Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – In recognition of Arbor Day 2019, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to provide free trees for local schools.

“The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County. We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.

In addition to the tree giveaway, the Freeholder Board also sponsors an annual Arbor Day poetry contest, provides municipalities with tree-for-tree matching grants, and supports the Master Tree Stewards volunteer tree conservation program.

This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. Each tree comes with a protective cage. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.

The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

The deadline for free tree requests is Monday, April 1. Schools may contact James Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.to request a tree.

For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held at Williams Nursery in Westfield on Tuesday, April 9 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Arbor Day has been a National Observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees.  This year Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 26.

The U.S. Forestry Service, the Arbor Day Foundation and other partners have developed free, user-friendly software to calculate the dollar value of trees in urban communities. For more information visit iTreeTools.org.

To find out more about tree care in Union County or to join the Master Tree Steward volunteers, contact Mr. Nichnadowicz.

The Extension is supported in part by the Freeholder Board and is headquartered in the Colleen Fraser Building at the County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. For information on all Extension programs visit ucnj.org/rce.

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

Photo credit: Christopher Sessums, flickr.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the County’s new Sensory Friendly Trail has been recognized with an Excellence in Design award from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association. The annual awards program helps to raise awareness of the value of public parks and identifies leadership in the field of environmental conservation and recreation.

The Sensory Friendly Trail is located by Union County’s Trailside Nature Museum and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation. Watchung is Union County’s largest park. Its borders include Mountainside, Springfield, Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains.

 “The Sensory Friendly Trail invites people of all ages and abilities to explore our natural heritage, and we are all very proud that our Department of Parks and Recreation has been honored for its efforts to include all of the public,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The new trail has already become a popular destination and we look forward to many more years of enjoyment for Union County residents and visitors alike.”

The new trail is the first of its kind in Union County, and the most extensive trail of its kind in the U.S.

The project was conceived in 2017 during the chairmanship of former Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. Construction began in October 2017 and continued into 2018, when Freeholder Sergio Granados was chair. The trail opened to the public last August.

The Excellence in Design awards are based on aesthetic quality, uniqueness of design, usability and versatility. The awards also factor in compliance with the New Jersey Barrier Free Recreation Sub-Code and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines.

The Sensory Friendly Trail was specially designed for park visitors of all ages and abilities to experience the outdoors and interact with nature.

It consists of a 3/10-mile ADA accessible loop with a central gazebo. Highlights include audio kiosks highlighting the history of the Watchung Reservation, and a “Braille trail” loop with guide ropes and interpretative signs with 3-D reliefs and Braille text.

The central gazebo offers a sensory play area to attract children and encourage exploration and discovery.  Additional elements include sensory gardens, musical components, inclusive nature-themed play structures, and outdoor classrooms.

The New Jersey Recreation and Park Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting parks and recreation, professional development, and stewardship related to parks, recreation, and resource management.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. For more information about Trailside and all programs and facilities of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, visit online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

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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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SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the first mobile paper-shredding events of 2019 will be on Saturday, March 30^th and Sunday, March 31^st in Scotch Plains. These events are free and open to all Union County residents.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding events help residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This free, secure shredding service also helps to promote recycling and conserve resources.”

Both events will take place at the Union County Vocational Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains 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 trucks reach capacity. The next shredding event will be offered in Cedar Brook Park on Friday, April 26^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In an effort to accommodate all participants, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person (paper bags are preferred). 

Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. 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 dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills, and used as pulp.

Residents are also encouraged to download the free Recycle Coach app for easy access to all of our 2019 Recycling Events. 

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at ucnj.org/recycle.

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.

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Union County, NJ – As the courtship season begins for peregrine falcons, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages residents of all ages and visitors from all over the world to observe and study one of the fastest animals on earth by, tuning in to the Union County Falcon Cam.

“The Falcon Cam is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to experience and learn about peregrine falcons up close,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This season we have a new female falcon, who has taken over the territory on the roof of the Union County Court House.”

The Falcon Cam chronicles the activity of multiple pairs of peregrine falcons throughout the years. The pairs have been nesting on the roof of the historic tower of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth.

The pair’s initial attempts at building a nest failed due to exposure to winds and weather conditions atop the 17-story structure. Under the guidance of biologists from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, County personnel attached a small dome-like shelter to the roof.

The pair adopted it as their own, and they have raised a family within the shelter every year since 2006.

With an assist from Fish & Wildlife biologists, Union County staff installed cameras inside and outside of the nest. The new cameras provide schools, researchers and birding enthusiasts with new learning opportunities.

The Union County website provides a free livestream of the Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon.

Falcons are fierce predators and they also compete with each other for prime nesting spots. The previous female occupying the nest was identified by her leg band, BA/91.

Earlier this year BA/91 was attacked and injured by an intruding, unbanded female. Alert county staff spotted the stricken BA/91 on the ground outside of the County Administration Building on Elizabethtown Plaza. They stood watch until the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation picked her up.

BA/19 sustained an injury to one of her wings. She was taken to Raptor Trust in Millington, where she is slowly recovering.

