Category: Public Info

President John F. Kennedy declared the first Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to peace officers and in honor of peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, lost their lives or became disabled in the line of duty. This day has been observed in our country annually ever since.

On this day, and every day, it is fitting to honor those peace officers who gave their lives to protect ours, and to thank the law enforcement officers who serve for their dedication and service to our communities.

Paint by the Pond scheduled for (today) Saturday, May 12th at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth and Roselle, has been canceled. A new date will soon be announced.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Union County will observe May 2018 as National Community Action Month. Community Action Month is dedicated to recognizing the success of the national Community Action Network that fights poverty across the United States.

“In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which included the creation of Community Action Agencies to fight poverty,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Today we continue to honor and build on President Johnson’s legacy of recognizing that we must enlist the whole community and every public office, from the courthouse to the White House, to ensure that resources and opportunities are available to those in need.”

Currently there are approximately 1,100 Community Action Agencies covering 99% of America’s counties in suburban, rural, and urban communities. It is estimated that each year, these agencies help 20 million low-income people to achieve economic stability and improve their lives despite budget cuts and increased demands for services during challenging economic times.

“Even though our overall economy is strong, the face of poverty can be hidden in any community,” said Chairman Granados. “By recognizing Community Action Month, we build awareness that the struggle for employment, housing, nutrition and other basic needs goes on.”

Community Action Agencies promote self-sufficiency for those of limited income and help ensure that all residents are able to live in dignity. Community Action Agencies implement programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished, provide support and instruction for those in need of assistance, and advocate for reform of welfare systems.

During National Community Action Month, agencies throughout Union County and nationally host events that highlight how these programs and services help low-income residents achieve economic self-sufficiency.

“Despite experiencing budget cuts, shrinking resources, and increased demands for services, Union County Community Action Agencies have achieved measurable success in assisting Union County residents to achieve and maintain economic security,” said Chairman Granados.

The Union County Department of Human Services partners with other community based agencies to assist residents. In 2017, these agencies provided resources for 559 residents whose income did not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.

The services included assistance with housing, medical and nutritional needs, emergency shelter, employment including connections with entitlement and workforce development programs, and behavioral health counseling for substance abuse and/or mental health.

In recognition of Community Action Month, several local agencies are highlighting events in Elizabeth during May. Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey hosted a Senior Safety Day at the Peterstown Community Center, The Gateway Family YMCA held a Housing Department open house, and the organization PROCEED, Inc. held a Community Open House for job readiness with a focus on women at the Kellogg Family Success Center.

On May 11, The Salvation Army of Elizabeth hosts a “Lunch on the Go” event from noon to 2:00 pm at their facility located at 1018 East Grand Street. 

Upcoming events include two more Senior Safety Days hosted by Jewish Family Services. One takes place on May 15 at the O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center at 632 Salem Avenue, and the other takes place on May 24 at the Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch located at 740 West Grand Street. Both events are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information about May events and services for low income individuals and families, contact Samantha Carpio, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, 908-527-4874.

For more information about the Union County Department of Human Services including Paratransit and Meals on Wheels for seniors 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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a free recycling event for personal electronic equipment will be held on Saturday, May 12 in New Providence, at the Nokia campus located at 600 Mountain Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The free event is designed to help Union County residents clear their homes of rid of unwanted computers, printers, televisions and other electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner.

“By sending our old or unwanted equipment to a reputable recycler, we can all help protect the Earth from harmful impacts related to metals and other substances in electronic systems,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our free recycling events give everyone a chance to practice the principle of ‘think globally, act locally.’”

When disposed improperly, televisions, computer monitors, and other electronic devices are sources of lead, mercury, cadmium and other harmful materials.

Any Union County resident may participate in the May 12 E-cycling event free of charge.

Televisions, computers, monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, printers, fax machines, DVD/VCR players, telephones, tablets and e-readers are among the permissible items.

Residents need to do is drive to the E-cycling site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload the equipment.

There is a limit of six electronic items per car. The collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required and pre-registration is not required.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and air conditioners are not accepted at the E-cycling event. Appliances and other household scrap metal, such as old bicycles, play sets and other equipment, may be brought to designated drop-off locations through Union County’s regular Scrap Metal Recycling Program.

Many municipalities also offer E-cycling and other recycling programs for residents. For more details, visit ucnj.org/recycle to find your local recycling coordinator.

The next free Union County E-cycling event will take place on Saturday, June 30 at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. 

Union County’s recycling support the goals of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Plant a Seed initiative for engaging and empowering the public in conservation and environmental education. More information about the Plant a Seed initiative is available at ucnj.org.

For more details about Union County’s E-cycling events and all other recycling programs call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycle.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities 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 two free mobile paper-shredding events for personal documents in May.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding events help residents fight identity theft by providing a secure, affordable way to dispose of confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “As part of our countywide recycling efforts, the paper shredding events also support the goals of my Plant a Seed initiative for engaging and empowering the public in conservation and environmental education.”

The first shredding event takes place on Friday May 11 shredding at Warinanco Park, in the parking lot across from the new Warinanco Sports Center located off St. Georges Avenue in Roselle.

The second shredding event takes place on May 19 at the Nokia campus at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

Both events run from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding events will end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach 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 bags or boxes per person. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Bringing material in paper bags is preferred. Documents should be unbound and binders, paper clips and other hardware should be removed.

Paper that is wet or damp will not be accepted.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The documents are then placed 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.

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future shredding events, directions and all other Union County recycling programs call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit online at ucnj.org/recycling.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection. More information about Chairman Granados’s 2018 Plant a Seed initiative is available 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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Local Advisory Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (LACADA) Chair Carol Berger congratulate the 2018 Union County Municipal Alliance Volunteers of the Year at the LACADA annual volunteer recognition dinner in Union.

The Municipal Alliance Volunteers of the Year are: Detective Brian Soos of Clark, Brad Young of Cranford (not pictured), Darlene Lipsett of Garwood, Ashley Wyat of Hillside, Darlene Candarella of Kenilworth, Rebecca Kerins-Tattoli of Linden, Nora Murphy of New Providence (not pictured), Officer Mylis Harrison of Plainfield, Ashley Paulino of Roselle Park, Kelly Robertson of Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Lorre Korecky of Westfield. Officer Harrison from Plainfield is also the 2018 Union County Municipal Alliance Volunteer of the Year.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all women who own or manage a business or nonprofit organization in Union County to attend the Freeholder Board’s sixth annual Union County Women Mean Business skill building seminar and networking event on Wednesday, May 23 at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

This year’s special guest speaker is Tammy Murphy, First Lady of New Jersey.

Breakout sessions will cover leadership, sexism in the workplace, branding via social networking and more.

“Ms. Murphy brings an outstanding combination of career savvy, public service and community engagement to her new role as First Lady,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are all looking forward to an inspiring and insightful event.”

“I’d also like to recognize ConnectOne Bank as the Freeholder Board’s leading co-sponsor,” said Chairman Granados. “Support from our business community is essential as we work to ensure that women in business can succeed and thrive in Union County.”

Other sponsors include Kemper Sports, Winning Strategies Washington, Johnston Communications, Wizdom Media, Southwest, Suplee, Clooney & Company, Lupe Fund Inc. and Bongiomo & Associates Inc.

“We began offering Union County Women Mean Business because we knew that women have much to offer the Union County economy. Our goal is to help facilitate peer networking and skill building, and I’m proud of my colleagues on the Freeholder Board for supporting the program through the years,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, who launched the series while serving as Chairman in 2013.

Ms. Murphy previously worked in finance in the U.S. and Europe. A graduate of the University of Virginia (B.A., English and Communications, 1987), she currently sits on the University’s Board of Visitors. She also serves as Secretary and charter member of The Climate Reality Action Fund, an organization founded by former Vice-President Al Gore.

Over the years, Ms. Murphy has worked with non-profits, a think-tank, and other organizations focused on the environment, education, health care, youth and family services, as well as the arts and trans-Atlantic relations.

