Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – As summer is winding down, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders continues to encourage recycling with several free events this September.

“Now that residents are returning home from their vacations and preparing to start the school year, these free events offer a convenient opportunity to dispose of unwanted household items in a manner that is secure and environmentally safe,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By participating in countywide recycling initiatives, all Union County residents can do their part by practicing good environmental stewardship.”

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program continues in September. These events are held on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month. This month’s events will take place on Thursday, September 6 and Saturday, September 15.

Residents can drop off their materials for recycling at two different locations: the Emergency Services Building at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford and the Park Service Yard at Rahway River Park. Both events will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Accepted items include old appliances, bicycles, air conditioners, microwaves and more.

Union County will host two mobile paper shredding events in September. The first event will take place on Thursday, September 13 at the Linden Recycling Center, located at 2 Donaldson Place. There will be a second event held on Friday, September 21 at the Westfield Memorial Pool at 713 Cumberland Street.

Both events will run from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. The events will end early if the shredding trucks reach capacity.

Residents can bring up to four bags of confidential documents for shredding weighing less than 10 pounds each.

As part of Union County’s recycling programs, the recycling events support the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for building participation in recycling countywide and engaging the public in conservation and environmental education.

The Freeholder Board is also encouraging all residents to sign up for “Recycle Coach,” a free app that makes it easier to stay up to date about countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules.

More information about the Recycle Coach app can be found at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

For more details on all upcoming recycling events, visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection at 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.

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Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age sixty and above will have a choice of five different dates and locations in September to meet staff from the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, to get information on senior services and resources.

“We are happy to continue the ASK — the Aging Services Kiosk program — into the fall season. ASK connects our seniors and their caregivers with experts from our staff, who travel to public libraries, senior center and other locations that are familiar and convenient for local residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. 

The ASK program provides seniors and their caregivers with person-to-person information on programs like home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and, support services.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

Any Union County resident or caregiver can visit the ASK program at any location. The September 2018 dates and locations are:

Wednesday, September 5

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, NJ 07036

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Monday, September 10

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Thursday, September 13

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, September 19

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, NJ 07023

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, September 25

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is part of the Union County Department of Human Services. As one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” established nationwide by the Older Americans Act, its goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity, and choice for seniors and their families.

For more information about senior services and resources in Union County, call the Division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or call 908-527- 4870 or 908-527-4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.

Information may also be viewed on the Union County government website at ucnj.org, and printed information is available in both English and Spanish.

           

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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 pleased to announce that world renowned guitarist, composer, arranger and teacher Carlos Alomar will be the featured speaker for “Excellence in All We Do,” a free Hispanic Heritage Month event on Tuesday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m., at the Sidney F. Lessner Building located at the Union County College campus in Elizabeth, at 12 West Jersey Street.

Mr. Alomar is best known for his 30-year collaboration with David Bowie including the breakthrough hit “Fame,” and for his work with Chuck Berry, James Brown, Paul McCartney, Simple Minds, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Arcadia, The Pretenders, Alicia Keys and the Argentine rock band Soda Stereo among many others.

“It is an honor to welcome Mr. Alomar to join with all Union County residents in celebrating our diverse heritage,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “With his amazing breadth of experience here at home and around the world, Carlos Alomar unites people from every walk of life in the simple joy of music. He embodies the basic American values of diversity, creativity, mutual respect, and giving back to the community.”

Mr. Alomar will talk about his journey through music history and the Latino influence that he brought to bear on popular music in the U.S. In addition to his incredible career, he has an inspiring and uplifting message for all people, especially Latinos and Latinas during the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Alomar brings his personal story to his message. A Puerto Rican-born minister’s son who became the music director of some of the most lavish and legendary rock tours in the world, Alomar has always stubbornly refused to be put in a box.

He grew up mostly in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, hearing R&B and religious music in his father’s church. He began playing guitar in church at age 10, but was soon sneaking out to play in rock bands with his friends.

“My father died when I was 14,” he recalls, “But he told my mom, ‘the boy has a gift, don’t stand in the way of his talent.’”

At age 17, Alomar became the youngest guitarist in the history of the Apollo Theater, walking on stage and winning over a dubious crowd with solo versions of Motown hits by The Supremes and Junior Walker. He soon became a guitarist in the Apollo’s house band, performed with James Brown, and by the early 70s was a sought-after session musician for RCA Recording Studios in New York.

Mr. Alomar currently serves as the president of the New York chapter of The Recording Academy, the organization responsible for the Grammy Awards. He joined the teaching staff of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken as an adjunct professor of Music and Technology, and was honored as the school’s first “Distinguished Artist in Residence” in 2010.

The free event is sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

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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 residents who are looking for a powerful way to give back to the community can apply to volunteer with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. The Rape Crisis Center provides intervention, advocacy, medical and legal accompaniment, and other support services for victims of sexual violence through a 24-hour hotline. 

“Our Rape Crisis Center volunteers are a powerful force for good in the Union County community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our volunteers are knowledgeable and non-judgmental. They offer the vital human elements of empathy and understanding to victims, who often cannot turn to family or friends for support or guidance.”

The Rape Crisis Center is one of Union County’s longest-running volunteer programs. It has been part of the Union County Department of Human Services since 1984.

