Clinton Township Newsletter

2 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 7 O u t W i t h t h e O l d ; i n W i t h t h e n e W Getting organized is one of the top resolutions people make this time of year and, for some, that starts with clearing out the clutter they've accumulated. It's funny what we save. Often it's more for sentimental reasons than practical ones. Consider baby or children's items for instance. Safety regulations have come a long way since my kids were little. Items we used back then are considered unsafe now, and laws have been passed regulating the sale and manufacture of some of these products. • Cribs – Those made more than five years ago technically are considered unsafe today. The once popular drop-side cribs can no longer be sold in the U.S., and that applies to retail stores, second-hand stores and even garage sales. A safer, less expensive alternative for someone looking to save some money may be a portable crib. • Playpens – The last safety updates regarding playpen manufacturing were issued in 1999, so anything made prior to 2000 probably shouldn't be used today. • Strollers – New safety standards regulating the stability, impact and shoulder strap construction of strollers were passed in 2007. • High chairs – Voluntary safety standards require today's high chairs have five-point harnesses and fixed posts between the child's legs to prevent slipping. Additionally, high chairs with removable trays or trays that lift over a child's head are no longer considered safe. • Car Seats – Did you know that children's car seats have a lifespan of between six and eight years regardless of whether or not they've been involved in an accident? That's because the material they're made from degrades overtime. Even smaller items like clothes and toys may hold some hidden dangers. Drawstrings pose a risk of strangulation and unsecured clasps, including buttons and zippers present a choking hazard. With toys, check for recalls, chipped paint and loose pieces. Be aware that the paint on older toys may contain lead. If in doubt, toss it. Like they say, it's better to be safe than sorry. – Victor Rotolo LAW FIRM THE ROTOLO 502 U.S. 22 Lebanon, NJ 08833 908∙534∙7900 www.RotoloLawFirm.com Victor A. Rotolo, Esq. Former Police Officer, City of Elizabeth Mediation and Arbitration: Services and Venue Available Victor A. Rotolo is a long-time resident of Clinton Township and the founder of The Rotolo Law Firm. Call The Rotolo Law Firm 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. The Rotolo Law Firm • 502 US 22 West, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.RotoloLawFirm.com c L i N T o N f i R s T A i D & R E s c u E s Q u A D c H i E f s E T N i c k y N A M E D N J ' s 2 0 1 6 O u t s t a N d i N g E M t A s c f A R s M A R k s 1 s T A N N i v E R s A R y o f s u c c E s s f u L v o L u N T E E R R E c R u i T M E N T c A M P A i G N Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad Chief Frank Setnicky was recently awarded the New Jersey State Outstanding EMT of the Year Award, which is given by the New Jersey Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council. Chief Setnicky, who volunteers with CFARS and is also the paid Director of the Princeton First and Rescue Squad, has been in the field for over 30 years. "He's dedicated his life to serving and educating his community and those around him and has spent countless hours improving the services that his agencies offer to the communities he serves," said Dr. Stephen Vetrano, State Chairman of the Basic Life Support subcommittee on the States EMS Advisory Council, when he recently presented the award. "He has spent countless hours training others in EMS and rescue operations and has personally sacrificed so much so that his communities are safer. He is the epitome of what a New Jersey EMT represents." CFARS President Sharon Burham also offered praise. "On behalf of the entire membership, past and present, we congratulate Chief Frank Setnicky," she said. "Frank has been a strong leader of the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad for many years, as well as an inspiration and mentor to many." One of Chief Setnicky's biggest undertakings this year was leading the squad's volunteer recruitment campaign, a step taken in response to an ever-growing number of emergency calls. In less than a year, more than 30 men and women from all walks of life have signed up to provide emergency medical, rescue and transport services to their Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, Lebanon Borough, Union Township and Franklin Township neighbors. Most of these new members have already taken the CPR class that allows them to assist on ambulance runs, and many have taken the EMT course or will begin the new session in January. "We learned that many talented people were looking for a way to give back to this community." Chief Setnicky said. "When they heard we needed EMTs and Rescue Associates, they found an incredibly meaningful way." This does not mean the need for volunteers has been met. The number of emergency calls the squad receives continues to climb annually, and grew nearly 26 percent from 2012 to 2015, when it reached 3,009 calls. This year is on pace to be another record breaker. In addition, the more volunteers CFARS has, the lesser the time commitment required of each individual. "Of course, when an organization feels as much like a big family as ours does, many of our volunteers choose to spend as much time as they can at the squad," Chief Setnicky said. Anyone aged 16 and up can volunteer and can become a full EMT after reaching age 18 and successfully completing the EMT course and State exam. The cost is covered for CFARS members. The Power to Save Others is In Your Hands! Share it! Visit: www.JoinClintonEMS.com or call: 1.844.4CLINTON to learn more. CFARS Chief Frank Setnicky

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