Edison Sun

year.

Poyner, Harris to lead Edison Township Council

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

The Edison Township Council has reorganized with new leadership.

Councilman John Poyner was nominated and selected – 5-2 – as council president and Councilwoman Margot Harris – 6-1 – was nominated and selected as council vice president at a reorganization meeting on Jan. 4.

Councilman Richard Brescher and Councilwoman Joyce Ship-Freeman voted against Poyner’s nomination. Ship-Freeman voted against Harris’ nomination.

Poyner thanked his council colleagues for the privilege and faith they entrusted in him to serve as council president for 2023.

“Even with the tremendous stride of achievements of 2022, we know plenty

of work still [lies] ahead,” he said. “As we finalize our master plan, we need to ensure we take the necessary measures in adjusting our laws to reflect the desired goals and objectives.

“This includes additional guidelines on uses such as warehouses, billboards, storage facilities and duplexes.

“We must act to protect our environment [by] reviewing items such as net zero initiatives, green purchasing practices, deterrents and enforcement against clear cutting and updating tree replacement guidelines,” Poyner said.

The council president said officials “must continue to develop plans of action and make the required investments necessary to upgrade the township’s aged infrastructure.”

“We must keep making the technological advances necessary to maintain excellent services for the taxpayers of

Edison,” he said. “We must continue implementing projects and programs that improve the quality of life for residents including providing economic opportunity and promoting physical and psychological well-being.”

Poyner said he looks forward to collaborating with his colleagues on numerous initiatives they have brought forth both in the past and going forward.

He also requested residents to stay engaged in local politics and continue providing feedback on township items.

Harris said she was “honored, grateful and humbled” to serve as council vice president. She said council members sit on the dais at the “behest” of the public.

“I’m looking forward to the partner-

Investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life continue in Middlesex County

By KATHY CHANG Managing Editor

The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners are moving full steam ahead into the new year as investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life are on the horizon.

After being selected – once again – by his fellow commissioners to lead their dais as commissioner director, Ronald G. Rios said they look to continue to “foster and create vital partnerships” that attributed to the county’s accomplishments and financial strength in 2022.

Rios reflected on those accomplishments and touched on what is next at a reorganization meeting on Jan. 5 held at the Performing Arts Center on the Middlesex College campus in Edison. Nearly 500 people were in attendance, according to a press release through Middlesex County.

“Over the past year, my colleagues and I have been proud to see our community overcome challenges and fulfill the promise of a brighter future – for our residents, for our businesses, and for our families,” Rios said. “We’ve been able to do this by building public and private partnerships at the local, state, and federal level. These collaborations make a brighter future possible.”

Investing in infrastructure

The County Commissioners continue to build upon the foundation of Desti-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE METRO-JERSEY SECTION OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN

The Metro-Jersey Section of National Council of Jewish Women continues a long-standing tradition of presenting ‘Goodies to the Good Guys’ on Christmas Day. Police, fire, first aid squads, local hospitals from Edison and surrounding communities and the Veterans’ Home in Menlo Park all receive the ‘goodies.’ Pictured from left side of the table to right are Sherry Weber, Susan Leckart, Dottie Krugman, and Joan Shkedi. These are the women who packed up the “Goodies” for distribution to those Good Guys whom we honor each

Right: Some of those brave men who received the goodies this year are from the Edison Fire Department.

New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, manager of NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, go to https://www.nybc.org/ support-us/volunteer-nybc/volunteerapplication/

Edison Addiction Services now has two weekly meetings available to all residents with substance use disorder (or with a family member affected). The meetings are held at noon on Tuesdays at the Edison Public Library, 340 Plain-

field Ave., Edison and 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the North Edison Library, 777 Grove Ave., Edison.

Edison Police Department is currently looking for dependable adults to fill part-time school crossing guard positions. Contact supervisor Ryan Szucs at 732-404-8673 or email Rszucs@edisonpd.org.

ing Reception – Join on Jan. 17 at 4:30 p.m. for the opening reception of Windows of Understanding as the county celebrates the 6th annual run of its social justice art initiative. The opening reception will be held at Barca City, 47 Easton Ave., New Brunswick.

No. 1e, Edison.

Edison Police Department is bringing back the Civilian Police Academy for 25 township residents, 18 years of age or older, that will run from Jan. 25 to March 15.

The academy will be held at the Edison Police Substation, 205 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison.

The

Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Veterans Diversion Program

is looking for veteran mentors. To find out more information contact Megan Carduner at 732-745-4491 or Megan.Carduner@co.middlesex.nj.us.

The Arts Institute of Middlesex County is presenting, promoting, and supporting a multitude of arts and culture events, exhibitions, and shows throughout the month of January. These events are free to enjoy for all County residents and beyond.

January’s event highlights include:

• Art Together – Art Together is the Zimmerli’s FREE drop-in family art making workshop series. Dates include Feb. 12, March 12, April 2, and May 21 from 1-3 p.m.

• Windows of Understanding – Open-

• Wash and Learn at the Handy Street Laundromat, 314 Handy St., New Brunswick on Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. Join Roosevelt Elementary School in this special after school literacy program that is open to all. They will be spending time reading together, doing hands-on activities, and giving out prizes.

• SEO/Web & Social Media Integration for Nonprofits – Join via Zoom on Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. for a workshop that will focus on how to generate leads and increase search rankings for a nonprofit website.

For more information visit http:// www.middlesexcountynj.gov/artsandculture for full details on all the events listed above and many more. Registration details and links to live stream events are available.

The Edison Community Garden Initiative will hold a Container Garden Workshop at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Cypress Brewing Company, 30 Nixon Lane,

For more information contact 732248-7440 or email Cop@edisonpd.org. The deadline for registration is at 4 p.m. Jan. 17. Completed applications should be emailed to Detective Keith Jackson at cop@edisonpd.org.

Join the Middlesex County Office of Health Services for their Winter Walk Wednesdays, scheduled to take place the last Wednesday of January (25), February (22) and March (29) at the Piscataway YMCA, 520 Hoes Lane, Piscataway. This event connects residents with local doctors and educators while walking to improve their health and well-being.

Attendees will have the opportunity to have questions answered by Hackensack Meridian Health Professionals. This free event is open to the public.

For more information on other events in Middlesex County, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/home.

Investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life continue in Middlesex County

nation 2040, the County’s strategic plan for long-term economic success which is spearheaded by the Department of Transportation under the leadership of Kenny.

“Everything we do supports our vision for a brighter future for everyone who lives, works, and plays here in Middlesex County,” Rios said. “The County envisions a brighter future that grants better access to innovative spaces and cuttingedge healthcare treatment for those within and around Middlesex County through key investments in transformative community projects.”

Those projects include the County’s role as a core partner in the New Jersey Innovation Hub, which represents a significant investment in the future of innovation in New Jersey. The County will leverage its “AAA” bond rating to provide the financing mechanism for nearly $500 million in project funds. The Hub, which is planned to be built at the Ferren Mall in downtown New Brunswick, will serve as the future command center for DataCity, the County’s living laboratory for autonomous technology, according to the press release.

Officials including Gov. Phil Murphy came together to ceremonially break ground on the project in October 2021.

Additionally, Middlesex County has invested $25 million in the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, also in New Brunswick.

“This elite facility will transform cancer care through a combination of research, education, and patient care,” Rios said. “The Cancer Center will provide world-class cancer treatment for residents right here in the County, while also providing academic and hands-on training opportunities for Middlesex College and Middlesex County Magnet Schools students.

“Both the Hub and the Cancer Center are designed to attract opportunity, business, and talent from throughout the County, the state, and the region.”

The new Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center is a state-of-the-art, freestanding cancer hospital featuring outpatient and inpatient capacity coupled with research laboratories, retail space and ancillary services devoted to patient wellness and is a first of its kind in New Jersey, according to Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health.

Other key projects include the County’s investments in transportation infrastructure, including the modernization of the New Brunswick Train Station – which will see the 120-year-old station

updated with the amenities and technologies needed to support a bustling train station for the future – and the construction of the North Brunswick Train Station, which is nearing the completion of the concept design phase. Both projects are being managed in first-of-their kind partnerships between the Middlesex County Improvement Authority and New Jersey Transit.

The train station/transit village project in North Brunswick began 15 years ago as a means to offer relief to one of the state’s busiest rail lines, provide quicker commutes, reduce traffic along Route 1, relieve congestion at the New Brunswick and Jersey Avenue train stations, bring revenue and ratables to the area, add construction and permanent jobs, and provide an environmentally

safe alternative to driving.

The former 212-acre Johnson & Johnson complex across from Commerce Boulevard on Route 1 in North Brunswick was converted to a transit-oriented development and is now part of Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 initiative as a future-forward growth strategy.

Rios said investments in the County’s transportation infrastructure will have multiple benefits for the county and the region.

“These projects will allow for broader access within and beyond our borders, easing commutes on major thoroughfares, attracting new revenue to the region, and allowing those within and beyond our county to better access our recreational facilities like our 19 County parks, our more than 13,000 acres of

open space and preserved farmland, and our many performing arts centers,” he said said.

Investing in education

Middlesex County remains committed to building a brighter future through investments in education and career training.

“We envision a future that changes the educational landscape to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs, inventors, collaborators, and contributors,” Rios said. “To do this, we must foster a workforce of the future and nurture a new generation of learners, by making vital investments designed to strengthen and grow our college; our magnet schools; and our pipeline of talented, well-pre-

Jade Glab

N.J. recorded environmental highlights in 2022

The year 2022 will go down in history as one defined by many challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic dragged into its third year, the war in Ukraine destabilized world security and finances, and record heat, droughts and storms again brought home the reality of a changing climate. New Jersey, like everywhere else, shared the pain.

Despite these difficulties, this state we’re in made encouraging progress in 2022 on environmental protection, conservation and outdoor recreation.

Highlights include reduced plastic pollution, a partial ban on pesticides that harm bees and other pollinators, a task force studying ways to boost protections for public forests, work to implement the Environmental Justice Act, steps to advance clean offshore wind and solar energy, and more.

•

Plastic bag ban –

gas emissions while providing critical habitat for wildlife, outdoor recreation, and clean air and water.

Yet the vast majority of New Jersey’s public forests are not adequately protected against inappropriate logging, over-browsing by deer and invasive species. In 2022, a Forest Stewardship Task Force was established to develop recommendations to the state Legislature to better protect and manage public forests.

• More offshore wind and solar energy – A key part of New Jersey’s climate action plan is a transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

2022, but still need to be adopted as soon as possible.

• Warehouse development – In 2022, New Jersey continued to see significant development of massive warehouses in many parts of the state, threatening prime farmland and communities already overburdened by pollution.

The State Planning Commission issued voluntary guidelines to help municipalities plan for warehouse development, but the state and municipalities are still lacking the tools needed to deal with this challenge.

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GUEST COLUMN

In May, New Jersey’s ban on single-use plastic shopping bags went into effect. Thanks to the state’s 2020 Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, shoppers were required for the first time to supply their own reusable bags.

By the end of the first year, New Jersey will have avoided using an estimated 3.44 billion plastic bags and 68 million paper bags, preventing tons of waste from going into landfills and waterways.

• Protecting pollinators – In 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Save the Bees bill, which limits neonicotinoid pesticide applications in non-agricultural settings like gardens, lawns and golf courses.

“Neonics” don’t just kill insect pests; they also wipe out beneficial insects, including butterflies, wild native bees and domesticated honeybees. In turn, bird populations decline because of the loss of food sources.

While the new law is a positive step, neonics are still allowed in New Jersey for agricultural uses.

• Forest Task Force – Forests and other lands sequester and store about 9% of New Jersey’s annual greenhouse

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities took a step forward in 2022 by implementing a new utility-scale solar program that will result in more clean energy while bringing down the costs of solar incentives and ensuring sound siting to protect important farmland soils and forests.

• “Outside Together” – New Jersey began working on the new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which will set strategies for open space and recreation for the next five years and is required to maintain eligibility for funding from the National Park Service.

• Black Heritage Trail – A new state law signed in 2022 will establish a Black Heritage Trail linking landmarks, heritage sites, museums and attractions highlighting moments of political, military, artistic, cultural and social importance in the state’s Black history.

Despite this progress, New Jersey still has plenty of work to do on environmental and conservation issues:

• Environmental Justice Law – For years, New Jersey’s poor, urban, black and brown communities have borne the brunt of environmental contamination.

In 2020, Gov. Murphy signed the landmark Environmental Justice Act to help protect overburdened communities. Rules implementing the act were introduced in the summer of

• Fixing state parks – In 2022, a partnership of conservation organizations – including New Jersey Conservation Foundation – launched the “Fix Our Parks” campaign highlighting the need for more funding and stronger enforcement to protect New Jersey’s state park system.

A report commissioned by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance found that state parks are underfunded, understaffed and facing threats from illegal off-road vehicle use and dumping. The Governor and Legislature should make increased funding a priority in the upcoming budget.

• Flood prevention – In 2022, the state Department of Environmental Protection published draft rules to better protect communities from flooding from extreme storms, like the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021. The public comment period ends on Feb. 3.

If adopted as written, the new rules will raise flood plain elevations by 2 feet, making it harder to build in areas near rivers and streams, protecting lives and property.

To learn more about the inland flood rules or to make a comment, go to https://dep.nj.gov/inland-floodprotection-rule/

Please continue to make your voices heard in 2023 on the need for our elected officials to address these pressing issues.

Tom Gilbert is a co-executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills.

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Volume 1, Number 3

• TOM GILBERT

Investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life continue in Middlesex County

(Continued from page 3)

pared workers who are ready to move into – or advance in – all industries, especially the County’s key business sectors: life sciences, autonomous technology, and food innovation.”

To that end, the Middlesex County Magnet Schools and Middlesex College have undergone a transformation to better align with the County’s distinctive brand strategy and economic growth plans. The Middlesex County Magnet Schools have a new name and visual identity that accurately reflect the district’s evolution and specialized education opportunities, which include skillsbased training and rigorous academic coursework.

County officials announced in June 2022 that Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools would transition into a “new era of specialized education” with a new name and rebranded logo. After a century, the school district has transitioned to being called the Middlesex County Magnet Schools.

Comprised of five separate campuses in Piscataway, Perth Amboy, East Brunswick, Edison, and Woodbridge, the schools combine to serve 2,200 highschoolers. In addition, the schools also feature an Adult Education program that benefits nearly 400 adults annually.

The County is already seeing a return on its investment in Middlesex College’s new identity, with enrollment up 3% in 2022 – far above the state and national average for two-year colleges.

Middlesex College, formerly Middlesex County College, rebranded with a name change and new logo in 2021.

The enrollment increase is expected to continue as the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, which was unveiled in fall 2022, is implemented. The CIO Strategic Investment Plan – through the addition of new academic, athletic, and performing arts facilities – will transform the Middlesex College campus into a space for the entire County community and as a regional attraction, according to the press release.

Investing in quality of life

Under the leadership of the Board of County Commissioners, Middlesex County envisions a brighter future for residents that encompasses more than state of-the-art facilities and regional attractions. The County will continue to offer and invest in core services and programs geared toward making a better life for the families and individuals who live here.

“Through our investments in talent,

infrastructure, and our residents, we are building an even brighter future that is unique only to Middlesex County,” Rios said.

These investments include the County’s telehealth and community health programs, which are designed to ensure County residents have the tools they need to access vital healthcare services and education. First introduced in 2021 in direct response to issues brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic, these initiatives were expanded in 2022, according to the press release.

Additionally, the County has put significant support behind the state’s ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program, to ensure eligible Middlesex County homeowners and renters have access to the program. Middlesex County also continues to provide support to the most vulnerable in the community through the County’s Coming Home and Housing First Funds and remains committed to helping veterans. Since its inception, the County’s Veterans Housing Assistance program has helped hundreds of veterans, according to the press release.

Foremost among Middlesex County’s investments in quality of life in 2023 will be a focus on mental health. This will involve a comprehensive effort across a range of areas such as community services, education, law enforcement, the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, and the George J. Otlowski, Sr. Center for Mental Health, officials said.

The County is also working with a professional partner to assess County policies, procedures, and programming in an effort to identify areas of improvement. Currently underway, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging study is scheduled to conclude in 2023.

Murphy and New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19) were in attendance and addressed the crowd.

“With each step forward, it becomes increasingly clearer: Middlesex County priorities and New Jersey priorities are one in the same,” Murphy said. “From its upgrades to pivotal transit facilities to its transformation of leading educational institutions, the County has served –and will continue to serve – as a microcosm of the stronger, fairer Garden State we are building.”

Middlesex County was also honored to receive messages of support from its federal representatives – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) – all of whom joined the meeting virtually.

Rios also thanked County employees

for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging the vital role they play in serving County residents and ensuring the success of all County programs and initiatives.

“Our County employees are the lifeblood of what we do,” he said, before speaking directly to the many employees who were in the audience: “You are the heart and soul of our operation. My fellow commissioners and I are continually in awe of your commitment to residents and businesses. We, and the entire com-

munity, thank you.”

The meeting included the swearingin ceremonies of three county commissioners and the county sheriff. Claribel A. Azcona-Barber, Charles Kenny, and Chanelle Scott McCullum won the open seats on the dais and Mildred S. Scott won the open seat for county sheriff in the November 2022 election.

Along with Rios’ reappointment as commissioner director, County Commissioner Shanti Narra was chosen to serve as deputy commissioner for 2023.

Gov. announces second extended deadline for property tax relief program

During his State of the State Address on Jan. 10, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that in concert with Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, the state is extending the application deadline for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program to ensure every eligible New Jerseyan takes advantage of the relief.

The new application deadline is being extended to Feb. 28, giving taxpayers an extra month to apply, according to a press release from Murphy’s office.

The deadline was previously extended to Jan. 31 to allow tenants who had been ineligible because their unit is under a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement to apply for the benefit, according to the press release.

“This is money going right back into the pockets of roughly two million New Jersey middle class and working homeowners, seniors and tenants; households in which well more than half of all of our residents live,” Murphy was quoted as saying in the press release.

“For more than a million homeowners, ANCHOR’s direct relief will effectively undo years of property tax increases, even up to a decade’s worth.

“And for nearly one million renters,

ANCHOR’s tenant relief will cushion rent hikes,” said Murphy. “Today, working with the senate president, speaker and treasurer, I am proud to give every eligible New Jerseyan an extra month to apply.”

“The response to the ANCHOR program has been outstanding and I am very glad we can extend the deadline so even more New Jerseyans can take advantage of this game-changing program,” State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio said.

“There are still thousands of renters and homeowners out there who have not been eligible for property tax relief for nearly a generation who can apply and receive the rebate. We want to make sure we provide every chance for people to get their applications in and get the relief they deserve,” she said.

Under the ANCHOR program, the size of the benefit and the number of eligible applicants has increased substantially, compared to the previous Homestead Benefit (which ANCHOR is replacing), including double the number of homeowners and nearly a million tenants who had not been eligible for property tax relief in recent years, according to the press release.

More than 870,000 homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $1,500 in relief; more than 290,000 homeowners with incomes over $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and more than 900,000 renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 to help offset rent increases, according to the press release.

All payments will begin going out in late spring, regardless of when taxpayers file. Payments will be issued in the form of checks or direct deposits and are not subject to federal or state income tax.

To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on Oct. 1, 2019 and file or be exempt from New Jersey income taxes.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone, or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail.

Tenants can apply online or download the application from the Taxation website and return by mail (there is no phone option for tenants, as this is the first time this group will be eligible for property tax relief).

Applicants are encouraged to consult

the detailed information posted on the Division of Taxation website, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, before calling the ANCHOR hotline.

For more information, visit nj.gov/ treasury/taxation/anchor/ or call the ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238–1233.

Poyner, Harris

(Continued from page 1)

ship with Councilman Poyner,” she said, noting they have a great working relationship and complement their strengths and weaknesses well. “I’m excited to work with my fellow council members. I’m grateful for the support.”

Harris said they have done so much “at warped speed” to get Mayor Sam Joshi’s agenda passed in 2022.

“There are so many wonderful things happening in this town,” she said. “I’m looking forward to another active year on council.”

Harris said she welcomes all the feedback from the public and fellow council members.

qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower

loan programs is provided by

Interest

An Edison man, the former manager of the New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, admitted his role in a longrunning alleged scheme to defraud the fund of more than $4.5 million for his own personal benefit, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Harry Pizutelli, 64, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton to information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud on Jan. 4, according to a press release through the United States Attorney District of New Jersey.

One of his conspirators, Maritza Flores, 45, of Toms River, also pleaded guilty before the district judge information charging her with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and tax evasion, according to the press release.

In January 2021, Pizutelli, Flores, and co-defendant C.R. Kraus were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund of millions of dollars of public funds for their own personal benefit. The charges against Kraus remain pending, according to the press release.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The TBI Fund is a publicly funded program run by the New Jersey Division of Disability Services, a component of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. The TBI Fund’s purpose is to provide New Jersey residents who have suffered a traumatic brain injury with services and support in order to maximize their quality of life when funding from insurance, personal resources, or other programs is unavailable to meet their needs. Services funded by the TBI Fund include physical, occupational, and speech therapy; service coordination; assistive technology; cognitive therapy; neuropsychological services; pharmaceuticals; wheelchair ramp installation and other home modifications; and general home management and maintenance.

After a prospective patient applies for services, TBI Fund personnel review the application and, if approved, the patient is authorized to secure designated services from a third-party vendor. Once a patient receives services

approved by the TBI Fund, the vendor or service provider submits an invoice to the TBI Fund for payment. When an invoice is received, TBI Fund personnel review the invoice to ensure that the patient had been approved to receive the services. If the invoice is approved, an internal payment voucher is generated, authorized by TBI Fund personnel, and then submitted to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury for payment, which issues a check directly to the vendor.

Pizutelli was the manager of the TBI Fund and was responsible for its dayto-day operation. He supervised, managed, and oversaw the process by which third-party vendors were paid for services rendered to eligible TBI Fund patients. From 2009 through June 2019, Pizutelli, Kraus, Flores, and others allegedly conspired to defraud the TBI Fund by misappropriating more than $4.5 million in fraudulent vendor payments for purported services that were never actually provided, according to the press release.

Pizutelli orchestrated the distribution of fraudulent vendor payments to Flores, Kraus, and others by generating and processing false invoices and internal payment vouchers. Pizutelli generated these invoices and vouchers to give the appearance that Flores, Kraus, and other conspirators had provided approved services to eligible patients when, in fact, they had not provided any services. Pizutelli then approved and transmitted the internal payment vouchers, according to the press release.

Pizutelli orchestrated these fraudulent payments to maintain and further romantic and/or sexual relationships with Flores and other conspirators. Pizutelli orchestrated the fraudulent payment of more than $4.5 million from the TBI Fund to members of the conspiracy, including more than $940,000 in fraudulent distributions to Flores and more than $3.245 million in fraudulent distributions to Kraus, which they used for their own personal benefit and enrichment. Flores and Kraus also evaded the payment of substantial amount of income taxes by making material misstatements and omissions on their fed-

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

The Terra Nova Garden Club of Edison is alive and well and meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Oak Tree Presbyterian Church on Plainfield Avenue, Edison. The Club’s February meeting will host Nisha Khanna who will teach the ins and outs of straw bale gardening, a great option for people with limited mobility, poor soil quality, or limited space.

If you enjoy gardening, have an interest in the environment, or just have a favorite plant, the Club always welcome new faces.

The Middlesex County Magnet Schools have scheduled open houses on all five campuses for prospective students and their parents to become familiar with the career offerings and academic programs available.

East Brunswick Campus, 112 Rues Lane, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 21, 2023.

Perth Amboy Campus, 457 High St., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 28, 2023.

For more information visit www.mcvts. net.

Volunteers needed for Woodbridge

Township Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) in North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Edison, Metuchen, Sayreville, South Plainfield and Woodbridge.

For more information contact dvteam@woodbridgedvrt.org, call 732634-4500 ext. 2802, or visit woodbridgedvrt.org.

Self-defense and safety awareness classes for boys and girls ages 5-15 will be held at the JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison. Classes will be held on Thursdays from Jan. 19 to March 30.

Classes for all new students will be held from 5-5:40 p.m. Classes for returning students will be held from 5:50-6:30 p.m. To sign up call 732-474-8733.

Edison Township’s Lunar New Year Event will be held from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 21 . A parade will kick off at Festival Plaza, 1738 Lincoln Hwy, Edison, followed by an event at Papaianni Park, 100 Municipal Blvd., Edison with musical and dance performances, vendors and food and special guest Miss New Jersey 2019-20.

The Metro-Jersey Section of National Council of Jewish Women will welcome special guest Anna Martinez, director for the Division of Women in New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison.

Martinez will speak about the workings of her division and the department, and how this work affects each and every one of us. Martinez’s areas of expertise include violence prevention, human trafficking, public safety, civil rights and victims’ rights issues.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served at the end of the presentation. For more information, please write to ncjwmetrojersey@gmail. com.

Join the Edison Human Relations Commission for a Taste of the Holidays from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Clara Barton First Aid Squad, 1079 Amboy Ave., Edison. For more information call Maria Orchid at 732-766-8489.

The Metuchen-Edison Historical Society will hold Local History Day from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Metuchen Public Library, 480 Middlesex Ave., Metuchen.

U.S. Attorney

eral income tax returns and significantly underreporting the income they had derived from the fraudulent scheme, according to the press release.

The healthcare fraud conspiracy charge to which Pizutelli and Flores each pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross receipts to the defendants or gross loss sustained by any victims, whichever is greater. The tax evasion charge to which Flores pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing for Pizutelli is scheduled for May 8, and for Flores, May 9.

Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy; and special agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy L. Tomlins, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office Division of Law, and the New Jersey Department of Human Services, for their assistance.

PRAYER IS POWERFUL

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this petition. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse in thee (3Xs). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (3Xs). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. + Say this

is

SETTING SPINAL DISORDERS STRAIGHT.

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