Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that prize winning artworks by Union County employees and their family members are on display through July 10 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The exhibit presents 17 pieces selected from among the 162 works judged at the recent 17^th Annual National Arts Program Exhibit for County of Union Employees. The full exhibit was on display at Liberty Hall Center through May 22 in partnership with Elizabethtown Gas and the National Arts Program Foundation, which provides prizes and support for artists from all walks of life.

“The works on display at the Administration Building demonstrate the rich diversity of Union County with an inspiring range of creative emotion, imagination and skill, said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are fortunate to have the support of the National Arts Program and Elizabethtown Gas, for providing outstanding artists in our community with the opportunity to bring their works to the public.”

Including the 17 works at the Freeholders Gallery, the following artists received prizes from the Annual National Arts Program (listed alphabetically by municipality):

Berkeley Heights: Linda Brazaitis (Third Place, Intermediate) and Sergei Kent (Honorable Mention, Amateur)

Clark: Ryan Frees (First Place, Amateur)

Cranford: Dianna Strom (Honorable Mention, Professional)

Edison: Ruth Brown (Honorable Mention, Professional)

Elizabeth: Alessandra Alma (First Place, Professional), Natalie Barrueco (Honorable Mention, Intermediate), Natalie Gregorio (Honorable Mention, Intermediate), Thomas Osorio (First Place, Youth 12 and Under) and Dario Scholis (Second Place, Professional)

Garwood: Sophia Malcolm (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under) and Kelly Sullivan (Honorable Mention, Amateur)

Georgetown: Judith Gault (Honorable Mention, Amateur) and Tatiana Gault (Art Education Award, Teen 13-18)

Hillsborough: James Caratozzolo (Honorable Mention, Amateur)

Hillside: Ivelisse Inglefield (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Jersey City: Hadieh Afshani (First Place, Professional)

Leonardo: Eryn Knapp (Second Place, Teen 13-18)

Linden: Charisse Cosby-Hurling (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under) and Christine Marti-Millward (Art Education Award, Teen 13-18)

Monroe: Richa Wadhawan (First Place, Teen 13-18) and Rishabh Wahaden (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Old Bridge: Allana McQueen (Third Place, Teen 13-18)

Rahway: Arianna Lespinasse (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under) and Danni Newbury (Honorable Mention, Intermediate)

Roselle: Anthony Waldmann (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Scotch Plains: Kyree Brown-Cook (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under), Marilyn Espinoza (Third Place, Professional), Debra Livingston (Honorable Mention, Professional) and Niyati Shah (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Somerset: Tiina Nummela (Third Place, Amateur)

Springfield: Kat Block (Best in Show, Professional)

Summit: Jeffrey Hankinson (Second Place, Amateur)

Westfield: Mary Paynter (Honorable Mention, Professional), Shane Strano (Second Place, Intermediate) and Barbara Uhr (Honorable Mention, Professional)

Additional support for the exhibit was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550 (Relay users dial 711).

 

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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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Bonus: “Mercury Bounty”$5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple way for everyone to pitch in and help improve environmental health. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other special waste by bringing these items to Union County’s free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday June 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine, at the Union County College campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue.

As a bonus, the company Covanta is partnering with the Freeholder Board to offer $5.00 Home Depot gift cards for residents turning in old mercury thermostats.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide every Union County household with a convenient way to dispose of harmful chemicals and other items in a safe and responsible manner,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways for everyone to help create a more healthful environment in their homes and in our community.”

“Covanta is proud to partner with Union County for a ‘Mercury Bounty’ take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino. “Covanta will be offering $5 Home Depot gift cards to any resident who turns in a mercury-containing thermostat.”

Household hazardous wastes that can be brought to the event include mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken) and mercury switches.

Residents need only drive to the site with their items for disposal. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Please note that latex paint is not accepted. Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it up, donate it or share with a neighbor. If those options are not available, the paint can be dried in the can, and/or mixed with kitty litter or newspaper, then disposed with regular household garbage.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 9 as well as all Union County recycling event dates and locations, please visit ucnj.org/recycle.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative includes programs that enhance the County’s recycling, conservation and environmental education, including grants for school and community gardens, a new Earth Day discount for compost bins and rain barrels, and support for statewide recycling initiatives.

