Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 14, 2010 Business Devon Fine Jewelry, which snared the attention of the entire New York region last year by giving away $30,000 in jewelry in small shopping bags left all over northern Bergen County last year, has won a national award for its nonprofit work. Devon was among the first jewelers ever to win the prestigious “Jewelers That Care” award, which recognized the scope and breadth of Devon’s activities. Nancy Schuring, Devon’s founder and president, received Devon Fine Jewelry earns ‘Jewelers That Care’ award the award at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2008, Schuring was so inspired by a “gem tourism” trip to Madagascar that she established The Devon Foundation, which is dedicated to help training residents of developing countries in the lapidary arts and educating jewelers in the United States about ways that working with local non-profits can improve their communities and bottom lines at the same time. ASB brews support for the community Something wonderful is brewing at the Atlantic Stewardship Bank’s Waldwick branch, located at 64 Franklin Turnpike, and the main ingredient is generosity. At the ASBean Counter coffee bar, located in the lobby, customers can help themselves to complimentary coffee and cookies. But there is also a donation box with a very special purpose – the bank contributes all the coffee bar donations to local charities and non-profit organizations. The Bank recently donated $250 to the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps. “The Atlantic Stewardship Bank is pleased to help support a local volunteer organization, such as the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps,” said the Bank’s Waldwick Branch Manager Richard Densel. “Each year the bank makes hundreds of charitable donations through our tithing program, and this one comes directly from our customers. Whenever they enjoyed coffee in our lobby and dropped a donation into the box they were helping to support a vital service in our community, and we thank them for their continuous generosity.” Dave Barthold of the Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Richard Densel, ASB Waldwick Branch Manager. “Devon Fine Jewelry has done a remarkable job in creating The Devon Foundation, a nonprofit that wonderfully captures the romance and energy of the jewelry world, while helping people in need at the same time,” said Alethe Clementson, executive director of Jewelers That Care. Tuition for lapidary training costs about $500, but that amount can be twice the annual income of someone who lives in the developing world. Successful completion of training can dramatically increase a person’s income. The difference between the value of rough gems taken straight out of the ground and cut stones can vary by a factor of 10 or more. Devon is working with the Institute of Gemology of Madagascar, and students have already graduated from its programs. “Our goal is to help people in nations with mineral resources take greater advantage of the gems they find,” said Schuring. A 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization, The Devon Foundation is also dedicated to helping jewelers in the United States become more effective resources for their communities. Devon has long been very generous with the communities that it works with, and this has resulted in better business for the store, Schuring said. “They say doing good is the best way to do well, and we’ve certainly found that to be the case,” Schuring added. In just the last two years, Devon has worked with 15 community non-profit community clubs from the Woman’s Club to Scouts to the PBA. She has also worked with 27 schools and a variety of national non-profits from March of Dimes to the Red Cross. Local non-profits she works closely with include the Ramapo Animal Refuge and Shelter Our Sisters. Schuring said she plans to stage the Finders Keepers jewelry giveaway program again in 2010, giving people all over the area a chance to get some marvelous gems. Devon Fine Jewelry is located at 303 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff. For information, phone (201) 848-8489. OCEANFRONT HOUSE with Private Beach Access FOR SALE Summer Home Improvement Guide In The Villadom TIMES Summer Home Improvement Guide, you’ll reach thousands of potential clients. Show them what you’ve got! Call The Villadom TIMES to place your advertisement in this special section. 201-652-0744 AUGUST Publication Date: Advertising Deadline: JULY 4 28 WATERFRONT HOUSE ON FRIPP ISLAND, SC (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Ranch style with extended lg. deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, full kitchen, great room with fireplace. 2-car garage. Fully furnished. Sleeps 8-10. 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