Author: corinnefiretto

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that registration has opened for the 2024 Union County Senior Art Exhibit, to be held from April 19 to May 30, 2024. Coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the Senior Art Exhibit will be held at the Scotch Plains campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ, at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. A closing reception will be held on May 30 for all exhibiting artists. Residents of Union County, age 60 and up, both professional and non-professional artists, are invited and encouraged to enter an artwork.

“We are delighted to open registration for the 2024 Union County Senior Art Exhibit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This exhibit not only highlights the artistic achievements of our seniors, but also provides a platform for them to share their unique perspectives and stories through art. Whether you’re an experienced artist or discovering your talent later in life, the Senior Art Exhibit is for you.” 

The media categories are: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft. Entry must be an original work completed between April 2021 and April 2024. The deadline to register is April 14. Registration online is required. Find complete instructions, rules, and registration form at https://ucnj.org/art-shows/2024-senior-art-show/. For seniors who do not have internet access, a relative or friend with an email address may register on behalf of the artist; or the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs will assist artists with registration by phone.

Artworks entered will be judged by a panel of professional artists who will designate separate awards for professional artists and non-professionals. First-place 2D artworks will be exhibited at the Commissioners Gallery during the summer. All first-place artworks will go on to compete at the state level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show in the fall.

“Art is a vital aspect of senior life,” said Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon, liaison for the Advisory Council on Aging. “It fosters creativity and self-expression, inspiring the lives of our seniors. Through initiatives like the Union County Senior Art Exhibit, we honor their talents, stories, and contributions to our community.”

For assistance or questions about the Senior Arts Exhibit, or to receive instructions by mail or email, email msturm@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2552 (weekdays). Relay users dial 711. This program is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services proudly announces that they are partnering with United Way of Greater Union County, to offer free income tax assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

“Union County is proud to join hands with United Way in launching the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.  “In collaboration, we aim to provide crucial financial support to our residents, ensuring that tax assistance is accessible to all, regardless of income. This program reflects our commitment to economic inclusivity and community well-being.”

Union County and its partners recognize the importance of supporting its residents during tax season, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to essential tax services. The VITA program, which is funded through Union County, but operated by United Way of Greater Union County, will be staffed by trained volunteers who will assist eligible residents with the preparation of their federal and state income tax returns.

“We have been working to bring this program to fruition over the last few months, and this launch reinforces our dedication to addressing the diverse needs of our community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “This initiative not only provides essential tax assistance but also exemplifies our commitment to supporting the financial health of all residents. I encourage eligible individuals and families to take advantage of this invaluable service, made possible through our collaborative efforts.”

The VITA program offers cost-free tax assistance to individuals and families with a household income of less than $60,000.  Residents are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance to secure their spot for personalized assistance.

“The United Way of Greater Union County is thankful for the strong partnership with the County of Union that enables us to help our neighbors in need gain access to free tax assistance,” said Julienne Cherry, President & CEO. “After tax services are completed, our UWGUC team provides additional resources through our Family Success Center to ensure our families in Union County thrive.”

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 908-353- 7171 or 201-201-4522 or email VITA@Unitedwayguc.org.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce the continuation of the Property Fraud Alert program, a free subscription service designed to safeguard Union County homeowners against property fraud. Property fraud is committed when someone illegally uses your property for monetary gain, often by recording a fraudulent document in the Union County land records office to appear as if they own your home or property. It can also occur when someone illegally records a lien against your home or property.

“If someone files a property document with a similar or same name as yours, you will get an alert either by phone or email,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “Then you can go to the Clerk’s property website at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/ to check to see if the document refers to your property address. If it does, the homeowner should go to their local Police Department and file a police report. They can then take the report to the Office of the Union County Prosecutor who will investigate. Unfortunately, property fraud is one of the largest growing crimes in America today,” she added.  “I’m hopeful this program will give homeowners some peace of mind.”

Since its inception nine years ago, Property Fraud Alert has been widely adopted by Union County homeowners, with thousands of subscribers benefitting from its protection. Homeowners and their family members can sign up for free by visiting www.propertyfraudalert.com/ or by calling the hotline at 800-728-3858. Subscribers can choose how they would like to be notified whenever a document with their name is recorded in the participating County Land Records office – either by email, text message, or voice phone call. This service is available for residential property owners as well as business owners and properties owned as part of trusts.

Although Property Fraud Alert cannot prevent fraud, it serves as an early warning system, allowing property owners to take necessary actions if they suspect fraudulent activity. For more information, please visit www.propertyfraudalert.com/ or call 800-728-3858.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is pleased to announce a live speaking event titled “One Woman’s Journey as an Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” featuring McCarter & English attorney Simone Wilson-Brito as our guest speaker. Residents are welcome to attend this free event and learn about Ms. Wilson-Brito’s insightful experiences as a lawyer and champion of social justice on Wednesday, March 20^th, at 12:30 p.m. at the UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, Cranford Campus, Victor M. Richel Student Commons, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

“As a proud, devoted working mother, and a strong advocate for women, this year, as part of my 2024 Chairwoman’s initiatives of “Growing Together in Union County,” I am working to provide women with the necessary resources and opportunities for their thriving success,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This year, we are happy to feature Ms. Simone Wilson-Brito as our guest speaker for Women’s History Month. Ms. Wilson-Brito is an exemplary figure and a fitting choice to illuminate this month. Her strong leadership, commitment to dismantling the barriers of racism and injustice, and aspiration to forge a more inclusive future for our community make her an outstanding individual. She serves as an excellent role model for young girls and women, and we encourage everyone to attend this inspirational free event.”

The theme for National Women’s History Month 2024 is “Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our personal lives and institutions to have a more positive future.

Simone Wilson-Brito is the Co-chair of McCarter & English’s Real Estate Practice Group.  She is also Co-Chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative Steering Committee, tasked with advancing women at the firm, and the Social Justice Project, tasked with advancing the firm’s initiatives to dismantle structural racism and combat the impact of racial injustice in our communities. Her work on the Women’s Initiative Steering Committee has led to McCarter receiving Gold Standard Certification from the Women in Law Empowerment Forum. She is listed as one of New Jersey’s most influential Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leaders in the year 2021, and is currently listed as one of the Best Lawyers in America of 2024.

She is an active volunteer and also serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity. Her passion for volunteering and pro-bono work has grown alongside her career as a lawyer and an advocate for women. Notably, she was part of a team of lawyers who helped 14 families affected by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, by assisting them in acquiring new homes after being displaced. She represents clients seeking asylum in the United States from their home country out of fear of persecution or harm and works with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and the New Jersey Innocence Project through Rutgers University assessing innocence claims.

“Women’s History Month is a special time to celebrate and highlight the countless contributions of women who have helped shape our society. It is also an opportunity to recognize those who are currently working hard to create a better future for all,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “Ms. Wilson-Brito’s dedication to promoting women, minorities, and the disadvantaged is a source of inspiration to us all. We would like to invite you to join us in commemorating National Women’s Month this March by attending our event.”

Women’s History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and in their communities. It is celebrated nationwide every March. The speaking presentation is free of charge to all Union County residents. To register for the event, please visit UCNJ.ORG/WHM

This program is partly funded by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For more information about this presentation and other activities and programs of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners cordially invites seniors and their caregivers to visit their local “ASK” services kiosk this March. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet experienced professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Moreover, bilingual staff will be present at several events to offer support in Spanish.

“The ASK services kiosk plays a strong, supportive role in our mission to provide our senior community with the most accurate and reliable information and resources that they can count on,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We urge you to take advantage of this program and visit the Aging Services Kiosk nearest 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 older 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 March:

Tuesday, March 12th

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, March 27^th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Elizabeth Main Public Library

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

“It makes us incredibly proud to know the ASK program is approaching its 8^th year of providing a wealth of information and services to our beloved senior community,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “Visit your local library to learn more about this convenient and friendly service.”

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 is pleased to announce a new series of acrylic painting workshops for adults will take place this spring on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“We are thrilled to offer our residents the opportunity to explore their artistic potential in the relaxing and breathtaking ambiance of Watchung Reservation through creative workshops like these,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage you to make your reservation today and prepare to be inspired. I hope to see you there.”

There will be a total of three workshops, each focusing on a different nature theme:

March 9^th – Beautiful Flowers

April 13^th – Scenic Landscapes

May 11^th – Terrific Trees

The workshops will be taught by artist and long-time Elizabeth resident, Dario Scholis. Born in Quito, Ecuador, Mr. Scholis began painting at a young age. He graduated from the School of Fine Arts at the Central University of Quito and later attended the Corcoran School of Arts in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Scholis has taught art to adults and children of all abilities for over 20 years. In recent years, he has created interactive art projects emphasizing the importance of recycling and caring for the environment. Join Mr. Scholis as he teaches the basics and benefits of using acrylic paint. Using nature as their subject, participants will let their creativity flow as they produce one-of-a-kind works of art to take home.

Attendees must be age 18 or older. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page. The fee is $20 per person per class and includes all materials.

Aside from special programs and events, Trailside welcomes all visitors free of charge every day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for Mondays and major holidays.

For more information about the adult art workshops or other upcoming programs and events at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.  For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.