Author: Web Site Administrator

Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, (left), a longtime advocate for urban forestry, helped to give away 200 free willow oak and flowering dogwood saplings earlier this month. Receiving a willow oak is County resident Alan Hauser. The trees were donated by the New Jersey Tree Foundation in partnership with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl XLVIII Host Committee, and the US Forest Service as part of a five-county effort to replace trees destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. (Photo: County of Union/Betty Ann Kelly).

 

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella (R) presented a $88,000 Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund check to Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley (2nd R) and Roselle Recreation Director Donald Shaw.

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak (L) joined Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Mohamed Jalloh (R) in presenting a resolution to Michael Seaman of Linden congratulating him on being named the Union County Teacher of the Year for 2013-2014. Seaman is an eighth grade teacher at the Orange Avenue School in Cranford. He was chosen teacher of the year by a countywide panel of administrators, teachers, parents and county education association representatives convened by the executive county superintendents of schools.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Ten lucky homeowners in Rahway are having a portion of their yards transformed into customized, professionally designed rain gardens free of charge, as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce street flooding and improve water quality in the Robinson’s Branch Watershed in Rahway.

Rain gardens are specially constructed beds that use particular kinds of soil to help excess stormwater seep into the ground, rather than running off from lawns, driveways, or roof drains.

“The Rahway Rain Garden project is a wonderful demonstration of how individual actions can add up to achieve big benefits,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Rain gardens help to improve water resources, with the added benefit of contributing attractive features to local streetscapes.”

In addition to flood mitigation, rain gardens provide natural filtration that helps prevent urban runoff from adding pollutants to local waterways.

Because they are typically planted with native perennials, rain gardens also help to reduce the cost of yard maintenance. Compared to lawns, which require constant care during the growing season, the typical rain garden thrives with no fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, or water other than rainwater or snowmelt.

The Rahway Rain Garden Project is a program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, the Rutgers Water Resources Program, and the City of Rahway, with funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Participants were enlisted in for the project last spring. The program was limited to Rahway residences within the Robinson’s Branch watershed. The homes selected for the project are on Garden Street, Midwood Drive, Central Avenue., Elm Terrace, Briarcliffe Drive, and Keller Place.

As part of an effort to raise public awareness about the benefits of rain gardens, the participants agreed to permit images of their rain gardens to be posted on the Rutgers website. They will also have educational signs posted at their gardens.

The gardens were designed under the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program by Tobiah Horton, an Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University, and Richard Alomar, also an Assistant Professor in Landscape Architecture at Rutgers.

Union County residents who would like to know more about rain gardens can contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension Environmental Agent Michele Bakacs at 732-398-5274, or visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/rce.

For general gardening questions in Union County contact the free Garden Helpline, a Rutgers Extension service run by volunteer members of the Master Gardeners of Union County with support from the Freeholder Board, at 908-654-9852 or mastergardeners@ucnj.org.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces “A Guided Walk on the Geology Trail” for adults, ages 18 and older, on Saturday, November 2, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. as part of Trailside Nature and Science Center’s annual Rock, Gem and Mineral Show. The program is free, but donations are welcomed.

“This is a perfect chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the geological formations that are an ever present feature of the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

Geology comes alive on this informative, enjoyable and historic walk along the Ruth Canstein Yablonsky Geology Trail. Volcanoes, glaciers and continental drift will be discussed on the trail, along with the history and formation of the Watchung Mountains. Ruth Yablonsky was recently honored with the naming of the trail after the veteran naturalist. Be part of this inaugural walk as Yablonsky reveals lava flows still visible on the surface of the mountains and boulders pushed from the northwest corner of the state, all along a half-mile walk through the woods.

