County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a selection of prize-winning art work by Union County employees and their family members is on display through July 13 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue, in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The art display presents a select sampling of 17 pieces from among the 149 creations judged at the recent 15^th annual “National Arts Program Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families.” The exhibit and contest is a result of a partnership with the National Arts Program Foundation which provides prize money and valuable support to display the work of talented artists.

“The artistic talent of our Union County employees, retired County employees, County program volunteers and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We have artists who excel in painting, photography and other visual arts, and we are proud to put their work on display. We thank the National Arts Program Foundation and Elizabethtown Gas Company for hosting the May 4^th awards reception and providing space for Union County employees and their families to display their talent in the original exhibit.”

Listed alphabetically by town are all the award-winning employee artists (or their family members) and the awards they won at the original exhibit and contest. Not all of the award-winning pieces are able to be displayed at the Freeholders Gallery exhibit.

Clark:

Isabella Anastasatos (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Ryan Frees (First Place, Amateur)

George Valladares (Honorable Mention, Amateur)

Clifton

Patzy Gutierrez (First Place, Teen 13-18)

Cranford

Christina Barlik (Third Place, Teen 13-18)

Berkeley Heights

Leslie Kepner (Professional, Honorable Mention)

Edison

Richa Wadhawan (Second Place and Art Education Award, Teen 13-18)

Elizabeth

Brianna & Elianna Borga (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under)

Natalie Gregorio (Second Place, Intermediate, returned award money back to program)

Shane Rhodes (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Dario Scholis (Third Place, Professional)

Freeland

Ali McKittrick (First Place, Intermediate)

Seyona McKittrick (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Hillsborough

James Caratozzolo (Second Place, Amateur)

Martinsville

Kayla Stasil (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under)

Old Bridge

Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Angelina Saggese (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18)

Plainfield

Raymond Morgan (Honorable Mention, Intermediate)

Rahway

Arianna Lespinasse (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under)

Danni Newbury (Honorable Mention, Intermediate)

Roselle

Judith White (Honorable Mention, Professional)

Roselle Park

Mario Rodriguez (Third Place, Intermediate)

Scotch Plains

Diego A. Otero (First Place, Youth 12 and Under)

Somerset

Tina Nummela (Third Place, Amateur)

Summit

Agnieszka Solawa (Second Place, Professional)

Westfield

Richard Earl (First Place, Professional)

Michael Endy (Best of Show, Professional).

Additional support for this event was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, 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 send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org 

We Are One Naturalization Ceremony Event Recap

JoAnn Gemenden, chief of the Union County Bureau of Recycling & Planning in Scotch Plains, has received the “Education Award” from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC) for the development of two educational tools: an interactive Jeopardy! game and the New Jersey Clean Communities Litter Activity Book.

These clever marketing materials have been added to the NJCCC’s ongoing campaign to inform residents about litter’s harmful effects on the environment and how to reduce it on a larger scale.

Gemenden, who serves on the NJCCC state board, created the litter-themed Jeopardy! game as an educational tool for the state’s Clean Communities coordinators. Meanwhile, the activity book is geared toward school-aged children in the younger grades.

“Developing new programs to educate the public about the harmful effects littering has on the environment and wildlife is always a challenge,” said Gemenden, of Rahway. “But the Clean Communities program encourages us to create fun and interactive methods to reach audiences of all ages.  With the help of these educational tools, I hope that many more New Jerseyans will learn about the importance of not littering and contribute to the overall effort of a cleaner environment.”

Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulated Gemenden on receiving the award.

“JoAnn’s development of educational vehicles on recycling have enlightened many different audiences about the importance of recycling,” Freeholder Bergen said. “The Freeholder Board commends her for these achievements for the positive impact her efforts have in our community and environment.”

New  Jersey  Clean  Communities Council is  a  comprehensive,  statewide  litter-abatement  program that  has  served  New  Jersey  residents  and  visitors  for  more  than  25  years.  Learn more about the New Jersey Clean Communities Council at njclean.org.

Union County, NJ –Union County marked National Trails Day 2016 with a work party of 18 enthusiastic volunteers who enjoyed a continental breakfast and a guided trail hike before setting out to clear encroaching vegetation and build a set of stairs on a section of the Ruth Yablonsky Geology  Trail in the Watchung Reservation.

“The project involved re-routing a trail that suffered a great deal of damage following a freak rain storm last August,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Thanks to the volunteers who donated their time and effort, the trail is in much better shape for all to enjoy.”

The re-routing project is still under way. It also included members of the Adopt-A-Trail Chainsaw crew, who removed several fallen trees from the trail.

The re-routing project is still under way. It also included members of the Adopt-A-Trail Chainsaw crew, who removed several fallen trees from the trail.

The Chainsaw Crew was established in the 1990’s. The volunteers’ service in support of the Parks Department has enabled popular hiking trails to re-open in a timely manner after heavy storm damage, such as that occurring in the aftermath of hurricanes Irene and Sandy.

The Geology Trail is a popular destination that highlights some of the outstanding geological features in the Watchung Mountains. It is located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

A downloadable, self-guided walking tour of the Geology Trail is available at ucnj.org/geo-hike.

Any individual or group can join the Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail program and assist with conservation programs in Union County’s system of 36 public parks. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks.

A downloadable trail map of the Watchung Reservation is also available at ucnj.org/parks.

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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 proud to announce six additional dates and locations for the new Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) program to visit communities throughout Union County this month.

“The primary goal of the new mobile Aging Services Kiosk program is to help provide our senior residents and their caregivers with convenient access to information about county support programs and services that are available to them,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council.

Offered through the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), under the Department of Human Services, the new Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) outreach program will travel throughout Union County to provide senior adults age 60 and above and their caregivers information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, and adult day care, as well as support services for caregivers. Assistance with completing applications and forms will also be available.

Open to all Union County residents, the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) is scheduled to bring the new ASK outreach program to the following six municipalities in June:

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Wednesday, June 8
Linden Public Library
31 E. Henry Street
Linden, 07036
10:00 am to 12 pm

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Monday, June 13
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12 pm

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Friday, June 17
Mountainside Municipal Building
1385 Route 22 East
Mountainside, 07092
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Wednesday, June 22
Fanwood Public Library
5 Forest Road
Fanwood, 07023
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Thursday, June 23
Berkeley Heights Public Library
290 Plainfield Avenue
Berkeley Heights, 07922
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Thursday, June 30
Westfield Community Center
558 W. Broad Street
Westfield, 07090
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

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The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) aims to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families. It is one of 670 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act. The division offers informational resources printed in both English and Spanish.

Additional dates and locations will be added for the mobile ASK program in coming months, and will be posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Facebook, Twitter and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, call the division’s toll-free number: 1-888-280-8226, or 908-527-4870 or 4858 or visit the Union County government website at ucnj.org.

Matching grants for field improvements, tree plantings, and more

Elizabeth, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders have announced the availability of  $1 million in Kids Recreation matching grant funds and $100,000 in Greening Union County matching grant funds to all 21 municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Letters were mailed out to all municipalities this past week, and are due back to the County on August 19th, 2016.

The Kids Recreation grant funds can be used for the acquisition, development and/or refurbishment of parks and recreational facilities.  The Greening Union County grant provides funding for municipalities to purchase, plant and maintain trees within their towns.  

The Open Space Trust fund has provided more than $16 million in matching grants since its inception in 2000 to build new or improve playgrounds, plant trees, pocket parks, recreational areas, playing fields, pools, picnic areas and much more. More than 300 acres of open space land has also been preserved from development.

“Open Space funding demonstrates the strong community spirit that makes Union County such a great place in which to live, work, and raise a family,” said Freeholder  Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board.  “These projects enrich our lives and serve as our legacy to future generations.”

For information on both programs, please contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Union County Office of Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278. 

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that 20 projects have been selected for matching grant awards under the new Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program. The program is intended to improve access to locally grown fresh produce throughout Union County and enable local communities to expand opportunities for recreation, socializing, environmental education, volunteer service and neighborhood beautification

 “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, congratulations to our awardees and best wishes for a successful harvest,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are very excited about this new grant program, which supports fundamental civic goals by helping more Union County residents enjoy the benefits of growing fresh produce in their communities.”

The Community Garden Grants program provides for matching grants of up to $1500 for building new gardens, or for expanding or improving existing gardens.

“This is an exemplary program that will help raise awareness about the benefits of community gardens, and help ensure that more Union County residents have access to fresh, nutritious food,” said New Jersey State Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (District 20).

The non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth is administering the grants for the Freeholder Board under its existing Come Grow With Us! community garden program.

“Come Grow With Us! began in 2009, inspired by Assemblywoman Quijano’s work to help improve access to fresh produce,” said Jonathan Phillips, Executive Director of Groundwork Elizabeth. “We are very proud to partner with the Freeholder Board to expand this message across Union County.”

The 20 projects will be notified by mail about the details of their awards. They are:

1. Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission, Community Learning Garden at Little-Lord (Berkeley Heights)

 

2. Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, Bernice’s Place “Peace Garden” (Elizabeth)

 

3. Jewish Family Service, JFS Urban Community Garden (Elizabeth)

 

4. Hillside Victory Community Garden, 242 Pennsylvania Avenue (Hillside)

 

5. Communities in Cooperation, CIC, CIC Youth and Family Engagement Community Garden (Linden)

 

6. Sunny Gardens of Linden, Dill Avenue (Linden)

 

7. Sustainable New Providence, New Providence Community Garden (New Providence)

 

8. J. Rastafarian Cooperative, Queen City Organic Community Garden/Berkeley Terrace (Plainfield)
9. Garden #1 Mt. Zion AME Church, 327 1/2 Watson Avenue (Plainfield)
10. Grace Episcopal Church, 600 Cleveland Avenue (Plainfield)
11. Richmond Towers Resident’s Garden, 510-520 E. Front Street (Plainfield)
12. Rahway Community Action Org., JFK Center Community Garden (Rahway)

 

13. Gateway Family YMCA Rahway, “Super Secret” Square Foot Garden (Rahway)

 

14. Roselle Recreation Department, BT Mathis & Diane Mathis Community Garden (Roselle)

 

15. Roselle Park Environmental Committee, Roselle Park Community Garden (Roselle Park)

 

16. Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community Garden, Frazee House (Scotch Plains)

 

17. Township of Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community Garden (Scotch Plains)

 

18. Homefirst Interfaith Garden, The Avital Abraham Community Garden (Scotch Plains)

 

19. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Hobart Road (Summit)

 

20. Township of Union Community Garden, EleanorR. Erikson Park (Union)

The Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program is part of Chairman Bergen’s 2016 “Union County Means Green” 2016 initiative for environmental outreach. The new grant program builds on the Freeholder Board’s ongoing support for the Master Gardeners of Union County, an all-volunteer community gardening program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

More information about the 2016 Union County Means Green Chairman’s Initiative is available at ucnj.org.

Information about Groundwork Elizabeth is available at groundworkelizabeth.com.

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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 Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter and Bette Jane Kowalski present resolutions to the 2016 Portugal Day Committee congratulating them on their flag raising ceremony and annual parade.

The Portugal Day Flag Raising is at 7 p.m. on June 3, 2016 at Elizabeth City Hall. The Portugal Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Union Square Plaza and Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth on June 5, 2016.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)