Students ‘shadow’ staff in celebration of National Job Shadowing Day

 Feb 10, 2012

The Somerset County Board of Freeholders and the 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension once again co-sponsored “4-H Careers & County Government Day” in celebration of National Job Shadowing Day. This jointly sponsored careers day is held every two years in Somerset County.

About 100 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from around the county spent a good part of the day “shadowing” employees and managers of various county divisions to learn how day-to-day government works and to explore career opportunities.
"Job shadowing is always an exceptional learning experience for students," said Freeholder Director Patricia L. Walsh. "Our visitors learned about our diversified workforce who are dedicated to providing residents with various programs and services. We are always pleased to partner with the 4-H Youth Development Program to make this program possible."
The day’s activities began with a welcome by Freeholder Walsh. Afterward students went to various divisions with their respective hosts.
The Division of Solid Waste Management took students to Newtech Recycling Inc. in Somerset (Franklin Township) to see how Somerset County recycles electronics. The Recycling Division took students on a tour of the Somerset County Recycling Center in Bridgewater where they learned about the recycling curbside program and dispatch operations.

Students visiting at the Facilities and Services Division took a tour of different county buildings and built bird houses in the Wood Shop. Students visiting the Vehicle Maintenance Division worked with a mechanic. They also learned about gas and diesel fuels, how the county purchases vehicles and about the county’s auction of old vehicles.

The Consumer Protection / Weights and Measures offices took students to local off-site locations for inspections.

Students visiting the Public Information Office learned how to publicize an event. They used a digital camera and explored venues such as Facebook, Twitter and e-mail subscriptions that the office uses to keep residents informed about programs and services. They worked with a graphic artist to create a poster and then visited the print shop.

Through the Office on Aging and Disability Services, students learned about the county-operated senior centers / nutrition program by visiting a senior center. Students interacted with the senior population and helped with the Meals on Wheels program. Also, at the Engineering Division students saw demonstrations on the flood warning system, flood control project, land survey practices, roadway plan design and computer drafting.

Students visiting the Public Health & Safety Department spent time with the Emergency Management Division, the 911 Communications Center and the Health Department. Students toured the Emergency Services Training Academy in Hillsborough, the Mobile Command Center and the 911 Communications Center in Somerville. The Health Department brought students on routine public and environmental health inspections.

Students visiting at the Prosecutor’s Office observed a court proceeding, visited the Somerset County Police Academy and visited the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Forensics Lab in Hillsborough to observe work performed by detectives.

At the Sheriff’s Office, students toured headquarters, the courthouse and the Somerset County Jail. They also saw K-9 and Project Lifesaver demonstrations.

At the Somerset County Library, students took part in story time, processing of books, check-in and check-out of books, answering reference questions, children’s program planning and got a behind-the-scenes look at how the library purchases books, movies, music, etc.

Students interested in working outdoors assisted Somerset County Park Commission rangers in patrolling parkland and learned about day-to-day activities. At the park commission’s Environmental Education Center, students observed and participated in scheduled group programs. They also saw the Center’s live specimen collection and assisted a naturalist in daily tasks related to maintenance of specimens and their native habitats.

And at the park commission’s Lord Stirling Stable, activities were hands-on. Students learned what it takes to maintain an equestrian operation. They fed, groomed and tacked up (equipment needed to get a horse ready for riding) the horses. They learned what horses eat and what daily routine medical care is provided. Also, students learned about basic horse safety and had an opportunity to ride a horse.

Numerous other activities were planned at other divisions -- Bridge Division, Road Division, Traffic Safety, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Vocational & Technical Schools Cosmetology, Culinary, Art and Plumbing Departments -- that gave the children an opportunity to learn more about county government
 

Program Provides Down Payment Assistance

 Feb 17, 2012

The Somerset County Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program (HDAP) offers a down-payment grant to income-eligible renters who live or work in Somerset County. The program is seeking renters who are unable to save for a home within Somerset County because their current housing costs are so high.

These households could afford a monthly mortgage payment, which might even be lower than their rent, if they were to receive a down-payment assistance grant. Once they are preapproved by a bank to receive a mortgage, HDAP will work to provide them with homebuyer education and a down-payment assistance grant.

The Somerset County Community Development Office will certify that an applicant is eligible after he or she has been preapproved by a mortgage lender; has saved at least 2 percent of the purchase price that they have been preapproved for; and has attended a homebuyer education class.

Once the applicant identifies a unit and meets with a housing counselor to make sure that pre-purchase housing costs are affordable, the Community Development Office will provide a commitment letter stating the amount of the grant that the applicant will receive. This step must happen before the unit is under contract.

The amount of the grant will be determined by the purchase price that the applicant has been pre-approved for, the amount of savings that the applicant has, and post-purchase housing costs. 

SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH, APRIL, MAY 2012

 Feb 7, 2012

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Duke Island Walkers
A weekly walking group will meet every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor's Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park off Old York Road in Bridgewater along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226. The walk is free of charge

Maple Sugaring
The Somerset County Park Commission invites children and adults to a 90-minute program to witness how Maple Trees are tapped, learn about sap collecting methods from the past and present, and experience the boiling process that produces delicious New Jersey Maple Syrup. The ”Sugar Shack,” run by the Somerset County Park Commission Naturalists, is a one-half mile walk through the forest from the Environmental Education Center building at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ. Free public programs take place at the sugar shack on Saturdays and Sundays, from through March 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 2:00 PM on Saturdays and 12:00 Noon and 2:00 P.M. on Sundays.

Art & Photography Exhibit
Showcasing the four seasons at Leonard J. Buck Garden, the exhibit will feature photographs, paintings, and drawings of Buck Garden from Monday, February 27 to Friday, March 16, 2012. See the Garden's many faces through the works of talented artists and photographers. This exhibit will be held at the Leonard. J. Buck Garden Visitor Center, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, NJ - Free to Public Monday-Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. only, Far Hills 908-234-2677.

Rose Pruning Workshop
This combination lecture and hands-on workshop presented by the Park Commission Horticulture staff on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. (rain date March 17) will provide all the basics needed to help ensure a season of healthy roses in your garden. Bring your leather gloves and pruning equipment, and remember to dress
warmly. The program will be held in the Rose Garden in Colonial Park, Parking Lot A. Fee is $12 per person. The program is limited to 30 participants. Register by calling 732-873-2459, ext. 21.

Pruning Fundamentals
On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., Leonard J. Buck Garden staff will demonstrate the basic pruning techniques that are used in the Garden. The program will take place at 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ. Proper pruning tools will be discussed. Participants will learn how to maintain the health and beauty of their home garden. Fee is $12 per person. Pre-registration is required 908-234-2677.

Woodland Walks at Leonard J. Buck Garden
Brighten your spring with a captivating and informative tour of the Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, NJ on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 P.M. in April and May. Enjoy the magnificent drifts of native wildflowers and spring perennials blooming throughout the garden, as well as azaleas, dogwoods, and many colorful flowering shrubs and trees. Discover the great variety of plants growing among the rock formations and woodlands; immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Tours begin on April 1 and continue on April 15, 22, 29, and May 6, and 13, 2012. Fee is $4 per person.

Equine Mini Workshop 101
The mini workshops offer people a chance to gain experience and confidence around horses. Participants learn the proper way to groom a horse and to put on the tack. The parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle are discussed. Students learn the different colors and breeds of horses, as well as the important role the farrier and veterinarian play in a horse's life.

The workshops are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. beginning Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. The cost is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class. This workshop does not include riding.

Spring Pruning Demonstration
Horticulture staff at the Colonial Park Gardens will demonstrate and discuss basic pruning techniques and the proper tools to use on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. (rain date: Saturday, April 21). The program will be held in the Arboretum in Colonial Park at Parking Lots A and F. Fee is $12 per person (limit 30 people). Register by calling 732-873-2459, ext. 21.

Private Horse Hunter Pace
Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maople Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ invites riders and their horses to participate in the Private Horse Hunter Pace on Sunday, April 15, 2012. The goal of a Hunter Pace is to ride a marked course in teams of two or three riders. Ribbons are awarded to the 6 teams in each division that finish the course closest to the “ideal time” set by the Pace Team. The distance is approximately 6 - 8 miles with 30 to 40 fences. The jumps along the well-marked trail vary in height up to three feet with ample room to go around each. Registration begins at 9A.M. and the last team must be on course by 1:00P.M. A new feature of the event is the addition of a “Senior” division for riders over 50 years of age. The Open, Family (members of the same immediate family), and Junior (at least one team member must be under 18) divisions are also available. All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet. Western riders are welcome. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable and SCPC Lord Stirling Stable.
Garden Photography Workshop

The Flower & Landscape Photography class is being offered to beginner and intermediate photo enthusiasts by professional photographer Brien Szabo of Nature Images, Inc. at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, NJ The class, on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. will include technical instruction followed by outdoor photography of plant close-up and landscape scenes. Fee is $35 per person. Pre-registration required call - 908-234-2677.

