Around the County
AROUND THE
of holiday shopping to over 120 families in need in the County. Originally started in 1997, Project GIFT has since reached over 6,500 youth, fundraising, given more than 20,000 gifts, and helped teens engage in over 75,000 hours of community service. raised almost $250,000 through donations and COMMISSIONERS SWORN IN DURING 2023 REORGANIZATION MEETING The Board of County Commissioners hosted its annual Reorganization Meeting on January 5 at Middlesex College. County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios was once again sworn in to serve another term as the board’s director, alongside re-elected commissioners Claribel Azcona Barber, Charles Kenny, and Chanelle Scott McCullum, as well as Sheriff Mildred Scott. Read more on page 4 . PAN AFRICAN FLAG RAISING To celebrate Black History Month, the Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Middlesex County African flagon February 4 in honor and remembrance of all the Black Americans who sacrificed their lives to fight for Young Democrats Black Caucus, raised the Pan-
MADD LAW ENFORCEMENT RECOGNITION BRUNCH HONORED THE 2022 “TOP COPS” FOR DWI ARRESTS IN THE STATE The MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Awards on December 1, 2022 highlighted the hard work and positive results of New Jersey’s “Top Cops” for DWI arrests and the difference they are making in our communities. County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra represented the residents of Middlesex County, thanking the cops for their continued dedication.
2023 SENIOR FRAUD PREVENTION CONFERENCE On March 9, the Middlesex County Offices of Aging & Disabled Services in collaboration with the Offices of the Prosecutor; Consumer Affairs and Weights & Measures; and the Surrogate; as well as Piscataway Senior Center, hosted this year’s Senior Fraud Prevention Conference. The event highlighted the common types of fraud and how older adults (60+) should protect themselves from online, phone, and door-to- door fraud. The event was open to all older adults (60+), caregivers, and those who serve the older population. FORUM HIGHLIGHTED STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN THE MEDICAL FIELD The Middlesex County Campaign to End Stigma, in collaboration with Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Healthier Middlesex, and Middlesex County Municipal Alliance, hosted
FUN FACT The Edison Tower is a 134-foot tall tower opened in 1938 as a memorial to the famous inventor Thomas Edison, who had his Menlo Park laboratory located in the nearby town of Edison.
COUNTY
a forum on March 9 which provided education and resources on how to best serve our community to medical and public health professionals. To learn more about Middlesex County’s campaign to end stigma, please visit: middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Campaign to End Stigma.” READ ACROSS AMERICA! County Commissioners Charles Kenny and Chanelle Scott McCullum, County Clerk Nancy Pinkin, and members of the Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Offices visited schools around the County to read books to students for Read Across America day, an annual event that celebrates and encourages reading.
Commissioner Charles Kenny reading to students for Read Across America
change. A series of speakers and honorees highlighted the accomplishments this community has achieved. COUNTY AND RUTGERS UNIVERSITY HOST ‘PARTNERING TO PRIORITIZE OUR STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH’ EVENT Middlesex County’s Office of the Superintendent of Schools partnered with Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) to host an event on February 9, for school mental health professionals on the crisis of student mental health in the post-pandemic environment DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG RAISING To commemorate the Dominican Republic’s 179
Dominican Republic flag on February 25. The event celebrated the rich history and culture of the Dominican community in Middlesex County with music, food, and performances. MIDDLESEX COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE PRESENTS $6,100 TO BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Members of Middlesex County leadership and the Police Benevolent Association Local 214 and Superior Officers Association Local 214, on behalf of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, presented a check to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital on February 13. Over the last four years, the annual Middlesex County Police Charity Softball tournament has raised approximately $24,860.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY 4-H’S PROJECT GIFT CELEBRATED 25 YEARS OF GIVING The 4-H Youth Development Program hosted their 25th Project GIFT on December 18, 2022. The annual event provides a free day
FUN FACT Did you know the famous mascot for the Borden Dairy Company, Elsie the Cow, is buried at her home in the Walker-Gordon Farm in Plainsboro, NJ?
The Board of County Commissioners celebrated the swearing-in ceremonies of their colleagues and shared a vision for a Brighter Future in Middlesex County at the Reorganization Meeting
years of independence on February 27, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners raised the
Commissioner Shanti Narra with Prosecutor Ciccone and her office
Commissioner Azcona-Barber at the Dominican Flag Raising ceremony
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2 Your Middlesex | 2023 Issue 1
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