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Union County High Schools Eligible for New “UC Night at the Theatre” Grants

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of the new UC Night at the Theatre grant program for high schools. As part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’s Moving Union County Forward initiative, the new program aims to help cover the costs of high school theatre productions and provide arts enrichment for the community at large.

“High school students have an incredible depth of talent to share, and high school theatre provides many avenues of endeavor to pursue, whether onstage or behind the scenes,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Through this grant program, we hope to assist our schools in expanding and enhancing these enriching opportunities for students, while engaging more residents in the performing arts as well.”

The UC Night at the Theatre program is funded through Moving Union County forward in conjunction with the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Kids Recreation Trust Fund. A total of $25,000 in grants will be disbursed to help cover the costs of high school theatre productions slated for the spring or fall of 2019.

“UC Night at the Theatre is part of the Freeholder Board’s efforts to help youths in Union County explore their interests and share their enthusiasm with family, friends and neighbors. All of us benefit when young people in our community are motivated, confident, and creative,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who is Chairman of the Trust Fund.

Grant applications must be submitted through the school principal. As a condition of the grant, recipients are required to encourage the community at large to attend school theatre productions.

Application forms and a letter describing the new program have been sent to high school principals in all 21 Union County municipalities. Awards will be announced shortly after the application deadline of December 17.

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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.

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Public Info

Enjoy Holiday Activities in Union County This Weekend

Union County, NJ – Looking for some kid-friendly holiday fun this weekend?

On Friday, November 30, Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2, visit the Holiday Sound and Light Show, an extravaganza of HO scale model trains with easy viewing for all ages. Shows are running on all three days.

The event takes place at the A. Paul Mallery Railroad Center, conveniently located off Route 22 in Union Township.

Additional layouts and train displays, a snack bar, train-themed gift shop and rest/play area for toddlers are all part of the attraction. For more information and tickets visit the Union County website at ucnj.org.

On Sunday, December 2, children with sensory sensitivities and their families can enjoy a special performance of The Nutcracker by the American Repertory Ballet.

The performance is part of the Freeholder Board’s ongoing Sensory Friendly Theatre series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. For information and tickets visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are SOLD OUT for our “Celebrate the Season” event at the Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 2.

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.

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Freeholders welcomed Rahway Youth Soccer Association to express support for Madison Ave Park improvements

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders last night welcomed Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe and coaches and players from the Rahway Youth Soccer Association to the Freeholders’ meeting in Elizabeth. The Mayor, players and coached attended to meeting to express their support for the county’s upcoming plans to construct 2 multi-purpose turf fields at Madison Ave Park in Rahway. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Union County Honors Jennifer Popper of Plainfield

Union County Freeholder Rebecca Williams presents a resolution to Jennifer Popper of Plainfield congratulating her on walking 802 miles from Union County to Maine over the summer to honor her late husband, Michael, and to raise awareness to the East Coast Greenway. He died in June 2016 in in a kayaking accident near Corea Harbor, Maine. Jennifer came up with the idea to walk to Maine to raise money for a good cause. Her goal was $15,000, a thousand dollars for every year she and Michael were married. The money raised is being donated to the East Coast Greenway Alliance, as well as a New Jersey walking group called Freewalkers. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognizes the tremendous efforts Jennifer Popper has made to honor her husband; and further recognizes her courage and strength during a most challenging and difficult time. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Public Memorial for Gun Violence Victims at Echo Lake Park, December 14

Union County, NJ – The public is invited to join with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America to honor the memory of the 26 children and adults who were murdered in a single act of gun violence at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.

The memorial ceremony will take place on Friday, December 14, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Gazebo in Union County’s Echo Lake Park, off Route 22 in Mountainside.

“In paying our respects to the victims of this horrible crime, we renew our commitment to push for common sense national policies that stop the spread of deadly weapons in our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage everyone who is concerned about gun violence to join us in a message of peace and hope for the future.”

As part of Chairman Granados’s “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018, the Freeholder Board has partnered with Moms Demand Action to advocate for common sense gun reforms.

Last April, the Freeholder Board joined Moms Demand Action and the mayors of 14 Union County municipalities to sign a Statement of Principles in support of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns campaign.

Moms Demand Action was founded by stay-at-home mom, Shannon Watts, on December 15, 2012, in response to the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The organization quickly flourished into a leading force for gun violence prevention as part of the Everytown for Gun Safety Network. With grassroots chapters in all 50 states, Moms Demand Action has successfully effected change at the local, state and national level.

To join the New Jersey chapter, email pficoucmoms@gmail.com. For more information about the national Moms Demand Action organization visit momsdemandaction.org.

For more information about the December 14 event contact Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator, Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

The Office of Community Engagement and Diversity is part of Chairman Granados’s “Moving Union County Forward” initiative for individual empowerment, education and community service. More information about the office is available at ucnj.org.

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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.

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Route 35 resurfacing project begins between Middlesex and Union Counties

Overnight lane and ramp closures necessary

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the start of a resurfacing project that will require overnight shoulder, lane and ramp closures along an eight-mile segment of Route 35 in Sayreville, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge and Rahway.

Beginning at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, until 6 a.m. the next day, and continuing overnight for several weeks, NJDOT’s contractor, Schifano Construction Corp. is scheduled to close shoulders and lanes on Route 35 in both directions, between Route 9 in Sayreville (Middlesex County) and Colonia Boulevard/Lincoln Highway in Rahway (Union County) for milling and paving. The overnight resurfacing will occur during the week and maintain one lane of traffic in each direction at all times.

Route 35 overnight lane closure schedule: (not including weekends)

Mondays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day
Fridays from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day

No two consecutive ramps will be closed simultaneously, to help accommodate detours. Detours will be coordinated with state police. If work is completed earlier, the roadway will be reopened accordingly.

The State-funded Route 35 maintenance-repaving project will resurface approximately eight miles of Route 35 in both directions between Middlesex and Union Counties. Repaving is expected to be completed by the end of December 2018.

Variable message signs and detour signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to motorists of all traffic pattern changes associated with the resurfacing project.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.

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Union County Brings Interactive, Sensory-Friendly Bubble Show to Rahway on Sunday, January 27

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to bring a sensory-friendly performance of the dynamic, highly interactive and uniquely funny Bubble Trouble to the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to present the sensory-friendly performance series, which is specially designed to increase access to the arts and provide opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience the wonders of science in an inclusive and welcoming environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

A bubble volcano. Bubble roller coaster. A kid in a bubble? Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza. It’s the craziest, most creative bubble show around. Jeff juggles bubbles, sculpts and builds with bubbles, makes fog-filled bubbles and more. Mixing comedy, music and a unique level of community participation, he engages and delights audiences of all ages.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. It is designed according to guidelines that help reduce disturbances for children who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. It has been supported by the Freeholder Board every year since then.

For each of the Sensory Friendly performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at performance. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance, visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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Conserve Wildlife Foundation Presents Peregrine Falcon Talk at Trailside, Dec. 1

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a free peregrine falcon presentation on Saturday, December 1 at 2:00 pm for families with children ages 7 and older at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Stephanie D’Alessio, Director of Education for Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey will help those in attendance explore the life of the fascinating birds. She will explain how to access the Union County Falcon cam that provides a live stream in and around the peregrine falcon nest in Elizabeth. The program is free but donations are welcome.

The live stream is free to the public on the Union County website, at ucnj.org/falcon.

Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in New Jersey, and Union County has been part of ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these remarkable birds statewide. They are known for their rapid dives, which can approach an astounding 200 miles an hour as they move in on their prey.

The Falcon Cam is a wonderful opportunity to observe and study one of nature’s most fierce and fascinating creatures. It provides an enriching experience for County residents of all ages, and for online visitors from all over the world.

“The live feed helps to build an appreciation for the role that we can all play in preserving our natural heritage, both in our parks and in the urban environment.” says Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County’s falcon preservation efforts have been undertaken with the generous assistance of wildlife experts from New Jersey DEP and the nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

The Conserve Wildlife Foundation is Union County’s official partner for educational programming related to falcons and the Falcon Cam. Stephanie D’Alessio, Director of Education for Conserve Wildlife Foundation, explores the life of these fascinating birds.

Visit ucnj.org/trailside to register for the program or call 908-789-3670 for additional information about this activity and other upcoming events at Trailside.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility 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.

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How to Recognize Women of Excellence in Union County

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents, business owners and non-profit managers to submit nominations for the 27^th annual Women of Excellence awards. The submission deadline is December 3^rd. The awards celebrate women who have made a powerful impact on life in Union County.

“Today it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service, education and much more,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These awards recognize the contributions made by women who inspire, lead, serve, and in so doing, make a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in Union County.”

Women can be nominated for their achievements in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business and Entrepreneurial, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Law Enforcement, Medicine and Health Care and Child, Youth and Women’s Advocacy.

Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies can submit nominations for an award. Nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County.

The awardees will be honored at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner, to be held on March 29, 2019 at the Gran Centurions in Clark.

Each awardee will receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Freeholder Board and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women.

For the first time this year, Women of Excellence nominations may be submitted online. To submit a Women of Excellence nomination online, visit ucnj.org/women-awards.

Nominations will also continue to be accepted by mail. Mail-in nominations should be sent to the Union County Administration Building, Attn: DHS-Office of Outreach and Advocacy, 2^nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

For any questions about the nomination process or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Elizabeth Sebring, Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4890 or esebring@ucbj.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.

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All Aboard for Holiday Fun

Union County, NJ – Kick off the season’s festivities with a visit to the annual Holiday Sound & Light Show beginning this Friday, November 23 at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center. The three-week series showcases the Railroad Center’s gigantic HO scale layout along with additional model train displays, holiday decorations, a snack bar, toddler rest area and railroad-themed gift shop. The Railroad Center is conveniently located in Union County’s Lenape Park by Route 22 in Union Township and is run by the non-profit Model Railroad Club with support from the Freeholder Board. For directions and ticket info visit ucnj.org/parks or contact The Model Railroad Club, (908) 964-9724 or info@tmrci.org.

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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.