Volume 6 - Issue 3 - 2021

VOLUME 6 || ISSUE 3 || 2021 Your Middlesex

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

Shanti

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

Narra

Chair, Public Safety & Health Committee

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

Leslie

Charles

Koppel

Kenny

Chair, Finance Committee

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

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

Charles

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

E. Tomaro

Chair, Infrastructure Committee

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

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.

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

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 and another to be

Your Middlesex

Middlesex County convenes thought leaders for 5 th annual Business Summit & Business Series

landscape and made positive impacts in the community that will last beyond the pandemic. The discussion explored the power of generosity and highlighted those businesses that are digging deep to help their fellow business owners. The second installment in the Business Series, Leading Locally in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Future of Automation, was held at Middlesex College on September 9. The in-person event offered members of the County’s business community a chance to network before the program started. County Commissioner Charles Kenny, chair of the County Transportation Committee, served as keynote speaker for the event, which featured a panel discussion regarding how unprecedented technological advances in autonomous vehicle technology, robotics, analytics, and sustainability will positively impact our personal and professional lives. The discussion was moderated by Solomon Caviness, head of the Middlesex County Department of Transportation. Panelists included Balki Iyer, Chief Commercial Officer at EOS Energy Enterprises; Jyoti Sharma, Senior Manager, Network Planning at Verizon; and Brendan Kaplan, Director of Transformation at the MTA. The annual Business Summit was established in 2017 by the late Board of County Commissioners Deputy Director Kenneth Armwood, as part of the County’s future-forward economic development strategy, Destination 2040. The Destination 2040 Comprehensive Master Plan will shape how the County will grow and change in the future through input from those who live, work, and play here. Over the years, the annual Business Summit has grown in scope. Now, in addition to benefitting the diverse business community within the County, it also provides a platform where creative collisions occur between key stakeholders such as educational institutions, government leaders, healthcare, and businesses.

impact on their companies, workers, communities, and the world.

“Middlesex County’s annual Business Summit has become an invaluable resource for not just our business community and its workforce, but for all the residents of Middlesex County as it focuses on the future economy of the County,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “When put into practice, this year’s theme, Leading with Purpose, creates a better, healthier quality of life for residents, ranging from healthcare, to sustainability, to education and opportunity. Events like the Business Summit bring national conversations to the local level, allowing us to bring together innovative thought leaders and industry experts from around the nation to share how their practices will shape the future and impact the lives of our residents right here in Middlesex County and how we can be part of shaping that future.” BUSINESS SERIES In the months leading up to the Business Summit, the County hosted its Business Series. The first Business Series event, a webinar titled Leading Where We Live, was held on June 29, and featured United States Senator Cory Booker and Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum as keynote speakers. Leading Where We Live brought business owners, entrepreneurs, and government officials together to discuss how industries have persevered and adapted to the changing

O n October 21, Middlesex County hosted its Fifth Annual Business Summit, Leading with a Purpose. The Business Summit brought together a panel of future-minded leaders from around the nation and across industry sectors to discuss how businesses are thinking beyond profitability to focus on creating value for all of their stakeholders. Cordell Carter, executive director of the Aspen Institute, served as moderator for the event. Panelists included Lou Cooperhouse, president & CEO of BlueNalu, Inc.; Monique Carswell, director of the Center for Racial Equity, WAL-MART Foundation; Gene Gurevich, director of policy and business development at Mobileye; Natalie Madeira Cofield, assistant administrator of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership at the U.S. Small Business Administration; and Sandy S. Castor, director of the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement. During the discussion, the panelists shared how their organizations are addressing the challenges of the present and future and how innovative decision-making is making a positive

Your Middlesex

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Middlesex County opens Thomas Mundy Peterson Park in Perth Amboy

M iddlesex County celebrated the grand opening of Thomas Mundy Peterson Park on Saturday, September 25. The park, which is located along the picturesque Perth Amboy waterfront, is the 19th in the Middlesex County Park System. It is named in honor of Thomas Mundy Peterson, a Perth Amboy resident and the first African American to vote in the United States ........................................................................ Edison Boy Scouts builds bridge as Eagle Scout project D aniel Moraes of Boy Scouts of America Troop 12 in Edison poses along with fellow troop members on the bridge they constructed for Moraes’ Eagle Scout project. Located on a hiking trail in the Jamesburg Park Conservation Area, the 16-foot long, 3-foot wide wooden bridge will provide hikers a safer, more direct route across the creek. The bridge installation was completed in August 2021 and is now open to the public.

and Buckingham Avenue and is open to all to enjoy. Its features include a synthetic- turf, multi-use field that can host soccer or football; a synthetic-turf field that is adjustable for softball and baseball; a waterfront walkway with views of the Arthur Kill, interpretive signs exploring the history of the site and river; and park benches.

after the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted African American men the right to vote. The grand opening celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, history lectures, football and soccer drills on the park’s athletic fields, food vendors, and more. Thomas Mundy Peterson Park is located at High Street between Washington Street

Your Middlesex

Leaders gather for NJ Innovation & Technology HUB groundbreaking

T he official groundbreaking event for the New Jersey Innovation & Technology HUB was held on Thursday, October 14. Governor Murphy, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and County Commissioner Director Rios gathered to celebrate with other members of the Innovation HUB’s core partner team, which

includes Rutgers, Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, NJEDA, DEVCO, and Princeton University. The Innovation HUB will be located at 140 Albany Street in New Brunswick and has already announced its

first tenants: Princeton University, Choose NJ, and Middlesex County. Once complete, the Innovation HUB will bring together cutting-edge academic research, leading startups, and corporate pioneers to shape the future of life sciences and technology in New Jersey and around the world.

...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Emergency Rental Assistance Program still distributing aid for renters struggling due to pandemic

• Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median income*

(Please note: Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for the 90 days prior to application for assistance, and households with income at or below 50% of the area median, will be prioritized for assistance.) Applications for financial assistance from the program may be submitted by an adult member of an eligible household or by a landlord on behalf of that eligible household. For more information about the Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program – including detailed eligibility guidelines and information regarding area median income – or to apply for assistance, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance.

S ince launching in May 2021, the rental and utilities assistance on behalf of renter households in Middlesex County. Millions more is available in aid and eligible renters are encouraged to apply. The program was established with a $24.6 million grant from the federal government. Funding is distributed on a priority basis, directly to landlords and utility companies for rental and Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program has distributed utility arrears occurring after March 2020. However, if a landlord does not wish to participate, funds may be paid directly to the eligible household. Temporary assistance will typically not exceed 12 months.

To apply for assistance today at middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance. Households eligible for rental assistance through the program include renter households in which at least one individual: • Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 • Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, mainly documented by having an outstanding rental balance and/or eviction filing

Your Middlesex

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telehealth is now more accessible in Middlesex County

I ntroducing Middlesex County’s Telehealth Program, a new, community- based program focused on education and accessible bilingual telemedicine choices. Partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers in Carteret, Perth Amboy, and New Brunswick will ensure healthcare options are safe, confidential, and discrete, helping those in need, specifically those with limited insurance options. Use your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or other personal devices to connect with healthcare providers to help determine the first steps of your care. Telehealth offers all the benefits of a doctor’s visit with ease and efficiency, convenience and discretion, and HIPAA compliancy. For more information about the Telehealth Pilot Program, please visit: middlesexcountynj.gov/telehealth. In addition to making healthcare more accessible, the telehealth hub locations will assist underserved communities in

many ways by offering free internet, tech assistance, and bilingual staff and translators at physical locations, or hubs. Access to healthcare benefits everyone, and telehealth is a step toward preventative care and a healthier community. The program’s first hub location is the Raritan Bay Area YMCA located in Perth Amboy. The program will eventually expand in partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers. With the ongoing pandemic, the adoption and use of telehealth has increased and people have seen the benefit of virtual care — from convenience to cost efficiency — which is ushering in a new landscape for safe, confidential, and discrete healthcare. Sharing the significance of this community-based healthcare initiative for the County, Middlesex County hosted a press conference to launch the program. Speakers at the event included Speaker of the New Jersey General