Meanwhile, the new female is making herself at home. The Falcon Cam has captured a series of bonding displays between her and her new mate, the resident male.

If the mating is successful, the female will lay up to four eggs this spring.

Peregrine falcons are one of the fastest animals in the world, reaching speeds of up to 220 miles per hour when diving for prey. Their main source of prey includes pigeons and other birds.

They build their nests in cliffs, ledges, and on tall buildings such as the Union County Court House, which happens to be the tallest building in Elizabeth.

Peregrine falcons usually mate and breed in the same territory each year. The male courts the female for about a month beginning around March using aerial displays.

Union County’s falcon preservation efforts have been undertaken with the generous assistance of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the nonprofit organization Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation is Union County’s official partner for educational programming related to falcons and the Falcon Cam.

For more details about the educational initiative, and for information on corporate sponsorships, call Conserve Wildlife Foundation at 609-984-6012 or use the contact form.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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Photo caption: Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream captures the view inside the nest of two peregrine falcons, on the roof of the County Courthouse Tower in midtown Elizabeth. This screenshot shows bonding behavior as the newly installed female (right) and the male get acquainted and prepare to start a family.

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari, which would require NJ Transit to conduct a feasibility study on restoring the one-seat ride from the Raritan Valley Line to New York City, was introduced to the Senate.

“The loss of the one-seat ride to Manhattan has been felt throughout my district and surrounding counties,” said Senator Scutari (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “The Raritan Valley Line is a large rail operation with strong ridership numbers and it is perplexing to me, and to those in the area, why NJ Transit would view this passage to New York City as expendable. Our businesses, our residents and our economy are feeling the effects of this loss every day. The continued temporary loss of revenue, the loss of time and the loss of tax dollars cannot continue to persist without incurring permanent losses.

“I echo the strong advocacy displayed by the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition in calling for NJ Transit to re-commission the one-seat railcar. Alleviating the monetary strain on businesses and local economies throughout the region and ending the inconvenience of ballooned travel times that riders are experiencing is paramount.

“Conducting a feasibility study would provide valuable analysis and projections of costs to restore service, as well as provide NJ Transit with the steps they can take to see this come to fruition. Our region needs this,” Scutari said.

 “Commuters along the Raritan Valley Rail line have been forgotten, and it is well past time for the restoration of the part-time one-seat ride, and the Gateway project improvements that will ensure the long-term viability of rail transportation to New York City,” said Bruce Bergen Chairman of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition. “We thank the Senator for his efforts in supporting the one-seat ride.”

The Regional Plan Association conducted a study on the impact the one-seat ride service into Manhattan has on the towns surrounding the rail line. The study revealed that towns are more desirable and see increases in their residential property values. These towns greatly benefit from workers traveling through as well. Salaries for jobs in Manhattan are 60% higher than the same jobs in New Jersey.  This consumer spending correlates to strong local economies with healthy business districts, and attract new businesses to these towns.

Within six-months of enactment, NJ Transit would be required to issue a report to the legislature detailing findings of the study.

For more information about the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition visit online at raritanvalleyrail.com.

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Union County, NJ – A small cadre of dedicated volunteers makes an enormous difference in the lives of Union County residents who experience sexual violence. These volunteers staff the County’s Rape Crisis Center, a hotline and personal support service for victims.

The Rape Crisis Center welcomes new volunteers to join this spring. All volunteers are trained and mentored by professional staff in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“Victims of sexual violence experience are often isolated and unable to ask family or friends for help,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Our Rape Crisis Center volunteers help victims feel reconnected with the community, and feel empowered to take their lives back.”

“For anyone who is looking for a truly meaningful way to volunteer in the community, I strongly recommend contacting the Rape Crisis Center,” added Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

The next series of free training sessions for Rape Crisis Center volunteers will begin on April 2. All sessions take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at the Rape Crisis Center offices in the Colleen Fraser Building, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Trainees who successfully complete the course are certified as Confidential Advocates for victims of sexual violence.

Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license and have their own vehicle.

For more information about volunteering, call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 or visit the Rape Crisis Center’s blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to recognize Women’s History Month with a series of event highlighting both history and health issues impacting women and girls in Union County.

“This year marks the first time that five women have seats on the Freeholder Board, making it the first female-majority Freeholder Board in Union County history,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “In recognition of this historical milestone, we are sponsoring additional Women’s History Month events that raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, an important health issues affecting the lives of women and girls today.”

Women’s History Month takes place throughout the month of March, including a day reserved for recognizing National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10.

The Freeholder Board has partnered with Iris House of Plainfield to offer three free Women’s HIV/AIDS Awareness events at the three Union County College campuses in Plainfield, Cranford and Elizabeth.

Each event includes a brief educational presentation followed by Q&A with expert staff from Iris House. Rapid, confidential HIV/AIDS testing will be offered separately at each campus. To ensure privacy, testing will take place in the Iris House mobile unit parked at each UCC campus during the educational presentation event times.

Iris House, named for early HIV Activist Iris De La Cruz, was the nation’s first HIV/AIDS agency to provide family focused services to women of color infected and affected by HIV. It offers comprehensive support, prevention and education services for women, families, and underserved populations affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities in a safe, family-centered environment by passionate, professional and culturally competent staff.

For more information about Iris House and its comprehensive services visit irishouse.org.

All three events are open to the public.

The educational presentations will begin at 2:00 p.m. on each day. Testing at the mobile units also be available on a walk-in basis for individuals ages 18 and older from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

Dates and locations:

Monday, March 18: Union County College Cranford Campus, in Room SD229 in the new Student Development Building. The main entrance to the campus is located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

Tuesday, March 19: Union County College Plainfield Campus, in Room LG119 in the Logos Building located at 232 East Second Street in Plainfield.

Thursday, March 21: Union County College, Elizabeth Campus, in Room K517 at the UCC Kellogg Building located at 40 West Jersey Street, Elizabeth.

The Iris House presentations are designed to cover basic facts about HIV and AIDS including:

• What is HIV
• What is the difference between HIV and AIDS
• How is HIV transmitted: fact vs. myth
• How to protect against HIV includes: condoms, abstinence, and other methods

Union County’s recognition of Women’s History Month also includes an exhibition of notable women in Union County history in the Freeholder’s Gallery, located on the 6^th Floor of the Union County Administration Building, at 10 Elizabeth Plaza in Elizabeth. The gallery is open to the public during regular weekday business hours.

Also scheduled for the month of March are:

Friday, March 29th, 2019:  Women of Excellence Awards presentation, sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the Office on Women and Union County Commission on the Status of Women, will take place at Gran Centurions, 440 Madison Hill Road, Clark, beginning at 6:00 p.m. For ticket information contact the Office on Women, Jennifer Erdos at 908-527-4216.

Saturday, March 30th, 2019:  The Office on Women presents the play “In Their Footsteps” at the Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway at 1:30 p.m. The event includes a screening of the Union County Women Making History video, a Q-and-A session, and a reception.

For more information about these or additional Union County Women’s History month events, visit ucnj.org/women or contact the Office on Women at jerdos@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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 2019 “Union County Kids Dig In” garden grant program for schools in Union County. The program is designed to help schools provide enriching educational experiences while encouraging students to give back to the Union County community through donations of fresh produce.

Schools with students in grades pre-K through 12 are eligible to apply for a Union County Kids Dig In grant. The grants are funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Union County Kids Dig In gives young people a chance at hands-on learning and service,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “They learn about organic gardening, soil health, water conservation, and pollinators. Kids Dig In helps kids see how their actions really do make a difference.”

UC Kids Dig In began in 2017 as an initiative of Freeholder Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Trust Fund. Over the past two years, the program has provided funding for 92 school gardens.

“When children are introduced to gardening in the schools, it helps them begin to think holistically about their food, their schools, their larger communities and the health of the planet,” said Freeholder Granados. “UC Kids Dig In teaches kids about growing their own healthy food options and empowers them to help those in need, by donating 30% of their harvest to benefit local food pantries and shelters.” 

Grant application forms have been sent to school superintendents in all Union County school districts. The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 1 at 5:00 p.m.

Principals and educators who are interested in having their school apply for a grant can contact Victoria Durbin-Drake, Administrator, Office of the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at vdurbin@ucnj.org or 908-558-2277.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the next History Paint Night Social event will be held on Tuesday, March 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the historic Shady Rest Clubhouse at Scotch Hills Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains.

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

Participants will be provided with painting materials, and artistic instruction on a historical scene from the Union County area. Individuals and groups are invited to attend. No experience is necessary.

“We introduced History Paint Night Social as way for beginners and practiced artists alike to enjoy learning about Union County history in a relaxed, creative setting,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “The response was very enthusiastic and we are happy to bring it back this year.”

“The Shady Rest Clubhouse has unique historical significance for Union County and our nation. It provides an enriching venue for an event that blends art and history,” Freeholder Chair Kowalski added.

The Shady Rest Golf and Country Club opened in 1921 as the first African American owned Country Club in the U.S. It operated as a private club from 1921 to 1938 during which time many iconic American musical artists including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald performed there.

The Club also hosted such notables as W.E.B. Du Bois, Althea Gibson and Joe Louis. It recently underwent a restoration as a center for the arts, education, history and social development in Scotch Plains.

The instructor for History Paint Night Social will be Elizabeth-based artist Dario Solis.

Pre-registration is encouraged due to limited space. The fee of $10.00 includes all materials. Participants may bring wine and snacks for their enjoyment.

To register or receive more information about History Paint Night, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912, or email jprescott@ucnj.org.

For information on all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs and events, 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.

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Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Andrea Staten present a resolution to Union County Vocational-Technical School District Interim Superintendent Gwendolyn S. Ryan, FFA Advisor and UCVTS Instructor Bonnie Baldasare and FFA student members Beatriz Cruz and David Tohon designating the week of February 16, 2019 through February 23, 2019 as FFA Week in Union County. The National FFA Organization is an American 501 youth organization, specifically a career and technical student organization, based on middle and high school classes that promote and support agricultural education. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)