County of Union, New Jersey

Free download a first for any County in eastern states, second in entire U.S.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce the launch of Union County Votes, a free new mobile app designed to help Union County residents connect quickly and easily with accurate information about voting and elections.

Of the more than 3,000 counties in the U.S., Union County is one of only two that offer mobile voter information. Sonoma County in California has introduced a similar service.

“Union County Votes leverages the mobile communications platform of the 21^st century to engage more citizens in the democratic process, to exercise their right to vote and to run for public office,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Our goal is for every resident to have Union County Votes on their cell phone or tablet.”

The Union County Votes app enables voters to find their polling place, request voter registration forms and vote-by-mail ballots, view sample ballots, follow unofficial election results in real time, and much more.

The app also provides information for persons interested in becoming a poll worker or running for office, including election filing dates and district maps.

“Once we had the mobile platform set up, we knew that it could provide a wide range of useful services spanning the entire elections process,” said Rajoppi. “If you are a voter, a candidate for office, or if you simply enjoy following election returns after the polls close, I encourage you to download Union County Votes.”

Union County Votes also enables users to receive automatic notifications in case of unplanned changes to the election schedule, including changes in polling places.

“The mobile app is a powerful tool for keeping the elections process running smoothly during emergencies or other unforeseen events,” said Rajoppi. “Hurricane Sandy demonstrated just how important it is to ensure that each voter can receive up-to-date information quickly and accurately.”

Out of county residents will also benefit by having access to their County Clerks’ and Boards of Election contact information through the app.

Along with 15 distinct functions, Union County Votes features easy-to-customize tabs that enable each user to flag their favorites for quick access. A version in Spanish is available, and countdowns to Election Day and poll closing time are also featured.

The searchable features of Union County Votes do not capture user information, ensuring privacy.

List of Features of the Union County Votes App

1. Am I Registered?
2. Register to Vote
3. Request a Vote By Mail Ballot Application
4. Important Dates
5. Where do I vote? View Your Sample Ballot
6. How to Vote
7. Campaign Finance
8. District Maps
9. Apply to Work at a Polling Place
10. Election Results
11. Accessibility Information
12. Obtain a Candidate’s Petition
13. Military and Federal Overseas Voter
14. 14.  Contact Us
15. Find your County

Union County Votes is available now for free download at both the Apple and Android app stores, or by QR code. A free QR reader is also available in your App Store.

For more information about Union County Votes including a downloadable Fact Sheet with QR codes, and for all other services of the Union County Clerk, visit ucnj.org/ctyclerk or call 908-527-4787.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, will take place over the Columbus Day weekend, October 11^ththrough October 13^th at The Outlet Collection – Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

“Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Saturday and continuing through Monday. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation.

“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

Saturday, October 11^th:

11 a.m. – Noon:  Blanca Rosas of Elizabeth, singer/songwriter;
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Moshi Moshi Band – Anime/Video Game Music;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.:  Oxygen Box Band, Soul, Rock Reggae Band;
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: United Youth of New Jersey – Elite Drill Team of Superior Drummers, Rap Performance and Theatrical Dancers of Elizabeth.

Sunday, October 12^th:

11:00 a.m. – Noon:  Jefferson Arts Liberty Dancers of Elizabeth;
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Ritmos de Mi Tierra – Traditional Colombian Dancing;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.:  Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Shubanjali School Performing Arts of Scotch Plains – Indian Classical Dance;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter.

Monday, October 13^th:

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains – Belly Dancing;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.:  Jazz Vocalist Lauren Shub with Pianist Ilya Maslov;
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:  Framework Acoustic Jazz Quartet.

The Outlet Collection – Jersey Gardens will host Art in the Gardens in its brand new Center Court, which was recently renovated as part of a $30 million remodel of the mall.

“We are excited to continue this fabulous celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for The Outlet Collection. “We are continually impressed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements,” Ms. Stell added. “Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent.”

The Outlet Collection – Jersey Gardens is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.

For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550.  New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Ginger Case of Roselle puts the finishing touches on her table centerpiece at a craft workshop for adults at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. On Thursday, October 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., adults ages 18 and older are invited to Trailside to learn how to weave dried grasses, stems, flowers and other natural materials into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to adorn their home. A Trailside naturalist and an artist will be on hand to help create unique and beautiful centerpieces that are sure to be a focal point for your mantle, picture frame or table top. Pre-registration is required as materials are limited; walk-ins will be accommodated if supplies and space permit. The fee for this adult workshop is $15 per person for Union County residents and $20 for out-of-county participants. Trailside is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

Gun buybacks to be held at the Morningstar Community Center, Linden and the Visions of God Family Worship Church in Plainfield

Union County, NJ —- The County of Union, in conjunction with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, County Police, Sheriff’s Office, and Plainfield and Linden Police Departments, will conduct a gun buyback/gun amnesty program in those municipalities at two locations on Saturday October 25^th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak announced.

Residents may anonymously turn in a maximum of three firearms and receive cash payments of up to $250 per weapon.

The buyback is a part of Chairman Hudak’s initiatives for 2014.

“More than 32,000 Americans die each year from gun violence at a staggering rate of nearly 90 a day, and having fewer guns around could mean they won’t end up in the wrong hands, including our children,” Freeholder Chairman Hudak said, noting the state Assembly recently passed legislation to expand gun buyback programs across the state.

In Linden, the buyback will take place at the Morningstar Community Center, 1009 Chandler Avenue.

The Plainfield buyback will take place at Visions of God Family Worship Church, 350 Leland Avenue at the corner of North Avenue.

“Former Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich was a strong advocate for safely removing unwanted and illegal guns from circulation. With his untimely passing last summer, it is an honor to continue our partnership with other public safety agencies for gun buyback initiatives,” said Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan.

Last year, more than 1,000 guns were collected through a gun buyback conducted in Elizabeth, Linden, and Plainfield in July. It was one of the most successful buybacks conducted throughout the state in conjunction with the State Attorney General’s Office.

“We would be thrilled with similar results from this buyback,” acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park said. “Reducing the number of dangerous weapons in Union County neighborhoods is a step in the right direction when it comes to curbing violent crime.”

For more information on the gun buyback visit the Union County website www.ucnj.org.

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Union County, NJ – On Monday October 6, the public is invited to join County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi in the launch of a free new mobile app designed to help Union County residents connect quickly and easily with accurate information about voting and elections.

To date only Sonoma County, California, has introduced a similar county-based service.

The new generation of voters is fully engaged in a lifestyle marked by rapid, mobile access to information in real time. The new Union County Votes app is designed to enhance access to the democratic process through this seamless 21^st century information platform. The app includes 15 functions such as finding a polling place, requesting voter registration forms and vote-by-mail ballots, viewing sample ballots, following unofficial election results in real time, and much more.

Ms. Rajoppi will be on hand to demonstrate the new app at the following locations and times on Monday, October 6:

Kean University, University Center
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ, 11:00 a.m.

Union County College, Richel Commons
1033 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ, 2:00 p.m.

For more information about all Union County Clerk programs and services visit ucnj.org/county-clerk.

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Union County, NJ – The Annual Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County Wesley Philo Award for Volunteer Excellence has been awarded to Caryl Hannemann of Berkeley Heights, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to community service. As a certified Master Gardener since 1990, Ms. Hannemann has performed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work for the Master Gardeners of Union County, a new record for the organization.

“With more than 10,000 volunteer hours to her credit, Caryl Hannemann exemplifies the spirit of community service at the heart of the Master Gardeners program,” said Freeholder Angel Estrada. “Caryl has shown that by doing something that you love, you can have a positive impact throughout your community.”

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board. The all-volunteer organization is headquartered at the County’s Colleen Frasier Building in Westfield. It maintains an extensive Demonstration Garden on the grounds of the Union County Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Caryl is an inspiration,” said Freeholder Vernell Wright. “With the help of her guidance, the Master Gardeners are a strong force for good in Union County, through their charitable and educational activities, and by working to make our neighborhoods more healthy and attractive.”

The Wesley Philo Award was named in honor of the group’s first president. It is presented annually to a Master Gardener who exemplifies excellence in volunteerism.

Ms. Hannemann was presented with the award at the Master Gardeners 26^th annual Pin Party recognition ceremony earlier this month, where she was joined by Freeholder Estrada, Freeholder Wright, and Master Gardener Coordinator Madeline DiNardo.

She also received a commemorative pillow featuring a hand embroidered replica of the award certificate, made for her by fellow Master Gardener Joan Horn.

Along with their many community improvement projects throughout Union County, the members of the Master Gardeners run a free, year-round garden Helpline. They have donated thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to local food pantries from the Sharing Garden beds at the Demonstration Garden, they raise funds for horticulture scholarships and other special projects, and they donate bouquets of fresh flowers for cancer patients and their families at Overlook Hospital and the Wellness Community of Central Jersey.

The Demonstration Garden also serves as a platform for community education programs and youth summer camps.

For more information on all Master Gardeners programs and activities, or to find out how to become certified as a Master Gardener, call 908-654-9854 (press “4) or visit the Master Gardeners link atucnj.org/rce.

To contact the Master Gardeners Helpline, email mastergardeners@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9852.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds county residents to apply for their passports as soon as possible to avoid any complications that may disrupt their winter travel plans. Holiday travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and countries in the Caribbean must have a valid passport to enter or depart from the United States.

“Because of the approaching holidays, there’s an increased demand for new documents from the federal passport agency. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport,” Rajoppi said. “Additionally, if your passport expires within six months of your planned visit, many countries will not permit you to enter. You will need to renew your passport.”

It can take up to six weeks for a regular passport application to be processed and returned to the customer. Even the more expensive expedited delivery option can take three weeks for delivery.

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/Passports.

“No appointment is necessary. Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office has convenient evening and Saturday hours and also is fully staffed.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number at the Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number in Elizabeth is 908-527-4966. Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call (908) 527-4966 or visitwww.ucnj.org/passports.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents to have dogs, cats and other pets vaccinated against rabies.

The vaccine is important even for pets that are normally leashed or kept indoors, because it provides protection in case of accidental contact with a rabies carrier.

Rabies vaccination is especially important for cats, which are more likely to roam outdoors.

Union County residents are advised to check with their veterinarian to get a rabies shot for their pet, or to get more information about the vaccine.

For a current list of municipalities offering public rabies clinics, visit the County website at ucnj.org.

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NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 18, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

The Oct. 18 event will be the final county-sponsored household hazardous waste collection for this year. Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will NOT be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” Freeholder Hudak added. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on October 18 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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How about a hike through history this fall?

What would it be like to retrace the steps of the American revolutionary war soldiers who engaged the British in Metuchen on June 26, 1777, and then fought a running battle across what is now Edison and Scotch Plains before retreating to the safety of the Watchung Mountains—through a pass by Seeley’s Pond that would become known as Bloody Gap?

On Saturday, October 18, find out.

The NJ Freewalkers, in cooperation with Union County Parks, is sponsoring the Battle of the Short Hills Historic Trail hike.  The hike, part of the County’s Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration, ends at the Deserted Village in the Watchung Reservation, where there will be a host of activities and historic tours that Saturday, and Sunday.

“I have fond memories of all the hiking I used to do as a Boy Scout,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Chris Hudak. “So it’s kind of fun to see such a healthy exercise combined with some very local and fascinating history.”

To sign up for the hike and learn more details, go to: ucnj.org/hike4C orhttp://freewalkers.org/events/battle-of-short-hills-march

“For those who do not feel they are up to do the full 13 miles, they are welcome to join the hikers at any point along the route,” said Paul Kiczek, who is coordinating the NJ Freewalkers hike, one of many held throughout the year in New York and the region

For those who hike up to the Deserted Village, they will have the option of riding vans supplied by Mountainside, Westfield, and the County, to the Westfield train station to make their way home.  And for those who want to hit their 20-mile mark, a 7-mile route will take hikers through the Reservation and along the cross-county and East Coast Greenways to the Cranford train station.

In addition to several historic sites in Metuchen and Edison, hikers will pass the Frazee House, and then a special exhibit set up for this year, at the edge of the Ash Brook Reservation, perhaps the only location in the entire battle that has not been developed since that time. Local historians will be on hand to explain how the Battle progressed, and how the colonial forces sought to slow the British by having their cannons bogged down in the Ash Swamp.

The British hoped that if they feigned a departure from New Jersey, they would lure the Continental Forces down from the Watchung Mountains, crush them, and finally end the Revolutionary War. The plan didn’t go so well, even though Washington’s troops of less than 6,000 were vastly outnumbered by a combined British and Hessian force numbering about 12,000.

There is also a nature trail leading into the swamp for those who would like to see first-hand the conditions troops faced.

Hikers will also pass the historic Fanwood Train Station, where the historical society will have free refreshments for hikers.  The route continues past the Osborn Cannonball House in Scotch Plains and ends at the Deserted Village.

For more information about Four Centuries In A Weekend visit the County website at ucnj.org, email the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550

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