AND IF YOU ASK ME

by Grayce Pitera

I love Hammonton. There are so many things to love. Sure, we have more than our share of “do-gooders” with personal agendas. You know the kind. Those people who sit on the sidelines and stir the pot, never joining in to help the cause. Basically, though, I believe the good things in our town beat the bad.
There are always new discoveries here, if you just take the time to see them. I recently found two new surprises. One is a totally new business and a step up for another existing one. I call them surprises because I wasn’t paying attention during my day-to-day schedules; so when I finally came upon them, I considered them pleasant surprises.
The first is not only noteworthy for what it offers, but also for what it doesn’t. Little Scoops Ice Cream Parlor is a place like that. Frozen treats are considered its specialty by the townspeople, but it offers more. It serves up food with a smile. You can eat inside or out and for those who prefer it, in your car. It’s clean, neat and nicely designed.
So it sounds like this place has everything. For me it is what it doesn’t have that counts. Little Scoops’ location is its crowning glory. Where can you sit outside at a custard “stand” with your friends or family and enjoy a cold custard or ice cream sundae with easy conversation at a normal level without the resonance of zooming sixteen wheelers, reverberation of car music and echoes of all the other highway buzz?
Think about it. Almost nowhere. Except at Little Scoops, that is. The first evening we went there, Harry walked up to the window and ordered his huge soft custard. That night we sat in the car because that is how we have been conditioned all these years. It is quieter there and we can talk without screaming above the highway noise.
Then we realized something. There were no frenzied highway sounds, no horns or screeching brakes. It was quiet, peaceful and soothing. So the next night we both left the car for the outdoor seating area.
I sat at one of the most comfortable picnic tables where I didn’t have to worry about getting splinters or sticking to concrete. Scoops’ tables are made of that new age white material that is amazingly sturdy, sound, comfortable and, above all, easy to keep clean.
Since then I have returned with others. Everyone agrees with me. They are pleasantly surprised. Scoops is a place where we can sit, savor a bite and get lost catching up on each other’s news. Families have discovered this place. Little kids can safely walk around within the clearly designated area, making it easy for parents to relax while keeping a watchful eye on them.
There is a lot to be said about businesses off the well-traveled path. I know because I own one. I have truly thrived over thirty years at The Cornucopian, “nestled in a friendly residential neighborhood,” as my tagline goes. Never have I regretted my decision to go off the mainstream cluster and set up my shop my way. It fit my business. There are others that need to be visible and the main street serves that purpose. However, some of us need grounds to carry on our businesses.
My residential location allows me many conveniences. I keep my own hours, closing all of August and January every year. During months we do show houses, such as this year when we will be at the HSH ShowHouse on Central Avenue in September, we also close in July. We, however, actually work harder during those times.
For instance, local handy man, Tom Tell, has been a miracle worker for us. He shows up whenever called and has cleaned out two basements, cut and cleared away fallen limbs, power washed a house, concrete and more. He also cares for two of my lawns and all his fees have been reasonable. Tom, by the way, was another pleasant surprise.
It is not easy to find a young man with motivation and his own equipment to help out as casual labor. He is honest, dependable and forthcoming too. Need such a person? Call me. I will be glad to give you his information and a hearty recommendation.
Well, back to Little Scoops. I think this has been my best find in years. I truly hope to see you there some evening. They are open day hours too. Give them a call. They will happily give you all their information. You, my friend, will thank me for this, I am sure.
And, you will do the same, in case you are like me and not in the know about downtown happenings, with my next discovery. Did you know that the family and original owners of Marcello’s Italian Restaurant are back? As we walked in its dining room from the Bellevue Avenue entrance one evening I remarked to Harry, “It looks nice in here. Something has changed.” As usual he wasn’t listening, too busy picking out a table.
Beautiful Italian chargers were set at each table (at dinner time) with matching accessories. The rustic colors are soothing yet noticeable. I understand that this is a practice of restaurants in Italy, so we were getting the ultimate, authentic Mediterranean treatment.
Slowly, though, my assessment was further supported as little amenities began appearing at our table. Then the main course was served. After my first bite I looked up at Harry and said, “Isn’t this better than usual?” and apparently it was, because he simply nodded, rather than answer with his mouth full.
So I mentioned to the waitress that we felt there were visible changes for the better and to please let the owners know their efforts were appreciated. “Oh,” she said, “the family of the original owners are back.” And that explained it all.
Last week as we walked through the Horton Street entrance, I was pleased to see the familiar faces of years ago in the kitchen. They greeted us with smiles and hearty hellos. This was another cool summer surprise. Marcello’s is back on my list of places to go when cooking is simply not an option.
Their tripe appetizer was incredibly similar to my mother-in-law’s recipe. The serving was so large, that I enjoyed it for lunch the following day. I am told they have a spectacular luncheon buffet on Wednesdays.
So do as I do. The next time you become a bit bored and think you have experienced all there is in this town, look around. You may finally “see” what has been right in front of you all this time but have been too distracted to notice. Survey the changes or additions. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of Hammonton, the real advantage of living in a small community that is determined to remain vibrant.

Grayce Pitera is a weekly columnist for The Gazette.