County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urges college and university students to apply now to for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, before leaving for school.

“Mail sent to out of state locations, especially colleges and universities, can sometimes be delayed,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The best way to ensure that you receive your Vote-by-Mail ballot on time is to apply for your ballot now, before you leave for school.”

Any person registered to vote in New Jersey can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, for any reason.

“Vote-by-Mail application forms are available online now at the Elections website, unioncountyvotes.com,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Voters can also call my office at 908-527-4996 to request an application by mail, and they can pick one up in person from my Main or Annex offices.”

The County Clerk’s Main Office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The Annex Office is located at the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Voters who apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot now will receive their ballot in late September, after their application is approved and the ballots are printed.

The County Clerk provides postage free of charge for voters who are mailing their Vote-by-Mail ballots from out of state.

Election Day 2017 is Tuesday, November 7.

“Exercising the right to vote is always important, and in this election cycle New Jersey voters will decide on a new Governor for the first time in eight years,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Make sure your vote is counted by applying for a Vote-by-Mail ballot now.”

For more details about Vote-by-Mail visit unioncountyvotes.com or call the County Clerk Elections Division, 908-527-4996.

Information on all other County Clerk services including land records and passports is available online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

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Union County, NJ — Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi encourages disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients to contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission for information about a new statewide parking program. Under the new program, these veterans can obtain a vehicle placard that exempts them from parking fees at any municipal meter in New Jersey. The vehicle must be owned by the veteran, and it can only be used when the veteran is in the car as a driver or passenger.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminded residents that her office provides free veteran’s identification cards and free copies of DD-214 honorable discharge forms, and assists veterans in applying for peddler licenses free of charge.

“The free ID cards and DD-214 copies are intended to help veterans gain access to discounts and important benefits as quickly and conveniently as possible,” explained Ms. Rajoppi. “We also offer assistance with the peddler license application process for veterans who are starting their own businesses in the vending field.”

As an additional service for veterans, the County Clerk website includes an online Veterans Discount Directory of businesses in Union County that offer discounts for veterans.

For full details on veterans services offered by the Union County Clerk, or to list a business in the County Clerk’s Veterans Discount Directory, visit the County Clerk online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call at 908-527-4787.

More information about veteran’s services and resources in Union County is available through the Union County HERO initiative at ucnj.org/uc-hero.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Have you ever wanted to take your gardening hobby to the next level? Here is your chance. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County will train and certify you as part of their Master Gardener Program. Refine your gardening skills and channel your inner green thumb by applying for this program by August 31, 2017.

“If you are looking for expert guidance on community, school, and home gardening, I encourage you to consider participating in the Master Gardeners program,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “The Master Gardeners program offers a fun and exciting experience to share your passion for gardening and help build a stronger Union County.”

Almost 900 Union County residents have become certified Master Gardener volunteers since the program began 30 years ago.

The volunteers plan and run community service projects throughout Union County.

The centerpiece of the Master Gardeners community service efforts is the Union County Demonstration Garden, an elaborate complex that provides a platform for the group’s educational programs, summer camp visits and many other projects and services. It includes a large vegetable garden that yields thousands of pounds of fresh produce for donation to local food pantries.

Once accepted into the Master Gardener program, trainees commit to attending class every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning in early October and ending next May.

The training course is taught by Rutgers University faculty. It includes basic botany, entomology, flower gardening, integrated pest management, pesticide safety, plant pathology, soil testing and fertilizers, tree maintenance, turf management, vegetable gardening and wildlife management.

As part of the training requirement, participants provide 60 hours of volunteer service working in with one of the Master Gardeners gardening committees. Successful graduates become Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners upon completion of their volunteer commitment, which may be fulfilled within a 12-18 month period.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is funded in part by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. The Master Gardner classroom session will be held at the Extension offices at the Colleen Fraser Building in the county services complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

The Freeholders Board supports the extension with funding for administrative support and office space, and for special projects. The Demonstration Garden is located on County property in the Watchung Reservation, by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

To become a Certified Rutgers Master Gardener and request an application, email Judi Laganga at jlaganga@ucnj.org or call the Extension at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2).

Applications are due to the Extension Office by August 31. A materials fee of $200 is payable upon acceptance into the program.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Trees are all around us in Union County, and the Master Tree Stewards program lets you find out just how much there is to know about our tall co-habitants while participating in fun community service projects, too. Become a Master Tree Steward this year and immerse yourself in knowledge, tree conservation and community outreach.

“The Master Tree Steward program is available to any Union County resident interested in conserving our trees and passing the conservation message along to young people,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “It’s a unique intergenerational community service that promotes respect for our environment and teaches children about the diverse natural wonders on this planet we call home.”

Trees are well-documented for their environmental roles in reducing pollutants, providing habitat for birds and other animals and controlling soil erosion. Trees are linked to cleaner air, and improved public health and safety.

