Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents to prepare for rainy weather, as the Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun and the first tropical storm of the season is working its way up the eastern seaboard.

“Union County will experience some heavy rain and wind in advance of the holiday weekend,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “This is a good opportunity to check how prepared you are for more severe weather events as the hurricane season picks up.”

Since being impacted by Hurricane Irene in August 2010, Union County has experienced a string of damaging weather events including Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

“We have learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to the unusual weather patterns associated with climate change,” said Hudak. “That means it’s more important now than ever to plan ahead for weather-related emergencies.”

Standard emergency preparedness includes maintaining a supply of non-perishable food, fresh water, and basic first aid supplies.

To help County residents prepare, the Union County home page features a new “Plan Ahead for Weather Emergencies” link at ucnj.org. It enables handy access to guidance from the federal emergency website,ready.gov, along with links to websites and social media for Union County and the 21 municipalities.

Additional guidance relating to health and safety before, during, and after a weather emergency is also available from the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov.

As part of their emergency preparedness measures, residents and businesses are asked to check their property and secure lightweight yard furniture, trash cans, toys, and other items that could create windblown hazards.

“The most crucial thing to do is to stay informed in the lead-up to an extreme weather event, and follow the guidance of local emergency officials,” Hudak noted. “Your preparedness will enable first responders to focus on helping those in immediate need.”

During emergencies, residents automatically receive warnings on land lines at home, through the reverse-911 system. To receive alerts on cell phones and other mobile devices, residents can join the Union County First Alert system by signing up online at ucfirstalert.org.

“When you receive an alert, follow up by tuning in to your local news reports. You can also bookmark the home page of the Union County website, ucnj.org, where information and updates will be posted,” said Hudak.

Information on the progress of Tropical Storm Arthur is available from the National Hurricane Center atnhc.noaa.gov.

Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter attwitter.com/countyofunionnj.

 

Union County, NJ – Four students shared the energetic diversity of Union County with their peers from across New Jersey last month, as they participated in the annual 4-H Public Presentation Contest at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The four were selected for the statewide contest from a pool of 41 participants in the Union County 4-H public speaking event held earlier this year.

“Union County 4-H encourages young people to explore their interests while building communication and leadership skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank Kyle, Adrian, Vivek, and Angela for their very spirited and capable representation of our Union County community in this statewide event.”

A total of 180 New Jersey 4-H members participated in the statewide contest.  The members from Union County were:

• Kyle Grant, Basketball, 9th grade, Union.
• Adrian Lam, The Art of Juggling, 9th grade, Westfield. Adrian was awarded the medal for Outstanding Presenter in his group.
• Vivek Sreenivasan, Robotics for Fun, 9th grade, Westfield.
• Angela Waldmann, Vocal Performance of “Let it Go” and History of Song, 8th grade, Roselle.

4-H Public Presentations is a youth development program of the statewide Rutgers Cooperative Extension, designed to provide students with experience in creating and delivering a public talk. 4-H members from grades 8-12 who received a score of excellent on their county presentation were eligible to attend the statewide event.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

The clubs are open to all Union County students in grades one through 12. Popular clubs include archery, Lego robotics, anime, cooking, horticulture, and living history.

The 4-H activity season runs concurrently with the school year and an Open House is held each September to help students match their interests with a club. For more details and an Open House invitation, visitucnj.org/rce.

For additional information contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 orNichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu, or visit the Extension online at ucnj.org/rce.

Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter attwitter.com/countyofunionnj.

 

Union County, NJ – For a unique look at trees through the eyes of aspiring young writers visit the Union County website atucnj.org, where you can read 15 winning poems from the 2014 Young Writers of Union County Poetry Contest. The contest is part of Union County’s annual Arbor Day celebration.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would to thank each student who submitted a poem,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “All of the poems were thoughtful and creative, and together they demonstrate how trees make an enriching contribution to the quality of life here in Union County. It is a real pleasure to share some of these heartfelt words in a public forum.”

The poetry contest is sponsored each year by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Shade Tree Advisory Board. Intended to encourage young people to explore the many contributions that trees make to the Union County, the contest is open to students in all Union County Schools in grades four through eight.

Trees trap airborne pollutants, and they improve local waterways by filtering rainwater and preventing soil erosion. They also help to reduce storm flooding, partly because their leaves intercept rain and give it more time to evaporate before reaching the ground.

Trees can also help Union County residents save on their energy bills. When strategically placed around a home, trees provide shade in the summer that can result in a 50 percent cut on a typical cooling bill. In the winter they act as windbreakers, helping to reduce heating costs.

In recognition of the environmental, public health, and economic benefits of trees, Union County practices a comprehensive approach to tree conservation.

That includes planting new and replacement trees on County property and providing grants for trees on municipal property, as well as supporting the poetry contest and other public outreach efforts.

The Freeholder Board also helps to support the Rutgers 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County, who provide classroom lessons and other community service projects relating to tree conservation.

To find out more about tree care in Union County, or to volunteer to join the Master Tree Stewards, contact James Nichnadowicz, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, 908-654-9854 orjnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter attwitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Photo: A view of the Sierra Trail in the Watchung Reservation one of 36 Union County parks spanning almost 6,800 acres of preserved open space. (County of Union, NJ).

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Summer is here and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering a “Summer Savings Special” for all Union County residents from July 5ththrough July 27th .

For every public trail ride scheduled on weekends during the month of July, each trail ride purchased by a Union County resident will receive a discounted rate on that day for a second rider. The cost for the first rider will be $32; the second participant will receive the rate of $20.

The public trail rides are held every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. All participants must be nine years of age or older. A valid form of ID is required to receive a discount.

For those younger riders less than nine years of age, Watchung Stable offers lead lines on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., weather permitting. Lead lines are held on a first come, first served basis. The cost for a lead line is $18 for Union County residents and $26 for out-of-county participants. Lead lines are half-hour rides only.

Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals or groups up to 15 people. These rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time. The cost of the private rides are the rental fee (in-county $32 per horse; out-of-county $45) and an additional $32 for the instructor. The discounted rate does not apply for private trail rides or lead lines.

The trail rides and lead lines are held at Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Watchung Stable is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information, call (908) 789-3665 during the normal office hours; visit www.ucnj.org/stable; or e-mail questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that another date has been added to the “Jersey Fresh” Farmers’ Market voucher distribution program. The new date is Tuesday, July 1, at the Elizabeth Avenue Farmers Market in Elizabeth.

“We are very happy to be able to expand the Jersey Fresh program,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak. “The additional date and location will help provide more eligible seniors with access to fresh, nutritious produce from local farmers.”

 

The Jersey Fresh program enables income-eligible seniors to obtain free vouchers for fresh produce at local Farmers’ Markets.

Each eligible participant will receive vouchers for $20 worth of produce at no cost, in four five-dollar increments.  The vouchers can be used throughout the Farmers Market season, which ends in November.

The amount is broken into four increments so that participants can purchase smaller amounts of produce at a time, helping to ensure freshness.

To qualify, an individual must be at least 60 years of age and have an annual income that does not exceed $21,590. For a married couple, the combined income may not exceed $29,101.

Proof of age, residency and income are required to participate, in the form of a Medicaid card, SSI card, SNAP verification, or annual pension and Social Security income statement.

Registration forms can be obtained at any Senior Nutrition sites and Senior Centers throughout Union County. Participants who have registered may pick up their vouchers at the following locations.

Registration forms are also available at these locations, and produce is for sale at some of them:

Tuesday July 1

Elizabeth Avenue Farmer’s Market

1 Union Square Plaza (Elizabeth Avenue and High Street), Elizabeth

Vouchers distributed 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Farmer will be at this site.

 

Wednesday July 2

Hillside Senior Center

265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside

Vouchers distributed 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

(No farmer at this site)

 

Monday July 7

O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center

622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth

Vouchers distributed 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

(Farmer will be at this site)

 

Wednesday July 9

Liberty Square Senior Center

240 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth

Vouchers distributed 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

(No farmer at this site)

 

Thursday July 10

E-Port Commons

205 1st St., Elizabeth

Vouchers distributed 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

(No farmer at this site)

 

Monday July 14

Ann Ferguson Towers

1601 Dill Ave., Linden

Vouchers distributed 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

(Farmer will be at this site)

 

Thursday July 17

Cranford Senior Housing

40 Meeker St. (social center), Cranford

Vouchers distributed 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

(No farmer at this site)

 

Monday July 21

Farley Towers

33 Cherry St., Elizabeth

Vouchers distributed 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

(No Farmer at this site)

 

Wednesday July 23

Golden Age Towers

200 E. Milton Ave., Rahway

Vouchers distributed 10:00 a.m.  – 12:00 noon

(Farmer will be at this site)

 

Monday July 28

Ford Leonard Towers

69 Division St., Elizabeth

Vouchers distributed 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

(No farmer at this site)

 

Wednesday July 30

Plainfield Senior Center

400 E. Front St., Plainfield

Vouchers distributed 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

(Farmer will be at this site)

 

Only fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in New Jersey can be purchased with the Farmers’ Market Program vouchers. They can be used only at markets displaying the WIC Farmers’ Market poster.

