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Bridge deck project advances to new stage

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a traffic shift on Route 22 westbound and a detour of Rosemont Avenue to establish a new stage in construction as the Route 22 westbound over Burke Parkway bridge replacement project advances in Union County.

Starting at 10 p.m. Friday, April 15 and continuing for several weeks, NJDOT’s contractor Power Concrete, Co. Inc., is scheduled to temporarily close travel lanes on Route 22 westbound for asphalt pavement, concrete curb, guiderail and fence work before and after the bridge. The overnight operations for this stage in construction will shift motorists onto the left-side of the bridge and detour traffic for the Rosemont Avenue exit from Route 22 westbound. The following detour will be in place:

Detour from Route 22 westbound to Rosemont Avenue

• Motorists attempting to take the Rosemont Avenue exit will be directed to continue on Route 22 and make a right onto Wewanna Avenue, and make the next right onto Lansdowne Avenue
• From Lansdowne Avenue, motorists will proceed back onto Rosemont Avenue

The $2 million bridge deck replacement project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2016. The project is being constructed in stages, which began with the new deck and parapets. Each stage is re-constructing approximately one third of the bridge deck at a time. The bridge deck replacement project includes milling and paving the bridge approaches, and reconstructing the guide rail, sidewalk, and curb. As the project progresses, NJDOT will provide information before any closures or detours are implemented.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to provide advance notification to motorists of traffic pattern changes associated with the work.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.

COUNTY OF UNION ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH HOME FOR GOOD DOG RESCUE

County to co-sponsor public events in Summit and Cranford promoting dog adoptions and family fun with Berkeley Heights-based non-profit

UNION COUNTY— The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced it will co-sponsor events this year supporting Home for Good Dog Rescue, a Berkeley Heights-based non-profit organization which works to save dogs from high-kill shelters, and place them in loving homes.

“We are pleased to announce this partnership to support Home for Good Dog Rescue in their mission to provide happy, healthy pets with a permanent home,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, who is also a dog owner. “These are dogs who through no fault of their own, wound up facing euthanization, and deserve a second chance at life.”

As part of his Freeholder initiatives for 2016, Chairman Bergen announced the County would partner with an organization that would run a dog event. Bergen also announced efforts to create a regional animal shelter that would provide municipalities with a consistent level of animal control while promoting humane treatment.

The sponsorship of Home for Good Dog Rescue will involve providing equipment and materials, and manpower for an upcoming event at Nomahegan Park on April 30^th in Cranford—the 5K Run and 5K Doggy Dash, and for their signature event, their sixth annual Bark-A-Que and Dog Adoption event coming up on September 10th at the Village Green in Summit.

“We are so thrilled to partner with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, especially for our upcoming 5K Run and Doggy Dash later this month,” Shari Gold, Home for Good Dog Rescue’s Manager of Development, said. “Last year’s event at Nomahegan Park was great, and we know that with the county’s support, this year will be even better!”

Various studies have shown pets (particularly dogs) to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial. Pet ownership can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups. 

Also, animal advocates note that shelter adoptions are also another way to combat the burgeoning puppy mill business–“factory style” breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Animals from puppy mills are housed in poor conditions with improper medical care, and are often very sick and behaviorally troubled as a result. Earlier this year, the County of Union passed a resolution supporting NJ State Senator Raymond Lesniak’s bill that would ban or curtail the operation of puppy mills in New Jersey.

Home for Good Dog Rescue is a 100% foster-based, non-profit 501(c) (3) dog rescue established in 2010 in Summit, New Jersey with offices in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

The Second Annual 5K Run and Doggy Dash event coming up on April 30^th from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. The event is on a USATF Certified course.  There will also be a 1 Mile Dog Walk for non-runners.  You can register online at: Register.Compuscore.com/HomeforGood5K.

The event will be held from 8A.M-11A.M. rain or shine. There will be t-shirts, refreshments and prizes awarded to the top 5K runners and the top 5K runner/canine teams.  For more information about Home for Good Dog Rescue, please go to: http://homeforgooddogs.org/

Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Union County Surrogate James LaCorte congratulate the top winners of the 2016 “My County” poster contest sponsored by the Union County Constitutional Officers.

The top winners of the contest are (from 2^nd left): Reed Cabral (1st place) from St. Bartholomew Academy in Scotch Plains, Tatiana Fecowycz (2nd place) from Holy Trinity Interparochial School in Westfield, Julia Polo (3rd place) from St. John the Apostle Elementary School in Clark and Jonathan Moncayo (4th place) from the Ronald Reagan Academy #30 in Elizabeth.

More than 200 fourth grade students from schools throughout Union County entered the contest.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados joined Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Union County College President Margaret McMenamin and Victor Richel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Union County College, in congratulating Obadiah Dryer, Claudio Argemi, David Guevara, Kun Yu Chou and Dexter Vally who recently graduated from the Metal Fabrication/CNC Machinist training program for high-tech jobs in advanced manufacturing during a ceremony in Elizabeth. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

In observance of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages Union County residents and parents to make vaccinating their children a priority and to talk to family and friends about protecting their children with vaccines.

During the week of April 16-23, Union County will observe NIIW, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of childhood immunizations.

