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Author: City of Linden

Linden NJ Health Officer Named NJBIZ 2023 Public Health Hero

Health Officer Aimee Puluso of Linden, NJ Recognized by NJBIZ for Excellence in Public Health and Awarded as a 2023 Healthcare Hero in Public Health

Linden, New Jersey, May 18, 2023 – The NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes awards recognize deserving professionals across twelve categories who have a significant impact on health quality in the State of New Jersey. On May 12, NJBIZ announced the winners, which include Aimee Puluso, the Health Officer of the City of Linden, NJ. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is presenting the award gala this year on June 27th.

“When I first met Ms. Puluso, I knew she had the credentials, the experience, and the proactive work ethic to revamp our Health Department and make it one of the best in the State of New Jersey. And so she has,” said Linden’s Mayor Derek Armstead. Ms. Puluso became Linden’s Health Officer in 2021, shortly after the pandemic began. During the pandemic she worked tirelessly with Mayor Armstead and safely hosted dozens of clinics, events, and informational sessions for Linden and Union County residents. 

“I’m both humbled and honored to be recognized with this award. All of my team members in the Health Department help contribute to our department’s excellence, and I see this award as a reflection of them as much as it is of me. While health professionals all work diligently because we believe in the work, and not for awards, it is certainly both personally and professionally satisfying to be recognized.” said Ms. Puluso. 

Ms. Puluso has over 25 years of experience in local environmental and public health in New Jersey as both a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, and as the Health Officer of the City of Linden Health Department. Ms. Puluso has presented educational seminars at municipal and state conferences, and teaches Public Health Law and Ethics at Rutgers University as a part-time lecturer. She has volunteered for and chaired several New Jersey environmental and public health committees, task forces, and advisory boards, is a 2019 graduate of the Leadership Morris Institute, and is the published author of the New Jersey Environmental Health Association’s 2014 R.E.H.S. Workforce Assessment. She is the recipient of several state and national awards and honors, is both a Past President and the current Treasurer of the New Jersey Environmental Health Association, and is the President of both the Union County Health Officers Association and Union County Public Health Partnership.

Notice RE New Job Position Available In The City of Linden

Once completed all applications must be returned via email or mailed to City of Linden City Clerks’ Office, 301 North Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036. Applications that are mailed must be postmarked by the application deadline or they will be returned to the applicant. Please be advised that all employment applications must be completed at the time of submission. Please include copies of resumes, proof of qualifications or any additional documents you wish to submit with your application.

Submission Deadline is June 2, 2023 at 4:30pm.

  • One full time Truck Driver Tier 2 position, in the Department of Community Services.

Click here to see all job opportunities available in the City of Linden.

Karaoke After Work

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and Uptown Linden present: Karaoke After Work featuring DJ Vicki Diamond. Come and join us for family fun!

Click here to view and/or download the Karaoke After Work flyer.

  • What: Karaoke After Work featuring DJ Vicky Diamond. Enjoy karaoke fun after work!
  • When: 6pm until 9pm on the following Wednesdays:
    • May 10, June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19 and August 23.
  • Where: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, which is located at 400 North Wood Avenue.
  • How: For more information, please call Uptown Linden at 908-718-5831 or email here.

Learn the Telltale Signs of a Utility Scam

PSE&G urges customers to think twice if someone threatens to immediately shut off their power.

PSE&G urges customers to be alert to utility scams, particularly scams demanding immediate bill payment. PSE&G continues to educate customers on how they can guard against becoming victims of impostor utility scams.

“Protecting our customers is a top priority. It is critically important we continue to raise awareness and educate customers about how to spot and stop potential scams,” said Jane Bergen, director of billing, Customer Care for PSE&G. “Scammers continue to adapt and develop increasingly sophisticated tactics to take advantage of our customers.”

Scammers continue to use calls, texts, emails and in-person tactics to contact utility customers often asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. PSE&G would not send just one notification to a customer within an hour of a service disconnection. The company will also never ask customers to make payments with a prepaid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency or third-party digital payment via fund transfer applications. PSE&G offers a variety of payment options and would never require one specific type of payment.

Recent phone scams reported to PSE&G include demands for payment for past-due bills or priority meter installations. Often scammers will threaten to disconnect electric service if payment is not made immediately.

