Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present the first program in the “Trailside Talks” series, “Hawk Watch,” on Sunday, September 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. This free program is open to adults ages 18 and older.

“The fall hawk migration is the perfect time to visit and experience the beauty of the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, “Participants will have the chance to learn about the many different birds of prey that can be seen in New Jersey and discover how to identify them in flight.” 

Every year, thousands of hawks migrate through New Jersey in the fall. This program explains the hows and whys of hawk migration, varying methods of migration, the latest theories on the strategies that birds use to navigate as well as look at the challenges they face in migration. A one hour hawk watch walk is scheduled, weather permitting. The program will be led by Pete Axelrod, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator of Wild Birds Unlimited in Scotch Plains.

For more information about this program or other activities for adults, families and children at Trailside, 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 facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announces that the “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” entrepreneurial training program is open to veterans. “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” is a 2019 initiative of the Union County Freeholder Chair, Bette Jane Kowalski.

Organized by the Union County Economic Development Committee, “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” will run for six consecutive Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting on September 10. The program will be held at the UCEDC offices, located at 75 Chestnut Street in Cranford.

“Union County strives to recognize the sacrifice made by our veterans,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “The Freeholder Board is proud to sponsor this program and we encourage all veterans to take advantage of this six week course that will help them to succeed in business after their service to our country.”

“Bootcamp to the Boardroom” is an entrepreneurial training program for veterans and is coordinated by the Union County Economic Development Corporation. The six week course includes information on understanding credit and personal finance statements as well as preparing business and marketing plans along with other useful skills.

UCEDC is a private, non-profit economic development corporation, dedicated to boosting local economies and strengthening communities through business development and job creation. Since 1977 they have small business by making loans, training and mentoring business owners, helping businesses obtain government contracts, and providing accurate and relevant business information.

Participants are required to register for the “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” program. For more information or to register, contact Veteran Service Officer Janna Williams by phone at 908-527-4918 or by email at jwilliams@ucnj.org.

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Connect with Union County on social media. 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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Office of Veteran services invite persons with physical disabilities and veterans to participate in the “First Swing” golf clinic on Saturday, September 14.

The clinic will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Learning Center located at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. Admission to is free, however pre-registration is required at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The First Swing golf clinic provides hands on instruction to encourage golf as an excellent recreational and rehabilitation activity for anyone, including veterans and those who are physically disabled,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are pleased to be able to partner and provide this program to residents.”

Presented in cooperation with the National Amputee Golf Association, the program includes participation and instruction by rehab and golf professionals. Methods of grip, stance and swing will be discussed. Participants can improve their functional skills such as range of motion and balance, and learn about adaptive equipment that will assist them in executing the golf swing.

Anyone who is physically challenged including, but not limited to; amputees, persons who are post-stroke; and have any circumstance necessitating this type of specialized instruction can benefit from this clinic. Healthcare and golf professionals who are interested in learning adaptive golf techniques for their clients are also welcome.

Louis Namm, level 3 certification program of the United States Golf Teachers Association (USGTA) will instruct the clinic. He is the primary golf instructor for the Philadelphia VA Medical Center’s Amputee Veterans.

Whether having always wanted to “take a swing” at the game of golf, or returning to the sport, no golfing experience is required. Attendees should bring a seven or eight iron and a putter, if possible. A limited number of clubs will be available for participants who do not have their own.

Continental breakfast and refreshments are included. For additional information please contact Nicole DeAugustine at 908-527-4781 or Janna Williams at 908-572-4918 or email opdsn@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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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Union County Regional Dispatch Center will now handle fire and emergency medical service calls for the Township of Cranford, under a contract approved by the Freeholder Board during the regular meeting on August 22.

“The Union County Dispatch Center is a shared services program that benefits municipalities and residents by improving the efficiency of dispatch services and providing substantial savings,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Cranford joins a growing list of municipalities and agencies taking part in this service.”

The Union County Regional Dispatch Center is a state-of-the-art emergency dispatch facility located in the County’s Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building, at 400 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The $1.2 million facility opened in 2012 and replaced a previous operation located at the same site, which handled calls only for Union County’s emergency services. The new Dispatch Center enables local governments and other entities to upgrade their emergency response as a shared service with Union County. 

In addition to providing emergency dispatch services for the Union County Police and other countywide first responders, the Dispatch Center serves a growing number of municipalities and other entities in the county including 911 calls for police, fire, and EMS.

“This collaboration will provide better service for our residents at a reduced cost, and is an excellent example of what can be achieved when Cranford and the Union County work together,” said Mayor of Cranford Patrick Giblin.

With the addition of Cranford, the Dispatch Center now serves 13 of Union County’s 21 municipalities and handles a total list of 24 first responder agencies.

