Tag: chairman granados

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Peopleready staffing firm will use the County’s Workforce Innovation Business Center to hold a hiring event for 100 full time hospitality positions.

The positions include housekeepers, room attendants, cooks, prep cooks, banquet servers, bartenders, janitors, dishwashers, event set up and breakdown and many more.

“The WIB Center leverages Union County’s experience and resources to help top quality employers like Peopleready streamline their hiring process,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “When we established the WIB Center in 2014, we knew that our business community and our residents would both make good use of this opportunity. We are looking forward to working with Peopleready to make this event a success, and we will continue to be proactive in expanding our private public partnerships to benefit our communities and residents.” 

The Peopleready hiring event will be held on Tuesday July 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at Union County College’s Kellogg Building in Elizabeth.

Pre-registration is required by visiting ucnj.org/jobs.

Attendees at the hiring event should bring a copy of their resume and dress appropriately.

For more information on the Peopleready hiring event call the WIB Center at 908-965-2992.

The WIB Center was established by the Freeholder Board in 2014, in partnership with Union County College and the Union County Workforce Development Board. The WIB Center offers a professional staff, programs and facilities designed to help employers in Union County connect with qualified job seekers.

Since its inception in, the WIB Center has worked with more than 100 employers and held 59 major hiring events, offering a total of more than 3,800 employment opportunities to Union County residents.

For more information about the Workforce Development Board visit online at ucnj.org/wdb.

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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.

Union County, NJ –The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce two free mobile paper-shredding events for personal documents in July.

“Union County’s mobile paper-shredding events help residents to protect themselves from identity theft by proving a convenient, secure way to dispose of sensitive or confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The first shredding event will take place on Thursday, July 12 at Rahway River Park on St. Georges Avenue in Rahway.

The second shredding event takes place on Saturday, July 21 at the Old Bristol Myers Facility, located at 1350 Liberty Avenue in Hillside.

Both events run from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. The events will end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach capacity.

All Union County residents can use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person.

It is preferred that residents bring their documents in paper bags. Documents should not be bound. Plastic binders and paper clips should be removed. Paper that is wet or damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Residents do not need to unload their cars at the site. Recycling workers will put the documents in containers and transfer them to a nearby shredding truck. 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.

For more details and schedules for all Union County recycling programs call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit online at ucnj.org/recycling.

Countywide recycling supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for engaging the public in conservation and environmental education.

The Freeholder Board is also encouraging all residents to sign up for Recycle Coach, a free app that makes it easier to stay up to date about countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules.

More information on the Recycle Coach app can be found at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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.

 

 

Mountainside, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the return of the popular Wednesday Matinee series at Trailside Nature & Science Center beginning on July 11 and through August 15. 

This engaging family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up. Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m.

“The Summer Wednesday Matinee series at Trailside offers an educational and entertaining way to make science fun,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The season kicks off on July 11 with FIRE & ICE, a program which uses simple and exciting experiments to uncover the process of science. 

The series continues with TOUCH OF NATURE on July 18, where the wonders of nature are just a touch away, and audience members can meet a variety of live animals, including lizards, snakes and alligators.

On July 25, SCIENCE OF MAGIC delights its audience, using mirrors, magnets and optical illusions; educating and entertaining while demonstrating principles of light and reflection. 

The fun continues on August 1 with OUTRAGEHISS PETS, a unique and educational live animal show which offers the opportunity to meet amazing creatures from all over the world.  The program is certain to spark the curiosity of the audience as it offers surprising facts about each animal. 

On August 8 PURELY FUN WITH MR. FISH uses magnetism, light, air, optical illusions, condensation and mental confusion to teach audiences to do magic.   The final show of the season, on August 15, is SPIN POP BOOM.  Audiences can defy gravity in this energetic and spectacular show. Didgeridoo tubes, foaming hands and steaming chemical reactions introduce children to the exciting world of chemistry.

For more information about the Wednesday Matinee series or other upcoming programs and special events, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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Caption: The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce an exciting lineup of interesting, entertaining and educational Wednesday Matinees this summer at the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Featuring live animals and super science fun, the Wednesday Matinee series starts on July 11 and continues through August 15. Shows begin at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up. Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. For more information about the series and other upcoming programs and special events, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and up can visit the Aging Service Kiosk (ASK) program at five public libraries in July to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.

“This person-to-person service is designed to help seniors access resources that can help them live independently and with dignity in their neighborhoods,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “By bringing our staff into local communities, we also hope to reach seniors in a relaxed environment where they feel comfortable.”

Staff will be present at public libraries in Mountainside, Linden, Clark, Fanwood and Union.

Any Union County resident, caregiver or family member can visit any of the ASK locations.

Through the ASK program, staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection travel throughout Union County providing information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care support services for caregivers and more.

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The July 2018 dates and locations are:

Friday, July 6

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, 07092

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

 

Wednesday, July 11

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Monday, July 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, July 25

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, July 31

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

All Union County residents are welcome to attend the ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

Dates and locations of upcoming ASK program stops are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, ucnj.org.

For further information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, call 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4858, or visit online at ucnj.org.

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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.

 

Union County, NJ – Each year, Union County students who love cats, dogs and other pets join the Union County 4-H Pet Club to explore their passion while learning teamwork, public speaking and other important life skills. Now the 4-H Pet Club is seeking an adult volunteer to lead the group during the 2018 – 2019 school year.

“Any adult who is looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and share their knowledge with our youth is welcome to apply to lead the 4-H Pet Club,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It’s a rewarding experience that connects adult mentors with students, and contributes to an engaged and supportive society.”

All Union County 4-H clubs are run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

The 4-H clubs meet in small groups at the Extension offices on Saturday mornings, in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. The meetings begin in September and follow the school calendar until next June.

The Pet Club will include about 10 students in grades 5 and 6. The Pet Club leader provides guidance to the club members as they learn about pet care, including craft projects and other activities.

The extension provides all 4-H club leaders with support throughout the year, including teaching ideas and materials.  

4-H is a national youth development program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through Extension offices in almost 3,000 counties. The Extension system is aimed at helping the public learn, apply and share scientific research and fact-based knowledge to daily life. 4-H supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for engaging people of all ages in education, environmental stewardship and community volunteering.

For more information about volunteering for the 4-H Pet Club or joining a 4-H club, contact Union County 4-H agent James Nichnadowicz at nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu or 908-654-9854, or visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

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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.

 

 

Union County, NJ – Union County residents and visitors can become instant tree experts just by taking a stroll, thanks to “Tree Trail” projects in County parks undertaken by volunteers with the Rutgers Master Tree Stewards program. In the latest project, on Tuesday a group of Master Tree Stewards visited Echo Lake Park to tag selected trees along a paved walking trail from Springfield Avenue to the gazebo by the Echo Lake dam.

The ID tags display the name of the tree and a QR code that connects to more information online.

“The Tree Trails help raise awareness about the role of trees in our lives,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “There are many magnificent and unusual trees in our County parks, and the new tags encourage visitors to stop for a few moments, take a closer look, and gain a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving and protecting our natural heritage.”

The Master Tree Stewards program is an all-volunteer group run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Supported in part by the Freeholder Board, the Union County Extension is part of a nationwide program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aimed at sharing scientific research with the public.

“The Freeholder is very proud to support the Master Tree Stewards and other Extension volunteer programs, which provide Union County residents with enriching opportunities to learn from the experts and give back to the community,” said Chairman Granados.

 “A growing body of evidence shows that the benefits of trees go far beyond simply being soothing to the eye,” added Granados. “They provide important cooling benefits in the summer, help reduce air pollution, and aid in preventing soil erosion. Improvements in public safety and well-being are also associated with trees.”

So far, the Master Tree Stewards have tagged trees along the paved walking paths in the following County parks: Briant, Cedar Brook, Echo Lake, Echo Lake Extension, Lenape (East side), Meisel, Nomahegan Park, Rahway River, and Warinanco.

The tagging program complements the ongoing classroom education mission of the Master Tree Stewards. Each spring, the volunteers visit 4^th grade students throughout Union County to provide a lesson on the importance of trees. Each volunteer is trained and supported by Extension staff, and equipped with fun, interactive lesson kits.

Another Master Tree Steward activity involves estimating the age of the biggest and oldest trees in Union County, about half of which are located in Union County parks. So far, the Tree Stewards have nominated 18 of those trees to the New Jersey Champion Tree Program.  

