Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will visit Cranford on Saturday, June 4.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred their confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “It promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with Union County’s other green initiatives.”

The June 4^th shredding event will take place at the Union County College campus in Cranford, on Springfield Avenue opposite Nomahegan Park. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding personal documents from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. This is a garbage-free event so please bring your documents in paper bags if at all possible. Plastic bags and boxes will be returned. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place on Wednesday, June 8, at the Clark Public Works facility, 315 Westfield Ave. in Clark.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

Two Community Actions Agency Events Offered This Week for Union County Residents

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites low-income residents to attend two resource events this week as part of National Community Action Month.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with and support community action agencies during National Community Action Month and throughout the year to support our residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey will present “Community Resources for Older Adults and Choosing a Home Health Aide” at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24 at the Senior Resource Center at The Lavy House, 748 East Broad Street, Westfield. Registration is recommended. Contact 908-352-8375 or info@jfscentralnj.org.

On Thursday, May 26, The Gateway Family YMCA will host a Housing/Homeless Services Open House from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth.

Earlier this year, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously adopted a resolution declaring May as “National Community Action Month” in recognition of Union County’s community-based social services agencies that work to help residents overcome poverty. Agencies throughout the nation hosted events during the month of May to assist low-income Americans. 

“The purpose of National Community Action Month is to highlight the important role community action agencies have in helping low-income families move out of poverty and achieve economic security,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “As National Community Action month comes to an end, I’d like to remind our residents of services and programs available throughout the year to support those in need through our Department of Human Services.”

The Union County Department of Human Services, in partnership with other community based social services agencies, provides safety-net services to thousands of residents with food; rent and other housing assistance; utility assistance; victims of domestic violence; emergency/disaster relief; financial literacy; emergency shelter nights; youth/family stabilization; counseling for alcohol, drug abuse, and other mental health issues; veterans assistance; assistance for the disabled; medical transportation; and, workforce development training, job search and placement.

This year marks the 52^nd anniversary of National Community Action.  On August 20, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) which created a variety of programs, including Community Action Agencies, as part of his administration’s War on Poverty. Today, community action agencies cover 99% of America’s counties in suburban, rural, and urban communities. It is estimated that each year, these agencies help 20 million low-income people achieve economic stability.

For more information about the above mentioned May events, and services available for low income individuals and families, contact Leslie Gutierrez, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, (908) 527-4861.  For information about all other Human Services and Union County government services and programs, visit the Union County government website www.ucnj.org.

Pictured is Freeholder Vernell Wright with her granddaughter, Andrea Johnson, and NJAC Executive Director John Donnadio.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi welcomes members of the Union County Municipal Clerks Association at the County Clerk’s annual appreciation luncheon in honor of Municipal Clerks Week. This year’s luncheon was held at Liberty Hall Museum in Union.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Become a 4-H volunteer and help create life-changing experiences for youth in your community. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is seeking adult volunteer leaders for their 4-H LEGO Robotics Club and Pet Club this fall.

“Volunteer leaders are a valued and essential part of 4-H youth development programs helping students to explore their interests and share them with the community in a supportive and collaborative environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support 4-H and its guiding principles of thoughtfulness, community service and healthy living.”

Union County’s 4-H LEGO Robotics Club engages students in 5^th and 6^th grades in hands-on technology experiments that focus on science, mathematics and language concepts. Students explore LEGO robot building with typical LEGO bricks, sensors, a motor and a few other specialty pieces. The basics of programming, engineering, and constructing are all part of the process. Students are encouraged to use creativity, teamwork and problem solving.

Union County’s 4-H Pet Club provides 1^st and 2^nd grade students who love pets a fun opportunity to learn all about pet care while developing key life skills including teamwork and decision making. Students explore animal ownership responsibilities including, grooming, training and exercise, feeding, and safety.

Both Union County 4-H clubs will meet at the Collen Fraser Building in Westfield on Saturday morning starting in September. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Program provides training for adult leaders and curriculum materials for each club. For more information or to apply for the Union County 4-H adult volunteer leader positions please contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent at 908-654-9854 or email him at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County 4-H Clubs are run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board. The clubs belong to a 100-year American tradition established by the U.S Department of Agriculture by an Act of Congress, originally meant to help rural communities connect with useful information about agriculture and family health.

