Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Gardening enthusiasts gathered in New Providence on Monday to celebrate the official opening of the borough’s first community garden. In addition to the efforts of local volunteers, the 28-bed, fully fenced garden benefitted from strong municipal support. It also serves as an Eagle Scout project and it garnered funding from BASF, PSEG, Sustainable Jersey and the new Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program, which is funded by the Freeholder Board and administered by the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth. For more information about the program contact Groundwork or visit ucnj.org. (Photo: County of Union, NJ)

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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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Concert-goers can also bring unwanted medications for the “Project Medicine Drop”safe disposal program

Union County, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival free outdoor music series holds its final event this Wednesday evening, August 24 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, with a performance by the Billy Joel inspiration band New York State of Mind – and much more.

The festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. with an opportunity for children and adults to climb aboard the county’s Hazmat trucks and Bomb Squad trucks, an ambulance, a motorcycle and ATVs, hosted by the Union County Department of Public Safety. McGruff the crime dog will be on hand to talk about safety and crime prevention.

The Public Safety display will include a secure medication disposal drop box. Concert goers are invited to clear their medicine chests of any old or unwanted medications and bring them to the concert for safe disposal.

“Wednesday’s event is a convenient opportunity to remove potential hazards from your home, by disposing of your unwanted medications in a secure and environmentally safe manner,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support Project Medicine Drop.”

As always, the pre-concert activities include a free public yoga session beginning at 6:30 along with food and snack trucks. The music will start promptly at 7:30.

The Summer Arts Festival is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and sponsored by Whole Foods of Clark.

For more information about upcoming events and activities in all Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks or call the Parks Reservation Desk, 908-527-4900.

Project Medicine Drop is a statewide program of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, which provides this description:

Project Medicine Drop is an important component of the New Jersey Attorney general’s effort to stop the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, including highly addictive opiate painkillers.

Through this initiative, the State Division of Consumer Affairs installs secure “prescription drug drop boxes” at police departments, sheriff’s offices, and State Police Barracks across new Jersey, allowing citizens to safely dispose of their unused excess or expired prescription medications.

Members of the public are invited to visit the Project  Medicine Drop sites and drop off any unused prescription medications anonymously and with no questions asked.  Most Project Medicine Drop sites make this service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

By giving New Jerseyans a safe and secure method to dispose of unneeded medications, Project Medicine Drop helps prevent the abuse of these drugs.  This initiative also protects New Jersey’s environment by keeping these drugs out of landfills and out of the water supply.  More information about Project Medicine Drop, including the full list of Project Medicine Drop locations, can be found at njconsumeraffairs.gov/meddrop.

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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 invites all senior adults residing in Union County to express their ideas for the county’s 2017 Area Plan at a public meeting Wednesday, September 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Union Township Senior Center, at 968 Bonnel Court in Union Township.

The Area Plan is part of a statewide planning process for senior services. The process includes meetings in local communities to ensure that seniors have the opportunity to voice their needs, concerns, and ideas.

“This meeting is an opportunity to hear directly from Union County’s senior adults and caregivers to find out what they would identify as their priority needs,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder Board liaison to the Union County Department of Human Services. “The input we receive from our senior residents will be included in the plan that will be sent to the New Jersey Department of Human Services.”

The upcoming meeting will be conducted by staff of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.  They will present an overview of the Area Plan, including services available to seniors and their caregivers as well as updates on local and federal programs.

For more information about the Area Plan meeting, call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 908-527-4870 or toll-free at 1-800-820-8226. Information about all services for senior adults in Union County may also be found on the county’s website, ucnj.org, under the Department of Human Services.

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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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The 2016 Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series  will come to an end this coming Wednesday evening August 24, with N.Y. State of Mind taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The free concert series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and sponsored by Whole Foods of Clark.

“We wrap up another exciting summer of entertainment in our parks with a fabulous performance featuring music made famous by the great Billy Joel,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “And be sure to arrive early to participate in UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a great way for families to stay healthy together.”

Formed over the winter months of 2014 and 2015, New York State of Mind celebrates one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time. The band’s precise renditions of Billy Joel’s classic songs are certain to move both casual listeners and hardcore fans to their feet and have them singing along with all of the well known and loved classics.

While enjoying the wonderful music, concertgoers can visit Tony’s Traveling Trattoria which will treat your palate to excellent Italian comfort food. Also the Good Humor Truck will be on site hosted by TG and Sons serving ice cream and snacks. Attendees can also pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Once again UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with Hot Yoga Revolution of Cranford presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.

Along with the music and yoga, representatives from the Union County Department of Public Safety will be on hand to provide concert goers with information on keeping yourself and your family safe and will have a number of public safety vehicles on display.

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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 Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Vernell Wright joined New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) Legislative Director Allen A. Weston in presenting NJAC Foundation scholarship checks and certificates to Union County Vocational Technical Schools graduates Arol Jan Millado of Elizabeth, Adrianna Sabat of Linden and Sol Condo of Cranford. The scholarships are funded by Investors Bank and PSE&G.

The NJAC Foundation is a non-profit organization affiliated with the New Jersey Association of Counties, and is committed to providing innovative educational opportunities for county vocational-technical school and county college students.

Please visit www.njac.org for additional details about NJAC and the NJAC Foundation.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 2016 Union County Library Grant awards to 20 public libraries. The grants will be used to broaden and strengthen children’s programs in Union County libraries (scroll down for photos).

“Educational activities are a fundamental part of a library’s mission, and these grants will help our local public libraries meet the growing demand for up-to-date children’s programming throughout the Union County community,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Library Grant program amount this year totaled almost $150,000, more than double the amount of the 2015 program.

“Last year was the inaugural year of the grant program, and the enthusiastic response from Union County libraries demonstrated that there was strong demand for continuing the program this year, and expanding it as well,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who originated the grant program.

The program is funded with non-tax dollars for the benefit of local, non-school libraries. It is designed to help libraries upgrade facilities, programming and materials that directly benefit children’s literature and activities. The grant program also covers planning documents.

The 2016 grant recipients will use their funds for various projects including science programs, coding classes, robotics clubs, summer and after-school reading programs, technology upgrades, children’s books, educational toys, and furniture for children’s areas.

The Library Grants Program is part of Chairman Bergen’s “Union County at Work and Play” 2016 initiative for countywide economic development and quality of life improvements.

For more information on all of the 2016 Chairman’s Initiatives visit ucnj.org.

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20 Public Libraries	Amount Awarded
Berkeley Heights	$7,250.00
Clark	$7,500.00
Cranford	$7,464.65
Elizabeth	$7,500.00
Fanwood	$7,498.34
Garwood	$7,500.00
Hillside	$7,500.00
Kenilworth	$7,498.00
Linden	$6,082.60
Mountainside	$7,500.00
New Providence	$7,467.16
Plainfield	$7,764.00
Rahway	$7,540.00
Roselle	$7,500.00
Roselle Park	$7,495.24
Scotch Plains	$7,450.00
Springfield	$7,503.00
Summit	$7,500.00
Union	$7,764.00
Westfield	$7,437.00
Grand Total	$148,713.99

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents have a unique opportunity to cool down, slow down, and enjoy a relaxing break from the hectic back-to-school shopping season with a visit to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center. The fully air-conditioned facility is located conveniently off Route 22 in Union Township.

The Mallery Center features two bustling, finely detailed model railroad layouts including one of the largest HO scale displays in the region. It is open to the public every Saturday afternoon and features a snack bar, train-themed gift shop and toddler play area.

“With its emphasis on historic detail and authenticity, the Mallery Center combines entertainment and education,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are running errands on Route 22, it’s easy and convenient to stop by and enjoy the sights and sounds.  I had the pleasure of taking my now-grown son many times over the years and have enjoyed watching the display expand over time.”

Space for the Mallery Center is provided in Lenape Park by Union County under an arrangement with The Model Railroad Club, Inc. a local non-profit organization with roots in the 1940’s. Members of the organization funded and constructed the facility, which also houses work stations for building trains, scenery, buildings and other accessories.

“The art and craft of model railroading is thriving in Union County. We are delighted to provide visitors with a behind the scenes look at our work, and new members are always welcome,” said Tim McCollum, President of The Model Railroad Club.

Over the years, club members have spent countless hours wiring and building the displays with a meticulous attention to realism. The HO display is based on actual railroads in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area.

Visitors can also view ongoing expansion for the new 50’ x 80’ section of track adjacent to the existing 40’ x 40’ HO layout.

The Mallery Center is open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A modest admission fee is charged. Free parking is available on site, and the building is wheelchair accessible.

For more information contact The Model Railroad Club at 908-964-9724 or visit ucnj.org/model-trains.

Directions: The Mallery Center is conveniently located in Lenape Park behind the Home Depot, 954 Route 22 East, by Springfield Road in Union Township. Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 or from Springfield Road, and go to the far end where the garden center is. Turn left and a small sign will direct you to a service road behind the Home Depot. The Mallery Center is at the end of the road.

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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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites local business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs to register for the first annual Union County Means Business Expo scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course.

Registration is available now for individual attendees as well as vendors at ucnj.org/ucmb.

“The Business Expo is an expansion of the Union County Means Business initiative designed to connect Union County business and industry,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Whether you are participating as a vendor or if you are going as an attendee, the Business Expo offers the benefits of an effective networking opportunity in a relaxed environment.”

Offering an outlet for local businesses to showcase their products or services, the trade show Business Expo is an opportunity for local businesses to network with other business leaders, expand their customer base, and generate market awareness.

The Business Expo is the first business to business trade show networking event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in conjunction with Union County Means Business (UCMB) through the Union County Workforce Development Board and partnering organizations.

“The Freeholder Board is committed to supporting programs that build partnerships and connect the business community with resources to promote economic development in Union County,” said Chairman Bergen.

In addition to the Freeholder Board, this year’s Union County Means Business Expo partners include The New Jersey Small Business Development Center, Union County Economic Development Corp, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, and Union Township Chamber of Commerce.

To register online visit uncj.org/ucmb; or for more information contact the Union County Department of Economic Development at 908-659-7412. 

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present artworks from the Westfield Art Association, currently on exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery. The gallery is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The Freeholders Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through November 1, 2016.

“If you are in midtown Elizabeth during the week, come up and visit the exhibit,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It is a vivid demonstration of the creative energy at work in our community.”

The wide-ranging artworks on display include dye process on cotton by Michael Endy, pastel work by Twyla Tomko, digital embroidery by Alexa Cassaro, mixed media works by Margaret Najjar and Barbara Wallace, photography by Dorothy F. Bellew, Sheilia Lenga and Lloyd Marks, and paintings by Sonia Ash, Kay Bhasin, Dante Bonardi, Laura Brown, Virginia Carroll, Paul Federico, Maxine King, Jean Literate, Barbara McElheny, Margaret Najjar, Virginia Puskar, Anna Reid and Vickie Williams.

Founded in 1922, the Westfield Art Association (WWA) is the oldest independent arts organization in New Jersey.

WAA is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides art education and public exhibitions, and actively encourages its members in the pursuit of individual artistic goals and growth. WAA welcomes all artistic mediums and all levels of experience.

Public art events organized by the WAA include art education lectures, hands-on art studio workshops, gallery exhibits, outdoor art exhibitions and pop-up galleries in Westfield restaurants and storefront windows.

WAA has also arranged Art in the Park events, including The Sketchbook Project, a traveling collection of artist sketchbooks from around the world.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery.

For more information about the Freeholders Gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs online at ucnj.org, call 908- 558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org (NJ relay users dial 711).        

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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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a training seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public on Friday, September 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The seminar will feature Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, who will present the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

“This is the latest in our series of training seminars for prospective, new and experienced Notaries Public, and it is a pleasure to welcome Surrogate LaCorte to share his knowledge with the goal of helping our Notaries keep up to date and informed,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The Notary Training Seminar will encompass all aspects of the duties of a Notary Public, including the application process and legal requirements and responsibilities.

“In addition to providing prospective Notaries with an introduction to the profession, our training seminars offer continuing Notaries a valuable opportunity to test their knowledge and update their skills,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

To register for the seminar, contact Donna Connell at 908-527-4999 or email dconnell@ucnj.org. A downloadable registration form is available at the County Clerk’s website, ucnj.org/county-clerk.

The course is limited to 50 attendees and the registration fee of $5.00 is required in advance. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 9.

For more information about all Union County Clerk services including passports, elections and land records, call 908-527-4787 or visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

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