Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 24. 2013 Business The year is 1913: Woodrow Wilson takes office as the 28th President. The IRS begins collecting income taxes. The New York Giants sign Jim Thorpe, and Walter Johnson wins 36 games for the Senators. Cracker Jack begins putting prizes in boxes. In Garfield, New Jersey, an Austrian immigrant named Herman George Rohsler starts growing ornamental plants for landscapes, inaugurating a successful family business that provides nursery, landscape, and floral services. In 2013, Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Florist turned 100, joining an elite group of family-owned nurseries across the nation. “It’s difficult to believe that it’s been 100 years,” said Bruce Rohsler, one-third of the current family management team. “You don’t realize how many years it is Rohsler’s celebrates a century in business because it’s what you grew up with.” Bruce and his siblings, Robyn and Mark, are the fourth generation of Rohslers to manage the 16-acre business in Allendale and Saddle River -- and a fifth generation is already working within the business. They navigate the constant currents of change by looking back as often as they look forward. “You have to respect where you came from and what got you here,” said Mark Rohsler, who manages the nursery operations, “because when all else fails, it’s what carries you forward.” Robyn Rohsler Ortiz, the manager and head designer of the florist operations, also values family traditions. “Growing our own stock has always been in the family,” she said. “My grandmother used to have rows Investment Services at Atlantic Stewardship Bank will host two Social Security Benefits Planning Workshops in conjunction with AXA Distributors, LLC. The workshops will be held Monday. May 6 at Atlantic Stewardship Bank’s Pequannock branch located at 249 Newark-Pompton Turnpike and on Monday, May 13 at the Midland Park Branch located at 630 Godwin Avenue. Both workshops will begin at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments provided. Chris Trepcos, regional vice president of AXA Distributors, LLC will discuss “Getting the Most out of Your Social Security Benefits.” Topics will include understanding the value, solvency, when to begin taking benefits, working and receiving benefits, and maximizing benefits. Trepcos will also discuss how to work with a financial advisor on a Social Security workshops planned comprehensive retirement income plan. Financial Consultants Michael Maglio and David Ares with Investment Services at Atlantic Stewardship Bank will also be available to provide information and to answer questions regarding retirement planning. Seating is limited for these workshops. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Patti Accavallo at (201) 4447100, extension 7305 or paccavallo@asbnow.com. Variable annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes and contain both an investment and insurance component. They have fees and charges, including mortality and expense risk charges, administrative fees, and contract fees. They (continued on page 22) and rows of fresh flowers that she’d cut for bunches or arrangements.” Today, more than half the nursery is dedicated to growing the mums, poinsettias, hydrangeas, and other plants sold on location, and scores of Christmas trees grown on a Rohsler family farm are sold each December. If respecting tradition has been the family compass, then customer service has been at the tiller. Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Florist has been named (201) magazine’s “Best of Bergen” nursery for seven years in a row. “It’s a huge honor,” said Bruce, “because competition is fierce. We’re extremely appreciative of the loyalty and support we get from our customers.” Programs like Rohsler’s Preferred Customer Club – a free exclusive for unadvertised specials and cash reward certificates – help maintain an edge on the competition. What does a 100-year-old family nursery do to celebrate the occasion? “Make it all about the customer,” is the unanimous answer. Beginning this month and continuing through December, every department will feature special savings on seasonal plants and trees, ceramic pottery, outdoor furniture, and water features. Each month will also feature a weekend event, such as a cancer benefit weekend in June, or a Centennial Celebration Founder’s Weekend in September. On other dates throughout the year, the nursery will host seminars on topics such as organic gardening, children’s gardening, and pond startups. Check this newspaper for upcoming events and seminars. Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Florist is located at 100 Franklin Turnpike in Allendale. For more information, call (201) 327-3156.