Category: Public Info

The County of Union’s Human Services Department has issued a Countywide Code Blue alert from today until Sunday evening in an effort to get the homeless population into shelter, as overnight temperatures are expected to plunge either below or around freezing  over the next few days.

The alert goes out from the county’s Department of Human Services, which notifies emergency shelters, social service workers, community organizations, and the County Police. The County Police get the word out to law enforcement personnel in all 21 municipalities. The early warning gives communities time to identify and locate people potentially in need of help. Shelters get time to arrange for extra beds using cots provided by the County. County and municipal police go on the lookout for persons needing shelter, and assist them with transportation.

If residents see a homeless person sleeping in these conditions at night, they are urged to contact their local police department to get them to shelter.

 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen presents Union County College Head Coach Alex J. Louis with a resolution congratulating him upon his 300th win with the college’s mens soccer. The milestone came when the men’s soccer team defeated Cumberland County College 7-1 at Union County’s College’s home field site at Snyder Avenue Turf Field in Berkeley Heights. The coach has been at the helm of the men’s soccer program at Union County College for the past 21 seasons. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Bette Jane Kowalski present a resolution to Eric Rubinson and Arthur Hearns of the Cranford Jaycees recognizing and commending them for their efforts in the Track Friday Fundraiser that focuses on hurricane relief and to purchase new instruments for Cranford Middle Schools.

On the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, people are encouraged to participate by walking or running on local tracks to raise money for different charities.

Cranford’s Track Friday is hosted by the Cranford Jaycees, who will donate the proceeds to hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and new musical instruments for Cranford Middle Schools. Participants can also create individual fundraisers.

For more information about Track Friday visit www.trackfriday.org. To learn more about the Cranford Jaycees, visit www.cranfordjaycees.org.

The following information is provided by The Model Railroad Club, Inc.

www.tmrci.org

The 2016 annual Light and Sound Show opens Friday, November 25th

at The Model Railroad Club, Inc. in Union Township, NJ

More than 50 HO-Scale Model Passenger and Freight Train Cars on a 40×40-foot Layout Tells the Story of New Jersey Railroads in the 1950s.

WHEN:       NOV 24 – DEC 10 (Fri, Sat and Sun)

OPENING DAY: Friday, Nov. 24: 12:00 Noon-10pm

Then…

Fridays, 7-10 pm (Dec 1 and 8)

Saturdays, 10 am – 8pm (Nov 25, Dec 2, 9)

Sundays, 11am-8pm (Nov 26, Dec 4, 10)

WHERE:    Jefferson Avenue, off Route 22 East, Union Township, NJ
                   (Behind The Home Depot)

TICKETS:      Advance purchase at the Club’s ticket window and gift shop on Saturdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., or by mail.   Advance tickets available online on the Club’s website (www.tmrci.org/annual-show.html). Advance ticket prices are $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children (ages 3 through 15) and $5.00 for teens age 12 – 16. Prices are higher at the door on the days of the show.  Children age 2 and under admitted free of charge.  Group rates are available to groups of 10 or more persons (please contact the Club for pricing and additional information).                                                            

UNION, NJ – The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County, Department of Parks and Recreation.

Now in its 67th year, The Model Railroad Club INC. (TMRCI) presents its annual “Sound and Light Show” on its 11,000-sq-foot, historic layout. Viewed from an overhead gallery, and run by club volunteers from 14 to 90 years old, the 20-minute show (which runs repeatedly throughout the day/evening) features theatrical lighting and songs to evoke the history and magic of three regional New Jersey railroads of the 1950s.

Between shows, parents and kids can see the trains up-close on their 40×40-foot layout, as well as tour the 80×60-foot extension of the railroad that is still under construction and features a cork screw loop [too operate trains between two levels], hand-laid track, educational displays and video-feeds from trains as they make their way around the track.  There is also a double-decker N-scale layout (trains even smaller than HO) with operating trains and detailed scenes of New Jersey — including Port Reading harbor, steel mill and circus – in its own 30×27-foot showroom. The Club’s indoor G gauge layout will also be operating.  And there’s a snack bar, railroad/gift shop, and a play area for little ones, with Thomas trains and train videos.

All proceeds support the operations of The Model Railroad Club, Inc., one of the largest railroad clubs in New Jersey. The Club has approximately 170 volunteer members who help to fulfill the mission of the club to educate the general about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.

Under an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, The Model Railroad Club has constructed and operates the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center, located in a mixed use area of the county’s Lenape Park off Route 22 East in Union Township.

TMRCI is open to the public every Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. The art and craft of model railroading is thriving in Union County. Club members are delighted to provide visitors with a behind the scenes look at our work. During your visit, if you have the itch, ask a member about joining.  On Tuesday evenings, in a closed session, members operate the three HO railroads using club time tables.

