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FLORENCE TOWNSHIP: Christmas in July for the Roebling community

Children were surprised with an unexpected visit by the man in red July 5.

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   Children were surprised with an unexpected visit by the man in red July 5.
   Santa Claus rode through town on a firetruck on his way to a special appearance at the American Legion Post 39 in Florence Township. The post was hosting its monthly Friday Shrimp Night to raise funds for the community.
   ”It just makes me feel good when I look into a child’s eyes, and I see that glitter in their eye,” said resident Joe Sabol, who portrayed Mr. Claus. “That’s all I need. That’s all I want.”
   The fundraiser Santa visited benefits veterans and the local community.
   ”We love it here,” Helyne Chomko, of Roebling, said. “We come every month. We support the Legion.”
   The shrimp nights started in 2006. This is the second year Santa attended.
   ”We were going to shut down last year in July and August, and I talked the committee into staying open the two months, and I said ‘let’s do the Christmas in July,’” said Jerry Sandusky, senior vice commander and Township Council president. “Our Santa Claus was available, and he was off that week so I asked him to come, and he enjoys it. We will keep on doing it as long as it is a success.”
   He thanked the cashiers at the local Independent Grocers Alliance for placing fliers in customers’ bags to help promote the shrimp nights.
   ”It’s really been a big asset to us,” Mr. Sandusky said, adding the fliers bring in another five to six people every month.
   Mr. Sandusky said more children attended the event this year. Around 30 children dined with Santa Claus, who came dressed in red shorts for the special occasion, sat on his lap and received a gift.
   The post decorated a tree with flip-flops and sunglasses and lined the bottom with beach balls. A smiling sun served as the topper.
   ”I just started doing the summer one a couple of years ago,” Mr. Sabol said, adding he has played the role of Santa Claus for various communities and organizations in the area for past 32 years.
   ”I have been enjoying it before my grandchildren and through my grandchildren,” Mr. Sabol said, adding he also visits the Toys for Tots in Burlington County and Burlington School.
   ”I think I have more fun doing it than the kids do,” Mr. Sabol said.
   Kerri Jacoby, of Florence, said the Christmas in July event breaks up the summer and gives her family “a reason to pull out our red and green.”
   Toby Popso, of Florence, said the event is wonderful.
   ”It’s very nice,” said Ms. Popso, who was attending for the first time with her daughter, Aubreigh Popso, 6.
   Councilman Frank Baldorossi also stopped by with some of his grandchildren — Angelina Baldorossi, 2, Alyssa Baldorossi, 9, and Jason Baldorossi, 11, all of Florence — to visit Santa and enjoy some dinner.
   ”It’s great for the kids,” Mr. Baldorossi said.
   Michael Sawka, the post’s membership chairman, said the Christmas in July event grossed $1,121. He said the total profit would depend on whether the post had to purchase paper products or cutlery this month.
   ”Things like that lower your profit for the month, but the next month, you don’t buy, and your profit is much higher,” Mr. Sawka said.
   The post served a total of 121 meals — 78 shrimp platters, 27 roast beef sandwich platters, 10 meatball platters and six hot dog platters. Around 10 volunteers, all American Legion members, assisted in preparing and cooking the food for the evening.
   According to Mr. Sawka, one-third of the attendees carried their meals out.
   The Brooks family, of Florence, are regulars at the dinner.
   ”It’s always lovely,” Claire Brooks said.
   ”Wouldn’t miss it,” her husband, Adrian Brooks, said. “It’s the highlight of my Friday.”
   The next Friday Shrimp Night will take place in the American Legion headquarters at 112 Fourth Ave. from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2.
   Platters include shrimp, macaroni salad, coleslaw, dessert, coffee and tea for $10. Attendees also can select a roast beef platter for $9 or a meatball platter for $8. The kid’s meal for children ages 13 and under features a hot dog, bag of chips and drink for $3.