Category: Public Info

Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Union County Surrogate James LaCorte congratulate the top winners of the 2017 “My County” poster contest sponsored by the Union County Constitutional Officers.

The top winners of the contest are (from 2nd left):   Sofia Ortiz (1^st place) from the Sherman School in Roselle Park, Madisyn Brunson (2^nd place) from St. John the Apostle Elementary in Clark, Ying Chow (3^rd place) from the Sherman School in Roselle Park    and Addison Heuck (4^th place) from Holy Trinity Interparochial School in Westfield.

More than 200 fourth grade students from schools throughout Union County entered the contest.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ — A rainy spring is setting the stage for a promising summer growing season, and gardening enthusiasts can stock up on plants, seedlings and other supplies at the 28th annual Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale.

The Spring Garden Fair takes place this year on Sunday May 21, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Union County Demonstration Garden, located by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“A visit to the Spring Garden Fair is a fun, inspiring way to kick off the growing season,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The event is packed with activities for all ages, and our Master Gardeners offer guidance and information for gardeners at every level of experience from beginner on up.”

As always, admission to the Garden Fair is free, and parking is also free. Visitors are advised that all sales are cash only.

“All proceeds from the Garden Fair and Plant Sale go to fund the many volunteer activities of the Master Gardeners, including community projects and educational programs,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “Stocking up at the Garden Fair is a good way to help the mission of this outstanding volunteer organization while improving your own garden, too.”

Among the hundreds of plants and seedlings offered for sale, the Spring Garden Fair features deer resistant, drought tolerant and fragrant plants that thrive in Union County, including many easy-to-grow plants for beginner gardeners.

The Spring Garden Fair is also known for a large selection of herbs and tomatoes including the popular Ramapo and the new Rutgers 250.

Along with plants, baked goods, books, crafts, and garden supplies for sale, the Spring Garden Fair offers free activities for gardeners of all ages including:

• Guided tours of the Demonstration Garden including the vegetable and herb gardens.
• Displays and information for Square Foot Gardening, rain barrels and rain gardens.
• Information on joining the Master Gardeners and the 4-H Master Tree Stewards.
• Children’s activities (children must be accompanied by adult during activities).
• Garden clinic and Rutgers information fact sheets for troubleshooting garden problems.

Attendees can bring plant and insect samples for diagnosis, and a Rutgers soil test kit is available for sale.

Free parking is located nearby at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot and the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation. Additional free parking is available in the Loop playground area, located a short walk away on the other side of the Trailside Center.

Visitors are advised to bring a small wagon to convey their purchases. Sorry – no pets are permitted at the Garden Fair.

The Spring Garden Fair is organized each year by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, an all-volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board. Anyone with an interest in gardening and volunteer service can become a Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. 

Among the Master Gardeners many volunteer services are the free Garden Helpline (908-654-9852) where residents can receive gardening advice, horticulture programs for people with special needs, and a community gardening speakers’ bureau.

The group’s work in the Union County Demonstration Garden has yielded thousands of pounds of fresh produce for local food pantries and many donations of cut flowers to cancer centers along with other projects and programs.

For more information on the Master Gardeners program contact Judi Laganga at the Extension, 908-654-9854 (ext. 2), or visit online at ucnj.org/rce. The Extension offices are located in the Colleen Frasier county services building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

More information on the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is available at mastergardeners-uc.org.

For quick links to all Union County programs related to gardening, sustainability and nature conservation visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Christopher Hudak, Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park, Union County Sheriff Joe Cryan and Executive Director of the YWCA of Union County Janice C. Lilien attend the 4th annual Union County C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Action, Response, Education, Safety) Domestic Violence Symposium at Kean University in Union. They were joined by David Fletcher, President of the Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation and Shavar Jeffries, a partner with the law firm Lowenstein Sandler, LLP. Mr. Jeffries was the keynote speaker.

Symposium was sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, YWCA Union County, Kean University, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Elizabeth-based Family and Children’s Services, Iris House, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and the Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation.

The Symposium was scheduled to coincide with the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crimes Victims’ Rights Week, held this year from April 2 to 8 (for more information, go online to https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw).

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite families with children of all ages and adults to celebrate wildlife and embrace environmental conservation at a fun and educational event at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, April 30, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, rain or shine.

“The Wild Earth Fest event is an entertaining way for families to celebrate the Earth,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, “People of all ages can learn to become eco-friendly and increase their awareness of wildlife conservation.”

Among the events taking place will be live animal demonstrations, educational displays, live music, giveaways and vendors. Children’s activities include a bounce house and slide; face painting, Recycling Olympics, casting contests and Eco-Art. This year, visitors will have the opportunity to meet “Curby,” Union County’s new, interactive Recycling Robot. Discover how you can become more environmentally aware and help prevent litter. Curby is a fully animated robot that moves, speaks, listens and plays music.

The winners of the Wildlife Photography Contest and Environmental Hero Awards will be announced during the event. There is still plenty of time to nominate an Environmental Hero in your community or participate in the Wildlife Photography Contest. Visit www.ucnj.org/trailside for detailed information.

