County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the ground services company AirServ will hold an information session at the County’s Workforce Innovation Business Center for persons interested in applying for positions at Newark-Liberty Airport including Baggage Handler, Cabin Cleaning, Lavatory Service Agent, Lobby Agent, Wheelchair Agent, and Air Terminal Attendant.

A total of 50 full-time and part-time positions are available starting at $10.20 per hour.

“The WIB Center has worked with private sector employers to provide over 2,000 local job opportunities to Union County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This latest round of hiring offers another opportunity for our residents to work with a highly regarded company in our area.”

Previous WIB Center hiring rounds have matched Union County job seekers with top employers including Whole Foods, Farmland Fresh Dairies, Blue Apron, FedEx, PGK Clubhouse, and OTG Management, among others.

“Employers in Union County know they can come to the WIB Center for experienced, professional assistance that helps streamline the hiring process and ensure a pool of qualified recruits,” said Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is Freeholder liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “This public-private partnership is a win-win for companies, for our residents, and for the whole Union County community.”

The information session will be held at the Union County WIB Center, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens, 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth on Thursday August 10, 2017 at 10:00 am. Attendance at the session is mandatory for job seekers to be eligible to apply for a position.

Attendees should observe the following requirements:

• Bring copies of your resume to give to employers.
• Provide necessary information including date of birth and county of residence.
• Be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Have reliable transportation to work.
• Agree to a background and drug screening test per employer requirements.
• Have matching ID with Social Security Card.

The WIB Center was established by the Freeholder Board with Union County College through a $2.4 million investment in 2014, leveraging the employment services and education experience of both partners.

Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/wdb/job-fairs-and-opportunities.

For more details about the new round of hiring and other information about the WIB center visit online at ucnj.org, call 908-355-4444 or email Isaias Rivera, isaias.rivera@ucc.edu.

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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 – The summer recreation season is kicking into full swing, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that resources are available to help ensure safe travel by car and bicycle.

 “Child safety seats and bicycle helmets are two simple yet effective ways to prevent serious injury when riding in a car or cycling around Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “I encourage you to take advantage of programs that help ensure safety on the road for you and your loved ones.”

Union County’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program provides free guidance for correctly installing and using car safety seats.

The program is available on a drop-in basis on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Garwood Rescue Squad 401 2nd Avenue in Garwood. Parents and other care givers can bring their vehicles and car seats and receive hands-on instruction from certified technicians.

Trained personnel from Union County’s Department of Public Safety are also available to present guidance on bicycle safety and the proper use of bicycle helmets to civic groups and other organizations.

 “A properly fitted helmet can make all the difference between a minor accident and a life-changing tragedy,” said Bergen.

According to the office of the New Jersey Attorney General, head injuries are the most common cause of death among bicyclists.

New Jersey state law requires helmets for persons under age 17 using a bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and conventional roller skates.

Other bicycle safety tips include:

• Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible while keeping an eye out for sewer grates and other hazards.
• Use hand signals when making turns: hold left arm straight out to the left for left turns, hold left hand with forearm up for right turns.
• In case of heavy traffic or other hazards at intersections, play it safe: dismount and walk the bicycle across.

Cyclists should also take care to make themselves visible. Bright colors should be worn during the day and bicycles should have front, rear and pedal reflectors. Cycling at night should be avoided, but when necessary cyclists should wear reflective clothing and use a headlamp.

Drivers should be aware that bicycling is popular for sport, recreation and commuter travel. Be alert for bicycles on the road and be prepared to slow down or stop when necessary.

For more information about Union County’s car seat and bicycle safety programs, or to request a presentation on bicycle safety for a community group or other organization, contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or 908-789-6830.    

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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 – The Union County Board of Freeholders is pleased to announce that the County has begun to dredge and make additional improvements to the Meisel Park Pond at Meisel Park in Springfield.

“The 2-1/2 acre pond was built in 1948 and was designed to be 2-5 feet deep, but decades of sediment accumulation reduced much of the pond to 1 foot or even less,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “This new project will help restore the pond to health, and provide Meisel Park’s many visitors with a more enjoyable environment for relaxation and recreation.”

The work involves dredging Meisel Park Pond and replacing the old outlet structure and piping.

The new concrete outlet structure is designed to be easier to clean and less prone to clogging, and an electric aerator will be installed to increase dissolved oxygen in the pond.

Dissolved oxygen is necessary for aquatic life and is one of the key measures of a healthy body of water.

The shoreline will also be rehabilitated and improved with native plants to help reduce excess nutrient runoff into the pond. The new plants will also attract butterflies and other important pollinators.

Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed this fall.

Meisel Park is part of the Union County parks system. It is located off Meisel Avenue in Springfield.

The pond is fed by nearby Van Winkle’s Brook and it forms a link in the Rahway River Parkway. One of the first greenways established in the United States, the Rahway River Parkway provides a protective buffer of public open space along the Rahway River from Union Township to Rahway

“The pond at Meisel Park has provided recreation for generations of County residents as well as preservation of habitat for flora and fauna,” said Bergen. “This long-awaited project will address some longstanding issues with the pond and improve the entire park for visitors and wildlife.”

The dredging project is being conducted by Grade Construction of Paterson, under a contract of $841,730 awarded by the Freeholder Board last November.

For more information about activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all Union County programs related to open space, the environment and sustainability are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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Photo: The pond at Union County’s Meisel Park in Springfield has been temporarily transformed into a worksite as crews conduct dredging and other major improvements. With completion expected this fall, the project will create a healthier aquatic habitat and a more pleasant environment for park visitors.  Credit: Jeffrey Jotz/County 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.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation announce that the next evening of “Family Fun & Flix,” the free summer entertainment and film series on Tuesday evenings, will team-up with National Night Out organizers on August 1 at Meisel Park, off Meisel Avenue in Springfield. The National Night Out event is presented with support from AAA Northeast, ShopRite of Clark and Target in Union.

National Night Out activities get underway at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. A number of law enforcement agencies will be on hand, including the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Department, the Mountainside Police Department and the Springfield Police Department. The Union County Bureau of Recycling & Planning will also be on hand to provide important information.  The event will also feature roving entertainment provided by a local magician and a photo booth to capture the fun moments.

Following the National Night Out activities, those in attendance can enjoy the animated adventure comedy “Secret Life of Pets,” which tells the story of two squabbling pet dogs who end up in the outside world and find common ground against a gang of angry animals preparing an attack on humans. The film features the voices of Louis C.K., Erick Stonestreet and Kevin Hart.  Free popcorn will be given to all children in attendance and there will be inflatables for the kids to enjoy.

“National Night Out provides an opportunity for members of our law enforcement community to p        rovide important information to residents to assist them in keeping themselves and their family’s safe,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.  “And when the sun goes down, relax in your chair or on your blanket and enjoy the movie.”

This summer’s Family Fun and Flix will conclude on Tuesday, August 8, returning to Warinanco Park in Elizabeth for the presentation of “Moana.”

Family Fun and Flix movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org.  For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. the date of the show.

Union County’s summer tour performance of Shakespeare’s outrageously fun comedy The Taming of the Shrew, which was postponed last weekend due to predicted inclement weather, will take the stage at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade amphitheater in Linden this Sunday, July 30 at 1:00 p.m.

“The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce the rescheduled performance of one of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedies in Linden this weekend,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This summer’s tour of Shakespeare’s classic romantic-comedy The Taming of the Shrew in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the clever and compelling language of Shakespeare.”

Bring the entire family to enjoy The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged performance of the zesty, romantic comedy of male chauvinism and women’s rights in the 16th century. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, this free performance is too fun to miss.

Petruchio, a poverty-stricken gentleman from Verona, journeys to Padua in search of a wealthy wife. There, he encounters the fiery Katharina, a self-willed shrew who engages Petruchio in a humorous battle of wit and insult with Kate as determined to maintain her independence as Petruchio is to “tame” her.

The final performance of this summer’s Shakespeare in the Park tour of The Taming of the Shew will be on Friday, August 4 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside at 7 p.m. Admission is free to all of the performances.

The Next Stage Ensemble, the Shakespeare Theatre’s summer touring company of early career actors, is part of the Theatre’s Summer Professional Training Program which offers students working toward a career in the performing arts clear instruction, individual attention, and thoughtful and candid evaluation in a professional theatre environment. The Next Stage Ensemble works with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s resident and guest directors to fully develop abridged productions of classic plays. Come out to Union County parks this summer to the see Next Stage Ensemble’s performance of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org.

Individuals or Teams that may be interested please contact;

• Ray Brigantino @ 908-403-2016
• Rodney Godfrey @ 908-803-5440
• Jersey Lanes @ 908-486 6300

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce it is providing funds to continue the Reconnections Program, a prisoner re-entry initiative that helps formerly incarcerated individuals adjust back to life in the community. The program is administered by the Urban League of Union County with funding from the Freeholder Board and the United Way of Greater Union County.

“The whole community is strengthened when people who have paid their debt to society can access resources that help them regain their footing and avoid a cycle of repeated confinement,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Reconnections is a valuable program and the Freeholder Board is proud to continue supporting it.”

Developed through a partnership between Urban League of Union County, United Way of Greater Union County and the Union County Department of Human Services, Reconnections offers services in the areas of employment, education, social services, legal, mentoring and healthcare, drug and mental health treatment.

“Reconnections has established a firm track record of making a difference in the lives its clients,” said Bergen. “The program includes a peer mentoring element that offers a wealth of real-life experience relating to opportunities and challenges here in Union County.”

Union County’s existing American Job Centers (formerly called the One-Stop Career Centers) play a key role in the Reconnections program. Located in Plainfield and Elizabeth, the American Job Centers are available to all County residents for assistance in connecting with employment and job training opportunities.

Clients are referred to the Reconnections program by County or State agencies, or by community organizations. With the guidance of a trained case manager, each client develops a personalized plan for connecting with resources that help them achieve specific goals including education and job training. They also attend workshops on employment readiness, life skills and related topics.

In 2015 and 2016 Reconnections enrolled 274 clients and 266 clients, respectively. In both years only 2 percent of the clients returned to prison.

Typical re-incarceration rates can be much higher. Last year New Jersey correctional agencies issued a report finding that 31.3 of inmates released from New Jersey facilities in 2011 were re-incarcerated within three years.

The Freeholder Board approved $50,000 in funding for Reconnections during its regular public meeting on July 20. The County funds will close a gap caused by the elimination of state support and enable the program to continue until December 31, 2017.

In addition to the Freeholder Board, United Way and Urban League, other affiliates of the Reconnection program include the New Jersey State Parole Board, Union County Vicinage of Probation, Federal Probation, New Jersey Department of Corrections, Neighborhood Health Services and Legal Services of Central Jersey, Union County Re-entry Task Force, and community and faith-based organizations. 

Reconnections staff is located in the Union County American Job Centers in Elizabeth and Plainfield.

For more information about Reconnections or to find out more about employment services in Union County contact the Elizabeth Center at 908-558-8000 (ext. 3272) or the Plainfield Center at 908-757-9090 (ext. 7311).

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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.

The Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada presents resolutions to Elizabeth Police Officers Eric Santiago Gora and Officer Luciano Nicolas Porto honoring them for their response to an emergency regarding a male that had been struck by a train in May.

The officers rushed to the scene and found a young boy going into shock with an amputated leg.  Officer Gora, a trained EMT and registered nurse, immediately began to administer life-saving first-aid. Officer Porto was assisting at the scene. After coordinating emergency responders, applying a tourniquet, wrapping and dressing the major injury and keeping the young boy calm, he was quickly airlifted to a hospital where he survived.

The Freeholder Board also congratulates Officer Gora on receiving the “Shield Award” for outstanding service to his community and service beyond the call of duty from the New Jersey Knights of Columbus in June.

Due to the bad weather forecast for this Sunday, the County of Union has postponed the Shakespeare in the Park presentation of the “Taming of the Shrew” scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade Amphitheater in Linden. The new date is Sunday, July 30th, 1 p.m, at the same location and venue.

Union County, NJ – Student members of the Union County SHOUT-UC Youth Board are planning a unique community service project that combines the excitement of the trap karaoke phenomenon with a chance for young people to help their peers. The new “SHOUT-UC Youth Trap Karaoke” event is designed to raise donations of food for youth in the juvenile probation system.

SHOUT-UC stands for Students Helping Out in Union County, a program of the County’s Youth Services Division in the Department of Human Services. The program connects students with volunteer opportunities that help them develop life skills, meet academic goals and achieve employment readiness.

“When students on our SHOUT Youth Board were presented with a problem, they came up with a solution that helps build a community of mutual support,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “They are planning a fun and enriching event that joins young people together to lend a helping hand and make a positive impact.”

“The members of the Youth Board created this community service project when they learned that food scarcity is an issue for youth in the probation system,” explained Bergen. “Donations from the event will help ensure that youth in the system have access to nourishing food during their mandatory visits to the probation office.”

The Youth Trap Karaoke event is an evening of interactive music and performance that blends karaoke with a concert sing-a-long experience tailored to youth. It is created and produced by students on the Youth Board, who will lead the participants as MC and DJ. Adult members of the Youth Services Advisory Board are also providing guidance and assistance.

Trap is a popular music genre that includes hip-hop and R&B performers such as Drake, Future, Migos, and Kanye West, which are integrated into the karaoke experience.

Members of the Youth Board work to create events that engage their peers in fun, safe and purpose-driven activities, helping to strengthen community bonds and promote health awareness, life skills, leadership, employment, and academic achievement.

SHOUT-UC Trap Karaoke will take place on Friday August 11, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at 80 West Grand Street in Elizabeth.

The event is free with a food donation but space is limited. Pre-registration is required by filling out the online Trap Karaoke form at ucnj.org/youth.

Participants must be ages 13-18 and must bring their school identification.

Suggested donations include granola or cereal bars, non-perishable fruit cups and packages of dried fruit as well as snack items, bottled water and juice boxes.

For more information contact Latoya Bennett, Division of Youth Services at 908-558-2520 or lbennett@ucnj.org.

Persons interested in making additional donations of non-perishable food after August 11 may bring items to the Youth Services Bureau, 288 North Broad Street in Elizabeth during regular business hours.

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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.