FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Donna Zimet  (732) 558-0743


Bridge Over Troubled Water

Millstone Township, NJ - April 17, 2007 - Crossing the bridge over Millstone River into Millstone Township you will see a quaint sign “Gardener to Gardener “– a non-assuming small business recently purchased by newlyweds Richard and Sheena Potts of Allentown, NJ.  With grand dreams of becoming first time business owners, Sunday afternoon’s Nor’easter brought a stream of tears and helplessness as they watched their business literally sink into the rising Millstone River.

As floods claim over 100 lives each year in the US, it also claims the livelihoods of thousands as well. Richard, with over 20 years of landscape design experience, has always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. He and Sheena took the plunge earlier this year and became the proud owners of a local landscape design and gardening shop. In weighing the risks of becoming a business-owner, the pair never dreamed of a flood being their biggest business hurdle.

The flood-prone Millstone River sits less than 150 feet from the landscaping business.  As the river rose and crossed over the business’ parking lot, it encroached and crested above 7 feet into their gardening shop. Racing against the rising waters, the couple moved any transportable equipment to borrowed trucks as higher ground was nowhere in sight. They were able to save one refrigerator and computer equipment but most of the equipment was too heavy to be moved. By Monday afternoon only the top half of the building could be seen from a nearby intersection. With the loss to date estimated to be over $60,000, the couple will mount every effort to rebuild their business.

“After the initial shock and fear, this morning we realized that this flood may have happened to provide us with the opportunity to better our shop and provide services we know will better fit the community” said Sheena Potts. The potential of a positive business transformation seemed to be a much needed bright spot for the couple.

Gardener to Gardener will maintain its commitment to clients by continuing with its landscaping design services while it rebuilds its gardening shop. In the meantime, the river’s troubled waters are scheduled to recede by Tuesday afternoon at which time Richard and Sheena will be rebuilding their dreams, one block and shrub at a time.

Company Name:  Gardener to Gardener
Address:   1014 Amwell Road
                        Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Contact:   (609) 722-1931 (as local phones are out – this is owner’s direct cell phone)

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