News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner Deputy Director

Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Ÿ Paul M. Drake, Commissioner

Media Contact: Call Nathan Rudy at (908) 635-8401

For Immediate Release

March 17, 2023

Somerset County to Celebrate Agricultural Day, March 24 with Art, Stories, and Giveaways

Farm-to-Frame Exhibit Will Celebrate Preserved Farms through Artists’ Eyes

The Farm-to-Frame exhibit includes “The Baron Farm Moonrise,” a watercolor by artist Judy Hummer.

SOMERVILLE, NJ – In recognition of National Agriculture Day, on March 24, Somerset County will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the county’s farmland preservation program with a series of programs, including an art exhibit, giveaways at local libraries, and an interactive online “story map” with a timeline about the agricultural history of Somerset County.

One highlight will be the announcement of the winning “Farm to Frame” paintings and photographs that celebrate the preserved farms of Somerset County, at a public reception at 6 p.m. on March 24th in the lobby of the Somerset County Administration building at 20 Grove Street in Somerville. Over 30 local artists have produced stunning depictions of Somerset County farms which are on display now from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, through May 1, 2023. This exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board.

The Somerset County Agriculture Development Board (SCADB) celebrates “Ag Day” to inform the public about the valuable contributions that agriculture associations, agencies, government entities and local farmers have been providing to the county’s communities.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of the county’s farmland preservation program. We are proud the county has preserved close to 9,000 acres of farmland, and we are in the process of preserving an additional 1,900 acres,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, the SCADB liaison. “Preserving farmland is essential to the county’s communities, culture, history and the environment.”

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation at its meeting on March 14 in celebration of National Agriculture Day and the 40th anniversary of farmland preservation in Somerset County. Mark Kirby, Chairman of the Somerset County Agriculture Board, accepted the proclamation.

“I would like to thank the Somerset County Board of Commissioners. Without their support forty years ago to start this, we wouldn’t be anywhere near the little over 9,000 acres that we are going to have [preserved] by the end of this year,” said Kirby. “I’d also like to thank the office staff in the Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development. Without them, we would not have an Agriculture Development Board that’s rated number one in the state!”

Online Story Map Tells the History of Farming

This year’s online story map tells the story of Somerset County’s agriculture highlights throughout 40 years, including the preservation of 126 farms, news stories from farming families, the history of local farming communities, and information about the legislature that supported the preservation program. To view the story map, click here.

“Farm to Frame” Art Exhibit, March 24 at 6 p.m.
Somerset County’s Cultural and Heritage Commission is hosting the “Farm to Frame” event, an eye-catching art exhibit featuring Somerset County preserved farms created by more than 30 New Jersey artists. The event commemorates 40 years of farmland preservation and is also the 40th anniversary of the Cultural & Heritage Commission.

Ag Day Giveaways at Somerset County Libraries
In honor of Ag Day, residents can visit the Somerset County Library System’s branches later this month to get free Ag Day trading cards, and “Agriculture Through the Years” coloring books.

Somerset County Agriculture Development Board

Since the SCADB’s inception in 1983, the board has successfully preserved over 8,500 acres of farmland in Somerset County, with the assistance of municipalities, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, and the State Agriculture Development Committee.

In addition, the SCADB also works with farmers and residents to mediate Right-to-Farm matters throughout the County. The Board also assists farmers in implementing Best Management Practices for their operations, and has been hosting many seminars and workshops on pressing agricultural issues, pending legislation, and new practices and technology.

“Looking Up” by Chrissy Lind is inspired by Dogwood Farms in Basking Ridge.

“Lavender Farm” by Janet Cunniffe-Chieffo is based on Hidden Spring Lavender Farm in Skillman.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Leonard J. Buck Garden to Host Pruning Workshop March 24

The Somerset County Park Commission will host a Pruning Workshop at Leonard J. Buck Garden, located at 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ, 07931 on Friday, March 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. In this class, participants will learn proper pruning techniques to help protect against unwanted growth, disease, and plant damage. The cost is $25. Register by March 23.  To register, click here.

Learning proper pruning techniques leads to sustainable gardening to help perpetuate plant life in gardens, landscapes and to promote a greener future. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of pruning from professional horticulturists during an outdoor, hands-on presentation.

To register, visit www.somersetcountyparks.org, or call 908-722-1200, ext. 5621.

Leonard J. Buck Garden

L.J. Buck Garden is one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States. The garden was created in the late 1930s and has reached a breathtaking point of maturity consisting of a series of alpine and woodland gardens situated in a 33-acre wooded-stream valley. The garden was named after Mr. Leonard J. Buck, who developed it as part of his estate, it was donated to the Somerset County Park Commission by Mrs. Helen Buck in 1976.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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RX DRIVE-THRU MEDICINE DROP-OFF ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18, IN BASKING RIDGE

RX DRIVE-THRU MEDICINE DROP-OFF ON SATURDAY, MARCH 18, IN BASKING RIDGE

Illegal drugs, needles and sharps will not be accepted.

Post Date: 03/15/2023 2:20 PM

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Take advantage of the next Rx Mission Drive-in/Drop-Off and safely dispose of unwanted or outdated prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication. The free event will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bernards Township Public Works Garage, located at 277 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920. Medication should be in the original packaging with the name of the medication visible, and all personal information should be removed. Illegal drugs, needles and sharps should NOT be brought to the drop off.

“The purpose of this free program is to help protect the environment by getting rid of dangerous pharmaceuticals such as unwanted, unused and outdated medicine,” said Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo. “Through the support of our residents, for over 10 years our county has been safer because of the drop-off program.”

“Leftover medicine poses a serious threat when it’s flushed down the toilet or disposed of in the drain, because it can harm wildlife, contaminate bodies of water and end up in our drinking-water,” he said.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most people take prescription medication responsibly. However, in 2017 an estimated 18 million people (more than 6 percent of those 12-years of age and older) have misused medication at least once in the past year. The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows an estimated 2 million Americans have misused prescription pain relievers for the first time between 2016 and 2017, which averages to about 5,480 first-time drug misuse per day.

Furthermore, the USDEA reports that prescription drugs, including opioids and antidepressants, are responsible for more overdose deaths than street drugs such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines. Many teenagers mistakenly believe prescription drugs are “much safer” than illegal drugs and prescription painkillers are not addictive.

RX Drop-Box
Residents can drop off their medication at the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office medicine collection drop box, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no questions asked. The DROP BOX is located on the lower level of the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove St., in Somerville, near the entrance to the Sheriff’s Office.

Drop-Box Locations in Somerset County
For the convenience of residents, participating municipalities have additional drop boxes sites at participating at the following locations: Bernards Township Police Department, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, 908-766-1122 (7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, use the phone in the station house); Bound Brook Police Department lobby, 226 Hamilton St., Bound Brook, NJ 08805, 732-356-0800; Branchburg Police Department, 590 Old York Road at Route 202 North, Branchburg, NJ 08876, 908-526-3830; Franklin Township Police Department, 495 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873, 732-873-5533; Hillsborough Township Police Department, 379 S. Branch Rd., Hillsborough NJ 08844, 908-369-4323;  North Plainfield Police Department, 263 Somerset St., North Plainfield, NJ 07060, 908-769-2937; Warren Township Police Department, 44 Mountain Blvd., Warren, NJ 07059, 908-753-1146; Raritan Borough Police Department, 20 1st St, Raritan, NJ 08869, 908-725-6700. Please note that liquids and syringes are not accepted at these locations.

For more information about medicine collection in Somerset County, contact Sgt. Joe Bialy at 908-231-7197.

The Rx Mission Drive-in/Drop-Off is a medicine-collection program sponsored by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Somerset County Solid Waste Management and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA). The program is held in conjunction with all Somerset County Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events.

News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Doug Singleterry, Commissioner Deputy Director

Sara Sooy, Commissioner | Melonie Marano, Commissioner | Paul M. Drake, Commissioner

For Immediate Release

March 15, 2023
Media Contact: Call Nathan Rudy at (908) 635-8401

County Invites Public to Virtual Meeting About Traffic- Improvement Project in Bound Brook & South Bound Brook

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) will be hosting a virtual meeting to inform the public about the recently conducted “Freight Concept Development” (FCD) study. At the meeting, the public will learn about the FCD’s recommendations for eliminating the Port Reading Secondary South Main Street Grade Crossing to alleviate traffic congestion in Bound Brook and South Bound Brook. The meeting will occur on Thursday, March 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. To join the meeting, click here.

