2024 ISSUE 2 YOUR MIDDLESEX Ma g a z i n e
CONTENTS 02 AROUND THE COUNTY News and updates from County elected officials 04 2024 STATE OF THE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Shanti Narra, Deputy Director Chair, Public Safety & Health Committee Claribel A. Azcona-Barber Chair, Community Services Committee Charles Kenny Chair, Transportation Committee Ronald G. Rios, Director Chair, Administration, Ex-Officio Chair of All Committees
This year’s address highlighted the County’s focus on key areas such as transportation, education, and behavioral health 05 TRANSFORMING TRANSPORTATION Middlesex County is making moves to ensure transportation is safe, convenient, reliable, and future-forward 08 CELEBRATE County offices showcase their programs and services during free annual event 10 SOWING SEEDS OF SUCCESS: For two decades, the EARTH Center has offered educational and charitable agricultural programs for residents 12 ARTS AND CULTURE Thanks to its investment in arts and culture, Middlesex County is now a regional destination for the arts
BE SMART. BE READY.
When disaster strikes, being prepared makes all the dierence.
Leslie Koppel Chair, Finance Committee
Chanelle Scott McCullum Chair, Economic Development Committee
Make your emergency plan today. middlesexcountynj.gov/ BeReady
Charles E. Tomaro Chair, Infrastructure Committee
THE COVER
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
SCAN TO VIEW MAGAZINE OR CONNECT WITH US ONLINE, OR CALL 732-745-3000
STEP RIGHT UP! Taken at the Feast of St. Athony Carnival at Our Lady of Czestochowa in South Plainfield, the cover image captures the excitement and nostalgia of an evening of games, rides, food, and family fun at a local carnival. You can almost smell the cotton candy and funnel cakes! Looking for other fun ways to enjoy the outdoors in Middlesex County? Check out the Middlesex County Outdoor Guide. From hiking to history… from biking to birdwatching… and from arts to “u-pick” farms and more, the Outdoor Guide is filled with all the info you need to plan fun, family-friendly outdoor activities during the spring, summer, and fall months. Plan your next adventure at discovermiddlesex.com/outdoor-guide.
Nancy J. Pinkin County Clerk
Mildred S. Scott Sheriff
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE The Your Middlesex County magazine is a 16-page publication produced three times a year and mailed to every household in Middlesex County, NJ. The magazine shares the latest news and events from around Middlesex County. It also features information on programs, initiatives, and capital projects spearheaded by County offices for the benefit of residents and the business community – to ensure Middlesex County is the best place to live, work, and play. The magazine is produced on behalf of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners.
Claribel Cortes Surrogate
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Around the County
AROUND THE
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND 2024 ARTS ADVOCATE AWARD Middlesex County Administrator John Pulomena received the County Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) during their annual conference in May 2024. In presenting the award, NJAC cited Pulomena’s 16 years of “visionary and transformative leadership of Middlesex County.” On June 8, 2024,
ROOSEVELT CARE CENTER AT EDISON NAMED NEW JERSEY’S BEST NURSING HOME IN 2024 BY NEWSWEEK For the second consecutive year, Roosevelt Care Center at Edison is the top-ranked nursing home in New Jersey according to Newsweek’s Improvement Authority and managed by RWJBarnabas Health, in conjunction with Complete Care Management, the Roosevelt Care Center at Edison serves the region with exceptional long-term care. Best Nursing Homes 2024 list. Operated by the Middlesex County
MIDDLESEX COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE LAUNCHES SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY Middlesex County
observe Workers Memorial Day on Friday, April 26. A day of remembrance for fallen workers, Workers Memorial Day highlights the vital contributions workers make to the American economy and society every day, and the importance of establishing and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces for all. HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION Residents will again have multiple, convenient options for casting their vote in the November 2024 General Election. Those options include mailing ballots through the United States Postal Service; dropping a ballot in any of the 30+ secure drop boxes across the County; nine days of in-person early voting at any of the 10 early vote locations in the County; or voting in person at their assigned polling location on General Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. For more information on how to register to vote, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/ vote .
