While spinning the TV dial last week, I chanced upon “The Chew” on ABC from 1 to 2 p.m.
I zeroed in on it as I noticed they were showing a man going into the James Candy Store on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Park Place. People were telling him they never leave Atlantic City without a box of saltwater taffy and how much they enjoy eating them.
The next scene showed him entering their main store on the Boardwalk between New York and Kentucky avenues and being greeted by Frank Glaser, owner and operator of the company. Frank escorted him to show him how the saltwater taffies are made, wrapped and boxed.
Several years ago, I was afforded the opportunity of going through the factory and talking with Frank about how the factory makes candy available to the public. A short time before that, I had visited the Hershey Chocolate Factory, and it was a tremendous draw for the public. I mentioned this to Glaser, and he said he would like to follow suit, but it would be costly.
Atlantic City needs attractions and here we have a great attraction that people would enjoy visiting.
Glaser has decided it is time.
The James Factory Tour promotional card says: “We invite you to come tour our factory to see where the magic happens. ... Learn the fascinating story of the oldest Atlantic City business!”
Tours will depart every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is $2 per person. The cost of the ticket can be applied toward any purchase more than $5.
“The James Candy company was founded in 1880 and today is the proud makers of James Confections, Fralingers Salt Water Taffy and Bayard’s Chocolates. The guided tour will include the history of this business and story behind the naming of the salt water taffy,” the card says.
This columnist offers his congratulations to Glaser, his family and employees on providing Atlantic City with a new attraction that will draw large crowds.
Bicycle and pedestrian plan
I received the following new study regarding a bicycle and pedestrian plan developed by the N.J. Department of Transportation Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs.
“The planning study will evaluate existing conditions for biking and walking on select roadways to establish a preliminary network.
“The study will make recommendations to improve safety, access and mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians in Atlantic City. The final product of this study will be a bicycle and pedestrian plan which will serve as a guide for the city and as a resource to obtain funding for the implementation of bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
“The city will hold a public information session from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, room 314. ...
“Residents and workers of Atlantic City are encouraged to attend and provide input to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Representatives of Atlantic City, the DOT and consultant team will be available to discuss details of the plan.”
Those of you who are bicyclists — and, of course, all of you are one time or another pedestrians — should attend.
They are striving to make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians, but as I have found, sometimes the people coming up with the answers know very little about the specifics of the community. If you don’t attend, you will have to live with what those in attendance recommend.
Cherri’s reunion
I would be remiss if I, on behalf of my family, did not take this opportunity to personally invite you to the Cherri Kravitz Scholarship Foundation’s sixth annual Fundraising Reunion that will be held 5 p.m. Sunday at Maynard’s Cafe in Margate.
One can appreciate those who attend bringing up stories about Cherri that seem to grow longer as the years go on. There is such a heartfelt warm feeling that pervades. The wonderful things she did and the feeling that she had for her friends, students and family continues to touch each of us, and we are grateful for this opportunity to gather together and share our memories.
The major point is that Cherri Kravitz will not be forgotten.
Buy a bobblehead
Bobbleheads were a way to get additional contributions so that we could continue to provide assistance for those graduating Atlantic City High School desirous of continuing their education. We are most grateful to all of you for helping us as we did this year in providing $40,000 in eight $5,000 scholarships.
Purchases of Pinky’s bobbleheads will help us do it again next year.
If you live out of the area, send us your $25 check made out to the Cherri Kravitz Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 2628, Ventnor City, N.J. 08406, and we will mail you Pinky’s bobblehead.
Pinky’s Corner appears every Thursday in The Press. The Pinky’s Corner radio show airs 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays on WOND 1400-AM. His TV show, “WMGM Presents Pinky,” airs 7:30 p.m. Saturdays on NBC TV40. Email Pinky at: pinky@pressofac.com.
