Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – All Union County residents and visitors are invited to come and enjoy the annual Holiday Sound and Light Show hosted by The Model Railroad Club, at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union Township.

Each year the Railroad Club dresses up a spectacular HO scale layout for the holidays and puts on a series of shows beginning at noon on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.

Attendees can stay as long as they want to watch more than one show, explore the other exhibits, recharge at the snack bar, and stock up on railroad-themed presents at the gift shop.

This year, the Holiday Sound and Light show opens at noon on Friday, November 29. It will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 15.

For ticket information visit the Railroad Club online themodelrailroadclub.org. Children of all ages are welcome, and those age two and under are free.

All proceeds from the Holiday Sound and Light Show go towards funding the activities and public outreach projects of the Railroad Club.

Directions: The A. Paul Mallery Center is located in a mixed-use corner of Union County’s Lenape Park, off Route 22 East in Union Township, behind the Home Depot at 930 South Springfield Road.

Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 East or from South Springfield Road, and go to the far end (the west end) where the Home Depot garden center is located. Follow the signs to a small road behind the garden center. Look for the orange and green Model Railroad Center/Lenape Park sign at the end of the road.

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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 – In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents to get vaccinated before the rush of holiday travel and social events begins in earnest.

National Influenza Vaccination Week takes place this year from December 1 to December 7.

“The vaccination window is still open for this year’s flu season, so there is plenty of time for residents to get their flu shots and protect themselves and their families,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “A vaccination now can help prevent the flu throughout the winter and into next spring.”

A flu vaccine is recommended during the fall season every year for persons age six months and up. Vaccines received in November and December are beneficial, though best results occur when vaccinations are received before the end of October.

Residents who have already gotten sick with flu this fall can also benefit from vaccination, since many different strains of the flu spread during flu season. The majority of flu vaccines protect against four different strains of influenza.

To find vaccination clinics in and around Union County, and to get more information about flu prevention and treatment, visit the Centers for Disease Control online at cdc.gov/flu.

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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 residents seeking information about services for adults age 60 and older can speak with staff from the county’s Division on Aging at seven libraries and senior centers in Union County in December. The program, called Aging Services Kiosk, travels to different communities each month.

Any senior, and their family members or caregivers, can visit any of the ASK locations for assistance.

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

At each ASK location, Division on Aging staff members provide information on home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and other support services. They also help visitors fill out applications and forms.

The remaining December 2019 dates and locations are:

Friday, December 13

Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch

740 W. Grand St.

Elizabeth, 07202 

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

Monday, December 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

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

Thursday, December 19

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Friday, December 20

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is part of the Union County Department of Human Services. Its 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.  Division on Aging information is printed in both English and Spanish.

Upcoming ASK schedules are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call 1-888-280-8226 toll free, or call 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4870.

 

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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 Sergio Granados joined Union County Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Division of Individual and Family Support Services Director Christina Topolosky and Nicole DeAugustine, Helen Alvarado, Leighton Heisey and Manuel Ramirez of the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs in presenting Newark Yoga Movement CEO Debby Kaminsky with a donation of yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters and yoga blankets from the County of Union. Newark Yoga Movement brings yoga, breathing, and centering skills to children, teens and adults throughout the State of New Jersey, including Union County. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union) 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that acquisition of 112 Park Drive in Cranford has been completed. The property consists of an “elbow” of land and a street that protrude into Nomahegan Park. It is currently occupied by an abandoned house. Now under County ownership, the house and its accompanying section of street will be removed.

The .59-acre parcel was purchased with $515,000 from the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The closing took place on Friday morning, November 22.

“Adding land for public recreation is a rare achievement in our densely developed area,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This small but significant parcel will improve a popular walking trail and add more than a half-acre to the natural habitat in the park, while removing a neighborhood eyesore.”

“Completing the trail will make a significant difference to Union County residents and visitors, and it is a great benefit for participants in organized walk-run events that take place in the park. This purchase provides a wonderful example of the impact that the Trust Fund has on the Union County community, as we strive to create more recreation opportunities for the public and preserve our natural heritage for future generations,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is chairman of the Trust Fund.

“Recreational space has been a priority of the Cranford Township Committee.  We greatly appreciate the efforts of Freeholder Chair Kowalski, Open Space Chair Freeholder Granados, and the Union County Freeholders to acquire this property and expand recreational space at Nomahegan Park.  We look forward to much needed beautification of the property,” said Cranford Mayor Patrick Giblin.

The Nomahegan trail is a paved pathway that meanders through the park. At the southern end it is interrupted by Park Drive, which curves around the abandoned house. Trail users – including walkers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists of all ages – must enter the street to continue on to the other end of the trail.

The house at 112 Park Drive was vacated in 2007. Union County expressed interest in purchasing the property as early as 2010. Periodic negotiations with the owners continued until last summer, when an agreement was reached.

Nomahegan Park hosts athletic fields, a lake where fishing is permitted, fitness equipment and a playground, as well as paved pathways and forested areas. The Rahway River also runs through the park.

Union County was one the first counties in the U.S. to establish a county-owned system of public parks. Union County’s park system began construction in the 1920’s, after local preservationists became concerned over rapid development in the area.

Through public support for the Trust Fund and other land preservation initiatives over the years, the Union County park system has grown to include 36 parks totaling more than 6,700 acres.

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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 – Visitors to Union County’s Warinanco Park in Roselle were treated to an unusual sight earlier this week, when a Great Blue Heron took up temporary residence at the park’s fishing dock. To help protect birds and other wildlife from getting tangled in discarded fishing line, new “Reel in and Recycle” bins have been installed at Warinanco and other County parks. Anglers can safely dispose of broken or unwanted line in the bins. The line is collected and converted into new fishing gear. Everyone can help preserve local nature habitats by recycling or properly disposing plastic bags, bottles and other items. To participate in organized habitat improvement projects in Union County parks, visit the Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail program online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-789-3683. Photo credit: County of Union, NJ.

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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.

Community can help by donating gifts for children attending the event

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to host the first Union County Fostering Hope Together free holiday ice skating event for families with children under the care and supervision of the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families. Parents and guardians of children in foster care are invited to enjoy a morning of holiday cheer featuring free skating for ages five and up, plus photos with Santa, live entertainment, activities, hot chocolate, cookies and more for all ages.

The Fostering Hope Together event is organized by the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity and the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, in collaboration with Kemper Sports, the nonprofit family advocacy organization embrella, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, and CASA of Union County.

As part of the event, donated gifts will be provided for children and youth in attendance.

“Hundreds of children in Union County are currently in foster care, and we as a community can help ensure that they feel welcome and included in the activities and experiences of the holiday season,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to host Fostering Hope with our partners, and donations from the public are very much appreciated.”

To donate a gift for ages infant to 16, visit the “Foster And Adoptive Children Holiday Drive” online wish list at amazon.com.*

To donate a gift card for ages 17 and up, or to otherwise assist in the gift drive, contact Michael Miguel of embrella, at MichaelMiguel78@gmail.com or 908-965-1323.

To register and get more details about the event, families can contact their embrella advocate, CASA volunteer or DCP&P worker, or contact Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator, Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, at 908-527-4880 or Nahernandez@ucnj.org.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org, or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

*Full link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1O2WRDVRRX3LL/ref=cm_go_nav_hz.

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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.

 

 

 

In a briefing conducted for the Union County Department of Corrections on Thursday, November 14, the American Correctional Association announced that its recent audit of the Department has concluded, resulting in “exceptional” scores of 100% for mandatory standards and 99.3% compliance in non-mandatory standards.

The briefing is a step toward official accreditation by the American Correctional Association.

“ACA accreditation is only awarded to the ‘best of the best’ in the corrections field, so last Thursday’s briefing represented a significant milestone,” said Freeholder Angel Estrada, who attended the briefing. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank Union County Department of Corrections Director Ron Charles and his staff and officers, for their professionalism and attention to detail.”

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.

During the accreditation process, ACA staff works directly with a facility or agency management to provide necessary documentation, assign and train auditors, and discuss with the specific requirements of each standard.

The accreditation process begins with an initial contact and continues through assessment, contracting, preparation, and the accreditation audit. The audit is then followed by a final accreditation decision.

The final accreditation decision for the Union County Department of Corrections is expected in January.

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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 announces that the 2019 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is now on display at the Freeholders Gallery located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. The exhibit is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

“The Teen Arts program provides the youth of Union County with an opportunity to showcase their creative abilities to the public,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I congratulate the artists selected to be a part of this touring exhibit as well as all the students who participated in this year’s Teen Arts Festival.”

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is a two day festival held annually in March, celebrating artistic talent from across Union County in literary, performing, and visual arts. After the festival, a selection is made from the over 700 visual art entries, and those selections become part of the Teen Arts Touring Exhibit. The exhibit travels for approximately 10 months to sites around Union County.

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information about Teen Arts and other programs visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at ucnj.org, email the office at culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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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 of all ages to the Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 8 for a special Celebrate the Season event.

“Union County is pleased to support this program for the holiday season,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Celebrate the Season will provide families with the opportunity to get in the holiday spirit and we encourage residents to join in the fun.”

Families will have the chance to skate with Santa Claus and his elves. Three skating sessions will be offered during the event at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Each session runs for 2 hours.

In addition to ice-skating, families can enjoy holiday carols, arts and crafts for children, and face painting. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the Sports Center café.

Tickets must be purchased in advance for the event. All attendees must have a ticket to attend Celebrate the Season, including those not participating in the skating sessions.

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting warinancoparkstore.com/golf/ecom_v2/ecom.php.

Tickets are $5.00 per person and include: admission to a skating session, face painting and crafts, hot chocolate and cookies. Additional food will also be available for purchase at the Sports Center Café. Please note, each skating session is limited to 325 attendees.

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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.