Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is currently seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for victims of sexual assault. The volunteer advocacy program, which is run by the Union County Department of Human Services, has provided thousands of residents with support and guidance since its inception in 1984.

“This invaluable community service would not be possible without a network of dedicated volunteers, and the Freeholder Board is very proud of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Our volunteer advocates help guide victims through legal and medical systems while providing emotional support, respecting the strict confidentiality of each case.”

No previous experience in counseling is necessary. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center receive a thorough training course. Volunteers must also be age 18 or over and have their own transportation.

Volunteer Advocates most often provide guidance over the phone. In some cases, the Advocate may accompany a victim to the police station, hospital or courtroom.

Advocates may also offer support and guidance to family members, loved ones or friends, if requested by the victim.

The next volunteer recruiting sequence is currently under way, beginning with initial interviews for prospective volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 to schedule an interview over the summer.

The training starts this fall for qualified volunteers. The course consists of two sessions per week from September 3 to October 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All sessions will be held at the County services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For more information about the Rape Crisis Center call 908-233-7273 or visit the Rape Crisis Center blog,unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that income-eligible senior adults can obtain free vouchers to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at local Farmers’ Markets in Union County.

“This popular program supports local agriculture while helping to provide seniors on a budget with the opportunity to try a wide variety of fresh, nutritious produce, and Union County is very proud to support it,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

The vouchers are funded by the State of New Jersey 2013 Farmers’ Market Program, through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the Department of Human Services. Each eligible senior will receive four vouchers worth $5.00 each, for a total of $20.00.

The program was designed in four increments to enable seniors to purchase produce in smaller amounts, helping to ensure freshness.

To be eligible for the vouchers, an individual must be a resident of Union County, age 60 years or older, and have an annual income not exceeding $21,257.

For a married couple, the annual income cannot exceed $28,694.

To apply for the vouchers, fill out an advance registration form available at any local Senior Nutrition site or Senior Center after June 14.

The vouchers will be distributed at the sites listed below. To pick up your vouchers, you must present proof of income such as a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp (now SNAP program) verification, or annual pension and Social Security statement.

At some of the sites as noted, a Farmers’ Market vendor will be present and produce will be available for purchase with vouchers or with cash.

Tuesday, June 18 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Liberty Square Senior Center, 240 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth

Thursday, June 20 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Peterstown Senior Center, 418-34 Palmer Street, Elizabeth

Monday, June 24 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Stephen Sampson Senior Center, 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth

Tuesday, June 25 from 9:00 am to12:00 noon
Ford Leonard Apartments, 69 Division Street, Elizabeth

Monday, July 8 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center, 622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth (farmer will be present)

Wednesday, July 10 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park (farmer will be present at the Gazebo, Chestnut Street and East Grand Avenue)

Monday, July 15 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Avenue, Linden (farmer will be present)

Tuesday, July 16 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Avenue, Hillside

Thursday, July 18 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Westfield Senior Center, 558 W. Broad Street, Westfield

Wednesday, July 24 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Plainfield Senior Center, 400 E. Front Street, Plainfield (farmer will be present)

Monday, July 29 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Pinewood Hall, 250 W. 2nd Avenue, Roselle (farmer will be present)

Wednesday, July 31 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Golden Age Towers, 200 E. Milton Street, Rahway (farmer will be present)

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

For more information about the Farmers’ Market voucher program, contact Kathleen Malkiewicz, 908-527-4877. For information on other Union County senior nutrition programs and all senior services, call the Union County Division on Aging toll free at1-888-280-8226 or visit online at ucnj.org.

The New Jersey Department of Health has identified a person confirmed of having measles who may have exposed people at BJ’s Wholesale Club on June 3.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious medical complications. As a result, DOH recommends that anyone who visited BJ’s Wholesale Club, 1601 U.S. 22, Watchung, on Monday, June 3 between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness.

Anyone who suspects an exposure is urged to call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency room. Special arrangements can be made for you to be evaluated while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. People exposed at BJ’s Wholesale Club may develop symptoms as early as June 8 and as late as June 24. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

“We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can’t receive it for medical reasons. Two doses of measles vaccine is more than 99 percent effective in preventing measles,” said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist.

“And if you’re planning an international trip, the World Health Organization recommends that adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status get a dose of measles vaccine before traveling,” she added.

Measles is easily spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated or has not had measles is at risk if they are exposed to the virus.

Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) in 20 percent of patients, especially children under 5 and adults older than 20. Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth weight baby.

DOH is working with local health departments to locate the patient’s contacts.

For more information about measles, contact your health care provider or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s web site at www.cdc.gov/measles.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski speaks with Cranford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Hoeffler (C) and President Eugene Matics at the organization’s monthly networking luncheon. Freeholder Kowalski was a speaker at this month’s event. For more information about the Cranford Chamber of Commerce visit www.cranford.com/chamber/ or call 908-272-6114. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (R) speaks with Katherine (Kay) Young, R.N. at the grand opening of the Union County Immunization Center in Elizabeth. Vaccines are provided for eligible children ages two months to age 18 years. The Immunization Center is located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth, NJ 07207. It is open Monday through Thursday (closed Fridays), from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 908-965-3868.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal announces the opening of the county’s two public swimming pools. The Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park, St. George’s Avenue in Rahway, will be open from Saturday, June 22, through Labor Day, Sept. 2. The John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool located in Wheeler Park, West Stimpson Avenue and Route 1 in Linden, will be open from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 23.

Swimming lessons will be held at Ulrich Pool beginning Monday, July 1. Applications are available at either pool office for all ages, beginners through adults. Pre-registration is required. Register early; classes are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open Swim Sessions for Seniors (62 and older) and for People with Disabilities are held at Ulrich Pool on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and at Wheeler Pool on Wednesdays from 12 noon-1:00 p.m. Admission to these special sessions is free.

Regular pool hours are as follows:

Walter E Ulrich Pool:

Monday & Wednesday                  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday         11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays       11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

John Russell Wheeler Pool:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday      1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday                      1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday & July 4           11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Daily Admission (proof of residency required for Union County resident fee):

Youth (17 & under)

County Resident      $4.00

Non-County Resident  $8.00

Adult (18 & over)

County Resident       $ 5.00

Non-County Resident     $10.00

Seniors (62 & over)

County Resident         $ 4.00

Non-County Resident   $  8.00

The Ulrich and Wheeler pools are a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about special programs, discount cards, group swim lessons, directions or other questions, visit the website: www.ucnj.org/pools or call the Ulrich Pool (732-382-9457) or the Wheeler Pool (908-862-0977) for recorded information.

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As Flag Day approaches on Friday, June 14, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that special containers are available at her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield for the collection of torn or tattered American flags for their proper, respectful retirement.

“According to the U.S. Flag Code, when a flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “My office assists Union County residents by collecting unserviceable flags and making sure that they are destroyed in a dignified way by a veterans group.”

Special barrels for flag collection are available at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 115, in Elizabeth; and at the County Clerk’s Annex, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield.

The Elizabeth office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Westfield office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information about the Union County Clerk’s flag retirement collection program, please call (908) 527-4787.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a selection of prize-winning art work by Union County employees and their family members is on display through July 15 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue, in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The art display presents a select sampling of pieces from among the 144 creations judged at the recent 12thannual “National Arts Program Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families.” The exhibit and contest is a result of a partnership with the National Arts Program Foundation which provides prize money and valuable support to display the work of talented artists.

“The artistic talent of our Union County employees and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We have artists who excel in painting, photography, and other visual arts, and we are proud to put their work on display. We thank the National Arts Program Foundation and Elizabethtown Gas Company for hosting the May 8th awards reception and providing gallery space for Union County employees and their families to display their talent in the original exhibit.”

Listed alphabetically by town are all the award-winning employee artists (or their family members) and the awards they won at the original exhibit and contest. Not all of the award-winning pieces are able to be displayed at the Freeholders Gallery exhibit.

Berkeley Heights: Blair Wagner (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Clark: Susan Anderson (Honorable Mention, Professional). Colonia: Andrea Moore (First Place, Amateur). Cranford: Betty Ann Kelly (Honorable Mention, Intermediate); Colleen Rodgers (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Angelina Spricigo (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under); and Dianna Strom (Third Place, Intermediate). Edison: Ruth Brown, (Honorable Mention, Professional); Richa Wadhawan (First Place, Youth 12 and Under); Rishabh Wadhawan (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); and Sanjeev Wadhawan (Honorable Mention, Amateur).Elizabeth: Gianna Carrasco (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); John Rhodes (Second Place, Intermediate); and Shane Rhodes (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Garwood: Kelly Sullivan (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Fanwood: Giselle Valdes (Honorable Mention, Intermediate).Hillsborough: James Caratozzolo (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Jackson: Grace Hagemann (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Kenilworth: Matthew DiDonato (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under).Linden: Angelito David (Second Place, Professional); Donna Farrell (Honorable Mention, Amateur); Joseph Hickey (First Place, Teen 13-18); Christine Marti-Millward (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Adrianna Rendon (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); Victoria Rendon (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under); and Audrey Strano (Best of Show, Intermediate). Martinsville: Kayla Stasil (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); and Thomas Stasil (Third Place, Professional). Old Bridge: Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); and Anthony McQueen (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Phillipsburg: Angelina Saggese (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Plainfield: Bridget McGuire (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); Molly McGuire (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Raymond Morgan, (Third Place, Amateur); Faith Williamson (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); and Trinity Williamson (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Sayreville: Ara Herrera (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Somerset: Tiina Nummela (Second Place, Amateur). Union: Meghan Gelcius (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); and Stephanie Kakaletris (First Place, Intermediate). Wall: Mikayla Herbert (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under).Waretown: Jennifer LaVeglia (First Place, Professional). Westfield: Jimmy McCutcheon (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under); Angelo Paparella (Honorable Mention, Intermediate); Sabrina Paparella (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); and Victoria Paparella (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under).

Additional support for this event was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County will replace culverts in Berkeley Heights, Roselle and Springfield this year, projects totaling $1.33 million. Work on all three is expected to being this summer.

Culverts allow water to flow under a road, and differ from bridges only because they are smaller.

“People don’t often notice culverts, but they are essential to keep traffic flowing efficiently,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “County inspectors check out every bridge and culvert to ensure their safety and recommend replacement when needed.”

In Berkeley Heights, the county will replace a culvert at the intersection of Valley Road and Glenside Avenue where the Green Brook runs under the roadway and connects to the Blue Brook a short distance downstream.

It was built in 1933 and on average, handles over 6,300 cars a day. It is four feet wide, and a 42 foot section of roadway will be removed for the project.

PM Construction of Hillside, NJ was chosen as the contractor on the project. It is projected to cost $436,107. Construction should begin this summer.

In Roselle, a culvert at the intersection of First Avenue and Locust Street in Roselle will also be replaced. That intersection handles over 16,730 cars a day. It was built in 1920.

The West Brook, a tributary of Morses Creek, runs under the roadway, and much of that waterway runs underground in that section of Roselle. The culvert is ten feet wide and a 50 feet section of roadway will be removed for the project.

PM Construction of Hillside, NJ was also chosen as the contractor on the project. It is projected to cost $377,828. Construction should begin this summer.

In Springfield, a culvert on Hillside Avenue, near Ann Place, will also be replaced.

Built in 1926, the culvert is 12 feet long and stands roughly 5 feet high from the streambed. About 40 feet of the roadway will be removed and replaced for the project. Since wildlife uses this river, a natural streambed will be recreated through the inside of the culvert. A tributary of the Rahway River runs under the roadway there.

Colonnelli Brothers of Hackensack, NJ was chosen as the contractor on the project. It is projected to cost $516,265. Construction should begin this summer.

With a land area of just over 100 square miles, Union County has more than 172 miles of county-owned and maintained roads and more than 470 bridges and culverts.

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SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for confidential personal documents will be available on Sunday, June 23, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus in Scotch Plains.

“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 June 23rd shredding event will take place at the Vo-Tech campus located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. 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 dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. Shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place Thursday, July 11, at Rahway River Park, off St. Georges Ave., in Rahway.

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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