Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce Get Your School Garden Growing, a full day of workshops from the Rutgers Extension of Union County designed to help educators and community group leaders develop successful gardens for students and youth group members.

Get Your School Garden Growing will be held on Saturday, February 22, at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“For a community garden to thrive, you need team building and organization as well as good gardening skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “This workshop will help provide you with the tools you need to pull students and volunteers together in a successful effort.”

The topics to be covered in Get Your School Garden Growing include guidance on working with young gardeners as well as finding suitable sites including sun, soil, and water considerations, pest management, safety consideration for young gardeners, and nutrition awareness including the new USDA “MyPlate” guidelines.

Other topics include hydroponics in the classroom and composting, along with guidance on integrating classroom lessons about soil health, soil biology, and recycling.

“Community gardening has proven to be a valuable exercise in teamwork and nutrition awareness for young people, while also contributing hands-on reinforcement for today’s challenging STEM curriculum,” said Hudak. “Whether you have already started a garden or are planning one, I encourage you to attend.”

Get Your School Garden Growing kicks off a new Chairman’s Initiative that calls for Union County to support community gardening with additional publicity and outreach materials, including new web and print content.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The registration deadline for Get Your School Garden Growing is Friday, February 14. A fee of $25 includes lunch and all materials.  For more information visit ucnj.org/rce, call the Union County Extension office in Westfield at 908-654-9854 (press “2”), or email Judith Laganga at the Extension office, jlaganga@ucnj.org.

Due to Monday’s and today’s snow storms, the final day of the 2014 Union County Deer Management Program has been re-scheduled to Friday, February 7.

Hunters will be in Lenape Park, Nomahegan Park, Passaic River Park, Watchung Reservation, the Ash Brook Reservation and the Hawk Rise Sanctuary from 5:00 a.m. until after dark on Friday, February 7, but shooting may occur only during daylight hours.

Thirty-eight marksmen have been chosen by the County from among experienced, licensed hunters. More than half of the hunters have previously participated in Union County’s program; 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. About half 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 Union 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. Patrons also are urged to keep pets restrained on a leash.

For further information, go to the Union County website at www.ucnj.org/deer or contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 789-3682.

On behalf of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd R) donates books about human trafficking to Elizabeth Public Library Director Mary Faith Chmiel at the start of donation program to bring awareness about the epidemic of human trafficking nationwide. Similar donations will be made to libraries throughout the County who expressed interest in receiving these books. They are joined by Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage (R) and Principal Librarian Jose Ruiz-Alvarez. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The February 10, 2014 Raritan Valley Rail Coalition Town of Westfield meeting date has been changed to Tuesday February 18, 2014.The meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Town of Westfield Council Chambers.  The meeting date has been changed so the coalition can receive an update briefing from NJ Transit on the starting date for one seat ride service on the Raritan Valley Line.

The coalition guest speaker has not been confirmed but we are hoping to have a representative from NJ Transit present details on the start of one seat ride service on the Raritan Valley line.  The Coalition trustees will update the membership on the details including the proposed start time and hours of operations of one seat ride service.

If any person has items they would like to have added to the agenda or questions answered, please contact me at voice/fax/ e – mail voice (908) 231-7021, fax (908) 707-1749, or e-mail at rvrc@co.somerset.nj.us.

**If inclement weather is predicted please contact (908) 281-9569 on Monday February 17th to determine if the meeting has been postponed.**

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to offer special “February Festivities” programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside during the Presidents Day holiday weekend, Feb. 13-17.  Pre-registration is required for most programs. Call Trailside for space availability. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

“All of the programs during February Festivities give families an opportunity to enjoy creative and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight adults and children of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Union County is committed to providing affordable family fun at our facilities.”

Kicking off the holiday weekend on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. for adults, ages 18 and older, is “Songs of the Civil War: History and Myth.” Lisa Wilkins and Chuck Winch, dressed in period clothing, sing authentic Civil War songs and original compositions to explore how popular songs shaped and reflected the sentiments and events of the time. This program is sponsored in part by the New Jersey Council for Humanities and it will take place in the renovated Masker’s Barn located in the Deserted Village of Feltville. Please meet in the parking lot at Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Ave., at 7:15 p.m., where a van will transport participants to the barn. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are appreciated.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. families can learn how to build the “Perfect Campfire.” Working together, each family will collect tinder and kindling to make a decorative fire starter kit for their home fireplace. Using their new found knowledge, participants will help to light a campfire and enjoy sipping hot cocoa and toasting marshmallows.

At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, see how 100 percent real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree during “The Journey of Sap to Syrup.” Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. This “sap to syrup” program will be repeated on Monday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Later on Saturday, discover how many natural history items your family can find in the winter woods during the “Winter Scavenger Hunt” at 3:30 p.m. Search for animal tracks, acorns, winter grasses and nests. Then enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows as we compare answers around a warm campfire. A prize will be given to the team with the most points.

Take a short walk outdoors during “Feed the Birds” to look for our feathered friends and find out how they are coping with the cold winter weather. Visit the Bird Viewing Area and help the naturalist fill the feeders. Enjoy watching which birds come to eat and learn to identify them by sight and sound. Find out about the different types of seed used to attract birds and make a wild bird treat to take home.

Highlighting the festivities on Monday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. is the Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo. Many mammals have developed amazing characteristics to avoid becoming “lunch.” Meet live animals as you find out how they defend themselves from other animals in this educational and entertaining program. This matinee is recommended for ages 4 and older and admission is $5 per person. Tickets for Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo go on sale at 1:00 p.m. before the matinee. No strollers in the auditorium, please.

