County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of drawings by Plainfield resident Mel Holston, located in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

A selection of Mr. Holston’s work titled, “Motherland: Life in Black and White,” will be on display at the gallery until August 10. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“We are delighted to have Mel Holston’s drawings on display. He reflects and amplifies the diversity of artistic expression in our community, which makes Union County such an exciting and enriching place to live and visit,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This exhibit showcases Mr. Holston’s skills as a master of pen-and-ink figurative drawing and design.”

Mr. Holston has lived in Plainfield since 1993, and is well known in local arts and culture circles. He is a former and long-time member of Plainfield’s Cultural and Heritage Commission.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Mr. Holston studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and Jersey City State College. He taught art in the Jersey City School System from 1978 to 1995 and was named Jersey City Teacher of the Year in 1990.

He works in a wide variety of media and is widely recognized for his finely detailed pen-and-ink drawings on African themes and traditions.

Mr. Holstein won First Place in the 2018 Union County Senior Citizen Art Exhibit in the category of Acrylic Painting by a Professional. He has also exhibited extensively and has won many distinguished awards throughout his long career as an artist.

His museum and gallery shows include: Logoa Duncan Gallery, New York and Paris; Jersey City Museum & Science Center; Drake House Museum, Plainfield; Newark Museum; Rutgers University, Newark; Chicago Museum of Science & Industry; Renaissance Gallery, South Orange; Brockman Gallery, Los Angeles; the Association of Caribbean-American Artists, Brooklyn; and in Havana, Cuba.

The Pearl Street Gallery accommodates works that may be hung on a wall. Union County artists interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply.

For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery and other programs involving the arts, culture and historic preservation in Union County, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users can dial 711), email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-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.

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I have received several emails of appreciation from our residents. I have also received a few negative emails in reference to our strong support for LGBTQ residents and creating equality for all across our county.

So I want to be clear with those who feel negatively about our support for LGBTQ related activities sponsored by our County Freeholder Board in recognition of Pride Month, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for equality and advancing the equal rights movement. I will stand against anyone who feels that we should not be treating each other equally as a county of inclusiveness for all. We are all unique and should be highlighting our differences as positives not negatives, we only can move forward if we learn to build bridges in our communities not tear them down. Seeing negative e-mails like these only makes me stand stronger by my decision and clearly validates the need for the Office of LGBTQ Services (the first County in the State to have this office) and have events to honor and respect the LGBTQ community.​

So with that said, I stand firm in supporting LGBTQ residents and allies – that includes lending my voice and active support in efforts to combat discrimination, hate and fear.

Limited number of free tickets available for Union County LGBTQ youth age 16-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of LGBTQ Services are proud to host the first ever Union County LIGHT UP THE NIGHT – TEEN PRIDE celebration for LGBTQ and ally high school youth, ages 16-19. With support from WellCare Health Plans and the Union County Performing Arts Center, teens throughout Union County are invited to enjoy a safe and welcoming night out on Friday, June 15 at Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway.

The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the festivities begin at 8:00 p.m. Dance the night away until 11:00 p.m. for an inclusive evening of fun, light refreshments, DJ, drag queen emcee, and the crowning of the Rainbow Court.

“We are offering the Light Up The Night celebration to provide LGBTQ youth in our community, and their friends, with an opportunity to have fun being themselves in a safe and inclusive venue. I am proud to support Union County’s first teen pride event, and I thank my colleagues on the Freeholder Board for joining with me,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

“Light Up The Night invites you to enjoy being yourself and make lifelong memories just as you are. Wear whatever makes you comfortable, glam it up, or wear neon or white to light up the night. Come on your own, with a date, or with a group of friends,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services.

The first 70 tickets are free for Union County youth ages 16-19 while supplies last. These donated tickets may be ordered from the Performing Arts Center box office by phone at 732-499-8226, or by visiting the box office in person. The Box Office is located at the Performing Arts Center Main Stage, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

Online sales are not available for the donated tickets.

Those purchasing tickets at the regular price of $25.00 each may order online at ucpac.org (the ticket link is located near the top right area of the window).

Safety is the priority. Security will uphold a strict no tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. Bags will be checked upon arrival. High School Student ID, with parental consent and photo release is required to be admitted with each ticket.

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Services is organizing this year’s Union County PRIDE events. Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents and visitors to enjoy a day of free fun activities for children, parents, friends and family featuring the beloved rock ‘n’ roll of The Fuzzy Lemons, at the upcoming Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day event on Saturday, June 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway. CommUNITY PRIDE Day activities begin at noon and the Fuzzy Lemons will take the stage at 1:00 p.m.

“Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day brings our community together for a family-friendly celebration in the name of human rights and equal rights for LGBTQ residents, and we are all looking forward to being joined by The Fuzzy Lemons,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

“For ten years The Fuzzy Lemons have celebrated the joys and struggles of being a kid,” said Dave Lambert, vocalist and guitarist for The Fuzzy Lemons. “The members of the band draw upon their own experiences as parents and teachers (and as former children themselves) to craft tunes that can be enjoyed by fans young and old, of all walks of life.”

The Fuzzy Lemons are known far and wide for their irresistible get-up-and-go approach to performing for young audiences.

“So pump your fist and shout along with the Lemons to ‘Girls Rock,’ stomp your feet for Kid-Dom to ‘Rough and Tumble,’ celebrate your uniqueness with some very individual animals in ‘It’s OK to be Different,’ or just put on your rain boots and join us as we ‘Jump in a Puddle’” said Lambert.

A celebration of all families, Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day is an afternoon packed with musical performances, arts and crafts, family lawn games, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun and more.

Families are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring a hand-held sign that celebrates the strength of diversity in the Union County community.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees of all ages can visit an interactive display hosted by the Elizabeth Public Library, where they can make wearable items out of recycled materials, and sign up to walk the runway for the “Trash to Fashion” show at 3:00 p.m.

The afternoon’s festivities conclude at 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

In case of rain check Union County on social media for updates. If necessary due to inclement weather, CommUNITY PRIDE Day will be held indoors at the Warinanco Sports Center, at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

Union County’s Pride Month events are organized by the Office of LGBTQ Services, including the LIGHT UP THE NIGHT – TEEN PRIDE celebration for LGBTQ teens and their friends age 16-19 on Friday June 15, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway. For ticket information visit ucpac.org (a limited number of free tickets are also available on a first come, first served basis by calling the UCPAC box office, 732-499-8226).

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a free recycling event for electronic equipment on Saturday, June 30, to help residents dispose of unwanted electronic equipment in an environmentally safe manner. The special E-cycling event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

All Union County residents may participate at no cost. There is a limit of six electronic items per car.

“Old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic devices are the source of a considerable amount of dangerous material, including lead, mercury and cadmium,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Up to 95 percent of most electronic appliances can be recycled and Union County’s recycling events provide a convenient, responsible way for everyone to help keep hazardous heavy metals out of our environment.”

Electronic equipment that will be accepted on June 30 includes televisions, computers, monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, printers, fax machines, DVD/VCR players, telephones, tablets and e-readers.

To participate in the E-cycling event, residents need only drive to the site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload their vehicle.

The electronics collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. No pre-registration is necessary, but proof of Union County residency is required.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves and air conditioners will not be accepted at the e-cycling event. Residents who wish to dispose of these items can do so at Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program. For a schedule and locations visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrap-metal.

Many municipalities also offer E-cycling opportunities for residents. For a list of municipal recycling coordinators and contact information visit ucnj.org/recycle.

For more information about Union County recycling events and programs visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Electronics recycling supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for building participation in recycling countywide and engaging the public in conservation and environmental education.

The Freeholder Board is also encouraging all residents to sign up for “Recycle Coach,” a free app that makes it easier to stay up to date about countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules.

More information on the Recycle Coach app can be found at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs can be found at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados presents checks and resolutions to students and teachers congratulating them on winning the 2018 UC STEP Start Now Grant and the participating in the UC STEP “Branches Against Bullying” Civic Engagement Campaign. They were joined by Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner and Deana Mesaros of the Union County Department of Economic Development.

The first place winner of the UC STEP Start Now Grant “Branches Against Bullying” is Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in Elizabeth ($1,000). New Providence High School, Union County TEAMS Charter School and Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights received Honorary Mentions ($250 each)

UC STEP (Union County Student Training & Enrichment Program) was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership, personal growth skills, and responsibility within their communities.