Yes, you read that correctly! The best way to get through the required annual task of preparing your taxes (or gathering up W2s and 1099s for someone else to do it for you!), is to create a relaxing workspace with good music and good food, right in your own home, the “Trenton way”.
First, check out the vendors at Trenton Farmers Market on Spruce Street (open Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Parking is available. You can also take the #606 bus to the corner of Princeton and Olden Avenue, cross the street and walk up to Trenton Farmers Market. Follow the smell of fresh donuts and coffee to The Pied Piper vendor stall or pick up a jar of blueberry honey from Pineland Farms to put on a stack of banana pancakes. Go to Pulaski Meats for fresh ham or Polish kielbasa or go vegan for the day at The Savory Leaf Cafe, for their Sunday special of handcrafted vegan “turkey”, “ham”, “egg”, or “tuna” (chickpea) clubs with lettuce, tomato and plant-based mayo, for $7.95. For dessert, there’s key lime pie from Chef’s Key pop-up store, or an irresistible chocolate chunk cookie!
Now for the music! When you return home, go to YouTube for video clips of Trenton’s own award-winning vocalist, Grace Little, or catch her on the Apple app, or on her website, for her hits with the Grace Little Band (https://www.theglbband.com).
How did I (who am not a native Trentonian) discover Grace Little? Over two decades ago, as a showrunner for a fundraiser for a nonprofit for homeless families, I asked a colleague for suggestions for Trenton-based vocalists.
“How about Grace Little, if she’s available?” she suggested. “What!” my colleague responded to my clueless expression of ignorance.
“You’ve never heard of Grace Little? I know you’re not from Trenton but come on now! Have you been hiding under a rock for years?!”
Slinking away to my computer, I discovered this amazing artist: graduate of Trenton Central High School, winner of the Apollo Theatre talent competition, and veteran of the national touring companies of the musicals “Dreamgirls”, and “The Wiz”. Little and her band have also performed live at Exit 7A Studios in Trenton, Wilson’s Restaurant and Live Music Lounge, the Princeton Summer Nights music series, and other popular venues.
I couldn’t reach Grace Little for that fundraiser, but, fortunately, I was able to book the Trenton Children’s Chorus and other local vocal talent.
Now, you’re ready to get down to the business of doing your taxes! Let your calls go to voice mail, lay out your favorite food, pull up a comfortable chair, pull out your calculator, turn on the music and let the inviting aroma of warm chocolate chunk cookies and the sound of Grace Little’s rendition of “Proud Mary” get you to the bottom of your 1040 form! And don’t worry; just look forward to that tempting, ultimate “prize” for all the hard work you’ve done: a big tax refund in a few weeks!
Note: The United Way of Greater Mercer County offers free tax prep at the following sites:
The Salvation Army-Trenton
575 East State St., Feb.6th to April 11th., Walk-ins. Tues, Wed, and Thurs. 12 to 4p.m.
The Boys and Girls Club, Spruce Street Community Center, 1040 Spruce St. – Feb. 10th to April 13th. Walk-ins. Sat. 11 a.m. to 3p.m.
Questions? Call (609) 896-1912, or email carrie.pabreza@uwgmc.org