Over the years, 4-H has kept pace with the shift to urban and suburban life, using popular activities to help youngsters to engage in civic affairs and develop related skills such as teamwork and public speaking.

In Union County, the current 4-H slate includes modern clubs like Anime, Lego Robotics, S.T.E.M. and Fashion Design. The program also offers traditional favorites such as horticulture, cooking and archery. Students can also join a Variety Club and explore topics of their own creation. For older students, 4-H offers membership in the Community Service Club, which plans and conducts community service programs throughout Union County.

For more information about Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and the Union County 4-H clubs visit ucnj.org/rce or call 908-654-9854.

This past weekend Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Angel G. Estrada attended the 27th Annual Union County Spring Garden Fair at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

This event was a success with many gardeners look forward to this spring garden fair every year. Gardeners can get free, reliable tips from the Master Gardeners of Union County who are trained and certified volunteer by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with the support of the Freeholder Board.

Pictured from left to right are: Richard Leister (President of Union County Masters Gardens), Madeline DiNardo (County Agriculture Agent), Fred Taylor, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, Joanne Krueger (Chair of Spring Gardens Fair

Star-studded lineup includes  Sister Sledge, C&C Music Factory, Blackstreet, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announce that the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival will kick off the Summer season at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 4th with an exciting lineup of entertainment, featuring Sister Sledge, whose hit song “We Are Family,” became a worldwide anthem at the end of the ‘70s.

The event runs from noon to 6 p.m., and also features the high-energy dance music of C&C Music Factory (“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”, “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)”, “Things That Make You Go Hmmm”), the Grammy Award-winning R&B act, Blackstreet (“No Diggity”), and guitar-inspired blues act, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.

“This is going to be a tremendous musical event with such well-known acts,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We hope our residents will be able to meet up with friends and family, listen to some great music and enjoy a day at the park.”

“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is a signature event for Union County and a great showcase for the City of Plainfield as well,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of Plainfield. “This show is packed with extraordinary entertainment, and is a great way to kick off the Summer season in our parks.”

Rhythm and Blues by the Brook features free activities for young children, including inflatable rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. The children’s area will open at 12:00 noon and close at 4:30 p.m., when the main act takes the stage.

Returning to Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is the G-Wiz Classic & Exotic Automotive SuperShow, located near the basketball court across from the concert area.

Food vendors will be on site, and a number of picnic tables will be conveniently located under a tent in the concert “outfield.” Concert-goers are also welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Tips For Those Attending:

• Persons with disabilities: Designated parking is available inside the park.
• Walking and biking: Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike. Cyclists, please wear a helmet and bring a bike lock.
• Mass transit: The concert area at Cedar Brook Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the NJ Transit train station in downtown Plainfield. For more transit information, visit: ucnj.org/connect.
• Driving: To find Cedar Brook Park on Google Maps, search under “Park Avenue and Cedar Brook Park Drive, Plainfield NJ.”
• Parking: Please be prepared to park several blocks away and walk to the park.
• Seating: Visitors may bring blankets and folding chairs. Small tents and canopies are permitted in an area marked with a white line outside of the central viewing area.
• Sun Safety: Bring plenty of sun block and wear a sun hat. Visitors may bring umbrellas. A limited number of shaded picnic tables are available. Bug spray is also recommended.
• Food and Water: A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Visitors may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks (County policy prohibits alcoholic beverages in the park).
• Grilling is permitted outside of the central viewing area.
• Pets: A large crowd is expected, so with the exception of service animals, please leave pets at home.
• Recycling: Please make use of the recycling containers placed around and inside the concert area.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in County parks.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Vernell Wright present a resolution in honor of Police Week to Union County Police Captain Martin Mogensen, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Captain James Russo, Union County Sheriff’s Captain Dennis Burke and members of the Union County SWAT team after a special weapons and tactics demonstration at the SWAT Range in Springfield. They were joined by Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park. Mayors, police chiefs and officials from municipalities throughout Union County attended the informative SWAT demonstration. National Police Week takes place from Sunday, May 15 through Saturday, May 21, 2016. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)