Clinton Township Newsletter

1 4 M a r c h 2 0 1 4 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com t h e c L i n t o n t o w n s h i p h i s t o R i c a L p R e s e R V a t i o n c o m m i s s i o n Why Preserve Our Historic Resources b y b R i a n m u L L a y Within our Township lie different links to our past, historic re- sources that allow us to connect with those who came before us and who helped to form the community in which we live today. These resources come in many shapes and sizes: pre-revolutionary farm- steads that were home to patriots or loyalists, like Jones's Tavern or the Vought House; historic districts like Cokesbury, Readingsburg or Annandale; or simple structures like the spring house at Bray's Hill Preserve. Each historic resource, in its own way, acts as a window to the past. The Bray's Hill spring house, for instance, is a wonderful example of how many 18th and 19th century Clinton Township residents furnished their basic ne- cessities. The work done by the Township's Open Space Committee and its volunteers to preserve the spring house allows each of us the opportunity to glimpse firsthand at what the lives of these early residents were like. Our Township's history forms part of our collective identity. It informs our values and viewpoints, and influenced how the Township developed into what we know today. Of course, like the McCloughan mansion on the crest of Old Allerton Road, this history also influenced the construction of many of the beautiful structures that still dot our landscape. Part of the mission of the Township's Historic Preservation Commission is to identify and help to preserve the historic resources that remain in Clin- ton Township. Preserving these resources provides us with an important perspective on our community and ensures that future generations will be able to appreciate and learn from them, far into the future. So take a stroll with us through historic Cokesbury this spring. We are planning a walking tour of the Cokesbury Historic Districts for Saturday, April 19. Later this year, in the fall, we will be holding a walking tour of Annandale. These tours will be held in conjunction with the Hunterdon County Tricentennial Celebration. Check the website of the Tricentennial Committee at www.hunterdon300th.org for more details. The purpose of the Clinton Township Historical Preservation Commission is to promote the conservation of historic sites and districts, and to safeguard the heritage of Clinton Township through education and preservation of the elements of its cul- tural, social, scenic, economic, and architectural history. If you have questions or comments, or would like to provide valuable historical input about the Township, please contact the Com- mission at: clintontwphistory@googlegroups.com. "All the world's a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed."– Sean O'Casey m o m a n D p o p b u s i n e s s e s a R e s t i L L V i ta L t o o u R e c o n o m y Before the advent of supercenters, we all shopped at small, neighbor- hood businesses. We bought dinner at the corner grocer, purchased produce from a local farm stand, and picked up fresh bread at a nearby bakery. Growing up in Elizabeth, my family shopped at the "market," which was an open-air market that spanned several blocks in the Peterstown section of Elizabeth ("The Burg"). These small businesses were affectionately called "mom and pop" stores because they were often family owned and operated. Today big box stores or supercenters have replaced many mom and pop busi- nesses for one-stop shopping and discounted pricing. Nevertheless, mom and pop businesses continue to play a vital role in our economy and, because of this, on March 29 we celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. Statistics from 2010 show there were over 27.9 million small businesses in the U.S. at that time, accounting for about 30% of the country's payroll and approxi- mately 70% of all new jobs created. In New Jersey alone there were 795,258 small businesses in operation in 2010, including many home-based businesses that provided merchandise and/or services without a physical store-front presence. The home-based businesses operate very much like a 'mom and pop' store – family owned and operated. The majority of New Jersey small businesses – over 75% – are considered very small; they do not have employees, and those that do, have less than 20. Most small business owners work long, hard hours dealing directly with custom- ers and clients on a daily basis. As a result, they offer goods and services with the personal attention sometimes lacking from larger companies. Downtown areas like those found in Clinton and nearby Flemington offer consumers as much variety as a supercenter. A look at their business directories shows the diversity of products, amenities and professional services available. Downtown Clinton offers everything from health foods to wines and gourmet chocolates, as well as designer clothes, fine jewelry and home furnishings, while Flemington offers a unique blend of small stores and outlets. The next time you need a product or service, look no further than your nearest downtown to see what the local "mom and pops" offer, sure to be delivered with personal attention and customer focus. Your business will surely be appreciated. Happy shopping! Victor A. Rotolo, a resident of Clinton Township, was named to the list of 2014 NJ Super Lawyers for the ninth consecutive year. Call The Rotolo Law Firm today: 908.534.7900 to discuss any legal situation confronting you. Your half-hour consultation is free of charge! Their attorneys and staff are ready to serve your legal needs. The Rotolo Law Firm • 502 US 22, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.rotololawfirm.com i m m a c u L a t e c o n c e p t i o n c h u R c h i n m a R c h Immaculate Conception Church, Annandale 908.735.7319 • www.iccannandale.org • SACRAMENT OF PENANCE: Each Saturday in Lent (excluding Holy Saturday) from 11:30 am to 12:00 noon and 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm. • STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Each Friday in Lent beginning at 7:30 pm. • SOUP 'n' STATIONS: Friday, March 7, 21 and April 11– Simple Meatless Meal in the Parish Hall from 6:15-7:15 pm, followed by Stations of the Cross in the Church at 7:30 pm. • MARCH 5-ASH WEDNESDAY: Masses are 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am (School children in attendance) and 7:30 pm. Liturgy of the Word Service with distribution of ashes at 12:10 pm and 4:00 pm (Religious Education Children in attendance). A Fish Fry will also be held in the Parish Hall at 4:30 pm. • MARCH 13-14 PARISH MISSION: A Parish Mission will be held both days at 7:00 pm with Holy Hour on Thursday, March 13 and Stations of the Cross on March 14.

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