County of Union, New Jersey
Surrounded by young athletes, Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter cut the ribbon officially opening the new turf field in Phil Rizzuto Park in Union. She was joined by Freeholders Vernell Wright, Sergio Granados, Bette Jane Kowalski, Mohamed Jalloh and Angel G. Estrada. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Union Mayor Cliff People and Elizabeth Councilman Manny Grova also attend the opening ceremony. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Alexander Mirabella (2nd L) present a resolution to Peter and Arthur F. Sobilo honoring and recognizing their late father Arthur Sobilo of Summit for his outstanding military service during World War II. Mr. Sobilo served as a 1st Sergeant in the 101st Signal Battalion, and saw action in the Pacific during the war. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (3rd L) attends the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of the Jack and Margaret Myers Senior Residences in Rahway. She is joined by Father Kelly of the Newark Archdiocese (left) , Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman (2nd L), Domus Corporation C.E.O. John Westervelt (2nd R) and Archbishop of Newark John J. Myers (Right). The Myers Senior Residence is named in honor of the parents of the Archbishop, the late “Jack” and Margaret Myers. The fifty, one-bedroom, affordable apartments are a project of the Domus Corporation, an affiliate of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. The project was funded in part through the allocation of Neighborhood Stabilization Program and HOME Investment Partnership funds through the County of Union. (photo courtesy of Brandon Givens, County of Union)
Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski at the 5th Annual Apple Fest with Westfield Historical Society Board member Nancy Priest (L) and Sherry Cronin, Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation. The event was organized by the Westfield Historical Society at the Reeve Historical and Cultural Resource Center on Mountain Avenue. (Photo Courtesy of County of Union)
Union County, NJ – To honor the military service of Union County recipients of the Medal of Honor, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the commemoration of a permanent Medal of Honor Memorial at the County Complex in Elizabeth. The memorial will be dedicated in a public ceremony at the County Courthouse on 2 Broad Street on Friday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m.
“This memorial is a legacy for future generations of Union County residents, to foster renewed appreciation for the bravery and dedication of our fellow citizens who received the Medal of Honor, and to inspire us all to do our best for our country and our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.
Relatives, friends, and historians have been invited to contribute to the dedication ceremony and to an accompanying exhibit, by sharing their memories, knowledge and memorabilia.
The guest speaker for the event will be Dr. Ralph Oriscello, who served in Vietnam with Medal of Honor recipient Charles Joseph Watters.
The Medal of Honor recipients from Union County are:
The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor in the United States. It was created in the early years of the Civil War to recognize extraordinary acts of personal valor above and beyond the call of duty.
The Union County Medal of Honor Memorial ceremony will take place in the chambers of Judge Karen Cassidy. At the conclusion, attendees are invited to view the memorial, located at the southwest corner of the Courthouse (intersection of Elizabethtown Plaza and Rahway Avenue), where photographs may be taken.
For more information about plans for the memorial, or to share any information or memorabilia about the Medal of Honor recipients, call the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs at 908-659-7407 or contact Elizabeth Sebring, 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucnj.org.
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Union County, NJ – Union County seniors and their families will have an opportunity to receive reliable guidance on wills, estates and related matters, at a free seminar conducted by County Surrogate James S. LaCorte on Tuesday October 29, at 2:00 p.m. The seminar will be held in the auditorium at the Union County Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
As part of the seminar, a representative from the Freeholder Board will also be present to explain the new Union County Prescription Drug Discount Card.
“Settling an estate has become increasingly difficult, as the banking community and their providers impose new rules covering tax forms, leases, reverse mortgages, safe deposit boxes and custodial accounts,” said LaCorte. “This seminar is designed to answer your questions and help to make the process works smoothly for Union County families.”
The seminar also includes a full range of topics related to Probate matters, including banking, estate taxes, joint tenants, surviving spouses, and right of survivorship.
“Spouses and children who assume that everything held in trust passes to the survivor without going through probate, but that may not always be true. The contract between you and the provider, such as a bank or mortgage, also plays a key role in settling estates,” said LaCorte.
In addition to reviewing the importance of having a valid will, Mr. LaCorte will also discuss the duties of an Executor, and explain the difference between Power of Attorney and Advanced Directive.
He will also field questions related to real estate issues and the transfer of assets from the decedent’s name.
James S. LaCorte has been Surrogate of Union County since January 1, 2000. He has been a member of the Member of the Surrogate Judiciary Liaison Committee since 2008 and is a Former Section Chief of the Surrogates Section of the Constitutional Officers Association, State of New Jersey. In 2009 he received the William J. McCloud Award for outstanding service in the protection of families in Union County. Prior to his election to Surrogate, his practice focused on probate law and general equity as well as criminal and civil Matters.
The Union County Surrogate is a New Jersey State constitution office responsible for administering the Probate of Wills, Appointment of Estate Administrators, and Appointment of Guardians for minors. The Surrogate is also responsible for the Administration of Adoptions, and for filing Superior Court, Chancery Division, and Probate Part Complaints. In addition, the Surrogate is the Judge and Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court and the Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court Chancery Division, Probate Part.
The seminar is expected to last approximately one hour, and pre-registration is not required. For more information on the seminar and all other County Surrogate programs and services, call 908-527-2480 or visitucnj.org/surrogate.
To contact the Trailside Nature and Science Center, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/parks.
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to express their opinions and concerns regarding alcohol and drug abuse programs, in a series of public forums. The public input is part of the application process for the County to receive State of New Jersey funding for treatment and prevention.
“Alcohol and drug abuse is a public health and safety issue that impacts people from all walks of life,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We have scheduled several public forums, including one in Spanish, in an effort to include as many people as possible.”
The community forums are part of the needs assessment for Union County’s grant application to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. They will be held at the following locations:
Elizabeth: 122 East Grand Street (offices of the community services non-profit PROCEED). One session will be conducted in Spanish on Tuesday, October 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and one will be conducted in English on Wednesday, October 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Westfield: 300 North Avenue East (Union County Complex, Colleen Frasier Building), on Wednesday, November 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Plainfield: 518 Watchung Avenue (Plainfield Area YMCA), on Thursday, November 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more information about these forums, contact Sara Thode, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator, 908-527-4844, or email sthode@ucnj.org.
For information about the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, visit Union County online at ucnj.org.
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Union County – The County of Union is taking enhanced measures to ensure that their public areas remain smoke-free by placing “Breathe Easy” signs near playgrounds and other high traffic areas in parks and recreational facilities.
“These new signs are a reminder that the Freeholder Board is committed to improving the quality of life for all of our residents including children and families that come to enjoy the outdoors,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.
The new signs being placed throughout the County, reiterate that these areas are public property and, according to county ordinance 704-2010, should be 100% smoke free.
In 2010, the Freeholder Board amended the no smoking policy in county-owned buildings to include all county-owned recreational areas and facilities. The facilities include ice-skating rinks, playgrounds, running tracks, swimming pools, snack bars, ball fields, tennis courts, boating areas (docks structures) and rest rooms which are located in any county-owned recreational areas.
“The benefits of observing this ordinance go far beyond our individual health, I am glad that we can all work together to make the air quality in our open spaces as clean as possible because, after all, these parks belong to all of us,” said Sergio Granados, Freeholder Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Under the new policy, the county also prohibits smoking at county-sponsored events, such as concerts, fairs, festivals, movies and other events. Violators are subject to a fine of $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
“Breathe Easy” signs will be up before the end of the month.
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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, will take place Columbus Day Weekend, October 12th, 13th and 14th at The Outlet Collection-Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. “Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Saturday and continuing through Monday. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal.
“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”
The weekend’s scheduled performances are:
Saturday, October 12th:
11:00 a.m. – Noon: Blanca Rosas of Elizabeth, singer/songwriter;
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Ligaya Cultural Group presents Philippine Folk Dance;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains celebrates Gatsby Era;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Oxygen Box Band, Soul, Rock Reggae Band;
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield, chorus and individual instrumental performances.
Sunday, October 13th:
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Jefferson Arts Liberty Dancers of Elizabeth;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Chorus;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Kathleen McMahon celebrating Dance Fair & Folklore;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter.
Monday, October 14th:
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Jennifer Lynn School of Irish Dance of Union;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: United Youth of New Jersey – Elite Drill Team of Superior Drummers, Rap Performance & Theatrical Dancers of Elizabeth;
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Framework Acoustic Jazz Quartet.
The Outlet Collection-Jersey Gardens will host Art in the Gardens as one of the first events in its brand new Center Court, which was recently renovated as part of a $30 million remodel of the mall.
“We are excited to continue this fabulous celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for The Outlet Collection. “We are continually impressed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”
“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements. Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent,” Ms. Stell said.
The Outlet Collection-Jersey Gardens is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.
For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550. New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
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As the weather changes, we begin to reorganize our homes and gardens for the new season as our children settle into a new school year. For some of them, it is their first school year.
During this time, we may need some reminders of the needs of our children and the services that are available from our law enforcement agencies.
Some parents may not know that New Jersey is the only state in the country that has legislation providing a “Fingerprint on File” service be available to our children and their parents.
This service is part of the “Play It Safe” program which began in the early 1980’s when the public was traumatized by child abductions.
With statistics revealing that nearly a million children are reported lost or missing each year, the community looked to law enforcement for new ways to protect children. The fingerprinting program was a simply way to identify our young people. Parents receive a card featuring the child’s fingerprints and personal information. In case a child is reported missing, the card provides police with important data.
The fingerprinting is just part of the process. Other children’s safety programs are available to help protect our young people.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office, with the help of a university professor, developed a book for children to teach them how to properly react in a potentially dangerous situation. The book, “Play It Safe,” was carefully designed to present different scenarios for children to role play as they think out the right course of action. The book is available at no cost in English and Spanish.
Firearms are one of the principle causes of death among American children today. The Sheriff’s Office has developed videos to educate children and teens about the dangers of firearms. These videos, “Get Away Get a Grown-Up” and “Teens and Guns: An American Tragedy,” have been shown in schools all over Union County.
Now we are offering a new video about gun safety called “Silence Kills.” It was made by some very talented students from Hillside High School, the winners of the Union County Gun Awareness Contest.
We also offer, at no charge, locking devices for legally registered firearms to help kept guns properly secured at home.
Please take advantage of these services to help protect our children. Prevention and education are paramount. For information about any of these programs, please call the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 908-527-4450.
Ralph Froehlich, Union County Sheriff