County of Union, New Jersey

November is National Adoption Month and the Union County Surrogate’s Office is proud to celebrate “forever families” and seeks to raise awareness about the adoption process.

“The Union County Surrogate’s Office is proud to assist our residents in the process of improving the lives and welfare of children through adoption,” said Union County Surrogate, James S. LaCorte.  “Through adoption, a difference can be made one child at a time. Having a permanent family provides children with the critical legal and emotional support that all young people need.”

On Friday, November 17, 2017, the Union County Surrogate’s Office will host their 10th annual Adoption Day celebration spotlighting new Union County “forever families.” The event is co-sponsored by Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, CASA of Union County, and the Office of the Law Guardian. The private, non-profit agency monitors children who for a variety of reasons have been removed from their homes.

National Adoption Day is a national effort to raise awareness to the needs of children and youth waiting to find permanent, loving families. This annual, one-day event has made the dreams of thousands of children throughout New Jersey come true by working with policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions and create and celebrate “forever families.”

Unlike guardianship, adoption is intended to provide a child with a permanent family. Adoptions can occur either between related family members, or unrelated individuals. There are many Union County and New Jersey children waiting to be part of a family.

Whether your adoption process is through a public agency, a private agency or a private attorney, the Union County Surrogate’s Office is available to help navigate the system to ensure that all parental rights are legally transferred to the new parents – giving parents the same rights and responsibilities as those whose children were born to them, and provides the children all the emotional, social, legal, and familial benefits of biological children.

When starting the adoption process, there are a number of options. Prospective families can adopt a child from the U.S. foster care system; pursue a private domestic adoption through a charity or nonprofit organization; adopt a child from another country; adopt a stepchild or other relative; and in the case of same sex couples, the non-biological parent could seek a second-parent adoption to secure parental rights.

Every adoption is unique. The cost and requirements of each adoption process varies depending on the circumstances of the adoption. Often prospective families hesitate to explore adoption based on myths or misunderstanding of the process and requirements. There are many resources available to those considering adopting a child or youth. For general information about adoption visit NationalAdoptionDay.org/adoption-resources. For more specific information on adopting in New Jersey contact the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). An application can be filled out through Foster and Adoptive Family Services on the DCP&P website, or they can call 1-800-222-0047 or email askdcf@dcf.state.nj.us.  You may contact the Union County Surrogate’s Office at 908-527-4280 for court requirements.

To learn more about Union County’s Adoption Day celebration contact Jane Phillips, Court Services Supervisor at 908-787-1650. Ext. 21297.

Union County, NJ – With the continued rise of social media, an alarming number of children and teens are targets of online bullying. To learn more about cyberbullying tactics and how to fight back against them, parents and caregivers are invited to attend “Bullying & Our Children,” a free public discussion.

This special presentation will be held on Monday, November 27, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Springfield Town Hall, located at 100 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. Pre-registration is not required.

“Social media enables today’s youth to connect with friends and family, express their creativity and explore the world around them. Unfortunately, children can encounter dangers such as doxing, trolling, stalking and catfishing,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The new workshop is designed to update and inform caregivers, and anyone who works with children, so they can help ensure a safe online experience.”

Because children may be embarrassed or afraid to tell their parents that they are being bullied, it is important for caregivers to take an active role in monitoring their children’s social media usage.

Bullying & Our Children will feature a presentation by Special State Investigator and Acting Union County Detective Dawn M. Correia.

This event is sponsored by Springfield Deputy Mayor Maria Vassallo and the Freeholder Board through the Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

For more information about Bullying & Our Children, call the Division of Youth Services at 908-558-2520 or visit ucnj.org/youth.

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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.

 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Christopher Hudak welcomed everyone to “The Battle of the Badges” hockey game between Union County police officers and firefighters at the new Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle. They were joined by Union County Manager Alfred Faella and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. Saturday was the first day of ice skating at the new Warinanco Sports Center. For more information about the center, contact Leon Grebla at (908) 298-7849 or email at warinancopark@gmail.com. Click here to view the video from the event.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski spoke with Community Coordinated Child Care (CCCC) Executive Director Pat Mennuti during the “Suggested Document Handbook” kick-off event at the Rahway Public Library.

Organized by CCCC and the Union County Council for Young Children in collaboration with the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services, the event was to inform parents that the handbook is available with information on the requirements needed to apply for assistance at the Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services.

Freeholder Kowalski was the guest speaker.

