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Encounter Live Birds of Prey at Trailside

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce a special free program for families, Live Birds of Prey on Saturday, September 16 from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to view a live bald eagle, peregrine falcon and osprey in a way you may never have the chance to in your everyday life,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

This free program provides families with the chance to see live birds of prey from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center up close and personal. New Jersey’s magnificent raptors have made an inspiring recovery over the past few decades, thanks largely to the work of devoted biologists, educators and faithful volunteers from Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. Learn about these incredible species and their amazing adaptations. This program is made possible by a grant from Phillips 66.

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

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

Public Info

Rally for Equality at Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proudly invites all LGBTQ allies and families to rally in support of marriage and family equality at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic on Saturday, September 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“The Family Equality Rally is an opportunity for our community to come together in unity to celebrate the strength of our diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “All families are invited to stand up for diversity, tolerance and love, and show support for family equality with a sign or banner. Bring a rally sign or join us before the rally at the poster making station to create one.”

The Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 P.M. with special guest speakers as well as powerful renditions of songs that celebrate unity and equality by the voices of Union County’s own Mystic Vision Players. Speakers include local elected officials as well as representatives from the State of New Jersey Division of Children Protection and Permanency, Union County College’s Gay Straight Alliance, and Human Rights Campaign (Greater NY / New Jersey).

“In recent years, the LGBTQ movement has made considerable strides toward equality. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the significant accomplishment of the United States Supreme Court marriage equality ruling of 2015,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “There remain issues, however, at the Federal and individual State levels that directly affect and create unique challenges for LGBTQ parents and children. As Union County’s first LGBTQ Pride event in recent history, the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic demonstrates our support for LGBTQ allies, parents and children in our community.”

A celebration of all families, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will include arts and crafts (featuring a “LOVE Makes a Family” poster making station), inflatable bounce houses for all ages, face painting, music, family-friendly field day games (register online to be on a team) and much more.

Esteemed children’s music band, Michael and the Rockness Monsters will join in the day’s celebration with a live family concert starting at 2:30 P.M.

More than a dozen LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will be on site all day with general information, as well as support and networking resources.

“Pride events matter because inequality is not always obvious. Union County’s pride event demonstrates the support for diversity and full equality,” said Chairman Bergen. “Marriage equality rights are in part the result of years of Pride events. The Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic brings advocates, allies, and families of the LGBTQ community together to celebrate individuality and raise awareness for the need to meet the equality challenges of the LGBTQ community.”

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle.

For more information visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the UC Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.”

Public Info

Union County Employees Organize Drive for Donations to Hurricane Victims in Texas

Union County employees donated and collected hundreds of pounds of non-perishable items for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, as part of a regional drive through “Be the Change,” a non-profit community organization.

The Union County government collection was organized by County Administrative Services employee Nathalie Hernandez, who is a member of the “Be The Change” organization at Kean University. “Be The Change” is a community service and activism group made up of students from Kean University and other Volunteers dedicated to serving the needs of the local, state, national, and global community. Its members believe in a “hands on” approach and building partnerships to affect positive change.

L. to R: Union County Manager Alfred Faella, Division of Personnel employee Nathalie Hernandez (organizer of drive), Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, Division of Personnel Management and Labor Relations Director Claudia Martins, and Department of Administrative Services Director Michael Yuska.

Public Info

Free Family Concert at Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce children’s music band Michael & The Rockness Monsters will perform at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Rahway River Park, in Rahway.

“Celebrating the strength of our diversity, the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic offers LGBTQ allies, parents and children a space to connect, support and celebrate together,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to feature children’s funk inspired rock band Michael & The Rockness Monsters with their playful and honest music the entire family will enjoy.”

Head out to the park for a full day of free family fun celebrating LGBTQ family Pride starting at 12:00 Noon, and stay for the children’s music concert featuring Michael & The Rockness Monsters, an interactive, super galactic – funk inspired, rock-n-roll experience for families at 2:30 p.m.

“As a band our goal is to spread love and write music that celebrates diversity and equality,” said Michael Napolitano of Michael & the Rockness Monsters. “We support one reoccurring message: Be yourself, be good to others and most of all, have fun! We cannot wait to rock at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic!!”

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 P.M. with special guest speakers and performances. Parents and children are encouraged to show family Pride with a sign or banner.

More than a dozen LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will be on site all day with general information, as well as support and networking resources.

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle.

Public Info

SNAP Benefits to Decrease, Effective October 1, 2017

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Ayuda Diaria está disponible a los Residentes del Condado de Union

La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union le recuerda a los residentes que se encuentran permanentemente discapacitados pueden recibir asistencia bajo el Programa de Asistencia y Servicios Personales, un programa estatal diseñado para promover la vida independiente.

“El Programa de Asistencia y Servicios Personales ha hecho una diferencia muy significativa en la vida de los residentes del Condado de Union por más de 30 años, dijo el Legislador Presidente Bruce H. Bergen. “Toda la comunidad se beneficia cuando las personas discapacitadas pueden realizar su potencial ya sea para empleos, desarrollo profesional y trabajo voluntario.”

El Programa de Asistencia y Servicios Personales proporciona fondos para asistentes entrenadas para ayudar con tareas esenciales de la vida cotidiana. Esta pueden ser, ayudar a vestir, bañar, preparar la alimentación, , ayudar con la limpieza, lavar la ropa o ir al mercado.

Las asistentes personales también pueden ayudar con el transporte, la correspondencia y el pago de las cuentas.

Las personas que pueden participar en este Programa deben estar entre las edades de 18 a 70, y estar empleadas, inscritos en un entrenamiento, o envueltos en trabajo voluntario por lo menos 20 horas por mes.

Para participar en el programa la persona debe ser residente del Condado de Union y ser capaz de seguir direcciones para los servicios necesarios.

La elegibilidad no se basa en sus ingresos o bienes. Sin embargo, los residentes deben contribuir al costo de los servicios basado en sus ingresos y el tamaño de su familia.

Para más información del Programa de Asistencia y Servicios Personales y otros servicios para individuos descapacitados, pueda ponerse en contacto con el Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Union , Oficina de Incapacidad, al 908- 527-4845.

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El Condado de Union Otorga 61 “HEART” Subvenciones

La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union anuncia que 61 artistas, historiadores y organizaciones locales sin ánimo de lucro recibirán fondos a través del Programa del 2017 del Condado de Union HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) (Historia, Educación, Artes Alcanzando a Miles).

Reconociendo la importancia de la cultura y las artes en nuestra economía y calidad de vida, los Legisladores del Condado de Union establecieron el Program de Subvención HEART en 1998.Este programa apoya proyectos relacionados con la historia, artes y humanidades, y demuestra un compromiso hacia los artistas y la organizaciones comunitarias. Los fondos para este año 2017 es por la suma de $100,000.

“Los beneficiarios de los fondos del program HEART son una mezcla de individuos creativos, incluyendo, compositores,, escritores, historiadores, artistas visuales, músicos, bailarines, así como otras organizaciones culturales y grupos civicos,” dijo el Legislador Presidente Bruce H. Bergen. “La respuesta a este programa ha sido muy bien recibida, desde su comienzo.”

Artistas, educadores, oraganizaciones civicas e historicas sin ánimo de lucro que quieran obtener información sobre el Programa HEART del próximo año 2018 pueden contactar la Oficina de Cultura y Asuntos de Herencia del Condado de Union (Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs), situada en el 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Teléfono: (908) 558-2550. o por correo electrónico: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

Grupos y Organizaciones a quienes se le Otorga el Premio HEART

Brian Beste, Fanwood, $1,000, presenting art and photography workshops
Candace Waller, Fanwood, $1,000, providing free dance classes
Lesl Harker, New Providence, $1,000, presenting Irish music workshop and concert
Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $1,000, presenting two free jazz concerts in Union County libraries
Renaee Smith, Roselle, $700, providing Writers Café workshops
Valerie Graham, Roselle, $1,000, presenting free crafts workshops for children and seniors
Borough of Fanwood, Fanwood, $2,200, presenting a Fanwood Cultural Arts Performance Series
Borough of Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, $1,000, presenting a free concert
Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union, $2,000, presenting a dance festival
City of Plainfield, $2,500, provide historic cemetery restoration
Community Access Unlimited, Elizabeth, $1,000, providing a choral concert of students
Continuo Arts Foundation, Summit, $1,500, presenting a holiday concert
Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $1,000, presenting the “Three Po’ Tenors” in concert for senior residents
Dreamcatchers Repertory Theatre, Summit, $1,700, presenting the NJ premiere of “What Stays”
duCret School of Art, Plainfield, $2,300, presenting an art lecture series
Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,500, presenting Hispanic Heritage Month concerts
Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, $1,000, providing art education for homeless children
Groundwork Elizabeth, Inc., Elizabeth, $2,000, presenting the 15^th Annual Tour de Elizabeth bicycle tour
Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $600, presenting “Olmstead by Design” program
Hillcrest Academy North, Scotch Plains, $2,000, providing interactive music programs to students
Historical Society of Elizabeth NJ, $1,000, presenting a history panel discussion
Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $2,500, providing a Nathaniel Drake Family Genealogy Project,
HomeTowne Television, Summit, $1,000, presenting a Union County history TV series
Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500, providing arts and culture classes to young children
Jefferson Parks Ministries, Elizabeth, $1,700, presenting an art education program for children
Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $2,200, presenting a cultural appreciation series for Seniors
Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting arts programs for immigrant women
Kenilworth Historical Society, Kenilworth, $1,000, presenting a Living History exhibition
Language & Enrichment Center INC, Scotch Plains, $1,000, presenting performances by preschool children of Italian winter songs
Life Drawing Studio Group, Fanwood, $2,000, providing visual arts workshops
Miller-Corey House Museum, Westfield, $1,000, presenting a benefit concert
Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,500, presenting music programs for U.C. Juvenile Detention Center

Musical Club of Westfield, Westfield, $900, presenting a benefit concert
National Council of Jewish Women, U.C. Section, Elizabeth, $2,400, providing two intergenerational programs: a big band swing dance and a jazz band
New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $1,700, presenting a live concert “Home for the Holidays”
New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, Berkeley Heights, $2,300, presenting a community concert
New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, Westfield, $1,000, provide chamber ensemble concerts
Occupational Center of Union County, Inc., Roselle, $2,500, presenting art education classes for people with disabilities
Old First Historic Trust, Elizabeth, $1,000, providing presentations and exhibit on historic cemeteries
Overlook Hospital Foundation, Summit, $2,400, presenting “Healing Caregivers” healing arts program
Peruvians for Progress, Elizabeth, $1,800, presenting a free traditional Peruvian Christmas celebration
Plainfield Symphony Society, Plainfield, $1,600, presenting a free symphony concert
Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $2,200, presenting the play “Black Tom Island”
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit, $2,000, presenting concert with jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimee
Roselle 24/7, Roselle, $1,000, providing community-based arts festival
Roselle Board of Education, Roselle, $1,500, presenting a high school performing arts program
Roselle Park Historical Society, $1,000, presenting local history speaker series
SAGE Eldercare, Inc., Summit, $2,200, presenting free musical performances to older adults
Saint Theresa School, Kenilworth, $1,800, providing two student theatrical productions
Second Westfield Senior Citizens Housing, Westfield, $1,000, providing an interactive education program for Seniors
Stony Hill Players, Summit, $2,000, presenting children’s theatrical productions
Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah, Clark, $1,200, presenting a free Klezmer concert
The ARC of Union County, Springfield, $2,300, presenting an interactive concert series
The Theater Project, Union, $2,000, presenting theatrical performances in Union
Union Township Community Action Organization, Inc., Union, $2,500, presenting Senior Choral performances in nursing homes
Union Township Historical Society, Union, $1,000, presenting history programs for students
United Youth of NJ, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting an historical play about the Emmett Till Story
Visual Arts Center of NJ, Summit $2,300, presenting a visual arts program for older adults,
Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $2,000, presenting dance workshops
Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,000, presenting free musical performances
YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,000, presenting the “Y Sunday Brunch Art Series”

Public Info

Union County Hosts UC HERO Networking Mixer

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Vernell Wright joined Brigadier General Ed Chrystal and Lieutenant Colonel Bill Morris at the UC HERO networking mixer at the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

UC HERO launched in 2016 as an initiative of Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, with the mission of enhancing opportunities for education, employment and well-being for eligible veterans and active duty service members and their families in Union County.

For more information about all UC HERO programs and activities, and the Union County Office of Veterans’ Affairs visit online at ucnj.org/uc-hero.

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Conectese con “El Condado de Union Significa Negocios”2017

Todos los dueños y gerentes de empresas en el Condado de Union están invitados a asistir al 2017 Union County Means Business Expo, el próximo martes 12 de septiembre en el nuevo Warinanco Sports Center en el Parque Warinanco de 5:00 p.m. a 7:30 p.m.

“El Nuevo Centro de Deportes es impresionante, moderno y espacioso y proporciona el lugar perfecto para mostrar los productos, servicios y habilidades para las empresas localesen nuestra comunidad,” dijo el Legislador Presidente Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Si usted es dueño o gerente de una empresa en el Condado de Union , les pido que participen en esta conexión de diferentes empresarios, accionistas y todos aquellos pueden decidir un mejor futuro empresarial.”

El evento está diseñado para ayudar a capturar más contactos, desarrollar nuevas iniciativas y ayudar al crecimiento de las empresas locales.

La inscripción es gratis y disponible en ucnj.org/union-county-means-business/expo. La admisión a los asistentes es gratis.

Las mesas de los Vendedores y Expositores cuestan $100.00 y la fecha tope para inscribirse es el 5 de septiembre. La Expo también ofrece degustación de alimentos complementario del menu de SFM, quienes son los que se encargan de la cocina del Warinanco Sport Center.

El Union County Means Business es una iniciativa de desarrollo economico de la Junta de Legisladores con el apoyo de sus socios comunitarios que incluyen el New Jersey Small Business Development Center, el Union County Economic Development Corporation, el Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, la Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, la Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, y la Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Para más información sobre este evento pueden visitar ucnj.org/ucmb o contactar a Deana Mesaros al 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org

Public Info

Team Up and Register for Field Day Games at Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic

Families, groups and individuals of all ages are invited to lace up your sneakers for field day games at Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in the State of New Jersey on Saturday, September 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from Noon until 5:00 p.m. with the family-friendly field day competition starting at 3:30 p.m.

“Family field day games are a great way to share tons of laughs with the whole family and make new friends, too,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “All families are invited to sign up for field day games now and join LGBTQ equality advocates and allies for a day of fun to celebrate the strength of our diversity as a community.”

During Union County’s Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, right in the middle of all the music, arts and crafts, and bounce house fun, field day favorites will take over the outfield at Rahway River Park, with family teams of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Registration is requested to participate in field day games so that teams may be formed. All other activities at the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic are open on a walk-in basis.

Teams will be announced on the day of the event. Participants will be grouped by color (red team, orange team, yellow team, green team, blue team, purple team). Each team will participate in each activity, such as the three-legged race and the egg relay. Ranked first through sixth, the team with the lowest score at the end of the day will bring home the rainbow.

A celebration of all families, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will include music, arts and crafts (featuring a “LOVE Makes a Family” poster making station), inflatable bounce houses for all ages, face painting, music, and much more.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 P.M. with special guest speakers and performances. Parents and children are encouraged to show family Pride with a sign or banner. Bring a rally sign or join us at the Rally Poster Making Station between noon and 1:00 p.m. to create one.

Esteemed children’s music band, Michael and the Rockness Monsters will join in the day’s celebration with a live family concert starting at 2:30 P.M.

Families are invited to pack a picnic lunch and head out to the park with blankets and lawn chairs for an afternoon of fun. Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will also set up tables, alongside the Freeholder Board information van, with general information and resource material.

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle.