Author: Web Site Administrator

NEPTUNE, N.J. — At the request of the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is extending the registration deadline for renters, homeowners and business owners who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene.

Those affected by the storm and flooding, Aug. 27 – Sept. 5, now have until Nov. 30 to register for disaster assistance.

“We’ve extended the registration deadline for people who – for whatever reason – have not had the opportunity to register for assistance,” said William L. Vogel, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “The goal is to ensure all eligible Irene survivors have the chance to seek assistance.”

There are three ways to register – go to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free, 800-621-3362 (FEMA).  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.

To date, FEMA has approved more than $140 million in assistance to disaster survivors, while the SBA has approved more than $48 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations.

Applicants are reminded to keep their FEMA information updated, but not to register more than once. Duplicate registrations will delay processing an application.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – November is Native American History month and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites you to help celebrate the culture and accomplishments of Native Americans with two upcoming special programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

“We are pleased to offer these opportunities for adults and families to participate in programs on Nov. 4 and Nov. 12 at our Nature Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “They are designed to help people better appreciate the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans and the Lenape people, in particular.”

On Friday, Nov. 4, from 7:30-8:45 p.m., adults 18 and older are invited to attend a presentation, “The Lenape-Delaware Indian Heritage.” The fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

This engaging lecture and slide presentation is an introduction to the Lenape-Delaware Indians who inhabited this region for 12,000 years. Archaeologist, educator and lecturer John Kraft will attempt to reconstruct the life of the Lenape-Delaware people who once populated New Jersey and the surrounding area. The program will examine Lenape daily life, their legends, art, religious beliefs, customs, traditions and system of government. The audience will have an opportunity to handle authentic and recreated objects such as masks, clothing, musical instruments and tools.

John T. Kraft, Director of Lenape Lifeways, Inc., is an author and illustrator. He has been working with the Lenape people, creating museum exhibits, consulting with editors for social studies textbooks, and lecturing on the subject for nearly 30 years. Mr. Kraft has helped discover and excavate Lenape villages and artifacts, and has added much new information about their family life, dwellings, diet, spiritual beliefs and technology.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m., families with children of all ages can celebrate Native American History month during “Lenape Lifestyles,” a 45-minute program that is part of Trailside’s weekly Saturday Outdoor Adventure Series. Join a Trailside naturalist to discover who the Lenape Native Americans were and where they lived. Participants will visit Trailside’s Lenape exhibit to learn about their lifestyles and take a walk to look for plants and trees the Lenape used to help cure colds, construct wigwams and build canoes. Admission to this program is free but donations are appreciated.

For additional information on these Native American programs or on other upcoming programs and special events, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH … John Kraft, archaeologist and educator, displays some of the artifacts he has collected representing the Lenape and Delaware Indians. November is Native American History month and he will be presenting a lecture and slide presentation for adults, ages 18 and older on Nov. 4 from 7:30-8:45 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center. The fee for this program is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. For information on this lecture or other programs and events at Trailside call 908-789-3670 or visitucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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 .

A hydro-raking machine clears aquatic weeds from Munsee Pond in Union County’s Rahway River Parkway in Cranford. The weed cleanup is one of several improvements slated for a section of the park east of the Garden State Parkway. (Credit: County of Union)

Union County, NJ – New surfacing and a backboard for the basketball court, weed clearing in Munsee Pond, and restoration of a small pedestrian bridge are all in store for a section of Union County’s Rahway River Parkway in Cranford, on the east of the Garden State Parkway.

“Rahway River Parkway is a beautiful green space that provides many Cranford residents with easy access to healthy outdoor activities,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, a native of the township. “Though the park suffered damage during Hurricane Irene, it is being restored as quickly as possible.”

The improvements include clearing a heavy growth of aquatic weeds and undergrowth from Munsee Pond with a hydro-raking machine. This work is fully funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, under a $25,725 contract with Aquatic Analysts of Middleville, New Jersey.

Work on the pond began earlier this week and it is expected to be finished before the end of October.

The basketball court resurfacing will be included in a larger contract that covers several other County parks.

A small bridge over a creek was damaged during Hurricane Irene, and repair work will start within the next two weeks.

“Engineers have already assessed the damage and we expect the project to move forward without delay,” said Kowalski.

Union County has also trimmed trees, installed new benches, and repaired walkways Rahway River Parkway.

Repair work on a nearby dam along the Rahway River is also expected to be completed by the end of October.

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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.

ROSELLE, NJ – The Warinanco Ice Skating Center, a facility owned and operated by the County of Union, will open for the 2011-12 skating season on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m.

“This season will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Ice Skating Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Our staff in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal has been working very hard to get the center ready. I’m sure the public will be pleased.”

Skating sessions will be: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 noon; Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 noon, plus 3:30-5:30 p.m., 6 – 8 p.m. (a family session during which children ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult), and 8:30-10:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., plus 1 – 3 p.m., and 8:30-10:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 – 3 p.m., plus 3:30-5:30 p.m., and 8:30-10:30 p.m. This schedule may be subject to change on holidays. Please call the Skating Center to find out if changes will be made.

Admission to the general sessions is $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 17 and younger. Skate rental is an additional $3. Discount Cards are available for Union County residents who plan to skate on a regular basis.

Warinanco Ice Skating Center has much more to offer in addition to the general skating sessions. There will be Open Hockey on Wednesdays from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. for participants ages 18 and older with proper identification and a shielded or caged helmet. The skating center also offers group and private skating lessons and hockey clinics, as well as skating lessons for individuals with disabilities. The facility also includes a refreshment stand.