For additional information about this program or other adult programs or upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (R) presents resolutions to representatives of nine organizations commending them for their support and commitment as volunteer worksite members of the Union County Community Service Youth Offender Program. The organization are Family & Children’s Services of Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Social Service Center of Elizabeth, Fanwood-Scotch Plains Recycling Center, the Watchung Stables and Reservation in Mountainside, the City of Plainfield Department of Public Works, Downtown Westfield Corporation, the Kenilworth Veteran’s Center/VFW Post 2230, Rose of Sharon Church in Plainfield and  the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside. The Community Service Youth Offender Program is a Union County initiative, which focuses on delinquency prevention and helping restore communities. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has approved the allocation of almost $1.4 million in funding for local community projects through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The monies will help preserve historic treasures, improve recreation for children, and plant trees.

“Union County voters overwhelmingly approved the Trust Fund more than a dozen years ago because they believed in the value of preserving and improving public resources, and today our communities are still benefiting from this legacy of civic responsibility,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It makes me very proud to know that these funds continue to go to worthy causes.”

The Trust Fund was established in the 2000 election year by popular referendum. The initial goal was to acquire and preserve 100 acres of the rapidly dwindling amount of natural open space left in Union County.

In addition to surpassing that benchmark with acquisitions totaling more than 300 acres countywide, the Trust Fund now includes three matching grant programs that are designed to fit the individual needs and priorities of the 21 municipalities in Union County.

The Preserve Union County program was added in 2003. Providing for grants every other year, it is a merit-based grant program that helps save civic landmarks and historic sites. Eligible projects also include barrier-free access such as ramps, restrooms and elevators.

This year’s Preserve Union County total is $303,000, bringing the overall Preserve Union County total since its inception to approximately $2.8 million.

Some highlights from this year’s round of funding include $20,000 for the Patricia M. Kuran Cultural Center in Fanwood, $25,000 for the Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth, and $20,850 for the Nathaniel Drake House in Plainfield.

The Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund was established as an initiative of Freeholder Angel G. Estrada in 2004, to help municipalities upgrade their recreational facilities for children. It consists of matching dollar-for-dollar grants that are based on proposals by the municipalities.

Eligible projects can include the improvement of existing playing fields and other facilities, and the construction of new facilities. Bike trails and certain other all-ages projects are also eligible.

The total for the Kids’ Trust Fund in 2013 is $1,027,500.

The third program, which also launched in 2004 as an initiative of Freeholder Estrada, is called Greening Union County. It provides matching tree-for-tree grants to help reduce air pollution, cool off urban “heat islands” in warm weather, and provide aesthetic improvements to business districts, public facilities and residential areas.

This year, Greening Union County grants for trees totaled $67,600 for approximately 688 trees.

Since 2004, well over 6,000 trees have been planted through Greening Union County. That includes grants for street trees as well as trees at public historic sites, parks and other public facilities.

2013 Preserve Union County Grants:
1. Old First Historic Trust, for First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth ($20,000).
2. City of Elizabeth, for Elizabeth River Trail ($25,396).
3. City of Elizabeth, for Elizabeth Public Library ($20,000).
4. Borough of Fanwood, for Patricia M. Kuran Cultural Center ($20,000).
5. Kenilworth Historic Society Inc., for Oswald J. Nitschke House ($25,000).
6. Mountainside Restoration Committee, for Levi-Cory House ($30,000).
7. City of Plainfield, for Lampkin House and Barn ($25,000).
8. Historical Society of Plainfield, for Nathaniel Drake House ($20,000).
9. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, for St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (($16,770)
10. Merchants & Drivers Tavern Museum Association, for Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum ($20,000).
11. Township of Scotch Plains, for Shady Rest Country Club ($25,000).
12. First Presbyterian Church of Connecticut Farms, for Connecticut Farms Church ($30,000).
13. Liberty Hall Museum Inc., for Liberty Hall Museum – Carriage House ($25,000).
(Total: $303,016)

