Union County, NJ – Schools, businesses and non-profit agencies are invited to contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to book informational programs on nutrition and other health topics for students and adults. The programs are offered as part of the Extension’s spring programming schedule, County Visions Spring 2016.
“The Extension offers a full slate of programming and expert guidance for household and community health, whether you are interested in growing a successful garden, improving your family’s nutrition, volunteering in the community or helping to create a healthier environment in our neighborhoods,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
In 2016 the Extension is offering four informational programs, for a nominal fee, to schools and other groups:
Forget Fad Diets: Just Learn to Eat Heart Healthy. Learn to trade high-fat/high calorie foods for healthier options.
Family Meals Anytime, Anyplace. The class includes practical tips for making family meals happen along with some simple meal ideas you can start using today.
MyPlate Makeovers. This class compares your daily intake to the recommendations of researchers and USDA and is a great class for parents, teachers, and community groups.
Lead Poisoning Prevention & Nutrition. Learn the causes and complications of lead poisoning for children and families and how regular meals and good nutrition may help lower lead absorption.
The Extension is also offering a “green infrastructure” program for residents and municipal agencies. Participants will learn how to reduce runoff by design and constructing rain gardens. The program will include tours of existing rain gardens, permeable pavements and other types of green infrastructure.
In addition, County Visions Spring 2016 provides information on the popular Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards volunteer programs, opportunities to lead a 4-H youth club, where to call for gardening help including soil tests and insect identification, details for the annual Master Gardeners garden fair and plant sale fundraiser, and more.
The County Visions Spring 2016 brochure can be viewed online at the County website at ucnj.org/rce, or call the Extension office in Westfield for more information, 908-654-9854.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Supported in part by the Freeholder Board, the Extension belongs to a national network organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to foster youth development and community health. For more information other Union County Extension programs including 4-H, Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards, 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.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski greeted youth applicants for summer jobs at United Airlines during an information and prescreening session at the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. The United Airlines Summer Assist Program is cosponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Workforce Development Board and Union County College.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking new Volunteer Advocates to provide guidance and support for victims of sexual violence.
The Rape Crisis Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services, supported by a corps of volunteers Advocates who are trained to provide reliable guidance and empathy for victims, many of whom have no-one else to help them in the aftermath of an assault. The volunteers are fully mentored and supported by experienced, professional staff.
Prospective volunteers must be over 18, hold a valid driver’s license, and have their own vehicle.
The next Advocate training course begins on April 5. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate, call the Rape Crisis Center by March 29 at 908-233-7273 or email rcc@ucnj.org to determine your eligibility.
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.
Celebrate families of all abilities at Union County’s sensory-friendly concert this weekend. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring the sensory-friendly rootsy rock ‘n’ roll family concert featuring Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could to the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway this Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Available now, all tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.
“The Freeholder Board is proud to offer a sensory-friendly performance series for children and families of all abilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Inspired by children, Brady Rymer and his band deliver songs that engage audiences of all ages. The Freeholder board is proud to offer an opportunity for families to experience a music concert that celebrates, motivates, and empowers all families and children.”
Join two-time Grammy Award nominee Brady Rymer and his band for a rockin’ and rollin’ show featuring songs that celebrate children of all abilities. Dance and sing along with the group that NPR has called “the best-sounding band in children’s music.” This upbeat concert will include music from Love Me for Who I Am, Brady’s joyful album inspired by and dedicated to students on the autism spectrum.
For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre. Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series is made possible, in part, by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.
For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ – The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has a mission of fostering community health and nutrition by sharing science-based information with the public, and its efforts have been recognized with two recent awards.
The Union County Extension is headed by Karen M. Ensle, EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS, a nutrition expert and member of the Family and Community Health Sciences faculty at Rutgers University.
“Every year the Extension touches hundreds of Union County residents with popular volunteer and youth activity programs including the Master Gardeners, Master Tree-Stewards, and 4-H Clubs,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to congratulate Dr. Ensle and her staff and thank them for helping to enhance nutrition and wellness among our residents, as well.”
The Rutgers Department of Family and Community Health Sciences received a prestigious Culture of Health award from YMCA Alliance in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, during the Culture of Health conference in December.
Dr. Ensle was also among the faculty members recently honored by a “Team Award Best of the Best” recognition by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a statewide program that has branches in each county.
Both awards recognized the Family and Community Health Sciences faculty for a multi-faceted nutrition initiative for schools throughout New Jersey. The initiative involves training food service professionals, teachers and volunteers to encourage students to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, and to share their knowledge with their families at home. It also includes establishing fully wheelchair-accessible school gardens that serve as teaching tools.
Chairman Bergen also noted that Dr. Ensle is the co-author of the nationally recognized, common sense wellness guide “Small Steps to Health and Wealth.”
“The ‘Small Steps’ guide puts expert knowledge and research to work for you, and I encourage our residents to look it up on the county web site,” said Chairman Bergen.
To access “Small Steps to Health and Wealth” online, along with related articles on practical health tips and fad dieting, visit Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of the national Extension academic research and community outreach system, established in 1914 under the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Act of Congress. For all Union County programs visit ucnj.org/rce or call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854.
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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.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright joined U.S. Senator Robert Menendez at the 20th Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Morris Avenue in Union.
Union County, NJ – Parents, caregivers and adults who work with children are invited to attend “Bullying & Our Children,” a free public discussion about cyber bullying on Wednesday March 30, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Peterstown Community Center, 418 Palmer Street in Elizabeth.
The event is designed to help adults spot the many different strategies of cyber bullies, so they are better equipped to provide guidance to teens and pre-teens in their care.
For more information on Bullying & Our Children, visit the Union County Division of Youth Services online at ucnj.org/youth or call 908-558-2520.
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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.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi invites County residents to take advantage of a free passport photo opportunity on Passport Day, Saturday, April 9, by applying for a passport during extended hours at the County Clerk’s Office Annex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
As a special Passport Day offer, the County Clerk’s normal fee of $10.00 per passport photo will be waived for all applicants, including renewals as well as new passport applications.
“Residents who don’t have a U.S. passport should consider Passport Day for applying for their passport,” said Clerk Rajoppi. “Travel plans could come up quickly, whether for business or vacation. Many countries require six months validity on a U.S. passport, so it is important to check your passport’s expiration date now and take this opportunity to renew.”
No appointment is necessary but applicants must arrive by 1:30 p.m.
Ms. Rajoppi also noted that new national standards for driver’s licenses are being phased in to enhance safety at airports and other federal facilities. New Jersey has an extended deadline of October 2016 to comply with the new standards.
“A valid U.S. passport will enable you to board your flight whether you are traveling domestically or overseas. It provides you with peace of mind, regardless of your driver’s license status,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
Passport Day was established as a national program by the U.S. Department of State in 2008, to help travelers avoid the stress and expense of last-minute passport issues. Budget cuts forced an end to the State Department’s program but Ms. Rajoppi has continued to host an annual Passport Day.
“My office provides an easy, convenient way to conduct your passport business,” said Ms. Rajoppi, “Especially if you’re traveling with a family, the free photo savings on Passport Day can add up to a significant savings.”
For more details about the County Clerk’s passport services, including convenient links to passport information from the State Department, visit the County Clerk online at ucnj.org/county-clerk, call the Westfield Annex at 908-654-9859, or call the main office in Elizabeth at 908-527-4966.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Sheriff Joe Cryan, Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, and a number of other elected officials, educational, clergy and non-profit leaders today joined with Senator Raymond J. Lesniak in kicking off the Senator’s pilot program which leverages private donations to assist food stamp recipients to either find a job or participate in a training or work-related program that maintains their benefits.
The pilot program comes amidst news that as many as 11,000 -20,000 New Jersey residents—and as many as 1,500 in Union County—could lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by November.This is the result of the Christie Administration’s decision not to seek an extension (or waiver) of benefits from the Federal Government for single, able-bodied adults (18-49 years of age) without dependents who receive SNAP benefits. The announcement was also timely given that March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign that focuses on the importance of food choices.
“The pilot program is the right thing to do, not only for Union County residents who receive SNAP benefits, but for all of New Jersey’s residents who may lack the means to put food on their table,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We’re proud to stand with Senator Lesniak in kicking off this important initiative.”
The legislation, S-2366, entitled “the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Demonstration Project was signed into law in 2013, and was sponsored by Lesniak and Senator Joseph F. Vitale of Middlesex. The bill has the state Department of Human Services partner with local agencies, non-profits, and colleges and universities to provide food stamp recipients with job training funded by private foundations with matching funds from the federal government.
“The program is unique in that it matches private sector money to Federal money—at no cost to the state–in funding jobs training programs for SNAP recipients,” said Senator Lesniak. “At a time when many of our residents are still struggling to pay for food and now facing the loss of benefits, we call upon the state Department of Human Services to expand the pilot program across the state.”
Mayor Bollwage noted: “This Job Training and Placement PILOT program for SNAP recipients will increase options for residents, enable them to acquire and hone skills as well as enhance their abilities. From assisting with retaining benefits to improving the overall quality of life, this initiative supports the wellness of our community.”
The state Department of Human Services selected two non-profits, Blessed Ministries Inc. and YouthBuild, Newark Inc., to run pilot programs that would help as many as 400 or so SNAP recipients in four counties—Union, Essex, Hudson and Passaic Counties—to find work or engage in a work-related activity or program that would help them retain benefits.
Blessed Ministries Inc.’s pilot program was funded in part through a $500,000 donation from the Nicholson Foundation of Newark, and matched through U.S. Department of Labor funds passed through the State Division of Family Development. YouthBuild, Newark Inc.’s programming is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, multiple State agencies, the Victoria and Prudential Foundations, and other public and private sources.
“We’re excited to have been chosen to work with Union County among the counties in our service area,” said Sean LaCon, Chairman and Founder of Blessed Ministries. “We’ve developed a rapid advancement and employment program which will help SNAP recipients with the skills they need to find employment.” LaCon also thanked Lesniak and the Nicholson Foundation for their support.
“This pilot brings much-needed resources to work that is often overlooked in State and federal policy discussions for a population that is vital to communities and families thriving,” cited YouthBuild Newark’s Founding Executive Director Robert Clark. “We are eager to build upon Senator Lesniak’s vision and collaborate with partners such as the Urban League of Essex County to maximize its impact.”
Statewide, 884,937 residents—or roughly one of every ten New Jersey residents—receive SNAP benefits. In Union County, 49,578 residents, including 24,462 children—receive SNAP benefits according to a December, 2015 New Jersey Department of Human Services report. A recent study by the Food Research and Action Center, a non-profit group, indicates the number could be much higher since the State of New Jersey ranks among the 15 worst nationally in reaching SNAP-eligible people.
Union County Human Services Director Frank Guzzo explained that in order to enroll in a jobs training program such as Blessed Ministries and YouthBuild Newark, Inc., Union County SNAP clients must first be found eligible and referred through County Human Services personnel at one of the County’s One Stop Centers.
The State has sent out letters to single, able-bodied adults without dependents (known as ABAWDs) who receive SNAP benefits and who face a potential loss of benefits due to the loss of waivers, asking them to report on the following dates for an informational session and assessment:
One Stop Elizabeth Center (921 Elizabeth Avenue): March 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31st and April 6. Sessions will begin 1:30 pm
One Stop Plainfield Center (200 W. Second Street): March 18, April 1, 15th at 9 am and 1 p.m.
Anyone who has questions about their benefits should call the statewide SNAP Hotline at 855-450-3109.
A significant portion of SNAP recipients are low-income, low skill residents with limited job prospects, who are more likely to lack basic skills in reading, writing, and math, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Many SNAP recipients are also homeless, according to Linda Flores-Tober, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless.
“Every year, we are seeing more and more homeless people access our services,” said Flores-Tober. “Any effort that addresses food insecurity among the homeless and poor is certainly welcome, but we certainly have a long way to go in the state.”
According to a U.S. Department of Labor study released in 2015, New Jersey’s long term jobless rate remains among the highest in the nation with more than 40 percent of its unemployed residents having been jobless at least 27 weeks. Only New Mexico and Washington D.C. posted higher rates. The impact from the state’s persistently sluggish recovery is being felt at New Jersey’s food banks, which have seen the ongoing, record demand dramatically shrink their inventory.
The latest report from Feeding America, a nutritional advocacy group, shows more than 1.1 million people across the state face hunger, and almost 400,000 of them are children. That puts New Jersey’s overall food insecurity rate at more than 12%, but children fare worse, with their food insecurity rate now 18%, and nearly one in five facing hunger.
“This is an ongoing crisis that many residents in New Jersey may not be aware of,” said Debra Vizzi, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which is headquartered in Hillside. “We applaud any effort to assist SNAP recipients maintain their benefits or find work, and to call attention to the hunger crisis in New Jersey.”
Pastor Carmine Pernini, of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rahway who is representing the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council, added: “As first responders in our congregations and communities, clergy see and know firsthand how essential SNAP is to quality of life for so many. It is our hope that the funding of SNAP remain in place in support of those most in need of help in keeping food on their table for them and their families.”
Union County College President Margaret M. McMenamin, who also joined the announcement, was recently notified by the state that at least 100 SNAP clients will be seeking the College’s services for training and placement services—in a program unrelated to Lesniak’s pilot project. The program will be funded through the State Department of Labor Workforce Development and will providing training and placement for
“These are people who need a boost: to learn a new skill or to build on the educational credentials they already have,” McMenamin said. “That’s what community colleges do. We welcome our neediest residents with open arms and give them that boost toward achieving a better life.”
The kick-off to Lesniak’s SNAP Pilot program initiative was held at the African American Cultural and Learning Center on Spring Street in Elizabeth. Scheduled speakers included Senator Lesniak, Freeholder Chairman Bergen, Mayor Bollwage, Sheriff Cryan, Sean LaCon of Blessed Ministries, YouthBuild Newark Board Member Craig Drinkard, Linda Flores-Tober of the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, Debra Vizzi of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin, Pastor Carmine Pernini of the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council, Pastor Carlos J. Torres, 7th Day Adventist Church with four branches in Elizabeth, Frank Guzzo, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services, members of the Clergy and SNAP clients.
Ahead of April 18th oral arguments, advocates, business leaders, elected officials and eligible DACA+/DAPA recipients demonstrate strong support for President Obama’s Executive Actions
Today, local advocates, local and county elected officials and community leaders signed on to amicus briefs filed in U.S. v. Texas, the Supreme Court case that will determine the fate of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration – and will affect the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants and American families. In a show of solidarity, brief signatories and supporters of the DACA+/DAPA programs noted the positive impact that they will have for our country, and the ways in which the implementation of the programs will improve the lives of millions of immigrants who are already living in the U.S. and contributing to our economy and to our communities. Cities signing on to the brief include Haledon, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Plainfield, Princeton, Roselle, Union City and Trenton. Union County, NJ also joined the amicus brief in support of the President’s Executive Action. Nearly 200,000 immigrants in New Jersey will be eligible for the President’s programs should the Supreme Court uphold the executive action.
“Today I feel hopeful that DAPA will forward. As the father of two American children, I worry every day about being separated from my family because of our broken immigration system, even more so with the recent raids. If DAPA is upheld, I will be able to provide for my children, get a better job and keep my family safe.” Edison Hernandez, a member of the Elizabeth based immigrant rights organization Make the Road New Jersey and longtime resident of Elizabeth, NJ.
“DAPA will help us come out of the shadows and gain respect and dignity for our families,” said Maria Pereira of Hillside, NJ and member of Make the Road New Jersey. “DAPA means no more separation of families. It will end the nightmare of deportation for so many of our families, giving us the chance to live in peace. Today we say yes to DAPA, yes to our families.”
“It is well past time to fix our immigration system, and as the grandson of immigrants from Eastern Europe, I am proud to support President Obama’s Executive Action on Immigration,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “What better way to celebrate our American success story, then by paving the way for others to renew our country and live out their American dreams? We are a nation of immigrants, and this is what has made our country great. We must continue to honor this legacy.”
“As the youngest Democratic Freeholder in the State of New Jersey, as an elected official representing a county that I consider to be a “melting pot” of different ethnicities and as a son of two hard working immigrants who came to this country for a brighter future as so many other immigrants also do, President Obama’s Executive Action on Immigration is a personal issue for me that I very strongly support,” said Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados. “Today’s immigrants are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, scientists and professionals, and are major contributors to our economy and society. It’s well past time to fix the system, and it is a simple matter of humanity.”
The President’s executive actions are fully supported by law. The DAPA and expanded DACA programs will allow millions to come out of the shadows and provide work authorization to approximately 5 million undocumented immigrants. We urge the court to recognize the contributions of these individuals and the overwhelmingly positive impact that the expanded DACA and DAPA programs will have for our economy and for communities across the country.
Union County, NJ – Schools, businesses and non-profit agencies are invited to contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to book informational programs on nutrition and other health topics for students and adults. The programs are offered as part of the Extension’s spring programming schedule, County Visions Spring 2016.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking new Volunteer Advocates to provide guidance and support for victims of sexual violence.
Union County, NJ – The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has a mission of fostering community health and nutrition by sharing science-based information with the public, and its efforts have been recognized with two recent awards.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi invites County residents to take advantage of a free passport photo opportunity on Passport Day, Saturday, April 9, by applying for a passport during extended hours at the County Clerk’s Office Annex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.