Tag: chairman granados

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce an exhibit of the selected works of artist Nikolina Kovalenko, who draws inspiration from trees of vanishing rainforests. The artist, who holds a gold medal from the Russian Art Academy, is interested in our vanishing connection with nature and its consequences.

Ms. Kovalenko’s work will be the on display at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and is presented in partnership with the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey.        

Entitled “Reclamations,” the graphite rubbings represent the unique fingerprints of trees harvested in the Amazon rainforest.  Kovalenko visited the Amazon rainforest in 2017 to document the results of the logging process. While there, she interviewed environmentalists and independent activists working in the area to restore the rainforest.  She took their fingerprints as well.

The exhibit represents a synthesis of her conversations, and the rubbings of the “fingerprints” she took of both man and trees. 

“This exhibit will captivate its audience with a new and sensitive perspective on these magnificent trees,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. 

The exhibit runs from October 2018 to February 2019. It is open to the public and free of charge.

The artwork presented in this show is for sale, and a portion of the profits will be donated to local communities in the Brazilian Amazon to help fund reforestation projects.

For more information about the exhibit, please call the Trailside Nature & Science Center at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside is open 7 days a week from noon to 5:00 p.m. It is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.  

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to join the Adopt-a-Trail volunteer program and help with trail conservation and preservation projects in Union County parks.

“Our Adopt-a-Trail Stewards enable visitors to enjoy miles of rustic trails in our County parks,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Their work truly has a ripple effect on the whole community, and they set a wonderful example of giving back.”

Residents can find out more about the program and learn basic trail conservation skills by attending a beginner training session on Saturday, November 10 at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

The beginner session is free but pre-registration is required online at tinyurl.com/y8c6dcy7. Light refreshments will be served.

At the training session, beginners will learn the basics of trail maintenance and stewardship, including how to read a trail map and follow a blazed trail.

After the beginner session, current Adopt-a-Trail Stewards will hold their annual General Meeting. Beginners who would like to become Adopt-a-Trail Stewards must stay for this session, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 1:15 p.m.

The General Meeting will include updates on current trail projects and a presentation by Peter Dolan of the New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Titled “Making and Maintaining Trails That Last,” the presentation will address the many factors involved in creating sustainable trails.

All Adopt-a-Trail Stewards are required to attend an annual meeting, and commit to monitoring and maintaining their trail for a minimum of two years. Trail Stewards are also required to submit quarterly reports.

Residents who cannot make a two-year commitment as Trail Stewards are welcome to join a scheduled Saturday Trail Work Day.

Saturday Trail Work Days take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., once a month from March to December, depending on weather. No experience is necessary. Saturday Trail Work projects are supervised by staff. The next two scheduled dates are Saturday, November 3 and Saturday, December 1.

For more information about becoming an Adopt-a-Park Trail Steward, or to sign up for a Saturday Trail Work Day, email Betty Ann Kelly, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, or call 908-789-3683.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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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 Rape Crisis Center seeks volunteer advocates to join its crisis response team after completing a training course in November and December. Training will be held during daytime business hours.

The Rape Crisis Center is a volunteer program run by the Union County Department of Human Services, with offices at the County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

“Our RCC volunteers fill an important need in the Union County community by sharing their knowledge and strength with victims of sexual violence, who all too often cannot turn to family or friends for support in a time of crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

All RCC volunteers receive professional training and mentoring. The training covers sexual trauma, sexual harassment, cultural issues, date rape, and the legal and emotional issues that confront victims, among other topics.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, Union County residents, and have their own car.

In addition to acting as advocates for victims, volunteers staff a 24-hour hotline, 908-233-RAPE (7273).

The Rape Crisis Center has been serving Union County residents since 1984. Its primary source of funding is the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division on Women.

To volunteer or for further information, call the Rape Crisis Center, 908-233-7273. 

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Municipalities across Union County can look forward to improving recreation opportunities for youth and expanding their tree canopies, with the help of two countywide grant programs, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund and Greening Union County grant programs.

Both grant programs are awarded by the Freeholder Board through the Union County Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. They provide matching funds to assist communities with projects that meet local needs.

“The Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund plays a crucial role in helping our local governments continue to improve resources for our citizens,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The funds awarded help to improve the lives of others by modernizing park spaces, both by upgrading their equipment and by making parks and municipalities greener. Great things happen when we all pull together with a common cause”

“Since their inception, the response to these two funding opportunities has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” said Freeholder Al Mirabella, who chairs the Trust Fund. “Each year it is inspiring to see how these Trust Fund dollars assist with important contributions to community health and well-being.”

The Union County Open Space, Kids Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000 with an initial focus on expanding and improving County parks. In 2004 the mission was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, and annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants for municipal properties.

Freeholder Angel Estrada, who initiated Greening Union County as Chairman in 2004, noted that the program has provided funding for 12,214 trees for municipalities since then.

“In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the bottom line benefits of trees are far-ranging. Preventing erosion, absorbing storm water and cooling down city streets in the summer are just a few examples,” said Estrada. “Studies also show that trees help improve air quality, lower noise levels, raise property values, and even have an impact on crime rates.”

The 2018 Kids Recreation Trust Fund totaled $1 million in matching grants. The awardees are:

• Berkeley Heights: $48,367.32 for upgrading several parks, lower Columbia Park and Veteran Memorial Park.
• Clark: $30,000.00 for update to playground for children’s disabilities, benches, tables and swings.
• Cranford: $60,000.00 for Memorial Complex, Centennial Pool upgrades, 3 basketball court resurfacing and new play structures.        
• Elizabeth: $90,000.00 for synthetic turf at Sisselman Field.                              
• Fanwood: $40,000.00 for playground equipment, rope climbing structure, swings, rubber surface and benches.
• Garwood: $20,000.00 for a water fountain, shading, basketball hoops and backboards at Hartman Park.
• Hillside: $9,666.58 for multi fitness stations and borders.
• Kenilworth:  $50,000.00 for rehabilitation of recreation building.   
• Linden: $70,000.00 for rehabilitation of city parks.
• Mountainside:  $38,500.00 for resurfacing, fencing backboard posts at Echo Brook basketball court, lightening detection system.
• New Providence:  $54,000.00 for walking paths and landscaping to enhance Harmony Park (Try CAN).
• Plainfield: $60,000.00 for handicap accessible playground at Milt Campbell Park.
• Rahway: $70,000.00 for Madden field baseball and football field upgrades and turf section on school property.
• Roselle: $54,000.00 for Renovation to Grove Street Park.
• Roselle Park: $35,000.00 for volleyball equipment, baseball field cover, field tarp storage rollers, bicycle racks and a mobile bandstand.
• Scotch Plains: $60,000.00 for poured rubber safety surface to Brookside Park playground.
• Springfield:  $30,000.00 for ADA accessible playground structures, benches, new surfacing and walkways.
• Summit: $55,000.00 for Bocce Court relocation at Community Center.
• Union:    $70,000.00 for Friberger Park basketball court upgrades, picnic area, benches, tables and surfacing.
• Westfield: $55,000.00 for handicapped unisex restrooms at Memorial Field Complex.

The 2018 Greening Union County funding totaled $100,475.00 in “tree for tree” matching grants. The number of trees planned by each awardee is (Trust Fund matching grants are in parentheses):

• Berkeley Heights: 10 ($3,000.00)

 

• Cranford: 46 ($4,500.00)

 

• Elizabeth: 150 ($15,000.00)

 

• Fanwood: 10 ($1,375.00)

 

• Hillside: 14 ($2,100.00)

 

• Kenilworth: 10 ($3,000.00)

 

• Linden: 50 ($11,250.00)

 

• New Providence:  20 ($2,500.00)

 

• Plainfield: 30 ($5,000.00)

 

• Rahway: 30 ($3,000.00)

 

• Roselle: 70 ($5,000.00)

 

• Roselle Park: 50 ($5,000.00)

 

• Scotch Plains: 60 ($3,750.00)

 

• Springfield: 50 ($8,000.00)

 

• Summit: 70 ($10,800.00)

 

• Union: 80 ($4,700.00)

 

• Westfield: 50 ($12,500.00)                     

 

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the final mobile paper-shredding event of 2018 will be held on Saturday, November 3 at the Nokia campus in New Providence. The shredding service is free and open to all Union County residents seeking to dispose of sensitive personal documents.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a secure, convenient way to shred personal documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These events also help all residents practice environmental stewardship by conserving resources and sending more paper into the recycling stream.”

The November 3 shredding event will take place at the Nokia campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 1:00 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to 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 documents be brought to the event 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.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. 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.

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds.

Countywide recycling supports Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental engagement, education and empowerment.

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

Union County residents can also sign up for Recycle Coach, a free app that makes it easy to stay up to date with countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules. For more information, visit 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.

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Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking information about services available for senior adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six dates and locations in November to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Linden and Union.

“The purpose of ASK is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  “The ASK program will bring our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff, based in Elizabeth, to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

ASK is the Aging Services Kiosk community outreach effort, which sends staff from Union County’s Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection to provide information on home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, support services for caregivers, and other programs and resources.

Help with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The November 2018 dates and locations are:

 

Monday, November 5

Elizabeth Public Library – LaCorte Branch

418 Palmer Street

Elizabeth, 07202

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, November 7

Linden Public Library

31 E. Henry Street

Linden, 07036

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Wednesday, November 14

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue

Cranford, 07016

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Monday, November 19

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

 

Tuesday, November 27

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

 

Wednesday, November 28

Fanwood Public Library

5 Forest Road

Fanwood, 07023

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

 

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these 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.

“The Aging & Disability Resource model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Freeholder Chairman Granados. “These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.”

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations 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, or 908-527- 4870 or 4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.  Information may be viewed on the Union County website 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.

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Union County, NJ – It may be 241 years after the fact, but this weekend it’s time to kick the Hessians where it hurts—in Battle of the Short Hills foosball.

As part of the “Four Centuries in a Weekend”, a celebration across Union County that is free to attend, Scotch Plains resident Rich Palmatier sets up an exhibit explaining the Battle of the Short Hills, a day-long running battle in June 1777, between the British and their Hessian mercenaries, and the colonial troops fighting for independence.

The exhibit is located on the Union County Vocational-Technical School campus, adjacent to the Ash Brook Reservation and the Ash Swamp, where General Washington’s forces drew the British so that their cannons would get bogged down and slow their advance.

While Palmatier has studied the battle extensively, he has always looked for ways to engage young visitors and pique their interest in what was one of the early battles of the Revolutionary War.

“For the past few years, Rich has worked with our county print shop to develop a fascinating exhibit that helps explain Washington’s strategy,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Some of the new materials this year are quite extraordinary, including a map that clearly illustrates how Washington used the Watchung Mountains to protect his troops at Morristown.”

“But his Revolutionary War foosball table is quite an addition to his exhibit, and it may not be just the kids who want to try it,” Granados said.

Some years ago, Palmatier, a resident of Scotch Plains, designed a very realistic-looking cannon that is a replica of the one atop the monument to the Battle of the Short Hills in front of the Ash Brook Golf Course. However, when youngsters visiting the exhibit are asked to try and lift it, they soon discover that this canon is made from Styrofoam and then often want their pictures taken with it.

Palmatier, who has spent years studying the Battle of the Short Hills, will be joined this weekend by Marc Grobman, a parks trail steward who has devoted countless hours to maintaining and improving the trail through the Ash Brook Reservation.

Grobman will be leading tours into the reservation, for visitors to see what the swamp is like and why it served so well to slow the British advance.  While the summer rains have inundated the swamp, visitors will be able to walk over first hill and far enough into the reservation to see the sudden change to swampland.

The tours will be at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and will be leaving from the trailhead by the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.

