Author: Web Site Administrator

Family Fun & Flix, a free summer entertainment and film series presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and sponsored this year by Investors Bank, will conclude its season at Warinanco Park on Tuesday evening, August 8 with the showing of Moana. The movie will begin at dusk.

UC Get Fit Kids activities will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Freeholder initiative offers a great way to keep kids active and healthy during the summer months.

Moana is set in Ancient Polynesia at the time of a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui. When it reaches Moana’s Island, she answers the Ocean’s call to seek out the Demigod to set things right. The animated film stars the voices of Auli’I Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson and Rachel House.

“This will be the final opportunity this summer for residents to come out to Warinanco Park and enjoy Family Fun & Flix and UC Fit Kids”, said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Everyone attending is encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn. There will also be bleacher seats available, and refreshments will be available.

In case of weather related matters, you can call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival Concert Series continues at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday evening, August 9, featuring American Rapture. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

American Rapture is a rock and soul revue, featuring American pop music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. The band consists of 9 vocalists and 11 musicians.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man. 

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on August 9 will be Alluem Yoga of Cranford.

“As the summer winds down there are still a few more Wednesday’s to enjoy the great musical entertainment in beautiful Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival series is presented on Wednesday evenings at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Below are the remaining shows:

• August 9th American Rapture
• August 16th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
• August 23th New York State of Mind (Tribute to Billy Joel)

Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski helped celebrate the H yesterday, along with Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Kiniery, Groundwork Elizabeth Executive Director Jonathan Phillips and his staff, and a large group of volunteers from the library’s teen program and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County.

The hard-working group spruced up the library’s front lawn by creating a colorful flower bed that spells out “R-E-A-D,” then headed out back to enjoy a lunch featuring fresh produce grown in the library’s teen garden.

The garden is tended by volunteers in the library’s teen program. It was constructed last year with a grant from Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen’s “Union County Means Green” grant initiative, which is also providing funds this year to expand the gardens and install a fence.

A new urban micro-farm and another community garden are also on the grounds of the library.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Linda Carter and Christopher Hudak joined Union County Acting Prosecutor Grace Park, Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations John McCabe, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and Union County Police Chief Chris Debbie at the National Night Out event hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders on August 1 in Meisel Park in Springfield. They were joined by Dominic Romeo and Amberly Russomano of the Clark ShopRite, a major support of the event.

National Night Out is a campaign geared toward generating drug and crime awareness and prevention throughout the country.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County’s final free performance of Shakespeare’s outrageously fun comedy The Taming of the Shrew will take the stage at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside this Friday, August 4 at 7:00 P.M.

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to the park to enjoy The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged performance of the zesty, romantic comedy of male chauvinism and women’s rights in the 16th century. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, this free performance is too fun to miss.

“This summer’s tour of Shakespeare’s classic romantic-comedy The Taming of the Shrew in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the clever and compelling language of Shakespeare,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Petruchio, a poverty-stricken gentleman from Verona, journeys to Padua in search of a wealthy wife. There, he encounters the fiery Katharina, a self-willed shrew who engages Petruchio in a humorous battle of wit and insult with Kate as determined to maintain her independence as Petruchio is to “tame” her.

The Next Stage Ensemble, the Shakespeare Theatre’s summer touring company of early career actors, is part of the Theatre’s Summer Professional Training Program which offers students working toward a career in the performing arts clear instruction, individual attention, and thoughtful and candid evaluation in a professional theatre environment. The Next Stage Ensemble works with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s resident and guest directors to fully develop abridged productions of classic plays. Come out to Union County parks this summer to the see Next Stage Ensemble’s performance of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org.

Bayonne Bridge to remain open this weekend, providing alternate route for shore-bound traffic

The Port Authority will continue measures it implemented earlier this month to improve traffic flow at its Staten Island Bridges to minimize congestion from summer shore travelers who use the three crossings.

This weekend, the Bayonne Bridge will not close, providing travelers with an alternate crossing if traveling between New York and New Jersey. In addition, all other construction work – other than emergency repairs – will be suspended no later than 3 p.m. Sunday at all three Staten Island crossings.

The Port Authority also will have a full complement of toll collectors on duty on Sunday to expedite the flow of traffic through its toll plazas, and a full complement of police officers will be stationed at the crossings to respond immediately to accidents or disabled vehicles that may impede the flow of traffic.

The Port Authority also is planning the following lane closings and/or full closures for the Bayonne Bridge, George Washington Bridge and the Holland Tunnel this weekend and/or next week for ongoing construction and repair projects.

