Volume 6 - Issue 1 - 2021

VOLUME 6 || ISSUE 1 || 2021

Your Middlesex

Responding to the call of duty: Milltown resident volunteers for vaccine effort page 5

director

Board of County Commissioners

Ronald G. Rios

Chair, Administration, Ex-Officio Chair of All Committees ronald.rios@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-745-5792

deputy director

Kenneth Armwood

Claribel A. Azcona-Barber

Chair, Community Services Committee claribel.azcona-barber@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-745-4527

Chair, Business Innovation, Education, Opportunity Committee kenneth.armwood@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-745-4317

Charles Kenny

Leslie Koppel

Chair, Transportation Committee charles.kenny@co.middlesex.nj.us 732–296–6941

Chair, Finance Committee

leslie.koppel@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-336-9204

Charles E. Tomaro

Shanti Narra

Chair, Infrastructure Committee

Chair, Public Safety & Health Committee

charles.tomaro@co.middlesex.nj.us 732–745–4438

shanti.narra@co.middlesex.nj.us 732–745–3852

County Commissioner is a term used by all 21 of New Jersey’s counties to describe county legislators. The

and another to be County Commissioner Deputy Director. The County Commissioner Director appoints Commissioners to serve as Chairpersons and members on the various committees which oversee County departments. Formerly known as Freeholders, on August 21, 2020, the State of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed L. 2020, CHAPTER 67, which changed the statutory name of the Board of Chosen Freeholders and associated titles to the Board of County Commissioners, effective January 1, 2021.

What is a County Commissioner?

residents of Middlesex County’s 25 municipalities elect seven (7) persons to serve as members of the Board of County Commissioners. The Commissioners are elected at-large to staggered three-year terms in the November general election. In January of each year, the Board reorganizes, selecting one Commissioner to be County Commissioner Director

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Your Middlesex

With Incresed Need, MCFOODS Responds To Serve Our Communit In 2020

In Middesex Count, the COVID-19 pndemic hs hd devstting, widespred repercussions. As resut, one of the gretest chenges fcing our residents during the pst er hs been food insecurit.

More than 12% of Middlesex County residents were projected to be food insecure by the end of 2020, up from 7.3% pre-COVID. Projected child food insecurity rates in the county nearly doubled from 8.7% to 16.7%.

Distributed 4,378,792 bs of food in 2020 vs 2,273,174 lbs in 2019

MCFOODS never cosed its doors

to those in need due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

food drives were initited by individuals, groups & businesses

2019

2020

pounds brought in by 6 County– sponsored food drives

prtner gencies

residents served

serving Middlesex County residents

through county–wide drive–through distribution

Regularly scheduled distributions incresed from 2 to 5 ds week

USDA CFAP boxes distributed to families in need

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Your Middlesex

Middlesex County launches multiple vaccine sites

County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios and County Commissioner Shanti Narra visit the Middlesex County Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Mega-site in Edison.

F or months, as COVID-19 testing was being conducted and we practiced social distancing and wore face masks, the nation and the County anxiously awaited the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, which would deal a critical blow in the fight against COVID-19. As 2020 came to an end, so did our anticipation of the vaccine, which began distribution in late-December. Middlesex County began working hand in glove with the State of New Jersey to bring the vaccine to residents. Middlesex County was selected to host a regional vaccine mega-site. The Middlesex County Regional COVID-19 Vaccine Mega-site is located in Edison Township at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center (97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ). The location, which opened in January, is equipped with 20 vaccine stations and can administer up to 2,400 COVID-19 vaccinations per day. In addition to the regional mega-site, the County has also established six of its own vaccine sites which are located throughout Middlesex County. The goal is to ensure all County residents have ample access to the vaccine. As part of New Jersey’s statewide COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan,

The Middlesex County vaccine site locations include The Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center in New Brunswick; the Monroe Township Senior Center; the East Brunswick Community Center; the Middlesex County Office of Health Services in East Brunswick; the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville; and the Perth Amboy Campus of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School. The sites are open based on the vaccine supply. “Throughout this global pandemic, Middlesex County has taken a multi- tiered approach to fighting this deadly virus, and these vaccine locations are a logical step” said County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “By opening our own COVID-19 vaccine sites throughout the County, we can support the State in “Throughout this global pandemic, Middlesex County has taken a multi- tiered approach to fighting this deadly virus, and these vaccine locations are a logical step” –Commissioner Director, Ronald G. Rios please visit

administering and dispensing the vaccine to all eligible residents. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure our residents have access to the vaccine.” Middlesex County began administering and dispensing the preventative COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use, to Phase 1A recipients in late December 2020. Please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/ covid19 for information on how to schedule a vaccine, testing and more.

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Your Middlesex

Middesex Count’s COVID-19 testing & vccintion response b the numbers

In response to COVID-19, Midd esex Count’s Deprtment of Pub ic Sfet & He th nd the Oce of He th Services hve provided our residents with essenti informtion nd resources to educte themse ves nd tke the proper precutions ginst infection.

The Count hs so provided support to the communit in the form of testing nd vccine sites, nd n informtion hot ine tht residents cn c to spek to re person regrding questions the m hve bout COVID-19 resources.

Informtion ccurte s of Februr 2021

6 testing

Apri 1, 2020

octions

date COVID-19 testing began

open since April 1, 2020

3 pces visited

107 medic vounteers

334 non-medic vounteers

by our Mobile Testing Clinic

assisting the Oce of Health Services to administer tests and/or vaccines

throughout Middlesex County 7 Count operted nd supported vccine sites

in any given day 2,000+ C Center cs

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Your Middlesex

A: I received my first COVID-19 vaccine on January 6, 2021. On that day and every other day I have volunteered at the clinics, I have been so impressed with the level of organization and smooth flow of the vaccination process. Once an individual arrives at the site at the time of their prescheduled appointment, they will be directed by members of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office where to park and where to enter. The individual will then follow a socially distant marked line to the registration station where their QR code will be scanned and their identification information will be reviewed. After registration, they will continue to follow the marked line to the vaccination area. Once the vaccine is administered, the individual will pick up their vaccination card at the table directly outside the vaccination area, and then be directed to the post-vaccination-observation area, where they will wait under the supervision of a registered nurse for 15 minutes (based on health history, some individuals may be instructed to remain in the observation area for 30 minutes). Trained County workers and volunteers are available throughout the process to assist individuals. Q: What has it been like to help the community with this huge public health effort? A: As a volunteer I feel like I am being a part of the solution, not the problem, and helping us all reach the common goal of finally putting the pandemic behind us. Q: What are you most looking forward to doing when the pandemic is behind us? A: I am so looking forward to family gatherings! Once this pandemic is a thing of the past, I look forward to starting my retirement! My husband and I plan to do some traveling! ....................................................................... If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer program or would like to volunteer yourself, please visit Middlesexcountynj.gov/covid19 and click Volunteer.

Being part of the solution: Milltown resident describes experience as COVID-19 volunteer S ince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of members of our community have answered the call of duty, offering their skills, services, time, and expertise to Middlesex County as either a medical or non-medical volunteer. The producers of this newsletter sat down with one of those volunteers, Margaret Coy, pictured above, of Milltown, known to her friends as Peg, to get a better sense of what drives our volunteers to dedicate themselves to the greater good during such a difficult time. ...................................................................................................................................................

more to help, and to be part of the solution.

Q: What do you do for a living? A: I am a licensed registered nurse (1981). Most of my nursing career has been in the area of community health (visiting nurse case manager, visiting nurse supervisor, health educator, school nurse). In June of 2020, I retired after 25 years in school nursing from my position as school nurse at Hammarskjold Middle School in East Brunswick. Q: How did you first learn about Middlesex County’s vaccination efforts and the call for volunteers? A: I heard of the County’s Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) through the Middlesex County School Nurses Organization. Q: Why did you want to volunteer? A: In January 2020 I made the decision that I would retire in June 2020. However, had I known then that the COVID-19 pandemic was approaching I would have postponed my retirement plans. I felt that I was leaving at a time when school nurses would have a key role in the fight against this pandemic as well as the return to school plan. As a nurse, I wanted to do

Q: How long have you been volunteering with the County to help administer vaccines? At which of the County’s six sites have you worked, and what tasks have you been doing as a volunteer? A: I believe that I began the MRC application process in April 2020. I began volunteering at the testing sites at Edison, New Brunswick, and then Piscataway through December 2020. On January 6, 2021, while in line for my first vaccine, I spoke to Marybeth Caruso, Director of Nursing, and told her I was available to administer vaccines. To date, I have volunteered two to four times a week at the Sayreville and East Brunswick vaccination sites. I have helped to set up and break down clinics, prepared syringes, administered the vaccine, and worked as an observation nurse in the post-vaccination area. Q: Can you describe what people can expect when they come to one of the County’s sites to receive their vaccine?

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Your Middlesex

New fitness offerings at Thompson Park and William Warren Park, courts at Spring Lake Park receive a makeover

Though snow from a blustery winter blanketed the courts in February, the improvements to Thompson, William Warren, and Spring Lake Parks are a wonderful way for residents to enjoy spring

W ith the arrival of spring, many of us want to spend more time outdoors. Fortunately, Middlesex County’s parks are ready for residents to enjoy. In fact, two County parks now boast new recreation facilities and exercise equipment and a third park has received a makeover to some of its courts. The additions include new pickleball courts at Thompson Park in Monroe Township and Jamesburg, a new outdoor fitness circuit at William Warren Park in Woodbridge Township, and refreshed tennis and basketball courts at Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield. “The new pickleball courts and fitness circuit are excellent additions to these parks,” says Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro. “We’re proud of our County parks and the opportunities they provide for Middlesex County residents to enjoy the outdoors. We hope these new offerings in Thompson Park and William Warren Park will bring even more residents out to our parks.” Thompson Park’s six new pickleball courts were created from two former tennis courts. The courts open at sunrise and are equipped with lights so play can continue until 10 pm.

a larger renovation of athletic courts at Thompson Park, which is the largest developed park in the Middlesex County Park System. The makeover also included the resurfacing and renovation of two tennis courts, four basketball courts, and one handball court. In William Warren Park, the new fitness “We’re proud of our County parks and the opportunities they provide for Middlesex County residents to enjoy the outdoors” –Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro course includes a 17-station outdoor circuit of exercise equipment including a stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, sit-up bench, pull-up bar, cargo climber, and high stepper. The circuit is equipped with rubber safety surfacing to cushion the impact of any workout. Equipment is cleaned and sanitized daily, but visitors should bring hand sanitizer or wipes to use during workouts. Warren Park and the fitness circuit are open from sunrise to sunset.

In addition to the new offerings at Thompson Park and William Warren Park, Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield is now sporting refreshed tennis and basketball courts. The County resurfaced four tennis courts and, in the process, double-lined two of the tennis courts so they can be used for pickleball as well as tennis. While these are not dedicated pickleball courts, they do give park visitors the option to play tennis or pickleball on those two courts. The pickleball courts and fitness circuit are available to all Middlesex County residents and visitors to enjoy. All are encouraged to check with their doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen. Park visitors are asked to practice social distancing and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while enjoying County Parks and outdoor spaces. For more information about the Middlesex County Park System, please visit: middlesexcountynj.gov/about/ parksrecreation.

The new pickleball courts are part of

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Your Middlesex

Middlesex County College is now Middlesex College

T aking the saying “new year, transformation this year, beginning with a name change and ultimately culminating in a new brand identity to be revealed in the coming months. Effective on January 1, 2021, Middlesex County College became Middlesex College. The College, which was founded in 1964 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, has joined a growing number of two-year colleges that are dropping “County” or “Community” from their names as part of a rebrand intended to remove the stigma often attached to community colleges. The College’s Board of Trustees approved the name change in October 2020. new you” to heart, Middlesex County College is undergoing a “We know two things,” said College President Mark McCormick. “First, that students receive an excellent education here, and when they transfer to a

four-year college or university, they do as well or better than students who start at a four-year institution. They are very well prepared. But we are also well aware that there is a stigma attached to community colleges. While we know the high quality of the educational experiences we provide, that message has not fully penetrated in our community. We hope this name change will go a long way in doing that.” Dr. McCormick noted that the name change will not affect the College’s objective. “Our mission remains the same,” he said. “It is to offer a quality, affordable education for the people of Middlesex County, and to help our students thrive in education, growth, and personal success. That will not change.”

Ronald G. Rios reaffirmed the County’s commitment to the College. “The County is investing in Middlesex College and the students who will become the entrepreneurs, CEOs, essential workers, and life science experts of the businesses that will call Middlesex County home,” said Commissioner Director Rios. “Students embarking on an academic career at Middlesex College will receive a first-class education and be given invaluable real-world opportunities to succeed and thrive personally, academically, and professionally.” Diplomas for May 2021 graduates will say Middlesex College, and the College anticipates having a fully revamped website by the fall of 2021. College

athletic teams, previously known as the Blue Colts, will now be the Middlesex Colts, and a mascot will be unveiled in the months ahead. The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners remains dedicated to supporting the College’s mission. During the Board’s 2021 Reorganization Meeting, Commissioner Director Free tuition available for County residents at Middlesex College

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Through the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program, Middlesex College students with an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less are eligible for free tuition and fees. This is a last-dollar scholarship, which means it will cover tuition and educational fees, after applying all other federal and state grant aid, such as federal Pell grants and New Jersey Tuition Assistance Grants. Educational fees covered can include fees associated with technology; student activities; registration; labs; facility; and

programs and courses.

Have questions? Please contact MCC Enrollment Services at FAid@middlesexcc.edu or 732-548-6000, ext. 3520

CCOG grants are available for Fall and Spring semesters only, and students must take 6-18 credits per semester to be eligible. The upcoming 2021 application deadlines are: • April 15, 2021 for returning students attending the Fall semester • September 15, 2021 for new students attending the Fall semester For full details on how to apply, check out the step-by-step guide at middlesexcc.edu/financial-aid/eligibility- how-to-apply

You can get more details about adjusted gross income requirements for dependent and independent students, out-of-county college eligibility, and more at Middlesex County College’s CCOG Program website: middlesexcc. edu/financial-aid/free-community- college-program. You can also learn more about the New Jersey CCOG program at their website: hesaa.org/ pages/ccog.aspx.

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Your Middlesex

Seen Around Middlesex County

Location South Amboy

Want to dig deeper on what is happening in Middlesex County? Using detailed interviews with leaders around the County and on-location filming, Spotlight on Middlesex County does a deep dive on key programs and initiatives in Middlesex County. Hosted by Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios Check your local municipal channel or visit Middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Spotlight on Middlesex County” Spotlight on Middlesex County

Location Cranbury

Location Metuchen

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Your Middlesex

Board of County Commissioners outlined 2021 priorities at annual

T he Middlesex County Board of January 7, during which they shared their vision for the County in 2021 and declared the new year as a time to lead forward. The Board of County Commissioners’ vision for Middlesex County focuses on initiatives and programs that position the County for continued success, including economic development – building an infrastructure for businesses; education – enabling students to thrive; and COVID-19 – expanded testing and vaccine distribution. County Commissioners held their annual Reorganization meeting on “As we take a collective sigh that the year is behind us, we can look to the hope that a new year brings. While 2020 brought us together, 2021 will lead us forward,” said

Nancy J. Pinkin is sworn-in as Middlesex County Clerk on January 7, 2021.

