Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites visitors of all ages to meet live animals, celebrate wildlife, learn about environmental conservation and try their hand at outdoor skills at the annual Wild Earth Fest, hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside on Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine.

“Wild Earth Fest raises awareness about the importance of conservation and environment stewardship here in the Union County community and globally, too,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It is a unique event that combines fun activities with new opportunities to learn and interact with our natural surroundings.”

This year’s hands-on activities include the Atlantic City Aquarium, which returns with a spectacular traveling touch tank exhibit featuring starfish, sea urchins, stingrays, horseshoe crabs. The Swift Farms Petting Zoo will also bring a miniature pony, lambs, goats, baby chickens, rabbits and more. 

Wild Earth Fest also includes three live animal presentations, beginning with Travis Gale of Eyes of the Wild, who will present Mammal Mania. Travis will share the life stories of each animal in an entertaining presentation at noon and 1:00 p.m.

Dominic Rizzo, of Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery will entertain and inform as he presents a host of live reptiles at 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Vinnie Reo and his wolves from Wolf Visions will dispel the myth of the “Big Bad Wolf” and explain their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem, at 3:30 p.m. 

Visitors can also learn about outdoor skills including camping, canoeing, hiking, archery, birding and nature photography.

Ongoing activities include Eco-Art for a nominal fee, a rock wall, free face-painting and the Recycling Olympics. Green-themed art and gifts will also be available for purchase as well as food and snacks.

Music will be performed by Glen “Wreckin’ Ball” Waldeck.  Glen and his Daughter, Holly, bring to the stage a musical journey in an array of topics. Glenn’s songs have been heard on NBC, PBS, CNN and the Discovery Channel.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association will recognize and honor the environmental heroes in our community during the Environmental Hero Awards at 2:00 p.m.

Vendors and exhibitors include the NJ Audubon Society, Rizzo’s Wildlife World, USDA Wildlife Services, Union County Archery, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Toadshade Wildflower Farm, NJ State Park Service, Friends of the Great Swamp, NJ Mycological Association, NJ Forest Fire Service, Union County Master Gardeners, 4-H Master Tree Stewards, and much more.

Admission to Wild Earth Fest is $5.00 per person. Children six years old and younger are free.

Admission includes entrance to the “Touch a Truck” event being held concurrently in the Watchung Reservation lower loop parking lot. No pets are permitted at these events.

The Wild Earth Fest is supported in part by funding from the Union County Clean Communities Program, in cooperation with the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.

For more information about “Wild Earth Fest” or other upcoming programs or events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

The 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.

 

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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 a series of Trailside Talks of interest to adults, and high school students. Lectures are held at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Attendance is free of charge.

“The popular Trailside Talks Series offers the opportunity to participate in educational lectures on a wide variety of topics while also experiencing the natural beauty of the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support community education and environmental conservation.”

On Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m., NASA Solar System Ambassador Paul Cirillo will present From Apollo to Tomorrow — What’s Next for Human Space Travel. This informative and fascinating program celebrates the 50 years since the Apollo missions led the way for human space exploration.

Mr. Cirillo will also share information about the human space programs planned by the United States, China, Russia and four American commercial companies. Space gateways, moon bases, a journey to Mars and even space tourism are included.  

Celebrating Union County Women’s History will be presented on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m.   John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator for the County of Union’s Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, will discuss inventors, writers, educators, activists, athletes and other notable women in Union County history. This program is supported in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission.

In addition, residents can save the date of Sunday, September 15 for Trailside’s Hawk Migration program. Participants will gather at 10:00 a.m. at Maskers Barn in the Deserted Village, located in the Berkeley Heights section of the Watchung Reservation. The program includes a hawk watch walk led by Pete Axelrod, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator of Wild Birds Unlimited in Scotch Plains.

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.                                                              

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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 host a Foster Parent and Adoption Recruitment Information Session on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. the at Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park, 1 Park Drive in Roselle, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, in collaboration with the NJ Department of Children and Families.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with the state Department of Children and Families to support LGBTQ youth in our community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Right now there are thousands of New Jersey children who need the warmth and guidance of a family. “Adults in Union County can make a lasting difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster or adoptive parent.”

LGBTQ youth are in need of affirming homes. Research has shown that LGBTQ youth are over-represented in foster care. LGBTQ youth enter the foster care system for many of the same reasons as non-LGBTQ youth in care, such as abuse, neglect, and parental substance abuse.

Many LGBTQ youth have the added layer of trauma that comes with being rejected or mistreated because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

“Like all young people, LGBTQ youth in foster care need the support of a nurturing family to help them navigate adolescence and grow into healthy adults,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Adults in Union County are invited to attend this information session and learn how they can help our LGBTQ youth thrive.”

