County of Union, New Jersey

Delays Anticipated on NEC and NJCL; Substitute Busing required on RVL

NJ TRANSIT is advising customers of upcoming Amtrak signal work which will impact rail travel Friday night November 10^th through Saturday and Sunday November 11^th-12^th.  Amtrak’s work, between Newark Penn Station and Secaucus, continues their effort to maintain its Northeast Corridor in a state of good repair.

NJ TRANSIT is relying on assurances by Amtrak the work will be complete prior to the start of the Monday morning rush hour on November 13^th.

Beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, November 10^th and continuing through the end of service on Sunday, November 12^th, customers traveling on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line may experience delays of up to 60 minutes in both directions.  The Amtrak work will require signals near Newark Penn Station to be taken out of service, requiring trains to operate at restricted speeds.

To accommodate this signal work and manage train traffic through the area, NJ TRANSIT will not operate the Northeast Corridor 7600 series trains between Rahway and Penn Station New York.  Customers will be accommodated by the following train which is scheduled 5-10 minutes behind the 7600 series.  Those trains will add a station stop at North Elizabeth.

During that same time, Amtrak will maximize this work period to also perform track work where the Raritan Valley Line connects with the Northeast Corridor.  Customers on the Raritan Valley Line will have substitute busing in place to/from Newark Penn Station as follows:

• Friday night 11/10 9 p.m. through the end of the service day busing will be in place in both directions between Cranford and Newark Penn Station.
• Saturday 11/11 and Sunday 11/12 busing will be in place all day in both directions between Union and Newark Penn Station.       

Customers on these three rail lines (NEC, NJCL, RVL) are advised to allow for extra time to and from their destinations.  Customers also should pay close attention to station and crew announcements.

This work will impact customers on the NEC, NJCL and RVL planning to attend the following sports events and concerts.  Customers are strongly encouraged to allow plenty of extra travel time:

• 11/11 NY Rangers at MSG 1 p.m.
• 11/11 NY Knicks at MSG at 8 p.m.
• 11/11 NJ Devils at Prudential Center at 7 p.m.
• 11/12 Dead & Company concert at MSG at 7 p.m.

Important Note: M&E and Midtown Direct service will NOT be impacted by this Amtrak signal work.

Travel Tips

• Check njtransit.com or news media before starting your trip for service advisories or alerts that may affect your trip.
• Stay connected during your commute through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Search for rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information. While we make every effort to respond to comments posted on our social media channels, we recommend that you contact our Customer Service team directly with critical or time-sensitive issues.
  • Twitter:  @NJTRANSIT
  • Facebook:  facebook.com/NJTRANSIT
  • YouTube Channel:  TheNewJerseyTransit
• If you will be altering your travel pattern during this time, you may want to update your travel alert preferences in your My Transit account. If you do not have a My Transit account, sign up to receive alerts at njtransit.com/mytransit. 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Officer Matthew A. Schaible of the Union County Police Department is one of 11 individuals from around the country to graduate from The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Firearms Examiner Academy.

The year-long program, conducted by ATF’s National Laboratory Center, provided the newest cadre of students with training in the fundamentals of firearms and tool mark examination, which serves as the foundation for supervised development into qualified examiners.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, congratulations to Officer Schaible for completing this rigorous, challenging course of study,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are all very proud of him, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the Union County Police Department.

“For his commitment to excellence in his profession, Officer Schaible is a role model for the community, and an exemplary representative for a police force that is continually expanding its knowledge base in the service of crime prevention and detection,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, who chairs the Freeholder Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

Officer Schaible was a member of the 17th graduating class of the ATF course, which included participants from California, Arizona, Tennessee, Nebraska, Ohio, North Carolina and the New Jersey State Police.

“Police work becomes more complex and technical with each passing year, and it is imperative to maintain an up-to-date skill set,” said Andy Moran, Director of the Union County Department of Public Safety.

The class, which took place from October 2016 to September 2017, focused on laboratory safety, protocols as well as ethical standards and principles that govern the admissibility of expert testimony in court.

Students received training in the history of black powder, the evolution of early firearms, the evolution and manufacturing of modern ammunition, and microscopy and instrumentation. Additional classes covered firearms identification, the manufacture of modern firearms, preliminary examination of firearms, bullet examination and comparison, tool mark examination, comparison and identification, and restoration of obliterated markings.

Also included were terminal ballistics, gunshot residue, shot patterns, bullet path analysis and the examination and comparison of cartridges, cartridge cases, shot shells, and fired shot shells.

After returning to their local and state law enforcement agencies, the graduates will continue their training for approximately one year at their home laboratories. Upon completion, they will be able to independently and completely examine and compare physical evidence related to firearms and tool mark identification, reach conclusions and render opinions relating to their examinations and comparisons, and provide expert testimony in a professional and impartial manner.

The National Firearms Examiner Academy’s standardized program, with the support of the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners, has graduated 188 students from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands since its inception in 1999.

Photo caption: Union County Police Patrolman Matthew Schaible (4^th from left), a new graduate of the ATF National Firearms Examiner Academy, is joined by (l-r) Sergeant Krsysztof Audinis, Captain Robert McGuire, Public Safety Director Andrew Moran, Chief Chris Debbie and Lieutenant Michael Sandford.

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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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that early voting for the General Election on November 7 is already under way. Any registered voter can vote early by using a vote-by-mail ballot.

Early voters also have the option of casting their ballot in person, at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield.

“Voters can come to my offices at any time during regular business hours to receive a vote-by-mail ballot. In the same visit, voters can also fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure box to complete the process,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is located in the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located in Room 113 at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, in Elizabeth. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Early voters who plan to obtain their ballot in person from the County Clerk’s Elizabeth or Westfield offices must present a New Jersey driver’s license or a valid state ID with their photo, name, address and signature.

Ms. Rajoppi noted that early voting eliminates the possibility that unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency, could prevent a voter from getting to their polling place on Election Day.

“Every valid Vote-by-Mail ballot is counted and entered into the official, certified results for each election,” emphasized Ms. Rajoppi. “Early voting is a good way to ensure that you have the opportunity to participate fully in the General Election.”

For more details on early voting and elections information in Union County, visit the County Clerk’s election website, unioncountyvotes.com, or download the free Union County Votes mobile app.

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Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Bette Jane Kowalski and Angel G. Estrada visited with Joyce Chiappetta of the Kenilworth Historical Society at The Nitschke House in Kenilworth during Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Bette Jane Kowalski and Angel G. Estrada presented Prevention Links CEO Pamela Capaci with a resolution proclaiming October 23-27 as Red Ribbon Week in Union County at the 19th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Prevention day in Union County’s Nomahegan Park in Cranford. They were joined by Union County Sheriff Joe Cryan, Acting Union County Prosecutor Tim Isenhour and other officials. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders celebrated the ninth annual Union County—UNICO District X Columbus Day Flag raising event at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The program, which was emceed by Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, featured speakers from UNICO and County government along with Catiana Celentano, founder and owner of the Let’s Play in Italian Language and Cultural Center in Scotch Plains, and Nick Netta, of Netta Architects in Mountainside.

Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Bette Jane Kowalski, Vernell Wright, Angel Estrada and County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi were in attendance.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today broke ground on the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail, the first of its kind in the county, that will be accessible to all and allow residents to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

“Access to the outdoors and nature is important to the health, well-being and education of all individuals regardless of age, location or physical capabilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support this project and others that provide equal access.”

Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, said: “The sensory trail is specially designed for all park visitors and provides a way to safely experience the outdoors and provide opportunities to interact with nature. The Freeholder Board is committed to providing children and adults of all abilities access to recreational opportunities.”

The Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail is a 0.3 mile loop with a central gazebo.  The interpretive signage includes two talking kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation.  

In addition, the 0.2 mile braille trail loop with guide ropes features multiple stops to learn about the local flora and fauna.  The central gazebo offers a sensory play area to attract children and encourage exploration and discovery. 

Sensory stimulation is provided through sensory gardens, musical components and nature-themed play structures designed to meet the physical, social and cognitive needs of different age groups. These areas provide tactile experiences and create opportunities to enjoy the touch, sound and smells of the outdoors.  

Trailside Nature & Science Center will utilize the new Sensory Trail and offer educational programs to allow students and families an opportunity to explore nature and gain a better understanding of the natural world around them.

The trail stretches from the Trailside Center and into fields surrounding the center and will be two outdoor classrooms along the trail (log and acorn searing) where naturalists can gather groups and/or make presentations.

The project was designed by CME Associates Consulting and Municipal Engineers, which is based out of six offices in New Jersey. The project contractor is Pavelec Brothers from Nutley, NJ. The cost of the project is $652,000 and construction is expected to begin shortly with completion by the end of February.

Over the past few years, the Freeholder Board has supported both sensory friendly productions at the Union County Performing Arts Center and the creation of the County’s first inclusive playground at Mattano Park in Elizabeth. The Freeholder Board is currently planning to support the creation of more inclusive playgrounds through the Open Space Trust Fund later this year. Additionally, the County continues to provide recreational programs that promote inclusion and social events for people with special needs through the Office of the County Parks Director.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce “Level the Playing Field,” a new grant program that provides funding for local playground upgrades that enable children with disabilities to enjoy healthy outdoor activities with their families, friends and neighbors.

All 21 municipalities in Union County are eligible to apply for the program, which will provide a total of $300,000 in grants through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The grants can go to add accessible elements to existing playgrounds, or to establish new playgrounds with accessible elements.

