“And Just When We Thought We’d Seen It All…”

 “We must stop regarding unpleasant or unexpected things as interruptions of real life. The truth is that interruptions are real life.” - C.S. Lewis

Approximately 2 weeks ago, Somerset County’s network was hit by a cyberattack that left us unable to access any of our computers and computer connected functions.  For me, at least, this attack drove home a central piece of irony. Much we have done over the past 2 years to enable virtual work to be able to serve the public during the pandemic was rendered moot during this outage, as our situation essentially reversed from “can’t see folks in person” to “only can see folks in person.”  For those of us who remember the days before computers in the workplace we were reminded of the importance of back up appointment books, phone directories, and so on.  There are, even after this roller coaster couple of years, clearly more “lessons to be learned.”

On the bright side, our county IT department has done a tremendous job of getting us back online and our data backups were lifesaving. Our ability to use smart phones and newly created Gmail addresses kept us able to stay afloat and serving the public, albeit with a temporarily leaky boat.  As I write this (June 6th) most of our systems have been restored, and those that haven’t are well on their way to restoration. 

We’ve once again been reminded of how fragile our hold on information flow and operational logistics truly are and we here at SCDHS have added this to the trio of challenges we’ve dealt with since 2020 (COVID, Ida, Cyberattack).  I have been impressed, once again, with the teamwork and creativity I’ve witnessed during this stretch.  It has been, frankly, inspirational.

So, friends, I wouldn’t really consider this a “column” this month; perhaps more an update on “where we’ve been and what we’ve been doing” since you last heard from us.  This June issue is going to press about a week later than usual, and fewer features than you’ve become accustomed to, but rest assured, we are back!

Celebrating Pride!

Submitted by Savannah Rizzo, LPC, Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center 

How did Pride Month begin? Because the gay community was not widely accepted in the 1960’s, LGBTQ+ individuals would gather in gay bars and clubs to represent their true selves. These venues would allow for self-expression and a feeling of freedom. The History of Pride Month originated following the Stonewall Uprising, on June 28,1969, in New York City after the New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn¹ . The raid led to days of protesting and political activism for gay rights. On the one-year anniversary of Stonewall, thousands marched into the streets of New York City. This was called “Christopher Street Liberation Day”, which became America’s first gay pride parade. The official chant was “Say it loud, gay is proud.”²
The rainbow flag was designed for the 1978 Gay Freedom Celebration in San Francisco, CA. Pink stood for sexuality, red represented life, orange was for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for the soul.³
Gay marriage has been legal in New Jersey since 2013. Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill in January of 2022 to ensure and protect the LGBTQ+ community from any intolerance and injustices within gay marriage.⁴
At the Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center, it is central to our mission and our humanity to be a welcoming and inclusive Center to the LGBTQ+ community. We are accepting of all individuals we serve and provide a safe zone for all.
It has been found that U.S. Companies lose an estimated $64 billion annually when they must replace employees-many of whom are from LGBTQ+ community and leave because of discrimination and unfair work practices.⁵ Richard Hall employees are diverse and receive training to ensure that all are treated with dignity and respect.

HAPPY PRIDE

¹History.com Editors. (2017, May 31). Stonewall riots. History.com. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots

²History.com Editors. (2017, May 31). Stonewall riots. History.com. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/the-stonewall-riots

³Baume, M., Lang, N., & Prager, S. (2020, July 16). Pride flags 101: Everything you've ever wanted to know about gay, trans, and other Pride Flags. them. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.them.us/story/pride-flags-101

⁴Matt Arco | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. (2022, January 11). Same-sex marriage is officially N.J. Law after Murphy signs bill. nj. Retrieved May 2, 2022, from https://www.nj.com/politics/2022/01/same-sex-marriage-is-officially-nj-law-after-murphy-signs-bill.html

⁵It has been found that U.S. Companies lose an estimated $64 billion annually when they have to replace employees-many of them from LGBTQ+ community- who leave because of discrimination unfairness. 

If you or a loved one would like to receive services at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center, please call our Access Center at 908-253-3165.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call Bridgeway PESS at 908- 526-4100.

Somerset 4-H’s New Centre Dairy Club
92nd Anniversary

Somerville, NJ Courthouse Lawn
Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 6pm
Rain Date: Wednesday, June 22

Celebrate the anniversary of the Somerset 4-H’s New Centre Dairy Club! Join us on the lawn of the Somerville Courthouse at 6pm on Wednesday, June 15 to hear speakers tell the story of the club’s history, hear what the club is doing now, and how they’re preparing for the 4-H Fair on August 10-12! After two years away, the 4-H Magic Is Back!