Kids Recreation Trust Fund Grants:
1. Berkeley Heights — $10,000 for Police Athletic League.
2. Clark — $23,245 for sand volleyball installation and roller hockey rink improvements.
3. Cranford — $88,000 for Memorial Field, Roosevelt Playground, and Sherman Field improvements.
4. Elizabeth — $88,000 for Elizabeth Conservancy.
5. Fanwood — $18,000 for improvements to ice skating rink.
6. Garwood — $25,000 for security camera, picnic tables, fence, chairs, phone system, and defibrillator.
7. Hillside — $38,959 for light protectors, fans, basketball equipment, signs, bleachers, benches and Health Quest fitness cluster.
8. Linden — $66,000 for improvements to Al Kalla Park and Memorial Park.
9. Mountainside — $18,250 for improvements to Deerfield school, Echo Brook, and pool facilities.
10. New Providence — $50,000 for improvements to Lincoln and Leider fields.
11. Plainfield — $88,000 for improvements to playgrounds at Seidler Field.
12. Rahway — $124,080 for improvements to softball field, and tennis and basketball courts.
13. Roselle — $88,000 for improvements to Cristiani Park.
14. Scotch Plains — $10,000 for 16 tables for day camp.
15. Springfield — $66,000 for improvements to Chisholm Recreation Center.
16. Summit — $50,000 for improvements to bocce court and Wilson Park.
17. Union — $88,000 for a tractor and improvements to Rabkin Park.
18. Westfield — $88,000 for turf at Houlihan and Fay fields.
(Total: $1,027,534.00)

Greening Union County Grants:
Berkeley Heights — $1,304
Cranford — $4,250
Elizabeth — $17,200
Fanwood — $1,356.50
Linden — $11,250
New Providence — $4,800
Plainfield — $12,005
Rahway — $1,500
Springfield — $2,000
Summit — $6,250
Union — $4,700
(Total: $67,615.50 for approximately 688 trees)

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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite local crafters and artisans to market their wares at the 30th Annual Holiday Nature Craft Show on Sunday, December 8. The show will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This Holiday Nature Craft Show includes more than 40 vendors selling handcrafted items. A limited number of openings are still available for crafters who make natural wreaths, ornaments,

handmade gift baskets, and hand-painted or stenciled home décor. Also sought are vendors who create garden art, live green arrangements, basketry, unique children’s toys, stained glass, and gift items with wildlife, gardening, nature, or recycling themes. Interested crafters should contact Christi Lorenson at Trailside at 908-789-3670, ext. -3427.

The Holiday Nature Craft Show will be held in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration. The festive gathering will offer numerous other activities, including caroling, children’s face painting, and a visit from Santa. A charity drive will also be conducted for the collection of canned or dry food and new toys for distribution through local charities.

For additional information about this event please call Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Saturday, November 2, at Alcatel-Lucent in New Providence.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Solid Waste Advisory Council. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”

The Nov. 2nd shredding event will take place at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. NEXCUT Shredding of Teaneck will be shredding documents at the site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding 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. Documents should not be bound. 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. This will be the final Union County-sponsored shredding event for this year.

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 Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

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Union County, NJ – Union County’s annual Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Walk features a full slate of free children’s activities, all in the cause of raising awareness about preventing drug and alcohol abuse. This year’s Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Walk will be held on Saturday, October 19 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, including free family activities and a family fun walk. The rain date for the event will be Saturday, October 26 at the same time and location.

“The Red Ribbon Walk is a great opportunity for parents to start talking about healthy living in a positive, welcoming environment. The Freeholder Board is very proud to support this valuable community service,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

The Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Walk is held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will include free activities such as a petting zoo, field games, face painting, and a helicopter landing.

The Walk portion of the event will begin at approximately 12:30, at the conclusion of the Formal Ceremony.

Organizations can also raise funds for the Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Walk through a unique 50/50 fundraiser where a charity or group of your choice receives half of the donations you collect. For information visit Prevention Links, a Red Ribbon sponsor, at preventionlinks.org or call 732-381-4100.

The national Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Campaign commemorates the life of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while conducting an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer before joining the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Walk is supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links and the Union County D.A.R.E. Officers Association.

For more information about the Red Ribbon Campaign and all Red Ribbon activities, contact Prevention Links at info@preventionlinks.org or 732-381-4100.

For information about Union County parks visit ucnj.org or call 908-527-4900.

 

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