Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados announced today that Union County is prepared for the hundreds of anglers who descend on the County’s parks and waterways for the opening day of trout season, scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 8 a.m.

According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Union County rivers and lakes are scheduled to be stocked with 23,950 rainbow trout this spring. The trout are among approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised this season at the Division’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Hackettstown.

The following County waterbodies and the number of trout they are receiving are as follows:

• Lower Echo Lake – 1,300
• Milton Lake – 1,860
• Nomahegan Park Lake – 400
• Passaic River* – 7,260           
• Rahway River – 11,900
• Seeley’s Pond, Watchung Reservation – 780
• Warinanco Park Lake – 450

* Includes entire length of river upstream and downstream from Union County

The Division has also announced that stocking on the Rahway River has been extended two miles from St. Georges Ave. to Lawrence St. in Rahway.

“Fishing is a fun, affordable activity that residents of any age may enjoy,” Freeholder Chairman Granados said. “Our parks are easily accessible and we are excited to continue this Spring ritual with the cooperation of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.”

To fish for trout or salmon, a valid annual New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age plus all non-residents 16 years and older. Only one daily creel limit of trout may be in possession. Once the creel limit is reached, an angler may continue to fish provided any additional trout caught are immediately returned to the water unharmed. When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, hand lines or combination thereof may be used. Separate stringers or buckets must be used for each angler’s catch. Containers in boats may hold only the combined daily creel limit for each legal angler on board.

For more information on New Jersey’s Spring Trout Season, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm or call the Trout Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and up can visit ASK, the Union County Aging Service Kiosk at six locations in April for one-on-one guidance with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

“The ASK program helps improve access to information about resources and programs for seniors, by bringing our expert staff out to local communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage senior residents, their families and caregivers to use this popular service.”

The ASK schedule in April includes public libraries in Linden, Mountainside, Clark, Plainfield, Union and Fanwood. Residents from every municipality are welcome to attend these events.

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection will be on hand to provide information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, support services for caregivers and more.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The April 2018 dates and locations are:

Wednesday, April 11

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Friday, April 13

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, 07092

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

Monday, April 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 19

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, April 24

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, April 25

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The goal of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. 

Among its many services, the division provides information printed in both English and Spanish.

Dates and locations of upcoming ASK program stops are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection call toll-free at1-888-280-8226, call 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4858, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Freeholders is proud to announce that the Union County Office on Women has created a new series of videos highlighting women of achievement and leadership here in Union County, NJ. The new video series will be called Union County Women Making History. This first video is a profile of the Hon. Judge Karen Cassidy, Assignment Judge here in Union County. More videos will be released throughout the year.

As Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) approaches this weekend on Saturday, March 31, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders declares their support of this important day and recognizes that TDOV is about more than visibility, it’s an opportunity for all of us to be an ally.

TDOV is a day dedicated to reflecting on the achievements made by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals and their supporters, and it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the trans community and the oppression these individuals still face in today’s society.

“We call on community members and allies to help ensure that transgender individuals are affirmed, respected, and able to thrive,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Freeholder LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “As an elected official representing all residents in Union County, I urge leaders in our communities to use language and actions that inspire and empowers transgender individuals.”

TDOV comes as the State of New Jersey advances laws toward transgender equality and significant protections – soon to become the state with the most progressive gender-identity policies in the nation.

“On behalf of the entire Freeholder Board, I add our names to the list of New Jersey elected officials who commend our state representatives for their efforts to pass legislation that protects transgender individuals who reside in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board supports policies that are gender-affirming for all of our LGBTQ residents. Union County stands ready to immediately implement the equality legislations that Governor Murphy has vowed to sign.”

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders stand in support of all transgender people, and condemns attempts to stigmatize and marginalize them. We believe transgender individuals have the right to a full quality of life as respected members of our families, communities, and work force.

In January 2018, Union County became the first county in the State of New Jersey to establish an Office of LGBTQ Services – established by Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados as one of many progressive “Moving Union County Forward” special initiatives that he announced in January of this year.

Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, provides essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services.

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

Union County Freeholders Bruce H. Bergen and Alexander Mirabella present a certificate of recognition to ShopRite of Clark Assistant Manager Rick Ferreira, District Manager John Dearani, Shopper Advocate Amberly Rssomano and Associates Will Smith and Sandy Dellaportas congratulating them on spear-heading the ShopRite Partners In Caring community-based hunger fighting program at the ShopRite of Clark.

A competition sponsored last year by ShopRite and cereal company General Mills prompted thousands of the supermarket’s employees to raise $1.5 million to fight hunger. Donations were collected across six states during check-out and at events held in stores.

ShopRite of Clark was among the most active stores in raising funds for local food banks. In recognition of their work raising funds for hunger relief Associates Smith and Dellaportas are featured on a special edition box of Cheerios cereal. The customized cereal boxes, which feature employees from 40 ShopRite stores, are sold exclusively at ShopRite.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to host Garden State Equality’s ‘Pledge & Protect’ entry-level training workshop “Introductions to the Health Care Needs of the LGBTQ Population” free for organizations and professionals serving older LGBTQ adults.

Presented in collaboration with Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services and Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC), Garden State Equality – New Jersey’s largest LGBT Organization – will present two sessions (10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm) on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive, Roselle. Registration is required online at www.gardenstateequality.org/pledge_uc. Please note that this workshop is specifically for services providers of older LGBTQ adults.

“The Freeholder Board is steadfast in our commitment to support the strength of our diversity in Union County and offer programs that improve the quality of life for all of our residence,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “At a time when the current administration in Washington is manipulating the Department of Health and Human Services to betray the department’s true mission by using religious beliefs to discriminate against women and LGBTQ patience, we – county, state and municipal elected officials – have to be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to support and protect our LGBTQ community in Union County.”

Garden State Equality Health & Wellness Coordinator, Bianca Mayes offers an engaging and interactive workshop that features four parts – defines LGBTQ terms, explains the historical and current climate/context, describes general health disparities and needs, and identifies best practices for inclusion. The first of a three level program for organizations and professionals who serve older LGBTQ adults, each support staff or professional who completes the workshop will have the opportunity to sign a pledge to take affirmative steps through their organization, business or practice to make their programs more welcoming to LGBTQ older adults. Certificate will also be provided to participants upon completion of the workshop.

“According to SAGE, a recent national survey of LGBT older adults found that overwhelmingly respondents felt they could not be open about their LGBTQ identities with service providers,” noted Freeholder Al Mirabella, liaison to the Freeholder’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “This collaboration with our Office of LGBTQ Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection and Garden State Equality to present a workshop specifically addressing some of the health and wellness cultural competency concerns is vital to making health and wellness services accessible to older LGBTQ adults in our community. The Freeholder Board looks forward to welcoming two full workshops of service providers for LGBTQ older adults interested in learning more about how to better support their patients.”

Union County’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC) goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.

Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, provides essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services. 

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

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites historical societies and other organizations to apply for two types of grants available through the Union County History Re-grant Program, funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission.

In support of the Re-Grant Program, Union County’s Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will conduct a free history grant writing workshop on Wednesday, April 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Grant application forms will be available at the workshop.

“Whether you are an experienced grant writer or a novice, I encourage you to come and learn how to position your project for success,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Re-grant Program is a good opportunity to gain funding that assists with operating expenses and other costs.”

The two types of grants available through the Re-Grant Program are:

• General Operating Support grants. These grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation, including but not limited to programming, preservation of collections, salaries and marketing. These grants are for Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum grant request is $5000.00.
• Special Project grants. These grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $3500.00.

The April 18 grant writing workshop is free but pre-registration is requested. To confirm attendance or to receive more information, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912 or email John Prescott, jprescott@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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Linda Carter and Angela R. Garretson presents a resolution to Onyx Keesha and members of M. PoWeR Arts commending their efforts in assisting the revitalization the arts within the City of Plainfield by showcasing plays such as “Vagina Monologues” at the duCret School of Art. M. PoWeR Arts offers classes in filmmaking, acting, dance, writing and theater believing that arts education is essential to all.  Community theater is a key part of M. PoWeR’s vision, bringing dynamic stage production to life. 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski presents a resolution to Union County Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Union County Child Support Supervisor Susan Ruiz and Child Support Specialist Tonya Hendricks recognizing and congratulating the Union County Division of Social Services Child Support Unit on being named the Child Support Agency of the Year for 2017. The Division of Social Services Child Support Unit strives to be of service to the custodial parents by providing the children and their families with the financial and emotional support to be productive and healthy citizens in our society.

Recently, at its annual conference in Atlantic City, the New Jersey Child Support Council presented their Child Support Agency of the Year Award to the Union County Division of Social Services Child Support Unit for their exceptional management and outstanding service to the children and families of it Child Support program during the year 2017.

Union County, NJ – Union County gardeners looking for a good Earth Day project can visit the new Union County Means Green online shop now and order a new compost bin or rain barrel at 50% off the retail price.

[Update: compost bins and rain barrels are available until Thursday, April 26. Order now at unioncompostersale.ecwid.com]

“Composting food scraps and harvesting rainwater are two effective ways to improve soil health and conserve water,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Offering these compost bins and rain barrels at a steep discount is one way in which the Freeholder Board supports our local gardeners, while helping to cut down on excess kitchen waste and stormwater runoff.”

“Compost bins and rain barrels also make great Earth Day gifts for your local school or community group,” added Granados.

Earth Day 2018 falls on Sunday, April 22.

A limited number of new compost bins and rain barrels are being offered on a first come, first served basis. The first 250 customers to purchase a compost bin will also receive a free kitchen scrap pail, and the Freeholder Board will donate one compost bin to a local community garden for every 25 compost bins sold.

The new discount program is part of Union County Plant a Seed, Chairman Granados’s 2018 initiative for encouraging individual empowerment and giving back to the community through environmental activities and education. Plant a Seed also includes the Union County Kids Dig In and Union County Means Green garden grant programs.

The online store is available now through the Plant A Seed web page or by visiting unioncompostersale.ecwid.com. Orders will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23. Customers should plan to pick up their orders on Sunday, April 29 at Oak Ridge Park, located at 139 Oak Ridge Road in Clark, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

“The food scrap recycling movement is really beginning to take off across the country, and we want to help Union County residents become leaders and role models for other communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Composting is a simple, economical and convenient way to add healthy nutrients to your garden, while cutting down on yard and kitchen waste.”

The benefits of composting include improving or maintaining high quality soil, growing healthy plants, reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improving water quality and protecting the environment. By adding compost residents can conserve water and help improve soil to help hold water in the root zone.

“We like to say ‘it’s easy being green in Union County,’ and that’s especially true for composting,” said Granados. “Composting is a natural process that breaks down raw food and garden waste into a rich, healthy soil. The bins create the right environment, and nature does the rest.”

Granados also noted that rain barrels play an important role in water conservation.

“Rain barrels are a proven strategy for reducing storm water runoff and keeping harmful pollutants out of our environment,” said Granados. “From a gardening perspective, rainwater contains natural nutrients that help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.”

For all Union County recycling programs and services visit ucnj.org/recycle.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.