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Union County Freeholders Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski, Vernell Wright and Alexander Mirabella present Marilyn D. Davis with a resolution congratulating her on receiving the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award from the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) at the group’s 2017 Women of Achievement PAC Reception.

The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award is presented to a Democratic woman who has had a successful career, is a leader who has promoted policies in support of women and families, and has made progressive and effective efforts to advance the careers of and to create opportunities for other women. WPCNJ is a multi-partisan organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and increasing the number of women in elected and appointed office.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Vernell Wright joined Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan and Union Township Mayor Suzette Cavadas in congratulating Guy Francis from Kawameeh Middle School in Union on being named the Grand Prize winner of the 14th annual PNC Bank “American Patriot Essay Contest,” and fellow student Judd Espejo on winning second place in the statewide competition sponsored by the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in association with PNC Bank. They were joined by family members and representatives from PNC and the balloon festival. It was the first time in the contest’s history that the first and second place finishers are from the same school.

The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in association with PNC Bank congratulated the winners at an event in Union County’s Kawameeh Park that included a tethered ride in 75-foot-tall hot air balloon for the Grand Prize winner in front of his family, hundreds of classmates, township and county officials and dignitaries.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographic montages by Richard Earl of Westfield in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his work entitled “We Have Some Catching Up To Do” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until August 11. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Earl’s remarkable photographs and digital photo montages on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit showcases Mr. Earl’s unique and fascinating work.”

Richard Earl has been a photographer since 1970. His resume includes: work in photo engraving, photo silk screening, portraiture, advertising, event photography, photo restoration, custom printing and fine art photography. He earned a BA from Rutgers University and a Masters in art from New Jersey City University.

Mr. Earl completed a 30-year career as a professional firefighter in the City of Elizabeth. Since his retirement, he is involved with the creation of artwork on a daily basis. He also is an instructor and coordinator of the Fire Science Department at Union County College. His recent exhibitions include: Gaelen Gallery 17^th Annual Juried Show, 2016, (awarded Best in Photography); 15^th Annual Exhibition of the National Arts Program in Union County, 2016, (First Place, Professional category); the 2013 Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit (First Place and Best in Show, Professional Photography); many exhibits in the Salmagundi Club, NYC, where he has won first place twice in 2017; Juried Photography Exhibition, Monmouth Museum, Lincroft; and 32^nd Annual Mountain Juried Art Show, Bernardsville.

Two of his works were part of an electronic exhibition of digital photography that was presented at the Louvre in Paris July 13, 2015. The exhibit was broadcast on the internet and drew an audience of over 10 million viewers. Photographers from 190 countries were represented in that exhibit. The exhibit was curated by the See.Me Gallery in NYC.

His published photographs and writings include: Anthology of Friends, Volumes #8 and #10, published by Blurb Inc.; and 21^st Century Photography, Vol. 2 Embracing Life, and Vol. 3 The Human Project, edited by Mark Sean Orr. Mr. Earl’s large body of photographic work can be seen on Facebook under the name Richard Earl https://www.facebook.com/fineartbyrichardearl/.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Mark your calendars; the popular Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside Nature & Science Center begins on June 28 and continues through August 9.  This popular family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes.  All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up.  Admission is $5.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m.

“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside engages children and adults in an educational and entertaining way that makes science fun,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The season kicks off on June 28 with HOCUS POCUS, a perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement.   The series continues with BUBBLE TROUBLE, on July 12, mixing comedy and music.  Jeff Boyer juggles, sculpts and builds with bubbles in an exciting energy filled program. On July 19, Cliff Sunflower, beekeeper, storyteller and performer, brings the scientific magic of a honeybee hive to life, in DANCIN’WITH THE HONEYBEES.    The fun continues on July 26 with OUTRAGEHISS PETS, sponsored by the Trailside Museum Association.  This unique and educational live animal show offers the opportunity to meet amazing creatures from all over the world.  The program is certain to spark the curiosity of the audience as it offers surprising facts about each animal.  On August 2, Joe Holiday presents READING ROCKS, a magic, comedy and music show that encourages audience participation.  Joe will incorporate themes and characters from popular children’s

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Farmland Fresh Dairies, a dairy distributing company in New Jersey, is holding an information session for 30 full time Warehouse Associates, CDL Drivers Class A, a Bilingual Human Resource Specialist (English and Spanish), and a Logistics Analyst for their facility.

