Clinton Township Newsletter

1 8 a u g u s t 2 0 2 0 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M d e e g A n B r o t H e r s r o o f i n g – A f A M i l y - o W n e d A n d o P e r A t e d B u s i n e s s ! Proudly serving Hunterdon and Warren Counties in New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley, Deegan Brothers Roofing offers free consultations for all roofing, siding and gutter projects, with 0% financing! We offer unparalleled professionalism and a commitment to craftmanship. We pride ourselves in offering the highest level of customer service. Our office is staffed with friendly, knowledgeable employees who will review with you any and all of our services. Log into our website at: www. DeeganBrothersRoofing.com and review our blog, which provides informative tips for maintaining the integrity of your home's roof and gutter system. And, rest assured, Deegan Brothers Roofing is fully insured. We are ready to service all of your roofing and gutter needs, so give us a call today at: 908.479.4344! n o W A n s W e r i n g t H e C A l l : s o u t H B r A n C H e M e r g e n C y s e r v i C e s The merger of Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and High Bridge Emergency Squad is complete. The mission to provide the highest quality emergency medical care continues. More volunteers are needed now. Clinton and High Bridge, NJ…When someone in these communities needs urgent medical treatment, emergency rescue, or rapid and safe hospital transit, South Branch Emergency Services now answers the call. South Branch Emergency Services was created by the merger of two long-serving emergency service organizations: Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and High Bridge Emergency Squad. Research convinced leaders of both founding organizations and a Steering Committee of residents, business owners, and elected officials from both communities that a merger would yield quicker response times and other efficiencies. The Committee provided planning and guidance that resulted in the new South Branch Emergency Services (SBES), which launched July 1. SBES serves the same northern areas of Hunterdon County that the two former organizations did: theTown of Clinton, Clinton Township, High Bridge, Lebanon Borough, and parts of Franklin Township and Union Township. Key Community Benefits: The former Clinton building at 48 Old Highway 22 in the Town of Clinton and the High Bridge building at 95 West Main Street in High Bridge remain open. High Bridge's evening staffing has changed from on-call to on-site. Both Clinton and High Bridge ambulances and other apparatus remain in service – now sporting new decals bearing the South Branch name. A single administrative team can serve what was two organizations and use resources more efficiently. Most importantly, SBES brings together the skills, experience, and dedication of High Bridge's 20 volunteers, Clinton's 90 volunteers, and Clinton's 40 paid full- and part-time EMTs. New Volunteers are Needed NOW: The need for emergency medical care has never been higher. South Branch Chief Frank Setnicky and Battalion Chief John "JT" Silliman agree the key to continuously improving service as call volumes keep rising is simple: More volunteers. "Simple doesn't mean easy," Silliman said. Setnicky agrees. "There is a nationwide shortage of volunteer first responders, and we have felt the impact here in Hunterdon County, too." Both men have lived in and served the community for many years, and they have faith in their neighbors. "Once people realize we are a predominantly volunteer organization, we need volunteers now, and that no experience is necessary to join, they will want to help," Silliman said. "Training, equipment and gear are free," added Setnicky. "You will learn how to save lives – there is no more meaningful way to give back. And you will quickly start making a difference." Training begins with specialized CPR and first aid classes, after which volunteers can assist EMTs on ambulance calls, gaining experience that helps prepare them for the EMT course and exams. Training includes learning to stay safe while helping others, covering everything from how to safely lift a patient to preventing the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing masks, will also be observed during training. The two SBES officers add that members will receive as much as they give, including a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose and the life-long friendship of other members. There are many different and vital ways to volunteer with SBES, including the Cadet program for teens ages 14 - 18 and non-emergency support roles. Those interested should visit www.SBES365.org to learn more or fill out a volunteer inquiry form. Interested, but not certain? Consider the Observer Program. Anyone 18 or older can sign up to spend one shift riding along with the crew, no experience necessary. t e n g r e A t r e A s o n s t o s H o P l o C A l l y : • Shopping locally creates jobs. Shops in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people,in turn, spend in the local community. • Local independent shops invest more in our communities. Local businesses are proportionately more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. Supporting local shops means a financial impact on our community. • Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available. • Shopping locally saves you money. Out-of-county shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. However, if you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher. • Shopping locally retains our communities. People don't like losing shops and services in small towns, but don't equate this to how they spend their money. • Shopping locally retains our distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs. • Shopping locally saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping to reduce our global footprint. • Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations and those without transportation. • Local shops value you more. People receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service. • Shopping locally saves services. Private and public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants, etc. s o s H o P s M A r t . s H o P l o C A l l y ! Look for the Guild of Clinton stickers in windows throughout downtown Clinton and support these merchants and professionals who make Clinton the amazing downtown that it is!

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