Category: Public Info

Update March 11, 2020: Please note, due to the anticipated spread of the COVID-19 virus in New Jersey, all remaining ASK events in March have been canceled.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking reliable information about services for adults age 60 and older can come to convenient locations throughout the County and speak in person with experienced staff from the Division on Aging, an office of the Union County Department of Human Services.

The community visits are scheduled every month through Union County’s ASK (Aging Services Kiosk) program. In March, the ASK program will be present at public libraries in Clark, Cranford, Garwood, Mountainside, Plainfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, and at the Rahway Senior Center.

“The Aging & Disability Resource Connection model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled. The ASK program enables these residents to obtain valuable information and services, while remaining close to their homes and communities,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Guidance offered through the ASK program includes home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any ASK event. In case of snow, residents may call 908-572-4870 on the day of the event to confirm.

The March 2020 dates and locations are:

Monday, March 2

Westfield Memorial Library

550 E. Broad Street

Westfield, NJ 07090

10:00 A.M. – 12 Noon

Monday, March 9

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Wednesday, March 11

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016

10:00 A.M. – 12 Noon

Thursday, March 12

Rahway Senior Center

1306 Esterbrook Avenue

Rahway, NJ  07065

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Thursday, March 19

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Friday, March 20

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, NJ 07092

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Monday, March 27

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, NJ 07060

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Monday, March 30

Summit Public Library

75 Maple Street

Summit, NJ 07901

10:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Tuesday, March 31

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

11:30 AM. – 1:30 P.M.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC) goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527- 4870 or 908-527-4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli and Sheriff’s Officer Nelson Agurto thank Sue Romano, the owner of Lightbridge Academy in Westfield, for the donation of a training “bite suit” to the Sheriff’s The K-9 Search & Rescue Unit. Romano, a Scotch Plains resident, and Lightbridge Academy regularly give back to the community through donations to local organizations such as food pantries, school groups and animal shelters with monthly fundraising. For more information about the child care center, visit www.lightbridgeacademy.com. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy Union County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Human Services staff in welcoming the panel participants to the Union County Needs Assessment Community Forum at Kean University in Union. The panelists are Christine Beyer, Commissioner of Department of Children and Families for the State of NJ, Peggy McDonald, Assistant Commissioner of Division of Student Services for the NJ Department of Education, Elisa Neira, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Human Services for the State of NJ, and Rebecca Rhoades, Director for the Office of Homelessness Prevention for the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

The newly released Union County Needs Assessment report is based on public surveys and focus groups as well as analyses conducted by public, nonprofit and private sector stakeholders. It covers the full range of Union County services, from parks, recreation, education and cultural events to social services, emergency response and more.

For more information about the Union County Department of Human Services visit www.ucnj.org/departments/human-services/.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2020 Presidential election cycle still have time to apply to become poll workers this year. All poll workers must attend a mandatory training session and will earn a $200 stipend for their services on Election Day.

“If you are following this year’s Presidential Election, and are interested in learning more about the election process, becoming a poll worker is an exciting and rewarding way to participate,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. All new poll workers must attend a single-session training course. Returning poll workers take a refresher course every two years.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker for the Primary Election on June 2nd and the General Election on November 3^rd are advised to apply now to reserve a spot.

To apply, download an application form at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/Poll-Worker-Application-2020.pdf, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4120.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Update March 12, 2020: In consideration of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in New Jersey, this event has been cancelled.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, all Union County residents and visitors are invited to attend a presentation of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage, a first-person historical interpretation that opens a window into the world of women activists who fought for the right to vote, and ultimately won.

The event takes place on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum Carriage House at Kean University, at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union.

Admission is free of charge but advance registration is required at ucnj.org/womens-suffrage.

The performance features the story of former Union County resident Lillian Ford Feickert, who lived for a time in Plainfield. She served as President of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association during the pivotal eight-year period of 1912 to 1920, the year that women’s suffrage finally became the law of the land through the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“Lillian Feickert and her contemporaries are inspirational figures in American history,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to help keep their stories alive through this special presentation as we celebrate the centennial anniversary of the 19^th Amendment.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and another former Union County resident, Florence Spearing Randolph of Summit are among the activists featured in the performance, as told through the voice of Lillian Feickert.

Performing as Lillian Feickert is Carol Simon Levine, a New Jersey storyteller, presenter and author of the book, Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates. 

Reclaiming our Voice is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. 

For more information about the event contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 or visit online at ucnj.org.

Poster credit: Public domain via http://suffrageandthemedia.org/source/womens-hour-struck/ (winning 1916 poster and slogan for  

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Image credit: Public domain, via Suffrage and the Media.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Fiscal Committee of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced a set of 3 open public hearings in March for the review of the 2020 Executive Budget.

“The Freeholder Board continues to provide the opportunity for engagement from our residents across the county, and bringing these budget hearings to different locations is a way to make sure as many people as possible can participate,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is also Chair of the Fiscal Committee. “The County has worked diligently to stay below the 2% increase for the third year in a row, maintaining a stable tax rate.”

All three hearings will begin at 6 p.m. and are as follows:

 

While there are no public comments at these meetings, the public is welcome to attend and listen to the discussion. The Freeholder Board’s Fiscal Committee will conduct their review before the Freeholder Board as a whole votes to introduce the budget later this year.

