Tag: chairman granados

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents seeking emergency shelter and other services that the new 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline number is now 908-249-4815.

The new Hotline number took effect as of Tuesday, August 7. It is staffed and operated by Gateway Family YMCA as a program of the Union County Department of Human Services.

The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist Union County individuals and families.

“The Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline is a valuable resource for those in need of emergency housing and other vital services in times of struggle.” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you are an individual or family challenged by homelessness, please reach out and call for assistance.”

The Hotline enables persons in need of assistance to connect with Gateway personnel, who may refer them to shelter on an emergency basis, or refer them to services that help prevent at-risk households from becoming homeless.

“It’s never too late to call for help. Gateway Family YMCA makes positive difference in our community by helping homeless and low-income households to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Board’s Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

The Union County Department of Human Services partners with community based social services agencies to connect residents with services, resources and assistance needed for health, well-being and economic opportunity.

Persons who are homeless or at risk of being homeless can call the 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline at 908-249-4815.

For additional resources the Continuum of Care/Homeless Unit of the Union County Department of Human Services online at ucnj.org/departments/human-services, or call 908-527-4861 or 908-527-4874. 

 

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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 free outdoor events and activities continue this week with a screening of The Lion King at Bauer Promenade in Linden on Monday evening, a full slate of National Night Out activities with Cars 3 at Meisel Park in Springfield on Tuesday, and the Summer Arts Festival at Oak Ridge Park featuring the band American Rapture and a free yoga session on Wednesday.

“When the sun starts going down and the temperature begins to cool, it’s a perfect time to get some fresh air and enjoy healthy outdoor fun with family and friends,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

In view of this week’s hot weather, attendees are advised to bring plenty of water along with picnic blankets and lawn chairs.

Children should be encouraged to take frequent breaks to cool off and drink water. Pets should also be provided with water and watched for signs of overexertion.

This week’s activities are:

Monday, August 6: The Lion King at Bauer Promenade on Wood Avenue in Linden. The movie begins at dusk with free popcorn for children. Come early at 7:00 p.m. and enjoy a visit with the Trailside Nature and Science Center’s Eco Van, a traveling nature exhibit.

Tuesday, August 7: National Night Out at Meisel Park on Mountain Avenue in Springfield, featuring police and emergency vehicles on display, live demonstrations by the Union County Police, S.W.A.T., Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s K-9, inflatable rides, free hotdogs and more from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The movie, Cars 3, begins at dusk with free popcorn.

Wednesday, August 8: The free UC Get Fit yoga session with Satsang Yoga begins at 6:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, then American Rapture takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Union County residents and visitors can also cool off at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway, open seven days a week.

Playgrounds with sprinkler features are available at several County parks including Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, Mattano Park in Elizabeth, Warinanco Park in Roselle, Rizzuto Park in Union, Ponderosa Farm Park in Scotch Plains, and Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights. The Loop Playground in the Watchung Reservation includes a cooling mist feature.

Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center provides a cooled indoor environment for afternoon activities with a weekly matinee on Wednesdays in August. Admission is free daily and a modest fee applies to special events and activities.

For hours, locations, and more details about Union County parks and outdoor activities visit ucnj.org/parks-activities/ 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

SPRINGFIELD, NJ- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation will celebrate National Night Out this year with “Family Fun & Flix, the free summer entertainment and film series, and a display of police and emergency vehicles. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 7 at Meisel Park, off Meisel Avenue in Springfield.

National Night Out activities get underway at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. A number of law enforcement agencies will be on hand, including the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Department, and the Union County Police Department.

There will be plenty of police and emergency vehicles on display, along with live demonstrations by the Union County Police, S.W.A.T., the bomb squad, sheriff’s K-9 officers and much more. There will also be inflatables for the kids to enjoy. Free hot dogs will be available for those attending National Night Out.

Following the National Night Out activities, those in attendance can enjoy the animated  comedy “Cars 3,” which tells the story of Lightning McQueen, a racing legend pushed aside by younger drivers, but who is determined to show the younger drivers he is still the best.

Attendees at the movie will receive free popcorn during the showing.

