Category: Public Info

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) announced today that  the Disaster Recovery Centers(DRC) in Union county will close.

The center in Union County scheduled to complete operations at close of business, Wednesday, Nov. 2:

Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016

“The type of assistance typically provided at a DRC is still available either online or through FEMA’s toll-free Helpline,” said Lt. Paul Miller, the state coordinating officer with the NJOEM.

There are three ways to contact FEMA: Go to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free,800-621-3362 (FEMA).  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is Nov. 30, 2011.

To find the nearest recovery center, use our DRC Locator.

To date, federal assistance is more than $147 million through the individual and households programs, and nearly $63 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For the latest news, photos and videos, go to: FEMA/New Jersey Recovery.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities atwww.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Union County, NJ – The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County teamed up with almost 200 Environmental Science students from Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark last Thursday to help reduce flooding and pollution in nearby Robinson’s Branch, by installing a new rain garden on the school grounds. The project was funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“The Extension helps to connect our residents with economical, science based solutions for the challenges of today, and we are very proud to support its efforts,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “This partnership between the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, the Township of Clark, and the State of New Jersey will hopefully serve as the model for future stormwater management projects throughout Union County.”

The Clark Public Works department provided tools for the planting, helped excavate the new 360 square foot rain garden, and installed soil amendments to improve drainage.

Rain gardens are designed to help reduce local and regional flooding problems, by creating a space in which excess stormwater can drain naturally into the soil. The new rain garden will help serve a number of educational purposes while helping to absorb stormwater from the Clark Public Works parking lot adjacent to the school.

The new rain garden also features native shrubs and grasses that help promote biodiversity, provide habitats for beneficial wildlife, improve stormwater drainage, and filter out contaminants.

Future plans for the site include harvesting rainwater from the roof of the Clark Public Works building next to the school. The water will be used for a “green” car wash for student fund-raising projects.  Runoff will flow into the rain garden instead of going to the storm drain.

The Arthur L. Johnson project is the first part of a larger program called the Robinson’s Branch Stormwater Management Implementation Project. It is collaboration between Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, Rutgers Water Resources Program, the Township of Clark, and the City of Rahway.

Robinson’s Branch is a major tributary of the Rahway River.  Scotch Plains, Edison, Woodbridge, Plainfield, Fanwood, Westfield, Clark, and Rahway are all included in the Robinson’s Branch watershed.

Much of the watershed is covered by developed surfaces including lawns and playing fields as well as streets, parking lots, and buildings. Instead of soaking into the ground, water runs from these areas into storm drains. The excess surface runoff contributes to flooding and carries pollutants including car care products, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, dog and goose waste, oil, and grease.

Rain gardens and other “green” infrastructure solutions such as rain barrels, cisterns, and porous paving surfaces can help prevent these pollutants from reaching natural waterways, in addition to reducing the threat of flooding.

The new rain garden is just one of the Extension’s many community projects in Union County. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is headquartered in the County services building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, and maintains a large demonstration garden in the County’s Watchung Reservation in Mountainside.

For information on any of the following program areas call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854:

• Department Head Dr. Karen Ensle, RD: “Get Moving, Get Healthy” and “Grow Healthy” classes, grant programs and activities.

• Michele Bakacs: Water resource improvement projects including the Robinson’s Branch project and the Build A Rain Barrel program.

• Madeline Flahive-DiNardo:  Master Gardener Program.

• Jim Nichnadowicz and staff:  Master Tree Steward Program and 4-H (Union County has more than a dozen 4-H clubs for children covering a variety of interests from archery and fashion to dog training and horticulture).

• Janet Brun, RD and staff: SNAP-Ed nutrition program and nutrition classes for youths and adults.

• Jeri Beaumont, RD: Union County Senior Congregate Meal Program (a collaboration between the Extension and the Union County Division on Aging).

Almost 200 Environmental Science Students from Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark took turns helping to install a new rain garden last week, under the supervision of staff from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The garden is specially designed to help reduce local flooding and filter out pollutants from stormwater. (Photo credit: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County).

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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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

As of this morning, there are about 26,000 Union County customers still without power (approximately 17,000 for JCPL and 9,000 for PSEG) but they are scattered through 19 towns, according to the Star Ledger.

The most severely hit appear to be western end communities with widespread reports of power outages in Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Westfield, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Summit, and Clark.

In the eastern end, Linden, Roselle Park appear to have been widely hit.

90 percent of County roads are open, but major roads like Magie Avenue in Elizabeth, Mountain Avenue in Berkeley Heights, and some roads in Scotch Plains and Clark are still experiencing blockages, as power companies work to clear lines.

The Watchung Stables are closed due to the lack of power (some generators are running to help feed horses), as well as the Trailside Nature and Science Center until further notice.

Residents are being advised to stay inside and wait out storm unless they have a specific location, booked hotel room or family member, where they can go to.

Community and elected officials were on hand recently to celebrate the dedication of a new plaque marking the reconstruction of the Linden Library on East Henry Street.

The new library, which opened in May last year, was financed and built by the Union County Improvement Authority. It features an open floor plan, increased space, many new amenities and improvements.

l. to r. Union County Improvement Authority Board member Carolyn Vollero (also former Mayor of Cranford), Linden Library Director Dennis Purves, Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak, and Eighth Ward Linden Councilwoman Michele Yamakaitis.

