Category: Public Info

Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (L) presents a graduation certificate to Hillside Police Officer Michael A. Flowers, Sr. and K9 Champion during the graduation ceremony for Class 10/01-11/01 from the Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Training Academy. Six new police K9 teams—from Hillside, Trenton and Marlboro Township–graduated during ceremony at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. (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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella presents certificates to (from 2nd left) Christina Reiman, Theresa Chrystal, Jillian Leahy, Ellen Tomljanovic and Anna Leistikow of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Girl Scouts congratulating them on earning the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting, during a ceremony in Fanwood. They are joined by Julie Murphy (L), Fanwood-Scotch Plains Girl Scouts Co-Service Unit Manager. (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 Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (L), Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage (R), Chaplain Msgr. Hugh O’Donnell (2nd L) and Knights of Columbus Council 253 Grand Knight Owen Iungerman (2nd R) congratulate John Haggerty of Elizabeth on publicly receiving a Bronze Star for his actions while serving in the Army in Vietnam. Haggerty earned the Bronze Star in March 1969 and was finally presented with it publicly during the Memorial Day Service at the Knight of Columbus Council 253 in Elizabeth on May 30. (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

WESTFIELD, NJ – Does your non-profit group need funds for an arts project? The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites community arts organizations, schools, libraries, health and social service agencies and other non-profit organizations to request an application for the FY 2012 Union County Local Arts Grant Program.

“The purpose of the grant program is to enrich the quality of life in Union County by stimulating and supporting the production, presentation and creation of the arts,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We are very proud that the New Jersey State Council on the Arts has once again designated our Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs a Major Arts Service Organization.”

Non-profit groups and arts organizations that wish to offer an arts project to the public are eligible to apply for grant funds. Arts activities taking place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012, are eligible for consideration. Funds for this program are made available through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

To receive an application, or for information about other programs and services, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. E-mail address: culturalinfo@ucnj.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 https://ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (R) stands with (from left) Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, retired Elizabeth Fire Capt. Jay Rice, Capt. Mike Mateiro, Elizabeth Fire Chief Tom McNamara and Chaplain Msgr. Hugh O’Donnell as taps is played during the Elizabeth Exempt Firemen’s Association’s annual memorial service for all of the city’s deceased firefighters on Memorial Day outside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. (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 https://ucnj.org

On Facebook at https://ucnj.org/facebook

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

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) joins Tom Campbell of Hillside and his daughter Megan in placing American flags on the graves of veterans at the Graceland Cemetery in Kenilworth in honor of Memorial Day. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders supplied more than 30,000 flags to mark veterans’ graves throughout Union County. (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, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Planning Measures Advised for Hurricane, Tornados and Thunderstorms

Union County – In anticipation of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1 and runs through November 30, the Union County Office of Emergency Management announced today a few simple guidelines for Union County families to follow in the event of a severe storm warning and/or advisory.

County Emergency Preparedness officials encourage residents to register with the UC First Alert Network athttp://ucfirstalert.org. The County of Union uses the UC First Alert Network to immediately deliver important alerts, notifications and updates to residents’ email, cell phone, pager and smartphone devices during a major crisis or emergency.

“UC First Alert will provide residents with an immediate notification on where to go, what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency,” stated Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh, liaison to the Union County Homeland Security Committee.

In addition to UC First Alert, those individuals with special needs are asked to register electronically with the New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters at www.registerready.nj.gov. The NJ Special Needs Registry is a free, voluntary and confidential program designed to assist people with special needs who may find it difficult to get to safety in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, they can call New Jersey’s toll-free 2-1-1 telephone service.

Aside from registering with UC First Alert, County Emergency Preparedness officials emphasize that residents need to stay informed. Knowing information such as the location of nearby shelters, and other basic safety tips can help keep individuals withstand the first few hours of a severe storm.

Officials stress that it is essential to understand the difference between a Severe Storm Watch; when weather conditions are favorable and a Severe Storm Warning; when weather conditions have been observed and/or is expected.

County Emergency Preparedness officials encourage residents to follow three basic measures in the event of a severe storm:

Pack a Go-Bag, a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation. A Go-Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. Items to be considered include, but are not limited to, copies of important documents in a waterproof and portable container, bottled water and non-perishable food, flashlight and battery operated AM/FM radio. For a full list of items that should be included in your Go-Bag, please visit https://ucnj.org/oem

Develop a Disaster Plan, which will ensure your family members know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Helpful suggestions in developing your family’s disaster plan can be found at https://ucnj.org/oem.

Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit, keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. For a full list of items that should be included in your Emergency Supply Kit, pleasehttps://ucnj.org/oem.

“In addition to these three basic measures, it is important for all members of your family to learn how and when to shut off the water, gas and electricity throughout your home,” stated Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran.

In addition to the Union County website, more information on severe storm safety tips can be found at the following sites:

• Turn Around Don’t Drown – http://www.weather.gov/os/water/tadd/
• Tornado Facts and Safety Tips – http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html
• Severe Storm Facts and Safety Tips – http://www.weather.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml
• National Weather Service Watches and Warnings – http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/
• NJ Office of Emergency Management – www.ready.nj.gov

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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

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, June 11, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

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 Deborah Scanlon. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, 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 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.

Union County, in partnership with Covanta Energy, also includes mercury thermostats in its household waste recycling initiative. The mercury thermostat program complements the County’s efforts to collect household pollutants and divert mercury from the regional waste stream in order to help safeguard our water and air quality. What’s more, residents will receive a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot for turning in a mercury thermostat at the June 11 recycling event.

“Our partnership with Covanta allows us to extend our efforts to pursue environmentally sound methods of waste disposal,” Freeholder Hudak added.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 11 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

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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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 is happy to announce that another “Date Night” will be offered at Watchung Stable in Mountainside. Due to popular demand, Watchung Stable and Mosaico Restaurant will offer an additional “Date Night” on Sunday, June 5.

“Couples, ages 18 years and up, are invited to go out on a date in a new and exciting way – on horseback!” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “You’ll visit Lake Surprise and meander through woods and fields to discover the wealth of wildlife active at dusk in the picturesque Watchung Reservation.”

Participants must arrive by 3:45 p.m. to sign in. The ride, approximately one hour, will leave at 4:00 p.m. After the ride, couples may want to head over to Mosaico Restaurant for a Northern Italian dinner since each couple will receive a $20 gift certificate, courtesy of Mosaico.

No riding experience is necessary; the ride will involve only a leisurely walk.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, as space is limited. The fee for the Date Night Trail Ride only is $56 per couple for Union County residents and $78 per couple for out-of-county participants. Those wishing to participate should stop by Watchung Stable, 1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside, to sign up as soon as possible.

The Mosaico Restaurant is located at 1072 Route 22 West in Mountainside (www.mosaico22.com).

Any couples wishing to find out space availability, directions to Watchung Stable, or information about other riding programs, please call (908) 789-3665 or visit www.ucnj.org for more information. Watchung Stable is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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 .

PHOTO CAPTION: l. to r. Kathy Clark, a wildlife biologist from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, bands the leg of a Peregrine falcon chick born atop the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth NJ, while Union County employee Ellen Chase assists her.

ELIZABETH, NJ—Three tiny chicks have been hatched by a pair of Peregrine falcons nesting atop the Union County Courthouse Tower. The chicks appear healthy and are about three and a half weeks old.

Peregrine falcons have been living on the courthouse tower for at least six years. They had originally attempted to build nests around the tower, but failed, prompting the county and state Department of Environmental Protection to erect a nest in 2006.

Peregrine falcons are crow-sized predatory birds and are an endangered species, according to state wildlife officials. They are often stated to be the fastest animal on the planet in its hunting dive, the stoop, which involves soaring to a great height and then diving steeply at speeds commonly said to be over 200mph.

The falcons traditionally have nested on cliff faces and rocky outcrops, but as these habitats vanished, the birds turned to high buildings and bridges to build their homes. In the 1960s and 70s there was a steep decline in numbers, some believe from the widespread use of DDT, officials said.

Since the pesticide was banned, there seems to have been a slow increase in their numbers. State officials estimate that there are only 25 known pairs in New Jersey.