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Mercer County Human Services wins grant to improve county service access for the hearing impaired

MERCER COUNTY — The Mercer County Office of Aging has been awarded the Open Communication Access grant from the State of New Jersey.

The Open Communication Access Grant will be used to fund the installation of hearing induction loops in public spaces. These spaces will include: The Mercer County Board of Social Services, The Mercer County Office of Aging, The County Connection, and The Mercer County Administration Building. In addition, two pilots will be conducted at the Library and the County Commissioner Hearing room.

Hearing induction loops allow people with hearing loss to easily participate in public spaces, simply by turning on the ‘t-coil’ switch on their hearing aids and cochlear implants. The larger spaces will have this technology hardwired, while smaller spaces will have portable kits as needed.

Upon receiving funding, a competitive RFP will be issued and a vendor will be secured. We expect the implementation to be completed by July 2024.

“As a legislator, I always championed accessibility initiatives,” said Mercer Executive Dan Benson, “I am proud of our staff here in Mercer County for securing this competitive grant to ensure we can provide quality services to as many residents as possible.”

“The Open Communication Access grant provides a wonderful opportunity to help us expand services to the hearing-impaired community,” said Deputy Administrator Taraun Tice McKnight “We are constantly looking for state and federal programs that will allow us to fund similar initiatives that expand services for Mercer County residents.”

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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Chemical engineer, Kara Branch, 34, travels the US to put more Black girls into STEM education and careers

Kara Branch, 34, is an award-winning chemical engineer and founder of Black Girls Do Engineer, a nonprofit dedicated to getting more Black and Brown girls into STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) through the power of access, representation, hands-on education, mentorship and scholarships.

Chemical engineer, Kara Branch, 34, gives back to STEM education for Black girls with her program, Black Girls Do Engineer, BGDE.
PHOTO: BGDE Middle school members working in their science lab

 

Growing up in a single parent home with limited resources, Kara fought her way into high school honors programs, eventually earning a scholarship to attend HBCU Prairie View A&M University. An engineering major, Kara found that she was one of only a handful of women in her program, and in many of her classes, she was the only Black woman in the room. Throughout her subsequent engineering career, she has seen this disturbing trend continue, often being the only Black woman in important rooms she steps into.

 

The statistics back up her experience. According to the National Science Foundation, “as of 2023 only 35% of people in the STEM workforce are women, 5% are women of color, and a miniscule 2.9% are Black women.” (new.nsf.gov)

 

Kara believes this comes down to a lack of representation and mentorship, lack of access to quality STEM programs, and financial constraints for families in underserved communities.

 

In 2019, she launched the 501c3 nonprofit, Black Girls Do Engineer, an application-based educational program for girls in K through college to learn about and participate in STEM programs led by successful working professionals in these fields who look like them.

 

Black Girls Do Engineer program is vitally important

 

PHOTO: BGDE members at Greentown Labs Accelerator in Houston, Texas
PHOTO: BGDE members attending a STEM lecture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand for professionals across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is skyrocketing and it is expected to continue to soar, especially as A.I. expands. According to this 2023 CNBC article, “STEM jobs remain among the highest in-demand jobs overall with STEM-related jobs pay over $100,000, especially mathematics and computer positions.” The article also states that “STEM-related jobs are expected to increase by nearly 800,000 by 2031.”

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The AACCNJ recently host a blockbuster 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala at the Venetian in Garfield, with over 700 in attendance 

TRENTON, N.J. —  The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) hosted a blockbuster 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala with over 700 in attendance on Feb. 22 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J.

 

The AACCNJ 2024 Annual Awards Gala themed “Leading the Way” is the premier Black History Month event in the state of N.J. The event provides the platform, on behalf of the members of the AACCNJ and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of N.J., to continue to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.

 

The evening began with a “Black Carpet Experience” and VIP Reception, for the attendees; the honorees and guests also enjoyed a Cocktail Reception in the Grand Ballroom and later moved to the Palazzo Ballroom for dinner, dancing, and the Awards Ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Lamman Rucker, Actor, Activist, and Entrepreneur.