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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 for adults age 60 and older can visit nine locations in September to speak in person with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging. The service, called “ASK” for Aging Services Kiosk, travels to different municipalities each month. Any Union County resident, family member or caregiver can visit any of the ASK locations.

In September, ASK will be available at the Rahway Senior Center and at public libraries in Elizabeth, Cranford, Clark, Garwood, Mountainside, Plainfield, Summit, and Union Township, at the dates and times listed below.

“Our goal is to help senior residents access the resources they need to stay connected with their communities,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The ASK program helps seniors, their families, and their caregivers get expert guidance in person, in a comfortable setting close to home.”

Through the ASK program, staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection provide information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, support for caregivers, and other services. Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The September 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, September 9

Elizabeth Library – LaCorte branch

418 Palmer Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

10:00 am – 12 noon

 

Wednesday, September 11

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016

10:00 am – 12 noon

 

Thursday, September 12

Rahway Senior Center

1306 Esterbrook Avenue

Rahway, NJ  07065

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Friday, September 13

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, NJ 07060

10:00 am – 12 noon

 

Monday, September 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Thursday, September 19

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Friday, September 20

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, NJ 07092

10:00 am – 12 Noon

 

Monday, September 23

Summit Public Library

75 Maple Street

Summit, NJ 07901

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

Tuesday, September 24

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

 

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. Its goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

Upcoming ASK dates and locations are posted each month on the Union County website at ucnj.org/departments/human-services. The schedule is also shared by newsletter, local media, and social media.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call 1-888-280-8226 toll free, or call 908-527- 4870 or 908-527-4858.

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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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CLARK, NJ—The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series for 2017 will come to a close at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday evening, August 23, with a performance by New York State of Mind, performing the music of Billy Joel. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

New York State of Mind celebrates one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time. The band’s precise renditions of Joel’s classic songs are certain to move both casual listeners as well as hardcore fans to their feet and have them singing along with all the well known and loved classics.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man.

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on August 23 will be Hot Yoga Revolution of Cranford.

“This will be the final opportunity for residents to enjoy the great musical entertainment in beautiful Oak Ridge Park, so gather your family and friends and spend an evening in the park,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
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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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Limited space available; last year’s event hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees  

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to participate in the 2019 Union County Means Business Expo at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Now in its fourth year, the Business Expo showcases local businesses and provides opportunities to network and grow contacts in Union County, and beyond.  

Vendor tables are available now on a limited basis. The fee of $100 includes a half-page ad in the program and 10 VIP tickets for preferred clients. To register a vendor table, fill out the online Vendor Registration form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

“The Business Expo provides a valuable opportunity for networking and meeting peers in the business community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are looking forward to another successful event this year.”

In 2018 the Expo hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees.

Since its inception in 2016, the Expo has grown to include a wide variety of businesses and entrepreneurs including service providers, retailers, banks, insurance, real estate, technology, consulting, marketing, legal, accounting, health, education, nonprofits and government agencies. The event is also popular with chambers of commerce and representatives from municipal and county government offices.

Admission for individual attendees is free. Preregistration for all attendees is suggested but not required, except for those requesting child care. To register as an attendee, fill out the online Attendee Registration form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

Union County Means Business is an economic development initiative of the Freeholder Board with the support of community partners including the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, the Union County Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, and the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Union County Means Business, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@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 — 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 Wednesday, 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.

“On this date, we honor those who perished, we remember the many acts of bravery that occurred that day, and we reaffirm the Union County community as one that pulls together, through times of peace and crisis alike,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

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.

Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build 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 memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Echo Lake Park, near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park.

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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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   Regional Plan Association to make public presentation “A Preventable Crisis, The Economic and Human Costs of a Hudson River Rail Tunnel Shutdown”

Trenton, NJ – Commuters, area residents, business owners, elected officials, community groups and other stakeholders can help advocate for mass transit improvements by attending a free public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 16 at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue in Cranford. The meeting is hosted by the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, which includes representatives from four counties along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, with a total population of 1.7 million.

The Regional Plan Association, a non-profit public policy agency that examines various issues, will present information from their report, “A Preventable Crisis, The Economic and Human Costs of a Hudson River Rail Tunnel Shutdown.” The report details the devastating economic and quality-of -life impact that any extended closures of the rapidly, deteriorating 108-year-old Hudson River train tunnels would have on the regional economy, including Union County. 

All are welcome to attend the free event. The Cranford Community Center is ADA accessible and free parking is located on site.

“A preventable crisis is brewing under the Hudson River in the form of aging, outdated rail tunnels that are urgently in need of repair, making it all the more imperative to secure funding for a new tunnel,” said Union County Freeholder Chair and RVRC Trustee Bette Jane Kowalski. “By joining our voices together we can more effectively communicate our concerns and advocate for action, both at the state and federal level.”

