Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 5 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M Welcome to with Rachel Sprague * C linton ree Questions * It's the sweetest time of the year, a time for conversations and red candy hearts f o r y o u r f r i e n d s and sweethearts, so what better place to go than Candy L a n e o n M a i n i n downtown Clinton, to chat with owner Kevin. C3Q: Hello, Kevin! How long has your candy shop, Candy Lane on Main, been in Clinton, and what brought you here? K: We just celebrated o u r o n e y e a r a n n i v e r s a r y t h i s p a s t N o v e m b e r ! My best friend from high school married s o m e o n e b o r n a n d raised in Clinton, and when I visited the area, I thought it would be great place to live, so Hallmark- e s q u e ; I e s p e c i a l l y love the weather and different seasons here in New Jersey. This past Dickens' Days and holiday season were the best yet; we received so much support from the local community. C3Q: Speaking of local community, your shop has become known for becoming a place where local teens can hang out. There has been a growing awareness of the problem of teen isolation and disappearance of teen-spaces, and the difficulties teens have with independence and finding connection with others. Do you find that you are filling a need in Clinton? K: I have worked in the service industry a lot in my life, and there was a lot of negativity and stress. I wanted to work in an area which was fun and happy and uplifting, a positive environment. My business plan with this candy shop was not so much financial, but to do what is best for the kids, and believe that the community will support that. If I take care of the kids and be a positive role model, then the financials will take care of themselves. The shop is very whimsical and welcoming to kids and teens; kids should hang out somewhere safe and welcoming. One portion of our shop space is a Party Rental Room, which can also be used for board games or a hangout space, in addition to birthday parties or other gatherings. Kids often come by after school; it's not a requirement to buy a candy to hang out; I want everyone to feel included and make sure that the kids feel appreciated and know that they have a place to come where they will be met with respect and kindness. It is an active choice every day to be a kind person. C3Q: What are your favorite things about candy? K: Candy is a happy business, and it's for all ages! Some people come in and reminisce about old candies that they had when they were young, and share them with their children; there is something for everyone. Right now, freeze-dried candy is very popular, along with sour skittles and slime-lickers. My personal favorites are Sour Patch Kids and Mike & Ikes. Our chocolates are amazing... we have over 25 different types of chocolate, both milk and dark. A lot of people like the whale bars, which are caramel, pretzels, and peanut butter throughout a milk-chocolate bar. C3Q: Thank you Kevin, and I hope it's a sweet month for you at Candy Lane on Main! n Local residents Rachel Sprague and her husband Russell are raising their two young children in Annandale. She thinks that Clinton Township is a delightful place to live.

• Cover