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In Lambertville, NJ, a Coffee Shop Shines Bright In The Town's Darkness

By Mark Abrams

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. (CBS) -- It was the best of times, but now it is the worst of times for two small tourist communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that share a tiny Delaware River bridge crossing.

Among the casualties of Hurricane Sandy has been the town of Lambertville, NJ, where the entire town's power has been out since Monday.

It's the same story for New Hope, Pa., across the bridge in Bucks County.

Barbara (no last name given) runs Buck's Ice Cream and Espresso Bar in Lambertville, where she's serving hot coffee and snacks from her shop on Bridge Street.

The power went out on Monday, but she's been open since Tuesday with a little help from her son.

"We're doing great," she tells KYW Newsradio.  "My son set up two generators in the back.  Come over to Buck's for coffee!"

Barbara says she decided to get prepared for Sandy with the memories of another recent hurricane still fresh.

"Last year, Hurricane Irene, five days we were just closed. So we're doing okay so far."

Barbara confesses she's a little worried about the 7-to-10 day forecast from JCP&L to get the power restored. For now, though, Barbara says residents are happy she's managed to keep the doors open so they can get their morning cup of coffee.

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