Assembly Craig Coughlin; New Jersey Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez; Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios; County Commissioner Claribel Azcona-Barber; Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba; Steve Jobin, President & CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA; Dr. Daniel W. Varga, Chief Physician Executive, Hackensack Meridian Health; Dr. Andy Anderson, President, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group; Dr. Jordan Tannenbaum, Vice President/Chief Information Officer and Chief Medical Information Officer St. Peter’s Healthcare System.

Your Middlesex

EPA to fund needed cleanup of Old Bridge Waterfront Park In late August, County Commissioner Deputy Director Narra gathered with Congressman Frank Pallone and representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to announce that the EPA will fund the cleanup of the contaminated portion of Old Bridge Waterfront Park.

Deputy Director Narra. “The County is pleased to be a part of this announcement that the EPA will take over the remedial design of the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site and will proceed to complete the Seawall Sector design, so that cleanup of the Site can proceed. This brings us one step closer to the cleanup of the environmental contaminants, of which we are all so grateful.” The County looks forward to reopening the closed portion of the park once remediation is complete.

Located along the beachfront in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge Township, a portion of this County park has been closed to the public for years due to lead contamination from the seawall. “Thanks to the support of Congressman Frank Pallone and his team, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated this portion of the park as part of the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site and is working to hold those who contaminated the site accountable, and to remediate the contaminated areas,” said

..................................................................................................................................

Fall

Marlboro Leo’s Club, Sayreville ROTC, East Brunswick Lion’s Club, and the Highland Park Lion’s Club, participated in a range of activities including invasive species management focused on Ailanthus (tree of heaven) and the Spotted Lanternfly and trail maintenance. In total, through trash clean up, volunteers collected around 0.5 cubic yards of trash that was hauled out of the trails and surrounding areas. Additionally, volunteers had a trail building project where they worked on establishing a re-route on the white trail which was constructed to bypass several fallen trees blocking the original trail.

Trails Day

A crowd of 53 volunteers gathered at

John A. Phillips Park and Open Space Preserve on November 6 to complete projects related to trail cleanup. Volunteers, some of whom were volunteering from groups like the Edison Lion’s Club,

Your Middlesex

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

All about safety: Prospect Plains Road and Applegarth Road

C ounty Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, County Commissioner Charles Kenny, and County Commissioner Leslie Koppel met with Mayor Stephen Dalina along with officials from Middlesex County and the Township of Monroe in October to further discuss improvements to the intersection of Prospect Plains Road and Applegarth Road in Monroe Township. The proposed improvements will improve safety to this well-traveled corridor, which include replacing traffic signals Applegarth/ Prospect Plains Road, sidewalks, pedestrian pushbuttons, ADA ramps, and roadway reconstruction. This project is a collaboration between Middlesex County and the Township of Monroe with support and assistance from the Middlesex County Department of Transportation. .......................................................................

Middlesex County announces plans for pocket park on Fayette Street in Perth Amboy passing through this part of the County.”

M iddlesex County and Perth Amboy officials have announced plans to demolish the County Office of Public Works Garage located on Fayette Street in Perth Amboy to develop the site into a pocket park, primarily designed for passive recreation. The announcement was made during a press conference on November 9 at the site. “Middlesex County is committed to creating and preserving parks and open space throughout the County and is excited to be working together with Mayor Caba and his team in developing this site from its current use as the home of a County Department of Public Works garage into a pocket park,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “Pocket parks are little pockets of green space that brighten up neighborhoods and can be enjoyed by everyone. In this case, it will be the people of Perth Amboy, as well as anyone else

“This investment by Middlesex County plays a significant role in improving not only the appearance of the neighborhood, it also enhances public safety with its physical improvements and helps promote a neighborhood identity,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “These are all quality-of-life ideas expressed by our local residents and businesses. Thank you again, to the Middlesex County commissioners for their commitment to provide a safe, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable park and recreation services that respond to our residents’ diverse interests, backgrounds, and abilities.” The design for the “pocket park," or small urban open space, is anticipated to be completed in the next 18-24 months, pending any environmental remediation which may be identified.

