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Freeholder
Liaison: Blanquita
B. Valenti
Executive Director: Thomas
M. Seilheimer
MESSAGE FROM THOMAS M. SEILHEIMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
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We at the Middlesex County Department of Human Services hope that everyone is enjoying their summer activities, including boating and other water sports. While they are enjoying themselves, we strongly encourage people to pay close attention to safety issues, including the risks of drinking and driving. In the summer, the problem of drinking and driving is as associated with boating as it is with highway driving. Remember that operating a boat while intoxicated is as serious an offense as is driving an automobile while intoxicated. For your information and safety, we are reprinting below an article, Sober Summer Fun, by Ezra Helfand, NCADD Public Information Coordinator, for their publication, Prevention WORKS. We are also referring people who use antipsychotic medications to Summer Heat and Sun Risks for Antipsychotic Medication Users, published in English and Spanish by the State of New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services, using the following link to the Division Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/index.html. We hope that you find this information helpful and that you have a wonderful and safe summer. |
Sober Summer Fun
By
Ezra Helfand
Public Information Coordinator
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County
The summer months are typically a time for outdoor fun and recreation. Families pack up and head out to the Jersey shore to frolic in the ocean and soak up the sun. Water sports become favorite activities as people look for ways to cool off. Alcohol consumption often increases as people attempt to unwind and enjoy themselves while vacationing or spending time outdoors.
The risks associated with drinking and various summer activities, however, can turn summer fun into summer tragedy. Drinking and driving during the heavily traveled summer months (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) are sometimes referred to as "The 101 Critical Days".
These 101 days are viewed as critical because more people are likely to be killed on New Jersey roads and waterways during the summer. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that June, July and August contain the highest incidences of motor vehicle deaths of teenagers.
Drunk driving is also a concern for New Jersey waterways, which are second only to highways in accidental deaths. Water sports such as boating, windsurfing, jet-skiing and water-skiing all involve speed and skill. Alcohol can make these activities dangerous by affecting judgment, coordination, and information processing.
A boat operator who has a blood alcohol concentration above .10 is ten times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than a boat operator with zero blood alcohol concentration. Research has shown that impairment occurs much faster in an individual who is drinking while boating because of stressors like sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion. Impaired passengers are also at risk, since more than half of all boating fatalities are the result of individuals falling overboard and drowning.
Even swimming is dangerous when drinking alcohol, because it inhibits swallowing and breathing reflexes. Hypothermia may result as the intoxicated swimmer feels warmer in cold water than they really are.
Another culprit in the effort to keep summer activities safe is heat. As the mercury rises, alcohol absorption is increased. For every 18-degree increase above room temperature, the body's alcohol absorption rate doubles. Therefore, alcohol is absorbed twice as fast at 93 degrees than at 75 degrees. Instead of drinking alcoholic beverages, which further dehydrate the body, try to drink plenty of water, which replenishes body fluids lost due to heat and physical activity.
Note for Boaters
New Jersey enjoys a rich maritime environment and many people use boats, jet-skis and other motorized water vessels for work or pleasure throughout the state. Any person found to have a blood alcohol content level of 0.08% or higher while operating a boat or other water vessel faces the same set of punishments that a drunk driver does. All boating under the influence (BUI) charges are considered as DWI charges under New Jersey Law.
Boating under the influence in New Jersey is very dangerous and can result in a etgreater level of injury or death to people because of it. Alcohol impairs the ability to control any motorized vehicle but a boat does not have the stopping, turning or reversing capabilities that a car does. Factors such as other boaters, swimmers, and water or weather conditions may all play a role in either preventing or causing a boating accident when coupled with alcohol. |
With summer upon us, please be aware of the increased risk of accidents and injuries due to alcohol consumption whether you are on land or water. Do not drink if you plan on participating in any outdoor recreational activity during the hot days ahead. Please don't let a preventable accident ruin your summer fun.
SCHEDULE OF ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES—PLAYS IN THE PARK—SUMMER 2008
At select performances, Plays-in-the-Park will offer special services for patrons who have visual and audio impairments. Sign Language Interpretation, Audio Description, Sensory Seminars and Open Captioning are offered on the dates listed below. For further information on these services, or if you have questions regarding access to the theater for a patron with special needs, please call Jackie Neill at 732-745-3936 or e-mail Jackie.neill@co.middlesex.nj.us. You may call in advance to reserve seating in any of our wheelchair accessible areas at Plays-in-the-Park.
