“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

-Thomas Jefferson

Like many of you, I ‘m spending way too much of my time and energy ruminating on the upcoming presidential election. As much as I would like to do so, this is certainly not the time nor space for me to vent my thoughts and fears on the current state of American democracy and civic culture; Let me tell you, as a political philosophy major in college, I have more than few of them running around inside my head. 

Don’t get me wrong, I like to pontificate and alienate as much as the next person, but I think we may have reached maximum societal capacity on that front. Instead, let’s celebrate the vanishingly rare and miraculous opportunity we are afforded as Americans to peacefully hire and fire our political leaders every two years. An extremely small percentage of humans who ever walked this earth enjoyed this privilege. Please cherish and exercise your right to vote on November 5th.  At very least, you will renew your pass to complain about your government until the next election.

Zachary Berliner

The Science of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Affects the Brain

 Submitted by Kate Russo, Planning Administrator, Office of Operations and Planning

As we embark on the season of gratitude, I am reminded of how I was introduced to gratitude journaling. I was instructed to write down ten things I was grateful for every evening as I prepared for bed. The act of expressing my gratitude was intended to evoke a positive emotional response and draw my attention to the present.

Sure, we can all think of 10 things we’re grateful for but the act of writing it down and adjusting our mindset to think of positive things does help rewire our thought patterns. So many of us eat healthily, exercise, and have balanced work and home life, but is it enough? Is gratitude the missing piece to result in better health across our lifetime?

Why is it that when we express gratitude, we feel better? After a long day filled with challenging meetings and interactions, how does putting pen to paper and expressing gratitude shift our mindset? When we are in the throes of life, and we need to reflect the most, it seems difficult to shift our mindset yet, it’s the one thing we most need to do.  Science tells us that our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel good. By practicing daily gratitude, we can help our neural pathways strengthen and create a permanent grateful and positive nature within ourselves.

The limbic system is part of the brain responsible for all emotional experiences. The hippocampus and the amygdala, the two main sites regulating emotions get activated with feelings of gratitude. Studies have shown that participants who partook in gratitude journaling and writing letters of thankfulness, reported feelings of positivity and happiness.*

Participants who joined a study on gratitude and appreciation found that those who felt grateful showed a significant reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone. As a result, they were more resilient when experiencing emotional setbacks and negative experiences. **

While there are countless studies on the positive impact that gratitude has on our brains and our bodies, we now need to implement our practice.

Morning practice:

1. Wake up and begin your morning with 3-5 positive things. I am grateful for my warm bed. I am thankful for a safe place to rest. I am grateful for a warm place to call my own.
2. Look in the mirror and share 3-5 positive things about yourself. If you remember the movie The Help, Aibileen had her children state the following “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.” Aibileen was 100% right. You are all those things and more. State your gratitude every morning when you look at yourself in the mirror.

Midday practice:

1. People I am grateful for. I am grateful for my……
2. Compliments I would like to give myself today. I am funny. I am patient. I am adaptable.

Evening practice:

1. Gratitude Journal – Pen to paper and write down your experiences throughout the day for which you felt grateful. I am grateful for my ability to walk a mile at lunchtime. I am grateful for my co-worker Alex. I am thankful for the healthy dinner that was served. Whatever your flow is, go with it. Express all the moments of gratitude that grasped you throughout the day.
2. Top 10 things you are grateful to and grateful for.
3. Thank you notes. Write a thank you note to people you listed above. This can be text, note card or email. Don’t forget to send.

Gratitude is a practice. If you eat healthily, exercise and maintain work/life balance, add gratitude to your routine. If you feel unsatisfied with life, work, or feel like you’re in a rut, start expressing gratitude. If you feel that life is too busy and you’re moving through the motions too quickly, take a moment to express your gratitude as it helps bring back a feeling of control.

There is no time like the present to start your practice. I am grateful for you reading this article and am hopeful that you can experience peace and joy with your newly added practice.

* Wong, Y. J., Owen, J., Gabana, N. T., Brown, J. W., McInnis, S., Toth, P., & Gilman, L. (2018). Does gratitude writing improve the mental health of psychotherapy clients? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Psychotherapy Research, 28(2), 192–202. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2016.1169332

** McCraty, R., & Childre, D. (2004). The grateful heart: The psychophysiology of appreciation. In R. A. Emmons & M. E. McCullough (Eds.), Series in affective science. The psychology of gratitude (pp. 230–255). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention: How to Support Someone who May Be Struggling and Challenge the Stigma

Submitted by Marisa Juliano MA, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, NCC

Stigma is defined as “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something”. When it comes to the stigma surrounding the topic of suicide, it is easy for many to think that someone who has been suicidal was ‘attention seeking’, ‘taking the easy way out’, or being ‘selfish’. With myths such as these perpetuating the stigma surrounding suicide awareness and prevention, many who are struggling may not seek help when they need it. They can begin to believe the stereotypes themselves, which brings about feelings of shame and embarrassment, leading to isolating or distancing from the people in their lives.

Having suicidal thoughts does not make someone weak, and as a community we have an opportunity to change our conversations surrounding suicide to be more safe, inclusive and respectful. Below are both tips for how to speak with someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, as well as ways to change your language when talking about suicide.

When speaking with someone who may be suicidal:

1. Ask them how they are — what they are thinking and how they are feeling. Asking someone if they are suicidal won’t put the idea in their head or encourage them to go through with it. Checking in and asking will likely make talking about a difficult subject easier and lessen some of the shame and guilt they might be feeling.
2. When you ask from a place of genuine care and concern, you create a powerful emotional bond that helps bring someone who is struggling out of isolation and darkness and back to a place of feeling connected to others.
3. Your friend or family member may be experiencing deep pain. Rather than trying to lighten the situation, try to listen and understand what life is like for them at this moment. What is their pain? What are their fears?
4. Remember, when having these conversations, the focus should not be solving their problem or “fixing” them. Instead, your goal is to truly hear and understand them. Depression often convinces people that nobody understands them, loves them or wants to be around them. Depression can trick a person into believing their friends would rather not be bothered. They may be caught in this web and pull away or isolate themselves from a support system.
5. Don’t let your friends or family go through it alone. When in doubt, reach out. Ask the difficult questions. Follow-up and follow-through.

When changing the language surrounding suicide:

Language matters when discussing issues of suicide. Language reflects our attitudes and influences our attitudes and the attitudes of others. Words have power; words matter. Inaccurate language can alienate members of the community or inadvertently present suicide as glamorous or as an option for dealing with problems.

1. To remove the idea that suicide is a desired outcome, we can start saying “'died by suicide', 'took their own life' instead of 'successful suicide', 'unsuccessful suicide'
2. To stop associating suicide with a crime or sin, we would say ‘took their own life’, ‘suicide death’ instead of ‘committed suicide’ or ‘commit suicide’
To make sure our language is not glamourizing a suicide attempt, we would say ‘suicide attempt’, ‘non-fatal attempt’ versus ‘failed suicide’.
Suicide is a serious issue, which means using this word in statements such as ‘political suicide’ or ‘suicide mission’ is not supported since those are out of context statements.

GET A CERTIFICATE & LEARN THE
HOMEBUYER PROCESS

If you want to purchase a home, consider attending both nights to learn the process and attain a certificate.  Participants who complete both evenings and complete some minor paperwork can receive a certificate of completion.  Why is the certificate helpful? The certificate is a requirement by many lenders in order to attain special mortgage products with lower interest rates or other benefits, reduced attorney fees, as well as it meets the requirement for most down payment/closing cost grant programs. 

2-Day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar

 November 19 & November 21, 2024  

5:30 - 8:15 pm each night    

Click here to register

DOWN PAYMENT FUNDS AVAILABLE

Down payment and closing cost grants are beneficial for low and moderate income households. These funds significantly help first-time homebuyers overcome the hurdle of a large upfront cost, making homeownership more attainable especially with high purchase prices.  Join us for a FREE Down Payment Resources webinar on December 12, 2024.  The 75-minute webinar will cover various assistance grants that you may be eligible to apply for.  Click below to register. 

Down Payment Resources Webinar

December 12, 2024

6:00 pm to 7:15 pm  

Click here to register

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - SOME OF CJHRC’S 2025 UPCOMING WEBINARS:

January 27 & January 29, 2025                                February 4, 2025

2-day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar                         Vehicle Leasing, Buying & Lemon Laws Overview

(Call 908-446-0036 for links)                                  Click here to register

February 25, 2025                                                    March 4, 2025

Financial Literacy Webinar                                      All About Credit

Click here to register                                                Click here to register

Questions? Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036.  Visit www.cjhrc.org for resources.  Appointments are required to meet in person with CJHRC staff.

CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts helpful and important information so please like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing).

[Click Here to view full PDF]

4-H

SCIENCE-ATIONAL DAY

November 16, 2024 - Join Somerset County 4-H for a Science-sational Day of learning! Focused on hands-on and interactive learning, Science-sational Day explores a wide variety of science topics, all presented by volunteers with a passion for sharing their love of science.

Registration Due: November 1, 2024. Click here to register.

Building A Better YOU!

November 23rd, 9-12:30 pm at the Somerset County 4-H Center. (310 Milltown Road). 

Building a Better You! is a day full of workshops that provide youth participants with the opportunity to explore public speaking, resume building, cover letter writing, and interview practice all while creating a positive YOU statement! There is so much to explore in these workshops so register to learn more! This program is open to all grades 8-13, you do not have to be a 4-H member to attend. Snacks will be provided.

$20 registration fee- checks to be made out to "Somerset County 4-H" or cash. Payment and registration are due by November 15th. Payment can be hand-delivered or mailed to 310 Milltown Road Bridgewater NJ.

Register Here: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HA5SFlZHFQdpVY 

Click Here for Event Program/Presenter Descriptions

Holiday Craft Festival

December 14-15, 2024, 10am-3pm both days

Join us this December for a Holiday Craft Festival at the Ted Blum 4-H Center, featuring Handmade Crafts & Local Artisans. Refreshments, Pictures with Santa, a Running Train Display and a Gingerbread Contest!

We are also looking for vendors, vendor applications are available HERE. Applications are due November 15, 2024.

 FCHS

November Wellness Wednesdays: Join us for this month’s series of FCHS Wellness Wednesday webinars! These webinars take place every Wednesday at 12:30pm. Registration is required, but is free. To see September’s webinars, please visit: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/

NJ Empower to Prevent: the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP)

The NDPP is an evidence-based, lifestyle change program, shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The year-long virtual program focuses on modest weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity, stress reduction, and healthy coping.

Sessions are enrolling for May, 2025. For more information on NJ Empower to Prevent program (PDF) and eligibility for the program (PDF) contact fchs@co.somerset.nj.us

 ANR/Rutgers Master Gardeners

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards class is registering for sessions beginning in January, 2025. Space is limited, if you are interested in registering or learning more, please visit: https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/program-overview/annual-class/ (flyer attached)

Restful Digs: Restoring Dignity in Living Spaces of Displaced Youth

Leadership Somerset is a year-long adult community leadership program sponsored by the Somerset County Commissioners. It teaches about decision-making channels and critical community issues and introduces participants to key community leaders. Participants have the opportunity to network and enhance their leadership skills.

Each Leadership Somerset class is required to complete one major project that benefits the community. This year, one of the projects is Restful Digs: Restoring Dignity in Sleep Spaces for Displaced Youth. This project is dedicated to transforming the bedrooms of a Visions & Pathways shelter in Bridgewater, NJ, to create a safe, nurturing, and dignified environment where at-risk youth can find respite and hope.

Our passion for the Restful Digs project stems from its potential to make a significant difference in the lives of at-risk youth. These young individuals, often in temporary situations, are at a vulnerable stage in their lives. By providing them with a safe, nurturing, and dignified environment, we can offer a sense of security and hope during a difficult time. This project has the power to positively impact their well-being and help them feel valued and supported as they work towards a brighter future.

Visions and Pathways was chosen for the project because they provide essential support to at-risk youth, including food, clothing, counseling, health care, and education. Their commitment to reuniting youth with their families aligns with our goal to create a safe and nurturing environment for displaced youth.

Our plan includes bright and uplifting room paintings, new mattresses, desks, dressers, and cozy linens to enhance their comfort. Additionally, we aim to provide toiletries and enrich the library with various books. These efforts are crucial in our mission to transform their living spaces into sanctuaries where the youth can experience dignity, peace, and a true sense of belonging.

Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of these resilient young individuals! Your support is crucial for the success of the Restful Digs project. Whether you choose to donate or spread the word to raise awareness about the initiative, your contribution matters. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for displaced youth at the Visions & Pathways shelter in Bridgewater, NJ. Let's make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young individuals in need.

Save A Live Day 2024 

On September 26, 2024, Somerset County was a part of a large-scale Naloxone Distribution initiative called Save a Life Day. For those wondering, “What is Save a Life Day?” In 2023, 13 Appalachian states joined together and distributed over 45,000 naloxone doses in a single day. In 2024, the goal was to bring this movement east. This year, several states East of the Mississippi River (and a few beyond) contributed to what could be recognized as the largest day of naloxone distribution to date. Over 300 counties from over 30 states participated. In Somerset County alone, we distributed over 620 kits!

We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of our volunteers and community partners for a commendable job on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Save A Life Day was a tremendous success in Somerset County, and without each and every one of you, we couldn’t have pulled it off. Not only did we get Narcan out into the community, but we had meaningful conversations and shared valuable resources. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we all come together for one common goal. 

We are already gearing up for next year, to make this event more far-reaching and successful than this year! Please ear mark your calendars for Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services have partnered together to bring free training and naloxone nasal spray kits. They offer free public trainings six times per month and registration is required: 

First Monday of each month at 1:30PM

First Friday of each month at 12:30PM

Second Thursday of each month at 11:00AM

Second Wednesday of each month at 5:00PM

Last Monday of each month at 12:30PM

Last Tuesday of each month at 12:30PM

To register, or if you have any questions or want to set up a training for your agency, please contact: 

Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Division of Addiction Psychiatry

732-235-4341

PreventOverdose@rwjms.Rutgers.edu

If you have any other questions, please contact us at humanservices@co.somerset.nj.us

Career and Life Transitions Center at Norwescap 

We are excited to announce that Norwescap CLTC is bringing our  “Computer Class Series” to the Flemington United Methodist Church, located at 116 Main St, Flemington , NJ 08822. These FREE classes will be held in-person, using our computers and internet. Class times are from 9:15am to 1:30pm.

And our "Computer Skills Classes" In Spanish as well, at our North Plainfield training center, located at 170 Watchung Avenue, Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras North Plainfield, NJ 07060 . Please share our classes. These FREE classes will be held in-person using our computers and internet. Class time: 8:45am-1:00pm. 

Y nuestras “Clases de Habilidades Informáticas” también en español, en nuestro centro de capacitación de North Plainfield, ubicado en 170 Watchung Avenue, Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras, North Plainfield, NJ 07060. Por favor, comparte nuestras clases. Estas clases GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en persona utilizando nuestras computadoras e internet. Horario de clases: 8:45am-1:00pm.

Need to update your computer skills to Office Excel? This class is perfect for YOU! 

November 7, 12 & 14 – Office 365 Excel - This class will explain what Microsoft Excel is and how it can be used in many different ways.  It will go over basic functionality such as rows, columns, and cells and how to enter and reference data.  You will learn how to write basic excel functions and understand how they can be used in everyday applications such as budgeting.  The class will cover the key Excel options and settings and will touch on reporting capabilities using pivot tables and charts (at a high level).

November 19 – Skills Brush Up - The computer instructor will be available in person to answer questions, review additional topics, and provide overall support.  Students can bring in their personal computers and phones for troubleshooting and advice.  These will be drop-in sessions that are open to everyone who has taken a class in the past.  Computers will be available to students to use for practice or to work on resumes, job applications, etc.

Need to update your computer skills to Office 365? This "Spanish" series is perfect for YOU!

November 4- Basic Computer Knowledge - Build a foundation of computer terms and understand how Windows the operating system works.

November 7- File Management - You will learn how to organize and find files, save them where they belong, copy and move files, create folders and much more.

November 12 - Know Your Email App - You will learn the importance of creating a professional email account, organizing and controlling incoming emails, personalized signatures and more. Learn how to take advantage of the many features in your email Calendar. Never miss an appointment again!

November 14 - Introduction to Word Part 1 - Formatting: page layout, orientation, margins, ruler, bullets, line spacing, show/hide, saving/renaming, or deleting files, using Help.

November 19- Introduction to Word Part 2 - Creating a professional document: spell check, templates, auto correct, styles and themes, track changes, headers and footers.  

November 21 - Google Doc 1 - Learn how to format, create documents and save them on Google Drive.

November 26 - Google Doc 2 - Learn how to create spreadsheets, presentation and save it in Google Drive.

¿Necesitas actualizar tus habilidades informáticas a Office 365? ¡Esta serie en “español” es perfecta para TI!

4 de noviembre - Conocimientos básicos de informática: Construye una base de términos informáticos y comprende cómo funciona el sistema operativo Windows.

7 de noviembre - Gestión de archivos: Aprenderás a organizar y encontrar archivos, guardarlos en su lugar, copiar y mover archivos, crear carpetas y mucho más.

12 de noviembre - Conoce tu aplicación de correo electrónico: Aprenderás la importancia de crear una cuenta de correo profesional, organizar y controlar los correos entrantes, firmas personalizadas y más. Aprende a aprovechar las muchas funciones de tu calendario de correo electrónico. ¡Nunca más pierdas una cita!

14 de noviembre - Introducción a Word, parte 1, Formateo: diseño de página, orientación, márgenes, regla, viñetas, espaciado de líneas, mostrar/ocultar, guardar/renombrar o eliminar archivos, usar Ayuda.

19 de noviembre - Introducción a Word, parte 2, Creación de un documento profesional: revisión ortográfica, plantillas, autocorrección, estilos y temas, seguimiento de cambios, encabezados y pies de página.

21 de novembre - Google Docs 1 - Aprende a formatear, crear documentos y guardarlos en Google Drive.

26 de novembre - Google Docs 2 -  Aprende a crear hojas de cálculo, presentaciones y guardarlas en Google Drive.

Career & Life Club (C&LC)

Thursday, November 21, the Career & Life Club will present:  "Dressing for Job Success - Private Shopper for Dress for Success" - In need of clothing for a big interview or new job? Get some tips from an amazing personal shopper! And learn how " Dress for Success" may be able to help you.   This presentation will be held at noon via Zoom. To register and receive the link contact Terry at 908.788.1453.

Thank you,

Cecilia Genao

Program Director

Norwescap

170 Watchung Avenue, Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras | North Plainfield, NJ 07060 | 908.900.0060, Ext.1501 | Tuesday - Friday  Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm

84 Park Avenue | Flemington, NJ 08822 | 908.788.1453  | Monday - Friday  Hours: 9:00am - 5:30pm 

350 Marshall Street | Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 | 908.788.1453| Monday - Friday  Hours: 9:00am - 5:30pm 

CDBG Question & Answer Session

HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities.  In Somerset County, nonprofits and municipalities use CDBG funds for public services programs, facility improvements and infrastructure projects. 

The Community Development Office will host a CDBG Question and Answer Session on Friday November 15 at 11:00 am.  This meeting is an opportunity for organizations to ask questions regarding the CDBG program and to learn how a CDBG grant can help them better serve their clients and constituents.  Organizations that have an open CDBG project are also encouraged to attend as this will be an opportunity to get technical assistance.  This Q&A session will be hosted on Zoom and can be accessed at https://zoom.us/j/96720932424?pwd=qTmytBa5bBCwgcfQ08xNPECM2N3evi.1.

Medicare Open Enrollment is here

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Big changes are coming for 2025.

Now is the time to compare your current coverage to all your choices for 2025 and select the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period gives everyone with Medicare the opportunity to make changes to their prescription drug plans or health plans for coverage beginning January 1, 2024. But don’t delay, the Open Enrollment period ends on December 7.  The plan you have on that date will be your plan for all of 2025. 

Why compare options for next year?

• Just like your health, Medicare plans can change every year—and your current one might be changing. Plus, not all plans have the same benefits and out-of-pocket costs. By comparing all your options, you could find a plan that offers you better coverage, saves money, or both
• Many plans have high premium increases or coverage changes. Other plans may be terminating, which may leave you without supplemental or drug coverage unless you choose a new plan. Some of these changes are automatic. Others will require people to enroll.
• Medicare Part D, prescription coverage is rolling out new cost-saving benefits in 2025 and new payment options. Find out how to get the best advantage from these changes.
• These new benefits coupled with other big changes may result in Medicare plans looking very different next year. Some plans might modify whether certain medications are covered and if there are additional requirements for coverage such as prior authorization. 

All Medicare beneficiaries and their families/caregivers should take time this fall to evaluate their options, even if they are happy with their current plan.