Board of Health Remembers Dr. Albert Pizzale

For the first time in 16 years, the Board of Health met without Board President Albert Pizzale, who died on Feb. 12, 2010.

Health Department Director Lucy Forgione opened the meeting on Tuesday with heartfelt comments acknowledging the unexpected passing of Pizzale, who was a long time dentist and dental surgeon in Basking Ridge. It was a somber beginning as members shared their thoughts and a note from the Pizzale family.

Earlier this week, the Bernards Township Committee passed a resolution honoring Pizzale in recognitition of outstanding service to the township.

Township Committee member John Carpenter said he remembered going to Pizzale for years as his dentist. "What was really liked about him was that he was just an easy going guy, and when you saw him you got the old fashioned physician attention with the latest advances in medicine as well."

Township Committee member Mary Pavlini said, "He gave us great guidance, was very forward thinking and very attentive to our needs. He will be greatly missed."

Vice President Sara Fenton was nominated and elected to succeed Pizzale as Board President. Fenton has been with the board for over 15 years, having joined in 1994. Dr. John Salacki will replace Fenton as Vice President.

H1N1 Clinics

H1N1 free immunizations will continue through June. Residents can make appointments  (908-204-2520) or stop by the clinics that are held each Monday at the Department of Health, 262. S. Finley Ave. from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The H1N1 immunization program began in October 2009. To date the Health Department's volunteers have vaccinated 8,090 individuals. Forgione praised the county and nurse volunteers that have made the program such a success. "The spirit of cooperation goes a long way. These people go above and beyond."

The Health Department runs a variety of clinics throughout the year. In January, for example,  the department inoculated  over 100 animals against rabies. Forgione has scheduled all other clinics for the year; skin cancer screening, blood pressure screening, rabies, etc. and will be making the dates publicly available. Basking Ridge Patch will publice notices of the clinics as the information becomes available.

Lunch & Learn Clinics

A primary focus for the Department of Health is educating the public on health related issues. To this aim, the department has organized several Lunch & Learn programs. Coming up soon is "What's that Stuff in my Food?" This seminar about the "GOOD" stuff in your food, eg. phytochemicals and antioxidants, will be held for seniors at the Somerset Senior Wellness Center, March 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to register in advance by calling 908-204-3068. There is no cost to attend, lunch is included.

The Department of Health participates cooperatively with other municipal organizations and the schools to support initiatives targeted at youth such as RAD (Ridge Against Drugs) and William Annin's No Name Calling Week (NNCW). On an ongoing basis, it responds to health complaints and performs inspections. While there was a slight bump in animal control complaints during the last 2 months, all other issues appeared as business as usual.