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Bring the entire family to Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series’ dynamic, uniquely funny and interactive Bubble Trouble live performance at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Available now, all tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to present the sensory-friendly performance series, designed to increase access to the arts for children and adults with sensory sensitivities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Families are sure to enjoy experiencing the wonders of bubble science in Jeff Boyer’s creative and entertaining live performance – all while participating in the creation of art.”

With a bubble volcano, bubble roller coaster, a kid in a bubble, Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza. It’s the craziest, most creative bubble show around. Jeff juggles bubbles, sculpts and builds with bubbles, makes fog-filled bubbles and more. Mixing comedy, music and interactive bubble-magic, he engages and delights audiences of all ages. A hit at performing arts centers, festivals…anywhere there’s air.

For each of the performances in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series the theatre environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at each of the sensory-friendly performances. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite children and adults with disabilities to enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at the Warinanco Park Ice Skating Center, located on Thompson Avenue in Roselle, on Sunday, March 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“Lace Up Your Skates” is a program developed through the Recreation Department’s Office for Programs for People with Disabilities Division. There will be skate guards on duty throughout the event, and skate-walkers will be available for those needing assistance.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for both youngsters and adults with disabilities to enjoy the ice at the Warinanco Park Ice Skating Center in a fun and safe atmosphere for all,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

There is an $8 registration fee, which can be paid on line when registering at www.ucnj.org/parks-reg/.

For answers to any questions you might have on this program or any other programs offered for people with disabilities please call 908-527-4781. And for a complete list of Programs for People with Disabilities you can go to https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/recreation-for-people-with-disabilities/.

Unique Program seeking Union County youths with disabilities for internship that provides employment training and life skills

The Union County Board of Freeholders today announced it is co-sponsoring the Project Se program that assists youth with disabilities to obtain a unique, life-changing school-to-work internship that provides them with employment training and with independent living skills.

“Overlook is only one of four locations statewide that hosts Project Search, and we are proud to  be co-sponsoring this program for our residents,” Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen said. “Project Search provides teens with the opportunity to become self-sufficient and transition into the work force, which is a very worthwhile goal.”

The announcement is one of Bergen’s Freeholder initiatives for 2017. Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who spoke at last year’s kick-off for Project Search, concurred with Bergen.

“We look forward to working with our partners in ensuring the Union County program is the leader and a model for all other Project Search programs to follow across the state,” Granados said. “We’re happy to be part of an initiative that helps others; and we are committed to making it grow.”

The Freeholder Board would like interested candidates to know that the Project SEARCH-Overlook Medical Center program is currently recruiting for the school year, 2017-18 student cohort.

Project SEARCH-Overlook is looking for students who meet the following criteria:

• Must be 18-20 years old and plan to still be in high school next school year;
• Diagnosed with a developmental or intellectual disability including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder;
• Basic and effective communication skills (verbal or supported by technology);
• Ability to take direction and change behavior if necessary;
• Desire to work competitively in the community.

An informational session and tour will be held on Tuesday March 1^st,  7 pm at the Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Please feel free to share with families you know who may have a child that would benefit from applying to Project SEARCH. Click here to register.

Chris Debbie, 29-year veteran, to assume top cop spot

Union County—County Manager Alfred J. Faella today announced he has appointed James Christopher Debbie, a 29-year veteran of the County Police Division, as its Police Chief.

Debbie becomes the County’s 10th Police Chief in the Police Division’s history, and has served as the Officer in Charge since 2015. He will be responsible for supervising a police force of 73 sworn officers and 25 civilians. His appointment is effective immediately.

“I would like to thank the Freeholder Board and County Manager for their support and confidence,” Debbie said. “In this era, the County faces a complex set of security concerns and the County Police have evolved to become a lead agency in providing public safety and homeland security services to the region. I look forward to working with our various partners in meeting these challenges, protecting the public and providing our services.”

Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulated Debbie on his appointment.

“Chris has led a lengthy, distinguished career in our County Police Department, and is an excellent choice to lead this vital agency,” Bergen said.  “We wish him well on his appointment and look forward to working with him.”

Debbie succeeds Daniel Vaniska, who retired in 2015 after serving as the division’s Police Chief for 13 years.

Debbie joined the County Police Department in 1988, became a Detective in 1997, a Sergeant in 2003, Lieutenant in 2007 and Captain in 2013. Along the way, he supervised detectives, Special Investigations/Narcotics, criminal investigations, internal affairs, and other high profile functions of the departments. He was also assigned to the Essex-Union Auto Theft task Force, and supervised and conducted plainclothes street narcotics operations.

