1951: LET THE COURTSHIP BEGIN!

Every time I recall my very early years of dating Judy Britton and recall how I would "accidentally" be passing by the intersection of Hamilton and Newkirk Avenue and see her standing on the corner waiting for the Trenton Transit bust that would take her to State and Broad Street for her job at Yard's Department Store. Long story short: I ended up passing that intersection any time I was available and she was on the corner. Then it was off to downtown Trenton and an early detour for coffee and perhaps a doughnut at Clede's Luncheonette on E. Hanover Street for an intimate close up conversation and getting to know each other. The rest is history. My Judy ended up as Mrs. Tom Glover and I fondly look back on those precious hours I spent courting the most beautiful girl in the world. The photo of Clede's is a treasure. Of course Judy standing on the corner was put there thanks to the magic of PhotoShop.

APRIL 24, 1954 - APRIL 24 2015 AN ANNIVERSARY BEING CELEBRATED IN HEAVEN

Today is a landmark day for me as I celebrate my 61st anniversary without my dear Judy who went to be with the Lord on December 17, 2014. (Merry Christmas, Tom!). Without my faith, my family and COUNTLESS friends,  this journey would be worse than trying to climb the rock of Gibraltar in dress shoes. That faith was given to me by three people during my young years: Judy Britton, then Father Leonard Toomey, and my best buddy of all time, Don Slabicki who surprisingly invited me to a St. Anthony Holy Name Society meeting many, many years ago. This summer, as I embark on my 9th season of music concerts at Kuser Park, my new singing partner Jack Pyrah and I will be concentrating on songs of Faith, Inspiration, Love, and Mirth as we sing uplifting songs that encourage those who attend this free volunteer community program to dance or sing along. I sent the above graphic heavenward to Judy this morning. I know is smiling as she recalls our happy years together

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 Let me tell you about that music that Jack and I will be singing this year at the Kuser Gazebo:

There is a remarkable musical concept known in the industry as "MIDI." "Musical Instrumental Digital Interface." I could never go into detail explaining this heavenly gift, but I can tell you it has changed my life and has given me the ability to pray in song, (He who sings prays twice.") Indeed, the advent of the computer has proven to be a most incredible "life changers" for me since I got into computing in the middle of the1980's. Along with  this very successful website which will soon achieve 900,000 visits to my 8000-plus pages of local history, ephemera and nostalgia, I have received a very special computer "bonus" which allows me to pick out any or all instruments, grab one of the hundreds of "midi" songs in my computer, push the midi player's "Play" button, and sing along. This remarkable computer program is perfect for those of us who have the ability to sing, but never had the talent to play an instrument with which to sing along.  Thanks to the availability of thousands of "midi files," I can pick from the thousands of songs, adjust the tempo, and find the appropriate key for my baritone voice; truly a digital gift from above!.

2015: HUMBLE, GRATEFUL AND PRAYER-FILLED THANKS!

This is a humble thank you to the many readers of my Times of Trenton “Sentimental Journey” column, my once per month Times of Trenton “HAMILTON PLUS” column, the many visitors to this website, 200 plus emails of condolences I have received from my countless Facebook and other social media friends, and upwards of 150 visitors to Judy's viewing at St. Anthony of Padua Church. It would be an impossible task for me to personally acknowledge each and every one of your condolence and Mass cards. The outpouring of love and compassion was overwhelming and I am truly humbled. I had no idea there were so many wonderful folks out there who took the time to express their sympathy at this very sad life changing time in my life. I thank my God for friends such as you!