Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Women who own or manage businesses are invited to attend the third annual Union County Women Mean Business summit on Wednesday May 13, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

The full day of workshops covers critical topics for success in today’s business world including leadership and public speaking, networking via social media, and negotiating, topped off by special guest speaker Kristina Hahn, head of packaged consumer goods at Google.

“Union County is poised to gain from recent improvements in the national economy, and women represent an enormous pool of talent that can push the trend forward with job creation and career opportunities to benefit the entire community,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to continue supporting this popular event.”

Union County Women Mean Business began as an initiative of Freeholder Linda Carter, when she chaired the Freeholder Board in 2013. The event is intended to help women in business access foundational skills and form strong networks across the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

The event has proved to be a resounding success, with last year’s attendance topping 200.

Tickets are $40.00 per person in advance. The fee includes the full program, lunch, networking cocktail hour (cash bar), and prize opportunities including round trip air fare.

In addition to the Freeholder Board, the sponsors include ConnectOne Bank, Atlantic Health System, KemperSports, Southwest Airlines, Winning Strategies, and the firm Suplee, Cooney & Company.

To register online visit ucnj2.org/ucmb.

#  #

Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Free Passport Photos Are Available at Union County Clerk’s Offices in Westfield & Elizabeth for New Applicants & Renewals during Passport Week, April 13-18

For a limited time only, the Union County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are offering free passport photographs as a special incentive for residents to apply for a passport or a passport renewal. From Monday, April 13, through Saturday, April 18, the normal $10 cost of a passport photograph will be waived when a resident applies for a new passport or a passport renewal.

“With summer vacations rapidly approaching, now is the time to make sure your passport is up-to-date,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My offices are helping travelers save on their vacation expenses by providing free photographs for those who apply for a passport while still providing a full range of passport services with no need for an appointment.”

Travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, countries in the Caribbean or anywhere overseas must have a valid passport to enter or depart from the United States. Due to a current backlog of applications at the National Passport Center, it can take six weeks for a regular passport application to be processed and returned to the customer. Even the more expensive expedited delivery option can take three weeks for delivery.

“Now is the time to make sure your passport is valid. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport,” Rajoppi said. “If your passport expires within six months of your planned visit, many countries will not permit you to enter. You will need to renew your passport.”

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/Passports.

“No appointment is necessary. Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office has convenient evening and Saturday hours and also is fully staffed.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number at the Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number in Elizabeth is 908-527-4966. Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call 908-527-4966.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, April 18, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” 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), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on April 18 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle . The next scheduled household hazardous waste collection will be on June 6 at the Union County College campus in Cranford.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ.—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite families with children of all ages and adults alike to celebrate wildlife and embrace environmental conservation at an exciting daylong event at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, New Jersey on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Wild Earth Fest is an entertaining family event where attendees can learn ways to become eco-friendly and increase awareness of wildlife conservation. Among the events taking place will be a live animal demonstration and educational displays, music, face painting, Recycling Olympics, Eco-Art, a Wildlife Photography Contest, and Environmental Hero Award Winners will be announced.

For the second year in a row, as part of the annual “Wild Earth Fest” at Trailside, the “Touch A Truck” event will take place in the Lower Loop Parking Lot, also running from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., rain or shine. Youngers are invited to climb aboard dump trucks, bulldozers, police cars, HAZMAT response units and “The Bear” used by the Union County SWAT team in emergencies.

“Combining these two events has allowed Trailside to attract a whole new audience to participate in what has become a very worthwhile and educational day at Trailside,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.

Admission to Wild Earth Fest is $4 per person. Children 6 years of age and under will be admitted free.  The admission price will allow attendees to participate in both events.

Trailside nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, New Jersey. They can be reached by phone at (908) 789-3670. Or on-line at: www.ucnj.org/trailside.

##

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces the 2015 mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will begin with a visit to Scotch Plains on Saturday, April 11.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Solid Waste Advisory Council. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”

The April 11^th shredding event will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding personal documents from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The event will end before 1 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. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/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 next shredding event will take place Wednesday, April 22^nd (Earth Day), at Warinanco Park in Roselle, near the Ice Skating Rink.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, along with the Trailside Museum Association, will once again pair up to honor and recognize some of Union County’s environmental heroes as part of Trailside Nature and Science Center’s annual Wild Earth Fest Event on Sunday, April 26.

“Small steps can lead to big changes for our planet, and one person can make a difference.  Recycling, planting, cleanup projects, habitat improvements and living more sustainably are some of the ways people and groups are taking strides and inspiring others to help the planet,” comments Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, “These active community members deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to helping the environment.”

Last year’s environmental heroes represented an impressive array of Union County residents of all ages and collaborations whose endeavors are bettering the earth and creating an eco-friendly society.  Joe Seebode of Clark was acknowledged for his work spearheading an annual cleanup of the Rahway River for the past 15 years; securing donations and recruiting participants to haul trash and recyclables out of the river and from its shoreline.  Alyson Miller of Springfield was recognized for her dedication to the earth as a member of the Environmental Commission for Springfield and the Rahway River Watershed Storm Advisory Board.  She is working toward reaching a goal of building 1,000 rain gardens within the watershed’s community, hanging bat boxes in the woods and lobbying to put a stop to idling vehicles.   Both Steve Yafchak  of Winfield Park and Robert Kammlott of Linden can be seen out in the Rahway River watershed almost daily removing debris from the wetlands.  These men were also honored last year for their devotion to improving the health of our County’s river. 

Do you know an environmental hero in your community?  Participants may nominate individuals or groups who have taken action for environmental change in their community.  Each entry must include an essay describing why the nominee is qualified to receive the award, along with contact information for the nominee and the person submitting the nomination.  Photographs may accompany the essay, and all entries must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 10, 2015.

Along with certificates of recognition for their work, the Trailside Museum Association board members will once again award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Award at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, April 26, 2015.    Nominations for the Environmental Hero Award can be emailed to bnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ, 07092.

For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – Just in time for the balmy weather coming our way, members of YMCA Youth in Government and the Kean University Center for Leadership teamed up for a Union County Adopt-a-Park cleanup at Upper Echo Lake last weekend, in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. They raked leaves, repaired fences, cleared away branches and invasive plants, and swept the walking path. Their hard work is greatly appreciated! To join Adopt-a-Park as a group or individual, contact Betty Ann Kelly at the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-789-3683 or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

#  #

Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Event will give immigration information to local residents; Sponsored by Mayor Bollwage, County of Union and We Are One New Jersey – Union County

ELIZABETH, NJ – Working in partnership with the County of Union and the non-profit group We Are One New Jersey, Mayor J. Christian Bollwage and the City of Elizabeth will present a free Citizenship and Deferred Action Information Session on April 1, 2015.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the citizenship process and to hear information about the Deferred Action program, including the expansion announced last year by President Barack Obama. Attorneys and experts in immigration law will be available to answer questions from residents.

“The City of Elizabeth’s rich diversity is one of our greatest assets and the individuality of our many cultures strengthens our community,” said Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “Working in partnership with the County of Union and We Are One New Jersey, this important event will raise awareness regarding the availability of resources and opportunities as well as explore how families can improve their quality of life by connecting with valuable services throughout our region.”

“”We are pleased to be a partner and sponsor in this effort to assist our working immigrant community to realize the American Dream,” Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh said. “Immigration has always been a key to revitalizing America, and providing a path for those who are making a positive contribution will not only inspire a national sense of identity in these residents, but also spur economic prosperity and strengthen our communities.”

“We are proud to assist thousands of New Americans to become more engaged in our democracy by realizing their dream of U.S. citizenship,” said Charles Wowkanech, Chair of the We are One New Jersey. “We are pleased to partner with Union County officials to help make these dreams come true for so many New Americans living in Union County.”

The We Are One New Jersey Union County Center provides U.S. citizenship application guidance, citizenship interview preparation classes, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application and renewal assistance, and Notary services. The goal of the center is to build stronger communities by educating and engaging new Americans to become active participants in our Democracy. Services are provided at-no-cost.

For any additional information please contact Elizabeth Montes at 908-355-4444

##

Image credit: “Liberty-statue-from-below.” Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. 

Contact/More Info: friendscacunjpal@gmail.com

The Friends of the Union County Child Advocacy Center – a nonprofit group whose mission is to provide support for the facility at which local victims of physical and sexual child abuse receive treatment and needed services – is hosting a 5K fundraiser, Race 4 the Children, on Sunday, April 19 in Elizabeth’s Warinanco Park.

The 5K and a two-mile “fun walk” are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., rain or shine. The event is being co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Elizabeth, in memory of late Union County Prosecutor Andrew K. Ruotolo, who served from 1991 until his death in 1995.

Funding for a psychologist to be stationed at the Center previously had been covered by grants that are no longer available, according to Friends of the Union County Child Advocacy Center Chairman Drew Ertman, who added that the 5K was organized in an effort to secure replacement funding.

“As the Center celebrates 20 years of helping victims of child abuse in Union County, we hope to build awareness of its mission and help raise needed funds to expand treatment programs,” Ertman said. “The Race 4 the Children 5K /2-mile walk is a healthy way to show support for the Center and its tremendous staff, who are dedicated to helping child abuse victims throughout the County.”

Those interested in participating can register online at www.friendscacunj.org; the cost to register is $25 up until April 3 and $35 thereafter. All entrants who register early will receive a T-shirt commemorating the race, while male and female first-, second-, and third-place finishers of the 5K will receive Visa gift cards valued at $250, $150, and $100, respectively. Sponsorships are also available for purchase, and all sponsors will be recognized on the nonprofit group’s website, on printed promotional materials, and in various other formats on the day of the race.

The Union County Child Advocacy Center is located on West Jersey Street in downtown Elizabeth. Nearly 30 staff members work at the 11,000-square foot facility that opened in 2012, tending to the more than 1,100 people who visit and utilize the Center’s resources each year.

The “one-stop” service facility houses prosecutors, detectives, child protection workers, nurses, physicians, and therapists who work with children of Union County who have been sexually and/or physically abused. At the Center, these children disclose the details of abuse in a friendly environment where each child and family member receives appropriate referrals for medical and psychological follow-up treatment.

A therapist from Trinitas Regional Medical Center’s Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatric Unit meets with each family following disclosure to perform crisis counseling, stabilize the family, and make future counseling recommendations. Finally, an Assistant Prosecutor then begins the two-year process of shepherding each family’s case through criminal litigation. A social worker also coordinates additional medical, child protective, and psychological services for each family.

“Crimes against children are among some of the most heinous and disturbing that we in law enforcement come across,” Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Supervisor Caroline Lawlor said. “It is essential to assist all victims of crime – especially those who are particularly vulnerable and in need of sustained assistance.”

Register online