Bergen County Commissioners's Podcast

The Bergen County Board of Commissioners cover topics of interest to the residents of Bergen County, Northern New Jersey, and the entire region.

Pre-Presidential Election Roundtable 10/03/2024

Pre-Presidential Election Roundtable In this special episode, Commissioner Amoroso brings together representatives from our county election agencies to discuss voting ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Deb Francica and Jamie Sheehan-Willis of the Superintendent of Elections, Richard Miller of the Board of Elections, and Sabrina Taranto of the County Clerk’s Election Division discuss the various roles fulfilled by each agency during the election process. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/33316262

A Stable Life with Anna Gassib 10/01/2024

A Stable Life with Anna Gassib In this episode, Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Anna Gassib, founder of Bergen Equine Center’s A Stable Life equine therapy program. The two discuss the therapeutic power of horses in addressing trauma, highlighting how their gentle nature and non-judgmental presence foster emotional healing. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/33218962

Hunger Action Month with Jill Goordman and Commissioner Zur 09/26/2024

Hunger Action Month with Jill Goordman and Commissioner Zur In honor of Hunger Action Month, Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Commissioner Zur and Jill Goordman- Assistant Director of the newly instated Unity Pantry in Garfield. The three discuss the changing landscape of food security in Bergen County and how residents can get involved via donations and volunteering. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/33218657

Alternatives to Domestic Violence with Marisa Heluk and Sophia Traphagen 09/16/2024

Alternatives to Domestic Violence with Marisa Heluk and Sophia Traphagen For over 42 years, ADV’s county operated team of dedicated professionals have provided critical support services to Bergen County residents impacted and affected by abuse in their relationships. In this episode, Commissioner Amoroso is joined by division director Marisa Heluk and training technician Sophia Traphagen to discuss how the division uplifts and supports survivors in all stages of their journey. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/33074787

Butterfly Day with Don Torino, President of the Bergen County Audubon Society 08/09/2024

Butterfly Day with Don Torino, President of the Bergen County Audubon Society On today's episode, Commissioner Mary Amoroso is joined by Don Torino, President of the Bergen County Audubon Society and a member of The Nature Program Cooperative, to discuss the critical challenges facing butterfly populations. Recorded during Butterfly Day in the Meadowlands, this episode delves into the vital role butterflies play as indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Torino explains how the decline in butterfly species signals broader environmental issues, particularly in regions like New Jersey that are grappling with habitat loss. Tune in to learn more about how we can all contribute to preserving these beautiful and essential creatures. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/32518917

Local Historian and Civil Rights Leader Dr. Arnold Brown 07/03/2024

Local Historian and Civil Rights Leader Dr. Arnold Brown Commissioner Mary Amoroso is joined on today's episode with Dr. Arnold Brown, a Bergen County Historian and Civil Rights Leader, at Gethsemane Cemetery in honor of Juneteenth. The two discuss the history and legacy of the historically Black cemetery, which is recognized in the National Register of Historical Places. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/31999742

Director of the Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services Shelby Klein 06/06/2024

Director of the Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services Shelby Klein In this enlightening conversation, Commissioner Mary Amoroso sits down to chat with Shelby Klein, Director of the Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services to delve into the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on young children who missed out on key socialization experiences. Throughout the discussion, a number of services and resources offered by the division are highlighted, offering valuable insight for families seeking help for loved ones. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape and available support systems for mental health and addiction. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/31633977

Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss 04/18/2024

Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss Bergen County Board of Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss sits down with Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Mary Amoroso to discuss her heartfelt love of animals, shedding light on Bergen County's remarkable animal shelter and the transformative power of adopting a pet. Tune in to explore the profound impact of animal companionship and the invaluable work being done to support animal welfare in Bergen County. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/30884663

Division of Economic Development Joanne Cimiluca 03/28/2024

Division of Economic Development Joanne Cimiluca Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso is joined by Joanne Cimiluca, the Bergen County Director of Economic Development, to discuss grant opportunities for small businesses and the brand new Film-Ready program. If you’re interested in joining New Jersey’s booming film industry, pay close attention! /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/30584568

Veteran’s Benefits with Bergen County’s Director of Veteran Services Shaun Hutchinson 05/24/2023

Veteran’s Benefits with Bergen County’s Director of Veteran Services Shaun Hutchinson Bergen County is home to roughly 25,000 veterans and 4,000 surviving spouses. There are many benefits that most veterans and surviving spouses qualify for, especially for those who are disabled. Director of Veteran Services Shaun Hutchinson discusses some of these benefits with Bergen County Commissioner Amoroso as well as other programs and initiatives the Department of Veteran Services are providing to help as many veterans as possible. Commissioner Amoroso also shares a touching story of a specific individual who received life-changing help from Director Hutchinson and his staff. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/26940249

Mental Health Awareness Month with Deborah Visconi 05/24/2023

Mental Health Awareness Month with Deborah Visconi Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso discusses statistics regarding mental health with Deborah Visconi, President and CEO at New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus. Over the last two years, there has been a 35% increase in in-patient care for children between the ages of 5 and 17, a potential after-effect of social isolation during the pandemic. During that same time span, New Bridge Medical Center has also provided mental health services to over 200 families, totaling over 5,600 services provided. Bergen County’s Stigma-Free movement is working tirelessly to continue encouraging those experiencing mental health problems to take action and seek help. Commissioner Amoroso and Ms. Visconi also discuss potential red flags to be on the lookout for that may help to identify if your loved ones are experiencing mental health issues. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/26940171

Technical Programs at Bergen County Technical Schools (Paramus) 05/15/2023

Technical Programs at Bergen County Technical Schools (Paramus) Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso has a conversation with Jeremy Wertheim, Principal at Bergen County Technical School’s Paramus campus. They discuss how their programs are preparing the next generation of work force by providing seniors work opportunities one day a week in the field they are studying. Bergen County Technical Schools offer up to eleven different technical programs that place an empahsis on careers that are in high demand. Some of those technical programs include animal care, medical, culinary, cosmetology, carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical. The culinary program recently won a gold medal in a state-wide wedding cake competition hosted by Skills U.S.A. N.J. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/26843712

Free Resources for Bergen County Small Businesses 10/26/2022

Free Resources for Bergen County Small Businesses Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso sits down with Joanne Cimiluca, the Bergen County Director of Economic Development, to discuss several FREE resources Bergen County offers its local small businesses. First, they discuss is Size Up, a free data intelligence tool to compare your business to industry competitors. Then, Commissioner Amoroso and Joanne Cimiluca are joined by two Bergen County small business owners and the student support specialists who helped them produce social media content and develop an online presence for their business. For more information, please visit https://www.bergenforbusiness.com/ /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/24807012

Shelby Klein New 988 Hotline 07/25/2022

Shelby Klein New 988 Hotline Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Shelby Klein, the Bergen County Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The two discuss the new 988 national mental health hotline. This new number is easier to remember than the 800 number, and still offers free services to those in need. You can call for yourself, or a friend or loved one. To reach Bergen County's Mental Health & Addiction Services Department, call 201-634-2750. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/23853099

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella 05/04/2022

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella Car thefts are up 53% over last year in Bergen County. Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella to discuss the car theft problem in Bergen County and what the Prosecutor's office is doing to address this crisis. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/23007620

Anika Davis - Division of Disability Services 05/02/2022

Anika Davis - Division of Disability Services Commissioner Amoroso speaks with her guest, Anika Davis the Director of the Division of Disability Services in Bergen County. The two discuss numerous important programs and services available to the residents of Bergen County. Included in the discussion is Meals of Wheels, Personal Assiatnce Services, Post Stroke & Disabled Adult Support Group, and much more. For inquiries and assistance, call the division at 201-336-6500. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/22980956

Mental Health & Addiction Services in Bergen County 04/04/2022

Mental Health & Addiction Services in Bergen County Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Shelby Klein, the Bergen County Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The two discuss resources available to those in crisis. The number to reach Mental Health Services is 201-634-2750, and Addiction Services assistance can be reached at 201-634-2740. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/22675268

Bergen County Board of Social Services - Adult Protective Services 03/30/2022

Bergen County Board of Social Services - Adult Protective Services Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Michael Sluka, Counsel to the Board of Social Services, and Sonia Aufiero, Supervisor of the Bergen County Adult Protective Services Unit. Together, the three discuss protecting senior citizens from being financially scammed by criminals trying to separate them from their life savings. If you know of, or think that someone you know is being scammed, call 1-800-624-0275 24/7. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/22625048

Bergen County Acting Director of Veterans Services Shaun Hutchinson 03/25/2022

Bergen County Acting Director of Veterans Services Shaun Hutchinson Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Bergen County's new Acting Director of Veterans Services Shaun Hutchinson. Together they discuss services available to our veterans, and the best way they can gain access to the benefits they've earned. Please reach out to Veterans Services at or call them at 201-336-6325. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/22572062

Bergen County Economic Development 03/03/2022

Bergen County Economic Development Commissioner Amoroso is joined by the Director of Economic Development in Bergen County, Joanne Cimiluca. Bergen County has launched a FREE set of tools and services for business owners, and start up businesses. Whatever your business, Bergen County is ready and willing to partner with you to help you grow. Visit for more information. You can also call Joanne directly at 201-336-7336. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/22325528

Deborah Visconi - New Bridge Medical Center 02/02/2022

Deborah Visconi - New Bridge Medical Center Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Deborah Visconi, the President and Chief Executive of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Newsweek Magazine recently recognized New Bridge as one of the top nursing home facilities in the United States. They discuss how New Bridge has grown and changed over the last several years to become a nationally recognized facility of excellence. To speak with a New Bridge health care professional call 201-967-4073. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/21894338

Bergen County Shelter During COVID-19 and Code Blue 01/25/2022

Bergen County Shelter During COVID-19 and Code Blue Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Julia Orlando, the Driector of the Bergen County Homeless Shelter and the newly appointed Board Chair of New Bridge Medical Center. The two discuss how COVID-19 has impacted services for the homeless population, and how the shelter has mantained continuity in serving people in need. They also discuss the added complexity of a record month of cold which resulted in a continous month of "Code Blue." /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/21894017

Councilwoman's Home has Unique History 01/11/2022

Councilwoman's Home has Unique History Commissioner Mary Amoroso is joined by New Milford Councilwoman Hedy Grant. While researching her historic home, Hedy uncovered a unique phrase in the public records "Old Colored Burying Ground." That phrase led her on a fascinating journey of discovery about the history of Black people in Bergen County, and more specifically New Milford, New Jersey. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/21743981

New Bergen County Vocational Technical High School 11/19/2021

New Bergen County Vocational Technical High School Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Superintendent Howard Lerner to discuss the coming vocational technical high school coming to Bergen County. The state and county funded high school will be located in Paramus adjacent to Paramus Tech. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/21197885

Table to Table 11/17/2021

Table to Table Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Table to Table Vice President of Operations Julie Kinner to discuss a great initiative to provide turkeys to those in need during the holidays. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/21195857

Restoration of the Ridgewood Duck Pond 11/03/2021

Restoration of the Ridgewood Duck Pond Commissioner Amoroso is joined by University of Pennsylvania undergraduate, Alex Howe to discuss an invention he and some fellow students patented while they were middle school students in Glen Rock, New Jersey. The invention turns nitrogen found in water into nitrogen gas which once removed from the water creates a cleaner environment for both the water, as well as the wildlife that relies on the water for survival. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/20972558

Red Wolves at the Bergen County Zoo 10/25/2021

Red Wolves at the Bergen County Zoo Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Regan Downey, Director of Education at the Wolf Conservation Center to discuss the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan and how Red Wolf brothers, Rich and Shane fit into growing a worldwide red wolf population as residents of the Bergen County Zoo. For more information on Red Wolves visit www.nywolf.org. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/20933912

The Public Safety Response to Super Storm IDA 09/20/2021

The Public Safety Response to Super Storm IDA Commissioner Amoroso is joined by Bergen County Communications Director Frank DelVecchio for the Bergen County Public Safety Operations Center. The two have an in-depth discussion about the over 100 fold increase in calls to 911 services throughout the county; how we responded; lessons learned; and how shared service agreements are greatly advantageous to the municipalities across the county. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/20538140

Three Ways to Vote in Bergen County 09/14/2021

Three Ways to Vote in Bergen County Commissioner Amoroso is joined by County Clerk Elections Division Supervisor Sabrina Taranto; Superintendent of Elections and Commissioner of Registration Debra Francica, and Deputy Superintendent of Elections Jamie Sheehan-Willis. The four discuss the upcoming General Election, and clarify the three ways to vote in Bergen County. This helpful podcast provides listeners with important dates, phone numbers, and websites that residents can use to to make sure their vote gets counted this November. For questions about your vote-by-mail ballot, contact the Bergen County CLERK'S ELECTIONS DIVISION at or (201) 336-7020. For questions about your polling place, or location of secure drop boxes, contact the Bergen County BOARD OF ELECTIONS at or (201) 336-6230. For questions about voter registration, or to report a potential election violation, contact the OFFICE OF THE Bergen County SUPERINTENDENT OF ELECTIONS at or (201) 336-6109. To track your vote-by-mail ballot, locate your polling location, or secure ballot drop boxes, or check the status of your voter registration, visit /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/20471984

Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland 09/10/2021

Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland Commissioner Mary Amoroso sits down with Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland to discuss how Superstorm IDA impacted Edgewater. /episode/index/show/bergencountycommissioners/id/20434490

Bergen County Commissioners's Podcast

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