Free parking is available on site and the building is wheelchair accessible.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. (TMRCI) Welcomes Senior Citizens

Many senior citizens love railroading and had model trains in the early years and practiced the hobby of model railroading. Now for many everything is packed in boxes or gone due to lack of space.  Come pay us a visit and renew the Joy.

The Club’s mission is to educate its members and the general public about the railroads, and industries they served, in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area. This is accomplished through the building and operating of the Club’s scale model railroad displays, and by conducting research.

The Club was founded on February 17th, 1949, by four men who shared a common interest in model railroading. The club has grown to 100+ members and one of the largest model railroad displays in America.  Housed in an11,000 square foot building designed and specifically for model railroading by club members are three remarkable layouts: a N scale, a G scale and a massive HO scale.  The Building, located on Union County Lenape park land, was donated to the Union County Parks System.

The Club is open to the public most Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm (admission fee required). There is free parking on site and the facility is handicapped assessable.  This is the time to observe the operation of various types of trains and the ongoing construction of   the layouts. You may observe the operations from the gallery or walk through sections of the layouts. This also the time that members test new railroad equipment and teach their children and grandchildren modeling and to operate their equipment.

Once a year, (Nov.24, 25, & 26 Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10) the Club presents its annual “Sound and Light Show” on its, historic HO layout. Viewed from an overhead gallery, and run by club volunteers from 14 to 90 years old, the 20-minute show (which runs repeatedly throughout the day/evening) features theatrical lighting and songs to evoke the history and magic of three regional New Jersey railroads of the 1950s.

Between shows, grandparents and kids can see the trains up-close on their 40×40-foot layout, as well as tour the 80×60-foot extension of the railroad that is still under construction and features a cork screw loop [too operate trains between two levels], hand-laid track, educational displays and video-feeds from trains as they make their way around the track.  There is also a double-decker N-scale layout (trains even smaller than HO) with operating trains and detailed scenes of New Jersey — including Port Reading harbor, steel mill and circus – in its own 30×27-foot showroom. The Club’s indoor G gauge layout will also be operating.  And there’s a snack bar, railroad/gift shop, and a play area for little ones, with Thomas trains and train videos.

WHEN:           NOV 2\4 – DEC 10 (Fri, Sat and Sun)

OPENING DAY: Friday, Nov. 24: 12:00 Noon-10pm

Then…

Fridays, 7-10 pm (Dec 1 and 8)

Saturdays, 10 am – 8pm (Nov 25, Dec 2, 9)

Sundays, 11am-8pm (Nov 26, Dec 3, 10)

WHERE:         Jefferson Avenue, off Route 22 East, Union Township, NJ
                        (Behind The Home Depot)

Being a Member of The Model Railroad Club, Inc.

When you join The Model Railroad Club, Inc., you sign up to be a part of one of the largest and most dynamic model railroad clubs in North America; a club that stresses craftsmanship, education, and prototypical operation. Your participation at other club functions and model railroad activities is always welcomed. Experience is not required, but a good attitude is. If you share these values and have a passion for “The World’s Greatest Hobby”, then we may be the club for you. Several types of membership are available to suit your circumstances. Stop by the club or visit our website at www.themodelrailroadclub.org for more information. We look forward to meeting you.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring a sensory-friendly performance of American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker to the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway this Sunday, November 19 at 1:00 P.M.

Presented as part of Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series, this abridged, one-hour sensory-friendly performance of the Nutcracker is adapted especially to create an inclusive environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivities and other special needs.

Available now, all tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

“The sensory-friendly performance series is designed to help reduce disturbances at live performances to create an inclusive environment and increase access to the arts for children and adults,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to make this holiday classic accessible to families with children and adults of all abilities and needs.”

American Repertory Ballet brings the beloved classic Nutcracker to the stage with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning, thrilling choreography and a cast of more than 100. A holiday tradition for more than 50 years (1964), American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker is one of the longest, continuously running Nutcracker productions in the nation. Directed by Artistic Director Douglas Martin, ARB’s professional company will be joined by select students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of a young girl named Clara and how a mysterious gift brings about enchanted dreams and fantastical scenes.

Whether it’s your first time, an annual tradition, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ARB’s Nutcracker is a perfect holiday treat for your entire family to be transported and inspired.

For each of the performances in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series the theatre environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Save the dates – mark your calendar for the upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre series performances on Sunday, January 21 as Champions of Magic take the stage for a spectacular evening of mystery and magic, sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at each of the sensory-friendly performances. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org.

ROSELLE, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite you to celebrate the holiday season at the Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 3.

Kick off the season with family and friends at the newly modernized facility in Warinanco Park from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Skate on the new ice rink ($4 for skate rental), visit with Santa and skate with his elves, sing holiday carols with the Celebration Singers, sit by the fire, or dine in the new café.

There will also be crafts and face-painting for all the kids in attendance.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for this special event to kick off the holiday and showcase our newly renovated facility,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen.

This event is free of charge, so come out and partake in the holiday spirit at the newly modernized Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive, Warinanco Park in Roselle, New Jersey.

For more information you can log on to ucnj.org/skating.

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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.

November is National Adoption Month and the Union County Surrogate’s Office is proud to celebrate “forever families” and seeks to raise awareness about the adoption process.

“The Union County Surrogate’s Office is proud to assist our residents in the process of improving the lives and welfare of children through adoption,” said Union County Surrogate, James S. LaCorte.  “Through adoption, a difference can be made one child at a time. Having a permanent family provides children with the critical legal and emotional support that all young people need.”

On Friday, November 17, 2017, the Union County Surrogate’s Office will host their 10th annual Adoption Day celebration spotlighting new Union County “forever families.” The event is co-sponsored by Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, CASA of Union County, and the Office of the Law Guardian. The private, non-profit agency monitors children who for a variety of reasons have been removed from their homes.

National Adoption Day is a national effort to raise awareness to the needs of children and youth waiting to find permanent, loving families. This annual, one-day event has made the dreams of thousands of children throughout New Jersey come true by working with policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions and create and celebrate “forever families.”

Unlike guardianship, adoption is intended to provide a child with a permanent family. Adoptions can occur either between related family members, or unrelated individuals. There are many Union County and New Jersey children waiting to be part of a family.

Whether your adoption process is through a public agency, a private agency or a private attorney, the Union County Surrogate’s Office is available to help navigate the system to ensure that all parental rights are legally transferred to the new parents – giving parents the same rights and responsibilities as those whose children were born to them, and provides the children all the emotional, social, legal, and familial benefits of biological children.

When starting the adoption process, there are a number of options. Prospective families can adopt a child from the U.S. foster care system; pursue a private domestic adoption through a charity or nonprofit organization; adopt a child from another country; adopt a stepchild or other relative; and in the case of same sex couples, the non-biological parent could seek a second-parent adoption to secure parental rights.

Every adoption is unique. The cost and requirements of each adoption process varies depending on the circumstances of the adoption. Often prospective families hesitate to explore adoption based on myths or misunderstanding of the process and requirements. There are many resources available to those considering adopting a child or youth. For general information about adoption visit NationalAdoptionDay.org/adoption-resources. For more specific information on adopting in New Jersey contact the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). An application can be filled out through Foster and Adoptive Family Services on the DCP&P website, or they can call 1-800-222-0047 or email askdcf@dcf.state.nj.us.  You may contact the Union County Surrogate’s Office at 908-527-4280 for court requirements.

To learn more about Union County’s Adoption Day celebration contact Jane Phillips, Court Services Supervisor at 908-787-1650. Ext. 21297.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Christopher Hudak welcomed everyone to “The Battle of the Badges” hockey game between Union County police officers and firefighters at the new Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle. They were joined by Union County Manager Alfred Faella and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. Saturday was the first day of ice skating at the new Warinanco Sports Center. For more information about the center, contact Leon Grebla at (908) 298-7849 or email at warinancopark@gmail.com. Click here to view the video from the event.

Union County, NJ – With the continued rise of social media, an alarming number of children and teens are targets of online bullying. To learn more about cyberbullying tactics and how to fight back against them, parents and caregivers are invited to attend “Bullying & Our Children,” a free public discussion.

This special presentation will be held on Monday, November 27, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Springfield Town Hall, located at 100 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. Pre-registration is not required.

“Social media enables today’s youth to connect with friends and family, express their creativity and explore the world around them. Unfortunately, children can encounter dangers such as doxing, trolling, stalking and catfishing,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The new workshop is designed to update and inform caregivers, and anyone who works with children, so they can help ensure a safe online experience.”

Because children may be embarrassed or afraid to tell their parents that they are being bullied, it is important for caregivers to take an active role in monitoring their children’s social media usage.

Bullying & Our Children will feature a presentation by Special State Investigator and Acting Union County Detective Dawn M. Correia.

This event is sponsored by Springfield Deputy Mayor Maria Vassallo and the Freeholder Board through the Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

For more information about Bullying & Our Children, call the Division of Youth Services at 908-558-2520 or visit ucnj.org/youth.

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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 Bette Jane Kowalski spoke with Community Coordinated Child Care (CCCC) Executive Director Pat Mennuti during the “Suggested Document Handbook” kick-off event at the Rahway Public Library.

Organized by CCCC and the Union County Council for Young Children in collaboration with the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services, the event was to inform parents that the handbook is available with information on the requirements needed to apply for assistance at the Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services.

Freeholder Kowalski was the guest speaker.

For more information about Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County, visit www.ccccunion.org.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)