Odds, Ends, and Chop Suey

The year's final week.  As good a time as any to do a bit of cleaning.  As good a time as any to straighten up various odds and ends. 

Franco Harris died last week.  An all-time great player and, by all accounts, an even better person, Franco Harris died on December 20, 2022, three days before the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to retire his number AND on the same night that they were set to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.  Franco Harris played his final game for the Steelers forty years ago.  He retired from the NFL in 1984.  He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.   So why in the hell had the Pittsburgh Steelers not yet retired his number?  What in the name of Frenchy Fuqua were they waiting for - the fiftieth anniversary of his retirement?  

Ashton Brewing is gearing up for its third anniversary.   Steve and Donna Ashton opened their doors in Middlesex Borough at the end of March, 2020, a couple of weeks after Covid-19 shut down the world.  Their beer is excellent.  Their hats are beautiful, comfortable, and cozy warm.

Ashton Brewing - Santa's Favorite Brewery

Steve and Donna are extraordinary people, who employ other extraordinary people, and who have been a boon to our little town since Ashton Brewing opened its doors.  Ashton Brewing is an integral part of New Jersey's excellent craft brewing industry.  All over the State of Concrete Gardens are top-notch craft breweries, including some of my favorites such as Carton, Icarus, Kane, Source, and South 40.  Most - if not all of them - are owned and operated by folks like the Ashtons, who are passionate about their craft and who have (to the benefit of a lot of us) turned their passion into a business.  

The State of New Jersey has regulations and rules that make life very, very difficult for this state's craft breweries.  Among the restrictions that craft brewers oppose are limits on the number of events a brewery can host, with just 25 special events such as live music or trivia nights; a maximum of 52 private events such as weddings or private parties; no collaboration with food truck or vendors to sell food for consumption at the brewery; and just 12 permits per year to participate in events such as community parades and festivals.  They also are not allowed to sell coffee or soda on the premises, under the special ruling. 

Brew Jersey is a cooperative effort organized by Icarus Brewing and the Brewers Guild of New Jersey.  Its purpose is to give the State's craft breweries a puncher's chance in dealing with the State and trying to level the playing field - at least a little bit - on which they compete against other establishments, such as restaurants.   If you are - as I am - a craft beer fan (Ashton Brewing's Jersey Dreamin' Pilsner is my favorite beer) then you can support Brew Jersey's efforts in a variety of ways, including contacting your State Senator or Assemblyperson, and continuing to support your favorite local brewery.

-AK