A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE BRIAN M. HUGHES
This edition of our Mercer Monthly newsletter highlights County government news as well as events that are taking place in September. You’ll find announcements about the County’s annual flag retirement ceremony at Veterans Park in Hamilton; the Park Commission’s deer management program, which begins Sept. 10; the voter registration deadline for the upcoming general election; and more.
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Also featured are upcoming events including free movie nights at Mercer County Park; the annual Insect Festival being held by the Mercer Master Gardeners on Sept. 10; and the Trenton River Days Fair set for Sept. 17 at South Riverwalk Park. And there’s a lot more going on at our parks and elsewhere as we head into the fall season. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the many exciting things taking place in Mercer County.
Brian M. Hughes
Mercer County Executive
NEWS
Are you registered to vote?
The voter registration deadline for the upcoming General Election is October 18, 2022.
- To register to vote, fill out your application online here, or request a paper application here.
- Not sure if you're a registered voter? You can click here to check your status or update your information.
- Are you a student? Click here for information on student registration and voting.
Mercer's flag retirement ceremony set for Sept. 22
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services invite the public to an official flag decommissioning ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park (Klockner Road entrance) in Hamilton Township.
Each year, the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services partners with American Legion Post 31 and the Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee to hold the time-honored decommissioning, also known as “flag retirement.” American flags that have become tattered, soiled or are otherwise no longer fit for display will be burned in a dignified manner in a large pit during the ceremony and the flames will be doused by the Hamilton Township Fire Division.
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Individuals and organizations that wish to have an American flag properly disposed of at this year’s ceremony should bring the flag to Mercer County Veteran Services, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing; Mercer County Connection, Route 33 at Paxson Avenue, Hamilton; or Thorne Memorial Cemetery, Hamilton Avenue between Klockner Road and Cypress Lane, Hamilton, no later than Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Park Commission deer management program begins Sept. 10
The Mercer County Park Commission will conduct a deer management program at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain beginning Saturday, Sept. 10. This program is meant to reduce the overabundant deer herd in the greater Mercer County region.
Bow hunting for County deer management hunters will begin at parks on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. Hunting is permitted Monday through Saturday until Feb. 18, 2023. The parks will remain open to the public during bow hunting season.
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Firearm hunting will occur at Baldpate Mountain and the area north of Mercer Lake at Mercer County Park beginning Monday, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 10, and every Wednesday through Saturday thereafter through Feb. 11. The parks/regions will be closed to the public when firearms are in use. There will be no hunting on Sunday.
Hunting is only permitted by those who have applied for and met all the requirements to participate in the program.
All parks will have posted signage at parking areas and trail heads displaying the hunting schedule and closure dates as a reminder and notice to the public. Park rangers will patrol the parks during closures to ensure public safety.
Read More: Deer management program begins Sept. 10
Back-to-school savings on supplies, electronics
With the back-to-school season around the corner, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury is reminding parents, teachers, and students to take advantage of the statewide back-to-school sales tax holiday.
During the 10-day sales tax holiday, which runs Saturday, Aug. 27 through Monday, Sept. 5, retailers will not charge sales tax on certain computers, school supplies and sporting equipment. The sales tax holiday will apply to items bought both in-store and online.
"The state's sales tax holiday will help hardworking familes stretch their dollars a little further, and Mercer County appreciates the initiative by Gov. Phil Murphy and State Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio," said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.
Click here for details on qualifying items.
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Election poll workers wanted!
Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello reminds that the state has increased the rate of pay for election workers from $200 per day to $300 per day. In July, the governor signed legislation amending an existing law to allow minors between the ages of 16 and 18 to work a full day at the polls on election days. The upcoming general election is set for Nov. 8, 2022. Click here or on the image to apply.
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Student loan debt plan explained
For information on the Biden-Harris Administration's student loan debt relief program, go to https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/
 Hughes advises residents to prepare for hurricane season
As the peak period for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey arrives, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes advises County residents to plan and prepare for potential storms this summer and fall.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but the peak time for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey is mid-August to late October. When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive — even as far inland as Mercer County.
