News and Information
Three Great Raffles Available for Purchase
Middle Earth, a nonprofit serving teens, has announced three raffles in honor of the 70th annual Tour of Somerville. Anyone is welcome to purchase tickets to win the prizes. The opportunity to win a 50/50 raffle is available for $1 per ticket. For only $5 per ticket, purchasers enter to win an Xbox Kinect Bundle. Also available for $5 per ticket is the chance to win a gaming birthday party through Microsoft.
Tickets are on sale now through Middle Earth by calling 908-725-7223. Tickets can also be purchased during the Tour of Somerville. There is no limit to the number of tickets you may purchase. Winners will be announced at the Tour of Somerville's finish line upon completion of the day's races, but you do not need to be present to win.
All of the proceeds from the raffles will fund programs that offer youth a safe environment where they can use their free time constructively, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework, prepare for college and/or future employment, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities.
Teen-Operated Business Launched Through Community Collaboration
Bicycle Donations Needed
Middle Earth, a nonprofit serving teens in Somerset County for over 40 years, is asking the community for donations of used bicycles and bicycle parts. The donations can be in any condition and of any size or style. Donations can be dropped off at Middle Earth’s North Bridge Street office or at the agency’s tent at the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series on May 25-27, 2013. For information regarding drop-off locations, please call 908-725-7223.
Middle Earth is seeking the bike donations to launch their most recent project, “Big Dan’s Bike Shop.” Named after Middle Earth’s former Executive Director, Dan Puntillo, who had a passion for cycling, the program will allow local teens to learn new skills to repair bicycles and operate a small business.
To begin the new program, local teens will be taught how to repair their own bikes or donated bikes. After mastering bicycle repair basics, the youth will launch their own small business by offering inexpensive bicycle repair to others or collecting old bicycles to repair and then sell. The bicycle repair business will be completely youth-driven and provide the teens with valuable work experience. Running a business will foster the teens’ creativity and teamwork, while also allowing them to develop entrepreneurial, leadership, financial, marketing, customer service, and management skills.
“Many of our youth are interested in cycling, since they volunteer at the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, which we organize every year over Memorial Day weekend,” said Maria Strada, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “Our former director was an avid cyclist fan, and this is the perfect opportunity for our work with kids and our ties to cycling to intersect.”
“I’m honored that Middle Earth would want to name a program for me, but more importantly, I’m pleased with Middle Earth’s continued drive to find innovative ways to involve and prepare our youth for the future.” said Dan Puntillo, former Middle Earth Executive Director.
Middle Earth has connected with Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) to help the youth develop a business plan. Bill Harnden, Director of the Small Business Development Center, and Tracy Rimple, Professor and Sam Walton Fellow, will guide the teens in creating, marketing, and running their bike repair business, as part of RVCC’s Enactus initiative. Enactus is a community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to develop community outreach projects, transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.
“We are excited to be a part of this multi-faceted partnership with Middle Earth and the Small Business Development Center,” stated Rimple. “This project not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and challenging world.”
Bicycle donations are encouraged at the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series. The event is a three-day family festival and a terrific opportunity to see thrilling competitive action, right here in Somerset County. The competition attracts over 600 professional and amateur cyclists, including former Olympians and the best cyclists from throughout America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The event, which is free to the public, takes place the morning of Saturday, May 25 in Raritan, the afternoon of Sunday, May 26 in Bound Brook, and most of the day on Memorial Day in Somerville. You can learn more about the day's entertainment, course maps, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, and registration at TourofSomerville.org.
Middle Earth’s programs offer youth a safe environment where they can use their free time constructively, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework, prepare for college and/or future employment, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs offer mentoring and teach positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, and leadership skills, as well as basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and obtaining a driver’s license. All of their programs guide youth in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.
For additional information about bicycle donations, Middle Earth, or the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, contact Maggie Navatto at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223.
Nonprofits Partner to Provide College and Career Exploration for Girls in Bound Brook
Middle Earth, a nonprofit serving youth, has helped female students from the Bound Brook School District explore their future after high school through funding from the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Northern New Jersey.
