County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Vernell Wright, Bette Jane Kowalski, Alexander Mirabella and Angel G. Estrada joined Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin, Union County College Board of Trustees Chairman Victor Richel and members of the Union County College community in cutting the ribbon officially opening the Veterans Center at the Union County College campus in Cranford. The service center for military veteran students is part of Chairman Bergen’s UC HERO initiative. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Freeholder Board today held a groundbreaking for the new $8.9 million Ash Brook Golf Course Clubhouse that is anticipated to open in September, 2018.

Once constructed, the new 21,000 square foot building will house a full-service restaurant (with terrace) with capacity for 120 people, a full retail pro shop, administrative offices and public restrooms, underground cart barn for a new electric fleet of 90 carts, and a full service turn stand.

“These improvements continue to solidify Union County’s reputation as a state leader in this sport and the home of public golf,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen. “Our courses are known for their playability, customer service and top-notch amenities, comparable to private courses.”

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella added: “Over the past seven years, the County completely transformed what was once a decaying, money-losing golf operation into state-of-the-art facilities that have become a profit center. Our Galloping Hill Golf Course (in Kenilworth) has become one of the state’s leading public golf courses, and now Ash Brook will take its place beside it.”

In recent years, the County completed a golf course renovation project at Ash Brook with famed architect Rees Jones.  The scope of work included updating course drainage, tree work and bunkers, which were renovated and rebuilt to industry standards.  The end result is a golf course that is amenable for golfers of all skill levels.

Ash Brook Golf Course features 7,040 yards of golf from the longest  tees for a par of 72. The course was designed by Alfred Tull and opened in 1953. Ash Brook is a parkland style golf course with tree lined fairways and large greens. Ash Brook has four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

In addition to the 18-hole facility, Ash Brook offers a Pitch & Putt course for players of all ages that has proven to be a family favorite in the community. The Pitch & Putt course features 673 yards of golf for a par of 27.

In January 2010, KemperSports began managing Ash Brook Golf Course as part of the Union County Golf Properties. KemperSports is recognized as a leader in the golf course management industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the facility.

For more information on Ash Brook Golf Course, please go to www.ashbrookgolfcourse.com/

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders celebrated the ninth annual Union County—UNICO District X Columbus Day Flag raising event at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The program, which was emceed by Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, featured speakers from UNICO and County government along with Catiana Celentano, founder and owner of the Let’s Play in Italian Language and Cultural Center in Scotch Plains, and Nick Netta, of Netta Architects in Mountainside.

Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Bette Jane Kowalski, Vernell Wright, Angel Estrada and County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi were in attendance.

Union County, NJ – Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte has provided Union County residents with the following alert on bank policy impacting the orderly processing of estates:

As some of you may know the Surrogate’s Office is responsible for assisting residents in the orderly process of estates after the death of a Union County Resident.   As Surrogate of Union County, one of my obligations is to alert residents of potential problems with the processing of residents estates.  

Recent events concerning Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo Banks compel me to warn residents that their loved ones may confront severe problems when they attempt to manage their deceased loved ones assets at the time of their death.  Chase Bank has displayed in the recent past a refusal to follow New Jersey Law and instead follow their own bank instituted policy which adds expense and delay to the orderly processing of the decedents estates.  Bank of America and Wells Fargo have acted in a similar manner on many occasions.

I am therefore advising Union County Residents that commencing or continuing a banker-customer relationship with Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo Banks may cause several unforeseen impediments with the timely processing of your estate after your death or the death of a loved one. 

Please remember this alert when deciding to commence or continue a financial relationship with Bank of America, Chase Bank or Wells Fargo Bank. 

The Surrogate’s Office is established under Constitution of the State of New Jersey. The Surrogate is responsible for assisting residents in the orderly process of estates after the death of a Union County resident, and is obligated is to alert residents of potential problems with the processing of estates.  

For information on the programs and services of the Surrogate’s Office, visit online at ucnj.org/surrogate or call 908-527-4280.

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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents who are not registered to vote that they have until Tuesday, October 17 to register in time for the upcoming General Election and School Board Election on November 7.

“Voters who would like to request a registration form can call my office or visit us during our regular business hours, and my staff will be happy to provide assistance with any question or concern,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Voters also can request a registration form through the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or through the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Voters can call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to request a registration form or to get assistance with any other question about voting. Each municipal clerk’s office also has voter registration forms available.

To register, a voter must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old by Election Day, not serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction, and a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella greeted students at the Brunner School in Scotch Plains on Wednesday to help celebrate Walk to School Day.

“Walk to School Day is all about building healthy habits that last a lifetime, and it’s wonderful to see how the students enjoy sharing this positive message with their teachers, peers and parents,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella.

Union County supports walking and hiking through its system of 36 parks, including miles of rustic trails and paved paths. The County also offers guided nature hikes and bird-watching events as regular features in its public recreation programming.

“The Freeholder Board also supports national trail programs that encourage exploring our urban neighborhoods on foot or by bicycle,  including the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail and the East Coast Greenway,” said Mirabella.

For more information about Union County’s trails, paths, greenways and hiking activities visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online, 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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Scotch Plains, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper-shredding event for personal documents will take place on Saturday, October 7 in Scotch Plains. The events are free for all Union County residents.

“Union County’s free document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft, by providing a secure, convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents,” says Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “This program also complements our other green initiatives by promoting recycling and environmental conservation.”

The October 7 shredding event will take place at the Union County Vocational Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, rain or shine.

The next shredding will be offered on Thursday, October 12 at Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

Both shredding events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Shredding events may end before 1:00 pm if the shredding trucks reach capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. Participants should bring their documents in paper bags, and must remove plastic bindings and paper clips. All documents must be dry and unbound.

In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Residents should use their municipal recycling program to dispose of magazines, mailers and other non-confidential papers. A list of recycling contacts for all 21 municipalities in Union County is available at ucnj.org/recycle.

The mobile shredding program is funded through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For directions to the October shredding events, and for information on all Union County recycling programs, call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit online at ucnj.org/recycle.

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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.

Music in the Mills” Features Music & Dance

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce “Music in the Mills”, formerly “Art in the Gardens”, an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, will take place Columbus Day Weekend October 7th, 8th and 9th in The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Music in the Mills” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation.
“Music in the Mills is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

Saturday, October 7th:

11am-noon: Estilo Latino Dance Company of Elizabeth

12:30-1:30pm: Maleku Folklore de Costa Rica of Summit

2:00- 3:00pm: Framework Jazz Ensemble

3:30-4:30pm: Lauren Shub and Hal Hirsch Jazz

5:00-6:00pm: United Youth of New Jersey from Elizabeth, theatrical dance, hip hop and rap

6:30-7:30pm Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield

Sunday, October 8th:

11:00am-noon: Yasko Koko and the Kokonuts of Garwood, Jazz performers

12:30-1:30pm: Blanca Rosas of Elizabeth, Singer/songwriter

2:00-3:00pm: You and Your Sister, Musical performance

3:30-4:30pm: Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre, Flamenco dancers

5:00-6:00pm: Victor Sinchi, Classical pianist

Monday, October 9th:
11:00-noon: Richard Nobrega Jr., Latin guitarist

12:30-1:30 TJAA Jefferson Arts Liberty Dancers of Elizabeth

2:00-3:00: University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Traditional String Ensemble

3:30-4:30 Peruvian Dance Team of Elizabeth

5:00-6:00 Jason Chan, Acoustic singer and guitarist

6:30-7:30 Edison Pereyra of Hillside, Classical guitarist

The Mills at Jersey Gardens is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.
For more information about “Music in the Mills,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202 by telephone (908) 558-2550, or New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. They can also be reached via e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of the Non-Profit Consortium Leadership Fellows Institute with its first class of 24 recruits from local non-profit organizations. The program is a partnership with the Union County Non-Profit Consortium, with the goal of developing the next generation of informed, effective executives in the non-profit sector.

“The Non-Profit Leadership Fellows Institute is one of my Chairman’s Initiatives for 2017, and we all have high hopes that its impact will ripple out to benefit the Union County community for many years to come,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “I’d like to thank my colleagues on the Board, the Non-Profit Consortium and our private sector supporters for shepherding this program from the drawing board to its launch today.”

The Non-Profit Leadership Fellows Institute represents the first, focused investment that County government has made to support skills and training for the next generation of non-profit executive leaders. The program builds on the Freeholder Board’s workforce development initiatives, aimed at ensuring that important economic sectors can draw from a rich pool of talent.
“It is difficult to overstate how important it is to ensure that our non-profits continue to benefit from informed, effective and seasoned leadership,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder Board liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “As we are all very much aware, non-profits are one of the bedrock foundations of the Union County community, especially so for those that provide the essential services that sustain our social safety net.”

Bergen noted that, the contributions that non-profits make to communal well-being, they also provide unique, high quality employment opportunities and volunteer experiences that enrich life throughout Union County.

“Although it is a commonplace to define the non-profit and private sectors by their differences, with this program we hope to bring the best of both together: the passion for social justice and human empathy, and the confidence, know-how and management skills that enable an organization to grow and thrive,” he said.

The Union County Non-Profit Leadership Fellows Institute is a public-private partnership, and it is made possible by a commitment of $5,000 in seed money from County government, $500 contributions made by the non-profits for each candidate they send to the Institute, and the generosity of private sector sponsors.

Each of the 24 participants will attend 11 skill-building sessions based on a dynamic, interactive model. Peer learning is also an important element of the development program.

For more information about participating in or supporting the Non-Profit Leadership Fellows Institute, contact Pamela Capaci, CEO, Prevention Links, 121-125 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor, Roselle (office phone: 732-381-4100, cell: 908-307-9080, email pcapaci@preventionlinks.org)

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that they can view and download sample ballots for all 21 municipalities on the County Clerk’s new elections website,  unioncountyvotes.com, and through the newly redesigned Union County Votes app, a free download for mobile devices.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter after the close of voter registration, approximately 10 to 14 days before the election.

“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with the ballot before Election Day,” said Rajoppi. “Voters can also view the statements by the candidates for governor online, through the unioncountyvotes.com, website and through the Union County Votes app.

“As an additional service to ensure that every voter can access the gubernatorial candidates’ statements, my office will send a copy of the statements to any Union County resident who requests them,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Voters who wish to receive the gubernatorial candidate statements by mail, or who have questions about the election process, can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.

For all County Clerk programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

Connect with Union County on social media.