“In Mercer County, we have first-hand experience with how devastating hurricanes and tropical storms can be, as we experienced last September when the remnants of Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc in several of our communities,” Mr. Hughes said. “It’s essential that you and your family be ready before a storm strikes, and not put yourselves or others at risk by waiting until the last minute to prepare.”
Read More: Hughes advises residents to prepare for hurricane season
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You're not alone: New 3-digit code '988' for mental health crisis
The Federal Communications Commission recently approved a new 3-digit dialing code, 988, for mental health crisis and suicide prevention. 988 will connect people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Compassionate, accessible care and support will be available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
The 988 line will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for calls, texts, and chat. Learn more at www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/
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Older adults, caregivers invited to take annual survey
The Mercer County Office on Aging/Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) is the federally designated agency responsible for the assessment, development and funding distribution of programs/services for those 60 years of age or older in Mercer County. To comply with the Older Americans Act of 1965, an annual survey to determine the needs of the aging community is to be done and its results are to be incorporated into the agency’s Area Plan Contact.
Mercer County residents, older adults and caregivers can complete this survey by responding to the Office on Aging’s Needs Assessment by Sept. 30 here.
Responding to this survey will allow the Office of Aging to get a snapshot of the needs of the Mercer County aging community for its plan.
Thank you for your interest and assistance in this effort!
For more information or if you require a paper copy of the needs assessment, please visit the Mercer County Office on Aging page, email adrc@mercercounty.org or call 609-989-6661.
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Most County government offices will be closed for Labor Day
Most Mercer County government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day, and will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6.
All branches of the Mercer County Library System will be closed Saturday, Sept. 3, through Monday, Sept. 5. Sunday hours, which apply only to the Lawrence, Ewing, Hickory Corner and West Windsor branches, will restart Sept. 11.
In addition to being closed on Labor Day, the County Connection office in Hamilton will be closed Saturday, Sept. 3.
The following County facilities will remain open on Labor Day: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services Communications Center.
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The following Mercer County Park Commission facilities will be open on Labor Day: Marina and Spray Park at Mercer County Park, noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting; Tennis Center, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and all county golf courses, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Wildlife Center will accept patients, by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wildlife Center’s Outdoor Education Environment will be open for free self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County Stables, Tulpehaking Nature Center and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
Roadwork and Construction Projects on County Roads
Click here for project duration, details and detours.
Bridge Projects
Lower Ferry Road (Structure 415.2)
On or about Monday, Aug. 1, the bridge on Lower Ferry Road over Gold Run will be under construction and closed to all except local residents on either side of the bridge.
Milling and Resurfacing Projects
Parkside Avenue (CR 636), Ewing
On or about Tuesday, Sept. 6, from North Olden Avenue to Pennington Road.
Old Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Hopewell Township
On or about Wednesday, Aug. 31, a project is to begin.
Edinburg Road (CR 526) West Windsor
On or about Wednesday, Aug. 24, from Conover Road to Old Trenton Road.
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mercer Master Gardeners 'Insect Festival' set for Sept. 10
Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County annual 2022 Insect Festival will be on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township. The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free and on-site parking is available.
This year’s festival, themed “Bugs Need Homes, Too!” will feature the importance of providing and supporting habitats for the incredible insects common to the Northeast. Click the flyer to learn more.
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Free family-friendly 'Movie Nights' continue into September
MCIA wants your household hazardous waste, old electronics
The Mercer County Improvement Authority's final Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling event of 2022 will be Saturday, Sept. 10. It's time to visit those corners of your shed, garage and home office to weed out offending products and keep them out of our landfills. Click on the flyer for more information.
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Upcoming shows at Mercer's CURE Arena!
Just Announced! Arena to welcome new professional Box Lacrosse Team this fall. Read more.
Other upcoming events and shows include:
- GHOST "Imperatour," Sept. 9
- Showfest, Sept. 17
- Jeff Dunham: Seriously?! Oct. 23 (rescheduled)
- Shreye Ghoshal, Nov. 4
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MERCER FAST FACTS!
Mercer Lake
Mercer Lake, located in Mercer County Park in West Windsor, came into being with the 1975 construction of a dam to control flooding on the Assunpink Creek. The basin, now occupied by the lake, was excavated by crews building the nearby Interstate 295. The lake, about 275 acres and 20 feet deep at the deepest point, is a training site for US Olympic rowers and hosts championship regattas. Known for great fishing, Mercer Lake is home to many species, including largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, catfish, pickerel, muskies, and huge carp. Electric motors are permitted.
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SEPTEMBER MEETINGS CALENDAR
Click for meeting locations.
- Sept. 5, Labor Day Observance; County offices closed
- Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m., Human Services Advisory Council; 9:30 a.m., Traumatic Loss Coalition
- Sept. 8, 5:45 p.m., Mental Health Board
- Sept. 12, 4:30 p.m., Commission on Abused, Neglected and Missing Children
- Sept. 13, 6 p.m., Commissioner Board Agenda Meeting
- Sept. 14, 9 a.m., Mercer County Planning Board; 3 p.m. LACADA/CASS; 6 p.m., Commission on Status of Women; 6:30 p.m., Youth Firestarters Advisory Committee
- Sept. 15, 1 p.m., Youth Services Committee; 2 p.m., Advisory Council on Aging; 6 p.m., Commissioner Board Formal Meeting
- Sept. 20, 10 a.m., Human Services Advisory Council, 2 p.m., Continuum of Care Data Committee
- Sept. 21, 3 p.m., Disabilities Advisory Council
- Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m., CIACC; 11 a.m. CIACC Education Partnership subcommittee
- Sept. 26, 2 p.m., Continuum of Care Executive Committee
- Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m., Professional Advisory Committee; 6 p.m., Commissioner Board Agenda Meeting
- Sept. 28, 2 p.m., Gang Task Force
- Sept. 29, Commissioner Board Formal Meeting
- Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m., Minority Concerns Committee
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PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION
Monkeypox information
New Jersey Department of Health is working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments, to quickly identify monkeypox cases and close contacts, provide treatment and vaccine, and further prevent the spread of disease. CDC is working with state and local health officials to monitor probable and confirmed cases within the country. Risk to the general public is low, but you should seek medical care immediately if you develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills, and avoid contact with others. To learn more about monkeypox and how to identify it, go to www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/monkeypox.shtml
COVID-19 vaccine now available for young children
Vaccination against COVID-19 is now available for everyone 6 months and older. The FDA and CDC have authorized the use of smaller, pediatric doses of both Pfizer (under age 5) and Moderna (under age 6) in children at least 6 months of age. For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations and where to get one, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.
A helping hand for homeowners in need
If you have experienced a financial hardship and an increase in housing-related expenses associated with the coronavirus pandemic that created a risk of mortgage delinquency, mortgage default, foreclosure or property tax lien, the Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to help. Click here or on the flyer for more information and to apply.
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Assistance may be available for renters affected by COVID-19
As New Jersey winds down the COVID-19 eviction moratorium, the State has introduced critical protections to renter households who experienced economic hardships during the pandemic. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary eviction moratorium. To take advantage of state and federal protections, you should complete both the State's self-certification form and the CDC declaration. To fill out these forms and find more information, visit the State’s web page dedicated to this. You also may call 609-490-4550 for assistance.
In addition, the Mercer County Department of Human Services may be able to help renters and landlords. For more information, visit the County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program web page.
Looking for work? County, state offer job-seeker services
As a result of COVID-19, many New Jerseyans are facing economic insecurity and are seeking benefits and resources to help them safely get back to work. Mercer’s One-Stop Career Center offers a variety of services to job seekers throughout the county, including free virtual job preparation workshops and links to job listings. Click here for information. The State’s COVID-19 Information Hub provides links to the New Jersey Career Network and other resources.Click here for information.
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