Author: Web Site Administrator

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Saturday, September 28, at the Westfield Memorial Pool in Westfield.

“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 Sept. 28th shredding event will take place at the Westfield Memorial Pool, located at 713 Cumberland Street in Westfield. 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. The next shredding event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2, at Alcatel-Lucent in New Providence.

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 – With the beginning of the 2013-2014 flu season, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that flu vaccines are available at many locations in Union County, including pharmacies, private medical practices and public clinics run by local health departments.

“With school back in session and more people spending time indoors, the likelihood of catching the flu rises in the fall and winter,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated early in the season, before a flu virus starts to spread.”

Fees for the vaccine can be free or quite low, and they may be waived for those with Medicare cards, though they may be higher at some locations. Residents are advised to call ahead for information on fees before going for a flu shot.

The following health departments have announced public flu clinics for September and October in Union County:

• Clark (732-428-8405)
• Kenilworth (via Union Health Department, (908-851-8507)
• Plainfield (908-753-3092)
• Roselle (908-259-3032 or 908-259-3039)
• Springfield (via Madison Health Department (973-593-3081)
• Union (908-851-8507)

Individuals who get a flu vaccine in September or early October will be protected throughout the entire flu season.

Flu season typically peaks in the northeast in the fall and winter months. The seasonal flu virus is always changing, so a new vaccine is required every year.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the flu vaccine for everyone over the age of six months, especially for persons aged 65 years and older regardless of whether or not they have chronic health conditions.

Other groups that are especially recommended for an annual flu vaccine are residents of long-term care facilities, persons aged 2–64 years who have chronic health conditions, children aged six months or older who attend licensed child care centers or preschool activities, pregnant women, healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care, and caregivers of infants less than six months old.

Flu viruses spread through coughing and sneezing. They may also spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose.

People infected with flu may infect others before symptoms start and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means infected persons can spread the flu before, during and after they feel sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

The best way to prevent the spread of the flu is to get vaccinated, wash hands with warm water and soap often, always cover coughs, and stay home when feeling sick.

For more information on flu prevention, including an online pharmacy locator and more details on health department clinics in Union County, visit ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu.

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With the assistance of a K-9 team, Union County Sheriff’s Officers apprehended an Elizabeth man last week on two outstanding warrants.

Jumani Terrell, 20, was wanted for failure to appear for sentencing on manufacturing and distribution of heroin and cocaine charges. He also had a warrant for contempt of court.

On the morning of September 5, Sheriff’s Officers arrived at Terrell’s Anna Street residence in Elizabeth. One officer was speaking with a resident of the house at front door when another officer noticed a man fitting the description of the suspect attempting to exit a second floor rear window. Seeing the officer, he ducked back inside.

After more backup arrived, including a K-9 unit, a searched of the residence began. In the attic, an unregistered shot gun was recovered. A short time later, Terrell was found in a down stairs closet full of clothes.

He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Union County Jail.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Autumn is on its way and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering guided trail rides on Saturdays and  Sundays for everyone nine years of age and older.

The public trail rides are held Saturdays at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. weather permitting. Groups of 15 or more people ride on the bridle trails in part of the wooded 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation in Mountainside. The rides are on a first come, first served basis and are available to anyone with or without experience. The cost of a trail ride is $32 for Union County residents and $45 for out-of-county riders.

Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals or groups of up to 15 people. These rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time and can be held on weekdays or weekends. The cost of the private rides is the rental fee (in-county $32 and out-of-county $45) and an additional $32 for the instructor.

For younger riders under nine years old, Watchung Stable offers lead lines on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Lead lines also are held during the week if the weather permits and 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 riders. Lead lines are half-hour rides only.

Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily. For further information, call 908-789-3665 during the normal office hours or email questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all residents and visitors to attend the commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day in front of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 20. The ceremony will start promptly at 11:15 a.m.

“Each year, we hold this public ceremony to set aside time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that our military personnel and their families have made throughout the years, in order that we may enjoy the fruits of a safe and secure community,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “If you are in Elizabeth on September 20, please stop by and join us.”

In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place inside the Courthouse, in the first floor Rotunda. For more information, call the Freeholder Board at 908-527-4117.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that a “One-Stop” service is available for Union County voters at the Westfield and Elizabeth offices of the County Clerk for the U.S. Senate Special Election to be held on Wednesday, October 16th.

