Support the Generous New Providence Businesses that Support Us
The New Providence Business Community ended the year with record donations to our local community. In addition to providing scholarships to graduating high school students and funding large community events like the July 3 Celebration, Summer Concert Series, Downtown Trick or Treating and Scarecrow Contest, the Street Fair, and the Holiday Festival, individual businesses stepped up and supported many, many local fundraising activities. They donated to local charities and civic organizations. They provided food, entertainment, and gifts for borough events and sponsored local recreation and sports teams. They hired teens and residents and sponsored senior programs.
Most people don’t realize just how much these businesses give. While each individual solicitation from a local business may not seem like much to ask, people do not think of how many others are asking the same businesses to give, as well. In our town we have pre-schools, elementary schools, a middle school and high school, multiple religious and after school organizations, Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts, non-profit organizations, charitable foundations, soccer teams, softball, baseball, t-ball, football, lacrosse, swim teams, cheerleading, tennis, and basketball teams. Our businesses support all of these, as well as medical research, food drives, school improvements, families in need, and beautification efforts.
In total, New Providence businesses gave well over $250,000! Some individual businesses in town donate nearly $2,000 a month year in and year out, and ask for nothing in return except for your patronage and loyalty. Our merchants are proud and happy to support our community. They are reluctant to say no to someone seeking a donation, even when it is difficult financially for them to continue giving. They care deeply about our community and contribute whenever possible. Let’s show them our gratitude and appreciation by frequenting their establishments often and telling our friends and families about them, too. They can only continue to support us if we continue to support them!
New Providence Business Urges Customers to Be Kind Online
In the past few years, New Providence has seen a growth of small businesses, which is great news for not only the business owners, but also for our residents and visitors. Local businesses support community events, such as the Independence Day Celebration and Summer Concert Series, contribute generously to school and civic fundraising activities, and help keep our downtown safe and vibrant.
Since our community reaps the benefits from having local businesses, we should do everything we can to help them thrive and grow. This includes shopping in our local stores instead of their big box competitors, recommending New Providence stores to friends and neighbors, and developing relationships with the owners and staff. With the evolution of the Internet and business review websites, such as Yelp, Yahoo, Google Reviews, Angie’s List, and Facebook, people have been given the power to influence local businesses to a degree that has never before been available. Online reviews provide a powerful tool for consumers, but it’s one that should be used judiciously.
Customers and clients should take a moment to reconsider before posting harsh comments online. These reviews can be the death of a small business. It is very tempting to go online and blast a business if something wasn’t handled in a way that we would like, but there are more productive ways of handling those situations. Mistakes do happen. Often, the business owner is unaware of a particular situation or incident, and would like nothing more than the opportunity to correct it. By speaking directly with the business owners, you can help them better understand the issue at hand, give them an opportunity to rectify the situation, and allow them to train their staff on how to handle those situations differently. In the end, that provides a more satisfying long term solution to the problem and preserves the hard earned reputations and integrity of our local businesses. Customers are more satisfied, staff is better trained, and our local business community thrives.
“One of the goals of New Providence Business is to foster a thriving local business environment in town,” said Michelle Brugger, Business Community Spokesperson. “This goal can’t be achieved if people use online resources to criticize our local businesses. These business owners are our residents, our neighbors, and most importantly, our friends. They are deeply invested in our community and want to provide the best service possible. In return, they deserve our respect and regard.”
Please take a moment to consider the impact that a negative comment or review can have on not only the small business, but also on the larger business community. A strong local economy helps build community cohesiveness and provides more local jobs for our neighbors and kids. The same people who complain online about local businesses are often the first ones to then complain when there are empty storefronts. So the next time you have an issue, pull the owner or manager aside to try to resolve the situation before you go online to complain. And when you do have a great experience, go ahead and give them a shout-out online. We will all benefit.
Member News: Sport Clips to Bring MVP Hair Care to New Providence
Fresh Take on Barbershop Amenities for Guys of all Ages
NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J. (December 17, 2014) — Sport Clips Haircuts, the nation’s largest franchise dedicated to men’s and boys’ hair care, will open December 19 on 1260 Springfield Ave. in New Providence. This new business is one of the latest of the franchise’s more than 1,200 locations across the country. “Sport Clips offers our clients the expertise of well-trained stylists in a fun, casual environment where they can enjoy watching sports on TV during their haircut. We’re looking forward to introducing clients to our services and distinctive experience,” said Jim Goryeb, who owns the new location. “The Sport Clips concept is growing across the country, and we’re proud to make it a part of New Providence’s retail community.”
The new Sport Clips will offer:
- A fresh take on barbershop amenities and services like the “MVP Experience” that includes a precision haircut, massaging shampoo, hot steamed towel treatment, and neck and shoulder massage
- Stylists who specialize in hair care for men and boys and stay up-to-date on industry trends
- Large, flat-screen televisions playing sports programming at each haircut station and in the lobby, along with reading materials
- Affordable luxuries like special lighting and massaging chairs in the shampoo area
- Haircut services without an appointment – walk-ins are welcome
“Opening a Sport Clips creates opportunities for employment and charitable outreach,” said Goryeb. “Our team members look forward to giving great haircuts and playing an active role in supporting the community in which we serve.”
Sport Clips in New Providence will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sportclips.com/NJ118
###
About Sport Clips Haircuts
Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and started franchising in 1995 by founder and CEO Gordon Logan. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, is ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 20 “Fastest-Growing Franchises” and in the top 40 in the “Franchise 500.” There are currently over 1,200 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and was named as one of the “Top Franchises for Veterans” by Franchise Business Review. Our “Help A Hero” program has raised more than $3 million to help deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members call home through the VFW’s Operation Uplink™ and provide scholarships for veterans transitioning to a civilian career. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR drivers Denny Hamlin and Elliott Sadler, and partners with numerous NCAA and professional sports teams. To learn more about Sport Clips, visit sportclips.com.
Member News: New Providence Counselor and Children’s Book Author Gives Back
by Lauryn Shapiro, TAPintoNewProvidence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – New Providence resident Rebecca Perlman Coniglio, a licensed clinical social worker and certified school counselor, and author of children’s book series, “Lily’s Little Life Lessons,” (lilyslittlelifelessons.com) has found a creative way to support The NJ Sharing Network.
Her most recent book, “Lily’s Laces” was written specifically for The NJ Sharing Network, with all proceeds from the book benefiting the organization which saves lives through organ and tissue donation. “Lily’s Laces” will be released in Spanish later this month.
Coniglio was inspired to write her books after her daughter, Lily, became very ill from complications of a virus when she was in kindergarten. “When she got better I did feel so lucky, so I reached out to the NJ Sharing Network and told them that Lily always wanted to participate in their 5K, and I wondered if they wanted me to write a story about it,” she tells TAP into New Providence. She explains that The NJ Sharing Network funds the book’s publications and receives all of the proceeds from the sales.
When she heard about The NJ Sharing Network’s new foundation, Riley’s Dance (www.rileysdance.org), she offered to write another story for them. Coniglio is currently working on the book that will benefit Riley’s Dance, a foundation honoring five-year-old Riley (of Livingston, New Jersey) who saved two people’s lives by donating her organs when she died.
“Writing these books is a way to give back to the community and support the very worthy cause of organ and tissue donation,” said Coniglio.
Coniglio recently relocated her private counseling practice from Livingston, New Jersey, to South Street in New Providence. She has over 10 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing anxiety, grief, parenting issues, other life transitions. A free phone consultation is encouraged at 973-568-6453. “Sometimes you just need someone to talk to,” Coniglio says. “I am here, and ready to listen.”
Movement is a Must for Infants and Children of All Ages
Interesting and informative article, submitted by our member – Santa Fe Centers
Current research and a search of the literature have given Santa Fe Childcare a new way to look at the activity level of our infants and toddlers. We were pleased to welcome Eleanor Campbell, PT, to our Infant Toddler Center, on April 16th where she spoke to parents and staff about the importance of movement in the lives of our youngest children. The title of her presentation was “Babies Need to Move” and she had everyone fascinated with the information shared. She reviewed typical sensory/motor development, which is similar for all children – progress on a continuum which contributes to the many vital connections that are formed between lower and higher centers in the brain.
Infants must be allowed to move in order to gain muscle strength against gravity, to get up on hands and knees, to crawl and to eventually walk. The efficient and healthy development of the neurological and motor system is dependent on freedom of movement of infants as well as the continued encouragement of active play for the older children. In this age of car seats, infant seats, exersaucers, infant swings, and jolly jumpers, we need to critically look at whether we are providing enough opportunity to allow our children to be on the floor, to be in an environment where they can freely move and help to develop all their senses. We can prevent some of the developmental, learning and emotional challenges our children face, as well as plagiocephaly (abnormal head shape) in infants or torticollis (asymmetrical neck position) by allowing our infants to spend most of their awake time on the floor or in an environment that allows free movement. Less time in infant seats/carriers, swings or other restrictive devices which inhibit free movement is the key.
We are all well aware of our five senses and through growth and exposure these are well stimulated — but how many are aware of the proprioceptive sense and the vestibular sense? The proprioceptive sense helps us to know where our body is in space, how much force is needed for postural control against gravity and for movement. The vestibular system helps us to know where our head is positioned in space and to comprehend movement. These systems work together to develop motor control, balance and equilibrium. A baby’s first playground is the floor and here is where learning about the body and the environment is gained. Full development of movement, body awareness, and balance is a gradual process that is not complete until at least 7 years of age and beyond. Allowing our older children more free outside time and less regimented classes will help to not only develop the motor and neurologic system but will help with social and emotional growth and stress release.
Here at Santa Fe, we work hard to provide such an environment, which helps to develop all the senses so important for proper neurological and motor growth.
Sincerely,
Jane Coleman Cabildo, Director
Santa Fe Centers
Two Lassus Wherley Members Honored as Five Star CPAs
by The Alternative Press Staff
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Two certified public accountants from the New Providence fee-only financial planning firm Lassus Wherley have been accorded one of the most prestigious honors in their field.
Clare E. Wherley, CPA, CFP®, CEO, and Patricia Daquila, CPA, Senior Tax Advisor, were each selected as 2014 Five Star Certified Public Accountants. The largest and most widely published financial services award program in North America, the Five Star program covers more than 40 major markets. The list of Five Star Certified Public Accountants for New Jersey was published in the January issue of New Jersey Monthly magazine and on fivestarprofessional.com.
Five Star Certified Public Accountants do not pay a fee to be included in the research or the final list of Five Star Certified Public Accountants. Award candidates are evaluated against ten objective eligibility and evaluation criteria that are associated with professionals who provide quality services to their clients.
Lassus Wherley was founded in 1985 by Wherley and Diahann W. Lassus, CFP®, CPA/PFS. They have two offices–one in New Providence and the other in Bonita Springs, Fla. Lassus Wherley is a fee-only wealth management firm with specialists in financial planning, investment management, tax preparation, trust services, and family office support.
The company works with individuals, couples, families, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and other business entities. Lassus Wherley is a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement of Fee-Only comprehensive financial planning. For more information about Lassus Wherley, visit its web site, www.lassuswherley.com.
Maintaining a Safe Environment Around Your Home Swimming Pool
Millions of us enjoy warm weather every year by swimming in our backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs. Tragically though, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. The American Red Cross suggests owners make pool safety their priority by following these guidelines:
- Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
- Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.
- Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
- Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Red Cross.
Warm Weather and Swimming Go Hand in Hand
Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water. The American Red Cross offers these important swimming safety tips you should be aware of before you head out to the pool or beach:
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Maintain constant supervision.
- Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.
- If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
- Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
- Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
- Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
- Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
- Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
Summer safety tip provided by NPBPA Member,
Peter E. Rovtar; President
The Lantern Agency, Inc.
lanternagency@comcast.net
(908) 464-5100
