Anwar's Reflections One Year Anniversary

TRENTON-- Ladies and gentleman, Anwar's Reflections, a cutting-edge local blog, survived its first year, learning a great deal about the city of Trenton and the larger Mercer County area. Thanks to all the supporters of the blog that made it possible.

In particular, I as editor and chief, would like to take a moment out to acknowledge some very special people. First, there is Meggin Sanez, Anwar's Reflections' first guest blogger. She is highly professional and her work is both practical and entertaining.

Secondly, I would like to give a big thank you to Monique Corbin, she was my camera-person on more than a few occasions, we have been friends since high school.

Third, I would like to publicly say thank you to Hallie Townsend for her support. She works diligently to teach people the virtues of online education. Visit her website by clicking here.

I would also like to give a shout-out to the Trentonian newspaper for helping me and Anwar's Reflections extend our reach.

With their help, I have been able to reach a much broader audience through their regular blog alerts. In particular, I want to thank Aaron Nobel, former editor at the Trentonian, along with Joey Kulkin, managing editor at the Trentonian. Both Aaron and Joey gave me tips to become a better a citizen journalist/ blogger.

Next, I want to give a special thank you to Leslie Taylor, a person that is near and dear to me and my family. She has consistently been there for me and my endeavors over the years. I like to think of her as my MVP (Most Valuable Player). I love her dearly.

Then there is one of my strongest supporters, Janice Flynn. Janice and I met through Facebook and she is great. I enjoy her thoughtful comments and ongoing support.

I can't forget one of my best friends, Rance Robeson II, a former classmate and colleague at Rider University. Rance has mentored me through thick and thin and is like a brother to me. So, I would like to extend a big shout-out or acknowledgement to him.

Also, I can't forget about all the community leaders that have helped me. From Daryl Brooks and Dion Clark to Eric Maywar and Baye Kemit, these individuals do great work in the community. In particular, I want to shout out Raul 'Polo' Cortes, a highly talented poet that truly loves his community and has been very supportive of Anwar's Reflections.

Last, but not least, I can't forget my big brother, Rahman, he originally gave me the idea to create a blog in the first place. I love him immensely along with my mother, Sandra, and my father, Kalaama.

For all those I forgot to mention, please chalk it to my head and not my heart.

Last year was a great year, but now is not the time to cool off and rest on my laurels. Now is the time to build off the momentum of last year and make this year better than the last. Thank you for all your support.

Best wishes to everyone in the New Year ahead.

5 Unique Date Ideas in Trenton, NJ

By Meggin Sanez, Anwar's Reflections Guest Blogger

Are you a resident or visitor of Trenton, New Jersey and looking for an exciting and unpredictable idea for a date with someone special?  Well if so and you’re tired of the same old dinner and movie night out, here are five of the most unique spots Trenton has to offer for fun and romance:

#5:  Waterfront Park.  For the sports enthusiasts who want to enjoy a summer’s night out at the ballpark, Waterfront Park is the place to be for minor league baseball.  With its scenic views of the Delaware River that the park was built upon, you can kick back with your date in a casual setting while you cheer on the Trenton Thunder.  Other than your standard hot dogs and nachos, be sure to also indulge in some Famous Dave’s BBQ and the crab fries at Chickie & Pete’s!

#4: The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion.  Take the chance to learn more about each other and more about New Jersey’s state capital at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion.   Boasting a rich history and housing a fine collection of art and artifacts associated with Trenton’s past and present culture, the history buffs out there have the opportunity to explore the museum throughout the year by visiting exhibitions, special events, musical programs and even art classes.  While visiting the museum that is set upon the beautiful landscape of Cadwalader Park, you can go on a nature walk with your date and take in the deer paddock, stream, lake and hundreds of trees that create the picturesque environment.

#3:  Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra.  Founded in 1921, the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra is New Jersey's oldest professional symphony orchestra.  Over the past eighty years, the orchestra has introduced the experience of live symphony music to generations of New Jersey audiences at the Patriots Theater at the Trenton War Memorial.  So if you and your date love music, what could be more romantic than enjoying a symphony orchestra concert together? 

#2:  Grounds for Sculpture.  This magical 35-acre sculpture garden and arboretum that holds over 250 contemporary sculptures is another great place not too far from the state’s capital city for a date.  Here you can visit the venue’s two galleries with rotating exhibits, partake in various workshops for adults, watch concerts and performances, and even share a delectable dining experience together at the Rat’s Restaurant. 

#1:  Planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum.  We all dream of whimsical evenings filled with romance and shooting stars…so why not make that dream come true?  At the Planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum, you can bask in the wonder that is created by the largest planetarium in New Jersey.  Take your date to recline in the specially designed seats and view a stunning projection of more than 6,000 stars in the sky, experiencing the feeling of traveling through the solar system together.

Meggin Sanez shares with us this guest post on the top picks for unique date ideas in Trenton, New Jersey.  In addition to guest posting, Meggin also writes for black dating sites where she composes articles centered on safe online dating in the black community.