Tag: chairman granados

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the disbursement process is under way for more than $4.6 million in funding to municipalities and organizations across Union County, under the Community Development Block Grant program. Now in its 44th year, CDBG is a federal program administered at the local level for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds go to improving roadways, social service programs, and housing assistance with a focus on seniors and low income families.

Each year, the Union County Department of Economic Development hosts a workshop to inform awardees on the disbursement process. The Year 44 workshop took place on October 19.

“Community Development Block Grants fund initiatives and programs that contribute to the success and betterment of our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, who met with and thanked over 60 service providers and township representatives at the workshop.  

Granados added: “The County works directly with municipalities to award these grants in support of innovative approaches and efforts such as senior center programs, local food pantries, handicap accessible curb rehabilitation and more. The Freeholder Board is thankful for the existence of these programs and is proud to support programs that have a positive impact and improve quality of life in Union County.”

The CDBG program includes the Home Improvement Program, through which residents are provided deferred payment loans to make improvements to upgrade their homes to standard conditions. The loans are non-interest bearing and payment is deferred until sale or transfer of the property.

Funds disbursed were used by municipalities for various programs and initiatives. Examples of planned usage of disbursed funds include:

Cranford: Senior Citizens Social Services Program and Cranford Housing Nutrition Program

Hillside: Maternal Child Health Care Program and Buie Center Youth Recreation Program

Linden: Roadway rehabilitation and Home Improvement Program        

Mountainside: Senior Citizens Social Services and Food Pantry/Nutrition Program

Plainfield: YMCA Roof Repair and Disable Care Services

Springfield: Senior Citizens Transportation and Emergency Generator for Freeman Apartments

Union County administers CDBG grants for 19 of the 21 municipalities. The Home Improvement program is available to residents of 17 of the 21 municipalities.

Applications for next year (September 1st, 2019 – August 31st 2020) are currently available online at ucnj.org/cdbg. The deadline is December 7 at 9:30 a.m.. For more information and to learn about eligibility requirements, contact Brandon Givens, Director of Community Services, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, at 908-527-4462

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 – A favorite Union County tradition returns this year with the annual Holiday Sound and Light Show hosted by The Model Railroad Club.

The centerpiece of this festive extravaganza is the club’s sprawling, meticulously detailed HO scale layout at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center, located in a mixed-use area of Union County’s Lenape Park off Route 22 East in Union Township.

“The Holiday Sound and Light Show is a wonderful opportunity for Union County residents and families to create holiday memories to enjoy, treasure, and pass along to the next generation,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Railroad Center is a unique community resource that testifies to the dedication, skill and creativity of model railroad fans, and they pull out all the stops for this annual event.”

This year, the Holiday Sound and Light show begins on Friday, November 23rd from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shows will continue from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays until December 9. The last show of each evening starts approximately 30 minutes before closing.

“The show is designed to capture the imagination with a ‘you are there’ feel, and the layout itself is a decades-long labor of love at the heart of our mission,” said Railroad Club President Tim McCollum.

Attendees can stay as long as they like to enjoy more than one show, view an elaborate N-scale layout and other displays at the Railroad Center, purchase refreshments at the snack bar, and stock up on train-themed holiday gifts at the gift shoppe.

For the convenience of attendees with babies and small children, a play and rest area is also located on the site.

The Model Railroad Club is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of model railroads while providing the public with a fascinating window on the history of the New Jersey-Pennsylvania rail corridor.

The Railroad Center is open to the public every Saturday during the year. Each fall for the holiday shows, the layout is transformed into a living theatre complete with sound and lighting effects and professional narration.

Tickets are available both online and in person. Visit themodelrailroadclub.org/advance-show-tickets online to order advance tickets at the discounted rate of $9.00 for youths and adults age 12 to 59, $7.00 for seniors age 60 and up, and $4.00 for children age 3-11. Children under age 3 are free.

Online sales continue from now until the series ends on December 9, but the online discount rate is only available until November 18. After that, prices increase by $1.00 for each age group. 

Attendees can also purchase tickets in person, by visiting the ticket window at the Railroad Center. The Railroad Center ticket window is open during regular Saturday public hours between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on November 3, 10, and 17. It is also open during the scheduled hours of the Sound and Light Show beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23 and ending on December 9.

For tickets bought in person on the day of attendance, the regular rate applies. Tickets bought in person for a future date are offered at the discounted rate.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization that built and runs the Railroad Center through an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Work on the HO display began 40 years ago with the construction of the Railroad Center in Lenape Park, and it has been enhanced and expanded since then. Work on a major expansion is under way, practically doubling the size of the original exhibit.

The Model Railroad Club has been a part of Union County since its founding in 1949 by Master Model Railroader Paul Mallery. Today, it is one of the largest model railroad clubs in the region.

New members are always welcome to join the Model Railroad Club. Current members are on site during visiting hours and are happy to provide information about Club activities. Prospective members can also request information on joining by email, at info@tmrci.org.

All proceeds from the Holiday Sound and Light Show go towards funding the Railroad Club’s activities.

Directions: The A. Paul Mallery Center is conveniently situated in a mixed-use area of Union County’s Lenape Park, off Route 22 East in Union Township, behind the Home Depot at 930 South Springfield Road. Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 East or from South Springfield Road, and go to the far (west) end where the Home Depot garden center is located. Follow a small sign to find the service road behind the garden center. The Mallery Center is at the end of the road.

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Photo credits: All photos courtesy of The Model Railroad Club, Inc.

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 is pleased to present artworks from the 2018 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, on display at the Freeholders Gallery from November 1, 2018 through January 3, 2019.

The gallery is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. The exhibit is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

“The Teen Arts program provides the youth of Union County with a unique and powerful way to enrich our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, congratulations to the artists who are represented in the touring exhibit and thank you to all who participated in the 2018 Teen Arts Festival.”

The exhibit consists of 60 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual artworks shown at the 2018 Union County Teen Arts Festival, held last March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is assembled each year after the Teen Arts Festival. It travels for approximately 10 months to sites around Union County.

So far this year the exhibit has visited locations in Springfield, Union, Linden, New Providence and Cranford.

The next stop after the Freeholders Gallery will be the Plainfield Public Library, where the exhibit will be on display from until February 28, 2019.

For more information about Teen Arts and other programs visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at ucnj.org, email the office at culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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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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.

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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 – 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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