Category: Public Info

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi speaks with a commuter at the Union train station about updates for “Union County Votes,” a mobile app that provides voters and election watchers with on-the-go information.

One update is a new button labeled “Presidential Candidates.” It provides direct links to the official campaign website of each candidate that have been certified by the New Jersey Department of State.

The existing “Where do I vote?” button has also been updated to reflect any new changes in polling places.

The “Are you 17?” button on the Union County Votes app provides information for eligible Union County residents who are currently age 17 but who can register in advance, if they turn 18 on or before November 8.

Ms. Rajoppi created Union County Votes in 2014, to help connect the public with critical information about voting and elections.

The free app enables voters to find their polling place, request voter registration forms and vote-by-mail ballots, view sample ballots, and follow unofficial election results in real time. The app also provides information for persons interested in becoming a poll worker or running for office, including election filing dates and district maps.

For all election information, including complete details and deadlines for registration and Vote-By-Mail, visit the County Clerk online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call the Election Division at 908-527-4996.

Saturday, May 28 at Warinanco Park

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite youngsters ages 4 to 12 years old to participate “Paint by the Pond.” The newly created interactive art project will take place on Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday, May 29 at the pond in Warinanco Park. The pond is located near the snack bar and basketball courts. This event will allow children to paint cardboard model houses and create art on poster board. At the end of the program all participants will be invited to help sail these special houses in the pond.

The “Paint by the Pond” project will teach families about the importance of recycling while encouraging children to pain on cardboard, creating art from materials usually thrown away.

There will also be miniature houses made from out of cardboard boxes floating in the pond at Warinanco Park.

“The pond at Warinanco Park is the perfect place to host ‘Paint by the Pond’ and awaken our children’s interest in both art and nature,” said Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada. “This promises to be a fun and unique event to kick off the summer season.”

For more information on this exciting event, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.

Come visit the Union County Division on Aging’s – Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) tomorrow, Thursday, May 26th at the Berkeley Heights Public Library, 290 Plainfield Ave, from 10am-2pm to get information and assistance on services for Union County residents ages 60 and older

Information includes medication assistance, utility assistance, support services for caregivers, adult day, home care, and much more! The Division of Aging can be reached at 1-888-280-8226 or by visiting www.ucnj.org/aging

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents that her Main Office in Elizabeth has scheduled a special opening on Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for anyone wishing to obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot in person.

The Annex Office in Westfield is also open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for anyone wishing to obtain a Vote by Mail Ballot.

“If desired, voters can fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure collection box at the Election Office at the Main Office in Elizabeth, all in one convenient ‘One-Stop’ visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The same One-Stop service is also available at the Annex Office in Westfield.”

The Election Office is in Room 113 of the Union County Courthouse complex at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth. To access it during the special Saturday hours on June 4, use the rear entrance of the Courthouse.

A new law enacted in 2015 requires voters wishing to deposit their voted ballot in the lockbox provide a photo id which includes the voter’s name, address and signature – most notably a NJ Driver’s License or NJ Identification Card.

The Elizabeth Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for voting.  The Annex Office located in Westfield Office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00 – 4:00; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Voters may apply in person up at both locations until Monday, June 5, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.

The Courthouse complex is easily accessible by mass transit, and ample public parking is located nearby at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking Garage.

The Annex Office is located at the Colleen Fraser Building in the county services complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For complete details on all County Clerk election services, including Vote-By-Mail deadlines, call 908-527-4996, download the free Union County Votes app or visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/elections.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will visit Cranford on Saturday, June 4.

“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 June 4^th shredding event will take place at the Union County College campus in Cranford, on Springfield Avenue opposite Nomahegan Park. 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 next shredding event will take place on Wednesday, June 8, at the Clark Public Works facility, 315 Westfield Ave. in Clark.

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 .

Two Community Actions Agency Events Offered This Week for Union County Residents

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites low-income residents to attend two resource events this week as part of National Community Action Month.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with and support community action agencies during National Community Action Month and throughout the year to support our residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey will present “Community Resources for Older Adults and Choosing a Home Health Aide” at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, May 24 at the Senior Resource Center at The Lavy House, 748 East Broad Street, Westfield. Registration is recommended. Contact 908-352-8375 or info@jfscentralnj.org.

On Thursday, May 26, The Gateway Family YMCA will host a Housing/Homeless Services Open House from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth.

Earlier this year, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously adopted a resolution declaring May as “National Community Action Month” in recognition of Union County’s community-based social services agencies that work to help residents overcome poverty. Agencies throughout the nation hosted events during the month of May to assist low-income Americans. 

“The purpose of National Community Action Month is to highlight the important role community action agencies have in helping low-income families move out of poverty and achieve economic security,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “As National Community Action month comes to an end, I’d like to remind our residents of services and programs available throughout the year to support those in need through our Department of Human Services.”

The Union County Department of Human Services, in partnership with other community based social services agencies, provides safety-net services to thousands of residents with food; rent and other housing assistance; utility assistance; victims of domestic violence; emergency/disaster relief; financial literacy; emergency shelter nights; youth/family stabilization; counseling for alcohol, drug abuse, and other mental health issues; veterans assistance; assistance for the disabled; medical transportation; and, workforce development training, job search and placement.

This year marks the 52^nd anniversary of National Community Action.  On August 20, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) which created a variety of programs, including Community Action Agencies, as part of his administration’s War on Poverty. Today, community action agencies cover 99% of America’s counties in suburban, rural, and urban communities. It is estimated that each year, these agencies help 20 million low-income people achieve economic stability.

For more information about the above mentioned May events, and services available for low income individuals and families, contact Leslie Gutierrez, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, (908) 527-4861.  For information about all other Human Services and Union County government services and programs, visit the Union County government website www.ucnj.org.

Star-studded lineup includes  Sister Sledge, C&C Music Factory, Blackstreet, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announce that the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival will kick off the Summer season at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 4th with an exciting lineup of entertainment, featuring Sister Sledge, whose hit song “We Are Family,” became a worldwide anthem at the end of the ‘70s.

The event runs from noon to 6 p.m., and also features the high-energy dance music of C&C Music Factory (“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”, “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)”, “Things That Make You Go Hmmm”), the Grammy Award-winning R&B act, Blackstreet (“No Diggity”), and guitar-inspired blues act, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.

“This is going to be a tremendous musical event with such well-known acts,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We hope our residents will be able to meet up with friends and family, listen to some great music and enjoy a day at the park.”

“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is a signature event for Union County and a great showcase for the City of Plainfield as well,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of Plainfield. “This show is packed with extraordinary entertainment, and is a great way to kick off the Summer season in our parks.”

Rhythm and Blues by the Brook features free activities for young children, including inflatable rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. The children’s area will open at 12:00 noon and close at 4:30 p.m., when the main act takes the stage.

Returning to Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is the G-Wiz Classic & Exotic Automotive SuperShow, located near the basketball court across from the concert area.

Food vendors will be on site, and a number of picnic tables will be conveniently located under a tent in the concert “outfield.” Concert-goers are also welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Tips For Those Attending:

• Persons with disabilities: Designated parking is available inside the park.
• Walking and biking: Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike. Cyclists, please wear a helmet and bring a bike lock.
• Mass transit: The concert area at Cedar Brook Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the NJ Transit train station in downtown Plainfield. For more transit information, visit: ucnj.org/connect.
• Driving: To find Cedar Brook Park on Google Maps, search under “Park Avenue and Cedar Brook Park Drive, Plainfield NJ.”
• Parking: Please be prepared to park several blocks away and walk to the park.
• Seating: Visitors may bring blankets and folding chairs. Small tents and canopies are permitted in an area marked with a white line outside of the central viewing area.
• Sun Safety: Bring plenty of sun block and wear a sun hat. Visitors may bring umbrellas. A limited number of shaded picnic tables are available. Bug spray is also recommended.
• Food and Water: A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Visitors may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks (County policy prohibits alcoholic beverages in the park).
• Grilling is permitted outside of the central viewing area.
• Pets: A large crowd is expected, so with the exception of service animals, please leave pets at home.
• Recycling: Please make use of the recycling containers placed around and inside the concert area.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in County parks.

