County of Union, New Jersey
Marking the beginning of Chanukah, Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Union County Manager Alfred Faella gathered with Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky and representatives from Bris Avrohom of Hillside to light the menorah in Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Manager Alfred Faella honor and thank Chairman Bruce H. Bergen for an outstanding year at the helm of County Government with a plaque in honor of his “One County, One Community” Chairman’s initiatives for 2016. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that online voting has begun for the 2017 UC-STEP countywide community service project. The annual event is created and run by sophomore and junior high school students participating in the Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program.
This year’s community service theme addresses the problem of food insecurity and hunger in local neighborhoods, especially among children.
“Over the past four years, UC-STEP has provided hundreds of high school juniors and seniors with a chance to meet and collaborate with their peers all across Union County, to create service projects that engage the whole community. UC-STEP is a rewarding experience that underscores how young people can make a real difference, by pulling together for a good cause,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
“There are three wonderful ideas on the table, and I am very proud of all the students who participated,” said Freeholder Linda Carter. “They brought their enthusiasm, creativity and a lot of heart to make this year’s UC-STEP summit a success.”
UC-STEP was initiated by Freeholder Carter in 2013, when she served as Chairman. The focus of the program is a day-long youth development summit in December.
The highlight of the summit is an exercise in which teams of students collaborate to create ideas for community service projects. The ideas are put up for a public vote, and the winning idea is developed as a countywide community service effort with support from the Freeholder Board.
This year, 195 students from 27 high schools participated in the UC-STEP summit.
The three ideas to be voted on are:
Miles for Meals — a fundraising event that incorporates a 5k run with local performing talent and food concessions. Registration fees will go to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and a portion of the proceeds from food sales will go to ending childhood hunger.
Flip for Food — a school vs. school water bottle flipping team competition. Schools will contribute an entry fee to participate, and the fees will go to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
Kans 4 Kids — a collection project that will focus on nutritious canned goods. Student teams from different schools will assemble the cans for display in a structure-building contest that helps to draw attention to the issue of food insecurity.
Votes may be cast on the UC-STEP website at ucnj2.org/uc-step or on the UC-STEP Facebook page. Voting closes on January 5, and the winning project will be announced on January 8.
For more information about UC-STEP and to view recorded student presentations about the three projects, visit ucnj2.org/uc-step.
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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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Condado de Union, NJ – La cercanía de las Navidades y días Festivos, y las personas de compras, de viaje, preparando el hogar para los visitantes, ponen a los consumidores a riesgo de fraude, robo y estafas. La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union les recuerda a los residentes que pueden tomar ciertas precauciones para protegerse de los maleantes.
“Para asegurarse que usted está protegido, tome tiempo en planear sus compras ya sea en las tiendas o via cibernética,” dijo el Legislador Presidente Bruce H. Bergen.
La ley le recomienda a los consumidores que aquellos que estén haciendo sus compras en las tiendas, lleven una lista de lo que necesitan y lleven la tarjeta de crédito e identificación que van a usar asi no tienen que cargar tantos paquetes que en algunos casos pueden perderse, o ser robados.
Los consumidores deben guardar su dinero en un lugar seguro, cuando pagan con efectivo; y no deben dejar sus carteras o billeteras en los carritos de las compras
Los ladrones son conocidos por atacar en los estacionamientos, buscan vehículos con los maleteros abiertos o carritos con bolsas de regalos. Los consumidores deben tener cuidado cuando caminan hasta su auto y cuando están poniendo sus compras dentro. También si dejan paquetes visibles dentro de su auto, los ladrones pueden romper el vidrio y robarlos. Asegurense de ponerlos en el maletero y cerrar bien el auto.
Otra área con la que deben tener cuidado es con las compras cibernéticas, ya que muchas veces los paquetes los dejan en la puerta de la calle o en los pasillos de los edificios, y estos desaparecen.
Para ayudar a los consumidores la División de New Jersey de Asuntos del Cosumidor ha desarrollado una Herramienta Anti-Fraude.
“La Herramienta Anti-Fraude es especialmente para los adultos mayores,” dijo Bergen. “Presenta efectiva, información en una forma fácil de seguir.”
Para ver estas Herramients en Inglés o Español pueden visitar la página fightingfraud.nj.gov.
Si necesitan asistencia adicional pueden llamar a Union County Office of Consumer Affairs 908-654-9840 .
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Second Chance, a program of the Plainfield Area YMCA is now accepting applications from out-of-school youths and young adults ages 16-24.
Second Chance is a free program designed to help young people gain life skills and training that leads to gainful employment and career advancement.
“Second Chance will help bring together educational and workforce development resources, to help ensure that every young person in Union County is in a good position to find work and improve their situation,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
The Second Chance program provides assistance with GED preparation and testing, as well as employment training and services.
“Second Chance offers an intensive, multi-faceted approach that helps young people assemble a stronger foundation for success in life,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.
Key topics covered by the program include leadership development, financial literacy, secondary school alternatives, entrepreneurial skills training, and healthy living.
Participants will have access to the YMCA computer room, fitness center and other resources.
Second Chance is fully funded under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a national program that coordinates educational and career training resources. The Freeholder Board is responsible for administering federal WIOA funds in Union County.
The Freeholder Board designated the Plainfield Area YMCA to receive the funds for Second Chance based on the recommendation of the Union County Workforce Development Board.
Second Chance will be offered at the Plainfield Area YMCA, 518 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield, in a series of classes that meets Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program begins in January and will conclude in March.
Partnering with the Plainfield Area YMCA in the Second Chance program are Union County College, and the non-profit organizations Homefirst, United Family and Children Services, and Venture Venture.
For more information about Second Chance contact Program Director India Hughes at the Plainfield YMCA, 908-756-6060 ext. 104 or ihughes@plainfieldymca.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 – Los residentes del Condado de Union County que buscan información sobre los servicios para adultos de 60 años en adelante pueden recibir pronta información usando ASK, que es el Nuevo Programa de Servicio móvil, en el mes de enero 2017 estará en lugares públicos de Clark, Westfield, Fanwood, Mountainside, Linden y Union. Personal del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de la División de Envejecientes, estarán presentes para ofrecer ayuda y guiarlos en todas las preguntas que puedan tener.
Todos los residentes del Condado de Union son bienvenidos a estos eventos.
“La meta de ASK es ayudar a los júbilados, adultos mayores y a los que les cuidan como pueden utilizar los programas y servicios que están disponibles para ellos,” dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Legisladores Bruce H. Bergen. “El Programa ASK brinda el conocimiento de nuestro personal experimentado a muchos lugares a lo largo del Condado de Union.”
A través del esfuerzo del personal de ASK de la División de Envejecientes y Recursos para Incapacitados del Condado de Union (ADRC) han estado desplazandose a través del Condado, prestando información sobre los servicios que incluyen comidas a domicilio, cuidado en el hogar, cuidado para adultos.
Asistencia llenando planillas también está disponible en todos los eventos de ASK.
Las fechas y lugares para el mes enero del 2017 son::
Para más información sobre el ADRC del Condado de Union llame al 1-888-280-8226, o 908-527-4870/ 908-527-4858 o visite la página del Condado de Union www.ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and over can visit Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) program in January, at public locations in Clark, Westfield, Fanwood, Mountainside, Linden and Union. Staff from the Union County Department of Human Services Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection will be present at these locations to answer questions and offer guidance.
All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.
“The goal of ASK is to help seniors and their caregivers access programs and services available to them, by conducting outreach events in their communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The ASK program brings our knowledgeable, experienced staff to convenient locations throughout Union County.”
Through the ASK outreach effort, staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) have been traveling throughout the County, providing information about senior services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
Assistance with completing applications and forms is also available at ASK events.
“For services that require an application, ADRC staff can help make the process go more smoothly,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who the Freeholder Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “I encourage seniors and caregivers to visit a nearby ASK event and avail themselves of the opportunity to get accurate, reliable information about resources that can help improve their quality of life.”
The January 2017 dates and locations are:
Monday, January 9
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12:00pm
Wednesday, January 11
Linden Public Library
31 E. Henry Street
Linden, 07036
10:00am to 12:00pm
Thursday, January 12
Westfield Community Center
558 West Broad Street
Westfield 07090
10:30am to 12:30pm
Wednesday, January 18
Fanwood Public Library
5 Forest Road
Fanwood, 07023
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Friday, January 20
Mountainside Municipal Building
1385 Route 22 East
Mountainside, 07092
11:30 am to 1:30pm
Tuesday, January 24
Union Public Library
1080 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
The ADRC model is a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, providing services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities. The goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families.
ADRC is one of 670 area agencies on aging nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. Union County ADRC has information printed in both English and Spanish.
For further information about Union County ADRC call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527-4870, or 908-527-4858 or visit the Union County government website at www.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 – As the seasonal holidays draw near, the hectic rush of shopping, traveling and preparing for visitors can put consumers at greater risk for scams, fraud and theft. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that they can take a few simple steps to protect themselves.
“To ensure that you are protected, start by taking a step back from all the stress and excitement of the holidays,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Take some time to plan your shopping ahead of time, whether it’s in a store or online.”
Law enforcement and consumer professionals recommend that in-store shoppers prepare a list ahead of time, only carry the credit cards and ID that they need, and plan their excursions to avoid carrying too many bags at once.
When checking out of a store, shoppers should remain at the register long enough to get their receipt, put their change or credit card back in place, organize their shopping bags and ensure that their wallet or purse is secured about their person.
Shoppers are advised to never leave a purse or wallet in a shopping cart, or in an easily accessible pocket.
Thieves are known to scout parking lots, looking for vehicles with open trunks or visible packages. Shoppers should use caution when loading goods into their vehicle. Packages left in a parked car should be covered or kept in the trunk, and all doors should be checked to ensure they are locked.
“Staying alert and organized helps to deter thieves who are looking for easy opportunities to strike,” said Bergen.
Another area of risk has emerged with the growing popularity of online shopping. Theft of unattended packages from doorways and porches is becoming more common.
Online shoppers who are not home for long periods should make alternate plans for package delivery. For example, depending on the sender some packages can be directed for pickup at a local post office or delivery service.
Online scammers can also do a great amount of damage if shoppers are not careful. Home computer users should ensure that their security settings are up to date, and be on the lookout for any alerts or messages regarding possible compromises.
To help consumers avoid scams and frauds, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has developed an Anti-Fraud Toolkit.
“The Anti-Fraud Toolkit is especially useful for seniors,” said Bergen. “It presents effective, reliable information in an easy to follow format.”
To view the Toolkit online or to download the Toolkit in English or Spanish, visit fightingfraud.nj.gov.
Consumers in need of assistance in Union County can call the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs at 908-654-9840 or use the online fraud reporting form on the County website, 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 – A large group of student volunteers from the Kean University Center for Leadership and Service braved the cold last weekend to work on a stream habitat in Union County’s Warinanco Park.
“The stream has become an important feature of the Warinanco Park ecosystem, and thanks to these volunteers it will be healthier and more welcoming to diverse species in the coming years,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The volunteers went above and beyond to spend hours working in the cold on behalf of nature conservation, and their efforts are deeply appreciated.”
The volunteers spent the day raking leaves and picking up trash from the stream, to expose the soil of the banks in preparation for a hard-frost seeding of native grass and wildflowers. The seeding will take place later this winter.
The stream in the park was daylighted several years ago in a restoration project. Daylighting is a process that involves uncovering buried streams to bring them back to a more natural state.
Daylighted streams have many environmental benefits including flood mitigation and water quality improvement.
The work was conducted under Adopt-a-Park, a program of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Kean University students are frequent participants in the program and have logged many volunteer hours at Warinanco Park, Echo Lake Park and other parts of the Union County park system.
Any individual or group is welcome to join the Union County Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail program. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683 or visit online 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 — A letter to Santa written in ink with a quill pen? An entry to an 18th century diary about life in the Watchung Mountains?
Wherever their imagination takes them, youngsters are invited to stop into the Church/General Store at the Deserted Village this weekend and experience how messages were sent long before the smartphone.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite youngsters and their parents to visit the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation and experience what it was like to ‘text’ in Colonial America. The event will take place this Sunday, December 18, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Children will be able to write with a quill pen and ink on parchment paper to experience what it was like writing a letter in Colonial times. The popular activity makes its return just in time for children to write letters to Santa Claus or anyone else they wish to communicate with while sitting at writing desks in the Church/General Store.
“When this activity was first introduced, it was an immediate hit with the children,” said Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “It’s an opportunity for the kids to have fun while learning how people kept in touch with one another in the past.”
A Parks Department staffer will be on hand to guide the children in their writing, and to suggest what they might write about if they had been alive in the 1700’s when the western end of what is now Union County was just being settled.
The Deserted Village of Feltville is located within the 2,142-acre Watchung Reservation on Cataract Hallow Road in Berkeley Heights.
The Visitor Center in the Church/General Store is open most Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Noon-5:00 pm. For GPS, use the location 2 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ.
For more information on the Desert Village of Feltville, you can visit ucnj.org/dv.
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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.