The Warinanco Ice Skating Center is located in Warinanco Park off Thompson Ave. at Seventh Ave. in Roselle. Park entrances also are located off St. Georges Ave. and Third Ave. For further information, call (908) 298-7850 for a recorded message or (908) 527-4900 for the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

View the Warninaco Ice Skating Center’s Web Site

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GETTING READY TO OPEN … The Warinanco Ice Skating Center will open for its 50th season on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. The rink is located in Warinanco Park in Roselle. For further information, call (908) 298-7850 for a recorded message or (908) 527-4900 for the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

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 .

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak (L) presents a ceremonial check of $4,000 to Linden Mayor Richard Gerbounka (C) and Council President James Moore to go towards the expense of the Linden Halloween Parade. The 61st Annual Halloween Parade takes place on Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m.  (Photo by Jim Lowney//County of Union)

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

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County, NJ – Union County has a thriving 4-H program with club for every interest from photography and Lego to Colonial living, and there is even a club for horse lovers, too. Right now the Union County 4-H Horse Club is seeking boys and girls in grades 5 through 12 to join in fun activities while learning about their favorite subject.

The club is run by Lora Cherepy of Union and Kathy Ann Krajcik of Mountainside. Lora holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science. Kathy Ann is a long time horse enthusiast and owner. These two volunteers will share their knowledge of horses with club members and prepare them to participate in the annual New Jersey State 4-H Horse Bowl in March.

All 4-H members practice teamwork, organization, communication and many other important skills while exploring a passion in their lives.

The Horse Club meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at the County services building in Westfield from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. during the school year. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. For more information call 908-654-9854, or email 4-H secretary Ellen DiIorio at ediiorio@ucnj.org.

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The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

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.

7,000 Vote By Mail Ballots Expected in Union County

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will open her Elizabeth and Westfield offices on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for voters seeking last-minute Vote By Mail ballots. The offices at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, and 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, will be open as a public service for voters seeking Vote By Mail ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 8th General Election.

“Every voter should have the opportunity to cast a ballot in the election for their State Senator, Assembly members, county and municipal officers, and public questions,” Rajoppi said. “We want to ensure that even those who have a last-minute change of plans can cast their vote.”

Walk-in applications are accepted up to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, the day before the general election. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to use the Vote By Mail option.

“This will be the first time that my Westfield office will have extended Saturday hours for a general election,” Rajoppi said. “By opening the offices on the Saturday before the general election, as we have done in Elizabeth for the past 15 years, we hope to assist those citizens whose working hours or other commitments keep them from applying during the work week.”

Voters will be able to drop-off their completed Vote By Mail ballot at either of the Union County Clerk’s two offices. This option allows voters to pick up their ballots, vote in privacy and deposit their ballot in a secure lockbox – all at the same office through 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7.

“The Vote By Mail option, which has replaced the Absentee Ballot, makes voting more accessible, particularly for senior citizens,” Rajoppi said.

Completed ballots will be kept in a secure lockbox under the control of the Union County Board of Elections, who will collect them for counting. The County Clerk’s office has processed more than 6,000 Vote By Mail applications to date for the General Election and expects the number to exceed 7,000 before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

To obtain an application, voters may download the form at the County Clerk’s website:www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/vote-by-mail or pick up an application at their local municipal building. Last-minute voters must bring the completed form to either of the County Clerk’s Offices on Saturday, Nov. 5, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or on Monday, Nov. 7, before 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Union County Clerk’s office at 908-527-4996.

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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 .

Union County, NJ – Eleven municipalities in Union County will plant a total of 602 trees this year with the help of funding from the “Greening Union County” grant program. The program helps local governments offset the cost of planting trees, through matching grants from the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund.

“Greening Union County effectively doubles the purchasing power of local governments,” said Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada. “Especially in these times when budgets are strained, Greening Union County is an important shared service that helps to improve public health.”

Freeholder Estrada initiated the program while serving as Freeholder Board Chairman in 2004. Depending on the applicants’ needs, Greening Union County provides grants for new trees at public parks, historic sites and other public facilities, as well as on streets.

“It has long been known that trees in urban areas have a positive impact on air quality and stormwater management,” said Estrada. “New studies are also beginning to measure the positive financial impact that a properly managed urban forestry program can have on public budgets, by returning benefits that significantly outweigh the cost of planting and maintenance.”

The Greening Union County program includes installation by forestry professionals with a one-year maintenance guarantee. Since its inception in 2004, Greening Union County has resulted in a total of 5,679 new trees planted in Union County.

This year’s grants, totaling $64,892, will go to Elizabeth, Fanwood, Kenilworth, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield, and Summit.

Estrada also noted that building owners can significantly lower their heating and cooling costs by planting trees on their own property.

“A leaf-bearing tree on the south or west side of the property will shade the building and lower your cooling costs in the summer. When the leaves drop in the fall, the sun will get through and help keep your building warmer during the winter,” said Estrada.

Evergreen trees planted on the north or east side of a building can shield the walls from prevailing winter winds, helping to reduce heating costs.

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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.

Union County Freeholder Linda Carter (R) presents a Preserve Union County Grant check to Reeves-Reed Arboretum Executive Director Gayle Petty-Johnson and Tom Ucko, former president and current member of the Reeves-Reed Arboretum Board of Trustees, at the Arboretum in Summit. Preserve Union County provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through Preserve Union County. The program is funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.  (Photo by Tina Casey/County of Union)

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

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (R) and Christopher Hudak present a Preserve Union County Grant check to (from left) Kenilworth Historical Society Secretary Joyce Chiappetta, 1st Vice President Barbara Morison and President Shirley Boyden Maxwell in front of the Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth. Preserve Union County provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through Preserve Union County. The program is funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj