Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Many thanks to the hardworking and enthusiastic Adopt-A-Park crew from Phillips 66 who removed trash and recyclables in and around the stream bank at Warinanco Park earlier this week. The group also cut and removed invasive plants and gathered fallen tree branches. Adopt-a-Park is a volunteer program of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Phillips 66 is among its regular participants. For information about joining Adopt-a-Park as an individual or as a business, school or community group, visit ucnj.org or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.  Photo: Betty Ann Kelly/County of Union.

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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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On Monday August 1, Union County Police Officer Steven Neuman conducted a motor vehicle stop for a passenger seatbelt violation. The stop resulted in the arrest of the driver on weapon and drug charges.

After conducting the stop, Officer Neuman detected the odor of marijuana from the vehicle, and observed bullets and empty plastic baggies in the door pocket. He then recovered a black revolver from the center console along with several plastic baggies containing suspected marijuana. Officer Neuman arrested the driver, Daniel Arbelaez-Duque, age 23, of Elizabeth. Arbelaez-Duque was charged with one count of possession of a handgun and one count of possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Bail was set at $50,000 and he is currently in the County Jail pending an August 12 court date. The handgun will be analyzed by the Union County Police Forensic Firearms Identification Unit.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues this coming Wednesday evening August 10, with Dead On Live taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The group will perform songs made famous by The Grateful Dead. The free concert series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholder. Wednesday’s performance is also sponsored by Whole Foods of Clark.

“There are just a few more weeks to enjoy the summer, and there is no better way to do that then to join us in the park for some great musical entertainment,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “And be sure to arrive early to participate in UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a great way for families to stay healthy together.”

Dead On Live is one of the top acts to pay tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead. They feature a unique approach in recreating, note for note, the instruments and complex harmonies on classic recordings from the 1970s. Also joining the band that evening will be Sam Cutler, the legendary tour manager for the Grateful Dead. He will share some of the stories he has about his travels with the Grateful Dead.

While enjoying the wonderful music, concertgoers can visit Tony’s Traveling Trattoria which will treat your palate to excellent Italian comfort food. Also the Good Humor Truck will be on site hosted by TG and Sons serving ice cream and snacks. Attendees can also pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Once again UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with Heads & Tails Yoga of Clark presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.

Throughout the summer at each concert one Union County Department will be featured, distributing handouts and highlighting their own unique services. On this evening the Union County Department of Human Services will be on hand.

The following is the schedule for the rest of August at Oak Ridge Park:

• August 10th Dead On Live – Grateful Dead Tribute Band (With special guest appearance by Sam Cutler, tour manager for the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead)
• August 17th Hey Bulldog – Music of The Beatles (Sponsored by Union Co. Education Association)
• August 24th Y. State of Mind – Billy Joel Tribute (Sponsored by Whole Foods of Clark)

Please visit www.ucnj.org/summer for more summertime fun activities.

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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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring the final two free performances of the Shakespeare in the Park tour of Twelfth Night to Rahway River Park this Friday, August 7 at 7 p.m., and Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Monday, August 8 at 7 p.m. Admission is free to each of the performances.

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to enjoy Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged 75-minute performance of this time-honored story of mistaken identities, bewildering desires, practical jokes, and bawdy merriment – all in the name of love.  

“This summer’s tour of Twelfth Night in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the most remarkable storyteller the world has ever known,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Set in the land of Illyria, Twelfth Night is one of William Shakespeare’s most riotous comedies. Disguises, mistaken identities, and the chaos of love take center stage as Viola washes ashore after her ship wrecks off the coast and, disguising herself as a boy for safety, is immediately embroiled in the clever and romantic schemes of the Duke and Olivia. At the same time, Olivia’s servants convince one of their own—Malvolio—that Olivia is in love with him. Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian, adds to the mix and confusion until a happy ending for most is attained.

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

Union County, NJ – Area students in grades 8-12 have a unique opportunity to prepare for STEM and education careers, by participating in the 4-H Science Ambassador program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It includes a weeklong residency at the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and experience in presenting science programs for children. This year’s program was sponsored by the Rahway Public Library. The participants were (l.-r) Issac Oluwakuyide of Union, Burke Jaeger of Cranford, Ana Oliveira of Rahway and Kyle Grant of Union. Also participating were Cassandra Hansen of Rahway and Chimezie Amaechi of Plainfield. To apply for the next program contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension offices in Westfield, jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. More information on all 4-H youth and adult Extension programs is available at the County website, at ucnj.org/rce.

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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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Everyone deserves a “second chance.”

That’s why the County of Union will be expanding its successful Second Chance pilot program to assist a total of 100 parolees returning from Union County from state prisons to make a successful transition back into society, and reduce recidivism.

