Living in a town that is just under five square miles, everyone can relate to some things about the town. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows everything about everyone. People stay in Clark for generations, so it's completely common that there are family names that everyone in town knows about. People never know where Clark actually is. Here is a list of things that anyone who lives in Clark knows to be very true:
1. The circle.
You can tell that a driver isn't from the area when they cautiously (or very frantically) try to navigate the parkway circle.
2. Asking where someone lives by using the "Hehnly or Valley side" question.
3. White Diamond
Need I say more?...
4. After any event that schools or athletics had, it was almost guaranteed that you'd see everyone from the event at Chili's afterward.
5. Luckily for us, Dunkin Donuts is open 24 hours a day.
And of course, the crowds that gather around it at night. Every night.
6. Manny's diner, which was Johnny K's, which was Windsor diner.
And you have been to the diner under all three ownerships.
7. Probably half of any graduating class from Arthur L. Johnson have parents that also graduated from the school.
I'm guilty, too.
8. Everyone knows that Clark Commons was one of the best thing to happen to the town.
(...And simultaneously the worst thing that happened because of all the traffic it causes). But the Whole Foods and Chipotle are so worth it.
9. The Clark Lunchbox
10. There are at least 7 pizzerias in town.
Pompeii, Liil John's, Scaturro's, Mijos, Villa Stefano, Philippo's, Blaze... not to mention all the ones in surrounding towns. And you hold a very strong opinion about which place is best.
11. Everyone knows and loves Schieferstein Farm Market.
12. Spend a couple of minutes in Target, Shop Rite, Clark Bagels or Dunkin Donuts, and you're sure to see at least 5 people you know.
13. All of our public schools are named after people, except one.
Arthur L. Johnson, Frank K. Hehnly, Carl H. Kumpf.... Valley Road School.