If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email, especially one in which payment is requested, call the company directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). Click here for more information on various payment scams reported in the PSE&G service area and around the country. Click here to view and/or download the PSE&G Scam Alert flyer.

Signs of potential scam activity:

  • Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell the customer their utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made, usually within an hour.
  • Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, a gift card or even Bitcoin, and then to call them back to make a phone payment. Scammers may request that the customer use a payment app to make an online payment, or even give instructions for an in-person meeting. Many times after the customer makes the first payment, the scammer will call back to ask for the payment to be resubmitted due to an error with the amount. The scammer refers to a new amount and claims that the original payment will be refunded.
  • In person-demands: Scammers may arrive at a home or business, flash a fake ID and/or claim to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information or offer discounts, which a real PSE&G representative would not do.
  • Request for card information: If a customer calls back with requested information, the scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number or gift-card PIN, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds, and the victim’s money is gone.

Protect yourself against scams:

  • Be alert to the telltale sign of a scam: someone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or a MoneyGram transfer, or to send money to an out-of-state address.
  • Never arrange payment or divulge account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit or credit card information, over the telephone unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative. 
  • Customers should also know what PSE&G will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSE&G representative will ask to speak to the “Customer of Record.” If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSE&G representative. 
  • If the “Customer of Record” is not available, the PSE&G representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the “Customer of Record” to call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
  • If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email – especially one in which payment is requested, call the company directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). 

Notice RE New Job Position Available In The City of Linden Police Department

The City of Linden Police Department is seeking professional, qualified and energetic applicants for the position of Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer who, under the direction of the Chief of Police, shall conduct school safety and security duties within the Linden Board of Education School District. Please click here to read the full notice.

Once completed all applications must be returned via email or mailed to City of Linden City Clerks’ Office, 301 North Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036. Applications that are mailed must be postmarked by the application deadline or they will be returned to the applicant. Please be advised that all employment applications must be completed at the time of submission. Please include copies of resumes, proof of qualifications or any additional documents you wish to submit with your application.

Submission Deadline is May 26th, 2023 at 4pm.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • The applicant must be a retired law enforcement officer less than 65 years of age, who served as a duly qualified, fully-trained, full-time officer in any municipality or county of this State or as a member of the New Jersey State Police and was separated from that prior service in good standing, within three years of appointment to this position;
  • Applicant must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty or which would make him/her unfit to perform the duties of this position;
  • Applicant must be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent;
  • Applicant must be sound in body and of good health, and physically capable of performing the functions of this position, determined in accordance with the Police Training Commission, including handgun qualifications;
  • Applicant must possess a NJ Police Training Commission Basic Police Officer Certification or NJ State Police Academy Certification;
  • Applicant must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License and reside within the state of New Jersey during the term of appointment;
  • Applicant must successfully pass a background investigation, medical examination, psychological examination and drug testing.

Starting salary for the Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer shall be $35.00 per hour and he/she shall work a schedule up to 40 hours weekly, with the hours varied as necessary according to the assigned school’s schedule, and will only work on days when school is in session or hosting events on the premises. 

Preference may be given to retired police officers who previously completed School Resource Officer (SRO) training.  All others will be required to complete this training upon appointment. Further information concerning the Special Police Officer program may be found here.

Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office on the 2nd floor of City Hall, or online here. Applicants must submit a resume and Application for Employment to the City Clerk’s office by Friday, May 26th, 2023 @ 4pm.

For questions concerning this position, you may contact Linden Juvenile Aid Bureau Commander Det/Lt. John Mekovetz (908) 474-8617 or Det/Sgt. Christian Ramirez (908) 474-8456.

Click here to see all job opportunities available in the City of Linden.

Mayor Derek Armstead Saves Linden from Massive Tax Hike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Linden, New Jersey, May 1, 2023 – Linden Mayor Derek Armstead successfully offset a $3.2 MM loss caused by Governor Philip Murphy’s costly statewide New Jersey Health Benefits Plan. In fact, instead of a drastic property tax increase, Mayor Armstead’s creative allocation of municipal resources and collaboration with the Linden Board of Education resulted in a tax cut for Linden homeowners.