Holland Tunnel:

• One westbound lane in the Holland Tunnel will close during overnight hours on Sunday, July 30, through Thursday August 3 from 11:59 p.m. each night through 5:30 a.m. the following morning.  These closures are necessary for ongoing tunnel repairs.
• One eastbound lane in the Holland Tunnel will close during overnight hours on Sunday, July 30, through Thursday August 3 from 11 p.m. each night through 5 a.m.the following morning.  These closures are necessary for ongoing tunnel repairs.

Bayonne Bridge:

• The bridge will remain open this weekend.
• The bridge will be closed Monday through Thursday nights, July 31 through August 3, from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.  On the morning of Friday, August 4, the bridge will reopen by 4:30 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. to accommodate 4:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. traffic holds at the Goethals Bridge.

George Washington Bridge:

• From 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, July 29, the bridge’s lower level eastbound lanes will be closed for ongoing construction work.  This work is weather dependent and could get moved to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday, July 30. 
• From 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, and on Sunday, July 30, two lanes on the bridge’s upper level westbound side will be closed for ongoing construction work. 

To receive real time traffic updates, travelers should register for Bridge and Tunnel Alerts at www.paalerts.com, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org or www.511NJ.org.

For Information about Senior Services in Union County,
Just “ASK”
Union County residents seeking information about services for seniors age 60 and older can attend any of five Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in August to speak with experienced staff from the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging. The ASK events will be held in Clark, Westfield, Fanwood, Linden, Union and Elizabeth.
“The ASK program brings our knowledgeable, experienced Division on Aging staff to convenient locations throughout Union County, to reach more residents with helpful resources,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder Board liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board.
The Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is based in Elizabeth.
The ASK community outreach program provides for members of the staff to travel throughout Union County to help connect residents with information about services such as home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
The ASK program also enables residents to obtain assistance with completing applications and forms at convenient locations.
The August 2017 dates and locations will be:
Wednesday, August 9
Linden Public Library
31 E. Henry Street
Linden, 07036
10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Monday, August 14
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Wednesday, August 23
Fanwood Public Library
5 Forest Road
Fanwood, 07023
10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Tuesday, August 29
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue
Union, 07083
12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

Wednesday, August 30
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad Street
Elizabeth, 07202
10:00 am to 12:00 noon
All Union County residents are welcome to attend any of these ASK events.
The mission of the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 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 ADRC model, a state initiative that Union County has embraced since 2012, is designed to improve service for seniors and the disabled,” said Chairman Bergen. “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, Facebook, Twitter 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 or visit the Union County government website at www.ucnj.org.
# #

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 Summer Arts Festival Concert Series continues at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday evening, August 2, featuring Dead Space. The group will feature a Grateful Dead Experience. Show time is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Dead Space is New Jersey’s premier Grateful Dead Tribute Band, playing an authentic mix of Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band and more. Each performance presents an original interpretation of music that Deadheads have loved and listened to for decades.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from Café Gallo and the Good Humor Man. 

As always the Union County Get Fit Yoga program will precede the concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. Conducting the yoga program on August 2 will be Ohmies Coffee Bar and Yoga Studio of Roselle.

“As we head into August and shift our concerts to Oak Ridge Park, we hope everyone will find some time to join their neighbors and friends for a great night of music under the stars,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival series is presented on Wednesday evenings at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Below are the remaining shows:

Oak Ridge Park, Clark

• August 2nd Dead Space (The Grateful Dead Experience
• August 9th American Rapture
• August 16th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)
• August 23th New York State of Mind (Tribute to Billy Joel)

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak joined Union County Manager Alfred Faella and Union County Baseball Association President Jim Iozzi in congratulating Jason Weaver of Roselle Park and Jacob Cermak of Cranford on being named the Most Valuable Players in their respective leagues in the Union County Baseball Association’s 2017 summer youth leagues during the end-of-season picnic at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, celebrating marriage equality in the State of New Jersey, has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway from 12 Noon until 5 P.M.

“Unpredicted inclement weather forced us to postpone the Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic, which was originally scheduled for last month,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the event, in its entirety, has been rescheduled for September. This celebration of life, love and liberty is about offering LGBTQ and ally parents and children a space to connect, support and celebrate together.”

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 your family’s 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.

The day’s celebration will also include a live family concert starting at 2:30 P.M.

Family field day team games will kick off at 3:30 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.

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.

“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 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.