Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and up can visit ASK, the Union County Aging Service Kiosk at six locations in April for one-on-one guidance with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

“The ASK program helps improve access to information about resources and programs for seniors, by bringing our expert staff out to local communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage senior residents, their families and caregivers to use this popular service.”

The ASK schedule in April includes public libraries in Linden, Mountainside, Clark, Plainfield, Union and Fanwood. Residents from every municipality are welcome to attend these events.

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection will be on hand to provide information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, support services for caregivers and more.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The April 2018 dates and locations are:

Wednesday, April 11

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Friday, April 13

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, 07092

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Monday, April 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 19

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 24

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 25

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The goal of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 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. 

Among its many services, the division provides information printed in both English and Spanish.

Dates and locations of upcoming ASK program stops are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection call toll-free at1-888-280-8226, call 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4858, or visit online at ucnj.org.

#  #

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.

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THE MARCH 13 EVENT IS CANCELLED. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE MARCH 20 EVENT BY EMAILING BKELLY@UCNJ.ORG

Union County, NJ – On the lookout for the first signs of spring? Bird watchers and nature fans are invited to break out their binoculars and gather for the annual Union County Woodcock Walk & Talk events. One will be held in the Watchung Reservation in Berkeley Heights on Tuesday, March 13 and the other will be in Lenape Park in Cranford on Tuesday, March 20. Both programs start at 6:00 p.m. an conclude around 8:15 p.m.

The two events are free and open to adults and children age 10 and up with an adult. Pre-registration is required by emailing the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at bkelly@ucnj.org.

“The American Woodcock requires very specific habitats, so it’s a great source of pride that Union County’s preserved open spaces can support this unusual bird,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The annual Walk & Talk events help our residents and visitors see – and hear – the value of local nature conservation.”

Hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, the annual Woodcock Walk & Talk provides seasoned birders and beginners alike with the chance to catch a glimpse of the American Woodcock and learn more about this unusual and elusive bird.

“Bird watchers appreciate spotting this unique bird in March, as its appearance signals warmer weather and sunny days to come after a long winter,” explained Granados.

The American Woodcock is known by a variety of colorful names including timberdoodle, Labrador twister, night partridge, mudbat and bog sucker.

The species is most commonly referred to as the woodcock due to its preference for wooded areas. American Woodcocks are drawn to moist forests and require dense woodland, providing ample cover and food.

In the spring, the bird seeks out forest clearings, abandoned fields spotted with low brush or open fields next to forest edges to serve as courtship sites.

In preparation for mating, males establish individual territories known as singing grounds.

Perhaps the most fascinating attribute of the American Woodcock is the acrobatic courtship displays performed by the males, which have been described as mesmerizing.

As part of their mating ritual, a displaying male on the ground will emit a nasal, buzzing call referred to as a peent, to attract females. He then takes flight and ascends 200 or 300 feet. All the while, musical twittering sounds are made by the male’s wings. Afterwards, he will spiral or zigzag back to the ground while producing a liquid chirp.

The March 13 Woodcock Walk & Talk in the Watchung Reservation will take place at the Deserted Village. The group will meet at Masker’s Barn, which is located at the far end of Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights (GPS users: plug in 13 Cataract Hollow Road and follow road to the end), at 6:00 p.m.

The March 20 event at Lenape Park will meet at the old Trap and Skeet field house near the main entrance off Kenilworth Boulevard/County Road 509 in Cranford (the park entrance is between Dorset Drive and Nomahegan Road).

For more information on activities and programs in Union County parks, and to find out about volunteering with Union County Adopt-a-Park, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental and sustainability programs visit The Green Connection online at www.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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – On Tuesday, February 20, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through the Office of LGBTQ Services, hosted a roundtable with over 20 leading LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations that serve Union County and New Jersey. Facilitated by Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality, more than 40 participants met to discuss LGBTQ-related programs, services, issues and priorities for 2018.

The roundtable was organized by the new Union County Office of LGBTQ Services that was established by Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados as one of many progressive “Moving Union County Forward” special initiatives that he announced in January of this year.

Garden State Equality Executive Director Christian Fuscarino encouraged open and engaging conversations about many unique challenges of the LGBTQ community including: access to healthcare services; state policy recommendations; safe spaces to live, learn, work, play and pray; access to resources and information; and achieving safety, permanency and well-being for LGBTQ youth and families. Participants also offered strategic thinking toward building culturally-appropriate programs and partnerships that affirm the dignity and human worth of LGBTQ people and supporters.

“The Freeholder Board unwaveringly supports our LGBTQ residents and their families, and I am proud we are leading County governments in the State of New Jersey to protect progress and resist discrimination, hate and division,” Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados noted in his welcome address. “It is only by joining forces and working in partnership with LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations that we will be able to make progress in effectively supporting LGBTQ individuals, families and allies. I make no reservation in my commitment as an elected official to back up my words with action – I will stand side-by-side with LGBTQ individuals, advocacy groups and supporters to fight for equality and security in our communities.”

This first organized meeting, as part of a series of outreach efforts, is to engage the LGBTQ and ally communities in a county-wide needs assessment. A priority of the Office of LGBTQ Services is to provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I applaud the organizations who participated in the roundtable for the work they are already doing to support LGBTQ people, families and friends in our communities, and for participating in the roundtable with the shared goal of discussing existing programs, and addressing barriers, strategies and gaps in services,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

Several prominent New Jersey organizations that serve the LGBTQ community commend the networking and results-oriented effort of the roundtable.

“Leading by example to create a more inclusive community starts with the conversation. Union County’s LGBTQ roundtable is taking that lead and Hyacinth in proud to add our voice,” noted Hyacinth AIDS Foundation roundtable participants Danielle King and Allen Lockhart.

“WellCare of New Jersey is dedicated to building partnerships with organizations working to make a difference in our communities. The Union County LGBTQ roundtable is one such example. It was an honor to be included in this important discussion with individuals who are truly passionate about eliminating the barriers facing LGBTQ families and WellCare looks forward to joining them in this commitment,” said Clarissa Robles, Sr. Community Relations Specialist for WellCare of New Jersey.

“As facilitators of the first 2018 LGBTQ Roundtable, Garden State Equality was both honored and enthusiastic to share ideas with other incredible advocacy organizations and individuals. Events like this Roundtable are so important for addressing LGBTQ-related programs, services, and issues. We are so proud of the Union County Freeholders for establishing the Office of LGBTQ Services, the first county office in the state of NJ,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality.

Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, provides essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services.

“HMI: NJ is excited to partner with Union County to provide any complimentary services, training and or technical assistance to support the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services. Union County has taken great strides in advancing services to its LGBTQ residents.  We are committed to supporting this initiative to ensure its success,” said Ashawnda Fleming, Ph.D., MS Executive Director, Hetrick-Martin Institute New Jersey.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

#  #

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.

Video Link: youtube.com/watch?v=WAOKPZ_dMKU

Photo Caption (welcoming remarks): Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, joined by Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Bruce Bergen, welcomed roundtable facilitator Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality and over 40 participants representing more than 20 LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations that serve Union County and New Jersey to the 2018 LGBTQ Roundtable to discuss LGBTQ-related programs, services, issues and priorities for 2018.

Please note: Saturday’s “Boots 2 Heels” event has been postponed and will be rescheduled later this spring.

Union County, NJ – All Union County women with military service – veterans, active duty and reserve – are invited to join “Boots 2 Heels,” a free event designed to foster wellness and connect women with resources and guidance for empowerment. Boots 2 Heels will be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Westfield Armory, located at 500 Rahway Avenue in Westfield.

The event is free but pre-registration is required by contacting Janna Williams, Union County Office of Veteran Services at jwilliams@ucnj.org or 908-527-4918 by Friday, February 23.

Boots 2 Heels is presented by the Office of Veteran Services with the Office on Women.

The event will feature keynote speaker Stacey Hale, LCSW and three breakout sessions:

• Yoga by Nicole DeAugustine, a certified yoga instructor
• Beauty services by Jersey Boutique Spa of Westfield
• Fashion services by Lord and Taylor of Westfield

A counselor from Youth & Family Counseling in Westfield will be available at the event, as well as a representative from Veteran Affairs.

Breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments will be provided through the generosity of Pinhos Bakery of Roselle, Whole Foods of Clark, and Bonds of Courage of Westfield.

For additional information on Boots 2 Heels call Bonds of Courage at 908-273-4122.

Information on all military veterans resources in Union County is available at UC-HERO, ucnj.org/uc-hero.

#  #

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.

Please Note: Saturday’s “Boots to Heels” Event has been postponed and will be rescheduled later this spring.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite women veterans to “Boots 2 Heels,” a free event designed to foster wellness and connect women with resources and guidance for empowerment. Boots 2 Heels is offered through Union County’s UC HERO initiative and will be held on Saturday, February 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westfield Armory, located at 500 Rahway Avenue in Westfield.

“UC HERO is focused on giving back to the veterans who put their lives on the line in the service of our country, and we hope that the Boots 2 Heels program provides women veterans with information that can help them achieve their goals in all of their endeavors,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “In any way that we can, this Freeholder Board is committed to supporting our veterans and recognizing their commitment to serving the greater good.”

Boots 2 Heels is presented by the Office of Veteran Services with the Office on Women.

The event will feature keynote speaker Stacey Hale, LCSW and three breakout sessions:

• Yoga by Nicole DeAugustine, a certified yoga instructor
• Beauty services by Jersey Boutique Spa of Westfield
• Fashion services by Lord and Taylor of Westfield

A counselor from Youth & Family Counseling in Westfield will be available at the event, as well as a representative from Veteran Affairs.

Breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments will be provided through the generosity of Pinhos Bakery of Roselle, Whole Foods of Clark, and Bonds of Courage of Westfield.

The event is free but an RSVP is required. To RSVP to “Boots 2 Heels,” please contact Janna Williams at jwilliams@ucnj.orgby February 17.

For more information on the event, call 908-527-4918, 908-273-4122, or visit ucnj.org.