The Farmers’ Market Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

For more information about the Farmers’ Market, Union County’s senior nutrition programs or any other senior services, call the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) toll free, 888-280-8226, or call 908-527-4870.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

photos below

 

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Wolf Kretlow of Roselle in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his work entitled “Union County Impressions” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until July 27. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are delighted to display Wolf Kretlow’s images of Union County’s historic buildings and scenic parks,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The quality of his work is well known and captures the beauty of our area. We are very glad to present a collection of his work at the Pearl Street Gallery.”

Wolf Kretlow was born in Berlin, Germany and grew up in Munich. He moved to Union County in 1966 and began photographing local scenes, nature and architecture 30 years ago. He is self-trained, studying through photography books, careful observation and conversations on technique with photographers, and years of shooting and printing photographs.

Working with a Sony 35mm SLR digital camera, a variety of lenses, Photoshop and other software programs, and an Epson color printer, he creates vibrant and detailed prints of his beautifully composed photographs. In 2010, Wolf Kretlow won first place in the non-professional photography category in the Union County Senior Art Show. He recently placed second in that category in the 2012 Union County Senior Art Show.

Mr. Kretlow generously shares his talents as a volunteer photographer for the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. His work has graced the cover of the pamphlet “In & About Union County” and his beautiful photographs of the historic Saint John’s Parsonage, site of the Cultural and Heritage Office, have portrayed the building throughout the seasons.

Wolf photographed events at the Teen Arts Festival in 2011 and 2012, and he documented the New Jersey State Senior Art Show in 2011. He worked as a freelance photographer for the Historic Midtown Elizabeth Special Improvement District, Liberty Hall Museum, and The National Arts Program® for Union County Employees and Their Families. He is a wedding photographer as well.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Free on-site parking is available. Telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to:culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Mosquito Control Spraying – Friday, June 20th

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 908-654-9834.

Adult Mosquito Spraying between 7pm and 12am (weather permitting)

Berkeley Hts. –Mt. Carmel Area, Public works Yard, Shadow La.,

Clark – Conger Way, Schwin Dr., Frances Dr., St. Agnes Church, Featherbed La., Parkway Dr., Poplar Ter., Norwood Cir.

Cranford – Crane Pkwy., Stoughton Ave., Retford Ave.,

Elizabeth – Clarkson Ave., 4th Ave. Area.

Fanwood – Farley Ave. Area

Garwood – Hickory Ave. Area.

Hillside – Purce St., Area, Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., Aldine St., Westminster Area, Sterner Rd., Roanoke Ave.

Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Water Co. Rd., Lafayette Ave.

Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Fire Academy, Air Port Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Minor Ter., Elmwood Ter., S. Wood Ave.

Plainfield – Rock Ave, Myrtle Ave., 1st Ave., Abbond Ct., Reeves Ter., Wiley Ave., St. Nicholas Blvd., Sumner Ave., Cushing Ave, Terrill Rd., Knollwood Ct., Worth Dr.,

Rahway – Lufberry St. Area, Leesville Ave, Main St., Central Ave., Church St., New Church St., Donald Ave., Elizabeth Ave., Whittier St., Jones Pl., Price St., Allen St. Area.

Roselle – Spruce St., Columbus Ave., Chestnut St., Christiani St., Hory St., Pine St., Raritan Rd.,

Roselle Park – E. Colfax Ave., E. Clay Ave., Pershing Ave., Walking Trail between Chestnut St. and Galloping Hill Rd.

Scotch Plains – North Ave., South Ave. by County D.P.W., Algonquin Dr., High View Ct. Redwood Rd Area, Frank St.

Springfield – Diven St. Area, Layng Ter. Area, Marion Ave. Area

Summit – Kent Place Blvd.

Union – Audrey Ter., Garden St., Rahway Ave., Morris Ave. (Akzo-Noble Paint Co.), Brighton St., Gifford Ct., Fairway Dr., Prospect St.

Westfield – Salter Pl., Benson Pl., Chestnut St.,

Winfield Pk. – Union County Pkwy.

Town Parks – Tamaques, Memorial

County Parks – Oak Ridge, Warinanco, Rahway, Unami, Conant

Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh has been named a recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award by the National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA).

NOSLINA was founded in 1998 to help provide humanitarian relief, educational services and other assistance in support of democratic progress in Sierra Leone.

“This is an outstanding recognition for Freeholder Jalloh, and it is reflective of his tireless advocacy for education and community service both here in Union County and in Sierra Leone,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “He is an exemplary public servant and we are extremely proud of him.”

“It is a profoundly meaningful recognition, both for those who share our heritage and also for all those who work toward the cause of social, economic and political progress around the world.” said Jalloh. “I hope to in time be able to fulfill the high expectations of all those who support and believe in me. I am truly humbled by this honor.”

Freeholder Jalloh’s father, Chernor Abdulai Jalloh, was born in Sierra Leone and immigrated to the U.S. in 1971. He has a long list of community achievements including membership on President Bill Clinton’s National Summit on Africa and Assistant Director of the Africana Institute at Essex County College. He has been a strong advocate in the Sierra Leonean and African Diaspora of New Jersey.

Freeholder Jalloh holds a B.S. in Communication and African American Studies from Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Tenth Leadership Institute and a founding member of the African American Male Congress Honors Society. He earned his law degree at Rutgers Law where he was a member of the Association of Black Law Students and the Association of Latin American Students.

Freeholder Jalloh is an Adjunct Professor at Kean University where he teaches negotiation, debate, citizenship, and public speaking. His private law practice focuses on education law, nonprofit law, and Charter Schools. Jalloh is also on the advisory boards for St. Joseph the Carpenter Middle School and Roselle Catholic High School, and he is an active member of various professional and social organizations including the N.A.A.C.P and the Garden State Bar Association.

NOSLINA will officially confer the award upon Freeholder Jalloh at its annual gala on Saturday, May 5 in Washington, D.C.

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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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

l. to r. Freeholders Bruce Bergen, Vernell Wright, Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak Mohamed Jalloh, Chairman Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski, Sergio Granados, Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Judge Karen Cassidy, and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella

 

ELIZABETH –Union County officials today held ground-breaking ceremonies for the new Union County Family Courthouse that will become the dedicated home of a number of the Family Division courtrooms in Union County .

Planned for approximately 80,000 square feet of space, the new building at 10 Cherry Street will provide enhanced security and public access and is designed to receive USGBC LEED Certification for full environmental compliance.

“This new Family Courthouse will be a state-of-the-art facility that will meet the needs of Union County families and our Courts for many, many years to come,” said Daniel P. Sullivan, executive director of the Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA), which financed the Courthouse project and is managing its construction and completion.

“By utilizing the UCIA’s ability to offer lower cost financing, we are also saving taxpayers money while adding a much-needed facility that will be of benefit to thousands of Union County residents,” said Mr. Sullivan.

Union Vicinage Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy said, “We are pleased that we will have a courthouse that can accommodate the latest in technology and security to serve judges, staff, lawyers and litigants. We look forward to working cooperatively with the county agencies as the project moves forward. On behalf of the Judiciary, I thank all who have made this critical improvement possible.

The anticipated completion date is December 2014.

Union County Freeholder Chairwoman Linda Carter praised the UCIA for its efforts and noted that the building will be a major improvement for families and for the county court system.

“This facility will ensure that families have greater privacy and court personnel have greater security and improved work areas,” said Ms. Carter.  “Just as importantly, this new building will free up other court space so that our judicial system can function smoothly with as few delays as possible,” she added.

    

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Ronald Aronds, Esq., of Clark in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his work entitled “Gone: Extinct and Rare Birds and Animals” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until August 15.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Aronds’ distinctive paintings of birds and rare wildlife on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit shows a unique perspective of wildlife and boldly colorful design.”

Ronald Aronds is an Attorney at Law and a retired Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is a self-taught artist who has loved painting since childhood. In October 2013, he exhibited at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark at the Lawyers for the Arts show.

Another life-long interest of his is bird watching. Having travelled around the country and the world, he combines his interests in these unusual paintings of rare and extinct birds, along with two other rare and elusive creatures: the Tasmanian Tiger (the Thylacine), and a lake monster found in Lake Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada.

Aronds uses oil paint on canvas. He likes to blend colors to create a vibrant look. Sometimes a whimsical approach is taken, but for the most part he instills the seriousness of the gaps left in the natural world with the death of an entire species.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org