Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – As part of the recovery effort after Hurricane Irene, visitors to the Union County Fair at Oak Ridge Park in Clark are invited to bring donations of toothpaste, shaving cream, diapers and other personal care items for the Union County Department of Human Service’s “Care for Neighbors” drive.

The items will help replenish Union County’s emergency shelters, which were depleted in the aftermath of the storm.

Collection stations will be located at the main entrance to Oak Ridge Park where the shuttle buses stop, and at the two entrances from the parking areas.

All donations should be new and sealed in their original packages, including:

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrushes

• Mouthwash

• Soap/Shower Gel

• Hand/Body Lotion

• Deodorant

• Shampoo

• Disposable Razors

• Shaving Cream

• Feminine Hygiene

• Diapers

• Baby Wipes

• Baby Shampoo

• Baby Wash

 

The donations will be collected throughout the Fair, which runs from Wednesday September 14 to Sunday September 18, with free MusicFest concerts on all five days along with carnival rides and many other activities. Blondie is the headliner this year. Other top acts include Live’s Ed Kowalcyzk, Collective Soul, and Neon Trees.

In a partnership with Union County, the United Way of Greater Union County will also be collecting monetary donations and grocery store cards at the Union County Fair, to replenish depleted supplies at the county’s food kitchens.

Hours of operation for the 2011 Union County Fair are:

• Wednesday, September 14: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Thursday, September 15: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Friday, September 16: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Saturday, September 17: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Sunday, September 18: 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.

 

For all Union County Fair details including stage schedules for MusicFest, the Harvest Contest, Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee, show times for the Hell on Wheels BMX stunt bikers and many other attractions visit www.ucmusicfest.org.

 

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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.

ELIZABETH—Union County Manager Alfred Faella today announced the County will implement a number of fiscal recommendations made by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in time for this year’s Union County Fair featuring MusicFest.

Faella made the announcement with the support of the Freeholder Board, and through Finance Director Bibi Taylor, who has outlined a comprehensive list of corrective actions in nine areas pertaining to the Prosecutor’s report. The Finance Director will maintain a trailer onsite during the event to ensure compliance. The Union County Fair featuring MusicFest begins on Wednesday at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Some of the major areas covered in the corrective action plan put forth by Finance Director Taylor include:

•  Requesting the event promoter and organizer, This Is It Productions, provide Union County a refund for $24,281.68 from parking funds, plus a remittance of all revenues collected to date on behalf of the County for 2011.

•  The County has adopted a parking plan inclusive of the issuance of pre-numbered parking tickets for paying customers, and has designated staff to work independently of This Is It’s oversight of parking operations to ensure quality control and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

•  Requesting the Union County Performing Arts Center retain a separate account for a balance of $115,452.14, and only expenditures related to the 2011 County Fair featuring MusicFest should be paid out of this account.

•  The implementation of cash handling protocols as recommended by the Prosecutor with regard to change funds, cash registers, money bags, cash tally sheets, deposit slips, deposits, supplies, and non-profits for the event.

•  The Office of County Counsel shall, in accordance with law and on a case by case basis, review and make recommendations relative to supplying employees or any other service for or conducting business on behalf of any charitable organization.

•  The implementation of procedures for selling recommended by the Prosecutor’s Office for Kids Kingdom, amusement rides, artist merchandise, County merchandise and parking.

•  All vendors, including the Union County Performing Arts Center, will provide the County with a complete accounting of all expenses and receipts incurred and realized, and must provide proof that any expense contained in invoices, in excess of a budgeted amount, were not reasonably anticipated.

“We have reviewed the Prosecutor’s report thoroughly, and have worked expeditiously to implement new fiscal procedures in time for this week’s event,” Faella said. “We want to assure a smooth flow of our fiscal operations and accountability for all monies collected and expended throughout the event.”

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TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts in the East Amwell, Hopewell and Hillsborough areas of west-central New Jersey to be alert for white-tailed deer that wildlife biologists believe are experiencing symptoms of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), a localized virus that spreads among deer though the bites of midge flies.

EHD is not a public health issue. It cannot be transmitted to people, and humans are not at risk by handling infected deer, being bitten by infected midges, or eating infected deer meat — though the Division of Fish and Wildlife strongly advises against consuming meat from any game animal that appears ill.

Although livestock can be infected with EHD, the disease is relatively benign in livestock and is likely to go unnoticed.

“A number of people have reported seeing deer that exhibit signs of EHD,” said David Chanda, Director of the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. “The Division is asking the public to report any deer showing symptoms of the disease to help us monitor the impact on the local deer herd.”

EHD is a common viral disease in deer that is contracted from the bite of a species of midge known as Culiocoides sonorensis. It does not spread from deer to deer. EHD outbreaks end with the onset of colder weather, which will kill midges that spread the disease. New Jersey has documented occasional, localized outbreaks of EHD in different parts of the state for more than 50 years. The last occurred in the fall of 2010 in Salem County (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/news/2010/ehd_outbreak10.htm).

Deer typically die within 5 to 10 days of infection. Infected deer initially lose their appetite and fear of people. They grow progressively weaker and often salivate excessively. As the disease progresses, infected deer breathe heavily and develop a fever. Fever-ridden deer may go to water to drink or in an attempt to cool off. Eight to 36 hours following the onset of observable signs, the infected deer pass into a shock-like state, become prostrate and die.

Deer exhibiting signs of EHD, such as difficulty standing, drooling, emitting foam from the mouth or nose, or dead deer with no apparent wounds, observed in or near water should be reported to the Division’s Office of Fish and Wildlife Health Forensics by calling Bill Stansley at (908) 236-2118 or Carole Stanko at (908) 735-7040.

Livestock infected with EHD may show clinical signs similar to a number of other livestock diseases. People suspecting these diseases should test their animals and can seek information from the State Veterinarian’s Office at (609) 292-3965.

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People place red roses at the Union County September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside during the county’s ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the terror attack of September 11, 2001. (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 Christopher Hudak (L) and Angel G. Estrada read the names of the 60 Union County residents who died in the terror attack on September 11, 2001 during the county’s ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the attack at the Union County September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. (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 – Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Do you need to log-in some hours for a community service project? Or maybe you’re an avid hiker, equestrian or nature lover who uses the trails in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s 2,060-acre park and you want to “give something back” to improve the park. Whatever the reason, mark Saturday, September 24, on your calendar from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and plan to attend the Union County Adopt-A-Trail orientation and general meeting.

“By adopting a trail or participating in the Saturday work dates in the Watchung Reservation, you can realize a sense of accomplishment,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “You’ll work out-of-doors in the fresh air, meet new people and learn new skills in the process.”

A meeting for new Trail Stewards who would like to “adopt” a section of hiking or bridle trail is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 24. At that meeting, potential trail stewards will be introduced to the Adopt-A-Trail (AAT) Program and may obtain a trail assignment. AAT participants are required to adopt their trail for a period of at least two years.

Immediately following the orientation meeting for new participants, the general meeting for all Trail Stewards will be held from 10:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Topics to be discussed will include: An update on the new six-mile History Trail; Reports from farther afield; Invasive Plant Management; Maintenance “How-To’s”; and other subjects of interest.

Trail Stewards are expected to remove litter, do minor pruning, clear drainage pipes of debris and re-mark trails as needed. All Adopt-A-Trail participants must attend an orientation meeting and a “general” meeting each year as well as complete and submit quarterly report forms.

Both meetings will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road in   Mountainside. Light refreshments will be provided.

The Adopt-A-Trail program was implemented in 2001 to complement Union County’s existing monthly trail maintenance program. There are approximately 26 miles of bridle trails and more than 13 miles of marked hiking trails that require attention in the Watchung Reservation and miles of other marked and unmarked trails in other county parks, including Lenape Park, Ash Brook Reservation and Rahway River Parkway.

Interested persons and trail users who are not able to make a two-year AAT commitment are encouraged to attend one of the monthly trail work days, usually held on the first Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 noon (except in January and February). No experience is necessary to help out! The next Saturday Trail Work date is Oct. 1.

Pre-registration for the Orientation and General AAT meetings and Saturday Trail Work days is required. Please call (908) 789-3683 to register or obtain additional information.

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Trail stewards (right to left) Bob Czaja, Rich Palmetier (both of Scotch Plains), and Steve Klawitter of Millington work to install steps along a section of hiking trail in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. For more information about becoming a volunteer Trail Steward, or to register for the Sept. 24 orientation meeting, call 908-789-3683.

Steve Klawitter of Millington puts the finishing touches on a newly installed trail step at a recent trail work day in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. For more information about becoming a volunteer Trail Steward, or to register for the Sept. 24 orientation meeting, call 908-789-3683.

 

 

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 .

 

UPDATE 1: The operating hours for the center has changed, please see below

UPDATE 2: Information about the registration process is now available in sign language

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced the Union County FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8:00 a.m. in Cranford to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage and losses from Hurricane Irene.

Please note: October 31, 2011 is the Deadline to Register with FEMA

The center is located at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue in Cranford.

The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents are urged to register before visiting a DRC. There are two ways to register – log on to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY, call 800-462-7585; or, use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Residents can find the DRC closest to them online at: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm Additional locations will be announced by the FEMA/state joint information center.

At the center, visitors can:

• Receive information about different types of state and federal disaster assistance.
• Get help completing applications for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.
• Inquire about the status of applications for federal assistance.
• Receive referrals to voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs.
• Learn cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future disaster losses.

Jim Rohe will lead the sing-along as marshmallows are toasted by the fire

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Tickets are available for autumn evening hay rides and fun around the campfire at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, these fun-filled autumn evenings include hay rides, songs around a campfire led by singer Jim Rohe, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire.

