News briefs of the week around Trenton [L.A. PARKER COLUMN]

Quayson T. Williams, 28, passed away on November 4, 2025 from his battle with cancer.

A memorial service recognized his life inspired by family, friends, and a desire to support Trenton youth and community through selfless service. The Trenton native who graduated from Eastern Guilford High School (N.C.) then played basketball and earned academic awards at The Citadel (2015-2019), eventually came home for a mission to mentor.

“Quay had an infectious smile and all his teammates loved him,” said former Citadel Head Coach Duggar Baucom, who coached Williams from 2015 to 2019. “This has been heartbreaking news for everyone who knew him. His teammates, former assistants, and our entire Citadel basketball family are all hurting. He was such a joy to coach and represented the program with pride,” a Citadel statement noted.

During his collegiate career, Williams appeared in more than 100 games and finished ninth in program history with 176 career three-pointers made. He concluded his career with 851 total points, ranking 51st all time in program scoring, and was named to the Southern Conference Honor Roll for the 2017–18 academic year.

A memorial notice offered, “Quay’s life was a reflection of love, faith, perseverance, and service. He touched countless lives through coaching, teaching, service, and friendship. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.”

A billboard located at the corner of Stuyvesant Ave. and Prospect St. in Trenton acknowledges the life of Quayson Williams.

He is survived by his mother and father Charlene Williams and Brian Goss, a bonus mom, Lakisha Barlow and bonus grandmother, Joanne Barlow, along with siblings Ciara Williams, Daquan Williams, Dahmiyr Owens, Bryana Barlow, LaTiera Barlow, Shaquan Worthy, Kabrien Goss, plus numerous relatives.

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We interrupt this Friday Fotos session for a special announcement— Coffee.

There we were in the hills of Turrubares, a rural canton in Costa Rica’s San José province. It’s 45 kilometers northwest of the state capital San José. This part of Costa Rica features coffee plants pressed into the countryside, nothing but greenery and beanery. Harvesters delivered their fresh-picked beans for processing to a farm we visited.

According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), U.S. residents own a powerful relationship with coffee, especially espresso-based offerings such as cappuccinos, espressos, caffè mochas, macchiatos, etc.

Chico, a brother of my female friend, used to drive trucks here loaded with bags of coffee beans. His past employ gained us a tour of the plant by Arnoldo Guerrero, administrator for the Beneficio Aprocetu coffee mill, and then one final gift — a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Best cup of coffee, ever.

We purchased several bags of coffee and now home, mouths water with anticipation of smell and taste. Did you know that two-thirds of (American) adults drink coffee each day —more than consumption of tea, juice, soda, and bottled water. For every 100 cups of coffee consumed, 59 are specialty and 41 are traditional.

NCA President and CEO Bill Murray notes:

“Coffee holds a unique place in Americans’ daily lives—no other beverage is such a beloved and prominent touchstone. Coffee’s popularity brews big benefits for American coffee drinkers and the entire U.S. economy, and we expect America’s love affair with coffee to continue for many decades to come.”

This week’s, L.A. Parker “WooHoo!”award goes to coffee, nature’s wonderful elixir enjoyed by more than one billion earthlings.

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A 11-day getaway to Costa Rica delivered one of best vacations ever.

Spent with familiar female companion, Laura, and my son, Paris, the trip represented a gift for his graduation from Rutgers University.

We had a magical time during his first visit and his camera clicked thousands of photos. Temperatures lifted into the low to mid-80s daily as we barnstormed this environmentally-rich nation that wastes no money on military machinery. (More on this incredible fact some other time).

Anyway, we had the Bill Medley “time of (our) lives” during trips to San Jose, Quepos, beach, mountains, national rainforest, coffee farm, etc.

We talked about another trip but you know how life can change. Enjoy each moment during this holiday season.

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Decorations for Christmas continue to deliver interesting presentations.

A sighting occurred of the Abominable Snow Monster of the North in the 2200 block of Hamilton Ave. in Hamilton Twp. The creature offers a scary performance in the 1964 Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The ape-like creature with razor-sharp teeth and immense strength is a yeti living in the North Pole. Sam the Snowman describes alleges the white monster hates everything to do with Christmas. Yukon Cornelius refers to the yeti as Bumble with an aqua-fear. He cannot swim and an entrance into water means death by sinking.

The Abominable Snow Monster stalks Rudolph and an elf friend (Can you name him?) throughout the film. Yes, slightly weird although this adaptation remains a classic.

Unlike the Monster, Christmas lights enjoy celebration here although a law should exist for when large ornaments should be removed. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph should be put away a week after January 6 — The Epiphany.

Love Christmas decorations and believe there should be fireworks for this special religious holiday. Hate the extreme capitalism associated with Christmas and how Santa Claus kicked Baby Jesus to the curb.