Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Seniors at the Peterstown Community Center in Elizabeth celebrated the delivery of a new waist-high “senior” garden bed earlier this week, with the help of Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Groundwork Elizabeth Executive Director Jonathan Phillips and others. The new bed was funded through a grant from the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program.

“Gardeners in Union County know that summer does not mark the end of the growing season,” said Chairman Granados. “Many crops thrive in cool, rainy weather, and the Freeholder Board is proud to help our seniors enjoy the many benefits of a community garden throughout the fall months. The unique senior beds provide space for those using wheelchairs and other devices, so they can participate in garden activities along with their friends and neighbors.”

The senior bed was built and installed by staff from Groundwork. The raised height and slanted sides of the new bed enable seniors and people with disabilities to enjoy gardening from a standing or sitting position, rather than bending or kneeling.

Groundwork staff also provided seniors at the Peterstown Community Center with a gardening workshop, demonstrating how to plant the new bed with lettuce and radish seedlings for a fall harvest. The senior bed joins a sprawling layout of garden beds already established at the Peterstown Center, located at 408 Palmer Street.

This year the garden yielded a bumper crop of fresh eggplant, tomatoes, basil, kale and much more.

The Union County Means Green grant program began in 2016 with the aim of introducing the benefits of community gardening to residents throughout Union County, including fresh produce, educational activities, recreation and community service. The program is funded by the Freeholder Board and administered by Groundwork Elizabeth as part of the organization’s “Come Grow with Us” community garden network.

The Freeholder Board also supports the Master Gardeners program, which trains and certifies members of the public to provide gardening guidance and activities for their communities. The program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with offices at the Union County complex in Westfield and a large demonstration garden in Mountainside.

The next Master Gardeners training session is coming up this fall. Any Union County resident can join, regardless of experience. For more information visit the Extension online at ucnj.org/rce or contact Tamisha Hopkins at thopkins@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, extension 2.

For more information about Groundwork Elizabeth and Come Grow with Us, visit online at groundworkelizabeth.org, call 908-289-0262, or email 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, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is please to present artwork from the “Art from the HEART” fine arts program, now on display at the Freeholders Gallery through September 28. The public is invited to visit the Freeholders Gallery any time during regular business hours weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. It is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

“Art from the HEART provides a way for seniors to express themselves creatively and share their unique views of the world with the public at large,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support this program, which provides an enriching experience for seniors and the whole Union County community.”

The Art from the HEART exhibition is a partnership between the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and SAGE Eldercare, both located in Summit, and is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) grant from the Freeholder Board.  Additional funding is provided by individual donors.

The Art from the HEART program is celebrating its 18^th year. Lead by art therapist Janice Patrignani, the program encourages self-expression, increases self-esteem, and helps keep participants’ minds active.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is the state’s largest institution dedicated exclusively to viewing, making and learning about contemporary art, including a renowned studio art school and a full schedule programs and exhibitions. Its service mission includes a commitment to creating access to the arts for a range of constituents, from at-risk children and youth to people with special needs to senior adults. For more information visit artcenternj.org or call 908-273-9121.

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services. SAGE offers a wide range of programs and services that support seniors as they face the challenges of later stages in life. For more information, visit sageeldercare.org or call 908-273-5550.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery, as a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Cultural and Heritage Affairs offices are located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

For more information about Art from the HEART and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ relay users dial 711) or culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to partner with the Rutgers School of Public Health, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies (CHIBPS) to host a free community forum, “HIV Prevention: U=U, PrEP and PEP-Knowing the Facts,” on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.  Registration is requested at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

Presented in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, Union County College and UCC’s Gay Straight Alliance, CHIBPS has prepared this community forum to bring together educators, public health professionals, healthcare providers, and most importantly, community members, to discuss HIV prevention and HIV resources in their communities.

Rutgers School of Public Health Dean and Director of CHIBPS, Dr. Perry N. Halkitis, will provide the keynote address followed by an expert panel of speakers from the New Jersey Department of Health and Hyacinth AIDS Foundation.

“HIV stigma is holding back the efforts of public health stakeholders to reach affected communities with prevention strategies and other resources,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with Dr. Perry Halkitis and Rutgers School of Public Health to help overcome that obstacle. Learning the facts about HIV is an important step toward neutralizing fear and bias, and making our community one in which people are empowered to seek guidance without being stigmatized.”

The Prevention Access Campaign: U=U, simply known as U=U or Undetectable = Untransmittable, is a movement advanced by Bruce Reichman in an effort to use treatment of HIV as a means to its prevention. U=U is a ground breaking statement adopted by 700 community partners and 100 countries that recognized a groundswell of research that confirms that a person living with HIV, and who is on effective treatment that reduces the level of HIV to “undetectable,” protects their health and makes them incapable of passing HIV to their partner/s. Additionally, PrEP and PEP are valuable methods of protection against HIV. Both act as preventative and prophylactic measures to guard against becoming infected with HIV.

“Despite the advances of the last decade, only a fraction of Americans are accessing these powerful biomedical resources to either prevent or treat their HIV,” comments Dean Halkitis. “Community forums like this empower the community for and which we work to take control of their health and status with valuable resources and education.”

CHIBPS and the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services organized this event to galvanize the Union County, Newark and surrounding communities to learn about and access the U=U campaign and preventative and prophylactic therapies like PrEP and PEP to protect not only their health, but also their communities.

“According to the CDC, an estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “This community forum is an opportunity for individuals living with HIV and family, friends and allies to get correct answers to their questions in an effort to destigmatize HIV.”

Registration is requested at ucnj.org/lgbtq for this free community forum organized by CHIBPS and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of LGBTQ Services in partnership with Union County College and the UCC Gay Straight Alliance.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices. Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support LGBTQ and ally business owners at next week’s “Out For Business” Breakfast presented by the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce in partnership with PSEG on September 12, 2018 at the James Ward Mansion in Westfield from 8:00 AM until 12:00 Noon. Tickets are still available through the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce at http://bit.ly/NJLGBTChamberBreakfast18.

The “Out For Business” Breakfast is a business and networking event designed to connect LGBTQ entrepreneurs with key contacts and decision makers from various businesses and Fortune 500 companies in New Jersey. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and discuss in panel format strategies that meet the diversity needs of companies such as PSEG and Prudential, as well as educational institutions such as Rutgers, Princeton and University Hospital.

“This Freeholder Board has a proud record of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “One of the more effective strategies for supporting the LGBTQ community is through partnerships. We are proud to partner with the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce to bring together our diverse community of entrepreneurs and public figures with shared values to use our voice to promote inclusion, unity and equality.”

To succeed in business today requires strategic focus, the vision to see and then seize opportunities when they arise and a strong, accessible network of contacts. As an Affiliate Chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, it is The NJ LGBT Chamber’s mission to bring together chamber members and allies with resources from across the business spectrum.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support organizations with the shared mission of advancing equality,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “This event is a great opportunity for LGBTQ entrepreneurs to learn strategies to advance their business goals.”

In addition to the networking and panel discussion, attendees will also learn how to become a nationally certified LGBT enterprise. Current NJ LGBT Chamber president, Laurie Seliger, observes, “Learning how to do business with large companies such as those represented by our panel is an important element in a comprehensive small business strategy. Becoming a certified LGBT business enterprise through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a crucial tool needed to enter supplier diversity programs.”

The NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce “Out For Business” Breakfast event is sponsored by PSEG along with support from NJ LGBT Chamber founding sponsor BCB Bank and additional partnership with Office Depot, Out In Jersey Magazine, Constant Contact, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the UC Office of LGBTQ Services.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices. Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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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 – County residents seeking an active and fun community service opportunity are invited to join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County community volunteer program. No previous experience with gardening is required. All Master Gardeners are trained and certified by Rutgers experts.

Applications for the 31^st annual Master Gardner class training series in Union County are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is September 20^th.

“The Master Gardeners program provides both seasoned gardeners and beginners with an opportunity to build their knowledge while serving their community,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support our Master Gardeners who have touched the lives of thousands of Union County residents throughout the years.”

The mission of the Master Gardeners is to share knowledge, experience, and love of gardening through community activities including neighborhood garden and beautification projects, education, and outreach to seniors and the disabled.

The Master Gardeners maintain, as the highlight of the program, a 1.5 acre educational demonstration garden at Trailside in the Watching Reservation. The elaborate grounds serve as the platform for the Master Gardeners’ large produce donation program, educational programs, summer camps, and many other initiatives. The garden features themed gardens, a greenhouse and a vegetable “Sharing Garden” that donates produce to local food pantries.

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

The training and certification program consists of weekly sessions from October 16^th through May of next year. A $200 materials fee will be due upon acceptance to the program which covers all textbooks, notebooks and class materials. Trainees commit to at least 6 hours of volunteer service before training is completed, and a total of 60 hours of service over a period of 12 to 18 months.

To obtain a Master Gardeners application and more information on all programs of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit ucnj.org/rce. For additional information contact Tamisha Hopkins at thopkins@ucnj.org or call: 908-654-9854, extension 2.

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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 – September is National Preparedness month, and with the season’s first coastal storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents to prepare now in case of extreme weather.

“Now is the time to take stock of your home or business, and ensure that you are prepared to keep safe in case of stormy weather,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Forecasters are currently tracking Hurricane Florence. The storm is heading northward from Bermuda. It could take any one of several different pathways, from veering harmlessly out to sea or turning in to impact the US east coast.

Basic preparedness guidance includes assembling an emergency kit that provides for three to five days of supplies in case of interruption in electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or other local services.

Emergency kits should include non-perishable food and water, prescription medications, baby supplies and any additional items for special medical needs.

The kit should also include important phone numbers for doctors as well as cell phone chargers.

A battery-operated radio, flash lights, extra batteries as well as non-electric items likes can openers should also be included.

The needs of pets should also be taken into consideration when planning and making an emergency kit.

Staying aware of developing news is also vitally important. Residents are urged to sign up for Union County’s free alert system, First Alert, at ucnj.org/alerts, to receive automatic alerts and updates on their mobile devices and computers.

Residents without Internet access will receive alerts on their land line phones through the reverse 9-11 system.

For more guidance on emergency preparedness in Union County, visit ucnj.org/prepare.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a series of detailed guidelines designed to help the public learn and practice emergency skills. Learn more at ready.gov/september.

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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 — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites members of the community to honor the memory of the 60 Union County residents who perished in the World Trade Center attack of 2001 by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial on Tuesday, September 11 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Memorial is open from the morning hours until 9:00 p.m. on September 11. Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks.

“Over the years, the September 11th Memorial has provided our residents with a communal place for quiet reflection. On this date, we honor and those who perished, we remember the many acts of bravery that occurred that day, and we resolve, now more than ever, to show our strength as a community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements of design that include all three sites where lives were lost. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.

In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.

Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003 the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost.

The Freeholder Board worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield in planning and building the Memorial.

It is located near the Springfield Avenue entrance of Echo Lake Park on the border of Mountainside and Springfield.

For additional information on the Union County September 11th Memorial, visit online at ucnj.org/9-11-memorial.

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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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