 

“Each year during Black History Month, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, community service, sports and entertainment,” said John E. Harmon, Sr. “This distinguished group of honorees represents the best in class in their respective fields and underscores the level of excellence within the Black demographic in the United States, we thank the attendees and sponsors for their ongoing support.”

 

The lead supporter of the 2024 Gala was Truist with a $50,000 grant from the Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation, to support AACCNJ programs, including the Gala.

 

“For Truist, Black History Month is a way to honor the culture and celebrate the impact of this community as we work to fulfill our purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities,” said Travis Rhodes, Pennsylvania and New Jersey regional president for Truist. “We are grateful to partner with the African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey and be part of such a special night. This work is key to the vibrancy and economic growth of New Jersey and beyond.”

 

The 2024 Gala Platinum Sponsor at $25,000 was Hackensack Meridian Health.

 

“Hackensack Meridian Health’s unwavering commitment to supplier diversity is a testament to our network’s belief in the power of inclusion and economic empowerment”, said Avonia Richardson-Miller, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Department, Hackensack Meridian Health. “As New Jersey’s largest and most integrated health network, our support of minority-owned businesses not only strengthens our communities but also ensures that all patients have access to the highest quality of care. We are honored to support the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for their exceptional leadership and for setting an example for others to follow.”

 

The 2024 Gala Gold Sponsors were Atlantic Health Center, Consolidated Edison, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Johnson & Johnson, Milhouse Engineering, PSEG, Provident Bank, Robert Wood Johnson, United Airlines, and Valley National Bank.

 

The 2024 Silver Sponsors included American Water, Atlantic City Electric, Atlantic Shore Winds, Citizen’s Bank, Davis EIS, Ferreira, Fulton Bank, Hermann Transportation, JCP&L, Lakeland Bank, Leading Light Wind, NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), NJ Children’s Foundation, NJIT, NJ Symphony, NJ Redevelopment Authority, PNC, SJI, and T & M Associates

 

“Another phenomenal event with unlimited opportunities to network with decision makers and potential partners, said Gary Mann, AACCNJ, Chairman of the Board, & CEO, Jasfel Analytics. “If you are a business in NJ and did not attend this event, you are at least six months behind our members and attendees in building a pipeline for your business.”

 

The Honorable Tahesha Way, Esq., Lieutenant Governor & Secretary of State made opening remarks at the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on February 22nd at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ, in her role as Acting Governor that evening.

 

“We were excited to have the Acting Governor join us for our Black History Month Gala,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. “We are at a critical juncture for our co-existence in NJ, following the release of the state commissioned Disparity Study. The Acting Governor’s presence is significant and appreciated as we look forward to advancing a more intentional economic agenda to improve the social economic standing of Black people in NJ. Privately, the Acting Governor reiterated the commitment of the Murphy administration,” said Harmon.

 

“We have issued a Call to Action. Our organization stands at a critical juncture, and we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in collaboration with our strategic partners”, said Tammeisha Smith, AACCNJ, Vice Chair, & CEO, Dunbar Center, Inc. “Together, we will chart a course that not only sustains our present momentum but also paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.”

 

The Honorable Benjamin Crump, Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law; received the Presidential Award of Excellence. Helon Hammond, Vice President, Global Learning, People & Community Impact, United, accepted the Business Award on behalf of Brett J. Hart, President, United Airlines, Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, Chief, Division of Programs and Reintegration Services, State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections, received the Community Service Award. Keith D. Wright, PhD., Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Port Authority of NY&NJ received the Public Service Award.

 

More information can be found at www.aaccnj.com

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The AACCNJ recently announces its participation in NJ Disparity Study Presentation & Panel Discussion at NJIT

TRENTON, N.J. — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced its participation in NJ Disparity Study Presentation & Panel Discussion, on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NJ Institute of Technology, in Newark, N.J.

 

Lawrence Crump, Councilman at Large, City of Newark, convened the panel discussion to ensure the information from the State’s recently released Disparity Study, was made available to the public at large.

 

The presentation on the Disparity Study, conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, was led by Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC, and moderated by John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

Panelists included:

The Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor City of Newark, N.J.

Luis De La Hoz, First Vice President, RD, Community Lending N.J. at Valley Bank

Ryan Haygood, Esq., President & Chief Executive Officer, N.J. Institute for Social Justice

Marjorie Perry, President & CEO, MZM Construction

The Honorable Shavonda Sumter, Assemblywoman, 35th Legislative District

 

The event took place at the Central King Building, Agile Strategy Lab (L-70) at NJIT, 100 Summit Street, Newark, N.J., and was streamed on Councilman Crump’s Facebook page Larry Crump and on YouTube OOTCC, for those who were unable to attend in person.

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National Baseball Hall of Fame Artist James Fiorentino, along with syndicated cartoon artist, author and playwright, Patrick McDonnell to exhibit at D&R Greenway, Johnson Eduction Center

PRINCETON, N.J. — The public is invited to a special reception at D&R Greenway Land Trust, Johnson Education Center at One Preservation Place, on Sunday, March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet and enjoy artwork by James Fiorentino, one of the most renowned watercolor artists in the country.

 

Joining James will be syndicated cartoon artist, author and playwright, Patrick McDonnell who will share his inspiration for his popular comic strip “MUTTS.”  There is no charge to attend; reservations are required at info@drgreenway.org, or by phone.

 

A new visual display of local photographers’ images of D&R Greenway’s stunning preserves and events asks visitors to reflect on their own experiences on preserved land.  You are invited to leave a note or drawing to illustrate your visit to a D&R Greenway preserve, making you a part of this unique exhibit.

 

In addition to Fiorentino’s wildlife and sports art, and McDonnell’s framed comic strips with original signature and remarque, this exhibit features popular botanical artist, Liz Cutler who retired as a long-time teacher from Princeton Day School. Patrick McDonnell will offer books for sale with personalized signature at the reception.

 

James Fiorentino is considered one of the most renowned sports artists in the country. At the age of fifteen, James was the youngest artist to be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his likeness of Reggie Jackson, which hung beside the paintings of Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol. His painting commemorating Roberto Clemente remains in the museum as a part of their permanent collection.

 

In 1994, he became the youngest artist to win Beckett Magazine’s annual sports art competition for the likeness of Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton. When Beckett opened up the competition worldwide the following year, James triumphed again with a stunning collage of Muhammad Ali. When Ali saw James’ latest work of himself, the greatest said, “James, you are the greatest.”

 

“I am always honored to have my works displayed at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center.  It is one of the best spaces to showcase art and to also have an exhibition with other great artists such as my friend Patrick McDonnell making it even more special. This exhibition has some of my best works that I have been able to put down on paper in watercolor depicting nature and wildlife.”

 

James is a member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society, Garden State Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Salmagundi Club, Society of Animal Artists and Artists for Conservation. James is also a trustee of the Raptor Trust of NJ and D&R Greenway Land Trust.

 

Sales from comic strip to benefit the land trust’s work to preserve and care for land, maintain public trails, grow food for the hungry, and inspire a conservation ethic. Proceeds from art and book sales benefits D&R Greenway’s mission to preserve and protect land, and inspire a conservation ethic.

 

Additional information is available at www.drgreenway.org, or by calling D&R Greenway at 609-924-4646.

 

About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations.   D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Learn how to overrule negative thoughts with impactful ‘flipology’ method from life coach

SUGAR LAND, Texas — Is the key to happiness simply the ability to think about the world differently? Life coach, author and speaker Rob Cross suggests, “It’s not about what happens to you but what happens in you.”

 

“We’re all just stuck in a rut because of what we make things mean in our minds,” Cross said in a recent interview. “Your thinking is where it all starts. Flipping your thinking changes your life.”

