Category: Public Info

On Sunday, the Freeholder Board and the City of Plainfield partnered with Hyacinth AIDS Foundation and Garden State Equality to host the first Union County SAGE Table community lunch at the new Plainfield Cultural Center (formerly FUSP). The intergenerational event brought together LGBTQ family members, friends and allies

Organized by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Division on Aging (ADRC), the event is a program of the national SAGE organization and is designed to draw the community closer together, to alleviate the loneliness common to many LGBT seniors and to share stories and ideas, and engage in meaningful conversation about how we relate to people across age boundaries in the community, and how we can take action together.

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams attended the event.

Union County, NJ – As summer begins in earnest, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders asks residents, businesses and visitors alike to help reduce the mosquito population.

“Mosquito control is something that everyone can help with, and it makes a big difference,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Aside from being itchy and annoying, mosquito bites can spread serious diseases like West Nile virus.”

The key to reducing mosquito populations is to remove their breeding sites. Mosquitos can breed practically anywhere water can collect. That includes clogged rain gutters, corrugated down spout extensions, outdoor equipment, children’s toys and playsets, and garden items including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows and tarpaulins.

Old tires are a major concern as they tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but one old tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes during the summer.

Even an item as small as an upturned bottle cap can become a prolific mosquito breeding ground.

The recent wet weather has provided mosquitos with an explosion of likely breeding sites. Property owners and tenants are advised to take advantage of a weekend dry spell to make a quick sweep of their yards and shake out any items that have collected stagnant water.

Unused pools, fountains and ornamental ponds should be drained and covered. Water in birdbaths should be refreshed daily.

Discarded tires, litter and other debris should be removed from the property, as they can also hold small amounts of stagnant water.

Additional guidance for property owners and tenants is available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at nj.gov/mosquito.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellants and to follow all instructions on the label carefully.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors. Exposure can also be reduced by avoiding time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has been in continual operation since April 1, 1912 and works closely with officials from New Jersey DEP. The Bureau regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts larviciding and adulticiding operations on an as-needed basis.

Mosquito infestations can be reported by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9835. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If necessary, the inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

#  #

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 County of Union has distributed the 2019 Discovering Our Parks grants to four municipalities. The grant is a component of the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund meant to encourage municipalities to incorporate County recreational facilities into summer camp programs offered to children.

Grants totaled $2,500 and were awarded in October of 2018 to participating agencies in Rahway, Roselle, Summit and Hillside. Funds will be used for summer camp programs during the Summer of 2019.

 “The Freeholder Board is thrilled to provide these Discover Our Parks grants that will assist our youngest residents in taking full advantage of County facilities through their locally organized summer camp programs,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Union County has excellent recreational facilities and we encourage municipalities to apply for these grants when available so that everyone has the opportunity to experience them.”

Groups participating in the Discover Our Parks program will be able to visit one facility in the morning, have a picnic lunch (provided by the participants) and visit a second facility in the afternoon. Each facility will provide the opportunity for a recreational activity.

“It’s always a pleasure to provide County youth with the chance to experience the outdoors,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who is Chairman of the Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “Through these grants they have the opportunity to learn about all our county has to offer.”

This year, recipients of the grants will have a choice of activities to include in their programs. Activities offered will take place at the following locations: Galloping Hill Driving Range, Ashbrook Pitch and Putt, the Watchung Stable and the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

For more information about this program and other grants available through the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund, contact Victoria Durbin, Trust Fund Administrator at 908-558-2277 or vdurbin@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.

Connect with Union County on social media:

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in a free skin cancer screening and sun safety educational event on Saturday, June 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Clark Community Pool, 201 Oak Ridge Road in Clark, rain or shine.

Part of a statewide initiative called “Choose Your Cover,” the event is open to all on a walk-in basis, but pre-registration is required to schedule a free skin cancer screening by calling the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

Personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Clark Health Department and Diare Dermatology will be on site to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn how to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to join with the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Clark to help the public connect with information and resources that can reduce the risk of skin cancer, and lead to early detection,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

Attendees who are pre-registered for a skin cancer screening will receive a special gift bag with skin cancer promotional materials, provided courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

Members of the public who are not pre-registered for a screening are also encouraged to come and learn how to keep from being overexposed to the sun.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk.

Overexposure to the sun is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Common sense precautions include:

• Cover up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics.
• Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of the head, ears and neck.
• Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
• Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
• Liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply frequently.
• Avoid indoor tanning beds, which are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

#  #

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella present a resolution to Ben Adams and Paul Brunda of Son’s Prestige Collision in Garwood recognizing them for their outstanding contributions to veterans in need, and thanking and acknowledging them for their acts of charity and patriotism in the community. They were joined by Mike Boll of the New Jersey Veterans Network.

The auto shop, through a partnership with GEICO Insurance and the New Jersey Veterans Network, have been able to restore and donate vehicles to local veterans with a goal of ensuring transportation is no longer a worry in their lives. Son’s Prestige Collision received 4 cars from the GEICO recycle rides program and worked tirelessly to repair the cars and then donate them to disabled veterans in need throughout the area. Prestige is currently working on an additional two cars for disabled veterans. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

County’s Division on Aging to hold public meeting on July 17th, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Rahway Senior Center to get public input on services for seniors

The Union County Division on Aging (in the County’s Department of Human Services) will host a public meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Rahway Senior Center, 1306 Esterbrook  Avenue, Rahway, to hear opinions from Union County’s senior adults about services needed that should be included in the state’s 2020 Area Plan.

“This meeting is an opportunity for seniors to tell us what services they think need to be increased, addressed or added to what county government currently provides,” said Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “The states must submit service plans to the federal Administration on Aging every four years that list service needs, establish priorities, and explain how the federal Older Americans Act and state funding will be used to reach plan goals.”

According to Freeholder Kowalski, Union County government is committed to maintaining its many services to senior adults and their care givers in areas such as home delivered and group meals; transportation, especially wheel chair accessible van transportation for medical care; and help applying for assistance available from state and federal programs.

“Each month staff in the Division on Aging hold information and assistance sessions in libraries and senior centers throughout the county in an effort to bring information and help to residents closer to their homes,” Freeholder Kowalski said.

The division provides services to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families.  The division’s services include Information and Assistance; the State Respite Program (SRP); and Nutrition programs, including home-delivered and congregate meals, and the Farmers Market food voucher program.

The Union County Division on Aging is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  As of 2012, the division became the Division on Aging and Disability Resource (ADRC) in compliance with a state initiative to better serve the elderly and disabled populations. The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call 908-527-4870 or the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or visit the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County is launching its free summer concert series this Friday, June 21, with a special performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School auditorium, at 667 Westfield Road in Scotch Plains.

The concert was initially planned as an outdoor event at Union County’s Echo Lake Park. It has been moved indoors due to saturated conditions at the park, following a long period of rainy weather.

The event is still free of charge and admission is on a walk-in basis. No reservations are necessary. Due to the change in venue, there will be no Get Fit Yoga session preceding the concert.

“In consideration of the musicians, the instruments, and the audience, we have moved the concert to a comfortable indoor venue,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Come and enjoy this very special event, and help us celebrate the beginning of our summertime schedule of music and movies on Union County parks.”

The regular schedule of free Union County Summer Arts Festival outdoor concerts will be begin at Echo Lake Park on Wednesday nights, July 10, 17, 24, and 31.

In August the series moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday nights, August 7, 14, 21, and 28.

All Summer Arts shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and include free Union County Get Fit Yoga programs beginning at 6:30 p.m. Yoga participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat.

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.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony orchestra visit njsymphony.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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Sergio Granados joined Union County Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Clerk of the Freeholder Board Jim Pellettiere, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) President and CEO James W. Horne, UWGUC VP of Programs and Operations Juanita Ayala-Vargas and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano in congratulating Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Angela R. Garretson, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Andrea Staten and Rebecca Williams on receiving the Community Impact-Trailblazer Award at the UWGUC Annual Celebration in Springfield. They also congratulated Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson on receiving the Champion for the Common Good Award and Union County Division of Community Services Director Brandon Givens on receiving a Rising Star Award. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – In recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in the next two Pride events organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs as Union County joins communities across the county to honor and recognize the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

One highlight of the month is the Union County SAGE Table, a community lunch that brings together many generations of LGBTQ family members, friends, and allies to share stories. This event takes place at the Plainfield Cultural Center (formerly FUSP) in Plainfield on Sunday, June 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. RSVP at gsequality.org/sagetable_uc.

Another upcoming event this month is the Red Bull’s third annual Pride Night, a sports event to promote community and inclusion. This year, the rain-or-shine event takes place at the Red Bull’s Arena in Harrison on Friday, June 28, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Join the Union County group by purchasing tickets online at ucnj.org/PRIDE. This year’s game falls on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising on June 28th, 1969. Pride Night aims to spread the message of love within the community and honor the Stonewall legacy.

“Pride events foster a sense of unity among Union County residents, and affirm their right to go out together and celebrate who they are,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to see our LGBTQ+ community represented at Red Bulls third annual Pride Night, and we thank the team for their support for equal rights and equal dignity.”

“June is an important month for LGBTQ+ residents in Union County, and this Freeholder Board is committed to ensuring that each resident feels included and supported,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Freeholder’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides us with a foundation for partnership with Garden State Equality and other grassroots organizations that bring community events and programs like the SAGE Table to Union County.”

For more information about all PRIDE events and activities hosted by the Freeholder Board visit ucnj.org/PRIDE.

Union County’s Pride month events are 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.

#  #

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 resident Victor Heras has received a statewide award out of more than 125 contestants in the New Jersey 4-H Public Speaking Contest, held earlier this month at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Mr. Heras, a Rahway high school student, won a Best in Room title for his presentation, “Classical Guitar.”

Mr. Heras was one of three Union County 4-H members who qualified to participate in the statewide contest, for students in grades 8-12. The other two Union County participants in the contest were Jack Morel of Fanwood, who spoke on, “Building an Electric Guitar,” and Anu Oluwakuydie of Union Township, who spoke on the “The Amendments of the Constitution.”

“Union County 4-H provides students with an opportunity to explore their passion in life, share their knowledge, and develop important life skills,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, congratulations to Mr. Heras on his award, and thank you to all of our 4-H members for their enriching contributions to our community.”

Union County 4-H clubs are open to all students in grades 1-12 and are grouped according to grade level. Teens can also continue the program into their post-high school year.

The clubs meet during the school year. They focus on popular topics from cooking and archery to pet care, fashion design and STEM. Some 4-H clubs also cover a variety of subjects. Each club has a volunteer adult leader who helps the students organize their meetings and activities.

Students can also design their own topic and work with a 4-H club leader to develop their activities during the school year.

The 4-H program is part of a county-based, national youth development network under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. First launched in the early 20^th century as a program for rural youth, today 4-H helps all students across the U.S. practice foundational skills including teamwork, organization, public speaking, and involvement in the community.

For information about enrolling in a Union County 4-H club, call Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org. Clubs are organized each September during an open house event, where students can meet the club leaders in person and sign up.

Union County 4-H is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported in part by the Freeholder Board with offices in the Union County Complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For more information on all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Gardeners, and Master Tree Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce. For more information about New Jersey 4-H, visit nj4h.rutgers.edu.

#  #

4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law.

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.