During the virtual meeting, the NJTPA and Somerset County’s Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development team will discuss the status of the project’s preferred alternative. Local officials, community stakeholders, and the public will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions.

To join the meeting and for more information, visit https://www.southmainstreetgradecrossing.com/.

The Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development

The Division operates under the guidance of the Somerset County Planning Board, whose members are appointed by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. The division is responsible for land development review and the preparation of the Somerset County Master Plan as well as transportation projects, economic development, open space, farmland, historic preservation, wastewater management, and sustainability initiatives. The Division also reviews and provides assistance and technical guidance for legislation, housing, demographics, mapping, and much more.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner Deputy Director

Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Ÿ Paul M. Drake, Commissioner

Media Contact: Call Nathan Rudy at (908) 635-8401

For Immediate Release

March 15, 2023

Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center to Offer Gambling Disorder Screening Services March 23

Somerset County Supports Stigma-Free Communities

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ – In support of Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March, Somerset County’s Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center (RHCHWC) is sponsoring Gambling Disorder Screening Day at 500 North Bridge St., in Bridgewater Township. These free screening services will occur on Thursday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

Somerset County is the only facility to provide treatment services for gambling addiction. RHCHWC received a grant to provide treatment services for gambling disorder, in 2022.

Providers at RHCHWC help to create a safe space for the recovery of gambling disorder through a multi-faceted approach to treatment, which includes helping to dispel the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Treatment services also include individual evaluation, case management, and outpatient therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups.

Gambling Disorder Screening Day
Gambling Disorder Screening Day is an international movement to support providers who treat individuals with gambling disorders.

On Screening Day, participants will take a brief questionnaire that includes the following questions:

• During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable or anxious when trying to reduce your gambling habits or trying to stop gambling?
• During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing you have gambled?
• During the past 12 months, have you had to get financial help from family, friends or welfare services to help with living expenses due to gambling?

Recovery meetings are available to individuals on Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. at RHCHWC, or by calling 1-800 GAMBLER. To access additional mental health and wellness services at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center, call 908-253-3165.

Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center (RHCHWC) Outpatient Services
The RHCHWC Outpatient Department provides a wide variety of clinical services for Children and Adults to help support the development of healthy youth and families. RHCHWC is dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique strengths and resources of children, adults, and families. Through providing a wide range of programs and services, clients will develop the skills they will need to manage the challenges they face. Therapeutic services include individual, family, and group therapy as well as Art Psychotherapy, and Medication Clinic Services provided by a multidisciplinary and bilingual team of professionals. 

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner Deputy Director

Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ  Melonie Marano, Commissioner Ÿ Paul M. Drake, Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2023

Somerset County to Hold Household Hazardous Waste Event in Basking Ridge on March 18

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management is holding its free drop-off events for residents to safely dispose of their harmful household hazardous waste items. The event will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bernards Township Public Works Garage, located at 277 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

Social Distancing Guidelines

Residents must stay in their vehicles. Materials should be stored in residents’ trunks, cargo areas, or truck beds and items must be accessible to the staff, so they can easily remove items from their vehicles.  

Proof of Residency

Residents must be prepared to show a current driver’s license, valid lease, tax bill or any other bill with a Somerset County address. Pre-registration is not required. Businesses or commercial vehicles are NOT allowed.

Accepted Hazardous Waste Items

Banned or outdated pesticides, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, wet-cell car batteries, motor oil (five-gallon maximum), fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs, ammonia-based cleaners, gasoline, kerosene, mercury switches, oil-based paints, pool chemicals, propane tanks and rechargeable and button-cell batteries.

Items Not Accepted

DO NOT drop off tires, or electronics (computers and televisions), infectious waste, gas cylinders, smoke detectors, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, or latex-based paint.

For more information about the types and quantities of materials that will be accepted at the event, contact the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management at 908-231-7109, send an email to solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/HHW.

