Clinton Township Newsletter

2 j a n u a r y 2 0 2 6 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 Family Owned and Operated Over 70 Years U.S. Highway 22 E. Whitehouse NJ 08888 908•534•2125 www.vandorenoil.com e-mail: info@vandorenoil.com HEATING OIL • GASOLINE • DIESEL FUEL • BURNER SERVICE • POST-HOLE DIGGING ShopRite of Clinton 50 Walmart Plaza, Clinton • (908) 730-6800 we a re here. Achieve your wellness goals with personalized guidance from our expert dietitians. From lighter but filling nutrient rich meal plans to tips on how to shop our store to support your needs, we're here to make healthy eating simple and satisfying in 2026. Start the New Year with a Healthier You Claudia Shore, RDN claudia.shore@wakefern.com (908) 730-6800 ext. 3001 Schedule an appointment with the ShopRite of Clinton dietitian today. wellness YOUR WAY Copyright © 2026 Wakefern Food Corp. All Rights Reserved Ringing in the New Year Safely: Tips From CTPD for a Fun & Responsible Celebration As we prepare to welcome a brand-new year, excitement is in the air — parties to attend, friends to see, and memories to make. Whether you plan to host a gathering or head out for a night on the town, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable New Year's Eve. Here are some practical tips to help you celebrate responsibly while keeping yourself and others protected. If You're Attending a New Year's Eve Party • Plan your transportation early. New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights for rideshare services and taxis. Schedule your ride ahead of time or arrange for a designated driver. If plans change, stay put until you have a safe way home. • Stay with your group. Crowded venues make it easy to get separated. Set a meetup spot in case someone loses their phone or gets turned around. • Watch your drinks. Never leave drinks unattended, and accept beverages only from trusted hosts or bartenders. Pace yourself throughout the evening and stay hydrated. • Dress for safety and comfort. December weather can be unpredictable. If you'll be outdoors for fireworks or festivities, layer up and wear appropriate footwear for icy surfaces. Travel Safety for the Holiday Night • Avoid driving if you've been drinking — even a little. Alcohol affects judgment and reaction time more than people realize. If you've consumed anything, choose a sober ride home. • Expect delays and increased traffic. Between celebrations, midnight fireworks, and late-night crowds, roads can get congested. Drive patiently, avoid distractions, and give yourself extra travel time. • Watch for impaired or fatigued drivers. Unfortunately, not everyone plans ahead. Stay alert, increase your following distance, and report dangerous driving if you feel it's safe to do so. • If you're walking near roadways, stay visible. Use crosswalks, stay on sidewalks, and wear reflective clothing if you're out after dark. If You're Hosting a New Year's Eve Party • Serve responsibly. Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drink options and make food easily available throughout the night. Stop serving alcohol well before midnight to help guests wind down safely. • Arrange safe rides for guests. Remind attendees to plan transportation before they arrive. Keep local taxi or rideshare information handy, and never hesitate to call a ride for someone who needs it. • Create a welcoming, safe space. Clear pathways of clutter, secure pets, and ensure outdoor areas are well-lit — especially if guests will be arriving or leaving late at night. • Know your crowd. Encourage respectful behavior, keep an eye out for guests who may need assistance, and don't be afraid to intervene early if someone appears overly intoxicated or uncomfortable. Start the New Year on the Right Foot. New Year's Eve should be a celebration — not a risk. By planning ahead, being considerate of others, and making smart, informed choices, we can all enjoy a fun and memorable night that ushers in the new year with positivity and safety. Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and safe start to the year ahead! n Officer Raffaella Vastola grew up locally in Kingwood Township, and has been in law enforcement for over two decades, serving many of them with CTPD. She and family live in Raritan Township. Officer Raff thinks Clinton Township is a wonderful place to work, live and raise a family, and she's very proud to serve and protect our community with a dedicated group of men and women who help to keep it that way for everyone. n

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