Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Sergio Granados and Christopher Hudak joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo and Union County Manager Ed Oatman in welcoming Union County Undersheriff Amilcar Colon (SSgt. USMC Ret.) as the guest speaker at the Union County Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Day ceremony in Elizabeth. Kenilworth VFW 2230 Commander Robert Jeans delivered the Invocation.
The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor and remember prisoners of war and those missing in action. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September.
Demonstrations for the new ExpressVote XL voting machines are among the public outreach events planned by the Union County Board of Education for National Voter Registration Day, September 24.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections is pleased to announce voter registration outreach events throughout the county in celebration of National Voter Registration Day, on Tuesday, September 24. In addition, demonstrations of the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machine will be part of the voter registration event in some towns.
“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “I urge every eligible resident to register to vote and exercise your right to vote. Make sure your vote counts!”
Any Union County resident can attend any of the voter registration events on a walk-in basis. Trained, professional staff will be available to answer any questions and assist in the registration process.
“The new voting machines feature improved touch screens and they provide a paper trail, ensuring voters that their vote has been properly recorded,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.
The locations and times on Tuesday, September 24 are:
Clark Municipal Building – 430 Westfield Avenue, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstrations)
Rahway Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstrations)
Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Avenue, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Elizabeth Public Library (Main), 11 South Broad Street, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Kenilworth Public Library, 548 Boulevard, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry Street, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Roselle Park Public Library, 404 Chestnut Street, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstration)
Westfield Public Library, 550 East Broad Street, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The League of Women Voters in the Union area will also be hosting an event at the Springfield Public Library, 66 Mountain Avenue, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The voter registration deadline is October 15 for the November 5 General Election. To register in New Jersey, residents must be:
· A United States citizen
· At least 17 years old (must turn 18 by Election Day)
· A resident of the County for 30 days before the election
· NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole due to a a felony conviction
Voter registration forms are available at, and can be delivered to, the offices of the Board of Elections, County Clerk, and any municipal clerk.
Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the following sites:
Postage is prepaid when the registration form is folded properly.
Voters who wish to vote by mail for Election Day on November 5, and in all future elections, can use an “opt in” option on the registration form to automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots.
The events in Rahway, Clark and Roselle Park will also feature demonstrations on the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machine, which will be fully deployed in Union County in the November 5th General Election.
“The 2019 General Election marks the first time in 20 years that the entire County will be operating on an upgraded elections infrastructure,” explains Ms. DiRado.
“The new voting machines feature improved touch screens and they provide a paper trail, ensuring voters that their vote has been properly recorded,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.
Voters in Clark, Cranford, Hillside, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Summit will use the new machines for the first time on Election Day, November 5.
Voters in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, Union and Winfield used the new machines for the 2019 Primary Election last June. Westfield will continue to use the new voting machines, following a successful pilot program last year.
For a complete schedule of all demonstrations sessions in September, October and the weekend before Election Day in November as well as an instructional video, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
For more information about the Union County Board of Elections visit ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.
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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.
The Union County Freeholder Board joined with local baseball legend Jeff Torborg, his family, municipal officials from Mountainside and Westfield, the Union County Sheriff, and two youth baseball teams in dedicating the Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball field at the County’s Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Jeff Torborg, a native of Westfield and former resident of Mountainside for 30 years, was with his wife, Suzie and his sons, Dale and Greg and extended family to celebrate the occasion.
“Suzie and I and our entire family are so very appreciative of all the efforts of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and their staff in creating this beautiful new Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball Field, which will provide a great place for kids to play for generations to come,” said Torborg. “When I first was told about this amazing tribute, I was literally speechless…this is a tremendous thrill for me and for my family. It is an honor to be recognized by my home county, which has been the site of events important to generations of my family.”
Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski who emceed the event said: “Jeff Torborg is one of the most accomplished ball players to ever come out of Union County. Jeff went on to achieve an impressive Major League baseball career, both as a player and manager, and is certainly worthy of today’s dedication.”
Freeholder Vice Chair Alexander Mirabella who introduced Torborg and presented him with a resolution honoring him with his colleagues, said: “We welcome you home today. We are pleased to name this field in your honor, and our hope is to inspire future generations of our younger county residents to follow in your path.”
The event also included tributes from Jim Iozzi, the President of the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame (whose organization previously inducted Torborg into their Hall of Fame), Jeff’s son Greg who read a letter of congratulations from Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and appearances by former Major League Baseball players Willie Randolph (Yankees and Mets), Al Leiter (Mets and Yankees), and Mike Lowell (Marlins, Red Sox), and Jay Horowitz, long-time Mets’ public relations guru.
Following the ribbon cutting, Torborg threw out the first pitch to his grandson, also named Jeff Torborg, and an exhibition game ensued between Clark Little League and Springfield Junior Baseball League teams. The youth players all wore uniforms from the various teams Torborg was associated with, all in Torborg’s #10 uniform number.
The Freeholder Board and the Torborg family extended their thanks to the Chicago White Sox for donating the uniforms; the New York Mets, and Major League Baseball for their donations and participation; Famous Dave’s and Wakefern for making food donations.
The Torborg family also donated memorial bench plaques to the field, and the facility also includes a plaque memorializing Torborg’s accomplishments.
The permitted youth baseball field, which sits off Mill Lane in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, is open for all teams to use by appointment calling the Union County Department at 908-527-4900.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union invita a todos los dueños de negocios, gerentes y empresarios a que asistan a la 2019 Expo Union County Means Business / Condado de Union Significa Negocios en el Warinanco Sports Center en el Parque Warinanco el miércoles, 18 de septiembre de 5:00 p.m. a 7:30 p.m.
El Parque Warinanco es parte del Sistema de parques del Condado de Union y está situado en el Municipio de Roselle, colinando con Elizabeth y Linden.
“El año pasado la Expo contá con 80 mesas de comerciantes y 300 asistentes, proporcionando una oportunidad valuable para conocer y conectarse con compañeros en la comunidad empresarial,” comentó la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalski. “Esperamos tener otro evento exitoso este año.”
Ahora en su cuarto año la Expo de Negocio proporciona una gran presentación para los negocios locales a la vez que una oportunidad para conectarse con contactos dentro de la comunidad del Condado de Union y aún más.
Desde que la Expo comenzó en el 2016 ha crecido para incluir una gran variedad de empresas que incluyen, proveedores de servicios, bancos, compañías de seguro, comerciantes minoristas, bienes y raíces , tecnología, consultorías, mercadeo, asuntos legales, firmas de contabilidad, servicios de salud, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y agencias gubernamentales. Este evento es muy popular con las cámaras de comercio y representates del gobierno municipal y oficinas de los condados.
De nuevo este año la Expo tendrá rifas y premios con un Gran Premio de una tarjeta de regalo Visa.
Degustaciones de comida con los menús de la gastronomía de Ashbrook Golf Course, Galloping Hill Golf Course y el Warinanco Sports Center será presentado a los asistentes.
Como un servicio a los asistentes la Expo brindará servicio de cuidados de niños gratis. Este servicio esta disponible par niños entre 4 y 12 años y es proporcionado por el personal del Campo de Verano del Warinanco Sports Center. Este debe ser solicitado llenando la forma en ucnj.org/ucmb cuando se inscriba para asistir al evento.
Admisión para los asistentes es gratis. Las mesas de las empresas tienen un costo de $100.00 e incluye media página en el programa y 10 tickets VIP para sus clientes. Para inscribirse por favor llene la forma en la página ucnj.org/ucmb.
Este evento Union County Means Business es una iniciativa de desarrollo económico de la Junta de Legisladores con el apoyo de socios de la comunidad que incluyen el New Jersey Small Business Development Center, el Union County Economic Development Corporation, el Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, el Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, el Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, y el New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Para más información sobre Union County Means Business, visite ucnj.org/ucmb o contacte Deana Mesaros al 908-659-7412 o dmesaros@ucnj.org.
Los residentes del Condado de Union que andan en busca de una actividad educacional para todas las edades pueden venir a los eventos del A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center en la ciudad de Union, todos los sábados en la tarde en el mes de septiembre de 1:00 a 4:00 p.m., y experimentar imágenes y sonidos y un enorme diseño de tren y otras muestras.
El Centro Ferroviario lo maneja el The Model Railroad Club, una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a la investigación de la historia de la industria ferroviaria en New Jersey, New York, y Pennsylvania mientras comparte el arte, la artesanía y la ciencia del modelo de ferrocarril.
“Una visita al Centro Ferroviario se ha convertido en una tradición familiar, y la Junta de Legisladores está orgullosa de albergar este especial recurso educacional en el sistema de parques del Condado de Union,” expresó la Legisladora Presidente Bette Jane Kowalki.
Además de apreciar los modelos de trenes y los muestrarios educacionales los visitanets del Centro Ferroviario pueden disfrutar de una pequeña cafeteria, y áreas de descanso para niños pequeños y una tienda de regalos.
Durante el mes de octubre habrán horas extras, en celebración de Halloween. Comezando el sábado 19 de octubre, 26 de octubre las horas son de 12:00 pm a 4:00 p.m. También los domingos 20 y 27 de octubre.
El Club Ferroviario también albergará el Show de Sonido y Luz anual durante la estación de Fiestas, comenzando el viernes 29 de noviembre y concluyendo el domingo 15 de diciembre. El Centro Ferroviario está convenientemente situado en el área del Parque Lenape, detrás de Home Depot de la Ruta 22 E, en la ciudad de Union.
Este Centro fue edificado por miembros del club y donado al sistema de parques del Condado de Union en 1976. El edificio original ha sido expandido desde entonces. Hoy es uno de los más grandes clubes de modelos ferroviarios de la nación.
Posible miembros pueden pedir información al info@tmrci.org.
Para detalles sobre eventos públicos, precios de entradas, y otra información puede visitar la página themodelrailroadclub.org.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar la 2da Iza de la Bandera de Polinia el martes, 24 de septiembre a las 4:30 p.m. frente a las escalinatas del Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Union situado en el 2 Broad Street en Elizabeth. Este evento es gratis y todos los residentes están invitados asistir.
Este evento está co-patrocinado con el Comité de la Parada en Memoria del General Pulaski de Santa Teresa de Linden.
“El Condado de Union es el hogar de muchos Polacos-Americanos,” dijo la Legisladora Bette Jane Kowalski. “La Junta de Legisladores está orgullosa de reconocer todas las contribuciones de esta comunidad que es muy activa y trabajadora en nuestro condado a través de los años, y que mayor tributo que ondear la Bandera de Polonia en nuestro Condado.”
La Comunidad Polaca-Americana estará celebrando lo que ha venido a conocerse como el “Pulaski Day” ( Día Pulaski) a finales de septiembre y principio de octubre. Con varias celebracione4s en diferentes municipios, las festividades culminant con el desfile en la 5ta Avenida en Manhattan. El Pulaski Day desfile étnico es uno de los más antiguos en New York.
“Nuestro Condado se hace más fuerte por su diversidad,” expresó el Legislador Christopher Hudak. “Yo invite a todos los residentes del Condado de Union a que asistan a la Ceremonia de la Iza de la Bandera. Como Legislador de descendencia Polaca, estoy especialmente orgulloso de todos los logros de la comunidad Polaca-Americanaa lo largo del país y especialmente en el Condado de Union.”
La ceremonia incluirá refrigerios.
Este evento está coordinado a través de la Oficina de Diversidad del Condado de Union. Para más información por favor pongase en contacto con la Coordinadora Nathalie Hernandez, nahernandez@ucnj.org o 908-527-4880.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Pulaski Day Flag Raising on Tuesday, September 24, at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.
The event is being co-sponsored by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa from Linden.
“Union County is home to many Polish-Americans,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years, by flying the Polish Flag over the County Seat.”
The Polish-American Community will be celebrating what has come to be known as “Pulaski Day” throughout late September and early October. With various celebrations in several municipalities, the festivities culminate in a parade down 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The Pulaski Day parade one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York.
“Our County is made stronger by its diversity and inclusion,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak. “I invite all residents from the County of Union to attend the Union County Pulaski Flag Raising. As a Freeholder of Polish descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Polish-American community across the country and especially within Union County.”
The flag-raising will include refreshments and food.
The event is being coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. For more information please contact the Office Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.
Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to attend the 2019 Union County Means Business Expo at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“Last year the Business Expo hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees, providing a valuable opportunity for networking and meeting peers in the business community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are looking forward to another successful event this year.”
Vendor tables for the event have been sold out this year.
Now in its fourth year, the Business Expo provides a showcase for local businesses and an opportunity to network and grow contacts within the Union County community and beyond.
Since its inception in 2016, the Expo has grown to include a wide variety of businesses and entrepreneurs including service providers, retailers, banks, insurance, real estate, technology, consulting, marketing, legal, accounting, health, education, nonprofits and government offices.
As a special service this year, the Business Expo is offering free, professional child care at the venue, through the Warinanco Sports Center Summer Camp. The service is available for children ages 4-12 and must be requested in advance by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/ucmb.
As always, the Expo will feature raffle prizes along with prizes for a “passport/autograph” contest for attendees who collect signatures from every vendor.
Rounding out the event will be food tastings featuring the menus from Ashbrook Golf Course, Galloping Hill Golf Course and the Warinanco Sports Center.
Admission for attendees is free. Preregistration for all attendees is suggested but not required, except for those requesting child care. To register as an attendee, fill out the online Attendee Registration form at ucnj.org/ucmb.
Union County Means Business is an economic development initiative of the Freeholder Board with the support of community partners including the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, the Union County Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, and the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about Union County Means Business, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@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.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the second annual Rockin’ the Reservation seasonal family activity event will take place on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Loop in Union County’s Watchung Reservation.
The Loop is located off W.R. Tracy Drive in Mountainside. It features large open fields, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, and access to rustic hiking trails.
“Rockin’ the Reservation provided hundreds of Union County families and visitors with a full afternoon of seasonal activities in its first year, and we are anticipating another good turnout this year,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.
Seasonal activities include pumpkin painting at the Pumpkin Patch, provided by Williams Nursery, and a Build-Your-Own-Scarecrow station.
Pony rides and other children’s activities are also featured throughout the event, which includes three entertainment venues:
Main Stage: The Vinnys, Rockabilly Roadhouse, and a special Drum Circle using paint cans.
Kids Korner: Magician Joe Fischer and musician Mr. Ray.
Multi-Cultural Performances: The Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Singers, the Chinese American Music Ensemble, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre Flamenco, and more.
Rockin’ the Reservation also features almost two dozen art and craft activities for all ages, and a Music Tent where children can play percussion and string instruments.
Food trucks, ice cream and kettle corn will be onsite during Rockin’ the Reservation.
Admission to Rockin’ the Reservation is $5 per person for ages 8 and up. All children ages 7 and under are admitted free of charge. Please note that an additional participation fee applies to scarecrow building, pumpkin painting and pony rides, regardless of age.
Free parking with a free shuttle to the Loop is available at the nearby Watchung Stables at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. A limited number of spots are also available within The Loop itself.
For additional information on Rockin’ the Reservation or other activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/calendar or call the Parks Department 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.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations in Union County to attend a free workshop on compliance with accessibility and inclusion guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The workshop, titled “Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA,” will take place on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle.
The workshop is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. It is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations may also attend.
“The ADA was a landmark piece of legislation when it was signed into law in 1990, and there are still many opportunities to make progress on its mandate for inclusion and accessibility,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to offer this educational resource to our grant awardees and other non-profits.”
“Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA” features a panel discussion including:
Robert Carr, former Director of Programs and Services/ADA Coordinator for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance
Sean Dineen, Chairman of the Union County Board on the Disables and Doctor of Letters in Counterinsurgency and Disability Inclusion, Drew University 2017
Kevin Illing, Chairman of the Union County Paratransit System Board
The event is free but online pre-registration is required through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
For more information about the event call 908-558-2550.
The workshop is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. It is presented through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in the 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.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Pulaski Day Flag Raising on Tuesday, September 24, at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.
Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to attend the 2019 Union County Means Business Expo at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the second annual Rockin’ the Reservation seasonal family activity event will take place on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Loop in Union County’s Watchung Reservation.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations in Union County to attend a free workshop on compliance with accessibility and inclusion guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The workshop, titled “Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA,” will take place on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle.