County of UnionUnion County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined the entire Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in recognizing and commemorating February 9th 2020 as the Centennial Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the right of women to vote in State of New Jersey. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Chris Hudak present a resolution to Ron Manzella commending and congratulating him upon his retirement as the Township Administrator for the Township of Union. They were joined by Union Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
In support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, the Union County Office on Women and the Union County Freeholder Board asked County of Union staff to wear Red today. Wearing Red is to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women. For more information please visit: ucnj.org/women.
Update March 12, 2020: In consideration of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in New Jersey, this event has been cancelled.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to celebrate Women’s History Month with a free performance of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum Carriage House at Kean University, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union.
“The Freeholder Board is proud to contribute to the celebration of Women’s History Month with this free event highlighting the victories of the women’s suffrage movement, and sharing the stories of the many women who fought diligently for the right to vote,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Carol Simon Levin will be portraying Lillian Feickert, president of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association from 1912-1920, who lived in both Plainfield and North Plainfield. She will tell the story of the role that New Jersey women played in the long struggle for women’s suffrage. She will share the stories of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and Union County’s own Florence Spearing Randolph of Summit among others.
Levin is a retired librarian, author, storyteller and program presenter based in Bedminster, and author of the illustrated, interactive book, Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates. In addition to a coloring page, each entry in the book includes a short biography, a fascinating fact and a quote.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.
Admission to “Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage” is free of charge, but advance registration is required.
To register online visit http://ucnj.org/womens-suffrage/. For more information about the program contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.
The Union County Jail, for the first time in its history, earned accreditation from the American Correctional Association with a perfect score of 100.
The 100 percent score is considered rare among jails, and only 150 jails nationwide out of 3,000 are accredited. The audit of the Union County Jail was conducted last year by the ACA.
The American Correctional Association is the body tasked with developing nationwide standards for policies and procedures that safeguard life, health and safety of corrections personnel and inmates.
ACA accreditation covers all areas of a facility, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice, and administration.
ACA standards are the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that facilities are operated professionally.
Union County Department of Corrections Director Ron Charles was on hand to receive the news with his accreditation team members at the American Correctional Association’s Congress of Corrections in San Diego, California, last month.
Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Andrea Staten and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Clerk of the Board Jim Pellettiere, Union County Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Elizabeth Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste and others at the Black History Month Flag Raising this morning outside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Residents looking for family-friendly fun over President’s Day weekend are invited to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a special “February Festivities” series of programs for adults and families with children age five and up during Presidents Day weekend. Programs will run on Saturday, February 15 and Monday, February 17.
Highlights of the two-day event include a special magic-and-movie program on February 17, beginning with The Science of Magic, an exciting, participatory magic show that reveals the secrets of magic using magnetism, light, air and optical illusion. A free screening of the animated movie Abominable follows the magic show.
“February Festivities at Trailside offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor programs to explore science and nature topics in ways that are fun and entertaining for all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Pre-registration is required for all February Festivities nature activities and workshops. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside. Workshop fees are $5.00 per person for Union County residents and $6.00 per person for non-county residents.
The full list of February Festivities activities include:
For additional information about the special programs offered during February Festivities, winter workshops and special events, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.
Trailside Nature and Science Center is also open on Sunday, February 16 from noon to 5:00 p.m. Trailside 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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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.
Hand addiction intervention program to operate year-round, 24-hours a day, according to a joint announcement made Tuesday afternoon by New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo, and Prevention Links Chief Executive Officer Morgan Thompson. Under the new program, all suspects arrested in the county for low-level possessory offenses involving heroin or other opioids will be offered face-to-face access to rehabilitative services at the time of arrest.
The program is part of an effort to address the ongoing opioid epidemic, which continues to affect New Jersey and the country generally. In the past five years, more than 500 people in Union County have died due to a drug overdose.
“Using as our model the program Attorney General Grewal started in Bergen County as Prosecutor and expanded statewide as Attorney General, Union County hopes to bring life-saving recovery assistance to those in the throes of addiction through our launch of Operation Helping Hand 24/7/365,” Prosecutor Ruotolo said. “The opioid epidemic has had a devastating cost in lives lost and futures diminished. We in law enforcement recognize that while we continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who profit from poisoning the people we serve, we must do more in our fight to save the lives of those who have fallen prey to addiction. Operation Helping Hand 24/7/365 is our effort to do more, and we are grateful for the partnership we have with Prevention Links, and the support we have from state and county government, to accomplish this goal of doing more.”
In support of the new initiative, Prosecutor Ruotolo has issued a directive mandating that every law enforcement agency countywide put protocols in place to ensure a smooth and all-encompassing implementation of the program. Operation Helping Hand 24/7/365 requires that law enforcement officers offer all individuals arrested for possessory level opioid offenses the option to meet face-to-face with a peer recovery coach from Prevention Links at the time of their arrest. If the individual decides to avail themselves of the program, a peer recovery coach from Prevention Links will respond to police headquarters to meet with the individual to discuss recovery options and coordinate access to services. The individual’s criminal charges are not discharged as the law enforcement officers are required to uphold the law, but as Ruotolo said, “not doing more in that moment is a lost opportunity for law enforcement to bring help to those who need it.”
“Union County’s expansion of its Operation Helping Hand program to a year-round, 24/7 service demonstrates the kind of commitment we were looking for when we encouraged counties to implement pilot programs reflecting OHH’s core concept of proactively engaging law enforcement in reaching out to at-risk individuals,” said Attorney General Grewal. “By taking the unprecedented step of offering OHH intervention and support services on a continuous basis, Union County assumes a leadership role in the fight to end the addiction epidemic and brings hope to the countless individuals impacted by this devastating health crisis.”
This initiative, and others geared toward addressing the opioid epidemic, have been bolstered by grant funding obtained from state and county government. Specifically, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office was recently awarded $62,500 from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety’s 2019 Overdose Data to Action Operation Helping Hand Grant. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is also the recipient of $100,000 in grant funding through Governor Phil Murphy’s Operation Helping Hand Grant. The acceptance of the aforementioned grant funding was approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Manager Edward T. Oatman. In addition, the Freeholders, and Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, of the Department of Human Services have awarded grant funding to Prevention Links in support of the incredible services they provide county residents. The Freeholders also dedicated $110,000 in direct County funding to Prevention Links for the expansion of the Operation Helping Hands program for 2020. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is able to allocate a portion of the grant funds received from the State to Prevention Links, and combining those funds with what was awarded from the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links was able to hire additional staff so that Prevention Links could serve as the primary rehabilitative partner in this innovative law enforcement initiative.
In 2016, while serving as the Bergen County Prosecutor, Attorney General Grewal developed Operation Helping Hand as a new and innovative way to combat opioid addiction. Under his leadership, the first multi-county “Operation Helping Hand” initiative was launched in five counties, including Union, in June 2018. Through state and federal funding, the Operation Helping Hand program was expanded to 17 counties in September 2018, and to all 21 counties in the state in September 2019.
In May 2019, Union County law enforcement agencies pooled their resources for a second week-long Operation Helping Hand session, during which approximately 88 percent of the 148 people contacted through the program agreed to engage in some form of rehabilitative assistance. Of the individuals who accepted help, 56 were entered into inpatient detox treatment, 43 entered intensive outpatient or community-based support program, and 29 entered medically assisted treatment. Remarkably, included in those accepting help at the time were 25 “walk-ins” – drug users who were not arrested, but had heard about the program through word of mouth and approached law enforcement for recovery assistance.
The statewide expansion of Operation Helping Hand has been fueled in part by $1 million in federal funding and $2.2 million in state funding dedicated during the last two years alone. This is, however, the first anywhere that the program has been implemented full time.
“This initiative has shown and will continue to show a commitment on the part of our county to leverage every opportunity to connect individuals struggling with addiction to a life of recovery,” Thompson said. “For some, this may be the first time they are ever offered help.” Thompson and Prevention Links have been a Union County partner in Operation Helping Hand from its inception.
The expansion of Operation Helping Hand to the new 24/7/365 model is one of many ways that law enforcement is working to address the opioid epidemic in Union County. Earlier this year, Prosecutor Ruotolo formed the Opioid Task Force, which operates out of the Major Crimes Division of the Prosecutor’s Office, and tasked it with helping persons suffering from opioid addiction get the help necessary to address their disease, while also aggressively investigating those profiting from the sale of heroin and the deadly fentanyl.
In 2017, the Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) program was launched, sponsored by the Union County Board of Freeholders, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and Union County Police Department. Through the program, citizens seeking help can travel to one of two locations – the Union County Sheriff’s Office in the New Annex Courthouse basement level, 27 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, and the Union County Police Department headquarters, 300 North Ave. E., Westfield – anytime from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, where they can be connected to addiction recovery services free of charge and turn over user-level quantities of drugs and paraphernalia without fear of arrest, prosecution, or questioning. These services will continue, and Operation Helping Hand 24/7/365 is an expansion of these innovative efforts.
In addition, since 2014, patrol officers countywide have been equipped with supplies of naloxone, a lifesaving overdose-reversal drug. Since that time, police have deployed the drug more than 1,000 times, with more than 90 percent of recipients surviving.
Award ceremony precedes theatrical performance of Raisin A Musical
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will recognize Rahway Councilman David Brown with the eighth annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award during the County’s Black History Month celebration on Saturday, February 8th, 7 p.m. at the historic Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.
The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and features Raisin A Musical, which is an adaptation of the landmark play, A Raisin in the Sun, which portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. Raisin A Musical’s music is by Judd Woldin and lyrics by Robert Brittan. It is directed by Khy Garner, and conducted by Teddy Kernizan. The book is by Robert Nemiroff and Charlotte Zaltzberg. Raisin A Musical is presented through the combined sponsorship of the County of Union, City of Rahway, and the Union County Performing Arts Center.
“Councilman Brown has dedicated his life to public service and to assisting working families, youth and those less-advantaged through his various community endeavors,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “His outstanding contributions to both his hometown of Rahway and Union County exemplify the true meaning and essence of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award.”
