Category: Public Info

PSE&G is preparing for the approaching storm system that could bring heavy rain and gale-force winds.

Given the weather services’ forecasts, PSE&G is preparing for a busy day today. We’ll have additional personnel scheduled and on standby, with extra tree personnel and equipment at the ready.

Gale-force winds can cause flying debris, and bring down trees and power lines. You should be cautious and stay alert to your surroundings before, during and after storms:

• Prepare for high winds, securing outdoor objects.
• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything it might be in contact with. If a wire falls on or near your car, stay inside the car, call 911, and do not get out until PSE&G deenergizes the line. If you MUST get out of the vehicle because it is on fire, jump as far as possible away from the vehicle, with both feet landing on the ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle away.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline powered engine, including generators and snowblowers, in a garage or any other enclosed space.

To report downed wires or power outages, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. You can also report power outages and view the status of an outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com, PSE&G’s mobile-friendly website.

Stay Connected with PSE&G’S MyAlerts and Outage Center

• Sign up for PSE&G’s MyAlerts service for 2-way texting and email notifications. PSE&G’s free MyAlerts service allows you to:
• Text OUT to report a power outage.
• Text STAT at any time for the latest on your outage.
• Receive an alert when there is a power outage in your area.
• Receive notification of your Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) and changes in the ETR of more than an hour.
• Receive an alert when the power outage is restored.

There are two ways to register for MyAlerts:

• Log in to My Account at pseg.com from your smart phone, tablet, or computer and select “MyAlerts Text/Email Notifications” from the main menu. You can select which alerts you’d like to receive and how you would like to receive them.
• Use your mobile phone to text “REG” to 47734 (4PSEG), and then follow the prompts to register for text alerts.
• Stay in touch and informed with PSE&G’s “Outage Center” to:
• Report an outage and check your outage status.
• View our Outage Map, updated every 15 minutes, which displays the location and status of power outages in our service territory.
• Receive important safety information to help you before, during and after a storm.
• Sign up as a follower of PSE&G’s Twitter and Facebook pages to monitor restoration progress.

Are you homeless? Do you need assistance? Participate in the Homeless Point-in-Time Count – Come out, be counted!

Wednesday, January 25th, 1pm – 3pm at either of these two locations:

• Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, 118 Division Street in Elizabeth
• Plainfield Salvation Army, 615 Watchung Ave in Plainfield

50 Full and part time job opportunities for Foodtown store opening in Elizabeth. Information session on 1-25-17. Pre-register is required. Register online at https://ucnj.org/job-event

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents the 5^th Annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award

Union County celebrates Black History Month with a free performance honoring famed Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs under the Department of Parks and Recreation, “A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.” highlights how music influenced and inspired the work of Dr. King.

“Each February, Americans recognize and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans to our nation’s history,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support events that illustrate the truths of the history we all share.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up listening to and singing church songs, and saw gospel and folk music as natural tools to further the civil rights movement.

Hosted by Terrance McKnight, “A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.” is a live adaptation of McKnight’s radio documentary, which was produced for WQXR, New York Public Radio.  In this one-hour presentation, Terrance McKnight interweaves musical examples with Dr. King’s own speeches and sermons to illustrate the powerful place that music held in his work—and examines how the musical community responded to and participated in Dr. King’s cause.

“The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a true community activist who brought hope and healing to America during a time in our history of rampant injustice and discrimination – have been a source of inspiration for many who seek peace, justice and equality,” said Freeholder Linda Carter. “All are invited to experience this unique production that offers insight into what inspired and influenced the words, actions, spirits and ideals of Dr. King.”

The evening’s event will also feature the 5^th annual presentation of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. Presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award is given to a candidate that displays outstanding devotion to the people of Union County through their service-based or philanthropic work.

Admission to “A Beautiful Symphony of Brotherhood: A Musical Journey of Martin Luther King, Jr.” is free of charge, but advance registration is requested. Please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 to reserve a seat, or visit www.ucnj.org/BlackHistoryMonth.

Also in February, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to sponsor two additional Black History Month events.

On Saturday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m., United Youth of New Jersey will present Black Wall Street: A True Reflection of the Sun People at Kean University’s Wilkins Theatre. An original play written and directed by UNYJ founders Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the play tells the story of the men and women of the Greenwood District – one of the most thriving African American communities in America from 1907 to 1921. For more information visit unitedyouthofnj.org or contact UYNJ at 908-220-5279.

Presented by the Union County Performing Arts Center and co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Rahway, Call Mr. Robeson, a poignant tribute to an extraordinary man in black history, will be presented at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Saturday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. Written, produced, and performed by Tayo Aluko, this free performance preserves and honors Paul Robeson’s memory while teaching audiences that speaking out against injustice is everyone’s responsibility. For more information visit ucpac.org or call the UCPAC Box Office at 732-499-8226.

For more information about Union County’s 2017 Black History Month events, as well as a map of important historic sites and people from Union County visit ucnj.org/BlackHistoryMonth.

Do you like working with artists, teachers and students? The Union County Teen Arts Festival provides an opportunity for volunteers to get involved.

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is a two-day celebration of the arts. It is held annually at Union County College in Cranford and is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

This year’s Teen Arts Festival is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, March 16 and March 17. The event is open to all students from public, charter, private and parochial middle and high schools in Union County.

“Nearly 3,500 students participate in performances, critiquing seminars, master classes and workshops with a staff of 55 professional artists in every discipline – visual art, music, creative writing, theater and dance,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

“Volunteers are needed to assist artists with workshops, manage performance sites and staff information stations,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves as the Freeholder Liaison on the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Volunteers get to see some of the great work our kids are doing. It’s really a lot of fun!”

If you are interested in any of these activities, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ Relay Users call 711. Or e-mail us at: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski presents a resolution to Kent Lucas of Cranford congratulations him on receiving a Life Membership Award from the Cranford First Aid Squad during the squad’s annual dinner. They are joined by Cranford First Aid Squad President Kailyn Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents special programs for families during the Presidents’ Day Holiday.  Programs are recommended for families with children ages five and up.  

“February Festivities at Trailside offers educational and imaginative programs to delight people of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Have fun and be entertained while learning about maple sugaring, recycling, our Earth, kindling kits and our animal neighbors of the Watchung Reservation.” 

A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted.  Register online at www.ucnj.org/trailside to create an account and password.

Highlighting Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 20 at 1:30 p.m. is a matinee entitled Professor W.’s Earth Science Circus presented by the Grand Falloons and sponsored by Union County Clean Communities.  Adults and children will enjoy magic, juggling and exciting circus fun with an abundance of audience participation as Professor W. takes them on a unique and lively exploration of “our earth.”   The program is recommended for children four and up.  Space is limited and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 20 at the Visitor Service Desk.  No strollers please.  The fee is $5.00 per person and $4.00 for seniors. 

On February 20, visitors will have the opportunity to meet “Curby,” Union County’s new, fun and interactive Recycling Robot from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. in Trailside’s lobby.  Curby is a fully animated robot that moves, speaks, listens and plays music!  Enjoy learning how you and your family can become more environmentally aware and help to prevent litter.

The Journey of Sap to Syrup meets 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 or Monday, February 20.  Learn the process of how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree.   Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take a walk to see a tapped sugar maple tree.  Take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. 

Animal Clue Winter Walk and Campfire, is offered 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 or Monday, February 20.  Have fun learning to identify birds and other animals at

the Backyard Wildlife Habitat feeders.  Challenge your natural history skills on a winter walk in search of animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other signs that tell us our animal neighbors have visited.  Conclude your outdoor investigation around a warm campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Featured on Saturday, February 18 from 1:30 p.m.to 2:30 p.m. is a Kindling Kit workshop. Keeping warm by an open fire has a lot of appeal, but getting the blaze going can be tough.  Participants will learn how to start a fire blazing with tinder and kindling.  Work with your family to gather sticks, twigs, holly, evergreen sprigs and pine cones to create a kit that is both decorative and useful to get a fire started. 

The fee for The Journey of Sap to Syrup, Animal Clue Winter Walk and Kindling Kits is $5/person for residents of Union County and $6/person for out-of-county residents.  For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities, winter workshops and special 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that free public Wi-Fi access is available now in 6 new parks throughout the county. There are now a total of 11 county parks and facilities that offer free Wi-Fi.

“We are committed to ensuring that our recreation facilities are up to date and welcoming to a broad range of activities.” said Chairman Bruce Bergen. “Whether it is surfing the web, mapping out the day, setting alarms at home, or posting photos of their children in action, it now becomes a reality for our residents at more locations in our parks systems.”

The WIFI program was an initiative of Freeholder Christopher Hudak when he served as Chairman in 2014.

“In today’s interconnected world, it’s important that our residents have the opportunity to stay in touch throughout the day wherever they may be,” Hudak said. “We’re pleased to be able to continue to expand this important service.”

New sites include: 

• Ponderosa Park, Scotch Plains.
• Conant Park, Hillside.
• Warinanco Park Boat House/Spray Park Area.
• Mattano Park, Elizabeth.
• Rizzuto Park, Union.
• Watchung Stables, 1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside.

Previous WIFI-enabled sites include:

• The Union County Clerk’s Office at the Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield.
• Nomahegan Park playground, Cranford.
• Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.
• Warinanco (Park) Skating facility area, Roselle.
• Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool, Rahway River Park.
• Wheeler Park Pool and Playground area, Linden.

Logging on to Union County’s service is easy for WIFI-enabled devices, such as Apple I-Phones and I-pads, Android-based phones and tablets and any other WIFI capable devices. Merely find the WIFI settings and make sure it is turned on. Select “Union County Wi-Fi” as the connection to join. Follow on screen agreements and enjoy.

Safety features are also in place, including having the users to re-login periodically to discourage downloading or streaming of large files which may cause the performance and bandwidth to decrease for other patrons who may be logged on at the same time.

To find a local outdoor area with free Wi-Fi, visit www.ucnj.org/wi-fi.

Lifeguards are needed at the Ulrich pool for the summer from mid-June through Labor Day. 

Current lifeguard certification required and weekends are mandatory.

Good starting salary.

If you are interested, please call 908-298-7849 Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm.

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Bette Jane Kowalski presented a check from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to the 2017 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade General Chairman Harry Capko, Grand Marshal Joe Nolan and Parade Adjutant Debbie Sully during the parade committee’s Celebrity Bartenders fundraiser at the Kenilworth Veterans Center. The 2017 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 on Morris Avenue in Union.

For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com