That focus includes moving forward with an emphasis on the County’s economic development strategy in order to attract, retain, and expand businesses in three key industries: life sciences, food innovation, and electric connected autonomous vehicles. The County will also renew its commitment to education by investing in Middlesex College and the students who “While 2020 brought us together, 2021 will lead us forward” –Commissioner Director, Ronald G. Rios

County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Our all-important work with the pandemic will continue. However, this new year will present the opportunity to continue making crucial investments in our economic and educational infrastructures.” While the COVID-19 pandemic required the County to devote much of its attention to pandemic-related response during 2020, the goal for 2021 is to focus on new initiatives that drive continued economic growth and invest further in education while continuing to provide a strong, proactive, innovative response to the global pandemic.

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Your Middlesex

will become the entrepreneurs, CEOs, essential workers, and life science experts of the businesses that will call Middlesex County home. Middlesex County’s vigilance in the fight against COVID-19 will continue in 2021, along with the County’s dedication to creating a safe environment for residents to return to work and school in order to grow the economy and workforce. You can read more about the County’s vaccination program on page 3. Held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Reorganization meeting began with the swearing-in ceremonies of re-elected County Commissioners Leslie Koppel and Charles Tomaro, and newly elected County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin. The County also honored two longtime public servants, County Clerk Elaine Flynn and Surrogate Kevin Hoagland, on their retirements. Dignitaries including Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, Governor Phil Murphy, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, New Jersey Senator Stephen M. Sweeney, and New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin offered congratulations to County Commissioners Koppel and Tomaro and Clerk Pinkin, and shared best wishes for Middlesex County’s success in 2021. Watch the full Reorganization meeting, including the Commissioner Director’s speech, on the County’s YouTube page.

Top and middle Re-elected County Commissioners Leslie Koppel and Charles Tomaro are sworn in for another term. Bottom The County Commissioner Board participates in the annual Reorganization Ceremony.

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Your Middlesex

Middlesex County Board of Commissioners County Administration Building 75 Bayard Street New Brunswick, NJ 08901

If you need to update your name or address, please email your corrections to info@conceptprint.com or mail this page with corrections to: Concept Print, Kerry Monahan Gaughan, 40 Lydecker St, Nyack, NY 10960

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Your Middlesex VOLUME 6 || ISSUE 1 || 2021

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MCFOODS

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Middlesex County launches multiple vaccine sites

Experience as COVID-19 volunteer COVID-19 by the Numbers New fitness offerings at County parks

MIDDLESEX COUNTY NJ

Middlesex County College is now Middlesex College Free tuition available for County residents at Middlesex

page 7

Seen Around Middlesex County Annual Reorganization Meeting

Free tuition available for County residents at Middlesex College

Brought to you by the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners

MIDDLESEX COUNTY NJ

HIGH QUALITY WORKFORCE. HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE. Find all your business needs in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Learn how a deep commitment from local government and the community has created the perfect ecosystem where businesses and residents can thrive. MIDDLESEX COUNTY NJ HIGH QUALITY WORKFORCE. HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE. Find all your business needs in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Learn how a deep commitment from local government and the community has created the perfect ecosystem where businesses and residents can thrive. Infrastructure Management 732–745–3995 Community Services 732–745–4230

County Departments

Administration 732–745–3040

Business Innovation, Education, and Opportunity 732–745–4379

Transportation 732–745– 3843

Finance 732–745–3173

Public Safety & Health 732–745–3100

MIDDLESEX COUNTY NJ

DiscoverMiddlesex.com/Biz

www.middlesexcountynj.gov

MIDDLESEX COUNTY NJ

HIGH QUALITY WORKFORCE.

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