Finding two handsome young boys selling three varieties of iced beverages on a really warm day is enough to make anyone happy, and that’s what happened to me today.
J&J Lemonade Stand, with owners Julian and JW, was set up on Avenue D in Atlantic Highlands near West Highland Avenue this week and the stand looked so clean and inviting it was too good to turn down.
J&J introduced themselves, asked whether I wanted Iced Tea, Iced lemonade or an Arnold Palmer…a combination of the two, and quoted the prices, cheap enough for sure.
While one of the J’s took a plastic cup out a sealed bag, filled it with ice from a spotlessly clean chest and the other J poured my a giant sized drink, they told me they set up their stand, not so much for the money they are making, but for the “fun of meeting people and spending some time with my friends.”
Neither one was sure what he would do with his well-earned cash, though both had some ideas. One thought he’d save it for a bike so he could ride to his classes at Bayshore; the other, a Henry Hudson student, thought he’d put it into his savings account for college. He wants to be a theoretical physicist, he informed me, not knowing I didn’t even know what that was! So he explained it, explained his goals, and after further questions, did concede he was an honor student in school now.
Congratulations to two young men who are taking up a tradition that has been around since kids wanted to make money and enjoy friends.
Look for these guys next week when they might be back in the same locale on a Wednesday afternoon. If not there, perhaps someplace else in town.
If not them, perhaps there are other young entrepreneurs doing more on the lazy days of summer than simply enjoying the sun, the ocean and sand. They’re making new friends, learning how to deal in business, and saving up for the future.
Also made me happy to see so many friends show up for the 7 a.m. Memorial Mass for former Mayor Helen Marchetti at St. Agnes Church.
Both past Commodore Ed Newins and Fire Auxiliary President Mickey Rast and other auxiliary members came in uniform to honor their former beloved member; the pastor, Father Jarlath, also told some heartwarming stories about the nonagenarian who lived practically her whole life across the street from St. Agnes.
Thanks to Barbara and Bill Kornek, Helen’s niece and nephew, for inviting so many to join them in remembering the former Mayor, former Mrs. Atlantic Highlands, former helpmate to so many and role model for so many more. It was a lovely, heartwarming final farewell from a town that will never forget native and former Mayor Helen Marchetti.
