Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – In recognition of Black History Month the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite the public to a series of five free events highlighting key historical and cultural themes throughout Black history.

“The experiences and accomplishments of African Americans have defined the course of history in America for hundreds of years,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to contribute to Black History Month through public events that enrich our knowledge and deepen our appreciation of their contributions.”

The celebration will kick off with a Black History Month flag raising ceremony in front of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1^st.

On Monday, February 3^rd, a production of A Langston Hughes Song Revival will take place at Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., featuring the poetry of Langston Hughes set to music by African American composers Margaret Bonds and Florence Price. To register visit ucnj.org/black-history-month, or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 for more information about the program.

On Saturday, February 8^th, there will be a performance of Raisin: A Musical at the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The show is a musical adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play A Raisin in the Sun. Prior to the performance, the Freeholder Board will present the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. Call the UCPAC box office for ticket information at 732-499-8226.

On Monday, February 10^th, at noon the Freeholder Board will recognize the 400^th anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade and its reverberations in life today with a free educational “Lunch and Learn” event, in the Freeholder meeting room on the 6^th floor in the Union County administration building in Elizabeth. 

Lastly, on Thursday, February 13^th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., residents and visitors are invited to Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside to “meet” Rosa Parks in a first-person interpreter presentation by Alexandra Ford of the American Historical Theatre.

Attendees must be age 18 or older or high school students. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended through the Trailside Talks link on the Union County activities online registration website, https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

For more information about Black History Month programs please contact Nathalie Hernandez of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at nahernandez@ucnj.org.

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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.

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The North Jersey Transportation Planning Association (NJTPA) paid tribute in this video to Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel Estrada, who has served with distinction in leadership roles with the NJTPA. Under his guidance, Union County advanced $3 million in safety improvements and nearly $38 million in local roadway and bridgeway projects.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month with a free performance of A Langston Hughes Song Revival, an exploration of music in the life and times of the poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes on Monday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway.

“Langston Hughes is an important voice in the cultural and social history of the Union County community, having lived in Westfield in the 1930’s,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to contribute to the celebration of Black History Month with this free event, which provides a unique musical perspective on the creative influences of one of our nation’s leading literary lights.”

A Langston Hughes Song Revival illustrates how music influenced and inspired the work of Langston Hughes.

The production will be hosted by creator of the program and WQXR Evening Radio Host Terrence McKnight. Mr. McKnight is an Artistic Advisor for the Harlem Chamber Players and serves on the board of the Bagby Foundation and the MacDowell Colony. He is frequently sought out by major cultural organizations for his insights into the cultivation of diverse perspectives and voices in the arts.

Mr. McKnight regularly curates concerts and talks at Merkin Concert Hall, the Billie Holiday Theatre, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Museum of Modern Art. This is his third time returning to Union County to provide high quality programs for Black History Month celebrations.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and the Union County HEART Grant program. 

Admission to “A Langston Hughes Song Revival” is free of charge, but advance registration is required.

To register online visit ucnj.org/black-history-month. Contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 for more information about the program.

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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 residents can learn how to plan and carry out local environmental activities by joining the Rutgers Environmental Stewards of Union County. The all-volunteer program is designed to help non-scientists learn more about the science behind environmental issues impacting their communities

“The Rutgers Environmental Stewards program provides the opportunity for Union County residents to learn effective, fact-based strategies for action,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The program has already helped make a difference throughout Union County and we are all looking forward to another successful year.”

In one recent project, volunteer Environmental Stewards have identified hundreds of Ash trees in County parks, collecting data that will help guide efforts to prevent the destructive Ash borer beetle from taking hold.

Environmental Stewards have also created programs in several municipalities, including one program through the New Providence Recreation Department that helps children spend more time outdoors and learn how to care for the environment. 

The Environmental Stewards hold a series of weekly classroom training sessions on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. beginning January 30^th through early June. Registration for the series closes on January 30^th.

Classes are held at the Extension offices in the Union County complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Field trips are also part of the hands-on experience.

The training sessions include habitat conservation, pollinator preservation, climate change and its impacts on the Union County region, protection of the Rahway River watershed, and much more.

Participants also work on environmental internship projects of their choice. No previous training or experience in environmental work is required.

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County as part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Freeholder Board supports the Union County Extension with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, and funding for special projects.

For more information about the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program, visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu or contact Michele Bakacs, County Agent and Associate Professor for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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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.

Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel Estrada Sworn in; Freeholders Granados and Kowalski begin new terms; Freeholder Williams begins first full term; Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte begins new term.

Freeholder Alexander Mirabella has been selected as Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and announced a series of initiatives for 2020 under the title, “Union County 2020: Inclusion, Safety, and Outreach,” aimed at upgrading the County’s public safety infrastructure; supporting entrepreneurship, career development and education; and working for the equal rights and dignity of all Union County residents.

Freeholder Chairman Mirabella announced the new initiatives at the 164^th annual reorganization meeting of the Freeholder Board, held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Sunday, January 5. 

During the meeting, Freeholder Angel G. Estrada of Elizabeth was selected as Vice Chairman. Freeholder Sergio Granados of Elizabeth and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski of Cranford were sworn in for new terms. Freeholder Rebecca Williams of Plainfield was sworn in to her first full term, having served a partial term in 2019. Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte was sworn in for a new term.

This is Mirabella’s fifth term as Freeholder Chairman, having previously served in 2001, 2006, 2009, and 2012.

Mirabella took note of challenges that lie ahead, pledging that the Freeholder Board will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the Union County community.

