County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present “Snapshots… Black History in Plainfield,” an exhibit of twenty photos and text, curated and written by Plainfield Public Library’s Local History Department, headed by archivist Sarah Hull.

“We’re pleased to host this evocative exhibit that celebrates many aspects of local black history,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

The wide-ranging images feature residents and notable people including accomplished leaders, activists, artists and athletes. Since the city’s beginning, black residents influenced the building and development of Plainfield. The city has been home to numerous social, religious, and professional organizations, some of which are documented in the exhibit.

Exhibit materials were coordinated by Jeff Wassen, with photos including: 1902 postal workers; Milt Campbell, the gold medalist in the decathlon at the 1956 Olympic Games; and Coretta Scott King urging Plainfielders to vote for Jimmy Carter at a rally in 1980. The exhibit also features text exploring subjects including: Slavery in Plainfield; Black-Owned Businesses in the Early 1900s; Early Clubs and Organizations; and Firsts in Education.

The Freeholders Gallery is located on the 6^thfloor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, in downtown Elizabeth. Gallery hours are 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays. The exhibit will be displayed through Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

Plainfield Library’s Local History Collection, the largest such collection in Union County, is composed of books, documents, photographs, blueprints, maps, newspapers, personal papers, oral histories, and local organizations’ records of significance in Plainfield and the surrounding communities.

In addition to items relevant to County and State histories, there is also an extensive Genealogy Collection, as well as publications on the American Revolution and the Civil War. Special collections include Fine Arts, Jerseyana, Local Authors, and Diversity Studies. The Local History Room is open to the public on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm, at 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield. Information about the Local History Collection can also be found online at http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/.

For further information, or to learn more about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

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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 Union County Department of Parks & Recreation will host a meeting to present a Trails Master Plan that has been developed for the Watchung Reservation.  This plan will create new trails and open the Watchung Reservation to mountain biking.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center.  Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.

Representatives of the Parks Department and its trails planning consultant will explain the master plan and answer questions.  There will be ample opportunity for those who use the trails and other features or facilities in the Watchung Reservation to offer their input on the plan. 

There is no sign-up or reservation required to attend or to speak at the meeting.  A similar meeting was held last October, primarily for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The Trails Master Plan includes the construction of 13 1/2 miles of new trails which will be restricted to mountain biking only.  The new trails will be spread throughout most areas of the park.  Portions of the Sierra Trail and other existing hiking or equestrian trails will be shared by all users, including mountain bikers.  Some sections of existing hiking trails will be closed.

A map showing the location of the trails that will be constructed can be found at https://ucnj.org/watchung-reservation-trails-master-plan/

Union County, NJ – To help promote the early detection of oral cancer, the Union County Office of Health Management through the Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties has partnered with the Clark Township Health Department, Clark ShopRite and Dr. Kurt M. Krause, D.M.D. from Krause Dental Care in Cranford, New Jersey, to provide free oral cancer screenings.

In Union County, the oral cancer screenings will take place at the Clark ShopRite, 76 Central Avenue in Clark, on Saturday, April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All attendees will qualify to enter a drawing for a door price courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

“I’d like to thank the Chronic Disease Coalition, the Township of Clark, Clark Shoprite and Dr. Krause for raising public awareness about reducing oral cancer risks,” said Bruce H. Bergen, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “Oral cancer screenings are an effective means of finding cancer at its early, highly curable stage.”

Oral cancer is not a rare disease. Approximately 49,750 people will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer every year in the US. It will cause over 9,750 deaths, killing roughly one person every hour of every day.

The good news is that oral cancer can often be found early in its development, through a simple, painless, and quick screening. With early detection, survival rates are high and the side effects from treatment are at their lowest.

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

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Infographic (cropped): aamos.org.

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 – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Department of Human Services Union County Office on Women the is presenting a free yoga class and wellness event, “Empowering Union County Women to Go Out and Make History” on Friday evening, March 3, at Maskers Barn in the historic Deserted Village of Feltville. The event is open to all, from beginners to experienced practitioners.

“Women’s History Month recognizes the distinctive contributions that women have made to our nation and our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This event is designed to help County residents engage with their strengths and capabilities through yoga and guided meditation. It is an excellent opportunity to recharge after a long and difficult winter.”

The evening includes:

• Guided meditation ceremony by Danielle DeCostello of Bella Organici Studio in Cranford.

• Yoga session by Nicole DeAugustine, certified yoga instructor.

• Wellness and self-care session by Arielle Cassidy of the Juice House in Garwood. 

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. on March 3. It is expected to conclude at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga, and bring their own yoga mats.