“Level the Playing Field 2017 is designed to assist in meeting the needs of the special needs populations throughout the County of Union.  The County of Union has accessible playgrounds and accessible playground elements throughout the county park system. Helping to address this on the municipal level will propel our county forward as a model for others throughout the State of New Jersey,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who chairs the Trust Fund Committee and is liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

“Inclusive, accessible playgrounds benefit everyone. They offer all the opportunity to play alongside one another and help to create a sense of community. People with disabilities enjoy the benefits of active play, including social skills and overall health.  At the same time, people without disabilities learn valuable lessons about the world, including that everyone has similarities and differences,” Granados explained. “Every person should be able to enjoy a playground in or near their neighborhood that takes away the barriers of exclusion, both physical and social, providing a ‘sensory rich’ experience for all.”

“The new grant program reaffirms the Freeholder Board’s commitment to inclusion and equality for all County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “By helping to make County parks and local playgrounds more accessible, we encourage more families to practice healthier habits and form closer bonds with friends and neighbors.”

One recent highlight of accessibility improvements in County parks is last year’s opening of the first fully accessible playground in Union County. Located in Mattano Park in Elizabeth, the new playground features a Merry-Go-All, Roller Slide, Roller Table, Swing Seats and more.

The Freeholder Board also broke ground today, October 20, for the construction of Union County’s first all-inclusive Sensory Trial. The new 0.3 mile loop in the Watchung Reservation includes a braille trail with rope guides and nature-themed play structures among other elements designed for the enjoyment of all visitors to the park.

Applications for Level the Playing Field were mailed to each of the 21 municipalities today. The deadline for submission is December 19.

The new grant initiative complements ongoing County recreation and enrichment programs for people with physical and cognitive impairments, including the Sensory Friendly Theatre series sponsored by the Freeholder Board at the Union County Performing Arts Center, and programs for people with disabilities at the County’s Ulrich Swimming Pool, Watchung Stables and Trailside Nature and Science Center.

The Freeholder Board also provides funding for inclusive events including annual fishing derbies, an ice skating social, summer carnival and barn dance, as well as programs for popular activities including golf, karate, yoga and volleyball.

Photo caption (photo attached): Union County’s new “Level the Playing Field” grant program will help municipalities improve access to playgrounds. Pictured here, last fall Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter, Christopher Hudak and Bette Jane Kowalski joined Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Union County Manager Alfred Faella, members of the Elizabeth City Council and Board of Education to officially opening the county’s first inclusive public playground in Mattano Park in Elizabeth. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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 history trading cards are available at Four Centuries In A Weekend sites

Union County, NJ — While you may still be searching for that lost Mookie Wilson or Bucky Dent card, children of all ages are invited to hunt down and collect Union County’s new History Trading Cards this weekend.

Historic sites across Union County that are celebrating the Four Centuries In A Weekend history event will have cards to give out, from Alexander Hamilton, who studied at Snyder Academy in Elizabeth, to George Washington, who commanded the troops at the Battle of the Short Hills from the Drake House in Plainfield.

While the Founding Fathers are well represented, from David Brearley — a signer of the US Constitution on behalf of New Jersey — who can be found at the Nitschke House in Kenilworth, to Abraham Clark, in Roselle and Clark, there are cards involving lesser known, but important figures in Union County’s 400-year history.

As part of Four Centuries In A Weekend, Union County’s Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs is rolling out the History Trading Card series for youngsters to learn more about the history of the people and events that shaped Union County — and the country — we know today.

“We live in a County that is so rich in history — and I’m not talking just about the Revolution –I’m talking about a County whose residents played vital roles in every century since New Jersey was first settled in the 1600s,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen.

“When babies are born and they want to check to see if they’re okay,” Bergen said, “they administer the Apgar test. Dr. Virginia Apgar, who invented that test, lived in Westfield.”

The Apgar card can be found at the Westfield Historical Society on Mountain Avenue.

Last year, the Cultural & Heritage Affairs Office, part of the Union County Parks Department, developed the first cards in the Union County Across the Centuries series: Alexander Hamilton, William Livingston, Jonathan Dayton and Hannah Caldwell.  Youngsters at the 2016 Four Centuries In A Weekend event had so much fun collecting the cards that work continued, with nearly 20 cards now in the series and more on the way.

Because the County celebrated the 240^th Anniversary of the Battle of the Short Hills in June with a reenactment of the battle at Oak Ridge Park, the initial focus was on the Revolutionary War era. As the program rolls out, there will be cards from across Union County’s history.

To see some of the cards now available, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/trading-cards.

For more information on the trading cards, Four Centuries In A Weekend and all Cultural & Heritage Affairs programs and activities call 908-558-2550 or email culturalinfo@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.