Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents with permanent physical disabilities that they may be eligible for assistance under the Personal Assistance Services Program, a statewide program designed to foster independent living.

“The Personal Assistance Services Program has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of Union County residents for more than 30 years, said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The entire community benefits when people with disabilities can fulfill their potential for employment, professional development and volunteer service.”

The Personal Assistance Services Program provides funding for trained assistants to help with essential tasks of daily living. These can include dressing, bathing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping and errands.

Personal assistants may also help with driving, using public transportation, and correspondence such as bill paying.

Persons who are eligible for the Personal Assistance Services Program must be between the ages of 18 and 70, and must be employed, enrolled in post-secondary training, or engaged in volunteer work for at least 20 hours per month.

To be eligible, an individual must also reside in Union County and be capable of self-direction for needed services.

Eligibility is not based on income or assets. However, residents may be required to contribute to the cost of their services based on their income and family size.  

For more information about The Personal Assistance Services Program in Union County and other services for individuals with disabilities, contact the Union County Department of Human Services, Office for the Disabled, at 908- 527-4845.

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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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Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Mohamed Jalloh, Alexander Mirabella and  Bette Jane Kowalski today joined United States Senator Cory Booker and others including State Senator Nicholas Scutari and members of the Linden City Council at a rally today in support of Senator Booker’s “Marijuana Justice Act,” which would legalize pot, and create a process for expunging federal marijuana convictions and resentencing people currently serving time for federal marijuana offenses.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, and Freeholders Angel G. Estrada, Bette Jane Kowalski and Alexander Mirabella joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and Union County Police Chief Chris Debbie in congratulating Lieutenant Robert Kreisberg, Lieutenant George Allard, Sergeant Homero Almanzar, Sergeant Brian Evans and Detective Deanna Lynn on their promotion to their new respective rank at a ceremony in Mountainside. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Family Fun & Flix, a free summer entertainment and film series presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and sponsored this year by Investors Bank, will conclude its season at Warinanco Park on Tuesday evening, August 8 with the showing of Moana. The movie will begin at dusk.

UC Get Fit Kids activities will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Freeholder initiative offers a great way to keep kids active and healthy during the summer months.

Moana is set in Ancient Polynesia at the time of a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui. When it reaches Moana’s Island, she answers the Ocean’s call to seek out the Demigod to set things right. The animated film stars the voices of Auli’I Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson and Rachel House.

“This will be the final opportunity this summer for residents to come out to Warinanco Park and enjoy Family Fun & Flix and UC Fit Kids”, said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Everyone attending is encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn. There will also be bleacher seats available, and refreshments will be available.

In case of weather related matters, you can call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series continues at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday evening, August 9, featuring American Rapture. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

American Rapture is a rock and soul revue, featuring American pop music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. The band consists of 9 vocalists and 11 musicians.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man. 

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on August 9 will be Alluem Yoga of Cranford.

“As the summer winds down there are still a few more Wednesday’s to enjoy the great musical entertainment in beautiful Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival series is presented on Wednesday evenings at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Below are the remaining shows:

• August 9th American Rapture
• August 16th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
• August 23th New York State of Mind (Tribute to Billy Joel)

Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski helped celebrate the H yesterday, along with Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Kiniery, Groundwork Elizabeth Executive Director Jonathan Phillips and his staff, and a large group of volunteers from the library’s teen program and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County.

The hard-working group spruced up the library’s front lawn by creating a colorful flower bed that spells out “R-E-A-D,” then headed out back to enjoy a lunch featuring fresh produce grown in the library’s teen garden.

The garden is tended by volunteers in the library’s teen program. It was constructed last year with a grant from Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen’s “Union County Means Green” grant initiative, which is also providing funds this year to expand the gardens and install a fence.

A new urban micro-farm and another community garden are also on the grounds of the library.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Linda Carter and Christopher Hudak joined Union County Acting Prosecutor Grace Park, Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations John McCabe, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and Union County Police Chief Chris Debbie at the National Night Out event hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders on August 1 in Meisel Park in Springfield. They were joined by Dominic Romeo and Amberly Russomano of the Clark ShopRite, a major support of the event.

National Night Out is a campaign geared toward generating drug and crime awareness and prevention throughout the country.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, August 5 in Scotch Plains to help Union County residents get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, automobile tires and more in an environmentally safe manner.

The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“The household hazardous waste program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of old or unwanted hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The result of these efforts is a safer home and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

Union County’s household hazardous waste event are for residents only. Proof of residency is required. Business waste is not accepted.

Union County residents participating in the recycling event need only drive up to the site. Workers at the site will unload their vehicles.

The County Police Bomb Squad will also be on hand at this event to accept ammunition and fireworks from residents.  

Residents should note that no latex (water-based) paint will be accepted. Residents who need to dispose of latex paint should let it dry in the can, then place the can in regular household garbage.

 Household hazardous wastes that may be brought to the site include 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.

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.

For a complete list of accepted items visit ucnj.org/recycle .

Additional information is available by recorded message on the Recycling Hotline, 908-654-9889.

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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’s final free performance of Shakespeare’s outrageously fun comedy The Taming of the Shrew will take the stage at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside this Friday, August 4 at 7:00 P.M.

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to the park to enjoy The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged performance of the zesty, romantic comedy of male chauvinism and women’s rights in the 16th century. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, this free performance is too fun to miss.

“This summer’s tour of Shakespeare’s classic romantic-comedy The Taming of the Shrew in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the clever and compelling language of Shakespeare,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Petruchio, a poverty-stricken gentleman from Verona, journeys to Padua in search of a wealthy wife. There, he encounters the fiery Katharina, a self-willed shrew who engages Petruchio in a humorous battle of wit and insult with Kate as determined to maintain her independence as Petruchio is to “tame” her.

The Next Stage Ensemble, the Shakespeare Theatre’s summer touring company of early career actors, is part of the Theatre’s Summer Professional Training Program which offers students working toward a career in the performing arts clear instruction, individual attention, and thoughtful and candid evaluation in a professional theatre environment. The Next Stage Ensemble works with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s resident and guest directors to fully develop abridged productions of classic plays. Come out to Union County parks this summer to the see Next Stage Ensemble’s performance of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org.

Company with over 50 stores worldwide opens second store in the U.S. in Elizabeth, NJ

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Think Kitchen, an international retailer of unique and affordable kitchen supplies, will use the County’s Workforce Innovation Business Center to conduct an information session for persons interested in applying for any of 20 full time positions at its new location at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

The new Think Kitchen store will open in September. The available positions include a Store Manager, two Team Leaders, two Assistant Store Managers/Key Holders, and fifteen Customer Service Associates.

“Think Kitchen is making its mark internationally, and Union County is proud to be selected as the location for one of only two stores in the United States,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The company’s interest in our area is a firm testament to the strength of the Union County economy.”

“Think Kitchen joins a growing roster of leading employers that have partnered with the WIB Center to create more than 2,000 new job opportunities, and the numbers continue to grow,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is in his third year as the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “We continue to break barriers in private and public partnerships to create the greatest amount of employment opportunities for our residents in Union County.”

The information sessions will be held at the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens, 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth on Thursday August 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

Attendance at the session is mandatory for job seekers to be eligible to apply for a position at Think Kitchen, and registration is required in advance.

To register, job seekers must email their resume to Isaias Rivera at the WIB Center, isaias.rivera@ucc.edu, and include a statement of the position they desire.

After emailing their resume, applicants must call Susan Gomez at 908-355-4444 to reserve a place at the information session.

Candidates interested in applying for positions at Think Kitchen must have supervisory and/or customer service and sales experience.

The WIB Center was established by the Freeholder Board at The Mills in 2014, in partnership with Union County College. It offers a professional staff, programs and facilities designed to help employers in Union County connect with qualified job seekers.

For more details about employer services offered by the WIB Center visit online at hucnj.org/wdb/wib-center or call 908-355-4473.

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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: