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KITTATINNY MOUNTAIN--The weather has been quite frigid here in New Jersey--as it's been elsewhere in the country over the last week or so--but those (-) figures on the "live chill map" notwithstanding, I decided to start the year right by returning to the Appalachian Trail and Kittatinny Ridge today for my first solo hike since early autumn. It was surely the most challenging outdoor experience I've had since a snowstorm forced us off Mt. Rainier above 11,000' in 1997, although the hike definitely got easier as the day progressed. I arrived at Worthington State Park to find myself to completely alone. The temperature was 2 degrees F / -16 degrees C when I accessed the Appalachian Trail at Dunnfield Creek and 16 degrees F / -8 degrees C four and a half hours later when I descended the Red Dot Trail from the summit of Mt. Tammany--i.e., Gap Summit in the photograph--back to Dunnfield Creek. I saw no one at all--not a soul--for the first 10.0 miles of the 11.6-mile hike, but exactly 25 people between the intersection of the Blue Trail @ Mt. Tammany Fire Trail and Route 80--almost twice as many people as my friend Chandler and I had seen four days earlier. A few of those I encountered expressed a desire to complete the loop; however, most said they were just going up Mt. Tammany, then descending the Blue Trail to Dunnfield Creek / Route 80. Once again, I saw no bears--more on bears presently--and, in fact, saw little in the way of fauna at all, except for a squirrel, three deer--a buck and a doe together, and a desperate and solitary 100-lb. doe foraging for grass beneath several inches of snow that surprised me by allowing me to get within about 8' of it; some more black-capped chickadees, some wood ducks, some blue jays, and two woodpeckers. About 3" of new snow blanketed the ridge and trail complex, so the tracks that Chandler and I had left in the light snow last Thursday were long gone. Two people had gone up the Appalachian Trail yesterday and their tracks were still sharp. I walked in these on and off until Sunfish Pond--the 44-acre glacial lake atop the northern portion of Kittatinny Ridge--after which I did something I'd never done during the four and a half decades I've been taking this hike--i.e., I walked on thick ice across almost the entire length of the pond, staying at all times within 10m of its northern edge. Someone had done the same thing yesterday, only farther out, but I was already taking a chance with the frigid weather and decided to play it safe. One thing that struck me was that the sky was cloudless and soundless until almost the last hour of the hike. Despite the fact that bitter cold was the order of the day, I have a wicked sunburn from the bright sun reflecting off the ice and snow. One of the great advantages of hiking in snow is that it becomes easy to track the comings-and-goings of the various animals that live and move in the same places where I hike. I saw literally thousands of tracks in the new snow today, mostly deer and bird tracks but also coyote and (probably) bobcat tracks as well as large bear tracks. Of course, the latter tracks surprised me most, since it's the dead of winter and it's extremely cold on the ridge. I've seen bears up there in the winter--and even in several inches of snow--but never when it was colder than 30 degrees F or so. The bears whose tracks I saw were apparently going off the southside of the ridge to raid the snowbound cornfields and pumpkin patches in the valley. The red acorns the bears can scarcely wait to gorge on in autumn--after having consumed many thousands of blackberries and blueberries all summer--are by now a distant memory; and, if a bear's hungry enough and if frozen kernels of corn and pumpkin pulp are all that's out there for them, they will arise and go,no matter how cold it is. The vast majority of bears den above ground in winter and are more sensitive to the weather than most people presume. I guess survival trumps a good night's sleep every time. As I walked in the snow, I couldn't but think about the hundreds of animals I've seen on the ridge down the years--the eagles I saw up there; the bears I saw here and there and just about everywhere else; the eastern timber rattlesnake that Valerie and I saw right there--not to mention all of those five-lined skinks and copperheads and northern water snakes that are either underground or elsewhere or now a part of the earth.
So, this year is my 45th year of hiking the Appalachian Trail and Kittatinny Ridge and I want say to all who are still reading this missive that I'm more grateful than words could ever convey that, despite the many physical challenges I've had--and still do have--I'm still able to experience nature and the outdoors as I have over the past year, in general, and over the past week, in particular. I do not now, nor will I ever, take my ability to do so for granted. I know that the time will come soon enough when I will be unable to get about and that all I will have at my disposal are the many and diverse memories of the hundreds of outdoor experiences, both near and far, I've had down the years. I still have many dreams and many goals pertaining to the outdoors--places to visit and mountains to climb and trails to hike--and hope to share them with you as I realize them. In an exclusive email interview to www.NJnewsjersey.com this explorer/adventurer asked to remain anonymous.
An aerial photograph in which our hike is outlined in blue. The only exception is that we skirted the northside of Sunfish Pond, not the southside as shown.
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SOUTH AMBOY--There is a new Pub, Grill and Billiards Hall in town! Snookers, centrally located at 960 Route 9 South in South Amboy, New Jersey is a place that everyone should check out. In an exclusive interview with this NJnewjersey reporter, the owner Bryant Mitchell stated, “It took me 3 ½ years to get the approval I needed to open Snookers. Without the help of the Mayor, Council, Police Chief Township ABC Lawyer and the Community, Snookers would not have come to fruition.” With the family type atmosphere at Snookers, this is not your typical run of the mill pub. In order for Bryant’s vision to be realized, the former space had to be completely renovated to give it the classy look you see today. Everything was built from scratch including the elegant bar unit that was handcrafted piece by piece. Bryant also told this NJnewjersey reporter that, “Middlesex County is one of the stronger counties in the United States for amateur pool players and this is what makes Snookers the place to be if you are interested in learning how to play pool or enjoy playing in tournaments. Generally, Middlesex teams have always ranked in the Top 5 Nationally. Oftentimes, ranking in 1st or 2nd place.”
Bryant himself has been playing pool for the past 25 years in APA and TAP leagues. They have played in State and National tournaments. He has won numerous trophies, and has also been awarded best player in the league for his ranking. Next to his love for pool, one of Bryant’s other hobbies is scuba diving. Bryant has completed dives all over the world. His ventures have included reef exploring, WWII wreck diving and scuba diving with sharks.
At Snookers you can find mixologists, Kristen, Aleksander, Laura, Shenise, and Alayne waiting to serve you. One of the mixologists, Kristen Wager told this www.NJnewjersey.com reporter that, “Customers are calling Snookers the new ‘Cheers Bar’ because when you show up there, every one knows your name. The mixologists not only know your name but also what you drink!” Some of the customers’ favorite drinks are the Espresso Martini, Rosemary Gin Fizz, Infused Tequilas including the Jalapeno Tequila that was created by mixologist, Aleksander Zareba. Aleksander told this NJnewjersey reporter, “I enjoy coming up with new mixes for the customers’ drinks. I like to research and find new ingredients to work with. The customers enjoy watching me mix the cocktails and it’s so gratifying to see the satisfied smiles when they taste my drinks.” Other beverages on the menu include cappuccino, espresso, fine wine, top house brand liquors and 25 different kinds of ales.
In addition to the amazing and creative variety of drinks, the Tex Mex Grill at Snookers is by far the best this NJnewjersey reporter has tasted. Chef Jack Zelicskovics went to culinary school where he learned how to make Tex Mex food. He then created all of his own dishes for the menu at Snookers. He also creates new items every week to add to the list, so much so that Bryant himself cannot even name a favorite. On many nights, Snookers serves between 150-200 meals, especially during tournament nights. Some of the customers’ favorite foods are the Chicken Flautas (people have ordered between 2,000-2,500 plates of the flautas since opening), Tito’s Wings, Chicken mole, Tex Mex burgers, Mango Habanero Chicken Bites, and Taco Salad.
In a separate room from the Pub, you can find a Billiards Hall that is complete with 2 7- foot Diamond tables specifically for league play, 17 9-foot tables, 5 Brunswick Gold Crown Tables, and 12 Medalist tables. At the Billiards section of Snookers, the food from the Tex Mex grill along with drinks from the Pub, are served right at your table. Snookers house pro pool player is Danny Basavich otherwise known as “Kid Delicious.” Eleven years ago, Danny was ranked as the best pool player in the world. He is now making a comeback and runs the 9-Ball tournaments and 3-Ball tournaments at Snookers. You can go to www.kiddeliciouspoolschool.com to purchase his lesson videos, his autobiography book called, “Running the Table” and also hats and shirts.
Danielle Sanfilippo runs the 8-Ball BCA tournament once a month and will be running the BCA League starting on January 8th. There are also beer pong tournaments at Snookers that are very popular with the crowd. In fact, people from all over the world attend a World Beer Pong tournament in Las Vegas each year.
It is important to Bryant that Snookers remains a clean, safe and friendly environment. He also ensures that Lacy Cue Repair routinely services all of the tips, wraps and shaft refinishing’s for the pool cues. Dave Edwards the owner of Lacy Cue Repair has your entire professional cue servicing needs. Dave told this www.NJnewjersey.com reporter that, Snookers is the best place to shoot pool on the East Coast.”
Lastly, one of the amazing things about Snookers is that it bridges the gap between generations. Teenagers like playing pool there, as it is a nice change of scenery from the usual hang out at the local mall. Even Seniors and Retirees enjoy the atmosphere at Snookers especially with $10 all day play between 11am- 6pm. If you are looking for an exciting place to host a party, a fun night out with your coworkers or friends, or an opportunity to meet new people, make sure you check out Snookers!
*A portion of the income generated from Snookers is donated by Bryant to the Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Association. www.myotonic.org
FROM SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS TO PLAYING WITH THE SHARKS,
COME CHECK OUT SNOOKERS!!!
