Clinton Township Newsletter

2 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com www.RetireStrategically.com Don't Just Retire... Retire Strategically. Mark Chioda Managing Director/CEO • Income Planning • Insurance • Social Security Planning • Annuities • LTC ...and more! Call 908.797.3881 We'll Make Your Money Work For You! retirement planning services Christmas is, and always will be, my very favorite holiday of the year. Even though it sometimes seems to start in mid-August in Walmart, there's nothing like that piney-smelling sparkling day when for once all's right with the world (well, almost). As a youngster anticipation was at the forefront. Would Santa bring all the presents I'd asked for? Usually – although the Depression put a huge dent in our celebrations in the late 30's. Our trees filled a living room corner and even the piano was dwarfed by their majesty. Daddy and I had a Christmas Eve ritual. We had gingerale mixed with fresh orange juice to drink and a big bowl of popcorn to eat while we sat on the couch together admiring the tree lights and listening to classical music on the radio. No television to distract us from the real stuff. I would have a really hard time getting to sleep and absolutely heard Santa Claus on the roof for many years. We had no fireplace so I guess he by-passed the chimney, slid down the drainpipe and entered by the front door. Oatmeal raisin cookies and milk were available on the coffee table. Once I was "onto" Santa it didn't lessen my love for December 25th. Christmas morning at our house and then "over the hill and through the woods" (from Benson Place to St. Marks Avenue) to Nana and Granpa's for lots more gifts and a turkey dinner. During the war years we hosted a few soldiers from Fort Monmouth and always made sure there were ample presents and caring for our Army friends. (One of whom I fell madly in love with for a month or two!). Once I was married and had children we established our own set of traditions. Christmas Eve found us at the piano – Sally playing carols - and my husband reading the Christmas Story from the Bible. Gil and I spent countless hours assembling cardboard kitchen sets (Put Tab A into Tab B and then into Tab C) and installing batteries in what seemed like a ton of toys. Christmas morning was a wonderful jumble of opening presents and that included watching our Boston Terrier, Peggy, unwrapping her own booty, with lots of hot coffee to drink and listening to carols on the Hi-Fi. Eventually we were "over the river and through the woods" to my parents' house for dinner. I'd give my entire savings account to be able to re-live just one of those December 25s . The kids married and established yet another set of traditions for their own families. I continued to revel in the joys of Christmas with Fred and, later as a widow. I join my daughter's family for their celebrations and that includes my son-in-law Jim's Prime Roast Beef Dinner. I miss my Minnesota family but we can Skype and telephone each other and that's pretty cool. Memories of by-gone days will remain forever in my heart. Shirley (Sherry) Havens CRS, GRI, SRES ® Sales Associate Questions About Real Estate? Call Sherry, Your Clinton Township Specialist & Neighbor – Because the Right Realtor Really Makes the Difference.! Over 30 Years Serving Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren and Morris Counties cell: 908.507.4927 office: 908.735.8080 shirleyhavens@gmail.com sherryhavens.com Ruth Keesing's booklet "What Do I Do Now? A practical guide for surviving the tasks associated with the death of a loved one", addresses Probating a Will, Social Security, Military Benefits, Funeral Information and other relevant subjects. And, most importantly, What To Do While Everybody is Still Alive. If you'd like to buy a copy, please email Ruth @ ruth.ella@comcast.net. Merry Christmas to all Newsletter readers. Would that the spirit of Christmas last throughout 2019! Locally Owned and Operated by Phil & Diane Koury 185 Center St., Clinton • 735.4499

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