2008 Road Deaths Fell 17%

Decreased Driving Is a Factor

STATE – New Jersey recorded far fewer crash fatalities in 2008 than any year on record, a AAA Mid-Atlantic review of State Police statistics found. There were fewer than 600 driver, passenger and other deaths in 2008.

“It appears to be an historic low,” AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman David Weinstein said. “The significant decrease in the number of miles we’re driving is absolutely a contributing factor. Coupled with all-time high seatbelt usage, the proliferation of effective traffic safety advocacy and aggressive enforcement of laws, New Jersey is on the right track.”

Federal government data show that Americans and New Jerseyans drove 1.7 billion fewer miles than in 2008.

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New Life Begins New Year

New Life Begins New Year—She has a five year old big sister and she is the first baby born on New Year’s Day at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Born at 5:42 a.m. on Jan. 1, Michelle Rauda is the daughter of Claudia Quezada and Dimas Rauda of Elizabeth. Baby Michelle weighed 5 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 18 inches. (Photo courtesy Trinitas Regional Medical Center)

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Continuing the Tradition

Continuing the Tradition – Sayreville Councilwoman Lisa Buchanan-Eicher was sworn into office on Jan. 1, but this wasn’t the first time went to Borough Hall for a swearing-in ceremony. Pictured above, Buchanan-Eicher held the bible for her Grandfather Ken Buchanan’s swearing in on Jan. 1, 1974. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Buchanan-Eicher)

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Free Dental Program for Kids Brings Good News in Bad Times

STATE—The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), in cooperation with the New Jersey Dental Hygienists’ Association, the New Jersey Dental Assistants’ Association and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School (UMDNJ) will be hosting the 7th Annual Give Kids A Smile Program on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at more than 70 locations across the state.

On this day, children ages 12 and under will receive free dental care at any of the participating locations. The program targets children who otherwise do not have regular access to dental care. A list of participating locations can be found at http://www.njda.org/gkas, along with other important information about the program.

The signs of the economic times are telling. Record numbers are posted nearly every month for jobless rates and home foreclosures, and entire industries are falling into ruin. With so many experiencing such hard times and some families opting to forgo necessary doctor visits due to tight budgets,  it’s good to know that the 100 percent free Give Kids A Smile program is still going strong and more than 1,000 volunteer dental professionals are gearing up for what could be their busiest year ever.

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Edison Chamber Hosts Annual Speech

EDISON—The Edison Chamber of Commerce will host the 18th annual Edison State of the Town Address by Mayor Jun H. Choi.  The Jan. 27 event will be held at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in the Raritan Center.

The public forum starts at 7 p.m.  A ticketed cocktail reception runs from 5:30-7 p.m.   A reception ticket is $30 per person, and includes gourmet hors d’oeuvres and open bar.  Advance registration can be made online or by calling the chamber office at 732-738-9482.  The address forum is free and no advance registration is required.

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