The New Centre Dairy Club was started in 1930 in the homes of members in the New Centre area of Hillsborough. In the 1970s membership was expanded with a loan-a-calf program to include youth who wanted to learn but did not have their own animals. The members learn much more than just how to take care of or milk a cow, but also breed identification, animal care, management, economics, showing and presenting, public speaking, decision making, team work and social skills, and in-depth knowledge of science and technology.

The club participates and competes in local to national activities such as diary judging, presentations, conferences, and the Dairy Quiz Bowl, of which Somerset County won in 2021 for all of North America! Presently there are 25 members in Somerset 4-H’s New Centre Dairy Club. Without the help of Middlebush Farms and Derwood Farms this program could not exist.

For more information about the Somerset County 4-H program, call their offices at 908-526-6644 or visit their website at https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/.

 

Want to improve your health?  Get new ideas for meals?  Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) , a part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, has classes, videos and publications available. Subscribe to the FREE monthly newsletter, or visit our website, https://link.edgepilot.com/s/7f6296ce/_0Ba0lqnMk2qKRMzktQasA?u=https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/.   

Contact Info: Nancy Ebersole / 908-526-6925 x.2510 / NEbersole@co.somerset.nj.us

Somerset Food Access Map ONLINE

Submitted by Mark Avery, Director of Missions and Outreach at Zarephath Christian Church

Food security is a concern to all of us, and here is a simple way to "get the word out" about food access resources in Somerset County.  Available on all devices, this web-based Google map has not only location information of all food access resources, but also website links, delivery options, phone contact and much more (available from map legend or by tapping an icon).  Scan the QR code to get started, and feel free to share!

Questions? Contact Carolyn Solon
Emergency Support Specialist, CERT Coordinator, Mass Care Coordinator
Somerset County
Public Health & Safety/Emergency Management
20 Grove Street / PO Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876-1262
www.co.somerset.nj.us
Ph: 908-541-5695
Fx: 908-725-5077
Email: Solon@co.somerset.nj.us

 

Scan QR Code to View Map!

 

 

 

[Click on image to view video]

Reissued Military Awards for Ronald Virack

Submitted by Peter Niemiec, Director of Veteran Services

Pictured below is Ronald Virack receiving reissued military awards with the help from Senator Menendez’ office, and presented by Jean O’Brien from Somerset County Veteran Services. The awards received are Bronze Star with V (two awards), Purple Heart (two awards), Army Commendation with V (two awards), National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Vietnam Campaign ribbon.

 

Back Row: Jeremy Jules, Chris Johnson, Anne Buckley-Johnson, Jean O’Brien, and Christine Caratozzolo. Front Row: Ronald Virack and Jennifer Virack

 

Boy Scouts Decorate Graves at New Cemetery for Memorial Day 

Below are pictures of Boy Scout Troop 80 and Troop 84 decorating graves at the New cemetery in Somerville, in time for Memorial Day. 

CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

JUNE IS NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH

Homeownership is the number one way households can earn wealth!

Almost every day in June (National Homeownership Month) we are sharing information on the June 2022 calendar. The calendar highlights links to resources, client testimonials/videos and beneficial information for potential homeowners and existing homeowners. We are grateful to all our financial supporters which allows CJHRC to provide our programs and services for FREE to clients. To view the calendar, go to our website, www.cjhrc.org.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you ever dreamed of being a homeowner? A great first step is to attend two days of FREE education. Expert presenters will cover the home buying process and answer questions. The 2-day virtual homebuyer webinars (must attend both) will be held on June 7 and June 9, 2022 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. After completing required paperwork, participants will receive a certificate that is valid for 12 months. This certificate can help participants obtain a special mortgage interest rate, grant opportunities, special attorney rates and more!

To register for the June 7 and June 9, 2022 Virtual Homebuyer Webinar, click each of the links below or contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 with any questions or to register you.

June 7, 2022 (Time 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5492019220559708683

June 9, 2022 (Time 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7485059968049874190
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Upcoming & Recorded Webinars:
2-Day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar July 26 and July 28, 2022
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Click here for the flyer to register
Recorded Fair Housing Webinar Click here to register and view

CJHRC’s staff provide FREE counseling services for financial literacy, pre- and post-purchase, rental, mortgage default/foreclosure, Fair Housing issues/questions and homeless counseling. Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 or visit our website at www.cjhrc.org to view resources. Make sure you like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing) to get important housing announcements, resources and information. CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts. 

