The public is invited to learn about Somerset County through informational displays and activities at various county locations during National County Government Month in April.

Somerset County will join county governments nationwide in celebrating National County Government Month to raise public awareness and understanding about county government.  This year’s theme is “Creating Safer Communities."

“We look forward each year to providing opportunities for our residents to learn about the many programs and services Somerset County offers,” said Freeholder Director Peter S. Palmer.  “We hope residents will take advantage of some of the events and will pick up literature.”

Somerset County has been participating in National County Government events since its inception in 1991.

An information display hosted by the Somerset County Board of Freeholders/Public Information Office with literature from many county divisions will be available in the lobby of the Somerset County Bridgewater Library at 1 Vogt Drive through April 14.  Residents are invited to help themselves to materials. Call (908) 526-4016 for library hours or visit www.somerset.lib.nj.us/locationlist.html .  Contact Joanne Vuoso of the Somerset County Public Information Office for information at (908) 231-7020 or vuoso@co.somerset.nj.us.

The Regional Chronic Disease & Cancer Coalition, through the Somerset County Health Department, is offering a free program titled “A Future Free of Colon Cancer ... Is It Possible?”  The program will be held on April 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Bernards Township Municipal Building , located at 1 Collyer Lane , Basking Ridge 07920 . Join medical experts on staff from Morristown Medical Center , St. Clare’s Health System in Denville and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge. Light refreshments, educational materials and giveaways will be available. R.S.V.P. by April 8 by calling (908) 204-2520 or emailing health@bernards.org.

The Somerset County Park Commission will host a free park ranger-led guided hike at Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater on Wednesday, April 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting place for the hike will be at the parking lot off Newmans Lane .  To register, call (908) 231-0802 ext. 21.  Information about Washington Valley Park is available at www.scparks.org/parksFacilities/washValley/WashingtonValleyPk.html

Somerset County will hold an Operation Secure Shred countywide kick-off event on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Somerset County South County Public Works Garage, located at 410 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough , N.J. 08844 .  Additional municipality-hosted events are scheduled throughout the year.  For information, contact the Somerset County Consumer Protection Office at (908) 203-6080 or ConsumerProtection@co.somerset.nj.us or the Records Management Divsion at (908) 203-6018 or recordsmgmt@co.somerset.nj.us.  Information about the program and what can be shredded is available at www.co.somerset.nj.us/spotlight.html by clicking on the links from “Prevent Identity Theft.”

The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management is partnering with the Somerset County Road Department to collect old scrap tires, with or without rims, Monday, April 15, through Friday, April 19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South County Public Works Garage, located at 410 Roycefield Road , Hillsborough , N.J. 08844 . The program is free and residents can drop off up to eight tires per household. For information, call (908) 541-5021or e-mail roaddiv@co.somerset.nj.us.

The Somerset County Health Department is partnering with other organizations to present “Empower Your Body, Empower Yourself” on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Empower Family Success Center , located on the second floor of 34 West Main St. in Somerville , N.J. 08876 .  The presentation will address eating healthy foods, exercising and improving physical and mental health.  Light refreshments will be provided. To register, call (908) 213-9932.

The Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management will conduct guided tours of the county Recycling Center , located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater , on Monday, April 22. County residents are invited to register and attend a one-hour tour at 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.  Contact Melissa Harvey at (908) 231-7109 or harvey@co.somerset.nj.us by April 15 for details and to register.

 

The Somerset County Solid Waste Management Division will hold a free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event for Somerset County homeowners and farmers on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warren Township Public Works Garage, located at 1 Bardy Road . No registration is necessary, but proof of residency is required.  For more information, call (908) 231-7031, e-mail solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle/hazardouswaste.html.

The Somerset County Park Commission is offering a free “Project E.A.R.T.H – Swamp Search!” scavenger hunt on the Environmental Education Center trails to learn about the importance of the Great Swamp as an ecological and recreational resource on Sunday, April 28, from noon to 4:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, call (908) 766-2489 to confirm the hunt.

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services is holding events for seniors, age 60 and above. Seniors are asked to call the Center directly to learn about attending and scheduling lunch. Advance notice for lunch requests is one business day before you plan to attend. 

·                Raritan Senior Center:  April 10, 11 a.m. – A presentation on osteoporosis  “Bone Up On Your Health” given by the Somerset County Health Department. Call (908) 203-0001 for details.

·                Manville Senior Center: April 15, 11 a.m. – A presentation on “Pet Therapy” given by Bonnie Charkowick and Therapy Dogs. Call (908) 526-0175 for details.

·                Montgomery Senior Center in Skillman:  April 17, 11 a.m. – A presentation on “Vital Vernals” given by the Somerset County Park Commission on animals that use and depend upon habitats that can disappear. Call (609) 466-0846 for details.

·                Hillsborough Senior Center:  April 24, 10:45 a.m. – A presentation on “Body And Posture Alignment” given by Kessler Rehabilitation Center .  Call (908) 369-8700 for details.

·                Quail Brook Senior Center in Somerset : April 29, 10:30 a.m. – A presentation on “The Health Benefits of Tai Chi.” Call (732) 563-4213 for details.

·                Warrenbrook Senior Center in Warren :  April 29, 10:30 a.m. – A presentation on “Medicare Fraud.” Call (908) 753-9440 for details.

·                Somerset County Senior Wellness Center in Basking Ridge:  April 30, 10:30 a.m.  – A presentation on the “Identity Theft: Senior Fraud Protection Program” given by the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs.  Call (908) 204-3435 for details.

For more information about County Government Month, contact Joanne Vuoso of the Public Information Office at (908) 231-7020 or vuoso@co.somerset.nj.us. For information about specific programs, contact the divisions or senior centers directly.

A listing of Somerset County programs are available from the drop-down menu at www.co.somerset.nj.us/howdoi.html.