Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and older can visit any of seven convenient Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) locations to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.

Experienced staff will be available at public libraries in Linden, Mountainside, Clark, Fanwood and Summit. ASK will also be available at a community center in Westfield.

“Our goal is to help residents connect with expert assistance and personal guidance, in a friendly, familiar environment close to home,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The ASK program has helped hundreds of County residents since it first began in 2012 and I encourage seniors, their families and caregivers to make use of this popular service.”

Through the ASK community outreach program, members of the staff travel throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any ASK event. The March 2018 dates and locations are:

 

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.

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, 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 or visit the Union County government website 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.

Please note: due to inclement weather, the May 12 event at Green Brook Park has been postponed until further notice.

Union County, NJ – If you are looking for a chance to pitch in for the environment, come to a special volunteer event with the Union County Adopt-a-Park program and members of the North Plainfield Shade Tree Advisory Board on Saturday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and help clean up a section of Green Brook Park.

Green Brook is part of the Union County Parks system. It is located in Plainfield and extends into North Plainfield.

Members of the public can meet up with the cleanup team at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Parkview Avenue and Clinton Avenue in North Plainfield, next to the Green Brook Park sign.

This area is tended to regularly by members of the Shade Tree Advisory Board, and extra hands are needed on May 12 to help pick up litter and debris, and clear away invasive species so that native plants have room to grow next spring.

Gloves, bags and tools will be provided and participants should bring an empty bucket if they have one. The cleanup event will be over by noon.

Volunteers should dress to get muddy and/or dirty!

Any individual or group can join Adopt-A-Park and help preserve Union County’s 36 public parks. For more information visit Adopt-A-Park online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-789-3683.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities 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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados announced today that Union County is prepared for the hundreds of anglers who descend on the County’s parks and waterways for the opening day of trout season, scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 8 a.m.

According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Union County rivers and lakes are scheduled to be stocked with 23,950 rainbow trout this spring. The trout are among approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised this season at the Division’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Hackettstown.

The following County waterbodies and the number of trout they are receiving are as follows:

• Lower Echo Lake – 1,300
• Milton Lake – 1,860
• Nomahegan Park Lake – 400
• Passaic River* – 7,260           
• Rahway River – 11,900
• Seeley’s Pond, Watchung Reservation – 780
• Warinanco Park Lake – 450

* Includes entire length of river upstream and downstream from Union County

The Division has also announced that stocking on the Rahway River has been extended two miles from St. Georges Ave. to Lawrence St. in Rahway.

“Fishing is a fun, affordable activity that residents of any age may enjoy,” Freeholder Chairman Granados said. “Our parks are easily accessible and we are excited to continue this Spring ritual with the cooperation of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.”

To fish for trout or salmon, a valid annual New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age plus all non-residents 16 years and older. Only one daily creel limit of trout may be in possession. Once the creel limit is reached, an angler may continue to fish provided any additional trout caught are immediately returned to the water unharmed. When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, hand lines or combination thereof may be used. Separate stringers or buckets must be used for each angler’s catch. Containers in boats may hold only the combined daily creel limit for each legal angler on board.

For more information on New Jersey’s Spring Trout Season, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm or call the Trout Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a new CPR training initiative offered through the Department of Public Safety will be available in April. All classes are open to the general public.

“I encourage all Union County residents to learn basic first aid and emergency response skills. A medical emergency can happen to anyone at any time, and a trained bystander can literally save a life by stepping in to help until professional responders arrive,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The CPR classes will be conducted by Emergency Medical Technicians from Union County Emergency Medical Services.

The Freeholder Board is providing the instructional part of the program free of charge. Participants will pay only for course materials fee, which totals $23.25 for the classroom manual and certification card.

A medical or professional background is not required. Any Union County resident can attend.

Participants may choose from any one of the following three dates:

Sunday, April 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

All classes will be held in the Union County Emergency Services Building, at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park.

The materials fee of $23.25 is accepted by check, made out to RWJ Rahway (checks will be collected at the beginning of class).    

Participants should be prepared for physical movement including kneeling, bending, and simulation of chest compressions. The class also includes video presentations.

Registration is online at ucnj.org/public-safety/division-of-emergency-services.

For additional information contact the Office of Emergency Management at ucoem@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9881 and ask for Lt. Sara Chmura.

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Photo (cropped): via Wikimedia Commons.

 

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 bird watchers of all ages to tune into the County’s free Falcon Cam online at ucnj.org/falcon and observe a pair of rare peregrine falcons start their family in a nest perched on the roof of the Union County Courthouse tower. The nest, 17 stories high above the bustling streets of midtown Elizabeth, has been home to falcons every year since 2005.

