Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking reliable information about services for adults age 60 and older will have a choice of eight (8) dates and locations in July to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging. Staff will be present at public libraries in Elizabeth; Clark; Cranford; Garwood; Mountainside; Summit; 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.

The July 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, July 8
Elizabeth Public Library – LaCorte Branch
418 Palmer Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Wednesday, July 10
Cranford Public Library
224 Walnut Avenue
Cranford, NJ 07016
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, July 11
Rahway Senior Center
1306 Esterbrook Avenue
Rahway, NJ 07065
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, July 15
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, July 18
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, NJ 07027
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Friday, July 19
Mountainside Public Library
Constitution Plaza
Mountainside, NJ 07092
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, July 29
Summit Public Library
75 Maple Street
Summit, NJ 07901
10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Tuesday, July 30
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

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.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, 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.

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 Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Andrea Staten present a resolution to Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Gwendolyn Ryan congratulating her on being named the permanent Superintendent of the schools in Scotch Plains. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ– The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce the dates for the upcoming Summer Arts Concert series and highly anticipated Family Fun & Flix film series.

“Our free summer events are sure to have something for every member of the family to enjoy”, said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “I look forward to a summer full of outdoor entertainment and activities to bring our county residents even closer together.”

The fun begins with Family, Fun, and Flix on July 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Park in Linden. As part of the evening’s events, UC Get Fit, a health initiative of the Union County Freeholder Board, will offer fitness fun for kids before the movie. Immediately after at dusk the movie A Dogs Way Home will begin.

The following is a list of Family, Fun, and Flix movies throughout the summer at Union County Parks:
• July 9 – A Dogs Way Home at Wheeler Park, Linden
• 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

On July 10th 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.

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 10th Summer Arts Concert Series at Echo Lake Park. 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.

The following is a list of the Summer Arts Concert Series dates and locations throughout the summer at Union County Parks:

Echo Lake Park, Mountainside – Wednesdays
July 10 – Radio Petty (The Best of Tom Petty)
July 17 – Verdict
July 24 – Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
July 31 – Marc Muller’s Grateful Jamband (Grateful Dead)
Oak Ridge Park, Clark – Wednesdays
Aug 7 – American Rapture
Aug 14 – Rob Paparozzi Juke Joint
Aug 21 – Hey Bulldog (Tribute to the Beatles)
Aug 28 – We May Be Right (The Billy Joel Experience)

For more details on the Summer Arts series, the Family Flix free outdoor movie 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 — Today marks 50 years since the start of the uprising at the Stonewall Inn that sparked the modern gay rights movement.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders honors the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, recognizing that the milestones achieved in the LGBTQ rights and equality movement today were made possible by trailblazers who first fought back against brutality and oppression and stood up for their rights then.

“The rebellion at the Stonewall Inn is one of the most important events that led to the rise of LGBTQ rights in this country,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “As elected officials, we are responsible for supporting the rights of all people. This Freeholder Board will continue to stand with the LGBTQ community to support inclusion and equality.”

This year’s Union County Pride events honored the early transgender, gay rights and AIDS activist, Marsha P. Johnson, a 1963 graduate of Elizabeth High School and a central figure in the gay liberation movement at Stonewall on the evening of June 28, 1969, highlighting her insistence on the urgency of resistance to advance civil rights protections for LGBTQ people.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of this significant moment in history, the Freeholder Board commends Union County elected officials and community leaders who hosted Pride flag raising ceremonies or community events to support visibility, dignity and equality for LGBTQ people in society.

“The unity found through Pride events is essential to increasing awareness and advancing civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Freeholder’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, we commend all of our municipal officials and community leaders who stand for inclusion and equality.”

This year, more than half of Union County’s municipalities joined the Freeholder Board to observe June as LGBTQ Pride Month with official Pride Month proclamations, community events or flying the rainbow flag in their community (supported by the Freeholder Board with a ‘Pride In A Box’ kit) including Cranford, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union and Westfield.

In recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride month, the Freeholder Board also offered a series of events to foster inclusion and accelerate acceptance in the Union County community, including the 2nd annual Union County LGBTQ Pride Flag Raising honoring transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson (June7), TEEN PRIDE, an affirming celebration that promotes equality amongst young people (June 14), UC PRIDE in the Park (June 15), Union County SAGE Table intergenerational community lunch (June 23) and PRIDE Night with the Red Bulls (June 28).

Union County’s Pride month events were organized by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and presented in partnership with WellCare Health Plans, Xfinity and Atlantic Health System.

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 Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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Union County Freeholders Sergio Granados and Angela Garretson joined New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) Foundation Executive Director John Donnadio, Investors Banks Vice President of Business Banking Carmen Rivera, PSE&G Regional Public Affairs Manager Michael Coyle and Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Gwendolyn Ryan in presenting NJAC Foundation scholarship checks and certificates to Union County Vocational Technical Schools graduates Lucas Jacomes of Rahway and Starrla Armwood of Summit. Lucas is the recipients of a Investors Bank Scholarship and Starrla is the recipient of the PSEG Scholarship.

The scholarships are funded by Investors Bank and PSE&G.

The NJAC Foundation is a non-profit organization affiliated with the New Jersey Association of Counties, and is committed to providing innovative educational opportunities for county vocational-technical school and county college students. Visit www.njac.org for additional details about NJAC and the NJAC Foundation. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)​

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that income-eligible seniors age 60 and up can apply for a total of $25.00 in free vouchers for use at local farmers markets. Seniors can redeem the vouchers for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at any participating market in Union County this summer, beginning on Thursday, June 27.

“In addition to the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, the voucher program also enables seniors to connect with their community and enjoy the social activity at local farmers markets in Union County,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

A limited number of vouchers are available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The voucher program is funded through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

To be eligible, a single person’s annual income cannot exceed $23,107 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $31,284.

Eligible seniors can apply for the vouchers by calling the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection toll free at 888-280-8226.

Seniors can also apply in person at any one of the eight voucher sites listed below. If needed, homebound seniors may send a proxy to apply on their behalf.

All applicants must provide proof of age, residency, and income, such as a Medicaid card, SSI, SNAP, annual pension, or Social Security statement.

The vouchers can be used at any farmers market in Union County where the yellow and black WIC sign is on display.

This year, participating markets are located in Cranford, Kenilworth, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle Park,  Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, and Westfied (please contact the host municipality for locations and hours of operation).                  

As a convenience, produce will also be available at five of the voucher sites beginning on July 15.

The voucher sites are:

Thursday June 27
Liberty Square Senior Center
240 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
1:00 to 3:00 pm

Monday July 1
Casano Community Center
314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
1:00 to 3:00 pm

Monday July 8
Hillside Senior Center
265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
9:00-11:00 am

Monday July 15
O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center
622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
9:00 am to 11 am (produce available)

Wednesday July 17
Warinanco Sports Center

1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle
9:30 am to 11:30 am (produce available)

Monday July 22
Ann Ferguson Towers
1601 Dill Ave., Linden
9:00 am to 11:00 am (produce available)

Wednesday July 24
Plainfield Senior Center
400 E. Front St., Plainfield
9:30 am to 11:30 am (produce available)

Wednesday August 7
Golden Age Towers
200 E. Milton Ave., Rahway
9:00 am to 11:00 am (produce available)

For more information about the farmers market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource call 1-888-280-8226 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.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of the 50^th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will hold a free screening of the Oscar-nominated film, Hidden Figures, which portrays the true story of African-American women who played a pivotal role in the race to orbit the Earth in 1962. The event will be held at the Union County College campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue, on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Roy Smith Theater.

The screening includes a live presentation by Plainfield resident Marion Lee Johnson. While an associate engineer at Boeing, Johnson was instrumental in the 1969 Apollo 11 launch, which culminated in the successful Moon landing of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

“We are fortunate to have people like Marion Johnson who have made such a difference for women in history by changing the way we look at women in STEM careers and by redefining gender and racial boundaries,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Hidden Figures is the untold story of three women who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn in 1962. This visionary trio crossed all gender and racial barriers and inspired generations of women to achieve in STEM careers.

As an engineer at Boeing, Ms. Johnson conducted trial runs and provided data input which led to the historic lunar landing on July 20, 1969.

Johnson followed in the trailblazing footsteps of the three African-American women portrayed in the film Hidden Figures. She continues to speak about the need for mentors, and how mentorship was critical to her education and to her career. 

The video featuring Mrs. Johnson will have its first public screening during the July 16 event. After July 16, it will be available to view on ucnj.org/women.

The event is free but registration is required online at ucnj.org/women. For more information please contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women, jerdos@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4216.

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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.

 

Elizabeth, New Jersey – The Union County Board of Elections announces that the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machines will be fully implemented in the 2019 General Election, with the machines debuting for the first time in the following municipalities: Clark, Cranford, Hillside, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Summit.

Voters in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, Union, Westfield and Winfield completed the transition to the new vote tabulation system during the course of the last two elections.

“For the first time in twenty years, the County has taken steps to make a significant investment in its election infrastructure. Voters who are already using the new machines have embraced the change. They appreciate the ease of the touch screen as well as the benefit of knowing their vote is properly recorded, provided by the voter verified paper audit trail,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator at the Union County Board of Elections.

“Union County was among the first three counties in New Jersey to introduce the new voting machines last year, and we are looking forward to having this new technology available in all 21 of our municipalities,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “I encourage all residents to attend one of the upcoming demonstration sessions and familiarize themselves with the new machines before the General Election in November.”

In October 2018, the County of Union awarded a contract to Election Systems & Software, LLC (ES&S) of Omaha, Nebraska to provide a new voting tabulation system for the County. The new voting machine, ExpressVote XL, marries a touch screen ballot marking device with a voter verified paper audit trail, allowing the voter to review their voting choices to ensure their vote is accurately recorded.

The voter verified audit trail also provides a paper record of the election which can be used for recounts and will be used for audits.

The initial award was for $1.9 million, and the total award will be $4.85 million, which includes new voting machines for the entire county, vote by mail, provisional ballot and audit trail tabulators, software, hardware and software maintenance and training.

The Election Board continues a proactive outreach campaign to train voters and poll workers on the new machine before Election Day.

The Election Board will be conducting weekly demonstrations at two locations starting immediately and continuing through the weekend before the General Election at the following locations, excluding holiday closures:

Colleen Fraser Building
300 North Avenue East, Westfield
Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm

Union County Courthouse
2 Broad Street, 1st Floor, Elizabeth
Tuesdays, 11:00am – 3:00pm

The Election Board is also confirmed to present public demonstrations at the following community events:

July 10 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

July 24 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

July 31 – Union County Concerts in the Park, Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

August 6 – Union County’s National Night Out, Meisel Park, Springfield: 6:00pm

August 7 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 14 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 15 –     Linden Community Center, 1025 John Street: 6:30 – 8:30pm

August 21 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 28 – Union County Summer Arts Festival, Oak Ridge Park, Clark

September 11 – Cranford Town Hall, 8 Springfield Avenue: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

September 24 – Clark Municipal Building, 430 Westfield Avenue: 11:00am -3:00pm

October 25 – Union County Mounted Troop Horse Show – Watchung Stables: 4:00 – 8:00pm

October 26 – Union County Mounted Troop Horse Show – Watchung Stables: 8:00am – 2:00pm

November 1- Union County Pumpkin Sail – Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

The schedule will be updated on the Elections Board website at ucnj.org/ucboe as events are added.

Please contact the Union County Election Board to schedule a demonstration for your community group by calling 908-527-4123 or emailing ndirado@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– The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the popular Wednesday Matinee series at Trailside Nature & Science Center will begin on July 10 and continue through August 14. 

This engaging family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes.  All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up.  Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. 

“Trailside’s Summer Wednesday Matinee Series is designed to entertain audiences of all ages while sparking interest in with a wide variety of science and nature topics,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The season kicks off on July 10 with the Science Tellers, an action-packed exploration of the out-of-this world science behind reactions, polymers, pressure, and more, including special effects like launching a potato into the air using Boyle’s law.

As a tribute to the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo mission, on July 17 Reach for the Moon will propel the audience to the outer reaches of our solar system, travelling 239,800 miles above earth to learn about the science of outer space travel.

The series continues on July 24, when Abracadabra… It’s Joe Fischer offers a blend of magic, audience participation, comedy, and excitement.

On July 31 Rizzo’s Reptiles features live lizards, snakes and an alligator for a fun lesson on conservation and the natural environment. 

Trailside welcomes Outrage-Hiss Pets on August 7 for a unique and educational live animal show with an opportunity to meet amazing creatures from all over the world.

The series concludes with Eyes of the Wild, an engaging presentation of live animals and fun facts on August 14.

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee series or other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us 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.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, 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:

 

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the next free mobile document shredding program will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus in Scotch Plains on Saturday, June 29.

The free shredding service also continues in July with two events, on Thursday, July 12 at Rahway River Park in the parking lot across from the swimming pool, and on Saturday, July 20 at the former Bristol Myers facility located at 1350 Liberty Avenue in Hillside.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred personal and confidential papers, free of charge” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It also promotes Union County’s recycling efforts and other green initiatives.”

All events will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.  The events will end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches 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 paper bags or boxes per person. Please note that leaf bags should not be used.

Paper that is pre-shredded, wet, or damp will not be accepted. Binders and paper clips should be removed. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

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

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds.

To stay up to date with Union County recycling events, download the free Recycle Coach app, call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889, or visit online at ucnj.org/recycling.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, 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.