Your Middlesex

Theatre opening date: December 26, 1921 (100 years ago) ........................................................... patrons attend annually ........................................................... family restrooms added ........................................................... brand-new theater seats ........................................................... Tripled mobility options for patrons with: wheelchair spaces 15 transfers Elevator ........................................................... Increased line sets capacity on theatrical rigging system: Line sets Line set capacity: 1200 lbs. as opposed to 450 lbs ........................................................... Added an outdoor blade sign: feet tall lbs total bulbs linear feet of LED Neon lighting ........................................................... $12 million investment from the Middlesex County Arts and Cultural Trust Fund 31 2,500 1,116 420 1,811 3 200,000 35 12 1

RAISE THE CURTAIN State Theatre New Jersey is back & looking better than ever!

Since opening in December 1921 as Reade’s Theatre, State Theatre New Jersey has been an integral part of the arts scene of Middlesex County and the State of New Jersey. Originally serving as a grand movie palace for silent films and vaudeville, the theatre today hosts a menagerie of entertainment options for the entire community including international orchestras, Broadway, comedy, dance, pop, rock, family events, and more. Recognizing the need for renovations to dramatically improve accessibility, safety, and operation of the nearly 100-year-old facility, owned by Middlesex County and operated by State Theatre New Jersey under a long-term agreement, State Theatre New Jersey initiated a capital fundraising effort, the Next Stage Campaign. In August of 2020, as part of the campaign, the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners announced a $12 million investment from the Middlesex County Arts and Cultural Trust Fund toward the Next Stage Campaign. The overall campaign represents a $26.5 million investment in State Theatre New Jersey, its audiences and community statewide. In October, State Theatre New Jersey held a ribbon cutting ceremony with local and state officials, including Middlesex County Commissioners.

Your Middlesex

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Supporting our students and educators during this unprecedented time

A s Middlesex County students emotional fallout from COVID-19, a panel of experts in education, community services, health care and law enforcement gathered for the first ever Educators’ Summit on Student Mental Health in September. The summit sought to address the challenges faced by primary, secondary, and postsecondary students in the 2021-2022 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. returned to the classroom this fall and struggled with the social and Guest speakers present at the Educators’ Summit on Student Mental Health were Senator Joseph Vitale, Director of Middlesex County Commissioners

district is addressing challenges, including chronic absenteeism, inappropriate student behavior, the potential for violence, and a massive loss of learning for incoming students in the 2021-2022 school year.

Director Ronald G. Rios, County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, and Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey.

“As chair of the County’s Business Innovation, Education, and Opportunity Committee, I have the privilege of working with our County’s educators and seeing firsthand the incredible work they do. I am

“With the help of Middlesex County leaders, educators, school leaders and parents, we hope to better address and support our students’ emotional and psychological needs throughout the ongoing pandemic,” said Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to students, educators, and parents. From high levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout, students already coping with mental health conditions have been especially vulnerable,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. “Addressing COVID-19 related trauma and mental health issues will take more than mental health services, which is why we’ve convened a panel of experts in education, law enforcement, health care, and community services to lead us in the right direction.”

“The past 18 months have been challenging for all of us, but especially for students and educators. On behalf of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, I’m thankful to everyone who took part and participated in this Educators’ Summit on Student Mental Health,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “We understand that these issues are complex, and that the best solutions will be born of collaborative efforts involving our entire community.”

continually impressed by their efforts and dedication – particularly as we continue to deal with the worst public health crisis our country has seen in a century,” said County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum. Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey agreed and stated that children already copying with mental health conditions have been especially impacted by schools being closed, physically distancing guidelines and isolation, and other unexpected changes to students’ lives.

