Author: Web Site Administrator

The Youth Employment Pathways Program (YEPP)—a pilot program that is a partnership between the Union County Freeholder Board and the United Way of Greater Union County, has put 60 at-risk youth to work part-time in various industries throughout Union County starting this week through June.

“YEPP is designed to assist in school and out of school youth between the ages of 14-24 with the necessary tools they’ll need in order to successfully graduate high school and/or secure employment,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to be sponsoring this program through United Way, and we look forward to continuing a more expansive jobs program for at least 200 more youth later this year once the pilot is complete.”

James W. Horne, Jr., President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC), added: “The United Way is working in collaboration with the Freeholder Board, non-profit agencies through the County, and our private sector partners to provide training and on-the-job experience to those who might otherwise lack access to these opportunities. The program is geared to helping disadvantaged youth achieve their goals and work toward obtaining credential certifications, enter higher education and/or secure employment.”

UWGUC was awarded a federal Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Workforce Development Board to implement YEPP. Non- profit agencies and private sector businesses recruited the youth, who were at-risk, financially disadvantaged or parenting teens– from various communities for the program.

Freeholder Chairman Granados added:

“We will continue to find new employment opportunities for our residents. Last year we provided over 2,500 opportunities through our Workforce Innovation Business Center, but this year we wanted to put an additional focus on helping to empower and employ at-risk-youth in our communities. As someone who grew up in an urban area, I strongly feel that if we had more of these types of opportunities, some of the people I grew up with wouldn’t have gone down a troubled path.”

The program provided training as needed, and part-time jobs (15-hours a week), pay was between $10-

$15 an hour, in various industries, including government, non-profits, and jobs in the private sector, including the retail and construction industries.

The non-profit agencies that UWGUC partnered with included:

• Community Access Unlimited
• Communities in Cooperation, Inc.
• Elizabeth Housing Authority
• Urban League of Union County, Inc.,
• Proceed, Inc.
• Second Street Youth Center
• HomeFirst, Inc.
• Plainfield Housing Authority
• Workforce Advantage Inc.
• YMCA

Information regarding the YEPP can be found on the United Way website at https://www.uwguc.org/yepp,or by calling 908-353-7171.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite visitors of all ages to meet live animals, celebrate wildlife, learn about environmental conservation and try some outdoor skills at the annual Wild Earth Fest.     You won’t want to miss this exciting and educational event hosted by Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

“The Wild Earth Fest event is an entertaining way for visitors to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, “There is something for everyone at this special event in Union County’s largest park, the Watchung Reservation.”

New this year, the Atlantic City Aquarium will bring their spectacular traveling touch tank exhibit.  Sea and touch a variety of sea life, including, starfish, sea urchins, stingrays, horseshoe crabs and more!  Visitors are invited to learn about outdoor skills including camping, canoeing, hiking, archery, birding and nature photography.  Participants can try the 24’ rock climbing wall or go on a hike with Tri-State Ramblers at 2:00 p.m.  Swift Farms Petting Zoo will join us this year with a miniature pony, lambs, goats, baby chickens, rabbits and more.

The performance lineup includes “Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery,” featured at noon and 3:30 p.m.  Prepare to laugh out loud as you experience the excitement of the reptile world.   Live mammals from around the world are introduced in “Mammal Mania” at 1:30 p.m.  The Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo uses the life stories of each unique animal, their often humorous personality, fun facts and anecdotes to focus on animal behaviors and adaptations.  Vinnie Reo and his live wolf from Wolf Visions, will dispel the myths of the “Big Bad Wolf” and explain their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem at 1:00 & 2:30 p.m.  Throughout the afternoon, Magician Bill Kerwood will perform “Strolling Comedy and Magic” to entertain and delight young and old.  This unique and engaging variety show, sponsored by Union County Clean Communities, takes a magical look at the importance of recycling.

Live music performed by NRG Acoustic will highlight this year’s event.  Performing a mix of classic rock, pop, blues and country from the 1960’s to today, this popular band has been on the New Jersey cover scene since the 1980’s.  Throughout the day, food trucks, snacks and beverages will be available. Recycling Olympics, Eco-Art and face painting will round out this year’s children’s activities. 

Exhibitors include NJ Audubon Society, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, Rizzo’s Wildlife World, USDA Wildlife Services, NJ Forestry Association, Toadshade Wildflower Farm,

NJ State Park Service, NJ Native Plant Society, Wild Birds Unlimited, Tri-state Ramblers, Hidden Pastures Alpaca Farm, NJ Forest Fire Service, Friends of the Great Swamp, Union County Master Gardeners, 4-H Master Tree Stewards, American Chestnut Foundation, NJ Department of Agriculture and more.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association will recognize and honor the environmental heroes in our community when they announce the winners of the Environmental Hero Awards at 2:00 p.m.  

Admission is $5 per person; children 6 years and younger are free. Admission includes entrance to the “Touch A Truck” event being held concurrently in the Watchung Reservation lower loop parking lot.  No pets will be permitted to these events.

For more information about “Wild Earth Fest” or upcoming programs and events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders joined with members of The Arc of Union County, Community Access Unlimited, Elizabeth Parent Support Group and High Expectations Inc. as they proclaimed April 2018 as Autism Awareness Month throughout the County of Union. The Freeholders also commended the organizations for their efforts educating people about the issues surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the resources and support services available to people in Union County and the region with Autism.

The Freeholders were joined by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Assistant Director Karen Dinsmore and Manuel Ramirez and Nicole DeAugustine from the Union County Office for People with Special Needs.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Alexander Mirabella present a resolution to NJ Sharing Network Foundation Trustee Elizabeth Stamler proclaiming the month of April 2018 as National Donate Life Month throughout the County of Union and further encouraging the support of organ and tissue donation and transplant education. The NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. For more information about the organization visit www.njsharingnetwork.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella present a resolution to the Union County Corrections Officers who make up the #Heroes4Heroes group congratulating them on making the top ten highest charitable earnings list while raising money for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey. Special Olympics New Jersey provides a variety of services that range from health, wellness and leadership, to over 25,000 special needs athletes across the state for free. The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is in its 35th year, raises money for special needs athletes to have the proper resources they need to compete. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a series of free Trailside Talks for adults and high school students. 

“Enjoy the beautiful Watchung Reservation this spring and hear stimulating lectures guaranteed to enhance your enjoyment of the landscape around you,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. 

On Thursday, April 19 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. join New Jersey Audubon Volunteer Associate Naturalist and Star Ledger weekly columnist Peter Bacinski for a lecture, “Our Fascination with Woodpeckers.”  Birders and non-birders alike are fascinated by the sight of woodpeckers.  Mr. Bacinski will introduce us to the 22 species of woodpeckers, with a special focus on the species found in New Jersey.  Enjoy the speaker’s personal stories as he shares little known facts about these fascinating birds with highlights on their behavior, identification and distribution. 

NASA Solar System Ambassador Paul Cirillo returns by popular demand with a lecture “Living on the International Space Station” on Saturday, May 12 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Share the adventure of how astronauts live and work in space.  Discover how the absence of gravity affects the human body.  This thrilling talk is accompanied by breathtaking pictures of the Earth from this orbiting laboratory. 

Nature author and Conserve Wildlife Foundation Director David Wheeler will present “Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State” on Thursday May 17 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.   In contrast to the state’s reputation, New Jersey offers unmatched wildlife and an array of outdoor nature adventures all within a short drive of anywhere in the state.  Mr. Wheeler offers examples of unmatched wildlife from bald eagles to bobcats as well as exciting adventures including dogsledding, mountain climbing and wildlife boat tours.  Wild New Jersey will bring nature to life.  

Sharon Wander, President of the New Jersey Butterfly Club, will present “Butterflies and Their Host Plants” on Saturday June 9, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.   She will introduce the audience to many of the state’s 125 species of butterflies from the Giant Swallowtail to the tiny Eastern Tailed-Blue.  Find out which plants attract the butterflies and their caterpillars.  Ms. Wander will also highlight which plants can be grown in a home garden.                                        

For more information about Trailside Talks or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visitwww.ucnj.org/trailside.    Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.             

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce an exciting season of spring programs offered at Trailside nature and Science Center.

“Now that Spring has arrived it is time to go outside and have some fun,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Trailside’s location in the scenic Watchung Reservation provides the perfect outdoor classroom for learning about the environment and the natural world around us.”

Register now for spring workshops on line at www.ucnj.org/trailside.

Parents with children up to age three are invited to join the Toddler Time series of workshops that meet weekly on Thursdays, Fridays and now Saturdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. These classes incorporate sensory hikes, stories, crafts and activities to acquaint adults and children with the natural world. This spring out Toddler Time families will investigate the water cycle while traveling through hands-on water stations, celebrate Earth Day by marking a craft with recycled materials, visit Australia on an imaginary journey to see koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras and more.

For children, ages 3 or 4, with an adult, Trailside offers Two of Us, an interactive program that encourages nature discovery through hikes and other indoor/outdoor activities with a parent. This program is offered on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. or Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Participants can learn about the secret life of bees, investigate the life of a caterpillar and use their imagination to dive into the ocean to visit clams, sharks, clownfish and whales.

Small Fry Days, a drop-off program for children ages 4-6, is offered on Tuesdays, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. This workshop series is designed to foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world through hikes, explorations and nature related activities. Participants in this interesting and educational workshop series will learn how and why birds build nests, find out ways to keep our Earth clean and green and learn some f-ant-astic facts about ants.

Children in the first and second grades can take park in Afterschool Explorations, a drop-off program designed to acquaint children with nature explorations, hikes and outdoor activities. Children enrolled in this workshop series meet on Thursdays at 3:30-4:45 p.m. Learn how to use binoculars to identify some migratory and backyard birds, investigate the diversity of life found in a stream, make your own field notebook from upcycled materials and find out how and why animals communicate. Let your ears lead you on a spring walk in search of spring sounds.

Trailside’s spring workshops begin in April and continue through mid-June. Registrants can sign up for the series or choose only topics of interest. Pre-registration is required and the fee is $10.00 per class for Union County residents and $12.00 per class for out-of-county residents. Walk-ins can be accommodated if space permits.

For additional information about spring workshops, family programs, teacher training, special events and Trailside Talks for adults and high school students, please 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite families with children of all ages and adults alike to climb aboard a variety of public safety vehicles at this year’s “Touch A Truck” event on Sunday afternoon, April 29. The event will run from 11:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M., weather permitting in the Lower Loop Parking Lot of the Watchung Reservation. There will also be a quiet hour, from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. where children sensitive to noise will be able to enjoy the vehicles on display.

“Youngsters will have an opportunity to attend Touch A Truck at the Loop in the Watchung Reservation and get a close up look at these magnificent machines,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “They will also have the chance to climb aboard and experience the excitement of being behind the wheel.”

Hazmat will offer its big rig, and the Union County Department of Public Works will return with its mammoth white milling machine which is used to strip the top off of roads to prepare them for paving. The companion vehicle, the paver, will also be there, along with a bucket truck used for high tree trimming.

Attendees can also see multiple trucks with snow plows, payloaders, and hook/flatbed tow. And of course, fire department truck equipment from the Mountainside Fire Department is also planned for display.

This year’s Touch A Truck event will feature a special display from the Fire Museum, a 1975 Piece Custom pumper, retired from Mine Hill Fire Department.

Admission to the Touch A Truck event is $5 per person, with children 6 years old and under admitted free. The price of admission also includes admission to Wild Earth Fest.

The Loop Area is located just off Tracy Drive in Mountainside, in between Glenside Avenue and Summit Road. It features a very popular playground area for kids, and the concession stand will be open. Visitors may also visit the Watchung Stable and the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park. Also, Lake Surprise is just a short walk where residents can see the new dam.

For more information on Touch a Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit our website at ucnj.org/parks.

Union County Surrogate James LaCorte holds mobile office evening hours throughout the County’s municipalities.

Freeholder and Scotch Plains Township Manager Alexander Mirabella recently held a Facebook live session for residents to learn about his office. Visit the Surrogate’s website www.ucnj.org/surrogate to learn more.