Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that income-eligible seniors age 60 and up can apply for a total of $25.00 in free vouchers for use at local farmers markets. Seniors can redeem the vouchers for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at any participating market in Union County this summer, beginning on Thursday, June 27.

“In addition to the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, the voucher program also enables seniors to connect with their community and enjoy the social activity at local farmers markets in Union County,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

A limited number of vouchers are available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The voucher program is funded through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

To be eligible, a single person’s annual income cannot exceed $23,107 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $31,284.

Eligible seniors can apply for the vouchers by calling the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll free at 888-280-8226.

Seniors can also apply in person at any one of the eight voucher sites listed below. If needed, homebound seniors may send a proxy to apply on their behalf.

All applicants must provide proof of age, residency, and income, such as a Medicaid card, SSI, SNAP, annual pension, or Social Security statement.

The vouchers can be used at any farmers market in Union County where the yellow and black WIC sign is on display.

This year, participating markets are located in Cranford, Kenilworth, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle Park,  Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, and Westfied (please contact the host municipality for locations and hours of operation).                  

As a convenience, produce will also be available at five of the voucher sites beginning on July 15.

The voucher sites are:

Thursday June 27
Liberty Square Senior Center
240 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
1:00 to 3:00 pm

Monday July 1
Casano Community Center
314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
1:00 to 3:00 pm

Monday July 8
Hillside Senior Center
265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
9:00-11:00 am

Monday July 15
O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center
622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
9:00 am to 11 am (produce available)

Wednesday July 17
Warinanco Sports Center

1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle
9:30 am to 11:30 am (produce available)

Monday July 22
Ann Ferguson Towers
1601 Dill Ave., Linden
9:00 am to 11:00 am (produce available)

Wednesday July 24
Plainfield Senior Center
400 E. Front St., Plainfield
9:30 am to 11:30 am (produce available)

Wednesday August 7
Golden Age Towers
200 E. Milton Ave., Rahway
9:00 am to 11:00 am (produce available)

For more information about the farmers market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource call 1-888-280-8226 or visit online at 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 – In recognition of the 50^th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will hold a free screening of the Oscar-nominated film, Hidden Figures, which portrays the true story of African-American women who played a pivotal role in the race to orbit the Earth in 1962. The event will be held at the Union County College campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue, on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Roy Smith Theater.

The screening includes a live presentation by Plainfield resident Marion Lee Johnson. While an associate engineer at Boeing, Johnson was instrumental in the 1969 Apollo 11 launch, which culminated in the successful Moon landing of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

“We are fortunate to have people like Marion Johnson who have made such a difference for women in history by changing the way we look at women in STEM careers and by redefining gender and racial boundaries,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Hidden Figures is the untold story of three women who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn in 1962. This visionary trio crossed all gender and racial barriers and inspired generations of women to achieve in STEM careers.

As an engineer at Boeing, Ms. Johnson conducted trial runs and provided data input which led to the historic lunar landing on July 20, 1969.

Johnson followed in the trailblazing footsteps of the three African-American women portrayed in the film Hidden Figures. She continues to speak about the need for mentors, and how mentorship was critical to her education and to her career. 

The video featuring Mrs. Johnson will have its first public screening during the July 16 event. After July 16, it will be available to view on ucnj.org/women.

The event is free but registration is required online at ucnj.org/women. For more information please contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women, jerdos@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4216.

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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.

 

Elizabeth, New Jersey – The Union County Board of Elections announces that the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machines will be fully implemented in the 2019 General Election, with the machines debuting for the first time in the following municipalities: Clark, Cranford, Hillside, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Summit.

Voters in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, Union, Westfield and Winfield completed the transition to the new vote tabulation system during the course of the last two elections.

“For the first time in twenty years, the County has taken steps to make a significant investment in its election infrastructure. Voters who are already using the new machines have embraced the change. They appreciate the ease of the touch screen as well as the benefit of knowing their vote is properly recorded, provided by the voter verified paper audit trail,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator at the Union County Board of Elections.

“Union County was among the first three counties in New Jersey to introduce the new voting machines last year, and we are looking forward to having this new technology available in all 21 of our municipalities,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “I encourage all residents to attend one of the upcoming demonstration sessions and familiarize themselves with the new machines before the General Election in November.”

In October 2018, the County of Union awarded a contract to Election Systems & Software, LLC (ES&S) of Omaha, Nebraska to provide a new voting tabulation system for the County. The new voting machine, ExpressVote XL, marries a touch screen ballot marking device with a voter verified paper audit trail, allowing the voter to review their voting choices to ensure their vote is accurately recorded.