For more information about recycling electronics, contact the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management at 908-231-7109, email solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/e-waste.

A complete list of recyclable items, recycling drop-off events (First Saturday of the Month, Household Hazardous Waste, RX, E-waste and Tire disposal) is available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner Deputy Director

Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Ÿ Paul Drake, Commissioner

For Immediate Release

March 9, 2023
Contact Nathan Rudy at (908) 635-8401 for more information.

Ensuring Private Well Water Is Safe and Healthy During Groundwater Awareness Week

SOMERVILLE, NJ – In recognition of Groundwater Awareness Week, March 5-11, the Somerset County Department of Health reminds homeowners with private wells about the importance of regularly testing their drinking water.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends testing household wells annually for certain containments such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. These substances and characteristics of well water can be quantified through routine laboratory testing.

Homeowners should immediately test if there are known problems with ground water or drinking water in the area and if land conditions have changed significantly due to flooding or new construction/industrial activity. Homeowners may consider testing a well more frequently if any members of the household are pregnant or nursing, or if there are infants and young children present. It is also prudent to test well water after any repairs or if there is a significant change in the odor, color, or taste of the water.

The Somerset County Department of Health urges residents to contact their local health department for information regarding testing guidance based on water quality trends that may be specific to their neighborhood. It is recommended that all well owners conduct a full range of tests at least once, even in areas with no known environmental concerns. This will help establish a record of water quality which may be helpful with resolving future problems relating to well system treatment, repairs, or other environmental issues.

Somerset County residents have several options for well testing. Residents can purchase test kits through the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA). These test kits assess a range of contaminants from total coliform, arsenic, lead, and copper to volatile organic compounds. The RHA will be hosting several community events this spring for New Jersey residents. For a listing of dates and locations, go to www.testmywell.org or call the Well Testing Office at 908-234-1852, ext. 401. Well test kits may also be obtained at the Flemington and Bedminster RHA offices at any time.

Homeowners may also opt to hire a private lab for their well water testing. For a list of certified water-testing laboratories, visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/oqa/certlabs.htm.

Wells have the ability to provide high-quality drinking water, and about half the U.S. population receives their drinking water from private wells. However, with well ownership comes the responsibility of ongoing maintenance. Some well maintenance tips include: checking the visible parts of well systems for cracks or leaks, maintaining septic systems, and taking care to avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals near a wellhead. These actions can all contribute to the protection of residential well water supplies.

Homeowners should also avoid flushing chemicals down drains, especially if the home also uses a private septic system. Inspection checklists and information on safely maintaining a private well are available at www.wellowner.org.

For more information on recommended well testing, residents should contact the local health department. A directory of local health departments and additional safe-drinking water information can be found on the Somerset County Department of Health website at soconj.gov/health or, contact Somerset County Environmental Health Coordinator Erin Balas at (908) 231-7155.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Register for Somerset County’s Therapeutic Recreation programs for people with developmental disabilities who are ages 15 years and above. The Therapeutic Recreation department offers a variety of exciting programs, including fitness, art, sports and social activities. Register online beginning Monday, March 13 at 6 p.m. To register, click here.

Therapeutic Recreation teaches individuals new recreation skills that will transfer into daily life, and they will experience the constructive use of leisure time. Activities will also enhance self-esteem and confidence, improve overall health and well-being, increase physical activity, foster peer relationships, and improve social skills.

Programs

Activities include “Follow the Leader Painting,” “Fit Factory,” “Clay Creations,” “Flower Power,” “Taste the World,” and much more. Program fees range from $20 to $90.00 for one- to two-hour sessions.

To view a list of programs, click here. For more information about Therapeutic Recreation, visit somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-526-5650.

Individuals with hearing impairment should call TTY Relay Service at 711.

Therapeutic Recreation Program

The Program is a cooperative effort between the Park Commission and various municipalities including Bedminster, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Green Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, Montgomery, North Plainfield, Raritan, Somerville, South Bound Brook, Warren, and Watchung.

The Somerset County Park Commission

The Park Commission is committed to excellence in promoting stewardship of land and resources, providing outstanding recreation opportunities and leisure services, and fostering an environment that is service-oriented and responsive to public needs.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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