Tag: chairman granados

Union County, NJ – In recognition of April as National Autism Awareness Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the new Office for People with Special Needs is available to provide opportunities to engage in recreational and social activities, and connect with the broader community.

One highlight of the month is Union County’s annual Walk for Autism Awareness and Spring Carnival, featuring entertainment, food and prizes. This year the rain-or-shine event takes place at the County’s Mattano Park in Elizabeth on April 28, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

“Throughout April, blue lights illuminate many homes, landmarks and buildings to encourage awareness, support and inclusion for people with autism,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The new Office for People with Special Needs provides us with a springboard for moving from awareness to action.”

The Office for People with Special Needs is the first office of its kind in New Jersey. It was established this year as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s 2018 “Moving Union County Forward” initiative, which focuses on including and empowering all residents.

Union County’s ongoing programs for people with autism include the Sensory Friendly Theatre series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The series was established as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre provides a ‘judgment free zone’ where children and their families can enjoy the enriching experience of live performances,” said Mirabella. “I’m very proud that my colleagues on the Freeholder Board continue to support this popular program.”

For more information about Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org.

Granados noted that New Jersey residents have an especially strong interest in focusing resources on programs for people with autism.

“Nationally, one in 68 school age children are identified on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the number climbs to one in 41 in New Jersey,” he said. “It is imperative to step up our efforts to ensure that people with autism, along with their families, friends and caregivers, have access to programs and activities that connect them with the broader community.”

The Office for People with Special Needs provides recreational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental challenges to promote inclusion and full access to community enjoyment.

The office also partners with educational, health and social services organizations serving those living with special needs children.

Activities for people with autism in April offered by Union County in April include yoga, volleyball, and more. The annual Touch-A-Truck event also includes a quiet hour for children with sensory sensitivities.

In support of Autism Awareness Month, the Freeholder Board will also host a group outing to the Red Bulls Arena through the Office for People with Special Needs.

Beginning in May and after, the programs include ceramics, karate, Zumba and cooking, along with social events including the Spring Fishing  Derby, Summer Carnival, Fall Fishing Derby, Barn Dance, Ice Skating and Night out with the New Jersey Devils.

The Walk for Autism Awareness and Spring Carnival is offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office for People with Special Needs, with the generous help of community partners, PepsiCo and the Pepsi Beverage Company. To join, use the online registration form at ucnj.org/opsn-reg.

For more details about the Walk for Autism Awareness, and for more information about all programs for special needs youth and families, contact the Office for Special Needs Coordinator Manuel Ramirez at 908-527-4781 or Assistant Coordinator Nicole DeAugustine at 908-527-4916.

For all Union County recreational programs and activities, visit ucnj.org/parks. Online registration for all programs is available at ucnj.org/opsn-reg.

 

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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 educators that the Design It! and Explore It! STEM series for afterschool programs is once again available through Rutgers 4-H Youth Development.

“The Design It! and Explore It! series enables afterschool programs to introduce science, technology, engineering and math skills in a supportive and fun environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These lessons help build confidence in tackling STEM challenges at a young age and encourage a lifelong interest in STEM topics.”

Afterschool programs that register for the Design It! or Explore It! series will receive professional development, curriculum guides and materials kits needed to implement team-based engineering and science projects in an afterschool or out-of-school setting. Rutgers 4-H Youth Development also provides ongoing support and technical assistance.

The two series were developed by the Education Development Center, Inc. in Boston and the National Partnerships for After School Science, with the support of the National Science Foundation.  Rutgers leads the National Partnerships program in New Jersey.

Educators can visit the Design It! and Explore It! website at nj4h.rutgers.edu/stem-training for more details. For additional assistance contact Chad Ripberger at ripberger@rce.rutgers.edu or call 609-989-6830. Applications are due by June 15.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders supports 4-H through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, which offers 4-H Clubs for students in grades K-12, and the Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and Environmental Stewards civic service programs for adults.

Information on all Extension programs is available online at the Union County website, ucnj.org/rce.

To join a Union County 4-H club or volunteer to lead a club, contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Union County Extension Agent, at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854.

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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 – On Tuesday, Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle, hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The free workshop was presented by Garden State Equality Health and Wellness Coordinator Bianca Mayes in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services and the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, to educate service providers on issues affecting LGBTQ older adults.

“Pledge and Protect is a good example of the difference County government can make, by helping non-profit organizations, businesses and other stakeholders connect in the common goal of ensuring that LGBTQ older adults have access to services that enable them to live with equal dignity and respect,” said Chairman Granados. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I thank all of our Pledge and Protect participants for reaching out to be part of the change.”

The Pledge and Protect workshops are part of a national movement to ensure equal rights for LGBTQ older adults. In the workshops, service providers learn about issues affecting LGBT older adults. They also pledge to take affirmative steps that make their programs more welcoming, including raising awareness among both staff and volunteers.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the LGBTQ office is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

Photo caption (photo attached): Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados (c.) attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle, organized by (l-r) Union County Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator Danni Newbury, Garden State Equality Health and Wellness Coordinator Bianca Mayes, Department of Human Services Division of Outreach and Advocacy Directory Maureen Segale Glenn, and Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection Assistant Director Natalie Zarillo.

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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 that summer lifeguard positions are available at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“Union County’s Ulrich Pool provides our youth and adult summer job seekers with an opportunity to enjoy working outdoors in the fresh air all summer long, while sharpening valuable life skills including leadership, teamwork and responsibility,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County residents age 16 and up who are interested in applying can contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation for details about hours, salary, certification and other eligibility requirements by calling 908- 527-4900.

“Training is available for applicants without certification, so I encourage anyone who is interested in a lifeguard position to call the Parks Department and find out more,” said Granados.

For more information about Ulrich Pool, Rahway River Park and all Union County recreation facilities visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

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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 invites bird watchers of all ages to tune into the County’s free Falcon Cam online at ucnj.org/falcon and observe a pair of rare peregrine falcons start their family in a nest perched on the roof of the Union County Courthouse tower. The nest, 17 stories high above the bustling streets of midtown Elizabeth, has been home to falcons every year since 2005.

“The Falcon Cam is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this fierce and fascinating bird. We are delighted to share it with the world as a service to our community here at home, and to the global community, too,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The proud parents welcomed their first egg into the nest last Thursday. The second egg arrived on Saturday.

“The revival of the peregrine falcon shows how much we can accomplish when we all work toward the same goal – on the national, state and local level, with our academic and non-profit partners, and with members of the public who are informed and educated about the importance of wildlife conservation,” said Granados. “In ways great and small, we can all make a difference.”

Once found throughout the United States, peregrine falcons – known as “nature’s finest flying machines” for their daring high speed dives — were rendered virtually extinct in the eastern part of the country after the 1960’s. The population decline has been linked to the pesticide DDT as well as hunting, loss of habitat and other human activity.

Conservationists slowly succeeded in re-establishing peregrine falcons in the eastern U.S. after the Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT in 1972, and Congress passed the Endangered Species Conservation Act in 1973.

Only about two dozen pairs of nesting falcons are known to reside in New Jersey. Union County works with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the nonprofit organization Conserve Wildlife to monitor the County Courthouse nest, check the health of the falcons and share information.

Last year, Conserve Wildlife began incorporating the County’s Falcon Cam into an educational program for students in grades 1 and up. More information on the curriculum is available from Conserve Wildlife at onservewildlifenj.org.

For more details about Union County’s Falcon Cam and a timeline of activity in the nest visit ucnj.org/falcon.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available 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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a new CPR training initiative offered through the Department of Public Safety will be available in April. All classes are open to the general public.

“I encourage all Union County residents to learn basic first aid and emergency response skills. A medical emergency can happen to anyone at any time, and a trained bystander can literally save a life by stepping in to help until professional responders arrive,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The CPR classes will be conducted by Emergency Medical Technicians from Union County Emergency Medical Services.

The Freeholder Board is providing the instructional part of the program free of charge. Participants will pay only for course materials fee, which totals $23.25 for the classroom manual and certification card.

A medical or professional background is not required. Any Union County resident can attend.

Participants may choose from any one of the following three dates:

Sunday, April 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

All classes will be held in the Union County Emergency Services Building, at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park.

The materials fee of $23.25 is accepted by check, made out to RWJ Rahway (checks will be collected at the beginning of class).    

Participants should be prepared for physical movement including kneeling, bending, and simulation of chest compressions. The class also includes video presentations.

Registration is online at ucnj.org/public-safety/division-of-emergency-services.

For additional information contact the Office of Emergency Management at ucoem@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9881 and ask for Lt. Sara Chmura.

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Photo (cropped): via Wikimedia Commons.

 

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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados announced today that Union County is prepared for the hundreds of anglers who descend on the County’s parks and waterways for the opening day of trout season, scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 8 a.m.

According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Union County rivers and lakes are scheduled to be stocked with 23,950 rainbow trout this spring. The trout are among approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised this season at the Division’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Hackettstown.

The following County waterbodies and the number of trout they are receiving are as follows:

• Lower Echo Lake – 1,300
• Milton Lake – 1,860
• Nomahegan Park Lake – 400
• Passaic River* – 7,260           
• Rahway River – 11,900
• Seeley’s Pond, Watchung Reservation – 780
• Warinanco Park Lake – 450

* Includes entire length of river upstream and downstream from Union County

The Division has also announced that stocking on the Rahway River has been extended two miles from St. Georges Ave. to Lawrence St. in Rahway.

“Fishing is a fun, affordable activity that residents of any age may enjoy,” Freeholder Chairman Granados said. “Our parks are easily accessible and we are excited to continue this Spring ritual with the cooperation of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.”

To fish for trout or salmon, a valid annual New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age plus all non-residents 16 years and older. Only one daily creel limit of trout may be in possession. Once the creel limit is reached, an angler may continue to fish provided any additional trout caught are immediately returned to the water unharmed. When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, hand lines or combination thereof may be used. Separate stringers or buckets must be used for each angler’s catch. Containers in boats may hold only the combined daily creel limit for each legal angler on board.

For more information on New Jersey’s Spring Trout Season, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm or call the Trout Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and up can visit ASK, the Union County Aging Service Kiosk at six locations in April for one-on-one guidance with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

“The ASK program helps improve access to information about resources and programs for seniors, by bringing our expert staff out to local communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage senior residents, their families and caregivers to use this popular service.”

The ASK schedule in April includes public libraries in Linden, Mountainside, Clark, Plainfield, Union and Fanwood. Residents from every municipality are welcome to attend these events.

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection will be on hand to provide 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 April 2018 dates and locations are:

Wednesday, April 11

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Friday, April 13

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, 07092

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

Monday, April 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 19

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, April 24

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, April 25

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The goal of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 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. 

Among its many services, the division provides 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 more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection call toll-free at1-888-280-8226, 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.

The Union County Board of Freeholders is proud to announce that the Union County Office on Women has created a new series of videos highlighting women of achievement and leadership here in Union County, NJ. The new video series will be called Union County Women Making History. This first video is a profile of the Hon. Judge Karen Cassidy, Assignment Judge here in Union County. More videos will be released throughout the year.

As Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) approaches this weekend on Saturday, March 31, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders declares their support of this important day and recognizes that TDOV is about more than visibility, it’s an opportunity for all of us to be an ally.

TDOV is a day dedicated to reflecting on the achievements made by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals and their supporters, and it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about the trans community and the oppression these individuals still face in today’s society.

“We call on community members and allies to help ensure that transgender individuals are affirmed, respected, and able to thrive,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Freeholder LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “As an elected official representing all residents in Union County, I urge leaders in our communities to use language and actions that inspire and empowers transgender individuals.”

TDOV comes as the State of New Jersey advances laws toward transgender equality and significant protections – soon to become the state with the most progressive gender-identity policies in the nation.

“On behalf of the entire Freeholder Board, I add our names to the list of New Jersey elected officials who commend our state representatives for their efforts to pass legislation that protects transgender individuals who reside in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Freeholder Board supports policies that are gender-affirming for all of our LGBTQ residents. Union County stands ready to immediately implement the equality legislations that Governor Murphy has vowed to sign.”

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders stand in support of all transgender people, and condemns attempts to stigmatize and marginalize them. We believe transgender individuals have the right to a full quality of life as respected members of our families, communities, and work force.

In January 2018, Union County became the first county in the State of New Jersey to establish an Office of LGBTQ Services – established by Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados as one of many progressive “Moving Union County Forward” special initiatives that he announced in January of this year.

Through assessment, research, analysis and strategic collaboration, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, provides essential support that impacts the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies through community building and human services.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org, or visit the Union County government website at ucnj.org.