On Wednesday, February 8th, Mayor Carl Suraci attended the Mayors' Legislative day, which is held each year to give local leaders the opportunity to interact with individuals who are responsible for setting the agenda for Property Tax Reform, Affordable Housing, Pension and Health Benefits Reform, Transportation and Utility Issues. It is also a great way for local leaders to learn, first hand, about the state's legislative agenda from the Administration officials and key members of the Senate and Assembly at the start of the new legislative session.

During natural disasters, pets and animals sometimes get separated from their homes and need to be placed in temporary shelters.  The Somerset County Animal Response Team (CART) is seeking volunteers to help set up shelters and take care of animals in emergency situations.

"Natural disasters are already stressful situations for people. But they can be even more so if a family pet gets lost or needs to be placed in a separate shelter area," said Freeholder Patricia L. Walsh, public health and safety liaison. "We rely on the assistance of CART volunteers to take good care of these animals until they can be returned home."

Applications and eligibility requirements for CART membership can be found on the Somerset County website at  www.co.somerset.nj.us/cart.  Volunteers meet monthly, participate in training modules and run through practice drills so they know what to do when their services are needed.  Meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, located at 402 Roycefield Road.

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Somerset County is a great place to live - one of the top 25 in the country and first among the top three in New Jersey, according to 24/7 Wall St. ( www.247wallst.com).

In its January 2017 list of "The Best Counties to Live In," the online financial news and opinion company ranked Somerset County, NJ, in 16th place, followed by Morris and Hunterdon at 17th and 18th, respectively. Read the full report

"Once again, Somerset County is in the top tier of desirable places to live, work, raise a family and spend leisure time," said Freeholder Director Peter S. Palmer. "We're proud of the many individuals and organizations that contribute to our outstanding quality of life."

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 Peter S. Palmer. "We are pleased to continue the tradition again this year."

Entry forms  must be received  or postmarked  by  4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17,  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.

Organizations can receive an entry form by calling (908) 231-7040 or by going to http://bit.ly/CommBox17. The entry form is a fillable PDF, which can be printed and filled out manually or filled out on a computer, saved as a PDF, and emailed as an attachment to Administratorsoffice@co.somerset.nj.us.

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The county Office of Volunteer Services and AARP have again teamed up this year to provide free tax-counseling assistance to residents in preparing their federal and New Jersey income tax returns.

To download an application, click here...

The FBI depends on the public to help nab its most wanted. Now the agency has made it easier for citizens to help put those bad guys behind bars with a Wanted mobile app.

With  FBI Wanted, citizens who see someone who looks like he might be among the most wanted or missing can search pictures and descriptions of individuals the FBI is seeking. It allows citizens to search, view, sort, filter and bookmark all information released by the FBI.

The app allows the public to report information via buttons that either call the FBI or link to forms. 

Community Options, Inc. invites runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) to help raise funds to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by participating in our annual Cupid's Chase 5K. Because of you...we can make a difference!

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