In addition to the survey findings, the panel also addressed how each school

Your Middlesex

How to stay healthy during flu season

F lu season is the time of year that flu viruses are most common. Although the flu can spread year-round, it is the most common during fall and winter, typically beginning in October and continuing through into the new year. Now that it’s here, it’s important that you protect yourself and your community by staying healthy this flu season. The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that can impact your lungs, nose, and throat. According to the CDC, symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Some people may also have a fever or feel feverish. The consequences of illness are especially severe for those with chronic conditions, including congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Symptoms of the flu can be similar to those of COVID-19, but they are caused by different viruses. This means that you can have both illnesses at the same time. The symptoms of the flu typically show up sooner than those of COVID-19, and COVID-19 is contagious for a longer period of time. However, both viruses can be spread to others you come into contact with, including in the days before you see any symptoms. Because of this, it’s important to protect yourself from both. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe.

help reduce the spread of the flu is get your flu shot. The flu shot is updated every year to include protection against the most common viruses, so it’s important to get the vaccine every year. Everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated. There are different flu vaccines that are available; you can ask your doctor which vaccine is best for you. The vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu, and if you do get the flu, it has been shown to make the illness you experience less severe. Getting vaccinated can also help protect the people around you from catching the flu. If you have questions or concerns about your health, you should speak with your doctor about their recommendations. In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other healthy habits that can help you avoid getting or spreading the flu: • Wear a mask! While everyone knows that masks are an important part of the fight against COVID-19, they can also help protect you and others against the flu. • Sick? Stay home! If you have symptoms, it’s important to avoid exposure to others whenever possible. If you can’t stay home, wear a mask and social distance as much as possible. • Clean your hands! Wash your hands as much as possible, using soap and warm water. Bring hand sanitizer with you

when you go out just in case you aren’t able to access a sink.

• Don’t touch your face! Touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can make you more likely to get sick. Avoid touching your face when possible and be sure to clean your hands before you do. • Sneeze and cough carefully! Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, or your elbow in a pinch, to avoid spreading germs. • Make healthy choices! Exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep can all help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off illnesses. If you do get the flu, there are treatments that can help. While antiviral drugs can be prescribed by your doctor to help lessen your fever, if you’re sick with the flu, it’s important to stay home and avoid public settings whenever possible. The CDC recommends that people who have the flu stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. If you are very sick, in a high-risk group due to age, illness, or other factors, or are worried about your health, contact your doctor. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/flu for information about how to get more information about the flu, including county resources to help you get vaccinated.

The most important thing you can do to

COVID vaccine & testing available

.........................................................................

With the COVID-19 pandemic again overlapping with flu season, we encourage all Middlesex County residents to make sure they and their families are caring for their general health, are immunized for this season’s flu, and get vaccinated against COVID-19. To keep our community safe,

Middlesex County continues to collaborate with many community partners to offer COVID-19 testing services and resources to all County residents during this unprecedented time. For more information on COVID-19 testing and vaccines, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID19.

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

Your Middlesex VOLUME 6 || ISSUE 3 || 2021

2 3 5 4 6 7 8 9

5th annual Business Summit & inaugural Business Series Middlesex County opens Thomas Mundy Peterson Park Telehealth is now more accessible in Middlesex County Middlesex County still distributing aid for renters EPA to fund needed cleanup of Old Bridge Waterfront Prospect Plains Road and Applegarth Road to be redesigned

// // // // // // // //

State Theatre New Jersey is back

Supporting our students and educators during COVID-19

page 6

Brought to you by the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners

EPA to fund needed cleanup

County Departments

Administration 732–745–3040

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

Community Services 732–745–4230

Transportation 732–745– 3843

Finance 732–745–3173

Public Safety & Health 732–745–3100

Infrastructure Management 732–745–3995

middlesexcountynj.gov

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker