Some visual highlights in and around Trenton [L.A. PARKER COLUMN]

For 43 years, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) has fed the hungry and offered programs and services to encourage self-sufficiency.

Daily guests identify as residents from all walks of the Greater Trenton Area. TASK, had its start in a church basement and now delivers over 12,000 meals each week, six days per week. Most meals are served inside its main building on Escher St. while others service 50 community meal sites.

TASK provides case management services, adult education programs, job search assistance and creative arts classes.

A recent visit to TASK during lunch showed hundreds of guests in attendance for a meal. At one point, every seat had filled. While most eyes focus on people facing issues of food security, shelter, and other crises, a closer observation eyed the volunteers, the lifeblood of TASK and numerous other Trenton-area non-profits.

In more than 40 years, thousands of volunteers have arrived at TASK to support a mission to feed and help others. While people with money or political power receive attention during visits, volunteers contribute valuable time there.

TASK volunteers receive this week’s coveted L.A. Parker “WooHoo!” award for their amazing dedication and inspirational service.

On the count of three — WooHoo!

*********

Gardeners, your attention, please.

So, how did your garden grow this year? Hopes always flourish for a cultivated space filled with an abundance of flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Win some plants, lose some others.

A personal grade showed a B-minus with an underachievement for the Paul Robeson tomatoes, lack of arugula, and not enough flowers planted.

Cherry tomatoes won best garden performance as several plants delivered thousands of juicy fruits, shared with neighbors and friends. Cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and basil were star backyard attractions. Ratatouille and pesto were stunning, mouthwatering byproducts.

Sure, it’s November but time to start dreaming about our 2026 gardens and order the always surprising Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds catalog. Perhaps, an exotic vegetable plant in the coming year.

Tickets are already on sale for the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show (phsonline.org) at The Pennsylvania Convention Center from February 28 to March 8.  “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” represents a theme that celebrates traditions, memories, and cultures that shape how we plant, grow, and harvest today.

*********

James Earle, superintendent of Trenton Public Schools, dressed as a lawman for the Back to School Extravaganza.

His get up included a red scarf around his neck and a metal star minted with the word ‘Sheriff’ on his chest.

Well, it’s high noon in the City of Trenton — time for a showdown, a put up or pack up encounter. Trenton children lack the literacy skills in grades K-3 to build a foundation for successful learning.

In Trenton Public Schools, according to the state Dept. of Education, six percent of third-graders read at grade level expectations. Let’s do the math because city children show low numbers there. Out of 1,176 Trenton students who took the standardized third grade reading exam last spring, only 70 reached proficiency.

Come on, Sheriff Earle. Lay down the law and address this serious issue. Or, saddle up and ride off into the sunset.

*********

Grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches ranks as a personal favorite.

In fact, no doubt exists that my grilled cheese sandwich will cause a meltdown of your taste buds and garner an amazement admission — This is the best grilled cheese sandwich ever. Here’s several keys to make a ooey-gooey sandwich.

Toast the bread before even thinking about warming a frying pan. Slice then fry tomatoes. Next, lightly butter bread and place in well heated pan. Add cheese slices and tomatoes. Brown bread as open-face slices then meld. A small brush of thousand island dressing or pesto atop the tomatoes delivers grilled cheese sandwiches to live for.

Low heat allows the cheese to melt. Try to make a sturdy sandwich not one wimped out with butter. Serve with a hot bowl of your favorite soup. Preferably tomato.