THE NEW PUB, GRILL AND BILLIARDS HALL LOCATED AT
960 U.S. ROUTE 9, SOUTH AMBOY, NEW JERSEY
EVERY DAY-11AM-6PM-$10.00 EACH FOR POOL PLAY
PUB AND GRILL SPECIALS
MONDAY TO FRIDAY-4PM-7PM-HAPPY HOUR
$5.00 APPETIZERS AND DISCOUNTED DRINKS
TACO TUESDAYS-4PM-11PM-$2.00 TACOS AND DISCOUNTED DRINKS
EVENTS
TUESDAY NIGHT-9 BALL TOURNAMENTS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT-3 BALL TOURNAMENTS
THURSDAY NIGHT-TRIVIA NIGHT
SATURDAY-1PM AND 3PM-WORLD TAVERN POKER
Snookers Mixologists, Aleksander Kareba (left) and Kristen Wager (right) mentions how Snookers is similar to the show Cheers
Chef Jack Zelicskovics seen in the above picture
Written by Barbara Sue Friedman-Writer/News Reporter/Sales/Public Relations
www.NJnewjersey.com www.NYnewsyork.com www.FLnewsflorida.com
Edited by Kate Haffner
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NEW JERSEY--So for today January 4, 2018, this NJnewjersey reporter's slogan is STAY SAFE AND BE SAFE! No driving today unless it is an emergency! New Jersey is expected to get hit with 12-18 inches of snow. It is even hard to keep up with the snow shoveling and plowing on a day like this. I couldn't even find my dogs in the snow! Your best bet it to stay inside and do something productive that you wouldn't normally get to. Also, please help out your neighbors today, if you see someone struggling. Stay warm and drive safe on the roads tomorrow. Have a nice day New Jersey!
Written by Barbara Sue Friedman-Writer/News Reporter/Sales/Public Relations
www.NJnewjersey.com www.NYnewsyork.com and www.FLnewsflorida.com
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NEW JERSEY-- Well, it is that time of year again, New Years! Most people love to ring in the New Year by celebrating with friends and family. For some, it is a time of reflection of the past year, and a time where people make their New Year’s resolutions. However, it can also be a time of sadness and loneliness for others. On this evening, drinking and driving is more prevalent, drugs are being consumed in greater amounts, and the suicide rate increases. What are our reasons for these drastic measures? Is it to numb the pain of the past? Is it to prevent us from seeing the things we need to change? Or is it because we are afraid to face the future?
We all need to remember that alcohol and drugs have long lasting effects on our bodies that some may not even realize. Every system and organ in our bodies has their own function. When we ingest foreign substances, we disrupt the very nature of our cells and blood flow, affecting our DNA makeup that may lead to lifelong illnesses or death. So before you do something you may regret, try to remember you are not alone! Every one of us has someone that cares about our well-being. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or maybe even a beloved pet, there is someone waiting for you to come home. No matter how hopeless life may seem, drinking and driving, taking drugs or committing suicide is NEVER the answer! Find someone you can talk to that can help bring comfort during the times when you feel hopeless and alone. Oftentimes, that person can take you from a bad moment to a better place where hope can come shining through. Being thankful each day for the people you have in your life will cultivate an attitude of gratefulness changing your perspective to a positive outlook. Also, try to remember that we can never appreciate the good things that come into our lives without experiencing some hard times.
I know you’ve heard it time and again:
But life is not a coffee blend.
Don’t drink and drive or do drugs!
Suicide can’t be swept under the rug.
Lives are lost, and families are shattered.
Crying hearts, and bodies battered.
Enough is enough; it’s time to wake up!
I am tired of filling this same old cup.
As we sit and look upon this new year ahead of us, I encourage every one of you to think about your hopes, dreams and goals that you want to accomplish in life. We all have gifts and talents to offer this world and each of us has the ability to change peoples’ lives for the better. For example, we can feed a homeless person, do volunteer work, attend college or go after that dream job! Even better, we can forgive a family member or an old friend that has caused us pain in the past. Life can be a great experience, a work of art, or a grand masterpiece but you have to remain hopeful when the bad times come. So before you drink and drive, do drugs or contemplate suicide, reach out and grab onto that hand that longs to help you! You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255 if you are experiencing a crisis. This New Year’s Eve if you have too much to drink make sure you call a Taxi, UBER, LYFT, or a friend/family member to drive you home. If possible, stay where you are until you are sober. We at www.NJnewsjersey.com want to wish you a HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!! Ring in 2018 with laughter and joy and remember to DRIVE SAFE, STAY SAFE, AND BE SAFE!
Written By Barbara Sue Friedman-Writer/News Reporter/Sales/Public Relations
Edited by Kate Haffner