County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ — Bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators have a new home in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, where an open field was recently replanted with native wildflowers and transformed into a flourishing habitat.

The new pollinator meadow is located along a paved access road that runs between the western corner of the Loop and the bottom of the parking lot at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“The Watchung Reservation fulfills an invaluable nature conservation role in our area, and it is very gratifying to see how native species respond when their habitat is improved,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who chairs the Freeholder Board’s Parks, Public Works and Facilities Committee. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I’d like to thank the volunteers who helped bring new life to the meadow. Their hard work will be enjoyed by countless visitors in the years to come.”

The rehabilitation of the meadow was undertaken as a Gold Award project by a local Girl Scout, who organized volunteers to reseed the ground and plant more than 450 milkweed starts. The project received a grant from Monsanto and a donation of $1,200 for new seeds from the non-profit Trailside Museum Association.

The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation prepared the ground and the Mountainside Fire Department contributed personnel and equipment to provide water, helping to ensure a successful start for the new plantings.

The meadow now includes many varieties of native wildflowers including monarda or bee balm, spotted St. John’s wort, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, blue vervain, swamp and common milkweed, and butterfly weed. A green fringed orchid also made an appearance this year.

Native plants are crucial to the survival of spicebush and tiger swallowtail butterflies, monarch butterflies, hummingbird moths, skippers, silver spotted butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and many other pollinators as well as birds and bees.

Union County residents can help improve pollinator habitats in their own yards by planting hardy, low maintenance native plants.

Union County’s free Plant This, Not That guide provides simple suggestions for incorporating colorful native species that attract pollinators, while also cutting down on water bills and other yard care expenses. Recently revised and expanded by County staff, the guide is available for view or download at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

The Trailside Museum Association is a volunteer organization that supports the environmental education mission of Trailside, which was established in the 1940’s as the first local nature museum in New Jersey. To contribute or join, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

To find out more about volunteering in County Parks, visit Adopt-a-Park at ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call 908-789-3683. Any individual or group may participate in Adopt-a-Park.

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.

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The Prosecutor’s Office has joined forces with four municipal police departments to host the inaugural Summer Slam youth basketball tournament, marking the launch of a new initiative intended to connect local student-athletes with representatives of local law enforcement in fun, engaging ways, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan jointly announced Tuesday along with Elizabeth Police Chief John Brennan, Hillside Police Chief Vincent Ricciardi, Linden Police Chief David Hart, and Plainfield Police Director Carl Riley.

The tournament is scheduled to take place 6 p.m. this Friday, August 3 at Elizabeth’s Dunn Center, with teams of fifth- and sixth-graders from Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, and Plainfield facing off in a pair of first-round games, followed by a championship contest and a third-place contest, also to be played simultaneously. Coaching the four teams will be detectives and other sworn members of the police departments in those municipalities.

The tournament is open to the public and free to attend.

“We’d like to see plenty of spectators in the stands rooting on our young athletes,” Prosecutor Monahan said. “We are all excited to see some great action, and fully anticipate that this event will grow to become something people look forward to all year.”

The tournament is expected to be expanded to include additional teams in coming years, eventually involving young athletes from as many Union County municipalities as possible.

The Dunn Center facilities are being made available for the tournament courtesy of Elizabeth Public Schools and Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer, with players afforded the opportunity to play in one of the state’s marquee high-school basketball venues. The four teams practiced there together earlier this month, with retired Prosecutor’s Office Lt. Abdel Anderson – the “sixth man” on the Rutgers University men’s basketball team’s 1976 Final Four club – leading drills.

Press Release from the United Way

Partnership with Freeholders includes new summer employment program as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s “Moving Union County Forward” youth engagement initiative;  and widens involvement with nonprofit agencies, educational institutions and local businesses.

United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) has partnered with the Union County Freeholder Board to create 200 jobs for youth. 

Summer employment has already been established and secured in industries such as information technology, hospitality, construction, health sciences and retail.  “By providing these job opportunities and training, we are assisting our youth with the opportunity to gain experience in a job sector they may choose as a career while also receiving financial compensation in the future,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to be sponsoring this program through United Way and we look forward to continuing this in the future.” 

This program, known as the Youth Employment Pathways Program (YEPP) is designed to help youth secure employment, attend college and/or obtain occupational certifications. In the first part of the program sponsored by the Freeholder Board, the jobs initiative assisted 60 youths in the Spring to find employment. 

YEPP is funded by a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant, and to continue coordination of the Youth Employment and Training Consortium (YETC).

YEPP provides services year-round and is designed to ensure youth, both in school and out of school and, who are between the ages of 14-24, are provided with the resources they’ll need to meet career goals and on-the-job training experience. “We are happy to continue this initiative of bringing together all of our resources to strengthen our community and to help young people reach their goals” said James Horne, President and CEO at United Way of Greater Union County.  “Our work to help strengthen Union County includes youth employment services that help give young people real-world opportunities to learn and grow”.  The YEPP 

UWGUC works with nonprofit agencies, educational institutions and local businesses to ensure youth obtain and gain access to employment opportunities in Union County that will make them marketable in a competitive labor force. The program includes career planning, education and training and work experience.

Agencies located across Union County included in the YETC are: the Urban League of Union County, Community Access Unlimited, Plainfield Action Services, Homefirst, Inc., the Elizabeth and Plainfield School Districts, the Plainfield Library, Second Street Youth Center, the Arc of Union County, E’town Housing and Community Development Corp, Workforce Advantage and the Union County American Job Center. 

For more information about YEPP, please visit uwguc.org/yepp or call 908.353.7171.

About United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) United Way of Greater Union County provides critical resources to children and families in need throughout greater Union County, North Plainfield and South Plainfield.  The organization works to improve lives and build strong communities, by focusing on key areas in education, income stability, health and family strengthening. UWGUC is a pre-eminent community-based leader, partner and investment choice in these communities.  More information about United Way of Greater Union County’s work in the community can be found online at www.uwguc.org.

Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and older can visit the Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) program at four locations in August to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.

The ASK schedule in August includes public libraries in Mountainside, Clark, Summit and Union.

“The ASK program brings our expert staff to local communities in order to provide seniors with greater accessibility to personal guidance in a location that is convenient and close to home,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage any seniors or caregivers who have questions about the resources available to them to make use of this important service.”

Through the ASK community outreach program, staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection travel throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any ASK event.

The August 2018 dates and locations are:

Friday, August 10
Mountainside Public Library
Constitution Plaza
Mountainside, 07092
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Monday, August 13
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, August 27
Summit Public Library
75 Maple Street
Summit, 07901
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, August 28
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

The goal of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource connection 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.

Dates and locations of upcoming ASK program stops are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll free number: 1-888-280-8226, call 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4858, or visit online at ucnj.org.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series shifts to Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday, August 1, with Jobonanno & the Godsons taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The Union County Office of Veterans Services will also be on hand with information for veterans as part of “Military Appreciation Night.” The free concert series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation.

“As the summer continues we are delighted to invite everyone to Oak Ridge Park and experience the continuation of this great entertainment series in our parks,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “And to show support for the men and women who serve in our country’s armed forces, the Office of Veterans Services will be on hand to help veterans and military families with who have questions about benefits and services.”

The Union County HEART program, which is part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ Moving Forward Initiatives for 2018, will also kick off this night, and there will be an information table on hand.

Performing together since 1992, Jobonanno & the Godsons have been electrifying the tristate area’s rock clubs and concert halls with their infectious style of high energy rock and soul music.

Men and women who served in our armed forces will also be recognized throughout the evening. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders have designated the evening “Military Appreciation Night.” The Union County Office of Veterans Services will be on hand with information for veterans and military personnel in areas including eligibility to entitlement, benefits programs and services provided to veterans by various government agencies. A mobile Vet Center will also be on hand. Refreshments under will also be served to veterans under the Veterans Services tent.

While enjoying the wonderful music, refreshments may be purchased from Benito’s Jersey Curbside Eats or Danny’s Soft Serve Ice Cream.  Attendees can also pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Once again UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with Hot Yoga Revolution presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.

Here is a list of the upcoming concerts (All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.):

Oak Ridge Park, Clark

• August 1^st  Jobonanno & the Godsons
• August 8th American Rapture
• August 15th Brother John Brown Band
• August 22th Dead on Live

Please visit www.ucnj.org/summer for more summertime fun activities.

Little Free Libraries are being installed all over the country. The book exchanges have grown to 36,000 around the world in 70 countries. Locally, we have seen little libraries popping up on front lawns. Now, a new Little Free Library at Union County’s Unami Park will join the movement to share books, bring families together, and create communities of readers. 

The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) brought the project of a Little Free Library to the Union County Freeholder Board. MCCNJ Members Trina Junod and Nicole Eng presented the idea to the County who enthusiastically approved the concept.

The MCCNJ  and Freeholder Board will host a launch party at Unami Park for their Little Free Library on Sunday July 29^th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., open to the public. The celebration will include light refreshments, family storytime, and a book swap.

“We always look at new ways to expand resources being provided in our parks system–from the free WiFi we have introduced to new recreational activities, and this is another new service, which expands educational offerings to residents—both young and old–attending our parks,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

“One of our missions at the Mothers’ Center is to pursue opportunities to make the local community a better place for moms and their children and partners. By installing a Little Free Library in our local park, it is our hope this this Little Free Library will bring the surrounding communities together through literacy.”

To learn more about the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey, please visit motherscentercnj.org.