Author: Web Site Administrator

Little Free Libraries are being installed all over the country. The book exchanges have grown to 36,000 around the world in 70 countries. Locally, we have seen little libraries popping up on front lawns. Now, a new Little Free Library at Union County’s Unami Park will join the movement to share books, bring families together, and create communities of readers. 

The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey (MCCNJ) brought the project of a Little Free Library to the Union County Freeholder Board. MCCNJ Members Trina Junod and Nicole Eng presented the idea to the County who enthusiastically approved the concept.

The MCCNJ  and Freeholder Board will host a launch party at Unami Park for their Little Free Library on Sunday July 29^th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., open to the public. The celebration will include light refreshments, family storytime, and a book swap.

“We always look at new ways to expand resources being provided in our parks system–from the free WiFi we have introduced to new recreational activities, and this is another new service, which expands educational offerings to residents—both young and old–attending our parks,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

“One of our missions at the Mothers’ Center is to pursue opportunities to make the local community a better place for moms and their children and partners. By installing a Little Free Library in our local park, it is our hope this this Little Free Library will bring the surrounding communities together through literacy.”

To learn more about the Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey, please visit motherscentercnj.org.

Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for the approaching system that could bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty winds.

“We are carefully monitoring the weather that is expected to affect our service territory later this afternoon and we’re prepared to respond to any outages,” said John Latka, senior vice president of electric and gas operations for PSE&G. “We’ll have additional personnel scheduled and contractors on standby, with extra tree personnel and equipment at the ready. Our employees are rechecking that all objects are secured at our stations and division headquarters. We encourage our customers to do the same at their homes and businesses.”

High winds can cause flying debris, and bring down trees and power lines. Customers should be cautious and stay alert to their surroundings during and after storms:

•   Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything it might be in contact with. If a wire falls on or near your car, stay inside the car, call 911, and do not get out until PSE&G deenergizes the line. If you MUST get out of the vehicle because it is on fire, jump as far as possible away from the vehicle, with both feet landing on the ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle away.

•   To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.

To report downed wires or power outages, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Also, customers can report outages by logging into their PSE&G account online or by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734). The utility’s mobile-friendly website includes an “Outage Map” that is updated every 15 minutes and displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service area.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites Union County residents with special needs, and their families and caregivers, to a sensory friendly screening of the hit animated feature Hotel Transylvania 3 on Saturday, August 4th at the AMC Loews Jersey Gardens Theatre in Elizabeth.

Union County residents wishing to purchase tickets for this event may do so online through the Union County Office for People with Special Needs. (https://ucnj.org/departments/human-services/office-for-people-with-special-needs/)

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to partner with AMC in this inclusive event, which provides an opportunity for special needs children and their families to come out and enjoy a movie together in a supportive and welcoming environment,” said Freeholder chairman Sergio Granados.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is a computer-animated film that follows a family of monsters on their vacation adventure. Since its premiere on July 13, the film has grossed over $227 million worldwide.

During this special sensory friendly screening, the AMC “silence is golden” policy is not in effect. Audience members are welcome to leave their seats, walk around, dance, shout, sing along, and enjoy the movie in their own way.

Lighting and sound are also adjusted to create a more supportive atmosphere for people with sensory sensitivities.

“We have had an enthusiastic response to our Sensory Friendly Theatre series, and the addition of sensory friendly movies enables us to reach new audiences and grow our programs for people with special needs, said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella.

Freeholder Mirabella established the Sensory Friendly Theatre series of live performances at the Union County Performing Arts Center in 2014, when he served as Chairman. The series continues this fall. For more information visit UCPAC online at ucpac.org.

This sensory friendly screening is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on August 4. Tickets are available online only through the Office for People with Special Needs. Tickets are priced at $5.00 per person and include a food voucher. To order tickets visit ucnj.org/opsn-reg.

The Office for People with Special Needs is part of the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services. It was established through Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiative for inclusion, personal empowerment and community engagement.

For more information about all programs and events organized through the Office for People with Special Needs visit online at ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Freeholder Board and Warinanco Sports Center have joined forces in planning another exciting and unique event in historic Warinanco Park. On Saturday, August 4, the sports center will be welcoming an array of furry friends and their families and spectators for the first ever ‘Warinanco Pet Parade’! Hosted at the SFM-managed Warinanco Sports Center, it promises to be a fun-filled day for animal lovers in Union County.

Many of the pre-registered dogs met in the park last week to take part in a photo shoot and the Pugs, Poodles and Pomeranians posed for the camera whilst sizing up their competition. Their silver screen debut can be seen across the Warinanco Sports Center social media channels.

“Dogs are wonderful pets and companions, and the Freeholder Board is pleased to be presenting family-based entertainment at the Warinanco Sports Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We invite all our residents to come out and enjoy a great event-filled day in the park.”

Dog owners have the opportunity to enter their prized pooch in a variety of different competitions held throughout the day such as “Prettiest Puppy”, “Most Obedient Dog”, “Best Groomed Dog”, and “Dog & Owner Lookalike”. The dogs will also get a chance to test their agility and speed on the dog-friendly obstacle course in a specially built arena in the park. The main event will be judged by a panel of special guests including Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Warinanco Sports Center wants to celebrate with the whole family, including four-legged friends. In addition to the dog show and competitions, there will be face painting, a caricaturist to capture pets and their paw-rents, an art wall where guests can draw their own pet, a craft area to make dog or cat toys for animals in local shelters, kids games, a doggy splash pad, and a vendor market that will be serving up fresh food including BBQ and cold drinks.

If interested in having your dog be a part of the various shows and competitions, you must register prior to the event. The deadline to register is Wednesday August 1st and costs $10 per entry. Registration can be done online by visiting www.warinancopark.com/event/pet-parade/. Family members, friends, and other four-legged friends are welcome to spectate for only $3 per person or pet. The event will run from 11AM – 4PM with the competition beginning at 12PM sharp.

Throughout the remainder of the turf field months, Warinanco Sports Center will host even more exciting events such as a Fitness Festival, Food Festival, Sunday Funday, and more. Most events require pre-registration or ticket purchase, and food or beverages will be available for purchase from Warinanco Café. More information can be found by visiting the Warinanco Sports Center Facebook page and website. Both platforms will contain event updates and additional events as they are added throughout the season.

For event booking inquiries please contact Rebecca Bird at rbird@sportadvisory.com. The Warinanco Sports Center is managed by the industry-leading sports facility management company, The Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM).

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites local business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to register for the 2018 Union County Means Business Expo being held at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle on Wednesday, September 26 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.

“The Business Expo is designed to help local businesses and entrepreneurs build their networks and grow their businesses to help make the most effective possible impact when it comes to outreach and economic growth,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Whether you are participating as a vendor or an attendee, the Business Expo offers opportunities for all.”

The Expo enables businesses to network with other business leaders, develop new contacts and generate brand awareness. The event also provides a chance for local businesses to showcase their products and services.

Registration is available now for individual attendees as well as vendors at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business. Admission for attendees is free.

Vendors and exhibitors tables are available for a fee of $100.

The Expo also offers a complimentary food tasting featuring the event menu available at the Warinanco Sports Center.

To view the program, video and photos of the 2017 Union County Means Business Expo, visit ucnj.org/union-county-means-business/expo.

Union County Means Business is an economic development initiative of the Freeholder Board with the support of community partners including the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, the Union County Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, UC HERO and the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Union County Means Business began as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella in 2012, helping local entrepreneurs regain their footing after the global financial crash of 2008.

If you are a veteran-owned business, email Janna Williams at jwilliams@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4918.

For more information about Union County Means Business, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org.