I am writing this piece roughly 1 month after Ida devastated major portions of Somerset County.  To call this last year challenging is such an understatement that I find myself searching for a new word (heartbreaking, unbelievable, devastating, and so on).  I cannot recall a time – in my lifetime, anyway- where such an onslaught occurred in such a viciously sequential fashion.  As I write this column every month I have wondered-and written about-how much can we take?  It’s an existential question, of course, for which there is no real answer.

We have seen some very good things happen in this county in response to the torrential rains of September 1^st and the displacement and destruction piled on so many of our residents.  Beginning that very night, staff from our SCDHS began working in cooperation with our non-profit network and colleagues in emergency services to do whatever could be done to mitigate the damages done (to home and property and to the barrage inflicted on so many people’s mental health and souls from things beyond their control).  Our staff and system partners have worked tirelessly in this past month, and while things are certainly better, the need for the work remains and so the work will continue. As we go to press, there are still roughly 30 families working with our county team as they move from what was to what will be.  I am proud to work in a county that truly cares about the people who reside in it.  From the Commissioner Board to our Senior Management Team to our engineering and roads and bridges and transportation crews, everyone has done their very best to assist.  Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) have been held (a cooperative effort between county government, FEMA, Red Cross, local non-profits) at several locations throughout Somerset County in September and another is scheduled for October 6^th here at our Warren Street offices (parking lot and Lincoln Hose Fire Company across the street) in Somerville.  All these efforts notwithstanding, systems remain distinctly imperfect, and we are reminded yet again about the demarcation between “people of means” and those who struggle to keep their heads above water (in our recent example- quite literally). 

In my previous incarnation as a trauma psychotherapist, I learned a great deal about what produces long lasting trauma exposure symptoms (PTSD) and what can be done to help people mitigate them.  In general, trauma exposure becomes problematic based on a variety of factors: intensity and duration of the exposure, level of control over the stressor(s), and, finally, ability to share the experience with others who understand without judgment.  This is true both in the initial phase of the trauma and, for those who remained isolated and without meaningful (or sufficient) connection with others, through hard work in a psychotherapeutic relationship. 

Part of what we do, or try to do, each-and-every-day, is to help people stay connected to other people.  Sometimes this is for a concrete resource: housing, food, clothing and sometimes it is simply the power of another human being present and bearing witness that proves to be a resource. Never underestimate the lasting importance of such connection. 

Maya Angelou is right; hardship and loss change what happens to us, but with the help of others, and an ongoing faith in the goodness inherent in (most) people, we can refuse to be reduced by it.

It is now the second consecutive fall we’ve lived through times we would have found unimaginable only a relatively short time ago. Stay resilient, my friends, and stay connected.

See how Rutgers Cooperative Extension is making an impact in your community by taking a look at our 2020 Impact Report.

Somerset County 4-H Full Moon Trunk-or-Treat
October 22, 2021 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Open to the public for all ages, share a spook-tacular night with your friends as you go trunk-to-trunk trunk-or-treating! This will be a devilishly good time filled with games, activities, arts and crafts, and of course, candy! So get dressed up in your scariest or cutest costume and have some Halloween fun with 4-H!

BONUS FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES: Somerset County employees can register their cars for the Trunk-or-Treat! Interested in participating in this local, community event? Contact Yhannels Limongi at Limongi@co.somerset.nj.us.

Somerset County 4-H SACH Club ‘Rediscover Your community’ Event

October 30, 2021 • 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Join Somerset County 4-H SACH club for their event focused on letting families rediscover Bound Brook and South Bound Brook. By visiting local small businesses, checkpoints along the way will provide games, activities, and giveaways. Participants will also be provided with passports that they can get stamped along the way which can be exchanged for a raffle entry.

Purchase New York Jets Tickets and Help Support New Jersey 4-H

October 30, 2021 Deadline to Purchase Tickets

Help support New Jersey 4-H by purchasing tickets to some New York Jets games! A Portion of all proceeds purchased using this link will go towards fundraising efforts for New Jersey 4-H youth.

New Jersey 4-H From Home

Various Events throughout the Year

Register today to learn about animal care, behavior, training, breeding, showmanship, and more through three interactive sessions that you choose! Our experts will engage both youth and adults through live demonstrations, discussions, illustrated talks, and games.

Somerset County 4-H Blogs

Posting on Various Dates

Experience the outdoors or learn how to lead a healthier and active lifestyle through our catalogue of weekly blogs. Focused on 4-H and youth education, our well-written posts capture the heart of adventure, exploration, and leadership that youth can find in their own backyard and community.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Traditional Dishes

Every Tuesday at Noon

From September 7 – October 12, join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a limited, live cooking series focused on Latin American cuisine presented in English. We’ll focus on recipes and ingredients that spotlight nutrition and health every Tuesday at noon. Here are some of our upcoming dates:

• Oct 5 – Papa a la Huancaina (Huancayo-Style Potatoes)
• Oct 12 – Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Green Beans)

Hispanic Heritage Month: Cooking in Spanish

 Every Thursday at Noon

From September 16 – October 14, we will be taking a look back at some of our favorite recipes while providing new instruction presented entirely in Spanish. This is perfect for Spanish speakers who want to try the classics while being able to follow along:

• Oct 7 – Overnight Oats
• Oct 14 – Spaghetti Squash

Free Online Cooking Classes

The second and fourth Tuesdays and every Friday Starting November

Join FCHS as we cover a variety of delicious heart healthy recipes every second and fourth Tuesday at 12pm and every Friday at 11am on Facebook Live. With a focus on nutrition and wellness, these free classes are live and encourage engagement and questions.

Wellness Wednesdays with Rutgers FCHS

Every Wednesday Afternoon

Covering a variety of topics related to food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles - Wellness Wednesdays with FCHS brings the knowledge of experts from across New Jersey to provide free, online and educational webinars.

Free, Online Classes for Community Groups

Available Upon Request

FCHS is able to provide in-person workshops, classes, and youth lessons or online webinars for community groups, schools, and early care sites. Our classes cover a variety of topics that involve nutrition, health, and wellness for all ages.

Rutgers Master Gardeners Email Helpline

Available Year-Round

Trained Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County are here to help you with your lawn and garden questions. Although offices are still closed to the public, we are accepting questions via our helpline email at: rcemastergardener@co.somerset.nj.us.

Earth Day, Every Day

October  - November, 2021

Join Rutgers Environmental Stewards for Earth Day, Every Day – a webinar series focused on how you can take small steps to protect the environment. Topics will focus on sustainability, environmentally-friendly lawn care, recycling, and more.

Rutgers Homesteading Academy

October - December, 2021

Introducing “Homesteading Academy” – a new, once monthly lunchtime webinar series for anyone curious about home-grown sustenance and self-sufficiency. Upcoming topics include getting started with backyard poultry, the joy of growing mushrooms, and how to start keeping bees on your property.

Sign Up for Our New In the Garden Email Newsletter

Once a Month Email Newsletter

Register for our brand new email newsletter covering a range of topics from home gardening, pest management, natural resources, agriculture, useful resources, current events, and more!

In the Garden: Episode 2

Available to Watch 24/7

Join us for our second episode of our new series In the Garden where we’ll be exploring a different topic each week in short, fun videos! This week we took a look at Poison Ivy and how you can spot it on the trail so you can best avoid it.

Home, Lawn, and Garden Events and News

Upcoming Events

Check out the Rutgers NJAES Home, Lawn, and Garden website for a variety of information including upcoming events covering topics like home landscaping, local wildlife, Fall gardening, and more. The page also has links to a bounty of great, free resources to take advantage of.

Somerset County FireWatch Program &

Fire Prevention Week

Submitted By Raquel Aiello- Case Manager, Somerset County JIS

The Somerset County FireWatch Program is located in the Juvenile Institutional Services Department. The FireWatch Program provides screening and evaluation with accompanying treatment recommendations for any youths who engage in an inappropriate use of fire or fire safety equipment. We also connect the youths to fire safety education with trained fire personnel when needed.

Referrals can come from anyone but typically come from fire officials, DCF, schools, police, parents, CMO, Family Case Management, or other service providers. The youth must be under the age of 18 and a resident of Somerset, Hunterdon, or Warren County.

Every year, fire prevention week is observed during the week of October 9^th. It began in remembrance of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that burned for 3 days and killed about 300 people. Fire prevention week aims to provide education about the dangers of fire and to promote information about fire safety.

This year fire prevention week is from October 3 thru October 9, 2021 and the theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” This theme focuses on providing education to the community about the sounds that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms make, what to do in response, and how to plan for safety.

In addition to this month being fire prevention week we also have Halloween coming up. With this holiday we have an opportunity to remind ourselves of fire safety tips for the safety of everyone participating in this holiday. In addition to the Halloween fire safety tips provided by the NFPA below, please make sure that if children are trick or treating at night, they have either glow sticks or a flashlight in order to increase their visibility to motor vehicle drivers.

SPEAK 5K and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Submitted By Jessica Skultety, Community Outreach Associate

Ready, set, go! Safe+Sound Somerset hosted their annual fundraiser, the SPEAK 5K, on Sunday, September 19 at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. Runners and walkers raised over $6,000 for crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling to support survivors of domestic violence in Somerset County.

Congratulations to all the participants, whether you ran competitively or walked in support of survivors. Thank you to the sponsors, volunteers and participants who support survivors in finding safety, hope and healing!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviors that one person uses to gain and keep power and control over another person, usually an intimate partner. Violence can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, digital, and stalking. Domestic violence happens in ALL socioeconomic levels and to people of ALL religions, cultures, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Abuse is never the survivor's fault, and there are FREE services available. Believe survivors!

