North Plainfield Press Release Archive 2012

The Lindley G. Cook in Stokes Forest is holding an Open House on Saturday April 21, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. This event is open to the public and is FREE. There wil be crafts, canoeing, archery, hikes and a barbeque. For more information, please contact the camp at 973-948-3550 or www.nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu.

Operation Medicine Cabinet

Adult Co-Ed Softball Sign-Up

Two additional Adult Co-Ed Softball sign-ups will be held on Tuesday, April 10th and Wednesday, April 11th from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. Sign-ups will be held in the "Blue Room" next to the Vermeule Community Center located at 614 Greenbrook Road. Registration Fee is $35.oo. For further information please contact Larry LaRonde at lltap@comcast.net.

Somerset County Bar Foundation's 7th Annual 5K Run/3K Walk

Pedestrian Safety Education and Enforcement Program

Seventh Annual Legal Runaround

Certificate and Report of School Taxes - BOE 2012-2013

North Plainfield School Budget Slideshow

View the North Plainfield School Budget Slideshow

North Plainfield Bulk Waste Program for 2012

North Plainfield Bulk Waste Program for 2012 is currently accepting applications for a one time annual pick-up during the month of April. When arranging for Bulky Waste appointments please remember:

- Appointments are reserved on a first come first serve basis and will only be made upon payment of fee.

- An application must be submitted with a non-refundable permit fee of $10.00 per item up to $50.00 for the maximum of five (5) items at the time of registration. Completed applications can be dropped off to the Department of Public Works between the hours of 8am - 1pm, Monday - Friday.

- Applications will be available on the web at www.northplainfield.org or can be picked up at the Borough Hall.

COLLECTION GUIDELINE

Collection of materials will be made by Section according to the Borough of North Plainfield Collection Map. We are limited to the amount of stops per collection; therefore, it is on a first come, first serve basis. Collection of materials will be random within each section; therefore, material must be placed out at curb by 7:00 AM on the assigned collection date. It is important that all materials be out by 7:00 AM because collection moves quickly and your Bulk Waste will not be picked up if you do not have materials at curbside prior to established time. Please note that Bulk Waste pickup does not include metal. This is a separate pick-up. Any unauthorized materials in excess of the number of items sought for bulk waste pickup and/or which do not qualify for bulk waste pickup, which are left at the curb, must be removed by 6:00 PM of the day collection is made. Failure to comply will be subject to the provisions of Section 14-8.5 of the Borough Code.

Somerset County holds several recycling events each year for different recyclable materials. For more information on these recycling programs, visit their website at http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle or call the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363.

Learn About Backyard Composting

Wednesday, April 4th.

$50 REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES: COMPOST BIN and BACKYARD COMPOSTING LITERATURE.

Advanced registration required.

Youth Invited to Party Hearty

'Safe Night' Registration Deadline is April 6

BRIDGEWATER - Somerset County youth in grades 7 to 12 are invited to enjoy a "Safe Night" party and talent show on Saturday, April 14, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School gym, located at 14 Vogt Drive . The theme is "Psychedelic."

"Safe Night" parties offer youth an evening planned by their peers and adults at which there are no weapons, alcohol, drugs or arguments and where they can party, play and learn.

Admission is $3, which includes refreshments. Seating is limited to the first 200 registrants. Registration and payment are due by Friday, April 6.

"The 'Safe Night' program is not just a one-night experience, because participants learn leadership, team building and character-building skills that will last them a lifetime," said Freeholder Deputy Director Peter S. Palmer, human services liaison.

"This is the 13th year Somerset County is hosting a 'Safe Night' program. The program brings youth from around the county together in a fun-filled, safe environment," he said. "It also provides an opportunity to share experiences and make new friends."

The evening will begin with an introduction by Somerset County Youth Council members Nikhil Naidu and Wesley Yiin and a welcome by Freeholder Palmer. Following will be a talent show, volleyball, basketball, games, a dance and the opportunity to experience firsthand what it feels like to drive while drunk by wearing Fatal Vision simulator goggles.