Union County, NJ – The Friends of Lenape Park “Nighthawks” birding team surveyed their namesake park on Saturday, May 14 as part of the 33^rd Annual New Jersey Audubon World Series of Birding. The event was a success and the team recorded a total of 83 different species within the designated 24-hour period.

“Congratulations to the Nighthawks team and many thanks for their work on behalf of habitat conservation in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Due to their efforts we now have an updated catalog of the many different species that make their home in and around Lenape Park.”

During the World Series “Big Day” event on May 14, the Nighthawks covered approximately 400 acres in Lenape Park to arrive at the official count of 83 species. They recorded their findings by sight or sound, as called for in the event guidelines.

Among the notable highlights, the team identified all of woodpeckers that are known to inhabit the park: red-bellied, hairy, downy, flicker, and the “big guy,” a pileated woodpecker. Pileated woodpeckers, known for their dashing red crests, are the largest woodpeckers known to inhabit North America.

New Jersey Audubon introduced the first World Series of Birding in 1984, and since then teams have recorded a total of 330 different species throughout New Jersey.

“The Nighthawks figure of 83 species represents a full 25 percent of the historic statewide total, demonstrating the importance of Lenape Park for conservation in our area,” said Bergen.

Lenape Park’s diverse habitat includes wetlands, forests and open fields. It is located near the center of Union County, bordered by Springfield, Kenilworth, Cranford and Westfield.

For maps and directions to all County parks visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/parks-activities.

The World Series of Birding helps to raise funds for conservation projects and environmental causes. Donations to the Nighthawks are still being accepted at the team’s web page, at worldseriesofbirding.org.

To volunteer on conservation projects in County parks as an individual, civic organization or employer group, visit Union County Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail at ucnj.org.

Photo credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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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 invites members of the public to visit the historic Courthouse Rotunda from now until November, to view a new exhibit of unique presidential campaign memorabilia from years past.

The exhibit includes campaign buttons, original newspaper clips and historic election results along with ballot memorabilia.

“If you are old enough to recall the days when candidates battled it out on newsprint, or if you were born into the digital age, this collection is designed to spark memories and prompt new insights into the many ways in which our democracy communicates,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I hope this exhibit inspires Union County residents to engage in the process.”

“The new exhibit also adds visual interest and depth to our online repository of Presidential Election history,” Ms. Rajoppi added. The County Clerk’s website, ucnj.org/county-clerk, now includes statistics and candidates for Presidential Primaries and General Elections from 1920 to 2012.

The Courthouse Rotunda is a designated historic landmark located at the front of the County Courthouse complex, at 2 Broad Street in the heart of the midtown Elizabeth shopping district. It is easily accessible by mass transit, and ample public parking is located nearby at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking Garage.

The exhibit is designed to grow as the 2016 election season progresses. Union County residents who would like to contribute their personal memorabilia can contact Donna Connell at 908-527-4787.

As County Clerk, Ms. Rajoppi has been instrumental in historic preservation and educational initiatives in Union County. One recent highlight was a four-year, rotating exhibit in the Rotunda that marked the 150^th Anniversary of the Civil War.

Ms. Rajoppi also publishes the annual Election Calendar featuring historical photographs and other images along with important election dates and deadlines. Copies of the 2016 Election Calendar are still available. To have a free copy mailed to you, use the online request form at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

Visitors to the County Courthouse who wish to use a Vote-By-Mail Ballot for the upcoming June 7th Primary Election can stop by the County Clerk’s Main Office on the second floor and pick up their ballot in person.

“Any eligible voter can use a Vote-By-Mail Ballot, and our “One-Stop” service provides a secure drop-box so you obtain your ballot, fill it out, and cast it within the same visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The One-Stop service is also available at the County Clerk’s Annex, located at the Colleen Fraser Building in the county services complex at 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield.

For complete details on all County Clerk election services, including Vote-By-Mail deadlines and extended office hours, call 908-527-4996 or visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/elections.

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Pictured is Freeholder Vernell Wright with her granddaughter, Andrea Johnson, and NJAC Executive Director John Donnadio.