Volume 7 - Issue 2 - 2022

Your Middlesex VOLUME 7 || ISSUE 2 || 2022

Board of County Commissioners

The Community Health Team hard at work Director of the Board of County Commissioners Ronald G. Rios met with the Middlesex County Community Health Team to thank them for their role in educating residents on all the health-based initiatives offered by the County with a primary focus on Telehealth, Emergency Rental Assistance, and COVID-19 testing/ vaccines. The Community Health Team has made contact with tens of thousands of residents through door-to-door and phone-based campaigns.

What is a County Commissioner? It 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 persons at-large to staggered three-year terms in the November general election to serve as members of the Board of County Commissioners. Every January, the Board selects one County Commissioner to serve as Director and another to serve as Deputy Director and all County Commissioners serve as chairpersons and members of various committees to oversee County departments.

director

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

deputy director

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Shanti Narra Chair, Public Safety & Health Committee

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

Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office GET TO KNOW GOING WAY BEYOND HOLLYWOOD PORTRAYALS

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

Leslie Koppel Chair, Finance Committee

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

enforcement officer for Middlesex County. She has authority over 1,900 sworn law enforcement officers from 29 law enforcement agencies in the 25 municipalities.

Middlesex County remains the best place to live, work, and play. The Office of the County Prosecutor has a duty to uphold the United States Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution in order to protect and preserve the rights of all citizens. This includes anyone involved in a crime, whether they are a suspect, a defendant, a witness, or a victim. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office works in partnership with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the citizens and members of the County’s diverse communities. Prosecutor Ciccone, the first female prosecutor in Middlesex County history, who began as prosecutor in June 2020, is the chief law

When we think of a prosecutor’s office, scenes from television and movies likely come to mind. However, the reality of the work this office performs is less glamorous – but much more vital and challenging. When it comes to keeping the people of Middlesex County safe from crime, the Office of the County Prosecutor is always on the job. Led by Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, the more than 200 individuals who work in the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office are tasked with investigating crimes, authorizing arrests, obtaining indictments, and prosecuting criminal cases through trial. These individuals include assistant prosecutors, detectives, agents, and support personnel. Together, they help ensure that

leslie.koppel@co.middlesex.nj.us 732-296-6968

Charles E. Tomaro Chair, Infrastructure Committee

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

Constitutional Officers Constitutional Officers draw their authority from the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and their powers and duties are determined by state statute. Each constitutional officer is elected to oversee a specific administrative function of County government. The Sheriff serves three-year terms, while the County Clerk and the Surrogate serve five-year terms.

Nancy J. Pinkin County Clerk

middlesexcountynj.gov/countyclerk 732-745-3827

Claribel Cortes Surrogate

Mildred S. Scott Sheriff

middlesexcountynj.gov/surrogate 732-745-3055

middlesexcountynj.gov/sheriff 732-745-3271

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

preparing before disaster strikes Hurricane season has officially started

REPLENISH hosts 6th annual Dine Below the Line Event As part of its ongoing efforts to

AccuWeather forecasters have predicted 2022 will be almost identical to 2021’s season, which was the third most active hurricane season with 21 named storms. The Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management is not only committed to recovering and rebuilding in the aftermath of these climate-related events but also to preparing residents for storms by strengthening the resiliency of the community.

This year’s chefs included Chef Dan Slobodien from Pearl Street Café representing First Presbyterian Church Pantry in Metuchen; Chef Brian Karluk from Steakhouse 85 representing Sharon Baptist Church Food Pantry in New Brunswick; and Reverend Marshall Shelly representing St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Spotswood, Alice’s CUP Food Pantry. Chef Karluk and Team New Brunswick won both the popular vote and the judges’ vote. This event is a collaboration between REPLENISH, Feeding Middlesex County, The Arts Institute of Middlesex County, and the Rutgers Collaborative Center for Community Based Research and Service. Visit Middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish for more.

combat food insecurity, REPLENISH hosted its sixth annual Dine Below the Line hunger awareness event in May at the First Presbyterian

Church of Metuchen’s food pantry. It featured a cooking competition between local chefs and an in-person dinner for a limited number of attendees. Official judges included Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Deputy Director Shanti Narra and Commissioners Charles E. Tomaro and Leslie Koppel, with all three voting as one; Jerome Mangroo, a restaurant and operations professional, local chef, and New Brunswick native; and Carolina Moratti, a local chef and host of “Cooking Outside the Box.”

