To some, this was just another day of work.
By: Linda J. Field
Labor Day 2001 proved to be a welcome end to a long, hot summer in Lawrence. Crowds flocked to the beaches and vacation areas and local traffic thinned out.
There were, as usual, those dedicated few who labored away Monday while so many of their neighbors and friends took advantage of a day off to celebrate the end of the summer holidays.
"It’s been dead here today, nothing," said Kali Azzouzi at Ciro’s Pizza at lunchtime, usually a busy time for a restaurant. "But it feels good. I’ve got no complaints. We’ve done more cleaning than business. We’re open for Labor Day every year."
Fastsigns is located on Brunswick Pike in a small strip center near Fan World. Although open only three years, the franchise has found itself busy enough to put in hours on a holiday to keep their promise of "Orders placed before 4 p.m. will be ready the next day before 4 p.m."
"We’ve been busy, and I’m trying to catch up," said Joan Belmont, vice president of the business. "We’re not expecting much business to come in today, but it’s a good time to come in and catch up. Our busiest times are in the fall and spring, with a lot of special events happening. We just put graphics on the Philadelphia Eagles Vans."
Another business that was busy all day was Larry’s Wine & Spirits on Brunswick Avenue.
Restocking was being done, as a constant flow of customers purchased cold beverages for home picnics or purchased lottery tickets for upcoming drawings.
"It’s been busy, steady," said Harry Patel. "We’re open every day, 365 days of the year. So it’s another day at work. But I love to work. I don’t mind being here on a holiday. It’s busier then."
One summer hot spot in Lawrence is Rita’s Water Ice on Whitehead Road. On Labor Day, however, lines were short or nonexistent despite the rising temperatures. This was the last day for summer hours, with fall hours of noon to 9 p.m. beginning Tuesday. Ready to fill orders for cooling ices and gelatis was Jessica Roberts, a senior at Lawrence High School.
"It’s not at all busy," said Jessica. "It’s kind of upsetting that summer is over and I’ll be back at Lawrence High School soon. It’s been a good summer, even with working the whole time at Rita’s. It should be busy here later."
The Seven-Eleven on Lawrence Road is one place all local residents count on in a pinch, and it didn’t let anyone down for Labor Day.
It was open, although business was light.
"Business is slow today," said Fazal Rehman. "Most people are away. We’ll be busy later when they all get home and stop off for things on their way. Somebody has to be here, and somebody has to work. Our job is to provide calm, courteous service. The purpose of Seven-Eleven is to provide convenience. We’re there to help people."
There is one job that goes on 24 hours per day, seven days a week during certain seasons, and that is the farmer.
At Little Acres II, presently operating from a temporary stand on Princeton Pike across from the Princessville Cemetery, a lot of activity was taking place.
Many residents familiar with Little Acres Farm Market, located on Lawrenceville-Pennington Road, will be pleased to know that soon a permanent structure will open to sell produce at this new site.
"I plan to farm 35 acres of land here, as well as opening the permanent produce store," said Ted Wilk, aided by his wife Karen. "We’ll grow corn and pumpkins, plus sell everything we carry at the other store. We’ll definitely have strawberries in the springtime. Business has been pretty good today, selling vegetables, but especially giving directions!"
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins on Lawrence Road was open for business as usual. Even the lure of Baskin Robbins ice cream couldn’t pull in the crowds. So Caitlin Kenney avoided the heat of the ovens and attempted to stay closer to the freezers.
"We were busy this morning, but not so much this afternoon," said Caitlin, a senior at Lawrence High School. "I’m kind of excited about going back to school, this being my senior year and all. I’ve only had six days off all summer. I’m saving up so I could spend it all next summer. Plus I got the money for working on Labor Day! I will laugh at my friends when they’re all working next year and I can take off and relax."
Whether you labored on Labor Day at your place of business or around your home, spent the holiday with friends and family or even watched the Jerry Lewis Telethon, hopefully, it was a fitting end to the summer season. Just keep in mind that before too long, those pumpkins at Acme will actually be in season and frost will be on them soon.