“The Falcon Cam is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this fierce and fascinating bird. We are delighted to share it with the world as a service to our community here at home, and to the global community, too,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The proud parents welcomed their first egg into the nest last Thursday. The second egg arrived on Saturday.

“The revival of the peregrine falcon shows how much we can accomplish when we all work toward the same goal – on the national, state and local level, with our academic and non-profit partners, and with members of the public who are informed and educated about the importance of wildlife conservation,” said Granados. “In ways great and small, we can all make a difference.”

Once found throughout the United States, peregrine falcons – known as “nature’s finest flying machines” for their daring high speed dives — were rendered virtually extinct in the eastern part of the country after the 1960’s. The population decline has been linked to the pesticide DDT as well as hunting, loss of habitat and other human activity.

Conservationists slowly succeeded in re-establishing peregrine falcons in the eastern U.S. after the Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT in 1972, and Congress passed the Endangered Species Conservation Act in 1973.

Only about two dozen pairs of nesting falcons are known to reside in New Jersey. Union County works with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the nonprofit organization Conserve Wildlife to monitor the County Courthouse nest, check the health of the falcons and share information.

Last year, Conserve Wildlife began incorporating the County’s Falcon Cam into an educational program for students in grades 1 and up. More information on the curriculum is available from Conserve Wildlife at onservewildlifenj.org.

For more details about Union County’s Falcon Cam and a timeline of activity in the nest visit ucnj.org/falcon.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at 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 summer lifeguard positions are available at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“Union County’s Ulrich Pool provides our youth and adult summer job seekers with an opportunity to enjoy working outdoors in the fresh air all summer long, while sharpening valuable life skills including leadership, teamwork and responsibility,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County residents age 16 and up who are interested in applying can contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation for details about hours, salary, certification and other eligibility requirements by calling 908- 527-4900.

“Training is available for applicants without certification, so I encourage anyone who is interested in a lifeguard position to call the Parks Department and find out more,” said Granados.

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 – On Tuesday, Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle, hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The free workshop was presented by Garden State Equality Health and Wellness Coordinator Bianca Mayes in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services and the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, to educate service providers on issues affecting LGBTQ older adults.

“Pledge and Protect is a good example of the difference County government can make, by helping non-profit organizations, businesses and other stakeholders connect in the common goal of ensuring that LGBTQ older adults have access to services that enable them to live with equal dignity and respect,” said Chairman Granados. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I thank all of our Pledge and Protect participants for reaching out to be part of the change.”

The Pledge and Protect workshops are part of a national movement to ensure equal rights for LGBTQ older adults. In the workshops, service providers learn about issues affecting LGBT older adults. They also pledge to take affirmative steps that make their programs more welcoming, including raising awareness among both staff and volunteers.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the LGBTQ office is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

Photo caption (photo attached): Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados (c.) attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle, organized by (l-r) Union County Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator Danni Newbury, Garden State Equality Health and Wellness Coordinator Bianca Mayes, Department of Human Services Division of Outreach and Advocacy Directory Maureen Segale Glenn, and Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection Assistant Director Natalie Zarillo.

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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 reminds educators that the Design It! and Explore It! STEM series for afterschool programs is once again available through Rutgers 4-H Youth Development.

“The Design It! and Explore It! series enables afterschool programs to introduce science, technology, engineering and math skills in a supportive and fun environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These lessons help build confidence in tackling STEM challenges at a young age and encourage a lifelong interest in STEM topics.”

Afterschool programs that register for the Design It! or Explore It! series will receive professional development, curriculum guides and materials kits needed to implement team-based engineering and science projects in an afterschool or out-of-school setting. Rutgers 4-H Youth Development also provides ongoing support and technical assistance.

The two series were developed by the Education Development Center, Inc. in Boston and the National Partnerships for After School Science, with the support of the National Science Foundation.  Rutgers leads the National Partnerships program in New Jersey.

Educators can visit the Design It! and Explore It! website at nj4h.rutgers.edu/stem-training for more details. For additional assistance contact Chad Ripberger at ripberger@rce.rutgers.edu or call 609-989-6830. Applications are due by June 15.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders supports 4-H through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, which offers 4-H Clubs for students in grades K-12, and the Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and Environmental Stewards civic service programs for adults.

Information on all Extension programs is available online at the Union County website, ucnj.org/rce.

To join a Union County 4-H club or volunteer to lead a club, contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Union County Extension Agent, at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854.

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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 National Autism Awareness Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the new Office for People with Special Needs is available to provide opportunities to engage in recreational and social activities, and connect with the broader community.

One highlight of the month is Union County’s annual Walk for Autism Awareness and Spring Carnival, featuring entertainment, food and prizes. This year the rain-or-shine event takes place at the County’s Mattano Park in Elizabeth on April 28, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

“Throughout April, blue lights illuminate many homes, landmarks and buildings to encourage awareness, support and inclusion for people with autism,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The new Office for People with Special Needs provides us with a springboard for moving from awareness to action.”

The Office for People with Special Needs is the first office of its kind in New Jersey. It was established this year as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s 2018 “Moving Union County Forward” initiative, which focuses on including and empowering all residents.

Union County’s ongoing programs for people with autism include the Sensory Friendly Theatre series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The series was established as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre provides a ‘judgment free zone’ where children and their families can enjoy the enriching experience of live performances,” said Mirabella. “I’m very proud that my colleagues on the Freeholder Board continue to support this popular program.”

For more information about Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org.

Granados noted that New Jersey residents have an especially strong interest in focusing resources on programs for people with autism.

“Nationally, one in 68 school age children are identified on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the number climbs to one in 41 in New Jersey,” he said. “It is imperative to step up our efforts to ensure that people with autism, along with their families, friends and caregivers, have access to programs and activities that connect them with the broader community.”

The Office for People with Special Needs provides 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.

The office also partners with educational, health and social services organizations serving those living with special needs children.

Activities for people with autism in April offered by Union County in April include yoga, volleyball, and more. The annual Touch-A-Truck event also includes a quiet hour for children with sensory sensitivities.

In support of Autism Awareness Month, the Freeholder Board will also host a group outing to the Red Bulls Arena through the Office for People with Special Needs.

Beginning in May and after, the programs include ceramics, karate, Zumba and cooking, along with social events including the Spring Fishing  Derby, Summer Carnival, Fall Fishing Derby, Barn Dance, Ice Skating and Night out with the New Jersey Devils.

The Walk for Autism Awareness and Spring Carnival is offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office for People with Special Needs, with the generous help of community partners, PepsiCo and the Pepsi Beverage Company. To join, use the online registration form at ucnj.org/opsn-reg.

For more details about the Walk for Autism Awareness, and for more information about all programs for special needs youth and families, contact the Office for Special Needs Coordinator Manuel Ramirez at 908-527-4781 or Assistant Coordinator Nicole DeAugustine at 908-527-4916.

For all Union County recreational programs and activities, visit ucnj.org/parks. Online registration for all programs is available at ucnj.org/opsn-reg.

 

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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.

Bonus: “Mercury Bounty”$5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats

Union County, NJ – Earth Day is coming up soon, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for everyone to pitch in and help improve the environment. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other special waste, by bringing these items to the free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday April 14, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vo-Tech Schools campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

As a bonus, the company Covanta is partnering with the Freeholder Board to offer $5.00 Home Depot gift cards for residents turning in old mercury thermostats.

“The Household Hazardous Waste event is one of the best ways that anyone in Union County can help make a real difference,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Bring your unwanted household chemicals to the Vo-Tech campus on April 14 for environmentally safe disposal. Everyone can help protect the air we breathe, the water that sustains our life, and the soil that grows our food, by disposing of harmful substances safely.”

“Covanta is proud to partner with Union County for a ‘Mercury Bounty’ take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino. “Covanta will be offering $5 Home Depot gift cards to any resident who turns in a mercury-containing thermostat.”

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection event provides Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide an opportunity for you to improve the safety and healthfulness of your home, too,” said Granados. “The April 14 event is rain-or shine, so no matter what the weather you can start looking through your closets, cupboards and sheds now for items that you wish to dispose of.” 

Residents need only drive to the site with their items for disposal. Once at the site, residents stay in their vehicles while workers unload the items.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Please note that latex paint is not accepted. Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it up, donate it or share with a neighbor. If those options are not available, the paint can be dried in the can, and/or mixed with kitty litter or newspaper, then disposed with regular household garbage.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on April 14 as well as future event dates and locations, please visit ucnj.org/recycle.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative includes programs that enhance the County’s recycling, conservation and environmental education, such as grants for school and community gardens and a new Earth Day discount for compost bins and rain barrels. Residents interested in purchasing a compost bin or rain barrel at 50% off the retail price can visit Plant a Seed at ucnj.org/union-county-plant-a-seed for more information.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection at 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.