County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that Tuesday, July 23, is the last day for registering to vote in New Jersey’s upcoming U.S. Senate Special Primary Election.

“With the Special U.S. Senate Primary Election approaching in August, the deadline is just days away for first-time voters and new residents in Union County to register to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primaries,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “To be eligible to vote in the August 13 Special U.S. Senate Primary Election, new voters must be registered by Tuesday, July 23.”

To register to vote or to register an address change, forms are available in every municipality at the office of the municipal clerk. Forms also may be obtained by visiting the County Clerk’s office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, or by visiting the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/voter-registration.

The office hours of the Westfield Annex of the County Clerk are 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Voter registration forms and change of address forms must be received by the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07208 no later than Tuesday, July 23, in order to be eligible to vote in the Special U.S. Senate Primary Election on August 13. To qualify to vote, you also must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old, not serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction, and a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

For more information about voter registration, please call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

 

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“Union County residents can pitch in by making sure their property is free of any possible breeding sites,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It also helps to follow a few simple precautions when going outside, such as using an approved repellent.”

Mosquitoes carry a range of diseases including malaria, West Nile Virus, and dengue fever. They require only a small amount of stagnant water in which to breed, so residents are advised to check their outdoor equipment and garden ornaments, including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows, and tarpaulins, to ensure that there is no place for water to collect.

Litter and debris should be removed, and unused pools, fountains, and ornamental ponds should be covered. Residents should also check for water collecting in children’s toys and playsets, and rain gutters should also be cleaned regularly to ensure that water does not collect in blocked or sagging areas.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use a repellent approved for use on skin and clothing, and to follow all instructions on the label carefully. Additional guidance on mosquito repellents is available from the Centers for Disease Control.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors in the early morning and early evening. Mosquitoes are most active at these times.

Breeding sites on public property are addressed through the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control, which regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts spraying operations as needed.

Residents are encouraged to report mosquito infestations by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9834 during business hours. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If needed, the inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

Partly due to its marshlands and network of waterways, Union County has a long history of organized mosquito control efforts and is recognized as a leader in the field. The County’s first Mosquito Control Commission was established 100 years ago and is the second oldest in the nation.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 3, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, 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 Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

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 Linda Carter. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will be on hand to accept unwanted ammunition and fireworks for disposal. It is particularly important to dispose of old ammunition and fireworks safely because they can be unstable and dangerous.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, fireworks, ammunition, 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,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “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 August 3 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

For more information about the August 3 collection of old ammunition and fireworks, please call the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

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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Union County Freeholders Bruce Bergen and Vernell Wright welcomed more than 100 volunteers from BASF who went to Echo Lake Park in Mountainside last week to participate in Union County’s Adopt-A-Park Program. The volunteers helped to pull, dig, cut and treat invasive weeds, removed trash and old fencing, install new fencing and raked along the shoreline restoration project around Upper Echo Lake. (photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

ROSELLE, NJ – Hundreds of Union County families found some welcome relief from the hot weather on Tuesday evening, July 16, when they attended a free County-sponsored outdoor activity in Warinanco Park on the border of Roselle and Elizabeth.

More than one thousand children and adults enjoyed the weekly installment of “Family Fun & Flix” – the summer entertainment and film series on Tuesday evenings that gives families a chance to enjoy an outdoor activity and catch a movie under the stars in a Union County park.

The staff from the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, who organized Tuesday’s activity, was pleased to see so many families in Warinanco Park enjoying the animated monster comedy, “Hotel Transylvania,” after Trailside naturalists spoke to the audience about the different kinds of birds that live in Union County. Organizers of the event believe Tuesday’s turnout was the largest yet for this popular weekly series.

“The movie portion of Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but those who come to the park before sundown enjoy educational activities organized by naturalists from the Trailside Nature and Science Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It’s an evening of fun for the whole family.”

The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:

Tuesday, July 23 at Warinanco Park: The Trailside Eco Van will feature a display about turtles, snakes and other local reptiles before the Academy Award-winning animated fantasy film, “Brave.”

Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Meisel Park, Springfield: Be part of National Night Out, starting at 6 p.m., before viewing the animated family comedy, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”

Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Conant Park, in Hillside: The Trailside Eco Van will feature a display about Turtles, snakes and other reptiles, before the animated comedy, “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.”

 

All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that plans are under way to establish a permanent, outdoor memorial to Medal of Honor recipients from Union County, at the County Administration complex in midtown Elizabeth. Relatives and friends of the recipients are invited to participate in a dedication ceremony for the memorial, which will be held in October.

“The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor awarded in the United States, and the Union County memorial will pay tribute to these courageous soldiers while raising awareness about their powerful contributions to our nation’s history,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

To prepare for the memorial and dedication ceremony, relatives and friends of the recipients, or others with historical information about the recipients, are encouraged to contact the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs and share any stories, information or memorabilia they may have.

The Medal of Honor recipients from Union County are:

• Julian Scott, a Civil War drummer and one of the youngest ever to be awarded the Medal of Honor.  Mr. Scott was also a prominent 19th century artist. His work can be seen at the Drake House Museum in Plainfield.

• Rufus King, an Army Major during the Civil War.

• James Madison Drake, an Army Lieutenant during the Civil War.

• William J. Brant., Jr., an Army Lieutenant during the Civil War.

• John Williams, II, a veteran of the Civil War.

• Theodore F. Smith, an Army private who served in the Indian Wars.

• Alan Louis Eggers, a World War I veteran who served in France.

• Thomas E. O’Shea, a World War I veteran who served in France.

• William Fred Stockham, a World War I veteran who served in France.

• Charles Joseph Watters, a US Army Chaplain who served in Vietnam, where he was killed in action in 1967.  He served as a parish priest at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Cranford.

 

For more information about plans for the memorial, or to share any information or memorabilia about the Medal of Honor recipients, call the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs at 908-659-7407 or contact Elizabeth Sebring, 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucnj.org.

Those wishing to contact the office by mail can send correspondence to the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ – With several days of hotter than normal temperatures still ahead, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that resources are available for cooling off during extreme hot weather.

“We are also asking residents to check on their elderly relatives, friends and neighbors,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, “Make sure they are feeling comfortable and are drinking plenty of fluids, and help them seek out a cooler environment if they appear to be experiencing heat-related symptoms.”

Dehydration and prolonged exposure to heat can lead to muscle cramping, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue along with other symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Heat related illness can occur in any age group, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable. In extreme cases, the condition can develop into heat stroke, which can be fatal.

During hot weather, residents are advised to stay indoors when possible and keep activity to a low level. Shutting drapes, shades and curtains helps to keep indoor spaces cooler.

If adequate cooling in not available at home, Union County residents can call their local municipal offices to find out if a public cooling center is available nearby. Typical locations senior centers, community centers and public libraries.

So far, the following Union County municipalities have announced cooling centers:

Elizabeth: Sampson Senior Citizen Center, 800 Ana Street. (phone: 908-820-4704)

Fanwood: Chelsea Senior Living Center, 295 South Avenue 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (phone: 908-264-5144).

Garwood: Borough Hall, 403 South Avenue, Council Chambers open 24 hours daily (phone: 908-789-0710).

Linden: Linden Library, 31 East Henry Street, 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (phone: 908-298-3830). Note: Normal Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; however, the library will be closed this Saturday.

Roselle Park: Casano Community Center, 300 Chestnut Street, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (phone: 908-245-0666).

Roselle: Anthony Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, daily 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (phone: 908-245-5600).

Union Township: Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (908-851-5290).

Union Township: Union Township Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; (phone: 908-851-5450).

Relief can also be found at a museum, mall, or any other cooled public space where seating is available.

A visit to the County’s Trailside Museum and Science Center offers another nearby opportunity to spend some time in an air conditioned environment. Admission to Trailside is free every day, seven days a week except for holidays. Special events, classes and programs are also available for a modest fee.

For those wishing to cool off outdoors, two Union County swimming pools are available to all County residents, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway and the John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool in Linden.

Spray pools and playgrounds with spray features are also available at the County’s Mattano and Phil Rizzuto parks in Elizabeth, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth and Roselle, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, and Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights.

For more information on the Trailside Museum and all other Union County recreational facilities visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

For more information on resources for senior citizens, contact the Union County Division on Aging toll-free, 888-280-8226.

(From left) Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich, Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter, Union County Acting Prosecutor Grace H. Park and Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran listen as Union County Police Captain Martin Mogensen (R) speaks about one of the nearly 1,600 guns collected during a two-day, state-sponsored gun buyback program Union and Hudson Counties. More than 1,000 of the guns were turned in at three churches in Union County. The weapons were on display at a joint press conference on July 16 in Jersey City.

The New Zion Baptist Church in Elizabeth, The Morning Star Community Christian Center in Linden, and Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield participated in the program.

The gun buyback program in Union County is one of Union County Freeholder Chairman Carter’s initiatives for 2013.

Residents with questions about the gun buyback program can call the NJ Attorney General’s Citizen Services unit at (609) 984-5828 or visit www.nj.gov/guns.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 53rd season of music on Wednesday evening, July 31, with a performance by the Ed Palermo Big Band. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Linda Carter, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

Ed Palermo’s Big Band has been together since 1980 attracting enthusiastic fans to New York nightclubs such as The Bottom Line and Iridium. The band’s performances of Frank Zappa’s music have earned rave reviews. When not playing Zappa tunes, they shift gears to play the Chicago blues of Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield, often featuring the vocal and harmonica stylings of Rob Paparozzi. Ed Palermo has played all over the world, with the likes of Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme and Lena Horne, but his Big Band always feels right at home in Echo Lake Park.

“Bring the entire family and savor the brass and blues of the Ed Palermo Big Band,” said Freeholder Chairman Carter. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Department of Human Services and other knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about programs and activities that are available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The July 31 concert will be at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border. The concerts in August will be at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments will be available from vendors, including ice cream, cotton candy and snacks from “The Ice Cream Man.” Pulled pork, hamburgers and specialty hot dogs will be available from “Marci’s Dog House,” winner of Best Topping and Best Truck categories on the 2012 Munchmobile tour of New Jersey.

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

Aug.  7 – Tusk (tribute to Fleetwood Mac); at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 14 – Sensational Soul Cruisers; at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 21 – Verdict (reggae and Caribbean music); at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 28 – The British Invasion Tribute; at Oak Ridge Park. A special Veterans Appreciation Program will take place at 7:00 p.m. before the concert.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site:www.ucnj.org

 

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KENILWORTH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal will host a “First Swing” Golf Clinic for people with physical disabilities on Friday, August 9. The clinic will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Practice Facility and Learning Center in Kenilworth.

“The First Swing program encourages and promotes the inclusion of golf as an excellent recreational and rehabilitation medium for anyone who is physically challenged,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Healthcare and golf professionals who are interested in learning adaptive golf techniques for their clients are also welcome.”

Presented in cooperation with the Disabled American Veterans, the PGA of America, the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, the United States Golf Association and the National Amputee Golf Association, the program includes participation and instruction by rehab and golf professionals. Methods of grip, stance and swing will be discussed. Participants can improve their functional skills such as range of motion and balance, and learn about adaptive equipment that will assist them in executing the golf swing.

Bob Buck, executive director of the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, will conduct the clinic on August 9. Mr. Buck has been a below-knee amputee for 40 years and has conducted more than 350 “First Swing” clinics.

No golfing experience is required. Students should bring a 7 or 8 iron and a putter, if possible. A limited number of clubs will be available for participants who do not have their own.

Pre-registration is required by August 5. The fee is $10 per person. Continental breakfast and refreshments are included. For additional information regarding the “First Swing” clinic or to register, please contact Margaret Heisey at 908-527-4806 or email: mheisey@ucnj.org

 

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