Category: Public Info

The Union County Home Care Consortium extends its training to address the growing need for in-home care for the elderly and disabled

(Union County, NJ) – The Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, announces its next training program for Home Health Aides beginning May 2nd and ending June 2nd. Classes will be held at Jewish Family Services, 655 Westfield Avenue, Elizabeth from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. When training is completed, students will have the knowledge and skills required by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing to become certified home health aides.

Space in the class is limited. Student interviews will be conducted beginning March 29th. Applicants must be 18 years of age, U.S. citizens or qualified aliens, and have the ability to read, write and speak English proficiently. They must be physically capable of participating in class work such as lifting, getting patients out of bed, giving bed baths, aiding transfers for those with limited mobility, and other patient related care.

The $75.00 registration fee includes textbook and workbook costs. There also is a $65.00 application fee payable to the New Jersey State Board of Nursing. A passport photo is required to be attached to the application.

“Certified home health aides are at the core of home care services that make it possible for people to live more independently in their own homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon.

To address the growing need for in-home care for the elderly and disabled, the Union County Home Care Consortium, established in 1986 by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, was created to attract, train and retain home health aides to provide in-home services.

The Consortium is comprised of non-profit and public agencies committed to providing top quality home health services and dedicated to providing students with superior training in this important service area. Since its establishment, the Consortium has successfully trained more than 800 students, many of whom are still working in the healthcare field.

For more information about Home Health Aide training, call Donna Farrell, Union County Division on Aging, at 908-527-4858. For information about all Union County government services and programs, visit the Union County website,www.ucnj.org.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon (2nd R) and Freeholders Nancy Ward (R) and Daniel Sullivan (L) present resolutions to Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade General Chairwoman Marylou Lenahan (3rd L), Parade Adjutant Kathryn Noonan-Rotando and Grand Marshal David Bell congratulating them on the 15th annual parade. The 2011 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com (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.orghttps://ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photography by Jerry F. Maurigi Jr. in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Maurigi’s photographs entitled “Ode to Joy or This Makes Me Happy” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 31. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display an exhibit of beautiful photographs by Jerry F. Maurigi, Jr.”

Born in Elizabeth, Mr. Maurigi has remained a lifelong resident. After a brief stint at the University of Alabama and some travel, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Rider College in Lawrenceville. Continuing studies earned him Certified Purchasing Manager accreditation from the National Association of Purchasing Management as well as a certification in Materials Management from Bloomfield College.

Jerry balances his creative and business interests by working full-time in the field of purchasing and evenings and weekends as a photographer. A trip to the Tuscany region of Italy in 2005 inspired him to take his photography to a professional level. He studied photographic techniques through books and websites and lots of practice working in Photoshop. He opened his business, “Bare Knuckles Photography,” and now shoots weddings, special events and individual portfolios.

“The ‘Bare Knuckles Photography’ moniker was selected as a reminder that it took work to get this far and will require continued effort to create the kind of quality product I wish to be identified with,” Maurigi said about his photography.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or to learn 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 to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

Since 2002, employees of the County of Union and their families have participated in a unique program that gives them the opportunity to display their artistic creations. In its ongoing effort to recognize and encourage creative and artistic accomplishment throughout Union County, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with The National Arts Program(r), is pleased to announce the tenth annual exhibition of artwork by County of Union workers and their families.

“What a pleasure it is to see the outstanding artwork done by Union County employees and family members,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Whether they are people who have exhibited before or new artists, the participants display a wide variety of work that always impresses with its quality.”

Entries will be accepted in the categories of painting, photography, artworks on paper, sculpture and crafts. Recognized artists and art professionals will serve as judges, selecting entrants for cash awards and honorable mention in the exhibition’s five artistic classifications: amateur (little or no experience); intermediate (some experience, art students); professional (serious art training or employed in an art related job); teens 13 to 18 years old; and youths age 12 and younger.

“We are happy to extend the invitation to enter the program to Union County College employees and their relatives again this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “We share the goal of The National Arts Program(r) to reach as many people as possible of all ages, offering them a chance to display their artistic talents in a public exhibition.”

In the adult classifications, each first-place winner will receive $300; second place will receive $200 each; and third place, $100 each. There is one $300 prize for Best in Show. In each youth classification, $75 will go to first-place winners; $50 to second place; and $25 to third place. The prizes are provided by The National Arts Program(r).

The National Arts Program(r) runs 81 annual programs reaching 450 cities in 41 states. The program was conceived in 1983 by Leonard E.B. Andrews (1925-2009), an art collector, publisher, business executive and journalist, “for the encouragement and development of artistic expression.” The National Arts Program(r) allows artists to upload their artwork, free of charge, to their online Interactive Gallery. To learn more about The National Arts Program(r) and see photos from past exhibits, or for Union County Employees to register online, please visit http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/venues/union-county-nj. Early registration is encouraged.

Pre-registration is required by April 21. To request a registration form and further information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550 or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

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Nurse Ann Marie Scanlon (R), Director of Diagnostic Services at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, takes Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi’s blood pressure during a visit by Trinitas staff at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth to highlight February as Heart Awareness Month. Clerk Rajoppi invited Trinitas nurses to test her staff and provide them with information about heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, plus nutrition and fitness tips for healthy lifestyles. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of new RSS feeds on the Union County website, www.ucnj.org. The new features are designed to provide Internet users with a quick and easy way to get the latest updates on Union County events, programs, and business opportunities.

RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication.” An RSS feed is a popular Internet feature that sends out new website postings automatically.

“RSS is an important addition to Union County’s public outreach efforts, especially when it comes to keeping residents informed on our most popular services like recreation and recycling,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak. “RSS makes sure the news gets to you as soon as we post it on the website.”

Hudak noted that the new RSS feeds also provide businesses with timely information on upcoming County projects and procurements.

A small orange “RSS” icon appears near the top of each page that has a feed. If you would like to receive automatic updates on your computer or mobile device every time a new post goes up on that page, click on the icon.

The RSS icon opens up a new window, in which you choose how you want the updates delivered. For example, you can have RSS feeds appear in your Favorites list.

“Signing up for an RSS feed is free, it’s easy, and it helps you tailor the County website more closely to your needs and interests,” said Hudak.

All of the Union County RSS feeds can be accessed through a single page at https://ucnj.org/newsevents/rss-feeds/.  The following five pages currently have RSS feeds:

• Press releases about recycling, recreation, public safety, volunteer activities, new projects and initiatives, and much more, including photos where available.

• Press releases (Notas de prensa) translated into Spanish, including photos where available.

• Invitations to bid on County projects.

• RFP/RFQs.

• Video Channel, including feature stories and rebroadcasts of cable news programming on County events and public affairs.

The Union County website, www.ucnj.org, was recently redesigned and relaunched in order to provide quick, easy access to information in an up-to-date format.  Along with RSS feeds, the new site accommodates Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr, and a new video page, events calendar and recycling schedule.

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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, NJ – Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh guided twelve members of the Greater Union County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America through a hands-on civics exercise last month. The lesson was designed to provide the students with a realistic experience of being an elected representative in local government.

“This was an enthusiastic, engaged group of young people who are well on their way to becoming leaders in their community and beyond,” said Jalloh. “They gave up a Saturday to learn more about the processes that go into governing, and it was truly a privilege to work with them.”

The students visited the Freeholder Board offices in downtown Elizabeth and then held a mock session in the Meeting Room. They discussed the need for road repair in the public part of the exercise and adjourned to the conference room to debate the issue in executive session.

“We used road repair as a jumping-off point because it is a basic public service that benefits everyone and doesn’t seem controversial on its face,” said Freeholder Jalloh. “However, when it came to budgeting for the project, the students found that there are no easy decisions.”

Jack and Jill of America is a national organization that works to provide students with family-centered cultural, social, educational and civic activities while raising consciousness of African heritage. The Greater Union County Chapter traces its beginnings to 1984.

Photo Caption – Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh (center) guided twelve members of the Greater Union County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America through a civics exercise in the Freeholder Meeting Room in downtown Elizabeth last month. (photo: GUCC Jack and Jill of America)

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

Attention caregivers, do you feel tired? Are you overwhelmed and stressed? Caring for a loved one can bring on those feelings. You are not alone. Become a part of the Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights. Get together with others who share your difficulties and receive the reassurance as well as the knowledge that is found in a support group.

The group’s meetings, which are open to the public, are held in Room C318 on the third floor at RUNNELLS on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. The meetings, facilitated by Liz Carabuena, L.S.W., a RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital licensed social worker, are free of charge for all attendees.

“If you are a caregiver, meet with others in similar situations,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital. The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS shares information on dementia related diseases and available resources, researches updates, discusses practical care techniques and presents new ways to cope on a day-to-day basis. An especially important part of the meeting is the time set aside for participants to discuss the frustrations they feel in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County sponsors the meetings in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater New Jersey Chapter, an organization whose mission is to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS’ schedule for 2011 follows:

March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15.

RUNNELLS, Central New Jersey’s premier provider of care for individuals with dementia, also provides long-term, short-term, post acute, palliative and respite care in their nursing care center.

The facility is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Anyone who would like further information on this wheelchair accessible program or if you would like to attend, call 908-771-5828.

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MOUNTAINSIDES, NJ – Young people living with disabilities have the opportunity to discover the wonders of nature in the Watchung Reservation in a new series of weekly classes being offered at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the six-week series will begin on March 15 at 3:45 p.m.

“The classes at Trailside are a perfect after-school activity for young people ages 7 to 13 who are living with disabilities,” said Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “We’re happy to offer this program along with the many other fine classes and activities that the County of Union offers for people with disabilities.”
Participants will join Trailside naturalists for a sensory-based exploration of the plants, animals and habitats that make up the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. The children will participate in guided hikes and hands-on activities to learn about the natural world.

Classes will be held indoors and outdoors on Tuesdays, March 15, 22 and 29; plus April 5, 12 and 19, from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Participants are asked to wear sneakers.

The fee for the six-week series is $12 and pre-registration is required. Parents or mentors are welcome at no extra charge. Register either at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Ave.), Mountainside, every day from noon to 5 p.m.; or at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 2nd floor, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Ave. in Elizabeth, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

For additional information about this program or other Union County-sponsored programs for people with disabilities, please call Margaret Heisey at 908-527-4806. Trailside Nature and Science Center 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.orghttps://ucnj.org, on Facebook atwww.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – Coffee lovers can find out everything they ever wanted to know about their favorite beverage, including benefits to savor and pitfalls to avoid, by attending a free class offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County called “Coffee – Should It Be Your Mug of Choice?” The class will be held on Thursday March 10, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Extension offices in Westfield. There is no fee but registration in advance is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@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 www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.