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Union County Gun Buyback

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella today joined Acting Union County Prosecutor Michael Monahan, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran, Union County Police Chief Chris Debbie, Union County Manager Ed Oatman and Deputy Manager Amy Wagner at the Union County Gun Buyback event at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Elizabeth. Guns were also collected at the Visions of God Family Worship Church in Plainfield.

The Union County Chapter of Moms Demand Action also were on hand at both gun buyback locations, offering free gunlocks to the public. The gun buyback event is supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth and Plainfield. A total of 228 firearms were collected, including three assault rifles. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Freeholders give Playground to Lincoln School in Cranford, Celebrate ribbon cutting with children​

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Bruce Bergen and Bette Jane Kowalski (of Cranford) joined with children from Cranford’s Lincoln School, Cranford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Rubin, and Lincoln School Principal Dennis McCaffery (both right end)  to cut the ribbon on a new playground the Freeholder Board gave to the school. Also in attendance were Mike Brennan of the County’s Parks Department and Nicole DeAugustine of the County’s Office for People with Special Needs (left end).

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Nature Lovers and Hiking Enthusiasts Invited to Join Union County’s Trail Steward Program

Union County’s volunteer Adopt-a-Trail Stewards help preserve miles of rustic trails that wind through County parks, like this one in the Watchung Reservation.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to join the Adopt-a-Trail volunteer program and help with trail conservation and preservation projects in Union County parks.

“Our Adopt-a-Trail Stewards enable visitors to enjoy miles of rustic trails in our County parks,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Their work truly has a ripple effect on the whole community, and they set a wonderful example of giving back.”

Residents can find out more about the program and learn basic trail conservation skills by attending a beginner training session on Saturday, November 10 at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

The beginner session is free but pre-registration is required online at tinyurl.com/y8c6dcy7. Light refreshments will be served.

At the training session, beginners will learn the basics of trail maintenance and stewardship, including how to read a trail map and follow a blazed trail.

After the beginner session, current Adopt-a-Trail Stewards will hold their annual General Meeting. Beginners who would like to become Adopt-a-Trail Stewards must stay for this session, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 1:15 p.m.

The General Meeting will include updates on current trail projects and a presentation by Peter Dolan of the New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Titled “Making and Maintaining Trails That Last,” the presentation will address the many factors involved in creating sustainable trails.

All Adopt-a-Trail Stewards are required to attend an annual meeting, and commit to monitoring and maintaining their trail for a minimum of two years. Trail Stewards are also required to submit quarterly reports.

Residents who cannot make a two-year commitment as Trail Stewards are welcome to join a scheduled Saturday Trail Work Day.

Saturday Trail Work Days take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., once a month from March to December, depending on weather. No experience is necessary. Saturday Trail Work projects are supervised by staff. The next two scheduled dates are Saturday, November 3 and Saturday, December 1.

For more information about becoming an Adopt-a-Park Trail Steward, or to sign up for a Saturday Trail Work Day, email Betty Ann Kelly, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, or call 908-789-3683.

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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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.

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Become a Trained Volunteer to Advocate for Victims of Sexual Violence

Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center seeks volunteer advocates to join its crisis response team after completing a training course in November and December. Training will be held during daytime business hours.

The Rape Crisis Center is a volunteer program run by the Union County Department of Human Services, with offices at the County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

“Our RCC volunteers fill an important need in the Union County community by sharing their knowledge and strength with victims of sexual violence, who all too often cannot turn to family or friends for support in a time of crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

All RCC volunteers receive professional training and mentoring. The training covers sexual trauma, sexual harassment, cultural issues, date rape, and the legal and emotional issues that confront victims, among other topics.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, Union County residents, and have their own car.

In addition to acting as advocates for victims, volunteers staff a 24-hour hotline, 908-233-RAPE (7273).

The Rape Crisis Center has been serving Union County residents since 1984. Its primary source of funding is the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division on Women.

To volunteer or for further information, call the Rape Crisis Center, 908-233-7273. 

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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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Freeholder Board Announces Children’s Recreation and Greening Union County Grants totaling $1.1 Million

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella present the 2018 Kids Recreation Grant and 2018 Greening Union County Grant to Summit Mayor Nora Radest, Councilwoman Marjorie Fox, Councilman Matthew Gould, Summit Community Programs Director Judith Leblein Josephs and Assistant Director Mark Ozoroski during the Freeholders’ mobile meeting in Summit. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Municipalities across Union County can look forward to improving recreation opportunities for youth and expanding their tree canopies, with the help of two countywide grant programs, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund and Greening Union County grant programs.

Both grant programs are awarded by the Freeholder Board through the Union County Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. They provide matching funds to assist communities with projects that meet local needs.

“The Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund plays a crucial role in helping our local governments continue to improve resources for our citizens,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The funds awarded help to improve the lives of others by modernizing park spaces, both by upgrading their equipment and by making parks and municipalities greener. Great things happen when we all pull together with a common cause”

“Since their inception, the response to these two funding opportunities has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” said Freeholder Al Mirabella, who chairs the Trust Fund. “Each year it is inspiring to see how these Trust Fund dollars assist with important contributions to community health and well-being.”

The Union County Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000 with an initial focus on expanding and improving County parks. In 2004 the mission was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, and annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants for municipal properties.

Freeholder Angel Estrada, who initiated Greening Union County as Chairman in 2004, noted that the program has provided funding for 12,214 trees for municipalities since then.

“In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the bottom line benefits of trees are far-ranging. Preventing erosion, absorbing storm water and cooling down city streets in the summer are just a few examples,” said Estrada. “Studies also show that trees help improve air quality, lower noise levels, raise property values, and even have an impact on crime rates.”

The 2018 Kids Recreation Trust Fund totaled $1 million in matching grants. The awardees are:

  • Berkeley Heights: $48,367.32 for upgrading several parks, lower Columbia Park and Veteran Memorial Park.
  • Clark: $30,000.00 for update to playground for children’s disabilities, benches, tables and swings.
  • Cranford: $60,000.00 for Memorial Complex, Centennial Pool upgrades, 3 basketball court resurfacing and new play structures.        
  • Elizabeth: $90,000.00 for synthetic turf at Sisselman Field.                              
  • Fanwood: $40,000.00 for playground equipment, rope climbing structure, swings, rubber surface and benches.
  • Garwood: $20,000.00 for a water fountain, shading, basketball hoops and backboards at Hartman Park.
  • Hillside: $9,666.58 for multi fitness stations and borders.
  • Kenilworth:  $50,000.00 for rehabilitation of recreation building.   
  • Linden: $70,000.00 for rehabilitation of city parks.
  • Mountainside:  $38,500.00 for resurfacing, fencing backboard posts at Echo Brook basketball court, lightening detection system.
  • New Providence:  $54,000.00 for walking paths and landscaping to enhance Harmony Park (Try CAN).
  • Plainfield: $60,000.00 for handicap accessible playground at Milt Campbell Park.
  • Rahway: $70,000.00 for Madden field baseball and football field upgrades and turf section on school property.
  • Roselle: $54,000.00 for Renovation to Grove Street Park.
  • Roselle Park: $35,000.00 for volleyball equipment, baseball field cover, field tarp storage rollers, bicycle racks and a mobile bandstand.
  • Scotch Plains: $60,000.00 for poured rubber safety surface to Brookside Park playground.
  • Springfield:  $30,000.00 for ADA accessible playground structures, benches, new surfacing and walkways.
  • Summit: $55,000.00 for Bocce Court relocation at Community Center.
  • Union:    $70,000.00 for Friberger Park basketball court upgrades, picnic area, benches, tables and surfacing.
  • Westfield: $55,000.00 for handicapped unisex restrooms at Memorial Field Complex.

The 2018 Greening Union County funding totaled $100,475.00 in “tree for tree” matching grants. The number of trees planned by each awardee is (Trust Fund matching grants are in parentheses):

  • Berkeley Heights: 10 ($3,000.00)

 

  • Cranford: 46 ($4,500.00)

 

  • Elizabeth: 150 ($15,000.00)

 

  • Fanwood: 10 ($1,375.00)

 

  • Hillside: 14 ($2,100.00)

 

  • Kenilworth: 10 ($3,000.00)

 

  • Linden: 50 ($11,250.00)

 

  • New Providence:  20 ($2,500.00)

 

  • Plainfield: 30 ($5,000.00)

 

  • Rahway: 30 ($3,000.00)

 

  • Roselle: 70 ($5,000.00)

 

  • Roselle Park: 50 ($5,000.00)

 

  • Scotch Plains: 60 ($3,750.00)

 

  • Springfield: 50 ($8,000.00)

 

  • Summit: 70 ($10,800.00)

 

  • Union: 80 ($4,700.00)

 

  • Westfield: 50 ($12,500.00)                     

 

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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.

 

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Union County Clerk Dispels Voting Myths

Union County, NJ – As the November 6 General Election draws near, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that official, certified election results always include Vote-by-Mail ballots and provisional ballots in the final count.

“Some voters have been led to believe that Vote-by-Mail ballots are not always counted, and that is entirely false,” said Ms. Rajoppi.  “For each election, we certify a final count that includes Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots as well as the machine ballots cast at the polling place.”

Counting the ballots is a weeklong process that starts with the results from voting machines. These unofficial results are available shortly after the polls close on Election Day.

Vote-by-Mail ballots must be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day. State law provides for an additional two-day window for the Post Office to deliver ballots that are postmarked on Election Day.

State law also allows additional time to count provisional ballots. Provisional ballots are cast on Election Day by voters who go to the polls but are not able to use the machines. Each provisional ballot must be reviewed by the Board of Elections before it is added to the final count.

“Any voter can ask for a provisional ballot at their polling place, if they are told they cannot use the voting machine,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Following are three common myths that the County Clerk’s Elections Division has heard from the public:

Myth #1: Vote by Mail ballots are only counted if an election is close.

