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Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (C) cuts the ribbon officially opening the new headquarters of the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. He is joined by Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Linda Carter, Bruce Bergen and Sergio Granados, Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, Union County Manager Alfred Faella, NJSGA President Frank O’Brien and other NJSGA officials. For more information about the New Jersey State Golf Association visit www.njsga.org. To learn more about the Galloping Hill Golf Course visitwww.gallopinghillgolfcourse.com. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Union County Deputy Manager William Reyes will be honored with the Civilian Award for bravery by the New Jersey State Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA), at the annual FMBA Valor Awards Banquet on Saturday April 26 at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.

Reyes, who is trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, took measures to save the life of Elizabeth resident Salvatore Coppa, who suffered a massive heart attack while attending the Union County Columbus Day flag raising ceremony in Elizabeth on October 9, 2013. He has since recovered.

Coppa is a former Chairman of the Elizabeth chapter of the Italian American service organization UNICO, and he is a member of the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership.

 

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I’d like to congratulate Bill Reyes on receiving this honor, and to thank all of those who were involved in the effort,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Assisting in the rescue and nominated for the award were Courtney Villani, Aida St. John, and Steve Rinaldi, who along with Reyes is in the Union County Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program.

More information about the FMBA Valor Awards is available from New Jersey FMBA, 732-499-9633, headquartered at 1447 Campbell Street in Rahway.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

The County of Union and the City of Summit have engaged in a shared services, in-house initiative to build an additional 55 parking spaces to the Glenside Avenue Field in the Watchung Reservation. Enclosed are photos of the project, which is expected to be completed over the next few weeks.

Get in “STEP” with Union County Students for a Good Cause

by Christopher Hudak

Chairman, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

April 2014

Last December, almost 200 students from 26 high schools across Union County participated in the first ever UC STEP (Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program) Summit, a new program aimed at developing youth leadership skills by engaging young people in countywide civic projects.

The response was enthusiastic, and I am happy to report that the first project to launch out of UC STEP is off to a great start.

The project, called Support 4 Solders, was conceived and designed entirely by a team of UC STEP students during the daylong summit. It won an online public vote for best project.

The vote itself provided a demonstration of how the UC STEP participants translated their day of learning into community engagement. The 192 students who attended the summit generated more than 4,600 responses to the online vote.

Based on the results of the vote, the Freeholder Board is sponsoring Support 4 Soldiers this year as one of my Chairman’s Initiatives, along with the local nonprofit organization Bonds of Courage.

It is the first of what we hope to be an annual series of countywide civic projects created by UC STEP students, so I’d like to pause here and recognize Freeholder Linda Carter, who initiated the UC STEP Summit during her term as Chairman last year.

Support 4 Solders is a coordinated, countywide collection drive for care packages to be sent to active military troops. The list includes healthy snacks, toiletries, and other basic items. The collection period is going on now and it will end on May 15.

Monetary donations to Support 4 Soldiers may also be made directly to Bonds of Courage (bondsofcourage.org), which is headquartered in Westfield.

Distinctive Support 4 Soldiers collection boxes have already been placed at schools, County buildings and other facilities including the Union Township Knights of Columbus, VFW, Elks Lodge #1583, and American Legion Post 35. A complete list of locations and an interactive map are available at ucnj2.org/uc-step.

Support 4 Soldiers participants are also raising funds to offset shipping costs, so you can expect to hear much more about this project in the coming weeks.

Support 4 Soldiers kicked off last month at the Westfield Armory, where the students had a chance to compare notes with other students from all over the county. They also had a chance to meet with members of the military and learn first hand how much their efforts are appreciated.

The young people who created Support 4 Soldiers come from many different walks of life. Out of their diverse experiences, they focused on shared values to come up with an endeavor that encourages us all to embrace our common goals.

I hope you will all join us in pitching in for Support 4 Soldiers.

For more information about Support 4 Soldiers and UC STEP, visit ucnj2.org/uc-step or call the Union County Department of Economic Development, 908-527-4200.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

The Union County Office of Health Management and the City of Linden invite you to participate in a post Superstorm Sandy focus group discussion.

