Many locals know Joyce Lewallen as the gal who owns and operates the deli in Hartfield NY from April through October each Spring, Summer and Fall season. Last year she was asked by Dan Dalpra to join the food and beverage vendors at the Chautauqua Lake Pops in Mayville NY.
The self-proclaimed "Jerzy Girl" moved to our county from Island Heights NJ on September 28, 1973 with her parents, Frank and Barbara along with her siblings to open a delicatassen like the one they owned and operated in NJ by the same name, Olde Corner Deli. Her brother, Larry worked at the store for the first 30 years as did 4 of the 6 children through the years. Joyce's father passed 5 years ago and her mother, now 85, resides in Florida doing well with all of her children.
To this day, Joyce continues to offer a delicious lunch menu which includes her well-known "sub" sandwiches. The Olde Corner Deli is located in a quaint white clapboard building dating back to 1830 complete with a welcoming "come sit a spell" front porch. Red picnic tables are provided on the side yard for folks to enjoy their lunch as locals stop in or drive by in their cars, trucks, Amish wagons and even an occasional hay wagon. This April, she will continue to serve the community though by what is now being called 'curbside' just as other area restaurants are doing throughout the country due to the Coronavirus. A virus that has truly changed our daily lives with the new terms 'social distancing' and 'shelter-in-place'. Despite these uncertain times, Joyce will be there for us all with a warm smile and an encouraging word while preparing our delicious subs to go with a cold soda pop and a bag of chips. Jerzey Joyce winters in Florida, but is always anxious to get back to work in Hartfield. "Coming back every Spring is truly coming home. You can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can't take the 'Jerzy' out of the girl!", says 'Jerzy Joyce'.
Joyce is a positive person who delights in spreading good vibes. By being a true supporter of the Chautauqua Lake Pops she has been a positive voice for the program since its arrival in Mayville behind the historic train depot. She is truly a Pops cheerleader! Last summer she would always arrive in a fun and colorful outfit that matched the musical era performed by each talented tribute band on the "stage that floats". During the disco night concert our Joyce appeared in red leather pants as we all "got down" to the sounds of Boogie Wonderband direct from Montreal Canada! Last summer at the Pops she served up many entrees including meatballs slowly simmered in the 13 ingredient homemade sauce. The sauce pot (5 gallon Army Surplus) belonging to her grandmother is used to prepare the delicious meatballs. She also offered homemade "peanut butter balls" covered in chocolate better known to Ohioians as Buckeyes.
"God willing and the creek don't rise" as my late father used to say .. we'll be able to continue with the 2020 summer concert series to the delight of Pops supporters .. of all ages.
Go to the Pops website to view the upcoming season full of excitement that is sure to please everyone who loves music from Country to Rock to Motown.
www.chautauqualakepops.com
Be safe.
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