 

Hello!

My name is Angelica Sandi and I am thrilled to join the Somerset County Department of Human Services as the new Human Services Specialist. I grew up in Somerville in a home with a view of the Somerset County Courthouse, never thinking I would be working in this community one day! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Human Development with a concentration in Family Services from Montclair State University. My degree also included a double-minor in Gerontology and in Child Advocacy. Throughout my college career, I had the opportunity to work with pre-school aged children in Newark public schools, as well as a summer camp in East Brunswick. These experiences solidified my passion for helping children and families live better, healthier lives. After working for a property management company at Montclair State for the last two years, I realized it was time to move in a different direction, and start building a career in a field that I love.

Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my nine-year-old sister and our puppy, Luna. I enjoy experiencing new restaurants, coffee shops, and some retail therapy here and there! My favorite, however, is unwinding on the couch with a good rom-com or stand-up special.

I truly am looking forward to putting in the work to give back to the Somerset County community and to collaborate and learn from everyone around me. Everyone I have met has been so warm and welcoming and I can’t wait to see what my future at Somerset County holds!

Stigma-Free Conference Recap

Submitted by Meg Isbitski, Mental Health Administrator 

The first ever Stigma Free Conference took place on Friday, May 13^th at the North Plainfield Community Center.  This in person event was a fantastic way to bring the community together to learn about mental health and substance use disorders, promote community services, and reduce the harmful stigma and stereotypes still existing in the community.  There were approximately 100 people in attendance from all walks of life: concerned citizens, school staff, family members looking for help, those with loved experience, and local leadership.  The conference served as a way to spread awareness and education in Somerset County to showcase the diversity and acceptance of all members of our community.  Speakers ranged from those discussing their own journey with stigma, to providers promoting resources, to experts presenting on best practices in mental health and wellness.  Overall, the day allowed attendees to challenge their own perspectives and reduce the stigma.

To see some presentations from the day, follow this link: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/1ff104d0/0Ly8I-ywD0WNeHIVDcHJgQ?u=https://youtu.be/HEKWqfm0Vcc

To learn more about the Stigma Free Somerset County initiative, join us at our next meeting June 17^th at 12pm: https://zoom.us/j/8655804523

For more information, view our website: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/human-services/stigma-free-2645

Please bring your ideas for what we can do next!

                                              

Taking the Term Lifesaver to a New Level

Submitted by Caitlin Witucki, Office on Aging and Disability Services

The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services bring community resident to safety through the Project Lifesaver (PLS) Program. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver Search and Rescue Team were alerted by a caregiver that an at-risk PLS client had wandered away from a family member while the two were out shopping. The Officers responded, and by using specialized tracking equipment were able to enact their search and rescue procedures to successfully locate the resident. The client was located about three miles from their last known location and safely found within 35 minutes of notification. Without the PLS system, this rescue could have taken a full day or longer.

Project Lifesaver (PLS), a nationally recognized program, is a collaborative effort between the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office with support by the Board of County Commissioners. Project Lifesaver is a program designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of PLS is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the inclination to wander.

PLS relies on radio frequency technology and specifically trained Sheriff’s Officers. Clients who are enrolled in the program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. This battery-operated radio wristband-like transmitter emits an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. Each wristband has a unique radio frequency, which can be received by special tracking equipment up to one mile away.  

For more information on the Project Lifesaver program and determine eligibility for the program, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services at (908) 704-6346 or toll free at (888) 747-1122 and a specialist will assist you. An assessment is required at intake and biennially to determine eligibility and qualifiers to remain on the program. Services may be terminated for clients who are not actively wandering.

Below are various job opportunities available within Somerset County including with partner agencies/organizations. For all inquiries, contact the organization directly.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen
Receptionist/office Operations Support

Responsible for performing basic clerical functions such as data entry, filing, bookkeeping, office equipment operation, collection of client fees, and all other duties as assigned by supervisor. This job requires good customer service, intermediate knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Word and Excel, operation of standard office equipment and the ability to work as part of a team. Bilingual - English/Spanish is preferred

Candidate will assist in answering phones for the Bridgewater Family Service Office.  In addition, the candidate will prepare client files for Intakes with Clinicians; greet visitors with respect; collect fees for services; manage staff schedules and insure psychiatric appointments are managed. 

Link to site for full details https://link.edgepilot.com/s/fa5f1d10/2TWdLbncMk6TesjE79gEjQ?u=http://www.ccdom.org/