County Administrator John Pulomena poses with his Lifetime Achievement Award, surrounded by Clerk Pinkin, County Commissioner Director Rios, Surrogate Cortes, and members of the County team
COUNTY
SCAN FOR MORE
launched the Special Needs Registry to enhance
the safety of its residents with special needs. This free, voluntary service is open to individuals with special needs who live, work, or attend school in the County. The Special Needs Registry provides crucial information to first responders in an emergency and provides registrants with a decal for their residence's front entrance and vehicle windows. Individuals can learn more, register themselves, or be registered by a family member or caretaker at middlesexcountynj.gov/ specialneedsregistry.
Jersey Old Town Village on Friday, June 7, 2024. There, she learned about the unique Black history of Middlesex County and met a group of African American historical interpreters who are a mainstay of this historic both located in Piscataway, are open to the public year-round, from Wednesday to Sunday; admission is free. MIDDLESEX COUNTY MAGNET SCHOOLS CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2024 The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners extends heartfelt village and museum. The Village and the Cornelius Low House,
A total of 492 graduates were honored during ceremonies held on Friday, June 21. Middlesex County Magnet Schools offer over 30 distinct career programs on campuses in East Brunswick, Edison, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, and Woodbridge. To learn more about all five schools, prospective students and their parents are encouraged to attend one of the many open houses this fall. Please visit mcmsnj.net for information. COUNTY MARKS WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY The Board of County Commissioners gathered with local dignitaries, representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and leaders from organized labor to
FUN FACT Middlesex County is one of New Jersey’s four original counties, established in 1683.
during a gala emceed by comedian Jay Leno, Pulomena was awarded the
FUN FACT Known for its cultural diversity, Middlesex
2024 ArtsAdvocate Award by the State Theatre New Jersey in recognition of his support for the arts.
County is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the largest and most diverse South Asian cultural hub in the U.S.
DR. OPAL LEE, “GRANDMOTHER OF JUNETEENTH,” VISITS EAST JERSEY OLD TOWN VILLAGE The County welcomed 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Dr.
congratulations to the 2024 graduates of Middlesex County Magnet Schools.
Opal Lee, heralded as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” to East
Civil Rights icon Dr. Opal Lee with historic interpreters at The Village
County Commissioner Director Rios addresses the crowd at Workers Memorial Day 2024
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Investing in the Future
2024 STATE OF THE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Earlier this year, as part of its holistic approach to transportation infrastructure, the County launched Middlesex County Ride on Demand, an app-based public transit service that provides safe, convenient, reliable transportation. Currently a pilot program in the County seat of New Brunswick, RIDE On Demand not only gets people directly to and from locations such as their home, the grocery store, medical appointments, work, and other destinations, it also serves as a first/last mile solution. First/last mile refers to the first and last mile of a person’s commute, where fixed public transit services like buses or trains may not be available, or there are no safe or accessible walking paths. For $3 per rider, RIDE On Demand is also an affordable solution for anyone facing mobility issues. RIDE On Demand is just one of several strategic investments the County is making in transportation infrastructure designed to help ensure everyone who lives, works or plays in Middlesex County can thrive here. According to Khalid Anjum, head of the County Department of Transportation, the scope of the department’s mission is much broader than people may realize. “It’s larger than just providing traffic signals and highways and efficient networks – all those are important and we’re doing that,” says Anjum. “But we’re also finding alternate ways we can provide people the means to move from point A to point B.” At every turn, the County is identifying, developing, and implementing new solutions to address transportation challenges ― all with the goal of ensuring transportation is safe, convenient, reliable, and future-forward. From a parking lot in North Brunswick, a small fleet of white vehicles wrapped in green and white logos is beginning to address the transit gaps in Middlesex County.
Optimism, confidence, resilience, and strength emanated from the annual Middlesex County State of the County address delivered by County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios on April 23. Throughout his address, Rios emphasized that Middlesex County’s ability to provide vital programs and services to residents ― and make critical investments in transportation infrastructure, education infrastructure, and behavioral health ― is all possible due to the County’s fiscal strength. “I am proud to announce that for the 23rd consecutive year, Middlesex County has received a AAA bond rating from S&P and Moody’s ― two of the world’s foremost credit rating agencies,” said Rios. “Everything we do begins with the County’s continued financial stability and sound decision- making, which sets the framework, from a budgetary perspective, to support critical programs for our families and communities.” Transportation The renaissance taking place with the County’s Department of Transportation with investments making significant headway like the New Brunswick Train Station and North Brunswick Train Station, nearing 50% completion in design, was applauded. Additionally, under the leadership of the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, several parking facilities including the North Brunswick Train Station, Carteret Parking facility, and the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center are moving forward swiftly. Rios also shared the news of RIDE On Demand, a one-year pilot program of an app-based public transit service unveiled in late February to help address transit gaps in the County. Read more about Middlesex County’s investment in transportation on page 5.
