Clinton Township Newsletter

2 5 d e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0 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! Victor A. Rotolo is a long-time resident of Clinton Township and the founder of Rotolo Karch Law. Call Rotolo Karch Law today: 908.534.7900 to discuss any legal situation confronting you. Your half- hour consultation is free of charge! Their attorneys and staff are ready to serve your legal needs. Rotolo Karch Law • 502 US 22 West, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.RotoloKarchLaw.com t h e r o a d t o a s a F e h o l i d a y s e a s o n The holidays may look a little different this year, but what won't change is the increased risk for accidents drivers face during this season. There are typically more cars on the road now and more distractions taking drivers' minds off the task at hand – namely, to arrive at their destination safely. Here's a look at four top driving hazards to watch for as we approach the holidays. Distractions – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving resulted in 2,841 deaths in 2018. Drivers are more distracted this time of year as they call or text holiday greetings to friends and family or use their cellphones to search out directions or shopping information. Alcohol and/or Drugs – The NHTSA says that alcohol-related accidents result in two to three times more fatalities during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than any other time of year and account for some 25,000 injuries. Increased alcohol and drug consumption at year-end celebrations contributes to this. Stress – The holidays bring added stress to most of us whether we're facing increased financial pressures or simply stressed over having too much to do in too little time. Stress driving occurs when drivers react to this pressure with unsafe behaviors, such as driving aggressively or speeding with no regard for weather or traffic conditions. Fatigue – With so much to do to prepare for and celebrate the holidays, it's no wonder many of us are sleep deprived. A study by AAA found people who sleep for six or seven hours a night are twice as likely to have an accident than someone who sleeps for eight or more hours. Cut that down to five or fewer hours of sleep and the likelihood of an accident is four to five times greater. The holidays are hectic, so it isn't uncommon for drivers to experience one or more, if not all, of the above hazards; but, as the saying goes, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Wishing you and your family a safe holiday season and a healthy, prosperous New Year! – Victor Rotolo Rotolo Karch LAW 502 U.S. 22 | Lebanon, NJ 08833 www.RotoloKarchLaw.com Vic Rotolo Steve 908∙534∙7900 h o - h o h o l i d a y s P i r i t a n d F a M i l y F u n ! Twas the Run Before Christmas and all round the town, the Santas were jogging...nowhere was a frown! Running and community events sure have looked different in 2020, and to be honest we're "virtually" not into virtual races. But, we ACTUALLY are into being "different"... and most certainly believe in the Holiday Spirit, and responsibly sharing it with you! Please join us in our annual "Run Before Christmas" SantaCon 8k on December 19, at 8:00 am at the Red Mill Village Museum, 56 Main Street in Clinton. Pre-race and announcements: 7:00 am – 8:00 am. Remember Santa Suits or appropriate holiday costumes are required... along with the Santa Beard (mask) that will be provided to you! Post-Run Holiday Celebration: 9:30 am. Good Tidings, We Bring to You of Good Cheer! Enjoy breakfast and hot cocoa, courtesy of our friends at the Towne Restaurant! Pre-Race PACKET PICKUP: Saturday, December 12, 2020, 8:00 am – 10:00 am at Pro-Activity, 1250 State Rt. 31, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Friends love friends who pick up their packets! Due to COVID-19, please use appropriate precautions when picking up packets. Please note: there will be NO race day packet pickup and, in addition to masks mandated, safety precautions that comply with all existing orders will be in place. We helped #savethewheel in 2018 and 2019, now we work to preserve history and our iconic Red Mill! Proceeds for this event benefit the Red Mill Museum Village, a federally recognized 501(c)3 not-for-profit! Thanks to sponsorship from the Towne Restaurant, participants will receive an individually-wrapped breakfast sandwich and hot cocoa, after the event (social distancing required). Event details and registration can be found at: www.SantaConRun.com. Register today!

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