Any Union County resident is welcome to join the Master Tree Stewards. No previous experience is necessary. Training takes place each fall, mainly in the form of guided walks through nearby nature preserves and parks. Trainees who successfully complete the course earn official certification as a Master Tree Steward.

Indoor training sessions and other activities are coordinated at the Extension offices, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

The Master Tree Stewards program supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for engaging the public in conservation and environmental education.

For more information about the joining the Master Tree Stewards program visit the Extension online at the County website, ucnj.org/rce or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension, 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities can be found at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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.

Photo captions:

Tree Tagging Group: Notable trees were recently tagged along a section of walking trail in Echo Lake Park by a team from the Rutgers Master Tree Stewards of Union County, an all-volunteer nature education and conservation program supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

Shingle Oak: The Shingle Oak can be easily mistaken for other trees due to its smooth, flat leaves, but a closer look reveals that tell-tale acorns are beginning to grow.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents age 60 and older to attend a public meeting to discuss their concerns and needs. The meeting will be hosted by staff of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection on Tuesday, July 24, at the Buckle Center, 25 Wavecrest Avenue in Winfield Park, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Information from the meeting will become part of Union County’s Area Plan on Aging for the years 2019 to 2021.

“This public meeting is an opportunity for Union County residents to be part of the process and make their voices heard as we plan ahead for senior services in the coming years,” said Freeholder Chairman Granados. “Attendees at the meeting will discuss available services, identify service gaps and explore ways in which our Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection can be of additional assistance.”

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource (ADRC) is one of 670 Area Agencies on Aging established nationwide under the federal Older Americans Act, serving seniors age 60 and older.

“As of 2016, seniors age 60 and older accounted for 19.6 percent of Union County’s total population,” said Chairman Granados. “This is a large and very diverse group, and participation from the public helps to ensure that our planning documents are based on comprehensive information about their needs.”

The US Census Bureau has estimated a total population of 563,892 for Union County as of July 2017.

ADRC coordinates senior services with the New Jersey Department of Human Services through the Area Plan on Aging, which is updated at regular intervals. The plan describes service needs as identified by senior residents, establishes priorities, and explains how the federal Older Americans Act and state funding will be used to reach plan goals.

ADRC provides information and assistance to residents and is the link to services for older adults and caregivers, focusing on promoting choice for older adults so they can age in place with dignity. ADRC prioritizes services to promote independence with home care, legal services and wellness programs including home delivered meals, 24 nutrition sites offering lunch daily throughout the county, and the Farmers Market food voucher summer program. The State Respite Program and Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving Program programs are also coordinated at ADRC to provide respite services for caregivers.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call 908-527-4870 or the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or visit the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org.

Spanish speakers can call ADRC at 908-527-4863, and printed information is available in both  English and Spanish.

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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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds income-eligible senior residents age 60 and over that they can apply for a total of $25 in free vouchers to purchase fresh produce. The vouchers may be used only at Farmer’s Markets in Union County that display a yellow and black WIC sign.

“Farmer’s Markets are a feature of community life throughout Union County in the summertime,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This program helps seniors on a tight budget enjoy a seasonal activity and connect with their neighbors, while experiencing the nutritional benefits of fresh produce.”

The vouchers may be obtained by visiting a designated distribution site scheduled in June and July.

As a convenience, farmers offering produce for sale will also be present at some of the voucher distribution sites, which are as follows:

Monday, June 25

Liberty Square Senior Center

240 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth

Vouchers 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Wednesday July 2

Casano Community Center

314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park

Vouchers 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Wednesday, July 11

Golden Age Towers

200-220 East Milton Avenue, Rahway

Vouchers 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon

Farmer will be at this site

Friday, July 13

Warinanco Sports Center (located in Warinanco Park)

698 Thompson Avenue, Roselle

Vouchers 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Monday, July 16

Ann Ferguson Towers

1601 Dill Avenue, Linden

Vouchers 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am

Farmer will be at this site

Thursday, July 19

Peterstown Community Center

408 Palmer Street, Elizabeth

Vouchers 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Monday, July 23

O’Donnell-Dempsey Senior Center

622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth

Vouchers 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Farmer will be at this site

Wednesday, July 25

Plainfield Senior Center

400 East Front Street, Plainfield

Vouchers 10:00 am to 12 noon

Farmer will be at this site

To be eligible, a single person’s annual income cannot exceed $22,459 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $30,451. Applicants must present proof of age, residency and income.

