Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – For Union County residents who know the secrets of growing a healthy garden, fresh vegetables are ripe for the picking all summer long. Now the experts are going to share those secrets at a series of three free programs on July 22, July 31, and August 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. All three sessions include a visit to the adjacent Union County Demonstration Garden, where volunteers with the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program of Union County grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for local food pantries each year.

The series is free but pre-registration is required at tinyurl.com/Rutgers-Vegetable-Series-2019. Attendees can register for one, two, or all three programs in the series.

“These programs are designed to help Union County residents grow successful vegetable gardens in their own backyards,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Our expert speakers have sound, reliable guidance to share with seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.”

The upcoming July 22 session is “Keys to Successful Composting.” Rutgers County Agent Michele Bakacs will explain how gardeners can help their vegetables thrive by recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-laden, natural compost. The session includes do’s-and-don’ts for what to compost, how to get optimal results, what kinds of compost bins are available, and how to choose a good location for the bin.

“Household composing is a win-win because it adds valuable nutrients back to the soil while helping to reduce waste,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “It’s a good example of thinking globally and acting locally to achieve benefits in your own home and community.”

The July 31 session will provide guidance on keeping harmful pests out of the garden, and the August 15 session will help gardeners learn about harvesting and food safety.

The Rutgers Master Gardener program in Union County is an all-volunteer program supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Rutgers, the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, with offices at the Union County Complex in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East.

The Master Gardeners welcomes new members each year. No experience is needed to join. All members are trained and certified by Rutgers.  For more information about the Master Gardeners program contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 908-654-9854 (ext. 2) or visit ucnj.org/rce.

 For directions and more information about all programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation. 

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at 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.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the popular Wednesday Matinee series at Trailside Nature & Science Center continues on July 17, as “Reach for the Moon” makes its debut. This program, made in partnership with NASA and Mad Science of New Jersey, will propel young visitors to the outer reaches of the solar system, travelling 239,800 miles above earth, igniting their imagination while learning about the science of outer space travel.

“As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, it is wonderful to welcome a program of the caliber of Reach for the Moon to Trailside,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Union County is committed to promoting science and technology for children and young adults, inspiring them to obtain their goals, and programs like Reach for the Moon are both fun and inspirational.”

The Reach for the Moon series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up.  Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m.  Admission is $5.00 for children and adults under 62, and $4.00 for those 62 years old and up.

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee series or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit online at ucnj.org/trailside.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

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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 present a selection of artwork that earned First Place honors at the 2019 Union County Senior Art Exhibit. The art, created by Union County seniors age 60 and above, will be on display at the Freeholders Gallery from July 11 through August 27.

“We have many talented senior adults here in Union County and their artwork reflects their experiences and creative spirits,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the remarkable talents of our Union County residents and enable them to share their accomplishments with the community.”

The artworks in this gallery were selected by professional artists Hadieh Afshani, Alina Marin-Bliach, and Barbara Wallace.

The artworks on view at the Freeholders Gallery are:

• Oil painting by Arlene Carallo (Roselle)
• Drawing by William Connolly (Garwood)
• Watercolor painting by John Curch (Scotch Plains)
• Pastel by Nicholas Florio (Roselle Park)
• Photography by William Gardner (Winfield Park)
• Mixed media by Indira Govindan (Summit)
• Acrylic painting by Melvin Kevoe (Westfield)
• Printmaking (monoprint) by Janice Metzger (Westfield)
• Photography by Nancy Ori (Berkeley Heights)
• Watercolor painting by Rosanne Snarski (Springfield)
• Mixed media (collage) by Elizabeth Sutaria (Union)
• Oil painting by Anna Szabo (Union)
• Pastel by Barbara Uhr (Westfield)
• Acrylic painting by Pauli Verridicci (Springfield)

These artworks, along with first-place sculptures by Ron Brown (Cranford) and Jarrett Goldberg (Springfield), and first-place craft works by Robert I. Goldberg (Springfield) and Thelma Heard (Rahway), will travel on to the exhibit and competition at the 53^rd annual New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show hosted by Meadow Lakes in East Windsor, on view from September 19 to October 24, 2019.

The public is invited to visit the Freeholder Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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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 reminds residents that the free summer entertainment and film series Family Fun & Flix continues on Tuesday, July 16 with fan favorite Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation at Warinanco Park, in Elizabeth.

“Family Fun and Flix is a wonderful opportunity to get the whole family outside during the summer months,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn and enjoy a family friendly movie beginning at dusk.”

As a health initiative of the Union County Freeholder Board, UC Get Fit will offer fitness fun for kids before the movie at 6:30 p.m.

In Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, join our favorite monster family as they embark on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship. Follow along as the monsters’ dream vacation turns into a nightmare.

