Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographic mandalas by Danielle Wilkinson of Clark in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Ms. Wilkinson’s work entitled “Photographic Mandalas from Nature” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 29. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“Ms. Wilkinson’s skills as a photographer and digital designer come together in a series of powerful images. The Freeholder Board is very proud to provide this opportunity for the public to enjoy this unique perspective on the natural world,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Danielle Wilkinson is an artist currently creating and teaching workshops in drawing, photography, spirituality and yoga. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ramapo College of NJ and her NJ Art & Education Certification from St. Peter’s College in NJ.

Ms. Wilkinson taught art at David Brearley Middle and Kenilworth High School for 14 years, bringing her students and their work annually to the Union County Teen Arts Festival. Artwork created by her graphic design students was chosen as the official Kenilworth flag, historical seal and “Cast” logo.

Her students also worked with the Restore the Shore campaign to raise money for victims of Superstorm Sandy, by designing and selling t-shirts. In 2012-2013 she was named High School Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Wilkinson is the owner and Director of Aquarian Yoga Center, which has locations in Westfield and Clark. Her artwork is on her line of yoga clothing and mats, and she has exhibited her work extensively in galleries and other venues throughout the state and beyond. She is also a Getty iStock Photo contributor, the illustrator of Little Wave, and the author of her own book, Conduit of Light, published in 2018. She is also a guest lecturer at Kean University.

To see more works by Danielle Wilkinson, visit daniellewilkinson.com .

The Pearl Street Gallery space is available only for works that can be hung on a wall. Union County artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery and other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@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.

County also announces drop off sites for diapers and feminine hygiene products; residents encouraged to make financial contributions to NJ Food Bank

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced an online assistance guide for Federal employees who are experiencing hardship due to the prolonged government shutdown.

The guide can be accessed at www.ucnj.org/federal-shutdown/  and contains location information on food pantries, soup kitchens and diaper bank sites; County drop-off box locations for those wishing to donate diapers, and feminine hygiene products; SNAP information; a donation link to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey; and a list of nationally-known businesses offering federal workers relief, including free meals, restaurant discounts to deferring payments and zero-interest loans.

“Federal employees and their families need our help, and the County of Union and our residents are prepared,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “We will continue to update our webpage and social media as more information becomes available on how to assist these employees.”

There are approximately 460 Federal employees who live throughout Union County, according to the most recent information available from the Census Bureau.

Kowalski added: “At this time, we are finding the greatest issue to be food insecurity.  We are also encouraging County residents who are able to make monetary donations to consider donating to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which is the agency that provides food to the pantries and soup kitchens listed. Financial donations are preferable to food collections because the food bank is able to leverage monetary donations to make the dollars go much farther. We have been made aware that diapers and feminine hygiene products are also in short supply.”

The County will be collecting feminine hygiene products and diapers for distribution through the Community Food Bank at the following County government locations:

• Union County Administration Building Lobby- 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
• Union County Socials Services Building located at-
  • 342 Westminster Ave., Elizabeth
  • 200 West 2nd St., Plainfield
• Froehlich Public Safety Building-400 North Ave., East, Westfield
• Engineering & Public Works Building-2325 South Ave., Scotch Plains

Offices are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Residents who receive assistance through the SNAP Food Assistance program received allocations for January and February earlier this week. Recipients are urged to budget their funds as the dollars credited to the cards must hold them over for two months rather than one, as is the norm.  Federal employees not receiving SNAP, and who need the assistance can visit the web link on how to apply for benefits during the shutdown.

Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six (6) dates and locations in February to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Westfield; Clark; Garwood; Elizabeth; Union; and at the Senior Center in Rahway with Spanish speaking staff at this site.

“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 program brings our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff 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 February 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, February 4
Westfield Memorial Library
550 E. Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, February 7
Rahway Senior Center
Bilingual staff will be available at this site
1306 Esterbrook Avenue
Rahway, 07065
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, February 11
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Thursday, February 21
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, 07027
10:00 – 12:00 noon

Friday, February 22
Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora branch
740 W. Grand Street
Elizabeth, 07202
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Tuesday, February 26
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
11:30 am – 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’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.

