County Consumer Affairs Changes Name
SOMERVILLE – What’s in a name? Not much to Juliet of Shakespeare’s lyrical tale “Romeo and Juliet,” but a lot to the Somerset County Consumer Affairs Division.
Effective June 3, the division changed its name to the Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection to accurately reflect how its mission has changed and broadened over the past 35 years.
”Nowadays, the word ‘protection’ is far more reflective of the office’s varied accountabilities,” said Freeholder Robert Zaborowski, the office’s liaison. “The division is involved in many protective functions, including enforcement, investigation, task forces, inspections, education, product safety, mediation, negotiation, referral, information and compliance.”
The Consumer Affairs Division started as a one-person desk in the freeholders’ office and currently has three full-time investigators and oversees the Division of Weights and Measures.
Last year alone, the office investigated and successfully negotiated over 350 written complaints, resulting in restitution totaling $266,813.46. It also served 1,624 consumers and responded to 1,052 telephone inquiries and 218 walk-ins from county residents.
The 908-203-6080 phone number will remain the same, while the e-mail address has been changed to consumerprotection@co.somerset.nj.us. Future e-mails that are sent to the previous e-mail address will be directed automatically to the new address to maintain continuity of service.
County Collects 300 Eyeglasses for the Needy
SOMERVILLE – During its recent “spring-cleaning” campaign, the Somerset County Office for the Disabled invited the public to donate used prescription eyeglasses to people home and abroad who do not have access to eye care.
“About 300 eyeglasses were collected in a one-month period,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Rick Fontana, human services liaison. “Many people will enjoy the gift of better vision as a result of the generosity of county residents.”
In addition to prescription eyewear, the Office for the Disabled collected nonprescription sunglasses and precious-metal scraps, which will be sold for content to buy prescription lenses.
Collected eyeglasses are distributed by New Eyes for the Needy of Short Hills to medical missions and international charitable organizations around the globe. Residents of the United States are given vouchers, which they may use to purchase new prescription eyeglasses.
New Eyes for the Needy is a non-profit organization that has been distributing used eyeglasses since 1932.
Eyeglasses may be donated throughout the year by using the drop box in the lobby of the new county Human Services Building, located at 27 Warren St. Contact Mark Malone of the Somerset County Office for the Disabled at 908-704-6334 for more information.
Several Road, Bridge Closings Around Somerset County
The Somerset County Roads and Bridges Division has announced five road and bridge closings for the months of July and August. For the duration of the projects, the roads will be closed completely to vehicle and bicycle traffic, within project limits, as follows:
§ July 7-11: Lamington Road in Branchburg - 600 feet north of Easton
Turnpike
§ July 14-18: Larger Cross Road Bridge in Bedminster
§ July 14-25: Long Hill Road Bridge in Hillsborough
§ July 28-Aug. 1: Jamestown Road Bridge in Montgomery
§ Aug. 4-8: Butler Road Bridge in Somerset (Franklin Township)
The public is advised to seek alternate routes and allow for possible delays.
For more information, call the Somerset County Roads and Bridges Division at 908-541-5021.
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