Author: Web Site Administrator

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.

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados joined Berkeley Heights Mayor Angela Devanney, members of the Township Council and the Board of Education, county and local officials and student athletes in cutting the ribbon marking the re-turfing of the multi-purpose field at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

County residents seeking an active and fun community service opportunity are invited to join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County community volunteer program. No previous experience with gardening is required. All Master Gardeners are trained and certified by Rutgers experts.

Applications for the 32nd annual Master Gardner class training series in Union County are now being accepted. Classes begin on October 15 and go until the end of May 2020.

“The Master Gardeners program provides both seasoned gardeners and beginners with the chance to serve their community while expanding their knowledge of gardening,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support our Master Gardeners who have touched the lives of countless Union County residents throughout the years.”

The mission of the Master Gardeners is to share knowledge, experience, and love of gardening through community activities including neighborhood garden and beautification projects, education, and outreach to seniors and the disabled.

In return for the training, Master Gardeners are involved with many outreach activities.  They maintain a 1.5 acre demonstration garden at Trailside in the Watchung Reservation.  Master Gardeners raise vegetables, herbs and small fruit in the garden for donation to local food pantries.  Master Gardeners offer educational programs for school groups and tours for community organizations at the demonstration garden.  Other services are a Garden Helpline, which residents can call or email for gardening advice, at (908) 654-9852 and mastergardeners@ucnj.org. 

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

A $200 materials fee will be due upon acceptance to the program which covers all textbooks, notebooks and class materials. Trainees commit to at least 6 hours of volunteer service before training is completed, and a total of 60 hours of service over a period of 12 to 18 months.

To obtain a Master Gardeners application and more information on all programs of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit the Rutgers University Master Gardener Application Site. Questions can be directed to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by calling (908) 654-9854, Ext. 2 or Ext. 4. 

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.