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

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: 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. 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a free teacher training workshop for teachers K-8 on Thursday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The “Eagle Cam in the Classroom” program offers a unique opportunity for formal and non-formal grade school teachers to learn how a wildlife cam can be effectively used as a teaching tool.

“We’re glad to offer this teacher training workshop to help teachers bring eagles, virtually, into their classrooms. Through this program, students can see first-​hand how these majestic birds live and, hopefully, how we can help them survive,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. 

The bald eagle population in New Jersey continues to soar largely due to the work of biologists from the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF). 

Teachers can learn more about the habits and habitats of bald eagles and how to bring these charismatic raptors into their classroom through the use of CWF’s live cams.  CWF and New Jersey State Biologist for eagles, Larissa Smith, will help teachers understand the science behind New Jersey’s bald eagle population and the adaptations that make them unique. 

In addition, Stephanie DAlessio, Education Director of CWF will explain the many ways eagle ecology can be used in the curriculum for STEM lessons.  Live birds of prey will make an appearance from the Tenafly Nature Center.

A light morning snack and lunch will be served. Earn 5 professional education credits. Class size is limited; register early at ucnj.org/trailside.

This program is free and is made possible by funding support from Conserve Wildlife Foundation and the Trailside Museum Association.

For more information about these programs or other activities 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.       

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Photo credit: Don Freiday, USFWS.

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 would like to remind residents that immunizations are available to eligible children ages 2 months to 18 years of age without medical insurance at the Union County Immunization center, through the federal Vaccines for Children program.

“The Immunization Center was established by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1996 to provide immunizations to children without medical insurance,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “All children deserve to live healthy lives regardless of their family’s economic status, and our county is working diligently to provide those opportunities.”

The Immunization Center provides information about available health services to families in need, screenings and more than a dozen immunizations for eligible children under age 18.

Children who are uninsured or underinsured, or who receive Medicaid or N.J. Family Care are eligible for services. A total of 1,936 children were vaccinated in 2018 at the Union County Immunization Center.

To receive vaccinations for a child, parents or guardians are required to provide the eligible child’s birth certificate, current vaccination records, parent or legal guardians ID. Legal guardians must also have guardianship papers from the Court. If the child is in school, a referral by a school nurse must be presented.

The following vaccinations are available at the Union County Immunization Center:

• TD – Tetanus and Diphtheria
• DtaP – Whooping Cough or Pertussis
• HIB – Haemophilus Influenza Type B
• Prevnar – Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (for bacterial infections that cause pneumonia, blood, and brain infections)
• Gardasil
• Proquad
• Rota
• Meningococcal
• Pentacel
• MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German or 3-day Measles)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella – Chickenpox
• Flu
• Pediarix – DtaP; Hepatitus B; and IPV (inactivated polio vaccine)

To make an appointment at the Union County Immunization Center, to determine if a child qualifies for services, or to find out more about the program, call the Immunization Center weekdays during regular business hours at (908) 965-3627/3868.

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Image credit: cdc.gov

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.

Due to the federal government shutdown, you will be receiving your February benefits early. If you received a SNAP benefit in January and were scheduled to receive SNAP in February, your February benefits will be available on your Families First card on January 17.

For ongoing updates on how the federal shutdown may impact your SNAP benefits, visit NJSNAP.gov.

Union County residents with questions using the Elizabeth Social Services Office may call 908-965-2700 and those using the Plainfield Office can call 908-791-7000.

Información importante para beneficiarios de SNAP sobre sus beneficios de febrero

Debido al cierre del gobierno federal, recibirá sus beneficios del Programa de asistencia nutricional suplementaria (SNAP) de febrero con anterioridad. Si recibió un beneficio de SNAP en enero y tenía programado recibirlo en febrero, sus beneficios de febrero estarán disponibles en su tarjeta de Families First el 17 de enero

Este es su beneficio de todo el mes de febrero, así que haga un presupuesto con eso en mente.

