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 coming up in November. You’ll find information from our Elections officials on new touch-screen voting machines, our Veterans Day resources fair; our seasonal leaf-pickup schedule; and more. Also featured are the annual opening of our popular skating rink and upcoming shows and other events at the CURE Insurance Arena.
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If you've not yet tried the new Ropes Course and Zipline at Mercer County Park, November is your last chance for the year! There's a lot more going on, at our parks and elsewhere, in the coming weeks. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the many exciting things taking place in Mercer County.
Brian M. Hughes
Mercer County Executive
WE'RE LISTENING
Mercer County encourages you to share your thoughts with us on County initiatives, programs and policies. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!
ELECTION NEWS
In-person 'early voting' underway Oct. 28 to Nov. 5
As the Nov. 7 2023 General Election nears, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello reminds voters that in-person early voting locations are open Oct. 28 - Nov. 5. Early voting allows an individual to vote on a voting machine at any of the locations listed below during this nine-day period. Early voting hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities.
Early Voting Locations, Mercer County
- Mercer County Library, Hickory Corner Branch - 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520
- Mercer County Office Park - 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing, NJ 08638
- Colonial Firehouse Company - 801 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619
- Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch - 2751 Brunswick Pike (at Darrah Lane), Lawrence, NJ 08648
- Pennington Fire Company - 120 Broemel Place, Pennington, NJ 08534
- Princeton Shopping Center (Around back on the left side) - 300 N. Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
- Trenton Firehouse Headquarters - 244 Perry Street, Trenton, NJ 08618
County's new touch-screen voting machines announced
Mercer County’s Election Officials -- Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, Mercer County Superintendent of Elections, Walker M. Worthy, Jr., and Mercer Board of Elections Commissioners -- are now preparing voters for Election Day and recently announced new processes and features being offered on Election Day, November 7, 2023.
Mercer County will be using new voting machines with a verifiable paper trail in every voting district in Mercer County on Election Day. These voting machines are similar to those already used by Mercer County during early voting, and were purchased by Mercer County from Dominion Voting Systems, a State-certified voting machine manufacturer. They allow voters to use a touch-screen device to print out ballot selections, which they will then scan into the voting machine.
The three Mercer County election offices, led by Worthy, Sollami Covello and Chairwoman Jill Moyer announced that the new voting machines were part of Mercer County’s plan to address and resolve and prevent problems in ballot processing and tabulation that arose during last year’s November General election.
Read more HERE about how Mercer County has taken four concrete steps to make voting easier and to make the voting procedures consistent whether a voter chooses to vote early or on Election Day.
NEWS
Open Space Friends honor County Executive Hughes
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) honored Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes at its Oct. 3 gala, presenting him with the Gleeson Award, the organization's highest honor, in recognition of Mr. Hughes's longtime support of the organization and his ceaseless commitment to land preservation, stewardship and advocacy in the Hopewell Valley and beyond.
"The decision to honor Brian Hughes with our premier award was made by a unanimous vote of our board of trustees to recognize the support and value Brian Hughes and Mercer County have made not only to our community but also to FoHVOS as an organization," said FoHVOS Executive Director Lisa Wolff.
Also honored were Capital Health with the FoHVOS Friends Organizational Recognition, and Leslie Floyd, Mercer County Planning Director, and Renee Jones of the NJDEP who were recognized as Preservation Partners.
Read Ms. Wolff's op-ed in communitynews.org
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Ropes Course and Zipline season ends soon!
The Mercer County Park Commission has contracted with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School to oversee programming for the inaugural fall season of the Ropes Course and Zipline operations for patrons 12 and older.
The ropes course at Mercer County Park contains 12 “challenges” or elements, including the Zigzag, Swinging Logs, and the Postman’s Walk. Each challenge gives the participant the opportunity to use their balance, focus and teamwork skills.
Ropes Course Programing will be offered on a limited number of dates through mid-November. Read more.
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Last chance! Nominate for Woman of Achievement awards
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women are seeking nominations for the 2024 Woman of Achievement and Young Woman of Achievement awards. The public is encouraged to assist in identifying outstanding individuals who give back to their community and to submit the name of a deserving woman or young woman. The deadline for submitting nominations is Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.
The Woman of Achievement Award was established to honor Mercer County residents who volunteer their time to make the county a better place to live, raise a family and work. The Young Woman of Achievement Award honors a high school student for their outstanding volunteer work within the county. Read more.
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Annual Holiday Toy Drive runs through December 11
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes invites county residents, businesses and civic groups to join Mercer County employees in their annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys can be dropped off at a number of convenient locations around the county, and the Mercer County Park Commission will ensure your gift goes directly to a deserving area child.
“The holidays are upon us, and as you shop for your friends and family, I encourage you to consider adding to your list a gift for a child whose family might be struggling at this time of year,” Mr. Hughes said. “Even the smallest or simplest item can bring a smile to a child’s face, so let's make this year's collection bigger than ever.” Click here or the flyer for drop-off locations.
For information, call (609) 303-0700.
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Home energy assistance available to eligible Mercer residents
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is reminding residents that assistance is available for energy costs for those who qualify. The County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offered in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, allows individuals meeting various income qualifications to apply for bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs.
LIHEAP is designed to help low-income families and individuals meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. This year, the application period is Oct. 2, 2023, to June 28, 2024. To be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, the applicant household must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent; and have gross income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. An eligibility chart in English and Spanish can be found on the Mercer County website. Read more.
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Lace up your skates! Mercer rink season opens Oct. 29
Mercer County’s public ice skating center offers a fun, affordable activity for people of all ages. Located at Mercer County Park, the Skating Center is open to the public seven days a week during the operating season, which kicks off Oct. 29, 2023.
“Our rink is a treasure where generations of Mercer County residents have learned to skate, gathered with friends and family, or enjoyed watching local hockey teams compete," said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Ice skating is a great way for everyone in the family to stay active during the cold winter months.”
Click for information on operating hours and fees.
For more information on group lessons, please visit: mercerskatingschool.com/
To obtain a complete public skating schedule, directions or more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org or call the Skating Center at (609) 371-1766.
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Deer management under way at three County park facilities
The Mercer County Park Commission is conducting deer management at Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain. This program is a method for reducing the overabundant deer herd in the greater Mercer County region.
Bow hunting, which began at all parks Sept. 9, and will take place Monday through Saturday until Feb. 17. The parks will remain open when only bow hunting is being performed.
Firearm hunting will occur at Baldpate Mountain and the area north of Lake Mercer at Mercer County Park beginning Monday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 9, and every Wednesday through Saturday thereafter through Feb. 10. 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. Read more.
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Seasonal leaf pickup on County roads begins week of Oct. 30
Live on a county roadway? Mercer County Department of Transportation & Infrastructure kicks off leaf collection season the week of Oct. 30. Mercer County adheres to all local ordinances. If your municipality requires leaves to be bagged, they must also be bagged on county routes. Click for 2023 schedule.
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Most Mercer government offices to be closed for Election Day
Most Mercer County government offices and facilities will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in observance of Election Day.
The Mercer County Clerk’s Office, 209 South Broad St., will be closed for regular business on Election Day but will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to perform election duties. Completed mail-in ballots can be delivered to the Mercer County Board of Elections, 930 Spruce St. in Lawrence (next to Trenton Farmers Market), until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The following County facilities will remain open on Election Day: Trenton-Mercer Airport (except administrative offices), Correction Center, Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services Communications Center. Also open for business will be four branches of the Mercer County Library system: Ewing, Hickory Corner, Lawrence Headquarters and West Windsor, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; all other branches will be closed.
The following Mercer County Park Commission facilities will be open on Election Day: Ice Skating Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for public skating; Tennis Center, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; all five County golf courses, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Mercer County Stables, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Wildlife Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for patient drop-off, by appointment only. The Tulpehaking Nature Center, Howell Living History Farm and Park Commission administrative offices will be closed. For more information on Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
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County Clerk reports passport delays at federal level
Due to a huge swell in applications arriving at the U.S. Department of State, routine Passports may take between 10 to 13 weeks for processing, while expedited passports are taking from 7 to 9 weeks to be processed, reports Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. As a result, the Clerk's offices advises that people to apply early if anticipating travel this fall or winter. The Clerk provides passport services in two locations - at the main office at 209 S. Broad St., Trenton and at the County Connection Satellite Office in Hamilton Township. For the Hamilton office, appointments are required. To schedule an appointment in Hamilton, please call 609-890-9800. While appointments are not required in Trenton, you may make an appointment to guarantee your time of service by calling 609-989-6473 or emailing ctozour@mercercounty.org
Roadwork and construction projects on County roads
Valley Road Bridge (Structure No. 211.8), Hopewell Township
On or about Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, priority bridge repairs will begin on Valley Road Bridge (Structure No. 211.8) in Hopewell Township. The duration of the project is approximately 30 business days, weather permitting. The repairs will be completed by in-house Bridge Construction Workers.
During repairs, the Valley Road Bridge would be closed 24/7 to traffic throughout the duration of the project. Motorists would be directed to use U.S. Route 29, Pleasant Valley Road, Valley Road, Swan Street, Studdiford Street, and Goat Hill Road.
S. Montgomery Street over Assunpink Creek (MC#140.4), Trenton
On or about Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, the rehabilitation of Mercer County Bridge No. 140.4 carrying S. Montgomery Street over the Assunpink Creek in the City of Trenton will begin. Officially known as Bridge #140.4, the structure is located in the historic Mill Hill District of Trenton. The project is to be completed in 210 calendar days. The contractor selected to perform the work is Sparwick Contracting, Inc.
The project will be completed in stages and the bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic on a 24/7 basis. Pedestrian traffic through the site will remain in place and is to be protected.
EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Own a small business in Mercer? Learn about Mercer's new investment program at Nov. 13 free event
Mercer County is encouraging small-business owners to attend an educational forum on Monday, Nov. 13, about the new Mercer County Small Business Investment Program. The program is helping small businesses raise funding directly through retail investors locally and nationwide on the SMBX marketplace.
The free event, supported by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will take place on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 at 9 a.m. at the College of New Jersey, Business Building Student Lounge, 200 Pennington Road in Ewing. A light breakfast will be served.
Mercer County awarded a $500,000 grant to SMBX to manage the program and drive retail investment to at least 30 Mercer County small businesses on the SMBX marketplace. The grant offset some of the lending fees for small businesses as they raise funds to grow their businesses.
Small-business owners can apply to raise funds through the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, SMBX, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Learn more here or click the image to register!
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Interested in a fulfilling career in public service?
Join Mercer County, a local government agency, right in the heart of central New Jersey! Scan the code or click the image to learn more.
- Full-time employees are offered:
- Paid vacation/sick/personal days
- 14 paid holidays
- Enrollment into a comprehensive state health benefits program – including health, dental, prescription and eye
- Enrollment into the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
- Flexible spending account
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
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Upcoming shows at Mercer's CURE Arena!
Mercer County's CURE Insurance Arena's 2023 schedule has something for everyone. Upcoming events and shows include:
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Jersey Jam! Princeton v. Rutgers Men's Basketball, Nov. 6.
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de Acordeones, Nov. 25
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Jui Jitsu World League Northeast Open, Dec. 2
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Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, Dec. 9-10
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PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure," Jan. 5-7, 2024
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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE Glow Party, Feb. 9-11, 2024
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Harlem Globetrotters, March 1, 2024
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MERCER FAST FACTS!
Drumthwacket, official residence of the Governor of New Jersey
Sited in Princeton on the land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence, Drumthwacket is the stately home that is today the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey. Drumthwacket is one of the most fabled and elegant of America’s executive residences, and in its history lie the stories for three unique families that made immense contributions to New Jersey’s and America’s history.
The property upon which Drumthwacket stands was once owned by William Penn, the Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania. In 1696, William Olden acquired the property; in 1799 Charles Smith Olden was born in the little white homestead by Stockton Street, called the Thomas Olden House that had been built forty years earlier.
Charles Smith Olden, who gained his wealth in business ventures in New Orleans and an inheritance from an uncle, began construction of Drumthwacket in 1835, possibly using a design by architect Charles Steadman.
For its name, Drumthwacket was the estate of a hero in one of Sir Walter Scott’s popular historical novels, A Legend (of the Wars) of Montrose, published in 1819. It is believed that Governor Olden gave his new house this Scots-Gaelic name (which means “wooded hill”) upon reading the book. Read more at https://drumthwacket.org/about/full-history/
Photo credit: Andrew Wilkinson at drumthwacket.org
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OCTOBER MEETINGS CALENDAR
Click for meeting locations.
Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m., Mercer County Human Services Advisory Council Government and Policy Sub-Committee
Nov. 6, 1 p.m., Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention and Emergency (HOPE) Services Forum
Nov. 8, 9 a.m., Mercer County Planning Board; 6 p.m., Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women Meeting; 6:30 p.m., Mercer County Youth Fire Setter Advisory Committee
Nov.9, 5:45 p.m., Mercer County Mental Health Board
Nov. 13, 4:30 p.m., Mercer County Commission on Abused Neglected and Missing Children
Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m., Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition Meeting; 2 p.m., Mercer County Gang Task Force Meeting; 3 p.m., Mercer County Disabilities Advisory Council Meeting
Nov. 16, 1 p.m., Mercer County Youth Services Commission
Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m., Mercer County Minority Concerns Committee
Nov. 20, 6 p.m., Mercer County Board of Commissioners Agenda and Formal
Nov. 21, 10 a.m., Mercer County Human Services Advisory Council,
2 p.m., Trenton/Mercer Continuum of Care Data Committee
Nov. 27, 2 p.m., Trenton/Mercer Continuum of Care Executive Committee
Nov. 28, 9:30 a.m., Mercer County Professional Advisory Committee
Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m., Mercer County Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council;
11 a.m., Mercer County Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council Education Partnership
Subcommittee
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