County of Union, New Jersey
Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, Freeholders Linda Carter, Angel G. Estrada, Christopher Hudak and Vernell Wright and Union County Manager Alfred Faella joined Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman and members of the Rahway City Council and the Rahway High School community in celebrating the official opening of the Rahway River Park Field. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
So how did the American colonists “text” each other?
Children are invited–yes, their parents can tag along– experience first hand what it was like to “text” in Colonial America
As part of the Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration at the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation, youngsters will be able to sit at old school desks and to write with a quill pen and ink on parchment paper to experience what it was like writing a letter in Colonial times.
The experience is one of the most popular for children at Four Centuries, with more than 400 youngsters last year taking their turns to write with a quill the way the Founding Fathers did as they drafted the Declaration of Independence.
While youngsters are free to write as they wish, last year some teenagers decided a treasure map was more to their liking.
Four Centuries in a Weekend, coming Oct. 15 & 16, is celebrated across Union County at different historic sites. The Union County Department of Parks & Recreation celebrates the event at the Deserted Village in Berkeley Heights. There are games and activities for children, hayrides, and historic tours of the area. Historic sites are open 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“All you have to do is look at those youngsters, quill in hand, and you can see how much they enjoyed the experience,” said Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “It’s fun. It’s also learning a little history-that the way we communicate has changed so much,” she said.
A Parks Department staffer will be on hand to guide children, and to suggest what they might write about if they had been alive in the 1700’s when the Reservation area was all fields.
In fact, John Willcocks, one of the farmers who tilled a portion of the land that is now part of the 2,142-acre Watchung Reservation, fought in the Revolutionary War. Willcocks served in the New Jersey militia and is thought to have been mortally wounded during the retreat of General Washington’s army from Fort Lee.
Youngsters are invited to consider how the farmers in the area would be concerned about how the war was faring and how they might well have written to relatives about the progress of those battles and concerns for their own safety
For more information on the Deserted Village of Feltville, go to ucnj.org/dv, and for more activities in the Union County Parks System, go to ucnj.org/fun. For directions, set GPS to Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ.
The Union County Police Firearms ID Unit has provided countless investigative leads to law enforcement over the years including a case in which the subject of three homicides and one aggravated assault in Elizabeth was linked to three other shooting incidents in Pennsylvania in June of 2015.
In Elizabeth, Union County Police investigated the crime scenes and proceeded to put the evidence into the forensic technology called The Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). IBIS is a nationwide computer network operated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATFE) that contains an electronic database of test shots from submitted firearms and crime scene evidence. IBIS is often used to find similarities between cases to help generate suspect leads for investigators.
In the Elizabeth case, once the evidence was compared, the Union County Police Firearms ID Unit was able to determine that the same gun that killed three people and wounded another in Elizabeth were related. After further investigation, the UCPD determined that the gun man fled to Eastern Pennsylvania and participated in several more shooting incidents. Using the IBIS forensics system to compare evidence, the PA Police Department discovered a potential match between the two series of events and arrested a suspect. The PA Police Dept. matched the gun to the crimes in PA, which matched the same gun to the crime scenes in Elizabeth. The Leica FSC Microscope played a significant role in assisting investigators in tying seven major incidents throughout Elizabeth and Eastern PA to one suspect and one gun.
The Leica FSC Microscope is two microscopes connected through one optical bridge so the operator can view two pieces of evidence on separate stages through one binocular so they can compare the images side by side under the same lighting conditions, magnifications and focal depth. It’s used to compare evidence to evidence as well as evidence to test shots. The object of the microscope is to determine if there is evidence to link crimes together.
The Union County Police Department purchased the first Leica FSC Microscope in 2005 which is now in need of repair. The repair would cost $10,000 but with the purchase of the new microscope at the cost of $65,000, the company will repair the old one for no extra charge.
“Before 2005, there would be a delay while investigators waited for the results from an out-of-county lab,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen, “Now with our fully equipped lab, we can provide timely information to our local investigators, and to jurisdictions throughout New Jersey and the nation.”
The Leica FSC Microscope is an essential tool to help provide leads to investigators in solving gun crimes and can provide intelligence that enables law enforcement to focus its resources to help prevent the next shooting.
Fill your belly and enjoy great live music with fun for the kids, all for a great cause at the CHS Project Graduation Food Truck and Music Festival on Saturday, October 29th from 11 am to 5 pm at Nomahegan Park, Springfield Avenue in Cranford – sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Cranford High School Project Graduation fundraiser,” said Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Graduation from high school is a milestone for every student, and the nationally recognized Project Graduation program allows students to celebrate their accomplishments together in a safe and memorable way.”
“Cranford High School Project Graduation is celebrating its 28th year of providing graduating seniors with a fun, safe, drug-and-alcohol free evening,” said Jackie Carr, Project Graduation Chair. “The CHS Project Graduation Food Truck and Music Festival was created as an exciting and delicious fundraiser to help underwrite the cost of the 2017 senior class Project Graduation night.”
Come to the CHS Project Graduation Food Truck and Music Festival and indulge in all your favorite food fantasies, with dishes like gooey cheesesteaks, savory Australian meat pies, fresh lobster rolls, creamy pierogis, crispy empanadas, Belgian waffles and sinfully delicious cupcakes. Sink your teeth into lip-smacking barbecue, stuffed burgers and specialty hot dogs. Monkey around in the jungle-gym or stroll along the beautiful grounds of Nomahegan Park. Browse unique crafters and dance to the music of Brother John Brown Band, DJ Rene and the high school band Betty Sally. Don’t forget to bring beach chairs and blankets and your favorite four-legged friend for this pet-friendly outdoor event.
“This is a wonderful fall event where the entire family can spend the day enjoying delicious cuisines from popular food trucks along with live music from local bands, crafters, face painters and activities for the younger kids,” said Carr.
The Food Truck and Music Festival is generously sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with additional sponsorships provided by PSE&G, the Cranford Municipal Alliance and the Cranford Rotary Club.
“The senior class of 2017 is very grateful for the incredibly generous support received from our elected officials, corporate and community partners, family and friends,” Carr noted. “We are proud to bring the excitement of the food truck craze to Cranford, so everyone can experience firsthand all the creative and delicious foods while simultaneously supporting the great cause that is Project Graduation.”
Nomahegan Park is directly across from the Cranford campus of Union County College. Admission to the rain-or-shine event is $5 per person and children under 12 years old are free; prices for crafts and food vary per vendor. Parking is available in the Union County College campus parking lot.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/Cranfordprojectgrad2017 or contact jackio325@aol.com. For vendor information, contact Spark Market Solutions: info@sparkmybiz.com.
Grab the kid
s, grab a friend, because once again its that time to ride the rails into history.
On Oct. 15 and 16, Union County celebrates Four Centuries In A Weekend, when historic sites and museums across the county open their doors to the public, free of charge.
Many of the sites are within walking distance of the train stations across the County, with some sites offering shuttle service.
Kean University will once again provide trolley service from NJ Transit’s Union Station to Liberty Hall Museum. Meanwhile, Mountainside will provide a shuttle that will make a loop from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, with stops at the Miller-Cory Museum, the Reeve House, ucnj.org/reeve, and Mountainside’s Deacon Hetfield House, ucnj.org/deacon, before reaching the Deserted Village , ucnj.org/dv, where Union County Parks sponsors a host of activities and tours for young and old alike.
“It’s a fun outing, with a train ride and a little history along the way,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “Many of the towns’ historic sites are within walking distance of the stations,” she said, noting that the County has put together a listing of all the sites along the County’s three train lines.
“Some sites, like Fanwood, are right at the train station,” Kowalski said. “Others have further walks but if it is a beautiful fall day, it may be just the day to enjoy a leisurely stroll.”
A full listing of directions from the County’s rail stations to the historic sites is available at: ucnj.org/trainthrutime or ucnj.org/TTT.
“Four Centuries is such a great event,” Kowalski said. “A train ride is just the icing on the cake and adds to the fun of learning about our area’s incredibly rich history.”
NJ Transit allows children to ride free on weekends. Monthly commuter passes are also valid. (Fare details are available at njtransit.com) . For those wishing to cycle from a train station, be sure to check with NJ Transit’s guidelines for bringing bikes aboard the trains.
Below is a brief guide to the sites. The (#) below refers to site numbers in Union County Across the Centuries, the County’s guide to sites of historic note in the area. Union County Parks (ucnj.org/parks) is also rolling out routes for cyclists to visit several historic sites along a 10–12 mile ride.
Long before the Raritan Valley Line, there was the Central Railroad of New Jersey. From stations across Union County, from Plainfield to Elizabeth, it was possible to board a train to Chicago, or from Jersey City, to board a ferry to New York City. The CNJ is long gone, however some of the historic sites along the route remain, and you can ride the train to visit some of them.
Plainfield to Elizabeth, it was possible to board a train to Chicago, or from Jersey City, to board a ferry to New York City. The CNJ is long gone, however some of the historic sites along the route remain, and you can ride the train to visit some of them.
Details about these sites are found in the front of this book, and at ucnj.org/4C. Most sites are staffed by volunteers, so it may help to call in advance to confirm that the site will be open for your visit.
From the Raritan Valley Line, train stops near sites include these:
The Morristown Line, formerly part of the old Erie Lackawanna Railroad, intersects with NJ Transit’s Gladstone Branch in Summit, where there are two sites within a half-mile of the downtown station:
The Northeast Corridor, once the proud domain of the Pennsylvania Railroad, is now the main line between New York City and Trenton, while the Coast Line takes travelers to the Jersey Shore. All trains stop in Elizabeth, but only some stop in North Elizabeth, so be sure to check before boarding.
From the Elizabeth station, in the heart of the city, there are three sites within a half-mile of the station:
These two significant sites are a mile-plus walk from North Elizabeth station. (Be sure to check the train schedule at njtransit.com, because not all trains stop at North Elizabeth.) Those desiring to visit both sites from this station should first stop at Evergreen Cemetery, and then proceed to Liberty Hall to avoid back-tracking:
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders celebrated the eighth annual Union County—UNICO District X Columbus Day Flag raising event at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The program, which was emceed by Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, featured a number of speakers from UNICO, County government, and Filomena Coccaro, the owner of Ciao Amici Italian Language Cultural Center, who was the keynote speaker.
Left to right (front row): Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen; Freeholder Vernell Wright; County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, Filomena Coccaro of Ciao Amici Italian Cultural Center in Cranford, and Anthony Bengivenga of UNICO National and Westfield UNICO.
Second row: Freeholder Christopher Hudak (holding flag), Joe Almeida of Union UNICO; and William Hearon of Clark UNICO and District X Governor.
Third row: Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (red shirt); Renato Biribin of Plainfield’s UNICO (Green shirt), Henry Varriano of Clark UNICO (partially blocked), Union County Manager Alfred J. Faella, Manny Alfano of Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition.
Fourth Row: Mike Guarino of Columbus Parade Association, Bob Tarte of Westfield UNICO (glasses), George Abruzzo of Clark UNICO,George Marretta of Elizabeth UNICO, Nino Quaglia of Elizabeth UNICO.
Rear: Sebastian D’Elia (Plainfields’ UNICO)
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites elementary through high school teachers, as well as community groups, to register for a free 30-45 minute traveling watershed and environmental science presentation that is educational and fun.
“Everyone lives in a watershed. Every stream, brook, tributary, and river in our communities connects to a watershed that provides us with our drinking water supply, recreational opportunities, and provides habitat to numerous plants and animals,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “This free program offers teachers, students, and community members the opportunity to learn how human behavior can affect water quality, especially in one of the most densely populated counties in the state.”
These interactive, “hands-on” presentations, which include the use of a three dimensional land use model, demonstrate how pollution anywhere within the watershed has the potential to affect all waterbodies located downstream. Additionally, the program offers easy, practical solutions that anyone can implement to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality – such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding geese.
Now in its 15th year, the Watershed Ambassadors Program receives positive reviews and accolades from teachers and students each year expressing appreciation that the program offers a full period of interesting and engaging material with opportunities for students to participate and interact with the watershed model.
The free presentations are offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program.
Additionally, the ambassador program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups. To schedule a free presentation or training, call Ismail Sukkar, Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area 7 at (908) 789-3209.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union, se enorgullece en patrocinar una noche de comedia con la presentación de SINBAD en el Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) en Rahway el sábado, 29 de octubre a las 8:00 p.m.
Los boletos están a la venta ahora los precios fluctuan entre $25 y $55, y se pueden comprar llamando a la taquilla del UCPAC al 732-499-8226 o en la página ucpac.org.
“La Junta de Legisladores se enorgullece en patrocinar una noche con el legendario comediante Sinbad en el UCPAC,” dijo el Legislador Presidente Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “El UCPAC juega un papel muy importante en este condado las artes y la cultura desarrolla una estrategia en el turismo y reinfuerza la capacidad creativa de nuestras comunidades proporcionando a nuestros residentes un entretenimiento cultural.”
Compre sus boletos ahora para que no se pierdan a este veterano de la comedia.
