There will be no formal “thoughts” column this month as I take a brief break to recharge my body, soul, and mind.  I’ll be back with you in September, hopefully with some “new thoughts” worthy of sharing.  In the meantime, a few observational quotes you might find of interest.

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life that you don’t need to escape from.” --Seth Godin

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -  Eleanor Brown

“Feed your soul by feeding the soul of others with love, kindness and compassion.”- Daniela Nikolova       

So, my friends, take good care- of yourselves and of those around you.  See you down the road…

RAISE THE (LOWER) AGE OF JUVENILE COURT JURISDICTION

By Gayle Allen, MA, Senior Program Coordinator, Office of Juvenile Institutional Services

The tireless efforts of  juvenile justice advocates over the past few decades have brought to light the need for state legislatures to “Raise the Age” of juvenile court jurisdiction, focusing primarily on the maximum age that a minor or young adult would have their charges handled by the Juvenile court rather than the Criminal (adult) court. Most states have reformed their laws to reflect what the science shows: the area of the brain that controls impulsivity, planning and forethought isn’t finished being built until around age 25, so we have to hold young offenders accountable in a different way than their fully-formed adult counterparts.  But what about the lower age of juvenile court jurisdiction? How young is TOO young for a child to be prosecuted?

In 2019, a 6 year old girl was arrested and “handcuffed” with zip ties (because regulation handcuffs were too large for her tiny arms) in school while having a temper tantrum. This incident prompted the Florida state legislature to enact a law setting the lower age of juvenile court jurisdiction at 7 years old, meaning that anyone under 7 cannot be charged with an offense. Many states, including New Jersey, currently have no minimum age for prosecution.

The United States Constitution provides several protections for people accused of offenses, including the right of the accused to participate in their own defense. But minors and, particularly, very young children, don’t have the neurological, social or emotional development necessary “to understand what is happening in court or be able to participate in their defense in any meaningful way, they are unable to fully grasp what it means to break the law or to fully understand the legal and moral implications of their actions, and they face great risk of being physically harmed and emotionally traumatized by the experience. Younger children are at the greatest risk of being victims of violence when in custody – more than one-quarter of youth under 13 years old were victims of some type of violence while confined, compared to nine percent of 20-year-olds. Furthermore, justice system processing is a treatment that is disproportionately used for children of color, enhancing the racial and ethnic disparities in the youth justice system.” ^

The New Jersey State Legislature got the message. On February 9, 2023 state Representatives Raj Mukharji (D, district 33-Hudson) and Carol Murphy (D, district 7-Bergen) introduced Assembly bill A-5169,  proposing that Section 4 of Public Law 1982, chapter 77 (identified in the Criminal Code as 2A:4A-23) is amended to read as follows:  

"Delinquency" means the commission of an act by a juvenile 12 years of age or older which if committed by an adult would constitute:

     a.     A crime;

     b.    A disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense; or

     c.     A violation of any other penal statute, ordinance or regulation.**

This bill was referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, where it passed unanimously on May 18, 2023, with one very important amendment: the new proposed law would set the minimum age at 14 instead of 12. It was subsequently referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it awaits a vote. A matching bill, S-3911, was introduced in the New Jersey Senate by Senator Nelly Pou (D, district 35: Bergen and Passaic)on June 1, 2023 and referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. The Senate version was introduced with the proposed minimum age at 14 years old.

There’s no argument that young people- especially very young children- need to be held accountable for their wrongdoing so they can learn from their mistakes. But consequences that have a life-long negative impact (including early childhood trauma caused by arrest and possible removal from the community; exposure to victimization in juvenile detention and a tarnished reputation in school; and the collateral damage caused by a juvenile court record) are likely to prevent that young person from developing into a healthy, functioning, and contributing member of society. New Jersey, and particularly Somerset County, are fortunate to have many youth- and family-serving agencies that can intervene in the lives of young people to provide the redirection and support they need. The New Jersey legislature will hopefully do what it takes to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens aren’t pushed into the juvenile justice system unnecessarily.

^ from https://www.njjn.org/our-work/raise-the-minimum-age-for-trying-children-in-juvenile-court--  

** from https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S3911/id/2822815

 Somerset County 4-H Fair – August 9, 10, & 11, 2023

75 Years and Growing Strong!

This year marks our 75th Anniversary! The Fair will be charged with more energy than ever, expect tons of hands-on activities, great food and live music, and wonderful exhibits for the whole family. As always, the fair has FREE PARKING and ADMISSION, giving the opportunity for everyone to enjoy an extraordinary day outdoors!

For Schedules and Map check out our website www.4histops.org/fair

Tune in to the Facebook Live videos from Somerset County Family & Community Health Sciences (RCE) this August! By doing so, you can earn up to 5 LiveWell points (Metric 14)! Be sure to check out https://www.facebook.com/SCNJFCHS/ for updates and videos!