“David Brown has been a leader and an asset to the Rahway community for over 50 years and continues to bring tremendous energy to his many roles,” said Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe. I could not be prouder to have served with him on Rahway’s City Council and, as Mayor, I continue to rely on his extensive knowledge, insight, and dedication to our City. He has positively impacted the lives of thousands of residents – especially our youth – and is well-deserving of this honor.”
“Councilman Brown has been a driving force, who has spoken truth to power, and defended the disenfranchised,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams. “He has served his community honorably, and continues to be an active champion of progressive values.”
“Councilman Brown is an inspiration, and a beacon of light in the greater Rahway community,” said Freeholder Andrea Staten. “He’s had an enduring public service career that has spanned more than six decades, and he continues the good fight for equity and justice for all.”
“Councilman Brown has boundless energy and enthusiasm that has led to a long and distinguished career in both the private and public sectors,” said Freeholder Angela Garretson. “As a Councilman, his contributions as a servant has contributed to the transformative revitalization in Rahway and his work in neighborhoods and relationships with local leaders and community members is truly a part of his demonstrated success”
Mr. Brown has served as the Fourth Ward Councilman for the City of Rahway for the past 24 years.
For decades prior to holding elected office, Mr. Brown helped lead the Rahway Community Action Organization, which is centered out of the John F. Kennedy Center on E. Hazelwood Avenue. Founded in 1967 by Mr. Brown’s brother, Charles, the Rahway Community Action Organization is one of the oldest community-based, non-profit organizations serving Union County families. The organization’s focus is on early childhood learning, family strengthening and senior services.
As a result of Mr. Brown’s efforts in collaboration with the City administration and the County of Union, the building currently houses a Union County Family Success Center, which is a community-based gathering spot where any resident can go for family support, information and services.
As a Councilman, Mr. Brown has worked to shepherd along improvements that have led to Rahway’s revitalization, including major investments in the Downtown area, which has resulted over the past few decades in the renovated Union County Arts Center, a new library complex, new Train station, plaza area, new housing and apartments, and an explosion of restaurants and art places.
During this time, the City has witnessed a renaissance in its neighborhoods, and many public facilities have been either newly built or renovated.
Professionally, Mr. Brown ran his own Rahway-based business, D and S Systems Distribution—a clean room and equipment accessories company—for more than two decades before selling it.
Mr. Brown’s inspiration for a life in public service began in the early ‘60s, under the tutelage of Lilian Wilder, the Rahway NAACP Youth Council advisor. Soon after joining the local chapter of the NAACP, the venerable organization that championed civil rights, Mr. Brown held the same position of his longtime mentor once his peers elected him Youth Council advisor. With unmatched enthusiasm, he counseled a new generation of African Americans on the principles of civic duty.
Thirty years later, Mr. Brown received the NAACP Hall of Fame Award in 1992, for his years of distinguished service. Mr. Brown understood the transformative power of leadership. The skills he acquired while working with the NAACP provided a unique vantage point in the legislative process.
In 1996, Mr. Brown was elected 4the Ward Councilman within the City of Rahway. This victory was special for him because he moved to the 4the Ward with his parents after he was raised on the family farm on Randolph Avenue in nearby Avenel. His parents Willie and Mable were sharecroppers and they instinctively taught their youngest son David to help others in need.
As Councilman, Mr. Brown has served as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Union County Community Development Revenue Sharing Committee. He has been instrumental in the R.C.A.O. (Rahway Community Action Organization) receiving $890,000 in funding, and the City of Rahway a total over $15 million in funds for the Home Improvement Program, street resurfacing, senior citizen programs, and improvements to Madden Field, Brennan Field, and all the playgrounds within the city.
Mr. Brown is a Trustee at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and a Right Worshipful Past Master of the MOAB Masonic Lodge #70 in Rahway. He is a member of the Rahway Retirements Club.
Mr. Brown has two daughters, Dana and Jay-Me.
The Humanitarian Award was created by the Freeholder Board in honor of the late former Freeholder Chester Holmes, who was known for his lifelong dedication to community service. Mr. Brown is the first resident of Rahway to receive the award.
This event will take place at the historic UCPAC Main Stage at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, as part of a month-long celebration of Union County programming in recognition of Black History Month.
Admission is free but tickets are required to guarantee seating. For ticket information, contact the Box Office by email at boxoffice@ucpac.org or by phone at 732-499-8226.
Union County, NJ – In light of two recent deaths that occurred in New Jersey when teenagers fell through thin ice, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents to stay off the ice while visiting county parks.
“A coating of ice may appear inviting, but the fact is that no pond or lake in Union County has been declared safe for skating or other uses so far this winter,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation regularly surveys ice on bodies of water in County parks and determines whether it is thick enough to support skating and other activities.
“Winter weather has become less dependable than in years past, so outdoor activities that residents routinely enjoyed a generation ago are becoming less available,” said Mirabella. “If you’d like to skate, your best bet is to visit the County’s indoor skating rink at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle.”
Winter safety regulations in Union County parks include:
For a list of the winter safety rules and regulations, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/parks-regulations.
The Warinanco Sports Center is located on 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle. Please visitwarinancopark.com for open skating sessions and other activities.
For additional information regarding winter activities, please call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.