“Beginning on Monday, September 9th, eligible voters are able to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the U.S. Senate Special Election in person, receive their ballot and cast the ballot at the same time,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “This one-stop voting service is available at my Westfield office as well as at the main office in Elizabeth.”

“The service in Westfield and Elizabeth makes voting more accessible, particularly at the Westfield office with its convenient Saturday office hours and evening hours during the week,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “With the important October 16th Special Election for a U.S. Senate seat approaching quickly, my office is working to make the voting process as fast and convenient as we can for everyone who is registered to vote.”

A mailed application for a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the Special Election must be received by Oct. 9th to be eligible. The deadline to apply in-person is Tuesday, Oct. 15th at 3:00 p.m.

The other services available at the County Clerk’s offices are passport application and renewal services, registration of Trade Names, and the application and swearing in of Notaries Public.

The Westfield Annex of the County Clerk is located at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield 07090. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Vote-By-Mail is an easy, secure process that has replaced the Absentee Ballot. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to Vote-By-Mail. To obtain an application form, voters also may pick up the form at their local municipal building; they can download the form at the Union County Clerk’s website: www.ucnj.org/vote-by-mail or they can contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. The Clerk’s website also includes a video that explains how to fill out the Vote-By-Mail application form.

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Union County- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Performing Arts Center are pleased to announce the return of the Sensory Friendly Theater Series with The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Story Books. The show is scheduled to take place on Sunday September 22nd at 2:00pm at the Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

“Last year’s program was a huge success,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The Board is excited to support the series for another season, and to continue to provide events of this caliber to our residents with special needs.”

As part of former Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella’s “Putting People First” initiatives last year, the series was designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity due to autism and related disabilities.

Union County worked with Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC to design the series and Paper Mill Playhouse and the Children’s Specialized Hospital assisted in making the program possible.

The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Story Books is an exciting new musical revue based on favorite contemporary children’s books.  In addition to The Teacher from the Black Lagoon, the performance also includes stories like Dogzilla, Grumpy Bird, and Love Splat, Splat the Cat among others. All seats are $8 per person and performances begin promptly at 2 p.m.

Upcoming performances in the Sensory Friendly series include Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, New Jersey Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, Aesop’s Fables starring puppeteer Jim West, and The Little Orchestra Society’s Things that go Bang!

For further information on ticketing, or the any of the performances in the series, contact the Union County Performing Arts Center at 732-499-8226 or visit them online at www.ucpac.org

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theater is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and managed by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

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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.

ELIZABETH, NJ – An exhibit of mixed media artworks by photographer Nancy Ori of Berkeley Heights is on display through Tuesday, October 1, at the Freeholders Gallery in Elizabeth. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the exhibit features 27 pieces of what Ms. Ori calls mixed media with pastel. The exhibit in the Freeholders Gallery at the Union County Administration Building, on Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth, is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

“We are pleased to showcase these colorful creations of Nancy Ori,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “They are one-of-a-kind pieces that combine classic photographic and painting techniques.”

Nancy J. Ori is a respected international photographer and video producer for more than 35 years. She also teaches photography and painting workshops throughout the United States and in Europe. Nancy was affiliated for many years with the Ansel Adams Workshop in California. Aside from photographing landscapes and architecture in the West Coast tradition of her long-time mentor, she also ventures into other art forms by using pastels and other paint mediums to enhance a new series of “painterly” photographs.

More of Nancy Ori’s work may be seen by visiting her website: www.nancyorifineart.com.

Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. For further information about this exhibit, contact Teya David, Curator of the Freeholders Gallery. For other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202, or call (908) 558-2550. New Jersey Relay users dial 711.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Union County Regional Dispatch Center has begun handling emergency medical service (EMS) calls for the Township of Clark today.

“The Regional Dispatch Center is an outstanding example of shared county-local services, which provide our municipalities with improved resources while keeping costs under control,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We are very pleased to welcome Clark to the growing list of municipalities that have taken advantage of this service.”

The Union County Regional Dispatch Center is a state-of-the-art emergency dispatch facility located in the County’s Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building in Westfield. It opened in October 2012.

The $1.2 million facility replaces the County’s previous operation located at the same site, which housed only two dispatch consoles. The Dispatch Center has nine consoles.

In addition to providing emergency dispatch services for the Union County Police and other countywide first responders, the Regional Dispatch Center serves a growing number of municipalities and other entities in the region. That can include police, fire and 9-1-1 calls as well as EMS.

Currently, the participants include Fanwood, Hillside, Mountainside, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, the Township South Orange, and two paramedic units operated by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Rahway.

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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.