According to Ameya, SPEAK Teen Leadership Camp participant, "Domestic violence isn't an issue that will end on its own. In order to see a change, we need to take a stand to make sure our voices, as well as the voices of survivors, are heard loud and clear." We invite the community to join us for the Candles of Hope Vigil on October 6 at 7pm on the Somerset County Courthouse Green for a meaningful night of remembrance, hope, and action.

Safe+Sound Somerset is Somerset County's leading domestic and sexual violence response organization. All services are available at no charge. Call the 24/7 hotline at 866-685-1122 for supportive listening, information, or in crisis. Visit our website at https://www.safe-sound.org/.

REGISTER NOW – for CJHRC’s November homebuyer webinar sessions (we will not be offering any others until January 2022).   Benefits include: a) Understanding the step-by-step purchasing process; b) Learning about Grants for Down Payment/Closing Costs; c) Obtaining a Pre-Purchase Counseling Certificate which is often required to be eligible for grants or reduced rate mortgages and more!

After completing this webinar and other requirements, you will receive a certificate valid for 12-months. Click on the links below and start learning how you can become a homeowner.  You MUST register for both days to receive a certificate!

• Virtual Homebuyer Webinar: November 15 and November 17, 2021 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm 

November 15, 2021 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2153818352032217614

November 17, 2021 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3764821689537996558

NOTE:  If November webinars are not possible, but you still want the information, CJHRC can help you!  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 to schedule one-on-one phone/virtual pre-purchase counseling.

• Helpful Tips for Existing Homeowners: Ongoing

  Are you an existing Homeowner?  Click the link below to view CJHRC’s recorded Post Purchase program.  Homeowners are informed of several beneficial home maintenance tips from an owner of a plumbing and remodeling company, the pros/cons of refinancing, the difference between a home equity loan and a fixed rate line of credit, available rehabilitation grants, homeowner’s insurance, and other helpful resources! 

  Helpful Tips for Existing Homeowners link: 
   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1738494324686924033
   (NOTE:  the raffle is not available to those viewing the recorded session)

• Savings Match: Ongoing

Is it difficult to pay monthly bills? Do you never have leftover funds to put into a savings/emergency account? Are you trying to pay down debt or planning for a future expense? If this sounds like your situation---we have a $900 benefit!  If you can save $25 per month for twelve (12) months while simultaneously working monthly with a CJHRC counselor, this program will pay $900 to the appropriate entity(s) that were determined at the start of the program and you will meet your planned goal!   For  program criteria and application click this link:  https://cjhrc.org/images/Savings_Match_Application.pdf

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.  For instance, New Jersey is working on creating a homeowner assistance program if you are behind on your mortgage and have a COVID hardship.  CJHRC will post when this program is available on our social media accounts. 

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.  Please visit our  website at www.cjhrc.org and click on the Housing Resource Center tab to view resources. 

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was a policy enacted on December 21, 1993 that forbade any inquiries about a service member’s sexual orientation.  If it was revealed that a member of the military was anything but heterosexual they were subject to involuntary separation.  On September 20, 2011 the policy was repealed, but not before thousands of service members were forced out of the military.  In many cases the character of discharge was under “other than honorable” conditions which precluded them from most VA benefits.  Requesting a change, or upgrade, to their discharge is a long and difficult process.  Effective September 20, 2021 the VA can set aside the undesirable discharge and offer healthcare and services to veterans discharged for sexual orientation.  Any former military member who fits this category is encouraged to register with the VA Healthcare system either online or using VA Form 10-10EZ.  Any questions about other potential benefits or compensation should be directed to the Somerset County Veteran Service Office at (908) 704-6329.

Hello!

My name is Stephanie Billitz, I’m so excited to join the Somerset County Department of Human Services team as the new Municipal Alliance Coordinator. In 2016, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Child Advocacy and Policy as well as a minor in Psychology from Montclair State University. Upon graduation, I worked for the Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties as the Community Activities Coordinator providing support, education and advocacy to youth and their families. I have a passion for helping and advocating for others, and I can’t wait to serve this community in a whole new capacity!  

When I am not in the office, I enjoy traveling to new towns and hiking with my black lab, Mille. If there is no adventure to be had outdoors, you can find me on the couch watching The Office. I’ve re-watched the entire show from start to finish more times than I would like to admit.

The Municipal Alliances in Somerset County, comprised of local citizens and community members, have been successfully providing prevention programs for years. I recognize their hard work and I am optimistic that this momentum will be kept up moving forward. Thank you for this opportunity!

Dameon Marquese Stackhouse, MSW, LSW

Dameon is the first Community Police Alliance Coordinator (CPAC). He will receive, analyze, act upon, and follow-up on referrals provided by participating law enforcement agencies (Bridgewater PD as a pilot). Dameon obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University New Brunswick. He is a Youth Advocate that believes that when we change the trajectory of our kids’ lives, it changes the trajectory of the community’s life. Dameon loves playing chess and watching Jeopardy. He also enjoys listening music and one of his favorite genres is classical. His favorite colors are Rutgers RED and Sky Blue. Dameon is an Activist for SOCIAL JUSTICE. 

2021-2022 Annual and Competitive Grant Applications

Submitted By Monica M. Sprague, Municipal Youth Services Commissions Coordinator, Somerset County Office of Youth Services

Conditions of life under the COVID-19 pandemic have been challenging.  Our youth have not been exempted from this plight.  Imminent societal shifts, including transition from classroom to online and distant learning has been an impingement to academic performance.  And, even weightier, it has altered opportunities in social connections and development that is so vital for our youth.  As we navigate the impacts of COVID-19 on our youth, families and communities, the Office of Youth Services is committed to providing ongoing technical support and resources to our community leaders and volunteer members of our Municipal Youth Services Commissions. 

Supporting our youth, diversity and encouraging community-based services remain core principles that fundamentally shape the culture of the Somerset County Youth Services Commission.  The Municipal Youth Services Commission mirror the Somerset County Youth Services Commission by routinely quantifying the needs of the youth in their local communities in relation to current trends and circumstantial evidence, to develop appropriate prevention and intervention strategies that foster resilience.  The variety of programs implemented in their local communities are supported through grants by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners.

On August 20^th, 2021, The Office of Youth Services held its first JUMPSTART Networking Event for our 2021-2022 Annual and Competitive Grant applications.  The purpose of this kickoff meeting was to lay the foundation for a successful grant year, spark conversation and build a clear roadmap in implementing programs.

The event brought together 30 invited participants, with at least one representative from each commission, thus encompassing devoted community volunteers, school officials, and new members.

A warm welcome was given by Monica Sprague, Municipal Youth Services Commissions Coordinator, followed by opening comments by the Program Director, Antonietta Phelan.  Mrs. Sprague then addressed the audience, providing pertinent information about the grant application process, while highlighting the strategic direction of the Somerset County Commissioners, in alliance with the Office of Youth Services, in supporting our youth in Somerset County with vital programming. 

Three of our commissions shared program highlights from the previous year, with winning visuals that not only captivated our audience, but allowed them to see programming in action.  Time was allotted for questions and answers and an open forum allowed for brief interfacing with others in attendance.  Surveys provided at the end presented a very positive feedback on the overall event, the value of the information presented and its usefulness. 

For more information about the Municipal Youth Services Commission, please contact Monica M. Sprague, MYS Coordinator, at 908-704-6317 or via email, msprague@co.somerset.nj.us.

Somerset County encourages public and voluntary social and human service agencies to continue an essential role in achieving a comprehensive system of needed human services. Somerset County appropriates funds to meet the needs of County residents, as identified in Somerset County's needs-based plans. These funds are designed to provide a “safety net” of essential services for residents of Somerset County who meet the Federal guidelines of low and low-moderate income guidelines up to 350% of the 2021 Federal Poverty Index (Attachment C) and/or fall into the following categories of need/populations: children and families at risk, mental health, individuals with developmental disabilities, homeless, low income, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals with substance use disorders and aging populations. Somerset County anticipates providing funding for Non-Profit agencies to purchase needed services for the citizens of Somerset County for 2022-2023.

To access the Request for Proposal (RFP) please click here. 

Somerset County held its first annual Diversity Festival in 2019 to honor Global Diversity Awareness Month.  The festival was part of a broader initiative to raise awareness about diversity to employees and residents, show support for the county’s multi-cultural communities, and to embrace and celebrate diversity. The 2019 Diversity Festival attracted more than 500 attendees. In 2020, the festival was held online due to the pandemic, but this year the festival will be held in person on Oct. 9, 2021 from 12 to 4 p.m. at 20 Grove Street, Somerville. Attendance is expected to surpass that of the 2019 Diversity Festival.  This free, public event will feature games and activities as well as a variety of entertainers that reflect the county’s diversity.

If you want more information about the Diversity Festival, please email Kim Cowart at Cowart@co.somerset.nj.us. 

Somerset County Diversity Statement:

The County of Somerset is home to a population of promising individuals from around the world, making Somerset County a unique vibrant community because of its diversity. The County’s diversity is among our greatest assets.

Diversity is fundamental to everything we do in Somerset County.  It is inclusive of not only those who look different but those who may think differently.

When Somerset County recognizes, values, and embraces diversity, we are recognizing, valuing and embracing the uniqueness of each individual