Author: Web Site Administrator

RAHWAY, NJ – Most teenagers daydream about singing or dancing on a stage before a live audience. That dream becomes reality for some Union County middle and high school students at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12^th when they perform in the Teen Arts Showcase at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, in Rahway’s downtown arts district.

The Teen Arts Showcase is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Performing Arts Center. Teachers, fellow students, friends and family members of participating students are invited to attend the Showcase along with the general public. Admission is free.

“The annual Union County Teen Arts Festival is a wonderful opportunity for students to interact with professional artists while sharing their own talents with students from other schools,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Students appearing in the Teen Arts Showcase represent many of the performing arts disciplines and the municipalities that participated in the 2015 Teen Arts Festival.”      

Instrumental groups, vocal groups, pianists, dancers, theater performances and visual artists were selected from the 3,500 students who participated at the 2015 Teen Arts Festival at Union County College in Cranford on March 19^th and 20^th.  The annual Festival is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Teen Arts Festival is a two-day celebration of the arts where students and a staff of fifty professional artists participate in performances, critiquing seminars, master classes and workshops in every discipline – visual arts, music, creative writing, theater, media arts and dance.  The Festival’s focus is not on competition but an opportunity for students to develop perceptual, intellectual and technical skills; gain cultural awareness and understanding; develop personal, aesthetic values; and learn self-discipline, critical thinking and problem solving through analyzing, interpreting and making judgments.  

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay Users dial 711. Or E-mail: Culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Top photo, Left: Maria Carvalho, Police Officer, Nelson Pereira, 2nd Runner up Claudia Ribeiro, Princess Karina Amaral, Grand Marshal Leonel Cardoso, Union County Recreation Department , Daniella Andrade, Ashley Batista , Manny Grova III Joao Pinto Past Grande Knight, Freeholder Angel Estrada, Police Officer Claudia Amador, Little Princess Cristina Esteves, Little Prince Patrick Piadade,  1st runner up Pedro Vale , Walter Piadade, 2nd runner up Jaden Canelo

Pilot program part of Chairman Jalloh’s “Families First” Initiative to serve children up to age 12, and special needs children to 18

UNION COUNTY, NJ— The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders last night voted to authorize a pilot program with Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County (CCCC) to serve those who don’t meet eligibility for State subsidized child care with affordable child care. The program is part of Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh’s “Families First Initiative,” announced in January.

The pilot program, which is scheduled to start in June and end in December, will assist approximately 40 families with up to 25% of the cost of child care, and is targeted toward low income working parents, or those in school full-time who do not receive other child care subsidies to secure child care for children up to 12 years of age, or children with a documented “special need” up to age 18. Please note the program is expected to be set up within the next few weeks, and additional information will be forthcoming from the County and CCCC in Rahway on how and when to sign up.

“Obtaining quality, affordable Child care is a glass ceiling for many working class families and single parents,” Freeholder Chairman Jalloh said. “The benefits of child care are many, including better health, and better socialization and improved behavioral attributes. Children in childcare also tend to score slightly higher on measures of academic and cognitive achievement years later as in comparison to their peers without child care, according to long-running Federal studies.”

The program will permit families living on low income, or suffering from catastrophic illness, homelessness, domestic violence crises to access child care for pre-school before/after school and summer camp. Under the terms of the $50,000 contract with CCCC, the organization will also assist parents with inquiries, screens, maintain all records and documentation and refer them to licensed child care providers in the geographic location that is preferred. (Please note CCCC will not directly administer child care, but rather serve to process and refer parents.)

“We are excited to partner with Union County in helping parents and families obtain affordable, quality child care,” said Pat Mennuti, CCCC Executive Director. “Child Care provides a great start to a successful future for many children.”

Community Coordinated Child Care of Union County is a not for profit agency, whose goal is to meet the wide range of needs families face as they raise young children.

As part of its mission, the organization believes all families should have good child care that they can afford. CCCC works with parents, community, business, and government, and helps parents find services to help them. The agency helps the early childhood centers and family child care providers by giving training and other help to improve their programs.

Union County, NJ – More than 1,000 volunteers spent a total of 5,501 hours picking up litter, planting trees and shrubs, clearing fallen trees from walking paths, removing invasive species, and performing other acts of kindness in Union County parks last year. The volunteers were recently honored for their efforts at the eighth annual Union County Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail award ceremony and dinner, at Maskers Barn in the Deserted Village of Feltville.

“Whether you volunteer for a few hours or make a long term commitment, the Freeholder Board values each and every one who donates their time to help make our parks more pleasant for all to enjoy,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Every little bit counts when it comes to conserving the unique legacy of our County parks, and together you all make a big difference.”

Adopt-a-Park volunteers can join in one-time cleanup and restoration events, which are often organized by local businesses and other civic groups. Adopt-a-Trail Stewards sign up to take care of a trail over the course of a year. 

