County of Union, New Jersey

 

Union County, NJ – Union County residents looking for a fun, active community service opportunity are invited to join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County. Master Gardeners are trained and certified by Rutgers experts. No previous experience with gardening is needed.

Applications are being accepted now to begin the next training series. The deadline to apply is August 31.

“The training course provides both experts and beginners with a valuable learning experience while serving our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Master Gardeners program is a very active, creative volunteer organization, and the Freeholder Board is proud to support this worthy program.”

The mission of the Master Gardeners is to share knowledge, experience, and love of gardening through community activities including neighborhood garden and beautification projects, education, and outreach to seniors and the disabled.

The highlight of the program is the Union County Demonstration Garden, located in Mountainside. The large, elaborate grounds serveas the platform for the Master Gardeners’ large produce donation program, educational programs and summer camps, and many other initiatives.

The Demonstration Garden also provides Master Gardeners with opportunities to explore emerging trends in urban horticulture, such as rain gardens and rainwater harvesting, and share their experiences with the community.

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

The training and certification program consists of weekly sessions from October 18 through May of next year. A modest fee covers materials. Trainees commit to at least 6 hours of volunteer service before training is completed, and a total of 60 hours of service over a period of 12 to 18 months.

To obtain a Master Gardeners application, or for more information please call Judi Laganga at the Extension, 908-654-9854 (ext. 2) or email jlaganga@ucnj.org using Master Gardeners in the subject line. Applications are due by August 31.

For more information about the Master Gardeners and all Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs visit ucnj.org/rce. 

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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 – Enrollment is now open for Union County’s Master Tree Stewards program. Members of this all-volunteer organization spend the fall season on guided nature walks to learn about the critical role that trees play in our environment, and each spring they fan out to share their knowledge with hundreds fourth grade students in Union County schools.

Anyone 18 and older is eligible to become a Master Tree Steward. No previous experience with trees or classroom instruction is necessary.

“If you are interested in preserving our treescape, the Master Tree Stewards program will enable you to help young people all across our community appreciate the many ways in which trees enhance public health, and provide both civic and environmental benefits,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Trees are well known for their environmental role in reducing airborne pollutants and reducing storm runoff. Studies have also linked urban trees to improved public health and safety as well as economic development.

Master Tree Steward volunteers are trained and certified by experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The training course begins each September and consists of guided visits to state parks including Cheesequake, Hacklebarney and others.

Trainees also visit the New Jersey Forestry Service to see a tree nursery and maple sugar demonstration.

“Spending time in the fresh air with a new group of friends is another good reason to join the Master Tree Stewards,” said Bergen.

The training includes guidance on using a Rutgers lesson kit to help fourth grade students understand the importance of tree conservation. Along with conducting the popular game of “Tree Jeopardy,” Tree Stewards use fun visual aids from the kit such as a gigantic pine cone and posters about rubber tapping and cork harvesting.

Master Tree Stewards can also engage in other tree-related community service projects throughout the year.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Freeholder Board. The Extension offices are located in the Colleen Frasier County Services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

Downloadable applications for the Master Tree Stewards program are available on page four of the Extension’s fall brochure, on the County website at ucnj.org/rce. For additional information call the Extension at 908-654-9854, or email Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org. Training starts on Wednesday, September 7.

For more information about the Master Tree Stewards, 4-H Clubs, and other Extension programs for all ages, visit ucnj.org/rce.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Linda Carter and Bette Jane Kowalski joined Assemblyman Jerry Green, Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Union County College President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, Union County College Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel and Union County Improvement Authority Deputy Director Linda Stender in cutting the ribbon officially reopening the Plainfield Campus Annex. For more information about Union County College visit ucc.edu. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the implementation of countywide 911 emergency texting as a shared service through the Union County Regional Dispatch Center.

The new initiative is part of a statewide, collaborative initiative spearheaded by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services. As a shared service, the Union County Regional Dispatch Center will handle 911 texts for all 21 Union County municipalities.

“The new texting service is a significant addition to Union County’s public safety toolkit,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “It provides an additional option for people with disabilities to contact 911, and it enables persons in immediate danger to call for help quickly and silently.”

The new texting service is intended to provide the public with an alternative means of contact in unusually dangerous circumstances, or in case a relay service for the disabled is unavailable.

Texting to 911 may be especially useful in situations where a potential victim is afraid of being overheard, for example if they are trapped in their home or workplace by an intruder.

“In one recent case, a domestic abuse victim was able to get help by quietly texting 911 when a voice call could have exposed her to additional danger,” said Freeholder Angel Estrada, who is Chairman of the Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee. “This new service brings our Dispatch Center up to date on the latest improvements in emergency communications.”

“It’s always better to call if you can, but when you can’t call, text,” advised Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran.

The Union County Regional Dispatch Center is staffed by the Police Division of the Union County Department of Public Safety. In addition to County dispatch services and the new 911 text service, the Dispatch Center handles police, fire and EMS calls for other public safety agencies.

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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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Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen (tan shirt) and Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados (blue shirt) mark the opening of the newly renovated tennis courts at Warinanco Park in Roselle.  New laser graded clay surfaces were installed, as well as new nets, court lines, lighting and a sprinkler system. The tennis courts are open, seven days a week from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. through permit by calling the Union County Parks Reservation Desk at 908-527-4900 during normal work hours, Monday to Friday.

Union County, NJ – Many thanks to the hardworking and enthusiastic Adopt-A-Park crew from Phillips 66 who removed trash and recyclables in and around the stream bank at Warinanco Park earlier this week. The group also cut and removed invasive plants and gathered fallen tree branches. Adopt-a-Park is a volunteer program of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Phillips 66 is among its regular participants. For information about joining Adopt-a-Park as an individual or as a business, school or community group, visit ucnj.org or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.  Photo: Betty Ann Kelly/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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On Monday August 1, Union County Police Officer Steven Neuman conducted a motor vehicle stop for a passenger seatbelt violation. The stop resulted in the arrest of the driver on weapon and drug charges.

After conducting the stop, Officer Neuman detected the odor of marijuana from the vehicle, and observed bullets and empty plastic baggies in the door pocket. He then recovered a black revolver from the center console along with several plastic baggies containing suspected marijuana. Officer Neuman arrested the driver, Daniel Arbelaez-Duque, age 23, of Elizabeth. Arbelaez-Duque was charged with one count of possession of a handgun and one count of possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Bail was set at $50,000 and he is currently in the County Jail pending an August 12 court date. The handgun will be analyzed by the Union County Police Forensic Firearms Identification Unit.