County of Union, New Jersey

WIn fulfillment of  Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen’s “UCHERO” initiative assisting Veterans, collections are being taken up at five different County Government locations for Backpacks for Life, a New Jersey-based non-profit that assists Veterans in need, and the public is welcome to make a donation.

 “There are many Veterans out there who are having trouble making ends meet and need our assistance,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “We hope this collection helps in some small way to help make things better.”

Brett D’Alessandro, the founder of the New Jersey-based Backpacks for Life, thanked the County for setting up the donation effort.

“People tend to overlook homeless Veterans and stigmatize them and all homeless in general,” D’Alessandro said. “I created this organization to help our Veterans. At one point in my life, I needed help too, and I am living proof that a little bit of help can go a long way in turning a life around.”

D’Alessandro, a United States Marine Corps Sergeant and New Jersey native, founded Backpacks for Life after coming home from service in Afghanistan, and seeing a homeless man holding a sign that said “Vietnam Veteran.”

“I couldn’t help but think of that man for the rest of the day,” he said. Later that afternoon, D’Alessandro returned after filling his backpack from his tour with warming layers, socks and t-shirts. He went back to find the man and gave him the backpack. The next morning on his way into work, D’Alessandro saw the man, but this time with a small child wearing the backpack proudly.

“I stopped to say hello and the homeless man explained to me that his wife had become very sick and the warming layers were helping her tremendously. It was in this moment that I knew I wanted to help others get back on their feet and give them a second chance at life,” D’Alessandro said.

Collection bins/boxes are at the following County Government locations and accessible during normal business hours:

*Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth—first floor elevator area. ( 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F)

*Prosecutor’s Office, 32 Rahway Avenue, Elizabeth— first floor lobby. (9 a.m.-5 p.m.,  M-F)

*County Courthouse—alley entry (before cafeteria, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

*County Clerk’s Office, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield—Office area (M,W,F 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues, Thurs 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

*County Police 300 North Avenue East, (24 HOUR COLLECTION SITE)—Lobby area.

The following items below are being requested as donations:

• Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
• Baby Wipes
• Soap Bars/Body Wash
• Shampoo
•            Hand Sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Body Powder
• Pocket Tissues
• Socks, Hats & Gloves
• Travel Size First Aid Kit
• Ponchos

Backpacks For Life is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that aims to provide veterans, those who are homeless or who cannot provide for themselves and their families, with the basic life necessities. They’re building backpacks full of daily essentials and other resources to help get homeless veterans back on their feet.

With each backpack, they aim to not only provide homeless veterans with the things they need for daily living but also, give them hope and resources for the future.

Backpacks For Life was founded by Verona resident and USMC Sgt. Brett D’Alessandro.

For more information, please go towww.backpacksforlife.org or about the County collection, contact Sebastian D’Elia atsdelia@ucnj.org or 908-527-4419.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak presents Donald Givens with a resolution congratulating him on being named the 2016 Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year by the Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services during the city’s 57th annual Senior Citizen Day ceremony at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center in Linden.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Gardeners can get free, reliable guidance by phone or email from the Master Gardeners of Union County, a group of trained, certified volunteers organized by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with the support of the Freeholder Board. The service is designed to assist every level of gardening experience, from beginner to expert.

Among their many civic service programs, the Master Gardeners staff the free Garden Helpline from the Extension offices on the second floor of Union County’s Colleen Frasier Building in Westfield. Gardeners can also bring plant and insect samples to the office for evaluation, and get information about soil tests.

“Now is a good time to plan ahead for a successful garden,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you have any questions about plants and planting, the Master Gardeners are standing by to help you.”

Gardeners can call the Garden Helpline at 908-654-9852 from Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Helpline may also be contacted by email at mastergardeners@ucnj.org. All voice mails and emails are answered promptly.

The Colleen Fraser Building is located at the County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Gardeners can bring plant or insect samples for evaluation during Helpline hours. A drop box is also provided to leave samples at other times. All samples must be in sealed containers.

In other gardening news, there is still time to apply for a 2016 Union County Community Garden Grant, a new grant program funded by the Freeholder Board and administered by the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth. The application deadline is May 15. For more details visit ucnj.org/garden-grants or email Groundwork, elizabethnj@groundworkusa.org.

Garden enthusiasts are also invited to attend the Master Gardener’s 27^th Annual Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale on Sunday May 15, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Demonstration Garden by the Union County Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

This year’s Garden Fair features the new “Rutgers 250” tomato for sale along with popular favorites including many deer resistant, drought tolerant and fragrant plants, easy-to-grow plants for beginner gardeners and a large selection of tomatoes and herbs. Adding to the fun are children’s activities, baked goods and crafts for sale, garden tours and more.

Admission and parking are free. All sales are cash only. Proceeds from the sale go to fund Master Gardeners projects including neighborhood gardens, educational events, summer camps, scholarships, and the donation of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries.

More information about the Helpline, Garden Fair and many other programs is available from the Union County Extension online at ucnj.org/rce, or call the Extension main number at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2).

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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 Photo credit: The new Rutgers 250 tomato variety, “a better tasting version of the classic New Jersey Rutgers Tomato,”  by Peter Nitzscheby via Rutgers University.

Union County, NJ – Women who own or manage a business in Union County, or who run a non-profit organization, are invited to attend the fourth annual Union County Women Mean Business summit on Wednesday May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

This year’s event promises to help attendees expand their circle of influence by creating new, powerful relationships with diverse and interesting businesswomen. while learning about relevant topics such as Art of the Ask, Turning Your Passion Into Profits and Uncovering Your Female Genius.

“Women represent fully half of the energy and talent in the Union County community, and this year’s seminar is designed to help more women realize their full potential, in the non-profit sector as well as in the public and private sectors,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are looking forward to an exciting and rewarding event.”

Union County Women Mean Business is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders with the generous support of Diamond Level Sponsor ConnectOne Bank, a sponsor since the inception of the event.

“Female leaders are vital to the growth and development of our local communities and we are proud to once again partner with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County Women Mean Business,” said Elizabeth Magennis, EVP & Chief Lending Officer of ConnectOne Bank.

Other sponsors include KemperSports, Southwest, Winning Strategies Washington, Pitman Mindas Grossman Lee & Moore, P.C., and Suplee, Clooney & Company. Additional event sponsors may be announced shortly.

The special guest speaker will be Debra Vizzi, President and CEO of the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Since its founding in 1982, the non-profit organization and its partner charities have distributed 600 million pounds of food valued at approximately $1 billion.

Union County Women Mean Business began as an initiative of Freeholder Linda Carter, when she chaired the Freeholder Board in 2013. It is intended to help women in business build foundational skills and form strong networks across the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Tickets are $40.00 per person in advance. Pre-registration is required. The fee includes the full program, lunch, networking cocktail hour (cash bar), and prize opportunities including round trip air fare. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Food Bank.

For more details about the program and to pre-register online visit ucnj.org/ucmb.

Businesses interested in sponsorships may contact the Union County Department of Economic Development at 908-659-7412.

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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 two free workshops on Thursday evening, May 19, will explain the application process for the 2016 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program and the 2017 Local Arts Grant Program. Both workshops will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum, Wagon Shed Building, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083. The workshops are free of charge, but pre-registration is suggested.

The application process for a 2016 HEART grant for projects related to local history, the arts and humanities will be explained at the workshop for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars.

“The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been exciting,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups. Services they provide directly benefit the residents of Union County and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities.”

The other workshop will provide guidelines for completing applications for the Union County 2017 Local Arts Grant Program. Funds for this program are made available through the New Jersey Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts. Local arts activities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2017, are eligible for consideration.

“Non-profit groups and arts organizations in search of funding need well-constructed grant proposals,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “This workshop will discuss the components of a successful application, including a description of the project, the budget and the marketing plan.”

For additional information or to register for the HEART Grant workshop or the Local Arts Grant Program workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Photos from the 15th Annual Union County Employee Art Show at the opening reception at the Elizabethtown Gas Company’s Liberty Hall Center in Union. The contest, co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The National Arts Program Foundation, was open to Union County employees and their relatives. The exhibit will be open to the public weekdays until May 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Gas Company, located at Liberty Hall Center, 1085 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Professional Category

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright congratulate Richard Earl of Westfield on winning first place in the professional category.

Best of Show

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright congratulate Michael Endy of Westfield on winning Best of Show.

First Place, Amateur Category

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright congratulate Ryan Frees of Clark on winning first place in the amateur category.

First Place, Youth (12 and under) Category

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright congratulate Diego Otero of Scotch Plains on winning first place in the youth (12 and under) category.

Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces the first “History Paint Night Social” where participants will be provided with painting materials and artistic instruction on a particular historical scene from the Union County area. Participants will be able to take their art work home with them. The program is sponsored by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The History Paint Night Social will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at the historic Snyder Academy in Elizabeth, where one of our Country’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, attended school. The instructor for the evening event will be Rafael Rodriguez, the Artist in Residence at the Snyder Academy.

“The purpose of the History Paint Night Social is to encourage adults to learn about Union County history and basic painting techniques in a relaxed social setting,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The historic Snyder Academy is a wonderful setting for the blending of history and art education.”

There is a cost of $20.00 for each participant. Please feel free to bring your own wine and snacks for your enjoyment.

Admission to the History Paint Night Social is on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to register in advance. To confirm your attendance at the May 17^th event or to receive more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202. Telephone: 908-436-2912. Or send E-mail requests to jprescott@ucnj.org.

Funding for this program is made available through the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that County and State public health and mosquito control experts will conduct a presentation titled “Raising Awareness of Mosquitoes and the Zika Virus: What It Is, How It’s Spread, and How To Prevent It” on Tuesday, May 10 at the Cranford Recreation Center, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“If you work in a health-related field or if you are a community resident who wishes to learn about the Zika virus, come to the presentation and get the latest information,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The event is designed to share information with public health agencies, health care facilities, and other health professionals that serve Union County residents. Members of the general public are also invited to attend.

The program includes an update on the state of knowledge about the Zika virus, a presentation on the clinical background of the virus, and a discussion about preventing spread of the virus through mosquito control.

For additional details about the event, contact the Union County Office of Health Management, uchealth@ucnj.org or 908-518-5620.

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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, NJ – Union County is seeking professional and amateur scientists to help catalog flora and fauna for the 2016 Union County Bio-Blitz. Bio-Blitz is a 24-hour, ‘round the clock nature survey that provides a snapshot of wildlife and plant life in County parks, conducted with an assist from scores of volunteers.

“Each year, Bio-Blitz is our signature event for raising public awareness about the diversity of flora and fauna that flourish in our County parks system. Our volunteer researchers play a key role in that effort,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Scientists and naturalists are needed to help sample, observe, identify, and record hundreds of plant and animal species in County parks, including fungi and insects.

Bio-Blitz 2016 is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11. It will take place at three County parks: Kawameeh Park in Union Township, Black Brook Park in Kenilworth, and the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

“With the inclusion of Galloping Hill, Bio-Blitz promises to an especially interesting event this year,” said Bergen. “We are all looking forward to discovering who – or what – is sharing the links with our golfing community.”

Professional scientists, naturalists and knowledgeable amateurs can register online to join a field team, or perform other volunteer activities, at ucnj.org/bio-blitz. The registration deadline is June 1.

In addition to the scientific surveys, Bio-Blitz includes exhibits, displays, and free public walk-in activities for children and adults. Information on this year’s public walk-in activities will be available soon.

For more information about volunteering for Bio-Blitz 2016 contact Betty Ann Kelly, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at bkelly@ucnj.org.

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.