Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to remind residents about the many exciting programs coming up during the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Fall 2019 season.

“Union County has a variety of events for residents of all ages, allowing them to experience and enjoy our parks system,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support these cultural, artistic and musical experiences for our families and residents.”

The Fall 2019 season includes:

Rockin’ the Reservation

Residents are invited to visit the Watchung Reservation on Sunday, September 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event features live music and hands-on, family-friendly activities. Rockin’ the Reservation is filled with fun for everyone and includes art demonstrations, interactive art and music, pony rides, petting zoo, food trucks, scarecrow building, multicultural dancing, and more. Admission is $5 per person, and attendees age 7 and under are admitted for free (additional fees are charged for some activities).

Hayrides and Campfires

Come join the fun this fall as Union County presents the annual Hayrides and Campfires in Warinanco Park and the Watchung Reservation. Hayrides and Campfires include folk songs around the campfire, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire. Events are weather permitting.

Dates and locations for Hayrides and Campfires are: 

• Warinanco Park, Roselle
  • Friday, October 4th – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Trailside Nature & Science Center, Mountainside
  • Sunday, October 6th – 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 11th – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 13th – 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 18th – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.                                                                                    

Advanced ticket sales begin September 4th (Online & In-person)

• In-County: $6.00
• Out-of-County: $12.00

Four Centuries in a Weekend

As a part of the Four Centuries in a Weekend series of events, residents will have an opportunity on Sunday, October 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to explore The Deserted Village/Glenside Park, rain or shine! Take guided and self-guided tours, meet five people who built, owned or worked in this village, take hay rides, talk to an archaeologist, do some apple cider pressing, enjoy some old-fashioned children’s games, & shop in the General Store. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Haunted Hayrides

There will be several Haunted Hayrides through the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation just in time for Halloween! Imagine visiting a whole village of haunted houses and meeting the ghosts of people who actually lived there.

Haunted Hayrides will be held on:

• Friday, October 25 – 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 26 – 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 27 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Rain date – Monday, October 28th

The total program experience lasts about one hour. The program is intended for adults and children age 6 and older. Strollers cannot be accommodated. Tickets are sold for rides at specific times as noted on your ticket.

Advanced ticket sales begin September 17 

• In-County: $8.00
• Out-of-County: $16.00

Pumpkin Sail at Lower Echo Lake Park

Bring your carved jack-o-lantern to Echo Lake Park the day after Halloween and join others for Great Pumpkin Sail on Friday, November 1 from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Watch as your pumpkin is put on a float on the lake. There will be a campfire sing along and residents can enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows. Rain date is Saturday, November 2, also from 5:15 PM to 9:30 PM.

Advanced ticket sales begin October 2. (Online & In-person) 

• In-County: $12.00 per family of six (6)
• Out-of-County: $16.00 per family of six (6)

For more details on ticket prices, locations, dates and times, and additional information on activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/calendar or call the Parks Department at 908-527-4900.

Please click here to view attachment.

UNION COUNTY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to attend “Women in Criminal Justice,” a free public seminar and panel discussion aimed at encouraging women to explore careers traditionally held by men. The event will be held at Elizabeth campus of Union County College, in Room 517 K of the Kellogg Building, located at 40 West Jersey Street, Elizabeth, on Wednesday, October 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event is a collaboration between the Union County Office on Women and Union County College.

“The field of criminal justice provides many opportunities to contribute to civic life, in addition to achieving financial stability and economic independence,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Students, working women, and women seeking employment are all encouraged to attend.”

The panelists include Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo, Chief of Detectives Vincent G. Gagliardi, and eight women who currently hold the rank of Detective, Sergeant, and Sheriff’s Officer in Union County.

The panelists will review different types of career paths in the criminal justice field, and provide attendees with information on the qualifications and background involved in each field.

A question and answer session will follow the panel discussion.

Women in Criminal Justice is a free event but pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/women.

For more information contact Jennifer Erdos, Coordinator, Union County Office on Women, jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4216.

#  #

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to announce that former United Nations Ambassador from El Salvador, Mr. Carlos Garcia, will be the featured keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Month event, “Sharing International Cultures.” This event will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sidney F. Lessner Building at Union County College located at 12 West Jersey Street in Elizabeth.

This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs as a part of the celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month.  “Sharing International Cultures” will be comprised of a lecture by Ambassador Garcia and a question and answer session.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to sponsor another culturally rich and informative event as part of Union County’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are honored to have Ambassador Garcia as a keynote speaker. I urge residents to join in what will surely be  a lively and interesting discussion.”

Before being appointed to the Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the United Nations on July 1, 1996, Ambassador Garcia served at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, San Salvador
as Director of Multilateral Affairs, and Chief of the Caribbean Affairs.

As of June 2019, he has been appointed as President & CEO of The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD) at the United Nations, United States of America, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean. The Mission at OPAD is to mitigate the problems presented by poverty, promote positive climate change, and support international laws protecting humanitarian values across.

In August 2019, Ambassador Garcia was selected to be 2019 Grand Marshall of the Salvadoran Parade in New Jersey to be held on September 15, 2019 in New Jersey.

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.

For more information on all programs of the Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs, visit ucnj.org or contact John Prescott by email jprescott@ucnj.org or phone 908-436-2912.

##

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Sergio Granados and Christopher Hudak joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo and Union County Manager Ed Oatman in welcoming Union County Undersheriff Amilcar Colon (SSgt. USMC Ret.) as the guest speaker at the Union County Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Day ceremony in Elizabeth. Kenilworth VFW 2230 Commander Robert Jeans delivered the Invocation.

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor and remember prisoners of war and those missing in action. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections is pleased to announce voter registration outreach events throughout the county in celebration of National Voter Registration Day, on Tuesday, September 24.  In addition, demonstrations of the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machine will be part of the voter registration event in some towns.

“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “I urge every eligible resident to register to vote and exercise your right to vote. Make sure your vote counts!”

Any Union County resident can attend any of the voter registration events on a walk-in basis. Trained, professional staff will be available to answer any questions and assist in the registration process.

“The new voting machines feature improved touch screens and they provide a paper trail, ensuring voters that their vote has been properly recorded,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The locations and times on Tuesday, September 24 are:

• Clark Municipal Building – 430 Westfield Avenue, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstrations)
• Rahway Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstrations)
• Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Avenue, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Elizabeth Public Library (Main), 11 South Broad Street, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Kenilworth Public Library, 548 Boulevard, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry Street, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Scotch Plains Library, 1927 Bartle Avenue, 10:00am – 2:00pm
• Roselle Park Public Library, 404 Chestnut Street, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (the new voting machine will also be available for demonstration)
• Westfield Public Library, 550 East Broad Street, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The League of Women Voters in the Union area will also be hosting an event at the Springfield Public Library, 66 Mountain Avenue, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The voter registration deadline is October 15 for the November 5 General Election.  To register in New Jersey, residents must be:

·   A United States citizen

·   At least 17 years old (must turn 18 by Election Day)

·   A resident of the County for 30 days before the election

·   NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole due to a a felony conviction

Voter registration forms are available at, and can be delivered to, the offices of the Board of Elections, County Clerk, and any municipal clerk.

Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the following sites:

• org/assets/pdf/forms-voter-registration (in English)
• org/assets/pdf/forms-voter-registration (in Spanish)
• com/register-to-vote

Postage is prepaid when the registration form is folded properly.

Voters who wish to vote by mail for Election Day on November 5, and in all future elections, can use an “opt in” option on the registration form to automatically receive vote-by-mail ballots.

The events in Rahway, Clark and Roselle Park will also feature demonstrations on the new ExpressVote XL Voting Machine, which will be fully deployed in Union County in the November 5^th General Election.

“The 2019 General Election marks the first time in 20 years that the entire County will be operating on an upgraded elections infrastructure,” explains Ms. DiRado.

“The new voting machines feature improved touch screens and they provide a paper trail, ensuring voters that their vote has been properly recorded,” said Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Voters in Clark, Cranford, Hillside, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Summit will use the new machines for the first time on Election Day, November 5.

Voters in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Mountainside, Union and Winfield used the new machines for the 2019 Primary Election last June. Westfield will continue to use the new voting machines, following a successful pilot program last year.

For a complete schedule of all demonstrations sessions in September, October and the weekend before Election Day in November as well as an instructional video, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For more information about the Union County Board of Elections visit ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.

#  #

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 Freeholder Board joined with local baseball legend Jeff Torborg, his family, municipal officials from Mountainside and Westfield, the Union County Sheriff, and two youth baseball teams in dedicating the Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball field at the County’s Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

Jeff Torborg, a native of Westfield and former resident of Mountainside for 30 years, was with his wife, Suzie and his sons, Dale and Greg and extended family to celebrate the occasion.

 “Suzie and I and our entire family are so very appreciative of all the efforts of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and their staff in creating this beautiful new Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball Field, which will provide a great place for kids to play for generations to come,” said Torborg. “When I first was told about this amazing tribute, I was literally speechless…this is a tremendous thrill for me and for my family. It is an honor to be recognized by my home county, which has been the site of events important to generations of my family.”

Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski who emceed the event said: “Jeff Torborg is one of the most accomplished ball players to ever come out of Union County. Jeff went on to achieve an impressive Major League baseball career, both as a player and manager, and is certainly worthy of today’s dedication.”

Freeholder Vice Chair Alexander Mirabella who introduced Torborg and presented him with a resolution honoring him with his colleagues, said: “We welcome you home today. We are pleased to name this field in your honor, and our hope is to inspire future generations of our younger county residents to follow in your path.”

The event also included tributes from Jim Iozzi, the President of the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame (whose organization previously inducted Torborg into their Hall of Fame), Jeff’s son Greg who read a letter of congratulations from Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and appearances by former Major League Baseball players Willie Randolph (Yankees and Mets), Al Leiter (Mets and Yankees), and Mike Lowell (Marlins, Red Sox), and Jay Horowitz, long-time Mets’ public relations guru.

Following the ribbon cutting, Torborg threw out the first pitch to his grandson, also named Jeff Torborg, and an exhibition game ensued between Clark Little League and Springfield Junior Baseball League teams. The youth players all wore uniforms from the various teams Torborg  was associated with, all in Torborg’s #10 uniform number.

The Freeholder Board and the Torborg family extended their thanks to the Chicago White Sox for donating the uniforms; the New York Mets, and Major League Baseball for their donations and participation; Famous Dave’s and Wakefern for making food donations.

The Torborg family also donated memorial bench plaques to the field, and the facility also includes a plaque memorializing Torborg’s accomplishments.

The permitted youth baseball field, which sits off Mill Lane in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, is open for all teams to use by appointment calling the Union County Department at 908-527-4900.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce the 2^nd Annual Pulaski Day Flag Raising on Tuesday, September 24, at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

 

The event is being co-sponsored by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa from Linden.

 

“Union County is home to many Polish-Americans,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years, by flying the Polish Flag over the County Seat.”

 

The Polish-American Community will be celebrating what has come to be known as “Pulaski Day” throughout late September and early October. With various celebrations in several municipalities, the festivities culminate in a parade down 5^th Avenue in Manhattan. The Pulaski Day parade one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York.

 

“Our County is made stronger by its diversity and inclusion,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak. “I invite all residents from the County of Union to attend the Union County Pulaski Flag Raising. As a Freeholder of Polish descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Polish-American community across the country and especially within Union County.”

 

The flag-raising will include refreshments and food.

 

The event is being coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. For more information please contact the Office Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

##

 

 

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to attend the 2019 Union County Means Business Expo at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“Last year the Business Expo hosted 80 vendors and 300 attendees, providing a valuable opportunity for networking and meeting peers in the business community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We are looking forward to another successful event this year.”

Vendor tables for the event have been sold out this year.

Now in its fourth year, the Business Expo provides a showcase for local businesses and an opportunity to network and grow contacts within the Union County community and beyond.

Since its inception in 2016, the Expo has grown to include a wide variety of businesses and entrepreneurs including service providers, retailers, banks, insurance, real estate, technology, consulting, marketing, legal, accounting, health, education, nonprofits and government offices.

As a special service this year, the Business Expo is offering free, professional child care at the venue, through the Warinanco Sports Center Summer Camp. The service is available for children ages 4-12 and must be requested in advance by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

As always, the Expo will feature raffle prizes along with prizes for a “passport/autograph” contest for attendees who collect signatures from every vendor.

Rounding out the event will be food tastings featuring the menus from Ashbrook Golf Course, Galloping Hill Golf Course and the Warinanco Sports Center.

Admission for attendees is free. Preregistration for all attendees is suggested but not required, except for those requesting child care. To register as an attendee, fill out the online Attendee Registration form at ucnj.org/ucmb.

Union County Means Business is an economic development initiative of the Freeholder Board with the support of community partners including the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, the Union County Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, and the New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Union County Means Business, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org.

#  #

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 Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the second annual Rockin’ the Reservation seasonal family activity event will take place on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Loop in Union County’s Watchung Reservation.

The Loop is located off W.R. Tracy Drive in Mountainside. It features large open fields, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, and access to rustic hiking trails.

“Rockin’ the Reservation provided hundreds of Union County families and visitors with a full afternoon of seasonal activities in its first year, and we are anticipating another good turnout this year,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Seasonal activities include pumpkin painting at the Pumpkin Patch, provided by Williams Nursery, and a Build-Your-Own-Scarecrow station.

Pony rides and other children’s activities are also featured throughout the event, which includes three entertainment venues:

• Main Stage: The Vinnys, Rockabilly Roadhouse, and a special Drum Circle using paint cans.
• Kids Korner: Magician Joe Fischer and musician Mr. Ray.
• Multi-Cultural Performances: The Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Singers, the Chinese American Music Ensemble, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre Flamenco, and more.

Rockin’ the Reservation also features almost two dozen art and craft activities for all ages, and a Music Tent where children can play percussion and string instruments.

Food trucks, ice cream and kettle corn will be onsite during Rockin’ the Reservation.

Admission to Rockin’ the Reservation is $5 per person for ages 8 and up. All children ages 7 and under are admitted free of charge. Please note that an additional participation fee applies to scarecrow building, pumpkin painting and pony rides, regardless of age.

Free parking with a free shuttle to the Loop is available at the nearby Watchung Stables at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. A limited number of spots are also available within The Loop itself.

For additional information on Rockin’ the Reservation or other activities in Union County Parks visit ucnj.org/calendar or call the Parks Department at 908-527-4900.

#  #

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.