Here are five hurricane and storm preparation tips from the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management:

Know Where to Go: Follow all recommendations and instructions from local, county, and

Prepare an Emergency Kit: Build a hurricane kit that includes essential medication for family and pets, important

state emergency management officials, especially concerning potential evacuations. Never ignore an evacuation order. There are areas within Middlesex County that are prone to flooding, so its important to create an evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. Research the nearest shelter, including shelter for your pets, make sure your hurricane kit is stored in a convenient place known to all family members, and make a trial run to ensure your evacuation plan works. Take steps to protect your home:

documents, non-perishable foods, water, and basic hygiene supplies for up to 72 hours. Make sure your hurricane kit is portable in case you need to evacuate. Review Important Documents:

Review and know what your homeowner’s insurance policies cover. This includes flood insurance as damage caused by flooding

may not be covered under normal homeowners’ insurance policies. If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact your insurance professional. Stay Informed:

With major hurricane winds exceeding 111 mph or higher, its important to avoid

Middlesex College student wins national scholarship Middlesex College student Thomas Emens of Jamesburg is one of only 100 recipients nationwide of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s highly

Know where to turn to for up-to-date emergency information before, during,

property damage by trimming trees and branches away from your home, make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof, and install storm shutters to protect your windows from breakage. And don’t forget to check generators in advance of inclement weather. For additional tips and updates in the case of an emergency, please visit Ready.NJ.Gov, Ready.gov, and Middlesexountynj.gov .

and after a storm. Whether you prefer to stay informed of breaking news and continued coverage of emergency events via traditional media outlets — TV, newspapers, and radio — or social media outlets, its crucial to use credible sources. Residents are also encouraged to subscribe to the NJ State Police on Nixle Connect to receive alerts via text/SMS, email, and internet posts.

competitive Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Emens, who will receive up to $55,000 per year to complete a bachelor’s degree, plans to pursue a degree in politics from Princeton University.

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

Celebrate Community. Celebrate Middlesex.

This June, the County saw the return of Celebrate Middlesex County, a free event focused on showcasing the unique programs and services provided by Middlesex County and highlighting the people who bring them to life through interactive booths and displays. The event boasted a variety of activities including local food vendors, live music, games and activities, touch-a-truck, roller skating, arts and crafts, historical reenactors, and much more. See you next June for more community fun!

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Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

Every April, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners recognizes Workers Memorial Day, as a day of remembrance for fallen workers highlighting workers’ vital contributions to the American economy and society, and the importance of establishing and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. In April, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners gathered with local dignitaries, representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and leaders from organized labor to observe Workers Memorial Day. In his remarks, County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios noted that “the loss of even one worker is too many and is felt deeply by all of us.” Middlesex County observes Workers Memorial Day 2022

Edison Township joins County-wide emergency radio system

radio network. This robust upgrade provides seamless interoperability with all County agencies and municipal police, fire, and emergency medical services, while almost completely eliminating

In keeping with Middlesex County’s ongoing strategy to offer regional solutions, the County has welcomed Edison Township to its emergency radio system. Edison’s participation in this County- wide service will save the township millions of dollars per year and ensure greater efficiencies in communicating emergencies. This arrangement provides access to a state-of-the- art radio system that will enable Edison to maintain communications with County agencies and other municipalities in Middlesex County that are also on this network. Edison’s participation in the County’s regional radio system was approved by the Edison Council in September 2021 and by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners in November. The Edison Police and Fire Departments will be using the regional radio system. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Middlesex County invested $9 million in Capital Improvement Funds to upgrade its emergency radio system to a 700/800 MHz P25, Phase II, microwave redundant

In 2021, two workers lost their lives on the job in Middlesex County, underscoring the continued need for the crucial oversight of OSHA, the advocacy of labor unions, and the constant vigilance of all. Workers Memorial Day was established nationally in 1989 and is observed annually on April 28 in honor of the date the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 went into effect.

radio outages by utilizing advanced technology. The County’s regional radio system saves each participating municipality millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements and ensures all systems meet new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates. Municipalities already using the County’s shared radio system include Highland Park, Jamesburg, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, North Brunswick, South Amboy, South Plainfield, South Brunswick, and Sayreville. Additionally, the boroughs of Dunellen and Metuchen have signed on to join the County’s radio network.

Middlesex County Magnet Schools ranked among best in nation

New Jersey is known for its excellent public schools and Middlesex County schools are no exception. In fact, two Middlesex County Magnet Schools recently ranked in the top 100 among nearly all public high schools in the nation in a study conducted by U.S. News & World Report. Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies, located in Edison Township, ranked 23rd nationally and first in New Jersey. Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health in Woodbridge ranked 69th nationally and sixth in New Jersey. U.S. News & World Report based the rankings on graduation rates, college readiness, reading and

math proficiency and performance, performance by underserved students, and curriculum breadth. They include nearly 18,000 schools –

Showing solidarity for Ukraine “The world has seen the incredible courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of horrific, unrelenting attacks by Russia. America stands in solidarity with Ukraine in this fight for democracy, and with Ukrainian Americans – almost 74,000 of whom call New Jersey home… many right here in Middlesex County,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios at the flag raising event held Saturday, March 12.

almost every public high school in the country. Previously known as Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, Middlesex County Magnet Schools was the first county vocational school system in the United States and was recently renamed as part of an overall rebranding to align and raise awareness of the district’s exceptional and specialized education.

Story continued on page 9

Spring 2022

Your Middlesex

2022 State of the County reaffirms County’s robust fiscal health and residents’ quality of life With that same eye toward

Middlesex County Magnet Schools awarded $300k in federal funding for new workforce training program

In early April, Middlesex County leaders gathered for the annual State of the County address, which was held in-person for the first time in two years. The event, which took place at the Carteret Performing Arts Center with more than 200 County residents, business leaders, students, and government officials in attendance, featured an address from Board of County Commissioners Director

initiatives specifically focused on revitalizing the education system, continuing to build programs centered around the health and wellness of residents, and ensuring Middlesex County is the best place to live, work, and play for all. Focusing on quality of life for all Middlesex County will work to ensure the County remains the best place to live, work, and play for future

building a better future for all, in 2022 the Board of County Commissioners will create an office within the County’s organizational structure dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The County will partner with a firm to perform an evaluation of internal and external functions, policies, and programs, with the firm recommending any relevant compliance areas and strategies to be implemented to better incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the County.

County residents interested in pursuing careers in the agricultural and seafood industries will have new opportunities to expand their education thanks to an innovative workforce training program launching soon at Middlesex County Magnet Schools. The Agricultural and Aquacultural Workforce Training Program will focus on agricultural and seafood industry workforce development and help address food insecurity in Middlesex County. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., the Magnet Schools were awarded $300,200 in federal funding from a spending bill signed in March 2022. This funding will allow the school system to expand work-based learning and industry partnerships while also enabling students to grow fresh vegetables for distribution to families in Middlesex County.

In addition to learning about cutting-edge farming and fishing methods, students will also have the opportunity to learn about food innovation and the various aspects of food sales and distribution. The funding was announced via a press conference in May. Congressman Pallone, Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Magnet School Superintendent Jorge Diaz, and others spoke to the benefits of this program for the school system and the entire community.

Ronald G. Rios. In his remarks, County Commissioner

Middlesex County has been on a transformative journey over the last decade centered on making strategic business decisions to improve our overall fiscal health and investing in the vital services we provide our residents, all laddering up to our Destination 2040 master plan,” – Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios .

generations by investing in renewable energy technologies and collaborating with mayors and municipal stakeholders to improve

Director Rios provided an update on the County’s finances, sharing that

despite the global pandemic and the economic challenges of the past two years, Middlesex County grew its surplus fund to nearly $89 million and decreased its debt by more than $10 million. This surplus, combined with the County’s receipt of the coveted AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, reaffirms Middlesex County’s robust fiscal health. He also spoke about the County’s plans for 2022 and beyond, including its commitment to its residents through programs and

residents’ safety through Vision Zero initiatives that will greatly reduce “preventable” traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Magnet Schools from page 6 The Middlesex County Magnet Schools name more accurately reflects the broad Magnet Schools make the rank

The Middlesex County Vocational Technical Schools are now known as the Middlesex County Magnet Schools. The new logo and brand identity was unveiled in June 2022.

spectrum of specialized learning opportunities and innovative programs the district currently offers. In addition to Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies and Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health, MCMS includes East Brunswick Technical High

School, Perth Amboy Technical High School, and Piscataway Technical High School. The district also offers a robust adult education program.

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 2 || 2022 1 // Get to know: Prosecutor’s Office 2 // Dine below the line 3 // Hurricane season has officially started 4 // Celebrate 6 // Magnet Schools ranked among best in nation 7 // Edison Township joins County-wide emergency radio system 8 // State of the county 9 // Magnet Schools awarded $300k in federal funding

2022 State of The County

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

Explore new foods, art and experiences with Tour20, our immersive passport adventure.

discovermiddlesex.com/Tour20

middlesexcountynj.gov

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