Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Scrambled Eggs


EASTER CELEBRANTS: (From left) Michael, Madeline, Natalie and Theodore.

Another Easter has passed. Who among us can look on indifferently as eager children hunt bright plastic Easter eggs stuffed with goodies and treats? Certainly not the Clarks of New Jersey!

Theodore and Natalie kicked off their 2007 Easter celebration on a Metuchen soccer pitch, where community leaders went to great lengths to promote the town’s municipal egg hunt. Later that day, the children joined their cousins Michael and Madeline at a private-sector event: the Clarks of Pennsylvania Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Reunion.

Aunt Diana took advantage of the mountainous Moon Valley Falls terrain to provide the children with a hunt that was both challenging for the advanced players, yet enjoyable for the beginners. Notice how the baskets above overflow in a miraculously even distribution of eggs. [Note to Aunt Diana: for this accomplishment, CNJ salutes you!]

Joining the event was the popular and beloved Sister Bernice Marie, whose antics are occasionally chronicled in this forum. Also participating was Bound Brook, N.J.-based Emily Fabiano, a former Rutgers University official who has provided companionship, counsel and comfort to CNJ since the late 1960s.

Monday, April 02, 2007

CNJ Blast from the Past


LUCKY DUCKS: The Clarks in transition.

Many readers have written the Clarks of New Jersey (CNJ) seeking highlights and stories from the early days. “This family of laughter and tranquility,” reads a typical letter, “how and under what circumstances did it develop?”

CNJ responds to reader feedback with “Blast from the Past,” a new feature that offers readers historical analysis plus full-color digital photography – all for the same incredibly low price!

Let us go back to the year 2005. We find the Clarks of New Jersey living with the Clarks of Pennsylvania (a.k.a. Mimi and Poppy). Mom carries Natalie in her belly, and Dad commutes to his job in New York City by bus, a two-and-a-half-hour ordeal – each way!

Despite the hardships, CNJ reflects fondly upon this three-week Pennsylvania episode, a transition chapter in the family’s relocation from 57 Main Street to 56 Voorhees Place. Highlights from this period include dinner dates at country inns, delicious desserts at Pocono ice cream parlors, and multiple visits to the Milford Fair (see photo).

Best of all, we lived under the loving eye of Theo’s grandparents, and with joyful anticipation of baby Natalie’s birth.

Those were the days!

Note to readers: Comment on this Blast from the Past for a chance to win a free ticket aboard the Friends of Milford Public Library Bus Trip to beautiful Passaic Falls in Paterson, N.J. (Lunch not included.)