Being a foster parent is a big responsibility that brings with it great rewards. The requirements for becoming a foster parent are not complicated. Join us for this information session presented by the NJ Department of Children and Families and learn how you can provide an affirming home for LGBTQ youth in foster care in our community.

All adults who can offer a safe, stable and supportive home – regardless of culture, religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, affectional orientation, or marital/civil union or domestic partnership status – are invited to attend this information session to learn more.

During this two-hour information session you’ll hear from current foster parents and youth formerly in foster care.

Youth resource organizations will be present with additional support materials. Child care activities are available during the session. Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required to attend at ucnj.org/lgbtq or by calling Kimberly Geller (DCF) at 973-634-7737.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides 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 Affairss, 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.

 

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli is pleased to announce the 12th Annual Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy is now accepting applications for its 2019 summer class.

The free program is designed to provide youths the opportunity to gain insight into the everyday functions and training of the variety of law enforcement agencies and emergency services. It operates similar to an actual police academy for teens interested in law enforcement.

“The Youth Academy aims to teach kids about law enforcement and it is a great first step for those interested in the field,” Sheriff Corvelli said.

The Sheriff’s Youth Academy is not a ‘boot camp’ for troubled youth. In order to enroll in the program, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 (B- average) and a one page letter of reference from a non-family member.

Also, all applicants must have their parents/guardians sign all waivers and obtain a medical release note from their physician.

The two-week program for middle school and high school students meets daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains.

The class for 7^th and 8^th graders runs July 8-12, 2019. The high school class for grades 9 through 12 will take place from July 15-26, 2019.

During the program, the teens engage in a physical training regime, team building exercises, and attend lectures on subjects such as crime scene investigations and motor vehicle stops. They also receive visits from representatives from several branches of the military, New Jersey State Police NJ State Police, FBI and the ATF.

The Youth Academy also involves visiting various Sheriff’s Office operations around the county including the K-9 Search and Rescue Unit, the Fugitive Unit and Courthouse Complex Security.

Last year more than 100 students from across Union County graduated from the Sheriff’s Youth Academy.

Applications may be obtained by emailing Sergeant Tara Halpin at thalpin@ucnj.org or Officer Victoria Smith at vsmith@ucnj.org. Applications can also be downloaded at https://ucnj.org/sheriff/community-programs/youth-academy/.

Completed applications should be sent to the attention of: S/O Tara Halpin, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Administration Building, 1st Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Christopher Hudak present a resolution to NJ Sharing Network Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Elisse Glennon recognizing the month of April as National Donate Life Month in the County of Union. NJ Sharing Network, headquartered in New Providence, is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant. Realizing the urgent need for organ and tissue donors across the country, the National Donate Life Month observance promotes a greater understanding about the life-saving benefits of donation and transplantation. For more information about NJ Sharing Network, visit www.njsharingnetwork.org.

The Freeholders also presented a resolution to Cranford native Eric Walano commending him for selflessly donating a kidney to an individual in need. Mr. Walano attended a charity gala in 2017 to benefit Hearts for Emma. Hearts for Emma works closely in partnership with the New Jersey Sharing Network in order to raise awareness about organ donation. At this event, he was inspired to become an altruistic kidney donor.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli reminds residents that identification programs, including Project Life Saver and Fingerprint on File, are available to help protect family members who may wander away without supervision.

“These programs help our residents protect family members who may be at risk of being lost,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “They can make the difference between the safe return of a loved one or an unfortunate tragedy.”

The Union County Sheriff has worked in cooperation with Project Lifesaver International since 2003. The initiative was created as a safety aid for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down’s syndrome, and other conditions that make verbal communication difficult.

Participants in Project Lifesaver wear a tracking device on their wrist, in the form of a bracelet. If the participant is reported lost or missing, a signal from the device enables law enforcement officers to pinpoint their location.

Family members and caregivers receive in-person training from the Sheriff’s Office. The training includes guidance on how to prevent at-risk family members from wandering, how to care for the tracking device, and how to report a lost or missing person. There is a nominal fee for the equipment.

Fingerprint on File enables parents and caregivers to obtain a professional record of their child’s fingerprints, for safekeeping at home. In case of emergency, parents can provide their child’s fingerprint card to law enforcement officers.

A video recording is also part of the program. The video provides parents with professional documentation of their child’s speech patterns as well as visual identification.

There is no charge to participate in the Fingerprint on File program. Two additional child safety programs are also available at no charge to County residents:

• The Child Safety ID Kit enables parents and caregivers to create a record of their child’s physical characteristics, including a mitochondrial DNA sample.

 

• The EPIC child ID card contains vital information including a photo and thumb print, physical characteristics, important medical information, and contact information for parents and caregivers.

For more information or to sign a loved one up for Project Life Saver please contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 908-527-4450.

For more information about Fingerprint on File, including the Child Safety ID Kit and the EPIC child ID card, contact the Sheriff’s Identification Bureau at 908-527-4950.

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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 who are looking for a summer job can apply now for positions as manager, assistant manager or lifeguard at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“Over the years, the Ulrich Pool has provided hundreds of County residents with a rewarding work environment that builds valuable experience in people skills as well as management and emergency response,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The manager and assistant manager of the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool oversee day to day operations and supervise approximately 50 employees, including lifeguards, cashiers and attendants.

To apply for the manager or assistant manager positions, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4824. A degree from an accredited college or university is required for these positions.

Lifeguard positions are available to Union County residents age 16 and up. Training is available for applicants who are not certified. To apply for a lifeguard position, call 908-527-4824.

For more information about Ulrich Pool, Rahway River Park and all Union County recreation facilities visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

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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 and New Jersey State Assemblywoman Linda Carter are pleased to announce the opening of a new mobile office for We Are One New Jersey, a nonprofit organization that provides free and affordable immigration related services to members of the public.

The new office is located in the Plainfield office of Assemblywoman Carter, at 200 West 2nd Street, Suite 102. It will be open on the last Thursday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., starting on Thursday, April 25.

“Union County is a community that welcomes new residents. We Are One New Jersey provides opportunities for working families to put down permanent roots as citizens, and exercise their responsibilities as voting members of the public,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Plainfield is one of the fastest growing cities in Union County. This partnership will help build a stronger community by ensuring that new residents become fully engaged in – and protected by – our democratic institutions,” said Assemblywoman Carter, who represents Legislative District 22, including Plainfield.

We Are One New Jersey offers reliable guidance on applying for U.S. citizenship and registering to vote, and navigating the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, as well as information on workplace rights, and Notary services.

The We Are One main office is located in Elizabeth at 288 North Board Street on the 2nd Floor, and serves over 500 applicants annually.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment in Plainfield or Elizabeth, contact Elizabeth Montes, Program Coordinator, at 908-249-4360 or Elizabeth.montes@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 seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six dates and locations in April 2019 to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Garwood, Union, and at the Rahway Senior Center.

“The purpose of “ASK” is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers”, said Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  “The ASK program will bring our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff, based in Elizabeth, to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection/ADRC have been traveling throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals; respite care; home care; adult day care; and, support services for caregivers through the Aging Services Kiosk or ASK community outreach effort.  Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided. Spanish speaking staff are available.

The April 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, April 8

Westfield Memorial Library

550 E. Broad Street

Westfield, 07090

10:00 a.m. to 12 noon

 

Thursday, April 11

Rahway Senior Center

1308 Esterbrook Avenue

Rahway, 07065

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Monday, April 15

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Thursday, April 18

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, 07027

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Friday, April 26

Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch

740 W. Grand Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, April 30

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

The Union County 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.  The division has information printed in both English and Spanish and has Spanish speaking staff.

“The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Union County’s Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities,” Freeholder Kowalski added.

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 888-280-8226, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.  Information may be viewed on the Union County government website at www.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 – In recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a series of inclusive events for Union County residents. The County Administration Building will also light up with blue lights in April, to show support for autism awareness. 

“Union County’s recreation programs are a jewel in the crown, enabling thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy community events together with friends and neighbors,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This new series of April events builds on our commitment to ensure that everyone in the Union County community has the opportunity to relax and have fun in a social setting.” 

The April series is offered through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. It includes:

The Brooklyn Nets professional basketball game on Wednesday, April 3.

Family Fun Day at Warinanco Park in Roselle on Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m.

A golf outing at Scotch Hills, located at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

The Red Bull professional soccer game at 7:00 p.m. at the Red Bull Arena, located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison on Saturday, April 27.

A sensory friendly hour in the annual Touch-a-Truck event at the Loop Playground in Watchung Reservation on Sunday, April 28. The sensory friendly hour will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In addition, Union County’s ongoing Sensory Friendly Theatre series continues at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, April 28, with a performance of the musical Henry & Mudge. Tickets are available online at ucpac.org or call the Box Office, 732- 499-8226.

 

Other ongoing programs supported by the Freeholder Board include adult ceramics classes at the Gregorio community center in Linden, cooking classes at Classic Thyme in Westfield, Yoga at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, and recreational swimming at the YMCA of Fanwood.

 

Inclusive playgrounds are standard feature in County parks, and last year the Freeholder Board established the new Level the Playing Field grant program to help municipalities create or upgrade inclusive playgrounds in their communities, too.

 

For more information about the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs contact the Office Coordinator, Manuel Ramirez, 908-527-4807 or mramirez@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.