The "Safe Night" program is presented by the Somerset County Board of Freeholders, Somerset County Department of Human Services, Somerset County Youth Council and EmPoWER Somerset.

The "Safe Night" program was begun by former police officer Olusegun "Olu" Sijuwade through the City of Milwaukee Health Department in 1994. It is recognized by the National Crime Prevention Council as a model violence-prevention program.

To register or for information about the "Safe Night" program, contact Sarah Murchison of the Somerset County Department of Human Services at (908) 704-6307 or murchis@co.somerset.nj.us.

Sustainable Jersey Bronze-Level Certification

Nominations Sought For Profiles of Positive Aging Recognition

Nominations Sought For 'Profiles of Positive Aging' Recognition

Canned Food Donations Accepted Curbside on Any Recycling Collection Day

New Jersey American Water 2012 Spring Flushing

New Jersey American Water Co. will be flushing hydrants in the Borough from March 18, 2012 through April 13, 2012. Be prepared for possible temporary pressure reduction and water discoloration.

Launch of North Plainfield Community Garden

North Plainfield Recreation - Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Corrective Action Plan 2010 Municipal Audit

HMFA Announces New, Low Mortgage Rate for Fire and Police Personnel

Towns Join BOBO Fridays Program

Towns Join 'BOBO Fridays' Program

Next Drop-off Is March 16

The next "Buy One, Bring One" (BOBO) collection of food and personal-care items for Somerset County families in need will be held Friday, March 16.

Freeholder Director Patricia Walsh, who launched the program almost two years ago, announced that five towns now are hosting BOBO Fridays bins at their municipal buildings: Bedminster, Franklin , Green Brook, North Plainfield and Raritan .

"This is a great way to make donating more convenient for residents around the county," she said. "We're looking forward to having other municipalities join in the near future. The food banks continue to receive more requests for food, and this is a quick and easy way to help."

Look for the blue BOBO Fridays bins at these other public locations as well:: -Somerset County Administration Building, 20 Grove St. , Somerville; -Somerset County/Bridgewater Library, North Bridge Street & Vogt Drive , Bridgewater; -Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road , Bridgewater; -Environmental Education Center , 190 Lord Stirling Road , Basking Ridge; -Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Ave. , Basking Ridge

Canned or boxed food items are accepted. Personal-care items, including bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper, also are collected since these items are not covered by food stamps.

Although the targeted collection schedule is the third Friday of every month, the bins are available every day, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours at all locations. The program has collected almost 5 tons of donations since its inception in July 2010.

North Plainfield/Clean Community Day

Groups, Organizations, and Individuals are encouraged to attend the North Plainfield/Clean Community Day

Saturday, May 5th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

You are invited to take part in our Sixth Annual Clean the Town Event. Sponsored by the North Plainfield Forum, the work day will be an opportunity to meet our neighbors and work together to clean several designated areas of our town.

The day will begin with registration at 8:30 AM at the Vermeule Community Center located at 614 Greenbrook Road.

Those helping are asked to wear appropriate work shoes or boots and gloves. Bring a rake if possible!

All other supplies will be provided by the Borough.

T-Shirts will be given to volunteers at registration.

A picnic style lunch will be served at the Community Center from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

All volunteers are invited back for lunch!

For more information, call the Mayor's Office at (908) 769-2902

North Plainfield Lions Club/Pancake Breakfast

North Plainfield Lions Club/Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon

The Italian American Club - 403 Somerset Street, North Plainfield

Cost- Adults $5.00; Seniors $3.00; Children $3.00

Tickets can be purchased at the door or from any Club Member!

Route 22 Traffic Signal Improvements

From the New Jersey Department of Transportation Public Information Center

Route 22 Traffic Signal Improvements/Signal Coordination/ITS Closed Loop System

From I-287 to Mountainside Borough M.P. 36.45 - M.P. 50.25 Somerset and Union Counties

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 4 - 7 PM

North Plainfield Eagle Scout to Receive Congressional Citation and Mayoral Proclamation at March 11 Court of Honor

Hiring Our Heroes Auto Services Employment and Information Services Fair

Consumers Cautioned About Fast or Instant Tax Refunds

National Consumer Protection Week: March 4-10

The Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection is joining with federal, state and local government agencies and national organizations to celebrate the 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from March 4 through 10.

During NCPW, groups nationwide share tips and information that help consumers protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft and avoid frauds and scams.

"With the tax season upon us, our Consumer Protection Division is cautioning consumers to think twice about selecting a 'fast' or 'instant' tax refund," said Freeholder Robert Zaborowski, consumer office liaison. "This type of tax refund actually is a loan referred to as a Refund Anticipation Loan, or RAL, that carries fees and high interest rates paid by the consumer."

According to the National Law Center and Consumer Federation of America, refund anticipation loans cost taxpayers $738 million in 2008. The "fast" or "instant" tax refund is not the refund issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a loan secured by the IRS refund and the refund will be smaller because of fees.

If a "fast" or "instant" tax refund is being contemplated, the annual percentage rate, all charges and fees, the maturity date of the loan and the charge for electronic filing should be considered. By filing online directly with the IRS and using direct deposit, refunds can be received in as few as 10 days.

If using the Internet to file, consumers also should know that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

For more information, contact the Somerset County Division of Consumer Affairs at 908-203-6080 or Consumer_Protection@co.somerset.nj.us (NCPW)

Girl Scout Open Registration

Program Provides Down Payment Assistance

April School Election Moved To November General Election

Music at the Mansion - March 4

An Afternoon of Music featuring teh Somerset Brass Quintet - March 4, 2012 at 3:00pm

Amphibian Reptiles

After you touch amphibians or reptiles, wash your hands so you don't get sick!

Annual Basket Auction/Tricky Tray

West End School PTA presents: ANNUAL BASKET AUCTION/TRICKY TRAY

SATURDAY, MARCH 2nd at the West End School

447 Greenbrook Rd

North Plainfield, NJ 07063

Doors open 6:00 p.m. - First Ticket @ 8:15 p.m.

$10 Admission gets you one sheet of lower level tickets

Refreshments will be sold

Some prizes include:

iPad

32 inch LCD Vizio TV

The Metropolitan Opera

American Girl

Coach

Blu-Ray Player

And MANY more

Adults only please

Volunteers Ready to Help Out This Tax Season

Appointments Available Through April 15

Volunteer tax counselors have been trained to assist Somerset County residents in preparing their federal and New Jersey income tax returns.

After passing the IRS and AARP tests, these volunteers are ready to help low- and middle-income residents prepare their tax returns. Special emphasis is placed on helping senior citizens and residents with disabilities.

All volunteers have taken additional training in order to help county residents who wish to file their returns electronically. E-filing enables taxpayers to obtain a more rapid refund if they have money coming back to them.

Tax-preparation volunteers will be working at locations around the county. Six sites - in Hillsborough, Raritan, Manville, Bridgewater , Franklin and Green Brook - have been designated for e-filing.

In 2011, approximately 2,090 tax returns were filed with the assistance of county volunteers.

To take advantage of this free service this year, gather up all the required documents - W-2 forms, bank, broker and Social Security statements, medical and other expenses, and a copy of your last year's returns - and call the Somerset County Office of Volunteer Services at (908) 541-5710 for an appointment.

The program runs through April 15 and is by appointment only.

Music at the Mansion

The series of FREE musical programs at the North Plainfield's beautiful Vermeule Mansion continues with the Somerset Brass Quintet

Somerset County Senior Centers Announce February Activities

The senior centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services announce the February program schedule. All programs begin at 11 a.m. unless otherwise listed. Please call for lunch reservations by 11 a.m. the day before you wish to come. For more information, contact the appropriate centers.

Recycling Drop-off Scheduled for Feb. 4, Recycling Pick-up Adjusted for Presidents Day Holiday

Next First Saturday Recycling Drop-off is Feb. 4

BRIDGEWATER: Somerset County residents don't have to wait until spring to clean up around their homes. The Somerset County Recycling Center , located at 40 Polhemus Lane , will be holding its next First Saturday of the Month Drop-off event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 4.

First Saturday drop-off events enable busy residents to recycle outdated electronics, tires, clean textiles and usual curbside items in one fell swoop, as well as help people in the community who are less fortunate by donating food items for a local food bank.

