Clinton Township Newsletter

2 f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9 www.CLINTONTWPNEWSLETTER.com Don't Miss Sweethearts Week in Downtown Clinton! Shop for your sweetheart, your loved ones and/or for yourself (and make sure to include a romantic lunch or dinner) during Sweethearts Week in Downtown Clinton from February 7 – 14! It will be magical! This event is sponsorsed by the Guild of Clinton 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 To be starting my 92nd year this month is a miracle for sure. Having lost both my parents in their early 50's, my expectations for a long life were way limited. I can still cross streets without a Boy Scout escort, but I'd be really pleased if one of them could cut my toe nails every few weeks. (Apparently my legs have lengthened or my arms have shortened but I have trouble reaching that far down.) Old age isn't always "beautiful" but I get a real high when people are surprised that I am this ancient. There is nothing tragic about being 91 unless you are still trying to look 51. I've resisted Botox and coloring my hair in favor of exercise and Scotch on the rocks on a daily basis and so far… so good! Priorities change as you age. After family and friends my top priorities tend to be good meals and public television specials. I really lucked out being born an only child – and a female to boot. My parents evidently took one look at their newborn, realized they had achieved perfection and decided they should quit while they were ahead. Bless my Mom and Dad for instilling in me a sense of humor and a big dose of self-discipline. You especially need these traits when you attend a buffet luncheon for senior citizens. It's a lot like feeding time at the zoo. I've survived breast cancer. I've survived the death of two husbands and more than my share of "significant others". I've had a 25 year career as an administrative manager at Bell Labs and Bell Communications Research. I've been a hospital volunteer for nearly 30 years and I've produced a family of which I could not be more proud and grateful. Being a part of this Newsletter, which my second husband Fred began in 1982, has been a bonus and has taken the place of all the applause I'd hoped for after graduating from college as a drama major. (Broadway – eat your heart out!). And publishing my booklet after Fred's death in 2010 makes me feel like I have contributed something to the human race. Free Advice: Be grateful every day when you wake up. Be grateful that you DO wake up even when your bones ache and your reflection in the mirror makes you want to cry. Don't hold grudges. Give up all the "would haves" and the "should haves" and the "might have beens". Eat and drink what tastes good – in moderation, of course. Accept your limitations. (I'm quite productive, but know better than trying to parallel park in Clinton). Live dangerously - I drink milk after the expiration date and I gently wash slacks with a "Dry Clean Only" tag. I've even chatted with a bus driver when the vehicle was in motion. 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. Make every day a gift. My birthday present is still finding joy in living. Fingers crossed for another year! CALL TODAY! 908.735.4499 Locally Owned and Operated by Phil & Diane Koury 185 Center Street, Clinton

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