It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and as we continue through this holiday season, we wanted to reflect on some matters that are regularly brought up around this time.It is well worth a reminder to drive safely this holiday season. As a deterrent to dissuade drunk driving, police departments statewide are expected to once again add extra enforcement on the road through New Year’s Day as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.This holiday season, make smart choices, and make sure those around you are doing the same. Sometimes we have to make others’ choices for them, which may cause some friction, but is well worth it in the end. In addition, respect the police officers who will be out in full force to ensure that our roadways remain as safe as possible, as we bustle from parties, to malls, to grocery stores, and everywhere in between.While we applaud the state and our local police officers for their efforts, they are not the only ones responsible for keeping our roads and families out of harm’s way. We are all responsible for our own actions. So, please, plan a safe, sober ride home before heading out this December and every day after. We have much to celebrate in town, but anyone who chooses to drink should remember to do so responsibly. Drinking or not, everyone should be extra careful on the roadways and practice defensive driving, because you never know with whom you will share the street.We are always thrilled to see our already magnanimous community give even more come the holiday season, and as we approach the New Year, let us not lose that generous spirit. This year’s skyrocketing inflation, coming on the heels of the pandemic, has hit many people hard, both in Livingston and in Essex County. So, in the cold winter months ahead, do not forget that your donations will continue to be needed, as contributions to charitable groups and organizations tend to fall off dramatically after the holidays are behind us. So if you are able, try to give a little more in the coming months. If you want to give locally, consider Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) or Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN), to name just a few of the town’s most beloved organizations.LPI is a charity founded by long-time Livingston resident (and occasional Tribune contributor) Jeff Friedman. Jeff grew ...