“National Night Out provides an opportunity for members of our law enforcement community to provide important information to residents to assist them in keeping themselves and their families safe,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.  “And when the sun goes down, relax in your chair or on your blanket and enjoy the movie.”

This summer’s Family Fun and Flix will continue on Tuesday, August 14, returning to Warinanco Park in Elizabeth for the presentation of “Wonder.” The final movie of the summer will also be at Warinanco Park, Despicable Me 3 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, August 21.

Family Fun and Flix movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: ucnj.org.  For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. the date of the show.

 

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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.

ELIZABETH, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites youngsters ages 4 to 12 years old to participate in “Paint by the Pond.” This will be the third year for this interactive art project which will take place on Sunday, August 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the pond in Warinanco Park.

The event will take place in Gregory’s Woods Areas 1 & 2, and will allow children to paint cardboard model houses and create art on poster board.

“The Gregory’s Woods setting near the pond will provide the young artists an excellent setting to capture the glorious colors of one of Union County’s showcase parks,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The “Paint by the Pond” project encourages everyone to express themselves and create art with any materials that may be available, even household items that are usually discarded.

There will also be miniature houses made from cardboard boxes floating in the pond at Warinanco Park during the event.

For more information on this exciting event, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County residents who are looking for a new job or a career change can sharpen their skills at a free Community Job Readiness Workshop on Thursday, August 9 at the Kellogg Building at the Elizabeth campus of Union County College, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

The three-hour workshop will be hosted by the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center, a program of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with Union County College. Pre-registration is required through the WIB Center.

“The WIB Center has connected more than 100 companies with qualified job seekers in Union County, and this new workshop will help our residents benefit from the many opportunities that are available in our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “A little knowledge can go a long way in terms of readiness for employment and career advancement.”

Professional staff from the WIB Center will conduct the workshop, which focuses on building an effective resume and improving interview skills.

Attendees should bring a copy of their own resume, and be prepared to make edits and changes throughout the workshop.

“This is a hands-on workshop designed to make a real difference in the way job seekers in our community assess their skills and experience, enabling them to create a resume that demonstrates readiness to work,” said Chairman Granados.

Workshop attendees may also arrange a follow-up session at a later date. 

All Union County residents are invited to attend, free of charge. Business casual attire is recommended.

Seating is limited and registration is required. To register or get more information about the event, contact Susan Gomez at the WIB Center, sflores@ucc.edu or 908-965-2992.

The WIB Center was established by the Freeholder Board 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 2014, the WIB Center has worked with more than 100 companies to provide more than 3,800 new employment opportunities for Union County residents.

For more information about the Workforce Development Board, visit 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 residents seeking information about services for senior adults age 60 and older can visit the Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) program at four locations in August to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.

The ASK schedule in August includes public libraries in Mountainside, Clark, Summit and Union.

“The ASK program brings our expert staff to local communities in order to provide seniors with greater accessibility to personal guidance in a location that is convenient and close to home,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage any seniors or caregivers who have questions about the resources available to them to make use of this important service.”

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

Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any ASK event.

The August 2018 dates and locations are:

Friday, August 10

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, 07092

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

 

Monday, August 13

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Monday, August 27

Summit Public Library

75 Maple Street

Summit, 07901

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

Tuesday, August 28

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, 07083

12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

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. 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 more 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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the next mobile paper shredding program for personal and confidential documents will be held on Saturday, August 11 at Kean University in Union.

All Union County residents are eligible to use this free paper shredding service. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per person.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient, affordable way to shred confidential documents, and it helps the environment by conserving natural resources and sending more paper into the recycling stream,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The August 11 shredding event will take place at Kean University, at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township, 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.

It is preferred that documents be brought to the event in paper bags. All bindings and paper clips must be removed. Paper that is wet, damp, or dirty will not be accepted.

At Union County’s mobile shredding events, workers the documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company, transferred to 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 for use by paper mills. 

For recycling magazines and other non-sensitive papers, residents are encouraged to participate fully in their municipality’s regularly scheduled curbside recycling program. For more details on local curbside recycling visit the “Curbside Recycling” link at ucnj.org/recycling or contact a local recycling coordinator.

Union County residents can also sign up for Recycle Coach, a free app that makes it easy to keep up to date with countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules. For more information visit ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

The mobile shredding program is funded through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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

For more details on all upcoming countywide recycling events visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

 

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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 – (12 pt.) Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to host a focus group for LGBT adults 55 years and older, presented by Garden State Equality as part of their ‘Pledge and Protect’ initiative.

Presented in collaboration with Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services, Garden State Equality – New Jersey’s largest LGBT Organization – will facilitate a 90-minute focus group for LGBT adults 55 years or older on Friday, August 10, 2018 at Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive, Roselle. Space is limited.

Registration is required online at gardenstateequality.org/focusgroup_unioncounty.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to collaborate with organizations and stakeholders that share our commitment to recognize, advocate for and address the needs of LGBT older adults in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “With the immoral attacks on the LGBTQ community from the current administration in Washington, I believe that we – county, state and municipal elected officials – have to be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to support and protect our LGBTQ community in Union County and throughout the state.”

The focus group for LGBT older adults encourages those in the LGBT community to share their experiences and help identify the needs for housing and access to social and healthcare services.

Developed and administered by Garden State Equality’s Health & Wellness Coordinator, Bianca Chanel Mayes, the LGBT Older Adult Focus Groups are an essential part to developing a quality need assessment which Garden State Equality will distribute statewide in the future.

Garden State Equality is offering additional focus groups for LGBT older adults in five other counties throughout New Jersey. To find a focus group near you and register visit gardenstateequality.org./focusgroup. To qualify for these focus groups, you have to be age 55 or older as well as identify as LGBT. Garden State Equality can provide reasonable modifications for people with disabilities upon request. Please contact Bianca Mayes at Mayes@GardenStateEquality.org or call 973-509-5426.

“Sometimes the most effective route to change is by sharing stories of impacted individuals,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “These focus groups are an important opportunity for LGBT older adults to share their experiences and help identify needs and set priorities for programs and services to support LGBT older adults.”

Established as part of Chairman 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. 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 or 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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is encouraging all residents to continue to participate in countywide scrap metal recycling initiatives that will be held throughout the rest of the summer.

Now is a particularly convenient time to recycle old household items as residents clean out before heading on vacation and prior to the start of the school year.

“Union County’s scrap metal program offers residents a chance to responsibly recycle various household items,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “When all County residents come together to reduce, reuse and recycle, we affirm our commitment to environmental stewardship and clean neighborhoods for all.”

Scrap metal recycling continues to run on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month from April through November. There are two upcoming events: Thursday, August 2 and Saturday, August 18. Both events will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. concurrently at two sites: the Emergency Services Building at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford and at the Park Service Yard at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

Dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, bicycles, tire rims, lawn furniture, stoves, washing machines and toasters are among the many acceptable items.

Residents are also encouraged to continue participating in their municipality’s regularly scheduled curbside recycling program. For more details on local curbside recycling visit the “Curbside Recycling” link at ucnj.org/recycling or contact a local recycling coordinator.

 

Union County residents can also sign up for Recycle Coach, a free app that makes it easy to keep up to date with countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules. For more information, visit ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app

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

For more details on all upcoming recycling events. visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities can be found at The Green Connection, 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.

 

Ammunition and fireworks accepted – August event only

“Mercury Bounty”$5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for everyone to pitch in and help the environment. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other designated household items, from old mercury thermostats to automobile tires, by bringing these items to the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“The household hazardous waste program enables every Union County resident to make sure that household items containing toxic chemicals are safely and properly disposed,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “With everyone pitching in together, the result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families, friends and neighbors.”

Residents only need to drive to the site with their household special wastes and workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will also be on hand to collect unwanted ammunition and fireworks from residents.

The August 4 event continues Union County’s “Mercury Bounty” take back program through a partnership with the company Covanta. Covanta provides a $5.00 Home Depot gift card to any resident who turns in a mercury-containing thermostat.

“Covanta is proud to continue their partnership with Union County for this important mercury take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino.

Household hazardous waste accepted at the recycling event includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

Please note that latex, or water-based paints will not be accepted. Residents should dry the paint out and discard with their regular garbage.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine for all Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

For more information, call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 4th as well as all recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Union County’s recycling programs support the goals of “Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental stewardship and individual empowerment.

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.