Clinton Township Newsletter

2 1 m a r c h 2 0 2 2 2 0 2 2 A n n u A L b o o k S A L e : A P R i L 2 2 - 2 4 t H f R i e n D S o f t H e H u n t e R D o n C o u n t y L i b R A R y Looking at all the books you've accumulated during the past two years and not sure what to do with them? Need new books for the spring and summer? The Friends of the Hunterdon County Library have the perfect solution for you! After being cancelled for two years, the Annual Book Sale returns on Saturday April 22 through April 24, better than ever! This year marks the 24th Annual Book Sale sponsored by FOHCL volunteers who organize this major fundraiser for supporting and enhancing the Hunterdon County Library System. DROP OFF BOOK DRIVES are scheduled at the Hunterdon County Fair Grounds in Ringoes on Saturdays April 9 and 16 from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. Books may also be dropped off at the North Branch Library from Tuesday April 5 through Thursday April 7 during open hours; limited to three bags or boxes. Looking for an opportunity to volunteer and meet new people? FOHCL needs you! There are numerous volunteer opportunities, from setting up tables to sorting books, categorizing tables in the weeks preceding the sale, and cashiering, re-stocking tables, greeters and directing parking during the sale. Volunteers may select a schedule that will work best for them – sign up for a few hours, a few days, or every day! Help is needed from Tuesday April 5 through Tuesday, April 26. Volunteer opportunities are available for both sites - Ringoes at the Fair Grounds and North Branch Library in Clinton. Students are welcome to participate if 13+ years old and service credit will be given. For more information about the sale and volunteer forms, go to The Friends at: www.hclibrary. us/friends/booksale.htm, send an email to: fohclooksale@gmail.com or call HCL reference desk at: 908.730.6135. v A n D o R e n e L e v A t e D o n C o u n t y A S S o C i A t i o n ' S e x e C u t i v e b o A R D Hunterdon Commissioner: 'NJAC Is Advocacy Group For Residents and Taxpayers' Hunterdon County Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren ascended to the position of 2nd Vice President of the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC), when the advocacy organization swore in its new Executive Board, in ceremonies at the New Jersey Senate Chamber, in Trenton, on January 28. NJAC is a non-partisan statewide organization that represents county governments. The group's mission is to provide information on county government issues to the legislative and executive branches of state government, share knowledge between counties on effective and creative governing tools, enhancing the level of service provided to residents, and saving tax dollars. Van Doren, following his swearing in as Second Vice President, said, "It is an honor to serve in a leadership position with NJAC, whose most important role, I believe, is in assisting county governments in finding ways to be more efficient and effective for the people of every county. It is ultimately an advocacy group for residents and taxpayers." Van Doren, who served as the group's Secretary/Treasurer in 2021, is joined on the Executive Board by Monmouth County Administrator Teri O'Connor, as President, Camden County Commissioner Jonathan L. Young Sr., as First Vice President, and Somerset County Commissioner Board Director as Secretary/Treasurer. As Second Vice President, Van Doren is on a path towards becoming President of the group. County officials serving on the Executive Board normally move through the leadership offices toward becoming President. Hunterdon County has been well represented in leadership of the organization in recent years, with County Clerk Mary Melfi and former Freeholder Board Director John King both having served as NJAC President in 2018 and 2016, respectively. Monmouth County Administrator Teri O'Connor is the 81st President of NJAC and the first County Administrator chosen to lead the group. In remarks following her swearing in, Ms. O'Connor stated, "As county governments continue to play a vital and growing role in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of residents across the Garden State, I would like to commend NJAC's executive officers and board of directors for their leadership, vision, and commitment as dedicated public servants." More information can be found on the organization's website: www.njac.org. Combined, Anthony P. Kearns and Victor A. Rotolo have been serving the local community for over 60 years. Call Kearns Rotolo 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. Kearns Rotolo Law . 502 US 22 West, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.KearnsRotoloLaw.com A R e y o u o b L i g A t e D t o t u R n o v e R y o u R H o M e S e C u R i t y f o o t A g e ? Home surveillance systems are more commonplace today thanks to lower costs, easier-to-use functionality and, especially, the introduction of the video doorbell. The number of internet-connected cameras associated with Amazon's Ring, Google Nest, and competing devices now range in the millions, and sales of these devices were projected to grow by 27% this year, according to a survey conducted by SmartHome.org. Security cameras, including video doorbells, offer users convenience and security. They provide homeowners with a means to deter crime, protect their property and communicate with strangers without opening their doors. But there are legal questions to consider regarding these recordings. What restrictions apply? Under the law, video recordings in areas where someone has a "reasonable expectation" of privacy are prohibited. In other words, you can't point your cameras into your neighbor's window or backyard, but you can record anyone walking down a public street or onto your personal property. Am I obligated to share these recordings with others, including law enforcement? Many users opt to share with neighbors recordings they believe could be helpful. In fact, there is an app affiliated with one of the more popular video doorbells that allows for that. About one-third of the posts uploaded to that app report "suspicious" activity, while one-fourth relate to a crime and one-fifth to lost pets. Another popular post around here reports bear sightings. From time to time, law enforcement officials may request security footage from homeowners if they think it will help in an investigation. One major video doorbell manufacturer has agreements with about 2000 local law enforcement agencies across the country to facilitate such requests by emailing homeowners within a specified radius of the area under investigation. While homeowners have the choice whether to comply with these requests, it is important to understand that footage previously shared online is considered public and no longer requires consent, and that law enforcement always has the option to obtain a warrant for the footage. When it comes to sharing home security footage, let your moral compass be your guide. – Anthony P. Kearns 502 U.S. 22 Lebanon, NJ 08833 908∙534∙7900 www.KearnsRotoloLaw.com Tony Kearns and Vic Rotolo Working Together to Protect What's Important to You

• Cover