 

In his transformational book Flip Your Thinking: To Ignite Your World, Cross shares the refreshingly simple yet radical approach to life he calls “flipology” to challenge readers to question their perspectives on 36 widely held assumptions that prevent people from having the lives they deserve.

 

“Your mind is so powerful that it not only shapes your perception of things, but it also convinces you that it’s the truth,” Cross said. “That becomes your reality. You alone determine what you make things mean.”

 

Cross’ quirky and relatable “flips” — My choice to forgive you sets ME free, not you; Love stays when I let it leave and leaves when I make it stay; To be heard I need to talk less — will have readers wondering if they’ve been viewing life backward and upside-down all along.

 

“I’m going to invite you to FLIP IT!” Cross quipped. “On the other side, you’ll have more love, more peace, and more business than you can shake a stick at!”

 

From how people define professional success to how they approach personal relationships, readers will discover that their circumstances today are outward displays of their inward thoughts and beliefs. So if life isn’t going according to plan, a crash course in flipology might be in order.

 

“It’s time to assign new meanings,” Cross said. “Garner the power of your thoughts. Real and lasting change starts by flipping your thinking before engaging your feet! If not, you’ll simply keep running in circles.”

 

A powerful “how to do life” read, Flip Your Thinking is packed with everyday fresh perspectives divided into four key categories: Flip What You Make Things Mean; Flip Your Approach to Life; Flip Your Choices; and Flip Your Destiny.

 

“I challenge you to approach this book as if you really don’t know everything you think you know,” Cross added. “Be open and curious. Be willing to question how you’ve been looking at things and how you’ve defined things. If you don’t like what you see in life, stand up and change your view. Gaining a new perspective can literally save your life. Happy flipping!”

 

About the Author

Rob Cross considers himself a regular guy who sees things outside the boundaries of conventional teaching. In college, he fought and scratched like a cat in a bathtub during those monologues, distancing himself from what he believed were confining definitions and structures. Cross uses his knack for taking life’s everyday challenges and whittling them down to simple, achievable solutions to make a positive and transformative impact on each and every one of his readers. He is also the author of Flip Your Mornings: Kick-start Each Day on Purpose!

 

For more information, please visit www.RobFlips.com

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Brands ride the wave of video ads to revolutionize growth

In the digital age, it is crucial to optimize short-form video content for mobile, where 75% of people prefer viewing it.

 

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook have made mobile videos accessible and engaging, emphasizing the need for brands to prioritize mobile-friendly formats.

 

“This paradigm shift toward video marketing strategies underscores a fundamental transformation in how brands connect with their audience,” explains Derek Chew, CEO of Fullmoon Digital. “In today’s dynamic landscape, passive advertising falls short; consumers now actively seek interactive and compelling content that resonates on a deeper level.”

 

These strategies reflect a growing trend in digital marketing strategies for businesses – the importance of authenticity and transparency. They help brands boost visibility and build consumer loyalty, leading to sustained revenue growth.

 

“Through dynamic video ads, brands can craft immersive experiences that go beyond simply capturing the attention of consumers,” concludes Chew.

 

Derek Chew is an expert on how video ads can boost brand visibility, enhance consumer loyalty, and drive business growth, positioning businesses to effectively tackle the challenges of the digital marketing landscape.

 

About Fullmoon Digital

Fullmoon Digital Media, founded by Derek Chew, a former early Yahoo! employee, is one of the few 100% independent digital marketing agencies in the United States. The firm is cross-functional, with deep experience in media planning and buying, digital consultancy, SEO, digital strategy, programmatic, analytics, performance marketing, paid media, social advertising, and creative. They push the envelope of what is possible in terms of marketing and technology, all the while providing best-in-class digital marketing service to their “pack” of clients. For more information, please visit www.fullmoondigital.com

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Mercer County Clerk announces foreclosure resources and information

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello is dedicated to supporting residents through challenging times, particularly those facing foreclosure.

In light of the growing concerns surrounding foreclosures, the County Clerk is pleased to provide some valuable resources and information to empower individuals and families within our community.

The Mercer County Clerk’s office is the official record keeper of all Notices of Lis Pendens. A Notice of Lis Pendens is the document that is recorded before property goes into the foreclosure process. When this notice is received at the Mercer County Clerk’s office, a letter is immediately sent to the owner of that property notifying them that their house will be going into foreclosure to give the resident an opportunity to take steps save their property.

For those currently in foreclosure:

We recommend you contact the Office of the Courts Foreclosure Mediation Hotline at 888-989-5277 or visit Foreclosure Self-Help | NJ Courts. This program offers access to housing counselors and trained mediators to assist in resolving foreclosure actions and establishing affordable mortgage arrangements. Explore Federal and State Mortgage Modification Programs, which are available at no cost for information and assistance.

For those not yet in foreclosure:

If you’re currently struggling to make mortgage payments, contact your mortgage servicer immediately to discuss your situation and explore available options. Seek assistance from a HUD-certified housing counseling agency in your county. Act promptly; early intervention provides more options for resolution. For more information on avoiding foreclosure please visit Avoiding Foreclosure | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Beware of foreclosure rescue scams:

Assistance for foreclosure-related issues should not come with a fee. Be cautious of organizations or individuals requesting payment for housing counseling or loan modifications. Avoid signing over property deeds without direct involvement from your mortgage company, and only submit mortgage payments directly to your mortgage company, unless otherwise instructed. The Clerk’s Office offers a hot line where you can call us for referral to law enforcement, if you believe you have been victimized at 609-989-6466.

Reporting mortgage-related fraud:

Victims of mortgage-related fraud are encouraged to report incidents to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-242-5846 or visiting New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (njconsumeraffairs.gov). Legal Services of New Jersey also offers representation at no cost to low-income homeowners who have been misled or taken advantage of by lenders.

Additional resources: The New Jersey HomeKeeper Program provides financial assistance to homeowners facing imminent foreclosure due to unemployment or underemployment. Contact (855)-NJ-KEEP-1 or visit www.njhomekeeper.gov for eligibility details. The New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program offers housing counselors, mediators, and legal aid to homeowners in foreclosure. Call 888-989-5277 or visit Foreclosure Self-Help | NJ Courts to enroll. The National Foreclosure Mitigation Program also provides pre-foreclosure counseling and assistance.

“Mercer County’s foreclosure rate remains steady and will likely continue as the cost of living rises. Therefore, we must work together to fight the battle on foreclosure. My office along with other Mercer County Officials will do everything we can to assist constituents when their house is in foreclosure,” according to Sollami Covello.

Facing foreclosure can be a daunting experience, but it’s essential to remember that help is available. Whether you’re seeking legal assistance, financial support, or educational resources, our office remains committed to assisting residents in preserving their homes and financial stability. For more information, please visit Foreclosure Assistance | Mercer County, NJ or contact the County Clerk’s Office at 609-989-6465.

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Thoughtful abuse survival documentary, ‘Mailin’ by Maria Silvia Esteve, steps in to where justice fails

Documentaries can reach places justice cannot: this is the credo of Argentinian writer-director-producer María Silvia Esteve, whose latest project “Mailin” won the 2|35 Post-Production Company Award at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.

 

For seven years, Esteve has been working with Mailin Gobbo in Buenos Aires to document her story of overcoming systematic sexual abuse. Gobbo led a legal battle against former priest Carlos Eduardo José, but lost the case in March 2021 when José was cleared of all charges.

 

“Mailin” is Esteve’s sophomore documentary feature after “Silvia,” which premiered at IDFA in 2018; her short “Criatura” was awarded in Locarno in 2021. Already, this new project has gathered industry accolades, such as the IDFA Bertha Fund. Additionally, “Mailin” had already scored a double award win at the Visions du Réel Industry 2022, under the care of Alejandra López (IKKI Films) as co-producer, and is supported by Argentina, France and Romania.

 

The director told Variety in the lead up to the festival that she first saw Mailin in a news report. That interview, she recounted, focused so much on the abuse, in “all of the most atrocious details,” signaling that the media “didn’t really care about Mailin as a woman, nor as a person.” At that moment, Esteve decided to combat a reductive narrative—a mix of pity and sensationalism—and to seek out that woman, whom she saw as “very strong,” especially since she was “exposing something very painful, with the courage to do so because she needed to enact change.”

 

Propelled by the same values, Esteve believes in the power of stories and, most of all, in their accessibility. Documentary filmmaking comes with responsibilities and, as she summarizes it, “telling a story in a way that makes it easier for people to empathize means you’re trying to change things.” Care and patience are the key ingredients, as the director observed in her seven-year long process of making “Mailin,” that gaining trust and getting to know the woman behind the public “victim” persona was essential. In order to do that, Esteve had to overcome the “character” Mailin had built, “the one that was expected of her.” The whole process took seven years with long periods of earning trust—off camera—and ongoing therapeutic support to assure Mailin didn’t just “revisit her pain” and could see the film as “a way toward catharsis.”

 

The film starts with a very personal story, and gradually expands toward a bigger universe where justice fails you, but there is hope for the future. In order to fit its inclusive storytelling, the style of “Mailin” interweaves different formal elements—animation, VHS archive, video-diaries—and a fairy tale narrated by the protagonist to her daughter. Esteve conjures the power of metaphors and visual expressions, determined to deliver an experience that is both “aesthetically rich and beautiful to behold.” She adds that “it was necessary to create something beautiful for the viewer to be able to see the cruelty and the harshness behind the story.”

 

The urge to make “Mailin” was born out of a desire to help woman she saw on TV to own their own narrative in a society that victimizes, victim-blames and silences trauma survivors. Indeed, this trial has encouraged more than 30 other women to come forward with allegations against the same priest. According to producer Alejandra López, by breaking the silence and opening her personal story to the public, Mailin “is helping other women to also stop the cycle of violence. Her case has become iconic for a lot of people in Argentina by spotlighting this type of abuse.”

 

López and Esteve are keen for the film to “break the silence” around sexual abuse and empower a broader audience, not only at festivals, but regular cinemagoers and TV viewers. Making the film narratively accessible and formally appealing to young adults is also part of the goal, while seeking support from various women’s associations as part of their impact campaign in a world where “justice just gives you the back, so to speak, ignores you in a painful way.”

 

Even when the judicial system fails abuse survivors, Esteve is hopeful that documentaries can “try to generate a voice stronger than justice.” Looking back at the years she spent with Mailin, she is certain that “there’s no other way of doing a documentary unless you really commit emotionally. You also have to be open to one another, not to extract anything, but to allow for something to grow, that’s both a gift and a privilege.”

 

Read More

 

 

— Variety

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Mercer County Improvement Authority announces availability of free recycling buckets, again

Mercer County — On March 6, the Mercer County Improvement Authority announced that free recycling buckets are available again for Mercer County residents.

“We have ordered an additional 2,500 free recycling buckets to ensure everyone can get one if they need it,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.

“Recycling coordinators across the county are prepared to provide a county recycling bucket to any resident in need. If residents are unable to obtain a bucket, they can call the Improvement Authority …” explained Mercer County Improvement Authority Director Anthony S. Verrelli.

Due to an increase in contractor employee’s collection-related injuries, County residents are asked to please utilize county provided recycling buckets.

The Mercer County Improvement Authority will continue picking up all flattened cardboard outside of the bucket.

For replacement buckets, please contact your municipality’s Recycling Coordinator using the information below.

Please note that Hightstown and East Windsor do not participate in the county-wide recycling program.

Free recycling buckets are also available to Mercer County residents, at The Mercer County Connection Route-33 at the Acme Shopping Center in Hamilton. Residents can reach the County Connection by calling (609) 890-9800.