County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, are proud to partner with the organizers of RiseUp for their LGBTQ+ Health Conference scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024 at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

“This conference reflects Union County’s dedication to educating healthcare providers about the critical issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Union County stands firm in its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that everyone receives the support they deserve.”

The conference is dedicated to educating healthcare providers on current issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community featuring keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities and will include the topics of grief, intimate partner violence, and financial abuse within the LGBTQ+ community.

“By bringing together healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders, we are creating an environment of learning, collaboration, and empowerment,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “This conference will also serve as a platform to honor those who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting visibility and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ health and rights.”

Clinical topics like advancing health equity and HIV are also included.  Additionally, it will honor individuals who have made significant positive contributions to the community. These honorees have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in advancing visibility and inclusivity.

The honorees for the 2024 Rise Up LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference are:

• Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, County of Union – Recipient of the Singer Lifetime Achievement Award
• Dr. Christopher Awwad, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center – Recipient of the Taylor-Ponterotto Prism of Inclusivity Healthcare Award
• Robert Charkowsky, County of Union – Recipient of the Sauer Service Award
• Sabrina Dias, Season 21 of The Voice – Recipient of the Rase Courage and Visibility Award
• Jamie Farley, PA-C, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Recipient of the Oullette Excellence in Education Award

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to improving the dignity and respect for LGBTQ+ patients and the community,” said Sherri Rase, Director of Marketing and Communications at Bridge to Visibility, an organization created to educate healthcare providers on the needs of underrepresented groups like the LGBTQ+ community.

The conference is proudly sponsored by Atlantic Health System and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

To register for the 2024 Rise Up LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference, please visit www.riseuplgbt.com.

To learn more about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please contact Robert Charkowsky at 908-527-4897, rcharkowsky@ucnj.org or visit our website at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to welcome The Pink Floyd Project, the tri-state area’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band to the Summer Concert Arts Series on Wednesday, July 24th in Echo Lake Park.

“Our second concert in the Summer Arts Concert Series offers our residents a perfect outdoor summer activity where they can relax and unwind,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Don’t miss this opportunity to soak in the warm weather and enjoy a night of music and stunning display of lights, just like one of Pink Floyd’s legendary live shows.”

Known for their early psychedelic style, Pink Floyd gained fame through their experimental sounds, deep lyrics, and elaborate live shows. Paying homage to the one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time, The Pink Floyd Project’s set will feature a stunning stage presentation. A 6:30pm yoga class will take place before the 7:30pm concert in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. The Summer Arts Concert Series is free for all Union County residents.

For more information about the Summer Arts Concert Series, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer24 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners congratulates seven Union County high school students from the Union County 4-H Program for participating in this year’s Rutgers 4-H STEM Ambassador Program. The event was held at Rutgers University in New Brunswick from July 8th through July 12th. The program aims to train college-bound youth to lead STEM activities and share their skills with other students.

“As a proud public servant, I understand the importance of serving as a leader and making a positive impact in our community, and I commend these passionate students for their participation and for challenging themselves in order to make a difference,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I would like to also thank our partners in the New Jersey 4-H Program for their assistance in empowering these bright and talented young leaders. Their dedication gives hope for a more promising future ahead in Union County.”

Pictured, from left to right, are chaperone Sandra Wilson of Mountainside, Valerie Arias of Hillside, Josiah Philippe of South Plainfield, Immanuel Muhammed of Plainfield, Basil Glacken of Westfield, Evan Roe of Westfield, Anika Jolly of New Providence, Maria Mendonca of Elizabeth, and Jim Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent.

The New Jersey 4-H STEM Ambassadors Program provides a unique opportunity for college-bound youth with an interest in science and/or medicine to interact with professors, scientists, and engineers through a series of research projects, workshops, lab tours, and field trips. The experience allows students to ask questions to professionals working in their field, develop personal leadership skills, and understand the significance of collaborating with others to serve our community.

For more information about the 4-H STEM Ambassador Program, and other 4-H Programs, please contact Jim Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org. 

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages seniors and their caregivers to visit their local ‘ASK’ services kiosk this August. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with experienced professionals who can offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources and help with form completion. Bilingual staff will be available at several events to offer support in Spanish.

“At our ‘ASK’ kiosks, our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to providing the latest information to our senior community, ensuring they are aware of helpful programs and services they might otherwise miss out on,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “No appointment or registration is necessary. Simply visit an ASK kiosk at your local library on the provided dates and get connected to the latest community services and programs available to you.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at the ASK kiosks can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in August:

Wednesday, August 7th
Roselle Library
129 Chestnut Street, Roselle
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, August 13th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Cranford Public Library
224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, August 20th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, August 22nd
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 28th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“We are committed to ensuring that our seniors and their caregivers have the information and assistance they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, who is also Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “Our Office on Aging continues to hold programs like this because our senior community deserves easy access to the resources they deserve. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these services.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project to join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.” Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4th grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

“Our Master Tree Stewards provide students with enriching educational experiences and important messages about trees and the environment. It’s a lesson about appreciation and stewardship that young people can carry into adulthood, benefitting our community and the world beyond for years to come,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies. Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks. A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here.

The 2024 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 4th to December 11th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday. The 4th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit www.ucnj.org/rce. For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connect.