Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces the first “History Paint Night Social” where participants will be provided with painting materials and artistic instruction on a particular historical scene from the Union County area. Participants will be able to take their art work home with them. The program is sponsored by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The History Paint Night Social will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at the historic Snyder Academy in Elizabeth, where one of our Country’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, attended school. The instructor for the evening event will be Rafael Rodriguez, the Artist in Residence at the Snyder Academy.

“The purpose of the History Paint Night Social is to encourage adults to learn about Union County history and basic painting techniques in a relaxed social setting,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The historic Snyder Academy is a wonderful setting for the blending of history and art education.”

There is a cost of $20.00 for each participant. Please feel free to bring your own wine and snacks for your enjoyment.

Admission to the History Paint Night Social is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register in advance. To confirm your attendance at the May 17^th event or to receive more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202. Telephone: 908-436-2912. Or send E-mail requests to jprescott@ucnj.org.

Funding for this program is made available through the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that County and State public health and mosquito control experts will conduct a presentation titled “Raising Awareness of Mosquitoes and the Zika Virus: What It Is, How It’s Spread, and How To Prevent It” on Tuesday, May 10 at the Cranford Recreation Center, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“If you work in a health-related field or if you are a community resident who wishes to learn about the Zika virus, come to the presentation and get the latest information,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The event is designed to share information with public health agencies, health care facilities, and other health professionals that serve Union County residents. Members of the general public are also invited to attend.

The program includes an update on the state of knowledge about the Zika virus, a presentation on the clinical background of the virus, and a discussion about preventing spread of the virus through mosquito control.

For additional details about the event, contact the Union County Office of Health Management, uchealth@ucnj.org or 908-518-5620.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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 Union County, NJ – Union County is seeking professional and amateur scientists to help catalog flora and fauna for the 2016 Union County Bio-Blitz. Bio-Blitz is a 24-hour, ‘round the clock nature survey that provides a snapshot of wildlife and plant life in County parks, conducted with an assist from scores of volunteers.

“Each year, Bio-Blitz is our signature event for raising public awareness about the diversity of flora and fauna that flourish in our County parks system. Our volunteer researchers play a key role in that effort,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Scientists and naturalists are needed to help sample, observe, identify, and record hundreds of plant and animal species in County parks, including fungi and insects.

Bio-Blitz 2016 is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11. It will take place at three County parks: Kawameeh Park in Union Township, Black Brook Park in Kenilworth, and the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

“With the inclusion of Galloping Hill, Bio-Blitz promises to an especially interesting event this year,” said Bergen. “We are all looking forward to discovering who – or what – is sharing the links with our golfing community.”

Professional scientists, naturalists and knowledgeable amateurs can register online to join a field team, or perform other volunteer activities, at ucnj.org/bio-blitz. The registration deadline is June 1.

In addition to the scientific surveys, Bio-Blitz includes exhibits, displays, and free public walk-in activities for children and adults. Information on this year’s public walk-in activities will be available soon.

For more information about volunteering for Bio-Blitz 2016 contact Betty Ann Kelly, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at bkelly@ucnj.org.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Family Services Town Hall at Ronald Reagan Academy will bring together young adults with autism, families, adult service providers and state resources as they prepare to transition into adulthood.

What

Co-sponsored by Autism Speaks and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, and hosted in partnership with Union County, City of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Public School District, Elizabeth Board of Education, and Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation, the goal of the Family Services Town Hall is to bring together young adults with autism, families, adult service providers and state resources in a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

This town hall will focus on the transition of young adults on the autism spectrum from adolescence into adulthood. The guiding principle is simple: we believe that all individuals with autism, regardless of the level of support needed, should be able to live fulfilling lives with purpose, dignity, and happiness.

The panel will include advocates, experts and service providers, all of whom are educated and knowledgeable about adult autism services in New Jersey. The goal is to provide attendees with the opportunity to explore the supports available to them, and develop an individualized plan to suit his/her needs. The Resource Fair will include agencies that provide services for young adults and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, not limited solely to transition.

Who

Sponsors:

• Autism Speaks
• U.S. Senator Bob Menendez

Panelists:

• Autism Speaks (New York, New York)
• EPIC Schools (Paramus, New Jersey)
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
• New York Life (New York, New York)
• Division of Developmental Disabilities (Hamilton, New Jersey)
• Elizabeth Board of Education – Moderator (Elizabeth, New Jersey)

 When

Saturday, May 7, 2016

9:15 am Registration | 9:30 am Panel Discussion and Q&A | 11:30am Resource Fair

Where

Ronald Reagan Academy | School No. 30

 730 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Why

The transition from school-aged supports into adulthood can be challenging for people with autism and other disabilities. In the U.S., an estimated 50,000 youth with autism leave high school each year, but many are unprepared to find suitable housing, employment, or post-secondary options. At Autism Speaks, our goal is to provide individuals with autism and their families with all the tools they need throughout the lifespan. Transition planning, which includes all facets of a young adult’s life, needs to be dynamic and begin early in adolescence. Adults living with autism often have difficulty finding information about programs and supports that would allow them to live as independently as possible. Transition will be different for each family, but the goal remains the same: for every person with autism to lead a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life.

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the deadline has been extended for the new Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program. Applications for matching grants of up to $3,000 will be accepted until Sunday, May 15.

The program is funded by the Freeholder Board and administered by the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth.

 “If you are interested in applying for a grant, I encourage you to take this opportunity to help make your community garden a success,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program is part of Chairman Bergen’s 2016 “Union County Means Green” 2016 initiative for environmental outreach. It is designed to help start new community gardens, and to improve existing gardens, throughout Union County.

