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Free Watershed Education Program for Schools, Community Groups

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages teachers in grades k-12 and local community group organizers to register for a free presentation that introduces watershed and environmental concepts in a fun and meaningful way.

The 30-45 minute, interactive program is conducted by a Watershed Ambassador from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and is co-hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Rahway River Watershed Association.

“Union County is part of a major watershed that ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean, and it is our duty as citizens to protect and preserve our water resources,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The watershed educational program is a great way to ensure that our community is informed about the importance of watersheds and their role in the environmental health of the Earth itself.”

A watershed is a specific land area that drains into a river system or other body of water. Some watersheds are fairly small. Others sprawl out to include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

A large portion of Union County is located in New Jersey’s Watershed Management Area 7, the Elizabeth and Rahway watersheds. Area 7 also includes parts of Essex and Middlesex counties. It covers the 11-mile Elizabeth River, the 24-mile Rahway River, major tributaries including the East Branch Rahway River, Woodbridge River and Robinson’s Branch tributaries, and major impoundments including the Middlesex Reservoir, Orange Reservoir, Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, and Diamond Mill Pond.

Now in its 18^th year, the Watershed Ambassador program sends trained presenters to classrooms and civic groups, to help teachers, students, and community members discover how human behavior can impact the land and water around them.

The free program also offers easy, practical solutions that everyone can implement to reduce pollution and improve water quality, such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding geese.

The Water Ambassador Program is a federally funded position that is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program. There are 20 such positions throughout the state of NJ.

In addition to educational presentations, the program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups.

To schedule a free presentation or stream assessment training, contact Jennifer Helminski, Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area 7. Her Union County office is located at the County’s Engineering Building in Scotch Plains, and she may be reached at 908-789-3209 watershed7@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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Enjoy Outdoor Fun for Everyone in Union County on Sunday, Sept. 30

Union County, NJ – The skies are finally clearing, the outlook is bright for a beautiful weekend, and all of Union County is invited to turn out for the first ever “Rockin’ the Reservation” fall family fun fest at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside on Sunday, September 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“This new event combines our most popular fall season activities with a whole new roster of live performances and hands-on activities that everyone can enjoy, all day long,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

As a newly updated and expanded version of Union County’s annual harvest festival, Rockin’ the Reservation features traditional activities of the season including a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides and a scarecrow building station.

Adding to fun is a new lineup of art, craft, music, and dance activities along with non-stop live performances: a DJ, country bands, dance and art demonstrations, and much more.

Admission for children age 7 and under is free. For ages 8 and over, admission is $5.00. Additional modest fees may apply to some of the activities.

Visitors can also tour the nearby Sensory Friendly Trail, a new all-access feature that invites all ages and abilities to explore the out-of-doors. The trail is free to all and is open from dawn to dusk every day.

Rockin’ the Reservation takes place on the grounds of Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 451 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Trailside is open every day from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Free parking is available at Trailside and at the nearby Loop playground.

For more details and a full schedule visit ucnj.org/fall or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-527-4900.

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Union County Hotline Offers Help for Victims of Sexual Violence

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that support and guidance for victims of sexual violence is available through the Union County Rape Crisis Center, a 24/7 hotline that connects victims with trained, volunteer advocates.

The advocates provide guidance by phone and may also accompany victims for medical, legal and other services.

“Victims of sexual violence come from all walks of life, and the events of the past few weeks underscore the need for a supportive, non-judgmental source of reliable information and guidance that is available to everyone,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our volunteer advocates perform an invaluable service for residents who are facing a life crisis, and I encourage anyone needing assistance to call the Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273.

The Rape Crisis Center has been a volunteer program of the Union County Department of Human Services since 1984. For more information about the program and its services, visit the Rape Crisis Center blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com, call 908-233-7273 or email rcc@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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County of Union, UNICO District X to hold TENTH Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising on Friday, October 5th at Union County Courthouse

featuring speeches from Nino Quaglia, President of the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO, Santi Buscemi, from Plainfields’ UNICO, Geri Samuels, District X Unico, and Mike Guarino of Elizabeth

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that Union County’s tenth annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event is set for Friday, Oct. 5th, at 1 p.m., on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse.

“This year is a special anniversary, as we mark the tenth year, and we will be featuring speakers from UNICO who we have partnered with to create this event,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who is emceeing the program, and founded the flag raising event. “This is a celebration of Italian culture and history. Italian-Americans continue to make extraordinary contributions to the rich, diverse fabric of our County, New Jersey and America.”

“Italians have had a tremendous influence in so many areas of our life from great art, literature music and food,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The flag provides all an opportunity to celebrate this great culture, and celebrate the ongoing contributions of Italian Americans.”