“Empowering Union County Women to Go Out and Make History” is open to ages 16 and older.

The event is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/womans-yoga.

The Deserted Village is located in the Berkeley Heights section of Union County’s Watchung Reservation. Masker’s Barn is a fully renovated 19^th century building located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in the Deserted Village, off Glenside Avenue.

The Office on Women was created in 2016 as an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Bergen. As the first county-based office of its kind in New Jersey, the Office on Women aims to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives, in education, in employment and business, health and in the social fabric of Union County, and to raise awareness of the many contributions that women make to life in Union County.

For additional details contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@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.

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Union County, NJ – Train fans of all ages are invited to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union County’s Lenape Park in Union Township to view a special operating session that replicates the real-life operation of railroads in the 1950’s. The event is part of a “winter meet” of the National Model Railroaders Association, hosted by the nonprofit Model Railroad Club. The Model Railroad Club runs the Mallery Center and provides public activities under an arrangement with Union County. The event will take place during regular visiting hours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. A modest admission fee applies. For more information and to find out how to join The Model Railroad Club as a member, visit online at tmrci.org, or visit the 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.

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UNVEILING THE FIRST of new signage marking Union County’s inclusion in the National Park Service’s Crossroads of the American Revolution(CAR) National Heritage Area.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, left, was joined by CAR Executive Director Noreen Bodman, CAR Board Member David Siegfried and Revolutionary War re-enactor Alan Bridges of Rahway, a member of the 3^rd New Jersey Grays.

The new signage is part of Bergen’s initiative to raise awareness of the history in the area.  Union County is one of 14 counties that comprise the National Heritage Area and the first to roll out signage across the county recognizing the designation.

New Jersey played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Positioned between the new nation’s capital in Philadelphia and the British stronghold in New York, no place in New Jersey was spared the ravages of war. During six years of conflict, General George Washington and the Continental Army spent more days in New Jersey than any other state. Plans are in the works to stage a re-enactment of the Battle of the Short Hills at Oak Ridge Park in June, along with the annual Four Centuries in a Weekend in October.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders held a set of open public hearing dates in February and March for the review.

• 2017 Executive Budget, click here. 
• 2017 Budget as Introduced, click here. 
• 2017 Adopted Budget, click here.

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While there are no public comments at these meetings, the public was welcome to attend and listen to the discussion. The Freeholder Board will conduct their review before voting to introducing the budget later this year.

Union County, NJ – Bird watchers and nature fans of all kinds can try their hand at spotting an unusual and elusive bird in Union County parks next month, during the annual “Woodcock Walk.” The free event will be held in the Watchung Reservation on Tuesday evening March 14, and in Lenape Park on Tuesday evening March 21. Both events begin at 6:15 p.m.

“Among other distinctive traits the American Woodcock is known as harbinger of spring, so this annual event is a good way to shake off the winter blues, get outdoors and look for signs of warmer weather to come,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The American Woodcock goes by a variety of colorful names including timberdoodle, Labrador twister, night partridge and bog sucker.

They are part of the shorebird family, but they have evolved to adjust to inland habitats. They require open fields for roosting and courting, thickets for foraging, and hardwood forests for nesting and brooding.

The bird’s distinctive behavior is highlighted by an airborne dance performed by the males, which observers have described as mesmerizing.

Other behaviors unique to the woodcock include its buzzy “peent” calls and the bobbing motion it makes while foraging on the ground.

The two Woodcock Walk events are free and open to adults and children age 10 and up with an adult. Pre-registration is required by emailing bkelly@ucnj.org.

Participants are advised to dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Participants in the Watchung Reservation event will gather at Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village, 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

The Lenape Park group will meet at the old Trap and Skeet field house near the main entrance to Lenape Park, off Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford.

Each Woodcock Walk will begin with a brief presentation hosted by birding experts Evelyn Morton and Pete Axelrod.

Representatives from the Friends of Lenape Park will also be on hand to share their knowledge at the Lenape event. As a member of the Union County Adopt-a-Park program, the Friends of Lenape Park oversees the bluebird boxes in the park among other projects.

After each presentation, participants will head into a nearby field to listen for the bird’s unusual call, and to keep watch to catch for a possible glimpse of the male in flight.

For more information on activities and programs in Union County parks, and to find out about volunteering with Union County Adopt-a-Park, call 908-527-4900, or visit ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental and sustainability programs visit The Green Connection online 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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UNION COUNTY—A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive the last weekend of February to examine all aspects of the Union County Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“We welcome this opportunity to prove to the team of assessors that we have fully adopted and implemented the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards for a law enforcement agency. This voluntary accreditation process will help us better serve the residents of Union County and will emphasize our dedication to self-improvement and professionalism,” said Public Safety  Director Andrew Moran.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-654-9833 on Sunday, February 26th, between 10 a.m. & 12 P.M.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.  A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Police Department, located at 300 North Ave East, Westfield N.J.  The local contact is Patrolman Deanna Lynn, who can be reached at (908) 789-6833. Email: dlynn@ucnj.org

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Union County Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  

County Police Chief James C. Debbie stated: “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.” 

The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.   

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status, according to Harry J. Delgado, the Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org

Free webcam streams the daily lives of peregrine falcons – fastest animal on earth

Union County, NJ – Thanks to a new partnership between the Union County Freeholder Board and the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, students, scientists and other wildlife enthusiasts all over the world will have more opportunities to study a pair of rare peregrine falcons that have made their nest on the roof of the historic 17-story Union County Courthouse Tower, located in the bustling center of midtown Elizabeth.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting on the Courthouse Tower every year since 2006. In 2016, Union County began offering a free livestream “Falcon Cam” after installing two cameras inside and outside of the nest. This winter a third camera has been added to provide a scenic view, and audio will be available later this year.

“This year our Falcon Cam will become a new collaborative effort between the County and Conserve Wildlife, with assistance from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This partnership makes Union County a premier site for falcon observation and research in New Jersey. The result is a truly enriching experience that brings the message of environmental stewardship throughout Union County and beyond.”

The two current occupants of the nest have spent the winter “pair bonding.” Bird watchers who visit the Falcon Cam at the right time can catch sight of the two falcons meeting at the nest, bowing to each other and communicating with gentle sounds called “ee-chupping.”  

“While peregrine falcons were completely gone east of the Mississippi River just a few decades ago, this magnificent bird – the fastest animal in the world – has recovered dramatically in recent years,” said Conserve Wildlife Foundation executive director David Wheeler. “Thanks to Union County, students and New Jerseyans of all ages can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at this rare wildlife reality show unfolding near tens of thousands of people in downtown Elizabeth.” 

In winter the prime time for viewing is early morning. Activity also tends to occur mid-afternoon. If the pair breeds, the nest will be occupied almost constantly until the chicks fledge.

The Courthouse Tower hosts one of only two falcon cams in New Jersey. The other falcon cam is in Jersey City.

In addition to providing a unique learning opportunity for students of all ages, the Union County Falcon Cam provides essential information that helps promote the continued recovery of peregrine falcons in the eastern U.S.

 The cameras help biologists determine when the chicks are old enough to be banded and enable observers to identify the falcons based on bands placed on their legs at birth. The bands indicate the age of each falcon and where they were born. That information can help scientists detect trends in range of habitat and choice of nesting locations.

The leg bands helped biologists to take note of some recent changes in the  population of the Union County nest.

The first female to occupy the nest was from Jersey City. She remained there until last year, when a new and younger female from New York City gained possession of the coveted spot. Her leg band indicated that she was born at the Throgs Neck Bridge in 2010.

“Peregrine falcons prefer to nest in a high spot on the face of a cliff where they can forage for prey, and apparently the Courthouse Tower fits the bill,” Bergen explained. “It is the tallest building in Union County.”

Early this year, a third female replaced the New York City female. This new occupant does not have a leg band.

The first male to occupy the nest was banded and came to Union County from Connecticut. The current male is unbanded.

The free Falcon Cam livestream is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/falcon.

Union County has also provided a link to the Falcon Cam on the Conserve Wildlife website, conservewildlifenj.org. Conserve Wildlife will use the Falcon Cam in its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs in local schools, and for programming at the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation is also offering individual and corporate sponsorships of public outreach and environmental education in Union County centered on the Falcon Cam. CWF seeks to provide educational programs, lesson plans, curriculum development, and educational field trips for schools within Union County.

For more information about Conserve Wildlife’s individual and corporate sponsorships, call 609-984-6012 or use the online form at ConserveWildlifeNJ.org.

For quick links to all Union County programs related to conservation and sustainability, visit ucnj.org/green-connection.  

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About CWF: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) is a private, independent non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of New Jersey’s endangered and threatened wildlife and the habitats they depend on. We carry out our mission by researching and managing rare animal species, restoring habitat, educating New Jersey’s residents, and engaging volunteers in our conservation projects. Since 1990, CWF scientists and educators have helped conserve and protect a variety of at-risk species of wildlife in New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the nation, while reaching millions of people through outreach, educational programming, and wildlife webcams.

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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