Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella joined Clark Councilman Al Barr, Capezio Vice President of Global Retail Michelle Clemack, store manager Kim Maskal, management team member Amanda Guerra and Z-100’s Greg T in cutting the ribbon officially opening the new Capezio store on Central Avenue in Clark. The store carries a full line of dance and active-wear for children and adults. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Union Township Mayor Manuel Figueiredo present resolutions to volunteers Michael Boll, Brandon Holiday and David Tyms of the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) Operation Rebound New Jersey Racing Team commending and congratulating them before the team begins a bicycle ride from Echo Lake Park’s 9/11 Memorial in Mountainside to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. They are joined by Leo Graf and Bob Johnson of VFW Post 2433 in Union.

(CAF) Operation Rebound is the premier sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with physical challenges. It provides unparalleled opportunities to pursue active, athletic lifestyles by offering access to funding for equipment, training, competition expenses and sports clinics.

At Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the team will deliver competitive wheel chairs and hand-cycles to disabled combat veterans.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski joined State Senator Raymond Lesniak, dozens of veterans and members of the public at the screening of “Thank You for Your Service,” an award-winning documentary that explores the nation’s superficial understanding of war trauma, including PTSD, and the flawed policies surrounding it, at the Hamilton Stage Theatre in Rahway.

The film’s Director Tom Donahue and Producers Ilan Arboleda and Matt Tyson attended the special screening that was co-sponsored by The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The film was presented as part of Chairman Bergen’s UC HERO initiative for 2016, which assists Veterans. For more information, please go to: https://ucnj.org/uc-hero/

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen is pleased to announce that the Farmers Market program has been extended through the month of September. Income eligible adults age 60 and above may obtain free $25 vouchers (five $5.00 checks) to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at several Farmers Markets displaying the yellow and black WIC Farmers’ Market poster throughout Union County. 

Union County residents who meet age and income eligibility may apply for the Farmers Market program through the county’s Department of Human Services, Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), at the two September distribution sites listed below.  Checks will be limited at each distribution site and will be given on a “first-come first-served” basis.

A single person’s annual income cannot exceed $21,978 and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $29,637. Proof of age, residency and income are required at time of application.

Union County Senior Farmer’s Market Voucher Distribution Schedule for September 2016:

For more information about the Farmer Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability Resource (ADRC), call 1-888-280-8226 or 877-222-3737 or visit the county’s website, www.ucnj.org.

Union County 4-H Clubs are once again preparing for a new season of fun and learning. The organization will hold Club Night, a chance for all participants interested in signing up for a 4-H Club on Friday, September 23^rd from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Magnet School, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Students in grades 1-12 are encouraged to attend the event and see if any of the clubs listed are of interest to them. Clubs this year include Archery, Lego Robotics, Anime, Cooking, Horticulture, and more.  Club Night encourages those interested to meet club leaders, sign up for clubs, and learn more about Union County 4-H activities.

“The 4-H Clubs are a great part of our community. These clubs encourage young students to explore their passion while also connecting with others who feel the same way,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The clubs teach the children many important life skills like organization, teamwork, and leadership. The Freeholder Board is proud to support 4-H and the enrichment it brings to the minds of young people.”

Union County 4-H Clubs are run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture originally established the 4-H clubs over 100 years ago in an effort to help rural communities learn important information about agriculture and family health.

The clubs have updated their topics over the years as a way to keep up with the ever-changing interests in society. The topics today integrate children from both urban and suburban communities.

This year’s club topics include Community Service, Dog Lovers, Tech, and more. There is also a Variety Club for students who wish to explore their own topics within the 4-H Club environment.

The 4-H Clubs are open for boys and girls in grades 1-12. The materials fee of $10.00 per club ($5.00 per additional club in the same family) is payable at Club Night.

Attendance to Club Night is by invitation only. To receive an invitation or more information about the program contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org, or visit ucnj.org/rce.

The Union County 4-H Youth Development Program is looking for a volunteer to lead the 4-H Lego Robotics Club for this upcoming club season.

The volunteer should have experience building and programming Lego NXT Robots. They will help a group of eight 5^th and 6^th graders build and program their own robots throughout the year.

Club meetings are at the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Ave. East in Westfield once a month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from October to June. Teaching ideas and materials will be provided and the volunteer will work under the supervision of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program of Union County.

For more information about this volunteer position contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu or call him at 908-654-9854. Information about Union County 4-H Clubs can be found at ucnj.org/rce.

Tickets are now on sale for the Hayrides and Campfires event presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation. Tickets will be sold at three locations throughout the county and must be purchased in advance, there will be no tickets sold on site. Tickets include the hayride, entertainment, and hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast over a campfire.

The Hayrides and Campfires will begin on Friday, September 16^th at Warinanco Park in the Boathouse Area at 6:30 pm.

“The hayrides and campfire events are always among the most popular events in our parks, so those interested in participating should get their tickets early and plan for a fun filled evening to begin the fall,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Hayrides and Campfires will also take place at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Friday, October 7 and Friday, October 14, beginning at 6:30 pm, and on Sunday, October 2 at Trailside Nature & Science Center beginning at 3:30 pm.

Tickets are priced at $6.00 for Union County Resident, $12.00 for Non-Residents. Group sales are limited to 15 tickets.

Tickets will be on sale at the following locations and times:

• The Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm; Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm; Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Elizabeth Office, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday through Saturday.

For further information you can call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900; or Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.