Los beneficios de asistencia monetaria de febrero para Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), la Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF) y la Asistencia General (GA) estarán disponibles en su tarjeta Families First en su fecha regular

Para obtener actualizaciones continuas sobre cómo el cierre federal puede afectar sus beneficios de SNAP, visite NJSNAP.gov.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Teen Arts Festival is looking for volunteers who enjoy working with middle and high school students in and an exciting and dynamic setting.

“The Teen Arts Festival is a high-energy event that showcases the creativity of thousands of our local students. We depend on the public to volunteer and help foster their talents through a variety of artistic disciplines,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Whether you are an amateur or professional artist, or simply enjoy working with young people, volunteering at Teen Arts is a great way to help encourage youth through the arts.”

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, March 14 and March 15. The festival is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For over 30 years, the Union County Teen Arts Festival has provided a high-visibility forum for the artistic talents of County students. With nearly 3,50

0 participants, the event offers performances, critiquing seminars, master classes and workshops with a staff of 55 professional artists in every discipline – visual art, music, creative writing, theater and dance, the festival is a great experience for participants as well as volunteers.

Volunteers are needed to assist artists with workshops, manage performance sites and staff information stations. Volunteers must be over 18 and not currently enrolled in high school.

The two-day festival is held annually at Union County College in Cranford. The event is open to all students from public, charter, private and parochial middle and high schools in Union County.

For more information about the Union County Teen Arts Festival or to sign up as a volunteer, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ Relay Users call 711. Or e-mail us at: culturalinfo@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.

Reaching out to Families, Individuals, Youth and Veterans Experiencing Homelessness; Freeholder Chair Kowalski asks County agencies to assess impact and Response To Prolonged Closure

When: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 (Exact times will vary by county)
Where:  Across New Jersey’s twenty-one counties
Who is counting:  Organizations, agencies and others planning community efforts to end homelessness

On January, 23, 2019, the County of Union will be among all 21 Counties that participate in NJCounts 2019, conducting a state-wide Point-In-Time Count of the sheltered and unsheltered homeless.  NJCounts 2019 of homeless families, youth and veterans will continue to guide efforts to end homelessness across the state.

NJCounts 2018 found 9,303 homeless men, women and children, in 6,982 households, across the state of New Jersey. This number increased by 771 persons (9%) from 2017. NJCounts 2018 counted individuals who were homeless on the night of January 23, 2018. 

“As we plan the Point-in-Time Count, we are working in the shadow of the federal shutdown,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Federal employees working without a paycheck – along with people who depend on HUD-funded rental assistance – could become homeless. On behalf of my Freeholder colleagues, I’ve asked the County’s agencies to assess the impact of a prolonged closure, and what measures we can take to lessen the burden on those affected.”

In this year’s NJCounts, the many factors expected to impact an increase or decrease from NJCounts 2018 numbers include:

• As Chair Kowalski noted, the current shutdown of the federal government impacts housing and homelessness programs funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), puts furloughed government workers living pay check to pay check at risk of eviction and foreclosure and leaves programs receiving HUD funding worrying about making payroll. More specifically, formerly homeless persons housed through HUD funded rental assistance vouchers face increased risk of losing their housing and once again becoming homeless as the government shut down freezes agencies’ ability to drawdown rental assistance funding for those individuals and families increasing the likelihood of eviction;
• Even when the federal government is open and all workers are receiving their paychcecks, many jobs in New Jersey do not pay a living wage and jobs with living wage are leaving the state;
• A shortage of funding for affordable rental housing in New Jersey drives up both the demand and costs;
• A growing body of data shows the connection between poor health outcomes, increased health system costs and homelessness.  As hospital systems look into this issue more closely, we hope to see increased participation from local hospitals in NJCounts; and
• As more communities work to refine their Code Blue response system and provide warming center services to unsheltered persons coupled with the cold temperatures for this winter, the overall NJCounts numbers will likely be impacted.