The 2014 accomplishments included:

• 20 school, scout and corporate groups helped to maintain and beautify trails and parks.
• 1051 volunteers spent 5,501 total hours working in County parks.
• 52 Adopt-A-Trail stewards worked on trail maintenance and monitoring. They spread gravel, woodchips, installed erosion control measures, removed invasive species, picked up litter, repaired and replaced fencing, planted native trees, shrubs and other vegetation, removed graffiti and performed many other tasks.
• The specially trained Adopt-a-Trail Chainsaw Crew removed 160 fallen trees in Watchung Reservation and other parks.
• Groups that volunteered more than once in 2014 included:

Kean University Center for Service and Leadership

Kean University School of Environmental & Sustainability Sciences

Merck

Haitian Flag Day Committee

• Jersey Cares has continued to bring many business and individual volunteers to County parks for a variety of projects.
• The North Plainfield Shade Tree Advisory Board has been adopting a section of Green Brook Park located in North Plainfield for nine years, keeping the area clear of litter and managing invasive plants.

• Morgan Stanley and Phillips 66 Bayway donated $1,000 and $1500, respectively, for a stream and wildflower meadow project in Warinanco Park (scheduled for 2015).
• Friends of Battle Hill Area joined the AAP program in 2014.  This group has been removing litter for many years in the Union section of Rahway River Parkway and will continue its work.

Union County parks also host mandatory community service programs. Participants in these programs spent a total of 90 hours working on projects in Green Brook Park and Warinanco Park.

To join Adopt-a-Park or Adopt-a-Trail, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-789-3683, or visit online at ucnj.org.

Maskers Barn is available to the public to rent for weddings and other gatherings. For more information call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-527-4900 or visit online at ucnj.org.

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More scenes from the 2015 Recognition Dinner recognizing the efforts of volunteers in 2014. Many thanks to all who contributed!

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored members of the Park Elite Cheerleading group of Cranford for an outstanding and successful season during a recent Freeholder meeting in Elizabeth.

Pictured l. to r. Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (also a resident of Cranford) and Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh with members of Park Elite Cheerleading.

Photo by Lamar Mackson, County of Union

Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series brings Cinderella – the enchanting fairy tale of everlasting love – to life on stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m.

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.

“From adjustments to the production, accommodations in the theatre environment, and special training for the staff and volunteers, the sensory-friendly performance series is designed to offer a relaxed and safe theatre environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivity, developmental and learning disabilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The Freeholder board is proud to offer an opportunity for families of all abilities to experience one of New Jersey Ballet’s most popular ballets for families.

Directly from the pages of the enduring tale, Cinderella delights audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of “happily ever after,” and generously sprinkled with a wonderful dose of humor. Complete with a fairy Godmother, a handsome prince, an unforgettable ball, and a pumpkin that turns into a carriage before your very eyes – the magnificent staging, music and costumes make this production a delight for all ages. This full two-act ballet is accompanied by original ”storyteller” narration so even the littlest ones can keep up with ease.

Implementing the supportive atmosphere at the performance is the organization Autism Friendly Spaces, which provides specialists to train staff and volunteers on working with children with autism and other special needs during Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, while providing comfort and help to families.

For each of the special 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. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The performance of New Jersey Ballet’s Cinderella is made possible in part by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.

The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is a rollicking family concert featuring a two-time Grammy nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could performing songs that celebrate children of all abilities on Sunday, July 31 at 10 AM and 1PM.

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 908-527-4806 or visit ucnj.org.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has compiled a list of local businesses and organizations that are teaming-up with her in an effort to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The County Clerk’s Office will post the information on the Union County website listing all of the local stores, agencies and businesses that offer special discounts on products, food, entertainment and services for military veterans. Veterans must show either an Honorable Discharge ID card or other proof that they are a veteran at the time of purchase

“My office was one of the first in the state more than ten years ago to issue free Honorable Discharge identification cards for veterans as proof of service in the U.S. Armed Forces,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “The ID card program has assisted veterans in receiving educational benefits, death benefits, licenses, local property tax rebates and retail discounts intended just for them.”

“I’ve urged local businesses and service providers to send information to me about discounts they offer to veterans,” Rajoppi said. “I’m now making this information available on the Union County website to veterans groups and to individuals who come to my office seeking an Honorable Discharge ID card.”

The growing list of local businesses that offer discounts to veterans include home improvement stores and contractors, banks and financial consultants, medical professionals and fitness centers, restaurants, food markets and an automobile dealership.

“Veterans living in Union County can receive a free identification card by bringing their original discharge papers to the County Clerk’s Office in either Westfield or Elizabeth,” Rajoppi added. “This ID card service is just one way to say thank you and make veterans’ lives a little easier.”

As more retailers and service providers offer veteran discounts, their discounts will be added to the list. Businesses may provide their information to the Union County Clerk by accessing the Veterans Discount Form online at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/veterans-discount-form/

The Veterans ID Card Act was signed into law in 2012. The card is available to veterans whose original Certificate of Honorable Discharge and/or DD-214 form are recorded at the Union County Clerk’s office. If a veteran’s discharge papers have never been recorded, the original documents must be presented at either one the Union County Clerk’s offices.

The County Clerk’s Office in Westfield, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth, in the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 114, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If additional information is needed, please call 908-659-7403.

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal, confidential documents will be available on Saturday, May 9, at Alcatel/Lucent in New Providence.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”

The May 9^th shredding event will take place at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding documents at the sites from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding events will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will be Saturday, May 16, on the Union County College campus in Cranford.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .