The Millstone Times April 2020

Millstone Township Neighbors Helping Neighbors By Pam Teel

In this time of crisis and uncertainty, and through this period of social distancing, neighbors coming together and helping each other get through the worst of this situation shows us that humanity is not lost, it just needs direction. Shows us that we are all in this together and it gives us comfort that there is help and hope alive and growing in our town. Some of us might be better off than others, as far as supplies, to get us through this initial period, but others might not be as prepared. This is a time when you as a friend, neighbor, rel- ative, or stranger, can shine and be a beacon for others, a time to reach out to your neighbors, especially older people in your neighborhood, vets, and those with disabilities.

Those neighbors who are in need of food and can’t frequent the stores for more, those who might need medical supplies or just general help, might be in need of a town hero right now. It doesn’t hurt to ask; even if you‘ve never spoken before, now is the time to turn to your neigh- bor and see if they are all right? If you don’t have their phone number, drop a note in their mailbox or leave a note on their doorstep. Show the world and each other that humanity still exists and we are all here for each other. Sue Orchanian from Millstone Township has such a story to share. A story of a concerned neighbor who recently reached out to her. As Sue explained it, “This is how one small act of kindness transformed her gloomy day.” A relatively new neighbor, Tara Katzman, someone Sue had spoken to face to face only twice, reached out to her to see if she needed anything from Sam’s and Costco’s. Unbeknownst to Tara, Sue had been so worried because they were starting to run out of food and she was afraid to go out of her house. Her anxiety rose even more knowing that eventually they would have to go out to stock up on what they needed. Thanks to their conversations on Facebook, especially the Millstone Township Community forum site, Tara was able to reach out to Sue to see if she needed any- thing while she and her husband were going out for supplies. Sue was utterly shocked, surprised, and grateful to get her text, especially in this time of crisis, where so many just worry about themselves. This small gesture touched Sue to the core. A few hours later, Tara and her husband Timothy arrived at Sue’s front door with her groceries. In addition to the store purchases, Tara also gave her a container of her own personal Clorox wipes since the stores did not have any for her to buy. Then, if her gesture to do some shopping for her wasn’t enough, she surprised her with a bouquet of beautiful flowers and said they were to cheer up her day. According to Sue, “her act of kindness made me feel like it was my birthday and Christmas all wrapped into one.” She couldn’t thank Tara and her husband enough for their kindness and felt blessed to have such wonderful neighbors. Millstone is blessed to have wonderful people like Tara and her husband whose kind act helped a neighbor in need. Now it’s your turn to pay it forward! If you have access to Facebook and need help, The Millstone Community Forum is a good place to start. Frank and the Costagliola family, owners of Vesuvio’s Restaurant in Millstone Township, have been helping to bring awareness to all of the food businesses in town. Showing his love for his community, Frank has been visiting other food businesses daily and buying his staff lunch or dinners from their establishments. He’s making people aware that you can still get food to pick up curbside or at a drive-thru from all our local food businesses. Vesuvio’s Restaurant has also been helping to bring lunches and dinners to three different hospitals for first responders and for those on the front lines fighting this virus, as well as for those in need of a meal. You can help by purchasing gift cards from Vesuvio’s. Gift cards can go to the hospital of your choice or perhaps for a neighbor or a friend. So, not only are they feeding the town curbside, but they are helping to feed healthcare workers in three different hospitals who are on call and working to fight this virus, and by visiting other local food businesses, Frank is helping to bring awareness to the community that every individual local business in Millstone needs your support. Another small business owner who lives in Millstone, Bill Eng from SunPro Graphics, friends with the Costagliola’s, showed up with banners and road signs for local businesses that read: Millstone United- We are open for Curbside pick- up. Even though his business is being affected during these trying times, he reached out to help! More town heroes include, Drew and Heather Paglia, from Millstone, who have set up a gofundme in order to help local businesses, seniors, first responders, and others in need. Your donations will help purchase gift cards to be used at local businesses and for helping to feed healthcare workers on the front lines. With the help of social media, including the Millstone Community page on Facebook, marketing, and local papers, they are hoping to get the word out about the Gofundme website. To donate please go to: Facebook, Millstone Township community forum, or the link below. Gofundme- Support Local First Responders, Seniors & Businesses https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-local-1st-responders-sen • Email Drew- Dpaglia13@gmail.com Let’s all do our part. Remember, We are all in this together! We have a number of eateries in Millstone Township. Help keep them going through this crisis by ordering take out and purchasing gift cards so they can in turn help others. Support our local businesses. We wouldn’t want to lose any of them!

Bagel Bistro- 609- 223-2519 A&S Salumeria 732-792-7050 Di Lucca’s Pizzeria- 732-780-8300 Tre Colore- 732-446-1500 Daily Gourmet- 732-851-5580 Tommy’s Inn 732-9280-6600

Vesuvio’s- 732-446-1155 Gian Marco’s-609 259 5300 Bella Napoli- 609 259-2888 KFC rte. 537- drive thru Dairy Queen- drive thru- burgers, chicken sandwiches, ice cream and more Albivi’s- 732- 446-8211

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