, and out. It was weather roulette for families of more than two, since the whole family can watch outdoors, but only two can sit inside.
This year, I have only had to water my impatiens twice. We traveled to New Mexico for eight days, and I knew when we arrived home in the middle of the night, I’d find shriveled flowers out front. Au contraire, mon frère! All the blooms are thick and happy. Rain, rain, go away, come again, preferably in California.
“Mrs. Wordsmith” And The Joy Of Shining In Our Own Way
By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist
Deadline? Column? I didn’t have one single thought in my head as to what to write for my August AAP article. And then, waiting for me in my computer, was a letter from an old Scrabble playing friend of mine.
Her e-mail was addressed to: “Mrs. Wordsmith.”
Soul Food Abounds At Ms. Nancy’s Place
Special Submission By Joe Cooney, JoeCooneyBiz.com
Nancy Miller, a Philly native who moved to Pennsauken 11 years ago, recently opened Ms. Nancy’s Place Soulfood Restaurant at 177 South Centre St. in Merchantville.
The spot, right on the circle off Chapel Ave., used to house a fried chicken joint, then a cheesesteak and Philly pretzel franchise, then a deli and hoagie shop.
“I’m bringing something different than the others did,” Ms. Nancy says. “There are plenty of pizza and hoagie shops around. I’ve been in the catering business for 17 years, and people were always asking me when I was going to open a restaurant.
“I finally took a leap of faith and put it in God’s hands.”
Post Storm Township-Wide Cleanup Continues
By Joe Scavuzzo, Director, Department of Public Works
Fortunately, the quick, powerful and destructive storm of June 23 was not one that our town witnesses on a regular basis. From power lines arcing against and setting trees on fire in Collins Tract, to sidewalks being uprooted all over town, the Pennsauken Department of Public Works has been working all over town to deal with the storm’s aftermath.
Reflection On A 20-Year Community Friendship With The Pennsauken Library
By Robert Fisher-Hughes, AAP Columnist and Amateur Historian
Unless you are a teenager, or not much past, 20 years doesn’t seem to be a very historic period of time looking back. On the other hand, yesterday’s news is already history. It all depends on perspective and the relative significance of events. Measured by these factors, the founding of the Friends of Pennsauken Free Public Library is historic, because of the fundamental worth to our community of the Library itself. In these years of challenge for our local public institutions, it is all the more so.
Reuniting And Opening Up With Old Friends
By Bob Wagner, AAP Columnist
Thanks to all of you who asked about missing me last month. It does the heart good to hear from folks who take the time out of their busy schedules to read whatever foolishness I’ve plopped on the pages of our town’s newspaper.
The reality is… I played hooky. I goofed off. I did what we all yell at our kids about: waiting ‘til the last minute. Then suddenly, the lights go out, everyone goes home, and you are sitting on the bench in the dugout, with no one to play with. Not so this month. I have hours to go before my plane leaves for Albuquerque. I will sit with my friends from 48 years ago, retelling old lies, and trying to remember what it felt like to be 19 years old, and invincible.