Jim Rohe is a talented New Jersey musician and storyteller who performs at grammar schools and festivals throughout the Garden State and Pennsylvania. He is a seasoned performer whose rapport with his audience makes each program a special event.

Tickets for these popular outings must be purchased in advance – so don’t wait until it’s too late! Seating for the hay rides is limited. Rides begin at 6:30 p.m. on the evenings of Sept. 30; Oct. 7, 14, 28; and Nov. 4.

Tickets can be purchased every day from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside; or weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks & Community Renewal, 2nd Floor, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth.

No tickets will be sold at the hay rides, so please register early. The cost is $5 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants.

For further information, call Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal at 908-527-4900; or visit the Union County website atwww.ucnj.org.

Income eligible residents may apply in person from September 12th to 20th at County Social Services Buildings in Elizabeth and Plainfield and temporary site in Rahway

UNION COUNTY, NJ— County residents who suffered losses due to Hurricane Irene may be eligible for a one-time food benefit ranging from $200 to a maximum of $1202, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced.

Residents meeting the Federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program income guidelines (see enclosure for guidelines) can apply from Monday, September 12th at three locations including: Union County’s Social Services offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield along with a temporary site at 65 East Cherry Street that has been established specifically for this purpose.

“There are many residents who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Irene and need help to make ends meet,” Freeholder Chairwoman Deborah Scanlon said. “We certainly encourage those who are in need and may be eligible to apply for food assistance.”

The amount of the assistance varies according to gross monthly income to family size. County social services staff has received training from the State and will assist eligible residents in completing a short application. If approved, the benefit will be electronically applied to a debit/credit card and will be available within three days of completing the application.

Click here to view the Income Eligibility Standards and Allotments Chart

For residents already receiving SNAP benefits, the one-time benefit will be applied to their cards. All three sites will be open to take applications Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LOCATIONS:

The Elizabeth Social Services Building is located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

The Plainfield Social Services Building is located at 200 West Second Street in Plainfield. 908-757-9090

65 East Cherry Street in Rahway.

 

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UNION, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2011 Teen Arts Traveling Exhibit is on display at Les Malamut Gallery located in the lower level of the Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Avenue in Union. The art work is on display through October 14th during regular library hours. For more information on the gallery, please visit: www.lesmalamutartgallery.web.officelive.com.

The exhibit consists of 53 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual art works shown at the 2011 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal.

“Each year I am amazed by the wonderful artwork submitted by local students,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”

For information about the Teen Arts program, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

 

The exhibiting students are:

 

Berkeley Heights

Columbia Middle School
Julia Young

 

Clark

Mother Seton Regional HS
Victoria Marples

 

Cranford
Cranford HS
Shannon Daly
Gina DeCagna
Hillside Avenue School
Allison Curley

Orange Avenue School
Louis Capucci
St. Michael School
Kyle Borokowski

 

Elizabeth
Abraham Lincoln School
Dianeth Hernandez

Benedictine Academy
Keyona Wright
Benjamin Franklin School
Juan Martinez
Charles Hudson School
Damaris Quezada
Dr. Orlando Edreira School
Jessica Arguera
Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jorge Soto Soriano
Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Gustavo Perez 
Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Andres Camargo
Christie Ramirez

Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Wislet Dazime
Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Danny Luca
Madison-Monroe School
Arianna Honore

Nicholas M. Butler School
Eunice Edmond
Nicholas S. LaCorte School
Jonathan Lopez
St. Mary of the Assumption School
Carla Gomes
T.C. Reilly School
Sindy Chavarria
William F. Halloran School
Walter Casanas
Woodrow Wilson School
Joel Romero

 

 

Hillside
Hillside HS
Ambyr Szablowski
Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Pinto & Campbell

 

 

Kenilworth
David Brearley HS
Samantha Hoag
Anthony Madonia

 

 

Linden
Linden HS
Jose Ferero
McManus MS
Clint Malakuskie
Soehl MS
Eduardo Plaza

 

Mountainside
Deerfield MS
Bea Collins

 

New Providence
New Providence HS
Lylah Dugan
New Providence MS
Lillian Cahill

 

 

 

 

 

Plainfield
Central Jersey Arts School
Silvia Alpapucho
Cook School
Carin Hardy
Hubbard MS
Jose Peña de Leon
Maxon MS
Caleah Atkinson
Plainfield Academy of Arts
Anthony Cancel
Union County TEAMS HS
Crystal Attidore
Union County TEAMS MS
Shaun Counts

 

Scotch Plains
Union County Vo-Tech
Camillo Castillo
LaJuan Miller

 

Springfield
FM Gaudineer MS
N. Adbullahu, M. Pisauro & 
N. Stanislawczyk
Jonathan Dayton HS
Farharah Mohamad

 

 

Summit
Oratory Preparatory School
Tyler Otterbein

 

Union
Union HS
Pamela Chuang
Andrea Garcia

 

 

Westfield
Edison Intermediate School
Catlin Collins

Roosevelt Intermediate School
Kevin Miller
Alyson Palia

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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 .