Category: Public Info

The Union County Department of Parks & Recreation will host a meeting to present a Trails Master Plan that has been developed for the Watchung Reservation.  This plan will create new trails and open the Watchung Reservation to mountain biking.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center.  Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.

Representatives of the Parks Department and its trails planning consultant will explain the master plan and answer questions.  There will be ample opportunity for those who use the trails and other features or facilities in the Watchung Reservation to offer their input on the plan. 

There is no sign-up or reservation required to attend or to speak at the meeting.  A similar meeting was held last October, primarily for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The Trails Master Plan includes the construction of 13 1/2 miles of new trails which will be restricted to mountain biking only.  The new trails will be spread throughout most areas of the park.  Portions of the Sierra Trail and other existing hiking or equestrian trails will be shared by all users, including mountain bikers.  Some sections of existing hiking trails will be closed.

A map showing the location of the trails that will be constructed can be found at https://ucnj.org/watchung-reservation-trails-master-plan/

Union County, NJ – To help promote the early detection of oral cancer, the Union County Office of Health Management through the Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex and Union Counties has partnered with the Clark Township Health Department, Clark ShopRite and Dr. Kurt M. Krause, D.M.D. from Krause Dental Care in Cranford, New Jersey, to provide free oral cancer screenings.

In Union County, the oral cancer screenings will take place at the Clark ShopRite, 76 Central Avenue in Clark, on Saturday, April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All attendees will qualify to enter a drawing for a door price courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

“I’d like to thank the Chronic Disease Coalition, the Township of Clark, Clark Shoprite and Dr. Krause for raising public awareness about reducing oral cancer risks,” said Bruce H. Bergen, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “Oral cancer screenings are an effective means of finding cancer at its early, highly curable stage.”

Oral cancer is not a rare disease. Approximately 49,750 people will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer every year in the US. It will cause over 9,750 deaths, killing roughly one person every hour of every day.

The good news is that oral cancer can often be found early in its development, through a simple, painless, and quick screening. With early detection, survival rates are high and the side effects from treatment are at their lowest.

For more information about oral cancer screening call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

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Infographic (cropped): aamos.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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Union County, NJ – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Department of Human Services Union County Office on Women the is presenting a free yoga class and wellness event, “Empowering Union County Women to Go Out and Make History” on Friday evening, March 3, at Maskers Barn in the historic Deserted Village of Feltville. The event is open to all, from beginners to experienced practitioners.

“Women’s History Month recognizes the distinctive contributions that women have made to our nation and our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This event is designed to help County residents engage with their strengths and capabilities through yoga and guided meditation. It is an excellent opportunity to recharge after a long and difficult winter.”

The evening includes:

• Guided meditation ceremony by Danielle DeCostello of Bella Organici Studio in Cranford.

• Yoga session by Nicole DeAugustine, certified yoga instructor.

• Wellness and self-care session by Arielle Cassidy of the Juice House in Garwood. 

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. on March 3. It is expected to conclude at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga, and bring their own yoga mats.

“Empowering Union County Women to Go Out and Make History” is open to ages 16 and older.

The event is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/womans-yoga.

The Deserted Village is located in the Berkeley Heights section of Union County’s Watchung Reservation. Masker’s Barn is a fully renovated 19^th century building located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road in the Deserted Village, off Glenside Avenue.

The Office on Women was created in 2016 as an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Bergen. As the first county-based office of its kind in New Jersey, the Office on Women aims to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives, in education, in employment and business, health and in the social fabric of Union County, and to raise awareness of the many contributions that women make to life in Union County.

For additional details contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@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.

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Union County, NJ – Train fans of all ages are invited to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union County’s Lenape Park in Union Township to view a special operating session that replicates the real-life operation of railroads in the 1950’s. The event is part of a “winter meet” of the National Model Railroaders Association, hosted by the nonprofit Model Railroad Club. The Model Railroad Club runs the Mallery Center and provides public activities under an arrangement with Union County. The event will take place during regular visiting hours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. A modest admission fee applies. For more information and to find out how to join The Model Railroad Club as a member, visit online at tmrci.org, or visit the County website at 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.

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UNVEILING THE FIRST of new signage marking Union County’s inclusion in the National Park Service’s Crossroads of the American Revolution(CAR) National Heritage Area.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, left, was joined by CAR Executive Director Noreen Bodman, CAR Board Member David Siegfried and Revolutionary War re-enactor Alan Bridges of Rahway, a member of the 3^rd New Jersey Grays.

