Author: Web Site Administrator

The recent cold snap did not stop our intrepid bird watchers from making their regular foray into Lenape Park this week. The ground crackled with their every step. Avid birdwatcher Frank Budney, who leads bird hikes through Lenape on a fairly regular basis, reports that his favorite, the Carolina Wren, could still be heard making its distinctive call, but sightings of most birds were on the lean side.

If you’re interested in going on one of these morning walks, write to: birding@ucnj.org (This week’s photo was taken by James Ownby of Oklahoma. More of his nature photography can be seen at www.ownbyphotography.com)

One more thing, whether or not you’re scouting for birds, Lenape Park marks the intersection of Union County Parks’ two major greenways, the East Coast Greenway on the eastern half of the park and the Frederick Law Olmsted Greenway on the western side of the park. The greenways are paved and open to walkers and cyclists for the public to enjoy.  Frank Bundney’s report is below:

• Location: Lenape Park, Cranford, Union County, NJ
• Day/Date: Tuesday, 5-January-2016
• Time: 0800 to 1000
• Official Counter: Frank V. Budney
• Observers: Simon R. & Ed Z.
• Weather: Very Cold with Clear Blue Sky
• Temperature: 11º F
• Wind: W, Calm
• Walking Route: Main Parking Lot to Westfield Ponds

The first outing of the New Year, and what a difference a week makes temperature wise. The ground was frozen beneath our feet and crackled with every step. All the ponds had a thin sheen of ice just enough to support a flock of Canada Geese on the Westfield pond. Our first bird became the Bird of the Day perched in a tree in Woodpecker Woods. Hidden in plain view if found a comfortable perch to catch the morning sun.

Birds were few and far between but the familiar call of several Carolina Wrens (my all time favorite) could be heard through out the park. Blue Jay activity was noticeable at every location along the walkway and we even saw a few American Robins. Several American Goldfinch were feeding on the remains of crab apples at the Westfield pond and a lone Great Blue Heron was perched on a low branch at the NW corner of the inside pond.

The Bird of the Day was an adult Sharp-shinned Hawk. A common winter bird but one that hasn’t been sen very often so far this season.

Field Notes:

One birding event (Christmas Bird Count) has been accomplished (December 19, 2015) and another is only a few months away: World Series of Birding in May. Also, be aware that the annual Union County Deer Management Program started on Monday, January 4, 2016 and will continue for the next 5 weeks until February 8. If you are walking in the park on those days, please be aware of the hunt and confine your walking to the paved pathways and pets should be restrained on a leash. Any questions can be directed to: deer@ucnj.org or 908-527-4900.

Area Birds of Interest

• Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
• Downy Woodpecker  2
• Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
• White-throated Sparrow  5
• Northern Cardinal  2
• House Finch  5
• Carolina Wren  3
• Blue Jay  10
• American Goldfinch  5
• Great Blue Heron  1

First 2016 UCACT Performance Takes the Stage in Rahway on January 16

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the first performance of the 2016 Union County Advancing Community Theatre (UCACT) program.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday weekend, United Youth of New Jersey (UYNJ) will present their original history play, MLK: The Nightmare After the Dream on Saturday, January 16 at 6 p.m. on the Mainstage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.  This premier performance is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the UCACT program.

Tickets for the January 16 performance are $12 general admission and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center Box Office at 732-499-8226 or online at ucpac.org.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the artistic talent of Union County residents and organizations through the UCACT program,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “United Youth of New Jersey’s latest production exemplifies the mission of the UCACT program to support productions that draw people together for enriching and engaging community theatre experiences.”

UYNJ is a nonprofit youth organization based in Elizabeth that seeks to share the story of History icons. Through the art of theatre, UYNJ’s latest work MLK: The Nightmare After the Dream goes beyond Dr. King’s infamous “I Have a Dream” speech to highlight the many struggles involved in making the Civil Rights Bill a reality.

The UCACT program aims to engage the creative life of Union County by supporting enriching community theatre experiences that promote economic and social well-being.

UCACT grants provide funding to cover the hard costs associated with putting up a production at the Union County Performing Arts Center, as well as marketing and publicity assistance for each production. Through creative partnerships and a holistic approach, the program aims to provide a strategic platform to support the development of Union County’s rich theatre talent by leveraging existing resources and broadening the definition of economic development and public recreation to include support for community theatre.

For more information about the UCACT program visit ucnj.org/ucact.

Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza

Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series kicks off the New Year with the dynamic, highly interactive, uniquely funny and spectacular Bubble Trouble live on the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, January 10 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 offer a sensory-friendly performance series for children and families of all abilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Bring the entire family this weekend to experience the wonders of science in Jeff Boyer’s creative and entertaining live bubble show performance.”

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 the Sensory Friendly Theatre series the theatre environment at the Union County PAC will be 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.

Save the dates – mark your calendar for upcoming Sensory-Friendly Theatre series performances sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders: Sundays – March 20, 2016, May 1, 2016 and July 31, 2016.

Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series is made possible, in part, by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.

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.

Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh is sworn into a new term by April Bauknight, Esq. during Union County Government’s 159th Annual Reorganization on January 3, 2016 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are his wife Dr. Maria Jalloh and his parents Abdulai Ben Jalloh and Bernice Martina Jalloh. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella is sworn into a new term by Senator Raymond Lesniak during Union County Government’s 159th Annual Reorganization on January 3, 2016 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are his wife Phyllis and their children Micayla and Alexander.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados is sworn in as the 2016 Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Assemblyman Jerry Green during Union County Government’s 159th Annual Reorganization on January 3, 2016 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are Andreia Costa and Vanessa Correia.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is sworn into office by Superior Court Assignment Judge Karen Cassidy during Union County Government’s 159th Annual Reorganization on January 3, 2016 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are her family; Peter and Claire Pappas, Andrew and Jackie Pappas and her granddaughter Arianna Leigh. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Freeholders Bergen, Alexander Mirabella, and Mohamed Jalloh Begin New Terms

Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen today announced a comprehensive series of initiatives for 2016, entitled “One County, One Community” that includes new announcements for economic development, transportation, public safety, seniors, veterans, education, parks and environmental programs.

Bergen, a lifelong native of Union County who is a resident of Springfield, was selected as Chairman of the Union County Freeholder Board at the 159th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. He began serving his first full term as Freeholder in 2013. This is his first term as Chairman of the Freeholder Board.

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Freeholders Bergen, Alexander Mirabella and Mohamed S. Jalloh (last year’s chairman), were sworn in to new terms. Freeholder Sergio Granados was appointed as Freeholder Vice Chairman. Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the Board’s 2016 schedule and procedural rules.
In announcing his “One County, One Community” initiatives for 2016, Bergen recalled the words of Golda Meir who said “I never did anything alone. Whatever was accomplished . . . was accomplished collectively.”

Bergen then added: “This Freeholder Board succeeds because we are a team that puts commitment to others and the community above individual interest.”

Bergen’s initiatives for 2016 are as follows:

• “Move, Connect, Grow” addresses one of Union County’s greatest assets—its transportation infrastructure, and includes the completion of the Transportation Master Plan; the continuation of the Infrastructure Grant program to emphasize municipal road repavings; the creation of new bike paths; continued advocacy for the expansion of a one-seat train ride to NYC from Union County’s suburbs, and for the construction of the new Gateway Tunnel project.
• “Union County: At Work and Play:” This initiative includes new loans for small businesses through the Union County Economic Development Corporation; the creation of more job opportunities through the Union County Workforce Innovation Center which is continuing to grow; ribbon cuttings for the new Warinanco Park Skating Rink and the expansion of the Watchung Stables; the announcement of two major golf tournaments (The PGA Championship will once again be at Baltusrol Golf Course in Springfield and the 96th annual NJ State Golf Association Open Championship will tee off at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Union County—the first time ever at a public course); advocacy for Union County College to become the first community college to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing; the completion of the expansion of the Union County College campuses in Cranford and Plainfield; and the expansion of the County’s library grant program.
• Development and creation of the “Union County App,” to help users stay informed and safe with the almanac of information and real-time data it will feature.
• “Union County Means Green:” This initiative would create a green seminar for businesses; education and outreach through the County’s Recycling Bureau to schools (“Talkin’ Trash” program); and a new “Community Garden Grant” program for new and existing gardens. The Freeholder Board will also continue its advocacy for Rahway River Flood Mitigation efforts.
• Several announcements, including the “UC HERO” program assisting Veterans, and the “Year of the Senior,” and the Union County Division on Women. In announcing the programs, Bergen quoted the late Hubert Humphrey who said: “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
  “UC HERO” partners with the Workforce Investment Board and Union County College to assist our Vets with a variety of programs, including: employment services, training and job fairs; encouraging businesses to hire-a-Vet; and connect our Vets with the social services they may require. The “Year of the Senior” includes announcements for the “Seniors in Motion” program, which provides vans for senior transportation to the County’s municipalities, and “the Senior Focus program” a grant program which assists municipal senior centers with repairs and improvements. The creation of a Union County Division on Women which will be a one-person advocacy and referral office on issues impacting women.

A series of Public Safety announcements, including:

• A new GIS system that will actively assist first responders in emergencies;
• The “Fire Mutual Aide Radio project,” an effort to equip the County’s 20 Fire Departments with compatible radios to promote communication during emergencies;
• The installation of cameras in various County parks;
• The Sheriff’s Office will continue to train for active shooter response at our county facilities to better protect our employees and the public.

Last, the creation of a regional animal shelter that would provide municipalities with a consistent level of animal control services and promote humane treatment. The shelter would provide adoptive services and be run by the County, with volunteers. Plans should be in place and unveiled this Summer during a new event “Bark in the Park” at the Union County Dog Park at Echo Lake. The Board voted on a measure to move the project forward at the reorganization meeting.

Summing up, Bergen noted: “Taken as a whole, “One County, One Community” initiatives are not only designed to create a vision and game plan for 2016, but also to challenge us to do better for our community.”

“I look forward to working with our County family, our employees, our many private social service agencies and residents in bringing the community together in achieving these objectives,” Bergen said. “Once again, I wish you all a very Happy New Year.”

The Union County Freeholder Board will host its annual reorganization on this date, swearing in County elected officials, appointing a new chairman and vice chairman of the board. Freeholders will also vote to fill numerous positions on county advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2016 schedule & more.

[ezcol_1third]

[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third]

[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end]

[/ezcol_1third_end]