As Officer in Charge for the past two years, he was the Executive Officer of County Police, and responsible for the day to day operations, answering to Department Director Andrew Moran.

The County Police division falls under the Department of Public Safety, and provides a wide variety of services to the County as a whole and the region, including:

• Cost-saving Dispatch Services for twelve EMS agencies, six fire departments and three law enforcement agencies;
• The Union County Ballistic Unit, a state-of-the-art operation that comprehensively analyzes weapons evidence, including bullets, shell casings and firearms, and provides real-time actionable intelligence to investigators and agencies;
• UC MARINE 1 and 2 which patrols County and regional waterways—including the Arthur Kill–to provide regional Homeland Security services;
• Arson Squad—important investigatory service to Fire agencies;
• Bomb Squad—-vital homeland security service, recently featured in the response to the terrorist/bomb incident in Elizabeth;
• County Police—including all their functions—patrol, traffic, enforcement, etc.
• Investigative Division;
• Special Operations Unit—emergency response team.
• Child Safety Seat operations.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a special matinee performance during the Presidents’ Day holiday from the Grand Falloons entitled “Professor W’s Earth Science Circus” as part of Trailside’s February Festivities on Monday, February 20 at 1:30 p.m. 

“This laugh-out-loud assembly, with guaranteed audience participation, is a fun way for the entire family to learn about the importance of recycling,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. 

Sponsored by Union County Clean Communities, Professor W.’s Earth Science Circus promises magic, juggling and exciting circus fun.  Members of the audience will be asked to assist Professor W. on a unique and lively exploration of “our earth.”   The program is recommended for children four and up.  Space is limited and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 20 at the Visitor Service Desk.  No strollers please.  The fee is $5.00 per person and $4.00 for seniors. 

In addition to the matinee on February 20, visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to meet “Curby,” Union County’s new, fun and interactive Recycling Robot from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. in Trailside’s lobby.  Curby is a fully animated robot that moves, speaks, listens and plays music!  Enjoy learning how you and your family can become more environmentally aware and help to prevent litter.

Trailside offers additional programming for this special holiday weekend. The Journey of Sap to Syrup meets 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 or Monday, February 20.  Learn the process of how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree.   Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take a walk to see a tapped sugar maple tree.  Take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. 

Animal Clue Winter Walk and Campfire, is offered 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 or Monday, February 20.  Have fun learning to identify birds and other animals at the Backyard Wildlife Habitat feeders.  Challenge your natural history skills on a winter walk in search of animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other signs that tell us our animal neighbors have visited.  Conclude your outdoor investigation around a warm campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Featured on Saturday, February 18 from 1:30 p.m.to 2:30 p.m. is a Kindling Kit workshop. Keeping warm by an open fire has a lot of appeal, but getting the blaze going can be tough.  Participants will learn how to start a fire blazing with tinder and kindling.  Work with your family to gather sticks, twigs, holly, evergreen sprigs and pine cones to create a kit that is both decorative and useful to get a fire started. 

The fee for each program, The Journey of Sap to Syrup, Animal Clue Winter Walk and Kindling Kits is $5/person for residents of Union County and $6/person for out-of-county residents.  For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities, winter workshops and special events, please call 908-789-3670. 

A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted.  Register for Trailside’s programs online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and create an account and password.  Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados speaks to candidates interested in full-time positions for employment at Blue Apron during an informational session at the Workforce Innovation Business Center at the Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth.

Blue Apron (www.blueapron.com) delivers fresh, proportioned ingredients that are used in accompaniment with recipes for home-made meals. The company is looking to fill 500 full-time positions in Linden.

An informational session will be held for interested candidates at the Innovation Center’s offices at the Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall, 651 Kapkowski Road, in Elizabeth on February 10th, from 2-5 p.m. Prospective candidates must be Union County residents and should first register online at www.ucnj.org/job-event to secure a spot. Anyone with further questions can call the Innovation Business Center at 908-355-4444 during regular business hours.

The Workforce Innovation Business Center is a partnership between the Freeholder Board, the Workforce Development Board and Union County College. Vice Chairman Sergio Granados is the Freeholder Liaison to the Workforce Development Board.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a series of Trailside Talks and a Teacher Training Workshop for adults as part of its winter educational programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. A new online registration system designed to make access to our Parks and Recreation services easy and convenient has been adopted.  Register online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and create an account and password.  Pre-registration is recommended.   Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

“Trailside is a great destination throughout the year and these educational programs provide the perfect opportunity to experience nature in winter,” notes Freeholder Chairman, Bruce H. Bergen.