Pre-registration for Union County Women Means Business is required, by visiting ucnj.org/ucmb. The $40.00 cost per person includes a networking breakfast, two breakout sessions, lunch and a chance to win prizes.

When registering, attendees can indicate their interest in participating in an interactive golf clinic following the event. The clinic is designed to enable more women to engage with the social and networking opportunities that take place on the golf course.

Pre-registration for the clinic is required and a separate fee of $20.00 applies.

For full details about the Union County Means Business event, including schedules and speaker biographies, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.

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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 – As part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s 2018 Union County Plant a Seed grants initiative, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that grants have been awarded to 27 garden projects in nine municipalities through the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program.

 “The goal of Union County Means Green is to enable more County residents to experience the benefits of growing fresh produce in their neighborhoods, including improved access to fresh produce as well new opportunities for education, socialization, recreation and civic service,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By supporting these gardens, we support healthier lifestyles and help people forge stronger bonds with their neighbors and the community at large.”

Grants from Union County Means Green have helped to improve existing community gardens, start new gardens and transform empty lots into thriving centers for social and educational activities, with hundreds of pounds of fresh produce consumed and donated to local food pantries each year.

“The Freeholder Board has a longstanding appreciation for community gardens, and our goal is to ensure that these benefits are accessible to as many County residents as possible,” explained Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “Community gardens bring people together with a creative, cooperative purpose.” The Union County Means Green grant program was launched by Freeholder Bergen while serving as Chairman in 2016.

“As in past years, our 2018 awardees represent the wide range of diversity in the community garden movement, from small installations to large plots with dozens of beds,” said Chairman Granados. “Even a small plot of land can yield a bountiful harvest and provide people of all ages and abilities with an empowering experience. This year’s projects include extra high ‘senior’ beds that enable easier access for people using wheelchairs and walkers, and hydroponic tables that allow gardening to be practiced indoors, throughout the year.”

The 2018 program awarded three types of grants: pre-budgeted $1,250 all-in-one grants for starting new gardens, $500 block grants for expanding or improving gardens including the purchase of equipment and supplies, and $3,000 pre-budgeted grants for hydroponic gardens.

The 2018 awardees are:

BERKELEY HEIGHTS

Berkeley Heights Community Garden, Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission ($500 materials and supplies)

Hope Grows, Our House ($1,250 new garden beds with materials and supplies)

ELIZABETH

Elizabeth Branch Community Garden, Gateway Family YMCA ($500 materials and supplies)

Elmora Branch Library Community Garden, Elizabeth Public Library ($500 materials and supplies)

Peterstown Garden, City of Elizabeth ($1,250 new garden beds with materials and supplies)

Sampson Center Garden, City of Elizabeth ($3,000 hydroponic garden)

JFS Urban Community Vegetable Garden, Jewish Family Services ($500 materials and supplies)

Harvesting Without Soil, Josephine’s Place ($3,000 hydroponic garden)

P.I.S.C. Vira Verde, Portuguese Instructive Social Club ($3,000 hydroponic garden)

Elizabeth Parent Support Group Garden, Prevention Links, ($3,000 hydroponic garden)

Fort Leonard Senior Garden, Elizabeth Housing Authority/Division Street ($500 materials and supplies)

Bayway Family Success Center, Elizabeth Housing Authority ($3,000  hydroponic garden)

LINDEN

Sunny Gardens of Linden Garden ($500 materials and supplies)

Linden FSC Community Garden, Communities in Cooperation ($500 materials and supplies)

PLAINFIELD

The B.A.C.O.N.J./City of Plainfield Community Garden, Barbados American Organization ($1,250 new garden beds with materials and supplies)

JoAnne Hollis Garden, Plainfield Housing Authority ($1,250 new garden beds with materials and supplies)

Richmond Towers Community Garden Club, Plainfield Housing Authority($3,000 with materials and supplies)

RAHWAY

RWJ Hydroponic Table, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital ($3,000 hydroponic table)

Rahway Community Garden, City of Rahway ($500 materials and supplies)

JFK Community Garden, JFK Community Center ($500 materials and supplies)

ROSELLE

Glamformers Community Garden, Glamformers/Borough of Roselle ($1,250 new garden beds with materials and supplies)

BT and Diane Mathis Community Garden, Roselle Community Center ($500 materials and supplies)

SCOTCH PLAINS

Scotch Plains – Fanwood Community Garden, Scotch Plains/Frazee House ($500 materials and supplies )

SUMMIT

Summit ACHIEVE Community Garden, Summit Area YMCA ($500 materials and supplies)

UNION

Five Points Branch Community Garden, Gateway Family YMCA ($500 materials and supplies)

W.I.S.E. Center Branch Community Garden, Gateway Family YMCA ($500 materials and supplies)

Township of Union Community Garden, Union Township ($500 materials and supplies)

Union County Plant a Seed includes the Union County Means Green and Union County Kids Dig in grant programs, both administered on behalf of the Freeholder Board by the nonprofit community organization Groundwork Elizabeth. Plant a Seed also includes state-funded recycling grant programs administered by Union County and other initiatives that foster education, empowerment and community service.

For more information about Groundwork Elizabeth visit online at groundworkelizabeth.org.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs, activities and services 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.

Photo caption: Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella congratulated representatives from the Barbados American Organization and the Plainfield Housing Authority on receiving Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants (photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union).

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Bruce H. Bergen  joined Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith, members of the Scotch Plains Council and Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary members at the ribbon-cutting officially marking the start of the exterior restoration of the historic Frazee House in Scotch Plains.

A major fundraising effort has been undertaken to complete the exterior restoration of the Frazee House. A total of $700,000 out of the $800,000 needed has been raised and work will begin this month. The County of Union has awarded more than $80,000 in grants towards the project. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

If you’ve been to the Deserted Village of Feltville recently, then you’ve seen the beautiful new signage that explains the site’s history.

If you’ve been to a local historic site, you may have picked up a new history card or had your passport stamped.

And if you were in Union County’s Oak Ridge Park last June, you were one of more than 5,000 people who witnessed one of the most spectacular re-enactments of the Battle of the Short Hills ever staged.

For all this and other history-related projects, Union County’s Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs is being recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with two national achievement awards:

• “The Feltville Interpretation Program,” the new interpretive signage at the Deserted Village was recognized for its contribution to the Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation.
• “Embracing Our Historic Legacy” was recognized in the category of Civic Education and Public Information, for projects that included the new history card series, new signage reflecting the County’s inclusion in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage area and sponsorship of the National Parks passport program, which has brought visitors from out of state to visit local historic sites.

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados said the impact of Cultural & Heritage’s programs can be seen across the county, whether it is the Alexander Hamilton history card at Snyder Academy in Elizabeth or the creation of the Battle of the Short Hills Historic Trail through Scotch Plains.

“It is now hard to go anywhere in Union County without seeing a reminder that we were part of the American Revolution.  But our history did not end there.  We want folks to know about the famous authors and scientists who lived here, and the contributions they made, not just to our country, but in many cases, the world,” Chairman Granados said,

“Congratulations to everyone involved,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen, the Freeholder liaison to Cultural & Heritage. As Chairman of the Freeholder Board last year, Bergen was one of the prime sponsors behind the Short Hills battle re-enactment. “These projects involved countless hours and dedication to see them through.”

“We have a county that is rich in history and we want our youngsters — and adults — to realize what a truly unique heritage we have,” Bergen said.

The two awards are significant coup for the County. No New Jersey county has received the award in the Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation category since 2007, nor has any county in the tri-state (NJ/NY/PA) area received the award.

The last New Jersey county to receive the Civic Education and Public Information award was Cape May County in 2010.

NACo President Roy Charles Brooks said, “Counties seize opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and build stronger communities every day. Achievement Award-winning programs are examples for counties that are determined to enhance services for our residents.”

Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide, Brooks said.

NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2018 Annual Conference and Exposition July 13-16 in Nashville/Davidson County, Tennessee.

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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.