www.canalwalkhoa.com CANAL WALK'S OWN WEBSITE - Canal Walk Homeowners Association
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T H E C A N A L WA L K N E W S L E T T E R | V O L U M E 1 7 | I S S U E 3 | M A R C H 2 0 2 1 CANAL WALK’S OWN WEBSITE Canal Walk residents can check on what activities are planned and sign up for activities right from their home computer. Just type in this address and you will get to our Canal Walk Website: www.canalwalkhoa.com The Website is managed by Howard Kliger, Elaine Whelan, Fred Ford and Susan Kobren.
We’re by your side 55+ Community Specialist so your loved one When it comes to can stay at home. buying and selling a home, you deserve the BEST! • Understands the 55+ Communities Whether you are looking for someone to help an aging because she is a resident loved one a few times a week or need more comprehensive of Canal Walk! Anne L. Cohen assistance, Home Instead can help. • Years of Experience Sales Associate Building Trust & Loyalty Senior Real Estate Specialist Home Instead CAREGiversSM Call for a free, (SRES) can provide a variety of no-obligation appointment Cell: 201.788.7617 services. Some include: 732.271.5100 annecohenrealtor@gmail.com NJ License NJ license # HP0289000 # HP0118900 • Personal Care Services-by Certified Home Health Aides • Companionship GUIDANCE • SERVICE • COMMUNICATION • PASSION • Alzheimer’s Trained CAREGivers • Medication Reminders • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping • Shopping and Errands Serving Somerset County TOWNE SQUARE REALTY • Incidental Transportation HomeInstead.com/somersetcounty-nj 222 Mt. Airy Road • Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 100 Davidson Ave., Suite 105 Office 908-766-0085 Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not operated. © 2017 Home Instead, Inc. Somerset, New Jersey 08873 guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is currently listed for sale with a real estate broker, this is not intended as a guaranteed and should be independently verified. When you choose Allstate to protect what matters most, you get an expert agent who will make it easy for you to save. Like with bundling your insurance. It’s the simplest way for you to save time and money, while getting protection for the things that Bundle up matter most. Stop by or call today and let’s get you bundled up. for savings 732-752-4855 1952 US Highway 22 Bound Brook 732-549-3111 3146 Route 27 Kendall Park David Basile davidbasile@allstate.com Personalized service. Trusted advice. 12157624 Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Savings vary. Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Bridgewater, NJ © 2020 Allstate Insurance Co. Page 2 • March 2021 The Canal Walk Newsletter To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107
FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND WELCOME SPRING During these COVID times, some wonder what the Board does Joan Klimpl and the Health and Safety Team are also assisting us in between Open Board meetings. Here is a behind the scenes look at some gathering information and protocols for the future. Thank you to the of our current projects. entire Health and Safety Team. Updating our website – In the interest of transparency, the Board Snow removal is a major service which the Board evaluates after would like to provide additional financial information, upcoming Board every snow storm. At that time, all aspects of the service delivery are agendas and meeting minutes. This must be done in a password protected reviewed. The past cannot be changed but the future can be positively part of the website. Much like the directory. We are currently speaking impacted. I am sure everyone remembers the twenty plus inches of with web designers to determine who will best meet our current needs snow we received at the beginning of February. After that storm, we and future demands, all while being cognizant of the costs. Thank you realized some issues needed to be dealt with in a different manner. to the Website Committee, chaired by Howard Kliger, for all your input Improving communication with residents was one issue that needed to in this endeavor. be strengthened. We realize it is frustrating to not have information. In Block Captains are meeting and currently assisting in updating our the future, via Community Updates, the Board will reach out before, database. We are hoping to increase our ability to connect with residents during and after a storm. Please remember to call the office to sign electronically to at least 90%. We are well on our way to reaching that up if you are not receiving Community Updates. Hopefully, we met goal. Thank you, Block Captains. that goal with future storms that followed. And maybe, just maybe, Transition of Bryant Court – There are many meetings and Punxsutawney Phil was wrong and the rest of the month turned mild and ongoing discussions regarding the transition of Bryant Court. We are we will have to implement our goal next year. One can always dream! working closely with our engineering firm, FWH Associates, and our The Board would also like to remind people to contact the office prior Board attorney. to a storm to ensure they are on the list for emergency plowing. The Tort Immunity – By the time this Newsletter arrives in your criteria for that are dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, scheduled mailbox, we are hopeful to have had at least one or more information surgery, home health aides for the seriously disabled, visiting nurses, sessions with the community to explain Tort Immunity. At least one hospice or other required medical personnel as well as doctors, nurses additional meeting is planned for March after the ballots are delivered and other medical personnel who must go to work. We appreciate your to the residents. Tort immunity allows our homeowners association to support. Please understand that we are working for you on your behalf. shield itself from insurance claims for injuries to members not caused by When you are frustrated, we are too and we hear you. willful, wonton or grossly negligent actions of our Association. Basically, Alice Krihak for the Board of Directors it prevents frivolous lawsuits which impact our insurance rates and ability Nick Iorio, Bernie Worst, David Gelfand, Alice Krihak to get insurance. If you did not get a copy of the Tort Immunity Fact Sheet that was distributed, we will bring one to you. If anyone has any questions regarding Tort Immunity, please reach out to one of us. We will be happy to discuss the issue with you. Ballots will be mailed out within the next week or two. Please remember to return your ballot. Ballots may be dropped off SALES INCENTIVE FOR REFERRALS in the incoming mailbox at the entrance to the main clubhouse. We are offering current Canal Walk and Enclave homeowners COVID and reopening remains a priority. The Board as well as an incentive if they refer friends and family who purchase an the community would like to return to some type normalcy. We are Enclave condominium home. There are units still available for looking into various ways to accomplish this. As a Board, we recognize new homeowners. We are open for business and showing all units that a balance must be reached between opening and the financial, by appointment. Please be advised that Enclave condominium liability, health and safety concerns of residents. We are working units are also available as rentals. Contact our sales office at closely with our Board attorney and we will be using the Advisory 732-356-1191 for details. Panel as a resource. Board members are also taking webinars offered by Andrew Tendler, VP Community Development CAI to better educate themselves and to gather additional information. TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Acting Up���������������������������������������������������� 4 Free Medical Equipment���������������������������� 33 Publisher’s Guidelines for Photographs���� 33 Attention All Club & Committee From The Board of Directors���������������������� 3 Readers Write�������������������������������������������� 15 Chairpersons���������������������������������������� 33 Going For The Take-Out Option���������������� 26 Reminder on Photo Submissions �������������� 33 Be Green, Go Green, Hadassah������������������������������������������������������ 8 Sales Incentive For Referrals ���������������������� 3 Help Save Our Environment������������������ 4 Home Hints������������������������������������������������ 16 Shutterbugs������������������������������������������ 18, 19 Book Review of The Month���������������� 24, 26 Indo-American Club���������������������������������� 12 Spanish Tertulia������������������������������������������ 30 Bumper Sticker������������������������������������������ 23 Italian American Club�������������������������������� 14 Staying Healthy�������������������������������������������� 5 Canal Walk Women’s Bible Study ������������ 15 Itch’n To Stitch������������������������������������������ 15 Sunday Cinema������������������������������������ 16, 17 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Jewish-American Heritage and The Animal Corner������������������������������������ 24 Dinner From Elmer’s ���������������������������� 8 Culture Club������������������������������������������ 8 Theater Review������������������������������������������ 29 Club Meeting & Activities Dates�������������� 32 Library Information ���������������������������������� 30 Then and Now�������������������������������������� 13, 14 Community Updates������������������������������������ 4 Computer Corner �������������������������������������� 23 Men’s Club������������������������������������������ 10, 11 To See Clubhouse Activities On Your TV 33 Cover Photo Credit������������������������������������ 30 Newsletter Committee ������������������������������ 33 Useful Numbers ��������������������������������������� .34 Crossword (Solution – 16) ������������������������ 27 Newsletter Committee E-mails������������������ 29 Veterans’ Club�������������������������������������������� 11 E-mail Google Group�������������������������������� 33 Pickleball������������������������������������������������������ 7 Women’s Club�������������������������������������������� 11 Featured Article of The Month������������ 14, 15 Potpourri, Jokes, Food for Thought �����21-23 Young at Heart �������������������������������������������� 5 To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107 The Canal Walk Newsletter March 2021 • Page 3
COMMUNITY UPDATES Members of the Board Advisory Panel who are in the BE GREEN, GO GREEN, Communications Improvement Group have recommended to the Board HELP SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT that we remind homeowners that timely communications are available in Community Updates. NOTE: This was compiled a month ago. Events below are Community Updates are emailed to homeowners to supplement subject to change. Details of the items eligible for recycling are the information that is contained in the Newsletter. The Updates are listed on the Somerset County Recycling Website: https://www. typically used to quickly disseminate time-sensitive information since co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/recycling Check the they do not have the three to four week lag time that Newsletter articles website or call first before venturing out. have. Topics in the past have included updates related to the impact FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH: of COVID-19 on the operation of our clubhouses and activities, snow What to Recycle: Tires, scrap metal and usual curbside items. removal, Comcast cable TV, community trips and events, show tickets, No Textiles, Hazardous liquids, batteries. security/safety information, gate closures and the status of community When & Where: first Saturday of the month, Somerset improvements and repairs. County Recycling Center 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater from If you are not receiving Community Updates via email, contact 8 AM to 2 PM (Exceptions due to holidays: January 9, July 10, Cathy Vaccaro (cathy@askaa.com) in the Management Office and ask September 11, 2021) Tel: 732-469-3363 to be added to the distribution list. Board of Directors HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE: What to Recycle: banned or outdated pesticides, antifreeze, ACTING UP motor oil and filters, fluorescent tubes and CFLs, ammonia-based cleaners, button-cell or rechargeable batteries. Prescription drugs CALENDAR: F irst Tuesday, 7:30 PM can also be dropped off. No: Smoke or Carbon Monoxide detectors via Zoom (Men’s Club will recycle), electronics, tires, medical waste (see the Acting UP— where characters are county website for a complete list). welcome. Canal Walk residents gather When and Where: the first Tuesday of each month to do some • March 20: 277 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge “improv”, read short scripts from plays, radio/ • April 17: Warren Township Public Works, 1 Bardy Rd., TV shows and melodramas. We have a few laughs Warren and contemplate the wonders of the amateur acting world. No previous • June 19: South County Public Works Garage, 410 stage experience is needed to join, just an open mind and a wish to have Roycefield Rd, Hillsborough fun. In fact, most of us have never been on a formal performance stage before joining Acting UP but have overcome great fears to entertain our CONSUMER ELECTRONICS: Canal Walk neighbors. A few of us dabbled by acting in High School What to Recycle: computers, televisions, copiers, DVD & plays or on college stages. Join us the first Tuesday of each month @ VCR players etc. (See the county website for a complete list.) 7:30 PM No batteries. Special Note: A Virtual Acting UP meeting on Zoom is scheduled When & Where: First Saturday of the month, drop-offs are each month until such time as we can resume our regular in person at the South County Public Works (8 AM to 2 PM), 410 Roycefield meetings at the Freedom Clubhouse. We are reading scripts designed Road, Hillsborough (Exceptions due to holidays: January 9, July 10, for virtual theater as well as improv skits that work great on Zoom. If September 11, 2021) Note: Weekday drop-offs 7:30 AM to 3 PM you are interested, contact Bruce Davidson (bndavidson@gmail.com) were suspended in 2020. Call for 2021 info. Tel: 732-469-3363. or Gloria Stuart (gloriafstuart@gmail.com) for information on how to MEDICINE & MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL: join the Zoom Meeting. Take the plunge and join us. What to Recycle: prescription drugs (no liquids). Stuck at home with spare time - you can enjoy past Acting UP Where & When: (Open 24 hours a day) performances for the community. You will find a link to the Acting UP • Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, County Administration YouTube Channel on the CW HOA website. (http://www.canalwalkhoa. Building (Lower Level), 20 Grove Street, Somerville. com) Select Acting UP under “Activities” or via a direct link to Tel: 908-231-7140. YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/cwactingupchannel • Franklin Township Police Department, 495 DeMott Lane, For information about Acting UP contact: Bruce Davidson or Somerset Tel: 732 873-5533 Gloria Stuart Further Info: www.co.somerset.nj.us/medwaste What to Recycle: Sharps and Medical Waste, disposal containers; call for information: Where & When: “Transforming the Lives • RWJU Hospital (Somerville) – 908-685-2800 ext. 3258. M-F 9 AM to 5 PM of Somerset Residents” • St. Peter’s Hospital – 732-742-8600 ext. 8282 Note: Medicines can be dropped off at Household Hazardous We have been providing the highest quality physical therapy services in Waste events, see above for dates and locations. the Somerset area for 15 years. Voted “Best of the Best in Somerset County” OPERATION SECURE SHRED: Somerset Family Physical Therapy is proud to be serving our patients Free document shredding scheduled monthly at different during the COVID-19 pandemic following the most current CDC guidelines. county locations. Up to 6 boxes, containers or per visit. Staples All surfaces are sanitized using hospital grade solutions and techniques and paper clips do not have to be removed. (No magazines, junk after each use. mail or newspaper.) When & Where: 2021 schedule will be released in March SOMERSET FAMILY PHYSICAL THERAPY Further Info: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/residents/learn- about-free-document-shredding or call 908-203- 6018. 14 Worlds Fair Drive Suite M • Somerset, NJ 08873 Bruce Davidson www.somersetfamilypt.com • 732-356-5363 Page 4 • March 2021 The Canal Walk Newsletter To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107
STAYING HEALTHY MY MOTTO I remember the day when I gave this prompt to my Writing Our What about club soda? You can rinse your hair with club soda after Stories group. “What is your favorite motto and how does it speak to a dip in the pool. The fizz helps combat the damage caused by chlorine. you?” Know what mine is? “Waste not. Want not!” If you substitute club soda for half the milk in your favorite recipe for Yup! I grew up in a family who could never throw anything out. pancakes, the carbonation gives the batter extra lift and, therefore, Somehow whatever that object was, it could have a new useful life. So fluffier pancakes. I decided this month to deviate, somewhat, and explain why I get so Or, simplify scrubbing your cast-iron pans by pouring some soda fixated on Woman’s Day Magazine and its very clever page of useful in a still-warm skillet and the bubbles help keep food particles from ideas for remnants found around your house. I could say, in a healthful sticking. Club soda also soothes a troubled tummy because it contains way, that I applaud the workings of someone’s brain activity to come up bicarbonate, which is an antacid used to treat heartburn, indigestion and with some of these, but that would be stretching the subject a bit. But upset stomach. Last, but not least, when it goes flat, don’t pour it down take a look at some of these very interesting ways you can use certain the drain. Water your houseplants with it. The potassium and other remnants in your house. For example: minerals will enrich the soil. Here’s some clever ideas that the editor squeezed out of your Lastly, the kitchen staple – aluminum foil. Sharpen your scissors favorite fruit…the orange. Why did you know that if you tear up the by folding a piece into quarters to create four layers. Then, cut through peels from an orange or two and toss them into the warm water of a it several times to sharpen dull blades. Aluminum foil can also get rid bath, the strong citrus scent will quickly trigger the release of calming of rust. To help remove stubborn patches of oxidation from chrome car chemicals in the brain? Who knew? Or that orange peels can whiten fenders and household fixtures, rub the surfaces with crumpled foil. your teeth in a pinch. Just rub your choppers with the inside of an Don’t have a funnel? Form a sheet into a cone with a small hole in the orange peel and the D-limonene will temporarily brighten your smile. bottom and use it to guide liquids into narrow bottle and jar openings. Did you know that you can uncover glowing skin by making a DIY face And, for those of us who actually still iron, place a long strip of mask by grating the peel of an orange, then mixing, a bit of the orange’s aluminum foil underneath your ironing board cover. Because the metal juice and ¼ cup of canola oil. Rub the mixture onto your face and let absorbs heat, it presses wrinkles out of cotton and wool fabrics more sit for 1 minute before rinsing with warm water. The slightly abrasive quickly…it works, I should know. A little bit of history…demand was orange peel pieces will gently scrub away dead skin while the oil will so high for aluminum foil during World War II that some movie theaters add moisture, resulting in a beautiful spa-inspired glow! Try it! And collected foil balls in exchange for free entry. rather than throw that peel into the garbage, you can place a few pieces OK, so there you have it! Living my favorite motto. So, what’s in bowls in the corner of your home to help keep bugs at bay, they hate yours? the smell of orange oil. By Nina Pesce YOUNG AT HEART “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other gold.” —Girl Scout’s theme song Tax Planning & Preparation for THE HISTORY OF THE YOUNG AT HEART CLUB (PART I): In the very early days of Canal Walk, when there was not even Individuals and Businesses a Clubhouse and many roads were not yet paved, many clubs were starting to give birth as new friendships were forming. While most clubs ▲ Non-Profit Tax & Advisory Services focused on charity or service, one group said, “We are the seniors in this ▲ Taxation for Trusts & Estates senior community. We paid our dues to society. We will leave the fund ▲ IRS Conflict Resolution raising and good works to the youngsters. Let’s be a social club and just have fun.” The only rule – you had to be 75 years old. So, a group under ▲ Quality Service at Competitive Prices ▲ FREE Initial Tax Consultation CPA the leadership of Rosemary Stevenson, formed the “Over 75 Club.” There were a few couples led by Rosemary and her husband ▲ Over 25 Years of Professional Service Bob and some brave singles. But not wanting to admit to the “age,” membership was low. It was then, they decided to change the name to “Young At Heart,” but maintained the 75 age restriction. VIRTUAL NTS Members went out to lunch regularly, played cards, had pizza APPOINTME parties, car pooled to Hunterdon Hills Play House and exchanged gifts AVA IL A B LE at their Holiday luncheon. At one point, in an attempt to gain members, they held breakfast in the Café serving coffee and bagels. They also sponsored the Variety Mention This Ad to Receive: Show in its early stages. However, once the community started to grow, they had to drop out because it became too large to handle. As over-75 became 80ish things began to change. People moved $ 35.00 OFF to warmer climates and sadly, some to assisted living or even nursing Preparation of Individual homes. Some others lost a spouse, while others moved on to more Tax Return for New Clients active clubs. What to do? Should the club disband or just go on as is? Well, to find the answer to those questions, tune in next month when we Call for an Appointment: present Part II and see what makes membership in Young At Heart one of the most sought after club in the community. TO BE CONTINUED Kevin Fellin, CPA 732.828.6240 Until we are able to meet once again, please stay young at heart and put a little fun in your life. KevinFellinCPA@outlook.com By Gloria Sipos 752-537-9160 7 Cedar Grove Lane, Suite 34 |Somerset, NJ 08873 To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107 The Canal Walk Newsletter March 2021 • Page 5
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PICKLEBALL would like to join our pickleball email Google group or you haven’t been receiving our emails, please contact Hank Goldenberg henryrgold@ gmail.com By Steve Selvaggio This article is being published for the March Newsletter, but is being written on Feb 1st. The snow is coming down, creating blizzard conditions, but our group is still laser focused on playing pickleball. Even 12 inches of snow will not deter our pickleball pied piper, Doug Miller. Doug has organized Winter play for a group of players, as long as weather permits. If temperatures are above 10 degrees, and wind below 75 mph, Doug’s hearty troupe can be seen outside sharpening their skills, having fun, and shivering like Pinocchio when he appeared on the Maury Povich show to find out if Papa Geppetto was his Father. Other groups continue to play, with couples playing doubles at Colonial Park, and a group of players continue to play indoors at the THE REAL ESTATE MARKET Flemington Pickleball Center. Some players have chosen just to wait until spring and resume playing at our own courts. No matter where we are playing, or choosing not to play, we all look forward to playing IS CHANGING together again at our own courts here in Canal Walk. Playing in small Get all the groups is fun, but playing with our group once again here in Canal Walk is our ultimate goal. LOCAL UPDATES from We are excited to announce the creation of a YouTube channel for pickleball. It’s a fun way to share videos of what we are doing over the Kathleen Miller! winter. Doug Miller has produced some top-quality instructional videos, filmed during our play outside, that are both fun and informative. The YouTube channel can be located here: tinyurl.com/4d58dr4p THINKING OF SELLING? You can type that into your browser’s address bar or go to YouTube Ask me about LISTING CONCIERGE and in the search bar type “Canal Walk Pickleball”. You will find many helpful videos that give you a good sense of how the game is played, Coldwell Banker’s Unparalled and some strategy. Marketing Program Some of the things I have learned during outdoor play are, how to spot the early signs of frostbite, how to determine the difference Listing and Selling in Somerset and Surrounding Areas in Central NJ between being very cold and hypothermia, and the importance of dressing in layers. A good example of cold weather layering that works for me is to wear a warm shirt, with a sweater on top of that, with a flexible coat on top of that, and then a layer of car between me and the outside, preferably with the heat on high and a cup of coffee in my hand. Kathleen Miller It is hard to say what it will be like in March, things are changing Sales Associate Partner Agent so fast. With luck, most of those who want a vaccine will be able to Premier 55+ Adult Community Advisor get it, and we can start to see life getting back to normal, or as normal SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialist as possible. For Canal Walk pickleball players, a big part of “normal” COLDWELL BANKER REALTY will be the ability to play and socialize together on our own pickleball 10 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542 courts. If you are interested in playing, please contact John Spillane • 25 Years of Experience! Cell: 908-256-1271 johnfspillane@gmail.com or Leslie leslieagold@gmail.com. If you • Ask me for Canal Kathleen.miller@cbmoves.com Walk references! KathleenMiller.net To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107 The Canal Walk Newsletter March 2021 • Page 7
HADASSAH The members of the Hadassah Chapter of Canal Walk have worked memoir about Eugene’s father and uncle, identical twin brothers born in to provide support and solace, to maintain friendships and to build Hungary of Jewish parents but raised as devout Catholic converts until community throughout this challenging time. In January, we hosted the Second World War. As with all of our book club meetings listeners educational programs such as: the presentation of “Harbor From The are always welcome! If you would like more information contact: Holocaust” accompanied by a book group discussion of “The Song Maralyn Lieberman at: maralyn18@aol.com of The Jade Lily”. In addition, we hosted a successful Spirits Tasting Through these events and in many other ways we have remained event! Thank you to all who participated! connected as we work toward our philanthropic goal of providing The February calendar included a “February Fun” afternoon in support for Hadassah hospital, research and numerous programs. For lieu of the annual Card Party, complete with delicious deli sandwiches, example, Hadassah has launched a new heath & wellness initiative fabulous door prizes and Zoom Bingo. called Every Move Counts! It is designed to help you boost your However, do not despair if you missed these events because there physical and mental health as you interact virtually with other Hadassah are more to come! members. Our on-line tracker makes it easy to count many kinds of Our next CW Hadassah Meeting will be held on Zoom, Tuesday movement: walking, dancing, and yoga, to name a few. While we’re March 9th. In order to honor our heroic nurses, our speaker will be Ellen moving, we’ll be “traveling” together on a virtual trip to Israel! For Snyder-Grenier, author of “The House on Henry Street”. The focus of more information visit hadassah.org/EveryMoveCounts the book is the story of nurse Lillian Wald, who established the Henry Shop Rite certificates for $25, $50 and $100 are available from Street Settlement on the Lower East Side of NYC in 1893. Janet Kliger and Evelyn Lasky. The certificates can be used at any time Additional activities within the chapter include: and at any Shop-Rite. It is a “no cost to you” way to raise money for our Hadassah Masoret Conversations: Thursday, March 18, 2021 at many medical and educational projects. 10:30 a.m. We will watch “Through the Eye of the Needle: the life and We look forward to meeting again in person and resuming our art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz” This film tells the story of a teenage many activities but until then we look forward to seeing you on Zoom! Holocaust survivor through the art of her unique needlework panels Our Membership Chairwomen are Marlene Glickman, Fran Musler and sewn years later. Facilitated by Laure Paul and Barbara Lerner Diane Bowin. If you are not a member we’d love for you to join us! Hadassah Book Group: Tuesday, May 4th at 7:15 PM. The selection Judy Goldberg Communications Committee is “In My Brother’s Image” by Eugene Pogany. This is an extraordinary CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH DINNER FROM ELMER’S We missed celebrating Chinese New Year with you! Ditto for Valentine’s Day! But we are going to make a strong run at taking a bite out of St. Patrick’s Day. There will be a Corned Beef Dinner courtesy of Elmer’s (but minus the singing and jigging). JEWISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE HERE’S HOW IT WILL WORK: First the dinner: The dinners will come in individually packed, AND CULTURE CLUB ready to heat microwaveable containers. Included will be fresh Corned Beef with simmered cabbage, a lightly buttered potato and baby The Jewish-American Heritage and Culture Club of Canal Walk carrots. Also included and wrapped separately will be two slices of rye is pleased to announce that Holocaust survivor, MAUD DAHME, will bread and a generous slice of Irish soda bread. The cost will be TEN be joining us on ZOOM on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. She DOLLARS per dinner. will be sharing her fascinating story about being a Hidden Child during Second the sign-up: Just like in days of yore, you will need to fill the Holocaust. The program is for members and non-members alike out a signup sheet which will be available online on the Canal Walk and will be sponsored jointly with the Jewish Federation of Somerset, website until Friday, March 5. Each household will be able to place Hunterdon, and Warren Counties and The Institute of Holocaust and one order for up to four dinners. Checks should be made payable to Genocide Studies at Raritan Valley Community College. CWHOAAF and attached to the order sheet. Place the order sheet in Maud Dahme was born in Holland in 1936. Her parents had to an envelope along with your check for up to $40 and drop it in the box make the agonizing decision to send their two small daughters, Maud outside of the clubhouse for incoming mail. There will be no last minute at age 6 and Rita at age 4, to live with two separate Christian farm ordering, and we will limit the orders to 200 households. families in order to save their lives. These families, known as Righteous Third the pick-up: Dinners will be available to be picked up under Gentiles, risked their own lives by helping Jews. This compelling story the Clubhouse portico on Tuesday, March 16. Families with last names is one you will not want to miss. beginning with A-L can stop by between 12-2 pm; families whose Ms. Dahme lives in New Jersey. She came to the United States last name starts with M-Z can pick up between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. We in 1950, married, and has 4 children and 9 grandchildren. She is in request that no one get out of their car. Everyone must wear a mask! her 25th year of serving on the New Jersey Board of Education where You will give your name to the committee member who will check your she has served as Vice President and President. She is an advocate and order on his/her sheet and then you will drive up to the next station a very active member of the New Jersey Commission of Holocaust where representatives of Elmer’s will give you a bag with your prepared Education and was featured in a PBS documentary and at the Holocaust dinner order. Every meal will be exactly the same, and there will be no Museum in Washington, D.C. We are truly honored to have her with us. additions or deletions to the menu. (SNOW DAY: Thursday, March 18.) This program will be available to everyone in the community, members This is going to be something of an undertaking for us….It’s kind and non-members alike. The ZOOM login information will be available of a trial balloon….we are hoping for it all to go smoothly, but please in the next Canal Walk Newsletter. have patience if there is a line. And remember, For a membership application to our Club, please contact Marilyn WEAR YOUR MASKS! Sladowsky at 732-563-4566. By Harvey Finkelstein By Peggy Finemore and Debbie Katz Page 8 • March 2021 The Canal Walk Newsletter To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107
We’re only the fifth hospital in the world 6 to achieve Nursing’s highest honor consecutive times! THE BEST OF THE BEST. THAT’S WHAT A MAGNET® DESIGNATION SAYS ABOUT SAINT PETER’S NURSING EXCELLENCE. But this isn’t the first time the compassion, professional dedication and commitment of our nurses have been recognized. Our first Magnet® designation was in 1998. This latest Magnet® recognition marks the sixth consecutive time we have received this honor for nursing excellence. Saint Peter’s University Hospital. When you want the best in patient care, trust the best nursing team. To learn more about Saint Peter's University Hospital, visit saintpetershcs.com Safely treating you better...for life. Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107 The Canal Walk Newsletter March 2021 • Page 9
MEN’S CLUB MEETING CALENDAR: the Over the Hill Gang, both teams subject to additions and deletions NOTE: Programs will be Virtual via Zoom unless we get the all based upon availability. Format to be a two-person scramble. clear to meet in the Ballroom. Registration information will be sent via The July 21 Wednesday outing will be a CW Memorial at Beaver email to all active members Brook CC, to remember those friends who have gone on to the 19th hole. • March 8: Covid Variants and Vaccine Update – Raj Kapila, MD, A modified shotgun start, “A”, “B” and “C” flights, scramble format Chief, Infectious Diseases, New Jersey College of Medicine & and Italian buffet lunch at $100. The facility is under new ownership Dentistry and the course is in great shape. • April 12: “The Meteoric Career and Troubled Private Life of The sixth annual Somerset Walker Cup (men and women) will be Robin William” – John Kenrick, who has entertained us at a played on August 17, 18, and 19—course to be determined. Format to number of our in person meetings returns as our presenter with include singles and twosomes, scramble, and best ball. CW leads 3-2, this all new program. with one tie. The fall outing is scheduled for Wednesday September 22 and MEN’S CLUB YOUTUBE CHANNEL: will again be held at Royce Brook on the West Course with a modified The Men’s Club has started a YouTube Channel to store the speaker shotgun start, “A”, “B” and “C” flights, scramble format and Italian presentations from our most recent monthly Zoom meetings. buffet lunch at $100. • May: “Exercise and Stretching at Home; Meditation and Ron Lerner 732-302-0088 Relaxation” SOFTBALL: • June: “Aging in Your Own Space” Keep fit and healthy during the winter so you are ready for Spring play. • July: “Risks of Diabetes and Why a Healthy Diet is So Frank Spataro 732-560-8387 Important” • September: “Making Great Pictures Using Your Cell/ MEN’S CLUB IN THE CANAL WALK COMMUNITY: Smartphone” Over the years the Men’s Club has contributed to the overall • October: “The Revolutionary War – Battles of Trenton and welfare of our Canal Walk community and the surrounding area. Princeton” Donations have included clubhouse defibrillators, chairs and benches • November: “Fred Astaire, an American Icon” is not available along Canal Walk Boulevard, Canal Walk Park Gazebo and Freedom due to copyright restrictions. Clubhouse areas. The Save the Trees campaign installed cages around • December: “NASA’s Next Mars Mission: Perseverance - The young trees to protect them from the local wildlife. Mars 2020 Rover” (availability ended February 28 at the request of the speaker) FRANKLIN FOOD BANK: • January 2021: “Alzheimer’s Disease – Early Detection of Signs The Food Bank continues to be in dire need of funds and food to and Symptoms. How to Differentiate Alzheimer’s from Other help feed the many families in town impacted by the pandemic and Dementias” unemployment. This is especially the case following the holidays. The • February 2021: “Alzheimer’s Disease – Resources and Support Men’s Club donated $1000 to the Franklin Food Bank in February. Services for Caregivers” If you send a check or donate on-line, please note on the donation The videos are available to everyone in the community: https:// that it is from the Canal Walk Men’s Club. Franklin Food Bank - tinyurl.com/cwmensclubchannel 224 Church Hill Avenue, PO Box 333, Somerset, NJ 08873 https:// franklinfoodbank.org AARP DRIVER SAFETY: AARP daytime in person Driver Safety classes are canceled John Tighe 732-560-0391 & Paul Walitsky 732-868-3116 through Apri1, 2021. Canal Walk Classes will resume once the Clubhouse re-opens and there are guidelines for meeting sizes. If you EYES FOR THE NEEDY: need certification before your auto policy renews, you can complete the If you have prescription or even non-prescription glasses you no program on-line at: https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/ Online Prices: longer need or use, please hold on to them until the Clubhouse reopens $21.95 Member $27.95 Non-Member. If you are an AARP United where you can then drop them off in the container specified for this Health Care Supplement Insurance Plan member, the course is now free. purpose. We will find new life for these otherwise discarded items. Prior to the CoVid shutdown, 660 pairs of eyeglasses had already been Bob Cohen & David Gelfand collected and donated. BOOK CLUB: Bob Cohen 732-356-1013 Canal Walk Reading Men invites you to join our active book RETIRED SMOKE ALARMS: group. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 If and when you replace your smoke/CO2 alarms, these should be pm, to discuss a book, either fiction or non-fiction. We select our books recycled. Did you know that most alarms have a useful life of 7-10 collectively. Our aim is for everyone to have the opportunity to read years? Due to the materials that make up these detectors, they require books they enjoy and to enrich our experience together. For more proper and responsible disposal. Please hold on to your old alarms and information, please visit https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/canal- then drop your “retired” detectors in the box at the Coatroom (when walk-reading-men or contact Eric Rabkin esrabkin@umich.edu). the Clubhouse reopens). Note that the county does not recycle these Eric Rabkin 734-678-5274 alarms. To-date, 284 smoke alarms have been recycled. GOLF: Bob Morris 732-627-0016 2021 Golf Schedule – think positive but mark your calendars in pencil. CARE COMMITTEE: As of this writing, The Atlantic City trip is “a go” and is scheduled The Men’s Club has the Care Committee because we CARE. If for June 8 and 9. We will be at the Tropicana this year. The trip will be you have any life-changing events, let us know. We are here for you. for one-night stay with two rounds of golf. Cost for golf only, $175; Stay Safe. with room $250 (double occupancy). Single rooms are available at Today is a good day to have a good day about $50 additional. Courses include Renault Winery and Harbor It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters Pines. $100 Deposit required by March 15, 2021. —Epictitus (Greek Philosopher) The Canal Walk Ryder Cup (men and women) will be played When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude during the week of July 12-16. A rematch between the Pinstripers and toward it; you can either accept it or not. Page 10 • March 2021 The Canal Walk Newsletter To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107
MEN’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP: Continued… Not yet a member? Enrollment is open all year round for new or returning members. Call John Tarantino for more information. You If you need some distraction during the day try playing some of the may wish to join us at a regularly scheduled meeting. Our meetings are many games on AARP. You don’t have to be a member to play. https:// currently held on Zoom. Normally this is the 2nd Monday of each month games.aarp.org/ at 7 PM (except for August). Check with John for any meeting schedule Stan Schneider 717-574-1848 updates impacted by the social distancing protocols. 2021 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE UNDERWAY: John Tarantino 908-400-1014 The Men’s Club Membership drive for 2021 is in full swing. So Already a member and you want to be more active? Contact: Bruce far over 170 men have renewed their membership, more than this same Blum, President 732-306-4900 time in 2020. Your dues make a difference and help support our annual donations to the charitable service organizations in our area. We donate Note: All dates of events are subject to change. Watch for the to the Franklin Food Bank and other local service organizations. In Men’s Club E-News for last minute updates and changes. If you are not addition, dues help fund our monthly meetings, currently via Zoom, getting the Men’s Club E-News sent the first of each month and meeting as some of the speakers are paid for their services. We would greatly notices, contact Bruce Davidson – bndavidson@gmail.com appreciate receiving your dues payment as soon as possible. Your check By Bruce Davidson should be made out to CWHOAAF in the amount of $25.00, in the memo section note that it is for Men’s Club Dues. You can drop off the check at the Clubhouse in the incoming mailbox across from the front entrance. Thank you for your continued support. WOMEN’S CLUB VETERANS’ CLUB The Women’s Club members are looking A few years ago, my daughters told me that I had a quote about forward to Spring when, hopefully, we will everything. They challenged me to write them down, so they would be able to get together again. always remember me. One is, “You can’t soar with the eagles in the Meanwhile, please stay safe. morning if you hoot with the owls at night!” By Sue Smith Given this theme, I decided to research some quotes from other people that are more memorable. Here are just a few: “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight— it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower N “Who accepts evil without protesting it is really RAYMO D cooperating with it.” —Martin Luther King, Jr. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you SALON SPA from playing the game.” —Babe Ruth “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” —Rosa Parks “Courage is doing what we’re afraid to do. WINTER SAVINGS AT There is no courage unless you’re scared.” —Eddie Rickenbacker RAYMOND SALON N SPA “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” $1000 YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH JULYSSA & MELISSA —Franklin D. Roosevelt “In this life we cannot do great things. OFF Must present ad. Excludes retail purchases. New Customers only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 3/15/2021 We can only do small things with great love.” —Mother Theresa FEBRUARY & MARCH “The only easy day was yesterday.” —U.S. Navy Seals $5000 KERATIN STRAIGHTENING TREATMENT “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” —Abraham Lincoln OFF FREE take-home ‘sulfate-free’ shampoo and conditioner with Keratin Treatment. ($45.00 value) Must present ad. Excludes retail purchases. New Customers only. “The true soldier fights not because he hates what’s in front of him, Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 3/31/2021 but because he loves what is behind him.” —G.K. Chesterton So what about you? What’s your favorite quote? 1685 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ 08873 Sam Pesce, Commander 732-568-1999 • raymondsalonNspa.com To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107 The Canal Walk Newsletter March 2021 • Page 11
INDO-AMERICAN CLUB on Zoom and open to the Canal Walk community attracted about 125 viewers (82 screens). In an hour-long presentation, Dr. Mehta touched upon various aspects of pain management such as symptoms, assessment, diagnosis, opioids, treatment options and the latest medical advances such as the use of artificial intelligence. He concluded by answering questions from the audience which was most appreciative of his expertise and his easy going style in explaining a complicated subject. Some of the points that Dr. Mehta made: Diagnosis depends on several factors and it would be most useful for patients to be able to accurately describe their pain (Is it acute or chronic? How severe is it? Does it affect your ability to work?). There are many treatment options including physical therapy, epidural options, pain medications, spinal cord stimulation etc. But there is no single curative treatment that is suitable for all cases; there is no “magic bullet”. Surgery is the last resort and it is becoming less and less necessary. As always, prevention is better than cure. Dieting Indo-American Club, Dr. Neel Mehta and exercise are very good in this regard. A diet that stresses foods with a low glycemic index, The club’s monthly meeting unprocessed foods, low carbs, olive oil, portion was held on February 2nd, 2021 control and calorie control is recommended but and featured a lecture on “ My “The best diet for you is the one you like the best Aching Back: What’s New in (and are likely to stick to).” All forms of activity Pain Management” by Dr. Neel are good but exercises that strengthen the core Mehta, Medical Director, Pain muscles are particularly effective. Management, Weill-Cornell Pain At the conclusion of the program, InACC Medication Center in New York president Dr. Bharti Shah lauded Dr. Mehta for City. Dr. Mehta’s mother, Jagruti an excellent and useful presentation and thanked Mehta, and aunt, Dipika Shah, him and the InACC committee members who are both Canal Walk residents. Indo-American Club, Dr. Bharti Shah thanking worked to make the evening’s program possible. The virtual program which was Dr. Neel Mehta. By Shula Nirody Life-changing hearing care starts here HearingLife may help turn your hearing loss into a HEARING GAIN that will allow you to enjoy life again with a renewed sense of self. We have the experience, knowledge and technology to help you hear to the best of your ability. Start living and loving the life you remember. Call to schedule your complimentary $20 hearing assessment.* Gift Card † Upon completion, receive a $20 Gift Card† of your choice. Choose from top national retailers. 311 Courtyard Drive WHEN CALLING, MENTION Hillsborough, NJ 08844 CODE AG60-12 TO RECEIVE YOUR OFFER Victoria Cespedes, NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser Lic. #25MG00146200 Ryan Jackson, NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser Lic. #25MG00152600 908.300.5118 *See office for details. †After completing your hearing assessment, you will receive an e-gift card for $20.00 from Sharon A. Stoor, BC-HIS, ACA, Board Certified in Hearing Instrument a limited selection of retailers. All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their Sciences, NJ Hearing Aid Supervising Dispenser Lic. #572 respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. Limited to one per hearinglife.com household and to consumers who have not had a hearing assessment within the past 12 months. Completion of hearing assessment required. Offer expires 4/15/21. Page 12 • March 2021 The Canal Walk Newsletter To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107
THEN AND NOW VINCE AND MARYANN RENZULLI; ENERGIZER BUNNIES MaryAnn: I was born in Brooklyn but making small toys which I donate to children in my family moved to Hoboken when I was hospitals to tide them through chemotherapy; of twelve years old. I graduated from Sacred Heart course, that has been discontinued because of the Academy and then got my B.Ed from Montclair pandemic. State University before beginning work as a MaryAnn: I participate with Vince in teacher. many of the club activities he has mentioned. Vince: I was born in Jersey City and lived In addition, I am active in Itch N’ Stitch, the there until MaryAnn and I married in 1960. We Activities Committee and the Franklin Township then lived in Hoboken before moving to Edison Women’s Club. Vince and I volunteer at the where we lived there for over 40 years. We Habitat for Humanity store in Manville. I love moved to Canal Walk in 2013. I earned my B.A playing canasta (Wednesday night) and mahjong in Real Estate Economics from the NYU School (Thursday night) at the Freedom clubhouse and of Business and worked in banks for 25 years am impatiently waiting for them to start again. before starting my own Appraisal company. I Vince: We have always loved to travel and was elected President of the N.J. Chapter of the been on many trips and cruises the world over Appraisal Institute and retired in 2013. – China, South America (Argentina, Brazil, MaryAnn: Vince and I met at a school dance Chile and Peru), Europe (Italy, Greece, Norway, during my junior year in high school and married France, England etc.), Africa, Egypt, Turkey and seven years later in 1960. After marriage, I taught the Caribbean. In the U.S, we have been to 26 for three years before quitting to take care of our of the 50 states. Some of the trips abroad were five children. I returned to teaching 17 years later in dangerous times. For example, we were in and taught for thirty years in private schools, first Chile just after Salvador Allende was rubbed at St. Francis in Metuchen for three years, and out, supposedly at the behest of the CIA. We also then at St. Mary’s in Elizabeth. were in Egypt a couple of months after Anwar Vince: Edison was a nice place to raise a family but not for Sadat was assassinated; I remember our tour group was assigned an Uzi retirement. Too boring. Moving to Canal Walk was great because carrying security guard for our protection as we went shopping; but we there are so many activities here to keep us busy. For six years, I have were young then and nothing fazed us. been Vice President for Programs for the Men’s Club and a member MaryAnn: There were other dangers too. On safari, in South of the Veterans Club, the Italian American Club, the Indo- American Africa, we saw lions, leopards and other dangerous beasts at close Club, Sunday Cinema and Young at Heart. I enjoy woodworking and …Continued on page 14 Affordable, All-Inclusive Pricing! For All Your Floral Needs! The new concept in Assisted Living. 732-356-9377 WE DELIVER! www.AMFLOR.com Exceeding Expectations Since 1973... RE with Local & Nationwide Delivery E N T FEATUHT” 227 West Union Ave, Bound Brook ASK ABOUT OUR RATE LOCK UNTIL 2022. CURR CH DELIG (Route 287 Exit 13) “DUT Store Hours: M-F 8-5, Sat 8-1 Call today to find out more details. Monthly Feature “Dutch Delight” $ 5.00 OFF All American Assisted Living at Hillsborough 351 Route 206 $ 10.00 OFF Valid on any order. Minimum purchase $39.95. VALID ON FEATURE PRODUCT ONLY. Cannot be combined. Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Expires 3/31/2021 Local delivery only. Cannot be combined. 908-829-0811 www.allamericanathillsborough.com Expires 3/31/2021 Must mention code Mention code “MMAD10” “CW2021” To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107 The Canal Walk Newsletter March 2021 • Page 13
THEN AND NOW FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE MONTH Continued from page 13… quarters and, if we had to leave our tents at night for any purpose, we BLEEDING DODGER BLUE had to be accompanied by a guide equipped with a machete to kill any “Big D, Old Hoss, Junior, Preacher, Shotgun, Oisk, Skoonj, Robbie, snakes we might encounter. And on a cruise from Bergen (Norway) to The Duke, Reading Rifle, Campy, Pee Wee, Newk.” St. Petersburg (Russia), we were caught in a North Sea storm that sent These names may sound familiar to some and, perhaps, strange towering waves crashing over the deck and had us afraid for our lives. to others. However, if you grew up in Brooklyn in the late 1940’s But there were lots of compensations too. Some of them: the majesty through the 1950’s, you would know them as the nicknames of the of Victoria Falls, a camel ride in Egypt, looking down at the pyramids baseball players known as the Brooklyn Dodgers. As kids growing up from a hot-air balloon, enjoying champagne and snacks while watching in Brooklyn, we affectionately referred to the Dodgers as “Da Bums.” rhinos and hippos at the watering hole and the luxury of a safari camp. Oh, allow me to translate the names above: Big D….Don Drysdale, Travel has been an education too. I remember watching an African Old Hoss….Billy Cox, Junior….Jim Gilliam, Preacher….Preacher tribesman, clad only in a loin cloth while he farmed the land, pull out a Roe, Oisk…Carl Erskine, Skoonj/Reading Rifle…Carl Furillo, cell phone to talk to somebody. Robbie…Jackie Robinson, The Duke…Edwin Snider, Campy….Roy Vince: Food and eating out are things we both enjoy. We enjoy Campanella, Pee Wee…Harold Reese, Newk….Don Newcombe. As a going to all kinds of restaurants, sampling different cuisines. Mary Ann Dodger fan, I knew their team numbers, their batting averages, whether is a very good home cook and baker who loves trying out new dishes. they were traded to the Dodgers or whether they came up from one of MaryAnn: Our son-in-law, Jeremy, calls us Energizer Bunnies their AAA minor league teams. because we are always going, going, going. I tell him “As long as I can One of the qualities of being a Dodger fan was LOYALTY. You do it, I will”. It’s been a good life. We are in constant touch with our would proudly call yourself a Dodger fan and hold your head high above five children and ten grandchildren, sadly now only on Zoom because all the rest. In those days, you were competing with other Brooklynites of Covid. I hope it is not too much longer before the situation improves who were New York Giant fans and others who actually rooted for the and we are able to visit and meet them in person. New York Yankees. Those two other teams were located in the Bronx, Vince: Oh, did I tell you we are expecting an addition to the so, in my eyes, the Dodgers truly represented Brooklyn. Why would family? His name is Harry. No, it’s not a new grandchild. It is a rescue you root for a team so far from Brooklyn? dog, and he should be here any day now. We’re so excited… Another quality of a Dodger fan was TOUGH SKIN. Can you imagine being a young kid when your team was known as “Da Bums” by Vince and MaryAnn Renzulli as told to Anil Nirody or, the humiliation of losing so many World Series games, again, and again, and again? It wasn’t easy, but we kept the faith. Finally, to be a Dodger fan, you needed PATIENCE. In my time as ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB a Dodger fan, the Dodgers played the New York Yankees in six World Series, beginning in 1947 through 1956. Each time, the Dodgers lost. With each passing month we find things getting a little better and However, my day of reckoning would soon come. On Tuesday, October hopefully with the vaccine we will return to normal soon. 4, 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers finally beat their archrival, the New York It is unfortunate that we don’t know when the Clubhouse will Yankees, in the 7th game of the World Series. On that memorable day, reopen and to what extent the Ballroom and other activities will start. the Dodgers became “The Lords of Flatbush.” After all those years of WHY ARE WE COLLECTING DUES??? disappointment, I would finally see the World Series Championship Flag The principal purpose of the Italian American Club of Canal Walk is flying over the right field wall of Ebbets Field. There would be no more to preserve, foster and promote Italian American values. To that end, we “Wait until next year, Dodger fans!” because our year had finally come. engage in and support charitable and educational programs. Our principal As I look back on what it meant to be a Brooklyn Dodger fan, I charity is in the form of annual college scholarships awarded to deserving recall a comment by a New York sportswriter who said, “The Brooklyn senior students of Italian descent from several local high schools. Dodgers were not a baseball team, they were a religion.” Hmmm? I A scholarship committee is formed consisting of volunteers never thought about the Brooklyn Dodgers in that light, but they from the club and applications from area high schools are solicited certainly consumed much of my time and spirit. When I would read by representatives of this committee. These representatives are in the New York Daily News, I always started in the back of the paper constant contact with the schools in order to promote our scholarship. and read the sports section first, rarely going beyond it. Here I would Once all applications are received by the committee, the members read the box score and know how many hits “The Duke” had the day then review and rate all applications. Each applicant receives a score before, or how many strikeouts “The Preacher” got or how many bases based on their transcript, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work “Robbie” stole. And so on. Since most of the games were played in the activity, recommendations and essay. The highest scoring applicant afternoon, school prevented me from watching any during the week, from each school is recommended to the board for final approval. The except on weekends, of course. There were very few night games, by dollar amount for the scholarships is determined by funds in the the way. One sportscaster, Marty Glickman, actually re-created the day IACC account and depends on funds collected through dues and games at night on WNEW providing the canned noise of a crowd, or the fundraising activities. Awardees are notified by mail and are requested sound of a bat as it made contact with an imaginary ball. Much was left to attend an evening with their family members at the Clubhouse with to the imagination, but it was the best we had. cake and refreshments to meet the club members, give a quick talk The Brooklyn Dodgers had an interactive relationship with their about what college they will attend and which major they have chosen, fans. The owners made us feel special. There may not have been “instant and also receive their award. This is a club favorite as the members are replay” shown on a forty-foot screen in center field, or luxury corporate able to meet and chat with the students as well their families. boxes, but the Dodgers gave us the “Dodger Sym-Phony Band” and Please remember that 2021 dues are $10 per person and checks Happy Felton’s “Knothole Gang.” When my dad would take me to made payable to CWHOAAF and dropped off at Janice Herterich @ 14 Ebbets Field, it was more than just a baseball game. Rather, I was now Jacob Rd. or sent to me @ 47 Tallman Lane.Without your support we part of the family of Dodger fans; I would experience the “experience.” will be limited with the scholarships we award this coming June. Take, for instance, Happy Felton. He was a jolly-looking fella who put Although times are still difficult for all of us, let’s hope that the on a pre-game TV show inviting kids onto the field to meet some of end is near and we can go back to living normal lives and enjoying our their baseball heroes. After the game, Happy would interview the stars, friends and the trips with the jitneys. whether a Dodger or one from the opposing team. I can recall seeing him Stay Safe, Healthy and Patient on the field with some lucky kids standing next to “Oisk,” or “Robbie,” Ciao, Shoonj,” and others. Wow! What an experience, even from afar. Mike Page 14 • March 2021 The Canal Walk Newsletter To Advertise Call AOT Publications 732-474-0107
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