For more information about Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County, visit www.ccccunion.org.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Linda Carter congratulate Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski as Community Access Unlimited Executive Director Sidney Blanchard presents her with the Public Leadership Award at the organization’s Annual Gala Dinner Dance in Newark. They were joined by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Deputy Union County Manager Amy Wagner. Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 38th year in 2017, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. For more information about CAU and its services, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, online at www.caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking information about services for seniors age 60 and older can visit any of seven Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in November to speak with experienced staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

The November schedule brings ASK events to libraries and other public buildings in Clark, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Linden, Mountainside, Union and Westfield.

“The ASK program gives you a chance to review your situation with our staff one-on-one, get helpful information and apply for resources in Union County,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder Board liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “ASK is a program for all County residents, so please visit any convenient location.”

The Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is based in Elizabeth. Through the ASK community outreach program, members of the staff travel throughout Union County to help connect residents with information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care support services for caregivers, and more.

The ASK program also enables residents to obtain assistance with completing applications and forms at convenient locations.

The November 2017 dates and locations are:

Wednesday, November 8

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Monday, November 13

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, November 15

Mountainside Municipal Building

1385 Route 22 East

Mountainside, 07092

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

 

Thursday, November 16

Westfield Community Center

558 W. Broad Street

Westfield, 07090

10:30 am- 12:30 pm

 

Wednesday, November 22

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, November 28

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

 

Wednesday, November 29

Elizabeth Public Library

11 South Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

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

The mission of the 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. Information is available in both English and Spanish.

Upcoming ASK events are posted on the County website and social media. Residents can also check their local newspapers and websites for ASK dates and locations.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call 888-280-8226 toll free, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858, or visit 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.

Union County, NJ – Japanese barberry is a common shrub that could be playing a role in the spread of Lyme disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By planting native shrubs instead of Japanese barberry, property owners can help reduce the risk — and create a more healthful habitat for butterflies and other pollinators, too.

“Union County residents can take action to check the spread of Lyme disease by choosing ornamental plants that help create an environment for beneficial species,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “For example, Virginia sweetspire attracts butterflies and is recommended for its vivid fall colors.”

Japanese barberry is a popular ornamental shrub. It is also an invasive species that has gained a foothold in public parks.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the plant creates a humid micro climate that attracts deer ticks and white-footed deer mice, both of which are carriers of Lyme disease.

Bergen advised County residents who are planning landscape or garden projects to view the free Plant This, Not That guide. Plant This, Not That was created by a local Girl Scout with assistance from the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, to show how to use colorful native plants instead of invasive species.

“Residents can also volunteer with our Union County Adopt-a-Park program, which will be focusing on the Japanese barberry in the coming months,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who chairs the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Union County Adopt-a-Park is a partner in the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, a statewide effort that includes management of Japanese barberry.

For people looking to remove the Japanese barberry shrub from their property, the National Park Service suggests using thick gloves to pull up young plants by hand. Tools and lawnmowers can be used to remove older plants. Systemic herbicides are also effective.

To prevent tick bites and Lyme disease, make sure to wear long sleeves, long pants, and thick socks when spending time outdoors.

Any individual or group can volunteer with Union County  Adopt-a-Park. For details n contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683 or visit vucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Photo credit: via Columbia University.

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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.

 

Union County, NJ – To help raise awareness of oral cancer, the Union County Office of Health Management through the Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties has partnered with Krause Dental Care in Cranford to provide free oral cancer screenings.

Doctor Kurt Krause, D.M.D. will be offering free oral cancer screenings on Friday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at his dental office, located at 118 North Avenue West, Suite 101 in Cranford.

“I’d like to thank the partners who are involved in this screening, for their efforts to raise awareness of oral cancer and the risks involved,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Early detection is a key factor to saving lives, and this free service encourages people to get screened as soon as possible.”

Oral cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 50,000 Americans this year and can be fatal if gone undetected.

It can be detected early in its development through a simple, painless and quick screening. As with most cancers, early detection dramatically increases the survival rate. Oral cancer screenings are an effective means of finding cancer at its early, highly curable stages.

Dr. Krause is committed to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection of this devastating disease, by encouraging yearly oral cancer screenings as well as educating his patients on the risk factors and early signs and symptoms of oral cancer. 

For more information about oral cancer, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation online at oralcancerfoundation.org.

To make an appointment for a complimentary screening, contact the office of Dr. Krause at 908-272-3001.

For more information about oral cancer screening call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

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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.

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada and Freeholder Christopher Hudak, with his children Catie and Jack, attended the annual Union County Pumpkin Sail at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. They were joined by Amberly Russomano of the Shoprite of Clark, a generous sponsor of the event. Anthony Santos of the Union County Parks Department launched the jack-o-lanterns onto the lake. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)