County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Board invites all military veterans and active duty personnel, their families, and veterans’ service providers to attend a free Networking Mixer on Monday, September 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“We are grateful for the service of military personnel and their families who live in Union County, and we continue to develop more programs, events and resources for them to access opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “County residents with a military background possess unique skills and training that bring great value to the civilian workforce, and this mixer will enable them to make new connections in the community.”

The event is coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program. The event includes complimentary food.                                                                                                                       

The networking mixer is free to attend but preregistration is required. To register, contact the Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams by phone at 908-527-4918, or email at jwilliams@ucnj.org.

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Connect with Union County on social media. 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present “Landscapes of Union County Parks”—artwork from Kat Block and Nancy Ori, currently on exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery. The gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, with gallery hours from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

This collaborative project from Ori and Block, both who are very distinguished artists, will be on display from August 29^th through November 1^st, 2019, and was inspired by the idyllic landscapes of Union County Parks.

“We’re honored to have such gifted artists display their works in our gallery and we certainly encourage our residents to visit the exhibition,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Combined, both Block and Ori have over a quarter century creating fine art and sharing their talent with the public. Both Artists enjoy giving back to Union County students by inspiring young artists to strive for excellence. Each year, Ms. Block and Ms. Ori contribute their expertise by serving as an instructor and an adjudicator, respectively at the Union County Teen Arts Festival.

 “I have gotten tremendous solace and pleasure from visiting the many parks in our county and photographing them to use as references for my mixed media collages, which have become my seminal works of art,” Block said.

Ori added: “I feel that continuing to exhibit these images can make a difference in our community by opening the eyes of residents to the many wonderful natural resources we have in Union County.”

Serving as a source of inspiration, Union County boasts 36 parks and 6,200 acres of parkland.

For lectures, workshops, and further information about Kat Block and Nancy Ori; please visit their websites at www.katblock.com and www.nancyoriworkshops.com.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Freeholders Gallery. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550; or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present the first program in the “Trailside Talks” series, “Hawk Watch,” on Sunday, September 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. This free program is open to adults ages 18 and older.

“The fall hawk migration is the perfect time to visit and experience the beauty of the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, “Participants will have the chance to learn about the many different birds of prey that can be seen in New Jersey and discover how to identify them in flight.” 

Every year, thousands of hawks migrate through New Jersey in the fall. This program explains the hows and whys of hawk migration, varying methods of migration, the latest theories on the strategies that birds use to navigate as well as look at the challenges they face in migration. A one hour hawk watch walk is scheduled, weather permitting. The program will be led by Pete Axelrod, Education and Community Outreach Coordinator of Wild Birds Unlimited in Scotch Plains.

For more information about this program or other activities for adults, families and children at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announces that the “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” entrepreneurial training program is open to veterans. “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” is a 2019 initiative of the Union County Freeholder Chair, Bette Jane Kowalski.

Organized by the Union County Economic Development Committee, “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” will run for six consecutive Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting on September 10. The program will be held at the UCEDC offices, located at 75 Chestnut Street in Cranford.

“Union County strives to recognize the sacrifice made by our veterans,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “The Freeholder Board is proud to sponsor this program and we encourage all veterans to take advantage of this six week course that will help them to succeed in business after their service to our country.”

“Bootcamp to the Boardroom” is an entrepreneurial training program for veterans and is coordinated by the Union County Economic Development Corporation. The six week course includes information on understanding credit and personal finance statements as well as preparing business and marketing plans along with other useful skills.

UCEDC is a private, non-profit economic development corporation, dedicated to boosting local economies and strengthening communities through business development and job creation. Since 1977 they have small business by making loans, training and mentoring business owners, helping businesses obtain government contracts, and providing accurate and relevant business information.

Participants are required to register for the “Bootcamp to the Boardroom” program. For more information or to register, contact Veteran Service Officer Janna Williams by phone at 908-527-4918 or by email at jwilliams@ucnj.org.

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Connect with Union County on social media. 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Office of Veteran services invite persons with physical disabilities and veterans to participate in the “First Swing” golf clinic on Saturday, September 14.

The clinic will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Learning Center located at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. Admission to is free, however pre-registration is required at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The First Swing golf clinic provides hands on instruction to encourage golf as an excellent recreational and rehabilitation activity for anyone, including veterans and those who are physically disabled,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are pleased to be able to partner and provide this program to residents.”

Presented in cooperation with the National Amputee Golf Association, the program includes participation and instruction by rehab and golf professionals. Methods of grip, stance and swing will be discussed. Participants can improve their functional skills such as range of motion and balance, and learn about adaptive equipment that will assist them in executing the golf swing.

Anyone who is physically challenged including, but not limited to; amputees, persons who are post-stroke; and have any circumstance necessitating this type of specialized instruction can benefit from this clinic. Healthcare and golf professionals who are interested in learning adaptive golf techniques for their clients are also welcome.

Louis Namm, level 3 certification program of the United States Golf Teachers Association (USGTA) will instruct the clinic. He is the primary golf instructor for the Philadelphia VA Medical Center’s Amputee Veterans.

Whether having always wanted to “take a swing” at the game of golf, or returning to the sport, no golfing experience is required. Attendees should bring a seven or eight iron and a putter, if possible. A limited number of clubs will be available for participants who do not have their own.

Continental breakfast and refreshments are included. For additional information please contact Nicole DeAugustine at 908-527-4781 or Janna Williams at 908-572-4918 or email opdsn@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.

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Union County Regional Dispatch Center will now handle fire and emergency medical service calls for the Township of Cranford, under a contract approved by the Freeholder Board during the regular meeting on August 22.

“The Union County Dispatch Center is a shared services program that benefits municipalities and residents by improving the efficiency of dispatch services and providing substantial savings,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Cranford joins a growing list of municipalities and agencies taking part in this service.”

The Union County Regional Dispatch Center is a state-of-the-art emergency dispatch facility located in the County’s Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building, at 400 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The $1.2 million facility opened in 2012 and replaced a previous operation located at the same site, which handled calls only for Union County’s emergency services. The new Dispatch Center enables local governments and other entities to upgrade their emergency response as a shared service with Union County. 

In addition to providing emergency dispatch services for the Union County Police and other countywide first responders, the Dispatch Center serves a growing number of municipalities and other entities in the county including 911 calls for police, fire, and EMS.

“This collaboration will provide better service for our residents at a reduced cost, and is an excellent example of what can be achieved when Cranford and the Union County work together,” said Mayor of Cranford Patrick Giblin.

With the addition of Cranford, the Dispatch Center now serves 13 of Union County’s 21 municipalities and handles a total list of 24 first responder agencies.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking information about services for adults age 60 and older can visit nine locations in September to speak in person with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging. The service, called “ASK” for Aging Services Kiosk, travels to different municipalities each month. Any Union County resident, family member or caregiver can visit any of the ASK locations.

In September, ASK will be available at the Rahway Senior Center and at public libraries in Elizabeth, Cranford, Clark, Garwood, Mountainside, Plainfield, Summit, and Union Township, at the dates and times listed below.

“Our goal is to help senior residents access the resources they need to stay connected with their communities,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The ASK program helps seniors, their families, and their caregivers get expert guidance in person, in a comfortable setting close to home.”

Through the ASK program, staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection provide information about home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, support for caregivers, and other services. Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The September 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, September 9

Elizabeth Library – LaCorte branch

418 Palmer Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

10:00 am – 12 noon

 

Wednesday, September 11

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016

10:00 am – 12 noon

 

Thursday, September 12

Rahway Senior Center

1306 Esterbrook Avenue

Rahway, NJ  07065

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Friday, September 13

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, NJ 07060

10:00 am – 12 noon

 

Monday, September 16

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Thursday, September 19

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 am – 12:00 noon

 

Friday, September 20

Mountainside Public Library

Constitution Plaza

Mountainside, NJ 07092

10:00 am – 12 Noon

 

Monday, September 23

Summit Public Library

75 Maple Street

Summit, NJ 07901

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

Tuesday, September 24

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

 

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is one of 670 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. Its goal is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. The division has information printed in both English and Spanish.

Upcoming ASK dates and locations are posted each month on the Union County website at ucnj.org/departments/human-services. The schedule is also shared by newsletter, local media, and social media.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call 1-888-280-8226 toll free, or call 908-527- 4870 or 908-527-4858.

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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.

Limited space available; last year’s event hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees  

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to participate in 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.

Now in its fourth year, the Business Expo showcases local businesses and provides opportunities to network and grow contacts in Union County, and beyond.  

Vendor tables are available now on a limited basis. The fee of $100 includes a half-page ad in the program and 10 VIP tickets for preferred clients. To register a vendor table, fill out the online Vendor Registration form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

“The Business Expo provides 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.”

In 2018 the Expo hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees.

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 agencies. The event is also popular with chambers of commerce and representatives from municipal and county government offices.

Admission for individual 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.