Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the final 2019 mobile paper shredding event for personal and confidential documents will be held on November 2^nd in New Providence.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred your confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other Green Initiatives in Union County.”

The shredding event will take place Saturday, November 2^nd at the Nokia corporate campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The shredding event will take place rain or shine. Shredding events end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. It is preferred that you bring your material in paper bags. 

Residents are reminded that documents should not be bound and plastic binders as well as paperclips should be removed. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Please note that paper that is already shredded will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential documents and paper through their municipal recycling program.  

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then placed onto a conveyor belt and shredding is done on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled via local paper mills. 

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

The Freeholder Board also reminds residents to download the free Recycle Coach app for the latest news and information on all countywide and local recycling programs, located at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

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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 educators looking for a fun activity for their students can sign up for a special presentation by the volunteer 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County.

Now in its 25^th year, the Tree Steward program provides fourth grade classes across the county with an hour-long interactive lesson on tree biology, tree products, tree care, and tree appreciation.

“The Master Tree Stewards program offers Union County students an opportunity to learn about the importance of trees as well as larger environmental issues,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The volunteers do a wonderful job of bringing the lessons to life, and their work is very much appreciated.”

The Master Tree Stewards are available on Wednesdays to visit fourth grade classrooms beginning on January 8, 2020.

The lesson includes tree artifacts and posters, along with “Tree Jeopardy” and other activities. All Tree Steward volunteers are trained and supported by professional staff with the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

Educators can reserve their date online at tinyurl.com/4H-School-Enrichment-Program.

To reserve a date by mail or email, contact Tree Steward coordinator and Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 4) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The sessions will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices in the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For more information on all Union County Extension programs visit ucn.org/rce.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

Photo caption: The volunteer 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County bring lessons about the importance of trees to local schools, and they also help to educate the public. Shown here, a group of Master Tree Steward volunteers places ID tags on trees along a walking path in Union County’s Echo Lake Park, as part of a countywide project that helps visitors learn more about trees in the local environment. (Photo credit: County of Union, NJ).

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Freeholder Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“The sensory friendly theatre allows residents, families, and children to enjoy all of the excitement that comes with live theatre while feeling comfortable in an environment tailored to their specific needs,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is childhood favorite Max and Ruby: Musical Playdate. There will be two performances on Sunday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission includes a character parade in the theater, which will take place 15 minutes prior to the 1:00 p.m. show and after the conclusion of the 2:30 PM show.

On Sunday, November 24 at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre will present the beloved ballet classic Nutcracker, performed by the American Repertory Ballet.

 The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012. It is designed according to guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. It has been supported by the Freeholder Board every year since then.

For each of the Sensory Friendly performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at the performances. For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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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 Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams, Freeholder Andrea Staten and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada joined State Senator Nicholas Scutari and Union County Manager Ed Oatman at a performance of the renowned play, “The Colored Museum,” at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Freeholder Board sponsored this special event as part of a nationwide effort to commemorate the 400th year anniversary of the first Africans who were forcefully brought to the United States as slaves. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados this morning joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli in congratulating the winners of the Union County Sheriff’s Office 9th Annual Pistol Competition at the Sheriff’s range in Springfield. Officer Richard Brattole of the Union County Sheriff’s Office won first place. Sgt. Sean Dougherty of the Union County Police Department took second place. Lt. Carlo Caparruva of the Union County Sheriff’s Office took third place. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Freeholder Andrea Staten attended the 1st Annual Oktoberfest in Roselle Park and visited with Mayor Joseph Signorello and Second Ward Councilman Joe Petrosky.​

Union County, NJ — The Deserted Village of Feltville will be open to visitors on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 with special history events featuring free hayrides, colonial games, children’s activities, guided tours and a special presentation on the houses that make up the village.

The Deserted Village is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. It will be open from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 as part of the Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration of historical sites across Union County. 

Special events during the weekend include the debut performance of Storied Boards at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Storied Boards is a one-woman show through which four houses share their memories and experiences of being and becoming homes. Through their stories of coming home, being home, missing home and going home, they reveal secrets, dreams, celebrations and sorrows.

“We are happy to be hosting the debut performance of Storied Boards at the Deserted Village of Feltville,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Ms. Gaulke’s research skills and talent as an actress and storyteller have been bringing historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way. I am intrigued to see how she will now bring the fireplace in House #7 to life as well. De la Selva’s murals are integral to plans now being drawn for restoration of that house, and we would love for people to know more about them.”

Throughout the weekend, visitors can take self-guided tours or enjoy a narrated hayride that runs continuously during the weekend, rolling past most of the buildings and through the grounds of the village.

The ghost of David Felt will be available at the General Store to converse with visitors, describing the factory town he built in 1845 to house a printing mill and the 175 people who worked in his mill, on his farm, his store and school. At 2:00 p.m. each day, Mr. Felt will provide a 20-minute long armchair tour on the porch of the store.

The General Store will also feature historical exhibits along with nostalgic candy, snacks, toys and games for sale. Picnic tables are available for those packing a lunch.

At 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, a special archaeology activity will enable visitors to learn how an “X” on the ground yielded a great assemblage of artifacts at the site, and also revealed an interesting social history. The activity will be led by Matthew Tomaso, Dr. Richard Veit, and Carissa Scarpa, professional archaeologists who have conducted archaeological investigations at the Deserted Village.

Another highlight is the beautifully restored circa-1882 Masker’s Barn carriage house. Outside the Barn, visitors can sit with the ghost of Frank Malloy and roast marshmallows at the campfire ring.

“Storied Boards” was written by and will be performed by Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke, an actress/storyteller who specializes in creating historical portrayals of real people with real stories to tell.  Using primary sources whenever possible, she strives to present each character in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner.

With “Storied Boards,” Laurie has chosen parts of each of the four houses to be the characters. One of those houses is a former Feltville mill workers’ house in which Roberto de la Selva, a Nicaraguan artist, painted murals on the plaster walls in 1927.  The fireplace in House #7 will share tales of events to which it has borne witness.

All activities for the Four Centuries weekend are rain or shine, and most are free of charge.

Enter the Deserted Village via Cataract Hollow Road, off of Glenside Avenue (GPS 1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights).  Wear warm clothes and sturdy walking shoes.

For additional information about the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park, visit ucnj.org/dv.

Information about over 30 other Four Centuries in a Weekend sites is available from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs online at ucnj.org/4c.

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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 – This weekend, on Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20, Union County celebrates the annual Four Centuries in a Weekend history event, when dozens of historic sites and museums open their doors to the public free of charge, from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. Many of the sites are within walking distance of mass transit routes, and this year’s event will once again feature special trolley and shuttle bus service to some of the sites.

“Four Centuries is a good opportunity to learn about the rich history of our county, and it is also a chance to explore some of the transportation alternatives available to County residents and visitors,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Kean University will provide free trolley service to the Liberty Hall Museum historic site on October 19 and 20.

The Borough of Mountainside will provide a free shuttle from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, where Union County is hosting tours and activities for young and old alike, including free hayrides and children’s games.

The Mountainside shuttle will also stop at the Miller-Cory Museum, the Reeve Cultural and History Center, and Mountainside’s Deacon Hetfield House.

Mass transit options, by rail and bus, are available through NJ Transit.

For complete details about Four Centuries In A Weekend visit online at ucnj.org/4C (scroll down for transit and shuttle information), or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711) or culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. More information about all Parks and Recreation activities is available online at ucnj.org/parks, or call 908-527-4900.

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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.

Mountainside, NJ – A section of the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail will be closed from November 12 through 15 due to routine scheduled maintenance.  

The Sensory Trail, which officially opened in August 2018, is a 0.3 mile ADA accessible loop with a central gazebo. It is designed to provide sensory stimulation and interaction while meeting the physical, social and cognitive needs of different age groups.

For more information, please call 908-789-3670 or visit 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.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Division of Emergency Medical Services is hiring per diem Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Interested applicants can attend an open application event on Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 PM, and on Saturday, October 26, at 9:00 AM.

Prospective candidates can submit their application and sit for a pre-employment written test, skill stations and interview, all in the same visit. Registered candidates will receive additional details by email. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Please visit ucnj.org/ems-apps to pre-register and for additional details.

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.