As part of the program, residents can drop off up to eight tires - with or without rims, scrap metal, antifreeze and usual curbside materials, including chipboard items and plastic bottles and containers, marked #1 through #7. Chipboard includes gift, shoe, shirt and all retail boxes, as well as cereal, cookie, pasta, cake and cracker boxes, without the plastic liners. Also poster board and backing from writing pads are accepted.

In addition, effective January 2012, residents can drop off empty, dried-out steel paint cans.

Residents also have the option of disposing of clean dry textiles throughout the year by bringing them to scheduled Saturday drop-off events. Textiles include drapes, curtains, sheets, towels, belts, handbags, shoes (pairs), clean cloth and small stuffed animals. Textiles only will be accepted in a plastic bag.

Additionally, residents can drop off consumer electronics (e-waste). E-waste includes computers (CPUs), servers, monitors, terminals/CRTs, televisions, printers, fax machines, copiers, computer/laptop peripherals, telecommunication equipment (telephones, cellular phones, telephone mainframes), keyboards, mice, cables, wiring, circuit boards, modems, power supplies, laptops, docking stations and audio visual equipment.

Also typewriters, VCRs, mainframe equipment and controllers, camcorders, CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes, cassette tapes, and rechargeable and button-cell batteries are accepted. Residents should individually bag each battery or tape each terminal to avoid short-circuiting of batteries.

Residents also can drop off electronics at Newtech Recycling Inc., located at 600A Apgar Drive , Somerset 08873 , weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both drop-off opportunities are free. For more information about Newtech Recycling Inc. contact them at (732) 564-3110 or http://www.newtechrecycling.com/.

No household hazardous waste will be accepted at First Saturday Drop-off events. The next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event will be March 24 in Bernards Township. For more information, contact the Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management at (908) 231-7031 or solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us.

For a complete listing of recyclable items, recycling events and much more, visit http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle or call the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363.

Residents wishing to help the needy during these difficult economic times now have two opportunities. They can continue to bring canned goods and non-perishable food donations to First Saturday Drop-off events or, effective January 2012, put out canned goods in a plastic bag on their usual recycling pickup dates. Items will be delivered to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Perishable items and foods in glass containers are not accepted by food banks.

Recycling Pick-up Date Adjusted for Presidents' Day Holiday

The Somerset County Recycling Center , located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater , will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday.

Curbside-recycling collection for residents of Branchburg and Raritan will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21. All other curbside pickups will be as regularly scheduled.

County offices will be closed on both Feb. 13 and Feb. 20 in observance of Lincoln 's Birthday and Presidents' Day, respectively. The Recycling Center , which is on a different schedule, will be open on Feb. 13 and curbside pickup will be as scheduled.

For more information, call the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363. To view the 2012 recycling collection schedule and more, go to http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle/recyclescedule.html.

North Plainfield Firefighters 9th Annual Event for the St. Baldricks Foundation

The head-shaving event for life-saving childhood cancer research - Saturday, March 24th at 1PM.

Ballpark Community Box Available to Nonprofits, Community Organizations

Requests due by Feb. 24 for drawing:

Requests are now being accepted to use the 30-seat community box at the TD Bank Ballpark. To be eligible, applicants should be nonprofits whose client base consists of at least 50 percent Somerset County residents or community organizations that are located in Somerset County or have a facility based in Somerset County that serves the citizens of Somerset County . Applicants should provide a significant community service or volunteer element to Somerset County residents.

"Since the time the ballpark was constructed by the county, one 30-seat community box has been available for the benefit of nonprofits and community organizations," said Freeholder Director Patricia L. Walsh. "We are pleased to continue the tradition again this year."

Entry forms must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, and must include the organization's name and address, a contact person and phone number, the purpose of the organization and information about volunteer and/ or community service.

Entry forms must be mailed to Bonnie Lacamera of the Somerset County Administrator's Office, 20 Grove St., P.O. Box 3000 , Somerville , NJ 08876-1262 , hand-delivered to the Administrator's Office on the third floor between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or faxed to (908) 231-1740.

