Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados is sworn in as the 2016 Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Assemblyman Jerry Green during Union County Government’s 159th Annual Reorganization on January 3, 2016 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are Andreia Costa and Vanessa Correia.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy during Union County Government’s 159th Annual Reorganization on January 3, 2016 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are her family; Peter and Claire Pappas, Andrew and Jackie Pappas and her granddaughter Arianna Leigh. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Freeholders Bergen, Alexander Mirabella, and Mohamed Jalloh Begin New Terms

Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen today announced a comprehensive series of initiatives for 2016, entitled “One County, One Community” that includes new announcements for economic development, transportation, public safety, seniors, veterans, education, parks and environmental programs.

Bergen, a lifelong native of Union County who is a resident of Springfield, was selected as Chairman of the Union County Freeholder Board at the 159th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. He began serving his first full term as Freeholder in 2013. This is his first term as Chairman of the Freeholder Board.

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Freeholders Bergen, Alexander Mirabella and Mohamed S. Jalloh (last year’s chairman), were sworn in to new terms. Freeholder Sergio Granados was appointed as Freeholder Vice Chairman. Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the Board’s 2016 schedule and procedural rules.
In announcing his “One County, One Community” initiatives for 2016, Bergen recalled the words of Golda Meir who said “I never did anything alone. Whatever was accomplished . . . was accomplished collectively.”

Bergen then added: “This Freeholder Board succeeds because we are a team that puts commitment to others and the community above individual interest.”

Bergen’s initiatives for 2016 are as follows:

• “Move, Connect, Grow” addresses one of Union County’s greatest assets—its transportation infrastructure, and includes the completion of the Transportation Master Plan; the continuation of the Infrastructure Grant program to emphasize municipal road repavings; the creation of new bike paths; continued advocacy for the expansion of a one-seat train ride to NYC from Union County’s suburbs, and for the construction of the new Gateway Tunnel project.
• “Union County: At Work and Play:” This initiative includes new loans for small businesses through the Union County Economic Development Corporation; the creation of more job opportunities through the Union County Workforce Innovation Center which is continuing to grow; ribbon cuttings for the new Warinanco Park Skating Rink and the expansion of the Watchung Stables; the announcement of two major golf tournaments (The PGA Championship will once again be at Baltusrol Golf Course in Springfield and the 96th annual NJ State Golf Association Open Championship will tee off at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Union County—the first time ever at a public course); advocacy for Union County College to become the first community college to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing; the completion of the expansion of the Union County College campuses in Cranford and Plainfield; and the expansion of the County’s library grant program.
• Development and creation of the “Union County App,” to help users stay informed and safe with the almanac of information and real-time data it will feature.
• “Union County Means Green:” This initiative would create a green seminar for businesses; education and outreach through the County’s Recycling Bureau to schools (“Talkin’ Trash” program); and a new “Community Garden Grant” program for new and existing gardens. The Freeholder Board will also continue its advocacy for Rahway River Flood Mitigation efforts.
• Several announcements, including the “UC HERO” program assisting Veterans, and the “Year of the Senior,” and the Union County Division on Women. In announcing the programs, Bergen quoted the late Hubert Humphrey who said: “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
  “UC HERO” partners with the Workforce Investment Board and Union County College to assist our Vets with a variety of programs, including: employment services, training and job fairs; encouraging businesses to hire-a-Vet; and connect our Vets with the social services they may require. The “Year of the Senior” includes announcements for the “Seniors in Motion” program, which provides vans for senior transportation to the County’s municipalities, and “the Senior Focus program” a grant program which assists municipal senior centers with repairs and improvements. The creation of a Union County Division on Women which will be a one-person advocacy and referral office on issues impacting women.

A series of Public Safety announcements, including:

• A new GIS system that will actively assist first responders in emergencies;
• The “Fire Mutual Aide Radio project,” an effort to equip the County’s 20 Fire Departments with compatible radios to promote communication during emergencies;
• The installation of cameras in various County parks;
• The Sheriff’s Office will continue to train for active shooter response at our county facilities to better protect our employees and the public.

Last, the creation of a regional animal shelter that would provide municipalities with a consistent level of animal control services and promote humane treatment. The shelter would provide adoptive services and be run by the County, with volunteers. Plans should be in place and unveiled this Summer during a new event “Bark in the Park” at the Union County Dog Park at Echo Lake. The Board voted on a measure to move the project forward at the reorganization meeting.

