Volume 7 - Issue 1 - 2022

Your Middlesex VOLUME 7 || ISSUE 1 || 2022

Want to go in-depth 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

director

Ronald G. Rios

Board of County Commissioners

Chair, Community Services Committee claribel.azcona-barber@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-745-4527 Claribel A. Azcona Barber Chair, Administration, Ex-Officio Chair of All Committees ronald.rios@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-745-5792

deputy director

Shanti Narra

Chair, Public Safety & Health Committee

The Office of Consumer Affairs GET TO KNOW PROTECTING CONSUMERS’ INTERESTS .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

The Office investigates consumer complaints, mediates consumer disputes, and prosecutes violators of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Additionally, the Office of Consumer Affairs works to educate the public regarding possible scams or fraudulent behavior. The Office is working closely with the Office of the County Prosecutor to share information regarding

Leslie Koppel

Charles Kenny

Imagine you pay someone to do some work on your property – clean your chimney, repair a cracked sidewalk, pave your driveway– but they fail to complete the work. Where do you turn for help? Or, what if you stop to fill up your gas tank and, after leaving the station, you notice that your car – which was operating fine before you got your tank filled at that station – is suddenly very sluggish and you think the gas may have been contaminated? What do you do in that situation? In either scenario, and in many other situations where you may have been the victim of fraud or attempted fraud, you should contact the Middlesex County Office of Consumer Affairs.

Led by Director Elsie Foster, the Middlesex County Office of Consumer Affairs advocates on behalf of consumer safety and well-being, protecting consumers’

Chair, Finance Committee

Chair, Business Innovation, Education, Opportunity Committee chanelle.mccullum@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-745-4317 Chanelle Scott McCullum Chair, Transportation Committee charles.kenny@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-296-6941

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

interests by promoting and enforcing legal and ethical

Charles E. Tomaro

standards of professional conduct. This includes scams and fraudulent activity perpetrated door-to-door in Middlesex County, as well as by businesses, stores, gas stations, etc. located in the County. The Office’s investigators are certified by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. They investigate violations of the Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-1 et seq.) with the goal of holding violators responsible, preventing additional fraud, and ultimately protecting consumers.

scams – particularly those targeting senior citizens. A full list of things that the

Chair, Infrastructure Committee

Office of Consumers does not handle, visit their website at Middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Consumer Affairs”. If you suspect that you or a loved one were defrauded or scammed, it is important that you contact the Office of Consumer Affairs as soon as possible. The Office will investigate and determine if there has been any wrongdoing.

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

County Commissioner is a term used by all 21 of New Jersey’s counties to describe county legislators. The 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 and another to be County Commissioner Deputy Director. What is a County Commissioner?

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.

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

County to acquire 18.7 acres of open space in Metuchen

New Superintendent of Schools for MCVTS

The County will also enter into a conservation management agreement with the Borough of Metuchen to manage an additional 12 acres of open space located adjacent to the newly purchased land, providing the opportunity for possible acquisitions.

Reaffirming the County’s commitment to preserving open space for generations to come, Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, and Borough of Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch announced the County’s intention to acquire 18.7 acres of open space in Metuchen. The land, which is a vital wetland ecosystem home to numerous wildlife species and approximately 165 different species of birds, will eventually become part of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve. This new addition to the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve will provide many benefits of open space including the preservation of essential habitats for plants and wildlife, the capture and storage of rainfall, and the protection of underground water sources. Planned improvements for public access include trails, boardwalks, a footbridge, interpretive signage, and convenient parking for visitors.

After a extensive search, the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools (MCVTS) Board of Education selected Jorge Diaz as superintendent of schools. Diaz began his tenure as superintendent on April 1, 2022. “MCVTS was the first full-time county vocational school system in the country, and over the years it has developed a reputation for providing an excellent education to high school, adult, and special needs students,” said Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “Leading a public school district that serves such a diverse population and offers the broad range of educational opportunities available at MCVTS is no small task, but I believe Jorge Diaz is up to the challenge.” “Finding the right person to lead this unique school district and to execute on the Board’s vision

for the future was not easy,” said Keith Jones II, president of the MCVTS Board of Education. “Mr. Diaz’s extensive background in educational administration and teaching makes him the right leader for our students, parents, and entire school community.” Most recently, Diaz served as superintendent of schools for the South Amboy School District. He began his career in education in 1999 as a technology specialist and teacher for the Union City Board of Education in Union City, New Jersey. He then spent 10 years as a high school and elementary school principal in New Brunswick before accepting the role of superintendent of schools for South Amboy Public Schools in January 2017. Diaz earned an MA in educational leadership from Kean University in 2006 and a BS in administration from Rutgers

Jorge Diaz

University in 1995. A resident of Carteret, Diaz has been a member of the Carteret Borough Council since January 2004, where he serves as chair of finance and administration. “I am honored to accept the position of superintendent of schools for MCVTS,” said Diaz. “I look forward to bringing everything I have learned throughout my more than 20 years in education – as a superintendent, an administrator, and a classroom teacher – to this new role. Thank you to Middlesex County and the MCVTS Board of Education for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

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Middlesex County encourages residents to utilize telehealth services

County resources. From making vaccinations accessible for everyone to expanding telehealth services in your community, Middlesex County is vigilant in continuing to provide resources to help fight against this deadly virus and is dedicated to creating a safe environment for all County residents,” said County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.

Jump start your health this spring by utilizing all County resources including telehealth services to expand access to care and reduce disease exposure. As the first point of contact between patient and provider, telehealth is a step toward preventative care and a healthier community. “As the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 continues, we are encouraging residents to be mindful and take precautions by utilizing all

Story continued on page 11

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

at-risk members of our community – but on our community as a whole,” said County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. Leading together, in 2022 Middlesex County will continue to collaborate with key partners like mayors and municipal stakeholders to focus on their Destination 2040 strategic vision that focuses on the County’s economic development strategy. Building on the County’s goal of ensuring Middlesex County is the best region to live, work, and play, the Board of County Commissioners is focusing its efforts on building a stronger community where everyone from every background feels a sense of real opportunity and true belonging. From prioritizing opportunities to invest in vital education assets at its college and vocational schools to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion for those that live and work here, Middlesex County hopes to demonstrate what working together and leading together can bring. The annual Reorganization Meeting began with the swearing-in ceremonies of re-elected County Commissioners Chanelle Scott McCullum, Shanti Narra, Ronald G. Rios, and Surrogate Claribel Cortes.

Board of County Commissioners outlined 2022 goals at annual Reorganization Meeting

The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners held their annual Reorganization meeting on January 6, during which they reflected on the County’s efforts during 2021 and shared their vision for the future. The Board of County Commissioners’ vision for Middlesex County focuses on implementing their Destination 2040 strategic vision which outlines top priorities for the County that will deliver long- term benefits and value for residents and businesses, while continuing to make investments and lead the way in key areas of importance that impact Middlesex County beyond the pandemic.

“The world we live in today is much different than the world of two years ago,” said County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “We have all lost family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors along the way. Nevertheless, while the COVID-19 pandemic forced all of us to adapt to new difficult realities for our way of life, our ability to come together as a community, to lead together for the good of our County and our country continues to be the focus that is helping us through this crisis.” In 2021, Middlesex County targeted several critical areas such as the overall physical and mental health and wellbeing of the County residents. The goal of 2022 is to continue to lead together with its partners, Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, St. Peters Healthcare System, along with many other community partners like the Raritan Bay YMCA, to expand the Telehealth Program. This program launched in October of 2021 to combat the inequities of healthcare in the County. (see story on page 4) “The COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the inequities of healthcare in our country. We saw more clearly than ever that limited access to healthcare, including basic information about the benefits of vaccination in general, can have a devastating effect not only on vulnerable and

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

history meets innovation Uncovering Raritan Landing Spring is the perfect time to experience the history and stories of the forgotten Village at Raritan Landing, once a bustling port on the Raritan River in Middlesex County. Thanks to Middlesex County’s Uncovering Raritan Landing, New Jersey’s first-ever augmented reality historical tour, residents can explore the village that has been hidden for 200 years.

$30 million in Federal funding awarded to reconstruct jetty in Raritan Bay

Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. and local dignitaries at Old Bridge Waterfront Park on January 27 to announce $30 million in federal funding to reconstruct the eastern jetty currently sinking into Raritan Bay.

#uncoveringmiddlesex

Old Bridge Waterfront Park / Raritan Bay Jetty

Raritan Landing had all but disappeared from the landscape until artifacts and building structures were found lurking below Piscataway’s Johnson Park about 30 years ago. Now, using the QuestUpon augmented reality app on a mobile phone, visitors can stand in the center of the village and see what it looked like 200 years ago.

And as visitors walk through the park, they’ll encounter stories about the people who lived in the village, discover artifacts that helped to tell those stories, and even take a photo with George Washington on horseback. This self-guided tour utilizes location-based augmented reality to deliver an immersive experience via a mobile phone. To take part in this compelling mix of family fun and education, all while taking a relaxing walk through Johnson Park, simply download the QuestUpon app on an iPhone or Android device and play the Raritan Village quest any time of day where East Jersey Old Town Village meets Johnson Park in Piscataway. In addition to the Raritan Landing Quest, a permanent exhibit has been mounted at East Jersey Old Town Village about the community along with artifacts that have been recovered.

Reconstructing the jetty will help protect the shoreline from erosion while further rejuvenating and preserving that area of the Bay and waterfront. The funding is made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill which Congressman Pallone fought for in Washington, D.C. Congressman Pallone was also instrumental in securing $5.5 million in funding for the dredging and survey of the Raritan River. Those funds will help reduce the risk and impact of catastrophic flooding due to climate change, while also improving the water quality for fish and other wildlife.