NJCounts 2019 is designed to understand the nature of New Jersey’s homeless population so that limited resources can meet its needs.  On January 23, 2019, volunteers will seek out our neighbors experiencing homelessness in shelters, woods, under bridges, in vacant buildings and other locations.  Due to the lack of affordable or supportive housing available to them, individuals and families are forced to find alternatives to housing they can afford. 

HUD mandates the statewide point-in-time count of the homeless known in New Jersey as NJCounts 2019.  Monarch Housing Associates coordinates this year’s statewide count being conducted county-by-county at the local level. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency funds NJCounts 2019.

Union County, NJ— An ambitious group of Union County Adopt-a-Park volunteers spent several hours clearing away a logjam in the Rahway River at Nomahegan Park in Cranford last Saturday afternoon. Helped by a passer-by who loaned two kayaks to the effort, they bagged and removed trash and recyclables from the river and from the surrounding area, too.

“Our Adopt-a-Park volunteers do a wonderful job, and additional help is always welcome,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, who regularly joins in park cleanup events. “This was an especially difficult and demanding project. I would like to thank all who participated for pitching in and helping to conserve the natural habitat in our county parks.”

The cleanup was organized by Union County Adopt-a-Park volunteer and Professor Daniela Shebitz of Kean University. Professor Shebitz, a resident of Cranford, conducts conservation activities in Union County parks through the Adopt-A-Park program.

After spotting the logjam, Professor Shebitz contacted the Adopt-a-Park program and organized a group of volunteers. Adopt-a-Park provided the group with gloves and other supplies.

While the volunteers were clearing the debris, a nearby resident noticed the activity and returned with two kayaks to help.

“The kayaks were instrumental in helping the volunteers bag up the debris before it could float farther down the river,” explained Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

Trash and recyclables collect in rivers and streams and often get hung up on tree branches, creating a logjam effect.

Eventually, the debris finds its way to the ocean and contributes to the growing problem of ocean plastic pollution. Floating bags and other items create hazards for fish and other wildlife that mistake them for food.

Residents can help keep plastic and other debris out of waterways in Union County parks by depositing trash and litter in secure containers where it cannot be disturbed by wind or wildlife.

To help cut down on plastic waste, residents can carry reusable water bottles, bring reusable bags when shopping, and keep up to date on rules for recycling.

Any individual or group is welcome to join Adopt-a-Park. For more information contact the Adopt-a-Park coordinator at 908-789-3683 or visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

For all Union County recycling programs and links to local recycling coordinators, visit ucnj.org/recycling.

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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 is pleased to announce the launch of the first annual Union County Clerk “I Voted” Sticker Design Art Contest for students in grades 5-12. All Union County students in public, private and home schools are invited to participate.

“The tremendous outpouring of interest in the 2018 midterm election cycle demonstrates that today’s voters are motivated and engaged in the democratic process. With the new I Voted Sticker Design Art Contest, we hope to inspire the up-and-coming generation to get involved, learn about elections and voting, and prepare for the day when they, too, can participate,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Participants must be residents of Union County who are currently enrolled in public, private or home schools within Union County in grades 5 to 12.

The artwork must be an original idea, submitted with a brief description explaining how the design represents the importance of voting.

“Many of our cities and towns give out ‘I Voted!’ stickers on Election Day and voters really like them,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The new contest is a wonderful way for students in our community to contribute their civic energy and creativity, and help encourage all eligible Union County residents to exercise their right to vote.”

The design must include the phrase “I Voted” and contain the theme of voting and elections in Union County. Designs must be submitted on a flat 8-1/2” x 11”paper or cardboard surface.

Pencil, ink, acrylic, oil, watercolor, crayon, marker and pastels are all accepted. Computer-generated designs will not be considered.

Designs may be submitted in the 5^th-8^th grade category or the 9^th-12^th grade category. One winning design will be selected in each category.

The two winning designs will be reproduced on stickers and given to voters in the 2019 Primary and General Elections.

For complete rules and submission instructions visit the office of the County Clerk online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

Additional information is available by email at ivotedcontest@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4787.

Entries must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, March 1, 2019 by 3:00 p.m.

For all County Clerk programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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