The information sessions will be held at the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center, at The Mills at Jersey Gardens, 651 Kapkowski Road in Elizabeth on Wednesday June 28, 2017 at 10:00 am. Pre-registration is required, and attendance at the session is mandatory for job seekers to be eligible to apply for a position.

“The WIB Center continues to be an economic engine for Union County, helping to match high quality local employers with qualified job seekers,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are an employer, I encourage you to get in touch with us, and let our experienced staff help you find the right people for the right jobs.”

“These positions are good quality jobs with well-established employers,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is in his third year as the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “The WIB Center has worked with the private sector to provide over 2,000 job opportunities for Union County residents.”

Previous WIB Center hiring rounds have matched Union County job seekers with top employers including Whole Foods, Blue Apron, FedEx, PGK Clubhouse, OTG Management, and AirServ among others.

All candidates interested in attending the June 28 session must email their resume to isaias.rivera@ucc.edu and indicate their desired position (Warehouse Associate, CDL Driver Class A, Bilingual Human Resource Specialist, Logistics Analyst), then call Susan Gomez at 908-355-4444 to reserve a spot.

For additional information visit the WIB Center online at ucnj.org/wdb/wib-center.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to welcome over a dozen LGBTQ advocacy and ally organizations to the first Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in New Jersey. The event is this Saturday, June 17 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

“All families are invited to join LGBTQ family equality advocates and allies from all over the Garden State in the park on Saturday to celebrate the strength of our diversity, and to honor the great strides we’ve made in the movement for equality,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

LGBTQ family and marriage equality advocacy and ally organizations will set up tables, alongside the Freeholder Board information van, with general information and resource material. Some of the advocacy and ally organizations registered for the event include: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Social Justice Matters, Inc., New Jersey State Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar-22 North Plainfield, Union County College’s Gay Straight Alliance, and Human Rights Campaign of New Jersey, among others.

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 invited to bring hand-held signs that celebrate their family (sticks and poles are not permitted). Bring a Rally sign or join us at the Rally Poster Making Station between noon and 1:00 p.m. to create one.

Family field day team games will kick off at 2:00 P.M. Families and individuals of all ages (adults, teens, and children are all welcome) interested in participating in the field day competition should register online at ucnj.org/Pride so that teams can be formed.

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

Families are invited to pack a bag 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.

In the event of inclement weather the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will be held inside the Rahway Recreation Center, located at 275 East Milton Ave, Rahway. Special thanks to the City of Rahway for providing the rain location.

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

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (WellCare) as a “Community” sponsor of the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in New Jersey, on June 17 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

“All families are invited to join LGBTQ family equality advocates and allies from all over the Garden State to come out to the park and celebrate the strength of our diversity, and to honor the great strides we’ve made in the movement for equality,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is proud to welcome WellCare of New Jersey as a top sponsor of the County’s first Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic.”

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing health care services, through NJ FamilyCare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.9 million members nationwide as of Dec. 31, 2016.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to be part of such an important event,” said Clarissa Robles, Senior Community Relations Specialist for WellCare of New Jersey. “WellCare is committed to offering health care plans to everyone – we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.”

A celebration of all families, the free Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic will feature music, arts and crafts, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun, and much more.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 1:00 p.m. with special guest speakers and performances. Families are invited to bring hand-held signs that celebrate their family (sticks and poles are not permitted).

Family field day team games will kick off at 2:00 p.m. Families and individuals of all ages (adults, teens, and children are all welcome) interested in participating in the field day competition should register online at ucnj.org/Pride so that teams can be formed.

Esteemed children’s music band, Michael and the Rockness Monsters will close out the day’s celebration with a live family concert in the park starting at 2:30 p.m.

Families are invited to pack a bag 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.

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

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada, Christopher Hudak and Alexander Mirabella this morning joined New Providence Mayor Al Morgan, NJ Sharing Network President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Roth and NJ Sharing Network Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Elisse Glennon at the NJ Sharing Network 5K Celebration of Life in New Providence.

More than 10,000 participants gathered at the event to honor those who gave, paid tribute to those who received, offered hope to those who continue to wait and remembered the lives lost while waiting for a do
nation.

NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for New Jersey residents awaiting life-saving transplants.

The Union County Freeholder Board proudly supports the NJ Sharing Network.

For more information, visit www.njsharingnetwork.org.