For more information and complete details on all “Four Centuries in a Weekend” events across Union County, visit ucnj.org/4C or contact the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711)

An online version of “Union County Across the Centuries,” describing all the historic sites open this weekend, is at: ucnj.org/atc. All sites, including the Battle of the Short Hills exhibit, are open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, which offers enriching public programs and activities all year. Visit online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that they can anonymously turn in unwanted guns in their possession at either of two locations on Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The two locations are the Macedonia Baptist Church at 1251 Fairmount Avenue in Elizabeth and the Visions of God Family Worship Church at 350 Leland Avenue in Plainfield.

Residents can turn in up to three firearms and receive up to $250 for each weapon.

The Union County Chapter of Moms Demand Action will also be on hand at both gun buyback locations, offering free gunlocks to the public.

“These buyback events offer our residents a secure way to remove unwanted weapons from their possession and ensure they don’t fall into the wrong hands,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Gun buybacks are designed as an opportunity for anyone to turn in any gun, in any condition, with no questions asked.

The gun buyback event is supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth and Plainfield.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816 or the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced the opening of the Simon Youth Academy, the first in the state of New Jersey, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall, providing at-risk youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma.

 “The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to support the opening of Simon Youth Academy in our county, making this the first of its kind in the state,” said Freeholder Chairman, Sergio Granados, who announced the creation of the academy as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018. “This academy provides a positive, supportive academic experience for our county’s at-risk youth and allows them to chart their own course for their future success. I am a strong believer that education is the key to success and we will continue to champion this through various educational initiatives that benefit our residents.”

The academy is a partnership between the Simon Youth Foundation, the Freeholder Board and the Union County Vocational-Technical School District.   The academy in Elizabeth has a capacity of 20 seats, available for students between the ages of 16 and 21.

A ribbon cutting was held at the facility, which is on the ground floor of the Mall, and attended by Freeholders, prospective students and their parents, Union County Vocational-Technical School District officials, and members of the Board of Education and City Council of the City of Elizabeth.

 “Our partnership with the County Freeholder Board and the Simon Youth Foundation has made it possible to offer this alternative route to county students looking to continue their education.” said Union County Vocational-Technical School District Superintendent Peter Capodice.

The Simon Youth Foundation builds high schools called Simon Youth Academies, through which students who dropped out of their traditional high school receive the personalized support needed to earn their diplomas. Primarily located in Simon Malls, Simon Youth Academies make learning accessible to students who struggle to connect with material in a traditional classroom or school because of homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, supporting their families, or other challenging personal circumstances.

Since its inception, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its 35 Simon Youth Academies in 15 states, helping more than 17,000 students graduate.

For information about enrollment, eligibility criteria and curriculum, please contact Simon Youth Academy Principal, Syreeta McClain, by phone at 908-956-1519 or by email at smcclain@ucvts.org.

 

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed October 11, 2018 as National Coming Out Day throughout the County of Union and further declared Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals during the Freeholder Board mobile meeting in Plainfield on October 11, 2018.

The County observed National Coming Out Day on October 11 and participated in the one-day campaign that engages communities to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBTQ people by coming out in support of safe spaces where they “LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY.”

“The Freeholder Board has a proud history of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The patchwork nature of current LGBTQ protections across the country and the recent significant reversals of Federal LGBTQ protections amplifies the urgency for local governments to provide non-discrimination protections. I am a strong believer in equality and inclusion for all and will not stop working until that is realized by all within our communities.”

Through a resolution declaring Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals, the Freeholder Board emphasizes the extensive legal protections, outreach and advocacy efforts to create a safe space for LGBTQ people in Union County, and reiterates its determination for providing the LGBTQ community meaningful support and resources.

“As a Freeholder representing the interests of all Union County residents, I believe it is extremely important to lead our communities toward acceptance and respect for all people,” Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Services will continue to be persistent and determined in our work to counter the atrocious actions of the current administration in Washington with programs and services that help ensure the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals in Union County.”

Any individual, school, business or organization wishing to support to creating safer spaces for LGBTQ people can request a copy of the resolution for personal and professional display, by contacting the Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator at DNewbury@ucnj.org or 908-527-4742.

Established as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

 

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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.