Summing up, Bergen noted: “Taken as a whole, “One County, One Community” initiatives are not only designed to create a vision and game plan for 2016, but also to challenge us to do better for our community.”

“I look forward to working with our County family, our employees, our many private social service agencies and residents in bringing the community together in achieving these objectives,” Bergen said. “Once again, I wish you all a very Happy New Year.”

The Union County Freeholder Board will host its annual reorganization on this date, swearing in County elected officials, appointing a new chairman and vice chairman of the board. Freeholders will also vote to fill numerous positions on county advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2016 schedule & more.

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The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation has released details of its annual Deer Management Program, which will begin on Monday morning, January 4 in six County parks and one municipal park.  The program will operate in the Watchung Reservation, the Summit portion of Passaic River Park, Ash Brook Reservation, Lenape Park, Nomahegan Park, Oak Ridge Park and the Hawk Rise Sanctuary.

Browsing for food by large numbers of deer has caused a loss of forest understory in park areas throughout the northeastern United States.  The overpopulation of deer threatens the survival of the plant and animal communities that are important to the ecology of these parks.

Forest ecologists recommend a density of 20 per square mile in a healthy hardwood forest and as low as 5 per square mile in a forest that has been heavily damaged by browsing.  Spotlight counts conducted by the County in April and May, 2015 suggested 2015-2016 overwintering densities of about 47 deer per square mile in the Watchung Reservation, 61 per square mile in and around Ash Brook Reservation and Oak Ridge Park, 73 deer per square mile in the Hawk Rise Sanctuary, and over 200 per square mile in and around Lenape and Nomahegan Parks. 

An analysis completed by the County in 2011 showed that roads bordering Lenape and Nomahegan Parks had some of the highest numbers of deer-car collisions in the County.  And in Hawk Rise Sanctuary in Linden, overbrowsing by deer is threatening the survival of hundreds of native plants introduced with the recent construction of a boardwalk.

Since 1995, marksmen in the County of Union’s state-regulated deer management program have reduced the population of white-tailed deer in the Watchung Reservation substantially.  In 2005, hunting was initiated in Ash Brook Reservation and in 2006 in portions of Passaic River Park in Summit.  Four years ago, hunters harvested deer from Lenape Park for the first time.  Two years ago, the County began to conduct deer management in Nomahegan Park and in Linden’s Hawk Rise Sanctuary. And for the first time this year, Oak Ridge Park is being added the list of sites.

The Watchung Reservation spans over 2,000 acres in Springfield, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Summit, Berkeley Heights and Watchung.  Passaic River Park spans 287 acres in Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Summit.  Lenape Park covers 403 acres of land in Cranford, Kenilworth, Union, Springfield and Westfield.  The Ash Brook Reservation encompasses 667 acres in Scotch Plains and Clark.  The Hawk Rise Sanctuary includes about 45 acres of forest in the City of Linden. And Oak Ridge Park consists of 90 acres of land in Clark and Edison.

The Union County Deer Management Program will operate on Mondays from January 4 to February 12. When there is a holiday on a Monday (Dr. M.L. King Day), the program moves to Wednesday.  In the event of inclement weather on any other Monday, the hunting activity will be moved to Wednesday that week.  If Wednesday brings inclement weather, the hunting will be moved to Friday.  Hunters will be in the parks from 5:30 a.m. until after dark, but shooting may occur only during daylight hours. 

Forty marksmen have been chosen by the County from among experienced, licensed hunters.  Eighty-five percent of the hunters have previously participated in Union County’s program, and all are serving on a voluntary basis. The hunters will be wearing orange hats or vests and will hunt the deer from elevated positions, at least 20 feet up in the trees, over baited sites. 

The hunters may keep any deer carcasses that they harvest.  Many of the deer will be processed at a State-approved butcher and the venison will be donated to the needy and homeless through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

The deer management program will be supervised by the Union County Police and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.  Anyone found hunting on any County park property outside the terms of this program will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Citizens observing any such illegal activity are urged to immediately contact the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The public should note that these parks will not be closed during the deer management program; however, portions of some roadways inside the park may be closed for short periods if necessary. Park patrons are urged to stay on the marked hiking, walking and bridle trails.  Park users also are urged to adhere to the County ordinance that requires that pets be restrained on a leash.

For further information, go to the County’s website at https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/wildlife-management/deer/  or contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.  Hunters interested in joining this program in a future year can get onto a mailing list for applications through the website.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the officers’ Tree of Hope charity, is currently hosting a winter clothing and toy drive that will benefit Union County’s homeless and families in need, Sheriff Joseph Cryan announce today.

Officers are now collecting new and slightly used winter clothing and toys for all adults and children. Items including shirts, pants, winter coats, scarves, gloves, hats and shoes are needed for the homeless and families in need.

Donation boxes are located at all Union County Courthouse entrances, Union County Administration Building, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Union County Probation Building, the Union County Division of Social Services in Elizabeth, the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, the Kenilworth Veterans Center and Elizabeth Police Department.

Donated items are welcome at all locations during normal business hours until January 15, 2016.

Sheriff’s officers will distribute the donated items to Union County’s homeless and families in need on Saturday January 16, 2106 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. 

For more information please call (908) 629-2158.

Press Release from the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System

“Since poison centers often see an increase in unintentional poisonings around this time of year, we encourage you to take a moment to review the potentially dangerous items below and think about ways you can lower your family’s risk of injury during the holiday season,” said Bruce Ruck, Pharm.D., Director of Drug Information at the NJ Poison Center.

Fortunately with some added awareness and following a few simple tips, most injuries can be prevented and the holidays can remain joyous and safe for everyone.  Add “prevention” to your gift list for loved ones and guests this holiday season.

Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, cocktails) – If accidentally swallowed by children and/or pets, leftover cocktails can be fatal!  Alcohol affects children and pets differently than it does adults, so even ingesting a small amount can be very toxic. Always empty beverage glasses and place them up high and out of reach of curious children and pets.

Artificial Snow Spray – This product can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, follow the directions. Be careful when spraying artificial snow. It may also strip paint off of painted surfaces.

Button Batteries and Magnets – These items can be found in watches, toys, games, flashing costume jewelry, singing greeting cards, remote control devices, etc. They are easy to swallow and can cause serious harm to children and pets. If ingested, button batteries can get stuck in the throat or stomach causing serious burns and even death. If two or more magnets are ingested, they can attract one another internally, resulting in serious tissue damage to the stomach or intestines. Injury can occur if these are placed in the nose or ear. Parents must be aware of the dangers and keep products containing button batteries and magnets securely fastened or out of sight and reach.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning – During this time of year, signs of CO poisoning can be easily mistaken for symptoms of the flu or common cold which is why it’s vital to have your heating systems and fuel burning appliances inspected regularly by professionals to ensure proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide often referred to as the “silent killer” is a colorless, odorless gas that poses a serious health concern. Be sure to install CO detectors on every level of your home. Regularly replace batteries.

Candles – Place candles in secure areas where they cannot fall or be knocked over by children and pets. Use non-flammable holders and remember that small amounts of melted wax can become a choking hazard to small children. Be aware that liquid candles” are not candles at all, but lamp oil. See below for more information on lamp oils. 

Cigars and Cigarettes – Empty all ashtrays after your holiday gathering. Children and pets have been known to eat cigars and cigarette “butts.” There is enough nicotine in these tobacco products to be considered poisonous to children and pets.

Fireplace – Before lighting any fire, remove all decorations from the area. This will remove any risk of starting a fire. Check to see that the flue is open and keep a screen before the fireplace the entire time a fire is burning. Prevent carbon monoxide exposures by having chimneys and flues inspected regularly by a professional to ensure proper ventilation. Never burn wrapping paper or other debris in a fireplace!

Fire Salts – Attractive when added to fires for the colorful flames they produce. These salts can produce serious stomach problems if ingested.  They need to be kept out of reach from children.

Food – All foods should be prepared and cooked properly to avoid food poisoning. Food poisoning usually occurs two to six hours after eating the contaminated food and can include nausea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea.  Depending on the exact type of food poisoning, how your body reacts to the toxin and the amount of contaminated food that was eaten, symptoms may last from several hours to two or three days. Food poisoning can be serious for people in poor health, as well as the very young and the elderly. For tips on food safety, please click on the link http://bit.ly/1WXKJ2F to read our November press release.   

Holiday Plants – Many plants can be potentially harmful if eaten or handled improperly so decorate for the holiday season using non-poisonous plants if possible. Holiday plants which can produce some toxic effects, mainly gastrointestinal, include Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe, Boxwood and a variety of species of the Yew. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not considered toxic when consumed in small amounts. Call the NJ Poison Experts at 1-800-222-1222 to find out what other plants are considered to be toxic.

Lamp Oils – Lamp oils pose serious danger. Children are often confused by these oils because they look and smell just like a beverage. If ingested, the oils can get into the lungs and cause pneumonia and even death.  Many of the lamps containing these oils are not child-resistant and must be kept away from children and pets. When not in use, store the lamps and extra oils, the same way you would store any chemical – Lock them up and keep them out of the reach of children.

Medicines – Be sure to keep a safe, locked place for relatives and holiday visitors to store any medications they may be carrying with them. Never leave any medications in purses, nightstands, or in the bathroom where they are accessible to children.

Pets – Make sure to keep chocolate, cocoa, candy and sugarless gum that contains Xylitol, yeast bread dough, leftover fatty meat scraps, fruit cakes with raisins and currants, alcohol and illicit drugs out of reach of your pets. Ingestion of any of these can cause serious harm and even death.  Be sure to keep all wires tucked away. 

Toy Safety – Be cautious of antique or foreign-made toys!  They may contain lead and be hazardous to children. Check for chipping or worn paint before allowing children to play with them. Be sure to review toy recall notices before purchasing. For toy safety information call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.

Tree Ornaments – Ornaments resembling foods are as attractive as the real thing.  A child or a dog may think a fake apple or cookie looks appetizing and attempt to eat it.  If eaten, they can cause problems, so avoid using them for decoration. Take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, especially in homes with small children and pets.

Wrapping Paper – DO NOT burn in the fireplace. Wrapping paper burns quicker and much hotter than wood causing a potential for a home fire. The flames can cause small pieces of the paper to break off and fly around landing on furniture, Christmas trees, or head up the chimney and ignite the flammable material inside the flue. Be mindful that colored paper may contain high levels of toxic metals like lead; when burned it may produce toxic fumes and carcinogens. 

Tinsel – If you have a cat, tinsel should not be used to decorate. Cats tend to think it is a fun toy to play with since it shiny and gets their attention, but it can cause serious injury to your pet. If ingested, it can wrap around the tongue or anchor itself in the stomach making it impossible to pass through the intestines.  

The best way to be prepared for poisoning emergencies this holiday season is to program the Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, into your mobile phones, and post it in a visible place in your home. Calling the NJ Poison Center is always the fastest way to get the professional help or information you need in potential poisoning cases.

In the event of an exposure, don’t waste valuable time looking up information on the Internet when every minute counts. If someone is unconscious, not breathing, seizing/convulsing, bleeding profusely, difficult to arouse/wake up, etc. call 911 immediately, otherwise call the NJ Poison Experts at (1-800-222-1222).

Time is of the essence in many situations since poisons and medicines may act very quickly. Having a poison expert give you exact instructions for your specific situation can help significantly during those critical first few minutes.

Help is available to NJ residents anytime day or night, even on weekends and holidays. Remember, services are fast, free, confidential, and multilingual. Call 800-222-1222, chat www.njpies.org, or text 8002221222@njpies.org; the hearing impaired may also use their TTY and call 973-926-8008. 

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella presented a resolution to Coach James DeSarno, team captains Jack Curry, Brett Robertshaw and Michael O’Connor and the entire Westfield High School Blue Devils football team congratulating them on completing a perfect season and capturing the North Jersey Section 2, Group 5 Championship on December 3, 2015 at MetLife Stadium. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – One and all are invited to join in the 60^th Annual Christmas Carol sing-a-long in the historic Rotunda at the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 24.

The event features an enormous 30-foot tall Douglas fir tree soaring up past the second story of the Rotunda. Festooned with lights in a snowy tableau populated by animated characters, it makes a colorful background for family holiday photos.

“The annual Union County Sing-A-Long is one of the year’s most enjoyable Union County traditions, bringing the community together to enjoy classic holiday favorites,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce Bergen, who will act as Master of Ceremonies. “If you’re doing some last minute gift shopping in midtown Elizabeth, please drop in and join the festivities.”

The Singalong is free and open to the public. Everyone can join in the group singing, and there will also be soloists and a live keyboardist.

The Christmas tree in the Rotunda is donated each year by a County resident. This year’s tree is thanks to the generosity of the Mignone family of Clark. It is on display throughout the holiday season and may be viewed during regular Courthouse hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., except for holidays.

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