Middlesexcountynj.gov has a new look!

Visit the County website to find information about programs and resources available to residents including those featured in Your Middlesex County. Explore events happening in your neighborhood, and learn about the latest news from around the community. Visit the new MiddlesexCountyNJ.gov today.

BAG UP NJ ...................................................................................................................................................................

• Conserve resources • Avoid recycling problems • Protect wildlife • Reduce litter

Why should you use a reusable grocery bag?

Be ready to make the switch in 2022.

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

DO Recycle

DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOES IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN?

Middlesex County launches the Community Health Team

Plastic Bottles, Jars, and Jugs

Cans aluminum and steel (tin) cans Cardboard corrugated boxes

coded with #1 and #2 only

Glass Bottles and Jars all sizes, shapes, and colors

Mixed Paper paper, newspaper, magazines, softcover books, cereal boxes

To continue to educate and spread awareness on health and wellness services offered by the County to residents, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the Office of Health Services, the Department of Community Services, and other County departments and offices launched the Middlesex County Community Health Team. The goal of this field-based campaign is to provide information directly to residents at home on all resources and programs offered by the County including COVID-19 vaccines and testing, Telehealth, Emergency Rental Assistance, REPLENISH, MCAT, and much more via door-to-door canvassing as well as remote canvassing via phone and text messaging.

In addition to providing door- to-door, community-based information directly to residents about vital health and community services provided by the County, this initiative aims to connect multicultural families on a more personable level by prioritizing bilingual communication to ensure they are receiving support and relief.

DON’T Put in the Recycling Bin

Greasy or food- contaminated items

Plastic Bags i.e. grocery, ziploc, garbage bags

Film and Other Plastic including codes #3 through #7

Pots, pans, and small appliances

Shredded Paper

said Deputy Director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, Shanti Narra. The Middlesex County Community

Dishware, glass, and mirrors

Syringes, batteries, and bulbs

Tanglers i.e. garden hoses, electric cords

Styrofoam

The COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus how limited access to County resources, including general health and wellness programs, can have a devastating effect on our community .” – Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios .

“The County, in partnership with key leaders in the health industry, recognize

Telemedicine brings healthcare to you Telehealth from page 4 Through your own smart phone, tablet, or laptop, telehealth offers all the benefits of a doctor’s visit with ease, convenience, and HIPAA compliancy. Need access to a device? Not a problem, Middlesex County has partnered with local organizations and healthcare providers to ensure access is safe, confidential, and readily available via Middlesex County’s Latino Telehealth Program. In addition to making healthcare more accessible, this initiative also offers telehealth hub locations offering free internet, tech assistance, and bilingual staff and translators to maximize assistance. Middlesex County launched the Latino Telehealth Program in October of 2021 which focused on increasing the understanding and use of telehealth services within the Latino community, and expanded healthcare access to underinsured

Health Team are actively going door- to-door daily throughout the County from

that many of our initiatives related to the COVID-19 pandemic and social services require direct outreach to residents. And while engaging hard to reach communities on a massive

1 pm to 6 pm. Members of this team will always wear masks and observe appropriate social distancing protocols while engaging residents. Employees will be credentialed with identification badges as the “Middlesex Community Health Team” and will be wearing bright neon safety vests while they are working in the community. For more information about the Middlesex County Community

Middlesex County residents. The program’s first hub location, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, has since connected residents with healthcare providers and has addressed inequities in healthcare in the County. With its partners, Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, St. Peters Healthcare System, and other community partners like the Raritan Bay YMCA, Middlesex County is exploring additional hub locations to assist those in need. For more information about the Latino Telehealth Program, please visit: Middlesexcountynj.gov/telehealth

scale has been a challenge in the

past, the Middlesex County Community Health Team will help relieve barriers by providing access to valuable information and insights on care where it is needed the most and focusing on bilingual outreach needs,”

Health Team, please visit: Middlesexcountynj.gov/ communityhealth.

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

Middlesex County Board of County 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

Brought to you by the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners Your Middlesex VOLUME 7 || ISSUE 1 || 2022 1 // Get to know: the office of consumer affairs 2 // County to cquire 18.7 acres of open space in Metuchen 3 // New Superintendent of Schools for MCVTS 4 // Board of County Commissioners outlined 2022 goals 6 // $30 Million federal funding to reconstruct jetty in Raritan Bay 7 // Uncovering Raritan Landing 8 // Middlesex County launches the Community Health Team 9 // Do you know what goes in your recycling bin?

County to aquire 18.7 acres in Metuchen

County Departments

Administration 732–745–3040

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

Community Services 732–745–4230

Transportation 732–745– 3283

Finance 732–745–3173

Public Safety & Health 732–745–3100

Infrastructure Management 732–745–3995

FREE FAMILY FUN

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middlesexcountynj.gov

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