Bird watchers and nature fans are invited to join Pete Axelrod of Wild Birds Unlimited and Friends of The Great Swamp for the annual Woodcock Talk and Walk events. The first will be held in Lenape Park in Cranford on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:15 p.m. and the other will be held at the Watchung Stables off of Summit Avenue in the Watchung Reservation on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.

 “The American Woodcock requires very specific habitats, so it’s a great source of pride that Union County’s preserved open spaces can be a home for this unusual bird,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The annual Talk and Walk events help our residents and visitors see and hear the value of local nature conservation.”

Hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, the annual Woodcock Talk & Walk provides seasoned birders and beginners alike with the chance to catch a glimpse of the American Woodcock and learn more about this unusual and elusive bird.

The American Woodcock is known by a variety of colorful names including Timberdoodle, Labrador twister, Night partridge, Mudbat, and Bog sucker.

The species is most commonly referred to as the woodcock due to its preference for wooded areas. American Woodcocks are drawn to moist forests and require dense woodland, providing ample cover and food.

In the spring, the bird seeks out forest clearings, abandoned fields spotted with low brush or open fields next to forest edges to serve as courtship sites.

In preparation for mating, male Woodcocks establish individual territories known as singing grounds.

Perhaps the most fascinating attribute of the American Woodcock is the acrobatic courtship displays performed by the males.

As part of their mating ritual, a displaying male on the ground will emit a nasal, buzzing call referred to as a peent, to attract females. He then takes flight and ascends 200 or 300 feet. All the while, musical twittering sounds are made by the male’s wings. Afterwards, he will spiral or zigzag back to the ground while producing a liquid chirp.

The March 18 event at Lenape Park will meet at the old Trap and Skeet field house near the main entrance off Kenilworth Boulevard/County Road 509 in Cranford (the park entrance is between Dorset Drive and Nomahegan Road).

The March 25 Woodcock Walk & Talk in the Watchung Reservation will take place at the Deserted Village. The group will meet at Masker’s Barn, which is located at the far end of Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights (GPS users: plug in 13 Cataract Hollow Road and follow road to the end).

Participants are advised to dress warm and bring a flashlight.  Both events are free and open to adults and children age 10 and up with an adult. Pre-registration is required by emailing the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at bkelly@ucnj.org.

For more information on activities and programs in Union County parks, and to find out about volunteering with Union County Adopt-a-Park, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental and sustainability programs visit The Green Connection online at www.ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to attend a free forum and discussion session on the newly released Union County Community Needs Assessment report, on Wednesday, February 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the STEM Building Auditorium at Kean University, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“The Needs Assessment report is a valuable resource for guidance as we continue to improve services for Union County’s growing population, while also taking on evolving challenges in homelessness, opioid abuse and other areas,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Needs Assessment report is based on public surveys and focus groups as well as analyses conducted by public, nonprofit and private sector stakeholders. It covers the full range of Union County services, from parks, recreation, education and cultural events to social services, emergency response and more.

Pre-registration is not required but an RSVP is suggested. To RSVP and for more information, contact Stephanie Goncalves at sgoncalves@ucnj.org or 908-527-4383.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8, in order to participate in their new party’s Presidential Primary Election on June 2.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2020 Presidential Primary, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation.

In the event a voter wishes to change their party, Party Declaration Forms can be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or downloaded from https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

For Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Ms. DiRado also advised that visitors to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often may inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transition, and may not have even noticed it.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s presidential nominee.

The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 2. 

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They receive a ballot for each party, and they return only the ballot for which they declare.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Online registration for the Women’s Yoga Event

[contact-form-7 id=”81597″ title=”2020 Women Yoga – First One”]

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is presenting a free yoga, meditation and emotional wellness program for women on Tuesday evening, March 10, at Masker’s Barn in the historic Deserted Village of Feltville, located in the Watchung Reservation in Berkeley Heights.

The March 10 event is the latest in a series of women’s yoga and wellness sessions organized through the Union County Office on Women. It is free and open to all women in Union County age 16 years and older, from beginners to experienced practitioners.

Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/womans-yoga.

“In addition to fostering wellness, the yoga series also provides an opportunity to connect with issues that broadly impact women and girls,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

For the March 10 event, attendees are requested to bring a donation of feminine hygiene products in support of the organization Girls Helping Girls. Period. The donations will go to help girls who struggle to afford hygiene products.

The March 10 session will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is expected to conclude at approximately 9:00 p.m. It includes a networking session, yoga and guided meditation.

Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga and bring their own yoga mats. 

Masker’s Barn is a restored, ADA accessible 19th century barn located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in the Deserted Village of Feltville, off Glenside Avenue in the Berkeley Heights section of Union County’s Watchung Reservation. Drivers are advised not to box in other cars when parking at the site.

The Office on Women was created in 2016 as the first county-based office of its kind in New Jersey, connecting women with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives, and raising awareness of the many contributions that women make to life in Union County.

March is designated as Women’s History Month in the United States and is celebrated each year in Union County with special programs and activities. Women’s History Month corresponds with International Women’s Day, recognized around the world every year on March 8.

For more details about the yoga series and other programs of the Office on Women contact Jennifer Erdos, Coordinator, at jerdos@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/women.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.