All volunteers are trained, mentored and supervised by professional staff from the Rape Crisis Center. No previous experience in counseling is necessary. The training program qualifies Rape Crisis Center volunteers for certification as Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates.

Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, with a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle.

The next round of training sessions will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from September 11 through October 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

An interview is required before attending the training sessions. Union County residents who are interested in becoming Volunteer Advocates can contact the Rape Crisis Center now at 908-233-7273 to schedule an interview.

The Rape Crisis Center offices are located at the Colleen Fraser Building, at the Union County complex in Westfield.

For more information about the volunteer experience at the Rape Crisis Center call 908-233-7273 or visit the Rape Crisis Center blog, unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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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 invites all military veterans and active duty personnel, their families, and veterans service providers to attend the Networking Mixer for Military personnel this Thursday, August 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course, 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

The event is coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program.

“We are all honored and grateful for the many military personnel and their families who live in Union County, and we will continue to develop more resources for them access opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Union County residents with a military background possess skills and training that have great value in the civilian workforce, and we hope this mixer will enable them to forge new connections in the community.”

The networking mixer is free but preregistration is required. To register contact the Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams by phone at 908-527-4918, or email jwilliams@ucnj.org.

The event includes complimentary food. Statewide veterans services officials will be on hand to provide information.

Other upcoming events organized through the Office of Veteran Services include the “Know Your Benefits Expo,” a comprehensive presentation of benefits and services on Tuesday, August 28 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the STEM Center at Kean University, at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

The annual Veterans Camp-Over is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16 in the Watchung Reservation.

On Friday, October 5 there will be a military campfire and hayride at Union County’s Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. This event will begin at 6:30 .pm.

UC HERO was launched by Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen when he served as Chairman in 2016. The program builds on Union County’s longstanding services for veterans by working to enhance opportunities for education, employment and well-being for eligible veterans, active duty service members and their families.

UC-HERO continues to develop this year as part of Chairman Granados’s 2018 “Moving Union County Forward” UC HEART (Helping, Empower, Advocating, Reaching and Teaching) initiatives fostering personal growth and community service.

For more information about Office of Veteran Services programs, visit online at ucnj.org/uc-hero or contact Ms. Williams at 908-527-4918, or email jwilliams@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.

 

 

Union County, NJ – Union County residents looking for a chance to make a real difference can join the Master Tree Stewards of Union County. Members of this all-volunteer group get expert training in topics related to local trees, and they share their knowledge with the community.

No previous training in horticulture or trees is required.

“Our Master Tree Stewards have helped thousands of Union County students and adults learn the importance of trees in our environment. The Freeholder Board is proud to support their efforts, and we value their work now more than ever as we rise to meet the challenges of climate change,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The cooling effect of trees on urban “heat islands” and neighborhood streets is well documented. Trees also help reduce excess storm runoff and flooding, and they absorb dust and other airborne pollutants.

Along with benefits to the local climate and environment, trees have a positive impact on household energy use, property values, and employee productivity. Trees are also linked to better health and well-being including a reduction in stress, anxiety and even crime.

The Master Tree Stewards are trained and organized by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported by the Freeholder Board, with headquarters at the Union County complex in Westfield. The training consists mainly of guided walks in local nature preserves during the fall season. Volunteers who complete the course earn certification as Master Tree Stewards.

Each spring, the Tree Stewards fan out to classrooms across Union County to conduct lessons on trees for fourth grade students. They are supported by Extension staff and use a fun, interactive lesson kit provided by the Extension.

Tree Stewards have also been installing new tree ID tags along walking paths in Union County parks. The tags provide information of interest to casual park visitors, and they are also used as outdoor teaching tools by educators and youth group leaders.

The next training session begins on Wednesday, September 5. For more information or to sign up, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension offices, at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) by phone or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

For more information on all Extension volunteer and youth development programs in Union County, visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

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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 is proud to partner with the Friends of the Rahway Public Library to bring Drag Queen Story Hour to Union County. Families and children are invited to join drag queen Harmonica Sunbeam at the Rahway Train Station Plaza, at East Milton Avenue and Irving Street, on Tuesday, August 21 at 11:30 a.m. for an hour of stories, singing and crafts. All are welcome and admission is free.

Presented by the Friends of the Rahway Public Library in collaboration with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of LGBTQ Services, Drag Queen Story Hour is a national children’s program that raises awareness of gender diversity, promotes self-acceptance, and builds empathy through an enjoyable literary experience.

“Drag Queen Story Hour is an opportunity to honor each child as an individual and share a message of acceptance,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board is proud to collaborate with organizations and stakeholders that share our commitment to celebrate diversity, foster acceptance and inspire inclusive communities in Union County.”

In 60 minutes, celebrated drag performer Harmonica Sunbeam brings a fun interactive program that encourages children to be tolerant of one another, to be open to being who they are and understand that not everyone is the same and it’s ok to be different. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Rahway Public Library.

“A simple way to let the community know that diverse families are welcome here is through inclusive programming,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “We are proud to partner with the Friends of the Rahway Public Library to provide an inclusive space for all children and families to thrive regardless of gender identity and expression.”

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. It 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.