Middlesex County

Recent Articles

Free American Indian Dance Program on 2/26

The Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage and the Folklife Program for New Jersey welcome the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers for a colorful and lively performance of traditional dance and music, representing tribal groups found throughout the United States on Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theatre located at 7 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Known for their dedication to the preservation and cross-cultural understanding of Native American cultures, the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers are an inter-tribal ensemble who preserve and perpetuate the songs and dances of their community. Since 1963, the dancers and their Artistic Director Louis Mofsie, have presented dances and songs which reflect the variety of American Indian cultures, regions and traditions from the Iroquois to the Inuit. This is a free program, but registration is required. To register, please call 732-745-4489. Continue Reading →

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Beekeeping Workshop at the EARTH Center

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is hosting a free introductory beekeeping workshop. Introduction to Beekeeping is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 27 at the EARTH Center, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Avenue in South Brunswick. At this workshop, participants will learn the basics of establishing a hive on their own property, and about the positive impact hobbyist beekeepers have had on the environment’s honeybee population. “This class should generate a lot of interest in beekeeping, and allow those who have never thought about this traditional practice to understand its purpose and importance,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Chair of the Business Development and Education Committee. Another topic of discussion will be the best kind of plants to use as pollen sources in your garden, which is especially important if pollen is scarce in your area. Continue Reading →

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County’s Business Resource Center Presents Entrepreneurship Workshop

If you’re looking to start your own business, develop an idea you have for a business, or are currently searching for a job, be sure to sign up the Middlesex County Office of Workforce Development’s upcoming workshop. “Business Structure & Entrepreneurship” provides answers and resources on finding your place in the business world and is part of the SCORE Entrepreneurship Series of workshops. It is scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, February 4 at the Middlesex County One-Stop Career Center, 550 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick. The workshop is sponsored by SCORE/Princeton Chapter, Jersey Job Club, the Middlesex County Business Resource Center and the County Office of Workforce Development. Participants will learn aspects of entrepreneurship such as: legal structures of a business; business name selection and registration; getting an employer ID, the basics of a business plan; marketing and research issues and an overview of financial funding for your small business. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County Prescription Drug Discount Card Available to All Residents

The Middlesex County Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, offered through a partnership with ProAct, is available to all residents at zero cost. There are no prerequisites or qualifications to take advantage of the program. Discount cards are accepted at over 170 pharmacies within the county and at over 62,000 pharmacies nationwide. The program also covers prescriptions for pets. “This plan can help those who have no prescription coverage, minimal prescription coverage or those who must take certain medications that are not covered by their plans,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. Continue Reading →

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Phone Scams Targeting Middlesex County Residents

​Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey warns that two unrelated telephone scams could potentially bilk residents out of thousands of dollars. “These types of scams in which criminals use fear tactics for financial gain are becoming more prevalent throughout New Jersey,” Prosecutor Carey said. “These criminals often use personal information of the victims or their families to convince their targets to act. I urge all of our citizens to remain vigilant, be skeptical of such phone calls, and to contact the police if they receive such a phone call,” Prosecutor Carey said. In one scam, Prosecutor Carey and Chief Matthew Geist of the Middlesex Borough Police Department said an investigation determined that a group of unknown individuals may call potential targets, tell them that one of their relatives has been kidnapped, and that the family must wire money to ensure the victim’s safe return. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County to hold Presidents’ Day Celebration

The Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage will hold a free event honoring Presidents’ Day on Sunday, February 21 (1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) at the Indian Queen Tavern in East Jersey Old Town Village, located at 1050 River Road in Piscataway. The event features a portrayal of President Theodore Roosevelt by Peyton Dixon. Dixon is a professional actor who has been a member of American Historical Theatre since 2001. He has appeared as historic figures in such venues as Independence National Historical Park and the National Archives, as well as in television documentaries. Registration is required by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 19. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County to Conduct Annual Survey of Homeless

Middlesex County will conduct its Point-in-Time Count 2016 (PITC) survey throughout the County’s 25 municipalities on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016. This annual survey assists in developing a snapshot of the number of, and reasons for, homeless persons living unsheltered outside, in emergency shelters, transitional housing or otherwise only precariously housed within the County. “My fellow Freeholders and I are constantly looking to improve conditions for everyone in Middlesex County,” said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, Chairperson for the Community Services Committee. “Every homeless man, woman and child in Middlesex County deserves to have access to our services and a chance for a safer, better quality of life.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires localities across the United States to conduct the Point-in-Time survey as a prerequisite to applying for supportive housing funds for the homeless. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County presents Greek Cultural Program on January 29

An authentic celebration of Greek culture featuring the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, January 29 at the Crossroads Theatre, located at 7 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick. The program is sponsored by the Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage. It takes audiences on an exciting journey through the diverse regions of Greece. Use of the Crossroads Theatre facility was made possible through the generosity of Johnson & Johnson and the New Brunswick Cultural Center Inc.

The Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey, founded in 1972, are a group of young adults who are
first-, second- or third-generation Greek Americans dedicated to keeping their heritage alive through performances of Greek regional folk dances. Continue Reading →

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Diocese of Metuchen to launch refugee resettlement program

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen announced on January 6 that it will establish a local Catholic refugee resettlement program, through a partnership with the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ (USCCB) Office of Migration and Refugee Services. Local churches in the diocese include St. John the Evangelist Church in Dunellen, as well as Our Lady of Fatima Church in Piscataway and Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church in Middlesex. Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski has appointed diocesan Chancellor Lori Albanese to oversee the newly launched refugee resettlement program, which will be run by a coalition of parishes. “The Catholic Church is the largest resettlement organization in the U.S. and our diocese is pleased to be part of a sanctioned program geared to bolster our nation’s ongoing effort of caring for and welcoming refugees in need of assistance,” said Bishop Bootkoski. Continue Reading →

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Recycling for the Holidays

recycling sign pen and ink arrows

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority’s Recycling Division has issued an advisory regarding recycling holiday items.

“While our recycling brochures are very detailed, we can’t cover everything,” said MCIA Recycling Manager Ed Windas. “There are specialty items that are synonymous with this time of year, and we want residents to know how to properly dispose of them.”

Products like greeting cards, envelopes and gift wrap are generally classified under mixed paper, with one major caveat, Windas said. “We do not want nor can we take foil wrapping paper,” he said. Even though most ornaments are primarily manufactured using glass or plastics, the Division also cautions residents against heaping these embellishments in with the recyclables. “Those are also on the not-wanted list,” Windas said. Continue Reading →

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