Featured this year, Dominic Rizzo, of “Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery” will entertain and inform as he presents a host of live reptiles. Meet live turtles, snakes and a gator as you learn about the characteristics of these cold-blooded creatures. Shows are at 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. Join Cyril the Sorcerer as he tells the tale of monsters, magic and too much trash during his magical, interactive performance entitled, “Recycling is Magic” at 1:00 pm and again at 4:00 p.m.

Glen “Wreckin Ball” Waldeck and his band, Full Deck, will delight the audience on a musical journey that touches on an array of topics and encourages participation through singing, dancing and other antics. Glen’s songs have been heard on NBC, PBS, CNN and the Discovery Channel.

Back by popular demand, Vinnie Reo and his wolves from Wolf Visions, will dispel the myths of the “Big Bad Wolf” and explain their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem.

Visit many educational table displays including: New Jersey Audubon Society, Union County Bureau of Recycling, Native Plant Society, Toad Shade Wildflower Farm, Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Rizzo’s Wildlife World, USDA Wildlife Services, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, NJ State Park Service, Friends of the Great Swamp, Union County Master Gardeners, 4-H Master Tree Stewards, Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center and more. Vendors will be on hand selling wildlife related items, green-themed art and gifts will be available for purchase.

Admission is $4 per person; children 6 years and younger are free. Admission includes entrance to the “Touch A Truck” event being held concurrently in the Watchung Reservation lower loop parking lot. No pets will be permitted to these events. There is something for everyone at these special events. Throughout the day, food and beverages will be available.

For more information about Wild Earth Fest and Touch a Truck or any upcoming programs or events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen announced today that Union County is prepared for the hundreds of anglers who descend on the County’s parks and waterways for the opening day of trout season, scheduled for Saturday, April 8 at 8 a.m.

According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Union County rivers and lakes are scheduled to be stocked with 10,920 rainbow trout this spring. The trout are among approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised this season at the Division’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Hackettstown.

The following County waterbodies and the number of trout they are receiving are as follows:

• Lower Echo Lake 1,290
• Milton Lake 1,810
• Nomahegan Park Lake 390
• Rahway River 6,250
• Seeley’s Pond, Watchung Reservation 740
• Warinanco Park Lake 440

“Fishing in Union County parks is a tradition that dates back generations,” said Bergen. “It is a fun, affordable activity that residents of any age may enjoy. Our parks are easily accessible and we are excited to continue this Spring ritual with the cooperation of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.”

To fish for trout or salmon, a valid annual New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age plus all non-residents 16 years and older. Only one daily creel limit of trout may be in possession. Once the creel limit is reached, an angler may continue to fish provided any additional trout caught are immediately returned to the water unharmed. When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, hand lines or combination thereof may be used. Separate stringers or buckets must be used for each angler’s catch. Containers in boats may hold only the combined daily creel limit for each legal angler on board.

For more information on New Jersey’s Spring Trout Season, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm or call the Trout Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

Please note that the Oral Cancer Screening, sponsored through Union County Office of Health Management scheduled for this Saturday at Shop Rite in Clark has been canceled due to a last second issue on behalf of the provider.

The participating Doctor, Dr. Krause, has been called up for reserve duty.

The event will be held again next year, and not rescheduled.

Union County residents seeking information about services for seniors age 60 and older can attend any of six Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in April to speak with experienced staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.

The ASK events will be held in Clark, Westfield, Fanwood, Mountainside, Linden, and Union.

“The ASK program brings our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff to convenient locations throughout Union County, to reach more residents with helpful resources,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder Board liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is based in Elizabeth.

The ASK community outreach program provides for members of the staff to travel throughout Union County to help connect residents with information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

The ASK program also enables residents to obtain assistance with completing applications and forms at convenient locations.

The April 2017 dates and locations will be:

Wednesday, April 5
Linden Public Library
31 E. Henry Street
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Monday, April 10
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Thursday, April 13
Westfield Community Center
558 West Broad Street
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Tuesday, April 18
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Wednesday, April 19
Fanwood Public Library
5 Forest Road
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Friday, April 27
Mountainside Municipal Building
1385 Route 22 East
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The mission of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

“The ADRC model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Chairman Bergen. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.”

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: -1-888-280-8226 or 908-527- 4870 or 4858 or visit the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a grant writing workshop is available to organizations interested in applying for history grants through the Union County History Re-grant Program.

“The workshop is designed to help beginning grant writers to learn how to write an effective application, and it provides experienced grant writers with a good opportunity to sharpen their skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The history grant writing workshop will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at The Shady Rest Country Club, in Scotch Plains.

Applications for the Re-Grant Program will be available at the workshop.

Union County administers two types of grants under the Re-grant program.

General standards of eligibility apply to both grants. There are also specific requirements for each grant:

1. General Operating Support grants provide assistance to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only, for basic operating costs such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing and more. The maximum grant request is $5000.

