Taste of Linden 2023
Submitted by June Lazaro
The Grand Banquet Hall in Linden held the Annual Taste of Linden on October 11, 2023. It was wonderful getting back with the community since this event had been placed on hold since 2019. The evening was filled with local restaurants, supporting businesses, neighbors, some spirits and coffee too!
Linden High School (LHS) vocalist and former K Kid, Abigail Armstead, along with the LHS guitar quartet, under the leadership of Bernard Matthews, entertained us with their talents and added a classy homegrown touch to the evening. Commander Boyd Decker and LHS ROTC cadets lent us helping hands and showed their commitment to serving others. Newark Crowne Plaza donated a gift certificate for a stay for an attendant who donated canned foods to LINCS (the local foodbank). Look for the video coverage on the City of Linden’s website, the local Linden TV channel, and possibly even YouTube.
Special thanks to The Grand Banquet Hall for creating a great atmosphere, especially Leo from T & L Catering. He served with a smile and stayed to the end. The City of Linden was a collaborative partner, and their contribution is greatly appreciated. Mayor Armstead spoke proudly of our city’s diversification and community mindset. Assistant Superintendent of Linden Public School Mr. Paul Oliveira shared his focus and support.
So many local establishments that I’ve enjoyed shared their cuisine, time, and staff. This year’s participants were Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Craven BBQ, Gold Leaf Pastry Shop, Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood, Inspo Nutrition, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Little Havana, Meson Tropical, Metro Liquors, Pinho’s Bakery, Primavera’s, Starbucks, and T&L/Leon’s Catering. Some attendants did not even know that a few of the restaurants were in Linden.
Thanks to attendants, sponsors, and the 50/50 raffle, around $4,000 was raised.
The Diamond Sponsor was Linden Education Association; Silver Sponsors included Bass & Temple families, Just in Time Chemical Inc., Linden Chamber of Commerce Division of GECC, Mindful Moving & Storage, Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery, Primerica, So Delicious Ice Cream Inc., Unity Bank Bronze: American Legion Post 102, Stella Tylicki, Al Volpe
Donations received go towards scholarships, sponsoring of our Linden Public School K Kid clubs, and other community projects. Please consider joining our club, as members are aging, and our youth is our future. For information on joining, contact June Lazaro at 908-930-8310 or email her at junlazaro@verizon.net. The Kiwanis Club of Linden usually has monthly Thursday luncheon meetings at Just In Time Chemicals. Meetings can be attended virtually or in person.
The 8th Kiwanis Club of Linden Taste of Linden truly was a success because of our community and fellow Kiwanians. After all was settled, I looked around, and smiled thinking “what a great community gathering”. Thank you!
