From the first day I met Jodi Kenny back in 2001, I could sense she was a woman who could see beauty and love in anything and anyone. I sold her a commercial building, a former tavern, in Travis which we were marketing for land value. She transformed that building with her creativity and hard work into a masterpiece beyond belief creating the Jellybean Production Company and children's theater group. Over the years, Ms. Kenny has raised three children, received a BA in Organizational Leadership and a Masters of Divinity. She preaches once a month at the Reformed Church of Prince Bay and is currently Vice President; she has worked for the Reformed Church of Metuchen for the last two years doing their social media and is a minister in training. She opened her first Nothing New Thrift Shop in a former tiny key-making shop on Huguenot Ave., then moved into a larger strip mall nearby, then a stand-alone building on Amboy Rd. in Bloomingdale and now in Richmond Valley at 4916 Arthur Kill Road, across from Richmond Valley Vet. The purpose of Nothing New is to collect and sell new and used clothes, household items, etc. to raise money for local and regional charities. At the same time, consumers in the community benefit from buying quality products at affordable prices. Ms. Kenny said she has given away more than 5,000 pressed pennies engraved with the Ten Commandments, "as my personal encouragement for everyone who ventures in to love God and love their neighbor." Nothing New is a thrift shop like no other you have ever been to. 
As you enter the Shop, you are greeted not only by Jodi or one of her associates, but by color—attractively arranged clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, household items, knick-knacks and furniture.
In the rear, is a display of aromatherapy oils and incense. Behind the wall is an inviting message on a blackboard, “Welcome Back Friends”. 
The coffee pot is always ready at a moment’s notice. The day I visited, I noticed the shop is a “pooch-friendly” environment. Customers walked their four-legged companions while browsing. In Europe, to bring your dog, no matter how large or small, into department stores and outdoor cafes is an every day occurrence. I thought it was odd then but now have embraced the idea of shopping with your pooch on a leash. 
The next room is for children—toys, stuffed animals and dolls are plentiful, a rocking horse that every child would want, games, books for every age group and a place to rest while the kiddies browse. 
The walls and floors are tastefully painted with calming colors. As I walked up the stairs to the first floor, a blackboard states: THERE IS NO BAD ______ THAT A GOOD _____ CAN’T FIX. Fill in the blanks! No bad MOOD that a DRESS can’t fix, bad DAY that a PRAYER can’t fix, bad MEAL that a SPICE can’t fix. I had to think about this profound saying. What could I add to this? There are plenty of messages abounding in the Nothing New Thrift Shop.
writer. I perused the jewelry display and a separate display with Prayer cards, pocket crosses, a jade Buddha and religious statues. 
What a beautiful article. So well written.
Posted by Kathleen Quilty-Bussey on Thursday, April 14th, 2016 at 8:31amThank you Kathleen! I appreciate your comments.
Posted by Joan Coogan on Thursday, April 21st, 2016 at 10:42pmLeave A Comment