Clinton Township Newsletter

2 5 J U N E 2 0 2 1 T h e f r I e n d s o f T h e h C l I B r A r y Do you love the library like we do? The Friends of the Hunterdon County Library (FOHCL) is always looking for new members and support. For more information, visit: www.hclibrary.us/friends.htm or email: fohclfriends@gmail.com. 2 5 J U N E 2 0 2 1 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, Rotolo Karch Law • 502 US 22 West, Rotolo Karch Law Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.RotoloKarchLaw.com s e p A r A T I o n v s d I v o r C e : s e p A r A T I o n v s d I v o r C e : T h e d I f f e r e n C e s & s I M I l A r I T I e s T h e d I f f e r e n C e s & s I M I l A r I T I e s T h e d I f f e r e n C e s & s I M I l A r I T I e s When your marriage is irreconcilable, what is your best option: legal separation or divorce? It is important to note not all states recognize legal separation; New Jersey technically is one of the states that does not recognize a legal separation. However, in New Jersey, couples have three options other than divorce. They can: • enter into an open-ended separation whereby they negotiate a settlement agreement which becomes an enforceable contract once signed and can be incorporated into a divorce agreement later • file a complaint with the court seeking a judge's order for terms of such things as child custody and support without ending the marriage • file a "Divorce from Bed and Board" complaint, which requires you to cite "Divorce from Bed and Board" complaint, which requires you to cite "Divorce from Bed and Board" grounds just as you would in an absolute divorce. Both spouses must agree to this option. In divorce, the marriage is dissolved by court order after which spouses proceed with life as single persons and can remarry if they so choose. A separation, on the other hand, does not terminate the marriage; rather, it is a formal arrangement whereby a couple is considered still married but living apart. Remarriage is prohibited without first obtaining a divorce. The two arrangements do have several things in common: • spouses live separately • finances are separated • issues of child custody, support, and distribution of property can be ruled by court order Separation could be a viable option for couples whose religious beliefs prohibit divorce. Financial considerations are another reason to opt for this arrangement. Separated spouses may be entitled to certain benefits (Social Security, pension, military) and health insurance coverage as if still married. Other reasons a couple might choose a separation: • Separation can be reversed if the couple reconciles. • For children, separation can be easier than divorce to adjust to and accept. Because ending a marriage is complicated, couples would benefit from professional counsel when making the decision that best suits them. – Victor Rotolo C A s A s h A w C o n T I n u e s T o C h A M p I o n r A C I A l e e Q u I T y Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) recently completed their 8-months long racial equity circles for board, staff , and volunteers with a focus on the African American experience. The organization has been working to understand and dismantle systemic and internal racism to ensure quality advocacy for children in foster care and to diversify the organization's board and advocates so they better refl ect the children they serve. Meeting regularly to talk about the sensitive issues of race, privilege, and equity was a powerful experience for many of the participants. Annie Murray of Califon, a CASA volunteer since 2016, said "the racial equity group was of great benefi t in giving me insight into my own prejudices and sense of entitlement. I have grappled with the issue of race much of my life and been aware of how racial prejudice can destroy people and communities. But these sessions gave me an opportunity to investigate my own biases. The readings were excellent and the discussions were stimulating. I was especially impacted by the book, 'Caste' by Isabell Wilkerson." "The race equity circle provided an invaluable opportunity to share with, relate and provide support to other people of color about the impact of racism on our daily lives," said Edie Grauer a member of the CASA SHaW board of trustees. "We all learned so much from each other as we talked in open and respectful spaces," said Tracey Heisler, Executive Director of CASA SHaW. "This was defi nitely a moving growth experience for all of us who participated." The idea behind the racial equity circles is that if individuals take time to understand one another's experiences in an intimate and respectful way, CASA's volunteers will be better advocates for the foster children served. As a result of the racial equity circle's success, CASA SHaW is pleased to announce that they will be holding racial equity circles this coming Fall that will specifi cally focus on the Asian-American experience within our communities. "I'm very proud that our nonprofi t has taken the lead in championing the educational components of racial equity in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties," said Heisler. "If we want to truly change children's stories, we, as a society, need to learn about who they are, where they've come from, and how those experiences diff er from our own," Heisler said. CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profi t programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to "Speak Up for a Child" removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. To fi nd a local CASA program in your county, visit: www.CASAofNJ.org. B o y s C o u T s o f A M e r I C A p r o g r A M s Boy Scouts of America programs in our County, the Hunterdon Arrowhead District, are active and accepting new members! Families with daughters and sons who are interested can fi nd a unit near them by visiting www.BeAScout.org. The B.S.A. organization offers fi ve programs designed to develop character in youth while engaging in hands-on/outdoor activities and exploring career paths. • Cub Scouts, for youth (boys or girls) grades K-5 • Scouts BSA, Youth (boys or girls) 11-17 years • Venturing, Co-ed 14-20 years old • Sea Scouts, Co-ed 14-20 years old • Exploring, Co-ed 10-20 years old For more information about Hunterdon Arrowhead District and Washington Crossing Council, visit: www.BSAWCC.org.

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