Funding from the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants is available to non-profit civic organizations and agencies including historical societies, community centers, senior centers, municipal agencies or departments, and volunteer civic groups such as municipal Environmental Commissions and neighborhood associations. At this time funding is not available to schools or school districts.

More details and downloadable application forms are available on the County website, at ucnj.org/gardenground-grants.

For additional information contact Groundwork Elizabeth at elizabethnj@groundworkusa.org

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski joined Toni Ann Turco and Rich Errico, co-founders of Home for Good Dog Rescue, and Jack the dog in Nomahegan Park in Cranford for the group’s the 5K Run and 5K Doggy Dash.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders co-sponsored the event supporting the Berkeley Heights-based non-profit organization which works to save dogs from high-kill shelters, and place them in loving homes.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ — Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the popular One Stop Vote-By-Mail service is available for the New Jersey Primary Elections. Eligible voters can visit the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot, fill it out, and cast it in person.

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 7. Polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.

“Interest in the primary election season is particularly high this year with the 2016 Presidential race, and Vote-By-Mail helps to ensure that every eligible voter gets an equal chance to participate,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, our One Stop service helps to ensure that Vote-By-Mail users can cast their ballot as soon as they obtain it.”

In New Jersey, any eligible voter can apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot. To receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot, voters must fill out an application form and submit it to the County Clerk’s Elections Division. They are not required to provide a reason for using the ballot.

“We offer three ways to obtain an application form, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “If you choose to apply by mail, be aware that the application must be received by my office by May 31st. That will provide enough time for you to receive your ballot, vote it and return it to the Board of Elections by the deadline.”

The deadline to apply in person for a Vote-By-Mail Ballot is 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6.

The options to receive an application for a Vote-By-Mail ballot in Union County are:

• Have an application form mailed to you. Call the County Clerk’s Election Division at 908-527-4996 in order to have a form mailed to you, or request one through the County Clerk’s free Union County Votes mobile app.
• Download a form and print it out. Applications for Vote-By-Mail ballots are available for download from the County Clerk’s website at org/Vote-By-Mail, and from the Union County Votes app. The application must be received in the office by May 31^st to be valid for the Primary Election.
• Pick up a form in person at the County Clerk’s Elizabeth or Westfield offices. Applicants can fill out their application and submit it while in the office, if desired.

 “After you receive your Vote-by-Mail ballot, you have the opportunity to cast it by mail or in person,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The choice is a matter of your personal preference and convenience.  Rest assured, every vote is counted provided it is returned to the Board of Elections by the close of polls on Election Day.”

Voters who choose to cast their Vote-By-Mail ballot by mail are advised to allow at least 3-5 days for delivery, to ensure that it is received by the close of the polls on Election Day.

Voters who choose to cast their Vote-By-Mail ballot in person can do so by visiting the County Clerk’s Elizabeth or Westfield offices during regular business hours, before 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6.

Voters who choose to cast their ballots in person and leave it in a secure lockbox must present a current driver’s license or state-issued identification card with their full address and signature, as required by a new state law which took effect in 2015.

The County Clerk’s One Stop service provides a convenience for voters who choose to visit the Elizabeth or Westfield office to pick up their Vote-By-Mail application in person. In the same visit they can complete the application form, receive their Vote-By-Mail ballot, fill it out, and cast it.

“Our One Stop service has proved to be very popular with Union County voters,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Just remember to bring your driver’s license or state ID card, so you can cast your Vote-By-Mail ballot during your visit.”

The County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is located in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street, Room 113. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As an added convenience for voters, the Elizabeth office has added an extra day of service before Primary Day. It will be open on Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“No matter which way you choose, Vote-By-Mail is an easy, convenient way to avoid a last minute rush and ensure that your vote is counted for this important primary election,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will visit New Providence on Saturday, May 14.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred your confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “It promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with Union County’s other Green Initiatives.”

The May 14^th shredding event will take place at the Alcatel-Lucent facility, 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding personal documents from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. This is a garbage-free event so please bring your documents in paper bags if at all possible. Plastic bags and boxes will be returned. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place Saturday, June 4^th at Union County College in Cranford.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

Become a 4-H volunteer today and help create life-changing experiences for youth in your community. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is seeking an adult volunteer leader for their 4-H Anime Club.

“Volunteers, parents, and other adults are a valued and essential part of the 4-H program and have a profound impact on the 4-H youth members – guiding them as they connect with their community, and develop leadership and organizational skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support 4-H and its guiding principles of thoughtfulness, community service and healthy living.”

Union County’s 4-H Anime Club meets on the meets on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at the Collen Fraser Building in Westfield from 4 to 6 p.m. Students explore anime, manga, and Japanese culture. Club activities include: watching and critique anime, presentations and contests, discussion groups, and community service events.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Program provides training for adult leaders and curriculum materials. The current leader of the Union County 4-H Anime Club is available to assist in the training of the next leader. For more information or to apply for the adult volunteer leader for the Union County 4-H Anime Club position please contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent at 908-654-9854 or email him at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County 4-H Clubs are run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board. The clubs belong to a 100-year American tradition established by the U.S Department of Agriculture by an Act of Congress, originally meant to help rural communities connect with useful information about agriculture and family health.

Over the years, 4-H has kept pace with the shift to urban and suburban life, using popular activities to help youngsters to engage in civic affairs and develop related skills such as teamwork and public speaking.

In Union County, the current 4-H slate includes modern clubs like Anime, Lego Robotics, S.T.E.M. and Fashion Design. The program also offers traditional favorites such as horticulture, cooking and archery. Students can also join a Variety Club and explore topics of their own creation. For older students, 4-H offers membership in the Community Service Club, which plans and conducts community service programs throughout Union County.

For more information about Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and the Union County 4-H clubs visit ucnj.org/rce or call 908-654-9854.