Office of Community Engagement and Diversity

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek, Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Union County Commissioner Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Commissioner James Baker, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, County Prosecutor William Daniel, and our Union County Irish community.

Special thanks to Jennifer Colleen Goodman for her partnership in organizing this event, and congratulations to Kerry Schardien-Ricci, Gabby Sully, and James Holmes, who are heading up next Saturday’s Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal, General Chairwoman, and Adjutant of the Parade Committee!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Black History Month Flag Raising! To join us for more celebrations of Black history and culture, check out our upcoming events at https://ucnj.org/bhm.

Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek, Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Union County Commissioner Lourdes Leon, Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioner James Baker, Jr., Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Assemblyman Vincent Kearney, and a bevy of local leaders and members of the public joined us in the County Courthouse rotunda to kick off a phenomenal month. Special thanks to Minister Rexx Hill and Reverend George E. Britt for making the experience so special.

Black History Month Flag Raising with County leadership and community partners.

The 2025 Black History Month theme “African Americans and Labor” explores the vital role of labor in shaping the Black experience. It highlights the many ways Black individuals have contributed to the workforce—both under enslavement and in various paid and unpaid roles—spanning agriculture, union leadership, activism, and community building.

Celebrate Black History Month with our trivia cards! A limited number of printed copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis—so claim yours while supplies last! To request a copy, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator, at 908-527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org

A. Philip Randolph was a key African American labor leader best known for his role in founding the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), the first African American labor union to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1937.

Randolph worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions,wages, and rights of African American workers, particularly in the railroad industry. His leadership also extended to advocating for fair employment practices and fighting against racial discrimination in the workplace.

Randolph played a pivotal role in pushing for the creation of the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) during World War II, which sought to eliminate racial bias in defense industries.

His efforts were instrumental in merging the struggles for labor rights and racial equality, leaving a lasting impact on both movements.

Addie Waites Hunton was an African American activist and educator who made significant contributions to the labor movement and the fight for racial and gender equality. She worked as a field organizer for the NAACP, advocating for fair treatment and opportunities for African American workers.

During World War I, Hunton traveled to France with the YMCA to support African American troops, highlighting the systemic racism they faced both abroad and at home. Through her writings, including the co-authored book “Two Colored Women with the American Expeditionary Forces”, she documented these injustices and called for greater equity in labor and society.

Her leadership in organizations like the NAACP and her advocacy for women’s suffrage further underscored her commitment to improving conditions for working-class African Americans and women.

Anna Arnold Hedgeman – A civil rights activist, educator and writer who helped organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Anna Arnold Hedgeman was a lifelong advocate for equal opportunity and employment.

She persuaded the organizers to include economic issues in the demonstration (the “Jobs” part) in addition to civil rights. The only woman on the event’s administrative committee, she also fought to ensure women were included in the day’s program .

“Perhaps it is our mission to make clear that hate destroys and that love can bring wholeness to mankind”

Christian Smalls is a labor activist best known for leading the first successful unionization effort at an Amazon warehouse in the U.S.  After being fired from his position as a shift lead at Amazon’s Staten Island warehouse for organizing a walkout to protest unsafe working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smalls became a prominent advocate for workers’ rights.

He went on to help form the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), an independent organization, and in April 2022, the JFK8 warehouse voted to unionize, marking a historic victory for workers in one of the world’s largest companies. Smalls’ efforts have highlighted the need for better working conditions, fair wages, and labor protections for warehouse workers, drawing attention to the broader movement for labor reform in tech and logistics industries.

Clara Day – As one of 11 children, including three sets of twins she took naturally to collective action and coalition building. As an information clerk at Montgomery Ward, she resented the segregation of white and black employees, which led her to push for change. Clara Day first began organizing co-workers at Montgomery Ward in 1953 and went on to hold several roles in the Teamsters Local 743.

She also helped found the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the Teamsters National Black Caucus. A passionate advocate for labor, civil and women’s rights, she helped bring attention to issues like pay equity and sexual harassment.

“We need to do what is right, not just for women and minorities, but for everyone.”

Curt Flood was a professional baseball player who became a groundbreaking figure in labor rights for athletes. In 1969, after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies without his consent, Flood challenged Major League Baseball’s “reserve clause,” which restricted players’ ability to move freely between teams.

He refused to report to the Phillies and filed a lawsuit, arguing that the clause violated his rights and antitrust laws. Although he lost the case in the Supreme Court in 1972, Flood’s courageous stand laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of the reserve clause and the establishment of free agency in 1975, fundamentally changing the power dynamic between athletes and team owners and advancing labor rights within professional sports.

“I am not going to stand by and let them destroy the game. The game is my life.”

Hattie Canty was a groundbreaking labor leader who became the first African American woman to serve as president of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in Las Vegas. Canty was a tireless advocate for the rights of low-wage workers, particularly those in the hotel and casino industries, many of whom were African American, Latino, and women.

Under her leadership, Local 226 grew significantly, securing better wages, healthcare, job security, and improved working conditions for hospitality workers. Canty’s work emphasized union democracy, ensuring workers had a voice in decisions affecting their lives. Her legacy as a labor leader remains central to the history of workers’ rights, especially for marginalized communities in the service industry.
 
 

Isaac Myers was a pioneering labor leader and advocate for African American workers during the Reconstruction era. A skilled caulker in the shipbuilding industry, he founded the Colored Caulkers’ Trade Union Society in 1866 to protect Black workers’ rights in Baltimore, marking one of the first African American trade unions. Myers also played a key role in establishing the Colored National Labor Union (CNLU) in 1869, an affiliate of the National Labor Union.

The CNLU sought to unite Black and White workers while advocating for fair wages and labor protection He promoted cooperative ownership among African Americans to combat discrimination and enhance economic independence.

Myers’ leadership in organizing Black workers within the broader labor movement set a precedent for future efforts to bridge racial divides and create greater solidarity and inclusion within the labor force.

Mary McLeod Bethune was a pioneering African American educator and civil rights leader who focused much of her work on empowering African Americans through    education and labor rights. She founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls in 1904, which later became Bethune-Cookman University, providing African American women with vocational training and opportunities for economic independence.

Bethune also played a key role in advocating for African American women’s labor rights through the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), an organization she founded to improve social and economic conditions. As an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she worked to ensure that labor policies addressed the needs of Black communities, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and fair treatment.

Nannie Helen Burroughs was a suffragist, educator and organizer, as well as a mentor to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who worked to integrate labor reform into the movement for voting rights. She launched the National Association of Wage Earners in 1921, a labor union for Black domestic workers.

Burroughs also established the National Trade School for Women and Girls to combat labor exploitation through education, helping improve working conditions and expand career pathways for Black women.

“To struggle and battle and overcome and absolutely defeat every force designed against us is the only way to achieve.”

Paul Robeson was a pioneering African American singer, actor, and activist born in New Jersey, became a strong advocate for labor rights and economic justice. A world-class performer, Robeson used his platform to support workers’ struggles globally, believing that the fight for racial equality was inseparable from the fight for economic justice.

He was deeply involved in labor movements and supported workers’ rights in the U.S. and abroad, performing at rallies and using his fame to push for solidarity among workers. Robeson also championed civil rights, speaking out against racial segregation and inequality, and was an outspoken critic of imperialism.

His commitment to global social justice and workers’ empowerment made him a key figure in the intersection of labor and civil rights activism during the 20th century.

“The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.”

William M. Ashby was a dedicated social worker and civil rights advocate who focused on improving labor and economic opportunities for African Americans, particularly in New Jersey. As the first executive secretary of the Newark Urban League, he fought against systemic discrimination in employment, striving to secure fair wages and better working conditions for Black workers.

He also addressed housing inequities by establishing the “Ashby Apartments,” offering affordable housing to laborers and their families who faced systemic barriers. Through his advocacy, Ashby connected the struggles of labor with broader civil rights issues, helping to lay the foundation for economic justice and equality in the workplace.

“We must work toward a society where opportunities are not dictated by race, but by the content of one’s character and the effort one is willing to make.”

Irish Flag Raising with Commissioners, County officials, the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony (May 27, 4:30 p.m.) at the Courthouse, recognizing the contributions of the Portuguese-American community. Program includes remarks, anthems, and partners (PALCUS, P.I.S.C., etc.). Additional heritage events listed (Arraial, Portugal Day Parade, PACA events).

Juneteenth Flag Raising with Commissioners, County officials, and community leaders. Special thanks to Pastor Robinson, Ms. Adams, and Mrs. Collier (Ebenezer AME Church, Rahway).

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!!

Thanks so much to everyone who joined Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Prosecutor Bill Daniel, Deputy County Manager Amy Crisp Wagner, and so many outstanding members of our community for our annual flag raising. Special thanks to our keynote speaker Gabriela Porras, Consul General at the Peruvian Consulate in Paterson, Vanessa Cardoza from Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy for her phenomenal performance of our national anthem, and to Dr. Steven Sabet, whose classical guitar established perfect vibes from the very beginning.

Another great Hispanic Heritage Month Family Fun Day in the books! Thanks to the hundreds of residents who joined Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, and Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams as we celebrated with a day of music, dance, food and fun!

Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Norlandy A. Aguirre, Flor Gonzalez, and Elizabeth’s Colombian District Neighborhood Preservation Program.

Special shout out to all of our Hispanic music and dance performers who made today special. From teaching our kids to cha-cha to some expert mariachi, we’re very grateful to share this day with the community.

Thank you to everyone who joined Union County Commissioner Vice Chairman Joseph Bodek, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Commissioner Al Mirabella, Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak, Linden Mayor Derek Armstead and Council President Michele Yamakaitis, and so many phenomenal members of our community to raise the Polish flag today!

We had a great time celebrating 1000 years of Poland with you and can’t wait to see you again soon. Dziękuję bardzo!

Thank you to everyone who joined Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Vice Chairman Joseph Bodek, Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioner Al Mirabella, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, and Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli to raise the Italian flag!

What a great time we had celebrating Italian-American roots with UNICO representatives, local restaurant owners, and more in anticipation of Columbus Day. Thanks so much to everyone who made it special

Essex County College Professor Shawn Smith presented a virtual lunch and learn ‘African Amercians and the Arts’ to our county employees and members of the public as part of our events and programming for Black History Month to our employees and the public. Union County Commissioner Michelè Delisfort, Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski and Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams participated in the discussion. Learn more about our Black History Month events at ucnj.org/bhm

It’s Black History Month in Union County!

Today, Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner Michelè Delisfort, Commissioners James Baker, Bette Jane Kowalski, and Joe Bodek, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Prosecutor Bill Daniel, and Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak helped raise the Pan-African Flag outside the Union County Courthouse with community leaders and neighbors.

Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded also announced that around this coming Juneteenth, the Commissioner Board will be unveiling a memorial plaque for the 1741 Project, honoring the lives lost to slavery and the struggle for freedom. The new plaque will pay tribute to the three Black slaves who were tragically killed in the surrounding vicinity of where the present-day Union County Courthouse stands, acknowledge those who suffered at the brutal hands of slavery, and recognize the enduring spirit and resilience of everyone who struggled for freedom and equality in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Thank you to all those who joined us today, and special shout-out to our singers and saxophonist for such a great job!

Irish Flag Raising with County leadership and St. Patrick’s Day Committee.

First Haitian Flag Raising (May 6, 12:00 p.m.) at the Courthouse; remarks by community leaders and exhibit of Haitian artists at the Commissioners Gallery throughout May. Contact: Judith.Guest@ucnj.org

Portuguese Flag Raising (May 30, 5:30 p.m.), co-sponsored by PALCUS, with remarks, invocation, and national anthems. Additional Portugal Day festivities listed.

Thank you to everyone who joined Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Union County Commissioner Michèle Delisfort, Prosecutor Bill Daniel, Deputy County Manager Amy Crisp Wagner and County UnderSheriffs Victor

Manata and Carlo Caparruva at our Hispanic Heritage Month flag raising!

We were honored to host Daniel Benitez, the Consul of Documentation of Mexico in New Brunswick, as well as Sofia Grajales AKA Miss Ecuador USA and Elizabeth’s very own Pastor Carlos Cedeño. Thank you to our musical performers and to everyone who joined us!

Juneteenth Flag Raising (June 19, 5:00 p.m.) plus unveiling concept for In Memoriam of The 1741 Project monument.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to host this free event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy music, arts & crafts, live cultural performances, food trucks with Latin-inspired dishes, and more! Free food vouchers available while supplies last. Don’t miss the presentation of the Hispanic Heritage Month Awards honoring community leaders.

School Supply Drive (Aug 8–Sept 2). Collection sites listed; Amazon Wish List: bit.ly/unioncountyschooldrive24. Info: Judith.guest@ucnj.org

Thank you to the members of our vibrant Polish community who joined Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioners Joe Bodek and Bette Jane Kowalski, County Prosecutor Bill Daniel, Deputy County Manager Amy Crisp Wagner, and both Linden Mayor Derek Armstead and Council President Michele Yamakaitis to raise the Polish flag today!

Special shout out to all the organizers and awardees of the Pulaski Parade Committee for you contributions to our county family, and to all of our Polish residents on this wonderful occasion.

Thanks so much to everyone who joined Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon , Commissioners Al Mirabella and Joe Bodek, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, and Deputy County Manager Amy Crisp Wagner at this year’s Columbus Day Flag Raising!

For the last 15 years we have been proudly honoring our vibrant, local Italian-American community and all of their contributions. Great to see everyone, including our reps from UNICO and the Italian-American Police Society, our keynote speaker Mayor Joshua Losardo from Scotch Plains, and all of our residents. Enjoy your weekends!

Union County Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Vice Chair Christopher Hudak, Commissioners James E. Baker, Jr., Commissioner Angela Garretson, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados & Union County Commissioner Lourdes Leon, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Sheriff Peter Corvelli participated in Union County’s 4th annual flag raising ceremony to mark the beginning of Black History Month in front of the Union County Courthouse.

The ceremony included an invocation from Pastor Edwin Brown of the Progressive Baptist Church of Rahway.

Fences at UCPAC, part of BHM; Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award to Dr. Inez Phillips Durham. Guidelines: vaccine/test & masks. Details: press release

Earlier today, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Commissioners Chris Hudak, Al Mirabella, Bette Jane Kowalski and James Baker as well as Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner attended the last celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Family a Fun Day in Rahway River Park.

The event featured activities, musical and dance performances, magic show, food and more. There were also four individuals honored with a series of awards: Angel Estrada, Teresa Soto Vega, Tu Apoyo Latino and Albeiro Orozco. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Earlier this afternoon, Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Vice-Chair Chris Hudak, Commissioner Sergio Granados, Commissioner Lourdes Leon, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Commissioner Al Mirabella and Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson attended Union County’s Cultural Day in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month in Warinanco Park. The celebration included several dance and musical performances ranging from salsa, to folkloric dance to Latin guitar music, food trucks from the Garden Restaurant and the Lomo serving up authentic Hispanic cuisine.

Thank you to all who attended! We look forward to seeing you at the rest of this month’s events!

Thanks to everyone who came to mark the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month this evening with Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner Lourdes Leon, Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Commissioners Chris Hudak, James Baker, and Bette Jane Kowalski!

Special shout out to Senator Joe Cryan for stopping by, as well as Ariel Valle from the Salvadorian Consulate of Elizabeth.

School Supply Drive pick-up at Roselle Library with Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams and Coordinator Judith Guest.

Plainfield Public Library (collection site) and Union County Admin Building (sorting/packaging) teams recognized for the School Supply Drive effort.

14th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising with Commissioners and UNICO partners; keynote by Colleen Gialanella (AIT Principal).

Portuguese Flag Raising at the Courthouse with Commissioners and dignitaries including the Consul General of Portugal in Newark, Dr. Pedro Monteiro. Co-sponsored by PALCUS.

Union County celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of countywide events honoring Hispanic culture, leadership, and community service.

The month began with the first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month flag raising at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, attended by Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Commissioners Sergio Granados and Lourdes Leon. The ceremony featured a keynote address by Carlos Medina, Esq., President of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and was also attended by Senator Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. As part of the monthlong celebration, County leadership and residents gathered at Warinanco Park in Roselle for the Union County Hispanic Heritage Month Concert in the Park, featuring live music by the Hector Morales Salsa Band, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Commissioner Chairman Mirabella was joined by Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Sergio Granados, Chris Hudak, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Andrea Staten, along with County Manager Ed Oatman, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, and Director of Human Services Debbie-Ann Anderson.

During the concert, Undersheriff Amilcar Colon received the 2021 Union County Public Safety Award, George A. Castro II received the 2021 Union County Community Leadership Award, and Juanita Vargas received the 2021 Union County Community Service Award. Additional Hispanic Heritage Month programming included a County-sponsored Family Fun Day at Rahway River Park, attended by Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Sergio Granados, Angela Garretson, and Chris Hudak, where the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Unit was also on site to serve residents.

Volunteer Microfarm Care with Groundwork Elizabeth. Register at ucnj.org/volunteer.

13th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising at 1:00 p.m., Courthouse steps. Featured Speaker: Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. Video: Watch

Fostering Hope Together Fall Festival in Roselle with #TeamCASA and County Commissioners. Activities included popcorn, pony rides, and character performances.

Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholders Angela Garretson, Chris Hudak, Andrea Staten, Rebecca L. Williams, County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Clerk of the Board Jim Pellettiere, Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and Elizabeth Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste at the Black History Month Flag Raising at the Courthouse.

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Kenilworth Councilman Louis DeMondo and local officials at Union County’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Warinanco Park in Roselle. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honorees include Make the Road NJ, Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Annarelly “Annie” McNair, Union County Public Health Office

Columbus Day Flag Raising (12th annual) with the Freeholder Board and UNICO partners in Elizabeth.

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Angela R. Garretson, Andrea Staten, Rebecca Williams and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli and members of the Elizabeth City Council at Union County’s Inaugural Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony outside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. After the flag raising, there was a program featuring speakers Dr. James Conyers of Kean University and Sheldon Green, son of the late Assemblyman Jerry Green, inside the County Administration

County employees collected diapers and feminine hygiene donations for federal workers affected by the shutdown. Info and resources: ucnj.org/federal-shutdown. Donations coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity (Contact: nahernandez@ucnj.org).

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Freeholder Sergio Granados joined Human Services staff in Elizabeth gathering food, diapers, and hygiene products for federal employees and residents needing emergency assistance. Drop-off sites included Administration, Social Services (Elizabeth & Plainfield), Public Safety (Westfield), and Engineering & Public Works (Scotch Plains). Info: Office of Community Engagement & Diversity (nahernandez@ucnj.org).

UC Has Heart Community FoodBank Volunteer Day with Freeholders Angela R. Garretson, Christopher Hudak, Angel G. Estrada, Sergio Granados, Rebecca Williams, Deputy Manager Amy Wagner, Public Safety Director Andrew Moran, Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, and County employees. Organized by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity. (Photos by Jim Lowney)

Free screening: Home is a Human Right: 6 Stories of Immigration at Kean University. Presented by the Board of Chosen Freeholders via the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity in partnership with the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism campaign.

Free screening of Home is a Human Right at Kean University with YWCA of Union County and co-sponsors (Community Access Unlimited, Union County Interfaith Coordinating Council, Family Promise, Elizabeth Coalition, St. Joseph Social Service Center). Attendees included Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Sergio Granados. (Photos by Jim Lowney)

Freeholder Sergio Granados attended the Foster Parent & Adoption Recruitment Info Session (Warinanco Sports Center), hosted by Office of LGBTQ Affairs (Danni Newbury), Office of Community Engagement & Diversity (Nathalie Hernandez), and NJ DCF (Kimberly Geller).

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados were at the Union County Performing Arts Center this past Saturday to take part in the Union County Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

Operation Warm Heart Distribution Day. Division of Social Services and the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity hosted a winter accessories drive and distributed items to 100+ families. Thank you to County employees, organizations/businesses, and residents who contributed.

Urban League of Union County Young Professionals (ULUCYP) for a donation of business clothing for men & women to the County of Union, New Jersey One Stop Center. They were joined by Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.

These donations were coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, which was announced as part of my “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for County government in 2018.

The office promotes volunteerism and outreach, and works with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities.

Office of Community Engagement and Diversity & Jennifer Erdos from the Office on Women delivered items to the YWCA Union County Emergency Shelter to benefit women and children that were donated by County of Union, New Jersey employees and residents.

Special thanks to the YWCA staff including CEO Jan Lilien & Dir. of Development Jennifer Vriens for all the tremendous work you do in helping those in need.

Presented a resolution to Linden Girl Scouts Service Unit 42 thanking them for participating in the Union County Adopt-A-Park program as they help clean Wheeler Park in Linden. They were joined by Union County Office of Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez.

The Adopt-A-Park cleanup was organized and coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.

Start of the Bernice’s Place Class Book. The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity coordinated a writing project for the children from the Bernice’s Place program (Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless) and Be The Change NJ volunteers. Theme: “We are the Future.” Each child created an illustration and text; the book would be published and, with approval, added to the Elizabeth Public Library Children’s section.

Union County Has Heart team at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside helped package items for distribution to food pantries and shelters across Union County.

Volunteer opportunity invitation to join Union County Has Heart for an evening of giving back through care of a local MicroFarm with Groundwork Elizabeth on June 22. RSVP: nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880. #movingunioncountyforward #Freeholder #UnionCounty

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Rebecca Williams joined Someone’s Daughter, a women’s empowerment organization based in Elizabeth, for a county-sponsored Adopt-A-Park event at Warinanco Park. The group cleaned a small tributary of Thompson’s Brook, clearing invasive plants (including mugwort) and litter. Coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.

Freeholder Rebecca Williams attended the ribbon cutting of a new food pantry at the JoAnne Hollis Gardens Complex run by the Housing Authority for Plainfield. The new pantry is expected to be well utilized. This event was coordinated by the Union County Office of Community Engagement & Diversity.

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Angela Garretson visited students and teachers at the F.L.E.E.K (Future Leaders Excelling in Entrepreneurship and Knowledge) Summer Youth Enrichment Program at The Patrick School in Hillside. The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity provided support. Part of the 2018 Chairman’s Initiative, Moving Union County Forward.

September – October 2018 – Hispanic Heritage Month

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Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams, Freeholder Bruce Bergen and Freeholder Angel Estrada came out to enjoy the first annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Rahway.

Everyone enjoyed music, art and entertainment, including a performance by the Mike Ramirez Salsa Band. In addition, local leaders were honored for their community achievements. The event was sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Rahway.

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Today Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados joined Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin and students at the opening of the college’s Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic Serving Institution Week Celebration at the Union County College Cranford campus.

Union County Superior Court Judge James Hely swore in new CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers, including county staff and community members. Notes: CASA volunteers support judges by reporting on the well-being and needs of foster youth. Fall trainings began Sept. 17 (evening) and Oct. 12 (daytime). Contact: Courtney at 908-293-8136 or cgreen@casaofunioncounty.org, or visit www.casaofunioncounty.org.

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Rebecca Williams, and Bruce Bergen were joined by Bill Castner (Gun Safety Advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy) and Shannon Watts (founder of Moms Demand Action) for a screening of Making a Killing at the KEAN University STEM building in Union.

Celebration of the children of Bernice’s Place publishing We Are The Future. The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity developed the project with volunteers from Be The Change NJ; books funded by County employees and added to the Elizabeth Public Library’s Children’s section. Attendees included Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, and staff.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados joined Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Nathalie Hernandez, and Union County employees volunteering at the Rahway Food for Friends Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. Coordinated by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity. (Photos by Jim Lowney)

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen joined Moms Demand Action for a candlelight vigil at Echo Lake Park to honor the memory of the Sandy Hook victims. Coordinated in partnership with Moms Demand Action by the Office of Community Engagement & Diversity.

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