The new signage is part of Bergen’s initiative to raise awareness of the history in the area.  Union County is one of 14 counties that comprise the National Heritage Area and the first to roll out signage across the county recognizing the designation.

New Jersey played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Positioned between the new nation’s capital in Philadelphia and the British stronghold in New York, no place in New Jersey was spared the ravages of war. During six years of conflict, General George Washington and the Continental Army spent more days in New Jersey than any other state. Plans are in the works to stage a re-enactment of the Battle of the Short Hills at Oak Ridge Park in June, along with the annual Four Centuries in a Weekend in October.

UNION COUNTY—A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive the last weekend of February to examine all aspects of the Union County Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“We welcome this opportunity to prove to the team of assessors that we have fully adopted and implemented the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards for a law enforcement agency. This voluntary accreditation process will help us better serve the residents of Union County and will emphasize our dedication to self-improvement and professionalism,” said Public Safety  Director Andrew Moran.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-654-9833 on Sunday, February 26th, between 10 a.m. & 12 P.M.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.  A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Police Department, located at 300 North Ave East, Westfield N.J.  The local contact is Patrolman Deanna Lynn, who can be reached at (908) 789-6833. Email: dlynn@ucnj.org

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Union County Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  

County Police Chief James C. Debbie stated: “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.” 

The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.   

Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status, according to Harry J. Delgado, the Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org

Free webcam streams the daily lives of peregrine falcons – fastest animal on earth

Union County, NJ – Thanks to a new partnership between the Union County Freeholder Board and the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, students, scientists and other wildlife enthusiasts all over the world will have more opportunities to study a pair of rare peregrine falcons that have made their nest on the roof of the historic 17-story Union County Courthouse Tower, located in the bustling center of midtown Elizabeth.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting on the Courthouse Tower every year since 2006. In 2016, Union County began offering a free livestream “Falcon Cam” after installing two cameras inside and outside of the nest. This winter a third camera has been added to provide a scenic view, and audio will be available later this year.

“This year our Falcon Cam will become a new collaborative effort between the County and Conserve Wildlife, with assistance from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This partnership makes Union County a premier site for falcon observation and research in New Jersey. The result is a truly enriching experience that brings the message of environmental stewardship throughout Union County and beyond.”

The two current occupants of the nest have spent the winter “pair bonding.” Bird watchers who visit the Falcon Cam at the right time can catch sight of the two falcons meeting at the nest, bowing to each other and communicating with gentle sounds called “ee-chupping.”  

“While peregrine falcons were completely gone east of the Mississippi River just a few decades ago, this magnificent bird – the fastest animal in the world – has recovered dramatically in recent years,” said Conserve Wildlife Foundation executive director David Wheeler. “Thanks to Union County, students and New Jerseyans of all ages can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at this rare wildlife reality show unfolding near tens of thousands of people in downtown Elizabeth.” 

In winter the prime time for viewing is early morning. Activity also tends to occur mid-afternoon. If the pair breeds, the nest will be occupied almost constantly until the chicks fledge.

The Courthouse Tower hosts one of only two falcon cams in New Jersey. The other falcon cam is in Jersey City.

In addition to providing a unique learning opportunity for students of all ages, the Union County Falcon Cam provides essential information that helps promote the continued recovery of peregrine falcons in the eastern U.S.

 The cameras help biologists determine when the chicks are old enough to be banded and enable observers to identify the falcons based on bands placed on their legs at birth. The bands indicate the age of each falcon and where they were born. That information can help scientists detect trends in range of habitat and choice of nesting locations.

The leg bands helped biologists to take note of some recent changes in the  population of the Union County nest.

The first female to occupy the nest was from Jersey City. She remained there until last year, when a new and younger female from New York City gained possession of the coveted spot. Her leg band indicated that she was born at the Throgs Neck Bridge in 2010.

“Peregrine falcons prefer to nest in a high spot on the face of a cliff where they can forage for prey, and apparently the Courthouse Tower fits the bill,” Bergen explained. “It is the tallest building in Union County.”

Early this year, a third female replaced the New York City female. This new occupant does not have a leg band.

The first male to occupy the nest was banded and came to Union County from Connecticut. The current male is unbanded.

The free Falcon Cam livestream is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/falcon.

Union County has also provided a link to the Falcon Cam on the Conserve Wildlife website, conservewildlifenj.org. Conserve Wildlife will use the Falcon Cam in its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs in local schools, and for programming at the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation is also offering individual and corporate sponsorships of public outreach and environmental education in Union County centered on the Falcon Cam. CWF seeks to provide educational programs, lesson plans, curriculum development, and educational field trips for schools within Union County.

For more information about Conserve Wildlife’s individual and corporate sponsorships, call 609-984-6012 or use the online form at ConserveWildlifeNJ.org.

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

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About CWF: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) is a private, independent non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of New Jersey’s endangered and threatened wildlife and the habitats they depend on. We carry out our mission by researching and managing rare animal species, restoring habitat, educating New Jersey’s residents, and engaging volunteers in our conservation projects. Since 1990, CWF scientists and educators have helped conserve and protect a variety of at-risk species of wildlife in New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the nation, while reaching millions of people through outreach, educational programming, and wildlife webcams.

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 – Students from the Kean University Center for Leadership and Service spent a chilly winter morning last weekend spreading seeds and straw alongside a stream bed in Warinanco Park, in hopes of sprouting a colorful burst of native wildflowers and grasses this spring. They also removed litter and debris from the area. The “hard frost” seeding will help ensure that the seeds germinate properly when temperatures warm up, resulting in a lush, healthy habitat for butterflies and other pollinators. The Kean group is a regular participant in the Union County Adopt-a-Park program. Any individual or group is welcome to join Adopt-a-Park. For more information call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683 or visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

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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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The first significant winter storm of 2017 is expected to hit the New York-New Jersey region early tomorrow morning, bringing 6 to 12 inches of heavy wet snow and high winds throughout the day.  To deal with the upcoming weather event, the Port Authority has taken significant measures to ensure safe, efficient operations at its airports, tunnels, bridges and PATH system.

The National Weather Service currently forecasts the heaviest snow beginning shortly before the morning rush hour on Thursday and continuing until mid-afternoon.

In advance of the first snowflakes, the Port Authority has made extensive preparations for personnel and equipment at all of its facilities.  Operations personnel will work 12-hour shifts to ensure that facilities can be operated safely. The airports, bridges, tunnels and PATH also have snow desks where key personnel analyze weather reports and deploy staff and equipment.

The Port Authority also is in contact with the states of New York and New Jersey, as well as other local and federal officials and agencies to coordinate response to the winter weather event

With a storm of this magnitude, airlines sometimes cancel flights in advance, so travelers should check with their carriers to make sure their flight will be taking off before going to the airport. If warranted, the Port Authority also has supplies of cots and other essential items ready to accommodate ticketed passengers who may become stranded at the airports.

The Port Authority also urges bus travelers to check with their carriers before going to the bus terminals since many public and private carriers may cancel or delay service if conditions warrant. The agency also may impose speed restrictions on its crossings, or close them entirely based on weather conditions.

All terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey will be closed tomorrow due to the impending weather conditions.

The Port Authority has the following winter weather equipment and supplies ready at its major transportation facilities:

Hundreds of pieces of snow equipment at its airports, including melters that can liquefy up to 500 tons of snow an hour and plows that can clear snow at 40 mph; • Dozens of pieces of snow equipment at its bridges and tunnels; •  Thousands of tons of salt and sand for airport roads and parking lots, plus thousands of tons of salt for the bridges and tunnels; •  Hundreds of thousands of gallons of liquid anti-icer chemicals at the airports, which prevent snow and ice from bonding to runways and taxiways, plus thousands of tons of solid de-icers, which break up snow and ice already on the ground; •  Plow-equipped trains, liquid snow-melting agent trains and a “jet engine” plow to remove snow from PATH tracks, and snow blowers, plows and spreaders to clear station entrances, roads that serve PATH’s 13 stations, and various support facilities.

For up-to-the-minute updates on Port Authority crossings, airports and the PATH system, travelers are encouraged to sign up for Port Authority alerts at http://www.paalerts.com/. Travelers may also call 511 or visit http://511ny.org or http://511nj.org for further information on highway conditions.

511NY | New York Traffic | Commuter Information | Road Conditions http://511ny.org Provides up to the minute traffic and transit information for New York state. View the real time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, traffic cameras and other road conditions. Plan your trip and get the fastest route taking into account current traffic conditions.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Christopher Hudak take part in the Jewish Federation of Metro West’s 3rd Annual Community Challah Bake at the Community Food Bank of NJ in Hillside. There are joined by Senator Thomas Kean and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano.

The event’s mission was to help feed the needy and raise awareness of the hunger crisis in New Jersey. Highlights of the day included braiding and baking 800 challahs for local clients and helping with projects for the Community Food Bank of NJ.