Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli reminds residents that identification programs, including Project Life Saver and Fingerprint on File, are available to help protect family members who may wander away without supervision.

“These programs help our residents protect family members who may be at risk of being lost,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “They can make the difference between the safe return of a loved one or an unfortunate tragedy.”

The Union County Sheriff has worked in cooperation with Project Lifesaver International since 2003. The initiative was created as a safety aid for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down’s syndrome, and other conditions that make verbal communication difficult.

Participants in Project Lifesaver wear a tracking device on their wrist, in the form of a bracelet. If the participant is reported lost or missing, a signal from the device enables law enforcement officers to pinpoint their location.

Family members and caregivers receive in-person training from the Sheriff’s Office. The training includes guidance on how to prevent at-risk family members from wandering, how to care for the tracking device, and how to report a lost or missing person. There is a nominal fee for the equipment.

Fingerprint on File enables parents and caregivers to obtain a professional record of their child’s fingerprints, for safekeeping at home. In case of emergency, parents can provide their child’s fingerprint card to law enforcement officers.

A video recording is also part of the program. The video provides parents with professional documentation of their child’s speech patterns as well as visual identification.

There is no charge to participate in the Fingerprint on File program. Two additional child safety programs are also available at no charge to County residents:

• The Child Safety ID Kit enables parents and caregivers to create a record of their child’s physical characteristics, including a mitochondrial DNA sample.

 

• The EPIC child ID card contains vital information including a photo and thumb print, physical characteristics, important medical information, and contact information for parents and caregivers.

For more information or to sign a loved one up for Project Life Saver please contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 908-527-4450.

For more information about Fingerprint on File, including the Child Safety ID Kit and the EPIC child ID card, contact the Sheriff’s Identification Bureau at 908-527-4950.

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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 who are looking for a summer job can apply now for positions as manager, assistant manager or lifeguard at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“Over the years, the Ulrich Pool has provided hundreds of County residents with a rewarding work environment that builds valuable experience in people skills as well as management and emergency response,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The manager and assistant manager of the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool oversee day to day operations and supervise approximately 50 employees, including lifeguards, cashiers and attendants.

To apply for the manager or assistant manager positions, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4824. A degree from an accredited college or university is required for these positions.

Lifeguard positions are available to Union County residents age 16 and up. Training is available for applicants who are not certified. To apply for a lifeguard position, call 908-527-4824.

For more information about Ulrich Pool, Rahway River Park and all Union County recreation facilities visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

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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 Christopher Hudak present a resolution to NJ Sharing Network Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Elisse Glennon recognizing the month of April as National Donate Life Month in the County of Union. NJ Sharing Network, headquartered in New Providence, is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. Realizing the urgent need for organ and tissue donors across the country, the National Donate Life Month observance promotes a greater understanding about the life-saving benefits of donation and transplantation. For more information about NJ Sharing Network, visit www.njsharingnetwork.org.

The Freeholders also presented a resolution to Cranford native Eric Walano commending him for selflessly donating a kidney to an individual in need. Mr. Walano attended a charity gala in 2017 to benefit Hearts for Emma. Hearts for Emma works closely in partnership with the New Jersey Sharing Network in order to raise awareness about organ donation. At this event, he was inspired to become an altruistic kidney donor.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and New Jersey State Assemblywoman Linda Carter are pleased to announce the opening of a new mobile office for We Are One New Jersey, a nonprofit organization that provides free and affordable immigration related services to members of the public.

The new office is located in the Plainfield office of Assemblywoman Carter, at 200 West 2nd Street, Suite 102. It will be open on the last Thursday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., starting on Thursday, April 25.

“Union County is a community that welcomes new residents. We Are One New Jersey provides opportunities for working families to put down permanent roots as citizens, and exercise their responsibilities as voting members of the public,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Plainfield is one of the fastest growing cities in Union County. This partnership will help build a stronger community by ensuring that new residents become fully engaged in – and protected by – our democratic institutions,” said Assemblywoman Carter, who represents Legislative District 22, including Plainfield.

We Are One New Jersey offers reliable guidance on applying for U.S. citizenship and registering to vote, and navigating the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, as well as information on workplace rights, and Notary services.

The We Are One main office is located in Elizabeth at 288 North Board Street on the 2nd Floor, and serves over 500 applicants annually.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment in Plainfield or Elizabeth, contact Elizabeth Montes, Program Coordinator, at 908-249-4360 or Elizabeth.montes@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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six dates and locations in April 2019 to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Garwood, 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 Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  “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. Spanish speaking staff are available.

The April 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, April 8

Westfield Memorial Library

550 E. Broad Street

Westfield, 07090

10:00 a.m. to 12 noon

 

Thursday, April 11

Rahway Senior Center

1308 Esterbrook Avenue

Rahway, 07065

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Monday, April 15

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Thursday, April 18

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, 07027

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Friday, April 26

Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch

740 W. Grand Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, April 30

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

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

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 and has Spanish speaking staff.

“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,” said Union County’s Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities,” Freeholder Kowalski added.

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: 888-280-8226, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.  Information may be viewed on the Union County government website at 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:

 

 

 

 

Union County, NJ – In recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a series of inclusive events for Union County residents. The County Administration Building will also light up with blue lights in April, to show support for autism awareness. 

“Union County’s recreation programs are a jewel in the crown, enabling thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy community events together with friends and neighbors,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This new series of April events builds on our commitment to ensure that everyone in the Union County community has the opportunity to relax and have fun in a social setting.” 

The April series is offered through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. It includes:

The Brooklyn Nets professional basketball game on Wednesday, April 3.

Family Fun Day at Warinanco Park in Roselle on Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.

A golf outing at Scotch Hills, located at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

The Red Bull professional soccer game at 7:00 p.m. at the Red Bull Arena, located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison on Saturday, April 27.

A sensory friendly hour in the annual Touch-a-Truck event at the Loop Playground in Watchung Reservation on Sunday, April 28. The sensory friendly hour will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In addition, Union County’s ongoing Sensory Friendly Theatre series continues at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, April 28, with a performance of the musical Henry & Mudge. Tickets are available online at ucpac.org or call the Box Office, 732- 499-8226.

 

Other ongoing programs supported by the Freeholder Board include adult ceramics classes at the Gregorio community center in Linden, cooking classes at Classic Thyme in Westfield, Yoga at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, and recreational swimming at the YMCA of Fanwood.

 

Inclusive playgrounds are standard feature in County parks, and last year the Freeholder Board established the new Level the Playing Field grant program to help municipalities create or upgrade inclusive playgrounds in their communities, too.

 

For more information about the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs contact the Office Coordinator, Manuel Ramirez, 908-527-4807 or mramirez@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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi congratulates the winners of the “I Voted” Sticker Design Art Contest sponsored by the Clerk’s office. Gina Fabio of the Deerfield School in Mountainside is the winner in the Grade 5-8 category. Ashleigh Simpson, of Union, from Union County Vocational and Technical School in Scotch Plains is the winner in the category of Grades 9-12. Gina was joined by her parents Joe and Lisa Fabio. Ashleigh was joined by her parents Henry and Lorraine Simpson.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Police Department is cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of the new statewide UDrive. UText. UPay. campaign.

“Distracted driving is the cause of thousands of motor vehicle accidents and deaths nationwide. The statewide UDrive. UText. UPay. campaign should be a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they are immune from the life-and-death consequences of driving while texting,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Driver inattention was listed as a contributing circumstance in 52 percent of automobile accidents in New Jersey during 2015. It was a contributing factor in crashes at a rate nine times higher than the next highest contributing factor, speed.

The Union County Police Department is participating in UDrive. UText. UPay. through a Special Traffic Enforcement Program grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Beginning April 1 and running through April 21, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who use hand held phones, send text messages while driving, and engage in other dangerous distracted driving behaviors.

The National Safety Council has designated the month of April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The New Jersey campaign is modeled after similar successful high visibility enforcement programs such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.                    

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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 residents can call the new DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 for rapid, personal assistance with any question, complaint or concern about services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services. An email option is also available at DHSaction@ucnj.org.

“Through the new Action Line, every Union County resident is just a phone call – or an email – away from a knowledgeable person in our Department of Human Services, who can connect them with useful resources and provide reliable guidance for any issues they may have on a personal, individualized basis,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The DHS Action Line is staffed with professionals who are trained to explain the programs and services provided by Human Services, and discuss the details of specific concerns or questions.

Staff is available to help residents connect with services for seniors and their caregivers, job searches and job training, food and shelter, homeless prevention and help, mental health and addiction issues, special transportation needs, services for people with disabilities, and programs for at-risk youth.

In addition, the Action Line provides Human Services clients with a portal for resolving issues related to benefits and payments.

As one of Freeholder Chair Kowalski’s initiatives for 2019, the Action Line will also help to strengthen county-local relationships and support systems for families in need, by creating a streamlined pathway for communicating with residents, and assisting municipal officials and community based organizations.

“The Action Line represents a team-based, comprehensive effort to ensure that our services reach people in effectively, and in a manner that respects the many unique cultural differences that characterize our diverse community,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

Starting on Tuesday, April 2, DHS Action Line specialists, including Spanish speakers, are available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Voice and email messages left after hours will be answered the next business day.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides and administers a broad range of federal, state, county, and grant funded services to all Union County residents.

For more information about the Department of Human Services, visit online at ucnj.org/human-services or contact the DHS Action Line.

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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 is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy is now accepting applications for its 2019 summer class.

The free program is designed to provide youths the opportunity to gain insight into the everyday functions and training of the variety of law enforcement agencies and emergency services. It operates similar to an actual police academy for teens interested in law enforcement.

“The Youth Academy aims to teach kids about law enforcement and it is a great first step for those interested in the field,” Sheriff Corvelli said.

The Sheriff’s Youth Academy is not a ‘boot camp’ for troubled youth. In order to enroll in the program, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 (B- average) and a one page letter of reference from a non-family member.

Also, all applicants must have their parents/guardians sign all waivers and obtain a medical release note from their physician.

The two-week program for middle school and high school students meets daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains.

The class for 7^th and 8^th graders runs July 8-12, 2019. The high school class for grades 9 through 12 will take place from July 15-26, 2019.

During the program, the teens engage in a physical training regime, team building exercises, and attend lectures on subjects such as crime scene investigations and motor vehicle stops. They also receive visits from representatives from several branches of the military, New Jersey State Police NJ State Police, FBI and the ATF.

The Youth Academy also involves visiting various Sheriff’s Office operations around the county including the K-9 Search and Rescue Unit, the Fugitive Unit and Courthouse Complex Security.

Last year more than 100 students from across Union County graduated from the Sheriff’s Youth Academy.

Applications may be obtained by emailing Sergeant Tara Halpin at thalpin@ucnj.org or Officer Victoria Smith at vsmith@ucnj.org. Applications can also be downloaded at https://ucnj.org/sheriff/community-programs/youth-academy/.

Completed applications should be sent to the attention of: S/O Tara Halpin, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Administration Building, 1st Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.