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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the annual Farmers’ Market voucher program for seniors will begin again this summer. Starting on June 25, income eligible adults age 60 and up can receive a total of $25 in free vouchers to purchase fresh produce at designated Farmers’ Markets throughout Union County.

The total of $25 is provided in $5 increments, so that seniors can spread out their purchases to ensure freshness.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the voucher program, which helps seniors on a budget enjoy the health benefits of fresh produce,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By encouraging seniors to engage with local New Jersey farmers, the program also creates new opportunities for seniors to connect with their community.”

Eligible Union County adults can apply for the vouchers by visiting any of the designated distribution sites scheduled during June and July on the list below, or by calling the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll free at 888-280-8226.

The vouchers may be used at any Farmers’ Market in Union County that displays the yellow and black WIC poster. As a convenience, farmers offering produce for sale will also be present at several of the voucher distribution sites.

A limited number of vouchers are available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible, a single person’s annual income cannot exceed $22,459 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $30,451. Proof of age, residency and income are required at the time of application.

A Medicaid card, SSI, SNAP, annual pension, or Social Security statement may serve as proof of eligibility. Proxies applying on another person’s behalf must present proof of eligibility for that person.

Any eligible Union County resident can apply for a voucher at any of the following distribution sites in June and July:

 

Monday, June 25

Liberty Square Senior Center

240 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth

Vouchers 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

Wednesday July 2

Casano Community Center

314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park

Vouchers 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

Wednesday, July 11

Golden Age Towers

200-220 East Milton Avenue, Rahway

Vouchers 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon

Farmer will be at this site

 

Monday, July 16

Ann Ferguson Towers

1601 Dill Avenue, Linden

Vouchers 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am

Farmer will be at this site

 

Thursday, July 19

Peterstown Community Center

408 Palmer Street, Elizabeth

Vouchers 9:00 am to 11:00 am

 

Monday, July 23

O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center

622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth

Vouchers 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Farmer will be at this site

 

Wednesday, July 25

Plainfield Senior Center

400 East Front Street, Plainfield

Vouchers 10:00 am to 12 noon

Farmer will be at this site

As part of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative, the Freeholder Board has also continued funding for the Union County Means Green community garden grant program. The program provides grants to build and improve community vegetable gardens, including gardens for seniors. Twenty-seven garden projects received funding this year.

“The grant program helps to improve access to nutritious, fresh produce for seniors, while also providing an opportunity to expand their social, educational and recreational activities,” said Chairman Granados. Chairman Granados also launched the Union County Kids Dig In grant program to provide funding for gardens at schools in 2017. This year the program funded gardens at 81 schools.

For more information about the Farmers’ Market program or any other services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource call 888-280-8226 or 877-222-3737, or visit online 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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Union County, NJ – Union County offers free recycling events to help residents clear unwanted items from their homes, yards and garages while helping the environment. In June the schedule begins this Saturday with a free paper shredding event, and continues throughout the month with events for household hazardous waste, electronics and additional paper shredding as well as ongoing drop-off locations for scrap metal.

“Our countywide recycling events help every resident practice environmental stewardship, by conserving resources and keeping toxic materials out of the waste stream,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Everyone can make a difference in the Union County community and in the health of our planet, too.”

“The free paper shredding events also provide our residents with an affordable way to dispose of sensitive personal documents in a safe and secure manner,” added Chairman Granados.

Any Union County resident can use any of these events, regardless of the location.

“These are countywide services open to all residents, so please feel free to use the ones most convenient to your location,” said Granados.

Union County will host two Mobile Paper Shredding Events in June. The first event is scheduled for Saturday, June 2 at Union County College in Cranford at 1033 Springfield Avenue followed by Wednesday, June 6 at the Clark Department of Public Works, located at 315 Westfield Avenue.

Both events run from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. They may end before 1:00 if the trucks are filled.

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

On Saturday, June 9 there will be a Household Hazardous Waste Program at the Union County College campus in Cranford.  The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Items for drop off include old pesticides and herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, oil-based paints, propane tanks and deck stain, automobile tires and much more. 

On Saturday, June 30 there will be a Computer and Electronics Recycling Event at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.  This event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Items for drop off include televisions, computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and DVD players and many more.

There is a limit of six electronic items per vehicle. 

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling program also continues in June. These events are held on the first Thursday and Third Saturday of each month. This month’s dates are Thursday, June 7 and Saturday, June 16.

There are two locations in Union County for residents to drop off their metal for recycling, one in Cranford and Rahway.  Both locations are open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents can drop off old appliances, microwaves, bicycles, air conditioners, metal lawn furniture and more.

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

Visit ucnj.org/recycling for more details including directions to the sites, complete lists of accepted items, and schedules for upcoming events.

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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Rebecca Williams, a former Plainfield Councilwoman, has been appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Freeholder Williams, who will be ceremonially sworn in at the upcoming Freeholder meeting on June 7^th, was chosen by the Union County Democratic Committee to complete the term left vacant by former Freeholder Linda Carter, who recently resigned to become the State Assemblywoman for the 22^nd District.

“We congratulate Freeholder Williams on her appointment and we look forward to working with her in moving Union County forward,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, Directors, and our employees, I welcome her to County government. Her experience as a councilwoman and community roots has helped to prepare her for this new chapter in her life of serving our over 500,000 Union County residents.”

Freeholder Williams said: “It is an honor to represent the people of Union County on the Board of Chosen Freeholders. I look forward to working with all the members of the Board in serving the residents of this great county. I have served as an ethical, dependable, and dedicated public servant at the municipal level, and as an effective advocate on various issues. I am ready to serve. ”

Biography for Freeholder Williams

Known for an emphasis on constituent outreach, fiscal issues and quality of life matters, Freeholder Williams served two terms on the Plainfield City Council.

She served last year as Council President, leading the city council in support of a progressive agenda and economic development that has contributed to Plainfield’s revitalization. Prior to her appointment to the Freeholder Board, she was serving for the third straight year as the Chair of the Council’s Administration and Finance Committee, leading the council to the earliest-ever budget passage multiple years in a row. 

She was also the current Chair of the Public Safety Committee (having served in that role previously for some years), and the liaison to the Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

As Council President, she budgeted (through the council budget) for bilingual translation devices (and a translator). She also worked to ensure that the City agendas were translated into Spanish. Freeholder Williams also took the lead in successfully securing passage of the Earned Sick Leave ordinance for the City of Plainfield to help protect city workers and the city’s public health. Plainfield became only the 12th municipality to pass such a law in New Jersey.

Freeholder Williams has also been in the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy, and last year, hosted a special LGBTQ Pride Month event—a staged play-reading, and Plainfield’s first-ever Pride flag raising event. In addition, she served in the past on the Plainfield Pride Film Festival Committee, and was recently honored for her activism with a resolution by Union County for Lesbian Visibility Day.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents and visitors to celebrate the rich legacy of the Carnegie Libraries this summer, with a series of three special events in June, July and August.

All three events will be held at the Elizabeth Public Library in historic midtown Elizabeth, at 11 South Broad Street.

“In honoring the Carnegie Libraries we also pay tribute to the invaluable role of free and equal access to knowledge and information in our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The series kicks off on Wednesday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. with a panel discussion including all six Union County municipalities that have or had a Carnegie Library. The event features presentations, pictures, and historical documents.

The next two events will be an opening reception for the new Carnegie Library exhibit at the Elizabeth Public Library on Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. and a presentation by author and Monmouth University librarian Eleonora Dubicki on her article “Carnegie Libraries in New Jersey: 1900-1923” on Thursday, August 9 at 4:30 p.m.

The Carnegie Library series is a partnership with the Union County of Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the Elizabeth Public Library and the New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance.

For more information on all Cultural and Heritage programs in Union County visit on line at ucnj.org, call 908-436-2912 or email culturalinfo@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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Bruce H. Bergen and Rebecca Williams joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli and other public officials at the Union County Pride Flag Raising Ceremony event on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse on Broad Street in Elizabeth. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed June 2018 as Pride Month in Union County. Union County’s Pride Month events are organized by the Office of LGBTQ Services.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action. 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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholder continues to encourage recycling as the summer season kicks in, with several free opportunities this coming week. All Union County residents can participate in any event and at any location.

