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Author turns cancer battle into cosmic fantasy novel By GrAce MUrPhy
A cosmic battle, a cancer diagnosis, and 22 years in the making—Steven Mutchiga’s debut novel, The Midway Conflict: Hour 1, is more than a story. It’s his story. After years of pauses and rewrites, Mutchiga, who goes by the pen name Steven Nevets, returned to his manuscript again and again until he finally completed it. Published on Jan. 25, The Midway Conflict: Hour 1, blends fantasy and historical elements with autobiographical reflections drawn from his own life, including
his battle with cancer. “[My] goal was to create a narrative that would not only resonate with readers but also inspire those navigating their own hardships,” said Mutchiga, who goes by the pen name Steven Nevets for the book. The novel follows the protagonist Steve, who undergoes radiation therapy after his recent cancer diagnosis and finds himself in a “cosmic conflict” involving the potential collapse of the Afterlife. Steve is pulled from his sedation by Lady M., a being from another realm who is in danger, and sets foot on a jourSee BOOK , Page 14
Harpoon Willy’s brings shore charm to Town Center corner By ALyssA DeSANTis
Harpoon Willy’s has been a staple of the Jersey Shore dining scene for decades, offering warm hospitality and contemporary American cuisine. The Jersey Shore Restaurant Group continues its rapid expansion with the opening of Harpoon Willy’s newest location in Robbinsville. The restaurant brings its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu to additional communities across New Jersey. The new venue, located at 2360 State Highway 33 in Robbinsville Town Center, celebrated its grand opening in Febru-
ary. The restaurant features seating for more than 300 guests, including a 70-seat bar area with TVs and a seasonal outdoor patio that can accommodate nearly 100. The history, vision, and commitment to quality that define Harpoon Willy’s have set the stage for its continued success over 50 years since its first establishment opened its doors. The story of the Jersey Shore Restaurant Group begins in Manasquan, where the first location of Harpoon Willy’s opened in 1972. The building itself has an even deeper history—dating back 300-plus years to when George Washington was serving his See RESTAURANT, Page 9
Mick Chorba, Ron Bechamps, Rob Martin and Pete Smith are The Successful Failures, a locally based band that performs at venues throughout the area.
Successful Failures keep rocking two decades later By EDDie YOUNG
On March 4, The Successful Failures celebrated their 20th anniversary together as a band. Twenty years after their first practice, the New Jersey-based band with ties to the Mercer County community is still going strong, continuing to play original music with the passion and desire of
a new band trying to make themselves known. Nowadays, a band sticking together for as long as The Successful Failures has is almost unheard of. However, for Mick Chorba, Ron Bechamps, Rob Martin and John Williams, similar goals and a friendship that has developed over the 20 years together has kept the band See BAND, Page 12
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