Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Trees outnumber people by a wide margin in Union County, but how much do you really know about our tall, green, and leafy fellow residents? The 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County know, and you can get in on the secret by joining the group as it trains a new corps of volunteers this fall.

“The Master Tree Steward program does a wonderful job of training ordinary citizens in tree conservation, and every year they pass this knowledge along to thousands of Union County school children,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “This is a valuable community service and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support them.”

Trees make significant contributions to the quality of life in densely developed areas like Union County. They help reduce airborne pollutants, provide a cooling effect in urban areas, and help control soil erosion.

Studies have also linked urban trees to improved public health and safety as well as economic growth.

The 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County is a volunteer program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, with the goal of encouraging citizens to plant and preserve urban trees.

No previous experience in conservation or teaching is needed to become a Master Tree Steward. Experts from Rutgers University provide all the training needed. The training sessions consist of a series of guided nature walks in local forests, supplemented by classroom exercises.

The training takes place each fall. In addition to other community service projects, each spring the Master Tree Stewards fan out to elementary schools in Union County, where they teach a one-hour course on tree conservation to fourth grade students.

The 2013 Tree Steward training sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for 13 weeks starting on September 11. Aside from a materials fee of $25.00, there is no charge for the sessions.

The classroom sessions will be located at the Extension offices in the County Services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For an application or more information, contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension offices, 908-654-9854, or emailnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It offers a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages. For more information visit the Extension online at ucnj.org/rce.

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Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact the Union County Extension office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in connection with Union County College, invites County residents with an interest in the fields of Transportation, Logistics and Distribution to attend an information session on free job training, offered through the Union County Choices program, taking place Thursday, July 25th, at Union County College’s Elizabeth Campus, located at 40 West Jersey St.

Occupations in Transportation, Logistics and Distribution generally fall into the following areas: Transportation and Port Operations; Maintenance; Warehousing and Distribution; Supply Chain Management and Logistics; Whole­sale Trade; and Corporate Administration (Sales, Marketing, Safety, Purchasing, Information Technology, etc.).

Thursday’s information session will focus on the Global Logistics Associate (GLA) Certification, a program that trains participants in the basics of logistics/supply chain and the associated functions necessary for the delivery of goods. The program is broken up into six units consisting of:

• Workplace Essentials
• Supply Chain Management
• Transportation Management
• Warehouse Management
• Computer Systems
• Safety Awareness

The information session is free of charge to attend, and walk-ins are welcome although pre-registration is preferred. To register, or for more information on the Union County Choices program, please contact Gina Tuesta at gtuesta@ucnj.org; for registration purposes, please include your name, contact information and email address.

In addition to attending the information session, to be considered for the Union County Choices program candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, take the TABE test and score at 8thgrade level or above, be WIA eligible and complete a criminal background check prior to the start of the training program.

The GLA certification program is set to run Tuesday through Thursday, September and October 2013, and includes a three week course duration and a fourth week review and certification test.

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CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 53rd season of music Wednesday evening, August 7, with a performance by Tusk, celebrating the music of the British/American rock band Fleetwood Mac. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Linda Carter, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Tusk covers the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection. The group is made up of incredible musicians, including Kathy Phillips, a New Jersey singer/songwriter who captures the essence of Stevie Nicks, along with Kim Williams on keyboards and vocals, Scott McDonald on guitar, drummer Tom Nelson and bassist Randy Artiglere. Expect to hear great songs like “Landslide,” “Rhiannon,” “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” and “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” and see a memorable show that will impress even the most diehard Fleetwood Mac fans.

“Bring the entire family for a night of great music at Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Carter. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Division of Planning and Community Development, Bureaus of Housing and Transportation, and other knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about programs and activities that are available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The concerts in August will be at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments will be available from vendors, including ice cream, cotton candy and snacks from “The Ice Cream Man.” Pulled pork, hamburgers and specialty hot dogs will be available from “Marci’s Dog House,” winner of Best Topping and Best Truck categories on the 2012 Munchmobile tour of New Jersey.

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

Aug. 14 – The Sensational Soul Cruisers; at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 21 – Verdict (reggae and Caribbean music); at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 28 – The British Invasion Tribute; at Oak Ridge Park. A special Veterans Appreciation Program will take place at 7:00 p.m. before the concert.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site:www.ucnj.org

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Dedication set for 2 p.m. Monday, July 29th at Westfield Public Safety Complex

WESTFIELD, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will be joined by local, state and national governmental officials in dedicating a new multi-use building on Monday, July 29th at 2 p.m. in the County Public Safety Complex in Westfield in honor of disability advocate Colleen Fraser, who was killed in the 911 attacks.

Fraser, 51, was on board the ill-fated United Airlines Flight 93, en route to a grant writing seminar in Reno, Nevada. A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey and a graduate of Rutgers University, Fraser helped draft the “Americans with Disabilities Act.” She carried a tiny copy of the Constitution with her to encourage the disabled to become their own advocates. Born with a condition that affected her legs, Fraser stood 4’6” and used a cane and a mobility scooter. At the time of her death, she was serving as Executive Director of the Progressive Center for Independent Living, and vice chairwoman of the New Jersey Disabilities Council.

After graduating from Rutgers University, where she studied English literature, Fraser took a job as a case manager with Community Access Unlimited, an advocacy group in Elizabeth for people with disabilities. She was director of DIAL Inc., a center for independent living in Clifton. She also served as director of Union County’s Office of the Disabled.

DATE: MONDAY, JULY 29TH, 2 P.M.

PLACE: WESTFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX, 300 NORTH AVENUE EAST, WESTFIELD, NJ

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Autumn will be here before we know it, and Union County’s Watchung Stable is busy preparing for a new season of Watchung Mounted Troop riding lessons.

“Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat and our lesson program at the Watchung Stable is a great way to learn how to ride,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Watchung Stable has been in existence since 1935, and I am proud to say that more than 40,000 girls and boys have participated in this wonderful program.”

All applicants for riding lessons must be nine years of age or older. Class and troop assignments are based upon riding ability as determined by the Stable management. Applicants with previous experience may be asked to demonstrate their riding ability in order to be placed in the appropriate class.

Riding classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays. Fall Troop will last for ten weeks beginning Sept. 3 and will culminate with the Fall Troop Horse Show. The cost to participate begins at $255 for ten classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment.  Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years of age and older, also beginning the week of Sept. 3. Adult lessons are an eight-week program available on Sundays at 12:45 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Beginner through advanced lessons are available on both days.

Registration forms and fees must be submitted in-person at the Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

For further information, and to obtain registration materials, call (908) 789-3665 or emailstablequestions@ucnj.org.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that Tuesday, July 23, is the last day for registering to vote in New Jersey’s upcoming U.S. Senate Special Primary Election.

“With the Special U.S. Senate Primary Election approaching in August, the deadline is just days away for first-time voters and new residents in Union County to register to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primaries,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “To be eligible to vote in the August 13 Special U.S. Senate Primary Election, new voters must be registered by Tuesday, July 23.”

To register to vote or to register an address change, forms are available in every municipality at the office of the municipal clerk. Forms also may be obtained by visiting the County Clerk’s office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, or by visiting the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/voter-registration.

The office hours of the Westfield Annex of the County Clerk are 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Voter registration forms and change of address forms must be received by the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07208 no later than Tuesday, July 23, in order to be eligible to vote in the Special U.S. Senate Primary Election on August 13. To qualify to vote, you also must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old, not serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction, and a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

For more information about voter registration, please call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

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“Union County residents can pitch in by making sure their property is free of any possible breeding sites,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It also helps to follow a few simple precautions when going outside, such as using an approved repellent.”

Mosquitoes carry a range of diseases including malaria, West Nile Virus, and dengue fever. They require only a small amount of stagnant water in which to breed, so residents are advised to check their outdoor equipment and garden ornaments, including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows, and tarpaulins, to ensure that there is no place for water to collect.

Litter and debris should be removed, and unused pools, fountains, and ornamental ponds should be covered. Residents should also check for water collecting in children’s toys and playsets, and rain gutters should also be cleaned regularly to ensure that water does not collect in blocked or sagging areas.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use a repellent approved for use on skin and clothing, and to follow all instructions on the label carefully. Additional guidance on mosquito repellents is available from the Centers for Disease Control.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors in the early morning and early evening. Mosquitoes are most active at these times.

Breeding sites on public property are addressed through the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control, which regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts spraying operations as needed.

Residents are encouraged to report mosquito infestations by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9834 during business hours. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If needed, the inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

Partly due to its marshlands and network of waterways, Union County has a long history of organized mosquito control efforts and is recognized as a leader in the field. The County’s first Mosquito Control Commission was established 100 years ago and is the second oldest in the nation.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 3, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will be on hand to accept unwanted ammunition and fireworks for disposal. It is particularly important to dispose of old ammunition and fireworks safely because they can be unstable and dangerous.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, fireworks, ammunition, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 3 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

For more information about the August 3 collection of old ammunition and fireworks, please call the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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Union County Freeholders Bruce Bergen and Vernell Wright welcomed more than 100 volunteers from BASF who went to Echo Lake Park in Mountainside last week to participate in Union County’s Adopt-A-Park Program. The volunteers helped to pull, dig, cut and treat invasive weeds, removed trash and old fencing, install new fencing and raked along the shoreline restoration project around Upper Echo Lake. (photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

ROSELLE, NJ – Hundreds of Union County families found some welcome relief from the hot weather on Tuesday evening, July 16, when they attended a free County-sponsored outdoor activity in Warinanco Park on the border of Roselle and Elizabeth.

More than one thousand children and adults enjoyed the weekly installment of “Family Fun & Flix” – the summer entertainment and film series on Tuesday evenings that gives families a chance to enjoy an outdoor activity and catch a movie under the stars in a Union County park.

The staff from the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, who organized Tuesday’s activity, was pleased to see so many families in Warinanco Park enjoying the animated monster comedy, “Hotel Transylvania,” after Trailside naturalists spoke to the audience about the different kinds of birds that live in Union County. Organizers of the event believe Tuesday’s turnout was the largest yet for this popular weekly series.

“The movie portion of Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but those who come to the park before sundown enjoy educational activities organized by naturalists from the Trailside Nature and Science Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It’s an evening of fun for the whole family.”

The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:

Tuesday, July 23 at Warinanco Park: The Trailside Eco Van will feature a display about turtles, snakes and other local reptiles before the Academy Award-winning animated fantasy film, “Brave.”

Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Meisel Park, Springfield: Be part of National Night Out, starting at 6 p.m., before viewing the animated family comedy, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”

Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Conant Park, in Hillside: The Trailside Eco Van will feature a display about Turtles, snakes and other reptiles, before the animated comedy, “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.”

All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.