The Farmer’s Market voucher program supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative.

For more information about the voucher program and other services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection call 888-280-8226 or 877-222-3737, or visit online at ucnj.org.

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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.

Please note: due to the weather forecast, tonight’s concert originally located at Echo Lake Park is now MOVED INDOORS to the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center, at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

Come an enjoy an evening with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at this beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville hall. Concert begins at 7:30 sharp (sorry, no yoga tonite).

Info about the Union County Performing Arts Center:http://www.ucpac.org/

Union County, NJ – The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra kicks off Union County’s 57^th annual Summer Arts Festival series of free outdoor concerts sponsored by the Freeholder Board with an evening of Broadway favorites, beloved opera overtures and more on Friday June 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

Attendees are also invited to bring a mat or beach towel and join in a free Union County Get Fit Yoga program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“What a great way to kick off our summer of music with New Jersey’s own Orchestra bringing live symphonic music to our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We encourage our residents to enjoy the music under the stars, and a memorable night of classical entertainment.”

The Union County Summer Arts Festival series with Get Fit Yoga continues at Echo Lake Park on Wednesday nights in July:

July 11: Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)

July 18: 5 Against 1 (Tribute to Pearl Jam)

July 25: The Vinny’s / Katfish Lucy

In August the series moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark:

August 1: JoBonanno & the Godsons of Soul

August 8: American Rapture

August 15: Brother John Brown (The Woodstock Era)

August 22: Dead On Live (The Grateful Dead Experience)

For more details on the Summer Arts series, the Family Flix free outdoor movie series, and more summer activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/parks-activities.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony orchestra visit njsymphony.org.

 

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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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that plastic bags and other excluded items cannot be recycled through their local curbside pick-up programs.

“Union County residents have a good recycling rate compared to other counties in our state, and we want to improve on this record and set a high bar,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Every household can pitch in by following some simple guidelines that help our local recyclers operate more efficiently, especially when it comes to keeping excluded items out of the recycling stream.”

In particular, Chairman Granados noted that plastic bags are prohibited in all curbside pickup programs.

“As a matter of convenience some residents use plastic bags to carry cans, bottles and other items to the curbside, but that interferes with the recycling process and contaminates the recycling stream,” said Granados.  “Items should always be put directly into bins, without the bag.”

Plastic bags can be recycled through a designated retailer, such as a local supermarket or department store. To search for a convenient drop-off site, use the free location finder at plasticfilmrecycling.org.

Chairman Granados also reminded residents to be alert for changes in recycling guidelines.

“Efficient recycling programs must follow market trends for raw materials, so it is not unusual for the guidelines to change occasionally,” he said. “It’s always a good idea to check with your local program to make sure you’re up to date.”

Common items that are currently accepted by local recycling programs include:

• Plastic bottles and containers that are coded with #1 or #2 on the bottom.
• Aluminum and steel (tin) cans and lids.
• All sizes, shapes and colors of glass bottles and jars.
• Corrugated cardboard boxes such as cereal and clean pizza boxes; and milk, juice and fruit cartons.
• All mixed paper, including newspapers, magazines, junk mail, catalogs and phone books may be recycled. The exception is pre-shredded paper. Residents who need secure shredding for personal documents can use Union County’s free mobile shredding events.

The following items CANNOT be recycled at curbside:

• Plastic bags or other plastic film.
• Styrofoam — check your municipality for drop-off location, if any.
• Dishware, glass and mirrors — can be thrown in regular garbage.
• Dirty pizza boxes — no leftover food or grease can be included.
• Shredded paper – bring personal documents to a free mobile shredding event.
• Pots, pans and small appliances – check with your municipality for scrap metal drop-off location, if any.
• Plastic containers and plastic ware.

For more information on local and countywide recycling programs, FAQs about curbside recycling and a list of municipal recycling coordinators, visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling & Planning at 908-654-9890 or online at ucnj.org/recycling.

Recycling supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for building participation in recycling countywide and engaging the public in conservation and environmental education.

The Freeholder Board also encourages residents to sign up for Recycle Coach, a free app that makes it easier to stay up to date about countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules.

More information on the Recycle Coach app can be found at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs can be found at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.