The expansion of the program is made possible through a $694,897 Second Chance Act Demonstration grant from the U.S Department of Justice. The grant is administered to the County through the New Jersey State Parole Board. The County and the New Jersey State Parole Board will implement an enhanced Second Chance Act Demonstration program in early fall 2016.  The initial Second Chance Act Demonstration Grant covered the period of 2013 – 2015 during which 75 parolees were engaged in the program.

“The question is: how do we get the positive outcomes that helps these individuals become productive citizens, reduces stress on the criminal justice system and makes our community safer? The answer is through programs such as Second Chance,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Second Chance program is based upon a sustained case management model for individuals upon release, for up to six months.  Case managers will offer and facilitate family reunification and a variety of community based services will be leveraged to provide support to the parolees.

“This Freeholder Board strongly believes in the Second Chance initiative and supports social services that reduce recidivism,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves as Freeholder Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Board. “Various studies are continuing to show how important these programs are in rehabilitating former prisoners.”

An individualized case plan is developed pre-release with the parolees that reinforces partnerships with local nonprofits, faith-based groups and the Union County Re-Entry Task Force with community based organizations and advocacy groups working together to ensure a balanced transition to the community.

The Re-Entry Task Force was organized in 2006, under the guidance of the New Jersey State Parole Board, to develop resources, support systems and promote solutions to successfully help transition the re-entry population back into the Union County community.  In subsequent years the Re-Entry Task Force expanded its focus to include persons released from the county jail.

Task Force members include New Jersey State Parole Board, Union County Probation, New Jersey Department of Labor, Union County One Stop American Job Centers,  Federal Probation, Union County Drug Court, Union County Department of Human Services, Union County College, housing agencies, healthcare providers, various community agencies, faith based agencies, attorneys, businesses and the ex-offender population.   

The case plans will ensure that parole officers and case workers work closely with community-based stakeholders to meet immediate needs and assist offenders in making more permanent plans for their re-entry.

No participant will be released to a homeless shelter, as housing is a key component of the model.  As part of this effort, the Freeholder Board voted on July 21^st to allocate $150,000 to the Urban League of Union County to secure temporary housing for participants of the Second Chance program.

 “At the State Parole Board, we believe re-entry begins at arrest. The overwhelming majority of these men and women will return to their communities one day and programs like Second Chance are proven ways to help them and make all of us safer,” said James T. Plousis, chairman of the Parole Board.

In addition to temporary housing, participants will receive counseling, employment assistance, job placement, and enrollment in training and education at the county college.  In addition to the State/County partnership, other agencies involved in the program include the Urban League of Union County, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, and Union County College.

Nationally, each year, more than 700,000 individuals are released from state and federal prison, while 9 million go through local jails.  Statistics indicate that more than two-thirds of prisoners are rearrested within three years of their release and half are re-incarcerated.  High rates of recidivism mean more crime, more victims, and more pressure on governmental institutions including jails and courts. 

In contrast to national statistics, New Jersey has been recognized by both The Sentencing Project and the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law for its efforts in reducing the state prison population by 31.4% since 1999, the largest decrease of any state in the nation.

Programs such as this Demonstration Project build upon New Jersey’s successful recidivism reduction initiatives by not only offer returning citizens a Second Chance, but increasing stability in local communities where former prisoners would otherwise return without an adequate support network.

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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 Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, Freeholders Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Angel Estrada joined Sheriff Joseph Cryan in congratulating the graduates of the 2016 Union County Sheriff’s Youth Police Academy during a ceremony at the Rahway High School Performing Arts Center. More than 90 middle and high school students from throughout Union County participated in this year’s program.

Recruits in the youth academy received hands-on experience in a wide variety of emergency services and law enforcement functions and training.  In addition, the youths had the opportunity to learn respect for law enforcement through positive interaction during their time in the program.

During the two-week program, the teens engaged in a physical training regime twice a day while attending lectures on subjects such as crime scene investigations, K-9 and motor vehicle stops.

Through classes trips and visits by guest speakers, the recruits met with representatives from the Elizabeth Police Department, the Union County Police Department, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Union County Corrections, the Union County SWAT Team, the New Jersey State Police, NJ department of Corrections, Elizabeth EMS, the Kenilworth Police Department, the Hillside Police Department, the Roselle Police Department and the Cranford Police Department.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the County’s Workforce Innovation Business Center will host recruitment event for job seekers interested in a position with the food and beverage services company HMS Host, which currently has 45 positions to fill at the Mills at Jersey Gardens.

“Since its inception, the WIB Center has been instrumental in connecting hundreds of job seekers with new careers in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It’s very exciting to see those numbers continue to grow, and we are looking forward to a successful event for HMS Host.”

HMS Host specializes in airport and highway locations. The company has positions available for shift supervisors, baristas, cashiers, cooks, and servers at The Mills.

“It is a pleasure to welcome HMS Host to the WIB Center,” “said Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “The WIB Center benefits both job seekers and employers by bringing them together at a convenient, accessible location.”

The HMS Host recruitment event will take place on Wednesday August 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the WIB Center headquarters, located at the Mills at Jersey Gardens, 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth.

All of the 45 positions require at least six months of customer service experience. Pre-registration for the event is required.

To register and reserve a spot, email your resume to baptiste@ucc.edu and include the position you are interested in. Registrants must also call Susan Gomez at 908-355-4444 to reserve a spot.

For more information about the information session, call the WIB Center at 908-355-4444 or email isaias.rivera@ucc.edu.

The WIB Center is a collaborative program that partners the Freeholder Board and the Workforce Development Board with Union County College to match employers with qualified job seekers. Since its inception in the fall of 2014, the WIB Center has placed more than 1,600 applicants.

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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.

Award-winning documentary presented as part of Freeholder Board’s UCHERO initiative assisting Veterans

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will co-sponsor a special screening of “Thank You for Your Service,” an award-winning documentary that explores the nation’s superficial understanding of war trauma, including PTSD, and the flawed policies surrounding it. The movie will be shown on Wednesday, September 7th beginning 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Stage Theatre, 360 Hamilton Street, in Rahway.

“This documentary succeeds in calling attention to the mental health issues that many of today’s Veterans face upon returning from war, as well as calling for a new approach to these problems,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “It’s a film all Americans should see to gain an understanding of what our Veterans are going through, and to begin a dialogue on what we can do to help.”

The film is being presented as part of Chairman Bergen’s UC HERO initiative for 2016, which assists Veterans. For more information, please go to: https://ucnj.org/uc-hero/

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion involving the film’s Director Tom Donahue, and members of the film production company which he co-founded, CreativeChaosVMG, participants from Veterans groups, County Government, and other soon-to-be announced agencies. Admission is free, however, those wishing to, may make a suggested donation of $3. The theatre is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway.

“Less than 1 percent of the population serves in the military now, and that is part of the reason why the public is so largely unaware of the issues they are facing,” said Donahue, who hopes the film creates enough awareness to spark the creation of a Behavioral Health Corps as a Division of the Department of Defense.

 In fact, Donohue has created a website dedicated to the creation of the agency (and about “Thank You For Your Service) and hopes everyone who sees the movie will visit www.bhcnow.com to get involved. (Trailer: https://vimeo.com/156195376 )

“I believe very strongly in the power of documentary filmmaking to affect change,” Donahue said in a recent interview.

The issues that many of today’s Veterans face, including PTSD and suicide, are personal ones for Donahue, whose father and many relatives were Army Veterans. Also, one of Donahue’s closest friends committed suicide when he was 21-years-old.

The film opens with a quote from an op-ed by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times in 2012 entitled A Veteran’s Death, a Nation’s Shame: “For every soldier killed on the battlefield this year, about 25 Veterans are dying by their own hands.”

“Thank You for Your Service” interweaves the stories of four Iraq War Veterans with interviews of top military and civilian leaders, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Admiral Mike Mullen, Generals David Petraeus and Loree Sutton, Nicholas Kristof, Dexter Filkins, Senator Patty Murray, Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson.

The film examines why the military was not better prepared for the impact of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq on U.S. service members, the lessons forgotten from past wars and the need for wide-scale reform to prevent the loss of a generation of brave men and women.

The movie has been called “gripping, wrenching, and persuasive” by the Village Voice and “a film every American should see” by the Star Ledger. The Military Times said it is “generating Oscar buzz.”

The documentary is currently being shown at film festivals around the country, and is scheduled for theatrical release in early October. It won “Best Documentary at the GI Film Festival in DC, and the “Impact Award” at the Illuminate Festival.

Donahue has produced and edited numerous features and documentaries that, combined, have won over twenty­ five awards at such prestigious festivals as Sundance, Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, SxSW, Venice, San Sebastian and TriBeCa. Donahue also directed the Emmy-nominated Casting By documentary (2013, HBO), which featured interviews with Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Al Pacino and others.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper-shredding programs for personal, confidential documents will visit Union on Saturday, August 13.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred their confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “It promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with Union County’s other green initiatives.”

The August 13^th shredding event will take place on the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in the Township of Union, in the parking lot on the corner of Morris Ave. and Green Lane, across from the Union Train Station. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding personal documents from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. This is a garbage-free event so please bring your documents in paper bags if at all possible. Plastic bags and boxes will be returned. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle