Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Vernell Wright joined New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) Legislative Director Allen A. Weston in presenting NJAC Foundation scholarship checks and certificates to Union County Vocational Technical Schools graduates Arol Jan Millado of Elizabeth, Adrianna Sabat of Linden and Sol Condo of Cranford. The scholarships are funded by Investors Bank and PSE&G.
The NJAC Foundation is a non-profit organization affiliated with the New Jersey Association of Counties, and is committed to providing innovative educational opportunities for county vocational-technical school and county college students.
Please visit www.njac.org for additional details about NJAC and the NJAC Foundation.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 2016 Union County Library Grant awards to 20 public libraries. The grants will be used to broaden and strengthen children’s programs in Union County libraries (scroll down for photos).
“Educational activities are a fundamental part of a library’s mission, and these grants will help our local public libraries meet the growing demand for up-to-date children’s programming throughout the Union County community,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.
The Library Grant program amount this year totaled almost $150,000, more than double the amount of the 2015 program.
“Last year was the inaugural year of the grant program, and the enthusiastic response from Union County libraries demonstrated that there was strong demand for continuing the program this year, and expanding it as well,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who originated the grant program.
The program is funded with non-tax dollars for the benefit of local, non-school libraries. It is designed to help libraries upgrade facilities, programming and materials that directly benefit children’s literature and activities. The grant program also covers planning documents.
The 2016 grant recipients will use their funds for various projects including science programs, coding classes, robotics clubs, summer and after-school reading programs, technology upgrades, children’s books, educational toys, and furniture for children’s areas.
The Library Grants Program is part of Chairman Bergen’s “Union County at Work and Play” 2016 initiative for countywide economic development and quality of life improvements.
For more information on all of the 2016 Chairman’s Initiatives visit ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ – Union County residents have a unique opportunity to cool down, slow down, and enjoy a relaxing break from the hectic back-to-school shopping season with a visit to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center. The fully air-conditioned facility is located conveniently off Route 22 in Union Township.
The Mallery Center features two bustling, finely detailed model railroad layouts including one of the largest HO scale displays in the region. It is open to the public every Saturday afternoon and features a snack bar, train-themed gift shop and toddler play area.
“With its emphasis on historic detail and authenticity, the Mallery Center combines entertainment and education,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are running errands on Route 22, it’s easy and convenient to stop by and enjoy the sights and sounds. I had the pleasure of taking my now-grown son many times over the years and have enjoyed watching the display expand over time.”
Space for the Mallery Center is provided in Lenape Park by Union County under an arrangement with The Model Railroad Club, Inc. a local non-profit organization with roots in the 1940’s. Members of the organization funded and constructed the facility, which also houses work stations for building trains, scenery, buildings and other accessories.
“The art and craft of model railroading is thriving in Union County. We are delighted to provide visitors with a behind the scenes look at our work, and new members are always welcome,” said Tim McCollum, President of The Model Railroad Club.
Over the years, club members have spent countless hours wiring and building the displays with a meticulous attention to realism. The HO display is based on actual railroads in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area.
Visitors can also view ongoing expansion for the new 50’ x 80’ section of track adjacent to the existing 40’ x 40’ HO layout.
The Mallery Center is open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A modest admission fee is charged. Free parking is available on site, and the building is wheelchair accessible.
Directions: The Mallery Center is conveniently located in Lenape Park behind the Home Depot, 954 Route 22 East, by Springfield Road in Union Township. Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 or from Springfield Road, and go to the far end where the garden center is. Turn left and a small sign will direct you to a service road behind the Home Depot. The Mallery Center is at the end of the road.
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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 local business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs to register for the first annual Union County Means Business Expo scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course.
Registration is available now for individual attendees as well as vendors at ucnj.org/ucmb.
“The Business Expo is an expansion of the Union County Means Business initiative designed to connect Union County business and industry,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Whether you are participating as a vendor or if you are going as an attendee, the Business Expo offers the benefits of an effective networking opportunity in a relaxed environment.”
Offering an outlet for local businesses to showcase their products or services, the trade show Business Expo is an opportunity for local businesses to network with other business leaders, expand their customer base, and generate market awareness.
The Business Expo is the first business to business trade show networking event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in conjunction with Union County Means Business (UCMB) through the Union County Workforce Development Board and partnering organizations.
“The Freeholder Board is committed to supporting programs that build partnerships and connect the business community with resources to promote economic development in Union County,” said Chairman Bergen.
In addition to the Freeholder Board, this year’s Union County Means Business Expo partners include The New Jersey Small Business Development Center, Union County Economic Development Corp, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, and Union Township Chamber of Commerce.
To register online visit uncj.org/ucmb; or for more information contact the Union County Department of Economic Development at 908-659-7412.
Condado de Union,NJ – La Escribana del Condado de Union Joanne Rajoppi será la anfitriona de un seminario de entrenamiento para todos los Notarios Públicos del Estado de New Jersey, el próximo viernes 16 de septiembre, de 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. en el John H. Stamler Police Academy situado en 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
El seminario contará con la presencia del Juez Testamentario del Condado de Union James LaCorte, quien presentará los aspectos legales de las funciones de los notarios públicos.
“Esta es la última en las series de estos seminarios de entrenamiento para nuevos y experimentados Notarios Públicos y es un placer darle la bienvenida al Juez Testamentario LaCorte para compartir su conocimiento con el objetivo de ayudar a nuestros Notarios a mantenerse al dia e informados,” dijo la Sra.Rajoppi.
El Seminario de Entrenamiento de Notarios abarcará todos los aspectos y obligaciones de un Notario Público, incluyendo el proceso de solicitud y los requisitos y responsabilidades legales.
“Además de proporcionar una posible introducción a la profesión de Notarios, nuestros seminarios de entrenamiento ofrecen un potencial y una oportunidad de probar sus conocimientos y mejorarlos,” dijo la Sra. Rajoppi.
Para inscribirse en este seminario, pueden ponerse en contacto con Donna Connell al 908-527-4999 o por correo electrónico dconnell@ucnj.org. También pueden conseguir las inscripciones en la página, ucnj.org/county-clerk.
El curso es limitado a 50 participantes y el costo de la inscripción es de $5.00 por participante y el pago es por adelantado. El último día para inscribirse es el viernes 9 de septiembre.
Para más información sobre la Oficina de la Escribana del Condado de Union y sus servicios, incluyendo pasaportes, elecciones y registros de propiedades, pueden llamar al 908-527-4787 o visitar la página www.ucnj.org/county-clerk
The new Westfield Art Association exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery in Elizabeth includes more than two dozen pieces in various media including Kigali, a work in acrylic by Virginia Carroll.
Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present artworks from the Westfield Art Association, currently on exhibit at the Freeholders Gallery. The gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.
The Freeholders Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through November 1, 2016.
“If you are in midtown Elizabeth during the week, come up and visit the exhibit,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It is a vivid demonstration of the creative energy at work in our community.”
The wide-ranging artworks on display include dye process on cotton by Michael Endy, pastel work by Twyla Tomko, digital embroidery by Alexa Cassaro, mixed media works by Margaret Najjar and Barbara Wallace, photography by Dorothy F. Bellew, Sheilia Lenga and Lloyd Marks, and paintings by Sonia Ash, Kay Bhasin, Dante Bonardi, Laura Brown, Virginia Carroll, Paul Federico, Maxine King, Jean Literate, Barbara McElheny, Margaret Najjar, Virginia Puskar, Anna Reid and Vickie Williams.
Founded in 1922, the Westfield Art Association (WWA) is the oldest independent arts organization in New Jersey.
WAA is a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides art education and public exhibitions, and actively encourages its members in the pursuit of individual artistic goals and growth. WAA welcomes all artistic mediums and all levels of experience.
Public art events organized by the WAA include art education lectures, hands-on art studio workshops, gallery exhibits, outdoor art exhibitions and pop-up galleries in Westfield restaurants and storefront windows.
WAA has also arranged Art in the Park events, including The Sketchbook Project, a traveling collection of artist sketchbooks from around the world.
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 more information about the Freeholders Gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs online at ucnj.org, call 908- 558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org (NJ relay users dial 711).
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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.
Esa noche también se presentará un concurso de la cosecha patrocinado por Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Condado de Union, NJ – El Festival de Verano del Condado de Union continúa este miércoles 17 de Agosto, con Hey Bulldog a las 7:30 p.m. Esta serie de conciertos gratis son presentados por la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union y patrocinado por la Asociación Educacional del Condado de Union.
“Solo quedan unas pocas semanas par disfrutar de este gran entretenimiento musical en nuestros parques,” dijo el Legislador Presidente Bruce Bergen. “Lleguen temprano para que puedan participar en Yoga en el Parque , una buena forma para que nuestras familias esten saludables.”
Tocando la música de los Beatles, Hey Bulldog es un grupo diverso de músicos del área de New Brunswick quienes se reunieron para tocar las cancciones de los Beatles en el cumpleaños de John Lennon,y han continuado tocando juntos desde entonces. Los miembros de la banda han mantenido su estilo individual con creatividad, pasión y originalidad.
Además de la música y el yoga, Rutgers Cooperative Extension del Condado de Union patrocinará un Harvest Contest/ Concurso de Cosecha, que será entre 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Los participantes del concurso pueden traer sus productos a la mesa que está situada al lado del escenario. Las categorias a participar incluyen el tomate que más pesa, el zucchini que más pesa, verduras que luzcan diferentes o cómicas. La votación está a cargo los presentes y estos pueden poner su voto entre las 7:00 p.m. y cuando terminen de tocar el primer set. Todos los ganadores serán anunciados durante el intermedio y recibirán un certificado y un pequeño premio de jardinería.
La Oficina del Cultura y Asuntos de Herencia estará presente para dar informaciٕón sobre los diferentes programas que ofrecen.
El Festival de Verano 2016 concluirá el miércoles 24 de Agosto, en el Parque Oak Ridge presentando a N.Y. State of Mind con un tributo a Billy Joel.
Condado de Union, NJ – El Condado de Union hoy ha entregado la notificación de una reclamación en contra del Departamento de Transporte del Estado de New Jersey, debido al cierrre, de cinco carreteras y proyectos del puente como resultado d la Orden Ejecutiva No. 210 de parte del Gobernador Chris Christie, emitida el 8 de julio, la Orden Ejecutiva No.210, detuvo el trabajo en proyectos financiados por la Autoridad de Transporte, a través de todo el estado.
El Legislador Presidente del Condado de Union, Bruce H. Bergen dijo:
“El Condado de Union ha tomado su primer paso con el fin de tratar de proteger a nuestros residentes y empresas de las consecuencias perjudiciales de la Orden Ejecutiva No. 210. De nuevo insto una vez más al gobernador Christie a trabajar con el poder Legislativo para disponer de fondos suficientes para el Fidecomisio de Transporte, y llevar este periodo de retraso a un cierre rápido.”
La Orden Ejecutiva No.210 tiene obras paralizadas en la reconstrución de tres puentes del Condado y dos proyectos de repavimentación anual.
Los horticultores/jardineros de la Comunidad se reunieron en la Granja del Liberty Hall en Union ayer para celebrar la llegada del Subsidio de de la Comunidad de Horticultores/ Jardineros de la Comunidad del Condado de Union, una nueva iniciativa del año 2016 del Legislador Presidente Bruce H. Bergen. Los subsidios están financiados por la Junta de Legisladores y administrado por la organización sin fines de lucro Groundwork Elizabeth. Se unieron a los ganadores los Legisladores Vernell Wright(2da izquierda) y Bette Jane Kowalski (6ta izquierda.), Alcalde de Elizabeth Christian Bollwage (2do derecha.), Groundwork Director Ejecutivo Jonathan Phillips y personal, y Rosalynd Orr del USDA Servicio de Recursos Naturales de Conservación (3ra derecha). El evento fue patrocinado por la Junta de Legisladores y atendido por Groundwork. Para más información visite la página ucnj.org/garden-grants.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a training seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public on Friday, September 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
The seminar will feature Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, who will present the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.
“This is the latest in our series of training seminars for prospective, new and experienced Notaries Public, and it is a pleasure to welcome Surrogate LaCorte to share his knowledge with the goal of helping our Notaries keep up to date and informed,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
The Notary Training Seminar will encompass all aspects of the duties of a Notary Public, including the application process and legal requirements and responsibilities.
“In addition to providing prospective Notaries with an introduction to the profession, our training seminars offer continuing Notaries a valuable opportunity to test their knowledge and update their skills,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
To register for the seminar, contact Donna Connell at 908-527-4999 or email dconnell@ucnj.org. A downloadable registration form is available at the County Clerk’s website, ucnj.org/county-clerk.
The course is limited to 50 attendees and the registration fee of $5.00 is required in advance. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 9.
For more information about all Union County Clerk services including passports, elections and land records, call 908-527-4787 or visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.
Union County, NJ – Union County residents have a unique opportunity to cool down, slow down, and enjoy a relaxing break from the hectic back-to-school shopping season with a visit to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center. The fully air-conditioned facility is located conveniently off Route 22 in Union Township.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a training seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public on Friday, September 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.