“National Infant Immunization Week provides a valuable opportunity for our community to increase awareness of the importance for children to be vaccinated and the success of immunizations in preventing deadly diseases,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways for parents to protect their children against vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Among children born during 1994-2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes.

Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations. Countless more miss time from day care and school because they are under-immunized or inappropriately immunized.

Check your child’s immunization records and make sure they are up-to-date in their shots. For copies of your child’s immunization records, talk to your doctor.

If you’re concerned about the cost of shots, the Union County Immunization Center, offered through the Department of Human Services, can help. Children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, Native American or Alaska native, or have insurance that does not cover the cost of the vaccine can get their shots free of cost through the Union County Immunization Center. 

Located at 40 Parker Rd in Elizabeth, the UC Immunization Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about childhood immunizations, or to make an appointment call 908-965-3868.

Union County together with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, will be hosting two Public Information Center meetings to inform local residents, officials, businesses and the general public of the intersection safety improvement project for West Seventh Street (CR 601) in the City of Plainfield. The project includes three intersections (Central Avenue, Grant Avenue and Plainfield Avenue) and is being funding through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority using the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds.

The purpose of these meetings are to inform the public and solicit input and comments on the proposed improvements. These meetings are open to all members of the public. County engineering staff, a NJTPA representative and the consulting design engineer will be available to answer questions.

• Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2016
• Time: 2:00 pm and 7:00 p.m.
• Place: Plainfield Senior Center, 400 East Front Street, Plainfield, NJ

Written comments will be accepted through Friday, April 29, 2016. Comments may be mailed, faxed, or emailed to:

Freeholder Board’s UCACT Program Supports American premiere of “passionate, funny, uplifting” musical by Joe Slabe on April 21

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support American Theater Group (ATG), one of New Jersey’s newest nonprofit theatre companies, in the American premiere of Joe Slabe’s new musical Crossing Swords at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway April 21 to May 1.

“Through the Union County Advancing Community Theatre program, the Freeholder Board is proud to support performing arts events that celebrate creativity, engage the community, and encourage cultural tourism.” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “American Theater Group brings to Union County the opportunity for residents to experience the transformative power of theatre, which brings important social and economic impacts to the community.”

Directed by Igor Goldin, Crossing Swords is a passionate, funny and uplifting new musical by Joe Slabe about three high school students who attempt to put on a production of the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac. When rehearsals get underway jealousies simmer, tempers fly, and passions ignite as life imitates art. Crossing Swords features Broadway veterans Sarah Dacey Charles and Steven Hauck, and introduces exciting newcomers Chase Crandell, Ali Gordon, Jeremy Greenbaum.

Crossing Swords appeared at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) in 2013 where it received five Awards for Excellence. “When we first saw the piece at NYMTF, we knew that this is the type of theater we want to produce: heartfelt, uplifting, and passionate” says ATG’s Producing Artistic James N. Vagias.  “As a theater company, we look to find exciting new voices in musical theater, and we are honored to be part of Crossing Swords journey, and to introduce our audiences to the incredibly talented Joe Slabe”.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Union County Advancing Community Theatre (UCACT) program, ATG’s production of Crossing Swords will run from April 21 to May 1 at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway. For more information or to purchase tickets visit ucpac.org or call the UCPAC box office at 732-499-8226.

American Theater Group is one of New Jersey’s newest nonprofit professional theater companies.  Founded by New Jersey natives Jim Vagias, Joe Mancuso and Rick Sordelet, and under the Board leadership of Tony-Award winning actress Michele Pawk, ATG’s mission is to produce works by American Playwrights, with an emphasis on the development of new works and undeservedly neglected classics, and to nurture the audiences and artists of tomorrow by strong arts-in-education programming.  Now in its fourth season, ATG’ produces in the new state of the art facility, Hamilton Stage, an intimate 199 seat theater that is operated by the Union County Performing Arts Center.

The UCACT program launched in 2015 as a special initiative of Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh during his chairmanship and continues on the footsteps of last year’s success, which included a diverse body of work including two original plays, a student production, a new community theatre organization, among others featuring the high-quality artistic talent of many Union County residents.

The UCACT program aims to provide a strategic platform to support the development of Union County’s rich theatre talent by leveraging existing resources and broadening the definition of economic development and public recreation to include support for community theatre. For more information about UCACT visit ucnj.org/ucact.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, April 23, 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 Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, 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 Bruce H. Bergen. “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,” said Freeholder 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 April 23 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle . The next scheduled household hazardous waste collection will be on June 11 at the Union County College campus in Cranford.

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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are announcing that another 100 work at home, full-time private employment jobs will be available through the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center.

In fulfillment of Chairman Bruce Bergen’s Veterans initiatives for 2016, Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, also the liaison to the Workforce Investment Board, is announcing Veterans will be given preference in hiring. If interested, you must register for the informational session being held on Friday, April 29th, 10 a.m. at the Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth.

For more information, and to register, please go to:
www.ucnj.org/w…/100-work-at-home-full-time-jobs-registration

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will visit Roselle on Earth Day, Friday, April 22.

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

The April 22nd shredding event will take place near the Ice Skating Rink in Warinanco Park, off Park Street and Thompson Avenue in Roselle. 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 Friday, April 29^th at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

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 .