Photograph taken by James Lowney/Union County Public Information Office

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (L) and Christopher Hudak (2nd L) present a resolution to Alison M. Lozano, Executive Director of the New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council, congratulating her on being honored by Community Access Unlimited (CAU) at the organization’s 31th Annual Gala Dinner Dance Celebration in Mountainside. They are joined by CAU Executive Director Sidney Blanchard. Lozano received the Humanitarian Award. For more information about CAU, a multi-faceted, human services agency that provides support services for at-risk youth and people with disabilities, please visit www.caunj.org (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (L) and Christopher Hudak (2nd L) present a resolution to New Jersey Human Services’ Deputy Commissioner Dawn Apgar congratulating her on being honored by Community Access Unlimited (CAU) at the organization’s 31th Annual Gala Dinner Dance Celebration in Mountainside. They are joined by CAU Executive Director Sidney Blanchard. Apgar received the Public Leadership Award. For more information about CAU, a multi-faceted, human services agency that provides support services for at-risk youth and people with disabilities, please visit www.caunj.org (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (L) and Christopher Hudak (2nd L) present a resolution to Sidney Katz (2nd R), President of Helping Hands Self-Advocacy Group, congratulating him on being honored by Community Access Unlimited (CAU) at the organization’s 31th Annual Gala Dinner Dance Celebration in Mountainside. They are joined by CAU Executive Director Sidney Blanchard. Helping Hands Self-Advocacy Group received the Geller Award. For more information about CAU, a multi-faceted, human services agency that provides support services for at-risk youth and people with disabilities, please visit www.caunj.org (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Learn how to assemble a natural first aid kit that can help strengthen your immune system during Trailside’s program for adults, “Making Herbal Medicines: Salves, Tinctures, Infusions, Syrups and Lozenges,” on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 7:15 – 9:15 p.m. The fee for this program is $15 for Union County residents and $20 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits.

“The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to offer this intriguing program and hopes that people will take advantage of this unique opportunity to discover the powerful remedies that the plant kingdom offers,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.

Participants, ages 18 and older, will discover the incredible properties in common “weeds” that surround us and will learn how to make various remedies, utilizing natural options, to help combat the symptoms and underlying causes of some common ailments. You will learn how to prepare your own tinctures, salves, infusions, syrups and lozenges, using common plants such as plantain, St. Johnswort, yarrow, mullein, mint, willow, acorn and elderberry. This program will open up the incredible wonders of nature’s own pharmacy. Participants will get to take home some selected samples.

The presenters of this informative program are Eddie Starnater and Julie Martin, the co-founders of “Practical Primitive,” a school in North Jersey that helps students learn the skills of primitive arts, including tracking and nature awareness. An avid practitioner of all aspects of primitive living, Eddie Starnater has spent many years making salves, soaps and tinctures. He has also published numerous articles in several magazines, including Primitive Archer and Wilderness Way. Julie Martin has been very active with Practical Primitive and has been instrumental in expanding the school’s Self-Reliance workshops to include traditional skills and encourage people to rebuild their relationship with the Earth.

For additional information about the adult program “Making Herbal Medicines,” or for information about other programs and special events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds veterans living in Union County that they can receive their free military honorable discharge cards at the County Clerk’s office. The wallet-size card is honored as proof of service in the United States Armed Forces. It can assist veterans in receiving educational benefits, death benefits, licenses, property tax rebates and discounts at big store retailers when presented with other identification.

“As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th, we rightfully honor the men and women who selflessly served in our Armed Forces,” Rajoppi said. “This honorable discharge card service is just one way to say thank you and make veterans’ lives a little easier.”

The honorable discharge cards are available to veterans whose Certificate of Honorable Discharge and DD 214 forms are recorded at the Union County Clerk’s office. Benefits from honorable military service are limited to the veteran and their spouse, parents, children, heir or personal representative.

“The distinctive red, white and blue cards have a raised seal certifying proof of recording from the Clerk’s office,” Rajoppi added.

If a veteran’s discharge papers have never been recorded, the original document must be presented at the Union County Clerk’s Office. Documents will be recorded in the Union County Veterans’ Index and the original will be returned to the veteran. Photocopies of Honorable Discharge or DD 214 documents cannot be accepted for recording. If the original documents are lost, veterans can write to the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63632. Those who have already recorded their documents in the Clerk’s office can call the office for additional information.

“All veterans can be assured that access to their discharge papers is limited and available only to the veteran, his/her mother, father, wife/husband, brother, sister, child, heir or personal representative,” Rajoppi said. “Veterans’ documents are archived in a secure area and they are not accessible to the public.”

The County Clerk’s Office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If additional information is needed, please call (908) 527-4787.

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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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present “Project WET” – a teacher-training workshop for adults ages 18 and older at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“This teacher-training workshop is a great opportunity for educators to use Trailside’s resources to learn how to bring a greater awareness and understanding of our environment and natural resources to students,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.

In today’s society, water is often taken for granted. The Project WET workshop will provide the necessary tools, resources and lessons for educators to utilize in the classroom to teach about the importance of water in everyday life. Formal and informal educators are invited to join a certified Project WET facilitator for a day of interactive, educational hands-on activities focusing on water as a valuable resource.

Participants in the Project WET workshop will work together to discover the properties of water while earning six NJDOE teaching credits. Each participant will receive the Project WET curriculum and activity guide with more than 90 interdisciplinary activities and lessons, teacher-tested and classroom-ready for K-12 students. Lessons in the guide are correlated to New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. New Jersey Project WET is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Watershed Management Division and the New Jersey Audubon Society.

Pre-registration is required for this workshop and space is limited. The fee is $20 per person and includes the Project WET curriculum and activity guide. Light refreshments will be served during morning registration. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch.

For information on the Project WET teacher-training workshop or for upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit the website: www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Ave.) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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 at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .