Did you feel that, Jersey?
That gentle tap on the shoulder this week was Spring, whispering howyoudoin’ like a dear friend we haven’t seen since lockdowns and quarantines and pandemic life began. We mostly missed last Spring, kept inside by uncertainty about the unseen virus then just beginning its deadly rampage.
We broke records this week as temperatures hit the 70s and folks hit the streets to enjoy outdoor dining and other activities. It won’t last long — our Len Melisurgo has the details on a winter-like cold front about to hit. (Sorry.) Spring doesn’t officially start until next week, but we do get to “spring forward” an hour overnight tonight.
At the moment, I’m thinking about July Fourth, and President Biden’s gentle, empathetic encouragement that if we all step up to get vaccinated as soon as we can, this summer’s holiday could be a little more like normal.
To get there, Biden is directing states to make all adults eligible for vaccination by May 1, and flooding the zone with shots: Community health centers, retail pharmacies in places like Walmart, even Dollar General stores could soon be vaccine sites.
Clearly, this is Wawa’s moment to shine.
Picture it: Step up to the kiosk, punch in your order for an Italian hoagie with banana peppers, side of mac and cheese, maybe one of those Smoothies and a hit of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, take your ticket and pay at the register.
Or if you’re into the drive-up thing, just order your meatball Shorti and diet iced tea on the app, maybe add on a few Butterscotch Krimpets, then pull up to a parking spot. When you stick your arm out the window to take the bag, you get a jab, too.
I’m just saying this could work. Chick-fil-A got all that good press for having one of its drive-thru managers step in to wrangle a backed-up vaccine line. You’re telling me the dude in the Shorti costume couldn’t direct people through a Wawa parking lot?
Look, I’ve been to Wawa Hoagie Day a few times, and if you could see how thousands of generally-cranky Philadelphians (these are my people) will gladly line up in summer heat for a free sandwich, chips, Tastykake and drink, you know I’m right.
Wally Goose, call me, we’ll hook it up!
I’m having fun here, because at long last we have some reasons to be hopeful, but there’s still an undercurrent of grief just below the smiles this week. People are still being diagnosed with COVID, and people are still dying.
My colleagues at NJ.com published an impressive, affecting variety of pieces in our news and opinion sections this week about how we’ve changed over this most unusual year. Adam Clark’s reporting on the little children who lost parents this year brought the horror home in a way I hadn’t felt before.
Our subscribers make it possible for us to tell New Jersey’s stories. Join us and be a part of what we do.
Also this week: Rutgers is on a roll, bombs on the beach, Jess Remo walks into middle age, and amphibian action:
- RUTGERS MADNESS: It’s a good time to be a Rutgers fan, with the men’s basketball team in the thick of tournament season. Sign up now for our daily Rutgers Tournament Special emails and get the latest, straight from Steve Politi and the best sports staff in Jersey.
- BEACH BOMBS: Cape May has a long and well-documented World War II history, but sometimes unexpected bits of the past emerge — like the three (so far) explosive shells and an old urinal dug up in a backyard. The ordnance has all been safely detonated.
- WALK IT OUT: Did you pick up any new hobbies or activities over the pandemic year? Our Jessica Remo discovered the joy of walking — and the gear that goes with it. “Reflenders” may be my new favorite word.
- WHEN PRANKS GO WRONG: A Bergen County man who was the target of several unwelcome prank deliveries is suing the company who sent the anonymous “jokes.” Was it the chocolate penis, the fake poop or the exploding glitter that made him decide to sue? I’m betting on the glitter.
- FROGGY WENT A COURTIN’: It’s the sexiest time of the year — if you’re an amphibian. That’s right, it’s frog spawning season! Some roadways in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will close temporarily to let the critters get their groove on safely.
Finally this week, farewell to Sam Spera, namesake of the legendary North Wildwood boardwalk favorite Sam’s Pizza Palace. He died this week at age 92.
Pete Genovese remembered Spera, an immigrant from Italy who built an American dream along the Jersey Shore, with Sam’s own words: “I started broke,” Spera told Pete in 2014. “I came to this country (in 1951) with 50 bucks. I couldn’t speak English.”
God bless America … and boardwalk pizza.
That’s all for now. Keep it Jersey, my friends.
P.S.: Chase these waterfalls.
Amy Z. Quinn is NJ.com’s Audience Editor, Newsletters and Briefings. To get a Letter From Your Editor every Saturday, add your email here.
