Clinton Township Newsletter

2 0 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 9 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com G i v i n G w e l l As we approach the traditional rise in generosity that this time of year brings, I hope to shine a light on the wonderful world of non-profits and encourage everyone to give generously. I've noticed an uptick in trust issues with charities, so here are some thoughts on how to raise your comfort level. If you're the investigative type, learn how to read a 990. Talk to your accountant friends about the subtle nuances of fund accounting. Guidestar, BoardSource, The Foundation Center, etc., have terrific educational material about how to understand non-profit financials. These are far superior sources of accurate information than, say … oh I don't know … FaceBook. If you simply don't have the time to dedicate to what is akin to a post-graduate research project, just go with your gut. Do you feel good about the organization and its management? Do you align yourself with the mission? Have you volunteered your time and fallen in love? Then it's a good investment. In my family, we give donations instead of gifts. My brother and I each write a letter explaining why we chose that organization and our kids clock how long it takes Grandma to cry. My parents want to know that our money goes to something much more meaningful than stuff. Everyone wins. I feel like I've said this every year since I started in the industry 15+ years ago, but times are tough for non-profits. There's a lot of competition for donations and too much pressure to reduce expenses. Let's give our support so non-profit staff can focus on their mission. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year! – Colleen Duerr Colleen Duerr is the President of Shifting Gears Consulting, a consulting firm with a particular passion for helping non-profits achieve their mission. If you want help improving the process, find out more at: www.ShiftingGears.Consulting.com t e n G r e a t r e a S o n S t o S h o P l o C a l l y : • Shopping locally creates jobs. Shops in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people,in turn, spend in the local community. • Local independent shops invest more in our communities. Local businesses are proportionately more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. Supporting local shops means a financial impact on our community. • Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available. • Shopping locally saves you money. Out-of-County shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher. • Shopping locally retains our communities. People don't like losing shops and services in small towns, but don't equate this to how they spend their money. • Shopping locally retains our distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs. Shopping locally saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping to reduce our global footprint. • Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations and those without transportation. • Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service. • Shopping locally saves services. Private and public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants, etc. S o S h o P S m a r t . S h o P l o C a l l y ! Look for the Guild of Clinton stickers in windows throughout downtown Clinton and support these merchants and professionals who make Clinton the amazing downtown that it is. "On New Year's Eve the whole world celebrates the fact that a date changes. Let us celebrate the dates on which we change the world." ~ Akilnathan Logeswaran n C b l i b r a r y ' S u P C o m i n G e v e n t S Please Join Us at the Library and Enjoy our Programs! North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St., Clinton, NJ 08809 Main Phone: 908.730.6262 | Reference: 908.730.6135 Monday, Friday, Saturday, 9-5 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9-9 Jan. 2 @ 7pm - A personal recounting of a camping trip at Yellowstone. Presented by the South Highlands Group of the Sierra Club. Drop-in. All are welcome, refreshments available. Jan. 12 @ 2pm - Elvis! as impersonated by Bob James, kicks off our Saturday Winter Concert Series. Jan. 15 @ 7pm - Assessing the Impacts of Deer and Invasive Plant Species on Forests in Central and Northern NJ and Strategies for Forest Restoration with Jay Kelly & Jessica Ray. Presented by the Native Plant Soc. of NJ Jan. 17 @ 7pm - "Space Clearing & Organizing", with Amara Willey of Time to Get Organized Jan. 18 & 19 - movie (Fridays are with captions). Call for title. Jan. 30 @ 7pm - De-stress with an Introductory Meditation Class, with Genevieve McDermott of School of Royal Yoga Please register as these programs will fill! Call 908.730.6135 or visit the Library's Events Calendar at: www.HCLibrary.us. Dates, times and details are subject to change. See you at the Library!

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