Each volunteer Master Tree Steward is trained and certified by experts from Rutgers University. The training begins on September 6 and consists mainly of guided walks through local nature preserves, including Cheesequake State Park and Hacklebarney State Park, and a visit to the New Jersey Forestry Service. Classroom exercises supplement the guided walks.

The program’s signature volunteer effort is the countywide “tree blitz” each spring, when the Master Tree Stewards fan out to schools in Union County to provide classrooms lesson on the importance of trees in our environment.

The lesson is based on the popular “Tree Jeopardy” games and other fun activities that help students understand the importance of tree conservation.

No previous experience with trees or classroom instruction is necessary. The Extension provides a lesson kit and other support including classroom training.

Master Tree Stewards also engage in other tree-related community service projects throughout the year.

The Master Tree Stewards is a program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board. More information on all Extension programs, including 4-H and Master Gardeners, is available at ucnj.org/rce.

Applications are due by August 31. For an application or more information, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension offices in Westfield at 908-654-9854 or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Photo (cropped): via netpsplantfinder.com.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents with permanent physical disabilities that they may be eligible for assistance under the Personal Assistance Services Program, a statewide program designed to foster independent living.

“The Personal Assistance Services Program has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of Union County residents for more than 30 years, said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The entire community benefits when people with disabilities can fulfill their potential for employment, professional development and volunteer service.”

The Personal Assistance Services Program provides funding for trained assistants to help with essential tasks of daily living. These can include dressing, bathing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping and errands.

Personal assistants may also help with driving, using public transportation, and correspondence such as bill paying.

Persons who are eligible for the Personal Assistance Services Program must be between the ages of 18 and 70, and must be employed, enrolled in post-secondary training, or engaged in volunteer work for at least 20 hours per month.

To be eligible, an individual must also reside in Union County and be capable of self-direction for needed services.

Eligibility is not based on income or assets. However, residents may be required to contribute to the cost of their services based on their income and family size.  

For more information about The Personal Assistance Services Program in Union County and other services for individuals with disabilities, contact the Union County Department of Human Services, Office for the Disabled, at 908- 527-4845.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Mohamed Jalloh, Alexander Mirabella and  Bette Jane Kowalski today joined United States Senator Cory Booker and others including State Senator Nicholas Scutari and members of the Linden City Council at a rally today in support of Senator Booker’s “Marijuana Justice Act,” which would legalize pot, and create a process for expunging federal marijuana convictions and resentencing people currently serving time for federal marijuana offenses.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, and Freeholders Angel G. Estrada, Bette Jane Kowalski and Alexander Mirabella joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and Union County Police Chief Chris Debbie in congratulating Lieutenant Robert Kreisberg, Lieutenant George Allard, Sergeant Homero Almanzar, Sergeant Brian Evans and Detective Deanna Lynn on their promotion to their new respective rank at a ceremony in Mountainside. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Family Fun & Flix, a free summer entertainment and film series presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and sponsored this year by Investors Bank, will conclude its season at Warinanco Park on Tuesday evening, August 8 with the showing of Moana. The movie will begin at dusk.

UC Get Fit Kids activities will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Freeholder initiative offers a great way to keep kids active and healthy during the summer months.

Moana is set in Ancient Polynesia at the time of a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui. When it reaches Moana’s Island, she answers the Ocean’s call to seek out the Demigod to set things right. The animated film stars the voices of Auli’I Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson and Rachel House.

“This will be the final opportunity this summer for residents to come out to Warinanco Park and enjoy Family Fun & Flix and UC Fit Kids”, said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Everyone attending is encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn. There will also be bleacher seats available, and refreshments will be available.

In case of weather related matters, you can call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series continues at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday evening, August 9, featuring American Rapture. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

American Rapture is a rock and soul revue, featuring American pop music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. The band consists of 9 vocalists and 11 musicians.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man. 

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on August 9 will be Alluem Yoga of Cranford.

“As the summer winds down there are still a few more Wednesday’s to enjoy the great musical entertainment in beautiful Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival series is presented on Wednesday evenings at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Below are the remaining shows:

• August 9th American Rapture
• August 16th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
• August 23th New York State of Mind (Tribute to Billy Joel)

Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski helped celebrate the H yesterday, along with Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Kiniery, Groundwork Elizabeth Executive Director Jonathan Phillips and his staff, and a large group of volunteers from the library’s teen program and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County.

The hard-working group spruced up the library’s front lawn by creating a colorful flower bed that spells out “R-E-A-D,” then headed out back to enjoy a lunch featuring fresh produce grown in the library’s teen garden.

The garden is tended by volunteers in the library’s teen program. It was constructed last year with a grant from Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen’s “Union County Means Green” grant initiative, which is also providing funds this year to expand the gardens and install a fence.

A new urban micro-farm and another community garden are also on the grounds of the library.