Throughout the school year, Middle Earth met with Bound Brook female students, both in small groups and individually, to assess their career interests, provide instruction on preparing for college, and guide them towards post-secondary education plans. Recently, Middle Earth took students on three tours to college campuses, allowing the girls to see firsthand the variety of opportunities available to them.
On March 21, 2013, Middle Earth hosted a career breakfast at Smalley School for the entire population of 7th and 8th grade female students. Successful female professionals from all different backgrounds came to the breakfast and discussed their respective careers and what it entailed to get into their professions.
“I think the career breakfast was very well organized and the kids were great. I was happy to be a part of it,” said Pat Freyburger, Addictions Program Coordinator at Family and Community Services.
Participating youth were surveyed after these experiences, and 98% reported that they now understand the benefits of continuing their education after high school, and 96% reported they are considering their educational opportunities.
“The focus of our Women’s Leadership Council is financial stability for women and their families and a key component of financial stability is a job that pays a family sustaining wage,” said Lynn Weckworth, Director of Income Impact Area at the United Way of Northern New Jersey. “Helping girls learn about educational opportunities and careers that will support them and their future families was a perfect fit for us. We are pleased to have been able to support this project that is truly making a difference in the lives of these young women.”
The primary reason behind increased salary earnings and lower unemployment for women in recent years is the dramatic increase in college education among women. College attainment also means higher taxable incomes and reduced social services for the nation. With 1 in every 4 American teenagers dropping out of high school, Middle Earth feels it is vital to intervene and open girls’ eyes to the possibilities of their future, especially the value of post-secondary education.
The United Way Women's Leadership Council recognizes the power of women to affect change. Participants use their influence, talent, and passion to improve lives and enhance philanthropy around issues that impact our community. To learn more, visit http://www.unitedwaynnj.org.
Middle Earth is a nonprofit that has served youth in Somerset County for 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can use their free time constructively, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework, prepare for college and future employment, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach positive decision-making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, and leadership skills, as well as basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and obtaining a driver’s license. Middle Earth also provides parents, teachers and other adults, information on a variety of teen issues on their blog, http://middleearthnj.wordpress.com. All of their programs guide youth in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime. For more information about Middle Earth, visit www.middleearthnj.org or call 908-725-7223.
Nonprofits Partner to Promote Literacy
In Lafayette Elementary School in Bound Brook, children gather after school for fun and educational programming from Middle Earth, a nonprofit serving youth in our community for over 40 years. On March 5, Middle Earth youth received some very special guests.
New Jersey After 3, a nonprofit dedicated to improving and expanding learning time in New Jersey, kicked off its “Road to Literacy” campaign by putting together a special event for the Middle Earth youth commemorating Dr. Seuss and promoting the joy and importance of reading. Corporate volunteers from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and State Farm visited the youth for an exciting book distribution and journaling exercise.
Every Middle Earth student was given a book of their choice from donations collected at 75 participating Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations throughout the holiday season. Each student also received a “Reading Journal” that had been created by the volunteers which they used for a motivational writing exercise.
“We are so grateful to New Jersey After 3 for putting together this event for our youth,” said Maria Strada, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “It was a really fun experience, and the Enterprise and State Farm volunteers were so enthusiastic. Our students left inspired to read and write more!”
Seeking Vehicle Donations
Bridgewater, NJ – Middle Earth, a local nonprofit serving youth, is seeking donations of used vehicles, especially minivans. The agency uses cars to transport youth to their program activities.
Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment after school, but transportation can be a barrier to participate for many youth if their parents are working or there is no family vehicle. The agency’s programs allow teens to engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in club activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Some of the programs at Middle Earth help teens on probation work through difficult obstacles and obtain needed assistance.
Many youth have no safe way of getting to the agency for their programs. A staff member picks up teens who need transportation and takes them to Middle Earth for their programs, or to other important opportunities such as community service projects, job interviews, or to the health clinic.
“When a child needs caring adults, educational assistance or other help in their life, we don’t let something like lack of transportation stand in our way,” said Maria Strada, the Executive Director of Middle Earth. “Unfortunately, our fleet of cars is disappearing as it ages. We need well-running cars, especially vehicles that can carry more than four people.”
If you can donate your vehicle, which is tax-deductible, please contact Middle Earth’s office at 908-725-7223 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
BINGO Night Supports Local Nonprofit Serving Youth
Middle Earth, a nonprofit organization that has served local youth for four decades, will host BINGO on the fourth Thursday of every month in the cafeteria at the Somerset County Vocational and Technical School at 14 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater.
The public is invited to enjoy a night of BINGO, while also helping the community. All of the proceeds will raise funds for Middle Earth’s programs that serve youth in Somerset County. The event will take place on May 23 and June 27.
“This is an exciting way we can connect our youth to our local community,” said Maria Strada, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “When our teens see people coming out to support programs that help them, they feel valued. Plus, BINGO is a lot of fun for everyone in the community.”
Admission to the event is $5 per person, which includes one three-on-board card. Prize payout is guaranteed at $1,300. There will be three 50/50 specials held throughout the night, as well. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the game beginning at 7 p.m. Food, prepared by the Vo-Tech’s culinary students, will be available for purchase.
“The Somerset County Vocational and Technical School has a strong history working with Middle Earth,” said Chrys Harttraft, Superintendent of the Vo-Tech. “I am looking forward to another partnership opportunity that will raise funds to benefit the youth in our community.”
Middle Earth is a nonprofit that has served youth in Somerset County for 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can use their free time constructively, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework, prepare for future employment, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills, as well as basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and obtaining a driver’s license. Middle Earth also provides parents, teachers and other adults, information on a variety of teen issues on their blog, http://middleearthnj.wordpress.com. All of their programs guide youth in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.
4th Annual Middle Earth “Run From Winter” 10K Race
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – On a beautiful, crisp morning every March, over 500 runners gather in Duke Island Park to stretch their legs. Runners, ranging in age from 14 to 85, race over 6 miles along the scenic Raritan River to say farewell to Winter and greet Spring.
Middle Earth is hosting their Fourth Annual 10K Run on Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. in Bridgewater’s Duke Island Park. The event, which takes place rain or shine, is open to the community and supports programs that help youth in Somerset County.
“In my mind, there is no better way to shake the winter blues than a great run on the first day of Spring,” said Maggie Navatto, Race Director. “Everyone at Middle Earth is so grateful that the runners are supporting our mission of helping youth become responsible adults.”
The entry fee is $30 (or $27 for USATF members) if you register before March 13 and $35 after March 13 or on race day. You can register through Middle Earth’s website at www.middleearthnj.org. Race day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. To get more information, call Middle Earth at 908-725-7223.
The course, which is flat and paved, is USATF certified and sanctioned. Short-sleeve race t-shirts are given to entrants, while supplies last. Prizes are awarded to the top male and female runners in standard age groups.
Serving with and for Thanksgiving
On November 16, some of the teens in our PROMISE program helped Macy’s and the staff at Storr Tractor prepare for the Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. (photos right) We loaded up forty Toro Carts with thirty sandbags and one one-hundred-pound weight each. We then helped to level the carts and strap down the boards. These carts will serve as anchors for the famous balloons in the parade. Our teens will also return after the event to help with the unloading of the sandbags as well.
Thank You to Church and Dwight Co., Inc.
Employees at Church & Dwight Co., Inc. provided a $10,000 grant to Middle Earth through their employee giving fund. The company manufactures a wide range of personal care, household and specialty products under the ARM & HAMMER brand name. The employees of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. considered many charities, and recognized the value of providing teens the support they need to build successful lives.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund,” said Maria Strada, the Executive Director of Middle Earth. “Our centers are free to any local youth, so we are always looking for resources to keep the centers open during after-school hours, and to offer youth fun activities that will help prepare them for a responsible adulthood. This grant helps make this possible, and it shows our youth that they are valued in our community.”
Big Dan's Bike Shop
Thank you to the Somerset County Municipal Youth Services Commission and Board of Chosen Freeholders! The County recently awarded us a $1,000 grant to allow one of our staff members to teach interested youth the basics of bike repair. To begin, the teens will repair their own bikes. If there is success and interest, the youth may offer inexpensive bike repair to others or collect old bikes to repair and then sell. Named after our former Executive Director, Dan Puntillo, who had a passion for cycling, the Middle Earth Bike Shop will allow our teens to learn a new life skill and potentially operate a small business. Many of our youth are interested in cycling, since they volunteer at the Tour of Somerville, which Middle Earth organizes every year over Memorial Day weekend.
Afterschool Program Funding in Bound Brook Renewed
Bound Brook, NJ – Funding for the Middle Earth 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) after-school program was just renewed for the next five years by the New Jersey Department of Education.
The highly-successful and popular program serves 4th through 8th grade students from Bound Brook and South Bound Brook. Students receive academic and homework assistance, artistic and cultural enrichment, exercise, health and nutrition information, on-site counseling, character education, community service, educational field trips, and family programming. Youth have opportunities to choose activities designed to promote their intellectual, physical, mental, social and emotional development in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.
“The Middle Earth afterschool program has been an extension of our school day,” said Edward Gordon, Principal of Bound Brook Elementary School. “I am excited about the grant renewal for the next five years. This program has provided academic support to our students and has offered experiences our district would not have been able to afford without this partnership. I am especially thankful to Middle Earth for providing a safe environment for our students.”
Studies consistently show that afterschool programs improve students’ academic performance, social and developmental outcomes, contribute to healthy lifestyle options, and prevent many risky behaviors.
“The Bound Brook Board of Education is proud of the positive impact Middle Earth has provided our students,” said Terry Hoben, President of the Bound Brook Board of Education. “We are excited to know that Middle Earth will continue our partnership providing positive life changing experiences and academic support now and into the future.”
Middle Earth has also been able to leverage this program for middle schoolers to positively impact older teens as well. Each year, the nonprofit hires eight students from Bound Brook High School to be helpers in the classrooms. The older students gain valuable employment and life-skill experience while acting as mentors to the younger students.
Middle Earth has worked hard to make the program a community experience. Four to five times per month, the nonprofit offers a Family Fun Night for the families of participating students – the most recent was a night at the Somerset Patriots ballgame. The agency connects with many organizations, such as local restaurants and other community agencies, to create collaborations that help the children and develop a sense of community pride in working together for a common goal.
“I am so excited that we will have the opportunity to provide this wonderful programming for another five years. I have seen how the center has positively impacted countless families and how the youth respond to feeling valued,” said Maria Strada, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “We are so appreciative of all the collaboration and cooperation we have received from the district.”
Middle Earth is a nonprofit that has served youth in Somerset County for 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can use their free time constructively, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework, prepare for future employment, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills, as well as basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and obtaining a driver’s license. Middle Earth also provides parents, teachers and other adults, information on a variety of teen issues on their blog, http://middleearthnj.wordpress.com. All of their programs guide youth in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.
Nonprofit Accepting Cell Phone Donations; Fraternal Order of Eagles Helping Local Youth
Middle Earth, a local nonprofit serving youth, is collecting used cell phones to raise funds for their youth programs. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is helping them with this endeavor by accepting the donations at their building, located at 350 Woodside Lane, Bridgewater, NJ.
Donated cell phones can be donated in any form or fashion – broken, obsolete, working or non-working. Every phone collected provides additional funding for Middle Earth to support local youth. All community members are encouraged to consider making this easy donation. If you have questions about donating, you can call the Eagles at (908) 526-9898.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles #2137 has a long tradition of helping those in need. The organization has aided local police and fire departments, victims of fire and flood, local scholarship programs, patriotic endeavors, and many other worthwhile causes. David Laggini, who is one of their members, has started volunteering at Middle Earth and is passionate about their work. He spearheaded this effort to collect the used cell phones.
“We strongly believe in community partnerships,” said Maria Strada, the Executive Director of Middle Earth. “So, when we heard that the Fraternal Order of Eagles wanted to help, we were very excited, both for the community as a whole and for our teens. I can’t begin to describe how much it means to our youth when they see others taking an interest in them and supporting them. It makes them feel valued.”
Middle Earth is a nonprofit that has served youth in Somerset County for 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills, as well as basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and obtaining a driver’s license. Middle Earth also provides parents, teachers and other adults, information on a variety of teen issues on their blog, http://middleearthnj.wordpress.com. All of their programs guide youth in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.
For more information about the agency, visit www.middleearthnj.org or call 908-725-7223.
Middle Earth Announces New Executive Director
Somerville, NJ – The Board of Trustees for Middle Earth, a nonprofit organization that serves local youth, is pleased to announce that Maria Strada will be the new Executive Director for the agency. The current Executive Director, Dan Puntillo, will be retiring in January, 2012 after leading Middle Earth for 40 years.
Strada has worked for Middle Earth for nearly 15 years and is the current Program Director for Middle Earth. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Psychology and is currently completing her Masters in Business Administration. Strada has a broad range of experience in helping others, including serving as a crisis counselor, coordinating a program to keep at-risk youth out of residential placements, supervising volunteers, helping to create an after school program for emotionally disturbed teens, and providing case management for both adults with disabilities and youth.
"We examined many qualified candidates," said Ash Shah, president of the Middle Earth Board. "Maria has been with this agency for 15 years, she has a great deal of passion for our youth, and she has some wonderful ideas for the future. The Board feels Maria is an excellent choice for this new beginning."
Strada’s work at Middle Earth has included supervision of all programs, grant writing, policy and program development, community outreach, and staff supervision, training and development. As the second-in-command at Middle Earth, she is well positioned to continue the valuable work of the agency.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Strada. “I am fully committed to continuing the good work that Dan (Puntillo) and others began nearly 40 years ago. I look forward to enhancing and expanding our programs so that we can provide youth with much needed supportive services. In this day and age, youth are facing even more challenges than ever before. What hasn’t changed is their need for caring adults to help them navigate their lives and help them to become strong, independent members of the community. I also plan to continue our strong collaborative work within the community. I am really passionate about our work and believe in what we do.”
Puntillo is thrilled with the Board’s choice, saying, “I know Maria (Strada) will do an outstanding job. I am leaving Middle Earth in good hands, and, under her leadership, it will continue to make a huge impact on our community.”
Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide kids in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.
Online Resource for Parents of Teens
Bridgewater, NJ – Middle Earth, a nonprofit organization that has served local youth for almost four decades, is offering an online resource for parents, teachers and other adults working with teens and pre-teens. The agency is writing a weekly blog that discusses a variety of adolescent issues.
Middle Earth’s blog, which began one year ago, can be found at http://middleearthnj.wordpress.com or through the Middle Earth website. The topics are thoroughly researched, provide the latest information and trends, and list several resources for obtaining help. Topics cover a wide range of teen issues, including stress management, nutritional information, gangs and crime, dating, building confidence, school issues, drugs, volunteerism and community service, sex, communication skills, anger management, and safety.
“We are trying to identify common issues that parents face with their teens and provide the most recent information on that topic,” said Dan Puntillo, the Executive Director for Middle Earth. “One of our current entries covers money management for teens. If every teen in America was taught proper budgeting skills, the next generation would be more financially responsible than their parents, many of whom are suffering with massive debt. We simply want to offer and share as much information as possible to help every child get the support they need.”
Middle Earth’s goal is to help youth become responsible and productive adults. The nonprofit offers youth safe places to gather, caring adults to listen and to be good role models, community service opportunities, educational assistance, positive recreation, and life skills education. This blog is another extension of their services.
For more information about the agency, visit www.middleearthnj.org or call 908-725-7223.