Spring Yoga
Classic Hatha Yoga is a low-impact program to introduce adults to the healthful benefits of Yoga and improve on existing skills for those who previously participated. The 10-week evening program will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The Beginner class runs from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at a fee of $80.00. The Experienced class will run from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. and will cost $100.00. The program will be offered at Park Commission Headquarters at North Branch Park, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater.

Spring Pleasure Drive at Lord Stirling Stable
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable (FLSS) invite drivers to guide their horses and carriages along the well-groomed trails of Lord Stirling Stable at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge on Sunday, April 22, 2012. Teams will depart between 9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. Spectators are welcome at no charge. Please visit www.flssnj.org for more information.

Spring Plant Sale and Earth Day Celebration
Enhance your garden with some spectacular new plant treasures, and help us celebrate Earth Day at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in far Hills, NJ on Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 P.M. Weekend highlights include a plant sale featuring many choice selections of perennials, ferns and woody plants, inspiring garden lectures, and guided tours of this magnificent naturalistic rock garden. This event is co-sponsored with Watnong Chapter North American Rock Garden Society. There is no admission charge. For additional information, please call Buck Garden at 908 234-2677.

Spring Nature Ride
The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable will host a Spring Nature Ride on Sunday, April 29, 2012 on the trails of Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. Three ride times are being offered: 8:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M., and 1:00 P.M. Riders are invited to stay for a Hunt Breakfast following the ride.

People with little or no riding experience are welcome on the one-hour guided trail ride. Experienced English saddle riders may also enjoy this leisurely ride along the 18 miles of trails with their non-rider friends. Junior riders (from 9 to 12 years of age) may participate if accompanied by an adult. Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Certified ASTM/SEI riding helmets and hard-soled boots or shoes with a well-defined heel are required and may be rented in the stable office for $3.00 each. Pre-registration is required. Forms and fee information are available online at www.flssnj.org and in the Stable office.

Project E.A.R.T.H - Swamp Search!
Join the Naturalists for an exciting scavenger hunt on Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 3:45 P.M. at the Environmental Education Center trails at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ to learn about the importance of the Great Swamp as an ecological and recreational resource. Enjoy environmental activities and games for children of all ages. Try your “eco-skills” on our scavenger hunt and learn how you can promote positive environmental actions. Be back at the EEC by 3:15 for an eco-skills challenge game to win cool prizes. Then stay for the “Butterflies Bring Spring” program from 3:45 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. The butterfly program will be presented rain or shine. The program is free.

Adult Bocce League
Teams of 4 players made up of adults 18 years of age and older will meet once a week on Thursday evenings at the Colonial Park Bocce Courts at Parking Lot f in Somerset, NJ Registration deadline is Saturday, April 30, 2011.League play will begin on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. For information, call 908-722-1200, extension 226.

Family Fun Day at Lord Stirling Stable
The 29th Annual Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. In addition to games on horseback for current riding students, this unique community event features free pony rides and hay rides from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., local groups and organizations presenting demonstrations and sharing information, and child-friendly arcade games where everyone is a winner. Food, beverages, and gift items will be offered for sale by the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable as well as gently used riding apparel. For more information, please call the stable office at 908-766-5955.

Garden Photography Workshop - Flower & Landscape
The Flower & LandscThe Flower & Landscape Photography class will involve technical instruction focusing on alternative approaches to landscape and flower photography, exploring the abstract side of photography from multiple exposure images, using filters, blur techniques and more. The class at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ will include a lecture and shooting session taught by professional photographer Brien Szabo of Nature Images, Inc. The class, designed for all levels of digital and film photographers, is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Fee is $35 per person. Pre-registration required call - 908-234-2677.Equine Mini-Workshop 102

Equine Mini Workshop 102
Completion of Mini Workshop 101 is a prerequisite for this class. Students will explore more advanced topics such as nutrition, clipping, bandaging, and basic conformation. The workshops are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon beginning Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The cost is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class. This workshop does not include riding.

Equine Mini-Workshop 103
Completion of Mini Workshop 102 is a prerequisite for this class. Students will explore more advanced topics to increase knowledge and awareness of equine behavior. The workshops are offered on five consecutive Saturdays from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. beginning Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The cost is $55 for Somerset County residents and $92.50 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of class. This workshop does not include riding.

Mother's Day Trail Ride
This is the perfect opportunity for non-equestrian family members to join "the rider in the Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, NJ. The ride, sponsored by The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, will be conducted on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012 Registration is necessary; forms and additional information are available in the Stable office and on the Friends' web site at www.flssnj.org.

Introductory Horseback Ride
The one-hour trail ride scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. will be preceded by a brief lesson at Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Avenue, Basking Ride, NJ. The ride is geared to people who have an interest in becoming more familiar with English-style riding. Participants must be at least 12 years old and under 240 pounds. Riders between the ages of 9 - 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Registration is available in the Stable office between 9A.M. and 4:30 P.M. from May 7 through May 17, 2012. Fee is $32 for Somerset County residents and $40 for non-residents.
 

SIGN-UP NOW FOR ECO-EXPLORERS SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAMS FOR AGES 7 TO 9

 Feb 9, 2012

Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center

BASKING RIDGE, NJ - The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey has opened registration for Eco-Explorers, a summer science and nature program for children ages 7 to 9.

Eco-Explorers offers a series of 3 two-week and 2 one-week summer sessions of day-long programming exploring nature and science through hiking, canoeing, games, crafts, and exciting day trips. The Naturalist-led series takes a hands-on approach to learning through creative expression, educational games, imagination, nature exploration, and physical skill development. Each of the five sessions offers field trips, guest speakers, nature walks, canoeing, swimming, games, arts and crafts, and more.

Eco-Explorers runs from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Monday, June 25 through Friday, July 6 “Tales of a Planet” $648
Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 20 “Swamp Scientists” $720
Monday, July 23 through Friday, August 3 “Habitat Trackers” $720
Monday, August 6 through Friday, August 10 “Forest Fanatics” $360
Monday, August 13 through Friday, August 17 “Creature Feature” $360

Post program extended care options are available for all sessions. Registration may be made on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 425 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.

Blue “BOBO (Buy One - Bring One) Fridays” bins now are located at the Environmental Education Center and Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, as well as at the Somerset County Park Commission headquarters at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The public is invited to drop off canned food or personal-care items for donation to Somerset County food banks.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org
 

Walsh Named Freeholder Director for 2012 - Palmer Is Deputy Director

 Jan 9, 2012

SOMERVILLE – Patricia L. Walsh of Green Brook was named director of the Somerset County Board of Freeholders for 2012 at the board’s Jan. 6 reorganization meeting. Peter S. Palmer of Bernardsville will serve as deputy director this year.

Robert Zaborowski of Franklin joined Palmer in taking the oath of office for their fifth and sixth freeholder terms, respectively, following their re-election in November. The other members of the freeholder board are Patrick Scaglione of Bridgewater and Mark Caliguire of Montgomery, who is filling the one-year unexpired freeholder term of Assemblyman Jack M. Ciattarelli.

In her inaugural remarks, Freeholder Director Walsh noted that Somerset County joined most of New Jersey in weathering two significant storms in 2011: Hurricane Irene in August and the Halloween weekend nor’easter.

“I want to again thank and commend the first responders, emergency management and public works teams, state, county and municipal employees, local organizations and the many volunteers who came forward to respond to these storms,” she said. “We were fortunate to have no loss of life in Somerset County during either event.”

This year will present ongoing financial challenges, she said. “We have gone through the worst economic scenario in anybody’s memory and have done so while protecting our tax payers, services to our citizens and the livelihood of county employees.

“The next 12 to 24 months are going to be just as challenging and will require even greater cooperation if we are to continue our long-standing tradition of exemplary services coupled with a strong financial underpinning that is based on solid planning and sound budgeting,” she said.

On the plus side, she said, the county has retained its long-held triple-A bond rating and received more than $60 million in grant funds during 2011. One of the largest grants was $35.2 million for the Route 22/Chimney Rock Road Interchange, which is scheduled to start construction later this year.

Other 2011 accomplishments included construction of solar panels on 36 public-sector properties as part of the countywide renewable-energy project; another 35 sites will be part of Phase 2 this year. Open space acquisitions included the 247-acre Skillman Park and another 355 acres for the Sourland Mountain Preserve. The county’s dedicated open-space trust fund also provided $1-million grants to Bound Brook and Green Brook for turf field upgrades.

Looking ahead to 2012, Freeholder Director Walsh heralded the planned migration of three more towns – Somerville, Raritan and Bernards – to the county’s 911 dispatch system; completion of the North County Public Works Facility in Bridgewater; design of a new Social Services building to replace the current one on East High Street in Somerville; creation of recycling drop-off locations around the county for residents and businesses; and completion of the police consolidation study in early March.

She also noted the passing last fall of two longtime Somerset County public servants, former Freeholders Vernon A. Noble and Peter J. Biondi. Noble served as county surrogate before retiring some years ago; Biondi had just won re-election to the State Assembly at the time of his death in early November. County officials plan to name the Talmage Avenue flood-control bridge in memory of Noble, a founding member of the Green Brook Flood Control Commission. Hillsborough Township’s municipal building will be named for Assemblyman Biondi, who served as mayor there.