Clinton Township Newsletter

2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com 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 Shirley (Sherry) Havens CRS, GRI, SRES ® Sales Associate Because the Right Realtor Really Makes the Difference. Questions About Real Estate? Ask Sherry Over 30 Years Serving Huntercon, Somerset, Warren and Morris Counties cell: 908.507.4927 office: 908.735.8080, ext. 145 shirleyhavens@gmail.com sherryhavens.com – f r o m N o v e m b e r , 2 0 1 1 – "Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel." – Author Unknown I tend to live in a somewhat constant state of appreciation, or try to. I can often find the silver lining in almost any situation, perhaps to an annoying degree. It certainly drives my opposite-minded husband crazy. Yes, there's probably a fine line between optimism/appreciation and denial, but I'll happily stand on that line anytime. Got hope? Yes – always. In this month, I'm reminded of the parts of my life for which I offer up gratitude daily. "People" are always at the top my list. I learned an important life lesson as a teenager through a friend of mine who lived down my street. Her father was the youngest, fittest dad on the block – the guy who was always out running, lifting weights and playing with his kids. When my friend was 15 years old, her dad told her he loved her one morning before leaving for a business trip. She responded with a shrug – as she says, she was much more interested in what she called "15 year-old stuff: boys, make-up, whatever." His plane went down that morning and she never got to tell him she loved him one last time. "Never let that happen to you," she warned me, and ever since I've made sure to tell my loved ones (frequently) that they are loved. I'm grateful for my family and friends, all of the acquaintances I've made along the way, and those of you I feel I know even though I really don't. In my gratitude pie-chart, "people" would occupy a good half, if not more. Whenever we say a word of thanks at our table, I remind the kids that we should be grateful not only for the people in our lives, but also for "the food on our table, the roof over our heads, and the clothes on our backs." I can't remember where I first heard this phrasing – probably Sunday School, but it really sums up the basics. Having endured terrorism, war, the recession, hurricanes, flooding and other miscellaneous calamities, I think we all collectively have a deeper appreciation for the essential necessities. Fortunately/unfortunately, depending on which side of the silver lining you place yourself, our kids will grow up taking nothing for granted. "Good health" is always high on my list. Our family has had its share of health issues, but we've survived. My dad, for the most part a silver lining type of guy, once spent 20 minutes on the phone with me telling me how everything was great, until he finally mentioned, "Well... I have a little cancer." "So then..," I responded, "everything is technically not- great, right?" But I know exactly what he meant; everything besides cancer was great. And it was. He's fine and well today, I'm happy to report, so perhaps the optimist really does live longer. Or at least they enjoy their years more? Not to sound like a broken record, but I have to say I'm really grateful that we live in such a great little corner of the world. Clinton Township may not be perfect, but it is pretty darn great. Thanks for sharing it with me. – Julie Fl�nn Hay New Year! May 2016 Be Your Best Year Yet! EDITOR'S COLUMN b y J u l i e F ly n n Locally Owned and Operated by Phil & Diane Koury Proudly Serving Hunterdon County Since 1988 185 Center St., Clinton • 735.4499 www.mcstate.com/11829 Mayor's Column, continued from front cover Other major initiatives for 2016 include a Highlands Center Study, which will provide a framework for development within Highlands Area regulations; traffic studies for the intersections of Rt. 31 and Country Club Drive, Blossom Hill Road and Rt. 22 and in the Annandale area; online payment capabilities for several services; and improved communication with residents via social media. In closing, I would especially like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the residents of Clinton Township who volunteer their time, whether it be on a board or commission, or through their involvement with our recreation programs, and who make Clinton Township the wonderful place to live in that it is today. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year! – John Higgins Mayor, Clinton Township

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