Organizations may receive an entry form by calling (908) 231-7040 or by visiting the county website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/spotlight.html and printing a form for mailing, faxing or hand-delivery.

Forty home-game dates are available during the Somerset Patriots' 2012 baseball season. A drawing will be held in early March at the county administration building to determine which community groups will use the box. Organizations will be assigned available dates in the order in which they are drawn. There is no need for a representative of the organization to be present at the drawing.

Organizations using the community box must comply with all applicable rules, regulations and ordinances. Groups are responsible for arranging for and purchasing any food or beverages.

The community box is accessible to people with disabilities.

For additional information, call the Somerset County Administrator's Office at (908) 231-7040.

Public Auction to be Held

A public auction will be held by the North Plainfield Police Dept. on the Internet commencing March 1, 2012 on the following website: www.propertyroom.com to auction certain tangible personal property that has been in the possession of the Police Dept. either by finding or recovery under provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-157.

Check Out These New Grant Opportunities On Our Youth Services Commission Page

Notice to Bidders: Leaf, Grass and Brush Pick-Up and Removal Services

THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD will accept bids by mail, recognized overnight carrier or in person for leaf, grass and brush pick-up and removal services throughout the Borough of North Plainfield, until 10:00 A.M. on January 25, 2012 at the Borough Clerk's Office, Borough of North Plainfield, 263 Somerset Street, North Plainfield, New Jersey, at which time all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Borough of North Plainfield shall not be responsible for any bid mailed which is lost in transit or delivered late by the postal service or recognized overnight carrier or by a respective bidder or representative. Bids should be submitted in a SEALED ENVELOPE, addressed to the Borough Clerk, Borough of North Plainfield, 263 Somerset Street, North Plainfield, New Jersey 07060 and clearly marked on the outside "Leaf, Grass and Brush Pick-up and Removal Services".

Prescription Savings Program

For a low annual fee per household, Somerset County residents can save money on prescription drugs through the Prescription Savings Program.

Mayor Michael Giordano State of the Borough Address

An afternoon of chamber music

On Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3:00 PM at St. Bernards & St. Stanilaus Church, 1235 George St. Plainfield, four prodigious young musicians will present a FREE chamber music concert.

Lucia Nowik, Alex Wang, Johanna Nowik, and Cecelia Sha, all are members of the NJ Youth Symphony, and won the 2011 NJYS String Quartet Competition.

Come hear them play works by Mendelssohn and Schubert, and help launch them on their way to play in Vienna.

Upcoming Library Events

All events take place at the North Plainfield Library, 6 Rockview Ave. 908-755-7909

Thursday, January 12
Diabetes Health Screening offered by the Overlook Hospital Mobile Health Center [FREE]
To register call 1-800-247-9580 or 1-888-285-1460
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Food Stamps Information Program presented by the Community Food Bank of NJ [FREE]
In Spanish: 6:30 pm
In English: 7:30 pm

Wednesday, January 18
Relax, Renew & Rejuvenate - Seated Yoga [FREE] To register call the library at 908-755-7909
1:00 pm

Saturday, January 21
Hispanic Heritage Music Program with award-winning guitarist Jesse Rivera (all ages) [FREE]
2:00 pm

Wednesday, January 25
Budget & Managing Your Finances presented by Valley National Bank [FREE]
In Spanish: 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 1
Budget & Managing Your Finances presented by Valley National Bank [FREE]
7:00 pm

Thursday, February 2
Book Discussion Group: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins [FREE]
7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 8
Partner Massage [FREE] To register call the library at 908-755-7909
7-8:30 pm

Thursday, February 9
Bone Density Screening offered by the Overlook Hospital Mobile Health Center [$10]
To register call 1-800-247-9580 or 1-888-285-1460
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tuesday, February 14
Introduction to Microsoft Windows for Job Seekers [FREE] To register call the library at 908-755-7909
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Tuesday, February 21
Introduction to Microsoft Word for Job Seekers [FREE] To register call the library at 908-755-7909
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, February 25
The Libby & Co. Jazz Trio [FREE]
2:30 pm