Union County has eight NJ Transit train stations on the Raritan Valley Line, which has been beleaguered by delays and cancellations, as do three other member counties of the RVRC— Hunterdon Middlesex, and Somerset.

The evening will also include information on various other transit-related issues.

The Gateway project has been described as the largest and most economically significant infrastructure project currently under planning in the U.S. Consisting of a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and related work, Gateway will have a direct impact on New Jersey and New York City, as well as the entire metro area and northeastern U.S.

The Gateway improvements are located in the heart of the Northeast Corridor, the most heavily used passenger train line in the country. It accounts for 20 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. An estimated 10 percent of U.S. GDP depends on transit between New York and New Jersey alone.

The Northeast Corridor carries more than 800,000 passengers in 2,000 trains daily across eight states and Washington, D.C. In 2016, Amtrak reported that implementation of the full Gateway project could generate $3.87 worth of economic benefits for every $1.00 spent.

The Raritan Valley Line carries 23,500 passengers daily, making it NJ Transit’s third most-used rail line. Though thousands of riders use it for their daily commute to Penn Station in New York City, the Raritan Valley Line employs diesel locomotives that are not permitted the Hudson River tunnels. As a result, riders are forced to disembark in Newark each time and wait for an electric train.

The Coalition launched almost 20 years ago with the aim of achieving a one-seat ride into New York, with membership including representatives from Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties, along with a Mayors Alliance and State officials.

The effort achieved partial success in 2014, when NJ Transit acquired dual-mode locomotives that could travel through the tunnels. However, the one-seat opportunity never expanded beyond a limited, off-peak trial. It was suspended in 2018 as NJ Transit focused on other priorities.

The Coalition can be reached on email at info@Raritanvalleyrail.com. For additional information visit online at raritanvalleyrail.com, follow on Facebook at facebook.com/raritanvalleyrail, or follow on Twitter at twitter.com/rvrailcoalition.

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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 wishes to remind residents about the many exciting programs coming up during the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Fall 2019 season.

“Union County has a variety of events for residents of all ages, allowing them to experience and enjoy our parks system,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support these cultural, artistic and musical experiences for our families and residents.”

The Fall 2019 season includes:

Rockin’ the Reservation

Residents are invited to visit the Watchung Reservation on Sunday, September 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event features live music and hands-on, family-friendly activities. Rockin’ the Reservation is filled with fun for everyone and includes art demonstrations, interactive art and music, pony rides, petting zoo, food trucks, scarecrow building, multicultural dancing, and more. Admission is $5 per person, and attendees age 7 and under are admitted for free (additional fees are charged for some activities).

Hayrides and Campfires

Come join the fun this fall as Union County presents the annual Hayrides and Campfires in Warinanco Park and the Watchung Reservation. Hayrides and Campfires include folk songs around the campfire, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire. Events are weather permitting.

Dates and locations for Hayrides and Campfires are: 

Warinanco Park, Roselle

• Friday, October 4th – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

 

Trailside Nature & Science Center, Mountainside

• Sunday, October 6th – 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 11th – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Sunday, October 13th – 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 18th – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

Advanced ticket sales begin September 4th (Online & In-person)

• In-County: $6.00
• Out-of-County: $12.00

Four Centuries in a Weekend

As a part of the Four Centuries in a Weekend series of events, residents will have an opportunity on Sunday, October 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to explore The Deserted Village/Glenside Park, rain or shine! Take guided and self-guided tours, meet five people who built, owned or worked in this village, take hay rides, talk to an archaeologist, do some apple cider pressing, enjoy some old-fashioned children’s games, & shop in the General Store. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Haunted Hayrides

There will be several Haunted Hayrides through the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation just in time for Halloween! Imagine visiting a whole village of haunted houses and meeting the ghosts of people who actually lived there.

Haunted Hayrides will be held on:

• Friday, October 25 – 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 26 – 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 27 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Rain date – Monday, October 28th

The total program experience lasts about one hour. The program is intended for adults and children age 6 and older. Strollers cannot be accommodated. Tickets are sold for rides at specific times as noted on your ticket.

Advanced ticket sales begin September 17 

• In-County: $8.00
• Out-of-County: $16.00

Pumpkin Sail at Lower Echo Lake Park

Bring your carved jack-o-lantern to Echo Lake Park the day after Halloween and join others for Great Pumpkin Sail on Friday, November 1 from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Watch as your pumpkin is put on a float on the lake. There will be a campfire sing along and residents can enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows. Rain date is Saturday, November 2, also from 5:15 PM to 9:30 PM.

Advanced ticket sales begin October 2. (Online & In-person) 

• In-County: $12.00 per family of six (6)
• Out-of-County: $16.00 per family of six (6)

For more details on ticket prices, locations, dates and times, and additional information on activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/calendar or call the Parks Department at 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.