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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations within Union County to attend a free workshop focused on Board Development. Participants will learn specific ways to strengthen and grow their organization.

The workshop, titled “Board Members Are People Too,” will take place on Monday, October 28^th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, located at One Park Drive, in Roselle.

 “The Freeholder Board is proud to offer this professional development opportunity to our grant awardees and other non-

profits in Union County,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “It is important that these organizations are equipped with the skills needed to provide the best services and opportunities for Union County residents.”

The workshop is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Art Programs, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations located in Union County may also attend.

The workshop will be conducted by Pat Bohse, a management consultant with more than three decades of experience working with non-profits. Ms. Bohse is a nationally recognized speaker who provides services such as training and workshops, and facilitates retreats related to board development, team building, fundraising, staff development and more. 

Attendees will learn:

• How to do a board audit
• How to understand the importance of by-laws and having a strategic plan
• How to develop job descriptions for board members, officers, and committees
• The how-to’s of recruiting, retaining, and rewarding both board members and volunteers

Resources and tools will be provided. The event is free, however online pre-registration is required at https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/board-members-are-people-too/.

The workshop is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. It is presented through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information call the County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 or email Martha Sturm at msturm@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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Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Andrea Staten and Rebecca Williams joined Union County Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams (USAF), Union County Sheriff’s Captain George Kurz (USAF) and Michael Hrycak (LTC, USA, Ret.) at the 2^nd Annual Union County Networking Mixer for all military veterans and active duty personnel, their families, and veterans’ service providers at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

The event was coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program. For more information about services contact the Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams by phone at 908-527-4918, or email at jwilliams@ucnj.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County’s annual public heritage event, “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year for another exciting weekend, taking place Saturday, October 19^th and Sunday, October 20^th from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with the cooperation of staff and volunteers at 35 house museums and historic sites, the two-day free event opens the doors to more than 370 years of history throughout the county.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend is a Union County tradition that allows residents and visitors to travel through time to learn about the rich history of how our county came to be,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “I encourage all to explore the historic sites that reside in our own backyards.”

Visitors will be able to stop by a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions, and more.

Some sites with special programs or events highlighting their rich history are:

• The Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights will offer children’s games, freshly pressed apple cider, and interpretive signage and opportunities to “meet” key people from Feltville/Glenside history.
• Dr. William Robinson Plantation-Museum in Clark explores the role of the U.S. servicemen and women, and the civilians who supported them, including: living history displays; a fully functioning 1919 Model T; Army Signal Corps tent with equipment, uniforms and weapons on display; and live USO shows throughout the weekend.
• Deacon Andrew Hetfield House in Mountainside will exhibit a miniature diorama of the local 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Springfield. There will also be Guided tours of this house (circa 1760).
• Drake House Museum in Plainfield will provide tours of this historic site. Both days, 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.: Ensembles from the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra will play musical selections in the second-floor ballroom. Under the direction of Charles Prince, the PSO, New Jersey’s oldest community orchestra, is celebrating its 100th season.
• Roselle Park Museum in Roselle Park will be Exhibiting: From Science to Technology and Invention: Edison, Keurig, Marconi and new information on Nikola Tesla in Roselle Park; plus Inventors and Invention in Roselle Park. Lifetime member and iron worker Martin Kiernan will demonstrate his model of Tesla Coil, and provide information about how to make one.
• Caldwell Parsonage in Union will present a map exhibit featuring the 1860 Thomas Hughes farm map and zoning maps showing the town layout. Aerial photographs give a bird’s-eye view of the development of Route 22. A brief film made by Union High School History Club, shot in part using a drone, focusing on some of Union Township’s most significant landmarks will be shown. There will also be an appearance by “Rev. James Caldwell.”
• Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center in Union will have displays highlighting the historic significance of the Vauxhall section of Union including: the 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Springfield; Veterans from World War I to the present; and Land development in the Vauxhall area.
• Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield will have open-hearth cooking demonstrations in the Frazee Building. On Saturday, museum cooks will also “fire up” the beehive oven, a laborious task requiring skill and experience. Sunday only: Presenters will discuss the Lenape tribe of Native Americans, explaining customs, beliefs, ceremonies, and displaying artifacts. Includes a fun and educational craft — children may make their own medicine pouch to take home. Gift shop offers a wide array of items.
• Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center in Westfield will provide Guided tours of this beautiful, Italianate Victorian house. There will also be an exhibit highlighting the life and career of Charles Addams, the cartoonist, who called Westfield his home; plus other exhibits and artwork.
• Nokia Bell Labs in New Providence/Murray Hill, visitors can visit the on Campus Museum from noon until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday only.

Children can earn a Time Traveler’s Certificate and a Four Centuries Patch by visiting and obtaining a Time Traveler Passport at any of the sites, having it stamped and returning the completed form to the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

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.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, call 908-558-2550 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., NJ Relay Users dial 711, or e-mail: culturalinfo@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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to present a special lecture on the life of Admiral William F. Halsey—an Elizabeth native—and one of America’s greatest war leaders.

This event will be held at the Admiral William F. Halsey Junior Health and Public Safety Academy, located at 641 South Street in Elizabeth, on October 30^th starting at 6:00 p.m.  The presentation, which occurs on Halsey’s birthday—137 years ago, is free of charge and open to the public.

“Admiral Halsey is one of Union County’s most distinguished, historic figures,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is pleased to support this special event for our residents as part of our commitment in providing educational programming of cultural and historic value.”

Admiral Halsey (who was given the nickname “Bull”) was born and raised in Elizabeth, and is considered by most as the most famous naval officer of World War II. He met many operational challenges of the battle at sea against Japan with effective carrier strikes early in the war. His greatest contribution to the Allied victory was as the victorious commander of the combined sea, air, and land forces in the South Pacific during the long slog up the Solomon Islands chain. Halsey was a key leader of America’s Pacific war effort at a time when its outcome was far from certain. 

The lecture will be conducted by Thomas Alexander Hughes, a biographer of Admiral Halsey.  Dr. Hughes is an Academic Dean and Associate professor at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies in Alabama.  Dr. Hughes’ book, Admiral Bill Halsey: A Naval Life traces the life of Admiral William Halsey from his early beginnings in Elizabeth through his remarkable record of service in the United States Navy.

This lecture is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, and is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented medals and a resolution to the players and coaches of the Elmora Troopers Little League team congratulating and commending them on their incredibly successful 2019 season. They were joined by Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage.

The Elmora Troopers Little League team won the State Championship before heading to Connecticut to play in the Mid-Atlantic Region Championship where they won the tournament, which qualified them to participate in the Little League World Series. The Troopers were one of only eight teams from across the country to make it to the tournament and one of the final four teams in the United States bracket. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County residents seeking information about services available for adults age 60 and older will have a choice of six (6) dates and locations in October to speak with staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging.  Staff will be present at public libraries in Westfield; Garwood; Clark; Elizabeth; Union; and at the Rahway Senior Center.

“The purpose of “ASK” is to help residents obtain government programs and services available to seniors and their caregivers”, said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.  “The ASK program will bring our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff, based in Elizabeth, to locations throughout Union County to make it easier for residents to get expert assistance close to home.”

Staff from the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) have been traveling throughout Union County providing information about services such as home delivered meals; respite care; home care; adult day care; and, support services for caregivers through the Aging Services Kiosk or ASK community outreach effort.  Assistance with completing applications and forms is also provided.

The October 2019 dates and locations are:

Monday, October 7
Westfield Memorial Library
550 W. Broad Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, October 10
Rahway Senior Center
1306 Esterbrook Avenue
Rahway, NJ  07065
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Thursday, October 17
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, NJ 07027
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Monday, October 21
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Friday, October 25
Elizabeth Public Library – Elmora Branch
740 W. Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
10:00 am – 12 noon

Tuesday, October 29
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.

The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection’s (ADRC) goal is 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 has information printed in both English and Spanish.

The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled. These services can enable seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes and communities.

Check for the upcoming schedule of stops for an ASK kiosk coming near you as dates and locations are posted in local newspapers, the Senior News, Union County Facebook page, Union County Twitter account and the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

For further 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.

Union County’s Deputy County Manager Amy Crisp Wagner was honored for her accomplishments by the United Way of Greater Union County at their inaugural “Ladies Who Give A Hoot Dinner.”

Amy serves as Deputy County Manager and as Director of Economic Development. She is second-in-command of County government under the direction of the Freeholder Board and assists with the supervision of its day-to-day operations, policies and projects.

It also should be noted that the funds raised from the event are going to a great cause— the Nurse Family Partnership, an organization which provides much-needed support for maternal and child health. 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Rahway invite residents with disabilities and special needs, ages 16 and up, to a “Halloween Bash” in celebration of the season. The event will be held on Friday, October 25^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center, located at 275 E. Milton Avenue.

“The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support activities that foster inclusion for all residents,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Halloween Bash allows those with disabilities and special needs to celebrate Halloween in a safe and judgment free environment.”  

Attendees will be able to enjoy a dance party, games and activities, a haunted house, a costume contest, and arts and crafts.

“As a City committed to diversity and inclusiveness, Rahway is proud to partner with Union County to host this event, which helps ensure that members of our community with disabilities and special needs have the opportunity to enjoy the fun and joy that Halloween brings,” said Mayor of Rahway Raymond Giacobbe

The Halloween Bash is a drop-off respite program, though parents and guardians are welcome to stay.

Additional sponsors for this event include Rahway Savings Bank, Melao Café and Creamery, and SUEZ water utility company of Rahway.

The Halloween Bash is a free event, however pre-registration is required online at http:/ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. For more information about the Halloween Bash, contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs at 908-527-4781.

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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.