Programs during the weekend February Festivities are recommended for families with children ages 5 and older unless otherwise specified. The fee for “Perfect Campfires” is $6 per person for residents of Union County and $7 per person for non-county residents. The fee for “The Journey of Sap to Syrup,” “Winter Scavenger Hunt” and “Feed the Birds” is $5 per person for Union County residents and $6 per person for out-of-county participants.

For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities or any upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Trailside naturalist Cathleen Bolton leads a group of children on a winter walk to search for squirrel nests, woodpecker holes, buck rubs and other winter wonders in the Watchung Reservation. Registration for the winter series of programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside is now under way with workshops including Toddler Time (for adults with children up to three years of age); Two of Us (for adults with children ages 3-4); Small Fry Days (drop-off programs for 4-6 year-olds); Afterschool Explorations (for children in the 1st and 2nd grade); and Trailside Explorers (for children in the 3rd thru 5th grade). These popular programs offer hands-on investigations of the natural world through crafts, hikes and interactive educational activities. Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 for a complete brochure of winter offerings or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road, at Coles Ave., in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce a new and exciting season of summer camps and family programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside summer programs offer adults and children a great opportunity to explore the outdoors while learning about nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Each Trailside camp and family program is filled with hands-on, educational activities that encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Theme hikes, games and crafts are all part of the Trailside experience.”

Due to the popularity of Trailside’s summer programs, a lottery system will be used beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 and continuing through Friday, Feb. 21, or until all numbers have been drawn. Union County residents may visit Trailside to draw a lottery number from noon to 5 p.m. daily.  There are more than 500 numbers.

Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, will be required to draw a number and only one number may be drawn per family/address. Registrants must pick their own lottery ticket for their family, and each registrant’s name, address, lottery number and arrival time will be recorded when the lottery number is chosen. The number drawn will indicate the registrant’s position on line and time of arrival for registration day, scheduled for Saturday, March 1.

Summer Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, for Union County residents who have drawn a lottery ticket. Registrants must bring their ticket with them to register and must be present when their number is called or their position in line will be forfeited. Each ticket holder may only register their child/family.

If a registrant arrives after their number is called, but within their designated registration hour indicated on their lottery ticket, they may register at the end of the one-hour time block. If the registrant misses their one hour time block entirely, they may return at 3:30 p.m. to register. No exceptions will be made.

Registration for out-of-county residents will begin Monday, March 3, from noon to 4:45 p.m.  Lottery tickets will not be required and registration will continue until all programs are filled.

For information about Trailside’s 2014 Summer Camps, including registration procedures, please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Summer brochures and registration cards will be distributed during the February lottery. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Elizabeth, NJ–A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Sunday, February 23, 2014 to examine all aspects of the Union County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Sheriff Ralph Froehlich announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Union County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Sheriff Froehlich said. “Having been previously certified by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) and recognized by CALEA, I look forward to re-accreditation.”

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-527-1843 on Monday, February 24, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Sheriff’s Office, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ. The local contact is Sergeant Patrick Hora, who can be reached at 908-527-4420.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053, or email Accreditation Program Manager, hdelgado@njsacop.org or by phone (856)-334-8943.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office must comply with 100 standards in order to achieve accredited status.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Sheriff Froehlich said.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed,” Delgado said. “Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through its’ New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – Trailside Nature and Science Center is pleased to announce a musical program, “Songs of the Civil War: History and Myth,” for adults 18 years and older, on Thursday evening, February 13. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation, this educational and entertaining program will take place at Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village of Feltville from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Through music and song, this program will transport you dramatically to the Civil War era and offer a greater understanding of the period,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Lisa Wilkins and Chuck Winch will sing both authentic Civil War era songs and original compositions to explore how popular songs shaped and reflected the sentiments and events of the time. Dressed in period clothing, their unique presentation illustrates how these songs continue to resonate emotionally among those interested in the Civil War and American history.

The performers use authentic and reproduction period instruments, including banjo, fiddle, guitar and bones. This musical program is sure to be enhanced by its location in the historic Masker’s Barn, built in the period shortly after the Civil War.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are welcome. Patrons are asked to meet and park in the parking lot at Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Avenue. A van will transport participants to the barn. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m. to allow for transportation to the barn

For additional information about this and other programs and special events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the federal Affordable Care Act includes a free information service to help consumers with questions about finding affordable health insurance.

The service is run locally by non-profit agencies that are officially designated as Navigators by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Union County residents can get reliable information free of charge by contacting Navigators in our area, or by visiting the Affordable Care Act website at healthcare.gov,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “There no need to pay a third party to make an informed choice about affordable health insurance.”

In the Union County region, the lead Navigator is the Urban League of Hudson County in partnership with the Urban Leagues of Bergen County, Morris County, and Union County.

In addition, major pharmacy chains have officially partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute free information at their retail locations.

The goal of the Navigators is to help consumers use the new health insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov to find affordable health insurance, and to determine their eligibility for financial assistance.

“The healthcare.gov website has been improved to provide consumers with all the information they need online, but in case you need extra help the Navigators are here to assist you one-on-one,” said Hudak. “I encourage you to call with any questions you may have, especially when it comes to any subsidies for which you qualify.”

Hudak also reminded residents that the new Union County Prescription Drug Discount Card may help reduce the cost of their medications. The free card, which includes discounts on pet medications, can be obtained by calling the Union County Division of Human Services, 908-527-4800.

To contact a Navigator in Union County, call the Urban League of Union County at 908- 351-7200 or email uluc.aca.coverage@gmail.com.

For information about the Affordable Care Act visit healthcare.gov (cuidadodesalud.gov in Spanish), or call 1-800-318-2596 toll free.

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