THE PRODUCERS   
Audio Described Performance on Friday, June 27, Rain Date June 28
Open Captioned Performance on Monday, June 30, Rain Date July 1
Sign Language Interpretation on Wednesday, July 2, Rain Date July 3
BEAUTY & THE BEAST   
Audio Described Performance on Friday, July 18, Rain Date July 19
Open Captioned Performance on Monday, July 21, Rain Date July 22
Sign Language Interpretation on Wednesday, July 23, Rain Date July 24
*SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ  
Open Captioned performance on Monday, August 11, Rain Date August 12
Sign Language Interpretation on Wednesday, August 13, Rain Date, August 14
*There will be no Audio Description for this production |
Veterans Outreach Forum
OPEN INVITATION
TO
ALL VETERANS
Saturday, October 4, 2008
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Woodbridge Community Center,
600 Main Street
Woodbridge, N.J.
As a veteran, or family member of a veteran, do you want to learn about the benefits and services available to you? Attend the Middlesex County Veterans Advisory Council VETERANS OUTREACH FORUM, sponsored by the Middlesex County Board of Freeholders, the Middlesex County Veterans Advisory Council, and the Woodbridge Veterans Alliance. Hear guest speakers from local, state and federal agencies.
The admission is free - the information is priceless
For more information, contact: Middlesex County Veterans Service Office at 732-745-4051. |
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“Introduction to Disaster Mental Health
and Crisis Counseling”
Presenter: Steve Crimando
“Introduction to Disaster and Crisis Counseling” is a full-day workshop for mental health professionals and others who may be called upon to provide early psychological intervention in the wake of a disaster or terrorist attack. The program addresses the critical knowledge areas and skill sets that will allow the mental health professional and para-professional to work with the public health, law enforcement and emergency management systems in addressing the mental health consequences of such events. The program introduces and is consistent with the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA)-Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) model of community crisis intervention. The course is intended to prepare disaster response crisis counselors to provide for and respond to the psychological needs of people across the continuum of disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2008
Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Place: Middlesex County Fire Academy, Sayreville, NJ
Registration: On Line Only: www.njdrcc.org
For further information, contact the Mental Health Association in NJ
(973) 571-4100, ext 143
Attendance at this program provides 6 CEU hours |
NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(NIMS 700)/INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS 100)
A Training Program for Disaster Response Crisis Counselors
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) 700 course explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS. The Incident Command System or ICS 100 level course provides an overview of the standardized, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. It is designed to introduce disaster response crisis counselors to basic ICS concepts and terminology.
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008
Time: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Place: Middlesex County Fire Academy
Sayreville, NJ
Presenter: Steve Crimando
Registration: On Line Only: www.njdrcc.org (Mental Health Association in NJ website)
For further information call (973) 571-4100, ext 143
This training fulfills the requirement for the Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC) certification |
Exploring Educational & Employment Opportunities:
A World of Possibilities
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A Forum for Consumers, Families & Providers
October 29, 2008
9:30AM – 2:30PM
Middlesex County Fire Academy
Sayreville, NJ
Keynote Address: “The Value of Meaningful Work: How Returning to School/Work Supports Wellness and Recovery”
This forum will provide a valuable opportunity to meet and hear from representatives from DVRS, One Stop Career Center, NJ WINS, Supported Employment and Education Programs, & Local College, Training, and Vocational Programs
Please Note: Training Flyers & Registration Information Will Be Mailed in the Coming Weeks
Sponsored by the Middlesex County Employment Consortium |
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Middlesex
County Hispanic Affairs Commission Identifies and Seeks to Meet
the Needs of the Hispanic Community |
On February 8, 2008,
about 50 State, County and community leaders met to discuss the findings
of a needs assessment that studied the current status of support for
Middlesex County's 130,000-strong Hispanic Community, which makes up
17 percent of the County's population.
The Middlesex
County Hispanic Affairs Commission - Assessment of County-Supported
Community Services for Hispanics was developed by the Middlesex
County Hispanic Affairs Commission, with the assistance of Rutgers University,
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and funded
by the Fund for New Jersey.
"I am grateful
to the leadership of the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders
for recognizing the need to establish the Middlesex County Hispanic
Affairs Commission," said Jeffrey Vega, Chair of the commission.
"Since the commission's goal is to provide guidance and recommendations
to the Freeholders, the survey findings are a first step that we anticipate
will begin to address some of the needs of the County's rapidly growing
Hispanic Community."
The report found
that the majority of the 110 programs and agencies that completed surveys
did not have bi-lingual or culturally competent agency staff, program
staff or volunteers to provide services effectively. Also, the programs
were lacking bi-lingual printed information, outreach services and services
for undocumented clients.