Sinbad ha mantenido a la audiencia riendose por tres décadas en television, cinemateca y en espectáculos en vivo. El comenzó su propio show de television “El Show de Sinbad,” y se ha presentado en programas como “Saturday Night Live” y “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”. Sinbad hizo su debut en el cine con “Necessary Roughness” y también tuvo papeles principales en “Jingle All the Way,” “Houseguest” y “First Kid.” El fue clasificado en Comedy Central como uno de 100 comediantes de todos los tiempos.
Para más información de como comprar sus boletos puede llamar a la taquilla del Union County Performing Arts Center al 732-499-8226 o visitar la página ucpac.org. EL UCPAC, se encuentra en el 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, y está abierto de martes a sábado de 11:00 AM hasta las 5:00 PM y también los jueves hasta las 8:00 PM.
El Union County Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organización sin fines de lucro gobernada por una Junta de Administradores y reciben ayuda de individuos y de la comunidad. Para más información visite ucpac.org.
Condado de Union, NJ – Los residentes del Condado de Union quienes están interesados en convertise en Ayudantes de Salud Domicidial Certificadas pueden matricularse en un programa de entrenamiento que se ofrece a través del Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Union este verano. Después de completar el programa, los estudiantes tendrán el suficiente conocimiento necesarios para recibir la certificación de la Junta de Enfermería del Estado de New Jersey.
El entrenamiento comienza el 31 de octubre y termina el 23 de noviembre. Las personas interesadas deben llamar ahora, pues el espacio es limitado.
“Este programa fue desarrollado para proporcionar ayudantes de salud a domicilio, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Legisladores”. “Entrenando y apoyando a nuestra fuerza laboral, podemos asegurar ayuda a nuestros júbilados y residentes discapacitados que viven solos y a la vez conectarlos con sus comunidades.”
El Condado de Union estableció este programa en el 1986 para hacer frente a la creciente necesidad para cuidado de salud a domicilio.
Para ser aceptados al programa los interesados deben tener 18 años de edad ser ciudadanos estadounidenses o ser extranjeros calificados por la oficina de emigración, deben hablar, escribir y leer el idioma Inglés competentemente.
Deben ser fisicamente capaces de poder levantar pacientes, darle baños y ayudar en la movilidad de los pacientes cuando esto sea necesario. Se necesita $75.00 para la inscripción que incluye el libro de texto y de trabajo. También hay una cuota de $80.00 para la planilla de la Junta de Enfermería del Estado de New Jersey. Una foto de pasaporte también debe incluirse con la planilla.
Las personas interesadas deben llamar para una entrevista con la Sra. Donna Farrell, de la División de Envejecientes del Condado de Union, al 908-527-4858.
Las clases se llevarán a cabo en el Jewish Family Services, 655 Westfield Avenue en Elizabeth, de 9:00 a.m. hasta las 3:30 p.m. cuatro días a la semana de lunes a jueves
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union anuncia que la trituradora ambulante visitará la ciudad de Kenilworth, el jueves 13 de octubre en el Galloping Hill Campo de Golf, situado en 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth de 9:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m.
También el ultimo evento del 2016 tendrá lugar el sábado, 22 de octubre en Alcatel-Lucent Technologies situado en el 600 Mountian Avenue en New Providence de 9:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m.
“Este servicio ayuda a los residentes del Condado de Union a deshacerse de papeles viejos y documentos personales que a la vez pueden ayudarles a evitar el robo de identidad,” dice el Legislador Presidente Bruce Bergen. “También es una forma de ayudar al Condado en su esfuerzo de limpiar el medio ambiente y continuar con la Iniciativa de Go Green (Mantener Verde) el medio ambiente.”
Todos los residentes del Condado pueden usar el servicio. Se les pide a los participantes que preparen los documentos antes de llevarlos, quitándole las precillas, los papeles que se encuentren húmedos no se aceptan. Por favor deben traer solamente lo que contenga información importante o confidencial. Las revistas y papeles sin importancia se pueden reciclar semanalmente en su municipalidad. Hay un límite de 4 cajas o bolsas plásticas de 10 libras cada una por persona. NEXCUT Shredding de Elizabeth estará presente de 9:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m.
Los documentos son puestos en contenedores de 96 galones que la compañia proveé. Luego se vacían en una cinta transportadora y pasan a la trituradora. Los participantes pueden quedarse a ver el proceso a través de una televisión de circuito cerrado. Los documentos destruídos son reciclados y enviados a los molinos de papel.
Este programa ha sido pagado con fondos del Departamento de Protección Ambiental y Mejoras de Reciclaje. Para obtener más información pueden llamar al (908) 654-9889 o visitar la página www.ucnj.org/recycle