Category: Public Info

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce two updates for “Union County Votes,” a mobile app that provides voters and election watchers with on-the-go information.

“We are always looking for ways to expand and improve Union County Votes, and this election cycle is especially important because it is a Presidential year,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The new updates will help voters find their correct polling places and get accurate information about the candidates, from the convenience of their mobile devices.”

One update is a new button labeled “Presidential Candidates.” It provides direct links to the official campaign website of each candidate.

“Even though some candidates have suspended their campaigns before the end of Primary season, they will still appear on the Primary Ballot as they have been certified by the New Jersey Department of State. So, we have included the links to their websites as well,” explained Ms. Rajoppi.

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

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

Eligible Union County residents have until May 17 to register to vote in the June 7 Primary Election. Persons who are currently age 17 can also register in advance, if they turn 18 on or before Election Day.

The “Are you 17?” button on the Union County Votes app provides more information.

Registered voters also have time to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot before the June 7 Primary, and the app has a button for that.

 “In New Jersey, any registered voter can use a Vote-By-Mail ballot for any reason,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It’s convenient and secure, and it will ensure that your voice is heard if you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day.”

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.

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Resident artists of Union County who are 60 years of age or older are invited to exhibit an original work of art completed in the last three years in the annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, May 18. The exhibit will be held in the Atrium of the Elizabethtown Gas Company, Liberty Hall Center, 1085 Morris Ave., in Union, from May 31 to July 12. All participating artists are invited to attend a reception in the Atrium on Wednesday, June 8, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., including live music and refreshments. The reception is an ideal opportunity to meet other artists.

Artwork will be judged by artists Joan Pamboukes, Julie Harris and Peter Lester. Awards will go to first, second, third place and honorable mention winners in each category. First Place winners in all categories will go on to compete in September at the New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show in East Windsor. Entrants may be either amateur/non-professional or professional artists. Any person who meets at least two of the following criteria is considered professional:

1. Sold the type of art entered in the exhibition through commercial channels;
2. Exhibited in a professional gallery;
3. Held professional membership in a guild or association.

Categories of eligible work are: oil; acrylic; watercolor (including gouache); pastel (including chalk, charcoal and oil pastel); drawing and prints (including pencil, pen, ink, graphite, and prints such as etching, engraving, lithograph, woodcut, monoprint, monotype, silkscreen, etc.); mixed media (combines two or more media, no one of which predominates; including collage and assemblage); sculpture (three dimensional, carved, or constructed in any medium, abstract or figurative, painted or unpainted); craft (one-of-a-kind creations only; no kits or molds); digital/computer art (art generated or altered digitally using software); and photography.

Hanging artwork, crafts and photos may not exceed 36 inches nor be less than 10” in any dimension, including matte and frame. Sculpture or 3-D crafts may not exceed 20” in any dimension (measurements include any base for the sculpture). All work must be properly labeled and delivered “show-ready” with screw eyes and wiring ready for hanging. Where necessary, pictures must be protected with glass, Mylar, Plexiglas or other clear material. Plexiglas is strongly recommended on pieces exceeding 24 inches.

To receive an application, call Martha Sturm, Senior Arts Coordinator, at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 908-558-2550, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Relay users dial 711. Completed applications may be: mailed to Senior Art Show, Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202; or faxed to 908-558-2652; or scanned and emailed to msturm@ucnj.org.

Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan, Undersheriffs Michael Frank and Amilcar Colon and Captain Dennis Burke congratulate newly promoted Sergeant Anastasio Anastasatos of Clark during a ceremony in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Sergeant Anastasatos, a 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, is assigned to the Crime Scene Unit and also instructs at the John H. Stamler Police Academy. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County offers one of only two live web links in New Jersey for peregrine falcon nests

Union County, NJ – Visitors to the Union County website can now access a free link to the County’s first ever “Falcon Cam,” which provides a live stream of all the action in and around the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth.

The mother falcon laid four eggs earlier this spring, and they are expected to hatch within days.

“The new Falcon Cam is a wonderful opportunity to observe and study one of nature’s most fierce and fascinating creatures,” said Union County Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “It will provide an enriching experience for County residents of all ages, and for online visitors from all over the world.”

Peregrine falcons are known for their rapid dives, which can approach an astounding 200 miles an hour as they move in on their prey.

A pair first attempted to build a nest on the roof of the County Courthouse in 2005, but windy conditions were an obstacle. In 2006 County workers installed a repurposed dog house to provide a wind shield, acting on the guidance of wildlife experts with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. A nesting pair has raised chicks in the doghouse every year since then.

“Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in New Jersey, and Union County has been part of ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these remarkable birds statewide,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is a member of the Parks and Recreation advisory board. “The new live feed will help build an appreciation for the role that we can all play in preserving our natural heritage, both in our parks and in the urban environment.”

In 2015 only 24 nesting pairs of peregrine falcons were reported in all of New Jersey. Of that total, only 16 are known to have made their homes in buildings like the County Courthouse.

Union County participates in a banding program with wildlife experts from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Thanks to the partnership, offspring from the County Courthouse pair have been observed around the tri-state region, where they have raised chicks of their own.

The same pair occupied the County Courthouse nest from 2006 to 2015. Last year they had four eggs, beating the statewide average of 2.25 young per active nest. They also hatched all four to achieve a 100 percent success rate, well above the average rate of 71 percent.

Earlier this year a new female took up residence in the nest. Leg bands indicate that she was born in a nest located at Throgs Neck Bridge in New York City in 2010.

The new Falcon Cam live stream includes two cameras. One provides a view of the nest interior. This camera also provides an infrared video image at night.

A second camera enables observers to track the falcons’ behavior while perched outside of the nest. An audio feed will also be available later this year.

With the Falcon Cam, Union County becomes one of only two places in New Jersey with a live peregrine falcon web link. The other web cam is located at a nest in Jersey City.

Until recent years, the peregrine falcon population was in steep decline along with other birds of prey due to habitat loss and the pesticide DDT. By 1964, peregrine falcons disappeared completely from New Jersey and all other states east of the Mississippi River.

Peregrine falcons were one of the first birds to be the focus of conservation efforts after the 1960’s. In the 1980’s an intensive re-introduction effort began in the tri-state region.

Since 2000 the New Jersey population has stabilized at approximately two dozen nesting pairs annually.

For more information about peregrine falcons, visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife.

A link for the new Falcon Cam is located on the County website at ucnj.org/falcon.

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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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados joined U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, Elizabeth Mayor. J. Christian Bollwage, Autism Speaks New Jersey Executive Director Heather Hayes and other officials at the Family Services Town Hall meeting in Elizabeth Saturday to bring together young adults with autism, families, adult service providers and state resources in a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

The town hall focused on the transition of young adults on the autism spectrum from adolescence into adulthood. The panel included advocates, experts and service providers, all of whom are educated and knowledgeable about adult autism services in New Jersey.

The event was co-sponsored by Autism Speaks and Senator Menendez, and hosted in partnership with Union County, City of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Public School District, Elizabeth Board of Education, and Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation.

For more information, visit www.autismspeaks.org.

WIn fulfillment of  Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen’s “UCHERO” initiative assisting Veterans, collections are being taken up at five different County Government locations for Backpacks for Life, a New Jersey-based non-profit that assists Veterans in need, and the public is welcome to make a donation.

 “There are many Veterans out there who are having trouble making ends meet and need our assistance,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “We hope this collection helps in some small way to help make things better.”

Brett D’Alessandro, the founder of the New Jersey-based Backpacks for Life, thanked the County for setting up the donation effort.

“People tend to overlook homeless Veterans and stigmatize them and all homeless in general,” D’Alessandro said. “I created this organization to help our Veterans. At one point in my life, I needed help too, and I am living proof that a little bit of help can go a long way in turning a life around.”

D’Alessandro, a United States Marine Corps Sergeant and New Jersey native, founded Backpacks for Life after coming home from service in Afghanistan, and seeing a homeless man holding a sign that said “Vietnam Veteran.”

“I couldn’t help but think of that man for the rest of the day,” he said. Later that afternoon, D’Alessandro returned after filling his backpack from his tour with warming layers, socks and t-shirts. He went back to find the man and gave him the backpack. The next morning on his way into work, D’Alessandro saw the man, but this time with a small child wearing the backpack proudly.

“I stopped to say hello and the homeless man explained to me that his wife had become very sick and the warming layers were helping her tremendously. It was in this moment that I knew I wanted to help others get back on their feet and give them a second chance at life,” D’Alessandro said.

Collection bins/boxes are at the following County Government locations and accessible during normal business hours:

*Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth—first floor elevator area. ( 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F)

*Prosecutor’s Office, 32 Rahway Avenue, Elizabeth— first floor lobby. (9 a.m.-5 p.m.,  M-F)

*County Courthouse—alley entry (before cafeteria, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

*County Clerk’s Office, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield—Office area (M,W,F 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues, Thurs 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

*County Police 300 North Avenue East, (24 HOUR COLLECTION SITE)—Lobby area.

The following items below are being requested as donations:

• Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
• Baby Wipes
• Soap Bars/Body Wash
• Shampoo
•            Hand Sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Body Powder
• Pocket Tissues
• Socks, Hats & Gloves
• Travel Size First Aid Kit
• Ponchos

Backpacks For Life is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that aims to provide veterans, those who are homeless or who cannot provide for themselves and their families, with the basic life necessities. They’re building backpacks full of daily essentials and other resources to help get homeless veterans back on their feet.

With each backpack, they aim to not only provide homeless veterans with the things they need for daily living but also, give them hope and resources for the future.

Backpacks For Life was founded by Verona resident and USMC Sgt. Brett D’Alessandro.

For more information, please go towww.backpacksforlife.org or about the County collection, contact Sebastian D’Elia atsdelia@ucnj.org or 908-527-4419.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak presents Donald Givens with a resolution congratulating him on being named the 2016 Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year by the Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services during the city’s 57th annual Senior Citizen Day ceremony at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center in Linden.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Gardeners can get free, reliable guidance by phone or email from the Master Gardeners of Union County, a group of trained, certified volunteers organized by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with the support of the Freeholder Board. The service is designed to assist every level of gardening experience, from beginner to expert.

Among their many civic service programs, the Master Gardeners staff the free Garden Helpline from the Extension offices on the second floor of Union County’s Colleen Frasier Building in Westfield. Gardeners can also bring plant and insect samples to the office for evaluation, and get information about soil tests.

“Now is a good time to plan ahead for a successful garden,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you have any questions about plants and planting, the Master Gardeners are standing by to help you.”

Gardeners can call the Garden Helpline at 908-654-9852 from Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Helpline may also be contacted by email at mastergardeners@ucnj.org. All voice mails and emails are answered promptly.

The Colleen Fraser Building is located at the County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Gardeners can bring plant or insect samples for evaluation during Helpline hours. A drop box is also provided to leave samples at other times. All samples must be in sealed containers.

In other gardening news, there is still time to apply for a 2016 Union County Community Garden Grant, a new grant program funded by the Freeholder Board and administered by the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth. The application deadline is May 15. For more details visit ucnj.org/garden-grants or email Groundwork, elizabethnj@groundworkusa.org.

Garden enthusiasts are also invited to attend the Master Gardener’s 27^th Annual Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale on Sunday May 15, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Demonstration Garden by the Union County Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

This year’s Garden Fair features the new “Rutgers 250” tomato for sale along with popular favorites including many deer resistant, drought tolerant and fragrant plants, easy-to-grow plants for beginner gardeners and a large selection of tomatoes and herbs. Adding to the fun are children’s activities, baked goods and crafts for sale, garden tours and more.

Admission and parking are free. All sales are cash only. Proceeds from the sale go to fund Master Gardeners projects including neighborhood gardens, educational events, summer camps, scholarships, and the donation of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries.

More information about the Helpline, Garden Fair and many other programs is available from the Union County Extension online at ucnj.org/rce, or call the Extension main number at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2).

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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 Photo credit: The new Rutgers 250 tomato variety, “a better tasting version of the classic New Jersey Rutgers Tomato,”  by Peter Nitzscheby via Rutgers University.

Union County, NJ – Women who own or manage a business in Union County, or who run a non-profit organization, are invited to attend the fourth annual Union County Women Mean Business summit on Wednesday May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

This year’s event promises to help attendees expand their circle of influence by creating new, powerful relationships with diverse and interesting businesswomen. while learning about relevant topics such as Art of the Ask, Turning Your Passion Into Profits and Uncovering Your Female Genius.

“Women represent fully half of the energy and talent in the Union County community, and this year’s seminar is designed to help more women realize their full potential, in the non-profit sector as well as in the public and private sectors,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding event.”

Union County Women Mean Business is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders with the generous support of Diamond Level Sponsor ConnectOne Bank, a sponsor since the inception of the event.

“Female leaders are vital to the growth and development of our local communities and we are proud to once again partner with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County Women Mean Business,” said Elizabeth Magennis, EVP & Chief Lending Officer of ConnectOne Bank.

Other sponsors include KemperSports, Southwest, Winning Strategies Washington, Pitman Mindas Grossman Lee & Moore, P.C., and Suplee, Clooney & Company. Additional event sponsors may be announced shortly.

The special guest speaker will be Debra Vizzi, President and CEO of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Since its founding in 1982, the non-profit organization and its partner charities have distributed 600 million pounds of food valued at approximately $1 billion.

Union County Women Mean Business began as an initiative of Freeholder Linda Carter, when she chaired the Freeholder Board in 2013. It is intended to help women in business build foundational skills and form strong networks across the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Tickets are $40.00 per person in advance. Pre-registration is required. The fee includes the full program, lunch, networking cocktail hour (cash bar), and prize opportunities including round trip air fare. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Food Bank.

For more details about the program and to pre-register online visit ucnj.org/ucmb.

Businesses interested in sponsorships may contact the Union County Department of Economic Development at 908-659-7412.

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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.