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UNION, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will recognize local artists and present awards at a reception on Tuesday, May 5, at the 14^th Annual Exhibit and Contest for County of Union Employees and Their Families. The free reception and awards ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Gas Company, located in the Liberty Hall Center, 1085 Morris Avenue in Union.

“This show offers a chance for our Union County employees and family members to shine,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The artwork that they do in their spare time is outstanding, and we are proud to display it in the beautiful atrium space of the Liberty Hall Center. We are grateful to Elizabethtown Gas for generously hosting the program and awards reception and to the National Arts Program Foundation for funding the prize awards.”

Presented in partnership with the National Arts Program®, the exhibit will be open weekdays until May 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The Freeholders share the goal of the National Arts Program Foundation to reach as many people as possible of all ages, offering them a chance to show their creations,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “We invite you to view this exhibit of exceptional artwork at the Liberty Hall Center.”

The art exhibit will be judged by three prominent artists: Laura Brown, Peter Lester and Joan Pamboukes.

Laura Brown is an artist and teacher living and working in Union County. After receiving a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, she went on to get a Post-Baccalaureate certificate to teach Fine Arts. Laura has taught Fine Arts in public schools in New York and New Jersey and is currently teaching art classes to both children and adults. She is a member of the Arts Guild of New Jersey and the Contemporary Art Group and serves on the board of the Westfield Art Association. She also continues to study, paint and exhibit regularly.

Peter Lester attended the Camberwell School of Art and the Heatherly School of Fine Arts in London and the School of Visual Arts in New York. At the Children’s Television Workshop, he was a Digital Artist, Art Director and Director of Art and Animation. Peter’s artwork has been exhibited at the Dianna Burke Gallery in New York, Gallery Aferro and City Without Walls in Newark. Among his clients are: Hooked on Phonics, The Karsten Foundation, Scholastic, Byron Price, National Geographic, and Digital Tape and Ink. Peter also teaches Photoshop and Digital Media at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit.

Joan Pamboukes received her BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and her MFA at New Jersey City University. Her photography has been exhibited in numerous exhibitions at venues such as the Jersey City Museum, The Brooklyn Brewery, Gallery Aferro and City Without Walls in Newark, Chashama UpTown and Hunter College Times Square Gallery in New York. Joan also teaches photography at Long Island University in Brooklyn, the County College of Morris and at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey.

The National Arts Program® is in its 32^nd year with 82 annual programs reaching 450 cities in 38 states. The program was conceived by Leonard E.B. Andrews (1925 – 2009), an art collector, publisher, business executive and journalist, “for the encouragement and development of artistic expression.” The goal of the National Arts Program® is to provide an uninhibited opportunity for people to present their talent, at whatever level, in a free, public exhibition. The National Arts Program® is sponsored by The National Arts Program Foundation of Malvern, Pennsylvania. To learn more about the program, visit www.thenationalartsprogram.org.

Additional support for this event is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550 or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that a “One-Stop” election service is available for Union County voters at the Westfield and Elizabeth offices of the County Clerk beginning on Monday, April 27.

“Eligible voters are able to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the New Jersey Primary Election in person at either of my offices, receive their ballot and cast the ballot at the same time,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “This one-stop voting service is available at my Westfield office as well as at the main office in Elizabeth. The deadline to apply for Vote-By-Mail for the June 2 Primary Election is May 26 by mail-in application; the deadline to apply in person is Monday, June 1 by 3 p.m.”

“The service in Westfield and Elizabeth makes voting more accessible, particularly at the Westfield office with its convenient Saturday office hours and evening hours during the week,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “With the important June 2 Primary Election for State Assembly, County and Municipal offices approaching quickly, my office is working to make the voting process as fast and convenient as we can for everyone who is registered to vote.”

Vote-By-Mail is an easy, secure process that has replaced the Absentee Ballot. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to Vote-By-Mail. To obtain an application form, voters also may pick up the form at their local municipal building; they can download the form at the Union County Clerk’s website: www.ucnj.org/vote-by-mail or on the free, downloadable Union County NJ Votes app; or they can contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. The Clerk’s website also includes a video that explains how to fill out the Vote-By-Mail application form.

The opportunity to Vote-By-Mail in Westfield and Elizabeth is another service available at the County Clerk’s two offices, along with passport application and renewal services, registration of Trade Names, and the application and swearing in of Notaries Public. 

The County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is located in the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield 07090. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of the 2015 Teen Arts Theatre Showcase, a new one-act play competition and learning experience for high school students throughout Union County.

Registration is now open to enter the competition. Students who qualify will produce their plays at Hamilton Stage, a professional performance venue in Rahway operated by the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC).

“Union County has a rich pool of young talent in the performing arts, and the new Teen Arts Theatre Showcase will provide a unique opportunity for our students to develop their craft, learn from trained theatre professionals and educators, and perform on a professional stage,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.

The Teen Arts Theatre Showcase is an expansion of the annual Teen Arts Festival, which features hundreds of student works in a wide variety of creative fields every spring.

Productions in the Teen Arts Theatre Showcase will be run entirely by students, so the actors and crews have an opportunity to develop strong leadership skills as well as critical thinking and problem-solving.

To be eligible, the production must be a 20 to 40 minute one-act play or musical presentation, with minimal use of set elements.

Qualified entrants will stage their productions on Tuesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 3 at Hamilton Stage, and qualified judges will offer feedback and supportive critiques.

All entrants, including crews and actors, will also be invited to participate in a full day of theatre workshops and learning opportunities.

“The workshops are a great opportunity to enhance student learning and creative thinking, explore imagination, and promote teamwork and collaboration,” said Jalloh.

The Teen Arts Theatre Showcase competition will recognize productions for individual and group achievements in several categories. One special award for Best Overall Presentation will include an opportunity to present a fully staged production at UCPAC’s 1300-seat Mainstage, located at the historic Rahway Theatre in Rahway. The winning school may perform a play or musical of its choice. 

Registrations are open now through May 4, 2015. For more information and to register, visit ucnj.org.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a spring workshop, for adults ages 18 and older, that will teach participants how to make pressed flower collages  at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Saturday, May 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Acclaimed artist Beth Murphy’s flower collage artwork is currently being displayed at the Trailside Nature and Science Center from April to August.  On May 9^th, Ms. Murphy will demonstrate the process of flower pressing, while identifying the materials required and the proper preparation and techniques.  Participants will work with pressed botanical materials supplied by the instructor.  Basic design elements will be demonstrated.   Students will create a small collage on a card or bookmark to take home with them.  Visit www.bethmurphybotanicals.com to view Beth Murphy’s collection.  The fee is $25 for residents of Union County and $30 for out-of-county residents.  Light refreshments will be served.  Pre-registration for this program is required; walk-ins will be accommodated as space/materials permit. 

“This program offers a rare opportunity to work with a talented artist.  Surrounded by the scenic Watchung Reservation, participants are sure to be inspired,” says Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.     

For more information about this workshop 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 service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh (L) and Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen joined Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park (2^nd L) and Janice C. Lilien, Executive Director of the YWCA of Union County, at the second annual Union County C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Action, Response, Education, Safety) Domestic Violence Symposium at Kean University in Union. The symposium was co-sponsored by the YWCA of Union County, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Kean University, Family & Children’s Services and Trinitas Regional Medical Center. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

52,000 Legal Immigrants Living in the County Could Benefit from Citizenship Services, Classes provided by We Are One NJ

ELIZABETH, NJ – The state’s second labor-supported immigrant advocacy center opened Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at the Jersey Gardens Mall, as the result of a unique partnership between Union County and We Are One New Jersey, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping more than 400,000 legal immigrants living and working in New Jersey become U.S. citizens.

We are One New Jersey – Union County Center provides U.S. citizenship application assistance, including preparatory classes for the citizenship test and referral, notary and translation services, at low- or no-cost to Union County residents.

The kickoff ceremony for the We Are One New Jersey ­– Union County Center was attended by more than 100 political, labor, community and civic leaders, who also helped launch the county’s Workforce Innovation Business (WIB) Center. The WIB facility, which is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and shares office space with We Are One New Jersey – Union County Center, provides occupational and soft skills training and jobs placement for Union County residents.

“Union County is living proof that diversity and inclusiveness go hand in hand with a dynamic economy, a thriving cultural sphere, and opportunities to achieve and give back to the community,” said Mohamed S. Jalloh, chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, who served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

“As the son of an immigrant, this has been my firsthand experience, so when Senator Lesniak called me about joining We are One New Jersey with my Workforce Innovation Business Center initiative, the potential for great synergy between the two programs was immediately apparent. I am very proud to partner Union County with We Are One New Jersey to help make the promise of a better life become a reality for many more Union County residents,” said Jalloh, who announced the initiatives during his reorganization in January.

“These community-based centers are important additions in our ongoing effort to build and engage new communities,” said Charles Wowkanech, chairman of We Are One New Jersey. “We all live and work with people who are in this country legally but cannot fully participate in their communities because they are not U.S. citizens.”

“Wave after wave of immigrants have continued to renew Union County and shape America. The We Are One New Jersey – Union County Center will provide assistance that will help naturalize these immigrants, and enable and empower them to build stronger communities, and productive lives.” state Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak said.

“The City of Elizabeth is proud to work with the County of Union on this new initiative,” said Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “The process associated with becoming a U.S. citizen can be complicated. However, guidance, assistance and reliable resources are available within our community. The We Are One New Jersey – Union County Center will connect individuals with dedicated professionals, who have the experience and expertise required to address concerns,  while providing the assistance needed to help residents achieve their goals.”

Some 52,000 Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) live in Union County, including diverse and vibrant populations of Colombians, Ecuadorians, Portuguese, Haitians, Filipinos and more.

We Are One New Jersey – Union County is the second labor-supported immigrant advocacy center in the state. The first We Are One Center opened in October in Jersey City. Citizenship classes and information clinics have already drawn hundreds from the community to the centers.

For more information on the programs and services available through We Are One New Jersey – Union County Center, call 908-355-4444 or email center Executive Director Elizabeth Montes at Elizabeth@weareonenj.org.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce A Naturalist’s Diary, a lecture for adults 18 and older at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Wednesday, May 6 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  Former Audubon Naturalist Pete Bacinski offers a program complete with the natural history facts and questions people never think to ask, as well as images of Mother Nature’s oddities.  This PowerPoint presentation will touch on birds, wildflowers, ferns, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as many unusual natural history events.   The lecture is free but donations are welcomed.     

“Spring in the Watchung Reservation is the perfect time to look for hidden treasures in the scenic 2060-acre Watchung Reservation.  Pete Bacinki’s lecture is sure to sharpen your focus on the natural world around you,” says Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.

A Naturalist’s Diary lecture is a good prelude to Nature Journaling offered at Trailside on Thursday, May 21 from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.  The Nature Journaling workshop will teach participants to keep a nature journal using skills including writing and sketching as they observe the natural world around them.  A small nature journal is included in the registration fee of $20 per person for Union County residents and $25 for out-of-county.   

For a complete description of A Naturalist’s Diary and/or Nature Journaling please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside for a Spring At Trailside brochure and registration form.  Walk-ins are welcome.  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 Freeholders Sergio Granados (L) and Christopher Hudak (R) joined Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (2^nd L), Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park and State Senator Raymond Lesniak at the Race 4 the Children fundraiser on April 19 in Warinanco Park in Roselle. The 5K run and a two-mile “fun walk” benefits the Friends of the Union County Child Advocacy Center – a nonprofit group whose mission is to provide support for the facility at which local victims of physical and sexual child abuse receive treatment and needed services. The event is co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Elizabeth, in memory of late Union County Prosecutor Andrew K. Ruotolo. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)