“Our free countywide recycling events continue all summer long, providing many opportunities to remove extra clutter from your home and yard in a secure and environmentally safe manner,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Recycling makes a big difference and we are very proud of the many Union County residents who participate in our free events.”

On Wednesday, June 6 there will be a free paper shredding at the Clark Department of Public Works, located at 315 Westfield Avenue. The event is scheduled to last from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. but may end earlier if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

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

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling program continues this Thursday, June 7. Residents are able to drop off their metal at two locations, one in Cranford at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard and one in Rahway at the Park Service Yard at Rahway River Park.

Both drop off locations will last from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents are invited to drop off old appliances, bicycles, air conditioners, microwaves and more.

The scrap metal recycling program runs April through November on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month.

A Household Hazardous Waste Program will occur on Saturday, June 9 at the Union County College campus in Cranford. The program is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Items for drop off include old pesticides and herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, oil-based paints, propane tanks and deck stain, automobile tires and more. 

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 and 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 on the Recycle Coach app can be found at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

For more details on all upcoming recycling events, and contact information for municipal recycling coordinators, visit ucnj.org/recycling. Quick links to all Union County environmental programs can be found at https://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 – Summer is the season to enjoy car trips and bike rides, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a series of free programs to help parents, caregivers and children ensure safety on the roads.

“It’s always important to make sure child car seats are properly installed and bike helmets are properly fitted,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These free programs are designed to help parents and caregivers provide for safe and enjoyable summer activities for the whole family.”

The next program in the series takes place on June 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1000 IKEA Drive in Elizabeth. Trained technicians will be on hand, free of charge, to provide guidance and answer questions about bicycle safety and bicycle helmets, and to ensure that car seats are installed correctly.

Additional programs are scheduled for Saturday, July 14 and Saturday, August 4 at 1000 IKEA Drive from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Basic road safety guidance for bicycling includes:

• Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible while keeping an eye out for sewer grates and other hazards.
• Use hand signals when making turns: hold left arm straight out to the left for left turns, hold left hand with forearm up for right turns.
• In case of heavy traffic or other hazards at intersections, play it safe: dismount and walk the bicycle across.
• Be visible by wearing bright colors. If cycling at night is unavoidable, use headlights and reflectors.

Drivers should be aware that bicycling is popular for sport, recreation and commuter travel. Be alert for bicycles on the road and be prepared to slow down or stop when necessary.

For more information about Union County’s car seat and bicycle safety programs, or to request a presentation on bicycle safety for a community group or other organization, contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or 908-789-6830.    

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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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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.

 

Please note: normal Saturday admission fees apply to this event.

Union County, NJ – The Model Railroad Club plans to thrill model train fans of all ages when it holds its annual Invitational Operating Session on Saturday, June 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to view the action on elaborately detailed multi-track layouts.

Normal Saturday admissions fees apply to the event. It will take place at the club’s facility in Union Township, behind the Home Depot at 954 Route 22 East (enter the parking lot and follow the signs to the service road by the garden center).

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Model Railroad Club, which has provided a generation of Union County residents and visitors with unique and enriching experiences,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The Invitational Operating Session will involve 30-50 club members and other invitees operating three railroads in a prototypical fashion.

A snack shop, gift shop and toddler play round out the amenities for visitors.

“Last year, over 100 people attended our special invitational operating session,” said Model Railroad Club president Tim McCollum. “This is a unique opportunity for our fans to come out and see our railroads operating as realistically as possible. We think it is quite entertaining for those who understand railroad operations, and extremely educational for those that do not.” 

The Model Railroad Club is a non-profit organization focused on engaging the public with the history of the Union County region through the art and craft of model railroads.

The organization operates and maintains a large layout and workshop located in a mixed use area of Union County’s Lenape Park, off Route 22 in Union Township, under an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

New members are welcome, and visitors may come and view the layouts during special events and regular Saturday open hours.

For more details visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/model-trains or contact The Model Railroad Club by email at info@tmrci.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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