On Tuesday, March 14 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., The American Historical Theatre offers a compelling theatrical re-enactment, made possible in part by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.   “Theodore Roosevelt: American in the Arena” recreates the time when President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt bounded into Washington, D. C as the youngest President in history.   His vigorous persona helped catapult the U.S. into the new century.  His accomplishments were plentiful and diverse: War hero to Nobel Peace Prize winner, naturalist to imperialist.  This is a free program, donations are appreciated.

An early spring lecture entitled, “Public Gardens of New Jersey,” is planned for Tuesday March 21, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.  This power point tour of more than 20 public gardens in New Jersey, is an inviting glimpse into the Garden State Gardens Consortium.   Michael Gross, Director of the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum, offers commentary on each garden, covering their location, history, highlights of their plant collections and featured programs.    The gardens in the consortium include former estates, national historic landmarks, county and municipal parks, museums and universities.  The fee is $10 for Union County residents and $12 for out of county residents.     

In addition, a special program of interest for bird lovers entitled “The World of Birds Around Us” is offered for families on Saturday, March 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Pete  Bacinski, a retired NJ Audubon Birds Program Director, introduces his audience to the world of backyard birds here in New Jersey, and explains how you get hooked on bird watching, along with its benefits and challenges.   A power point presentation illustrates the variety and beauty of our local avian population.  The program is recommended for adults with children ages 10 and older.  The fee is $10 for Union County residents and $12 for out of county residents. 

“Healthy Water, Healthy People,” a teacher training workshop will be offered on Thursday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  The workshop encourages the investigation of the connections between water quality, the environment and human health.  This advanced workshop is best suited for educators teaching grades 6 -12, who have taken a Project WET workshop and who have basic water chemistry background.  Participants receive six NJDOE professional development credits.  Morning refreshments are provided.  Bring lunch. This program is for adults 18 years and older.  The fee is $20 and the curriculum guide is included.                

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.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.

Union County Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski met with Jardine Academy Principal Cynthia Isaksen, YMCA Executive Director Rodger Koerber, YMCA Art Instructor Rachel Jameson and students David V. and Carlos R. at the Jardine Academy in Cranford for during an art class for students sponsored by a Union County Heart Grant.

The HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) grant program recognizes the importance of culture and the arts for economic development and quality of life. It was established by the Freeholder Board in 1998 to support programming that connects Union County residents with innovative projects related to history, the arts and humanities.

The Jardine Academy is operated by the Cerebral Palsy League and provides elementary and secondary education for children and young adults, ages 3-21, with multiple disabilities.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Elizabeth, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present a selection of artworks from the “Art from the Heart” fine arts program. The exhibition is a partnership between The Visual Arts Center of NJ and Sage Eldercare in Summit, NJ. The Freeholders Gallery is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, in downtown Elizabeth. Gallery hours are 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays. The exhibit will be displayed through February 14, 2017.

“We’re pleased to display these lovely works of art, that celebrate the power of the human spirit and demonstrate that people can create fine art at any age,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

In partnership with SAGE Eldercare, the Art from the Heart program serves Spend-a-Day seniors through weekly arts workshops conducted by an art therapist. Through engagement with the creative process, Art from the Heart provides benefits to participants including increased self-esteem and mental acuity. Now in its 16th year, Art from the Heart is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is dedicated exclusively to viewing, making and learning about contemporary art, comprising a renowned studio art school and a thriving education, exhibition and programming schedule. Its service mission includes a commitment to creating access to the arts for a range of constituents, from at-risk children and youth to people with special needs to senior adults. To learn more about Art Center programs, visit www.artcenternj.org or call 908-273-9121.su

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and their caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services. SAGE is proud to offer a wide range of programs and services that support seniors in the challenges they face during the later stages of life. Serving approximately 7,000 people annually, SAGE is one of the oldest eldercare agencies in New Jersey, and one of the few nonprofit eldercare agencies in the United States offering comprehensive services under one roof. For more information about SAGE, visit www.sageeldercare.org or call 908-273-5550.

For further information, or to learn more about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

The Thursday, February 2, 2017 Freeholder Agenda Setting Meeting has been cancelled and is rescheduled to be part of a double meeting next week on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.