The voter verified audit trail also provides a paper record of the election which can be used for recounts and will be used for audits.

The initial award was for $1.9 million, and the total award will be $4.85 million, which includes new voting machines for the entire county, vote by mail, provisional ballot and audit trail tabulators, software, hardware and software maintenance and training.

The Election Board continues a proactive outreach campaign to train voters and poll workers on the new machine before Election Day.

The Election Board will be conducting weekly demonstrations at two locations starting immediately and continuing through the weekend before the General Election at the following locations, excluding holiday closures:

Colleen Fraser Building
300 North Avenue East, Westfield
Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm

Union County Courthouse
2 Broad Street, 1st Floor, Elizabeth
Tuesdays, 11:00am – 3:00pm

The Election Board is also confirmed to present public demonstrations at the following community events:

July 10 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

July 24 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

July 31 – Union County Concerts in the Park, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

August 6 – Union County’s National Night Out, Meisel Park, Springfield: 6:00pm

August 7 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 14 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 15 –     Linden Community Center, 1025 John Street: 6:30 – 8:30pm

August 21 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 28 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

September 11 – Cranford Town Hall, 8 Springfield Avenue: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

September 24 – Clark Municipal Building, 430 Westfield Avenue: 11:00am -3:00pm

October 25 – Union County Mounted Troop Horse Show – Watchung Stables: 4:00 – 8:00pm

October 26 – Union County Mounted Troop Horse Show – Watchung Stables: 8:00am – 2:00pm

November 1- Union County Pumpkin Sail – Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

The schedule will be updated on the Elections Board website at ucnj.org/ucboe as events are added.

Please contact the Union County Election Board to schedule a demonstration for your community group by calling 908-527-4123 or emailing ndirado@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– The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the popular Wednesday Matinee series at Trailside Nature & Science Center will begin on July 10 and continue through August 14. 

This engaging family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes.  All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up.  Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. 

“Trailside’s Summer Wednesday Matinee Series is designed to entertain audiences of all ages while sparking interest in with a wide variety of science and nature topics,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The season kicks off on July 10 with the Science Tellers, an action-packed exploration of the out-of-this world science behind reactions, polymers, pressure, and more, including special effects like launching a potato into the air using Boyle’s law.

As a tribute to the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo mission, on July 17 Reach for the Moon will propel the audience to the outer reaches of our solar system, travelling 239,800 miles above earth to learn about the science of outer space travel.

The series continues on July 24, when Abracadabra… It’s Joe Fischer offers a blend of magic, audience participation, comedy, and excitement.

On July 31 Rizzo’s Reptiles features live lizards, snakes and an alligator for a fun lesson on conservation and the natural environment. 

Trailside welcomes Outrage-Hiss Pets on August 7 for a unique and educational live animal show with an opportunity to meet amazing creatures from all over the world.

The series concludes with Eyes of the Wild, an engaging presentation of live animals and fun facts on August 14.

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee series or other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us at ucnj.org/trailside.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection, 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 is pleased to announce that the next free mobile document shredding program will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus in Scotch Plains on Saturday, June 29.

The free shredding service also continues in July with two events, on Thursday, July 12 at Rahway River Park in the parking lot across from the swimming pool, and on Saturday, July 20 at the former Bristol Myers facility located at 1350 Liberty Avenue in Hillside.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred personal and confidential papers, free of charge” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It also promotes Union County’s recycling efforts and other green initiatives.”

All events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.  The events will end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound paper bags or boxes per person. Please note that leaf bags should not be used.

Paper that is pre-shredded, wet, or damp will not be accepted. Binders and paper clips should be removed. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then placed on a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents is then shipped to paper mills and recycled.

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds.

To stay up to date with Union County recycling events, download the free Recycle Coach app, call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889, or visit online at ucnj.org/recycling.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection, 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.

On Sunday, the Freeholder Board and the City of Plainfield partnered with Hyacinth AIDS Foundation and Garden State Equality to host the first Union County SAGE Table community lunch at the new Plainfield Cultural Center (formerly FUSP). The intergenerational event brought together LGBTQ family members, friends and allies

Organized by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Division on Aging (ADRC), the event is a program of the national SAGE organization and is designed to draw the community closer together, to alleviate the loneliness common to many LGBT seniors and to share stories and ideas, and engage in meaningful conversation about how we relate to people across age boundaries in the community, and how we can take action together.

Union County, NJ – As summer begins in earnest, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders asks residents, businesses and visitors alike to help reduce the mosquito population.

“Mosquito control is something that everyone can help with, and it makes a big difference,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Aside from being itchy and annoying, mosquito bites can spread serious diseases like West Nile virus.”

The key to reducing mosquito populations is to remove their breeding sites. Mosquitos can breed practically anywhere water can collect. That includes clogged rain gutters, corrugated down spout extensions, outdoor equipment, children’s toys and playsets, and garden items including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows and tarpaulins.

Old tires are a major concern as they tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but one old tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes during the summer.

Even an item as small as an upturned bottle cap can become a prolific mosquito breeding ground.

The recent wet weather has provided mosquitos with an explosion of likely breeding sites. Property owners and tenants are advised to take advantage of a weekend dry spell to make a quick sweep of their yards and shake out any items that have collected stagnant water.

Unused pools, fountains and ornamental ponds should be drained and covered. Water in birdbaths should be refreshed daily.

Discarded tires, litter and other debris should be removed from the property, as they can also hold small amounts of stagnant water.

Additional guidance for property owners and tenants is available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at nj.gov/mosquito.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellants and to follow all instructions on the label carefully.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors. Exposure can also be reduced by avoiding time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has been in continual operation since April 1, 1912 and works closely with officials from New Jersey DEP. The Bureau regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts larviciding and adulticiding operations on an as-needed basis.

Mosquito infestations can be reported by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9835. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If necessary, the inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

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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 County of Union has distributed the 2019 Discovering Our Parks grants to four municipalities. The grant is a component of the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund meant to encourage municipalities to incorporate County recreational facilities into summer camp programs offered to children.

Grants totaled $2,500 and were awarded in October of 2018 to participating agencies in Rahway, Roselle, Summit and Hillside. Funds will be used for summer camp programs during the Summer of 2019.

 “The Freeholder Board is thrilled to provide these Discover Our Parks grants that will assist our youngest residents in taking full advantage of County facilities through their locally organized summer camp programs,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Union County has excellent recreational facilities and we encourage municipalities to apply for these grants when available so that everyone has the opportunity to experience them.”

Groups participating in the Discover Our Parks program will be able to visit one facility in the morning, have a picnic lunch (provided by the participants) and visit a second facility in the afternoon. Each facility will provide the opportunity for a recreational activity.

“It’s always a pleasure to provide County youth with the chance to experience the outdoors,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who is Chairman of the Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “Through these grants they have the opportunity to learn about all our county has to offer.”

This year, recipients of the grants will have a choice of activities to include in their programs. Activities offered will take place at the following locations: Galloping Hill Driving Range, Ashbrook Pitch and Putt, the Watchung Stable and the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

For more information about this program and other grants available through the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund, contact Victoria Durbin, Trust Fund Administrator at 908-558-2277 or vdurbin@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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in a free skin cancer screening and sun safety educational event on Saturday, June 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Clark Community Pool, 201 Oak Ridge Road in Clark, rain or shine.

Part of a statewide initiative called “Choose Your Cover,” the event is open to all on a walk-in basis, but pre-registration is required to schedule a free skin cancer screening by calling the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

Personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Clark Health Department and Diare Dermatology will be on site to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn how to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to join with the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Clark to help the public connect with information and resources that can reduce the risk of skin cancer, and lead to early detection,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

Attendees who are pre-registered for a skin cancer screening will receive a special gift bag with skin cancer promotional materials, provided courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

Members of the public who are not pre-registered for a screening are also encouraged to come and learn how to keep from being overexposed to the sun.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk.

Overexposure to the sun is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Common sense precautions include:

• Cover up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics.
• Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of the head, ears and neck.
• Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
• Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
• Liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply frequently.
• Avoid indoor tanning beds, which are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

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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 and Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella present a resolution to Ben Adams and Paul Brunda of Son’s Prestige Collision in Garwood recognizing them for their outstanding contributions to veterans in need, and thanking and acknowledging them for their acts of charity and patriotism in the community. They were joined by Mike Boll of the New Jersey Veterans Network.

The auto shop, through a partnership with GEICO Insurance and the New Jersey Veterans Network, have been able to restore and donate vehicles to local veterans with a goal of ensuring transportation is no longer a worry in their lives. Son’s Prestige Collision received 4 cars from the GEICO recycle rides program and worked tirelessly to repair the cars and then donate them to disabled veterans in need throughout the area. Prestige is currently working on an additional two cars for disabled veterans. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)