1. Special Project grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $3500.  

To confirm at the April 19th workshop or to receive more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 908-436-2912 or email jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Re-Grant Program is funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State. It is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has once again put out the call for volunteer scientists and knowledgeable experts to join the Union County Bio-Blitz, an annual ‘round the clock survey of flora and fauna in County parks.

The 2017 Union County Bio-Blitz will be conducted in two sessions over a two-day period in Warinanco Park, also known as the “Central Park of Union County.”

“Bio-Blitz is a wonderful opportunity to participate in environmental stewardship,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It is our signature event for raising public awareness about nature conservation in our County parks, and it could not happen without scores of volunteer researchers who lend their time to the effort each year.”

One area of focus for this year’s Bio-Blitz will be a stream daylighting project. The project dates back several years ago, when an underground piped stream in Warinanco Park was rehabilitated and exposed to the open air.

“Volunteers with the Union County Adopt-a-Park program spent many chilly hours over the winter to improve the habitat in and around the stream bed,” said Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “We are looking forward to cataloging the fruits of their labor during Bio-Blitz 2017.”

Union County has held a Bio-Blitz in various parts of its park system every year since 2004. The event is designed to engage the public in nature conservation while providing researchers with valuable information about biodiversity in urban and suburban communities. 

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

The first session is scheduled for Friday, June 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.  The second session is scheduled for Saturday, June 17 from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Professional scientists, naturalists and knowledgeable amateurs can register online to join a field team or perform other volunteer activities at the Bio-Blitz web page, ucnj.org/bio-blitz. 

The registration deadline is June 1 but participating team members and volunteers are advised to sign up early.

All participants on research teams and other volunteer assignments receive a Bio-Blitz t-shirt and meals at the “Bio-Blitz Central” staging area, which will be located in the newly renovated Warinanco Ice Skating Center.

Bio-Blitz is also open for public observation throughout the event. Bio-Blitz Central will be the hub for nature themed activities and programs that bring visitors to different parts of the park. All public activities are free and no pre-registration is required.

Warinanco Park is located in the City of Elizabeth and the Borough of Roselle. It was designed and built in the 1920’s by the firm of the John and Frederick Olmsted, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned designer of New York City’s Central Park.

Considered the centerpiece of the Union County park system, Warinanco features scenic landscapes, winding pathways, picnic areas, a new “sprayground” for children, provision for boating, fishing, ice skating and team sports, groves of magnolia and cherry trees, a rustic azalea garden and the formal Chatfield Garden.

Warinanco also showcases several of the County’s conservation initiatives. In addition to the stream daylighting project, a shoreline restoration project around the park’s centerpiece lake has created an inviting habitat for diverse species.

The restoration project involved replacing mowed areas at the water’s edge with rocks and native plantings. Visitors can enjoy strolling past a generous display of pollinator-friendly wildflowers and native grasses along the western shore during the spring, summer and early fall.

The Chatfield Garden, formerly reserved for tulips, was recently replanted with pollinator-friendly perennials.

For more information about volunteering for Bio-Blitz 2017, contact Betty Ann Kelly, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at bkelly@ucnj.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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Photo Caption: A Plant Team searches for species to catalogue during last year’s Union County Bio-Blitz. Credit: Daniela Shebbitz.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce children’s music band Michael & The Rockness Monsters will perform at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Rahway River Park.

“All families are invited to join LGBTQ family equality advocates and allies from throughout the state to come out to the park and celebrate family and marriage equality,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to feature children’s funk inspired rock band Michael & The Rockness Monsters with their playful and honest music the entire family will enjoy.”

Come for a full day of free family-fun celebrating PRIDE starting at 12:00 noon, and stay for the children’s music concert. Michael & The Rockness Monsters, an interactive, super galactic – funk inspired, rock-n-roll experience for families, will take the stage around 2:30 p.m.

“As a band our goal is to spread love and write music that celebrates diversity and equality,” said Michael Napolitano of Michael & the Rockness Monsters. “We support one reoccurring message: Be yourself, be good to others and most of all, have fun!  We can not wait to rock at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic!!”

The children’s music concert will cap off a full day of entertainment, including a PRIDE family equality Rally that kicks off at 1:00 p.m. with special guest speakers and performances. Families are invited to bring hand-held signs that celebrate their family.

In 2013, New Jersey became the 16th state with marriage equality, granting same-sex couples the security of marriage in New Jersey. Since the federal marriage equality ruling in 2015, thousands of same-sex couples have married state-wide and across state lines. A Chairman’s Initiative event, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic event aims to reach beyond the Union County borders and invites all families across the state to join us to celebrate family and marriage equality.

A celebration of all families, Union County’s first Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will feature music, arts and crafts, family field day games, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun, and many other family activities. Families are invited to pack a picnic, a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to the park for an afternoon of fun! Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

Families are invited to visit the vendor and resource tables for giveaways and information. Equality and family advocacy organizations will also set up tables alongside the Freeholder Board Information van with general information, and support and networking resources.

For more information visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the UC Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.