Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Members of the public are invited to submit their nominees for the 21st annual Women of Excellence awards program, sponsored by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

In particular, the Commission on the Status of Women invites residents to submit nominations that reflect an extra effort to assist others in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The Women of Excellence program recognizes the many contributions that women make to life in Union County. Women who live, work or volunteer in Union County are eligible to be nominated.

“As the Union County community has pulled together to overcome the worst of Hurricane Sandy, this year’s Women of Excellence nominees will reflect the strength and spirit that so many women displayed in the face of the crisis,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.”

The Women of Excellence who are selected from the pool of nominees will be honored at a celebratory dinner to be held on March 22, 2013 at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union Township.

The nomination process is simple and is open to women ages 21 years or older. To obtain a nomination form, contact Madeline Brigantino at 908-527-4144 or mbrigantino@ucnj.org, or visit https://ucnj.org/women-of-excellence-award/ to download the form.

The completed form should be mailed to Jane O’Hara, Union County Commission on the Status of Women, 708 Newark Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.

Nominations must be postmarked by December 1, 2012.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that free copies of property documents are available at her office in Elizabeth for Union County residents who lost their property documents during Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath.

“My office will assist Union County property owners who lost documents necessary to process insurance claims or apply for FEMA assistance at no charge,” Ms. Rajoppi said.

For a limited time, copies of property documents will be available at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, Room 115, in Elizabeth.

The Elizabeth office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

When contacting the County Clerk, please provide the property owner’s name, the property address and the approximate date of deed transfer.

For more information about obtaining property documents, please call (908) 527-4787.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Alexander Mirabella, Chairman
Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders
November 2012

This has been an extraordinary time in Union County history, and we’ve seen some extraordinary things.

We’ve seen the worst of the damage and destruction that a powerful storm can bring, first with Hurricane Sandy and then with the nor’easter Athena.

We’ve also seen the best of human nature, as Union County residents pulled together to keep each other safe at the height of the danger.

So many people have been involved in the response and recovery that it’s impossible to thank them all, so I’d just like to say that as a lifelong resident of Union County I could not be more proud to say that this place is my home.

We’re not out of the woods yet. Tragically, two deaths in Union County have been attributed to the storm, and people are still suffering.

But we’re getting there.

And now, as we put our communities back in order, it is time to take a look at how we pulled through, and how we will prepare for the next time.

From the perspective of County government, one thing that stands out is the cooperation we received from local officials, which helped us to get our resources out quickly to communities in need.

That included extra help from County first responders and tree crews as well as fuel, fuel pumps, generators and light towers, to name just a few examples.

We also worked together to assist local emergency shelters, and we opened the Union County Regional Shelter in Cranford with the Red Cross and Salvation Army.  Special thanks go to the town of Cranford, its citizens and government officials, for making their community center available.

Communication was another critical endeavor. We mobilized the County website and social media, reverse 911, FirstAlert and other lines of communication to stay in constant touch with local officials and reporters as well as individual citizens.

Those efforts also assisted County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and her staff, as they overcame unprecedented circumstances during a presidential election to keep residents informed and ensure that every Union County voter who wanted to cast a ballot, could do so.

On a nice note, right between the two storms a pair of EMTs with our new countywide ambulance service delivered a baby girl in Rahway, who was in such a big hurry to enter this world that she could not wait for mom to get to the hospital.

Clearly, one focus moving forward will be a redoubling of efforts to develop an even more vigorous county-local shared services network. We need to identify what worked and move swiftly to fill any gaps.

Just as clearly, we also need to expand our attention outward to the state and federal level.

There is no question that fuel shortages and long-running power outages added overwhelming burdens to Union County residents and first responders. While some limited solutions may be available locally, the root of the problem can only be addressed through a coordinated national energy policy.

Union County will conduct a series of “after action” planning sessions to learn what was done well and when could have be improved.  We learned a lot and are better prepared as a result.

By working together and planning ahead, we can ensure that Union County will be prepared to meet the next “storm of the century,” withstand its blows, and keep moving forward.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a special science program that will visit grammar schools, high schools and community groups to discuss watershed ecology. This free, 30-45-minute, in-house science presentation relates watershed and environmental concepts in a fun and meaningful way.

A watershed is a specific land area that drains into a river system or other body of water. Since 1999, these interactive, “hands-on” earth science presentations incorporating a three-dimensional land use model have been receiving positive reviews from students and teachers alike.

“This is a full period of interesting material for students, scouts and ecology clubs,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Kids love coming to the watershed model and participating.

Teachers, students and community members will discover how human behavior can impact the land and water around them. Most importantly, the program offers easy, practical solutions that everyone can implement to reduce pollution and improve water quality, such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding waterfowl such as ducks and geese.

The presentations are offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program. Additionally, the Watershed Ambassador Program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups. To schedule a free presentation or training, call Matthew Popin, the Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area #7, at 908-789-3209.

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Matthew Popin, watershed ambassador from Union County’s Department of Parks and Community Renewal and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, prepares for upcoming watershed presentations using the Enviroscape, a 3-D model. To schedule a free watershed presentation in your community, please call 908-789-3209.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Event to be held Wednesday, Nov. 14th, 7 p.m. at Union County College in Cranford

CRANFORD – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick will host a Hurricane Sandy Recovery Information Session for the public on Wednesday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Roy Smith Theater on the Cranford campus of Union County College. The College is located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

“We need to provide clear and concise information on how to file claims.” said Assemblyman Bramnick, who  represents the 21st District, which includes 10 municipalities in Union County.

“We are scheduling this information session as a means of directly communicating with residents who suffered any impacts during the storm,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “They can obtain the advice and information they need from FEMA and other specialists in order to access aid.”

Experts on recovery following the Hurricane will be present. The session will include representatives from FEMA and the insurance industry. All are welcome to attend.

Residents may also visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, which is already up and running at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield, at the Chisholm Community Center and operating seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two others will also open soon in Union County.

To find the one closest to you call FEMA or use the Disaster Recovery Center locator at fema.gov.

The types of financial assistance offered by FEMA to eligible residents include:

• Temporary rental help or a stipend for hotel lodging.
• Repairs or replacement for a home or business damaged by the storm (for damage not covered by existing insurance; property owners should also contact their insurance company).
• Help with medical, dental or funeral expenses.
• Help with mental health counseling.

One important form of help that FEMA can offer is disaster unemployment assistance. This program is designed for persons who have lost their jobs due to the storm, but who are not eligible to receive conventional unemployment insurance payments.

In addition, FEMA can help connect eligible residents with legal services, for example in settling landlord-tenant issues that may arise as a result of storm damage.

A complete description of FEMA assistance programs for individuals and households is available for download at the “Help After a Disaster” page at fema.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.

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ROSELLE, NJ – Bring the family and join in the excitement at the Warinanco Ice Skating Center on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3:00 p.m. as the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents the “Turkey Broom Bowl Challenge,” a combination of the games of broomball and bowling. No hockey or skating skills are required.

“Come to the skating center for some family fun and let your children try their luck at our version of broom bowling,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “After the Turkey Broom Bowl Challenge, sit by the fire and warm up with a snack and a cup of hot chocolate from the snack bar.”

Registration for the Turkey Broom Bowl Challenge begins at 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 24. There is a $2 registration fee per participant. Regular admission and skate rental fees do not apply; this is not a skating event.

There is no public skating during this event. The Turkey Broom Bowl Challenge will begin at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 4 through 17 years who are competing in the challenge will be divided into three age groups. Prizes will be awarded.

The Warinanco Ice Skating Center is located off Thompson Avenue in Warinanco Park, located near the border of Roselle and Elizabeth. For more information call the Skating Center at 908-298-7850 or the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900, or visit www.ucnj.org

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

ROSELLE, NJ – Bring the family and join in the fun at the Turkey Broom Bowl Challenge, a version of broom bowling, on Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Warinanco Park Ice Skating Center in Roselle. Registration begins at 3 p.m. There is a $2 fee for each participant. Children ages 4 through 17 years will be divided into three age groups. Prizes will be awarded. For more information call the Skating Center at 908-298-7850 or the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900, or visit www.ucnj.org

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has opened its first Disaster Recovery Center in Union County, to enable residents to apply for disaster assistance in person. The Center is located at the Chisholm Community Center at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day of the week including Saturday and Sunday.

“Many residents have used FEMA’s website and toll-free number, but for those of you who need an extra hand, the Disaster Recovery Center enables you to talk to a FEMA representative in person,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “It is very reassuring to be able to speak with someone face to face, so if you have any questions at all about applying for disaster assistance, I urge you visit the Disaster Recovery Center.”

FEMA is expected to open additional centers at other locations in Union County within the next several days. Any of the centers, regardless of its location, can be used by any New Jersey resident.

For residents wishing to use FEMA’s online application process, visit disasterassitance.gov or call FEMA toll free, 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585).

For all updates on Union County programs and services, visit ucnj.org or call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak speaks with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Policy Analyst Naomi Johnson at the newly opened FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Springfield. The center was set up to assist residents who suffered property damage and loss due to Hurricane Sandy. Homeowners, renters and business owners can visit the center to register in person for assistance through FEMA and the federal Small Business Administration. The center is located at 100 S. Springfield Avenue in Springfield and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Prepares for the Next Storm Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminded residents to be aware that the nor’easter predicted for today and Thursday will bring high winds, rain, coastal flooding and possibly snow to the region, creating the potential for new power outages and other hazards.

“Union County residents have really shown a lot of heart in the past week, and I know that we can pull through the next storm together,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “Please take steps to prepare, and check on a friend or neighbor, too.”

Residents should make sure they have emergency supplies on hand including fresh batteries, water, non-perishable food such as bread, dried fruit and peanut butter, and any needed medications or medical supplies.

Residents who need to stay overnight in a shelter can call the non-emergency phone number of their local police department to find out if space is available in their community.

The Union County Regional Shelter in Cranford is also available for overnight shelter or for a place to warm up during the day. County personnel have been working with the Red Cross to staff the shelter, and the Salvation Army has provided cooked meals.

The shelter is located at the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue. Persons planning to stay overnight should call ahead at 908-709-7283 (press “2” for the shelter representative).

“If you’ve been coping with power outages at home all week, the nor’easter may create new challenges for you,” said Mirabella. “Please stay safe and don’t hesitate to use a public shelter if you need one.”

Mirabella also advised residents to exercise renewed caution when driving after the nor’easter. The new storm may loosen trees and branches that were already weakened by Hurricane Sandy, creating new roadblocks and hazards.

“We’re asking motorists to take care and be alert for people working in the roads, including County personnel and crews from utility companies, FEMA and the National Forest Service,” said Mirabella.

County residents are also reminded to run generators only outdoors. Generators must be placed at least 25 feet away from windows to prevent dangerous fumes from seeping indoors. Running a generator in a basement or garage, even with windows open, can cause potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

To donate food or cash for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, visit the New Jersey Community FoodBank at njfoodbank.org or call 908-355-3663.

UNION COUNTY, NJ—In response to the devastation facing small businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella today announced the Union County Economic Development Corporation is now prepared to expedite loan applications of up to $15,000 to meet the post-storm recovery needs of small businesses.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Union County’s economy and we are offering an important program that will enable them to ramp up and get back to work at full capacity,” Mirabella said. “We need to keep Union County moving forward.”

The Union County Economic Development Corporation, which receives partial funding through the County of Union, is committed to providing small business owners with a decision within two weeks of receiving a completed application. The loans carry no prepayment penalty, so you can pay off your balance with insurance proceeds if you choose to do so.

For larger capital needs, the UCEDC continues to offer loans up to $250,000 with conventional processing periods.

Those interested in applying for these programs, should call today at 908-527-1166 to speak with UCEDC loan officers – the offices are open and ready for your call. UCEDC is located at 75 Chestnut Street, Cranford, NJ 07016-2937.

Registered Union County voters who wish to vote early in person can still vote today, Monday November 5, until 4:30 p.m. To vote early in person, come to the County Clerk’s offices at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. These are the only two locations for in-person early voting.

A remote voting process is in place for registered voters who have been forced to relocate outside of Union County due to Hurricane Sandy. This process involves using email (access to a printer and scanner will be needed) or a fax machine. This process can be started at any time on Monday, November 5, up until 5:00 p.m. on Election Day. Instructions are available at the County Clerk’s website, ucnj.org/ votebymail.

Almost all Union County polling places are expected to be open on Election Day, Tuesday November 6. An updated list will be available later today.

Voters who wish to vote in person but who cannot travel to their assigned polling place should be aware that the State Division of Elections has authorized any registered voter to cast a provisional ballot at any polling place in New Jersey on Election Day, Tuesday November 6.

A complete list of polling places in New Jersey is available online at the New Jersey Department of State“Polling Place Search” page. For questions about polling locations in Union County, voters can also call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

For all updates about voting in Union County visit ucnj.org/ctyclerk or call the County Clerk, 908-527-4996.