“With that in mind, this year my Chairman’s Initiatives aim at supporting the pillars of strength that define our community: our beautiful neighborhoods, our wonderful can-do spirit, and the rich diversity of our citizens,” said Mirabella.

The “Union County 2020: Inclusion, Safety, and Outreach” initiatives are:

Keeping Union County Safe and Secure

• Expansion of the Union County Regional Dispatch Center, a shared service handling emergency calls for County and regional response units as well as medical centers and municipal responders. The Dispatch Center launched in 2012 with a half-dozen municipalities on board. Currently the facility handles calls for 14 municipalities and two medical centers along with six County and regional units, and usage is expected to grow.
• Distribution of new fire radios, a shared service enabling municipal fire departments to communicate more effectively with County responders during emergencies. Under this program, Union County will distribute a total of 62 radios to seven municipal fire departments: Clark, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Mountainside and Plainfield.

Union County 2020

• Partner with Union County College, Kean University, municipalities and many other “complete count” committees dedicated to ensuring the highest possible participation in the 2020 Census. Union County has also recruited high school students to help engage the public through the UC-STEP youth development and leadership program.
• Commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the 19^th Amendment, which provided voting rights to women.
• Repurpose County property on Cushing Road to serve as a working farm created and run by students at the Union County Vocational-Technical School District in Scotch Plains, connecting the campus with important trends in urban agriculture and the farm-to-table economy.
• With the assistance of Union County’s grant writer, launch a new online Grant Portal to help municipalities find grant opportunities.

Union County Means Business for All

• Partner with the Union County Economic Development Corporation on programs that focus on women, minority, veteran, and LGBTQ businesses.
• Explore a partnership with Union County College for a new Business Trades Apprenticeship program.

Union County Cares

• Partner with the international Prevention Access “Undetectable = Untransmittable” Campaign in support of efforts to eradicate HIV and end HIV-related stigma. The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs will work with the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation to spearhead the effort, which includes advocates in almost 100 countries across the world. Governor Phil Murphy has also signed New Jersey on to the campaign.
• Launch new “Fresh Start” initiative will provide mobile bathing and laundry service for people in need.
• Adapt indoor riding ring at Watchung Stable for wheelchair accessibility.
• Review signage at Union County parks and public recreation facilities to help ensure access and inclusion for all visitors.

In addition to the Chairman’s Initiatives, Union County will continue ongoing work and launch other new programs.

Among the highlights for public recreation, work will progress Master Plan for the reservoir in Clark, and new turf fields will open later this year at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights, Madison Avenue Park in Rahway, and Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

In addition, this summer a new pilot program bringing the County’s popular summer camps from the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside to Warinanco Park in Roselle. Other projects include the addition of an audio feed to the Peregrine Falcon Cam in Elizabeth, and a full slate of programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center leading up to the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22.

“I would like to take a moment to, in advance, to recognize our entire Union County team of employees for their diligence, professionalism, and dedication to public service,” said Mirabella in closing. “I’m proud of each County employee, who in their own way, contribute to all our collective success. Thanks to their efforts in years past, we are all looking forward to a brighter future.”

Are you homeless or risk of losing your housing? Do you need accessible services? Starting 1/1/2020 @ 12:01am NJ 2-1-1 will be the new Statewide Homeless Hotline. NJ 2-1-1 may be able to help by connecting families & individuals in need of help to resources.

Areas of referral include financial assistance, emergency food and shelter assistance, affordable housing, abuse/neglect, childcare, disability, education, emergency services,
employment, health/medical care, mental health, special transportation needs, substance abuse treatment and prevention services.

Learn more at http://nj211.org

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Union County Regional Dispatch Center will now manage police, fire, and emergency medical service calls for the Township of Berkeley Heights, under a contract approved by the Freeholder Board during the regular meeting on December 19.

“This shared services program improves the efficiency of dispatch services while providing substantial savings for municipal governments,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Union County Dispatch Center is a perfect example of municipal and county government coming together for the benefit of residents.”

The Union County Regional Dispatch Center is a state-of-the-art emergency dispatch facility located in the County’s Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building, at 400 North Avenue East in Westfield.

“We are confident that Union County can provide these services to our residents at the quality and efficiency they deserve,” said Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney. “The technology at the County dispatch center is top notch, and the rapid response offers us the assurance that this is the right move for Berkeley Heights.”

The $1.2 million facility opened in 2012 and replaced a previous operation located at the same site, which handled calls only for Union County’s emergency services. The Dispatch Center enables local governments and other entities to upgrade their emergency response as a shared service with Union County. 

In addition to providing emergency dispatch services for the Union County Police and other countywide first responders, the Dispatch Center serves a growing number of municipalities and other entities in the county including 911 calls for police, fire, and EMS.

With the addition of Berkeley Heights, the Dispatch Center now serves 14 of Union County’s 21 municipalities and handles a total list of 27 first responder agencies.

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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 this evening thanked Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski for an outstanding year at the helm of County Government with a plaque in honor of her “Empowering Union County” initiatives for 2019.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the County Manager invite you to the 64th annual “Holiday Sing-Along” on Tuesday, December 24^th, at 11:00 a.m.

The event will be held outside of Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy’s Chambers at the Union County Courthouse building, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. 

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski will be the master of ceremonies, and County Manager Edward Oatman will deliver opening remarks. The event includes caroling, musical entertainment, and a visit from Santa.  County employees Annie McNair will sing, and John O’Connell will play the keyboard. Grupo Belen will lead the sing-along.

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.