Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. In addition to receiving a stipend of $200.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.
Poll workers are available at each polling place in Union County on Election Day. They are trained to answer basic questions that voters may have about the voting process, and to ensure everyone who is eligible to vote is afforded the opportunity to do so.
Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.
No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each poll worker attends a single-session training course.
Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.
For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/ucboe, and download the application at the “District Board Member Application for Appointment” link.
To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
# #
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.
Union County, NJ — Backyard gardeners hoping for a bountiful harvest can be stymied by undesirable insects and intrusive diseases. Fortunately, help is on the way. Union County residents can learn how to keep destructive pests at bay, by attending the free “Keep Pests Out of the Garden” program at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, July 31.
Beginning gardeners and experts alike are welcome to attend. The program is free but pre-registration is required online at tinyurl.com/Rutgers-Vegetable-Series-2019.
“We encourage gardeners to take an informed approach to pest management, to help reduce the use of pesticides,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This community education program will provide reliable guidance that gardeners can use in their own gardens and share with friends and family.”
The program includes a lecture session on how to take an integrated approach for dealing with common garden pests, conducted by Rutgers County Agent Madeline Flahive DiNardo. Ms. DiNardo will also lead participants in a walking tour of the nearby Union County Demonstration Garden.
During the tour, participants will learn how to inspect vegetable plants for common problems including as aphids, cabbage moths and tomato hornworms.
The Demonstration Garden is tended by volunteers with the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County program. Among many other community service activities, the volunteers grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables at the Demonstration Garden annually, for donation to local food pantries.
“Keep Pests Out of the Garden” is the second program in a three-part Vegetable Gardening series at Trailside. All three sessions take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and include a tour of the garden.
The two other programs are “Keys to Successful Composting” and “Harvesting and Food Safety.” All sessions are free. To register for one, two, or all three programs visit at tinyurl.com/Rutgers-Vegetable-Series-2019.
The Rutgers Master Gardener program in Union County is supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Rutgers, the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station with offices at the Union County Complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.
New volunteers are welcome each year, and no experience is needed to join. All Master Gardeners are trained and certified by experts from Rutgers. For more information about the Master Gardeners program contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2) or visit ucnj.org/rce
Trailside is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available in the main parking lot, adjacent to the building (please do not park at the entrance to the building).
For directions and more information about all programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
# #
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.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en presentar una selección de trabajos que ganaron el Primer Lugar en la Exposición de Arte de Adultos Mayores del 2019 .Creada por Adultos del Condado de Union de 60 años en adelante, y estará expuesta en la Galeria del Edificio de Administración 6to piso desde el 11 de julio hasta el 27 de agosto.
“Tenemos muchos adultos mayores con mucho talento en el Condado de Union, y sus trabajos reflejan sus experiencias y su espiritus creativos,” dijo la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalski. “La Junta de Legisladores está muy orgullosa de presentar estos notables talentos de los residentes del Condado de Union y de compartirlo con la comunidad.”
Los trabajos de arte en esta galería fueron seleccionados por los artistas profesionales Hadieh Afshani, Alina Marin-Bliach, y Barbara Wallace.
Los trabajos de arte que están expuestos en la Galería son:
Pintura al Óleo por Arlene Carallo (Roselle)
Dibujo por William Connolly (Garwood)
Acuarela por John Curch (Scotch Plains)
Pintura en Pasteles por Nicholas Florio (Roselle Park)
Fotografía por William Gardner (Winfield Park)
Pintura Mixta por Indira Govindan (Summit)
Acrílico por Melvin Kevoe (Westfield)
Grabado por Janice Metzger (Westfield)
Fotografía por Nancy Ori (Berkeley Heights)
Acuarela por Rosanne Snarski (Springfield)
Pintura Mixta (encolado)) por Elizabeth Sutaria (Union)
Pintura de Óleo por Anna Szabo (Union)
Pintura en Pasteles por Barbara Uhr (Westfield)
Acrílico por Pauli Verridicci (Springfield)
Estos trabajos de arte, junto con las esculturas hechas por Ron Brown (Cranford) y Jarret Goldberg (Springfield) que ganaron el primer lugar, y el primer lugar en trabajo artesanal por Thelma Heard (Rahway), viajarán a la exposición y formarán parte de la 53ava competencia y a Exposición de Arte de Adultos Mayores del Estado de New Jersey, desde el 19 de septiembre hasta el 24 de octubre, 2019.
El público está invitado a visitar la Galeria situada en 6to piso del Edificio de Administración, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza en Elizabeth, NJ durante días de semana de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.
Un grupo de empleados de BASF en Florham Park dieron su tiempo como voluntarios para ayudar a restaurar parte de los senderos en la Reservación de Watchung en el Condado de Union, durante el pasado mes de junio.
“Me gustaría darle las gracias a este grupo de voluntarios a nombre de la Junta de Legisladores por su trabajo y sus generosas donaciones al Programa Adopt-a-Park/ Adopte-un- Parque,” dijo la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalski, quien estuvo presente para participar en el Proyecto. Los voluntarios juegan un importante papel en mantener nuestros senderos limpios para el disfrute de todos, y apreciamos mucho sus esfuerzos.”
Como participantes del programa Adopt-A-Park del Condado de Union, el grupo de BASF pasó un calor intenso para limpiar zanjas de drenaje y cortar la vegetación en el sendero. También donaron $200.00 en herramientas para el programa además de $300.00 en efectivo.
Cualquier individuo o grupo que pueda unirse al programa Adopt-a-Park y ayudar con la restauración de los senderos, conservar la naturaleza y otros proyectos en los parques del Condado de Union pueden visitar la página ucnj.org o llamar al 908-789-3683.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en invitar a niños hasta 12 años de edad, acompañados por un adulto a participar por primera vez en “Night Out at Wheeler Spray Park/ Una Noche en el Parque Wheeler” para niños con necesidades especiales el lunes, 22 de julio de 6:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m., el Parque Wheeler está situado en el 234 West Stimpson Avenue en Linden.
Este evento es gratis pero se necesita previa inscripción para cada niño que asista a través del Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Union en la página ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Con cada inscripción se les dará una paleta de hielo gratis/ ice pops. La inscripción cierra el 21 de julio a las 5:00 p.m.
“Una Noche en el Parque Wheeler/Night Out at Wheeler Spray Park” está designada para ayudar a las familias que tienen niños con necesidades especiales a que estén conectadas unas a otras y que disfruten las actividades comunitarias, en un ambiente sano y amistoso,” expresó la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalski.
Para más información sobre este evento en el Parque Wheeler visite la página ucnj.org/human-services o contacte a Manuel Ramirez, Director, al mramirez@ucnj.org o 908-527-4781.
La Oficina de Personas Discapacitadas y con Necesidades Especiales es parte del Departamento de Servicios Humanos, División de Servicios de Apoyo Familiar e Individual del Condado de Union. Para más información sobre todos los programas visite la página ucnj.org/human-services.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que Black Dog, una banda que rinde homenaje a Led Zepplin estará en el concierto del 24 de julio siendo parte de la Serie de Conciertos de Verano en el Parque Echo Lake.
“Led Zeppelin es una de las bandas más populares en el mundo,” expresó la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalski. “Es genial ver una banda como Black Dog rendir homenaje de todos sus éxitos en el Parque Echo Lake como parte de la Serie de Conciertos de Verano, y espero que los residentes que asistan disfruten de una noche inolvidable.”
Black Dog, se estableció hace más o menos 20 años, y con mucho orgullo rinde homenaje al grandioso Led Zeppelin con una lista extensa de sus obras maestras como “Dazed and Confused”, “Heartbreaker”, y “Stairway to Heaven.” La presentación también incluye versiones de The Song Remains the Same’s “Whole Lotta Love”, con Page’s mágico Theramin solo.
El concierto tendrá lugar en el Parque Echo Lake en Mountainside. Se les pide a los asistentes que traigan un colcha o silla para su comodidad. El concierto comienza a las 7:30 pm. Un camión de comido y de helados se encontrarán presente.
Para más detalles sobre la serie de Conciertos de Verano en los Parques del Condado de Union visite la página www.ucnj.org/calendar o llame al Departamento de Parques al 908-527-4900.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que la popular serie de Matinée de los miércoles en el Trailside Nature & Science Center continúa el 17 de julio hace su estreno con “Reach for the Moon/ Alcanzar la Luna.” Este programa ese n conjunto con NASA y Mad Science de New Jersey, llevará a los visitants a los confines del Sistema solar, viajando 239,800 millas sobre la tierra , haciendo volar su imaginación mientras aprenden sobre la ciencia del viaje especial.
“En celebración del 50 aniversario del Aterrizaje del Apollo 11 en la Luna, es maravilloso darle la bienvenida a un programa de este calibre,” dijo la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalski. “El Condado de Union County está comprometido a promover la ciencia y la tecnología para niños y jóvenes , inspirandolos a obtener sus metas.”
La serie Alcanzar la Luna comienza a la 1:30 p.m. y dura aproximadamente 45 minutos. Todos los shows son recomendados para niños de 4 años en adelante. Los boletos se ponen a la venta a la 1:00 p.m. La admisión de los niños es de $5.00 y los adultos menores de 62, aquellos adultos mayores de 62 pagarán solo $4.00 .
Para información adicional sobre los Matinée de los miércoles u otros programas y eventos por favor llamar al Trailside, al 908-789-3670 o visite la página ucnj.org/trailside.
Trailside Nature & Science Center se encuentra en el 452 New Providence Road en Mountainside y es parte del Departamento de Parques y Recreación del Condado de Union.
Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Union County baseball legend and Westfield native Jeff Torborg at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside to observe progress being made on a ballfield being named in his honor. Torborg, a former Major League player and standout at Westfield High School, also went on to serve as the manager for numerous teams, including the Cleveland Indians, the Chicago White Sox, the New York Mets, the Montreal Expos and the Florida Marlins. He also served as a coach with the Yankees. The field is expected to completed by early Fall, when a dedication event will be held. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Master Tree Steward volunteer Dean Talcott shows where a name tag is placed on a White Ash growing along the new Tree Trail in Union County’s Oak Ridge Park, in Clark. The diamond-like pattern of the bark recalls the use of wood from White Ash trees for making baseball bats. The tree is much older than the park, dating back to the days when the area was farmland. Photo credit: County of Union, NJ.
Union County, NJ – Visitors to Union County parks can walk past hundreds of trees in a single visit without knowing their names. Now some of these trees can introduce themselves, thanks to an assist from the volunteer Master Tree Stewards of Union County.
The volunteers have placed colorful green and white name tags on dozens of distinctive trees along paved walking paths in selected Union County parks. The tags include QR codes that invite visitors to discover more details about each tree.
“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank our Master Tree Steward volunteers for encouraging visitors to take a closer look at trees in Union County parks, and gain a greater appreciation for preserving and protecting our natural heritage,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski.
A growing body of evidence shows that trees provide significant benefits to local communities. Trees can create a cooling effect in the summer, help reduce air pollution, and aid in reducing soil erosion, runoff, and flooding. Improvements in public health and well-being are also linked to the presence of a thriving tree canopy.
The Tree Trail project has been organized by Fanwood resident and Master Tree Steward volunteer Dean Talcott. Mr. Talcott selected the trees along each Tree Trail based on variety and other characteristics of interest.
“The most interesting trees are not always the biggest or the oldest,” explained Talcott.
Earlier this month, Talcott and a group of volunteers tagged 30 different trees along a paved walking path in Union County’s Oak Ridge Park, in Clark. Each tree has its own story, from the Blue Atlas Cedar – a native of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco – to the White Ash, prized for its use in making baseball bats.
The Master Tree Stewards program is an all-volunteer group run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Supported in part by the Freeholder Board with offices in Westfield, the Union County Extension is part of a nationwide public outreach initiative coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Master Tree Stewards and other Extension outreach programs. They provide members of the public with enriching opportunities to learn from the experts and share their knowledge with the community,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski.
The Master Tree Stewards have created Tree Trails along the paved walking paths in the following County parks:
Oak Ridge Park in Clark (trails starts near the east end of the parking lot)
Briant Park in Summit
Cedar Brook in Plainfield
Echo Lake Park in Mountainside
Echo Lake Extension (trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building)
Lenape Park (trail is located to the east along the Kenilworth dike)
Meisel Park in Springfield
Nomahegan Park in Cranford
Rahway River Park in Rahway
Warinanco Park in Elizabeth
Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth and the Sensory Friendly Trail in Mountainside will also receive tree tags this year. The Sensory Friendly Trail is located by Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, in Mountainside at 425 New Providence Road.
The Tree Trail initiative complements the Freeholder Board’s longstanding support for urban forestry, which includes the Greening Union County matching grant program for municipalities as well as support for the Master Tree Steward program.
In addition to the Tree Trails and other special projects in Union County parks, each spring the Master Tree Steward volunteers visit 4th grade classrooms throughout Union County to provide a lesson on the importance of trees. Each volunteer is trained and supported by Extension staff.
Any Union County resident is welcome to join the Master Tree Stewards. No previous experience is necessary. Training takes place each fall, and consists mainly of walks through nearby nature preserves and parks including Oak Ridge Park. Trainees who successfully complete the course earn official certification as a Master Tree Steward.
For more information about the joining the Master Tree Stewards program visit the Extension online at ucnj.org/rce or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension office in Westfield, 908-654-9854 (ext. 4) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
A list of all 36 Union County parks, including directions and information on activities and recreation facilities at each park, is available at ucnj.org/parks-activities.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and volunteer activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
# #
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.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in the 2019 “Choose Your Cover” program, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Road in Springfield, rain or shine.
The event is open to all, but pre-registration is required in order to schedule a free skin cancer screening. Residents interested in a screening should call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620 to pre-register. Members of the public who are not pre-registered for a screening are also encouraged to come and learn how to keep from being overexposed to the sun.
Personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Springfield Board of Health, and Empire Medical Associates will be on site to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn how to reduce their risk of skin cancer.
“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to join with the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Springfield to help the public connect with information and resources that can reduce the risk of skin cancer, and lead to early detection.”
People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk.
Overexposure from the sun is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Common sense precautions include:
Cover up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics.
Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of the head, ears and neck.
Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
Liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply frequently.
Avoid indoor tanning beds, which are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.
This event is sponsored by: the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Union County Office of Health Management, Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex & Union Counties, Springfield Board of Health, Empire Medical Associates., Atlantic Health System/ Overlook Medical Center and ShopRite of Union.
# #
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.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. In addition to receiving a stipend of $200.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
Union County, NJ — Backyard gardeners hoping for a bountiful harvest can be stymied by undesirable insects and intrusive diseases. Fortunately, help is on the way. Union County residents can learn how to keep destructive pests at bay, by attending the free “Keep Pests Out of the Garden” program at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, July 31.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in the 2019 “Choose Your Cover” program, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Road in Springfield, rain or shine.