Speakers include: Nino Quaglia, the President of the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO, Geri Samuel, a former Mayor and Councilmember in Scotch Plains who is the UNICO District X Governor, Santi V. Buscemi, an English Professor at Middlesex County College and an author who is a member and past President of Plainfields’ UNICO, and Mike Guarino, the President of the Columbus Parade Association of Union County.

UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization whose chapters and members engage in promoting and defending Italian culture and heritage, as well as providing scholarships, engaging in community service and other philanthropic endeavors.

The courthouse is located at 2 Broad St. in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue. In the event of rain, the program will be moved indoors to the County Courthouse Rotunda.

UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO work to organize and co-sponsor the event.

Italian-style refreshments will be served after the program in the historic Union County Courthouse. Parking (pay) is available in the Midtown area at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck No. 6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street.

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Union County Honors General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa’s Church

Union County Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Christopher Hudak present resolutions to 2018 Linden Junior Miss Polonia Hailey Birch, The General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa’s Church of Linden President Sue Lukenda and Grand Marshal Joseph Birch congratulating them on participating in the 81stAnnual Pulaski Day Parade. The St. Theresa contingent will be marching down 5th Ave in N.Y.C. from 29th St. to 53rd St. on Sunday October 7th, 2018. Earlier in the evening, the entire Freeholder Board joined the parade committee in raising the Polish flag outside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Open spaces are available for the Archery Group Safety Lesson this Saturday

Open spaces are available for the Archery Group Safety Lesson this Saturday, September 29^th from 10am-12pm. Please go to ucnj.org/archery to register or call 908-527-4900 or 908-654-9805.

Archery-Range

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Union County Human Trafficking Symposium

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County Of Union, UNICO District X To Hold Tenth Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising On Friday, October 5th at Union County Courthouse

featuring speeches from Nino Quaglia, President of the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO, Santi Buscemi, from Plainfields’ UNICO, Pete Capodice of Union County Vo Tech, Geri Samuels, District X Unico, and Mike Guarino of Elizabeth

Speakers include: Nino Quaglia, the President of the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO, Geri Samuel, a former Mayor and Councilmember in Scotch Plains who is the UNICO District X Governor, Santi V. Buscemi, an English Professor at Middlesex County College and an author who is a member and past President of Plainfields’ UNICO, Peter Capodice, the Superintendent of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools system, and Mike Guarino, the President of the Columbus Parade Association of Union County.

The courthouse is located at 2 Broad St. in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue. In the event of rain, the program will be moved indoors to the County Courthouse Rotunda.

UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO work to organize and co-sponsor the event.

Public Info

Renowned Musician Carlos Alomar Speaks at Union County College, Oct. 2

Union County, NJ – World renowned guitarist, composer, arranger and teacher Carlos Alomar will be the featured speaker for a free Hispanic Heritage Month event on Tuesday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m., at the Sidney F. Lessner Building located at the Union County College campus in Elizabeth, at 12 West Jersey Street.

Mr. Alomar is best known for his 30-year collaboration with David Bowie including the breakthrough hit “Fame,” and for his work with Chuck Berry, James Brown, Paul McCartney, Simple Minds, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Arcadia, The Pretenders, Alicia Keys and the Argentine rock band Soda Stereo among many others.

“It is an honor to welcome Mr. Alomar to join with all Union County residents in celebrating our diverse heritage,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “With his amazing breadth of experience here at home and around the world, Carlos Alomar unites people from every walk of life in the simple joy of music. He embodies the basic American values of diversity, creativity, mutual respect, and giving back to the community.”

At age 17, Alomar became the youngest guitarist in the history of the Apollo Theater, walking on stage and winning over a dubious crowd with solo versions of Motown hits by The Supremes and Junior Walker. He soon became a guitarist in the Apollo’s house band, performed with James Brown, and by the early 70s was a sought-after session musician for RCA Recording Studios in New York.

Mr. Alomar currently serves as the president of the New York chapter of The Recording Academy, the organization responsible for the Grammy Awards. He joined the teaching staff of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken as an adjunct professor of Music and Technology, and was honored as the school’s first “Distinguished Artist in Residence” in 2010.

The free event is sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

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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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Vote-By-Mail Ballots Available on Monday, October 1st for the November 6th General Election

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 Monday, October 1st to registered voters who wish to cast their vote by mail ballot for the 2018 General Election.

Election Day 2018 is Tuesday, November 6th. The deadline to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot through the mail is Monday, October 29^th and the application must be received by the County Clerk’s Office before or on this date.

The deadline to apply in person is Monday, November 5th by 3:00 p.m.

“I encourage voters to use Vote-by-Mail to ensure that their ballots are cast,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It is especially important to exercise the right to vote this November, as voters will decide on U.S. Senate and House of Representative races, as well as county, municipal and school board elections.”

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 new 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 Westfied.

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 deadline for in-person ballots is 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 5. 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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