Clinton Township Newsletter

1 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 – Julie Fl�nn Enjoy your Holidays! Don't you just hate those syrupy "My family had a perfect year!" Christmas letters? Here is one I'll bet you will never receive: My youngest once said to me, "Mom, your column often sounds like an ad!" I'm afraid he's right. Selling painted rocks door-to-door beginning at the age of four and later, spending three decades in advertising and design makes it very easy for me to shift into "sales mode". So here's my latest sales pitch: please, for goodness' sake, spend money locally this holiday season. When you peruse the ads and articles within this beloved publication, you might think of products, services and restaurants alone, but when I look at them I think of the people who own these businesses, with whom I collaborate monthly. I've gotten to know a lot of our advertisers over the years and, through them and running this business, I feel like I've sort-of achieved a mini- MBA. The owners of these relatively small businesses tell me about their challenges, their concerns, their hopes and their dreams. I'm privy to a lot of what's going on, not only here in Clinton Township, but also in the Town of Clinton as well as Flemington and some neighboring towns. They're all good people and, to me, they feel like extended family. When my own family last visited Disney World years ago, it occurred to me that Disney's Main Street is the fake version of our wonderful little victorian-era Town of Clinton, a main street which we can visit anytime we like. (Personally, I would choose Clinton over Disney any day.) Clinton looks much like it did in the 1860's, without the horses and carriages, with the addition of paved roads. Speaking of which, remember to visit Downtown Clinton during Dickens' Days! It should be right about the same time that you're reading this column. (Please see the Clinton Guild's article on page 5 of this issue for more info). I recently attended the branding presentation by Robert Brooks for Downtown Flemington. I'm buying what they're selling! There's no reason that Downtown Flemington can't be fantastic again, like Morristown, Princeton or New Hope. It will take money, hard work and citizens pulling together to make it happen. And I really hope it will happen. Can you imagine how cool Downtown Flemington could be? Please also remember to spend some money at the businesses along Route 22 and Highway 31. We have a lot of local experts who truly care about their respective specialties and, even more, they care about how they can best deliver those services to you. Our local health and wellness specialists, MDs and PhDs, are here to help you as well, and are practically right at your doorstep. During this season of giving, please remember that there are many people out there who are in need. Consider giving back by giving to one or more of our local non-profits. The many people who dedicate themselves to helping others are special, indeed (and in deed!) Many of our local businesses regularly give to our non-profits as well. So, if you're doing well, spend money locally. Our local economy benefits, as do those in need. As the saying goes, "a rising tide lifts all boats." December 2015 December 2015 Jie Fly, Edit Jie Fly, Edit CLINTON TOWNSHIP Newsletter ® Since 1982 "Christmas Greetings" b y R u t h K e e s i n g EDITOR'S COLUMN b y J u l i e F ly n n "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." ~Buddha Our �amil� �ewsletter ₂₀₁₅ What a year we've had here in East Podunk! Harry won't be spending the holidays with us this year since he is in 'Federal Housing' until 2025. The plants he cultivated in our garden last summer were not exactly legal, you see. Considering how poorly the green peppers and pole beans have done in recent years, I think his attempt to be a gentleman farmer caused an over-reaction by local law enforcement. LOL!!! Our eldest, Luther, also had a brush with the law. Who knew the car he passed (over a solid line) was a State Trooper with absolutely no sense of humor. Must have been open season on high school dropouts! Little Betsy is in the second grade again; apparently quite fond of that teacher. We are hoping she makes the third grade before reaching puberty. Taylor's scar is healing nicely after his brief foray trying to take off and fly from the garage roof. Alice was 14 in August and has named the baby "Manuel" after the father who seems to have fled to Mexico. We don't expect she'll receive any child support payments. Ha! Ha! A perfectly innocent event in ShopRite and wouldn't you know a pesky lawsuit resulted. My umbrella accidentally clipped the head of a woman in front of me in the "10 items or less" line. She clearly had 11 items because I counted them! We hope to settle out of court. We are proud to say our 6 year old grandson, Bradley, was chosen to play Joseph in the kindergarten nativity play. What a surprise when, after a nearby shepherd poked him inappropriately with his staff, Bradley lifted the baby Jesus from the manger and swung him directly into that sorry shepherd's head. Isn't he the little dickens?!! Finally, Ralph's budding business selling Rolex watches from a card table on the front lawn, sadly, has ended. It's not easy to be an entrepreneur – especially in this economy. We look forward to an even more activity-packed 2016, when all our lucky friends will receive yet another holiday update!!! :) Your Friends, The Kalakacks P.S. How was your year? Our �amil� �ewsletter ₂₀₁₅

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