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spanish-releases

EL CONDADO DE UNION PRESENTA NUEVAS TABLASDE COMUNICACIÓN DURANTE EL MES DEL ORGULLO DE LA DISCAPACIDAD

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se enorgullece en anunciar la introducción de innovadores tableros de comunicación destinados a facilitar la comunicación y la interacción de los niños no verbales, como parte del tema del cPresidente de la Junta de Comisionados Sergio Granados de “Construir un condado de Union más fuerte” para 2023.  Esta iniciativa, presentada durante la conmemoración del Mes del Orgullo de la Discapacidad en julio, significa un importante paso adelante en la promoción de la inclusión y la accesibilidad para todos los residentes.

“Con la instalación de estas tablas estamos en un camino continúo hacia la promoción de la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados Sergio Granados. “Estos tableros de comunicación ofrecen beneficios que se extienden más allá de las personas con discapacidades. También brindan asistencia valiosa a los niños que aprenden a hablar, a las personas que hablan diferentes idiomas dentro de nuestra comunidad diversa y a muchos otros. Al crear estos espacios donde las personas se sienten escuchadas y seguras, nuestro objetivo es tener un impacto positivo duradero en los niños y sus familias, permitiéndoles comunicarse, conectarse y participar activamente en nuestra comunidad. Estas tablas ejemplifican el sólido compromiso del Condado de Union de fomentar un entorno inclusivo que valore a todos los residentes, independientemente de sus habilidades”.

El primer tablero de comunicación se presentó en Warinanco Park el lunes 17 de julio de 2023. De acuerdo con la visión del condado de Union de accesibilidad generalizada, se colocarán múltiples tableros de comunicación en parques de todo el Condado a lo largo del año. En las próximas semanas, específicamente, se instalarán tres tableros adicionales en Mattano Park en Elizabeth, Ponderosa Park en Scotch Plains y Nomahegan Park en Cranford.

Los tableros de comunicación se utilizan para ayudar a las personas con habilidades lingüísticas limitadas a expresarse. También pueden ayudar a desarrollar mejores habilidades lingüísticas, más autonomía e interacciones sociales positivas. Los tableros de comunicación brindan un medio de expresión más inclusivo al ofrecer imágenes visuales como una alternativa al lenguaje hablado. Son particularmente beneficiosos para las personas que pueden enfrentar desafíos para verbalizar sus pensamientos. Además, estos tableros facilitan una mejor comprensión de las necesidades y pensamientos de las personas que no hablan o hablan mínimamente, fomentando una mayor comunicación y empatía entre otros. Diseñados específicamente para niños no verbales, estos tableros de comunicación emplean una variedad de símbolos, imágenes y palabras para permitir que las personas expresen sus pensamientos, necesidades y deseos. Al proporcionar una herramienta de comunicación visual, estos tableros ofrecen una plataforma para una interacción efectiva, fomentan el compromiso y mejoran la calidad de vida general de los niños no verbales.

El Condado de Union tiene como objetivo fomentar una comunidad que valore y apoye a las personas de todas las capacidades, reconociendo sus perspectivas y contribuciones únicas. Al defender iniciativas como las Juntas de comunicación, el Condado de Union tiene como objetivo fortalecer los lazos sociales, fomentar el entendimiento y promover una cultura de inclusión.

Para obtener más información sobre estas tablas o cualquier otro recurso disponible, comuníquese con Manuel Ramírez de la Oficina de Cumplimiento de ADA del Condado de Union al 908-527-4432 o mramirez@ucnj.org.

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spanish-releases

EL CONDADO DE UNION ANUNCIA NUEVO PROGRAMA PARA ABORDAR EL EXCEDENTE DE BOLSAS REUTILIZABLES

— La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar un nuevo programa destinado a abordar el excedente de bolsas reutilizables en nuestras comunidades. Como parte del tema “Construyendo un Condado de Union más fuerte” del Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados Sergio Granados para el  2023, esta nueva iniciativa ambiental es en colaboración con la Oficina de Reciclaje y Planificación del Condado de Union, el Pueblo de Westfield y la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Elizabeth (HACE) se asocian con GOATote, Inc. para brindar una solución a este problema.

“Estamos encantados de presentar este programa innovador, que abordará el excedente de bolsas reutilizables en nuestras comunidades”, dijo el  Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados Sergio Granados. “El Condado de Union está dando un paso proactivo hacia la sostenibilidad y nuestro objetivo es lograr un impacto significativo reutilizando estas bolsas y asegurándonos de que lleguen a quienes las necesitan. Juntos, podemos crear una comunidad más consciente del medio ambiente y socialmente responsable”.

Con la implementación de la ley Get Past Plastic de Nueva Jersey, que prohíbe a las empresas proporcionar bolsas de plástico de un solo uso, muchas personas han pasado a usar bolsas reutilizables. Sin embargo, algunas personas ocasionalmente se olvidan de llevar sus bolsas reutilizables a las tiendas, lo que resulta en la compra de bolsas adicionales. Con el tiempo, esto ha llevado a una acumulación de bolsas reutilizables en exceso en los hogares. Además, los servicios de entrega de comestibles suelen proporcionar a los clientes bolsas reutilizables, lo que contribuye al excedente.

Al mismo tiempo, las Despensas de Alimentos y los Bancos de Alimentos han expresado que tienen dificultades para satisfacer la necesidad de bolsas reutilizables cuando distribuyen comestibles a sus clientes. Dado que a estas entidades ya no se les permite usar bolsas de plástico de un solo uso cuando distribuyen alimentos y suministros, gastan bolsas reutilizables muy rápidamente y con frecuencia necesitan más.

Reconociendo la necesidad de abordar esta situación, los Comisionados del Condado, en colaboración con la Oficina de Reciclaje del Condado de Union, el Pueblo de Westfield y la Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Elizabeth (HACE) han establecido dos puntos de entrega piloto. El primero está en el Centro de Conservación de Westfield (1300 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield). El segundo está ubicado en Farley Towers (33 Cherry Street, Elizabeth). Los residentes de cualquier municipio del Condado de Union pueden traer sus bolsas reutilizables usadas en buen estado a cualquiera de los dos lugares. GOATote, Inc. recogerá las bolsas, las limpiará y desinfectará a fondo y las entregará al Community Food Bank of New Jersey en Hillside. A partir de ahí, las bolsas se distribuirán a las despensas de alimentos locales que las necesiten.

El Centro de Conservación de Westfield está abierto los jueves/viernes de 9:00 am a 2:30 pm y los sábados/domingos de 9:00 am a 3:00 pm hasta el 22 de octubre. Desde el 23 de octubre hasta el 21 de diciembre, el horario del centro será de lunes a viernes de 9:00 am a 2:30 pm y sábados/domingos de 9:00 am a 3:00 pm.

Para obtener más información sobre el funcionamiento del Centro de Conservación, visite el sitio web del Centro de Conservación de Westfield en www.westfieldnj.gov/conservation.  Para la ubicación de entrega en 33 Cherry Street en Elizabeth, el horario de entrega será: De lunes a jueves de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm.

El objetivo principal de este programa es garantizar que las bolsas reutilizables realmente se reutilicen y estén disponibles para quienes realmente las necesitan. Tenga en cuenta que el programa solo acepta bolsas en condiciones de uso. Solicitamos amablemente que se excluyan las bolsas rotas, dañadas o inutilizables al realizar su devolución.

Para obtener más información, fechas próximas e indicaciones para llegar a todos los programas y lugares de reciclaje del condado de Union, visite el sitio web de la Oficina de Reciclaje y Planificación en www.ucnj.org/recycle  o llame a la línea directa de reciclaje del condado de Union al 908-654-9889.

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Public Info

Mosquito Control Spraying – Tuesday, July 25th – 3am to 7am

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Tuesday morning, July 25, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks:

  • Clark – Esposito, Oak Ridge,
  • Elizabeth – Mattano, Phil Rizzuto
  • Linden – Wheeler
  • Mountainside – Echo Lake
  • Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
  • Rahway – Rahway Pk.
  • Roselle – Warinanco
  • Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
  • Union – Lighting Brook

City Parks:

  • Clark – Bartell
  • Linden – Memorial
  • Plainfield – Milt Campbell
  • Union – Biertuempfel, Kearse, Zimmerman
  • Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin
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Public Info Public Notices

Public Notice regarding Union County Paratransit

Pursuant to an announcement by Deana Mesaros, Director of the Union County Paratransit System, notice is hereby given that on August 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 6th Floor, Elizabeth, NJ  the COUNTY OF UNION, Department of Human Services Paratransit, will hold a Hearing accepting input concerning the 2024 Application to New Jersey Transit for funding under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program, at which time and place all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. To assure that all members of the public are given an opportunity to be heard, initial presentations will be limited to five (5) minutes.

In order to encourage full participation in this Hearing, please submit any requests for accommodation of people with disabilities to the Union County Paratransit 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl., Elizabeth, NJ 07207 no later than five (5) business days prior to the public hearing. People who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or speech impaired should access this service by contacting New Jersey Relay Service TTY/TDD 1-800-852-7899.

For those residents unable to attend the Hearing, please know that written comments and/or testimony will be accepted through September 5th. Please send correspondence to Deana Mesaros, Director, Union County Paratransit System 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl. Elizabeth, NJ 07207

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Public Info

Learn How to Cook, Craft, Sew, and More with Union County’s 4-H Clubs

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that Union County students in grades 1-12 are invited to join a 4-H Club this fall and explore popular fields ranging from cooking, sewing, art, archery, robotics and more. Youth in their first year after graduating from high school can also join.

“We are happy to invite all of our Union County students to join us this fall as we begin another year of our wonderful 4-H Clubs,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This program is a great opportunity for a young person to open their minds, explore a new hobby or passion or meet other likeminded friends. I encourage everyone to join one of the activities and gain new experiences.”

The majority of the clubs meet at Union County’s’ Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue, East in Westfield on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. 4-H Clubs are organized by age and topic. The members meet with an adult club leader on a monthly basis during the school year to plan activities and programs.

Each club emphasizes the ability of students to learn, organize, and communicate with activities appropriate for their age. For the school year 2023 – 2024, the clubs are:

  • Variety Club (different topics with crafts and show-and-tell), grades 1-3.
  • Cooking Club (prepare deserts, main courses and more), grades 4-12.
  • Community Service Club (plant trees, make sandwiches, teach younger youth), grades 8-12.
  • Sewing Club (learn how to hand sew and use a machine), grades 6-12.
  • Gardening Club (grow vegetables, fruit and houseplants), grades 4 -12.
  • Lego Robotics Club (work with NXT kits and Spike) grades 4-12.
  • Craft Club (have fun with paints, fabrics and more) grades 4 – 12.
  • Engineering Club (make model cars, bridges, and learn about electric) grades 4-5.
  • Horse Club (learn about the care of a horse) grades 1 to 12.
  • Archery Club (learn basics and more advanced techniques) 4-12.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community. A recent Tufts University study found that as a group, girls who join 4-H clubs are especially likely to demonstrate positive behaviors.

4-H Clubs run from October to June. To sign up for a club, email Tamisha Hopkins, 4H Office Manager, at thopkins@ucnj.org. For more information, contact 4H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 ext. 3.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.

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Public Info

Union County Announces New Program to Address Reusable Bag Surplus

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new program aimed at addressing the surplus of reusable bags in our communities. As part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Building a Stronger Union County,” theme for 2023, this new environmental initiative is in collaboration with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning, the Town of Westfield and the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) are partnering with GOATote, Inc. to provide a solution to this issue.

“We are delighted to introduce this innovative program, which will address the surplus of reusable bags in our communities,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The County of Union is taking a proactive step towards sustainability and we aim to make a meaningful impact by repurposing these bags and ensuring they reach those in need. Together, we can create a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible community.”

With the implementation of New Jersey’s Get Past Plastic law, which prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic bags, many individuals have transitioned to using reusable bags. However, some people occasionally forget to bring their reusable bags to stores, resulting in the purchase of additional bags. Over time, this has led to an accumulation of excess reusable bags in households. Furthermore, grocery delivery services often provide customers with reusable bags, contributing to the surplus.

At the same time, Food Pantries and Food Banks have expressed that they are having difficulty keeping up with the need for reusable bags when distributing groceries to their clients.  Since these entities are no longer permitted to use single-use plastic bags when handing out food and supplies, they go through reusable bags very quickly and are frequently in need of more.

Recognizing the need to address this situation, the County Commissioners, in collaboration with Union County’s Recycling Bureau, the Town of Westfield and Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) have established two pilot drop-off points. The first is at the Westfield Conservation Center (1300 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield). The second is located at Farley Towers (33 Cherry Street, Elizabeth).  Residents from any municipality in Union County can bring their gently-used reusable bags to either location. GOATote, Inc. will collect the bags, thoroughly clean and sanitize them, and deliver them to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside. From there, the bags will be distributed to local Food Pantries in need.

The Westfield Conservation Center is open on Thursdays/Fridays from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm and on Saturdays/Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm until October 22.Starting from October 23 until December 21, the center’s hours will be from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturdays/Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

For more information on the operation of the Conservation Center, please visit the Westfield Conservation Center website at www.westfieldnj.gov/conservation.  For the drop off location at 33 Cherry Street in Elizabeth, the drop-off hours will be:

Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

The primary goal of this program is to ensure that reusable bags are truly being reused and made available to those who genuinely need them. Please note that the program only accepts bags in usable condition. We kindly request excluding any ripped, damaged, or otherwise unusable bags when making your drop-off.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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Public Info

Union County Unveils New Communication Board During Disability Pride Month

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces the introduction of innovative Communication Boards aimed at facilitating communication and interaction for non-verbal children, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ theme of “Building a Stronger Union County” for 2023. This initiative, unveiled during the commemoration of Disability Pride Month in July, signifies a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all residents.

“With the installation of these boards we are on a continuous path towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “These communication boards offer benefits that extend beyond individuals with disabilities. They also provide valuable assistance to children learning to speak, individuals who speak different languages within our diverse community, and many others. By creating these spaces where individuals feel heard and safe, our aim is to have a lasting positive impact on children and their families, enabling them to communicate, connect, and actively participate in our community. These boards exemplify Union County’s solid commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that values every resident, regardless of their abilities.”

The first Communication Board was unveiled at Warinanco Park on Monday, July 17, 2023. In line with Union County’s vision for widespread accessibility, multiple Communication Boards will be placed in parks across the county over the course of the year. In the upcoming weeks, specifically, three additional boards will be installed at Mattano Park in Elizabeth, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, and Nomahegan Park in Cranford.

Communication boards are used to help people with limited language skills express themselves. They can also help develop better language skills, more autonomy, and positive social interactions. Communication boards provide a more inclusive means of expression by offering visual images as an alternative to spoken language. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who may face challenges in verbalizing their thoughts. Additionally, these boards facilitate a better understanding of the needs and thoughts of nonspeaking or minimally verbal individuals, fostering greater communication and empathy among others.

Designed specifically for non-verbal children, these Communication Boards employ a range of symbols, pictures, and words to enable individuals to express their thoughts, needs, and desires. By providing a visual communication tool, these boards offer a platform for effective interaction, encouraging engagement, and enhancing the overall quality of life for non-verbal children.

Union County aims to foster a community that values and supports individuals of all abilities, recognizing their unique perspectives and contributions. By championing initiatives like the Communication Boards, Union County aims to strengthen social bonds, foster understanding, and promote a culture of inclusivity.

For more information about these boards or any other resources available, please contact Manuel Ramirez from the Union County Bureau of ADA Compliance at 908-527-4432 or mramirez@ucnj.org.

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Public Info

Union County Provides Assistance for Seniors Seeking Services in August

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to come to Union County’s ASK community events in August, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided and bilingual staff will be present at all of these events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“Our Division on Aging, works hard to ensure that Union County residents can effortlessly navigate a vast range of information designed to improve the lives of our seniors,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “With the presence of our knowledgeable staff at local public libraries and community centers, accessing vital information has never been easier.”

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their caregivers.

The ASK program provides Union County residents with a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services for seniors and caregivers. The program brings professional staff from the Division on Aging to local public libraries and other community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed. The upcoming ASK events in June all include bilingual assistance in Spanish:

Thursday, August 3rd
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue
Union, 07083
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, August 7th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 E. Broad Street
Westfield, 07090
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 9th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, 07027
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, August 14th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 16th
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 S. Broad Street
Elizabeth, 07202
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, August 25th
Roselle Library
129 Chestnut Street
Roselle, 07203
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

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Public Info

Mosquito Control Spraying Tuesday, July 18th; 3am to 7am

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, July 18, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks

  • Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
  • Cranford – Nomahegan
  • Hillside – Conant
  • Linden – Wheeler
  • Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Res. Loop Area
  • Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
  • Rahway – Rahway Pk.
  • Roselle – Warinanco
  • Springfield – Meisel
  • Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

City Parks

  • Linden – Memorial
  • Plainfield – Milt Campbell
  • Springfield – Irwin
  • Summit – Briant
  • Union – Biertuempfel, Rabkin
  • Westfield – Tamaques
Categories
Public Info

Mosquito Spraying tonight, Thursday July 13th – 5pm to 10pm

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, July 13, 2023, between the hours of 5:00PM to 10:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

  • Berkeley Hts. – Bolton Blvd., Brambling Rd., Camptown Dr., Hamilton Ave., Hawfinch Dr., Industrial Rd., Kuntz Ave., Lasecla Pl., Nancy Pl., Plainfield Ave., Little Flower, Roosevelt Ave.
  • Clark – Blake Dr., Featherbed La., France Dr., Lefferts Ln., Linda La., Madison Hill Rd., Old Raritan Rd., Parkway Dr., Sycamore Rd., Terhune Rd., Wendell Pl., Valley Rd.
  • Cranford – Blvd. between Springfield Ave. and County Police yard, Crane Pkwy., Hillside Ave., Wall St.
  • Elizabeth – Amboy Ave., S. Front St., S. First St.
  • Hillside – Columbia Ave., Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St., Locus Ave., McMichael Ave., Rutgers Ave.
  • Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.
  • Linden – Bradford Av., Grisselli Ave., Lexington Ave., Lower Rd., Madison St., Main St., Marion Ave., Marsh’s Dock Rd., Parkway Ave., Range Rd., , Tremley Pt. Rd., Walter St.
  • Mountainside – Ackerman Ave., Deer Path, Foxtrail, Grouse La., Nottingham Way
  • Plainfield – Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Jefferson Ave., 1st St., Terrill Rd.
  • Rahway – Allen St., Donald Ave., Elizabeth Ave., Price St., Scott Ave., Whittier St.,
  • Roselle – Chestnut St., Columbus Ave., Locust St., Pine St., Spruce St., W.3rd Ave., Woodland Dr., 4th Ave., 7th Ave., 8th Ave.,
  • Scotch Plains – Hetfield Ave., Lamberts Mill Rd., North Ave., Raritan Rd., South Ave.,
  • Springfield – Bernadette Ct., Brown Ave., Commerce St., Evergreen Ave., Kemp Dr., Layng Ter., Leslie Ct., New Brook La.
  • Union – Brighton St., Gifford Ct., Rahway Ave., Savitt Pl.
  • Westfield – Grandview Ave., Livingston St., Myrtle Ave., Windsor Ave.
  • Winfield – Union County Pkwy.