Also, while 75 percent
of the responding agencies served Hispanic and Latino clients in 2005,
only 10 percent of the County's Hispanic population was served.
Concerns raised
included transportation to various service centers, English-as-a-Second-Language
(ESL) education opportunities, Spanish language classes for healthcare
and emergency workers, and improving communication between various service
providers.
The group agreed
to hold future forums that would involve social service agencies throughout
the County.
Friday's meeting
also discussed the Commission's recommendations, based on the findings.
These include:
• Establishing a Middlesex County Office of Hispanic Affairs
• Establishing Spanish language capability on the Middlesex County
Web site
• Providing County and agency forms and marketing materials in
Spanish
• Increasing the number of bi-lingual staff members available to
serve Spanish-speaking clients of social service agencies
• Increasing outreach to the Hispanic community to promote awareness
of social services and to raise the comfort level of potential clients
"Our commission
has been working for two years on this endeavor of presenting a needs
assessment of our Hispanic population in Middlesex County," said
Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, liaison to the Hispanic Affairs Commission.
"These findings will be the impetus to establish in the near future
an outreach office for Hispanic Affairs." A search for grant money
to fund this office is underway.
The members of the Hispanic Affairs Commission, which was established
in 2006 by the Freeholder Board, are: Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti,
liaison and member; Freeholder H. James Polos, liaison; Jeffrey Vega,
Chair; Jorge Diaz; Sergio Diaz; Rev. Vicente Martinez; Dr. Jorge Gonzalez-Gomez,
alternate member; and Elizabeth Raspa, alternate member.
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Clock
wise: Thomas M. Seilheimer, Executive Director,
Middlesex County Department of Human Services
with Elliot White, Division Head, Addiction Services;
members of the Hispanic Affairs Commission;
and the assemblage. |
Six County departments
participated in the survey process: Human Services, Aging, Public Health,
Housing and Community Development, Workforce Development and Youth Services.
Currently, Hispanic
and Latino residents account for 70 percent of Perth Amboy's population;
40 percent of New Brunswick's population; 23 percent of Carteret's population;
and 16 percent of Woodbridge's population.
"With a large
and growing Hispanic population in the County we need a commission that
can facilitate the coordination of and access to government and non-profit
organization services by those who require them," said Freeholder
H. James Polos, liaison, Hispanic Affairs Commission.
A Message From Freeholder
Blanquita B. Valenti:
The demand for supplies
to replenish M.C.F.O.O.D.S., the Middlesex County emergency food network,
is extremely critical at present. All of our regular food drive agencies
continue to do an excellent job. Even with steady donations, however,
the need for food has soared beyond the capacity of the organizations
that currently provide assistance. As outlined in the following announcement,
we are asking as many organizations as possible to join with those already
collecting for the needy families of Middlesex County. Please contact
Jennifer Apostol at the MCIA if you or your agency can sponsor a food
drive. We look forward to talking with you and thank you for considering
this vital assistance to our Middlesex County neighbors.
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M.C.F.O.O.D.S.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY'S EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW!!!
MIDDLESEX
COUNTY'S 60 FOOD PANTRIES AND SOUP KITCHENS URGENTLY NEED THE
FOLLOWING:
CANNED
MEATS AND STEWS
PASTA
CANNED MILK
TUNA FISH
CEREAL
RICE
VEGETABLES
CANNED FRUIT
PEANUT BUTTER
JELLY
SHAMPOO
TOOTHPASTE
DIAPERS AND BABY WIPES
GROCERY STORE GIFT CERTIFICATES (MAIL
TO M.C.F.O.O.D.S., C/O MCIA, 101 INTERCHANGE PLAZA, CRANBURY,
NJ 08512)
DROP OFF ITEMS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN EDISON, MILLTOWN, MONROE,
NORTH BRUNSWICK, PLAINSBORO, SOUTH BRUNSWICK, WOODBRIDGE AND
EAST BRUNSWICK.
BUSINESSES,
CHURCHES, CIVIC GROUPS, SOCIAL GROUPS, SPORTS GROUPS AND SCOUTS
PLEASE GET INVOLVED AND SPONSOR A FOOD DRIVE, COLLECT GOODS
AT MEETINGS, COLLECT FOOD FOR ENTRY AT EVENTS.
CALL
JENNIFER APOSTOL AT 609-409-5033 OR E-MAIL: JA@MCIAUTH.COM FOR
MORE INFORMATION. |
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