Category: Public Info

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

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to celebrate Women’s History Month with a free performance of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum Carriage House at Kean University, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union.   

“The Freeholder Board is proud to contribute to the celebration of Women’s History Month with this free event highlighting the victories of the women’s suffrage movement, and sharing the stories of the many women who fought diligently for the right to vote,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Carol Simon Levin will be portraying Lillian Feickert, president of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association from 1912-1920, who lived in both Plainfield and North Plainfield.  She will tell the story of the role that New Jersey women played in the long struggle for women’s suffrage. She will share the stories of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and Union County’s own Florence Spearing Randolph of Summit among others. 

Levin is a retired librarian, author, storyteller and program presenter based in Bedminster, and author of the illustrated, interactive book, Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates. In addition to a coloring page, each entry in the book includes a short biography, a fascinating fact and a quote. 

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

Admission to “Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage” is free of charge, but advance registration is required. 

To register online visit https://ucnj.org/womens-suffrage/. For more information about the program contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2020 Presidential election cycle can 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.

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The Union County Jail, for the first time in its history, earned accreditation from the American Correctional Association with a perfect score of 100.

The 100 percent score is considered rare among jails, and only 150 jails nationwide out of 3,000 are accredited. The audit of the Union County Jail was conducted last year by the ACA.

The American Correctional Association is the body tasked with developing nationwide standards for policies and procedures that safeguard life, health and safety of corrections personnel and inmates.

ACA accreditation covers all areas of a facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice, and administration.

ACA standards are the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that facilities are operated professionally.

Union County Department of Corrections Director Ron Charles was on hand to receive the news with his accreditation team members at the American Correctional Association’s Congress of Corrections in San Diego, California, last month.

From an interactive nature museum and a public ice skating rink, to an eye-popping model train display and a lavishly restored 1920’s vaudeville theatre, Union County is full of unique and unusual activities for residents and visitors in search of indoor fun during the cold winter months.

The winter activities are included in 52 Great Things to Do in Union County This Year, a newly updated, season by season list of indoor and outdoor events and programs offered or supported by Union County, available on the County website at ucnj.org/52.

“We hope this newly updated list will help residents and visitors discover all that Union County has to offer, especially in the winter months when it can be difficult to get out,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Union County park system includes the Deserted Village of Feltville, an Olympic-scale archery range, a riding stable, and skateboard parks among other unique features.

Coming up on February 15 and February 17 is Union County’s annual “February Festivities” series of family friendly, indoor and outdoor nature programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside.

In addition to programs in the parks, Union County sponsors numerous art and history events throughout the year including the Sensory Friendly Theatre series for audiences with sensory sensitivities. The next Sensory Friendly Theatre presentation will be a special performance of Cinderella by the New Jersey Ballet, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on March 8.

The County’s environmental volunteer activities also attract hundreds of participants yearly.

For more information visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection at 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 reminds residents to be aware of phone scammers posing as employees of the Social Security Administration. A new report from the United States Senate Committee on Aging finds that Social Security impersonation calls are now the nation’s most-reported phone scam.

“All residents should be aware of how to protect themselves and guard their sensitive information. Reporting all suspected scams to the Social Security Administration will help protect others from becoming victims,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

If a person claiming to be from the Social Security Administration calls, residents are reminded to not send money or provide any personal or banking information. Suspicious phone calls should be reported to https://oig.ssa.gov.

Here are some warning signs for residents to look out for:

• A caller says that there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.
• A caller demands immediate payment.
• A caller requests you pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, cash, wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards.
• A caller threatens you with arrest or other legal action.

 

Residents can learn more about Social Security-related scams at https://oig.ssa.gov/scam.

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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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Andrea Staten and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Clerk of the Board Jim Pellettiere, Union County Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Elizabeth Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste and others at the Black History Month Flag Raising this morning outside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the expansion of business hours for its Division of Social Services (DSS) within the Department of Human Services effective February 1, 2020.

The new hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. They apply to the DSS offices in Elizabeth at 342 Westminster Avenue and in Plainfield at 200 West 2^nd Street.

“The new office hours are designed to provide Union County residents with more opportunities to contact DSS while minimizing disruptions to daytime work schedules and other commitments,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Last year the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey recognized DSS with its 2019 ‘Social Services Champion’ award for excellence, and the expanded hours are part of our commitment to continue building on that record,” said Mirabella.

The Union County Division of Social Services administers federal and state programs that provide income eligible residents in need of help with food, shelter, medical assistance, and other services to secure individuals and families.

Last year the Division of Social Services provided food assistance to a total of 37,076 Union County residents, including 17,432 children, and the Immunization Clinic provided 1,610 free immunizations to children. Hours of operation for the Immunization Clinic, located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth, will remain at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DSS also assists with nursing home placement, traumatic brain injury cases and refugee resettlement. Union County handles more refugee resettlement cases than any other county in New Jersey.

For more information about DSS and other offices of the Union County Department of Human Services, call the DHS Action Line, 888-845-3434, or 908-558-2288, or email DHSaction@ucnj.org for quick, personal service.  For all Union County government services, visit www.ucnj.org.

 

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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.

Tony Chatman has worked with hundreds of corporations and government agencies.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to welcome internationally known leadership coach Tony Chatman as keynote speaker for the fourth annual Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast.

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Kean University STEM Building, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township and is open to all Union County business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. Breakfast is included and preregistration is required online at ucnj.org/ucmb.

“Mr. Chatman is well known for his ability to connect people with practical, usable knowledge that helps them achieve their goals in business and in life. His focus on diversity and inclusion is especially relevant to our business community, and his background in science and human behavior provides him with unique insights into relationships between people,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Tony Chatman has worked with hundreds of corporations and government agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, Chase Bank, Estee Lauder, NOAA and NASA. As a keynote speaker he is known for his passion, stage presence and intensity.

Tony was only the second African American to receive a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University’s prestigious Paper Science and Technology School. While working as a chemical engineer for a Fortune 500 company, he had a life changing interaction with an at-risk youth that inspired him to embrace a new career in the non-profit sector. His work in counseling led him to study human behavior with the intent to understand what makes people tick, excel, and change.

Mr. Chatman delivered his first TEDx talk in 2018 and recently completed his first book, The Force Multiplier: How to Lead Teams Where Everyone Wins.

Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, designed to connect the local business community with hands-on guidance and resources for growth. It began as an initiative of Chairman Mirabella in 2012, and has grown since then to include additional programs.

For more information about the Networking Breakfast and other Union County Means Business programs, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros by phone at 908-659-7412 or by email at dmesaros@ucnj.org.

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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 — Union County reminds residents seeking reliable information about services for adults age 60 and older can benefit from visits from the Division on Aging, an office of the Union County Department of Human Services. There will be visits at convenient locations throughout the County in February and residents are welcome to come and speak to experienced staff about services available.

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

“Our goal is to help senior residents access the resources they need to stay connected with their communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The ASK program helps seniors, their families, and their caregivers get expert guidance in person, in a comfortable setting close to home.”

 

The ASK program offers access to home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

 

The February 2020 dates and locations are:

Monday, February 10

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 13

Rahway Senior Center

1306 Esterbrook Avenue

Rahway, NJ  07065

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 20

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 25

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any ASK event. In case of inclement weather, residents may call 908-572-4870 on the day of the event to confirm if the event has been rescheduled.

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.

For the upcoming ASK schedule, residents should visit: 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.

Residents looking for family-friendly fun over President’s Day weekend are invited to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a special “February Festivities” series of programs for adults and families with children age five and up during Presidents Day weekend. Programs will run on Saturday, February 15 and Monday, February 17. 

Highlights of the two-day event include a special magic-and-movie program on February 17, beginning with The Science of Magic, an exciting, participatory magic show that reveals the  secrets of magic using magnetism, light, air and optical illusion. A free screening of the animated movie Abominable follows the magic show.

“February Festivities at Trailside offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor programs to explore science and nature topics in ways that are fun and entertaining for all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all February Festivities nature activities and workshops. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside. Workshop fees are $5.00 per person for Union County residents and $6.00 per person for non-county residents.

The full list of February Festivities activities include:

• Saturday, February 15 from noon until 1:00 p.m. — The Journey of Sap to Syrup. Visitors will see how real maple syrup is made from the sap of a real sugar maple tree.
• Saturday, February 15, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Mythical Creatures of Fields & Forests.  Bring your imagination as we investigate the world of elves, fairies, gnomes and their forest friends.  Take a walk in search of homes and hideouts of these magical creatures.
• Saturday, February 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Animal Clue Winter Walk. Search for signs that animal neighbors have visited and enjoy a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores.
• Monday, February 17 — Mythical Creatures returns from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, February 17 — The Journey of Sap to Syrup returns from noon until 1:00 p.m.
• Monday, February 17 — “Magic and A Movie,” featuring a magic show with audience participation and comedy for children ages five and up with parent from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Please note, no pre-registration is needed for the magic show but tickets are required. They will be available starting at 1:00 p.m. on the day of the show at the Visitor Service Desk for a fee of $5.00 general admission, $4.00 senior citizens. Space is limited and strollers are not permitted).
• Monday, February 17 — Free screening of the animated movie Abominable, 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (no pre-registration needed for the movie).
• Monday, February 17 — Animal Clue Winter Walk returns from 3:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

For additional information about the special programs offered during February Festivities, winter workshops and special events, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is also open on Sunday, February 16 from noon to 5:00 p.m. Trailside is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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.