WELCOME SHAILJA MATHUR TO SOMERSET COUNTY FCHS!

Please join us in welcoming our new Somerset County FCHS Agent (Assistant Professor). Shailja Mathur M.S., M.Ed., RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lifestyle Coach, Certified High School Science teacher and a Diabetes advocate. Shailja has provided leadership to nutrition education outreach projects on behalf of Rutgers Cooperative Extension at the national, state and county level for twenty years. Shailja was the recipient of the 2018 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) National Diversity Award. She has also been honored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) and received the RCE Diversity Award for her commitment to the field of nutrition and dietetics and service to the diverse population in New Jersey. Shailja is passionate about both teaching and learning and hopes to continue to positively impact the lives of New Jersey residents, and is excited to serve the Somerset County community in areas of healthy living and chronic disease prevention.

Lower Your Risk of Diabetes Class

Wednesday, August 23, 2023 • 12pm-1pm

Human Resources Training Room, 3^rd Floor

Admin Building, 20 Grove St.

Join the discussion with FCHS Agent and Educator Shailja Mathur, as she shares lifestyle steps you can take to lower your risk of diabetes. Learn about local resources including the “NJ Empower to Prevent” National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).  The NDPP is an evidence-based, year-long virtual lifestyle change program shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes through weight loss, healthy eating, physical activity, stress reduction, and healthy coping skills.

To register, email: wellnesscommittee@co.somerst.nj.us

Earn 2 Live Well Points!

Men’s Health - Prostate Cancer

Submitted by Theresa Reilly LPN/Case Manager, Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” ~Lewis ~

DNA cell changes in the prostate cause prostate cancer.  The abnormal cells form a tumor which can become invasive to other areas of the body.  Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in American Men. (www.cancer.org)

RISK FACTORS

A risk factor is anything that raises your risk of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like a person’s age or family history, can’t be changed.  However, having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get the disease. People with one or more risk factors never get cancer, while others who get cancer may have had few or no known risk factors. Researchers have found several factors that might affect a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer.

• Age – Over 50 years old
• Race – Black people have a greater risk than other races(https://www.mayoclinic.org)
• Family History – A close blood relative with prostate cancer
• Gene Changes – Inherited gene change of the BRCA1 or BRAC2 genes(https://www.cancer.org)

SYMPTOMS

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer that is detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment.

• Trouble Urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the Urine/Blood in the semen
• Losing weight without trying
• Erectile dysfunction

  DIAGNOSING

  The two common screening tests for prostate cancer are the PSA (prostate specific antigen) and the digital rectal exam (DRE). Screening with one or both tests will not give you a definite diagnosis of prostate cancer. If prostate cancer screening detects an abnormality further testing may be ordered by your Physician which may include:

• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Prostate Biopsy

TREATMENT

Your prostate cancer treatment options depend on several factors, such as how fast your cancer is growing, whether it has spread and your overall health, as well as the potential benefits or side effects of the treatment. Low-grade prostate cancer may not need treatment right away. For some, treatment may never be needed. Instead, doctors sometimes recommend active surveillance. Some of these treatments may include:

• Hormone Therapy-This treatment stops the body from producing male hormone testosterone with certain medications known as (LHRH) luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.
• Chemotherapy-uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells this treatment is used when cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Immunotherapy-uses your immune system to fight the cancer.
• Radiation-option for treating cancer that is confined to the prostate.
• Prostatectomy-removal of the prostate gland

PUBLIC FIGURES

Guess what all these people have in common?  Early intervention provided great results.  These public figures range in age today from 57 for Ben Stiller to 85 for Colin Powell. 

• Ben Stiller – age of diagnosis 48
• John Kerry – age of diagnosis 58
• Robert DeNiro - age of diagnosis 60
• Colin Powell-age of diagnosis 69

Prostate Cancer: Psychosocial Implications

Some men say being diagnosed and living with prostate cancer changes the way they think and feel about life. It can be hard to deal with emotionally as well as physically and can affect how you feel. You might feel scared, worried, stressed, helpless or even angry. Erectile Dysfunction is a common side affect of treatment which can cause increase in depression/anxiety. Recognizing and learning how to cope can impact your quality of life. There are treatment options to help manage these symptoms:

• Talk to family, friends and loved ones.
• Talk with a counselor, therapist, social worker.
• Try methods of relaxation (yoga, meditation, breathing exercises)
• Support groups

References

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087

Columnist Arthur G. Lewis printed a collection of sayings under the title “Stub Ends of Thou”                      

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call Bridgeway PESS at 908-527-4100 OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

 CENTRAL JERSEY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER (CJHRC)

Housing has become extremely difficult to attain in our area of NJ and unfortunately is usually a long process.  Being prepared is one of the best ways to start the process and CJHRC offers many different types of counseling programs and services to help.   CJHRC is a HUD certified housing counseling agency providing FREE programs and services.  CJHRC does not have funds for rental assistance.  We do have down payment/closing cost funds for purchasers in the process that have 5% of their own funds to put down. Contact a CJHRC counselor for more information at 908-446-0036.

FREE Pre-Purchase Counseling

If you want to purchase a home, but don’t know how/where to start or how much you can afford, CJHRC’s FREE web-based program is a great way to learn about the process.  It’s easy to start – meet with a counselor who will calculate your debt to income ratio, financial analysis and create a budget; then, you will be registered for the online program.  You can complete this program in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. Participants receive a certificate of completion after passing a test.  The certificate is very important because it is required by lenders to get special mortgage products, usually required for down payment/closing cost grants and you might get a reduction in your attorney fees if you purchase a very low/low/moderate income unit.  You will also learn about the State of NJ affordable housing program and possible assistance grants you might be eligible for. If you prefer, CJHRC also offers one-on-one counseling or a 2-day virtual webinar (see link below).  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 for more information.

2-Day Virtual Homebuyer Webinar                                  

September 11 & September 13, 2023

5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

(must register & attend both day)

Click here to register

CJHRC’s staff provide FREE counseling services for financial literacy, pre- and post-purchase, rental, mortgage default/foreclosure, Fair Housing issues/questions and homeless counseling.  Contact a CJHRC Counselor at 908-446-0036 or visit our website at www.cjhrc.org to view resources. 

Make sure you like us on Facebook (Central Jersey Housing Resource Center) or follow us on Instagram (cjhrc_housing) to get important housing announcements, resources and information.  CJHRC posts weekly on our social media accounts.

The Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center of Somerset County has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® in Behavioral Health Care for the eight time by demonstrating our continuous compliance with the designated performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality client care.

Richard Hall CHWC underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on June 28-30, 2023. During the visit, the Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with standards across several areas including Leadership, Provision of Care, National Patient Safety Standards, Medication Management, Emergency Management, Environment of Care, Infection Control and Prevention, Management of Information, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement and Ethics, Rights and Responsibilities.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and clients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations like Richard Hall CHWC measure, assess, and improve performance. The surveyor also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a heath care accreditor, The Joint Commission works with health care organizations across settings to help improve safety and quality of care through our expert resources and tools, innovative solutions and rigorous standards,” says Deborah Ryan, MS, RN, interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations at the Joint Commission. “We commend the Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center of Somerset County for its commitment to advance safety and quality for all.”

This achievement means the Center complies with and has met the highest national standards set for safety and quality of care and is committed to continually improving services for our clients. By attaining competence in the use of evidenced based and best practice standards, Richard Hall CHWC has displayed a continuum of care that leads the way to zero harm for all our clients.

In a message to the Center staff, Nicci Spinazzola, Executive Director noted that; “On behalf of the Management Team of the Center I want to thank each of our staff for their dedication and hard work in providing excellent and compassionate care to our clients and to the Somerset County community. Congratulations to each of you on a successful survey. Our surveyor commented several times about the stewardship and care we take of our Center communicating that we are welcoming and affirming to all those who enter. She experienced firsthand the friendly atmosphere as she interacted with staff and the exemplary quality of the work as she reviewed our processes. It is both an honor and pleasure to work with each of you as we continue to uphold the mission, vision, and values of the Center for the Somerset County community. Thank you again for your contribution to the work you do here. There are no words to express our gratitude.”

[Click on image to view full PDF] 

Successful Ramp Build for Montgomery Resident 

In July, volunteers from the Wheelchair Ramp Construction Program built a ramp for a resident in Montgomery. The talented and highly skilled volunteers worked quickly to load and unload wood, lay out materials, and build the ramp in only two days’ worth of work. The volunteers work meticulously to ensure the quality and safety of the ramps they build, and significantly change people’s lives along the way. The team has built hundreds of ramps over the years they have been together. This ramp is an example of one of the 5 ramps they have built this so far this year, as well as one ramp removed. Laurie Roome, Somerset County RSVP Director, has described how complex and large scale some of these builds can be, and the end results are always magnificent. The best part, however, is seeing the joy on the homeowners face as they see and use their ramp for the firs time. The volunteers are not simply building ramps, they are giving people their freedom and independence back.

Bill Crosby has been the Coordinator for the Handyman and Wheelchair Ramp Program for over 28 years and has created and grown the team to the fine, honed program it is today. Click here to learn more about the Office of Volunteer Services and the Wheelchair Ramp Construction Program.