Category: Public Info

Union County residents seeking information about services available for adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six (6) dates and locations in October to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Westfield; Garwood; Clark; Elizabeth; Union; and at the Rahway Senior Center.

“The purpose of “ASK” is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers”, said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “The ASK program will bring our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff, based in Elizabeth, to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) have been traveling throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals; respite care; home care; adult day care; and, support services for caregivers through the Aging Services Kiosk or ASK community outreach effort.  Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The October 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, October 7
Westfield Memorial Library
550 W. Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, October 10
Rahway Senior Center
1306 Esterbrook Avenue
Rahway, NJ  07065
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, October 17
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, NJ 07027
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, October 21
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Friday, October 25
Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch
740 W. Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
10:00 am – 12 noon

Tuesday, October 29
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

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 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled. These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.

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, Union County Facebook page, Union County Twitter account 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 4858.

Union County’s Deputy County Manager Amy Crisp Wagner was honored for her accomplishments by the United Way of Greater Union County at their inaugural “Ladies Who Give A Hoot Dinner.”

Amy serves as Deputy County Manager and as Director of Economic Development. She is second-in-command of County government under the direction of the Freeholder Board and assists with the supervision of its day-to-day operations, policies and projects.

It also should be noted that the funds raised from the event are going to a great cause— the Nurse Family Partnership, an organization which provides much-needed support for maternal and child health. 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has responded to a recommendation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which effectively halts a decades-long planning process for flood control in the Rahway River Basin. Last July, the Army Corps of Engineers abruptly notified the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that work on the flood control plan is no longer merited.

“After 20 years of genuine progress, USACE halted the study for no discernible reason. We strongly urge the Army Corps of Engineers to resume work on this critical matter of public safety and economic security for communities throughout our region,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The planning process has been under way since 1999, after Congress approved funds for a feasibility study for flood control in the Rahway River Basin. The Rahway River Basin covers more than 81 square miles within the New York metropolitan region, including parts of Union and Essex counties.

The action by Congress followed a series of destructive floods dating back to 1938, impacting Cranford, Rahway and other communities. More recently, severe flooding occurred during Tropical Storm Floyd in 1999, a springtime nor’easter in 2007, and Hurricane Irene in 2011.

“By working with the vigorous support of U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker over the years, and more recently U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski, Union County and other stakeholders in Rahway River flood control were able to keep funding available. In 2015 the Army Corps of Engineers even agreed to place the study on a priority track,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “It is unacceptable for USACE to reverse course, without warning, and literally invent a reason for doing so.”

In its recommendation, USACE stated that “locally imposed constraints and lack of acceptance of the alternatives proposed has severely limited the scope of our solutions.”

“In fact, the opposite is true,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “Union County has worked cooperatively all along with Essex County and the Mayors whose communities lie within the Rahway River Basin, and we achieved consensus on a plan developed by USACE.”

Freeholder Chair Kowalski outlined Union County’s concerns in a letter to New Jersey DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe, dated September 24, urging DEP to reject the recommendation to halt the feasibility study.

“We strongly believe that taking no action, as proposed by USACE, is an unacceptable outcome of the feasibility study process,” she wrote. “Union County residents and tens of thousands of people throughout the region are counting on us, and we must fulfill our obligation to protect life and property, among the most basic responsibilities of our government to the people we serve.”

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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.

Full Text of letter is as follows:

September 24, 2019

Catherine R. McCabe, Commissioner

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

                                                RE: USACE Rahway River Flood Study

Dear Commissioner McCabe:

On behalf of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the many affected residents of Union County, I am writing to respectfully urge your Department formally to reject the proposal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to end the Rahway River Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study.

As you know, many communities in Union County are desperately in need of protection from flooding related to the Rahway River, which has occurred regularly over several decades.  For instance, an April 2007 storm caused such widespread and substantial damage that Union County and Cranford were declared federal disaster areas.  We were again reminded sadly of the vulnerability to flooding from the Rahway River when Hurricane Irene struck in 2011.  With a changing climate and the increasing frequency and intensity of rain events, Union County and its residents are tremendously concerned about how flooding will affect our communities in the days ahead.  Less than 6 months ago, USACE indicated they were committed to help craft a solution!