Armstead’s leadership was crucial in identifying solutions to the significant financial setback. He brought the Linden Board of Education into the mix, enabling the school system to identify $2 MM in potential tax savings. The Mayor then leveraged these savings, combined with his own creative allocation of municipal resources to produce a tax cut for all Linden homeowners. The achievement generated widespread praise, with residents commending the Mayor’s ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex problems. 

“As a former Mayor, I know the issue of employee benefits is an annual struggle,” said former West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi, who commented on Armstead’s fiscal wizardry. “There’s a contractual financial responsibility as well as a moral obligation to take care of your municipal employees where the costs are undeniable, so what Mayor Armstead did to eliminate that deficit is creative good government, and it demonstrates what an effective leader he is.”

First elected Mayor of Linden in 2014, Armstead has made significant strides improving the City’s infrastructure and economy with interconnected yet autonomous government agencies. His focus on creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and improving Linden residents’ quality of life has built a great relationship among its diverse population. 

Armstead’s leadership during this recent financial challenge further demonstrated his ability to navigate complex issues and produce tangible results. With Linden now enjoying a tax cut thanks to his efforts, Armstead’s reputation as an effective leader has only increased.

Some political observers have speculated that Armstead’s success could make him an attractive candidate for Governor in 2025, as Armstead’s continued success in Linden may be attractive to voters looking for a leader who can get things done. For now, Linden residents are celebrating Mayor Armstead’s success, offsetting a significant financial loss while providing ongoing tax relief for Linden, New Jersey homeowners.

Dining to Donate at Applebee’s

Help the Linden High School Class of 2023 raise money for Project Graduation & Scholarships by dining at Applebee’s of Linden.

  • What: Fundraiser for the Linden High School Class of 2023. Every Monday in May, show this flyer while dining at Applebee’s of Linden, and 10% of all sales will go to benefit the Linden High School Class of 2023. The fundraiser is not applicable on alcoholic beverages, tax, and tip.
  • When: Every Monday in May, from 11am until 12am.
  • Where: Applebee’s, which is located at 671 West Edgar Road.
  • How: Every Monday in May, show this flyer while dining at Applebee’s of Linden, and 10% of all sales will go to benefit the Linden High School Class of 2023. The fundraiser is not applicable on alcoholic beverages, tax, and tip.

Free Mental Health Public Assembly

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Linden Board of Health, and Attitudes in Reverse invite you to attend a free mental health public assembly.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: All members of our community are invited.
  • What: A free mental health public assembly featuring an exhibit “In Their Shoes”, followed by a presentation “Coming Up For Air”.
    • The “In Their Shoes” exhibit lets everyone, especially young people, know that they are not alone in their struggles, and encourages them to seek help. The exhibit helps to increase understanding, empathy, and kindness towards those who might be struggling in silence.
    • The “Coming Up For Air” presentation is a 60-minute honest conversation by Attitudes in Reverse (AIR) founder Tricia Baker about mental health disorders, stigma associated with mental health disorders, warning signs of suicide, and guidance for those looking to help themselves and others. Certified therapy dogs from AIR will also be present.
  • When: Monday, May 1, 2023
    • 5:30pm until 6:30pm – “In Their Shoes” Exhibit.
    • 6:30pm until 7:30pm – “Coming Up For Air” Presentation.
  • Where: Gymnasium at School #1, which is located at 728 North Wood Avenue.
  • How: For more information, please call the Linden Health Department at 908-474-8409

Kids to Parks Day

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce Kids to Parks Day! Come and join the free, fun-filled day of outdoor play and events for your family!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: For ages Pre-K through 8th grade.
  • What: A fun-filled day of family friendly outdoor play and events. Come and enjoy: carnival games, inflatables, fishing, live entertainment, free haircuts, caricature artists, inflatable/keepsake balloon designs, and more! Remember to bring your fishing pole and a chair!
  • When: Due to inclement weather, this event will be held on the Rain Date noted on the flyer: Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 12pm until 4pm.
  • Where: Wilson Park, which is located at 1100 Summit Terrace.
  • How: With questions, please call the Department of Parks & Recreation at 908-474-8639 or 908-474-8600