Following is a list of Family Fun & Flix movies throughout the summer at Union County parks:

• July 16 – Hotel Transylvania 3 at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• July 23 – Lego Movie 2 at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• July 29 – Hotel Transylvania 3 at Rutgers Ave. Park, Hillside
• July 30 –Spiderman-Into the Spider-Verse at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• August 6 – Ralph Breaks the Internet at Meisel Park, Springfield (with NNO)
• August 12 – Incredibles 2 at Tamaques Park, Westfield
• August 13 –Incredibles 2 at Warinanco Park, Elizabeth

Movies will be shown weather permitting. In case of weather related matters, call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website, 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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 29, before 4:00 p.m. in the Main Office of the County Clerk, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113.

“Service on a school board provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to the community,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a former board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty.  Interested applicants should make note of the deadline.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates.

The new law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words.  Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition. 

For more details about school board petitions, including a downloadable petition, visit the County Clerk’s elections website online at unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petition. A petition can also be obtained in person at the Main Office in Elizabeth.

Main Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

For all Union County Clerk programs and services visit ucnj.org/county-clerk.

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Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Rebecca Williams, Angela R. Garretson, Sergio Granados, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Christopher Hudak and Andrea Staten joined Union County employees today marching in the annual Plainfield 4th of July parade. Happy Independence Day from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ — The Board of Chosen Freeholders in conjunction with Foodstock NJ and the Community Food Bank of NJ are requesting that residents donate non-perishable food items to assist those in need at the July 10^th, Summer Arts Concert Series at Echo Lake Park.

“Over 12 million children in our country live in homes that do not have enough food to sustain everyone in their household,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We want to do our part here in Union County by assisting our local foodbanks in providing food to families in our community.”

On July 10^th the Summer Arts Concert Series continues with Radio Petty (The Best of Tom Perry) at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or towel for UC Fit Yoga at 6:30. The concert will begin promptly at 7:30.

Summer is a particularly difficult time of year for our nation’s food banks. Families with children who had been receiving free or reduced cost breakfast and/or lunch at school must find ways to replace those meals during summer break.  In an effort to help fight hunger, please bring a donation of non-perishable food items to the concert.

Residents may drop off donations of non-perishable food items at any of the following locations from July 8^th through July 19^th during normal business hours:

Administration Building Lobby

10 Elizabethtown Plaza

Elizabeth NJ 07207

Public Safety Building Lobby

400 North Avenue East

Westfield NJ 07090

Engineering Building Lobby

2325 South Avenue

Scotch Plains NJ 07076

For more information contact Nathalie Hernandez, coordinator, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

For more details on the Summer Arts series and more summer 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.

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Union County, NJ– The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes residents with special needs, ages five through adult, and senior adults age 60 and above, to free use of the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through August 13, 2019.  This handicapped accessible pool is located at 3 Parkway Drive in Rahway, within the county’s Rahway River Park.

“The Freeholders are committed to providing recreational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental challenges, to promote inclusion and full access to community enjoyment,” stated Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  “Our senior residents, and those of any age with special needs, can enjoy a relaxing time in a beautifully maintained pool at specially dedicated times in a safe environment.”

“Through Union County’s Department of Human Services, Divisions on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, and Individual and Family Support Services, senior adults and their caregivers, and people from age five to adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, can obtain a variety of services to help them live at home with dignity and independence,” Freeholder Chair Kowalski added.

For information about services and programs for senior adults, call 908-527-4807 or toll-free 888-280-8226.  For information about services and programs for the disabled, call 908-527-4807. 

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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 immediate release July 1, 2019

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of a new program to help combat substance use, reduce overdose deaths and reduce relapses in Union County. Called Union County Helping Hands 365 (UCHH365), the program is designed to improve access to treatment and support services by connecting addicts with peers who have achieved sobriety and are trained to help others.
Funding for the new program was approved during the regular meeting of the Freeholder Board on Thursday, June 27.
“Receiving trained, professional guidance from someone who has lived through the experience of addiction can make an enormous difference in an individual’s ability to recover, and to avoid relapse over the long term,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.
“The Peer Recovery Specialists are trained to leverage their personal experiences, build trust, and help each individual connect with resources that enable them to turn their lives around,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who sponsored the Freeholder Resolution establishing the program.
The local non-profit organization Prevention Links will implement the new program. Additional features of UCHH365 include:
• Weekly support for three months and bi-weekly support thereafter, for a total of up to six months.
• A 24/7 Hotline staffed by Peer Recovery Specialists will be available.
• Outreach and education for local community leaders, enabling Recovery Specialists to respond to referrals and visit persons seeking help in a familiar environment, including places of worship, community centers, social clubs and nonprofit agencies.
• Training for law enforcement so that individuals may be referred by law enforcement to the UCHH365 program.
• On call coverage at designated locations in communities with the greatest rate of overdose (Cranford, Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, Union) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 24 hours per day between the hours of 8:00 p.m. Thursday through 8:00 p.m. Sunday.
• Transportation assistance for persons going into treatment.
The program will serve at least 250 Union County residents before the end of 2019. Any Union County resident over the age of 18 is eligible to seek help through UCHH365.
The program will serve at least 250 Union County residents by the end of 2019. Any Union County resident over the age of 18 is eligible to seek help through UCHH365.
To reach the UCHH365 Hotline or to contact Prevention Links for more details about the program, call Prevention Links at1-855-825-3275