In 2012, Super Storm Sandy caused unprecedented damage to New Jersey’s housing, business, infrastructure, social service, health and environmental sectors.  We are looking for Union County residents who would like to participate in a focus group to help identify gaps in recovery efforts and to assess the unmet recovery needs of Union County residents affected by the 2012 storm. Come and let your voice be heard.

The discussion will take place at the 7th Ward Recreation Center at 2907 Tremley Point Road in Linden on April 29th at 6:30pm

For more information or to participate in the Focus Group please RSVP with Andrea Navas (908) 518-5630

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present “Project Learning Tree” – a teacher-training workshop for adults ages 18 and older – at Trailside Nature and Science Center on Thursday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning broad-based environmental education program that provides teachers with the tools to help students learn How to think. It incorporates a variety of learning styles while developing skills in critical and creative thinking. Using the forest as a “window” into the natural world, PLT helps young people gain awareness of the environment and their place within it.

“Trailside is the perfect venue to learn about the environment, with its windows on the forest and its inspiring educators,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Whether you are a formal or informal educator, PLT activities will engage your students in interdisciplinary, hands-on experiences that can help them develop skills in problem solving, evaluation and research. Participants will receive the PLT guide with over 100 lessons included.  Participants receive six NJDOE professional development credits.

Pre-registration is required for this workshop and space is limited. The fee is $10 per person and includes the Project Learning Tree curriculum and activity guide. Light refreshments will be served during morning registration. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. Wear appropriate comfortable clothing for indoor and possible outdoor activity.

For information about the Project Learning Tree teacher-training workshop or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web atwww.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.

 

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Mountainside, NJ – “Get Your Green On” at Trailside Nature and Science Center’s annual Wild Earth Fest event on Sunday, April 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors will enjoy the antics of The Grand Falloons Earth Science Circus at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium, sponsored by Union County Clean Communities. The Grand Falloons are 20-year veterans of the Big Apple Circus and have appeared on the Letterman Show, Conan and at museums, schools and community centers across the country. Through magic, juggling, stories, songs, contests, plate-spinning and lots of audience participation, families are invited to experience this multi-layered performance designed to take visitors on an exploration of “Our Earth.” Join the fun as the Grand Falloons explore questions such as What is recycling? And, how do we keep the planet healthy? The Wild Earth Fest also features live animals, educational displays, vendors, children’s face painting, Eco-Art, giveaways, live music, food vendors and much more! Admission to the event is $4 per person, ages 6 and under free. 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. For more information about Wild Earth Fest on April 27, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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Fanwood, NJ — The Borough of Fanwood hosts its 25th consecutive Earth Day Community Cleanup on Saturday, April 26th, 2014, with a day of free fun and green activities for all members of the family.

U.S. Representative Rush Holt and Union County Freeholder Al Mirabella will join Mayor Colleen Mahr in marking this special occasion. For 25 years, Fanwood residents have turned out in numbers to pick up trash around town and spread the word about keeping our environment safe and clean.

“This is a great tradition,” said Mayor Mahr. “And in honor of 25 years of residents working together for the town-wide cleanup, it’s time for a party! We are planning some special family-friendly activities at the North Side Train Station from 11:00 am to 2:00 in the afternoon, so be sure to stay at the Train Station. After the hard work is done, the fun will begin!”

Volunteers of all ages including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, various organizations, families and individuals are invited to assemble at 8:30 a.m. in the South Avenue parking lot of the train station where Earth Day t-shirts, work gloves, pick-up devices and plastic bags will be distributed. The event will be opened by Mayor Mahr reading a Proclamation of the Council. Fanwood Bagels & Deli has generously donated bagels, donuts and coffee for participants who will also receive a coupon for a slice from Nicks Pizza & Deli.

“As the fortunate inheritors of an extraordinary parks system established in the 1920’s, Union County residents have a strong identity with conservation and I am very proud to see my fellow Fanwoodians carry this legacy forward to a new generation,” said Freeholder Mirabella, who is a longtime resident of Fanwood.

Joanne Gemenden, Union County Recycling Coordinator, will provide participating children with some “goodies.” This year’s giveaways are T-shirts, a reusable Earth Day grocery bag, and “bare root” trees.

After the morning cleanup, a mini-fair begins at 11:00 a.m. in the North Avenue parking lot. Opening with a resolution read by Union County Freeholder Al Mirabella, the afternoon will include kids’ crafts, music, poetry readings, recycling giveaways, and instruction on composting and rain barrels. The County Public Information Van will be on hand and kids “Photos with the Earth” will be offered.

This event is generously funded through grants from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainable New Jersey with support from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Questions concerning this event can be answered by calling the Fanwood Public Works Department at 908-322-7404.

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Union County, NJ – See the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop like you’ve never seen him before, live on stage in the guise of a friendly toga-clad puppet with his wise dog Moral by his side. Renowned puppeteer Jim West is bringing Aesop and his colorful cast of friends to Aesop’s Fables, the next installment of Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street in Rahway on Sunday May 18, at 2:00 p.m.

As with all Sensory Friendly Theatre productions, Aesop’s Fables is specially designed to provide a welcoming, “judgment free zone” for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“The performing arts offer a healthy, enriching experience that brings people together,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to sponsor the Sensory Friendly series, to help Union County families with special needs enjoy a community activity in a relaxing, supportive environment.”

Aesop’s Fables features classic favorites including The Stag at the Pool, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Fox and the Grapes, The Wind and the Sun, and The Lion and the Mouse.

At Aesop’s Fables and other Sensory Friendly Theatre productions, parents and caregivers can expect several adjustments tailored to persons with sensory sensitivities, including shorter performance times and smaller audiences.

House lighting is kept on during the performance, sound is lowered to reduce abrupt or jarring noises, there are no restrictions on vocalizing during the performance, and children may leave their seat in the company of an adult. A quiet room equipped with stress-reducing toys is also available to audience members who wish to leave the auditorium.

Professional autism specialists are on hand if parents or caregivers need assistance.

To help audience members prepare for the experience, parents and caregivers can download theThis is My Theatre picture packet visit the Performing Arts Center online at ucpac.org. Free copies in print are also available from the Performing Arts Center.

In addition, the Performing Arts Center is open two hours before performance time, or by appointment, to help audience members become familiar with the building.

For tickets and complete details about Sensory Friendly Theatre, visit ucpac.org or call the box office, 732-499-8226. Tickets are affordably priced at $8.00 per person.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theater.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theater is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and managed by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

For information on other Union County recreational activities for persons with disabilities, visitucnj.org or call 908-527-4806.

(photo courtesy of Union County Performing Arts Center)

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Union County, NJ – Non-profit executives in Union County are invited to attend the “Doing Good – Better Conference,” a full day of workshops designed to help non-profit organizations sustain and improve their operations while managing the bottom line challenges of today.

The conference is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., conveniently located at L’Affaire, 1099 US Highway 22 East in Mountainside.

“Union County’s non-profit community is at the heart of a strong civic life in Union County, and this conference is designed to help ensure that non-profit executives are aware of strategies and resources that can keep their organization on sustainable financial footing,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

The registration fee of $25 includes three workshops along with a light breakfast, lunch networking opportunities, and resource booths.

The three workshops are:

• Creating Financial Sustainability in Hard Times
• Meeting the Bottom Line: Maximizing Resource Generation
• Innovation in Nonprofit Sustainability

 

The “Doing Good – Better” conference is sponsored by Community Access Unlimited and hosted by the Union County Non-Profit Consortium (UCNPC), established in 2012 with the mission of enhancing vital services in Union County through a growing network of nonprofit organizations.

To register online visit the UCNPC events page at Constant Contact by April 28.

The UCNPC Steering Committee includes Community Access Unlimited, Prevention Links, the County of Union Department of Human Services, Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, Families And Communities Together (FACT), YWCA of Eastern Union County, Homefirst Interfaith Housing and Family Services, Inc., Legal Services of New Jersey, and CONTACT We Care, Inc., and the Urban League of Union County.

For more information about UCNPC and the Doing Good – Better conference call the Union County Department of Human Services, 908-527-4808.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.