JUNE 2022
Hamilton Post COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
Hobby shop makes its move By ThOMas KeLLy
Hobbies come in many forms. We pursue hobbies as a form of relaxation away from work and other work like things. Some hobbies are more addictive than others. Game playing, role playing and board games are the addictive type of hobby. Family Fun Hobbies recently moved to a larger space in Clover Square at the corner of Quakerbridge and Sloan Roads. They moved to a larger space because they needed it. On a recent Thursday night, there was a steady stream of customers, coming in to see the new space. They seemed Dr. Nicholas Despoditis, AKA Dr. D., with Lionel, his Canine Companion at Eyecare Professionals on Kuser to be as excited as the manage- Road. (Photo by E. M. Hume.) See HOBBIES, Page 12
What — and where — is Gnome Town? Peter Dabbene investigates. Page 32.
Their courage and compassion inspire us all.
Canine Companions help people with disabilities to break barriers One morning, a message written in chalk appeared in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The words couldn’t have been simpler, or more soul stirring, or more accurate.
By Sue Ferrara
The subject line on an incoming email from Eyecare Professionals simply read: “Introducing our newest staff member.” Opening the email, readers met staff member No. 24, Lionel, a quasiemployee who brings a whole new dimension to the practice of optometry.
Eyecare Professionals, located Canine Companions, an organizaon Kuser Road in Hamilton, has tion dedicated to providing free “Heroes been in existence for 30 years and service dogs for those who live work here.” has 23 employees, including four with physical disabilities. optometrists. Lionel is six months The concept of using dogs old, has lovely dark eyes, four for assistance has a long hisThree words of gratitude and encouragement that very large paws, and a face that tory, likely dating back to 1 C.E., capture the courage and compassion of health could melt even the hearts of cat according to the International workers here and across America. To share your lovers. Guide Dog Foundation. A mural thanks or to support our Emergency Response Fund, He is one of nearly a thousand found in the ruins of Herculavisit rwjbh.org/heroes See LIOnEL, Page 8 dogs nationwide being raised for
Mercer Airport to get major facelift By BiLL SanserVinO
Mercer County is currently working on plans for the construction of a major expansion at the Trenton-Mercer Airport in Ewing Township that will increase the size of the current terminal by almost five times and allow for an increased number of flights from the facility. The terminal expansion passed a major hurdle recently when the federal government gave the county the green light to move forward with the design and construction of the new terminal and other improvements on the site. The estimated start date of construction of the project is currently not known, and Mercer County did not respond to a request for an update on the project. Once started, construction of the expansion is expected to take place over a 26-month time frame. The project calls for replacing the current 28,000-square-foot terminal, which was built in the 1970s, with a new 125,000-squarefoot facility to be located adjacent See STORY, Page 10
And please, for them, stay home and safe.
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