FALSE. By law, Vote by Mail ballots are always counted. Those mailed before Election Day are counted on Election Day, just like the machine ballots from polling places. Those postmarked on Election Day are also counted, if received up to two days after.

Myth #2: Vote by Mail ballots are not private.

FALSE. A voter’s personal identification – name, address or any other information – never goes on a Vote by Mail ballot. Vote by Mail users place their ballot in a special envelope that includes a detachable outer certificate for their name, address and signature. The envelope is not opened by the Board of Elections until after the certificate is detached. Once detached, the certificate cannot be matched to the voter’s ballot.

This method serves two important purposes. First, it ensures every voter that the privacy of their vote is protected. Second, the certificate provides a record that the voter used a Vote by Mail Ballot. In this regard it is similar to the poll books kept at polling places, where the voter’s signature provides a record that a vote was cast in person.

Myth #3: If a voter requests a Vote by Mail ballot and doesn’t use it, they cannot vote in person.

FALSE. A voter who requested a Vote by Mail ballot and did not use it can still go to their polling place on Election Day. Poll workers can confirm if the voter requested a Vote by Mail ballot by looking at the code next to their name (typically this will be “VBM” for Vote by Mail, or “A” for absentee).

If their Vote by Mail request is confirmed, the voter cannot use the voting machine. However, they can ask for a provisional ballot and cast it at the polling place.

Every provisional ballot is reviewed by the Board of Elections. The review process ensures that each ballot has been cast by a registered voter. It also provides an assurance that voters using a Vote by Mail ballot do not also vote at their polling place.

The review process begins the day after Election Day and concludes within seven days.

At the end of the review period, all of the provisional ballots are tallied and sent to the County Clerk. The County Clerk adds the provisional ballot count to the Vote by Mail and machine ballot count, and will report the grand total to the public as the official, certified results of the election on November 14.

In other words, regardless of how the vote is cast – in person, by mail, or on a provisional ballot by a registered voter – every vote is counted.

Voters with questions about Vote-by Mail or any other election procedures can call the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 for assistance or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

Elections information is also available online at the County Clerk’s elections website, website, UnionCountyVotes.com and on the free mobile app, Union County Votes.

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Union County’s Free Mobile Document-Shredding Program Will Visit New Providence in November

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the final mobile paper-shredding event of 2018 will be held on Saturday, November 3 at the Nokia campus in New Providence. The shredding service is free and open to all Union County residents seeking to dispose of sensitive personal documents.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a secure, convenient way to shred personal documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These events also help all residents practice environmental stewardship by conserving resources and sending more paper into the recycling stream.”

The November 3 shredding event will take place at the Nokia campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person.

It is preferred that documents be brought to the event in paper bags. Documents should not be bound. Plastic binders and paper clips should be removed. Paper that is wet or damp will not be accepted.

Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp.

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds.

Countywide recycling supports Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental engagement, education and empowerment.

For more details and schedules for all Union County recycling programs, call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit ucnj.org/recycling.

Union County residents can also sign up for Recycle Coach, a free app that makes it easy to stay up to date with countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules. For more information, visit ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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.

 

 

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Just “ASK” for Information about Senior Services in Union County

Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six dates and locations in November to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Linden and Union.

“The purpose of ASK is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  “The ASK program will bring our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff, based in Elizabeth, to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

ASK is the Aging Services Kiosk community outreach effort, which sends staff from Union County’s Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection to provide information on home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, support services for caregivers, and other programs and resources.

Help with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The November 2018 dates and locations are:

 

Monday, November 5

Elizabeth Public Library – LaCorte Branch

418 Palmer Street

Elizabeth, 07202

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, November 7

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, November 14

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue

Cranford, 07016

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Monday, November 19

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, November 27

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

 

Wednesday, November 28

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

 

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

“The Aging & Disability Resource model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Freeholder Chairman Granados. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.”

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.  Information may be viewed on the Union County website at 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.

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Nominations Open for 2019 Union County Women of Excellence Awards

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 27th annual Women of Excellence awards. The awards celebrate women who have made a powerful impact on life in Union County.

“Today it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service, education and much more,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you know a woman who leads and inspires, I encourage you to submit her name for consideration.”

Women can be nominated for their achievements in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business and Entrepreneurial, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Law Enforcement, Medicine and Health Care and Child, Youth and Women’s Advocacy.

Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies can submit nominations for an award. Nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County.

The awardees will be honored at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner, to be held on March 29, 2019 at the Gran Centurions in Clark.

Each awardee will receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Freeholder Board and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women. 

For the first time this year, Women of Excellence nominations may be submitted online. To submit a Women of Excellence nomination online, visit ucnj.org/women-awards.

Nominations will also continue to be accepted by mail. Mail-in nominations should be sent to the Union County Administration Building, Attn: DHS-Office of Outreach and Advocacy, 2nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

All nominations must be submitted by December 3, 2018.

For any questions about the nomination process or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Elizabeth Sebring, Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucbj.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.

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Four Centuries in a Weekend Photo Gallery

Have photos? Text them to 908-967-4739 or email them to websupport@ucnj.org.