For these reasons, we were surprised to learn on September 18, 2019 that USACE had notified NJDEP of its view that further study of plans to provide protection from flooding related to the Rahway River is not warranted because of the difficulties they claim, saying that “locally imposed constraints and lack of acceptance of the alternatives proposed has severely limited the scope of our solutions.”  This is unacceptable, especially considering that Union County, the Mayors Council Rahway River Flood Control, and residents in both Union and Essex County for years had worked cooperatively on a plan developed by USACE New York District, identified as the Tentatively Selected Plan for Alternative 4a – only for that plan to be rejected in July 2018, totally without warning, by USACE Headquarters.

Since this surprising decision, the Mayors Council and Union County have been working diligently to engage USACE to develop alternative plans that would be acceptable to the affected communities.  As you know, USACE Headquarters transferred responsibility for the project to USACE New England, claiming that its expertise in small dam safety would facilitate the planning process.  Unfortunately, USACE New England has not worked in the cooperative manner that was promised. It is difficult to believe that, in just the last several months, all potential solutions have been exhausted.

We strongly believe that taking no action, as proposed by USACE, is an unacceptable outcome to the feasibility study process.  In assessing the costs and benefits of potential plans, USACE fails to appropriately account for the tremendous costs of doing nothing.  We urge NJDEP to reject USACE’s effort to arbitrarily and capriciously end the Rahway Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study at this time.  Rather, we ask for NJDEP and USACE to renew their work, cooperatively and in close coordination, to develop an acceptable plan to provide protection from flooding from the Rahway River.  Union County residents and tens of thousands of people throughout the region are counting on us, and we must fulfill our obligation to protect life and property, among the most basic responsibilities of our government to the people we serve.

We appreciate your kind consideration of this time-sensitive request and look forward to continuing to work with you to develop viable solutions and a path forward.

Sincerely,

Bette Jane Kowalski

Chair, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

cc:  USACE

     Senator Robert Menendez

     Senator Cory Booker

     Rep. Tom Malinowski

     Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

     Rep. Albio Sires

     Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman

     Governor Phil Murphy

     Senator Nicholas Scutari

     Senator Thomas Kean, Jr.

     Assemblywoman Linda Carter

     Assemblyman James Kennedy

     Assemblyman Jon Bramnick

     Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz   

     Mayors Council Rahway River Flood Control

 

 

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Rahway invite residents with disabilities and special needs, ages 16 and up, to a “Halloween Bash” in celebration of the season. The event will be held on Friday, October 25^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center, located at 275 E. Milton Avenue.

“The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support activities that foster inclusion for all residents,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Halloween Bash allows those with disabilities and special needs to celebrate Halloween in a safe and judgment free environment.”  

Attendees will be able to enjoy a dance party, games and activities, a haunted house, a costume contest, and arts and crafts.

“As a City committed to diversity and inclusiveness, Rahway is proud to partner with Union County to host this event, which helps ensure that members of our community with disabilities and special needs have the opportunity to enjoy the fun and joy that Halloween brings,” said Mayor of Rahway Raymond Giacobbe

The Halloween Bash is a drop-off respite program, though parents and guardians are welcome to stay.

Additional sponsors for this event include Rahway Savings Bank, Melao Café and Creamery, and SUEZ water utility company of Rahway.

The Halloween Bash is a free event, however pre-registration is required online at http:/ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. For more information about the Halloween Bash, contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs at 908-527-4781.

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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 Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados joined Berkeley Heights Mayor Angela Devanney, members of the Township Council and the Board of Education, county and local officials and student athletes in cutting the ribbon marking the re-turfing of the multi-purpose field at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

County residents seeking an active and fun community service opportunity are invited to join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County community volunteer program. No previous experience with gardening is required. All Master Gardeners are trained and certified by Rutgers experts.

Applications for the 32nd annual Master Gardner class training series in Union County are now being accepted. Classes begin on October 15 and go until the end of May 2020.

“The Master Gardeners program provides both seasoned gardeners and beginners with the chance to serve their community while expanding their knowledge of gardening,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support our Master Gardeners who have touched the lives of countless Union County residents throughout the years.”

The mission of the Master Gardeners is to share knowledge, experience, and love of gardening through community activities including neighborhood garden and beautification projects, education, and outreach to seniors and the disabled.

In return for the training, Master Gardeners are involved with many outreach activities.  They maintain a 1.5 acre demonstration garden at Trailside in the Watchung Reservation.  Master Gardeners raise vegetables, herbs and small fruit in the garden for donation to local food pantries.  Master Gardeners offer educational programs for school groups and tours for community organizations at the demonstration garden.  Other services are a Garden Helpline, which residents can call or email for gardening advice, at (908) 654-9852 and mastergardeners@ucnj.org. 

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

A $200 materials fee will be due upon acceptance to the program which covers all textbooks, notebooks and class materials. Trainees commit to at least 6 hours of volunteer service before training is completed, and a total of 60 hours of service over a period of 12 to 18 months.

To obtain a Master Gardeners application and more information on all programs of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit the Rutgers University Master Gardener Application Site. Questions can be directed to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by calling (908) 654-9854, Ext. 2 or Ext. 4. 

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

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in conjunction with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation invites educators to attend a teacher training workshop, Falcon Cam in the Classroom, on Thursday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. 

Pairs of peregrine falcons have nested on the roof of the Union County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth every year since 2005. The Falcon Cam was installed 2016 as an initiative of the Freeholder Board to serve as a research and public education tool. Conserve Wildlife is Union County’s educational partner in the initiative.

“The Falcon Cam allows the public to observe this fascinating bird of prey while helping to gather information to ensure its survival,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “The Freeholder Board is proud to offer this free workshop as it provides a unique teaching opportunity for students in addition to providing the chance to appreciate our County’s extensive park system.”

The workshop will feature Stephanie D’Alessio, Director of Education for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation. Ms. D’Alessio will discuss how teachers can use the Union County Falcon Web Cam in the classroom, to help students learn about the ecology and adaptations of the peregrine falcon.

The Tenafly Nature Center will also bring an owl, a red-tailed hawk and other live raptors to demonstrate the predator and prey relationships, wildlife rehabilitation and issues facing avian wildlife.

Sample lesson plans will be provided, and participants can earn five professional education credits. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided as part of the workshop.

The workshop is free and open to teachers of Kindergarten through 8^th grade levels and who live or work in Union County. Pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/trailside. 

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit 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.

This program is made possible by a grant from Philips 66.

 

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.

 

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Angel G. Estrada and Sergio Granados and Union County Surrogate James LaCorte joined former State Senator Raymond Lesniak, local officials and members of the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa from Linden at the 2nd Annual Union County Pulaski Day Flag Raising in front of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that Vote-by-Mail ballots will be available in the County Clerk’s Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield starting on Tuesday, October 1 to registered voters who wish to cast their Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2019 General Election.

Election Day 2019 is on Tuesday, November 5. The deadline to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot through the mail is Tuesday, October 29 and the application must be received by the County Clerk’s Office before or on this date.

The deadline to apply in person at the County Clerk’s office is Monday, November 4, by 3:00 p.m.

“We encourage voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. It is a secure, convenient way to avoid a last-minute rush or unforeseen delays on Election Day,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The vote-by-mail process begins when the voter applies for a ballot. There are several ways to obtain an application form:

• Download an application form through the County Clerk’s elections website at com.
• Request a form by mail or email by using the free Union County Votes mobile app, calling the County Clerk’s elections division at 908-527-4996, or emailing the County Clerk at ucvote@ucnj.org.
• Pick up a form at a local municipal building, or at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminds residents to allow ample time to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, receive it, and cast it.

“Under a new state law, Vote-by-Mail applicants can now choose to automatically receive their ballots for every election, so please be sure to read the form carefully and check the option that works best for you,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Voters can mail their ballot back or cast it in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield. The law requires that voters choosing this option present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or a New Jersey-issued identification card.

For those voters who mail their ballot, it must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within 48 hours of Election Day to be counted.

Ms. Rajoppi emphasized that every valid Vote-by-Mail ballot is counted and entered into the official, certified results for each election.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located in Room 113 at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, in Elizabeth. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is located in the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. 

For more details about all County Clerk programs and services including passports and deed recording, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787

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Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that free scrap metal drop off sites are open in October.  A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are included in the program.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no pickup for scrap metal recycling,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop off will be accepted Thursday, October 3 and Saturday, October 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Scrap metal from any municipality may be brought to either of the following drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services/Traffic Enforcement, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Service Yard in Rahway River Park (near swimming pool), St. Georges Avenue

The scrap metal recycling program is available to residents, commercial establishments, nonprofit agencies and other organizations. It is available the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

Acceptable items for recycling include aluminum scrap, aluminum cans, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

The Freeholder Board also reminds residents to download the free Recycle Coach app for the latest news and information on all countywide and local recycling programs. The app can be downloaded at ucnj.org/recycle.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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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.