County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios
Education In his address, Rios underscored the Board of County Commissioners’ belief that education infrastructure is the cornerstone for sustained economic success. Middlesex County supports lifelong learning opportunities, beginning with the Middlesex County Magnet Schools and Middlesex College, where programs like the RWJBarnabas Health Workforce Partnership foster young talent. Also stoking excitement was news on the Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan, which reimagines Middlesex College into a regional destination for academics, athletics, the arts, and entertainment through the addition of a new student center, magnet school, and multi-purpose community venue. Behavioral Health Behavioral health also took center stage, as Rios shared that the County launched Behavioral Health Navigators in late 2023 as part of an effort to provide more resources to help residents cope with challenges. Anyone in need of assistance was encouraged to visit middlesexcountynj.gov/support for help.
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Investing in safety To help improve safety on its busy roads, Middlesex County is investing in two key initiatives: Vision Zero and DataCity. Vision Zero is an initiative that seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries among road users, and to ensure safe, equitable mobility for all. Middlesex County was the first county in New Jersey to adopt a Vision Zero action plan, for which it received a Complete Streets Excellence Award in early 2024. Made possible through a partnership with CAIT, the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation at Rutgers University, DataCity is the nation’s first smart mobility living laboratory for autonomous technology in an urban area. It is located along a 3.2 mile stretch of roadway in downtown New Brunswick, where it collects crucial information that can be used to help improve safety on Middlesex County’s roads. And Middlesex County is allocating more than $77 million through the Capital Improvement Fund in its 2024 County budget to finance critical infrastructure projects, including transportation projects such as traffic signals and other road improvements. These investments are helping make County roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. Investing in convenience and reliability The fleet of RIDE On Demand vehicles does more than get people from point A to point B, it also represents part of the ongoing evolution of the Middlesex County Department of Transportation. In May, the department hosted its first Transportation Symposium, bringing together key industry stakeholders and local officials to discuss critical transportation topics. The event included keynote addresses from former New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Guitierrez-Scaccetti, who now serves as chief of staff to Governor Murphy, as well as Dr. Ali Maher, Ph.D., F.ASCE, director of Rutgers University’s CAIT. Additionally, the County’s public mobility system, previously known as Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT), will now be called Middlesex County RIDE. The new branding is emblazoned on County shuttles and vehicles to make it easily identifiable to residents. All existing routes and reservation services that the community relies on remain intact – all that has changed is the name.
Investing in the future With an eye on the future of travel and mobility, Middlesex County commissioned a study in 2023 titled “Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan” that outlines a potential path to full fleet electrification by 2040. Similarly, the County is leveraging the information collected by DataCity not only to improve safety, but also to help position Middlesex County as a key player in the future of autonomous technology. DataCity offers full-corridor data collection, data sharing, and application testing capabilities on an open-road testbed with daily traffic averaging more than 100,000 – and real-world city and highway congestion. The data is invaluable to developing autonomous technology that will help mitigate human error, making vehicles and roadways safer and more efficient. DataCity’s command center is currently located in Piscataway but will move to the HELIX in New Brunswick when construction of that building is complete.
The County’s future-forward approach also includes the modernization of the New Brunswick Train Station and the construction of the North Brunswick Train Station. Progress has been steady on both of these large-scale, long-term projects, with each of them reaching design milestones this year. Similarly, through the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, the County has launched a new parking division in an effort to provide cost-effective parking solutions in the County’s municipalities. In its initial phase, the parking division will oversee the Carteret parking deck and the parking facility at the new Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, as well as the development of new parking accommodations at the North Brunswick Train Station and Middlesex College. The division also has projects and partnerships underway in numerous municipalities. At its core, solid transportation infrastructure does more than make it safer and easier for people to get from one place to another. It also improves quality of life for our residents and helps support a stable economy, both now and into the future. “ ” COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHARLES KENNY Chair of the County’s Transportation Committee
ROUTES | RESERVATIONS | ON DEMAND
Plan your RIDE. Accessible, Affordable rides for residents
middlesexcountynj.gov/ride
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Celebrate Middlesex!
“ Celebrate brings the community together in a fun way, offering our residents a chance to learn about the many wonderful programs and services Middlesex County offers. I look forward
On June 8, Celebrate Middlesex County livened up Roosevelt Park with another day of community fun. This free annual event uses displays and interactive presentations to showcase the diverse programs and services the County offers. Fun for all ages, this year’s Celebrate also featured live music and performances, various games and activities, a touch-a-truck exhibit, and much more. Local food vendors were on site selling a variety of foods and beverages. Celebrate will be back next June! We hope to see you there!
to it each year!" County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios
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From Our Offices
The Middlesex County Office of the County Clerk is the cornerstone of civic engagement and administrative services. Led by Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin, a constitutional officer elected by County voters and sworn in on January 1, 2021, the office serves as a vital resource for residents and businesses alike. RECORDING SERVICES The County Clerk’s Office has been entrusted with maintaining recording services related to property ownership and transfers throughout the County since 1722. The office is open to the public, providing access to records, transfers, and research for residents and businesses. PASSPORT SERVICES As an authorized agent for U.S. Passport applications, the office assists with preparing applications for first-time U.S. Adult Passports (16 years and older), U.S. Adult Passports expired for over five years, and first-time or renewal of U.S. Child Passports (0-15 years). Passport services are available by appointment only. ELECTION SERVICES The County Clerk’s Office oversees elections, ensuring the integrity of each vote. Responsibilities include accepting nominating petitions for County offices, independent candidates, and Board of Education candidates, as well as drawing ballot positions, designing and preparing the election ballot, and tabulating and certifying voting results to the New Jersey Division of Elections. GET TO KNOW Providing Vital Services for Every Resident Middlesex County
SOWING SEEDS OF SUCCESS: The EARTH Center Marks 20-Year Milestone The EARTH Center, home of the Middlesex County Cooperative Extension with Rutgers University, is marking its 20th anniversary this year, serving as a vital pillar in the County’s agricultural framework. Over the past two decades, it has disseminated research-based knowledge to over 30,000 residents annually.
Office of the County Clerk
The County Clerk’s Office serves as a vital link between governance and the community. Committed to dedication and accessibility, it embodies the essence of public service, empowering communities and fostering progress. If you need access to any services offered by the Office of the County Clerk, call 732-745-3827.
DID YOU KNOW THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE ALSO OFFERS:
William Hlubik, Director of the EARTH Center and a professor at Rutgers University, travels around the County helping farmers and recreational planters understand complex issues including soil composition, insect and disease problems, water testing, and business management and planning. Thanks to the EARTH Center, Middlesex County is a leader in sustainable agriculture. Middlesex County farmers maintain a strong Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) at Rutgers, which helps properly balance pest control products while protecting the environment. However, the accomplishments of those who have studied at the EARTH Center are the Center’s greatest achievement – at least according to Hlubik. “What they go on to achieve in their lives and businesses after going through our programs, that’s what I’m most proud of,” says Hlubik.
The EARTH Center offers educational and charitable programs for residents of Middlesex County. This includes their acclaimed Master Gardeners program, which trains volunteers in sustainable gardening and environmental principles to be a helpline for gardeners and farmers around the County. The Rows for the Hungry project, another standout effort, harnesses the expertise of Master Gardeners to grow nutritious produce for donation to REPLENISH. Another award-winning program is RU Ready to Farm, a statewide training program that uses the EARTH Center’s team of agricultural experts and a network of specialists and mentors from Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to guide new farmers step-by-step through building and growing their farm business. RU Ready to Farm was featured in a CBS News segment “Eye on America” earlier this year.
Registration of Business Trade names
Notary Registration services
Property Alert Registration services.
Veteran and Gold Star Family Identification cards
The 2024 Middlesex County Employee of the Year is Jennifer Apostol! Middlesex County announced Jennifer Apostol as the 2024 Employee of the Year at their annual Celebrate Middlesex County event on June 8. Apostol, who has been with the County for 28 years, serves as the director of REPLENISH. She has played a pivotal role in expanding the program’s distribution from 30 to 160 pantries, with REPLENISH distributing 5.2 million pounds of food in 2023 alone. Expressing her gratitude for this recognition, Apostol credited her team of
H
Explore EARTH Center's website for more information and attend flagship events like the Garden, Arts, and Music Festival. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Butterfly House, Children’s Garden, and Vegetable Demonstration Garden. SCAN HERE
Jennifer Apostol, director of REPLENISH
employees, volunteers, and public and private partners. “I’m honored and humbled by the nomination and selection among many deserving candidates,” said Apostol. “I am blessed to have a dedicated team; their dedication and commitment to our work makes my job easier. I am inspired daily by my staff and volunteers. The gratitude from our partners and stories of how our work transforms lives is the ultimate reward.”
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Folklife
BUZZING WITH HISTORY Middlesex County is rich in history, much of which can be explored at East Jersey Old Town Village and the nearby Cornelius Low House. Located in Johnson Park, The Village is a collection of historic structures from the 1700s and 1800s and offers historical interpreters, indoor and outdoor activities for families, special events, and more. But for the past few years, a much younger community has been growing in this historic setting. The Village and the Cornelius Low House property are currently home to four beehives, with each hive housing roughly 50,000 bees. Cared for by volunteer and Master Gardner Patricia Evans, the bees are sourced from many different farms or apiaries, including sources in Italy and Canada, making this bee community nearly as diverse as the County’s human community. Evans supervises the collection of honey from the hives, which is then sold in the The Village gift shop. The all-natural wildflower honey is shaped by the native flora and fauna the bees consume, which includes cherry blossom, clover, maple trees, honeysuckle, and more. Visit the The Village gift shop to purchase a jar today!
ARTS
AND
THE CORNERSTONE OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY
led by Director Lindsay Erben. In 2023 alone, $2.3 million was granted to the arts community to support theater, dance, history, visual art, literary art, music, folklife, and more. Since 2015, Middlesex County has become a regional destination for the arts. Home to the State Theatre New Jersey ― which the County helped renovate and revitalize through a $12 million grant from the Middlesex County Cultural Trust Fund ― and performing arts centers it helped fund in Avenel, Carteret, and New Brunswick, Middlesex County is teeming with opportunities for residents to observe or participate in a range of arts and cultural performances, activities, and events year-round. Middlesex County also serves as a state-designated Regional Folklife Center, with its Division of Folklife and Cultural Heritage, under the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, promoting, supporting, and presenting cultural traditions practiced by County residents. This year, they launched FolkLIVE, a series of live musical performances focusing on different cultural communities.
In an era when smartphones are replacing the need for real life interaction, Middlesex County is investing in something that brings people together: arts and culture. As one of the most diverse counties in the nation, Middlesex County recognizes that equitable access to the arts improves residents’ overall quality of life, transforms communities, and supports economic growth. This commitment to supporting arts and culture is driven not only by the Board of County Commissioners, but by County residents themselves. In 2015, the Middlesex County Cultural Trust Fund was established by a non-binding referendum supported by 64% of residents seeking arts, culture, history-based programming, infrastructure, and art institutions throughout the County. In January 2020, the County created the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, an office within the Department of Economic Development, to ensure that arts and culture is accessible to all and continues to thrive in Middlesex County. To date, nearly 9,000 artists have received County funding through the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, which is
FIND ARTS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY AT
Earlier this year, the County launched an online hub for news and updates on all arts, culture, and history events in Middlesex County ― with countless ways to personalize your browsing experience. Visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com today to find free and low-cost experiences for you and your family to enjoy.
SCAN HERE TO VISIT THE SITE
DID YOU KNOW?
“Folklife,” sometimes referred to as “folklore,” refers to the everyday things people do and make that express their identity. It encompasses the everyday knowledge, art, expressions and ceremonies that form culturally specific traditions.
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w B r u
First debuted 2022
P T
First debuted 1963
Performances from Hezekiah Walker, Jekalyn Carr, and local talent
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First debuted 2023
Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners County Administration Building 75 Bayard Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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Exploring Parks, One Tail Wag at a Time Embark on an interactive adventure with your furry friend using our Bark Rangers activity book. DiscoverMiddlesex.com/BarkRangers
GET YOUR ACTIVITY BOOK TODAY!
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